#they did try to say he's going down that path in a hard mode side story but beloved that's just sibling bullshit it's not enough

[devotion-between-the-wheat]

nightbringer!asmo is fantastic but he does lose some attractiveness points because he's clearly hasn't given into the bloodlust yet.

[chlobliviate]

Wolfstar Microfics - Recovery

Words: 796

@wolfstarmicrofic

***

TW - mentions of former alcoholism/addiction and being in recovery

***

The wedding had gone off without a hitch. Even Lily’s family seemed to be happy, which for them was nothing short of a miracle. The day had been beautiful, they’d all cried at some point and by the time they sent James and Lily off to their honeymoon suite, almost everyone was ready to call it a night.

“Fancy a walk?” Remus asked, as the last of the wedding guests stumbled upstairs. “I’m not tired yet.” Sirius nodded and they took a side door out of the hotel and followed the path down to the lake. Remus walked ahead and sat at the end of the rickety jetty, Sirius following a moment later.

“I know this is quite possibly the worst time to bring this up,” Sirius started.

“But you’re going to anyway?”

“But I’m going to anyway.” He nodded, “I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry for how things ended with us. I was an absolute monster towards the end and you tried so hard to help me and, yeah, I’m just really sorry, and thank you for trying so hard.”

Remus said nothing for a while, the two of them watched wildlife create ripples on the surface of the lake, and marvelled at the reflection of the moon.

“Lily said you’re sober now.”

“Six years and four months, yesterday.” He smiled.

“Wow, that’s fantastic. I’m so proud of you.” Remus squeezed Sirius’ thigh affectionately out of habit, then froze. “Shit, sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Sirius was glad that it was dark, he knew he was blushing. “It took about two weeks before I realised you weren’t coming back and then, bam, rock bottom.”

“I’m so—”

“Don’t be. I needed the wake up call. If you’d stayed much longer I’d have destroyed us both.” Sirius looked down at the water. “I’m sorry.”

“It was a long time ago.” Remus said slowly. “It sounds like you’re doing really well.”

“There are good and bad days, like anything. Therapy helped a lot.” Sirius shrugged, “Another thing you were right about.”

“I feel like saying ‘I told you so’ is in bad taste.” Remus chanced a look at him and smiled.

“Nah, I deserve at least one, I reckon.” Sirius smiled back at him, taking in the way the moonlight picked out the beginnings of grey near his temples, and made his eyes seem to glow. He willed himself to look away for the sake of his self control.

“Well then. I told you so.” Remus said softly, looking out at the lake.

“Turns out I’d repressed a lot of stuff from being a kid and apparently that’s not good if you want to be a healthy adult. Yes, yes. I know you told me that too.” Remus bit his lip as he grinned and even just seeing the side of it made Sirius want. “I needed to lose you to get myself better, but it’s also the worst thing that ever happened to me.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty much where I’ve been at with it.” Remus leant back on his elbows and looked up at the sky. “I was… miserable. For a long time. But I don’t think I’d be who I am now without that time in my life, you know?”

Sirius mirrored Remus’ movement and stared up at the stars. “Did you find someone?”

“To love?” Sirius nodded, “Nah. I looked for a while, had a few dates here and there, but nobody really interested me. It’s just me and my cat Peaches. What about you?”

“After I got out of self destruction mode, I didn’t date for a couple of years. I was with this guy Ed for a year or so but that fizzled, and it’s just been me for a few years now. I debated getting a cat, but it’s hard work taking care of myself, let alone another living thing.”

“It sounds stupid, but getting a cat made me look after myself more.” Remus chuckles and Sirius feels the sound in his chest. “Like I had someone else to be accountable to for the first time in ages and it made me want to do better.”

“Weirdly, I totally get what you mean.” He paused, “It’s hard to want to do things for yourself sometimes, right?”

“Exactly.” Remus nodded, “She makes sure I’m awake by 7 and making her breakfast by quarter past.”

“Still not a morning person?” Sirius knocked his shoulder into Remus’ gently.

“No,” he knocked Sirius back and laughed, “I go back to bed after feeding her way too often. She tries.” Before he could talk himself out of it, he gently rested his head on Sirius’ shoulder. “Is this ok?”

“Yeah,” Sirius’ voice was barely audible as he leant his cheek on Remus’ hair. “This is ok.”

[johaerys-writes]

Chapter 11: Bind

Read on AO3 | Read from the beginning

The trip to Iolcos takes longer than Patroclus expects. Though it’s still quite early in the morning when they leave, the narrow and winding mountain paths make it difficult for their loaded cart to pass safely. They take the longer, and slightly smoother, road down to the valley.

For the most part, Patroclus frowns at the path before him, trying to steer the horses away from the bumpier parts of the road and failing a lot of the time. Still, it’s better than letting Achilles do it; he often goes faster than he should, or tugs at the reins too sharply, startling the horses. 

“Did you never learn how to drive a cart?” Patroclus asks him, exasperated, as he tries to calm the horses down. They wicker uneasily, tilting their heads this way and that. “Phoenix might need to rethink his mode of instruction.”

Achilles shrugs, handing him back the reins. “Have you ever seen a prince drive a cart? A prince’s place is atop his chariot, or at the prow of his ship. Carts are for peasants or merchants.” 

“Tending to the sick and selling pelts at the market isn’t amongst a prince’s duties either,” Patroclus says flatly, “yet this is what we’re about to do. So you might as well learn, now that we’re here.” 

Achilles doesn’t argue with his statement; he listens to Patroclus carefully, cataloguing every movement and command he gives the horses. It is actually one of the things Patroclus has always liked about him: he is always eager to learn, no matter what the subject at hand, and doesn’t hesitate to apply himself fully. He has none of the petty pride a lot of other princelings might, taking each remark and correction in stride and trying again and again until he’s perfect at it, or at the very least competent. It never takes him very long to reach that stage. 

He’s having a bit more trouble with this than he usually does, though, and Patroclus has to admit he’s more than a little amused at Achilles’ little frown of concentration every time the horses balk at his slightly rougher handling of the reins. 

“Like this,” Patroclus tells him softly, covering Achilles’ hand with his own as he holds the leather straps and turning it gently to the side. His skin is so warm and soft under his fingers. “You don’t need to pull too hard. Just a tiny bit, and the horses will know where you want them to go.” 

Achilles nods sharply, his eyes on the road; his cheeks flush a little bit, and Patroclus suddenly finds himself feeling a bit warm as well at their proximity. 

As they move further and further away from Chiron’s cave, and closer to the valley, Patroclus can’t help but think of the centaur and their talk earlier that morning. His knowing glances and pointed remarks didn’t leave much doubt as to whether he knows exactly what is going on between Achilles and himself, perhaps even how long it has been happening. Chiron didn’t tell them anything about it; didn’t punish them for doing it or ask them to stop, even though they’ve both been more distracted than usual of late. Patroclus hates that feeling, that knot In the pit of his stomach at the thought that he might have displeased the centaur in some way. It makes him even more determined to try to do everything right now, to complete all the assignments the centaur has given them and more besides: to tend to every patient perfectly, to sell as many pelts and herbs as he can and to buy everything Chiron asked at the best prices he can find. He isn’t sure Chiron will be impressed, but Patroclus feels like he has to try regardless.

Achilles, for his own part, seems to care about that not at all.

"Isn't it exciting, going to town again?" he says, practically bouncing on his seat as soon as the walls of the city with its smoking chimneys come into view. "And a new town, at that! I've never been to Iolcos, have you?"

Patroclus just scoffs, shaking his head. "No. It’s probably going to be a messy, smelly hovel with hogs and chickens milling about," he says derisively. "The towns around the gulf aren’t known for their cleanliness."

Achilles stares at him first in surprise, then in mounting enthusiasm. "Hogs? I've never seen them in a town!"

"That’s because Phthians are familiar with the concept of pens," Patroclus says dryly. Achilles laughs.

"Aren't you excited, though?” he presses. “If we have time, we might go to a kapeleion again. It was fun last time we went, wasn't it?" 

It had been fun when they went out in Phthia with his friends, that's true; but as much as Patroclus likes going to taverns and pubs as much as the next man, the memory of what happened the last time he did still haunts him. He doesn't trust himself to drink around Achilles more than he ought; for, like the time before, he might try to kiss him or do something foolish, and Achilles might run away and disappear for days as he had then. Patroclus isn't at all eager to relive that.

"Did you not hear a word Chiron said?" Patroclus grumbles. “He made us swear not to get distracted. Besides, there’s so much we need to do that I doubt we’ll have time for it anyway.”

“Finally, alright,” Achilles sighs, leaning back against his seat. “Besides, I’m sure we’ll find something else to do to pass the time, if we do finish early.” He gives Patroclus a mischievous grin, his leg pressing against the side of Patroclus’ thigh on the narrow seat. Patroclus knows exactly what’s on his mind, and the knowing sends a rush of warmth through him. 

Read the rest on AO3!

[gracieheartspedro]

sneaky peek for the abby munchers

"trash talk" part 2 is in the works. I wanna give ya a lil something something. just a small lil trigger warning, there are tons of seraphite deaths in this part. I also call them scars in my series cause that's what the wlf calls them. fuck them anyway, they are transph*bic and hateful to my man Lev.

also I hardly edited this. if there's a lil oopsies here and there, sorry. love ya.

anyway, enjoy this snippet!

also arm!

Abby’s eyes widen as she looks down the hall where Owen was just coming from. Whistles erupt and you know what that means. Abby grabs your free hand, practically ripping your arm out of the socket as she takes off down the stairs. 

You’re practically being dragged down the stairs, skipping multiple steps at once as Abby never gives up your hand. Owen is close behind, but every so often, he stops to aim up the stairs to spray bullets. He’s trying to slow them down, but he’s also probably attracting more to your location. A door swings open in Abby’s path, and without even thinking for a millisecond, you lift up your gun and shoot directly into the opening. It was just one guy and your aim was spot on. Your mind is solely on protecting the girl who’s incapable of letting go of your hand. 

“Keep moving!”

Another five flights and you’re finally on the ground floor. Abby finally releases your hand, letting you catch your breath for a second as Owen stands his ground and lights up the staircase behind you.

“We need to find the others! Now!” Abby yells over the gunfire.

You stumble forward, checking down the hallway you watched Manny and Leah go down before you three walked up the stairs. You don’t even say anything, you just start running down the corridor. Your throat is tight just thinking of Manny’s lifeless body. 

Two Scars appear behind a corner and you expertly shoot them, running straight pass them without hestitating. You’re in fight or flight mode, your body shaking with fear that you could stumble upon a horrible scene. 

You don’t know when you start doing it, but you start screaming his name. Over and over again. You’re giving away where you are to the enemy, but you did not care.

Before you can finish slaughtering more people, Manny and Leah yell your name from a room at the end of the hall. When you get to the door, you kick it open with all your might, breaking through the door with your foot. 

“¿Qué pasó? Are you alright!?”

You’re panting and on edge, so when you see Manny’s concerned face, you breath a sigh of relief. His voice brings a bit of comfort as well. 

Abby finally makes it to you, her boots halting right behind you, while her hand grab on the sides of your body. 

“We gotta go! There’s more Scars than we thought. We either go or die!”

You swallow thickly, your body buzzing at the feeling of Abby’s large hands on your hips. She’s not doing it on purpose, it’s almost like she needs to have you close. She needs to protect you just like you protected her.

Manny glances over at Leah, nodding in agreement that they are on the same page. Abby pulls you away from the threshold so they can leave the room they were scoping out. Owen gets to you four, informing everyone where he thinks the Scars could hide and how they would probably make your escape hard. Abby’s hands are still on you. 

You glance back at her, your lips slightly ajar. She looks down at you with hooded lids. 

“We are getting out of here and you’re not leaving my side, got it?” She whispers for your ears only. You just nod. 

[anameistoohard]

Hi, my name is Kassandra and recently I've become interested in systems, how they feel and how they form.

I don't think I am one but I would love to learn more about that, partially out of curiosity (I hope that's not a rude thing to say) and partially because I want to better understand others and what they go through.

Do you have any links that might help me learn more? I tried looking into ot myself but I'm not sure which sites are trustworthy and which spread false information. I was hoping you might have a better grasp on things.

Again, I'm sorry if what I said is rude, finding the right words is often hard for me. Please be assured that I have nothing but respect for you

Hi, sorry for the late answer ^_^'

I don't think I am one but I would love to learn more about that, partially out of curiosity (I hope that's not a rude thing to say) and partially because I want to better understand others and what they go through.

Not rude at all! And in fact, that mindset was exactly what led us down the path to discovering our system (I wanna make a comic about that eventually ^^)

We mentioned in our pinned post that we're not very good at keeping track of links. But I remember The Rings System on YouTube being a good jumping off point, and that they tend to link stuff in the description of their videos.

(@fleepadeep tagging you because this answers your ask too)

My main bit of advice is read the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 and/or ICD-11 for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). As well as Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD) (look at OSDD-1 specifically) in the DSM and Partial Dissociative Identity Disorder (P-DID) in the ICD. OSDD-1 and P-DID are similar just the different manuals' take on it. DID, OSDD-1, and P-DID are all types of disordered plurality.

It's important to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria because it's the easiest way to know when someone's bullshiting you. People turn stuff like "DID is heavily associated with childhood trauma." into "You have to have experienced the arbitrary severity of trauma that I set in order to have DID!"

Also the DSM and ICD specifically exclude certain forms of plurality, thus acknowledging their existence. People like to claim only people with DID are "real systems". Which is demonstrably untrue. Steer clear of people who are not willing to acknowledge the existence of non disordered systems.

And just generally, if someone speaks in absolutes take what they're saying with a heavy helping of salt. People like to claim they know how plurality forms, but they don't, no one knows for sure. People take speculation and treat it as fact.

Those are some of the major pitfalls.

Oh and I'd recommend diving into the science side of things first and getting a basic understanding of things before delving into places like r/plural on Reddit. Once people start bringing their spiritual beliefs into things shit gets confusing fast. That's like, hard mode.

You need to have a basic understanding of the vocabulary used in plural spaces in order to understand what people are talking about and not get lost. But once you have that, I'd start trying to hear personal experiences from as many systems as possible. Every system is different, so you don't want to fall into the trap of thinking one person's experience is true for everyone.

Oh and if anyone has resources they'd like to share feel free.

Taylor's better at this shit. Where is she :/

-Konnor (he/him)

[court-jobi]

Expert in Distraction

Pairing: Din Djarin x reader

Word Count: 1,883

Rating: M, 18+ (please scroll on by, kiddos)

Warnings: 🔥stress relief, est. relationship, spicy stimulation, fem pronouns, excessive use of the nickname 'angel', #thehelmetstayson

Summary: He’s been workin’ on this new hot-rod of his for a while now. He works hard enough with errands of his own, and deserves a break more than anything– especially after all he’s been through lately. So you try to spell your Mandalorian– only to have him bail you out when things go south on an errand in the Tattooine market scene. Frustrated and down on yourself, you try to keep your angst out of his sight… only for your Mando partner-in-crime to sense his girl needs him and opts to helps alleviate your stress. 

“D’you wanna talk, or a distraction?”

You meant it as a clarifying question, but it came out soft: a plea for the solution to the problem.

“Distraction…?”

Oh, yes. Yes to the touch, yes to that angle, yes to the distraction, yes to your Din Djarin. 

A/N: Inspired by my favorite bounty hunter (and how the phrase "rough day" will forever be cemented in my mind by @no-droids beloved work), here's how I imagine the sharp-eyed -but ridiculously in love- Mandalorian would help you unwind after a day where nothing's gone right. Cleaning carbon scoring can wait; after you've answered his question for how best to help you...

Read on AO3

Ashla knows you'd had a rough day.

You'd been running clear across compounds in search of what you thought were easy to find supplies while your Mandalorian was making repairs in the comfort of a private shipyard. He needed a break from finding his own parts this week, but would never say so. Routine stuff wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle picking up and enjoyed the time alone to feel accomplished, so you set out for the chore yourself. 

What you didn't expect was the shootout in the hangar. Damn hothead spacers...

That sure put a wrench into things. You got interrupted on the job and caught in a really tight spot without much cover or a good exit path. Not that you could handle without being covered in beskar. So, you sent out your reluctant call about the outburst to the other end of your comm, where Mando obviously came to get you, broke it up, and brought you back right as night fell. 

But the adventure of the day left you feeling pent up and irritated at how it'd gone.

You steamed at the sink, having rinsed the parts you’d salvaged but staring the pile down before mustering the will to dry them off. Sighing as you did so, you sensed his presence behind you. His shadow on the wall gave you pause so you just carried on, thinking he'd move along. 

Only he didn't. Inside that she'll keeping his face from you, he wrestled with how to help you. A hand came to your waist, a low voice breaking through the incoming tension headache brewing behind your eyes;

"Hey you."

He was in soft mode. Shit. You could hear it in his voice, and your heart sank. 

You seriously loved when he'd get sweet like this. But after today? You knew you were in a horrible mood and felt guilty for not falling into him as easily as you wanted.

"Hey," you tried to manage back pleasantly, but you were tired. "I'm almost done here, then we can relax if you want," and so you picked up your pace.

The Mando leaned over you easily and led your hand off the counter. "Don't worry about those."

Your temper flared and turned around to face him, 

“Look I'm fine, just let me do this, ok? I can do this one thing!" 

Deadly quiet calmness shut your throat again as he looked down at you. One sided tip of the helm, a cue for you to check yourself. 

You hopelessly just wanted something to go right out of this day... and you regretted the tone as soon as you said it.

So, you took a deep breath and stared off to the side. Giving up the bite, you chucked the towel somewhere behind you, gripping onto his belts' hooks in midreach– to communicate his touch was welcome at the very least. You'd still take the hug, even if you weren't happy. Ungloved and warmer than the usual gloves covering him up, his grounding hand returned-- this time coming to your cheek.

"D'you want to talk, or a distraction?"

Ugh, you’d had enough talking about the things going wrong recently. Now, distraction? That could be anything from fixing you a snack, to shooting mynocks off the hilltop. Depends if he’s angry enough.

You meant it more as a clarifying question, but it came out soft- for the solution to the problem.

"Distraction…?"

With another tilt, the Mandalorian closed the rest of the space between you and trailed that hand up to rake your hair away. He caught the pair of pins where you'd tied your front pieces back in a hurry and worked them out, tossing them in the sink behind you. With another careful shake and swipe all the way down, now he was able to work the braid out. You let your eyes fall shut at the sensation, releasing your finger's grip into a gentler hold on his sides. A slight hum came from you without realizing and you worked to let your brow fall from its tensed peak.

"There’s my girl," he whispered. "I've missed you."

He meant the smile that had been missing; it was back the instant he touched you. You flickered up at him a little pitiful, and he hummed at you– the sign that he was watching.

"Sweet girl..." The mutter under his breath at the sight of you. "...why don't I just help you unwind a bit. You’ll feel better. "

"How's that?" You asked softer, your voice weak and a bit higher.

He leaned in a bit closer to your ear, nuzzling against your temple as his gently as beskar would allow. Cradling the back of your head to him as his hand planed across your stomach,

"I can help relax you. You won't have to move or lay a finger on anything else tonight. Just let me take care of you. Touch you, in all the ways I know you love."

His hand slid down lower as the moment blended into something else, and you suddenly inhaled quick at the fluttering you now felt in your thighs. 

A delicious distraction.

Your Mandalorian coaxed you, his hand massaging at your hip. "How does that sound?"

You nodded and hummed high in your throat, moaning a little when he massaged that hand into your hair to scratch your scalp.

He'd do anything to keep you safe and happy. He'd accomplished the first, now to solve the second....

You hummed when he massaged through your hair, and reacted: pulled him close enough where you could reach up to his shoulders. He pressed in like a perfect fit and traced the edge of your pants, right at the tender skin of your stomach.

"S'that feel good, angel?"

He nuzzled you again to gauge your permission. You nodded again and fell into the sway he started, your hips unconsciously pressing into his. Anything to be closer. Your head dropped towards his neck while your arms found their home atop his shoulders. He swelled with pride at how easy you would stay under him.

WIthout an ounce of hesitation left, the Mandalorian took the submission to let his hand slip under your waistband. You hummed bright at the intrusion and whimpered when he'd ghosted over that tender part at your core before he let his hand cup you fully. Hiding in that warm spot of fabric before the hard beskar chestplate, you sighed into his touch below… The sink of your entire body wasn’t far from your Mando’s sight, as he cradled you back to lean against the counter the whole way down.

"That's my angel... I've got you. There we go~." 

Softness galore and buttery warmth coated his voice while he coaxed you just enough to have you sink back against the countertop and your legs widened a bit more for his hand to move. "Is this ok?"

"Yes please," you whispered- laced with far more begging than you anticipated.

Yes to the touch, yes to the angle, yes to the distraction, yes to him. 

His chuckle echoed in the helm. "So polite.. you have good manners, cyar'ika." 

Fingers began to work gently against your opening (all to elicit a moan from you), finding their home and making space as he pleased,

 "--But I want you to forget the honorifics tonight. You just let go and say whatever you need to. Loud as you want."

The sigh that left you at his words was so needed and gripping him tighter sent the message: 

"Fuuuuck that feels good."

You felt your hips rock against him on their own. As your guide the rest of the way in, he captured you to his chest.

This here, this guy was a man of words you got when the two of you were alone. How grateful you were for the brief respite being on this dustball of a planet gave you. Away from the other hunters, from the garage techs, even out of Peli’s guest rooms– here in the little corner of your private, rented garage, he'd litter all sorts of sweet words on you while handling you against that counter… your stomach jumping at each one as they flowed through you.

You sound… so kriffing gorgeous, just like this.

That's it, c'mon.

That's my pretty girl.

You work so hard for me. This is all for you, now.

Let go for me.

Any aggravation of the day be damned. Nothing mattered except for the bow to burst; and your Mando was making great time, the expert of distraction he is. That's his secret weapon-- turning around a bad day the moment you give the word.

The live wire in you was beginning to burn, sparking trembles in the body that made your legs shake. A foot popped off the ground and atop the strong thigh that parted you. 

Normally you were laying down for this part, and nerves for the sudden onslaught of it rose with a vengeance, getting better of you. 

Beside his helmet, you caught the reflection of your brows tense for new reason. Facing your light and relieving pants, the black of the visor stayed fixed on your face. 

"I-I,I cant- Din,” you begged, “I can't–"

"Yes you can, mesh’la." He whispered as if he were the call of Sleep himself. As if it were a dream.

The quiver ebbing inside brought you to hide in his neck.

The voice seeping from the edge of the helmet, 

"You're so close, let go.”

The core of you revved to the edge. Your only hope was that voice– 

–and its final, sweet order:

“Cum for me, angel."

For gasps of breath after you stopped shaking, you held onto him for dear life. Thankfully, he made doing so more comfortable by slipping off his chestplate between you.

It's no secret now, your loving him. In your light, ditzy whisper to tell him so, he merely hummed a little chuckle back, gave you a gentle keldabe kiss, and swayed again. Just content to hold you- and murmur it back in turn.

The gesture of what you did today didn't go unnoticed; Din knew exactly what you'd been trying to do. Taking on the grocery run would have spelled him after a string of long days this week. How could he blame you for a a frustrating turn of events like a shootout? He'd be pissy, too.

Not only would he come every time to help, but he'd spell them from you if he could. He honestly preferred having you by his side on errands, anyway. But the offer meant the world to him.

"Mmm'love you..." the little whimper came from the lovely bundle in his arms. The stress appeared to have melted away entirely.

"Someone has tired eyes," he replied back, equally sated at the sight of his darling, "Now, no lifting any fingers, hear me? I mean it. I'll take care of these in the morning."

No fight from you there. He drove it straight out of you, to his own happy calm.

Of course, when Din led you both out from the workspace and toward the residential district, locking the garage behind them, he made sure to keep you under his arm and gave his warm word of love right back.

[omaskit]

Octopath Hardcore mode log 1

So I'm doing pre-session and first session in one post bc first session was on a plane. These are just going to be somethings I was thinking about before trying the challenge.

If you don't know the rules/challenge I posted them here.

Pathing. I started out as Alfyn, not for any strategic advantage but because I like Alfion and want those two to be my main pair. I'll be parring of the party so I can Lv and manage easily. My goal is to do Tressa's and Cyrus in one go and then follow Cyrus's trail to noblecourt. This should knock out Cyrus's, H'anaat's, Primrose, and Therion's chapter 3s. Tressa leads to Olberic and Olberic matches with Therion. The only thing I'm worrried about is Ophilia and Alfyn circling eachother. it's probably something poetic with the healers but to me its annoying. This means we'll have to backtrack to Golden Shore or the river place (Can't remember name right now. Alfyn chap 3).

Provisions. Because Therion is my second main I chose the steal option, meaning I can't buy things from the shops. We're stealing everything that's not nailed down. Items are more scarce and chest will be our best friend.

Boss fights. Primrose's boss fight is supposed to be the hardest first chaps to do alone. Because of my desire to keep Alfyn and Therion together Primrose is the last character I'm grabbing, all of the chapter ones will be filled with dread.

That's all for pre-game. My first session was on a plane so unfortunantly these aren't live reactions but here are some thoughts I had.

Man is Octopath 2's writing is so much better than octo 1. Don't get me wrong I like octo 1 but the exposition doesn't flow as easily.

Alfyn's dungon is hard alone. These stupid snails are draining all my Sp.

items items items. I need items. Any piece of armor I can scrap

Didn't Alfyn's boss have adds? I was sure he had adds. Where did they go?

Side quest. Side quest are going to be hell. No guide, no mini map, no fast travel. I need to get them done asap. Meryl, we need to talk.

Nice! most borderland things die to axe!

Is the player character so insistant on helping Therion that he literally can't say no? Amazing, go Alfyn, go.

*Opens writing notes* Therion is a little bitch... Got it.

JOBS! Jobs are going to be hard. I can't teleport back so I have to be level for them. I'll probably get them all going into everyone's chapter 2s. No idea how octo 2 will work though. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

forgot to mention 1st chap dungeons in the first post, Gonna say Alfyn can't do anything in here.

Did Therion's fight always have adds?

DO THEY GET HARDER???

OH NOOO

Please be based off of people in party and not level or members collected.

I've robbed everyone in this town blind except this one STUPID CHILD that made me have to restore my reputetation! XP

I've spent 5 hours looking for this egg only to remember her fucking egg is in the riverlands. I'll get it when I circle back.

DON'T DIE DON'T DIE DON'T-

we made it.

[poisonouswritings]

READER X CHARACTERS DRUNK CONFESSION EXCEPT IM GUNNA DRAG THIS STRAIGHT INTO THE ROAD TRIP SERIES BecaUSE ITS MY CURRENT HYPER FIXtaTiON.

Kinda NSFW ahead

Mc drunkenly confessing to sage that they knew about his AhEm problem during the ride to the hotel but didn't do anything about it cause they wanted to mess with him on purpose. So all the 'accidental' bouncing was mostly just them messing with sage.

-egg anon (dumb bitch anon)

Oh hell yeah let's go I'm very glad to help your hyperfixation

Road Trip Part 1 - because obviously I have to pimp my own stuff

GN!Reader, mentions of NSFW in the context of the ask but more stuff does not happen. This time. That's saved for another post, also mentions of alcohol/being drunk

It's been a long day today. Anisa had insisted on taking a sunrise hike. Then Elowen wanted to race back down the path.

And you managed to trip over your own shoes and faceplant on the path.

All in all, not your finest moment.

Anisa immediately went into Mom Mode and pulled out antibiotics and bandages. Everyone else was laughing a bit. And Sage?

Sage scoops you up in his arms, asking if you're okay. Yeah he's a little amused but he's also genuinely concerned. You ate it pretty hard. Are you okay?

You're just dying because all you really did was scrape your knee this isn't That Big of A Deal.

Anyways you guys head over to a bar for dinner. And maybe it's because of the embarrassment from earlier or maybe it's just because it's a vacation and, hey, you need a break, that you get a little extra drunk.

A liiiiiiiittle extra drunk.

Little bit.

....................

Oh no you're wasted

As you're all hanging out and messing around, you casually crawl into Sage's lap and mush your butt against him. He lets out a startled laugh.

Your body tips dangerously to the side. He quickly wraps his arms around your waist to hold you in place, making sure you don't tip over. His face is already warm from the alcohol but now the warmth spreads pleasantly through his chest. His tail winds around your waist.

You lightly mush your cheek against his forehead. You have a secret~ that you wanna tell him~ but he's gotta be a good boy about it~ and then you start giggling and you can't stop for a minute or two.

Obviously he realizes you're drunk. So he thinks you're gonna say something silly. He playfully rests his chin on your shoulder. There's a little purr in his chest that he can't get rid of. Not when your drunken giggling makes him feel so giddy.

You press a sloppy, playful kiss to his cheek before snuggling the top of his head, loudly whispering right into his fluffy ear-

You knew about his little 'problem' the other day.

His eyes widen and he goes completely still under you.

You snicker and wrap your arms around his neck. He isn't mad, right~? Aw, of course not~ Your cute kitty cat couldn't be mad at you~ so hopefully he doesn't mind that you~

And nooooooow you're giggling again.

At this point Sage is trying to coax the information out of you because Holy Shit He Needs To Know What The Hell It Is You Were About To Say His Very Being Depends On It

You boop his nose.

That car ride? :) Where you were bouncing on him? :) Grinding your ass on his dick until he had to go get himself off in the bathroom? :) Well :) you were doing (at least some of it) on purpose~ :) It was just so easy and fun to do :) and he looked reaaaaaaaaally cute all blushy like that :)

And then you collapse back into giggles at the shocked look on his face and because his tail is going haywire and tickling you

You pass out shortly after that, snoring into his shoulder.

Sage is absolutely fucking dying. Do you know what you just said?? What does that even mean?!! D-does that mean that you... you......

.................. He silently rests his forehead against the back of your shoulder. His heart is hammering in his chest and he can't wipe the dumb smile off his face.

Well.

Shit.

He's love-drunk.

[arcadejohn127-9]

Okay so I got a weird request for you 🥸 how would the demon brothers and undateables react to an MC that is turning into a demon? Like MC gets fangs, tail, wings ect from being there for so long or is maybe being corrupted? Could you make it a little bit fluffy, though but I can also see this being funny 🤪❤

This doesn't seem weird at all! The concept is actually really interesting

Lucifer:

Lucifer was going off on you and the other brothers; all of you were caught with his stuff

You just wanted to see what he was hoarding but turns out it was just cursed music and screaming skulls

He immediately charged over and began scolding his brothers

But when levithan made a comment about Mammon already selling his items

He went full demon mode, summoning a whip and began to twist it

"MAMMOOOOOOOON-"

Mammon bolted away, Lucifer hot on his trail

You soon found mammon tied to the chandelier

You glared at Lucifer and went off instinct

"let go off my horns-"

"not until you apologize!"

He kept trying to get out of your grip but you just held on tighter

They brothers were aware you were changing but he didn't expect you to get demon strength so soon

"I will prevent you from becoming a demon if you keep acting like this, this kind of behaviour will not continue-"

"Silence or I'll shake you like a goat!"

Mammon:

You found out about your corruption before anyone else

You've been trying to hide it - unsure if it's a curse or you're actually turning

You were hoping you could get the prince to see you but it turns out fate had a different path in mind

"Oi, I want my shades back, I've let you borrow them for too long-"

He was tired of going for his shades and them not being there

Too caught up in how cute you looked in them he let you borrow them much longer than expected

"Wait - no-"

"YOU GOT DEMON EYES! the hell- you turning into a demon?!"

"uh- suprise?"

He grabbed your face, examining your new eyes

"they're real pretty- not like your original eyes weren't but- forget I said anything, we need to find out what happened to you, dumn hu- uh demon."

Levithan:

The way you both found out was purely accidental

You both noticed your teeth appeared sharper but they both shrugged it off

Believing it to be normal as alot of demon food was meat and had that kind of fleshy tough texture

You were watching some new anime and you got excited

Your favourite character seemed to be on the urge of being killed off but then suddenly - they unlocked a hidden power within and survived!

You jumped up from your seat and cheered

"You're- YOU HAVE WINGS!"

You looked behind you and sure enough, a pair of wings were flapping behind you

"WHOA!!! wait so I can fly now?!"

"But how are you- YOU'RE TURNING INTO A DEMON!!"

You were too excited to care about the corruption of your body, jumping off the walls testing out your new wings

levithan had to quickly rush you to the others to show them what happened

None of them get how you're turning but glad you're taking it in stride

Satan:

When you showed him your growing horns, he was fascinated

Immediately taking you to his room to find his study on demon and human history

"it says here that demon corruption can turn humans into lesser demons but it's normally for those who are already damned to hell and have a bad soul."

You gasped

Wiggling your fingers at him as a wicked grin grew on your face

"so I'm secretly evil, like a villian~"

He just handed you the book, amused by your attitude

He was glad you were fine with your corruption

His eyes wondered and noticing a tail forcing itself out from your clothes

He couldn't help but blush seeing it wag, watching as you read through the process of corruption

"you're the furthest thing from a villian, but if you'll let me - I'll document this, you'll be making history."

"Really? I guess so though - did something just fall out of my body? I'm too scared to look."

"it's just your tail, it seems your body isn't processing the corruption the same so some parts are developing faster than others."

You whipped around, grabbing your tail and began to squeal

Yep, Definitely was the furthest thing from evil

But perhaps it was how open you were to the devildom that it made corruption easier on your soul

Asmodeus:

"Fangs suit you, make's you look more vicious~"

He grinned, a small growl on his voice as he admired your new sharp teeth

You tried not to get embarassed as he prodded at the bottom of your fang

You thought the whole transformation was really cool

This is what most humans want! Or atleast you believed so

When he finally let go, you checked your teeth out in the mirror

"they're so cool! But what's the point it's not like I'm going to be eating anyone-"

"you could always bite me, you know that option has always been open for you."

You ignored his wink and amused smile

You knew he was just teasing but deep down you were happy he was so positive about your transformation

You were scared they wouldn't like you anymore

But they were all supportive, especially asmo

"It's not like you're really changing that much so I don't see any issue, besides I'm curious if you'll be like me and have wings!"

That was a discovery you were yet to find

Your horns were growing steadily and your eyes have changed along with your teeth

But you were yet to get any wings or tail

Beezlebub:

When the brothers found out you were turning Into a demon

First the reaction was panic and wanting to fix you

But you said you were fine with it and the process wasn't hurting you in any way

They relaxed after that

But you actually growing extra limbs such as wings and horns the panic was growing again

"you're going to be alot stronger now, I'm glad."

You flexed your arms, bringing up your fists with a grin

"Oh? You wanna try to brawl or something?"

Beel still easily overpowered you, keeping your little fists at distance from him by pushing back your head

He was smiling, a light blush on his cheeks whilst you were trying to punch him

"No, I'm happy I'll finally be able to hug you without being scared of hurting you."

"oh-!"

You immediately got embarassed

You stopped trying to fight him, looking at him with a smile

"Let's test it out! I wanna see how much stronger my body is!"

Belphegor:

"Get your tail off my tail-"

You glared at him, trying to pull away from his arms, Getting overheated from how close he was cuddling you

You processed his words; wondering what he was talking about

"My tail?! I don't have a -"

He raised his tail to reveal that his and another tail were looped aroulnd each other, clinging

"OH MY DIAVOLO I HAVE A TAIL!!"

You were able to shuffle away, bringing your tail up to your face

You were just staring at it, not expecting to see it

"you're becoming a demon........wanna learn some demon swears?"

"there's special demon swears???!!! TELL ME!"

He chuckled, rolling closer to you and began speaking in a different language, it easily rolling off his tongue

The words felt familiar but you couldn't understand what he was saying

"What does that mean?"

"Let's just say you shouldn't repeat it until you want a demon to die."

UNDATEABLES↓

Diavolo:

He was immediately informed about your predicament

Demanding to see you as soon as possible

When he finally saw you, you were barely changed

Less prominent changes were already in effect but you were yet to truely look like a demon

He was both excited and scared

Excited to see this unique change and that you'll be able to stay in the Devildoom

But scared that this is going to be a hard thing for you and you'll regret and hate them all for corrupting you

But he was surprised by your enthusiasm

"What kind of horns do you think I'll be getting? I hope they're cool."

"I'm glad you're enjoying this, I didn't know un-damned humans could turn into demons."

"me either but I practically live here already so there's not going to be a difference."

He laughed, squeezing your shoulder

You were looking at yourself in the mirror

Just trying to find any horn bumps

"I think they'll be unique type of horns, like Barbatos."

He moved his hands to the side of your head, mimicking his butler's horns

You both agreed barb had super cool horns

"Wait- won't I get that special outfit all of you have when you're in your demon form?"

"i- i actually haven't thought about that."

"do those just magic on or were they chosen and now they're just attached to that form?"

You both had to sit down and actually think about this

Barbatos:

He wasn't too surprised you were having a transformation

It was only due time before the life of the Devildom effected you

But when you came rushing in to see him, tears in your eyes

That completely threw him off

"If you don't want this to happen, I'm sure my lord will let me shift the timelines and you'll be back to normal."

"No way! I wanna be a demon~ I'll have big fangs and spooky wings-"

Seeing your tears weren't one of despair

He smiled, cutting you off

"You'll have a tail actually."

You grew more excited, jumping up and down

When asked why you were crying

Turns out on the way to get him you bashed into one of the doors

He had to check if you had any bruises after you told him that

You took it as a good time to ask what kind of tail you'll have

But he just tapped his noses

"it would be better I keep it a secret, it's your corruption after all, I understand I'm doing this not to be mean."

You let him be

But as soon as your demonic features grew in more you were rushing off to see barbatos

Solomon:

"Hey, Solo! Guess what!"

You surprised your giddy up glee

Standing at the end of the stairs to his mini potions lab

He didn't look at you, too focused on his latest project

"What is it? You've turned into a demon?"

He laughed at his sarcasm

You just grinned, bouncing over to the opposite side of him

"yes actually! I'm finally allowed outside!"

His head snapped up SO FAST

when he saw your demon form he was shocked

Never would he assume you would turn into a demon

He's like Satan, wanting to research and document your progression and abilities

"We could make a pact, perhaps then the brothers will finally-"

"I'm not making a pact with you."

You two spent HOURS discussing your corruption

You were excited to learn more about the possibilities and he wanted to figure out how a non dammed soul was able to turn into a demon

"so, I'm going to be immortal like you, it's seems you're never getting rid of me~"

"After the first 10 hundred years you'll get bored of it."

"Oof- I forgot you're old-old."

He was not pleased

Explaining he was wise not old

You just shook your head, letting him ramble about how aging works for immortal beings and how the concept of age blurs

Simeon:

"Is it painful at all? When the brothers fell I know they had to go through a similar transformation like you."

He never saw his brother's transformation, just watched them descend from the heavens

He was looking at the few differences your new form was doing to you

But you seemed fine, smiling as you sat with him

"It feels weird, I know it's happening - it's more like an itch?"

"I'll see if I can get anything that'll help, you seem fine with the change."

You fully turned to him, grinning

"oh yeah! I think it'll be cool, I'll get to be immortal and stay with all of you."

His heart softened at your words

You'll be a peculiar demon, indeed

But that was okay and he was happy you were okay

He started guessing what animal would represent you

Wondering what type of wings you'll get

Or how your tail would look

"I'm excited to see what your demon form will be when it's complete, I want to see if my theories will be correct."

"I think you can see the future, your TSL story was remarkably close to what happened between me and the brothers and their bonds leading up to my arrival."

He just laughed, that secretive glint to his see

"it's but a mere coincidence but we'll see when the time comes."

Luke:

His best friend is becoming a demon??!!!

This is so unfair!

You were his HUMAN friend! His favourite human out of all humanity!

He was so grumpy about it

Mumbling how the demons corrupted you and now you're forced to stay in the Devildom

Meaning if he wants to visit he'll have to be there which he definitely 'doesn't' want because his friends mean demons are there

"Is there no way to reverse it?"

"probably but I don't wanna - I'm happy to become a demon!"

"But why?! Won't you miss your human life!"

He felt very conflicted; he wanted you to feel the way he did so you could understand him

But he knew you were happy and he wasn't too opposed to it

It's just the fear of change and you being upset or regretting your fee decision

You were always so nice to him

He truly believed you'd become an angel like him and Simeon

"nah, the Devildom has made me the happiest I've been in years, besides if get wings we can go fly together."

You wrapped an arm around his shoulder, hugging him close as he finally un-puffed his cheeks

"you- you wanna go flying? I guess I do want that... it'll be nice."

He smiled, calming down but still wasn't sure how to feel

He wanted to fly with you and even if you didn't get wings, he always wanted to show off his growing wings

If you had a tail he'd just find a different way for you to sour into the sky

[wasabito]

➽ corruption collab masterlist — hosted by @ultimate-astridwriting and @bummie ♥️

➽ note: definitely gonna come back and edit this a bit more because threesomes are hard as fuck, no pun intended lmao happy v-day everyone!

➽ word count: 3.2k

➽ cw/tags: polyamory + body worship + threesome + praise kink + public sex + choking + handjobs/fingering + vaginal sex + squirting + established relationship

➽ pairing: akaashi x fem!reader x bokuto

💿 1. nasty — ariana grande || 2. come on — jhene aiko

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, it becomes rather apparent that love and romance are in the air. Storefronts are decorated in bubblegum pinks and reds. Flower shops promote their special bouquet arrangements at discounted prices. Even your favorite hole in the wall coffee shop has fallen prey to the spirit of cupid as they announce their new strawberry shortcake dessert and heart-shaped scones.

In lieu of staying home for the third night this week, your boyfriends escort you to dinner at an upscale restaurant in the city. They treat you to a five-course meal and a bottle of wine even pricier than the dinner itself. One would think, after three years of dating, you would no longer be caught unawares by their spontaneity. And yet, here they are, once again pulling the rug from underneath your four-inch heels.

Your gaze flickers from Akaashi's tranquil smile to Bokuto's wide grin.

Adjusting the napkin in your lap, you open your mouth to speak, then pause as the right words fail it come. Brain short-circuiting instead, you let out a confused, "Huh?!"

"We're taking you to Italy!" Bokuto repeats, about ready to hop out of his seat with excitement. He looks to Akaashi, "Three nights in Venice, right 'Kaashi?"

"Yes, we decided on Venice after you told us you'd always wanted to visit. Remember Koutarou's birthday last year?"

"But that was like months ago! Did you two honestly hold onto that drunk little confession this entire time?"

"Of course."

"Yup!!"

It's in moments like these when you are reminded of their history together, first as teammates playing volleyball, and eventually close friends. Not much longer after that, you'd met and fallen for Akaashi, then Bokuto, and thus began the relationship of today. While you find it a little ridiculous, it seems neither of them has any qualms about this trip.

After all, you are their lovely girlfriend. Why wouldn't they want to make your wishes come true?

Bokuto claps his hands, eyes sparkling. "Everything's already planned out, babe, so don't worry your pretty little head, okay?"

You can't argue with that. Reaching over, you take Bokuto's hand in your right and Akaashi's in your left. "Alright, since you two went to all this trouble for me, I guess I'll just sit back and enjoy it."

♥️

Venice is just as beautiful as you imagined.

It looks as if it's floating upon blue-green waters with lots of sunshine, beautiful architecture, and a vibrancy that makes it feel like the city has a life of its own. You are grateful you didn't come by yourself. There is no way you would've enjoyed it without Akaashi and Bokuto at your side.

"We're about a ten-minute walk from Piazza San Marco," Akaashi says as he taps his glasses. His sharp gaze is locked on the map in his hands, likely committing most landmarks and details to memory. "Would you like to check it out?"

"Yeah! Let's do it."

"Off we go, go, go!"

Thus, a majority of your first day in Venice is spent sightseeing.

The three of you take a gondola ride through Canale Grande, then have a peek into the Gallerie Dell'Accademia at Akaashi's insistence, though naturally, you wouldn't have come all the way to Italy and not visited at least one art museum. Afterward, the three of you go to the Le Mercerie shopping district and buy gifts for your friends before finally taking a pit stop for the most delicious gelato in the city.

The sunsets sooner than expected, casting the entire block in deep red hues. Bokuto's mood is greatly influenced by it, and the jetlag certainly doesn't help. He props himself against you, nuzzling you in a way that says he's itching for a kiss.

"Tired, Kou?"

Bokuto hums. "A little... More hungry than anything."

He leans in and pecks your lips with a sated smile. "Maybe I should eat you. I mean, how is it my girl's so damn cute? Not fair, I can't resist."

You snort at Bo's silliness but can't help shivering a little at the tiny implication of his words. He always did like to lay his head on your thighs, leaving a trail of kisses and love bites where he could.

So, the thought of him eating you out made you squeeze your thighs together.

Akaashi approaches with your frozen treats held between his long fingers; having overheard Bokuto earlier, he tucks his wallet back into his pocket.

"We'll get some dinner after we drop off these shopping bags. How does that sound?"

You eagerly take your gelato from him with a smile.

"Sounds like a plan."

Akaashi nods, standing at your other side, close enough to brush elbows though not as close as Bokuto, who was nearly hovering.

The three of you are in one of the narrow, maze-like streetways, basking in the warm, early evening glow. The sweet taste of fruit and cream on your tongue fills you with so much contentment, especially while being with your favorite people. You aren't sure if anything could top the way you currently felt, and the trip has just barely started.

Upon arriving at your temporary place of residence, a quaint little villa on the waterfront just along the shore of Punta Sabbioni Beach, Bokuto immediately kicks off his sandals, dumps the bags, and promptly falls asleep on the couch.

"It's so weird seeing Kou like this." You remark. "On any normal day, he's brimming with almost too much energy, but now he's all tired."

"Well, he did stay up an entire twelve hours on the plane. It was only a matter of time before fatigue caught up to him." Akaashi picks up Bokuto's shoes with practiced ease and places them by the others.

There is a fond smile running along the edges of his mouth as he tucks a throw around the man's larger frame. You help him adjust a spare pillow under Bo's head and then set off to explore the rest of the area.

It seemed like everything about Venice was taken straight out of a romance film, with its cobblestone paths, gothic cathedral architecture, crisp ocean waters, and authentic Italian cuisine. It is no wonder the city's known to draw hapless souls together in romance. Even you fell subject to it, and by each passing moment, you crave to be with your boyfriends.

You are standing at the balcony overlooking the beach, satisfied with your inspection of the villa when Akaashi comes to stand behind you. He holds onto the railings, caging you in his arms, and rests his chin on your shoulder.

"He was right, you know." He murmurs. "You do look good enough to eat."

Blunt as ever. Apparently, something's never change.

Though one might say that Akaashi is as he's always been after high school and college, there is no denying his boost in confidence. After all, he had landed not one but two rather attractive partners.

He kisses your cheek, then your jaw, before latching onto your neck.

The sun's scenic view on the horizon, reflecting upon the beach sands of gold and shimmering orange waves, makes for an excellent backdrop.

You turn to face Akaashi and pull him into a heated kiss. His lips convey a sense of devotion to you, and with each press of them against yours, you can feel just how bad he's yearning for more.

"Kei," you whisper. "Let's go inside."

In a moment, Akaashi whisks you off your feet quite similar to how Bokuto would, though you both don't even make it to the bedroom.

Your other partner had sat up on the sofa, hair flat on one side, scrubbing his eyelids.

"Guys, I'm freaking starving!" Bokuto groans. "Let's get some food or something."

He doesn't even notice how you and Akaashi are breathing heavy or how your clothes are sporting wrinkles that were not previously there. Regardless, Akaashi has food delivered while you went ahead to shower the day's journey away. There are still two days left. You'd get your chance with them at some point.

♥️

Sadly, the entirety of day two is spent indoors. Heavy sheets of rain continue to fall, muddying the shoreline. The three of you huddle on the sofa wrapped in blankets with subtitled movies playing in the background.

Even though you would've much rather been out exploring in the city, just sharing in your boyfriend's warmth would suffice for now. Akaashi hands you a steaming cup of something rich in both color and smell.

"What's this?"

"Just espresso." He takes the empty seat beside you.

You savor the taste while leaning against his shoulder. "Mm, nice."

Bokuto keeps his head on your lap, loving how you thread your fingers into his hair.

It is a tranquil kind of peace that soon lulls you to sleep.

Later, when you finally wake up, it's dark, and you're alone. A blanket had been tucked around your shoulders to shield you from the sudden chill. At some point, the television had been shut off along with every light in the room. You might've been a little scared if not for the voices coming from the second floor. Slowly, you creep up the winding staircase, dragging along the blanket around your shoulders.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Bokuto chuckles. "You're finally up!"

His hair is down, wet from his shower, and he holds a thin towel together around his waist. In his hand is a cellphone, and he doesn't hesitate to shove the screen into your face. "Say hi, Tetsu!"

"Hi Y/N, how's it going?"

You blink slowly, still trying to wake yourself up.

"Kuroo, hey… I'm well. How are you?"

"Great, just about to head out for a late lunch. I hear it's almost ten pm over there."

"Yeah, it's an eight-hour time difference."

You and Kuroo continue to chat while Bokuto towels off his hair and puts on clothes. Afterward, you let Bokuto resume his conversation and join Akaashi on the bed. The man had gone full editor-mode with his glasses propped up in his hair as he read through some work documents.

When you approach, he greets you with a kiss on the cheek. "You look well-rested."

"Is that your way of telling me I have drool on my cheek, Keiji?"

He cracks a tiny smile, eyes taking in your features, then he pokes your cheek with his index finger. "Perhaps."

You scrub the corners of your mouth with your sleeve and drape yourself over Akaashi, work be damned. This was supposed to be a special weekend for relaxing.

"I really wanted to go to the beach today." You pout.

Akaashi interlocks his fingers with yours. "Maybe we still can. It stopped raining a few hours ago."

"Really?!"

You hop off the bed and head for the window. He's right, the rain had long stopped, and the beach lay bare, lit by only the moonlight.

Maybe a short walk to the beach would do you some good.

♥️

The grains of sand feel cold against your feet without the sun to beat down on them, but you don't complain. The air is humid enough on its own that you forgo wearing actual clothes and instead wear a swimsuit along with Bokuto's old Fukurōdani windbreaker.

You walk along the shore, toes digging into the sand, letting the ocean waves lap at your feet to wash them clean again.

At first, it's so eerily quiet without a soul around except you, but even that doesn't last long. You hear Bokuto's voice bellow into the night as he jogs towards you in nothing but swim trunks. Behind him, Akaashi trails slowly after with a blanket in hand.

"We thought you might want some company." He says and spreads the cover on the sand several feet away from the water, content with just watching.

Bokuto grabs your hand and you go running to the water with him, but a second later, you both come sprinting back.

"It's freezing!"

"S-So co-co-cold!"

You collapse on top of him, fingers splayed across his bare chest. However, when you try to sit up, Bokuto has other plans. He keeps you pressed to his chest with both arms around your waist.

"Let me keep you warm, baby!"

You know he meant it in the most innocent way, but you can't help but think other thoughts. Your nerves fray at the image that blooms in your head and spreads like wildfire.

And as Akaashi strokes your back, you know he's probably read your mind.

It's the way your eyes seem to glitter with want that gives it away. Akaashi has always been rather observant, and so your silent cues are something he's always been privy to.

His nimble fingers curve around the nape of your neck, and he tilts his head to capture your lips in a kiss. This one is unlike the one from yesterday. There is no rush, no desire to quicken his haste; instead, he savors the taste of you like it's something to be thoroughly enjoyed.

Underneath you, Bokuto stirs, growing aroused at the sight of his two lovers' kiss. He can't decide whether he wants to join in or sit back and watch. But his large hand comes down to stroke your ass, resulting in a moan you breathe directly into Akaashi's mouth.

"You're not usually so forthcoming, Keiji," you whisper against his lips. "Eager, are we?"

Akaashi pulls away just enough to pepper your face in feathery kisses. "Can you blame me? When I have such a lovely girlfriend here."

As if confirming his words, he slips a hand under your jacket and cups your breast. The pads of his thumb brush along the seams of your bathing suit, caressing your nipple.

"Kou, let's show Y/N just how much we love her, yes?"

Bokuto didn't need to be told twice. He had been in entranced by you and Akaashi, completely taken by the way your lips danced upon one another. But now, he wanted more than anything to touch you, kiss you, hold you.

Bokuto cradles you in his lap, propping your legs open with his knees so Akaashi can kneel in front of you. It didn't take much for him to relieve you of your clothing, namely your swimming bottoms. But the second the air hits your bare cunt, you feel tense.

You aren't sure what it was, but the atmosphere is different. Both Akaashi and Bokuto are so focused on you, it feels like you're under a spotlight.

"You're so pretty, so beautiful," Bokuto says while squeezing your thighs. His warm breath tickles your ear as he presses his nose into your neck. Next, his lips follow suit. "Wanna fuck you, so bad baby. You'd like that, right?"

His words earn him a chuckle from Akaashi, who merely licks two of his fingers, wetting them and sliding into you. Your mouth parts, shaky breaths barely expelled from your lungs. You're hyper-aware of the fact that you're literally being fingered on a beach in the middle of the night, and you can't bring yourself to care. It feels good to be pampered by the two men you love.

For every moan, Akaashi gives you double for your efforts, thrusting his fingers just right, curving them in such a way that has your back arching off Bokuto, who has also taken to fondling your nipples. With every roll of his hips, you feel his cock against your ass, and it pushes you further into Akaashi's fingers.

Your impending orgasm sweeps by so close and yet so far away. All you can do is rock yourself faster.

"Please," you whimper. "W-Wanna come."

Akaashi crooks his fingers, pressing into the perfect spot that sends you hurtling over the edge. Your cunt spasms around his fingers, clenching in intervals you have no control over until his hand is coated with your wet, slick juices that keep coming the more you squirt all over him.

"She's so wet 'Kaashi. Look at our pretty girl."

Akaashi places a chaste kiss on your forehead with a smile.

"She's doing well, so far. Let's see if she can keep going."

Bokuto shimmies his shorts off enough to free his hard cock. He had been uncharacteristically patient until now, but that was soon to change as he lines himself up with your cunt, teasing you with just the tip.

Your whining is unintelligible, but both men understand you more or less.

"Give the pretty girl what she wants," Akaashi says. He strokes his own hard-on at the sight of Bokuto's pushing past your wet folds. "I know she can take more than that."

Bokuto has always been girthy, and it takes you more than a few seconds to adjust to his size, but when you finally do, it feels like heaven.

The position you're in gives Bokuto all the power to thrust into you like a ragdoll. But it's only when you make eye contact with Akaashi that you realize that it's, in fact, the other way around for him in particular. From where he sits, stroking his cock with flushed cheeks and choked moans, you see just how much control you have over him.

"Kiss me." You moan.

Akaashi doesn't let you repeat yourself. He kisses you long and hard even as you grip his throat with one hand and his hair with the other. He kisses you until his lips are red and bruised.

"Good boy. Both of y-you."

Bokuto groans loudly. "Say it again. Keep saying it!"

"Y-You're both so good. I-" your hips stutter against Akaashi's fingers that are rubbing circles into your clit. "Good, so good-"

That's all it takes to take Bokuto over the edge, blowing his load. "Perfect, so fucking perfect."

You can feel another orgasm swelling up inside your belly. You try to tell them but can't, too overcome by the feeling of your body tingling with desire. It's too much, overwhelmingly so; your vision blurs with unshed tears as Bokuto continues to pound into sopping pussy. Pleasure floods every fiber of your being until you're limp and every nerve in your body is set alight.

Bokuto slips out of you easily, a string of his semen following.

You can only look on in a drowsy haze as Bokuto leans over and kisses you and then Akaashi, working him over with a tight fist.

♥️

The following morning, you’re the first to wake, but only because there’s a limb jammed into your back and a heavy weight on your chest. It takes you a moment to realize, but it’s Bokuto’s elbow poking you and Akaashi’s head resting on you.

All three of you are a tangle of limbs in bed, but you aren’t sure how you’d gotten there.

“G’mornin’” Bokuto breathes. His lips caress the column of your neck.

“Morning.”

You shift into a more comfortable position. Though doing so presses Akaashi’s morning wood against your thigh.

“Keiji, you awake yet?”

“Mmm barely.” Akaashi looks up at you through his lashes, then smiles and nuzzles closer into your chest.

Bokuto, content with being your big spoon, reaches over to touch Akaashi, hands cupping his cheek. “It’s Valentine’s Day!”

“That’s true, should we do something special.”

Thinking about the previous night, you feel desire stirring in your gut. “Could we just... do it again?”

Both men look to each other then back at you, sporting matching smiles.

“Why not?”

[linkspooky]

Yuta vs Yuji

(They are both Good Boys ™ and that’s the Problem ™ )

As this week the boys are still fighting, I thought it would be interesting to take a more in depth look at both of their characters and how they compare and contrast with each other. Yuta and Yuji are both protagonists who have protagonistic motivations. Their central conflict, Itadori’s struggle to find a good death surrounded by people he loves, and Yuta’s struggle to be surrounded by people he loves and protects them, relates to protecting the people they love and the world around them. However, that’s also what drives them into conflict with each other. They both view themselves as “the hero” even in conflicts such as the fight against each other, where there is really no good guy. 

1. I want to live / I want to die

Yuta and Yuji are opposites in their stated motivation. Yuta’s goal is to find a way to live a happy life, surrounded by the people he loves. Yuji’s goal is to find a way to die surrounded by people he’s helped in life. 

Not only are their stated motivations opposites however, on the outside they are both the opposite in several ways. Yuji is someone who is known for his strength whereas Yuta is immediately remarked upon as the type to get bullied.  Yuji is immediately remarked upon for his cheerful disposition, whereas everyone who knows Yuta picks on him at first and notices how gloomy he is. 

Yuji is someone who seems to make friends and connect with people almost immediately, whereas Yuta is someone who it probably took him a long time to start getting along with Maki and Inumaki based on what we see in the prequel. Maki challenges him at first, and Yuta doesn’t understand Inumaki at first. 

Yuta is passive, and Yuji is active. Yuji is known for running after people to save them. Yuta’s actually not as motivated to save random strangers as Yuji is, he’s simply going along with becoming a Jujutsu Sorcerer because that will help his goals, 1) to make new friends and find a reason to live 2) to release Rika.

The difference between them even manifests in the way they became cursed. Yuji actively chose to swallow a curse, because he wanted to help Megumi and needed the power to do so. It was a decision he made. Yuta was the one who cursed Rika yes, but not only was it a jujutsu technique he used unconsciously, he also forgot about it and blamed Rika for cursing him instead.  

Which is also something that reflects in the central flaws of both characters. Yuta is someone with a victim complex. He tends to avoid taking direct responsibility for his actions and blaming it on someone else. He acts passive in almost every situation, and doesn’t accept that it may be his fault. Which is why he misremembered what happened to Rika. Yuta could not accept the idea that he was to blame for cursing Rika, so he blamed Rika in his memories instead for cursing him.

It’s been outlined by Maki before Yuta’s victim complex, but basically he reads as a nice person on the surface by pretending to be innocent when he’s not. Which is why she says his goodness feels fake, and he himself feels gross. Yuta kind of just, represses and ignores the bad parts of his personality, to seem like a hapless victim. Of course Yuta is not good or bad, he’s just a dude. But, Maki even goes further to point out Yuta himself doesn’t even seem to know who he wants to be. 

Yuta’s central character flaw is that he never accepts responsibility for his own actions. He has no self confidence and because of that he has a really tough time standing up as an individual. 

When he can learn to control his power, and stand on his own two feet rather than just avoiding responsibility and acting like a victim with no control over his situation. Yuta begins to change, but I think he also elevates his friends far beyond himself. 

He aspires to be like his friends, but he also feels like they’re already better than him and he’s unworthy. Which is why he’s constantly insecure about the relationship and needs to protect them. Yuta believes himself to be weak, he sees himself as a weak person, and so in every situation he tends to assume he’s the weak one or a weak victim which makes it hard for him to see what he’s responsible in those situation. 

On the other hand Yuji takes almost too much repsonsibility. Rather than trying to depend on others, Yuji is always, running ahead on his own and that’s where he makes his mistakes.

He thought he was strong enough to take down Choso on his own. He wasn’t. He thought he was strong enough mentally to prevent Sukuna from rampaging, he wasn’t. Yuji’s mistakes always come from taking on more responsibility than he can handle, and then letting things fall out of his control. 

Yuta’s irresponsible because he sees himself as a victim and doesn’t understand how strong he is, Yuji’s irresponsible because he constantly overestimates what he himself can handle.

If you take the scene after Yuji dies the first time into account. Sukuna outlines several facts. One, that Yuji is not actually strong enough to suppress him. Two, that he rampaged against Megumi specifically because Yuji got cocky and tried to use his power without using a binding vow and think it through. Three, that Yuji overestimates himself and his capability to keep Sukuna down and because of it, he agrees to a simple terms of “If I defeat you inside my own body you revive me with no conditions” and then just immediately dies. 

All of this of course being foreshadowing for what happens after the Choso fight. Once again, Yuji overestimates himself and how he can win the fight fighting alone. Halfway through Yuji gets overwhelmed and Sukuna surfaces. When Sukuna surfaces he rampages, because Yuji did not even think of the possibility that Sukuna might rampage if he died or lost consciousness, and therefore there was no binding vow in place to stop him. It’s not because Yuji is a bad kid, but because he is a kid, and doesn’t know better. He acts like any fifteen year old would dealing with a 1000 year old spirit that’s much smarter than him. But it’s also a case of Yuji thinking everything comes down to strength and he can beat Sukuna just by being stronger, when Yuji actually solves none of his problems by fighting alone, and all of his major victories come from fighting together with others. 

Yuji and Yuta are even opposites in regards to their curses. Rika loves Yuta and wants to protect him. He loses control of her because he’s too scared to face her, and has no idea how to begin controlling his power, which is once again this flaw that Yuta’s fear is a fear of taking responsibility. Yuji on the other hand his curse Sukuna loathes his guts, and is constantly trying to undermine him. Yuji’s problem is again and again he’s proven to underestimate Sukuna, he’s not afraid enough of Sukuna because Yuji himself considers himself a strong person and overestimates what he can be responsible for. Rika is an ally outside of Yuta, and Sukuna is an enemy within Yuji. 

However, after going to such length to establish them as opposites they have one central similiarity. Both of them are incredibly lonely people. They can’t really make friends or connections normally. 

Yuta has this fear of living alone, and Yuji this fear of dying alone. 

They both only form relationships on the basis that they’re needed. Which is why Yuta goes so insane about protecting his friends. Which is why Yuji keeps focusing on death above all else, because that’s their true “purpose” that underlies their stated motivations. They’re both doing this because they are afraid of being alone.

However, they both need to prove that they are “worthy” of love. In order to do that, they need to be good, useful people. Thus they are heroes, thus they are good guys, thus they are protagonists. 

Yuji becomes so insanely motivated to fight after Sukuna’s rampage, because if he doesn’t help someone, if he doesn’t justify his decision to keep on living somehow they’re just a murderer. Both Yuta and Yuji don’t really care about the world or circumstances around them, they just want to be validated by the people around them.

Yuta is a deeply selfish person, because he just wants other people around him to tell him it’s okay to live. However, he’s also just a suicidal fifteen year old kid in the first place, any kid his age would feel that way, would need that support and he shouldn’t need to earn it. That’s what he misunderstands. However, Yuji and Yuta keep trying to seek external validation. They keep trying to earn love rather than having it given to them.

It’s what Yuta completely fails to internalize after his fight with Geto. The lesson he needed to learn was that there was more to the world around him than just protecting the people he loved, but it seems coming back to both of those people he loved being hurt has caused him to double down on “protecting the ones he loved” vs “thinking about what is justice”.Yuta’s still stuck in this mode where he has to earn love, and that becomes his first priority in everything.

The problem with making the decision to ignore justice is that you can end up at the wrong side of the equation. Yuji is Yuta. He’s another victim who allowed a curse to rampage because he was cursed as a teenager and could not control his own power and people ended up dying for it. 

However, because Yuta only understands that his friends have been hurt, and refuses to understand Yuji as both a victim and a person outside of himself he accepts his role of executioner.

Yuta was the person who was going to be executed a year ago. The only reason he didn’t was because Gojo gave him a chance and extended a helping hand. However we’re now seeing Yuta take the opposite path. he’s made the decision to become executioner, to not save when he himself was saved. Which is just sad because Yuta and Yuji are character foils.

 A conflict against Yuji, the other main character, is really just Yuta fighting himself. Yuta cannot forgive himself for the crime of being weak, and therefore he blames Yuji for being like he was a year ago. Yuta still doesn’t know how to stand strong on his own, to accept that his friends love him for who he is, so he’s still trying to earn love by avenging them and acting overprotective against Yuji, when we know Inumaki was friends with Yuji and probably would not want him to be hunted down and killed. 

Yuta and Yuji are both seemingly completely selfless people who can come off as rather self centered when you examine their deeper motivations (they do what they do, because they want to be loved and needed) but it doesn’t come from a place of ego, it’s just that they’re lonely. They can’t feel accepted for who they are so they both try to be heroes instead. 

[imjeralee]

can you maybe write for Childe, Zhongli, Link, and Human!Revali where theyre immortal or live for a very long time, and one day their s/o gets hurt and dies in their arms? then years later they stumble across them again, theyre a different person but they have the same soul. yet.. they dont remember them right away...but then they fall in love again? im feeling angsty, apologies

Hi anon! thanks for the ask and sorry for the delay!! I’m afraid I wasn’t able to write a Link and Human!Revali headcanon for the time being (I will write and post Link and Revali HCs later, sorry!!!!!) but I was able to write something for Childe and Zhongli for now so here goes.

PS they’re really long so it’s below the cut. I might as well have written some fanfics on this since they’re pretty much stories XD

Childe: 

WARNINGS for violence/blood here -

When he’s dispatched the last of your attackers, he rushes back to your side and finds you lying on the ground. At first he thinks you’re playing as you usually tease each other, and so he drops beside you with a hefty sigh before he scoops you up and into his arms.

“Hey, you good? Don’t tell me those guys gave you a run for your money,” he says, grinning. He’s out of breath, sweating slightly.

When you don’t reply, however, at first he thinks you’re still teasing but it’s quickly replaced with concern. He knows something is wrong. You let out a pained moan and close your eyes, murmuring his name weakly. His playful, jovial attitude dissolves into panic. Childe sits up properly with you in his arms, giving you a little shake and asking what’s wrong.

As he turns you round in his arms, he notices you’re bleeding profusely from a grievous wound. No longer smiling, panic takes ahold of him. “What happened? No, no, no, this can’t be. This can’t be happening. Stay with me Y/N, stay with me.” Planting his hands on the sides of your face, making you look at him. “Look at me. That’s it. Just keep looking at me. You’re gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay.” He keeps chanting that over and over again as he glances around the area frantically before he attempts to lift you off the ground but you stop him. It’s too late.

Instead, you merely hold his hand firmly and he entwines your fingers together and you see the fear and despair in his eyes. You tell him you’re not going to make it but he shakes his head. 

“Everything’s gonna be okay, you hear? Teucer’s waiting for you to take him to the seaside, remember? We were…we were meant to go to the seaside together.” 

As he speaks, he holds you tightly and he feels your laborious breathing against his chest and he keeps talking until you go still and quiet in his arms and he stops. At first, he can’t bear to bring himself to look at you and holds you firmly against his chest, resting his chin atop your head, closing his eyes. 

Then he begins to weep.

A broken man, Childe vows revenge, swearing vengeance on your killers. In a blind rage, he spends countless of years hunting them down one by one. It’s not hard to achieve considering he has all the time in the world. His most recent excursion leads him to the final ringleader who lives in a citadel. Childe kills all the guards and everyone else who stands in his way until he reaches his target. At first, the man fights him but Childe overpowers him easily.

“Who the hell are you?” the man screams.

Childe rips off his mask to reveal his face. “Remember me?” He snarls.

The man goes wide-eyed and tries to run away with Childe in pursuit, but before Childe can reach him, the man has grabbed a random person in his way and thrown them onto Childe’s path as a human shield.

“Father!?” Childe hears the person exclaiming in shock as they’re roughly shoved towards Childe’s direction. Childe realises the man has grabbed their kid to use as the human shield. 

Disgusted, Childe is about to deal the finishing blow until he catches them mid fall and their gazes meet; those eyes. They remind him of….you

And something deep inside him screams STOP! And Childe is briefly brought to a halt in his rampage. He doesn’t recognise them, but he feels your soul within.

What the frick? You had reincarnated into this bastard’s kid??? He’s shocked for a brief moment and a few guards who are still alive manage to sneak up on him. Childe returns to action mode and fights off his attackers, grabs you, and whilst he doesn’t get the chance to kill his target, he escapes the citadel with you in his clutches and you’re left screaming for help.

You’ve been abducted by Childe and he’s taken you to the forest where he pins you against the tree and forces you to look at him, left and right, up and down. Whilst you plead and beg for mercy with your eyes squeezed shut and knees quaking, he lets go of you harshly. He doesn’t want to believe it’s you, but there’s no doubt about it. He senses your soul within. He recognises your eyes. You’ve reincarnated. 

“Show me.” He demands.

“…What?”

“Your birthmark. The one on your shoulder?”

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have any-”

“Don’t lie to me.”

He turns you round and pulls on your shirt to expose the back of your shoulder where your birthmark is. Whilst you wonder how the hell he knows you have a mark, he lets go of you then and you quickly pull your clothes back on properly, face red. What the hell!!! 

Childe just staring at you in brief shock. 

“It’s you. It’s really you.”

A lot of emotions are going through him right now; he’s relived and so damn happy, at the same time he’s like confused and angry by the whole situation

But the first thing he does is hug you tightly.

And the first thing you do is grab the nearest rock and bludgeon his head with it.

He’s taken aback and lets go of you, stumbling backwards with a bleeding head but he easily shakes off your assault and throws the rock to the side and you’re terrified, inching away as he goes, “Did you think that would kill me? I’ll let you in a little secret; I’m immortal.” 

Not really sure who/what you’re dealing with, you flee but you hear him yelling, “You can run but you can’t hide!”

And as you toss a glance over your shoulder, he’s still standing there for a split second before he promptly vanishes from his spot. This weird cat and mouse game ensues with Childe stalking you through the forest and you’re either trying to run or hide until he finally catches you and pins you against the ground. You can’t escape.

“Calm down. I’m not going to hurt you,” he murmurs, but you don’t believe him. “Just…stay with me for a few days, okay?”

It doesn’t matter; over the next few days, you’re effectively Childe’s prisoner and he seems to enjoy teasing you; he tried to talk to you but you refused and ignored him. It was quite difficult to do so especially when its time for dinner and he’s cooking grilled tiger fish - which is actually your favourite food - and although you’re salivating, he looks at you and grins and waves the grilled tiger fish on a stick in front of you, going, “Hungry?”

You turn away with a frown and he shrugs, “Suit yourself. But I know it’s your favourite.”

You’re confused and about to ask him, but you hear him eating and throw a glance at him to see he’s chomping down and your stomach rumbles. You choose to sleep instead to ignore the hunger but you wake up during the night, starving.

“Eat this,” says a voice, and a grilled tiger fish is plopped down in front of you and Childe is there, crouching by your side. He leaves you alone so you can eat.

You’re surprised by your captor’s behaviour and you initially hate him for what he’s done however he doesn’t harm you in any way. He doesn’t keep you tied up or anything and he’s quite entertained should you ever try to run away because he’ll always just catch up to you and just pick you up and throw you over his shoulder or something and carry you back. 

Your travels with Childe continues but you don’t get the feeling that he hates you or wants to hurt you in anyway. In fact, he keeps surprising you by providing you with your favourite food, favourite drinks and other stuff. It confuses you and though you want to ask him, you’re a little too afraid as to what he might just tell you. Some days you even come across him looking at you a little forlornly but just when you notice, he changes in a split second and will grin at you. Even when it’s nighttime and you’re meant to take a bath, he won’t perv on you. When you arrive at the next village, he asks for a nice room for the two of you and allows you to take the bed, eat as much as you want etc etc. In fact, he’s….taking care of you. He even starts buying you things and whilst you turn down everything he offers, you see his expression crumble and you don’t know what he’s trying to do.

One night he sleeps in the open and you grab a knife, about to drive it in his throat although you’re not sure how much good that’ll do but then you hear him murmur, “You don’t know it…but I’ve been looking for you forever…and I’ve been waiting for you for such a long time… and you end up being the kid of that bastard…the one who killed you, the one who took you away from me….the one who started all this in the first place…”

Confused by what you had just heard, you watch him in steely silence before you slowly lower your hand and put away the knife. The next day he goes “I know what you were trying to do last night. Why didn’t you do it?” 

“I didn’t want to. I’m not a killer like you.” You quip back, but he merely laughs. 

The days continue but the dynamic seems to have changed; when Childe gets you something, you start thanking him and he goes red in the face and you also begin to feel weird around him. Before long, you’re both having food together, having some conversations and you’re accustomed to travelling around with him. He’ll always keep you safe and make sure you have a warm bed each night too. Sometimes when he looks at you, you don’t look away either.

Before long, your father’s men finally catches up; they begin to hunt you and Childe down and you’re stunned when you realised you’re about to get rescued. Something terrible flickers in your mind - maybe you don’t want to be rescued and you want to stay with Childe? After all, he’s taken you to so many places and you’ve seen so many things. Your father kept you cooped up in the citadel for years and this is really the first time you’ve experienced freedom.

Also, you don’t want Childe to get caught. You want him to run away. But he won’t run away without you. And when you question this, he goes, “I can’t afford to lose you again!!”

During the chase, a bunch of arrows are fired towards your direction and you’re worried about Childe, but when the arrows are about to hit you, you squeeze your eyes shut but nothing happens. Reopening your eyes, you see Childe has shield you with his body.

You’re surrounded and as Childe falls, collapsing into your arms, he’s quickly captured and you are returned home. But everything feels boring and dull now, and your father seems more occupied in torturing Childe than checking to see if you’re alright. You ask your father what happened between him and Childe and he tells you he killed his lover many years ago and now Childe has been seeking revenge. When you ask him why he killed Childe’s lover, your father just laughs and says there was no reason.

You’re conflicted. What is this? Why do you feel pity for Childe, and anger towards your father? Why do you feel you are more on Childe’s side now?

I’m in love with him, you realise -- much to your shock. 

Your father announces Childe will be executed by dawn and you hastily rush to where they’re holding him, hoping not to be seen. When you find Childe, he’s badly beaten but still alive and you quickly unshackle him and as he sees you freeing him, he smiles at you; when the last of his shackle is unlocked, he falls forwards but you catch him and your gazes meet.

“Go,” you whisper.

“Not without you. Come with me.” He murmurs, placing a hand to your cheek. “I can’t lose you again.”

You don’t even need to think twice, nodding.

Zhongli

He didn’t think you would ever die... and in his arms no less. He found you after the battle and when he saw that you were grievously wounded, he could not believe his eyes. He was too late and unable to save you, so he merely held you in his arms as you told him with weak breaths that this was the end. He promises that he’ll find you again and holds you tightly as he feels your warmth slowly disappearing, the life escaping from your eyes and then you were simply…gone

For a while, he merely sat with you in the ashen field, cradling you tightly to his chest before he picked you up and retreated silently. No one would see him for several centuries following that but it was rumoured he went to the mountains to bury you. He was in mourning.

Zhongli never forgot you and his love for you never went away so he’s comforted by the fact that your soul will be reincarnated albeit into a different vessel and as he promised, begins to search for your whereabouts when it’s finally time.

He roams the world to no end and many decades pass. Eventually he gets tired and one day he even passes out from exhaustion, reverting to a dragon form to recuperate.

And you’re walking home from the mountains and you come across this huge dragon resting on a rock and you’re like oh my archon. But it looks like he’s sick so as you approach nervously and poke at his body gently with a stick (no response), and also press your ear against his scaly belly (he’s breathing and you can hear a heartbeat), you’re aware the dragon is still alive. You quickly rush home to grab some makeshift medicine made from herbs and return to the sick dragon

Zhongli too weary to open his eyes or lift his head, and as he drifts in and out of consciousness, he thinks he hears your voice and he’s comforted by the familiarity and as you sit with him, stroking his horns and mane, he kind of inches towards you and into your arms. As the day progresses, the sun is particularly harsh so you set up little parasols and pull huge leaves over his head to provide as much shade as possible. Occasionally the dragon has nightmares but you’re able to calm him down by petting him 

When it gets dark, you need to head home but you’re a little reluctant, so you leave behind some food for him and drape a blanket over his body (though this doesn’t cover him much). However, during the night, it’s thunder and lightning and you get worried for the dragon so you rush back out and you find the dragon being battered by the rain whilst curled up into a tight ball and shivering under the blanket so you quickly try to move him but oh lawd he heavy and suddenly the blanket gets blown away by the wind when he lifts a claw so you race after it and end up almost falling off a cliff - to your surprise, the dragon swoops down to save you and you faint but before you black out, you think you see a young man in the dragon’s place, staring at you with much intrigue

He has the same eyes as the dragon

That night, you have strange dreams of that man. He acts as if he knows you, calls you by a different name and you are also his lover. The dream is long, but ends with your demise - which forces you to wake up in a panic

You’re surrounded by the coiled up dragon who has gotten better from your care but when he wakes up, he’s cautious and observes you for a few moments. 

You and this dragon staring at each other until you slowly reach a hand to touch him 

Your hand lands over his snout and you’re surprised he’s allowing you to pat him, but whatever, you’re super happy at his recovery and you can go home now. It’s time to part ways and as you head towards the direction of your home, you throw glances over your shoulder to see the dragon watching you silently

On the way, you think about the dragon and the strange dreams and attract the attention of a group of treasure hoarders who are wandering around the wilderness. However, to your surprise, you are saved by a young man - and it’s the very man from your dreams! He manages to defeat the bandits but you see he’s hurt and he almost collapses if you weren’t there to catch him. The moment he landed in your arms and that same sense of familiarity swept over you. You’re quick enough to react and sweep those thoughts away and bring the poor man home, lugging his polearm over your back along with your basket

You look after this young man and nurse him back to health. During this time, he looks at you strangely and when he’s sleeping, his calls out the name you were called in the dream. When you think he’s having a nightmare and you go over to check if he’s ok, giving him a little shake on the arm, he throws his arms around you and holds you close, begging you not to leave him and that he had spent eons looking for you. When you tell him he’s got the wrong person…it’s as though he comes to his senses and he quickly releases you, apologising for his behaviour and thanking you for his hospitality

He tells you his name is Zhongli and because he’s injured, you give him the spare room in the back and take care of him. During this period of interaction, at first it’s quite strange and maybe a little awkward, because hell he is an insanely attractive man (he can’t be single, no way) and you’re bustling around the house, doing chores/cleaning up or tending to your garden and he watches you the entire time and this goes on for a few days before he joins in to help when you’re hanging up the laundry though you don’t want him to help because he’s injured but he assures you he wants to do his part. 

So Zhongli becomes a part of your everyday life where during the day and you both have breakfast together before you head to the market together to buy groceries and later, he accompanies you to pick herbs in the mountain. 

One day you’re tired so he sits with you and massages your leg and you’re so embarrassed but at the same time, your heart is beating like crazy. He even carries you down the steep path all the way home. 

At night time and you sit together on the front porch watching fireflies and chatting idly for hours. 

He ends up staying for a long time and one day, when it’s time to redress his wound, you notice he’s completely healed - and it looks like he actually healed up a while ago. You blink in confusion before turning to him and he looks at you before he reaches for your hand and holds it firmly, smoothing his thumb over the back of your hand

A distant memory, more like deja vu, flickers through your mind and you realise Zhongli has held your hand like this before and you run out of the room, confused. Zhongli worried he scared you off so he doesn’t pursue you

When it’s night, you dream again but it’s becoming so vivid you end up confused the next morning, waking up in an unfamiliar house and in an unfamiliar body and screaming for Zhongli. As you calm down, he holds you in his arms and it reminds you of the dream you had when you died in his embrace. You briefly forget yourself for a moment before murmuring Zhongli’s name - and it reminds him of how you used to say his name eons ago and he gets sentimental, giving in because he knows you are the reincarnation of his lover and when you kiss, that’s when everything floods back and you remember everything 

Finally reunited with your lover, you share an embrace, determined not to be separated ever again

[mrs-bartowski]

My dudes. My guys. My pals.

I’m about 10 seconds away from going feral.

So, I’m the kind of unfortunate chump whose brain requires continuity. Meaning, when I started thirst watching Supergirl during its mid-season-2 hiatus and came across the realization that it had crossovers with all the other arrowverse shows, my brain tasked me with watching them all. I won’t put you through a recount of this arduous feat, but it does leave me with the certain advantage of having immediate and full-contextual access to any parallels between supercorp and canon CW DCEU couples.

Normally, this is a good thing, because it’s just another crumb to obsess over. But I just finished watching Legends 6x02 and...I. AM. FUMING.

I literally don’t even know where to start, but know that if you’ve made it this far you’re in for a long ride because my entire being is in Scream mode right now and I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop typing until it passes.

OKAY. So.

Meet Sara Lance (lol jk y’all thirsty gays know who she is I mean look at this flawless human)

Next, meet her ******* Ava Sharpe (who is literally the definition of white European beauty standards-based perfection because she’s a clone from the future)

And finally, meet Gary Green. He’s...well, he’s Gary.

Sara started out on Arrow and is now the captain of the Legends. Ava was the director of the Time Bureau and Gary was an agent, and now they are also members of the Legends. Sara has been there (and been the show’s effective lead) since season 1. Ava and Gary both came in at the beginning of season 3. 

Gary is (as pictured) an absolute fool, but he is also kind of regarded as the one the Legends Must Protecc. The whole team is considered a family, and, while they are not necessarily labeled as best friends, Gary has been Ava’s longest and most loyal companion, and Sara has a way of adopting him because she’s the best equipped to keep him out of trouble.

So, why is all of this relevant to why I want to go feral? Because it sounds a bit familiar, yes? Member of the team that is somewhat a black sheep, doesn’t get included fully or all the time but often comes in with save-the day type shit (even though with Gary it’s more of a distraction than a save because he’s a mess of a man). Close friend to one of our two main heroes and, subsequently, that hero’s closest companion puts them at the top of their Protecc list. Has little faith in his relationships with the team so he is constantly going out of his way to help in whatever way he can to prove his usefulness. And so on and so forth.

Well, 6x01 marks exactly 3 years since Gary’s first appearance, and what did we find out in that episode? That Gary is an alien. And not just any alien - an alien who was sent (by the woman he was traded to) to get close to Sara because she has been labeled as one of the world’s most dangerous creatures. Not to mention, his species of alien feeds on humans (not him of course, he’s reformed, but nonetheless not a friendly species). And we find out all of this because he and his master abduct her.

Sara finds out in person while Ava and the rest of the Legends solve the mystery on their own. Now, I’ve drawn a lot of comparisons between Lena and Gary to make a point about the time frame and nature of their relationships, but let’s take a look at Sara, shall we? For starters, she’s been “dead” either literally or supposedly about...what, 15 times now? If you think that’s an exaggeration, here’s the link to her fan wiki which says she’s been presumed dead 10 times and actually dead 5. The sg writers tried to sell season 5 as “the fight for Lena’s soul” but Sara LITERALLY LOST HER SOUL when she got resurrected in the Lazarus pit. 90% of Sara’s character development has been based on her certainty that she is too close to death and evil and destruction (getting possessed by a demon, perhaps, had something to do with this?). She was an actual literal assassin and she has left civilization out of anger and pain to go back to that life once before.

She has always believed that she is too dangerous to have real love or relationships or friends. And now she has found and built and led this family through time and space and she’s done so with this goofball by her side that is endearingly attached to the love of her life. So, how does she react when she finds out Gary is an alien? Well, clearly, she goes down a dark path, right? She cries and screams and talks about betrayal because she’s had such a hard time with feeling like she only ever puts the people she loves in danger and now here she is finding out there’s been a human-eating alien in her family for three years that was tasked with observing her and keeping her in check because she is exactly that dangerous?

Yeah...try again. This is how Sara reacts:

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And then there's another scene that apparently no one even bothered to put on YouTube where you can see the pain in Sara's eyes when she asks him “why me?” You can see how hurt she is that after 3 years she’s just finding out that their friendships is based on lies and that she has trouble keeping her faith in it. But in both of these instances where are the “crocodile tears?” Where are the fearful, shaky confessions from Gary about his fear of losing the only people who have ever really loved or cared about him and desperate justifications about how he just wanted to protect them and keep them in the dark so his master didn’t come after them? Where is the outrage from Sara about how everything Gary has reassured her about over the past three years when she was scared to let the damaged-soul assassin inside of her out was a lie and he doesn’t get to tell her who or what she is again? Where is the determination from Ava to make Gary pay for not only lying for three years but for ABDUCTING THE LOVE OF HER LIFE TO HAND OVER TO A FLESH-EATING ALIEN??????

Nowhere. Those things...they’re nowhere. There’s anger. There’s pain. There’s doubt and heartbreak and fury. There’s betrayal and helplessness and desperation. But there is no scene with Sara standing on a balcony and Gary looking up at her longingly because he wants to talk to her about the secret and he knows it will change everything between them. There is no scene with Sara and Ava lamenting over what this means for Gary and the team and the world because he’s no longer the person they knew. There are no romantically-scored scenes of them looking teary-eyed at the pictures they took together or reassurances that the others’ intentions are good and trustworthy now that the truth is out in the open. There is nothing to imply that the last several years of friendship are now entirely suspect (damaged, frayed, clouded, maybe, but definitely not voided) because Gary kept this secret to protect them. And Gary isn’t made to feel obscenely guilty or shameful because his intentions were good and he only did what he felt he had to. But most of all, the world doesn’t feel like it’s going to end.

And I’m not talking about we’re now scared Gary will take his master’s side or Sara will suddenly decide that she never wants an alien to fool her or hurt her again so she’s going to make sure he doesn’t have the choice. I’m just talking about the way they address each other. There are no sobbing tears or laments over the biggest mistakes of their lives - even though it’s quite possible Gary could see this as his. There are no screaming matches over betrayal and mistrust and years of doubt and confusion. There will be no episode dedicated to going back and seeing what could have happened - what kind of danger they could have avoided from the alien(s) controlling Gary - had he told them the truth sooner because that’s the only way to save him and the world. There will be no episode where he has to single-handedly save them multiple times as some example of redemption. There will be no adamant looks and declarations about how the team knows his intentions were good and they forgive him. There won’t be any of that. Because Sara is not in love with Gary. And Ava is not in love with Gary. And Gary is not in love with either Sara or Ava. They’re just close friends. Family. Loved ones who mean a lot to each other but whose betrayal and seeds of doubt don’t bring on emotions whose force and ferocity could be acceptable for finding out the apocalypse is nigh.

I have many, many more feelings about this but right now I’m going to go write things that will make me feel better and not things that make me want to gather every writer from every CW show in a line and run down the line smacking them all in the face while the Legends writers watch and cheer. But I’m fuming. THIS is what it looks like when a years-long, heavily weighted lie is revealed between close friends/family. So, in conclusion, Supercorp endgame or die.

[calif0rnia-lovers]

Lover of Mine #4 | Angel Reyes

Title: You and I Can't Even Mess It Up (though we both tried)

Mayans Taglist Sign Up || Series Masterlist || Series Mixtape

A/N: shout out to those who waited twenty years for this update. you're the real MVPs. hope it was worth it. spared you the heartbreak/angst for one chapter as a thank you

Part I | Part II | Part III

Rating: 💙  💦  + 🤯  because we’re getting a glimpse into that Tommy connection

Sum: After being allowed to come home, Angel has decided to turn over a new leaf. The only problem is, just when he's making progress two people from his past show up with plans to fuck it up.

Words: keeping true to myself with long af....but seriously, I didn't even check. i was going to split the chapter in two, but...

Time apart led to a temporary lapse in memory when it comes to Angel and his sleep patterns. No matter how much space he has to sprawl out, Angel will sleep on top of you.

Literally.

He is not there when you fall asleep and somehow manages not to wake you when he arrives. This is why when you're awakened by your alarm, your heart nearly jumps out of your chest.

Angel’s weight presses you into the mattress. His face is tucked into the crook of your neck, his entire body nearly on top of yours as he sleeps. As you try to shift from beneath him, his grip tightens around your waist in protest. You release a huff before trying again.

After nearly a minute, you've almost made it out of his grip. Your cellphone is just in your reach when Angel's grip tightens, reclaiming all progress you've just made.

"...you gonna get that?" Angel mumbles as your alarm continues to beep.

"I can’t," you sigh, giving up as he nuzzles his face into your skin. "Kinda hard to move with your head crushing me--"

Angel releases his grip around your waist allowing you to shift. The moment the room is silent, he drags your body back across the bed.

You're back in your initial position. Trapped on Angel's side of the bed. Angel's weight pressing you into the mattress, sleep slowly pulling him back under.

A smile finds your face as your fingers lightly brush through his hair as you realize it has been years since you’ve been granted this sight.

You wince as you say quietly. "We have to get up."

Angel shakes his head making no intentions of following your request.

“...you wanna know something…” he mumbles.

"Hmm?"

“...this is the best fucking bed in the world...way better than mine.”

“Funny you should mention it.” Your brow furrows as your fingers drift back into his hair. Angel’s body relaxes against yours, his lips leaving a kiss against your shoulder. “I didn’t realize you could tell, how great this bed, with you laying on top of me instead of the actual bed.”

You know it’s coming before he can move. Your giggles mix with his laugh as Angel dramatically shifts in your arms. He drags himself so that his entire body covers yours. He allows his weight to press your body into the mattress making it impossible for you to move.

“You’re crushing me,” you manage to press against his chest. But the giggles leave you breathless. “Angel-”

“Now that I’m here…” Angel backtracks, failing miserably at suppressing his smile. “Forget the bed, I think I like this way better. What do you think?”

“That you should get off of me.”

“What’s wrong? You wanna be on top?”

You try for a second time to shift his weight, but it's useless. A familiar smirk forms as Angel watches your eyes drop to his lips.

You can’t stop the smile on your face from growing once you realize you've given up on your initial task. Instead, your mind has shifted its focus to finding the quickest way to kiss Angel. When Angel does give in, he rolls over pulling you on top of him.

“You know I always liked it better this way," he grins as you lean down to bring your lips to his.

"You play too much--"

"I don’t play," Angel smiles, the warmth of his palm slipping beneath your shirt. “Never with you, querida. You’re special."

Your eyes roll as he adds, "always has been."

“Angel Reyes, always a sweet talker."

Seven years of separation have taught Angel to never pass up the opportunity to kiss you. They have also taught him that no matter how many women he’s slept with, in your time apart, none of them kissed him the way you did.

The smile you share is soft as his touch drifts to your cheek. Angel watches your gaze drop to his chest. It follows the path your finger traces over his heart. His lips against your forehead before his arms wrap around you hugging you against his chest.

You stay that way for a few minutes. Neither of you wants to be responsible for bringing it to an end.

"This is nice," Angel mumbles against your shoulder. "Waking up next to you and not getting launched across the room--"

The laugh you release breaks a grin out across Angel's face.

"You always know how to sweeten the moment," your eyes roll as his lips press against your cheek. "Come on. If we don't get up, your son is going to starve."

You make a move to push yourself up, but Angel's grip tightens around your waist.

"Before we get up, I wanna tell you something." His admission brings your eyes to his. The look inside of them brings heat to your face. "Thanks for letting me come back home."

Angel's smile grows as his gaze moves past you.

You glance over your shoulder to find a pair of brown eyes peeking through the crack of your bedroom door. Jeyson's eyes widen once he realizes you're not alone, a smile lighting up his face as he meets his father's gaze.

Angel releases his grip on you, allowing you to sit up, as the bedroom door inches further open.

"You wanna come in?"

Before you can fully get the question out, Jeyson is halfway across the room. He pauses long enough to allow you a kiss before wrapping his arms around Angel.

When you enter the kitchen, you find Angel by the stove. Jeyson stands on a step stool. Angel is holding the skillet as Jeyson holds the spatula.

For the first time this morning, Jeyson is silent. He is in full concentration mode.

The task at hand is flipping the chocolate chip pancake before him. He moves slowly, following the actions his father showed him a few moments before.

"Flip it?"

"Yep."

Quickly flipping the pancake, Jeyson grins as his father ducks down to kiss his hair.

"That's one good-looking pancake," Angel chuckles. "Can you set the table?"

Jeyson hops down from his stool, a grin finding his face once he spots you.

"Mom! Dad made me shark pancakes!"

"He did?" You smile as he bolts past you. "Shark pancakes?"

Angel glances over at you as you stop to take in the pancakes carefully stacked.

To your surprise, Jeyson is right.

Each pancake is different. Each represents Jeyson's favorite topic at the moment. The ocean. As you accept the plate Angel passes you, you spot a shark, an octopus, a jellyfish, a seashell, a crab.

"Why are these actually really good?"

Angel's eyes cut to you as he picks up the bottle of pancake batter.

"I'm gonna pretend you didn't ask that," he grins. Redirecting his attention back to the skillet, he adds. "What do you want me to make you?"

You open your mouth to respond but Jeyson's voice floats across the room.

"What about a stingray? A big one?"

You stifle your giggle as Angel meets your gaze.

"I think I'll take a stingray," you smile. "A big one, and a starfish since apparently you're just showing off this morning."

"It's a special day," Angel winks.

"Order of pancakes for my favorite person." You turn to find Jeyson waiting impatiently in his seat at the table. "Jeyson Reyes."

"I thought I was your favorite person."

"You're not," Jeyson manages through a mouthful of pancake. "I am."

The laugh you release widens Angel's eyes. The initial readiness of your son's response has left him speechless.

He blinks, his gaze finding yours as he cuts off the stove.

"Who’s your favorite?"

The seriousness of his expression causes your eyes to roll.

"Me!" Jeyson grins as your fingers brush through his hair. "She says it every day!"

“That...is true," you admit.

You look up to find Angel's expression has not changed. His gaze drifts to Jeyson, his eyes playfully narrowing as Jeyson sends him a wide smile.

"I think you should answer the question, Y/N." Angel's gaze drifts back to you.

You glance between the two. The perfected puppy dog eyes on your son are an exact mirror of his father's.

“You’re both my favorite--"

“That’s a cop-out.” Angel's eyes roll as you lean forward to kiss him. “You can’t have more than one favorite.”

Moving to Jeyson you place a kiss against his cheek.

"He's right. You're my favorite," you whisper quietly.

The smile on your son's face doubles as Angel's eyes widen.

"I heard that." He mumbles as you glance down at your phone.

"I have to go."

"Already?" You turn to find Angel holding your pancakes. His face falls as he watches you nod.

"Yeah. I'll take these to go. I have to do something before work. Speaking of..." you watch his brow rise. "We’re gonna have to talk about my job later."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah. I kinda want to talk to you about the client I’m representing...preferably when your son isn’t around to understand everything I have to say."

"Okay."

Taking your face in his hands, Angel smiles as you tilt your head back.

"You look beautiful," he adds as your arms wrap around his waist. “By the way. I didn't get to say it earlier-"

"You’re still not my favorite," you giggle as his lips press against your forehead.

Dropping his hands from your waist, Angel sighs. "I don’t even know why I try anymore. First, I make you pancakes--"

"Angel--" Tightening your grip around him, your laughter continues as Angel tries to push you off. "I’m sorry."

"--then I tell you how good you look--the disrespect--"

"I’m sorry," you say softly, as his eyes meet yours. You're unable to stifle your laugh as you finish your statement. "But...please don't take my pancakes. I really want to try them."

Angel shakes his head as you place a kiss against his cheek.

"You’re my second favorite. There’s nothing wrong with that." You tease.

"No one wants to be second."

"Please don’t forget you’re going to get measured for your tux today."

"I know," he mumbles as your arms wrap around his neck. "It's kinda hard to miss the big ass schedule on the fridge."

"Don't tease me," you giggle. "You're just mad it actually helps you."

"That's a dollar in the swear jar," Jeyson pipes.

Shaking your head you try to suppress the smile on your lips as you reach around Angel. Lifting the swear jar, you stifle your laugh as Angel retrieves his wallet from the counter.

"He gets you every time," you giggle. "See you tonight."

Standing on your toes, you lean in to kiss him. Angel leans back out of your reach. Your mouth falls open in disbelief. You blink before backtracking.

"Did you just-"

"What?” Taking in your wide eyes Angel lets his brow furrow. The innocent look on his face causes your eyes to narrow. "Oh, you wanted a kiss? I don’t know how you do things, but I only let my favorite person kiss me.”

"Wait—I’m not yours? I’m at least second."

"Are you?" Angel winces. Taking a moment to think he sighs. "Second is a little high. You’re further down the list than that."

"How far?"

"You’re gonna have to put in some work, sweetheart." He grins. "You’re ranking five or six right now."

“Fine," you lift the jar in your hand. "I was going to let you slide, but now you gotta pay up."

Angel's eyes roll. "Whatever, I was going to pay anyway."

"What are you doing?" You move the jar out of his reach as he reaches inside.

"I need change for the twenty."

"No, you don’t. I think twenty is actually a really good price to pay." You smile ignoring the rolling of his eyes. "For the grade A disrespect you just gave me."

"Come on."

"I’m just saying if I was your favorite, or at least your second favorite, I’d give you the change, but I’m not. I’m...what was it? Fifth or six so…"

Shaking his head Angel drops in the twenty trying his best to suppress his smile as you grin a "thank you."

"At this rate, your dad’s gonna buy you a new lego set," you smile at Jeyson as you set the jar back on the countertop.

"Maybe you’ll think about that next time you’re picking favorites." You tease as you reach around Angel for your keys.

"You’re still not getting a kiss."

"I made it seven years without it. I think I’ll manage."

Despite his declaration, Angel steals a kiss as he passes over your plate.

"See you tonight," he winks as he steps around you.

There is no need to be nervous.

What's the phrase? Fake it till you make it?

Seeing Angel when you woke meant there was no space for Samuel in your mind. The moment you got in the car that changed.

Not surprising, you do work with him.

While Angel was away for the weekend, you had made a promise to yourself -- or more so a requirement.

Once you give Angel a key to the house, you have to talk to Samuel.

It is a conversation that can't be held over text or phone. It must be face to face so it can't be misconstrued.

Your plan is simple. Talk to Samuel before work. The last thing you need is to cause a scene.

As you make your way to his office, you run through the main reasons you should not feel nervous.

It’s not like I'm breaking up with him

We only went on three dates.

We haven’t had sex --thank goodness.

That tactic doesn't work. Because, although each point is valid and true you can't quiet the tiny voice in the back of your mind.

It poses an important question: what if he doesn't take it well?

“Ms. Reyes,” Samuel’s voice makes you jump. You've made it to his office. He steps out of the elevator when you're in the process of knocking on his office door. “Didn’t know you were here. You’re a bit earlier than usual.”

“I needed to see you before the day gets crazy.”

He glances over at you as he stops to unlock the door. His brow raises as his eyes study yours.

“What have I done for you to grace me with your presence this morning? It’s not Flores is it?”

"No."

"He hasn’t scared you off yet?” Samuel chuckles as he drapes his jacket over the back of his chair. “Congratulations. You might be the longest attorney that Flores has retained.”

“He’s actually not that bad." You realize you're still hovering by the door when Samuel takes a seat.

"You planning a quick escape?" He chuckles. The look of confusion on his face forces you to occupy the chair across from him.

"Sorry. I know I didn't ask, but I was hoping I could talk to you for a few minutes."

"You don't have to schedule a time to see me," he smiles as he focuses his attention on you.

Suddenly you wish you had stayed by the door. In case you need that quick escape.

"I know we went on a couple of dates--”

Samuel's face brightens, his smile spreading at the mention of "dates."

"Speaking of, I was kinda hoping you’d be open to checking out this-"

"I can’t.” You blurt out. You take a deep breath as a silence falls over the office. "And I can’t see you anymore--outside of work."

"Oh."

You watch the smile on his face slowly dampen, a twinge of guilt washes over you.

"You asked me to be honest, and the truth is Angel is a big part of my life. One that I can't cut out." Samuel's jaw clenches at the mention of Angel's name. "It’s not fair for me to give you hope when I know that there's unfinished business between me and him."

You can see the realization set in his features. If Samuel wants to interject, he doesn't. He keeps his gaze on you as you continue.

"Samuel, please don’t take it personally. I know that's a shitty thing to say, but I don't mean it to be. The fact of the matter is, nobody will ever compete with Angel." The admission is one you have yet to share out loud, but it is one you've realized you must come to terms with. "I’m sorry that I allowed things to get started between us when I knew that a part of me was still with him."

“It's not your fault. I understand.”

A silence settles over the office. You wait to see if there is more Samuel wants to add once he's had a moment to process. But nearly a minute passes, and he has yet to say anything.

You must admit, you expected there to be more.

Instead, Samuel reaches over to turn on his desktop.

“Don’t worry about it.” He glances over at you, the smile on his face the same as before. “Like you said, we went on a few dates. It was nothing serious.”

“J!” Angel pauses by the front door. He slides Jeyson’s backpack over his shoulder but receives no response. “Jeyson, come on, we gotta go!”

Footsteps thunder down the hall, a fully dressed Jeyson emerging seconds later. He narrowly avoids the wall. Angel catches his arm as Jeyson attempts to complete the sentence he is reading.

“Hey, dad, did you know that a jellyfish doesn’t have a brain?”

Turning the book, Jeyson points to the jellyfish spanning the length of the page.

”No kidding?”

"There is one called the Fried Egg Jelly-fish. You know why?” A grin spreads across Jeyson's face as he awaits his father's answer.

“Why?”

“It looks like a fried egg” he giggles as he flips the page.

The latest addition to Jeyson’s library comes from Bishop. Bishop has supplied more than half of your son's reading material. Jeyson is a smart kid. He knows which club members to go to for certain things.

When he wants to play, he goes to Coco or Gilly. The two have no trouble running Jeyson around until he passes out from exhaustion. When he wants a book he goes to Bishop.

Bishop can often be found seated at the table, Jeyson in the chair alongside. It is an unspoken rule. If Bishop needs quiet, he is not to be disturbed. When Jeyson wants to read, he is found with Bishop. Most times, Bishop reads along with him. In the time they’ve read together, Bishop has learned two things about the youngest Reyes.

He wants to learn about everything under the sun.

His favorite thing to do is to run and tell his dad what he’s learned.

“That’s pretty cool,” Angel grins as he accepts the book. “You can tell me the rest in the car. Did you brush your teeth?”

Jeyson’s brown eyes widen as his dad studies the picture of the Fried Egg Jellyfish. As his dad’s gaze lifts, Jeyson provides him the biggest smile imaginable. The same smile that plays you for a fool each time you see it.

“I....did." The only problem is, Jeyson's smile doesn't have the same effect on his father. This is why Jeyson takes a step back as Angel's brow raises. “But...momma says you can always do it twice...”

Before Angel can respond, Jeyson is halfway to the bathroom.

Turning the page, Angel rests against the wall as he starts to read. He’s about to call for Jeyson when a knock arrives on the front door.

Who he finds on the other side prompts Angel to do a double-take. After he considers —briefly—slamming the door in her face.

The last time Angel saw your mother, you were six months pregnant. She was not at the hospital for Jeyson's birth. She has never attended a birthday party, sent a present or a card, or even stopped by to see him on the holidays. Your father has done the same. Keeping the peace with your mother is easier than starting a fight so that he can see his grandson.

As Angel glances over his shoulder, he realizes she's never even seen a picture of Jeyson.

The initial shock of her arrival leaves Angel standing silently in the doorway.

Your mother's eyes narrow, a scowl instantly setting in as she lets her eyes pass over Angel’s kutte. It is the only look Angel has associated with her. The same look she has given Angel for as long as he can remember.

Her eyes move past his shoulder. She attempts to get a look inside of the house. “Where is Y/N?”

Angel closes the book in his hand.

“Work.” Taking a step back inside, he calls down the hall. “J, let's go! If not, I'm leaving you!”

Jeyson's response comes out muffled through a mouthful of toothpaste.

"NO! It's too far to walk!"

When Angel redirects his attention back to your mother, he finds her arms crossed over her chest. Her head shakes with disgust.

“Now I know why she’s not answering my calls.”

“I doubt that’s it.”

Angel has learned not to ask you about your mother. Anytime he mentions her, you get so worked up, he instantly regrets it. So the subject has remained untouched. He doubts the situation has progressed since the last time he asked you about her. What he wonders is, why you never mentioned the phone calls.

“I’ll tell her you came by.”

“So you finally got her to give in.” The comment halts Angel’s action of shutting the door. The sight of his tightening jaw prompts her to continue. “She never had a backbone, not when it came to you.”

Angel’s grip tightens against the door. The weight of Jeyson tugging against his shirt forces him to bite his tongue.

“Now, I’m ready. See?” Smiling as wide as he can, Jeyson tilts his head so that Angel can see his teeth.

“Check out that smile,” Angel chuckles as he tousles his hair. “We've gotta go. Mom will get mad if you're late. Say hi.”

“Morning!” Squeezing past your mother, Jeyson bolts to the car.

“What do you want me to tell her?”

“Tell her to call her mother back. It’s important.”

“So is seeing your grandson every once in a while,” Angel counters as he locks the front door. “The kid’s nearly nine years old. Never met you.”

As she opens her mouth to respond, Angel steps around her and follows Jeyson to the car.

“If you’re still wondering why she won’t talk to you,” he calls over his shoulder. “That might be it.”

Jeyson stares out the window as Angel gets in the car. He waits until his dad turns to double-check his seatbelt to ask the question on his mind.

"Who's that lady?" He asks as he watches your mom return to her car.

Angel follows Jeyson's gaze before starting the car.

"Someone who needs to talk to your mom."

"....she kinda looks like her..."

"Yeah..." Angel sighs. "Hey, your mom said you wanted to talk to me about something. Is it about school?"

Jeyson nods as he picks up the book in his lap.

"She said I didn't have to stay there."

"You don't want to?"

Jeyson's brow furrows. It is a question that's been on his mind since your conversation over the weekend.

"I don't know." He admits. "I've never been to the other school."

"I get it. Making friends is hard."

"Yeah."

"How about we see if you can check out the other school? If you go there, and you don't like it we can stay at Gilman. Sound good?"

Jeyson nods. He returns the smile that his father gives him through the rearview mirror.

"We just wanna make sure that you like going to school. No matter how good your mom and I think a school is, if you don't wanna be there, I'm not going to force you to go. Okay?"

"I wonder why they call him El Diablo."

Looking up from your notepad, you find Isabela leaning forward in her chair. She is studying a photograph of Tommy, her brow furrowed as she moves it closer for a better look.

You blink. It is a good question. One, you realize, you’ve never asked.

You shrug. "I don't know."

"You didn't ask him?"

You shake your head before letting your gaze return to your notepad. "I've been more focused on this shit storm of charges. Not his tattoos."

"Would've been the first thing I asked him," Isabela admits as she picks up a second photograph.

"You can if you ever meet him."

“He’s actually kinda cute,” she notes, the urge to roll your eyes returning at the admission. She releases a laugh as you shake your head. “What? He is, I bet he has a nice smile—”

You reach forward taking the photo from her. You place it face down on the desk before returning back to your work.

“He’s not my client,” she mumbles. “Besides, we’ve been working on this for nearly two hours. Maybe, it’s time you take a break.”

The headache you’ve been nursing for the past hour is getting worse. The source of your headache is Tommy. He is the reason Isabela is in your office. She received a text from Angel this morning--a text she has chosen not to share with you.

One that shared he’d woken last night to find you weren’t in bed. That you were working when he’d found you at the kitchen table, and although you said you’d come back to bed you never did.

Despite her intentions of helping you, Isabela has been no help. Instead of helping, she has spent the last hour looking through Tommy’s file asking any question that comes to her mind.

You're currently compiling a discovery checklist. Getting information from Tommy has proven to be difficult--impossible. He has not given you a single detail from the night he was arrested. Or about himself.

In your time together you have learned Tommy Flores is a master deflector. He could almost give Angel Reyes a run for his money. The only reason you can see past Angel's bullshit is years of practice.

You don't have years to crack Tommy.

"He has some dope ink."

Your eyes drift shut. Another photograph of Tommy has found its way into Isabela’s hands.

"Iz, are you here to help? Or admire his tattoos?"

"Sorry," Isabela huffs. "What do you need help with?"

"Alexander Maddox."

"His previous council didn't leave any information?"

You shake your head.

"Nothing. It looks like they didn't even bother looking into him. All I know is he's supposed to be in a rival club, but I can't even find out who Tommy's affiliated with. And although I have his arrest records none of these are crimes linked to a club. Every time I ask him a question, he somehow turns the conversation to me."

“You know how these things go, Y/N.” Isabela sighs. “He’s only going to tell you what he thinks you need to know.”

“So, nothing?”

Your notepad falls to your desk before you release a deep breath.

“I am not going to this arraignment Friday.” Your voice comes out muffled against your palms as you cover your face.

You’re number three on Tommy’s lists of attorneys. Clearly, you’re just as naive as the previous two. You’re to report downtown early Friday morning. Tommy is no stranger to the courthouse. You have already received a warning from the judge to ensure Tommy is on his best behavior Friday. His outburst from past visits is becoming a thorn in your side.

"Have you told Angel you’re working on this case?"

"No."

"Tommy’s killed somebody."

Your eyes roll as you pick up the photograph she slides towards you. You take the time to focus on Tommy's tattoos.

"That's exactly why I haven’t said anything yet. You know Angel. He worries too much when it comes to my job."

A smile slides across Isabela's face, the sight causing you to brace for what's to come. You lift the photo of Tommy until it blocks Isabela's grin from your view. You know where this conversation is going before it even picks up.

"Or, maybe you haven’t had much time to talk about Tommy with all the sex you’re having."

"That’s not what we’ve been doing. Believe it or not, we don’t have sex twenty-four-seven, Isabela.”

“Okay.”

“He moved in two days ago." Your eyes roll as she grins. What was I supposed to do? Say welcome home--by the way, the new client Samuel gave me is batshit crazy? I try not to mention Samuel at home.”

“Please,” Isabela laughs as she picks up her coffee. “Angel is not thinking about Samuel. He knows Samuel never had a real chance with you.”

“I know,” you sigh. Your eyes drop to the photo in your hand as Isabela’s brows furrow in suspicion. Your words come out quieter this time. “He’s thinking about kids.”

"Wait, what?" She sputters, nearly spitting out her coffee. She motions for you to backtrack. "You decided not to take the pill? When the hell did this happen?"

"After I talked to Angel."

“I thought you wanted to take it. What changed?" Her brow furrows, a pout forming on her lips. "And why did you wait two whole days to tell me?

You pause. It's a good question and difficult to answer.

Probably because the moment I say we're trying to have kids it makes things official?

"He asked me not to take it," you shrug. “So I didn’t.”

Isabela waits, for elaboration but it never comes.

"Yeah, Y/N, but a kid is...a kid. Like, a whole freaking person--"

“I know, Izzy. I have one. With Angel. Remember?”

“Exactly my point,” Isabela continues as you meet her gaze. “Angel thinks any part of you is better than nothing, so he won’t ever say this to you. But you’re both my best friends, so I’m going to say it. I hope you realize what you’re getting into. Saying you want another kid is like saying you’re on the same page as him.”

“I know.”

“You can’t just have sex with Angel, have another kid, and not expect him to think you’re getting back together--for real for this time.”

The admission silences the office. It is a thought that's bounced around your head the moment you let Angel convince you not to take the morning-after pill. Although Isabela doesn’t say it outright, you know your decision has co-signed Angel’s end game.

Marriage.

He won’t push you towards it, but you know that’s what he wants the most. The final stamp of approval to show he’s earned his family back.

"Have you given this weekend any thought?" Isabela's face lights up as she opens the folder in her lap.

How could you not? October 13th has been forever ingrained in your mind. The moment you enter the month of October, your body physically goes into panic mode.

It is the awkwardest time of the year.

Angel deals with the anniversary of your divorce by tiptoeing around the subject. He watches Jeyson while you leave town to “get it off your mind.” You make it awkward by trying to avoid Angel the entire week until the date passes. Because, even though you are no longer married, cutting off feelings was not easy.

In the past, the anniversary always kicked up feelings, pushing the two of you into overdrive. It always brought up a terrible mixture of reminiscing, guilt and an overhyped sex drive. Although Angel had mastered the art of not speaking on your divorce, he never could master the art of hiding his feelings. They had often bled out in the form of a look. A look you could tolerate any other day of the year, but not October 13th. So to save you both the tortuous fallout of that you would often stay clear of him until the day passed.

But, how are two supposed to handle October 13th this year?

“No,” you lie, finally answering Isabela's previously posed question. “I haven’t.”

“Well, since you’re too busy to remember. Let me remind you. This weekend marks the seventh year of your divorce-”

“I don’t actually need a reminder-"

“And, I think that you and Angel should take this year to spend some quality time together.”

"I moved him back into my house, Izzy. He’s sleeping in my bed. How much more quality time do you need?"

"So what? You’re going to just avoid the topic of divorce this weekend?"

"I can’t."

"Exactly! I know this day is always weird for you two, but I found a way to make it better this year." Isabela pulls a sheet of paper from her folder before offering it to you. The grin on her face makes you nervous. “And, no. There is no need to thank me for this generous gift.”

It takes you a moment to realize what she's handed you.

You read aloud:

"We look forward to seeing you! Mr. and Ms. Reyes, thank you for choosing to stay with us at the Enchanted Isle. It is our pleasure to confirm the following reservation for October 13--Tell me you did not book this."

When you lift your eyes from the page, you find Isabela holds a pamphlet in her hand.

"I did. I already paid for everything, so you two don’t have to do anything but show up." Isabela quickly speaks as she takes in the look on your face. "The reservation is for five days. I signed you two up for the couple's retreat--"

"No, you did not—“

"It's right on the beach--"

"Been to the beach before."

"They've got a whole list of activities the two of you can do to build trust, and get to the root of your problems. You can take the time to bond and relax." Practically shoving the pamphlet into your hand, she pleads. "Y/N, please. Just read it. I swear I wouldn't have done this if I didn't think it was a good idea."

You stare at the pamphlet before glancing back up at a hopeful Isabela. You sit the pamphlet down.

"Did you tell Angel about this?"

All apprehension washes away as a grin spreads across Isabela's face. "That's your job."

"A couple’s retreat?"

"Before you shoot it down, just ask him if he'll go."

You grip your eyes shut, and Isabela knows she's won. She quickly gets up afraid, if she presses the matter any further, you'll change your mind.

"I'm going to leave and let you look it over. If you want more information, the site information is on the pamphlet."

You can count on one hand the times you've been alone with Angel the last seven years. The common thread that has brought you and Angel together has been your son. 98 percent of your interactions surround Jeyson. The remaining 2 percent are moments when Angel's convinced you to come out. The last time that happened, you only lasted a few hours before ending up in bed with him.

The idea of spending five full days completely alone with Angel brings butterflies to your stomach.

You’re in the process of reaching for the pamphlet when you stop. You find yourself picking up the photograph previously discarded by Isabela.

It is one you have seen nearly a hundred times from the moment Samuel dropped the file on your desk. You’re studying the photo of Tommy, but your mind drifts to Angel--specifically his tattoos. You can recount each, and its meanings, off the top of your mind.

"I wonder why they call him El Diablo?" Isabela's question passes through your mind as you take in the red devil etched across Tommy's skin.

Tommy has more tattoos than Angel. Both arms are a collage of colorful tattoos. After studying each, you focus on the tattoo peeking out of his left inner arm.

Only the top half of the black stallion is visible. Rearing, the stallion has a pair of eyes red as Tommy's devil tattoo. The only way you will be granted access to the full view is if you ask Tommy to show you.

You wonder if his tattoo is similar to Angel’s. You know that members get ink once they've patched into an M.C.

What club uses a horse?

It's a question you're in the process of texting Angel when your office phone rings.

“Reyes.”

“Hi, Ms. Reyes!” Your shoulders relax as you are welcomed by the voice of the receptionist, Alana. “I’m glad that I’ve caught you.”

“Hi, Alana. Is everything okay?”

“Yes, ma'am. I have a special delivery for you.”

“Can it be sent up?”

“No, I’m afraid it can’t. You have to provide a signature. It'll be at the front desk.”

“Okay. Give me a few minutes.” The moment you hang up, you let out a sigh and mumble to yourself. "Izzy, if this you, I swear..."

It turns out, the delivery is the last thing you’re expecting.

When you step out of the elevator, you briefly pause as the front desk comes into view. Biting your lip, your pace slowly starts again.

Alana sits straight in her seat, her weight resting on her elbows, a giant smile on her face. The laughter that echoes off the walls is one you’ve encountered your entire life. The flirtatious laughter of a woman who has fallen victim to the charms of Angel Reyes.

Your eyes roll as you catch sight of your grinning ex-husband. Leaning against the desk, Angel is putting the poor young receptionist through her paces. Apart from the stream of giggles, Alana can hardly string together more than two words beneath his gaze.

You shake your head as you take a step forward.

“...I’ve never been on one before,” Alana’s response becomes clear as you near the front desk. “But maybe you could take me for a ride sometime.”

You watch Angel’s eyes pass over her shoulder, his smile doubling in size as you give him a small wave. Alana’s giggles falter as she realizes Angel’s attention has drifted. Glancing over her shoulder she clears her throat.

“Ms. Reyes, this gentleman was dropping off your lunch order.” She quickly motions to the drinks and bags atop the desk.

“Oh no. There must be a mistake, Alana,” you say stopping alongside Angel. “I didn’t actually order this.”

“You didn’t?”

Shaking your head, you ignore the smile on Angel’s lips.

“No, you can actually keep him. Maybe he’ll take you for a ride on his bike.”

“Sadly,” Angel sighs. “I’m gonna have to pass on that offer. Last time I let another girl ride on my bike you almost killed me.”

“Rightfully so.”

“Hindsight is 20/20,” Angel’s smile softens as you shake your head. “You think you can fit me in?”

“I’m booked all day. I keep telling you, the world doesn’t stop for you, Angel.”

“Damn…” Angel releases a long, drawn-out sigh. He turns the cup nearest to him, allowing you to read the logo. The corners of his lips twitch up into a smile as you realize it’s from your favorite place. “Since I can’t come up, I guess I gotta keep this. I ordered for two. I’m not that hungry, but I guess I’ll have to eat yours. Hate for it go to waste--”

“Well, since you drove all the way out here.” Swiping the bag, you smile as Angel realizes your intentions. “The least I can do is take my half off your hands. Thank you.”

Turning you giggle as his hands catch your waist, preventing you from taking another step.

“Wait--” Angel’s arms wrap around your middle, his lips pressing against your shoulder. “I don’t get a tip, a kiss? Nothing?”

“You can get a kiss, but you have to sign in first.” You smile as you take in his triumphant smile. Angel quickly takes his wallet, passing his ID over. “I hope you understand the only reason I said yes is because you bought food.”

Alana studies Angel’s ID for a brief movement. Her eyes watch him sign in before she passes it back over.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Reyes.” She clears her throat before redirecting her attention to her computer. “Please make sure you stop by to sign out when you leave.”

You wait for Angel to grab his food before motioning towards the elevator.

“Let’s go. You’re on the clock, Angel Reyes.”

“How much time do I get?”

“Thirty minutes.”

“More than enough time.”

Angel’s arm drapes over your shoulder, pulling your body closer to his. The kiss he presses against your temple brings a smile to your lips. The fluttering in your stomach remains as he lets you go and presses the elevator button.

A silence falls over the two of you as you patiently wait for its arrival. Angel can feel you watching him. He has a smile on his face when he looks over at you.

“Hi,” you smile.

“Hey.”

“Did Izzy send you?”

Angel’s brow furrows, a laugh escaping, as he steps inside. “No. I don’t know how I feel about that question.”

“What?”

He shakes his head. “I try to surprise you, and your first question is if Izzy set this up. I can do nice things for you, ya know?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” you backtrack, suddenly feeling guilty.

“Relax, querida.” He chuckles. “I’m just playing. What?” He asks after a moment of silence. “You two been talking about me?”

“No.” You mentally kick yourself for the quickness of your response.

Angel’s eyes pass over your face, his smile stretching. “Yeah ok. What happened to no secrets?”

“What? Four years I’ve worked here and this is the first time you bring me lunch. I had to ask.”

“And I had to wait til I knew you’d actually take it,” Angel laughs. “I didn’t want to show up and you reject me.”

Your eyes roll. “I would never do that.”

“Uh-huh. No need for the golden girl act, it’s just us.”

“I’m half tempted to let you take this back to Alana,” you lightly bump him before leading him out the elevator. You take in his raised brow. “Your new fangirl.”

“I can’t help that women gravitate towards me,” Angel grins as you shake your head. “Doesn’t matter, though, you’re only one I’m looking at--”

“No need to sweet talk me, Reyes. You already got the keys.”

“I’m just trying to keep this love alive.” Angel teases.

“Ahh,” you nod. “So, bringing me lunch unannounced is part of this plan?”

“Yeah, forming new habits.”

“What are the other ones?”

His brow arches. Angel smiles before shaking his head. “Can’t tell ‘em all, gotta keep you on your toes.”

“Keeping things exciting?”

“Something like that.”

Angel has always wondered what your office looked like. He takes a look around as you start to clear off your desk.

More so, he’s always wondered if he’d find traces of him inside. Everyone at the office knew you were divorced, most divorced people don’t have photos of their ex-husband in their office.

He’s surprised to find that you have more than one.

The most noticeable one is from last Christmas when you and Jeyson helped Angel host Christmas for Felipe. The most recent is a photo of Jeyson and Ezekiel. Jeyson’s smile is wide as he and his uncle proudly show off their sandcastle. Angel’s eyes find one he doesn’t expect to see.

He pauses by your desk before picking it up.

It was snapped years ago, back when the idea of breaking up seemed impossible in both of your minds.

You both dawn a cap and gown. Felipe smiles, holding the flowers he and Marisol brought you. Ez is to your right, his arm wrapped around his mother’s shoulder, grinning at the camera. Angel stands behind you. His arms are wrapped around your middle, his lips pressing a kiss against your cheek.

“I’m surprised you didn’t throw this away.”

You look up from the fries you’re trying to divide equally. Following his gaze, you roll your eyes.

“Must have forgot to add it to all the other pictures.”

“Hey, don’t say that. I didn’t throw anything away. Besides, it’s my favorite picture.”

Angel glances up, his eyes watching you as you put the frame back where it belongs.

“Let’s eat.” You smile. “You have no idea how much I needed this.”

“You can have mine if you want,” he chuckles. “If you’re that hungry. I know how you get--”

“That’s not what I meant.”

He looks up as your hands find his face. Leaning in, you kiss him. The food is abandoned, your minds focused on the one thought that’s been on your mind all morning.

He could never get used to it. Not when you were younger or even married. The privilege of kissing you whenever he wanted. Not having to worry about crossing the line only to be told it was a mistake. It is a hard thing to get over when you start out as friends.

It was nothing compared to the feeling he got when you kissed him. No matter how soft, how rough, how quick, how long. Or the reason behind it. Until his dying day, Angel will never understand how his feelings for you are not one-sided.

His eyes follow you as you take a seat and begin to eat.

“Oh, I get it…” A grin slowly spreads across his lips, the sight causing you to shake your head. “By this, you meant me...”

“And they say I only married you for your looks,” you wink.

“Everyone knows that’s not why you married me.”

“Shut up,” your eyes roll as he laughs.

You lean over, giving him a second kiss. You wouldn’t think it possible but his smile gets bigger.

“I meant you,” you smile as his lips press against your cheek. “Please don’t let it go to your head. I have no energy for your sass today.”

Talking to you has always been easy, which is why Angel isn’t surprised the two of you have no trouble falling into the conversation. But, after you’ve dropped his gaze three times, Angel says “What?”

“I have something I want to show you,” you admit.

You’ve held off enough. The moment you saw him downstairs, Izzy’s pamphlet has nearly burned a hole through your mind.

“Okay.”

Sitting your cup aside, you open your desk drawer. Passing him the brochure, you take in Angel’s confused expression.

His brow furrows as he reads aloud, “Enchanted Isle. You and Iz are keeping it local this year?”

Opening the pamphlet, Angel silently starts to read.

He reads nearly the entire pamphlet in silence, each passing second not helping with the butterflies in your stomach. His mind only seems to hone in on certain words. “Couples” “intimate oasis” “oceanfront views.” “Couples” “bonding.” “Couples.”

To the point where he can focus on is one.

Couples.

“This is where you’re going this year?”

You nod.

His expression is a mixture of confusion, and something else you can’t read. Suddenly you feel like an idiot. You can understand how it might look. Going on a couple’s retreat on the anniversary of your divorce.

Suddenly you’re nervous as his eyes lift to rest on you.

“It’s just...seven years is a long time. It’s kinda a milestone in relationships. Either you’ve grown apart or you still love someone, and I think it’s safe to say that I still--no matter how I’ve tried I can’t--I don’t want to push you out of my life. And I know I haven’t been fair to you over the years. You’ve shown me so many times that you’re serious about being with Jeyson and me. Instead of recognizing what you’ve shown me, I’ve tried to punish you by making you think I didn’t want you the way that you want me. But the truth is...I want to be with more than when we were kids.”

Angel doesn’t interrupt you, and you’re thankful that he doesn’t. You know that it’s a messy delivery, but it’s the first time you’ve managed to work up the courage to tell him.

“You asked me to give you a chance--a real chance...so this is me giving you a real chance. And I believe we can’t give ourselves a real chance until we figure out who we are together. Outside of my family and yours. Outside of the club. Outside of Jeyson, and Santo Padre. Just us.”

Angel remains silent. His eyes search yours before falling back to the pamphlet in his hands.

“Just us?”

You nod trying your best to slow the beating of your heart.

“For how long?”

“Five days.”

“I don’t know about this--”

“We don’t have to take any of the classes if you don’t want to--”

“I’m down for classes, or whatever you wanna try. I’m talking about you.” Angel takes in your look of confusion. “You sure you’re up for five days? I mean the last time I got you alone, you lasted a good two hours before you practically jumped me--”

Angel narrowly avoids the napkin you toss his way.

You try your best to deny him the smile he’s searching for, but you fail as you meet his gaze.

“You really thought I’d say no?”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t.” Your eyes drop to your phone, your shoulders dropping as your alarm beeps.

“Time’s up,” Angel sighs.

“Yeah.”

He gives you a soft smile before standing and cleaning up.

“I actually have something else for you,” you admit as he dumps the trash. You motion for him to sit down. “But I would prefer if you close your eyes.”

Angel does as you ask. Once he’s settled in his seat, he closes his eyes. Just as you’re about to move your gift from behind your back he peeks.

“Angel-”

“Sorry,” he sighs.

You wait until Angel closes his eyes to take his left hand in yours. His brow arches as you remove the ring from his ring finger. Placing it in the pocket of his kutte, you place a kiss against his knuckle.

You smile at the nervous look on his face. You clear your throat.

“I know we can’t get married right now...so until then, I would like you to have this. I know it’s super cheesy, but I want to make sure that you understand how serious I am. I know we gotta wait a little longer, so until then I wanna give you this.”

Angel’s smile begins to grow as he feels you slip something onto his finger. The words are those repeated. Words he said to you before. Years ago. Senior year. At the carnival. He’d stolen you away from the group, to give you a kiss. He can still remember the sound of your laugh as he’d revealed the gift to you all those years ago.

You press a soft kiss against his cheek before tucking your face against his shoulder.

Angel opens his eyes. The inability to suppress his smile becomes difficult as he takes in the red ring pop you’ve left behind. The chuckle he releases brings a smile to your lips.

“In all seriousness, it’s a proposal for a clean slate. Wiping both of our slates clean, no resentment for anything. I won’t bring up anything you’ve done, and you won’t bring up anything I’ve done. We’re just moving forward, focusing on doing what’s best for Jeyson and our family.”

Angel’s gaze meets yours. He nods before pressing a kiss against your forehead. You two share a smile before you pull him up from where he sits.

“Who knew all I had to do was bring you lunch,” Angel teases as you lead him back to the elevator. “We could’ve fixed this a long time ago.”

You take in the grin on his face before shaking your head.

“Please call Isabela and thank her because she has been working hard on fixing our love life.”

“I will--before I forget. Chucky looked it up. Apparently, the largest aquarium in Cali is in Monterey Bay. We have a club run set up in Vegas next weekend.” Angel reaches inside his kutte. He produces a white envelope before passing it over. “So I figured we could go to Monterey first then split up after. We got a ticket for Izzy too if you want to bring her. I know Jeyson would want to go. Kinda be congratulations on his recital this Friday. I just hope he doesn’t explode once he sees all those animals up close.”

You turn and wrap your arms around him. Your unexpected action causes Angel’s body to shift. He glances down at you as your face burrows into his neck. You can feel it coming. Words you’ve found yourself wanting to say before. Words you’ve never been able to escape from the moment he said them to you first all those years ago.

“I love you, Angel Reyes.”

The admission is quiet.

Angel’s initial thought is that it was imagined. The tightening of your arms around him is the validation he needs that his ears aren’t playing tricks on him.

“I hate that you make it impossible not to.”

Angel’s smile presses against your temple. Tipping your head back you smile as his eyes meet yours. The look in his eyes preparing you for what’s to come.

“Did you just say you love me?” Your eyes roll as Angel’s smile slowly morphs into a grin. “I’m just saying, it's been so long. I might need you to say it again--”

Slipping out of his grip, you press the button for the elevator.

“I am not saying it again,” you giggle. “It is officially time for you to go, Mr. Reyes.”

Angel glances towards the elevator light, watching it slowly begin its climb to your floor.

“I came all the way over here,” he releases a dramatic sigh.

“It is not even fifteen minutes from your job--”

“I got you lunch--”

“No one asked you to do that. Who am I turn down free food?”

Taking your face in his hands, Angel sighs, “the least you could do is give me a kiss.”

Turning, you offer him your cheek.

“Damn,” Angel chuckles. “I don’t remember you being so heartless--”

“Please,” you giggle as his lips press against your cheek. You allow his lips to drift to your neck, as his arm wraps around your waist. “All I got was lunch. I gave you a whole ring, Reyes. You’re gonna have to work harder for a real kiss.”

“I can’t wait to get you alone this weekend,” he groans.

Heat follows the path of his hand as it traces down your spine. It drifts lower. The ding of the approaching elevator causes him to reluctantly pull away. Angel pauses as the doors open and he comes face to face with a familiar face.

Your smile slowly fades as you take in Samuel. He looks up from the coffee in his hand. His eyes briefly meet yours before moving to Angel. He takes in the keys Angel’s holding.

“You’re leaving?”

“Uh...no, just taking him down to sign out.”

Samuel nods before stepping to the side. He pauses as Angel steps forward offering his hand.

“Angel,” he smiles.

Samuel’s eyes drop to Angel’s outstretched hand, but he makes no move to take it. Angel drops your hand.

“I’m gonna head out,” he takes your hand in his. Giving it a gentle squeeze, he smiles. “Don’t forget we have a Millennium Falcon being delivered tonight.”

“Trust me I can’t,” You smile. Heat rushes to your face as Angel’s gaze drops to your lips.

Instead of kissing you, Angel takes a step towards the elevator. His eyes briefly pass over Samuel.

“I’ll find my way back to the front. Make sure she doesn’t work too hard.”

The second Angel is out of sight, you turn back towards your office. Samuel’s voice follows yours.

“Reyes. Conference room in 5 mins.”

Your brow furrows as you face him.

“We have a meeting? I didn’t know there was one scheduled.”

“It wasn't,'' he starts towards the conference. “Emergency meeting.”

A nudge comes to your side, the persistence of Isabela causing you to glance up from the pen in your hand.

“What?”

Isabela shifts her seat, turning her back to Samuel who glances in your direction. Her eyes drop to the agenda in her hand.

“Is there something wrong with your case?”

Your brow furrows. “No. Why?”

“It’s the first thing on the agenda.”

You redirect your attention to the freshly printed agenda. It reads as follows:

Priorities: Thomas Flores.

Concerns: Counsel.

Nothing accompanies the statements.

“I know this meeting was unplanned, so I’ll make it short.” Samuel clears his throat as he glances at his watch. “Everyone needs to check the form sent out this morning and schedule a meeting with me for their six-month performance evaluation.”

You turn in your seat, lowering your voice as Isabela glances your way.

“He’s taking me off the case.”

Isabela releases a laugh, one that earns her a look of disapproval from Samuel. No matter her disbelief, the feeling in your stomach is that your hunch is right.

“Don’t be ridiculous. He wouldn’t--”

Samuel clears his throat, the pointed look quickly quiets the rest of Isabela’s statement.

“Most important issue at hand is the Thomas Flores case.” Running his hand down his tie, Samuel looks towards the agenda before him. “Once details about his case hit the media, the firm is going to get a lot of attention. With that being said I’ve decided to move Wells to lead counsel.”

Aiden Wells is gawking at your boss, his brown eyes wide. He blinks before glancing in your direction.

Aiden attempts to downplay the clearing of his throat with a bashful smile. “Sir, but that’s not my case-“

Samuel disregards the apprehensive protest of the young man. He dismissively waves his hand as he leans back in his seat.

“Yes, Wells, I am well aware that Reyes was initially assigned the case, but that decision was premature.”

“What made it premature?” All eyes in the room, minus Samuel's, drift to you.

To no surprise, Samuel ignores your question. Instead, he keeps his gaze on Aiden.

"Reyes will assist Wells--"

"I am not assisting anyone."

For the first time since the start of the meeting, Samuel looks at you.

"I didn’t want to make it about this-"

"Then don’t."

"It’s hard not to when your client has a history of being physically aggressive towards female attorneys. It's in his file. When things don't go his way, Tommy lashes out."

Isabela lifts her pen, the action narrowing Samuel's eyes. She does not wait for his permission to speak.

“That is true, but you knew this when you asked her to take the Flores case. Correct?"

The eyes in the room drift to Samuel. Isabela takes his silence as the opportunity to continue her thought.

“Flores may have a history of that, but Y/N hasn’t come back and reported any instances in which she’s felt uncomfortable with her client. I don’t think it’s enough to demote her.”

"Besides," you add. "Aiden’s never worked a trial case. It may not be the best decision to send a novice in on a case expected to acquire media attention. No offense, Aiden."

“None taken,” Aiden promptly co-signs, an appreciative look on his face. “She’s right, sir. I don’t really uh...feel comfortable taking this on as my first-“

Samuel’s eyes close as he pinches the bridge of his nose. The chuckle he releases stops Aiden from completing his thoughts.

“I wasn't aware this was becoming an open forum.”

A silence falls over the room. Aiden looks hopeful at the prospect of Samuel retracting his request. Isabela shifts in her seat, letting you know that she has something else to say. Samuel lets his gaze return to you, daring you to say something else.

Before you can speak, Isabela smiles.

"Well, Mr. Lorente, I think the open forum made this a productive meeting. We learned that Aiden isn't comfortable with being transferred to lead counsel." Turning in her seat, Isabela gives Aiden an encouraging smile. "But, he's willing to assist with the case."

"Yes," Aiden quickly nods, glad to seize any out he can. "Thanks, Iz. I'm far more comfortable with that. As long as it's okay with Y/N."

"As always," Samuel sighs, his eyes passing over Isabela. "Thank you for your commentary, Isabela."

Leaning back in his seat, he clicks the pen in his hand before clearing his throat.

"Reyes." Samuel waits until you look up to continue. “Get Wells up to speed. He’s leading the Prelim Friday. Are you clear?”

You know there is no point in arguing. Samuel has accomplished his goal.

Your voice comes out smaller than you like. “Yes.”

"Good." His smile is instantly back. "Meeting's done. Don't forget to sign up for your evaluations by close of business Friday."

The room empties quickly as you loosen your grip on your pen. You're surprised it hasn't burst. You can feel Samuel's gaze on you. The fact he hasn't made a move to leave letting you know the conversation isn't finished.

Rather than staying, you stand to follow Aiden towards the door.

"Reyes, don’t take it personally."

The statement halts your tracks. You turn to find a satisfied smirk on Samuel's lips.

"That’s bullshit, and you know it. If you’re mad at me, act like a fucking man, and just say it. But what you just pulled was childish-"

"No, what I just did was whatever I wanted. In case you forgot. In a few months, this firm is mine. And I don’t have patience for employees that talk back and question my authority in front of everyone. If you have a problem with it, maybe once the Flores case is up you should look for a new place to practice."

His eyes move to the door to where Aiden is hovering.

“Look on the bright side, you always worried everyone thought I gave you preferential treatment. Now’s your chance to prove you’re as smart as you claim to be.”

Samuel speaks the second half of his statement louder, granting Aiden access to this part of the conversation.

“The plan has been set in motion. Reyes, get Aiden up to speed for court Friday morning.”

As soon as you're out of earshot Aiden rambles.

"Y/N. I’m sorry. I want you to know I did not ask to be put on this case-"

"I know. He's punishing me."

"For what?"

You shake your head, ignoring the look of confusion on Aiden's face.

"Nothing--never mind. Forget I said that." You quickly pass him the folders in your hand. "You can go ahead and start looking at these. I have to use the bathroom. Can you meet me in my office in five?"

Before Aiden can produce a response, you've already left. He watches as you continue down the hall, past the bathroom towards the side steps.

The thing is. When you’re upset, the first thing to come is tears. It is undoubtedly the most irritating thing about you. That's why Aiden waits patiently in your office when you don't return in five minutes.

You don't realize you’ve called Angel until you hear his voice. Calling him when you're upset is second nature.

Old habits die hard.

"What’s up?"

You honestly didn't think the phone call through. As much as you want to tell Angel why you're upset. You can't. He'll only react in one way.

As you wipe at your eyes, you can't help but think of the one time Angel came a hair's breadth of expulsion. Junior year, he got in a fight with an ex-boyfriend of yours. It was bad. The kid's parents tried their hardest to get Angel arrested.

From then on, you've learned to filter out certain information. Primarily when it comes to other guys.

"I....forgot to ask if pizza is okay for dinner."

Although you managed to stop your tears before calling him, Angel knows something's wrong. His initial suspicion stems from the simple fact your question only warranted a quick text exchange.

"Yeah. That’s cool."

"Ok good. It’s just I might have to work late, so pizza will be easiest."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"You sure? I thought you were calling to say you missed me."

You release a tiny laugh. "Not yet, it hasn’t been that long."

"I don’t know," Angel sighs. "You're going on about what? An hour?"

"You know withdrawals don't kick in until at least the two-hour mark."

"I don't know...you did say you loved me today--"

"Oh my goodness. Is it too late to take it back?"

"Too late."

"I wouldn't have said it if I knew you were going to pull it out every chance you get."

"I'm just saying, it's not a stretch to think you miss me." You can practically see his smile as Angel continues. "I've been known to have that effect on women--"

"I miss you, Angel. Is that what you want me to say?"

"Doesn't it feel good to get it off your chest?"

"So much better." You can't help but smile at the sound of Angel's laugh.

"Good," There’s a brief silence. "As long as you’re not having second thoughts about this weekend."

"I'm not. Promise."

“MOM!”

You freeze in place. Scrambling off the ground, Jeyson quickly maneuvers across the living room floor, which is littered with legos.

“You almost knocked over the escape pods!”

Taking your hands in his, Jeyson moves you to the side. You glance down to find that he is indeed correct. One more step you would have crushed the escape pods that took Angel nearly thirty minutes to complete.

“Sorry, what are you building?”

A smile finds Ez’s face as you glance over at him.

Jeyson’s eyes widen. “Only the coolest and fastest starship in the entire galaxy!”

“The Prometheus?”

Covering his eyes, Jeyson lets out a groan of disbelief. “Mom! We don’t like Star Trek!”

You feign confusion as you glance across the room to a smiling Ez. “We don’t?”

“No!” Jeyson turns to cross the room and retrieves the box from the corner.

“We definitely don’t,” Ez co-signs as Jeyson lifts the box for you to see.

“The Millenium Falcon?” You read, your brow furrows. You might not have thought it possible, but Jeyson’s eyes somehow get bigger. “Who flies that? Darth Vader?”

You let out a laugh as Jeyson drops his face into his hands.

“I’m kidding," you giggle. "I promise I remember.”

It is hard not to remember. Jeyson has asked for the Millennium Falcon Lego set for nearly a month. He and Bishop hoodwinked the M.C. into paying Jeyson for chores and errands around the clubhouse. Almost half of the funds came from his father alone. Each dollar Angel has put in the swear jar the last month and a half were also used. When he came home to find it delivered on the front steps, Jeyson nearly exploded. He begged Angel to call his uncle so that he could get started on it tonight. He couldn’t wait until Saturday.

Angel has never seen Jeyson complete his homework so fast. By the time Ez arrived, Jeyson was seated in the middle of the floor with a game plan ready to go.

"I'm going to get the pizza." You announce as Aiden waves to Jeyson. "Aiden this is Ezekiel. Zeke, this Aiden."

"We work together," Aiden adds.

When Angel rounds the corner Aiden is in the midst of gushing over the Millennium Falcon with Jeyson.

Angel’s eyes pass over Aiden, his brow arching in confusion. Ezekiel smiles at his brother's expression before nodding towards Aiden.

"Angel this is Aiden. He and Y/N work together."

Aiden quickly steps forward, offering Angel his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Same."

Aiden looks between the two brothers. "You’re her--"

"Baby daddy," Angel finishes, his smile growing as Ez's eyes roll.

"Yeah, eight years, she still can’t seem to shake him," Ez smirks. “You’ve already met his mini-me.”

Angel's gaze passes over the room.

"Speaking of, Y/N, where is she?"

Angel finds you in the driveway stacking the pizzas boxes in the backseat. His hands find your waist, gently guiding you back and away from the task at hand.

“Sorry it took so long,” you apologize as you glance over your shoulder. “Work took way longer than I thought it would.”

“You got a new boyfriend and didn’t even let me know?” He takes your face in his hands once you turn to face.

A soft smile finds his lips as your eyes meet his.

“Gotta keep my options open. I was planning on keeping it on the DL for a bit longer, but there was a change of plans.”

Your eyes drift shut as his thumb brushes against your skin. Your body relaxes as his lips press against your forehead.

“At least he knows about Star Wars,” Angel chuckles. “Jeyson’s already talking his ear off.”

“That’s good.”

“Everything okay?” Even if you think the nod you give is adequate, it’s not. A soft smile finds his lips as Angel continues. “Believe it or not, I know you.”

“Aiden’s here because I need to get him up to speed on this case.”

“The one that has you visiting Stockton?”

“Yeah. He’s going to help me out by taking over a few things.”

Despite the reassuring smile, Angel’s brow raises. “You asked for help?”

Your nod is an automatic response. Angel's eyes search yours, which is why your eyes drop to your hands.

“I’m fine. Promise. I just have a headache, but I have to do this tonight. Aiden’s really nervous, so I just want to make him feel better. You remember how I was with my first big case.”

You can see it in his face, the look that lets you know he’s not going to let it go.

“I know you’ve been getting up in the middle of the night to work-”

“I don’t like working on this stuff when Jeyson’s up,” you sigh, mentally kicking yourself for letting him notice it. “You know he tries to read everything he gets his hands on. Plus there are pictures--”

The trouble is, Angel’s bullshit meter is stronger than yours.

“That I get, but I don’t see why someone else should be taking over if you’ve been working hard-”

Taking his face in your hands, you offer him a smile. “Angel, it’s fine. It’s not that serious.”

He opens his mouth to respond, but you stand on your toes to bring your lips to his. It takes a moment for him to return it. When he does, Angel wraps his arm around your waist to pull you closer. He grants your wish when your arms tighten around him begging him to stay.

“You’re needy today,” he notes as your lips press against his neck.

“I can’t help it,” you giggle, your lips finding his cheek. “I’m just so in love with you.”

“Clearly,” he chuckles as your lips brush his.

“Besides you give the best kisses,” you smile.

“Gotta share them with the world.”

Grinning, Angel ducks down to give you a second kiss.

“Thanks for letting me come over,” Aiden accepts the beer before glancing over the stacks of papers littering the table. “I know this probably isn’t how you thought your night would be.”

“It’s all good,” Angel rests against the counter. “If it helps Y/N, I can’t really complain.”

Aiden’s eyes drift towards the living room. “Your son looks just like you.”

Angel nods. His eyes find Jeyson who sits on your lap. You’ve nearly finished assembling the pile assigned to Angel. In his father’s absence, Jeyson has decided that you’re much better at putting legos together.

“Yeah,” Angel chuckles. “He got her brains though, so it’s a fair trade-off.”

“I heard he’s over at Gilman,” Aiden whistles. “Hard school. But I hear everyone who graduates from there goes off to an Ivy League.”

“That’s the goal,” Angel nods. “Gotta give your kids a better future.”

“You two went to the same school? You and Y/N?”

“She grew up a few blocks from me and my brother. Probably would’ve gone to Gilman if her parents could afford it. She was too smart for most of us.”

“I think it’s cool you two are still close. I know some divorces can be ugly.”

“It was,” Angel responds. A tiny smile finds his face as he takes in the look of disbelief on Aiden’s face. “She didn’t talk to me for that first year. Complete radio silence….kinda impressive when I look back at it.”

Aiden chuckles. “Hard to tell.”

“Yeah, well. It’s even harder to stay mad at her..” Angel looks away from you before nodding towards the notes on the table. “Anyway, I appreciate you helping her out. She’s been stressed out about work lately.”

“Trust me, she’s helped me with a lot more since I started at the firm. I won’t really be much help,” Aiden admits. “She’s got it all covered. She just brought me on to keep the peace.”

Angel’s brow arches, his drink hovering inches from his lips. “With who?”

“Samuel.”

“That’s what she said?”

“Not exactly.” Aiden glances over to where you sit. “Samuel, he’s a cool guy, but sometimes he can be a hardass. Think he’s just trying to prove he can run the firm as well as his old man. A lot of people say he made partner because of his old man.”

“What’s that gotta do with, Y/N?”

Aiden shrugs. Although you asked him not to say anything, Aiden continues. Even though you have a great poker face, there was a brief second that he had caught glimpse of the effect Samuel’s decision had on you.

“He called an emergency meeting today, said he doesn't want her to lead her anymore. Everyone pretty much agrees she’s the best person at our firm, but Samuel said that I have to take it over. She has to assist me.”

The look on Angel’s face causes Aiden to trail off. It’s a look that makes Aiden realize he never wants to be on the receiving end of Angel’s anger.

Realizing there’s more, Angel says. “What else did he say?”

Aiden’s eyes drop to the notes you’ve provided. Briefly glancing towards you, his words come out quieter this time.

“He um...he pulled the gender card.” He clears his throat. “Said there are just some cases better handled by a male.”

Aiden notes the tightening of Angel’s grip on the beer bottle. He’s pretty sure it’s about to shatter.

“I already told her, I’m not taking the lead.” Aiden finishes. “I don’t want it. I’m just here in case Samuel tries to check up and make sure she actually did what he said.”

“Thank goodness you’re here to help,” you smile as Ez studies the Millennium Falcon blueprint. “If it was just me we’d never finish this.”

“It’s all good, it’s not like Angel’s been much help. You’ve had to pick up his slack.”

At the mention of his name, you look away from the task at hand for Angel. You find him standing by the front door, slipping on his kutte. Your brow furrows as he stops to pick up his keys. Ezekiel follows your gaze across the room.

“You’re leaving?”

Adjusting his collar, Angel motions for Ez to get up. “Yeah, Ez and I gotta go.”

“Everything okay?”

Nodding, Angel ignores Ez’s confused expression. “Yeah, Ezekiel, hurry up. I’ll tell you about it on the way there.”

“Oh okay.” Ez begins to clean up, not asking his brother for anything else.

“Thank you for helping him,” you smile as Ez ruffles Jeyson’s hair before heading to the door.

Angel bends down, smiling as Jeyson wraps his arms around his neck for a hug.

“I’ll be back later, lil man.”

“Can you wake me up if I’m asleep?”

“Yeah, I will.”

“You two ride safe,” you smile as Angel’s lips press against your cheek. “How long are you going to be gone?”

“Two? Three hours tops.”

“Okay.” You glance up to find Angel that hasn’t made a move to leave. He remains alongside you, waiting expectantly.

Tipping your head back, you smile as Angel ducks down to kiss you.

“You wanna wait up for me?” He asks as his lips drift to your ear.

“Depends,” you shrug, your smile growing as his brow arches. “Is it going to be worth my while?”

“What kinda question is that?”

The kiss he leaves this time, lasts longer. Your son brings to it an end as he pushes against Angel’s chest.

“Ewwww!” Jeyson groans as Angel steals a final kiss. “Dad that's enough kissing--move!

"This is what we ran out the house for?"

Ez's eyes scan the crowded bar. He can't see anything worth Angel's urgency to leave earlier.

Although Angel claimed he would tell Ez, he hasn't shared anything. He currently holds a cue stick but hasn't bothered taking his turn. Instead, he's staring towards the bar and has been for the last ten minutes.

From where he stands, Ez can't tell who holds his brother's attention.

"Angel?"

Angel glances towards his brother, brow raised. "What do you want to drink?"

Ez lifts the beer Angel got him upon their arrival. "I'm good-"

"I'm gonna get you another one."

Angel hopes you'll give him some credit for the self-restraint executed the last ten minutes. He also hopes you never find out what he's about to do.

The moment he learned Samuel's name, Angel checked him out. He discovered Samuel stops at the same bar every night after work to "unwind."

"Angel--" Ez catches the back of his brother's kutte, pulling him off his path to the bar. Ez ignores the rolling of Angel's eyes. Following Angel's gaze to the bar, he lowers his voice. "Let's just go back. You just got back, don't fuck it up over this guy."

Angel knows what the warning in his brother's voice means.

"Relax I’m just gonna talk to him," Angel assures him. Brushing Ez's hand away, Angel straightens his kutte. "If shit gets out of hand, feel free to step in and save the day."

The calm expression on his face is enough to convince Ez there's no need to drag his brother outside. But he hovers behind Angel nonetheless.

Taking the empty seat alongside Samuel, Angel motions for the bartender.

"Can I get a refill on my friend's Old fashioned?" Samuel's jaw tightens as Angel's voice registers. "He's having a rough week. Trying to get over a broken heart."

Sitting his empty glass on the bar, Samuel glances over at Angel. His eyes pass over Angel's shoulder to where Ez stands.

"I take it she came home crying?" Samuel sighs as he accepts the new drink placed before him. "Sent you over here to teach me a lesson?"

"Actually, she didn't say anything." Angel watches Samuel's eyes narrow in suspicion. "Probably knew I'd show up here, and kick your ass."

"Yet, you're still here."

"True. See if you would've pulled that shit last week, I would have and you'd probably still be in the hospital." Angel chuckles before he takes a sip of his beer. "But, lucky for you, you caught me on a good week."

"Oh, yeah." Samuel laughs dryly. "She finally took you back. I gotta hand it to you--you've got a lot of patience. Surprised you didn't get tired of chasing her all those years. The sex must be out of this fucking world if she's got you hooked like that."

Ez's gaze finds his brother's reflection in the bar mirror. For a brief second, he contemplates putting his hand on his brother's shoulder as Angel's jaw tightens. Rolling his bottle between his palms, Angel takes a deep breath.

The first one has no effect. His grip tightens around the glass of his bottle, a satisfied smirk creeping its way across Samuel's face.

He takes a second one. The sight of releasing his grip on the bottle, only to shatter it against Samuel's head still remains.

He takes a third.

"I promised her I'd work on a few things. I'm trying this whole 'turning over a new leaf' shit." Angel sighs. The easy smile on his lips does the opposite of calm Samuel. No matter what words come out of his mouth, the look in Angel's eyes says it all. "So, instead of kicking your fucking teeth in, I'm going to take a less...violent approach and tell you to leave her the fuck alone."

He pauses long enough to finish his beer before sitting the bottle down.

"As long as you do that, and she comes home from work happy every day, we won't have any problems." Retrieving his wallet, Angel gives Samuel a final smile before standing. "And you won't have to see me again."

"Nice to see some convicts can be rehabilitated."

Samuel watches Angel slide the twenty-dollar bill across the bar. His jaw tightens as Angel's hand clamps down on his shoulder. The pressure Angel applies as he leans close to his ear, makes Samuel wince.

"Try some shit like that again, and you'll see how well it’s worked on me."

“You realize that kid’s a walking sponge?” Carefully shutting Jeyson’s bedroom door, Angel rubs at his tired eyes. He continues once he gets no response, his feet dragging as he treks to the bathroom. “You sure he’s not Ez’s?”

The sight of you standing in the doorway causes Angel’s smirk to falter.

In the process of brushing your teeth, you stand with your left hand on your hip, eyes watching Angel’s gaze pass over you. The inability to talk results in you giving him an overly dramatic eye roll before turning back to the sink.

His hands latch onto your waist as you attempt to move out of his reach. They gently squeeze your hips. He smiles as you brush his hands away.

“So, that’s what this was about?” Angel chuckles as you rinse your mouth. His smile grows as you glance at him through the mirror. “You let me move back in so that you can steal my shirts.”

“Damn,” you groan as his hands drag along your thighs before drifting beneath the shirt. “I was hoping it’d take you longer to figure that out.”

“You didn’t even wait a whole week,” Angel laughs as you flash him a sweetly innocent smile.

“It’s a perfect trade-off," you shrug. "You’re living here now. The least you can do is let me take one whenever I want. Besides, they always look better on me.”

His touch travels over your hips. Guiding your hips back, he smiles as you rest against him.

“That is true,” he concedes, his hands guiding the fabric over your hips. “But, they also always look better off.”

Your eyes roll as you catch sight of his grin in the mirror. Reaching around you, Angel turns on the shower. Your brow arches as his grin morphs into one more mischievous.

“Since you love making schedules, so much, how about you make one for the bathroom?” Angel’s hands gently squeeze your hips causing you to jump. “You can’t be in here every time I wanna shower. Unless you’re trying to join me...”

Your eyes roll as his chin rests against your shoulder. “Last I checked, I was here first.”

Angel’s eyes roll dismissing the truthful statement.

“Coincidentally?” No matter how silly the claim, you can’t deny Angel the smile he is looking for. “You had all night to get ready for bed, but the second I get home you’re walking around half-naked-“

“Maybe,” you sigh, dragging out the word, as you dry your face. “I was waiting to welcome you home."

“You should have called me,” Angel groans.

“I texted you, but you didn’t answer.” You remind him.

“I was kinda busy.” He notes, his hands drifting along the curves of your hips.

“Too busy for me?” You challenge. “That was not the right thing to say.”

“I know, but I had to handle something first,” Angel sighs. “Get in with me, let me make it up to you.”

You shake your head. Angel smiles as you glance up at him in the mirror.

“While you were busy, I took a shower.”

He coaxes a smile out of you as his touch drifts along the warmth of your thighs.

“Never stopped you before,” Angel notes as he guides the fabric of his t-shirt up and over your hips.

The warmth of his hands radiates throughout your entire body. Your eyes drift shut as the comfort of his touch drifts between your thighs. His smile traces the curve of your neck, each kiss he leaves relaxing your body against his.

“You sure you don’t wanna get in with me?”

You shake your head, biting your lip as his fingers slowly begin to build an all too familiar pressure.

Your voice comes out small. “We don’t need to wake up Jeyson.”

“I can be quiet,” Angel chuckles. “You on the other hand....”

The sound that escapes your lips brings a triumphant grin to his. Despite your initial protest, you rest back against Angel’s chest allowing him to slowly let loose a heat the stretches from head to toe.

“So, what?” Angel teases, his voice muffled against your neck. “You wanna wait til Saturday? When we’re alone?”

He takes this moment to stroke your folds, a finger slipping inside of you. The gasp that escapes your lips prompts his next question.

“Wanna wait so you can be as loud as you want?”

He smiles as you reach down the moment he slows his pace. Your grip tightens asking him to return to normal.

“Thought you were waiting til Saturday,” he chuckles as the pressure he’s built threatens to fade. He stops to press a kiss against your shoulder. “We’ll wait till Saturday.”

Your eyes open as his chuckles gets lost against your skin.

Angel takes a step back as you groan in protest, “I hate you--”

Tugging his shirt over his head, he tosses it your way.

“Get in with me,” he winks, his smile growing as your eyes watch him unzip his jeans. “If you don’t wanna finish, go to bed.”

You take a second look at the clock overhead.

Aiden is pacing the tiny room and has been for the last eight minutes. Your eyes drift shut as he begins another lap.

The next time he passes you, you catch his arm halting his tracks. You contain the annoyance you feel as you force him to face you. Meeting his gaze, you plaster the most reassuring smile you can muster on your face.

“Aiden, I gonna need you to get your shit together.”

You had the same pep talk with Aiden in the car ride over. The gentle route initially taken did not work.

Your words have an adverse effect. Aiden's eyes widen, just as they had during the meeting when he got his new assignment.

“He’s-”

"Going to eat you alive if he walks in and you have that look on your face."

Aiden clears his throat as you drop your hands from his shoulders. Reaching up, he straightens his tie. "What look?"

"Like you’re scared of him."

"I am scared of him." Aiden's brow furrows as he watches your eyes roll. "Aren’t you?"

"No. I'm not." You take a third glance at the clock. "He’s just a guy, like you-"

"Not like me." To his dismay, Aiden's voice rises in pitch. "We're are nothing alike! I have never killed anyone-"

"Allegedly," you correct, earning you a dubious look. "Jesus, Wells. We’re in a courthouse. There are eyes and ears everywhere."

You motion towards the cracked door. Your voice lowers.

"The last thing we need is someone hearing that you think our client is guilty."

"I’m just saying," Aiden drops his voice as you meet his gaze. "There’s a reason Samuel doesn’t want you alone with him-"

"Please," your eyes roll. "That is not why Samuel put you on this case. He's trying to punish me."

"For what?" Now it is Aiden's turn to laugh. "You do everything right. You're better than everyone there-"

"Yeah, well..." You let out a breath before granting him a smile. "If anything, I’m here to protect you."

"They say he's killed-"

"I know, Aiden. I’ve read the file. I helped you go over it."

Aiden studies you for a moment. "You’re really not scared of him?"

"How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives."

A tiny smile finds Aiden's lips as he glances over at you.

"Word of wisdom for my first day?"

"Yep," you laugh. "Courtesy of Judy Blume."

The laugh that follows appears to expel a bit of the stress he feels. Aiden's shoulders relax as you lightly bump his shoulder with yours.

"Here’s the one thing you want to remember when we’re with him." You sigh as he glances your way. "Guys like Tommy, they’re a different breed. They thrive on fear and can sniff it out a mile away. If you give him something he’ll take it, and twist it until he can use it against you. He doesn’t trust us. We’re just a means to an end. So, he'll look for whatever he can. Store it and use it against you the second you're dispensable. Don't give him anything unless it relates to the case."

"Redirect?"

"Exactly." You smile. "Take a breath. You'll do fine."

Aiden nods. A silence falls over the room as your eyes close. Watching the clock won't speed up the hands of time.

It doesn't help that once you're finished, you have Jeyson's recital. The butterflies in your stomach have been around from the moment you woke. They have nothing to do with Tommy Flores. Although you know Jeyson can play his peace with his eyes closed, the idea of him having to do so in front of an audience makes you nervous.

Aiden's eyes pass over your bouncing leg. He lightly bumps you with his shoulder.

"You wanna know something?"

"Sure."

"I think Angel's a pretty cool guy."

"What?" You let out a small laugh. "Not what you expected?"

"To be honest? No." Aiden admits.

"Not as scary as they make him out to be?" You lightly roll your eyes as Aiden glances in your direction. "You don’t have to pretend like you don't know what everyone at the office says about him, Aiden. They’re not exactly subtle about it."

Aiden nods, the look on his face letting you know he's finally going to ask the question that has been on his mind since his and Angel's meeting.

"Is that why you took the Flores case?" He asks. "Because of what happened with Angel's brother?"

You don't initially answer which prompts him to add his next thought.

"It's just...I noticed you always take the cases no else wants to touch."

"I'll deny this if you ever mention it to anyone at work," A tiny smile finds your face. "But when I was seventeen I got arrested."

Aiden's eyes widen. "Wait-what?"

You laugh as you take in his look of disbelief.

"I'm serious," you giggle as you take in his look of disbelief. "I was at a party with Angel and Isabela--"

"Wait--" Now it's Aiden's turn to laugh. "You and Izzy were arrested?"

"Of course not," your eyes roll, the smile on your face growing at the memory. "In typical fashion, Isabela came out scot-free--somehow wasn't around when we were all taken to the station. I was scared shitless."

"You were a golden girl?" he chuckles as you nod.

"I thought they were going to book us. They had each of us call our parents to come to pick us up. When I called home, my mom answered.

I just remember her saying, 'I told you that Reyes boy was no good, so you can stay there with him. I'll have your father pick you up in the morning.'

The funny thing is, I didn't find out until years later that his mother--Marisol--told Angel she'd come to pick him up. He stayed because he didn't want me to spend the night there alone.

I just think sometimes we have to remember that not everyone has someone to call. It's our job to help people--no matter their charges--because everyone is supposed to have a fair chance against the law."

You glance up as voices can be heard just beyond the door.

"I know people look at him and think he's trouble, but Angel’s not that bad," you softly smile as the door opens.

Tommy enters the room, his eyes instantly falling on an unrecognizable Aiden.

No longer wearing his blue Stockton uniform, Tommy almost looks like a free man. The shackles on his hands and feet briefly attract Aiden's gaze. He blinks before stealing a glance your way and redirecting his attention to Tommy.

He's wearing a charcoal suit. The top buttons of his white button-down are undone. The tie is poorly tied, somehow knotted. His eyes don't leave Aiden until you're standing directly before him. A smile finds Tommy's lips as you concentrate on fastening the unfinished buttons.

"Didn’t realize I was paying you to dress me," he states as you straighten his collar. As you quickly tuck in the tail of his shirt, he continues. "Or that I have to start sharing you."

"I shouldn’t be dressing you," you sigh as you try to push away the realization that you're too close for comfort to him. The smile on his face grows as you focus on the task at hand and not the playful eyes watching you. "But I can’t let you go in there half-ass-."

"It’s not that serious," Tommy chuckles as you take a step back to admire your work. "Their mind is already made up about me anyway-"

“It’s about respect,” Aiden utters. He immediately regrets interrupting Tommy as his gaze returns to him.

Tommy's brow furrows the scowl on his face causing Aiden to squirm.

"They don’t respect me. Why should I respect them?"

Aiden clears his throat. You recognize the look on his face. It is one you have seen since his arrival at the firm. It is the face Aiden makes when he wants to add something, although no one has asked him to.

With each word, Aiden's voice gets lower until it fades out. "Most people argue you lose it when you get accused of murder."

Tommy’s brow arches. A smirk finds his face as he regards Aiden who can't meet his gaze.

"It is about respect, Tommy." Your words bring Tommy's gaze back to you.

Aiden watches silently as Tommy's hands are unshackled.

"I need you to lose the jacket." You motion for him to take it off. "You look like a schoolboy."

"I thought the goal was to make me look like someone I'm not."

"We're not trying to oversell it," you note as he passes the jacket over.

A tiny smile finds his lips as Tommy watches you work on untangling the tie around his neck.

"Never had to wear one of these," he admits. "Not much use for them in my line of work."

"Don't worry about it," your eyes briefly lift from your work to meet his. "I have a lot of practice."

"You make a habit of dressing all your clients? I thought I was special."

"You're not. I have a son. Once you tie a few, you can do them in no time."

Dropping his gaze, Tommy lets out a tiny laugh as he takes in the perfectly done tie. His fingers brush against the tie. His eyes drift to the mirror across the room. He stops to study his reflection.

He hated to admit it, but you were right. If it weren't for the tattoos creeping through the collar of his shirt and the red ink on his hand, a stranger passing on the street wouldn't look twice.

"Uh...thanks." Clearing his throat, Tommy turns away from his reflection. "...for the clothes..."

"Just doing my job."

"I know, but you said it’s important that I look...presentable." He sighs as he meets your gaze. "You’re the first lawyer to tell me that...so I appreciate it."

"You're welcome." The smile on Tommy's face causes you to glance over your shoulder towards Aiden. You watch Aiden nervously brush his hand down the front of his suit. "I’d appreciate it if you ease up on the theatrics just a bit."

The smile on Tommy's face morphs into a grin. The playful glint in his eyes one you've never seen. Paired together, they both could make anyone forget what's he's been charged with.

"Theatrics?"

Your eyes roll as you take in his smile.

"Aiden's never worked a case like this before. He’s wound tight as it is. But he's really smart when he’s not nervous. So please, go easy on him. He's no use to you when he's off his game."

"I'll try," he winks. "But only because you asked."

The buzzing of your phone pulls your attention, causing you to take a step away from Tommy.

The text is from Angel.

Picked up my stuff...can't believe you're making me wear a tie.

Taking Angel to get measured for his tux was a headache in itself. He complained the entire time. He hates dressing up for events at Jeyson's school. Typically, you get so frustrated that you cave and say, "fine, Angel, wear whatever you want."

Not this time.

He wasn't the only one. Each member of the club magically produced a tux after Angel passed along you threatened to have his head if he refused to fit the dress code.

But you'll look so handsome in it.

"I thought you weren't married."

Tommy's observation causes your gaze to lift from your phone.

"I’m not." The response is automatic. Powering it down, you return your phone to your purse.

"Who gave you that? I know it wasn't your babysitter over there. Doesn’t seem like your type."

"I wasn’t aware you knew my type."

You look up to find his eyes are on your neck. It is the same spot that earned Angel a punch in the arm this morning. It stood out clear as day. A fresh hickey. Placed in an impossible spot, so there was no point in trying to cover it. All it did was beg for everyone's attention.

All apart of Angel's intentions.

"I can't help it," Angel had chuckled as he'd avoided a second hit. "I was caught up in the moment. It's what you do to me-"

"Doesn't take a genius to figure it out," Tommy grins as you turn to check the time. "You know what they say, opposites attract. A good girl like you has to like 'em a little rough around the edges."

“Are you done?” Tommy's smile is gone, his eyes rolling.

"You really know how to kill the mood-"

“You're done talking, Tommy. I don't want to hear you say anything once we leave this room." You continue as his jaw tightens. "The only words you know are 'yes, your honor' and 'no, your honor. And please do not roll your eyes.”

“You know it's not my first time in court, right?”

"Trust me, I know," you laugh dryly. “I’ve heard about your courtroom antics.”

"And so has Judge Miller," Aiden steps forward.

“He’s a real stickler for the rules--a complete hardass. He’ll be looking for any reason to make it harder for you. Most people...with your charges...don’t do too well when he’s over the case.” Aiden's eyes pass over to you, a tiny smile forming. “Besides, he doesn’t like female attorneys. In other words, we already got our work cut out for us.”

“Exactly,” you smile as you send Aiden a wink. “So. Let’s not give him any leeway."

Angel's focus is off. All he can think about is how in twenty-four hours, he's going to be alone with you.

He's currently trying to figure out if the butterflies in his stomach are the good kind. Or if he's starting to psych himself out. Taking the time to process his emotions is Angel's least favorite thing in the world.

Maybe that's why he never does it. The one morning his brain entertains the idea, he's with the rest of the M.C.

They are seated at the table, summoned for a meeting with a charter from Nevada.

The head of the Horsemen is an old buddy of Bishop. The two served together. Bishop has been preparing for the club's arrival for the past week.

“That's some heavy shit.”

"Yeah," Santana sighs, regaining Angel's attention. “He’s brought a lot of heat our way. That’s why we need your help with this. Help mule until we can get out the eye of the ATF.”

Santana's eyes move over the table. The confused looks from the remaining Mayans, informing him that Bishop hasn't shared the news with them all. He removes the pack of cigarettes from his pocket, releasing a breath.

"He's a smart kid," he acknowledges, lighting the cigarette between his lips. "But, sometimes he makes dumb ass mistakes."

"No judgment," Bishop chuckles. "We got a few of those here."

"Yeah, well," Santana's smile fades. Shaking his head, he glances at Bishop. "This mistake lost us our last shipment. He was in your back yard, when it down, and landed himself in Stockton."

"Can they tie it back to you?"

"Alone? No, but..." Santana's words trail off as he and his VP share an uneasy look.

"There was...a casualty." He proceeds, choosing his words carefully, as he massages his temple. "Word is there was a witness. It doesn’t look like she’s backing down."

"Shit," Bishop sighs.

"Yeah." Santana shrugs, ready to leave the topic of conversation. "The kid’s got his prelim today, so we'll know more later."

Bishop nods before releasing a deep breath. "Just know we're praying for Flores."

Angel glances up from the lighter in his hands. A part of him tells Angel to forget it. There is no such thing as coincidences. Besides, Flores is a pretty common name. The only Flores that Angel knows he hasn't seen in years.

But, if Angel has learned one thing from you, he should always trust his gut feeling.

Clearing his throat, he briefly meets Bishop's gaze before looking towards Santana. “Tommy?”

“Yeah. You know Tommy?”

Bishop’s brow arches as Angel’s jaw tightens. The action happens so quickly he’s not initially sure he saw it. It's gone as by the time he gets a second glance.

Shaking his head, Angel directs his attention towards the lighter he's rotating against the tabletop.

“Not personally,” Angel responds. “Read about it in the paper this morning. Didn't realize it was the same case.”

"Yeah, we heard he's got a pretty good attorney," Santana sighs, his head shakes. "Costing the club a pretty penny, but word on the street is Lorente's firm has got the best around."

Ezekiel Reyes is two shovels from passing out.

Breaking dirt in the middle of the afternoon, beneath the Mexico sun, is not a good idea. Explaining away his current situation will be difficult if someone passes. If the knots in his stomach don't kill him soon, the heat will.

To his defense, Angel didn't provide Ez with much.

The moment the meeting adjourned, his older brother stopped at the bar. The level of his voice, and the calm expression on his face, did not draw any attention. Angel had accepted the beer before lowering his voice.

"I need you to help me with something. Get the truck."

An explanation of that "something" never came out.

Instead, Ez found himself south of the border in the passenger seat. A silent but anxious Angel, flying well over the speed limit.

That was nearly three hours ago.

Now Ez's not sure where he is. A glance at his brother makes Ez question if Angel knows where they are.

He is drenched in sweat, standing in a hole that almost transcends his chest. His eyes are on Angel, who hasn't taken a break from shoveling from the moment his shovel broke ground.

"Look, man," Ez drinks the last of his water. "I don't know if this is the right spot--"

"It's the right fucking spot," Angel reassures him. "Trust me. I couldn't forget it if I wanted to."

Ez's gaze lingers on Angel for a moment before he lightly shakes his head.

"Okay."

Discarding his bottle, he picks back up with helping clear the hole. Nearly another thirty minutes pass before he's ready to drag Angel out the hole.

"What the fuck are we even looking for-"

The sound of Angel's shovel connecting with a solid surface cuts Ez off.

"Told you it was here."

Once they clear away more dirt, Ez learns that it is a black footlocker trunk.

The trunk looks the same as it did the night Angel and Tommy hauled it from the back of his truck. Almost the same. The only deviation is the lock. The key to the lock has been at the end of Angel's keyring from the night he last used it. The silver lock, meant to be attached to the trunk's latch, is missing. Hastily broken off and discarded.

The moment the lid lifts Ez doubles over. The odor that escapes is indescribable but also identifiable. It only comes from one thing. He's throwing up before he can stop it.

Angel must have more experience with the matter at hand, or his body is too wired to register the smell of the body--or at least what's left of it--that rests inside. Because when Ez manages to catch a breath, Angel is already on his knees, leaning into the trunk. The trunk is only so big. Between the body and the black trash bags, there isn't much room left.

Just enough room for a silver lockbox.

Angel opens it, the Beretta that had been left inside is missing. In its place is the ripped-off corner of a slip of paper. The hastily scrawled note reads one simple phrase.

Always get insurance.

Ez steadies himself against the wall of dirt behind him, his throat stinging as he talks through dry coughs.

"Angel, what the fuck did you do?"

Ez's question hangs in the air, left unanswered, as Angel closes the trunk. The tightness of his chest lowers Angel's head down to rest against the trunk's lid. He stays that way for a moment, the racing of his mind making it impossible for him to think of what to do next.

His fingers shift the latches, hastily pressing them back into place before he's pushing himself.

"Help me get this to the truck."

Ignoring your phone calls is the last thing Angel does. In fact, in your relationship, it has been the number one indicator that he's fucked up. When he's slipped up, the first sign is his fear of answering the phone. Primarily because he knows he'll tell on himself the second you ask him what's wrong.

This is why he groans, "shit" when he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. He doesn't bother checking the caller I.D. He knows it's you. Judging by the time, you've just gotten the call from Gilman sharing that Jeyson was never picked up from school. Hard for that to happen when his father is miles away.

Angel sends your call to voicemail.

Shoving his phone into his pocket, he winces as an all-familiar ding, signaling a left message, fills the air.

Ignoring the need to check it, he motions for Ez to grab the other end of the trunk.

Ez's brow furrows as he glances up at the sky. "What time is it?"

"I don't know." Lugging his side of the trunk off the ground, Angel releases a huff once Ez doesn't move to help. "Help me get this is in the truck-"

"We’re not gonna make it stateside in time for Jeyson's-"

A loud thud drowns out the remainder of Ez's revelation as Angel releases his grip on the trunk.

Running his hand over his face, Angel gives his younger brother a look that freezes him in place.

"What is it that makes you feel like you have to prove how fucking smart you are, all the damn time, Ezekiel?” His question is met with silence as Ez's gaze falls back to the trunk. “I knew that the second we got in the fucking truck. But I'm not going back until this is done--I can’t. So either you’re going to help me or you can go home."

Angel doesn’t wait for a response. He picks up his end of the trunk, bumping Ez with his shoulder as he drags it through the dirt. After nearly two minutes of trying to lift it out of the hole himself, and failing, Angel releases a scream of frustration.

Ez watches as his brother takes a seat on the trunk.

Lowering his face into his hands, Angel tries to sift through the thoughts racing in his mind. But every idea seems more ludicrous than the last.

"Where are we taking it?"

"You’re the genius.” Angel lets out a deep breath before glancing over at his brother. “I'm really hoping you've got one of your bright ideas.”

Mayans Tags: @lilacyennefer @pedropcl @holl2712 @rae-gar-targaryen @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @henrycavill19 @silverstarsandsuns @chellybear98 @blackcoffeeandgreenteaforme​​ @tomhardydallasstarsgirl​​ @noz4a2​​ @wiccanmetallicrose​​ @crxssourbones​​ @kimljn​​ @starrynite7114​​ @richonne4life​​  @themarkblues​​ @mariaxliliana​​ @thelovelyleo23​​ @hail-horror-queen​​ @gemini0410​​ @binooo98​​ @the-jer-bear​​ @abbiesthings​​ @losolvidad0s​​ @helli4nthus​​ @babaohhhriley​​ @futureleo1678​​ @whatupitshuff​​ @trhett21​​ @trulysuccubus​​ @minnicelli​​ @sillygoose6969​​ @capnsaveahoe​​ @leahnicole1219​​ @crashbarbie​​ @cyka1312​​ @zoovent​​ @lakamaa12​​ @keithseabrook27​​ @vir-tually​​ @awkwardtayler​​ @rawrlittlepanda-95​​ @irenne-stans​​ @pearlkitten33​​ @ezs-baby-angels-whore​​ @sesamepancakes​ @toni9​ @vannabanana1995​ @queenbeered​ @shawty-fenty​ @kaystacks17​ @thesandbeneathmytoes​ @anactualcaseofthetruth​ @star017​ @cant-decide-at-this-moment​ @cocotheclown​ @watsonwise​ @ilovebey2018​ @oscars-wifeyyy​ @rosieposie0624​ @jennisdirtyimagines​  @ughdontbeboring​ @jjwriter23​ @briskywalker​ @peoniarose​ @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead​ @partypoison00​ @making-starsdance​ @claytoncardenasbabymama​ @myakai13

[sapphire-innit]

Ranboo my Beloved please help this Kid please

VOD: TommyInnit Is Actually Depressed in Exile

(rp) Well that title can only mean Good and Wholesome things right??? Everything's going to be fine and dandy RIGHT?????????

.....

yeah ok I'm ready to have my heart torn out again lets fucking do this

he's drowning again :(

"its ok though because its Dream. And hes great. H-hes cool" I have never heard Tommy sound more defeated :'(

[irt the Tubbo statue] Welp this isn't going to go over well

OH WOW THAT SKIN SHIT. he looks real fucked up ohnoooo. His eyes are greyer and hes got Visible Bags under them D: also his hair is messed up too :(

"we didn't do this out of pity" have lost their magic words huh oof

"if Tubbo wanted to be here he could, and he's chosen not to" :( :( :( this WHOLE SPEECH is painful and raw

Tommy is so angry and I wish he was ABLE to direct it at dream but man, I get it. Hard to watch him tear down the Tubbo statue though

.....also side note did BBH and Puffy build this while eggified that's wild lol

:( Fundy and Ranboo came to say hi. So did Philza. ahhhhhh, fucking hell :(

"Its been weeks" canonizing the longer timeline

Ghostbur ... that hits different now ;-; ;-; ;-;

I miss him already fuck

Tommy still not eating.. :(

adsfdfsf the fuckign... girlfriend bit what even is this

RANBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

He's so sneaky and clever ahhh he hid the book!! fuck Dream took the last book and then he hid it too well lol

well that got depressing quick ;-;

Tommy really is so communicative he tries so so much I hate that no one seems to listen

"and he never would have gotten [exiled]" Tommy it wasn't your faaaullt

and they're trying too but he doesn't know how much Dream is intimidating them to stay away :(

shit he STILL hasn't eaten. Hes not putting on his armor either :(

I do NOT like the vibes on this "screaming station" .... seems fucked up

"the sun reminds me of a happier time, the sunset reminds me of my bench" THE SUN IS HOPE :(

and hes turning down primes

whoever suggested making a chair a "one person bench" omg adwsfdf

still hasn't e a t e n

lol always time to make fun of bbh and skeppy lol

.... a screaming station in the nether seems like an even worse idea than one over the ocean

Jack Manifold! I hear you fucking hate Tommy later!! and I have no idea why!! IS THIS IT

Fucking hell HOW IS THIS CANON

.........wow this sure is the WORST time Jack could have visited. FUCK

...he was even going to throw him a fire res Fuck

I still can't believe that was canonically Jack's last life what the fuck I can't believe that was the start of the Team Rocket arc

...he DID apologize, fuck fuck fuck

Jack and Tommy really talking past each other, this SUCKS so much like he could not have had WORSE TIMING and I wish it hadn't ended in a fucking, DEATH because I don't think Tommy ever meant to go that far at all, like, fuck man

(I know people are pretty sympathetic to Jack and all, and sure that sucked but also I'M HERE FOR MY BOY TOMMY RIGHT NOW OK)

....half a heart and still not fucking E a t i n g

running around the nether with half a heart. Building out over lava. Mans committed to the bit

................I knew it had bad vibes

FINALLY EATING!! Jesus that ghast lol

"why would he spawn there???" TOMMY THAT'S HOW MINECRAFT WORKS TOMMY adswfsdfsd

"I'm just a fucking tourist hub now" Exiles really done a number on him in a Multitude of ways

I knew that party was gonna do a number on him but man is it hard to see.

....I'm glad Ranboo's efforts have been appreciated a little bit. Its good to have SOMEONE other than Dream that Tommy's not cutting off

GOD the zoom in on the lava. Rough.

Hes tearing down the path too. He's physically and mentally isolating himself, which is ... harshly true to life

"Happy place / Theyre all happy / Its not quiet / Its just happy" Tommy writes the most Devastating Shit. Like first it was the Ranboo mail and now the sign, fuck. Its like any chance he gets to type, it just all comes spilling out, he can't help it

"Have I ever been the villain? ...(small depressed smirk)...probably" :( :( :( this is absolutely Dream's victim blaming working and everyone who dog-piled him about the walls and shit and fucking hell man, no

...the little interaction with Ranboo was a breath of fresh air, my beloved...

Wait what happened to the fake gf???

I do feel like its actually really good that Tommy managed to let ONE person through a little bit, and not brush him off out of pity. Its not enough rn but I feel like any outside connection is good for him right now.

It also does feel like it is because Ranboo kept trying even when he ran into difficulty. Its ALSO because of luck no doubt, and he managed to hit just the right vibes to not be 'pitying' because others DID try multiple times, but it couldn't have happened at all if he hadn't been so persistent with his mail either

I also noticed Ranboo questioned the "Dream and you are my only friends" line, which I appreciate

THE CHEST ROOM. FUCK. Well I know how THIS ends D:

"I owe everything to Dream, he comes and sees me and he gives me armor sometimes, and he makes me happier and he gives me a trident" . . . we're in the thick of it now huh

I LOVE THAT RANBOO SPEAKS SOME SENSE HERE THANK YOU. like Tommy's not in a place to hear it Right NOW, but I still appreciate it. He's very good at that (though he still has the backbone of a chocolate eclair lmao. Though maybe that's also why he didn't set off Tommy either)

He almost told him about the armor destruction and my heart hurts

"I'm gonna make it out of Cobblestone, because its my favorite block, it was. It is I think" :(

Ranboo really planning to run for president and help this kid get the FUCK out of exile

ALSO He's trying to clear up the compass thing, hes trying so hard. Tommy's not really in a place to hear it, but I'm glad it was said

......JACK. Hes coming in for a BIT and its just. He's bouncing off of Tommy so hard adfdf I can see how he becomes Team Rocket but also I hate that this friendship turned into hatred

asdfssfd don't ask Ranboo to STRIPE omg

why ARE there so many portals??

...."he takes shit from me" he told him :( I'm so glad he told him but fuck I wish Ranboo could help in some way. Too often you can't and you just gotta work with what you can do but at least he told him :(

"anyone can die Ranboo even me" there's that suicidal idealization! :(

"Its because they don't care Ranboo. Everyone who you think cares, probably doesn't"

GODDD cc!Tommy is a good actor though shit, the YELLING about the party I'M

Tommy is so communicative even now, hes trying to tell Ranboo and talk about it and I wish it made a difference

...he was triggered when Ranboo fought the mobs for him :( he sighed and it hurt :(

...he was testing him for pity with the pickaxe wasn't he, fuck

afdsfdsffs the MCC TOURNEMENT SDSFDSF

oh no tommy hes part enderman don't put him in water afdsfdf

..........................

AFDSFDSF THE LAVA OH NO ADFDSF HOW DOES HE KEEP DYING THIS WAY

......

........

........

back in serious mode I see.

Ranboo talking him off the literal edge, fuck

"Its never gonna end" oh Tommy... :(

[babiesdreams]

Hi!! I found your blog recently and I really like your writing!! If possible, could you write smth about Y/N and Hendery being besties and she suddenly wants him to take her virginity, he agrees thinking she’s kidding and they plan it but when the day comes he’s afraid she would regret it but she makes him secure about how special he is to her and how she wants it, then since it was planned she sits on his lap not wearing panties under her dress and boom he’s beast mode on lmao thank u 💀

Omg you i- um YESSSSSS

It’s gotta be you +18 Hendery

Word count: 1.5 K (I’m so sorry I don’t even know how)

Chuckles fill the room at your comment “I want to lose my virginity with you” You really couldn’t believe you said that to your bestfriend, and honestly you weren’t expecting another reaction from him. He obviously thought it was a joke. You were laughing the pain away, unable to convince yourself of how ridiculous you were.

“Yes, I’ll take you flowers and we’ll make it romantic” Hendery says in between laughs. “I’ll scream your name nonstop” You continue joking around. “Hey but I’ll be a gentleman, we’ll take it slow” He says more serious before cracking in a loud laugh. “You? A gentleman? You’ll probably go rough in me just like nothing” You say teasing him.

“Like you wouldn’t love that” He says rolling his eyes. You chuckle lightly and let your body fall against the mattress of your room. You head is on the air, as your neck is pressed against the edge of the bed. You look in front of you, while blood gets to your brain, making your face get slightly red.

So you don’t notice when Hendery’s body moves as well somewhere on the bed. You just notice it when you feel his body pressed on top of yours. His hands are on both sides of your lying body, his face gets closer to your stretched neck, you can feel his breath brushing your sensitive skin. You blush like crazy as your mind gets full of expectations.

His tongue licks your neck from your collarbone to your chin. You flex your neck getting slightly up to look at him and he starts chuckling again. “See? You like that kind of stuff” He says getting off of you. You look at him with a deadly gaze and he chuckles. “Calm down, your secret is safe with me” He says still laughing. You roll your eyes back in your head and lay down again. 

“So when are we doing this?” He asks from his seat. You decide to continue his jokes and say “On Saturday, my home is empty” You say calmly. And he nods, eventhough you can’t see him. “I’ll be here at 8″ He says getting off your bed. He then gets in front of your and brushes your lips with his fingers. “Don’t be too inpatient” He says teasingly and you growl at him, before you bite his finger.

“Auch” He says moving to the door. “See ya babygirl” He says in a teasy tone and you just throw a pillow at him, but he’s faster, closing the door before the pillow could get to him.

-------------------------

“I’m coming” You read the message on the screen like ten times, realizing the time has come. You can’t believe this is happening. In other situation you would’ve thought he was still kidding but his messages and actions told a whole different story. 

You prepared the best set of underwear you had and put it on. You looked at the mirror several times, practicing some expressions, as if you would be able to control them. And then the doorbell rings. You heart stops for a second, you try to calm down breathing slowly before going to the front door. You open the door looking at Hendery’s body.

His hands were holding your favourite kind of flowers, which he offers to you, you grab them and smell the sweet fragance. “You actually got me flowers” You say calmly as you invite him in. He chuckles nerviously and nods, getting in the house.

You start climbing the stairs, while holding the flowers in your hands, His eyes are fixed on your half naked figure, completely bluching at the inpure thoughts that his mind imagines. “So... are you sure about this?” He says nerviously as you both get to your room. You leave the flowers on your table and turn back to look at him.

“Of course” You say getting closer to him, your lips are about to kiss his but he stops your body with a worried look in his eyes. “I mean it seriously, it’s something important for you” He says looking right into your eyes. “Hendery, It’s gotta be you” You say grabbing his hands and getting them on your butt. Your lips reach his this time, in a soft kiss.

“And what are we gonna do after this?” He says getting your hair behind your eat as he looks straight at you. Your foreheads are pressed on each other and you simply smile “We’ll figure it out” You whisper and he smiles, atacking your lips again. His tongue plays inside your mouth, making you get wetter than you already were. His hand, still on your cheek since he fixed your hair, holding your face stable as he kisses you.

His body makes yours move, pushing it on the bed. He stays standing up as he removes his shirt and pants, only wearing his boxers. You look at his body and smile. “Since when did you have those abs?” You say to him and he smirks “Since always” He whispers getting on top of you.

His body presses against yours and you feel his bulge against your cunt. Your hand gets to it, touching it slightly and the boy gasps, pulling off the kiss. “Weren’t you a virgin?” He asks confused and you smirk “Virgin doesn’t mean inocent luv” You say pressing around his length and he rolls his eyes back.

Your hand gets in his boxers taking his length in your hands and moving through it. The heavy breaths that escape the boy’s mouth make you smirk widely. His lips attack your neck, leaving wet paths all over it and your body shakes at the sensation. “Don’t be shy baby. I’d love to hear the sounds you make” He says against your neck.

His words make you whimper, but when his fingers draw circles over your clothed clit, a loud moan leaves your open lips. “That’s what I’m talking about” He says looking right into your eyes “Now make those cute little sounds louder for me” He growls out and you look challenging at him. 

You try your best not to please him as easily but his fingers press harder on your clit making it imposible. He laughs at your sounds and licks the limits of your lacy bra. His hands leave their position to unclip your bra skillfully, revealing your perfect looking breasts which he licks off completely.

The sensation of his tongue over your nipples is the only thing you can think about. You hand has stopped long time ago as your brain was unable to concentrate on that matter. 

His fingers return to your cunt, but this time they get your panties off, exposing your pussy completely. His fingers travel along your wet folds and he just says. “Never seen a pussy this wet babygirl” He says teasingly and you moan at his compliment (Is it a compliment?) His fingers get inside of you, curling themselves, reaching places you hadn’t yet explored.

You moan loudly at his actions making him smik widely. “You are gonna feel something bigger later babe” He says teasingly and your eyes roll back, unable to even think straight.

His two fingers turn into three and your walls keep clenching around them. Until you decide you’re ready for his length. He gets his boxers off and get a condom out of his pants. He rolls the condom around his length and looks at you “Ready?” He asks and you nod.

He positions his dick on your entrance and starts getting in, his tip gets in you and you moan loudly. He goes slowly letting you adapt to every inch of his length, until he’s fully in. The pain surrounds you making you sweat like crazy. His fingers wipe off the sweat on your forehead lovingly, not moving at all inside of you.

“You tell me when you are ready” He says kissing your face on every inch he possibly can. You whimp loudly at first but with time, pain goes away, completely replaced with pleasure. “Move” You say in a heavy breath and he nods, moving slowly inside of you.

You feel the sloopy texture of the condom brushing over your walls as they stretch out. “You are so fucking tight” Hendery growls out, also losing it slowly. You chuckle “I’m a virgin Hendery, of course I’m tight” You say at his obvious comment. He smiles “Not virgin anymore” making you gasp lightly at his hot words.

“Fuck” You say as his pace gets faster inside of you. “Don’t stop” You moan outas your brain mixes pain and pleasure together, making the limits between both sensations unclear. He gets rougher, making you see stars and after not so long he says “I’m close” you whimper a “Me too” just before your body shakes underneath his. He smirks and cums right after.

Your breathy bodies are lying right next to each other. “So... How was it?” He says getting the condom out and making a knot with it. You look at him and ask “Did I bleed?” He chuckles at your innocent cuestion and points at the condom “Just a little bit. Why? Did it hurt?” He asks worried and you smile at him “Not as hard as I thought” 

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Hope you enjoyed it. It got really long so fast sorry lol.

Tmi: My first was kinda like this lmao.

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