#the weather he's talking about probably still above freezing

[suncaptor]

real.

[vnmpior]

AMOR A PRIMERA VISTA

GEKKO (MATEO) x reader pt.1

pt.2 (smut)

summary — you've despised cliches since you were a teen. love at first sight? lame. cafe shop love story? not even believable. getting someone's number after only 5 minutes of talking to them? who even does that? someone letting you stay at their house because of something going wrong? weird and borderline risky. but. . . maybe your life is a cliche.

note — i know i haven't wrote in a while but i'm back! and this is a little bit different from what i usually write so sorry for my other followers! anyways, i had to write about gekko because i love him so much and the lack of fics about him on anything is criminal. i haven't wrote in so long so i might be a little rusty. this is probably going to be three parts, and this is more of a backstory to the relationship, so it's pretty slow paced

w/c — 3.3k

not proofread '' sorry for any mistakes

you slumped over the counter, glancing up at the clock. it read 4 o'clock, and you let out a loud groan. you still had two hours left until you could finally go home and relax with a cup of hot chocolate.

it was warm inside the cozy little cafe, but you knew with a look outside that the walk home was going to be freezing and you dreaded it. rolling hills of white were all over the streets and sidewalks, and the sun was beginning to set as the streetlights began to dimly light the roads. little crystals were falling rapidly, and you knew that eventually it'll turn into a snowstorm.

no one was inside the cafe at the moment, everyone most likely staying at home away from the stormy weather. as you turned to make yourself a drink, the bell above the door alerted you to a new customer.

"hello! how may i help you?" you locked eyes with the newcomer.

woah.

he was attractive, in a way you couldn't pinpoint. maybe it was his hair, a lime green that you would've never thought would look good on anyone but him? or was it his eyes, a bright hazel with a playful twinkle in them. maybe it was how he brightened up the whole cafe full of muted colors with his vibrant clothes and bright aura.

you could already tell he has a good personality.

you shook yourself out of it. you're over thinking it. you never analyze people this hard.

you watched as he broke out into a smile. damn, even his smile was cute.

"can i have a cup of orange juice?" you nodded and grabbed a cup to write his order on it. you thought it was cute that he wanted orange juice, but you also pushed that thought out of your mind. why would it be cute he wanted juice?

"can i also have a vanilla bean frappe?" he added on once you set his cup down.

oh. that means there's someone else.

you begun over-analyzing everything again. obviously with those looks he'd have a girlfriend. how do you know it was a girl? because who else would drink that drink. you know you were being stereotypical, but there's just no other reason he'd come in here alone during all this snow.

you didn't know why it bothered you so much, but it just did.

no way you were already crushing on someone you haven't even had a real conversation with.

you wrote his second order on the cup and asked, "is there anything else?"

"are you okay? you look mad. did i do something?" he said instead of answering your question, his eyebrows furrowed in worry.

"no!" you shook your head, not realizing that you smile had been wiped off your face. "i was just thinking."

you turned around to grab the orange juice that you had premade that morning from the fridge.

"are you sure? it looked like it was something i said."

"no, you didn't do anything."

"then you must be thinking of something pretty bad. is there something on my face?" he began moving his fingers around his lips and cheeks to get off some imaginary debris.

"there's nothing on your face," you laughed as you put the lid on the orange juice cup and got to work on the frappe. "it's perfect."

you meant to say "perfectly fine", but you were so focused on the machine in front of you, you didn't realize that you didn't quite say what you intended to say.

"perfect?" you could hear the smirk in his voice as you realized what you had told him.

"wait, i meant like, perfectly fine, y'know?"

"so my face isn't perfect?"

"you know that's not what i meant," you hurriedly tried explaining yourself.

"i'm just playing with you, chica," you let out a little smile at the spanish and finished his second drink.

"here you go. one orange juice and one vanilla bean frappe." you slid him the drinks and two straws.

"you're getting this to-go, right?"

"nah, i'll drink it here. it's too cold outside anyways."

"these are both for you?" you were almost relieved about the fact he was going to drink here. of course, that doesn't completely mean that he doesn't have a girlfriend, which is highly unlikely.

"you'll see," he winked at you as a cute yellow thing appeared behind him.

"what is that?" you exclaimed. not in fear, but in curiosity.

"he's wingman. he loves vanilla bean frappes, so i decided i could get him one today."

you almost laughed at how you would've never thought this drink would be for that.

"i thought it was going to be for your girlfriend or something like that," you admitted.

"girlfriend? you're funny chica. i don't have one."

you could jump with joy right now. you knew that you usually don't act like this and think like this, but if you're doing it now, there had to be something special about this boy.

you hummed as he slid into a stool at the counter so he could still talk to you while you worked.

"was that what was bothering you?"

he was smart, but you weren't going to tell him the truth.

"no, of course not! i just met you, it'd be weird if i was upset by that."

you watched as wingman devoured their drink somehow, while the man kept his eyes on you like he was examining you. you flushed and began to make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, not able to wait two hours to the end of your shift.

"that's true," he agreed as he sipped his orange juice.

before the silence afterwards became awkward, you piped up.

"what's your name?" you questioned.

"mateo. but some people know me as gekko. what about you, chica?"

you told him your name and he smiled, saying it back to you.

"i like it. it fits a cutie like you."

you felt your face turn hot and you turned away to make sure he couldn't see.

"thanks," you huffed as you tried making your blush less noticeable.

mateo let out another laugh and you noticed yourself smiling at the noise.

after you had successfully calmed down and your cocoa was ready, you went over to sit next to him.

wingman let out a noise, and you saw that he was already done with his frappe.

"hey amigo, i'll get you some more later, okay?"

it seemed to be content with that answer, and continued gnawing at the straw.

"is it always this quiet in here?" mateo asked.

"not usually. i think it's because of all the snow outside." your gaze went over from his eyes to the window and you nearly gasped.

"holy shit, there's no way i'm getting home in that." there was nearly seven inches of snow on the ground, and the snow was obviously picking up speed.

"how far do you live from here?"

"it's like a 15 minute walk. but i don't even know if i'll be able to walk outside at this point."

"i could walk you over to my house." he offered. "i know it sounds weird because we just met, but you're not going to be able to make it home in this weather and my house is just less than a block away."

you contemplated his offer. you could tell it was obvious he wasn't a murderer, and he was most likely the same age as you. plus there was no way you were getting home tonight and you didn't want to stay in the cafe or make your friends attempt to pick you up. plus you could hang out with mateo a bit more.

you shrugged. "if that's really okay with you."

the two of you talked all the way until 6:00, you not having to serve any customers due to the inclement weather.

you had already locked everything up and wiped everything down, and now you were outside in a huge fur parka, which did nothing to stop the brutal cold wind from slapping your face.

thankfully, you had an extra jacket for mateo, who would've froze to death in his regular clothes. he led you down the road, and the two of you continued talking about things such as school and work. apparently mateo couldn't disclose much of his job, but it seems like he really enjoys it.

the two of you had made it to his house, and you sighed in relief when you felt the gust of hot air caress your face.

you made sure not to trail any snow into his house, majority of it already melted by the time you had hung your jacket up on his coat rack.

he led you to the living room, and you plopped down on the couch as he said, "i'll be right back. i'll get you some clothes so you can take a shower." you nodded and he left, leaving you to glance around the room. there were pictures of him with a blue and yellow haired girl, and also another one of him with an equally beautiful woman with piercing purple eyes.

before you knew it, he was back with a stack of clothes.

"this will probably be too big on you, but i made sure that it was my smallest sizes.

"thanks," you beamed.

"i'll show you where the bathroom is. it's connected to my room, so i hope that's okay."

you acknowledged him with a tilt of your head and followed him up the stairs.

"i'll leave you to do whatever you need to. just call me if you need anything." he shut the door behind him once the two of you had made it to the bathroom.

you quickly took off your clothes and stepped in the shower, finally able to take a long hot shower. not wanting to make his water bill skyrocket with a one hour shower, you hopped out after twenty minutes, only to realize something.

"fucking hell," you grumbled. you forgot to ask for a towel. from what you could see, the towels weren't being kept in the shower room.

"mateo?" you called out loudly.

you heard a "yeah?" in response.

"i forgot to grab a towel!"

you swore you heard him giggling. then you heard a knock at the door.

"here, i'll just hold the towel out." he said from behind the door.

you opened the door, snatched the towel, and closed it.

"thank you," you voiced.

"no problem, hermosa,"

you've never bothered learning spanish, so you noted in your head to search up the meaning of that later.

the clothes he gave you enveloped your body, the t-shirt going all the way down to your knees and the sweatpants falling off almost every time you took a step.

awkwardly holding the waistband of the sweats, you walked out the bathroom to see mateo lying on his bed scrolling away at his phone.

"are those too big?" he turned his attention to you.

"just a little," you sarcastically said. "but it's fine since i'm going right to sleep."

"not gonna eat anything?" he asked.

"i'm fine. i ate a while ago and i'm not hungry."

"here, you can sleep on my bed. i'll sleep on the couch."

"it's your house. you can sleep on the bed. i've already inconvenienced you enough by coming here."

"you haven't inconvenienced me at all." he shook his head. "fine. we can both sleep on the bed, if that's fine with you.

"as long as you're not sleeping somewhere uncomfortable, that's fine with me."

"i'll go take a shower. you can get going to sleep first."

you agreed as he scoured his drawers for clothes and then went into the bathroom, leaving you in his dark room, the only source of light a lamp on the nightstand.

you made yourself comfortable under the blankets, closing your eyes while snuggling into the pillow, getting a whiff of mateo's cologne.

you stopped yourself from taking deep breaths, not wanting to be a creep by enjoying the smell.

"i barely know him," you murmured to yourself. sure, you had been talking for more than two hours and you're staying at his house, but that gives you no reason to be acting like you've known him for months and have had a crush on him for that long.

a few minutes passed and you perked up at the sound of the door of the bathroom opening and closing, and then a weight on the mattress.

"did i wake you up? sorry," he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck when you turned over to watch him get into the bed.

"no, you're fine. i was still awake." you lied. you were close to going to sleep, but some part of you doesn't want this night to end.

"remember how i said your face is perfect on accident?"

"mhm," he laid on his side so that the two of you would be facing each other.

"i wasn't lying. i think you have a good looking face." that was your terrible attempt at flirting. it might've been bad, but you could see the look of surprise on mateo's face and his cheeks turn a rosy pink.

"means a lot coming from a pretty lady like you," he responded. "if you work at that cafe i might have to come over a lot more."

now your face was turning red.

"i'd always love seeing you come in." you let out a small yawn.

"go to sleep. i'll be here in the morning."

you knew he'd be here in the morning, but you didn't want the night itself to end. you still had so many questions to ask him.

you wanted to know him.

but against your will, your eyes shut and didn't open even when he brushed a piece of your hair behind your ear.

the smell of pancakes woke you up.

you realized that you were in the spot mateo was sleeping, and your arms were taking up the whole bed. stretching, you slid out the bed and padded down the stairs and into he kitchen, seeing mateo humming to himself while cooking.

"you can cook?" you asked, and mateo jumped a little, before realizing it was you.

"good morning to you too. and yeah, i can. does it seem like i can't?" he teased.

you acted like you were thinking about his question.

"hmmm, maybe." you put your hands up, shrugging with the corners of your lips upturning.

"i'm a really good chef, believe it or not. wingman loves my food."

"if wingman loves it, then it must be good." you said as he handed you a plate of eggs and pancakes and you took a seat.

you took a bite and nearly moaned. "this is so good."

"i told you," he winked as he turned off the stove and sat down in front of you.

the two of you ate in peaceful silence, music from the radio the only thing breaking the silence.

"can you dance?" he suddenly questioned.

"not really. never had to."

"i should teach you how to dance bachata. it's easy."

you knew that you were terrible at dancing, and whatever he said was easy was probably not.

"i don't know..."

"i'll teach you. then how about we watch a movie? i don't think you'll be able to get home soon still. the snowstorm is still going on." you totally forgot about the snowstorm. if it was still going on, there was definitely no way you were making it back to your house.

"fine. but i warned you."

he led you to the living room and began teaching you moves, usually having his hands on your hips to tell you to emphasize a move or to lead you through it.

you knew that he saw your blush, and you swore that he was smugly grinning because of that.

"i told you i sucked at this," you groaned after trying to learn a move for ten minutes.

"you're decent at it," he assured you. "you just need a bit more practice."

you focused on him, and that's when you realized the small space in between you two. that made you turn even more red.

"something wrong?" he noticed.

"it's just a little hot in here." he probably knew you weren't talking about the heater.

"let's take a little break then."

you laid down on the couch. "isn't it crazy how we went from you just wanting some drinks to me at your house learning how to dance bachata?"

"we could be here doing something else but..."

"something else?" you shot up. you knew exactly what he was talking about.

"nah forget it. i have some other things i need to do before we get to that point."

"other things?" now you were really curious.

"you'll find out after the snow melts."

"can i have a hint now?" you were eager to know what it was.

"a date."

it's been four months since you had first met.

the first date the two of you had was amazing. he took you out to a carnival, where he got you a big teddy bear and you got to ride a ferris wheel for the first time in your life.

you also got to meet his other little friends, dizzy and moshpit.

the two of you had been on multiple dates, once every two weeks during the first month turned to once a week the second, until eventually you guys were hanging out every day.

you decided that today was when you were going to confess your feelings.

mateo had convinced you to learn how to skate two weeks prior, and today you wanted him to help you perfect the kickflip. it took you all this time to learn how to ollie, and you think you're ready for the next level.

the skatepark was empty, and the sun was setting, leaving a golden hue on everything. especially on him.

it made his tan skin look radiant and his hair stand out even more than it usually does. you knew that if you looked into his eyes that the speckles of gold would be sparkling in pools of chocolate.

the two of you made it to a relatively unobstructed and flat part of the park, and he began by seeing what your kickflip was at right now.

"all you need is some more height and a bit more power, and i think you'll be able to do it." he encouraged you.

you followed his directions, getting close to landing it every time you tried.

you fell once, but he quickly picked you back up while the two of you laughed about it.

the sunset turned from a painting of colors into a black to navy gradient, the stars shining brightly if you squinted enough.

after almost two hours, you were ready to quit trying, but mateo wanted you to do one more.

"this is the one, i can feel it."

"whatever you say, hermoso."

you attempted one last time, trying your hardest. and before your eyes, the board successfully flipped from under you and you landed cleanly on the board.

you quickly jumped off, running towards him. he met you in the middle, and you exclaimed, "i did it!"

"you did it ángel," he smiled.

you looked up at him, and he noticed you lifting your arms up to his neck.

"creo que te amo (i think i love you)" you whispered.

he chuckled. "those spanish lessons have been paying off, huh? me estás volviendo loco (you're driving me crazy)"

he closed the gap in between you finally granting your wish of being able to feel his lips.

you pulled him as close as you could as he rested his hands on your hips. neither of you could get enough.

he pulled away. "you have no idea how long i've been wanting to that."

"i've wanted to do it since i first saw you in the cafe." you said breathily.

"why did we wait this long?" he shook his head as he went back in for a second kiss

i hate this sm i'll make up for it w smut in part two i swear

(i hate writing kissing scenes)

[raayllum]

Love as a Strength and Weakness in 5x08

Re: Callum drawing love from strength vs love never been an unequivocal good in TDP (written post-S4).

Let's talk, briefly, about love as a strength and a weakness in 5x08, as the episode highlights this dichotomy very well. To begin, we have Callum and Finnegrin's differing viewpoints on it, specifically:

C: See? So long as we protect each other, so long as we love each other, you can never control us.

F: All that talk about how love makes you stronger, but the second you see that elf girl in pain, you completely lost yourself.

And to a certain degree, they're both right. Callum's epiphany of "You don't control anything" is something that applies to both Callum and Finnegrin because it's the innermost truth of the arcanum they now both share.

Callum's love for Rayla allows him to be controlled, shown when he gives up the spell (and by doing dark magic).

But it's also what sets him free from Finnegrin's (immobilization) blood freezing spell. Love here is why Finnegrin is also ultimately unable to control him, too.

However, I want to talk more specifically about the hands in Finnegrin's Wake (yes, again, because there's still more to talk about) in regards to the epiphany scene in particular with more detail than I gave it in the linked meta a few lines above. Let's look at the framing, shall we?

When Finnegrin first gives Callum the rattle snake tail (a literal warning sign that Callum is goaded and then does crush out of desperation), we see Callum clasp his wrist, like a chain, and the shot of his palm open wide.

We get a similar open hand shot as he starts to connect to the Ocean arcanum, thereby showing his acceptance of being willing to use dark magic to save Rayla (and his loved ones) is indeed crucial to him unlocking the Ocean arcanum. Rayla is likewise highlighted because she was on the one tethered to this poem earlier on in the season (x2). Callum mimics the crushing of the slug as the final physical / metaphysical stage required for the magic to take hold.

And, rather symbolically, the dark storm we saw at first as well as the rain begins to fade. The light comes out and the chaos recedes. He's weathered the storm and come out drastically changed for it, but him unlocking the Ocean arcanum is strength and is a positive: it allows him to free himself. It brings back the light. It's tethered to Love.

But the episode doesn't end on a triumphant note, because it's not interested in easy answers or straight forward paths. Instead, it's interested in dualities and dark sides, and that Callum's love for her will unlock both great things - and terrible ones.

And so again, we return to the hand clasp - the metaphorical chain - because as much as love has given him strength and having Rayla in his life is worth it to Callum, it's still not without its complications ("Now you're back: that's kind of good, and it's kind of bad" / "We have to hold pain and love in our hearts at the same time"). She makes him strong and supports and loves him, but she's also his weakness and leaves him worryingly exploitable, if only to his own nerves and reservations.

And, y'know, probably Aaravos' plans, too.

[rassicas]

Summary of the new Splatoon character chart from the Nintendo JP website

I spent a couple hours writing up a summary of all the new, noteworthy, or otherwise obscure information from this character chart. Basically, if its lore that’s been mentioned in a more known source like a sunken scroll or in the game itself, I left it out. Click the link above to see the chart, its interactive and more than what I can fit in a single screenshot. Summary under the cut, with my own notes written in brackets.

Agent 3/S1 Player character -came from a region a little far from Inkopolis where there are many prosperous towns. they left their parents at age 14 and moved to the city. [old comic in the 1st artbook followed this backstory. mentions of parents are rare in splatoon lol] -the age that inklings gain their humanoid form varies, but its usually around age 14 [mentioned in 1st artbook, nice to see it brought up again] -some inklings keen on turf wars participate in competitions held in distant lands [probably in reference to IRL competitions] Agent 4/S2 Player character -came from a place about 40 minutes away from Inkopolis square by train, so they didn't have as much longing for the city as the S1 player character -was too busy with extracurriculars to know who Marie/the squid sisters were [previously mentioned in the S2 artbook] -many Salmon Runners have become "addicted" to the work Pearl -She thought of the Squid Sisters as rivals, but the 2 duos hit it off when they performed together in a distant foreign country. -When she gets serious, she builds up emotional energy by hopping side to side [in the JP version of Octo Expansion, she does this to build up her special to use the princess cannon. this was localized to her warming up her vocal chords in English.] Marina -She loves shoujo manga and practices her crosshatching -She got the groove of the squids in her soul after hearing the Inkantation [bringing this up because in the JP dialogue there's no mention of being 'freed of the oppression of Octarian society' or whatever. She wasn’t literally sci-fi mind controlled by Octavio, and still holds some respect for him despite leaving the Octarian world] -her description is "Maiden in love," the word for "love" seems to be the romantic type. [pearlina real???????] Callie and Marie -Callie loves the outdoors, while Marie is bad with both hot and cold weather -Their debut happened after their performance at a youth singing competition in their home region caught the attention of Shy-ho-shy, who then went on to become their producer [mentioned in Splatune album jacket] Agent 8 -worked in combat in Octarian society -really looks up to Agent 3 and has a “strong mental image” of them. Watched the battle between them and Octavio. [the inner agent 3 fight was never real, its just 8's active imagination. hence the name “inner” agent 3.] Judd and Lil Judd -Judd's eyes are able to instantly determine the winner of turf wars -the voice that you hear when first arriving in inkopolis is not some out-of-universe narrator, it's Judd talking telepathically -While Lil Judd is always plotting to backstab Judd, his plans fail because he's too small -Lil Judd is basically an omnivore, but is especially interested in 'crispy prawns' -once again it's brought up that judd and lil judd are the only 2 mammals to exist, and that judd is immortal. [considering Lil Judd was intended to be a back up for Judd in case he died in cryo freezing, I wouldn't be surprised if lil judd was immortal as well. hasn’t been confirmed tho] Capn Cuttlefish -[if you played Octo Expansion then nothing really new in his info, mostly stuff mentioned in the chat logs.] over 100 years old. made the zapfish plushies that appear in place of the real zapfishes when you replay a level. Annie and Moe -Annie is a fan of metal music -Sheldon sometimes asks her to help him decorate weapons -Moe is a bit overweight because Annie feeds him a lot of sweets

Crusty Sean -he can sometimes sense that Judd and lil Judd are looking at him in a "i want to eat you" way, but he doesn't seem to care. -not new info, but the tidbit about why he uses tickets instead of cash is mentioned. Basically when he first set up his food truck, the long lines were bothersome to the folks running The Shoal, so he worked with the Inkopolis chamber of commerce to set up the ticket system to cut down on lines and bring customers into The Shoal as well.

Jelonzo -his store doesnt sell pants because jellyfish dont wear pants [makes sense lol] Jelfonzo -He won the National Karuta Tournament on his first go because of all the old books he read to memorize the Inkling language. [This tidbit was referenced in splatoon 2's sunken scroll 8 but was never really explained. Karuta is a japanese card game thats been around since the mid 1500s.]

Sheldon -The building that houses Booyah Base is owned by Sheldon's family [I think this was mentioned before in a 2015 famitsu interview] -Sheldon's grandpa, Ammoses, made a fortune off selling weapons for use against the Octarians during the Great Turf War

Spyke and Murch -both came from the same town in a nothern region [previously mentioned in a famitsu interview] -Sea urchins are good at processing Super Sea Snails, and use their spines to dexterously remove the insides -the process of applying chunks is described as a technique(technology?) developed by Murch, and that sea snail shells are used to reapply gear abilities -Flow loves to dote on Murch

Flow and Craymond -Flow loves to drink alcohol, and when she gets drunk, she loves teasing cute kids. [in the 2nd artbook theres art of her getting drunk.  In the chart, her thoughts on the player character is that they are a cute kid. This also explains why she dotes on Murch] -her age is unknown but the inklings think of her as a 'cool older sister' kind of lady -Craymond cleans up parasites that may have latched onto Flow

Bisk -the 3 shoes he wears are his favorites -mentions the thing about him leaving his lover to pursue a band career in the city of Inkopolis, but that’s not really new info CQ Cumber -Kamabo Co. continues operation nowadays just for the sake of those living in the Deepsea -CQ detonates the ink-filled backpack on test subjects when they fail without hesitation because they're faithful to their duties -life form created solely to operate the deepsea metro. there are many of them spread throughout the metro. [this tidbit was previously mentioned only in Haikara walker concept art and the Nintendo Dream interview in 2018] Telephone/Tartar -being left alone for over 10000 years made it go from 'lonely' to 'completely out of control' [the 'lonely' part was previously only mentioned in a couple dev interviews, nice to see it brought up again] Iso Padre -the bag he carries is said to be filled with 'hopes and dreams' DJ Octavio -described as indomitable, and able to escape and rise up after defeat -his wasabi DJ style is unique to him -the music played throughout the Octarian world is mixed by him. The rhythm regulates the dilligent octarians [again, Octavio is not literally mind-controlling his soldiers! think of 'regulate' like how a commander keeps a military in line.] -He once hijacked Inkling airwaves to provoke the Inkling world. The Inklings, however, thought it was a new promotion or something and didn't care, but they appreciated the music. Octarians -Extremely dilligent, follows the music that is played in Octarian society -due to their diligence, they dont really care about how their designs (of their machinery) look -There are two types of octarians: those that are made from tentacles cut off from a host, and those that can become humanoid. more limbs=more intelligence [Essentially, it seems that Octolings reproduce the same way as Inklings, while other Octarians like Octotroopers are made through severed tentacles. octarian reproduction FINALLY clarified after years of confusion massive W] Mr Grizz -described as a mysterious entity, seen by nobody and unknown whether he really exists -the benefit package for Grizzco is described as "excellent" : free transportation, no overtime, and free uniform rental -golden eggs are used as a high-performance energy source, and may be contributing to the overall energy situation in Inkling society [i speculated this for years FINALLYYYYY THEY CONFIRM THIS OUTRIGHT] -some inklings are addicted to the experience of using the illegally modified grizzco weapons, since its a feeling you cant get in normal turf wars... Salmonids -They can live in both land and water, and have the intelligence to weaponize junk that sinks underwater [like ive been saying guys salmonids arent a bunch of dumb animals, thanks] -many of them feel that they are prisoners to their part time jobs [im unsure if this is referring to ω-3 or to salmonids as a whole tbh] -[personal note: the "smoke rises from the 7 rings" bit from the sunken scrolls is brought up and not explained, but i finally realized... the seven rings is in reference to a shichirin 七輪, a small charcoal grill... the literal translation for the kanji is "7 rings." same tattoo ariana grande got lol]

[sidesteppostinghours]

4 and 19 for the ask game? for all ur steps, if you're up for it? Or pick whichever :)

evening! thank you for the ask :]!

4. When scared, does your OC fight, flee, freeze or fawn?

Caine- flight. eyes closed, he doesnt want to see whats going down, and hightailing it as fast as possible. thats what happened during checkpoint three in retri, and wouldve been his choice during heartbreak if they werent ! that said, after the bad dream (the one before we meet chen in the boneyard), he Did stay stock still, since he got the freeze instinct trained into him. (actually i just remembered they punched mitchel (from @hyper-pixels, hi) after they woke up from a bad void dream???? so maybe they just have a weird amalgamation of instincts that crop up depending on the situation).

Cyrus- its a toss-up between fight and flight for him– hes 100% a coward and not afraid to cut his losses when he thinks he needs to, but at the same time, hes a stubborn bastard and has a Lot of anger to spare. generally speaking, his first instinct is fight. its only after he takes the time to assess a situation when he decides what hes going to do though– if he thinks he has a fighting chance, hes going for it. interestingly, hes less willing to fight things now that hes a villain than he was as a hero.

Cecilia- fight. honestly, theres no debate. anybody who has the audacity to scare her is going to face one (1) Incredibly pissed off ceci and probably more than a few fresh bruises. she hates feeling scared–it makes her feel powerless, and thats something she swore shed never experience again. fighting her fears makes her feel like theres something she can do about it, even if its superficial.

Cynthia- its either freeze or fawn, and the farm taught her both <3 she cant bring herself to fight or run because both actions were punished. she found out quickly enough that just taking it gave her a lighter sentence overall, and she continued to use that. fun(?) fact, 'just taking it' pretty much carried her into becoming a fighter step, because her pain tolerance is high as hell now. she still takes the armor upgrade though, just in case.

19. How does your OC behave when enraged?

Caine- hah. ok. well, in most cases, he wont hurt you. most of the time, hed settle for a clenched jaw and a glare. also not above leaving the room, no matter how important the person theyre talking to is. id say they get quiet when theyre angry, but theyre quiet most of the time so itd be hard to differentiate between normal quiet and 'fantasizing-about-watching-the-light-leave-from-their-eyes' quiet. if they have a reason to hurt them though? if hes in his armor, or its otherwise possible to inflict sufficient damage to them? at least One bone is breaking. if the person is regina specifically, shes not leaving the interaction with her life.

Cyrus- tear the bitch apart. psychologically???? physically???? emotionally????? why not all three of them! it would really depend on the situation, but by now cyrus knows how to rein in his anger just enough to figure out what would hurt somebody the most. this could range from kicking their ass to giving them a breakdown by systematically targeting their fears/insecurities. hes a cunt, but hes Smart about it.

Cecilia- Lots of yelling. probably more than a few punches too. her anger is explosive and raw, and its very easy for her to get caught up in it. that said, it doesnt last long either– once the initial anger burns out, shes willing to forget about it. if you piss her off, its a matter of how good you are at weathering the brute anger, which, granted, can be hard to do considering ceci like to hit things. she likes to hit things hard.

Cynthia- that depends when in the timeline she gets angry, because those have very different answers. pre-retri ending, she Refused to show her anger. you could not force her to. echo may end up being slightly more erratic if she got into an argument or something like that, but that was it. but the minute ortega accused her of being a regene copy? that switched up Quick. if she was going to be seen as a monster and a fake, fine, shell play the part. nowadays, getting her pissed means you have a target on your back, and not only is she patient in ruining your life, her high caution means its very difficult for her emotions to blind her. she acts cold, nearly apathetic, but rest assured shes finding out exactly what makes you tick.

questions from here!

[cattype]

Julian Sands- the original voice of Valmont in Jackie Chan Adventures- has been missing in the San Gabriel Mountains in California since January 13, 2023. The search has been hindered by bad weather but he’s a skilled mountaineer so there’s still a chance he’s hanging in there... alone… in the freezing cold… for a month… 

The above tweet is my reaction when I got the news. I didn’t have the space to fit it in but that interest I mentioned started about a year back. Since then I’ve been entertaining myself by learning about him by listening to interviews and convention panels. And of course watching some of his movies and TV appearances.

Something I’ve observed from his filmography is career trajectory. He started his acting career thinking he would only be a stage actor but ended up stumbling into Hollywood with two Oscar movies, The Killing Fields and A Room with a View. After that he did the movie he’s best known for amongst horror fans, Warlock because he was tired of- to slightly paraphrase what he called them in one podcast- ‘insipid romantic leads that felt more and more like chocolate box commercials’ that he had been offered after the success of A Room with a View. After that he did Warlock 2: The Armageddon out of contractual obligation but turned down Warlock 3 because the script didn’t interest him.

And that line of thinking has colored much of his career choices. He didn’t chose movies based on what paid more or what would gain him more fame, he did whatever interested him. He chose characters that were fun to play, people he wanted to work with and places he wanted to go. Because of that he’s played a wide range of characters in a wide range of movies. From general crowd pleasers, to niche genre flicks, to experimental and avant-garde weirdness. He’s worked with directors like David Cronenberg, Ken Russell, Dario Argento, and Mike Figgis. 

But those choices are probably why his star has faded so much over time. If you look at his IMDB you might notice that he’s gone from being one of the biggest faces on the poster to not even having his name on it. Most insultingly, one of the posters for A Crooked House has the whole ensemble except him. I haven’t seen it since it’s not on Netflix anymore but he seems like he should be a major character. His name’s in the trailer but apparently they didn’t see his face worth squeezing onto the poster.

Even the two movies he’s best known for have fallen into obscurity. Despite being nominated for various oscars that year including best picture, I’ve only talked to one person who knew what A Room With a View was. And Warlock seems to be a B-movie amongst B-movies.

If he died of some illness and didn’t get a ton of coverage aside from a few websites, I wouldn’t have liked it but it wouldn’t have surprised me. But the fact that he went missing complicates things. I first found out about his disappearance on MSNBC and I’ve since wondered if he got that level of coverage not so much because he was a famous actor who went missing as much as he was a missing hiker who happened to be a famous actor. And I find myself wondering not only if he’s alive or dead but how he’ll be reported on when he’s found. If he’s dead and it doesn’t get at least the same amount of coverage as his disappearance I’ll be pissed. If he’s alive and it doesn’t get the same amount of coverage I’ll be even more pissed and also extremely baffled because “65 year old actor survives for a month on a snowy mountain” is great headline!

Some people say the ultimate death is when someone says your name for the last time. Whether Julian is alive or dead or found or not he deserves to be remembered. Go to his wiki or his IMDB and look up the stuff he was in. Watch A Room With a View. Watch Warlock. Watch Jackie Chan Adventures. Watch Stephen King’s Rose Red. Watch The Room (the one with Donald Pleasence, not Tommy Wiseau). Watch Hotel. Watch Naked Lunch. Watch The Medallion. Watch The Painted Bird. Watch Borley Rectory. Watch The Ghosts of Borley Rectory. Watch The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Watch Boxing Helena. Watch Timecode. Watch The Tomorrow Man. Watch Vibes. Watch A Tale of a Vampire. Watch Seneca - On the Creation of Earthquakes. Watch Arachnophobia. Watch Gothic. Watch Witch Hunt. Watch The Escape. Watch his public readings of the poetry of Percy Shelly, John Keats, and Harold Pinter. Watch anything you see that catches your fancy. There’s sure to be something there for you or maybe you’ll discover something new to you that you wouldn’t watch otherwise. 

Living people need to be remembered as much as the dead.

This stuff’s been floating in my head for the past month and I just wanted to say it. Maybe I could said it better. Maybe there’s more I could say. But this will have to do.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

[tiikerikani]

Maailma Pakkanen palaa!

(deep freeze returns!! and also burns!!)

10.2.2024 – Tullikamari (Pakkahuone), Tampere

We’re at peak (nadir?) cold snap and it’s like -20°C outside and I’m already loitering around there just shy of 7:00. I forewent my tradition of listening to Kauan beforehand/while in queue because a) I fear for earbud cables and batteries in these conditions, and b) I do it to get a chill down my spine and don’t need any help with that right now. Instead, I am singing under my breath to pass/keep track of time without having to look at a watch (see above re. batteries). It is surprisingly effective. It’s not like when I’m on the piano and time goes weird and I play everything too fast.

A taxi drops off a couple of women at maybe 7:05. They resemble but are not the Regular Groupies. They look around a little and walk away. The Superfans also show up a bit after that. They wave and go over to the supermarket to stay warm. Not the Regular Groupies return looking for the nearest bar. I’m not from here so I don’t know.

When Superfans come back (I think it’s 7:25 now), we go hang out by the door properly. After a few more people arrive (including the actual Regular Groupies), they shuffle me to the very front of the queue because I was here first. (ok.)

I can’t feel my toes. Is this worth losing my toes for?

Time feels like it’s passing extremely quickly while I’m in this queue. Before I know it it’s 7:55 and the queue goes as far as I can see out into the parking lot. I put away my hat and mittens and get my arms out of my coat so I’m ready to throw those off the moment the door opens.

Coat check was being fiddly with the card terminal so others got ahead of me in terms of getting into the room, not to mention that the bag checker was calling for backup at exactly the moment I walked into them, which set me back a little as well. But it’s fine, I got where I wanted to be.

They hadn’t even gotten the backdrop up yet!

By 8:45 my toes feel normal again. It's getting crowded in here. Yet again, the entire spring tour is sold out, so.

They don't play until 9:30.

I'm in my red tunic and have a new (Viking) dragon-shaped bead on my braid because it's Chinese New Year but not like anybody notices or cares (I don't even really celebrate, I just do some token gestures).

Somebody in the fanclub had shared last night's set list, so I had that already copied onto my arm to correct/adjust. (Ended up adding one song.)

They played (still) another arrangement of Intiaanit, which was... in basic rock song style. I didn't like it.

Huomenna kaduttaa and Valot eteiseen aren't songs I'm too familiar with — they clearly have their fans though. Songs about romance and parenthood are hard for me to relate to.

The person next to me was filming most of the songs and I really wanted to smack the phone out of her hand with a well-placed dramatic gesture but did not because she was nice and actually talked to me at some point earlier.

Markus used an acoustic bass instead of the cello this time. I wonder if it's because of the weather? Classical string instruments (and large ones at that) are probably more sensitive to temperature changes.

His beard is starting to go noticeably grey in the middle, and I've also started wondering about his bracelet. It doesn't look like a Fitbit, but he wears it everywhere.

I never thought they'd ever play Ei voittajaa again, and it made sense to put it as the first encore so they could reuse the old walk-on intro track. I still kind of remember the moves to my epic invisible sword dance but there's never quite the space to do it even in a more limited way. (Nobody cares to wonder why I was so much more animated during that song than any other...)

Teemu’s SO (Her Again!!) ("you're very... red today") says she was at the back of the room and there was still such a LONG queue to get in even as the show started that she missed the first 3 songs. When Teemu comes to join her, they try to find a way out of the place. He has all his stuff, but she needs to get hers from the coat check. There is a massive bottleneck at the stairs going back down there. The couple go talk to somebody at a side door and eventually they disappear backstage to use the loading door I guess.

It’s over 30 minutes before it felt like the coat check mob started moving at a decent pace. Turns out they were letting people down the stairs in controlled groups. They really wanted us out of there since there was a new queue outside of younger people waiting to get IN for, I don’t know, Saturday night disco? That’s a thing at rock clubs here.

----------

In a radio interview a couple of weeks ago, Senpai said that he really likes meeting fans (and that some tell him a lot about themselves — sorry :D I'm surely not alone but maybe the only one who does so in longhand) but there's just too many of them now and he'd be there all night. So there you have it from him.

Heini, Jepa, and Hannah were backing singers at UMK (where the Eurovision entry is selected) which was on at the same time literally 600 metres away, at the arena. I bet they met up with the band and hung out together afterward.

Completely off-topic side note: I'm sad that the very comfy (and very broken) couch at my friend's place is going to get replaced. It's awful for sitting on, but I sleep better on it than in my own bed, so it's something I look forward to whenever I visit.

Maailma palaa

Kohti sydänpeltoja

Intiaanit

Huomenna kaduttaa

Ilman mua

Tummilla teillä

Faija käyttää napapaitaa

Samaan mutkaan kaatunut

Exodus

Valot eteiseen

Kiljut riemusta

Reppana

Faarao

Kolme hyvää vinkkiä

Kanto

Onnellinen mies

Hetken ikuinen

// Ei voittajaa

// Kukaan ei koskaan

// Arlandan portailla

[Concert write-up archive and master calendar]

[fenimores-book-nook]

day 18 // a lil' life update :)

dates written : January 16th/17th - 2024, Tuesday/Wednesday

Well! It has been quite a while since I last wrote, hasn't it? Exactly two weeks, dang. So, I thought about just doing more of a life update for this one. ;) Which will probably, basically still be about self focusing.

!! WARNING !! I will be using a lot of photos. ;)))

Well, at the start of the month I had some friend hand outs I went to. My bestie since grade school and I hung out together finally, we don't see each other too often since she's still in school; senior year of high school, which is a very busy year. Or it was for me.

One of our favorite things to do that we've done since we became friends and "hangouts" were a thing for us, is dressing up to different, fun themes! So we did that again, bringing back old memories. :,) The theme above is: Going to a 1882 French Play. Very specific, I know. But that makes it more fun.

I had two more friend hangouts after, one was with some of my "once in a while friends." Like the friends you get together with once in a while. One of my close friends is involved in those hangouts, though, which I'm very grateful for since at times I feel like I don't completely fit with the group. But she helps. :) And I'm not saying my other friends are bad, they aren't, and I do like seeing them every now and then.

Speaking of that one close friend I mentioned:

Okay, okay, let me give context. At this group hangout, it was with my closer friends, for one friend's 19th birthday. One of the games we played was called "Stir the Pot." Which is a fun game, but it can be a little iffy sometimes. You just gotta remember it's a game. But me and another friend didn't want to be too mean, so we played more mellow cards.

Now, the photo context: one friend got this card to give to someone and during their time of debating who to give it to, Zainah and I (the one in the white dress) were being incredibly silly and laughing while Zainah was trying to pour some coca-cola into a cup. So the card ended up going to both of us which was probably the core highlight of the night, because we both absolutely lost it together.

Getting into the topic of all things books-of course-I got another bookshelf! I currently have three, but one of them is a very small one, and the other one is about half the size of the one in the photo, with less shelf room. So obviously, I need more book space. AND- I got this one for free! It used to be from someone my family knew that she was going to throw out. So with the help of my brother and virtual encouragement of my sister, we spent a day fixing it up and putting it in my room! The next day I shelved books and decorated it. :)

One of the books I'm making my way through is Live by Sadie Robertson. It's a really amazing book for me to read right now, it's helping with my faith and also gives me comfort! I really like Sadie's style of writing, so I'm enjoying this one. :) I have also been doing a study in Psalm too, I read at least one chapter a day, or at least, I try to. Focusing on myself has really helped me focus on my relationship with God too. It's been a rough time in the past, but it's better now. <3

Before I get too invested in talking more about my self focusing journey, some last minute things: it has been very cold here in good ol' Kansas. We've been getting a lot of snow and when, yes, it is so pretty and I love snow, I am SO ready for spring weather. But a cool thing that I was able to do, because it was so cold, is walk on a frozen lake! (or pond, my park ranger brother would know, haha) My parents and I visited my brother at his work where he's a park ranger and my brother and I walked along the edge of the lake! It was so cool to see all the frozen things beneath me. The little feather lookin' things on top of the water are frozen leaves! Even if it was freezing and I definitely should've worn boots, it was beautiful.

The other day, my mom and I went to one of our small town coffee shops; I can't remember exactly what drink I got but it was super good. I've come to really love that place and their drinks. :) When we got back home, Mom made a pot of tea and it was just a nice cozy day. It had started to snow and became very windy on the way home, so I'm glad we left when we did. It was a good day to just chill and hang out with my mom. :) <3

Back to some *new-ish* self focusing/discovery things!

(I hope you like my very well thought out title) ;p

So, a little bit of backstory: some people might remember, if you read my posts when I first joined tumblr, I would write some things about the Aspec/AroAce* community. Those posts are not up anymore, the reason being is that I stopped identifying as AroAce. But what I didn't realize until now is the real reason why I stopped identifying as AroAce. The reason I had thought why I stopped is, that I felt like I could/did (wanted to) experience romantic or sexual attraction. So, really, I was like: I was wrong (I was sad), I want a romantic relationship (do you, though? really think about it bro). I left the label behind, not wanting anything to do with it. I wanted to feel those attractions and when I thought about how I couldn't, I would feel really sad about it. How I would end up alone (which is not a bad thing) and my friends would all leave me behind to live lives with their romantic partners (my overthinking brain was telling me these things). I felt extremely lonely. That's when society's ideas and views on the Aspec community/labels started contorting my own. I started believing society's thoughts on it and thought that I just needed to stop being sad and how to do that was to ditch the AroAce label. (which, in some cases/for some people, ditching labels helps, but for me, labels can help me understand who I am and why I feel/think the way that I do)

Little did I know that the reason why I felt so sad every time I thought about being AroAce wasn't because I'm AroAce, but because of what society says about the Aspec community. I let those false ideas and thoughts into my head when I should've been kicking them to the curb. BUT! We all learn from mistakes and honestly, I think that it wasn't a complete mistake for me to stop identifying as AroAce. Because NOW, I have a much better understanding of myself and my identity, and some of it comes from me attempting to hide who I really am back then. (I say "back then," but it was really only a couple months ago)

Of course, I'm still working through my self acceptance and self discovery, but really, me realizing that I'm Aspec-again-couldn't come at a better time! It has helped me focus more on myself as well as help me discover more about myself. :) Earlier this week I had an amazing realization that God's timing really is perfect. If I wouldn't have been thinking about my Aspec identity, I probably would be struggling more to focus on myself. So it works out great!

*Aromantic Asexual - a person does not experience, or rarely experiences romantic or sexual attraction. There are many different kinds of AroAce and countless ways on how to be AroAce, and none of them are wrong! It just depends on the person and how they identify with their own Aspec identity. (Aspec definition in photo above)

(AroAce art from pinterest) The AroAce flag are those colors, if you didn't know. ;) (though, there are many different versions of the flag)

As you might've already gathered, I used to identify as "AroAce," now, I think I prefer "Aspec." I feel like Aspec is more broad than what AroAce is, in my own opinion. Honestly? I don't know exactly where I land on the Aromantic Asexual spectrum. And that's okay! I'm actually okay with that now. I'm fine with just doing my own research at my own pace, wanting to think about my Aspec identity as much as I want to. :) I had so much trouble accepting and loving my Aspec identity before and I'm not going to let that happen again. If later down the road, I decide it isn't a label for me, then okay! IDENTITY IS FLUID! Which can be very frustrating at times, but it's a beautiful thing too. :)

And now you see why I wanted to wait until the end to talk about my self focusing things: I have a LOT to say. So, don't be surprised if I have more Aspec-focused posts coming out! The world needs more Aspec representation!! Plus, I like writing about it. ;)

One last photo of my doggo, Charlie who got a haircut the other day and my mom brought him to our shop. He approves. ;)

I hope you enjoyed my life update! And if you didn't, well, no offense, but I don't really care. I do these writings for myself because I enjoy doing them. :)

And, if you are a fellow Aspec, remember that there is a place for you in this world! It is a wonderful and beautiful thing to be a part of this community. You and how you feel are valid, no matter who you are or how you identify.

Until next time,

Thalia <3

[siriusblack-the-third]

The rain pours down like it's the last time it will ever grace your town with its presence. You press your palms to the window glass, letting its coldness seep into your skin like pinpricks of ice, making you aware of everything around you. Your breath fogs over the surface when you lean closer to get a glimpse of the outside.

People are still out. You hear their footsteps splash through the puddles, hear them shout for their friends and scream in laughter when a rain dance breaks out. You smile, and tug on an old tee and joggers. You know from experience they won't mind another dancer in their ranks.

The vapour from your chaha wafts up and collects above the cup. The smell is daivik, and you bring the cup to your nose just to get a whiff. It's too hot to be drunk, but you try and stick your tongue in it anyways. Your Tai laughs when you hiss and pull away, face twisted.

It rained so much that school was shut down for the day. You pile your bag into the closet and sit next to a window with a collection of Urdu poetry and a cup of halad doodh. The book is good, the milk is a little tasteless, but the rain beats a steady rhythm against the window and you are calmer than you have been in days.

In the mornings, the floor is freezing, but you refuse to wear socks. When your Baba asks why, you say hi abhimaanachi goshta ahe, Baba. He grins and nods, as if he knows exactly what you're talking about. He probably does.

The afternoons don't feel like afternoons. The sun is almost never seen, and a heavy layer of clouds hangs over the entire town. The weather makes you sleepy and you wonder, not for the first time and certainly not for the last, if you're a hibernating creature. You would love to go to sleep and wake up right after the final exams.

The evenings are hard to describe. The heavy rains have stopped by the end of the fourth prahar, and now the town comes alive— lights flash as vehicles pass by and shops open, horns and peoples voices start drifting up into the air. You have a stare-off with a bat that is hanging upside down from the bars outside your window. When it flies away, you blink and go back to your Sanskrit textbook.

The best thing about monsoon, though, is the cold air. It's cold enough that you feel the change from summer to the colder months, but it's not so cold that you start shivering. It bites and nips at your skin playfully when you go to the roof for your daily Surya namaskar, and you take deeper, steadier breaths than you do in the summer.

[the-fools-route]

THE FOOLS ROUTE

THE ARCANA: fanfic 4,169 words

Chapter 2

_______________________________________________

It's warm, very warm. I'm swaddled in fluffy blankets, but only in a particular fashion. Soft blankets on the bottom, covered in comforters. I'm on my side, holding Candlewick. I hear shuffling above me, it seems I'm not the only one awake. I hesitantly crawl out of bed toward the trapdoor, I hear talking. It's too muffled, even with the door ajar. I peek to see Julian leaning his back against the kitchen counter eating an apple. He is now wearing a strange black outfit with lots of buttons. And I can't even make sense of his coat. Cape? It's just resting on his shoulders, how is it staying there? He's talking to Mazelinka, but I can't see her. I attempt to eavesdrop but Candlewick decides to blow my cover. He sprints up the ladder, scaring me. I accidentally push the trapdoor open all the way, causing it to slam on the wood floor.

Good job, me.

Julian yelps, then covers his mouth in embarrassment. Mazelinka is unfazed.

" Sorry. "

We go about the morning in a normal fashion. I eat an orange, struggling to clean off the pulp. Julian finishes his apple and Candlewick sits on the table, waiting for more attention. Mazelinka packs me a small bag of snacks.

" Well- "

Julian starts.

" Time for us to resume our journey. "

" Journey huh. Where are you two going? " Mazelinka questions.

Julian raises his hands in defense.

" Nowhere bad, she's lost. I'm simply helping her find a friend. "

I guess that's not entirely wrong. He told me we would try to find Asra, and that he might be able to help me.

The streets are busy. People walking to who knows where, work probably. It's misty out, wisps of condensation swirls around as we walk.

" I wonder what the weather will be like today. " Julian begins.

" Wait. "

Why haven't I thought of this before?

" My phone! "

I toss my backpack on the ground and fumble with the zippers. I raise my phone proudly above my head, I hope it isn't dead.

Julian looks lost.

" Your…um, what? "

" My phone. It's a common device used where I'm from. You can check the weather and- "

I pause for dramatic effect.

" Your location! "

My phone is still at 96%, it hasn't gone down since I was on the bus. I turn my location on in hopes something will happen. But nothing does, my phone doesn't know where I am.

" Did it work? "

" No. "

He attempts to change the subject.

" What else can your " phoone " do? "

" Phone. " I correct him.

" Yes, that is what I said. "

" Well. " I pick up my bag, Candlewick taking his respective spot on top.

" I can take pictures, watch. "

I face my phone toward him.

" What are you doing? Do I have to hold still? " Julian fidgets.

" That's preferred for a clear picture. "

I give him my phone and face the screen to him.

" Look. "

His eye widened. He tilts the phone every which way for a better look.

"That's incredible! It's like looking in a mirror. "

As we walk around Julian continues to ask questions about my phone.

" How are they made? "

" Can it give directions like a map? "

" Are they flammable? "

The questions only cease when we stop at a door. It looks like a store. Julian pulls a key ring out from one of his pockets and flips through it until he finds a small brass key. It fits the door. We walk inside and freeze. Asra is sitting in a chair with that purple snake wrapped around their arm. He just kinda stares back in an awkward silence.

He just smiles.

" Well well well. Been a while since you broke into my store Ilya. "

There's that name again. Ilya.

" It's not breaking in if I have a key. "

" Julian, you stole my spare key. "

They continue talking in a playful manner. I was right, old friends. The purple snake props herself up from Asra's arm. She sways around for a minute, then greets me.

" Hello! "

I wave my hand back.

" Hello, good to see you again."

Asra turns his head to look at me.

" Seems you have taken up some company since I saw you yesterday. "

Julian throws his arm over my shoulder, though he has to bend over to do so.

" We've become bosom friends I think. "

Asra and Julian have their own conversation while I have one with the snake. We both sway side to side. I thought it was very insightful.

" A journey to the palace. " Asra begins.

" How fun. "

They grab a colorful cloak and a bag in which the snake slides into. Julian strides to the door to leave.

" Oh no, not you. "

Julian dramaticly gasps.

" You mean I can't go with you? Asra, your words sting. "

They flick his nose.

" You know exactly why you can't come with us. Go through the back door."

Julian sighs wistfully and bows.

" Until we meet again. "

And he leaves.

" He is so dramatic. "

Asra nods.

" So, mind sharing your strange story? "

Here we go again.

" Ok so, long story short. From what I understand I'm from another world/realm or something. And now I am here, I don't know how I got here. "

" I knew you were different. "

I look at him weird.

" What? "

We walk around what Asra called the Heart District, weaving through buildings and people until we come across a large beautiful gate. It is guarded by two large men, they move aside as soon as they see Asra. A long bridge leads us to the entrance, I like the bridge, I think it has alot of character. Asra takes me inside, I am in complete awe. Long stained glass windows line the marble walls, and the floors are so clean I can practically see my own reflection.

" There you are. "

A small woman walks up to Asra. She's practically my height, beautiful thick red hair wrapped skillfully in a bandana.

" I've been looking all over for you! You weren't in the library, your room, or the gardens! I was almost about to send a search party. "

She stops ranting when she notices me.

" Oh, hello. I'm Portia, the head servant. "

I wave, I don't want to say anything wrong. So I'll try not to speak much.

She gasps loudly.

" Oh my goodness, you have a cat with you! "

She is practically rolling on the floor with excitement.

" What's his name? "

I pick him up for introductions, much to his protests.

" This is Candlewick, the best cat of them all. "

She laughs.

" I beg to differ, my cat is the best. "

I smile.

" We will see. "

Asra coughs in his hand.

" She's here to speak to the Countess. "

Portia claps her hands together.

" Perfect, she needs to talk to you anyway. Follow me. "

She immediately takes off down a hall. She is really fast for her height. My heart is racing, what if I upset the Countess.

" I feel kinda bad being here. It's beautiful, nice, neat, and clean. And I'm, well - "

I gesture at my clothes.

" Not that. Will that upset her? "

Asra side eyes me and smiles.

" You make Nadia out to be a cruel woman, you haven even met her yet. "

" Sorry. "

*Pick*

*Pick*

*Pick*

We are led through large glass doors to a large terrace of some sort. Gorgeous lush gardens lay just below, golden light fills the scene beautifully like you couldn't imagine. To the left lies a small table filled with small pastries and empty glass cups. One side has two vacant stools, and the other sits the Countess. She's an ethereal being, adorned with jewels and silks. She radiates intelligence, beauty, and authority. Yet her eyes are kind, reassuring.

Portia addresses us as " Asra the magician and guest", I thought that was odd.

Magician.

Is magic real? It couldn't be. Right?

The Countess and Asra converse as I observe my surroundings. The light breeze smells of nostalgia and flowers. It whistles through the trees catching leaves, reminds me of home. But I'm not home, I'm in a palace. I'm with an important person and I'm too busy daydreaming. I don't belong here.

*Pick*

*Pick*

*Pick*

" Excuse me. "

I snap back to reality. The Countess is talking to me.

" Are you alright, you look pale. "

" O-oh, um. "

My heart is pounding, what if she thinks I'm a lier? Asra nudges me.

" I- "

" I don't think you will believe me, but this is the truth. "

I explain what had happened in the last 24 or so hours. Waking up, finding Candlewick, the market, I skip the stolen fish, meeting Asra, and finding a bar. Asra cuts me off before I can mention Julian, and how he helped me. Why is Asra avoiding Julian? He couldn't come with us, and they won't even mention him.

What did Julian do?

" She stayed at my shop last night. " Asra begins.

That's a lie. I wasn't at the shop.

" So she was safe. "

The Countess was resting her chin on her hands. But now she fidgets with a tea cup. She seems concerned.

" Asra is working for me, so he is unlikely to be home often. You will have nowhere to stay. "

She smiles, truly a kind smile.

" Would you like to stay with me? I have everything you could ever want here. I can have a room prepared for you."

*Pick*

*Pick*

*Pick*

" But you don't know me, I really don't want to be a bother. I don't want to take up your valuable time. Besides, I just told you an impossible story. You can't possibly believe me. "

She narrows her eyes.

" Yes, Your story is implausible. But I have reason to believe you are telling the truth. "

I don't argue back, I really don't want to upset her. She takes my hands and holds them, reassuringly.

" I want you to be here with me. It's been a long time since I had a guest quite like you. "

Nadia beckons Portia over, she had been standing by the door behind me. She whispers in her ear, I couldn't understand what she said. Portia smiles enthusiastically. Portia grabs my hand and leads me to the double doors. As I leave, I hear Asra and Nadia talking about finding someone. But who?

I'm led to a large door and pushed inside. I think I heard Portia say " have fun " before she closed the door. The room is huge. There is a rack with robes toward the front of the room, along with a few chairs. A bath the size a swimming pool fills the room. A huge mirror sits in the leftmost wall. It's maybe 7 feet high, I feel so small in its reflection. My hoodie is wrinkled, my pants are dirt stained. What am I doing here? I take a purple-ish silky robe and change into that. I can see scars on my knees from a rambunctious childhood, each telling a different story. Steam lazily rises from the bath, beckoning me. A golden tray is filled with gleaming bottles and jars, I feel bad using any of it. But one thing does catch my eye. It's a small simple clear bottle, I can hold it between my pointer finger and thumb. The black fluid sloshes around like ink in a well. How familiar. I open the vial, it smells like the forest.

It smells like home.

A set of clothes were set out for me to wear. A loose cream blouse with dark pants, incredibly different from what I'm used to wearing. I try my best to dry my hair before I leave, I don't want to drip water in the hallway. I knock on the door so Portia knows I'm finished.

" Aww, you look so cute in that. Don't worry about your old clothes, someone will take care of them. "

She leads me down a hallway or two and stops me in front of a door.

" Ma'lady is in a meeting and she wants you to join. She is with the courters inside this room. I'll be right outside. "

Oh lovely, strangers.

Cackling fills my ears as I enter, 5 people sit on armchairs and couches not including the Countess. All the attention is brought to me as I walk in, wonderful.

" This is Leigh, my guest. " Nadia announces.

A pale man gasps enthusiastically and clasps his hands together.

" Yes, we have been hearing so much about you. It's absolutely delightful to put a face to your name! My name is Vlastomil, I am the Praetor. "

The larger person on the couch practically screams at me.

" Sit next to me! Everyone wants to sit next to the Pontifex. "

A very small woman on the right of the couch speaks next, with a quivering voice.

" Oh yes, you and your cat are so cute! Please sit next to us. "

Her very small hand pats the couch cushion. I sit into the plush seat between the two while Candlewick sits in the small woman's lap. Her eyes sparkle at the sight of such a majestic creature. I'm too focused on Candlewick being absolutely adorable to realize someone is standing over me. Their red eyes are fixated on my face, unmoving. They don't blink, not once. Bandaged Horns loom over me casting a shadow. They are dressed is some sort of a surgans outfit, black gloves, an apron and a mask. The look is finished with a red brooch shaped as a beatle fixed on the neck.

" Quaestor please. Stop staring at her. "

A very wealthy looking man looking increasingly unimpressed, takes a sip from a wine glass. His hair is in a perfect braid, not a single stray strand. He likely thinks very highly of himself.

" I'm just inspecting her Consul, no harm done. "

He scoffs.

" Sit down before you scare her away. "

The Quaestor strides to their arm chair in a very fluid motion. No extra movement are wasted.

" Now before we get down to business. " The Consul began.

" I'd like to discuss the elephant in the room. "

He looks at me.

" Why is she here. "

Nadia seems slightly annoyed by the question.

" She is an honored guest, and you will treat her as such. "

" Yes, of course Countess. "

He didn't mean it.

I mainly observed as they talked politics or reconstruction of the city. I eventually learned everyone's names. Vlademar, Vlastomil, Volgora, Volta, and Valerius. I held up conversations with almost of them. I talked about worms, favorite foods, knives, and what a lobotomy was. Vlademar's eyes never left me, not once. Always inspecting, never blinking. Eventually everyone left, only I was left with the Countess. She seems happy.

" What did you think of the courters. "

I think very carefully about my answer.

" One word, strange. "

She seems strangely satisfied with my answer.

" Yes, they are- "

She generously pauses.

" Odd. "

She smiles.

" Come sit by me. "

She rubs her perfect smooth hands over my ravaged fingers. I don't understand why she is so kind to me.

" You held up well today. I'm proud of you. "

Proud? Of me?

She stands up, and takes me with her. She leads me out the door to Portia.

" Take her to her new bedroom. "

I look at the Countess weird. A room for me? She takes my hand one last time before departing.

" You deserve it. And please, call me Nadia. "

The room is lit by candles and hanging lanterns. A large bed lies to my right, and next to it is a desk with a mirror. There are a few dressers and knickknacks lying about. The back wall has a huge window overlooking the gardens. It's beautiful. My original clothes lie on a dresser, neatly folded. My backpack is on the floor next to the desk. Candlewick immediately makes himself at home on the bed.

" This is where you will be staying. If you ever need anything, just ask. "

And she leaves. Wick has the right idea, I'd like to rest for a bit. I lay next to him, as I sink into the soft mattress I wonder what will become of me. Where will the world take me?

Warm golden light streams through stained glass windows, the colored glass paints the clean cut marble floor like a gorgeous paint palette. The floor is warm under my bare feet, I feel fuzzy. I'm in a beautiful cathedral filled with marble columns and open windows inviting a cool breeze. A painted ram lies in the ceiling above me, watching me with curiosity. I blink and I am gone.

My bed is cushy and warm, but the room is cool and dark. Wait, it's dark. I sit up and realize I fell asleep, I can't tell what time it is. Well I'm not tired anymore so I might as well explore. Candlewick stole my pillow while I was sleeping, maybe he wants to join me. I poke him but all he does is roll over and squeak at me. He isn't interested.

" Come on, don't you want to hear about my weird dream? "

No answer. I recall the golden light on my face, what a strange dream. My feet hit the cold floor, sending a chill up my spine. But with each step I take, I get used to the chill. I open the door without making a sound. The hall is dark and empty, it's almost eerie. It feels like nothing but me exists in the whole world. Moonlight illuminates the halls with a brilliant silver, lighting a path for me to take. Although, I didn't expect it till take me here. A staircase lies in front of me, and two dogs lie on the second step. They both raise their heads and watch me. I whisper to myself.

" Horse dogs. "

The borzoi, also known as the horse dog. They are a beautiful white color. One of the dogs walk up to me. She tilts her head, I tilt mine back. The second dog joins and they both circle me, inspecting. They grab my pants and take me up the stairs, I almost trip up a few. The hall is dark and cold, more so than the rest of the palace. Noone had been here in a while. A few doors hang open, I look in one of the rooms. Its a Parlor filled with abandoned expensive looking couches and strangely, torn up paintings. Not one is intact. They look like the same person was on all of them. But I cant tell who. I'm pulled out of the room by the dog with the torn ear. The halls seem sad, as if nothing good has ever happened here. Each hallway is decorated differently. Occasional suits of armor line the walls along with more paintings likely related to someone wearing said armor. All torn. I'm lead to a wide hall, it's different then the rest. Dusty complete pictures line the walls, each skillfully painted. They all depict Albino animals at their best, they all have gold collars and rich cloths.

" Hey, it's you two. "

A portrait of Lucio's hunting dogs sticks out from the rest, it looks much newer. They are lounging on overstuffed pillows. They are both in gold jeweled collars. I trace the picture frame, dust collects on my finger. The frame reads " Mercedes and Melchior. "

" Beautiful aren't they. "

A thin voice whispers in my ear. I whip around expecting someone, anyone. But nothing is there. Mercedes and Melchior wag their tails and sniff around. Mercedes lifts her head and howls. She bounds down a hallway, Melchior chasing after her.

" Hey wait! "

I chase them down a few halls till they stop at a door at the very end of a dusty corridor. They paw on the door till I cautiously open it myself for them.

" Hello? "

The room is large and dark, and unmistakably coated with ash. It was a bedroom once, a nice one too. First thing when you walk in is a bed, it's large enough to fit 3 adults at the very least. A frame lines it holding a curtain around the bed for privacy. The source of the fire damage surrounds the bed. Spreading to the carpet under and the wall behind the bed. The wallpaper melted and the red curtains practically disintegrated. The room is larger on the left side. Large wardrobes line the back wall, likely still filled with furs and outfits. A Lavish brick fireplace lies across on the opposite wall. The mantle has small shiny trinkets sprinkled with ash and dust. Two plush armchairs sit in front of the fireplace. The far left wall has a tall Multi-paned window hidden behind red felt curtains. This guy really liked the color red. To the right of the bed, a painting takes up almost the entire wall. It's of a young man, golden blonde. Emitting pure pride. The dogs sit in front of the painted man next to me.

" Was this him? "

The door slams shut causing ash and soot to whirl around the room.

" Was? "

The voice speaks in an offended tone. Melchior jumps around with excitement. Mercedes wags her tail, but stays seated next to me. I pull my blouse over my face so I don't inhale any unwanted debris, the room is ice cold now.

" Who are you? " My voice is muffled.

" Who am I? How dare Vesuvia forget me, their own beloved Count! They forget about me while I rot! Alone and unwanted, how dare they! "

He sounds livid

" I'm sorry. "

" Are you? " He bellows.

" Yes. I am. "

The room grows silent, but it doesn't last.

" Why are you here? I've never seen you before. "

The room's temp slowly returns to normal.

" I was exploring, I couldn't sleep. I found your dogs and they brought me here. I think they miss you. "

Melchior and Mercedes both perk up at being mentioned.

" Can I see you? "

He walks into the moonlight shining through the window causing him to glow like a strange bedside night light. He's taken the form of some sort of goat. He's maybe 7 feet tall and covered in white fur. His hooves and Horns are onyx and he has but one clawed arm, the apparition is complete with ruby red eyes.

" This is what I have been reduced to. "

He sounds somber. He looks down at me and narrows his eyes.

" Are you afraid of me? Are you going to run away like everyone else and call me a monster? "

" I don't think you are a monster. "

His eyes soften.

" How long have you been like this? "

The atmosphere finally calms.

" You don't know? I thought everyone knew. I died three years ago at my own party. "

He attempts to pet Melchior, but his hand phases through. He sighs in defeat.

" I'm sorry, I'm not from here. "

His nose wrinkles.

" Surely you've heard about me from somewhere. About my battles, or tales of great courage. Do people not talk about how great I am anymore? "

Wow, this guy is kinda full of himself.

" I'm sure people still share your stories. But when I say I'm not from here, I really mean I'm not from here. "

We sat and talked for a while, about everything. About my strange predicament or about Lucio's life as the Count. We talked for a few hours about our lives and experiences, Lucio is actually a very interesting person. He used to control the city, which sounds like a huge job. He used to house parties almost daily. And once, he was a mercenary. I also learned a bit about how he lives as a ghost. He can kinda feel, but he really can't touch anything. Or how he can't eat, but he can smell. So I promised to bring him a nice candle, he liked that idea. Lucio looks toward the window and sighs.

" It's pretty late. Don't you need to sleep or something? "

" Probably. "

I stand up to leave, we were laying on the carpet by the window. He stops me before I open the door.

" You will come back, right? "

" I will, promise. "

I felt eyes on me the entire walk back to my room. He's watching me. My room is colder than it was when I left, Candlewick hasn't moved an inch. I lay back down in my bed and try to go back to sleep.

Golden light bathes my face with warmth. I open my eyes to see the painted ram again, watching me. The distant birds fill my ears with such beautiful music, I hum with them. The stained glass windows whistle from the wind. I hear wind chimes from somewhere close by. I must be dreaming again.

" Well well well. "

I hear what sounds like heels walking toward me, clicking on the floor. But then they stop, right behind me. I slowly turn around to see a ram, the one that was painted on the ceiling. He raises a brow at me.

" It's been a while since I had a guest. "

[agentmarcuspike]

hey ziggy!! i thought i had with sending asks seems to be fixed so yeah, i didn’t just disappear for weeks.

i did send a few headcanons during that time so i’ll see if they’re still in my notes to send them back, if not i’ll write them again.

and for today we’re gonna talk warm clothes because I’m in the plane and the ac is ac-ing a little too well so I’m freezing.

marcus definitely has the warmest, most comfortable, high quality sweaters, coats, scarves. he’s the kind of person who values quality over quantity so he’d rather buy fewer items that will last him a really long time than buy a new sweater each season because the one from last year is in a terrible state. 

i see him wearing very neutral tones, a lot of warm browns, dark tones, grey, burgundy and he’ll always ask you your opinion about it (I’ll talk more about that in another headcanon)

and the best part is that you’re 100% allowed to steal his sweaters, he’ll probably lend them to you every time he notices you’re a little cold and it’s quite literally the best feeling in the world. 1) as i mentioned, they’re very soft, very warm and 2) they smell just like him which makes wearing one of his sweaters feel like a big hug from him. 

also he’s definitely wrapping you up in his scarf whenever you go out and you swear it’s not that cold but you end up freezing. he does that thing where he grabs his scarf from around his neck and wraps it around you, making sure it’s covering you well. 

he does the same thing with his coat. and if you’re going home late, he’ll use it as a blanket  because that man will not let you get cold, not if he can help it. don’t you dare shiver or mention it in front of him or he won’t hesitate to take off all his clothes to give them to you instead.

i need marcus to give me his sweater now :(

-marcus anon 

hey you!! <3 this ask found me at the perfect time, as i’m suddenly trapped at my parents’ in an unexpected snowstorm and didn’t bring any warm clothes so i’m wearing all my old stuff looking like a big kid/fool and i would much rather be wearing marcus’ fav cashmere :’(

thinking about his winter jackets too, definitely one black or brown longer wool coat for dressing up and suit style outfits, and one casual thicker all weather type jacket with fleece lining that sits perfectly just above his hips and this annoys him a lot but you love it when he has to stretch up to grab something and he didn’t tuck his undershirt so the jacket rides up and exposes his midriff to the cold for a sec :) the only visible skin except for his smiley eyes above the scarf covering his mouth and nose :)

………… god let me LIVE

SAFE TRAVELS!! STAY WARM!! <3

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Rage Fire Institution

Confessional. 4.

Throwing himself down on his bed, Maki had a good mind to lodge a complaint. The weather had turned sour, freezing rain hitting like needles against the flesh of the students forced to run. He’d been prepared, sensing the incoming change in the weather in the air and warning those closest to dress accordingly, still, that didn’t mean hit boots hadn’t turned to sodden mess and his training pants a muddied mess from the knee down. That night no one gave two shits about any form of embarrassment, crowding in the showers all desperate to return blood flow and warmth to their chilled bodies.

What he couldn’t grasp was why that arsehole had been there. His babysitter. His babysitter forced to run laps like the rest of them despite not being in the first two years. Apparently the third and forth years had been spared the same punishment and humiliation.

“That damn Skylark, he can suck my dick. What the shit was that? You just know he’s not going to give any students time off if they get sick”

Maki silently agreed with his roommate. They might have different schedules, but they still had much the same classes. Due to space constraints each year was divided into six seperate time tables as well as study tracks. Forms and home rooms were conducted in mixed classes in the pilot track, the same when designating rooms, with the hopes of friendships or some shit the proclamation from above. The institute had expanded as much as it could, yet with small beginnings, or rather beginnings that would now be called small, only so much space was allocated. When they’d run out of vertical space, the only way to build was up.

Feeling a kick against his leg, Maki raised his head. His roommate glaring down at him for blocking the ladder to his bunk above. Tarva Hold came from another planet, and why he’d chosen Rage Fire would always be beyond Maki’s understanding. Neither male had a good relationship with each other, his upper bunk buddy tossed too much in his sleep and seemed to take each of Maki’s excursions outside the institute as some kind of insult. With his fiery red hair and red eyes, rage suited the alpha well

“Move it”

Sighing, Maki moved his legs. He didn’t think the noise he’d made would segway into anything, yet with four pissed off alphas in the room, he should have known better.

Across from him sat Gudius Lant. His parents were from Terra, third or fourth generation, with only faint traces of his ancestry showing in vertical irises as sensitive as a cats. He’d liked to brag that his race had a natural affinity with small electronics, yet Maki had never seen him in action. Ruffling his wet blonde hair, the alpha couldn’t keep his mouth shut

“What’s this I hear about you getting a hit in? The famous slacker actually managed a hit?”

Having climbed up his bunk, Tarva stuck his head over the side to talk down to Maki

“Him? He did? I thought all he was good for was breaking out and flaunting his rule breaking”

Maki flipped him off. Anything else seemed too much effort. Guduis gave a small laugh at the pair of them

“If you keep this up, I’m going to think you’re flirting. No shit, Tar, he got a hit in on that mech. It’s all over the forum with video of it too. Right before he got his arse handed to him”

Tarva snorted

“I bet you he didn’t last 30 seconds”

Only, Maki had. Guduis seemed pretty keen to keep the topic going

“He lasted a minute 20 seconds. Technically he got one of the top scores today”

As the colour drained from Tarva’s face, Maki rolled over onto his left side. He hadn’t known that himself. He’d barely watched his match and then scrawled some lame excuse for his short comings once he’d joined the legion of bitter classmates. His fight hadn’t felt long, not long enough to have passed the minute point. He’d have to access the system and download the data… which he’d intended to do earlier yet hadn’t gotten too.

“Fuck that…”

Tarva’s tone was bitter. He’d probably been beaten in half a minute flat. Guduis all smiles as he opened his desk drawer and pulled out a snack

“It’s true. No one got to see the pilot today. Though we did get to see something else interesting, the school forums blowing up over who could have been in that mech. Even the senior years claim it wasn’t them. So if it wasn’t, who has the stamina to stay in a mech that long other than the teachers?”

Maki didn’t care. Or rather, he couldn’t show his interest with the insufferable Tarva there. Tarva doing, as the Maki had hoped, by biting the bait waved in his face

“What? Hold up. Are you telling me it wasn’t a student, or a teacher. That only leaves remote control viewing or the research department… unless they brought someone else in. No. They wouldn’t want it getting out that they’re slacking in their training”

Guduis nodded

“Exactly. Which leaves only the research department. Some bastard there knows how to pilot at an elite level. They had to not only work out each individual students methods, but contain their individual strength, regulate their connections, and adjust to the level of output each pilot placed through the mech. I’ve never met anyone like that. Even the returned students were shocked and they’ve had frontline experience. My guess is that we’ve got a new student, or today wasn’t simply about torturing each of us”

The bunk above creaked as Tarva rolled back

“Those fucks think because we’re students all were good for is fodder”

Maki silently agreed. Returnees from the front lines tended to keep to themselves. No returnee would enrol in the first or second levels unless they discovered they couldn’t hack it on the front lines. Even then, the school was quick to use them as poster children and parade their accomplishments. They didn’t seem the type to take credit for repeatedly beating student pilots, yet that didn’t mean they wouldn’t drop a fellow comrade in it on the forum.

Forcing himself back up, Maki reached for his bedside drawer. He was far too tired for gaming that night, and intended only on downloading his data. The move didn’t escape Guduis’s attentions as his roommate kept on being annoying

“Right. It’s a Thursday tonight. You usually go out on Thursdays, don’t you”

One again, Tarva bit hard. His annoying face coming over the bunk again, narrowly missing hit Maki’s as he did

“You better not be thinking about it. I’m going straight to Skylark if you do”

He would too. Guduis may looked more like a snake than Tarva, but Tarva had the snakey personality. Sighing at the idiot above him, Maki couldn’t leave, even if he’d wanted to

“I’m getting my headset. And, Guduis, since when do you care whether I go out or not?”

Guduis shrugged casually

“I don’t particularly. I just know you’ve got that sister you think of. She must be a piece of work if she’s your sister”

Ahhh… Right. Guduis knew. He’d forgotten that completely, his roommate catching him ending a call with her months ago. Since then he’d taken careful measures not to call where anyone could hear. Tarva gasped

“You have a sister? He has a sister? There’s more than one of you?”

Shooting Guduis a glare, Maki pulled out his headset

“I never said I was an only child. She’s at home, doesn’t go to school, not that that’s any of your business. I’m surprised you even remembered she existed”

Reopening his drawer, Guduis pulled out a few more bags of snacks, throwing a couple over to Maki

“Normally your face is so severe I can’t be bothered teasing you. Somehow you look more human than ever before. It’s who you go see isn’t it? When you’re outside?”

Maki made a mental note not to ever do anything other than glare in Guduis direction in the future. No. He didn’t go visit his sister. That was too far to travel in one night and be back by morning, even for him, unless she desperately needed him home

“If you want to think that, you can. And before you get ideas, Tarva, she’s a kid. I’m not giving you her number”

Tarva made a look of sheer disgust as he scolded him

“Don’t lump me in the same category as you. She can’t be any good if she’s your sister”

The alpha wanted a fight. Maki would have so very much liked to hit him for his comment, but that was more drama

“She’s a kid. End of discussion. Don’t disturb me, I’m going to download my specs and then to sleep. It’s lights out soon as it is”

With his headset on, Maki settled back in bed, glad for the headset covering his eyes so he didn’t have to watch Tarva moving above him. Seeing a new alert on the corner of his screen, he found a dozen new messages about his fight with the mech. Li must have already been bragging given so many people now seemed to know his username. He liked it better when people didn’t. He didn’t want them talking to them and he really didn’t want them knowing about his family’s situation.

With a soft ding, his focus was pulled from his messages. A game request from a user named “TatsaTiger”. He couldn’t remember versing the user before, but for some reason they’d reached out… probably due to his accidental moment of fame. Another ding followed, a new message from “TatsaTiger” simply stating “accept”. Whatever. He might as well. He had no way to vent his frustrations physically, he might as well do so mentally.

***

The fever over the new pilot theory quickly extinguished itself. About a week had passed and in that time Maki had avoided detention smoothly. For some reason the people around him seemed to no longer turn away, some even casting weird smiles in his direction which left him offended slightly. All he wanted to do was keep himself to himself and get through his daily routine without extra trouble.

So why did trouble have to come looking for him?

Crash tackled by Li as Maki walked into his advanced bio-engineering class, his head was still under his best friends arm as trouble reared its ugly head. His babysitter was already there, talking with the teacher… both of them looking up at the disturbance, solely caused by Li, at the same time. Maki’s heart sunk. The day had barely begun and trouble seemed on the horizon for him.

“Mister Sato and Mister Kang, seeing you’re both so energetic this morning, you can both take a seat up here at the front. Each side of Mister Hikaru please”

Other students poorly hid their giggles as the pair made their way to the front row of the lecture hall. Li had never had to sit through one of the Professor’s lectures over behaviour before, so Maki felt both equally and amused over the suffering of his best friend. Their lecturer, a stern omega named Peony Walters, wasn’t a bad woman. If anything, she was one of Maki’s preferred teachers. Dynamics didn’t matter in the slightest to her and she was living proof there was no such thing as a weak omega. No talking was permitted in her class, nor did she show favouritism. No student was more worthy than another and if one student was struggling with a topic she always covertly worked strategic helpful hints in her lecturers, without shaming whoever the student was. She had backbone to make it on her own.

Ending her conversation with the Professor with a nod, his babysitter causally took his seat between Maki and Li. Being a teacher, Maki didn’t expect the professor to pull out his own notebook and supplies. Normal classes allowed the use of data pads, but a lot of students found paper notes still useful especially for quick sketches of schematics. Li voicing what Maki was thinking

“Professor, you’re acting like a student. Surely you’re not taking this class too?”

“Mister Kang, I do believe you just got yourself into trouble. I suggest you open your notebook before things get worse. I know you’re a good student so it’s best you pay attention. Today’s lecture is about the upcoming team project”

Maki bit down a laugh as Li pulled a face. Not to be left without the final word, his friend made a show of pulling out his data pad

“I was getting to it. Seriously though, what’s a teacher like you doing here? Don’t tell me Skylark is punishing you too”

The professor snorted softly. A softness coming over his face. That wasn’t how this was supposed to go. What happened to the man who lectured him easily? The Professor’s tone carrying a light note of humour

“No. I’m not that bad. Neither is that one in trouble. Due to circumstances I’ll be in this class. Think of me as a fellow student who doesn’t want a bad grade”

Li’s eyebrows shot up, his expression asking Maki if he was hearing the same thing

“You’ll be in our class? But aren’t you a professor already? Wait, if we’re working on a team project, you’ve totally got to help us out here”

“I don’t know where you got the impression I’m a professor from. And yes, I’ve already been asked to be in the same team as you both. Ms Walters asked me in early hence my arrival before you two. Now, I suggest you pay attention. Honestly… a professor at my age… I wish I could see the world as easily as you do. It’s not easy to pick up a degree, let alone one from a place like this”

Maki could only blink rapidly. For months he’d firmly believed the Professor to be a professor or some kind of teacher, maybe even a teachers assistant… and now he had this information, he felt as if his brain had been smacked with a sledgehammer. The… the Professor… was the Professor actually a student the whole time?

[caress-a-sad-tree]

Poppy & Memory #Chapter 5

Yell for delusion

The day is passing rapidly, and winter is coming to be the most frigid time. And it is exactly one month since Leverrier first came to Kai's place, giving a big fish. Kai was curious about it at the beginning. But for now, he forgets about suspecting the reason for it, and he just thinks of the fish as a gift from some fools to him or "admiring him." Today, the weather isn't normal. The low temperature and the dense mist can only be seen from 5 meters away. Kai stole the batteries at night, so he normally gets up very late, probably with a woman who he doesn't know. The time is close to noon, like 11 p.m. He pulled the door open just like he does every day. Leverrier is kneeling on the carpet with nothing around him. "Geez, why are you damn again?" Kai yells at him with anger.

However, Leverrier doesn't respond in any sense. He asked the school to leave today with the reason for taking a break previously. He prepared some and came to Kai's place in the deep night when Kai slept. To be rational, he kneeled here for about 10 more hours. You may say, that is not special compared to other days, right? No, I didn't finish my words yet. He normally just puts the big fish and goes to school. Today, he kneeled for a whole night and he didn't wear anything. On this freezing winter day, everyone wears a lot, like fake fur clothes and thick scarves. Leverrier doesn't wear anything, he is naked completely, even with no pants.

Just a few seconds later, Kai feels weird and tries to ask questions about the man who is kneeling in front of him. Who are you? Don't you hear me? I won't ask you the same question twice. Stands up! Why are you following me? Who sent you nitwit here? You know my big brother, don't you? If you still pretending you are deaf, you will get a taste from my big brother. I will tell you, he killed his mom when he was 13. You won't want to make trouble in his eyes. On the surface, Kai is strong and speaks coarsely, but he is the one who is pretending. The man in front of him, who didn't say anything to him, is very dangerous in Kai's view.

Or, if that is true, he is very dangerous. You know, Kai is young, and the only ways he knows to communicate are through drunk talk or fighting. So he punched Leverrier again, very powerfully. Leverrier is very weak in body. Only one punch makes him bleed from the mouth. But Kai doesn't see it and punches him with a weird feeling. He seems to see a different world that human beings are only allowed to find in the deep bright ocean.

Everything flows in the air. No, that is not air. But it doesn't make him hard to breathe. In fact, it seems he can totally relax without taking a breath. All colors are mixed partly, like a few nice colored plasticines are mixed. To touch the surroundings is just like honey without the sticky touch. The colors are so cute and beautiful that Kai never saw them. It reminds him of the feelings of being born or dying. The colors tell the stories of all the nice emotions he had. Nothing bad is in this world. To be honest, he eventually loses his feeling for himself. There is no other person, no arguing from others, no competing, no yelling in anger, and no religious spirit. What was he doing? He gradually forgets. About the world, the only word I can use is that it is a colorful cell of paradise.

It has only been a few seconds, but Kai doesn't feel the time and thinks it may have been for years. When he sees a pin above him, he naturally wants to jump and grab it, and then he falls back. He suddenly or gradually, which I cannot describe, stay out of his body for a little while and sees himself punching a strange man. He only stares at it but has no thought of asking why or trying to stop it. All these things happen to be like a quick daytime dream. And then he went back to his body, like a clever baby who has been put into a cute little bed and is not crying out loud but only watching out with its big eyes. The moment he realizes he is really punching someone Leverrier is already dead, full of blood on the carpet. What? What? What?

He feels so nervous, even though he's met many people who say that they've killed people. But he didn't mean to kill him. He just doesn't know what is going on! When he checked on Leverrier's head, he saw what was carved on his carpet, safe to leave and come (in Chinese of 出入平安). Many Chinese families put this slogan on their carpets for safety. Kai feels so unbelievable and gets totally blank in his head. He naturally opened his door and tried to drag the body of Leverrier back to his place. Ouch! What the f*** is happening here? He yelled so loudly. His foot is full of blood and something penetrates into his left foot, which is on the indoor carpet. What is that? He yelled so uncontrollably with all the power burst out from his hair ends to his toes. He simultaneously vomits his last-night snacks.

To see what is on the indoor carpet, Kai tries to calm down and watch. He has been scared. It is a nice arranged row of fish's sharp teeth.

[iambilliejeanok]

♥️Feel better♥️

Itachi Uchiha takes care of his sick s/o who unfortunately caught a really bad cold during their mission together. Fortunately for her though, Itachi is there to take care of his baby until they get back home and Kisame is more than happy to attend to his close partners need too. (*proceeds to cry in loneliness *)

Warnings: 18+ shit man I had to come back up here and change the entire fluff message because I got horny and now it’s no longer just fluff. I tried my best sorry. There is still a toooon of fluffy lovey dovey content, Kissing, nsfw and dirty smut and slight ddlg That’s all🙂

@sleeepy-zeepy here’s one for us and our undying love for Kisame and @mangekyoitachi there’s enough Itachi for all of us to bus a nut for☺️☺️

Rain poured outside of the hotel you slept in. The hard pitter pattering on the window made you feel very uncomfortable, which was unusual because the rain usually eases your nerves, helping you fall asleep faster. Tonight however, you wouldn’t stop squirming in bed, your body feeling a little cold as you snuggled further into your lover. “Go to sleep baby”, Itachi sleepily mumbled, kissing your forehead and wrapping his arms around you to pull you closer to him. Itachi already turned the heat up in your little hotel room and he made sure to get extra blankets for you tonight, but you still shivered beside him. He lazily pulled your shirt off, your pants coming off too as you tossed under the covers, making the job a little more trickier for him. Smiling, he placed a little peck on your cheek, whispering in your ear to ease you,

“Hey y/n, just lay still, I’ll take care of the rest”, he said, attempting to pull your pant off of your clammy skin.

“Noooo!”, you whined, kicking and shoving him away with your eyes closed, the intense tingly sensation flowing through your body making you feel very agitated.

“We have to get these off of you”, he said, almost forcefully holding you still so he could get this over and done with. Itachi just knew you were coming down with a fever the moment you stepped into the hotel. The pouring rain outside having drenched you, himself as well as Kisame, but they felt fine and you were a little uncomfortable.

After washing you down in a nice hot shower he finally managed to get you in bed, and now he had to take your pajama’s off so you didn’t heat up in the night. He also thought that having your skin pressed against his would help with your shivering and constant tossing.

When he held you tight, that seemed to do the trick, the heat of his body on yours feeling amazing and the skin on skin contact fired up your blood so it traveled through your body in waves of heat. Breathing out into his chest, you had first felt the warmth spreading across both of your feet, the pleasurable heat traveling upwards until you body lay still and you began to drift in and out of a much needed sleep. Eventually you’d fallen asleep, staying tucked right under Itachi’s hold until the bright morning sun shone through the misted window, the heat from the room plus the cold outside having steamed up the window well enough that the sun didn’t feel so harsh penetrating the room you two were cuddled up in.

“Is sleepy head finally awake?”, you heard the soothing deep voice above you ask. With a quick whine you buried your face into his neck, finding a better position while trying to get the covers on top of you, whining a little louder when you failed. Chuckling, Itachi helped cover you up, the vibrations of his chest soothing you back into a deep sleep while his arms wrapped around you under the covers. “There you go”, he whispered, deeply inhaling the natural scent of your skin before slightly dozing off again. You were just so exhausted, the extra sleep you snuck in confirming Itachi’s thoughts that you were definitely getting sick. He didn’t mind sleeping in with you this morning, knowing that some cozy cuddles would help get you through this much quicker and easier. He had already told Kisame that they probably wouldn’t be leaving their room today, seeing that you were a little grumpy when they walked in the hotel last night.

Kisame had woken up in the early hours of the morning, when you and Itachi were still fast asleep, getting a good workout in before he took a shower and sat in his bed to read a book, assuming that there would be a knock on his door if ever you two were ready to go back out.

Itachi couldn’t bring himself to sleep anymore, straining his neck to look over at the time. It read 12:45pm. When was the last time he slept in until noon? Carefully, he unwrapped your warm and sticky self off of him, gently brining the covers back over you before he sat up on the bed, the feel of soft cotton on his bare feet very refreshing as he stretched and yawned. A shower and probably ordering some breakfast would wake you up. Maybe you’d have to skip a shower this morning and just have breakfast.

Slowly, your eyes fluttered open, the bright sun almost blinding you before you quickly covered yourself with the blanket. A big yawn followed by a stretch helped you wake up a little, the bed very warm and so was the room, your foot sticking out the side of the covers to test the temperature. Your throat hurt so much that even yawning was uncomfortable and you just knew that you were sick. The thought of the ongoing mission you’d have to take on today made you whine, the aches in your body bringing tears to your eyes. You could not possibly continue with your mission in this wet and cold weather. The yucky feeling washing over you enough to make you feel nauseas.

Your body automatically jumped out of the bed, making a beeline for the bathroom just in time for you to heave all the contents of your stomach out, which was mostly green tea and rice from the night before.

You couldn’t hear the door open and then shut as you still heaved over the toilet, fighting for a breath of air as your body continued to heave air over the toilet. A slightly cold hand ran down your back, another one flat against your forehead as your body finally allowed you to breathe again. “Not feeling too good today love?”, Itachi stated, wiping the wetness on your mouth with some tissues before flushing everything away. “Come here”, he said, easily scooping you in his arms to carry you to bed. “You’re very warm baby”, he said, your half naked body heating his clothed one up as he held you against him. Snuggling into his shirt, you appreciated the coolness his clothes brought against your skin from being outside the warm room.

A knock sounded at the door, Itachi quickly placing you under the covers to go and answer it. It was probably Kisame. His very close and trusted partner. “Kisame”, Itachi greeted, leaving the door open for him to enter while Itachi walked away to turn down the heat. “It’s way too hot in here Itachi”, the shark man groaned, closing the door behind him. “So she’s sick?” he asked, seeing you tossing a little under the heavy blankets. “Very”, Itachi replied, “I don’t think we should head out until she’s better. It’s just not going to work out until she’s in her right mind again”.

“I figured”, shark man replied, walking over to stand beside your bed. “Hey”, he awkwardly greeted. Noticing the bare skin of your shoulders be thought it be best he left now. At least until you were dressed. As he turned around to leave your warm hand caught his colder one, the coolness never fading away as your clammy hand remained in his large cold one. “Kisame, hey”, you whispered, your breasts now fully exposed from reaching out for his hand. Kisame felt his cheeks warm up at the lovely sight, quickly turning his head away in respect of yours and Itachi’s privacy.

“Uhm…y/n”, Kisame cleared his throat, looking over at Itachi for help, but his friend was too busy working on breakfast in the kitchen. “What’s wrong Kisa?”, came your raspy voice. “Well, your…uhm, your breasts”, Kisame answered, trying to look at everything but the voluptuous mounds on your chest, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand while the index and middle finger of his other hand were held by your loose and warm grip. “Oh sorry”, you said, letting go of his hand to snuggle further under the blankets. With a friendly huff he took a step back, turning around to walk toward the kitchen and talk to his friend, breathing in deep to ease the nerves you just spiked up.

“Kisame!”, your voice cracking at the end, a little cough escaping at your attempt to raise your voice. Shark man immediately turned on his heels, looking over at you in surprise. He was well aware of how needy and clingy you were, that was your natural personality and he kind of liked that about you. Sometimes your hugs and cheek kisses made him feel a little bit better, having you around was wholesome. He was glad you were with Itachi. The two of you were friends he never thought he’d be able to have. People that he was worried he could actually trust.

“Yes y/n…you okay?”, he asked, fully turning to face you, drowning in the comfort of your bed. Sharp white teeth peaked through his mouth when he saw your hand come out the blankets in search for his. Taking a few steps closer, he finally held your warm hand, his large one completely engulfing your own. The coolness you felt radiate from him was kind of nice and he could say the same about the warmth from your hand.

“You’re very warm y/n”, he said, running his thumb over your wrist, you wondered if he was even aware of what he was doing, smiling up at him when you responded, “Its freezing out there”. A light chuckle left his lips, “Y/n it’s ninety degrees in here , you can’t possibly still be co-”, he began to say, but his words were cut off when you casually sat up in the bed, stretching with your arm out wide before dropping it to the covers. He stood frozen in place, your hand still holding on to his. “Itachi!”, Kisame called, very loud, unable to handle the sight of your bare chest before him, your nipples a little perky from the slight change in temperature between the covers and the air around you.

“Kisame?”, Itachi responded, leaning against the door frame, “What?”, he asked, completely unphased by his half naked girlfriend holding onto his most trusted friend’s hand. Kisame looked a little confused, cocking his head in your direction while maintaining eye contact with him. A bead of sweat fell down the side of his forehead and it was not because the room was warm. “Can you get her a fucking shirt?” , Kisame finally spat out, unable to control the growing erection in his pants. “Sure”, was all Itachi said, grabbing one of his shirts from a bag pack and tossing it over at Kisame. “I have to make sure the soup doesn’t burn”, he said, hurrying to the kitchen, Kisames eyes widening in disbelief as he watched his friend disappear into the other room.

Swallowing he looked over at you and you looked right back at him, letting go of his hand to put both your arms up, your actions further exposing the shape and swell of your breasts. “What?”, Kisame asked, having long given up on not staring at your breasts, your dark and pretty brown areolae sweetly surrounding your brown nipples. Maybe they taste just as good as they loo- “Kisa?”, you called, distracting him from his heated thoughts as his eyes shot right back to yours. “Oh sorry uh, what’s up?”, he stuttered, fighting for his life trying not to stare again. “I’m ready for the shirt”, you said, lifting your arms up again. “Oh…o-okay”, he said a little confused. “Here”, he handed the shirt to you. “Please put it on for me?”, you sweetly asked, looking right into his eyes. How could he possibly say no to you. There was something so gentle about you that made him feel like he was crazy for not thinking of putting it on for you himself and for just a young second he almost understood the relationship between you and Itachi. Why you were so affectionate towards one another. It felt nice to be needed, even if it was in the smallest ways, like putting your shirt on for you.

“There”, he said, standing back so you could pull it down and fix it to your liking. “Thank you”, you yawned, lifting your arms up and making grabby hands. His eyebrows furrowed again, what’s this supposed to mean? “Pick her up”, Itachi said, bringing the breakfast into the room and placing it on the little wooden table not too far from the window. Kisame spun on his feet to look over at Itachi. This was weird. How was Itachi okay with any of this? This was his significant other. His lover. Partner. Literally his world and he was just letting him join it? “Uh, Itachi?”, he asked, now very confused. “I just saw your woman naked and now you want me to pick her up?”, he bluntly stated, unable to hold back the confusion any longer. “I don’t feel comfortable doing that”. Itachi sighed out loud enough, walking towards his friend. “Kisame, I thought we were partners?” Itachi asked.

“Yes we are”, shark man responded.

“And so is Y/N?”, Itachi asked again.

“Yes of course”.

“Then I want you to love and take care of her like you do for me. We’re all partners here and we should all take care of each other and trust one another. It also makes me quite happy that Y/N trusts you enough to ask for your care. That’s not something she takes lightly with just anyone….she’s sick and she needs both of us for a speedy recovery”,Itachi said, turning on his heels and walking away to go get another tray of food.

“Like she’s my girlfriend too?”, Kisame asked, a short huff leaving his mouth, finding the situation so ridiculous that he couldn’t help but be amused, but Itachi’s next words completely threw him off guard.

“Yes. You’re more than welcome to have her as your lover. She has more than enough love to give the both of us”.

“Wha-”

“Kisaaa, pick me up”, you whined, running out of patience as you waited for the two men to finish conversing.

“Go ahead, and come eat breakfast. She’s also really soft…unless you do-”, Itachi said but was cut off by the loud squeal that came of your mouth.

Kisame quickly placed both his large hands under your armpits and lifted you off the bed, your legs immediately wrapping around his bulky waist and your arms wrapping around his neck, a small satisfied smile on your lips as you nuzzled your face into his neck.

Itachi was totally right. You were extremely soft. Your breasts squishing against the muscular expanse of his chest, the warmth radiating from your body covering him like a blanket. The thighs that wrapped tightly around him and the way you snuggled into him made him feel tingly inside. Warm. You actually wanted him?

Obviously this wasn’t the first time Kisame had been with another woman, but it was surely the first time he’d experience affection on this level. The way you hugged him and clung to him like you’d normally do to Itachi made him feel needed, automatically making him wrap his arms around you and hold you closer to him, inhaling the natural scent of your skin.

“She needs to eat”, Itachi said from across the room, sitting down on the cushion closest to the wall. Kisame felt so relaxed as you held onto him, finally understanding why you and Itachi babied one another so much. He felt like he was melting, enjoying this so much that Itachi’s voice nearly startled him.

“Here eat”, Itachi said, bringing up the renge with hot soup to his mouth to blow before bringing it to your mouth. “Baby”, Itachi nudged you, smiling because you were falling asleep as you snuggled into his arm. “Huh?”, you said, your eyes barely open, trying to get yourself together and failing because of how awful you felt. “Come here”, Itachi mused, pulling you to sit in the little space between his legs so he could feed you better.

Kisame smiled at the two of you, his heart warming at the love Itachi was showing you, wondering if he could ever give that or receive that with you while he ate his food too.

After breakfast Itachi cleaned up, giving Kisame a chance to take care of you too. This was the perfect opportunity for the two of you to bond better…on a more emotional sense.

Kisame scooped you up from Itachi’s arms and placed you back in bed, your throat feeling much better from the soup you ate. You probably wouldn’t stay sick for more than two days with how well Itachi took care of you.

As Kisame was about to turn away after tucking you in, he felt your fingers close on his index and middle finger again, making him turn around to look at you. “Stay”, you sleepily said, weakly pulling him closer to you. As much as Kisame like the idea of cuddling with you, it was definitely going to take some time for him to get used to this.

Pulling the covers down, he crawled in to lay beside you, surprised at how quickly you managed to wrap yourself around him, almost laying on him like he was the damn bed. The minute you got comfortable you passed out, your steady breaths on his neck telling him that. With a sigh he pulled the blankets over you, relaxing into the soft mattress as his hands gently ran over your back.

This was nice he thought, his hand accidentally grazing your ass while he caressed you. He didn’t mean to, it’s just that because he was such a giant, you were quite small to him and your waist sat a little further above his waist, making it quite easy for him accidentally bump into your ass when he forgot that you weren’t covering his entire abdomen. Great. There goes the erection again.

He tried to calm himself down, opting to simply wrap one hand around you and place the other under his head, slowly dozing off, lulled by your slumber.

Kisame woke up with a light jolt, totally having let his guard down and succumbed to a slumber he didn’t even remember he enjoyed as much as this. How long was he asleep for? He could smell your scent all over him, realizing that his head was wrapped by your arm , your hand running through his hair while the other lightly scratched his back. If you were trying to kill him he would’ve of considered himself dead a very long time ago because your touch just made him so weak. That’s probably why he slept for so long. “I think he’s awake”, he heard you say, lifting his head up to look at you, his cheeks heating up at the realization that his face was buried right between your breasts. “Oh I’m sorry”, he said, quickly jerking back. “It’s okay”, you chuckled, “Someone was a little more tired than I was”, you chuckled again, your usual character coming back a little. That soup and some rest must of done the trick he thought to himself. “Kisame, glad you could catch up on rest”, Itachi said, right behind you, his hand reaching under the shirt he let you wear and slowly traveling up. He did that so casually, shuffling closer to you and pushing his knee between your thigh, the long and sweet kisses he placed on your neck making Kisame feel rather uncomfortable. Why was Itachi doing this right in front of him.

A feint sigh left your lips at the small roll of Itachi hips against your ass, his hand obviously cupping your breast under the shirt you wore, a tug of your nipple making you softly moan. Itachi continued to kiss your neck, softly sucking as he went along, getting closer and closer to your lips.

Kisame wanted to leave. He would’ve left long time ago if it hadn’t been for the way you held eye contact with him while Itachi fondled you, your hand lightly running along his beefy arm, while the other now intertwined with Itachi’s, gently gripping his arm when Itachi pinched your nipple harder.

Kisame was already rock hard, his erection forming an obvious tent in his pants. What the hell were you doing to him? Fuck y/n.

As Kisame contemplated his next move, Itachi’s hand slipped out from your shirt and reached out for Kisame’s. The shark man swallowed, a little nervous of where this was going. He had to admit to himself that the two of you made him feel very shy. You were just so beautiful, so soft and you smelled so good. He’d never been with a woman this intimately and the fact that his friend was inviting him into the world he was living in made him blush.

“You’re more than welcome to back out at any point”, Itachi said, breaking his mouth away from your skin to speak, leading his hand to your lower tummy. “Do you want to see her breasts?”, Itachi asked, Kisame almost choking on his spit, upset with himself for being so awkward. He’s made a mess of plenty of woman in his lifetime, quite easily, bringing them to a whiny ball of tears each time. He was natural at pleasing women, he actually craved for it sometimes. He craved to feel nails clawing his back and the clear liquid coating his face. He craved the way it smelled and the way it tasted, the sounds they made. He desired all of it but here and now he was worried that he wouldn’t be enough for you. What if he couldn’t please you how you wanted? Even if he asked…you were so gentle in everything you did and he was worried he would be too rough for you. Maybe a little aggressive. The last thing he wanted was to scare you off.

“Kisame it’s okay. Princess, be a good girl and get on your knees so our friend can help you out of your shirt”, Itachi spoke, noticing the hesitance in his friends eyes.

“Yes daddy”, you replied, already in sub space, getting to your knees with both men helping you, also now on their knees. Itachi behind you and Kisame in front of you.

Daddy? Kisame wondered, his dick twitching at how you easily obeyed your lover, the word coming out of your mouth in such a seductive manner, never breaking eye contact with Kisame.

Lifting up your hands, Kisame lifted up your shirt too, gulping at the wonderful sight of your breasts once again, before looking back up at your beautiful face. Itachi’s hands traced down your sides, gently cupping each mound and squeezing them, making Kisame swallow some more.

“My Princess is quite sensitive”, Itachi spoke, lightly pinching your nipple, Kisame witnessing the way your lips parted and your back arched a little, Itachi pulling you a little closer to him, he’s knees on either side of you as he dove in to kiss your neck, pulling out more soft whines and whimpers, Kisame nearly panting at how your body reacted, squirming in Itachi’s hold as he sucked and bit at your skin, leaving a trail of red marks behind. The sounds you made would even bring a man like him to his knees, your back arching and your hands clawing at Itachi’s hands as he got rougher, kneading your breasts and pinching your nipples, causing you to whine out in frustration, your hips grinding the air for relief, your eyes barely managing to stay opened as you kept contact with Kisame.

“Would you like to try?”, Itachi asked, looking at Kisame with a hopeful look, watching him desperately nod.

Itachi smiled, “ Princess”, he called, “Yes daddy?”, you answered,

“Do you want Kisame to touch you too?”.

“Yes daddy”, you moaned, enjoying the way he still pinch and pulled at your sensitive nips.

A loud smack sounded, followed by a sharp gasp, Itachi having slapped your breast quite hard. “Whatever happened to your manners sweetie?”, he asked, lightly smacking the same breast again, Kisame deeply appreciating the way it bounced at the impact. Your hips jerked forward in hot want.

“I’m sorry daddy”, you apologized, your voice a little whiny. Such a good girl, Kisame thought, his heart beating like drum at how easily Itachi handled you, excited with how well you reacted. Was he allowed to spank you too? Was he allowed to punish you? To deny you? Make you beg and cry? No. It was all too soon he thought. He would definitely scare you away. Little does he know…

“Try that again”, Itachi spoke, his voice deeper than usual.

“Kisaaa”, you called, the way you said his name convincing enough, that it already sounded like you were begging. “Please will you touch me too”, you asked, and that was enough for him.

A soft sigh left your lips when his cool hands made contact with your hot skin, gently kneading them before squeezing, his eyes only breaking away from yours to watch how your breasts filled his palms, loving the weight of them in his hands.

“Don’t be afraid to play with her. She’s a very good girl”, Itachi spoke, taking your mouth into his in a searing hot kiss, tracing his tongue along your lips, pulling it back into his mouth when you tried to latch onto it, making you whine out in frustration. Kisame decided to test the waters, pinching your nipples between his thick fingers. Lightly jolting at the sudden pain you moaned, the smell of your arousal now clouding Kisames head, bringing out the inner shark in him. He didn’t want to be rough with you, but he didn’t know how else to be. He figured he’d just embrace who he really was like you always told him to, hungrily latching onto your nipple, immediately sucking and nipping, his sharp teeth introducing a sensation totally different from Itachi’s. It was way more intense and stung much more too, the pain drenching your black, cotton undies with your want. Itachi swallowed all your moans, holding your hips down toward him so you’d stop squirming and Kisame could enjoy himself in peace.

“Baby, does that feel good?”, Itachi asked, only centimeters away from your lips, your eyes lazily looking into his red ones.

“Yes, so good”, you breathed, your seductive voice forcing a low growl from Kisame, causing your hips to jerk forward too, Itachi immediately slamming them back to him.

He found your lips again, finally allowing you to suck on his tongue, your teeth accidentally grazing it as you tried to take the delicious pain Kisame inflicted on your breasts.

When Itachi noticed you were parting from him his hand came up to bury itself in your hair, now tongue fucking your pretty mouth, enjoying the way you sucked on it.

Kisame was far gone in the taste of your skin, your back perfectly arching for him and your nipples now extremely sensitive from having undergone his constant attention to each one. You yearned for more, the fire inside of you only burning Kisame, your squirming slightly nerving him. But you weren’t able to voice your need for more since your tongue was now Itachi’s treat and Kisame didn’t halt from his attack on your nipples, your soft moaning only music to their ears.

Tracing a straight line down to your heat, pressing his long index finger against your clothes folds, adding light pressure spot you needed it the most.

Itachi broke the kiss, oh how you loved kissing him. Sometimes all you wanted to do was kiss him. And the two of you would kiss for hours, tasting each other’s mouths and feeling each other’s bodies.

“Please!”, you whined, trying to grind you hips against Kisame’s finger but Itachi stopped you, making you whine louder.

He needed you to come hard. At least three times so you could sleep the night away. And he wouldn’t be mean tonight because you weren’t feeling well and with an additional man pleasuring you, he really didn’t not want to overwhelm you.

“Here baby, let me help you”, came Kisame’s voice, your nipples finally getting a break from his delicious torture. Something about Kisame calling you baby made your heart sour. “Okay Kisa”, you moaned, letting him slide your panties off of you, adjusting yourself so you could help him get rid of them.

Once they were off, your legs lay on either side of him, draped over his thighs, Itachi having placed a pillow under your lower back to get you to cum faster. The easier you came the more often you came and the more often you came the better rest you got. Well that was just one of his plans for tonight.

Kisame immediately understood the assignment, waiting for Itachi to help you into a more relaxed position before they could start lovingly breaking you.

You lay on your back, on top of Itachi, who fondled your breasts and enjoyed your mouth, your thighs on either of Kisame’s, your soaking heat bare and ready for Kisame to enjoy.

Kisame smiled at your squirming, placing a hand on your hip to keep you in place.

“Don’t worry sweet thing” Kisame said, his free hand rubbing your thigh. “I’m going to take good care of you, but I need you to be patient okay”, he added, placing both his hands under each of your thighs, lifting them up onto his broad shoulders. “I want to take my time, so I can savor you”, his warm breath now on your inner thighs. “So just relax and let me taste you. I promise you’ll come as soon as I’m satisfied”, he finished, his mouth now centimeters from your core, the smell so heavenly. It was your smell and he was obsessed.

Whimpering you couldn’t help but buck forward, desperate for the ache in your core to be relieved. “Ahhhhhh”, you moaned out in surprise and pleasure at the feel of something very warm and roughly textured drag between your folds. Kisame slowly dragged his tongue up and down your folds, the rough texture adding a new sensation that made your back arch. You felt him spread your lips wide open, already whimpering in delight at how he would pull your little clit in his mouth and suck on it until you came all over his face, but to your disappointment he continued to slowly drag his tongue up and down, only passing over your clitoris with slightly added pressure before dragging it back down and sinking it in your heat. “Ahhhhhh! Fuck!”, you cried out. You certainly did not want to cum like this. You did not want to cum like this.

Itachi kisses you once again, exploring your mouth, biting your lip and caressing you, while Kisame’s wonderful tongue worked you terribly closer to your orgasm, his rough tongue dragging up to your clitoris and back down to fuck your tight hole. Clearly he wasn’t joking about savoring you and you did not like that one bit.

Itachi could sense that you were about to cum, your moans turning into desperate whimpers as you struggled to kiss him back. You wanted to push him away from you so you could concentrate on not cumming, but he kept on pushing your hands back down. Out of frustration you ran hands through Kisame’s hair, gripping it so you could angle your hips so he’d finally focus on your clit, but he was very strong and you were sick and on the verge of an orgasm so it didn’t really work out.

Itachi finally broke the kiss, his eyebrows furrowing, analyzing your current frustration. You were going to cum so there was no reason for you to be this whiny.

“Princess, just relax and let Kisame take of care of you. Stop fighting him” , he softly spoke into your ear, but his words only flew out the other as you grip the sheets as hard as you can, shitting your eyes tight to try and not cum.

Kisame could sense your resistance. “What’s the matter y/n? I told you to be patient” he said, stopping all his motions to look up at you. Tears filled your eyes, your body still squirming as both men simply watched you, patiently waiting for you to respond.

“Well?”, Itachi said, placing soft kisses all over your face. “Answer him”.

You absolutely did not know what to say because nothing that you could’ve possibly said right now would make sense as to why you were fussing so much.

Kisame’s stare was so cold, and you just knew he wouldn’t give in to any begging, so you redirected your attention towards Itachi, who looked at you a little more lovingly.

“I want him to suck on my clit”, you said, embarrassed to be asking for such. Kisame heard you, interested in what Itachi’s response would be.

“Ask him to do that”, he simply said, running his thumb along your swollen lip.

Sighing in defeat you looked down at the man between your legs.

“Kisame…”, you said, feeling a little nervous with having someone you weren’t emotionally connected with pleasuring you.

“Yes, talk to me”, he said, his hand lightly rubbing the thigh that sat on his shoulder.

“Please…uhm, can you suck on my clit a little more?”, you finally asked, biting your lip at the devilish look he gave you.

“I’m still savoring you. You taste very sweet and I’d like to enjoy you for as long as I can before you start kicking and screaming at me”, he said, pushing your other thigh off of his shoulder and closer to your chest.

He smiled at your whining. “If you keep on whining I won’t let you cum…you’d like to cum won’t you?”, he asked.

“Yes pleaaasee”, you whined, a tear falling down your cheek.

“Okay then will you sit still and let me eat you out?”

“Yes Kisa”, you said, taking in a deep breath.

Itachi cupped your cheek, his dick painfully hard at the sight of Kisame between your legs, making you squirm like this.

“Good girl”, he said, coming down to softly kiss you, Kisame spreading your lips apart once again.

This time he started lazily circling your throbbing clit with his tongue, enjoying the way you arched your back, unable to buck your hips up with the new position.

When he felt you getting too excited he stopped, opting to tongue fuck you, the strong muscle stretching you out enough to make you cum, the minute he sensed you getting closer he stopped again.

Itachi swallowed your loud whine, running this thumb along your cheek.

Kisame remembered that you weren’t feeling well and if you were any other woman he wouldn’t care, he’d still break you like this, edging you to tears, but because it was you, he felt a little sympathetic, finally latching onto your clit and roughly sucking.

Your back arched off the bed, Itachi still holding you down and forcing his tongue into your mouth, hushing the harsh screams you let out as you suddenly came, the liquid that built up inside of you squirting out, Kisame happily lapping it all up, overstimulating you while at it.

The restrictions the two men had on your body drove you to tears, the pleasure exploding inside of you from having no where to go but through you. You were forced to take the pleasure, shaking like a leaf by the time your squirting subsided.

Itachi broke the kiss, admiring your beautiful orgasmic face trying to breath through the overstimulation. “Okay okay, I’ve got you, just breathe”, he whispered into your ear before looking down at Kisame who was still softly sucking on your nub, careful not to bring his rough tendencies out.

“Go ahead, she can handle another one”, he said, Kisame nodding in approval, rubbing your sensitive bundle of nerves with his middle finger before slowly sinking it into you, the thickness of his single finger stretching you out so well.

“Oh f-fuck!”, you cried out, your words barely forming at the pressure Kisame placed on your gspot, revealing his sharp teeth in a satisfied smile, before roughly fingering you, your poor cunt immediately gushing more, spraying all over Kisame’s beefy arm.

“Ahhh there you go. Yes good girl”, he growled, latching on to your clit again to roughly suck on it, while Itachi held you still, almost smiling at how you struggled, enjoying the pleasure your teammate gave you.

After you’d cum for the fourth time Kisame decided you needed a little break, spreading both your thighs apart and licking the juice that spilled onto your thighs, his sharp teeth leaving little bruises behind as he nipped and sucked, your body shivering and your soft moans filling the room as you slowly calmed.

Itachi cradled your up half in his arms, hushing you with kisses, cuddles and praises, gently wiping your tears away.

“You’re such a good girl, you look so beautiful with Kisame between your legs”, he whispered, wiping the sweat on your forehead off with his hands before planting a kiss there.

“Would you like another one princess?”, Itachi genuinely asked, his heart melting at the shaky “no thanks” you let out. Even through your orgasm you still remembered your manners.

As much as their dicks painfully throbbed in their pants there would be no pleasure for them tonight, yours being the priority.

“I’ll go get a towel”.

Kisame stood up and walked towards the bathroom, returning with a warm damp towel, slowly cleaning you up but his touch was not as gentle as Itachi’s, dragging the towel over your sensitive clit like you had no feelings, your hands coming up to block him but he simply held them, quickly wiping you squeaky clean before heading to the bathroom to clean himself up.

“I need you please”, you whispered to Itachi, “inside me”.

“Baby, you need to rest”

“No…please, please I really want you on top of me”, you begged, bring up your hand to cup his cheek, his eyes still slowly spinning, having recorded the entire session, capturing your vulnerable expressions.

How could he possibly say no to you, his good little princess.

“Here baby”, he said, placing you flat on the bed before coming up to stand, stripping right in front of you.

You reached your arms out for him, your hands rubbing his back he hovered above you, brining his fingers to slowly rub your clit, instantly regretting your decision to let these men get off too. You just hated for them to not have a good time too, even though they both were happy with just rubbing it out in the bathroom.

“Please slowly”, you said, wrapping your legs around his torso as he lined himself with your wet entrance.

“Anything for you love”, he said, pushing himself all the way into you with one, unexpected thrust, causing you to scream, the stretch and fullness steadily overwhelming you, making you whimper, your back arching in pleasure.

“Not too hard please daddy”, you begged, Itachi bringing your hands up above your head, pinning them down with one hand while the other held onto your hip for grip. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, your tight pussy squeezing him so deliciously.

“Don’t worry baby, I’ll take it care of you, just relax”, he responded, tugging you a little closer so he could get a better angle. “Ahhh! f-fuuuuck”, you screamed, the first thrust hard enough to crumble you. Now why tf did you suggest this. Now you had to hold out until the end.( gotta see it through my boi)

“Ah babyyy, you feel so good”, he said, thrusting into you again, getting into a steady slow rhythm, making you bury your head into his shoulder and biting.

He filled you so much and you wondered how you always forgot how he felt inside of you the moment he left you, his slow thrusts deep enough to stimulate your A spot (the part at the back of your vjj that people think is the cervix) and you just knew you wouldn’t last long.

His black hair dangled above you, his warm breath all over face as he spoke to you, telling you all the things he admired about you, that he would take care of you until he died, expressing how much he loves you with his heavy deep thrusts that drove you to insanity and with the sweet words from his heart. Words that you could still clearly hear even though your thighs shook and you began whimpering, you could still hear every word he spoke to you, your heart exploding with all the love you have for him, tears running down the sides of your face as you came, the feeling so intense with Itachi still making love to you.

“OoooOh m-my gosh b-b-baby, I c-can’t”, you cried, stuttering “I love you’s” to him as he chased his own orgasm, your orgasm milking him so well that he knew he would cum soon and he wondered if you could cum again.

Picking up the pace he let go of your hands, bringing one to your face while the other started rubbing your nub.

Throwing your head forward you shut your eyes tight, mouth wide open and your hands death gripping the sheets as the pleasure grew overwhelming, another orgasm threatening to crash into you so hard.

“Fuck yes! You’re so close baby, I’m so close. Ah shit! I’m going to cum baby, will you cum with me? God come with me my good little princess! I love you so much”, he moaned, chocking on his words as his thrusts grew sloppier, moaning your name as he unloaded deep inside of you. The feeling of his seed being released inside of you sending you over the edge, your eyes rolling back as your vision clouded.

Opening your eyes the entire room was dark, only the dim light of the moon coming through the window.

Your hand was resting under your chin, your body huddled very close to someone, another man pressing against your back, the feint breathing of the two men reminding you of the night you shared. With a smile on your face you turned over, trying to not wake up the two handsome men pressing on either side of you, bringing Kisame’s hand to wrap his arm around you as you softly called at Itachi.

“Itachi…Itachi, wake up”, you whispered, his head instantly jolting off of the pillow to feel for you in the dark. “Yes love, what’s wrong?”, he sleepily said, wrapping his arm around your back to pull you closer to him, the warmth you shared with the two men absolutely delicious. If you could choose you’d lay here forever, with the two men who made you feel safe and sound, happy, loved and taken care of. You mostly felt overwhelmed with love for the two of them, because even though you weren’t romantically involved with Kisame before this night, he still stood beside you like a true partner in everything.

Your felt a hand silent rub your ass, squeezing it hard enough that you let out a small gasp, wondering what Kisame was up to. “You’re all awake?”, came his deep voice, his hand pushing between your thighs to cut your naked pussy. “Uh! Kisame”, you moaned, “I just got up”.

“And You’re surprisingly wet?”, Kisame teased, placing softer kiss on your shoulder. “Why”, he asked, now running his fingers between your folds, l your juices lubricating each one so he could gently rub your clitoris.

“Oohhhhhh!”, you moaned, His fingers pushing into your tight walls, sinking in deep until he felt that spot that made you cry out in pleasure. He started slowly rubbing it, nothing compared to how rough he was early on, quickly bringing you so close to orgasm, your hand intertwined with Itachi’s , while he softly breathed, aware of what was going on but still tired.

Before you were able to cum Kisame stopped, and before you complained about it you felt his incredible size enter you, the sudden intrusion making you scream. You were so tight but he slowly kept pushing into you, spreading your ass nice a wide for him to go a little deeper.

As soon as you felt him touch your cervix your body couldn’t handle it anymore and Kisame could sense that. He was very cold a sensing these things. His fingers started circling your clit, giving you time to adjust to his size, but you already broke down, a wonderful orgasm crashing into you in intense bursts, your soft screaming having long woken Itachi up, his mouth latching into the nipple that Kisame’ was not tugging on, softly sucking on it, enjoying the softness in his mouth.

Kisame started moving, his slow thrusts very intense, leaving you screaming and whimpering with every thrust until he came hard, deep inside of you, biting your neck during his release.

You were so exhausted, your orgasms so intense having to manage his size but he didn’t pull out of you, lifting your leg up so he could get a better angle.

The new angle was absolutely sinister, making you cry, Itachi whispering sweet nothing’s in your ears to help you through it. He was going so deep, and so hard, his fingers on your clit keeping you on orgasm mode.

Having to take it easy on you and also trying to pleasure himself was a bit of a challenge for him, he need more, he needed to fuck you faster, his hips brutally picking up the pace, intensifying your orgasm and making you squirt, making a mess on everyone and the sheets.

Even after he came for the second time your cries couldn’t subside, your body still squirming as this orgasm lasted much longer.

The only thing Itachi could do was hold you tight, rubbing your back as you quivered on top of him, Kisame gently wiping the two of you clean, placing towels on the wet spots of the bed for you all to lay down on.

In the morning you felt rather refreshed, your congestion having cleared up and your throat completely healed.

Itachi and Kisame were lay on either side of you, lazily stroking you as they woke from their sleep, the sunlight filling the room once again.

You were sound asleep, too cozy to try and wake up. All you wanted to do today was lay in bed with your two partners, their arms wrapped around you like heaven.

[buckybarnesdiaries]

longing, rusted, seventeen, daybreak, furnace, nine, benign, homecoming, one, freight car

© mine.

bucky barnes x reader. ⎢ masterlist.

Bucky is kidnapped by Hydra to reactivate the Winter Soldier.

word count: 2.924 words. it worth it, i promise!!!

warnings/tags: none. angst as hell mostly. but it has a happy ending.

author notes: i don't speak russian, but i haven't used google translate either, so no worries. none of my stories contain reader’s body descriptions to be inclusive.

join the tag list NEW!!! here.

No. It couldn't be possible. It had to be part of a terrible nightmare. Bucky couldn't have been kidnapped by Hydra again.

You didn't know what to expect in the ship flying to the secret location of the organization. For Stark, it didn't take more than a couple of minutes to track the arm down, since Shuri put a small monitor on it when the soldier stayed in Wakanda. She never told it, wanting to use it in some kind of circumstance like the one you all were going through now. And you couldn't be more grateful, but it didn't help to make you feel better.

You were sitting close to the back hatch. Back rested against the metallic wall and legs curled to your chest. Nothing inside your head more than the hallucination of a pair of blue eyes staring at you. Blaming yourself was something you couldn't avoid. You should have been with him, by his side, protecting him as many times you promised him. But in fact, you just failed him. You failed his trust, his love. You let them take him. Only God knew which torture Hydra was putting him under, while you were there, lamenting.

You didn't even notice Steve's presence squatting next to you until he placed a hand on your shoulder. Then, you raised your face towards him. He was suffering too. In the end, Bucky was his long-life friend, his big brother. He lost him once and felt like he was going to lose him twice. Although this time was different. You were carrying the dispositive that could put to sleep back the winter soldier, but, at what cost?

“Buck got you now. Everything is gonn—”. He spoke in plural, referring to your last night's talk.

“How could you be so calm, Steve? How do you do it?” You whispered through your trembling lips, about to break in crying.

“Because he needs us focused, not distracted”.

He was wise. Captain America was wiser than anyone in that ship. He curled the left corner of his lips up, trying to make you feel good, trying to transmit you the encouragement you needed to not give up. And he did, more or less. You had to fight harder than ever. For Bucky, and only for Bucky. That's why you didn't hesitate on jumping out from the ship when it landed on the cold hard ground, as the freezing weather hit you on the face.

Following the plan, you ran quietly to the back door hidden under a huge layer of snow. Shaking part of it with the palm of your hand, you placed the device with technology from Wakanda on the locker. Not later than fifteen seconds, it deciphered the code to open the hatch. Once in position, the Avengers followed you downstairs. The passage was empty and silent. The only sound that broke it was a couple of rats running away from your presence. You all had studied the plans of the building, mostly underground, remembering exactly where you had to go.

The coast was clear, that was the reason why you all were so confused. You were expecting to find more than a dozen of agents, but when T'Challa enunciated through your earwigs that he only located two heat spots, you couldn't believe it. How only one man kidnapped the most fearless assassin up to now? Tortuous and bitter screams dragged you back to reality, causing your brain to react to make your legs run faster than ever in your whole damn life. You knew by heart that voice beneath all the pain.

Your skin bristled when your gaze landed on that chair of horrors, connected to an enormous power source. Bucky was sitting there against his want.

“... добросердечный… возвращение на родину… один…”

“STOP IT”. Steve yelled.

Huge mistake. You were aware of it when —yes— that man stopped reciting the Russian words to re-activate the Winter Soldier, but only enough time to push a red button near to him and close the heavy door in front of you. Everything happened in the blink of an eye. At the moment you glimpsed Steve’s shield sliding above the floor, straight to the inside of the room where Bucky was being tortured, you followed the same way. Never in your life, you were this fast. Like a lightning bolt, you snaked yourself under the small distance between the door and the ground before being closed. Now, it was you, that man and the soldier.

“You’re late…” He mocked with an awful American accent, under James crying out loud in pain. “грузовой ваг—”.

Your left hand moved quickly to unholster your gun and shoot him. One… Two… Three… Four bullets right to his head. The man fell dead before he couldn’t complete the command. You didn’t lose time, running to the controls to try to turn that machine off. But it was impossible. Even if you knew Tony could do it, there wasn’t signal inside those large and wide walls made of steel reinforced. You were in one of those abandoned soviet bunkers, that could save you from Armageddon. You were inhaling and exhaling so fast that your lungs never got really full, trying to focus, trying to shut every single noise around up. Trying to think of a plan b. But it was your heart who pushed you to act and not your brain. Grabbing Steve’s shield, you aimed for the energy source before tossing it like a damn frisbee.

That thing blew up, turning off any kind of light and dispositive around, as the sparks and the cables decorated your surroundings. Just like the fire that started to burn down a pile of boxes with different documents of Hydra. But that wasn't why you were impatient. Catching the shield when it came back to you, your legs moved immediately to Bucky, still stirring on his seat for a few seconds else. Then, he simply stopped shaking. Her eyes were wide opened. Reddened, in tears. His chest rose and fell violently. His heart was racing. And you could see the trauma taking control over his body in holy silence.

You didn't doubt removing the protection from his mouth along the restraints keeping him on the chair. Your fingers trembled like never before, not having any more time to lose. Probably, the Avengers would be trying to open the door when the emergency red lights illuminated the bunker, producing a loud alarm sound to indicate that something was going wrong inside the facilities.

“C'mon, Buck… C'mon, we have to leave”. You told him, trying to help him to stand up.

But as soon as your hand was about to land on his arm of vibranium, the five cold digits got closed around your throat. Soon, the lack of air for you was more than evident. He got up on his own, not needing you to do it. The ocean blue in his eyes turned into a dark storm. There wasn't any gesture on his face, more than his jaw clenching, pressing his teeth together. That wasn't Bucky —your Bucky—, but the unstable trained assassin Hydra turned him in. You could barely gulp saliva, gripping his metallic wrist with both of your hands to try to stop him from murdering you.

He couldn't. He couldn't kill you. His strength was suffocating you with no mercy, though.

For a moment, you felt too weak to fight, seeing everything around you getting blurred and darker. Blacking out. But there was something inside you, a sweet tone of voice calling your name. A male voice. Your eyelids rolled down bit by bit, wanting to concentrate on that honeyed sound being closer and closer.

“любить”.

The sore whisper left your lips. Love. The first time Bucky told you about love came to your mind. He told you about his family. George, Winnifred, Rebecca. He told you how much he desired to have a family of his own. To be loved.

“новый”.

Your almost dead fingers traced the form of his new arm made in Wakanda when you felt him lifting you from the floor, being suspended on air.

“сороковых годов”.

Trying to keep a firm tone of voice as much as the pressure let you, the Russian words were spat to the confused soldier, who wasn't understanding what you were doing. The forties changed his life. He was sent to war and, lately, captured by HYDRA. It was something he'd never forget, part of his DNA.

“заката”.

You didn't know what the hell your subconscious was doing either till that precise instant. You were reprogramming him. You were using his own memories to reset his wiped brain from them. Dusk. The first night he spent in Wakanda, Bucky was terrified. But you stayed with him. You comforted him by saying that everything was going to be okay, that his life would be different. That he was safe. That he was at home.

“лето”.

His last night of summer in that kingdom, Bucky took you to his favorite place between the woods, wanting to show you the fireflies fluttering in the middle of the gloom. He used to walk there whenever he woke up from a nightmare. Those small insects used to make him feel better for some reason he didn't comprehend. Until he saw their light reflecting on your amazed orbs. Bucky knew then he was in love with you. Besides his long-life friend, the only person who never judged him, who never ran away from him. The same person that now was dying under his fingers.

“шесть”

Six years took him to be Bucky, after his last war, after the last effort, after the last jump. He was a new man. You made him a new man. A good one. You guided him through the right way. You helped him to get used to the twenty-one century. You accompanied him to therapy and stayed in the waiting room every single session until he finished.

“заткнуться”.

The soldier ordered you to shut up, earning quite the opposite when you knew it was sorting some kind of effect on him, as soon as you felt some relief by the grip loosening around your throat and your tiptoes touching the ground. Little by little, you opened your eyes again, gluing them on the blue ones fixed on you.

“боец”.

He wasn't a super soldier, he was a fighter. He spent the last six years of his life fighting for it, fighting for ruling his existence, fighting for being pardoned for crimes he didn't want to commit, fighting for your love. Bucky furrowed swallowing, allowing you to place your feet on the floor.

“Бруклин”.

And when he demonstrated to the world that he was no longer the Winter Soldier, but James Bucky Barnes, he moved to his birthplace. Brooklyn. You and he rented an apartment together when you both learned that you couldn't live apart. That you were made for each other.

“Отец…”

A tear ran down your cheek, slowly moving your left hand to his free one. A shiver toured his backbone when he felt your warm touch holding his hand and, even if his cold fingers were still around your throat, the soldier bowed his head to follow the connection between the two of you. His flesh hand landed on your stomach, pressing it under yours, trying to transmit to him the news about your pregnancy status. Bucky was going to be a father. You were going to build a family as he always wished.

“Свобода”.

As the sob escaped your soul, his hand made of vibranium released your neck. Freedom was what he got after all those years.

Bucky was free.

His hold was the only thing that kept you on your feet, pining to the cold hard ground, as well as you trying to fill your lungs with the heavy air around you because of the dense smoke coming from the flames burning down that damn place. You watched Bucky picking the shield close to you, probably believing it could be easier to kill you with it than with his own hands. Your arms automatically wrapped your abdomen, as if you could protect your unborn child from that horror, crying James' name to remember you.

“James… James…”

You weren't able to stop whining, feeling a heavy sorrow under your chest, covering your vitals organs. The noisy sound from the bunker was suddenly turned into a constant beep, beep, beep that caused you to frown yet keeping your eyes closed. You called him once and again until a warm hand laced his fingers with you. Peace invaded you eventually, after a fond squeeze around your skin followed by a pair of rough lips pressed on your forehead. You let yourself go, not finding any strength inside your heart to continue awake.

The next time you opened your eyes, you needed a moment to adjust your gaze to the sunlight. Purring feeling more comfortable than before, you rolled on your stomach, sinking your nose into the large pillow. Bucky's scent was like a punch of reality. Your eyes snapped open as your pulse increased, starting to panic. Sitting up, your orbs moved quickly all around the room you recognized instantly. It was your dorm in the Compound, the one you used to share with your boyfriend —and the father of your child. It was empty. No trace of James anywhere. You tossed away the oxygen mask and the sheets covering your stiff anatomy, getting up from the bed. Another huge mistake.

Everything spun around you, feeling strong dizziness hitting your head, having to sit down for a second. But as soon as you felt recovered, you stood up again walking straight to the main door to step out. The hallway was deserted, hearing some voices coming from the meeting room. You followed them slowly, finding balance with your palm against the walls. Sam was the first one noticing your presence, coming faster to help you.

“James… James…” You mumbled, not really sure about when you started to sob again, whilst your muscles got tense with every syllable.

“He's okay, he's okay, take it easy, girl”. He tried to calm you as Steve reached you to bring you to the closest chair.

“We don't know what you did… but even if that man introduced the commands again… you turned it off”. Natasha spoke this time.

“I re— I repro— reprogramed him”.

The confusion was more than evident between the Avengers present in the room. But no one of them had the need to ask how. The spy taught you Russian in your free time, you weren't a fluent speaker, but it was enough to have a chat. Even so, you weren't going to say the words you used. You weren't going to make Bucky go through another wipe. If they worked, you'd make sure that he'd hear them when the occasion required it.

“I wan— wanna see him… please”. You cried covering your face with both hands, desolated after the hell of the situation you had to live.

“He's resting”. Steve informed you, squatting close and placing a hand on your right thigh to gently caress it. “And you should do the same. For your baby”.

“There's no way you're gonna stop me from seeing him”. You replied, raising your head and looking at him through your eyelids. Silently pleading.

He snorted, convinced that you wouldn't change your mind. Nodding two times with his head, he stood up and offered you a hand to hold it and help you to walk. Steve guided you through upstairs, following your pace step by step —he could have carried you onto his arms, but he wasn't sure if he could hurt you accidentally. You were too weak, barely breathing properly because of all the smoke you swollen inside the bunker. Although you started to feel somewhat erratic and excited as you were coming to Bucky's old dorm.

Steve opened the door for you, letting you walk inside before closing it behind your back. Your boyfriend was peacefully sleeping under the sheets. There were some scars on his face, already healed but yet seeming painful. The only explanation you found to be there was that Bucky used the shield to open the door and take you out of the bunker. A theory that made more sense when you noticed that he hadn't his prosthesis and his shoulder was covered by a thin black microfiber.

You headed to the bed, tucking in to wrap his warm and heavy body between your arms. At the moment he felt you, he embraced you as better as he could, not opening his eyes but shedding a tear. His lips started to tremble as you pecked them, previous to hiding his face into your neck.

“I'm so sorry…” Bucky sobbed, causing your whole anatomy to shudder because of the sorrow in his voice.

“We're gonna be okay, my love… You, me, our baby… Our family”.

His crying increased after those two words, caressing his back slowly to comfort him somehow. You knew that this recovery would be hard and painful, being conscious of how close he had been to end with your life. He didn't want to do it, nobody could deny it. You were everything he had, everything he always wished for deep inside his soul and heart. And the acknowledgment of having a baby with you only provoked him to feel guiltier.

But as you said so, everything was going to be okay.

feedback is appreciated, please, leave a comment to let me know if you liked it.

and REBLOG!!!

support the writers 🤍

tag list: @whatrambles @cleopatra12345 @phoenixhalliwell @homesicam @marvel-diaries @amelia-song-pond @heartbeats-wildly @met4no1a @weenersoldierr @petlaufeyson @sillygamingartghost @wildflowergubler @isnt-it-loverly @zealouspursecowboydeputy @rvgrsbrns @artisancowbells @plagooey @tinylumpiaa @hemsbucky @bxmaaa @quxxnxfhxll @soldierstucky @knowyourworth-sellyoursoul @hateinthemorning @asemistablehundredyearoldman @purpleelfwizard @twinerd14 @meg4n_hughe5 @nikkixostan @stolenxkissess @wintersfilm @whoreforsamwilson @thatcrackheadsadbitchtm @shinynewboots @baconmuffins1216 @28cnn @hxlyhoax

** the @ crossed out is because tumblr doesn't let me tag you, but you can activate notifications for when i post any writing!

[ptergwen]

warmer than cuddles

w/c: 2.4k

warnings: may plays matchmaker and makes some suggestive jokes

prompt: you and peter get caught in the rain and have to share an umbrella

a/n: thank youuu to the angel who requested <3 swear this is my favorite trope to write hehe ☔️

-

one of the many things you and peter have in common is being lazy. it’s sort of the basis of your friendship. you’re not the kids who drink or party or get in trouble. you play board games and eat pizza on his ripped up couch. the riskiest thing you’ve ever done is sneak into a movie.

peter was so paranoid you’d get caught, he couldn’t even pay attention. he kept whispering to you about paying the whole time. you had to drag him out by his hand after the movie ended. the next time you went to that theater, he bought an extra ticket to “make it even.”

that about put an end to your trying new things phase. you went right back to your comfy nights in pajamas. tackling each other for the remote, baking terrible cookies that you just throw out, sharing a blanket to stay warm. what also helps is that you cuddle under it.

all the fun you need is you, peter, and your love for doing nothing. may disagrees.

she’s always trying to get you two out of the apartment. in her words, it’s “unhealthy for developing teens to spend so much time cooped up inside.” peter once asked which mother’s facebook group she joined. you snickered at that. may gave you a warning look.

well, you don’t have a choice to stay in today. she’s kicking you and peter out because she has guests coming over.

“it’s girl’s night,” may tells the two of you with a satisfied smirk. she hangs her raincoat on the rack and comes into the living room. peter squints his eyes at her. “you have friends?” he sounds too surprised for your liking. you flick his arm hard enough to make him go “ouch!”

“peter, we only have, like, four friends. that’s counting ourselves,” you inform him with a laugh. peter drops his head onto your shoulder. “and i don’t need any of them but you,” he says sarcastically, rubbing his cheek on your sweatshirt. “aw, i know,” you coo and rest your head on his. may crosses her arms and shrugs.

“you should do a group play date with everyone! i haven’t heard from ned in a while,” she suggests, your eyes flicking over to peter. he’s biting back a grin. “play date?” you try to stifle a laugh when you ask. “you know what i mean. a hang out,” may nods at her better word choice. peter winces in protest.

“eh, ned will probably wanna go out somewhere. we don’t do that,” he tells may, like that’s a completely normal thing for a teenager to say. you raise a finger in agreement. she laughs in disbelief at you and peter. you’re splayed out on the couch, on a saturday, complaining about doing anything else.

“you two make me feel young.” may’s words are a joke, but her tone isn’t. “you are young, may,” you reassure her and smile a little. peter says nothing. his eyes become hooded as he settles into you more. “look at you two, like some old married couple,” may gestures to you from where she’s standing. she smiles this time.

peter’s face gets hot from the mention of you being a couple. your heart skips a couple of beats. you’re pretty sure he can tell from how close he is.

“do whatever you want, just not here,” she gets back to the real conversation. peter hides his entire face in your shoulder as a form of protest. you pat his back. “and not each other. unless you’re safe,” may adds. “may, please. no,” he groans out, positive he’s all red now. you blink at her in horror.

may knows what she’s doing. peter isn’t the most subtle person, especially not about liking someone. she’s learned all the signs that her nephew is falling. he’s falling for you. she sees it in you, too. the way your eyes soften when they meet peter’s, how fast you are to hug him back or beam at the silly things he says.

you two spend so much time apart from your other friends, you basically are a couple. you’re just not old or married. the only thing you need is a push to realize that.

“ok, we’re gonna go now,” peter decides and pulls away from you. “god bless,” you say only so he can hear. he chuckles at that, you getting up from the couch. giving him a knowing smile, you grab one of his hands. he lets you pull him to his feet while exhaling. he’s already exhausted. may watches and shakes her head.

peter walks up to give her a quick hug. “enjoy girl’s night. love you,” he murmurs as she squeezes him tight. even though they tease each other a lot, their relationship is really sweet. it’s very telling how a guy treats his mother. well, aunt in this case. that thought has always been in the back of your mind.

“have fun!” you grin at may when her and peter pull apart. he comes back over to you and tugs on your sleeve. “thanks, kids. we’ll be done around eleven,” she lets you know. you’re already getting your shoes on and ready to leave. eleven is a while from now.

“don’t forget an umbrella! it’s drizzling!” may calls after you two. peter grabs hers that’s leaning against the front door. it’s pink with purple polka dots. you giggle at that. “hey, i like pink,” he defends himself and opens the door, letting you out first. you raise your hands in defense, leaving the apartment.

peter waves at may one last time. “good luck, peter,” she tells him once you reach the stairs. he furrows both eyebrows. “good luck with what?” “you’ll see,” may raises her own eyebrows in a way that’s all too familiar to peter. he calls it her face of wisdom.

still confused, peter heads out. he finds you at the bottom of the stairs. you shove your hands in your pockets and push against the door to open it. peter meets you outside, twirling the umbrella between his fingers.

“is there anywhere you wanna go?” he asks as you start to walk. you’re just going down the block for now. “back upstairs,” you sigh out. “i wish. not an option, though,” peter puffs some air out of his cheeks. you fumble to pull up your hood. he easily reaches over and does it for you.

“thanks,” you say quietly. “you’re welcome,” peter pats the top of your head for emphasis. “we could just walk around.” “until eleven o’clock? that’s five hours from now,” you laugh out, adjusting your hoodie to block your face. disappointment crosses over his features.

“should’ve brought my suit,” he mutters mostly to himself. linking your arm with his, your eyes widen. “i’m not trusting you to swing me around in this weather.” his bicep flexes when your arm wraps around his own. “what? i’ve done it before, y/n/n. on patrol.” you turn your head towards him.

“didn’t you get hurt last time?” you already know the answer. “sprained wrist and a few cuts,” he grumbles, you humming because you’re right. he’d called you in tears when he got home, scared he broke something. you reminded him he would heal soon and stayed on the phone until he calmed down.

that ended up being the whole night. you’re probably the most supportive of peter being spider-man. you of course worry about the toll it takes, but you understand why he does it. the least you can do is be there for him while he navigates the superhero world. not talk him out of it or scold him for making mistakes, be there.

that’s why he loves his lazy days with you so much. they’re his break, his escape from what he lies awake worrying about most nights. you’ve seen what he has to go through, so you respect that. whatever he needs to do to unwind is fine by you. as long as you get to do it with him.

“then you couldn’t patrol for weeks. you could barely hold a pencil.” your other arm sneaks around his. they’re both hugging him now. “you had to be my note taker,” peter reminisces, a smile making its way onto his face. “that sucked, man. you’re such a perfectionist about them,” you breathe out.

peter flips the umbrella around in a show-off kind of way. “you don’t complain when i send them to you.” he sounds so cocky you can’t help but roll your eyes. he isn’t wrong, though. “whatever. seriously, where should we go?” “uh,” peter’s eyes scan the block for inspiration. they land on a man carrying takeout.

“dinner? not at a restaurant since we’re in sweats,” he adds the last part so you don’t have to. “ooh, let’s go to panera,” you happily squeeze his arm. peter quirks an eyebrow at you. “you’re always hungry after.” “so? we can get dessert, too. we have a while.” that makes his heart flutter. a while with you.

“cool, cool, cool,” he sings to you, leaning into your side as you walk. you giggle and push at his shoulder. “i think we can make it there before the rain picks up.” there’s a clap of thunder right after he says that, like something out of a movie. it’s followed by a heavier rain coming down on you two. you pull at the strings of your hoodie to keep it tighter on your head.

“jinxed it,” you remark, both of you stopping so peter can open the umbrella. “ugh,” he grunts out. his lower lip is between his teeth while he undoes the velcro. he pushes down and watches as the umbrella springs open for you two. “here, c’mere,” peter welcomes you under as he holds it above your heads.

it doesn’t quite fit you both since it’s only meant for one person. you forgot he took may’s. the two of you have to squish together so you can avoid the rain, which is pitter pattering down hard on the sidewalk.

you’re comfortable under here with him. the freezing cold weather outside of the umbrella is hardly an issue anymore.

peter turns to face you, letting out a breathless laugh. “you can take off your hood now.” your arms slip from around his. you remove it from your head and give him a toothy grin. it’s one that’s meant to be over exaggerated. “there’s that pretty face,” peter’s voice gets quieter. unlike what you did, that wasn’t a joke.

your pretty face loses its smile. you’re suddenly very aware of how close peter is to you.

you can see the faint scar on his chin from when he banged it into a wall in your living room. he’d ran straight into it during your two person game of hide and seek. yes, you still play that. it was gushing blood for half an hour.

there are also the thousands of freckles dotting his face, the ones you only notice by looking at him super hard. you try to count them whenever you get bored. peter stares back at you while you fall in love with every tiny detail about him.

he takes the time to admire your lips, not just because they look really kissable right now. because of every curious expression they press into when he does something you can’t believe. your eyes, that he feels a sense of safety and honesty and familiarity every time he looks into. he finds them and feels like he’s home.

“peter?” you speak up after a few moments. your tone is hesitant, as if whatever you’re going to ask will change what you have forever. that’s because it might. it’s silent except for the sound of the rain hitting his umbrella. peter finally answers, almost in a whisper. “yeah?”

“i... i think,” you clear your throat before going on. his eyes trail down to your lips again, then back up to your twinkling ones. even on a gloomy day like this, they could light up the whole sky. “i think i love you,” you get out, a hand over your racing heart. peter gives you a small but sure nod. “i think i love you, too.”

he takes a step closer to you, if that’s even possible. his hand without the umbrella comes up to hold your cheek. you watch as he uses his thumb to wipe away a few stray rain droplets. your head tilts to the side, lips parted on instinct. peter leans in until his lips just brush yours, letting you decide what comes next.

you choose to close the space between you two. his eyes squeeze shut, whole face scrunched up when he kisses back. this is a release of all the emotions he’s been holding in that he didn’t even realize he had. you slip into a rhythm, using the angle to move your lips against peter’s.

his hand drops from your cheek to your jaw to support you while you kiss. your own hands grab his biceps, fingers pressing into him, depesrate to have him in your arms. peter lets out a content sigh against your lips before detaching them. it’s not for long. he comes right back in after taking a breath.

you get one long peck from him, then another that’s softer than the last. you give him a short kiss back, lips curving into a smile when this one ends. peter’s thumb smooths over your jawline while he searches for your eyes. he grins at you and tightens his grip on the umbrella handle. he’s surprised it didn’t blow away in the midst of your mini makeout.

“i definitely love you, peter,” you state so genuinely, hands on his shoulders now. that has to be peter’s favorite sentence he’s ever heard. the most beautiful combination of words, said by you to him. “i definitely love you, y/n,” peter agrees, punctuating his statement with one last kiss. you haven’t stopped smiling when his lips meet the corner of yours.

may was right about two things that night. you needed the umbrella for that huge storm, but it did more than protect your from the rain. it also brought you and peter together in a way. the second thing she was right about was that peter loves you, and every feeling he has mirror yours for him.

actually, she was right about three things. you two have to get out of the apartment more often.