#this is why I should not post things in a hurry while I’m getting ready to make dinner alskdjjffj

[harleehazbinfics]

Home is where my heart is.

Chapter 2: It was a date? Table of Contents | Profile

Word Count: 918 A/N: I'll make a separate post for what I envisioned Miledy to be, those would be early designs tho.

(edited as of Feb 20)

“Thanks again for coming, Al. Thanks for the radio too, it must’ve been quite expensive,” I said to him with a small smile. We were currently in a coffee shop, where I invited him as a thank you for taking me around the city for the best stores and sights in town.

“It’s nothing grand, it was my pleasure! Besides, I was the one that asked to come with you either way,” he replied with his grin before drinking his coffee. “I just hope you would listen to me while I’m on air.”

“I wouldn’t miss it!” I replied happily giving him a radiant smile.

Alastor seemed to enjoy the sight and happy hum and continued, “Speaking of which, darlin’. I wanted to ask you to sing a few songs during my radio show. I quite enjoy your songs and fantastic singing voice; it definitely has the potential to go big! And why not invite you over, it’s a win-win-win for us!”

I was shocked for a moment and rambled on mostly to myself, “W-well, I don’t know. I don’t think I’m good enough to do that and specially on your own show I couldn’t--.”

I stopped when he took my hand pat it, encasing my hands with his large ones. “Calm down, sweetheart. I won’t force you if you don’t want to. I just wanted to open an opportunity for you, I didn’t to put you in a tight spot there. I apologize.”

I looked at him with grateful eyes with how understanding he was and nodded my head.

“Just tell me when you’re ready, darling. That offer is always open,” he encouraged with his enthusiastic theatrics. He then looks at his watch and announces, “Oh would you look at that! It’s almost time! We should hurry if we want to catch up.”

I stood up with him confused as he escorted me outside and hailed a taxi for us to get in. “Where are we going, Al?”

“That’s a surprise,” he whispered with half-lidded eyes and his easy grin.

Flustered, I turned my head to the streets and watch as the people pass by. Eventually, halted by the seaside. The golden hue flushed the world around us, making everything look magical.

I went and held the silver railing and simply uttered, “Wow.”

Hearing nothing from the usually talkative radio host, I looked over to Alastor who looked over the distance with melancholy hazing his eyes. Thinking over what happened today and the day I first met him, I started to reconsider what he said at the café. I wanted to do something for him for all the things he had given me.

“Hey, Al?” I called to him somewhat embarrassed.

He turns to me and puts on a lazy grin, replying, “Yes, sweetheart?”

“About the offer…” I look away from his eyes and breathed in, “I want to do it.”

His eyes visibly light up and gives me a hug, making me go wide eyed from the sudden show of affection. I didn’t think of him as the type of guy to be all touchy-feely. Before I could even return it, he unlatches off me and holds my shoulders eagerly.

“Wonderful! You won’t regret it. I’ll put on a show for you in no time!” he responds happily.

I give him a wry smile and laugh, before looking back at the shore reliving through what I went through today, while Alastor placed his arm around my shoulders quite intimately. I looked at the hand on my shoulder and back to his face and laughed.

“You know, if someone were to look at us right now and all the things we did together. I’d think they’d surely assume that we were on a date,” I jested, nudging my shoulder at him.

He doesn’t say anything at first but the counters, “Funnily enough, I always thought that were the case.” I look at him confused making him pet my head, “I won’t deny that I hold an attraction towards you, and neither will I deny that today’s plans were exactly a date.”

“S-so you.. to me??” I stuttered bewildered that someone as him would like a simple girl like me.

“But of course!” he explains, “The moment I saw you in the club you’ve already caught my eye, and having to share a two, few many drinks with you. You are quite a rarity in an age like this.”

“B-but what if I-,” I started feeling my anxiety get to me, try to get away from his grip.

“My dear, what if are only figurative. Nothing good will ever come out of overthinking,” he tried holding my hands trying to soothe me.

I took a big breath in and asked, “Are you sure you’d want me? I’m not a good person, Alastor. I mess up, make mistakes and I’m a coward.”

Looking down at our hands, I missed the mysterious haze over his eyes and replied, “So am I. I like you for who you are, Miledy. Whether you stumble and fall or flourish and grow, I want to be the first person there to pick you up and support you.”

I smiled at him, finding comfort in his words and nodded my head, “Okay. I want to there for you too, Al.”

“Lovely. How about I take you home now? Our outing has gotten a little bit late,” he changed the topic.

“Alright,” I answer happily letting him escort me while talking all the way home.

[uhohwhathaveidone]

I want to start off w saying i may or may not have binged all your fics (#noragrets free time well spent)

Could i request a jealous/crybaby Sebastian x f!Slytherin reader during the yule ball bcus someone asked her about before him and now he’s pissed about it. Could end cute w them together after all or him ruining her night by being pissy a lá goblet of fire - totally up to you!!

Love ur writing <3<3<3

I lost you for a second and got scared-

With Me Instead (S.S)

<3<3<3 I'm so glad you're enjoying! Your words make me very happy <3. I spent ages with my friend that really likes old fashion to come up with some clothing ideas for this, but the only thing that was really cemented was making a version of the Dark Arts outfit for Sebastian to wear to the ball, everything else was us skimming Pinterest while also looking at old excerpts of high-class 1890's fashion, which was rather strange because we went through dinner dresses, evening toilettes, ball-toilettes, the whole thing. I'd be dead in them. Anyway, I hope you enjoy! This has a slight character x reader that isn't Sebastian Sallow, but it's for the plot, i swear. (Also if you want the like reference images i will post them because i 100% feel like i didn't do these things justice)

      You practically sprinted down the halls as you weaved through the students, making your way to the common room. You halted as you reached the door, moving from one foot to the other as you said the password and waited for the door to open, excitement building in your gut as you saw Sebastian and Ominis on the other side. You shouted to them as you ran up, placing your hands on your knees as you tried to catch your breath. Sebastian looked down at you in confusion, frowning as you tried to speak. “Perhaps you should sit down, we don’t need you passing out before you tell us what’s on that mind of yours.” He said, gesturing to the couch. You nodded as you dropped into a seat, running a hand through your hair. “Where did you come form, anyway?” Ominis asked, taking a seat beside you. You watched Sebastian take a seat on your other side; confusion still etched in his face. “Dining Hall, I ran all the way over here!” You breathed, sighing as you fanned your face. Sebastian’s eyes widened, “The Dining Hall? What’s so important that you had to run up and tell us? I’m sure it could have waited.” You shook your head as you calmed your heart and fixed your breathing, sitting up and clenching your hands into fists.

      “They just released the theme for the Yule Ball!” You said excitedly, a wide smile dancing on your lips. Sebastian scoffed as he shook his head. “The theme to a dance is not that important, you know.” You huffed in response, ignoring Sebastian’s comment as you continued. “It’s House themed, meaning that you must dress according to your house! Meaning that we have to have green on.” Ominis nodded as he listened, hearing Sebastian let a sigh out. “Why should we care about a dance? And it’s two weeks away as well, you don’t to be in such a hurry.” Your face dropped as you listened to Sebastian, his pessimistic attitude dragging you down. Ominis heard the absence of your voice, and quickly tried to cheer you up. “Well, now you know what to look for when choosing a dress, right? There’s plenty of time to find the perfect one, not to mention getting it fitted.” You nodded, biting the inside of your cheek. “Right. That also means that the two of you need to find what you’ll be wearing as well.”

      A week had passed, and you sat with Ominis at the table as you ate, describing the dress to him. “I pick it up tomorrow, it should be fitted and ready by then.” You explained, and Ominis smiled. “I’m glad you found one to your liking.” You hummed in response, taking a bite of your food. “Off topic, but do you know what has gotten into Sebastian? He used to be so excited for the ball.” Ominis shook his head. Although he knew perfectly well why Sebastian was acting the way he did, it was none of Ominis’ business to get into the whole logistics. "I'm sure he’ll come around, though. Could have sworn I heard him talking about finding an outfit.” You let out a huff, shaking your head. “Speaking of, have you gotten your outfit then?” You asked, tilting your head as you watched Ominis nod. “My mother sent it by owl earlier today.” “I’d love to see it later, if you don’t mind?” “Of course.”

      Sebastian continued to be pessimistic about the Ball, claiming that the three of you had more important things to do instead, but you continued to shake him off. The next day, you took a trip to Hogsmeade with Natty and Poppy, in search of dresses. “What about this one?” Poppy asked, pointing to a cotton dress, one with low sleeves, one that would lay against the ground as you walked. You shook your head, “I’d trip on it, and it’ll get hot easy too.” The two nodded in agreement, walking around the shop in search of other dresses. Natty had already chosen one; sent over from her mother. Poppy was still looking but had her eye on a soft yellow dress that would reach her ankles with a subtle corset, white sleeves that reached just past her elbows accompanying it. You sighed as you looked through the different dresses, searching for one that would fit the theme while also allowing you room to breathe and feel comfortable. “Y/n! What about this dress?” Natty said, waving you and Poppy over to where she stood. Poppy gasped as she looked at the details, a smile reaching your lips as you examined it, feeling the soft fabric under your fingers. “It’s perfect!”

      You paced around the common room as you began to doubt yourself, muttering what ifs to Ominis as he sat in a seat, shaking his head at some of the things you said. “What if people think the dress is ugly? I’ll be laughed at the whole time, I couldn’t bear to go through that.” You said, earning another sigh from Ominis. “Your dress sounds beautiful, I’m sure everyone will like it.” You continued to pace, fiddling with your fingers as you thought up more worries. “Okay, then what if I step on someone? What would happen then?” “You worry too much.” A new voice said, and you turned your head to see Sebastian as he took a seat. You huffed in response, plopping into an empty chair as you sighed. “That’s easy for you to say, since you don’t even want to go.” Sebastian shrugged at your comment, a small smile touching his lips. “As a matter of fact, I will be going.” You scoffed, raising an eyebrow at him. “Really? And who would you be taking with you?” Sebastian shrugged, feeling his cheeks heat up slightly as he chose his next words. “I was thinking, you and I could go together, naturally.” Ominis dropped his head as he frowned. You sat there as you looked at Sebastian, a small frown forming as you bit the inside of your cheek. Sebastian watched the two of you, his own smile dropping as he felt the colour drain from his face. “What’s wrong? Did I say something?” You shook your head.

      “Sebastian I was already asked, last week.” You said softly, looking down at your hands. Sebastian furrowed his brows, his face switching between upset and confused. “What do you mean, you were already asked? Who asked you?” He said, his voice crackling slightly. You sighed, “Garreth Weasley.” Sebastian felt his heartbeat faster, cursing himself. “The Gryffindor? Why would you go with him? Why didn’t you let me ask you?” He stood up and began to pace, waiting for your answer. You stood as well, glaring at him. “You ask me, the night before the dance! You acted like you weren’t interested anyway! If I had waited, I may have been without a date!” Sebastian scoffed, shaking his head. “You have no patience, do you? You’d rather go with Weasley? Then go with him, why should I care?” With that, Sebastian turned and walked away, no doubt to his room. You sighed as you sat down next to Ominis, who stayed silent.

      “You heard how he acted, right?” You asked, laying your cheek into your palm. Ominis nodded as he sighed, “He did seem uninterested, but I suppose if you have a one-track mind like him, it’s easy to forget how time works.” You nodded, nudging Ominis’ shoulder with your own as you stood up. “I should retire then; I don’t feel like dealing with him when he comes back down to have another go.” Ominis waved you off, staying seated as he listened to the fire.

      You waited by the fountain in the courtyard, fiddling with the soft sleeves of your dress as you waited for Garreth. The sun had begun to set, meaning that the ball would start soon. You sighed as you listened to the water run behind you, looking down at your heels. Black shoes slowly replaced the empty spot in front of you, and you looked up and met Garreth, who smiled as he offered his hand. You smiled back, taking his hand as you took in his outfit. He wore a white button up, paired with a red waistcoat and gold tie, a black blazer and pants completing the look. You had to admit that he looked dashing, and watched how his hair moved lightly as a breeze blew by. “Shall we go, then?” Garreth asked, and you nodded, your hand still held in his as you left the courtyard and made your way down the halls. You passed by some of your friends, waving to Poppy and Natty as they smiled at you, Natty sending you a thumbs up, trying to calm your nerves. Garreth gestured for you to walk in first, bowing slightly as he smiled up at you. You smiled as a slight blush crept up to your cheeks at the gesture, walking in and taking his hand once again.

      Sebastian sat at a table, frowning. Ominis sat beside him, listening to him as he muttered about how stupid everything was, and criticizing everyone’s outfits. “It’s as if we’re the only ones with any sense of style here, look at us!” Ominis shook his head as he tried to tune Sebastian out, who had begun to talk about his own outfit that he “spent a lot of time looking for.” Sebastian wore a fitted white shirt, paired with a white ascot, which bore a green pendent in the center, with a long golden chain that hooked somewhere under the dark green waistcoat that sat under the black blazer, which was currently laying in a chair next to him. He looked down at his shoes, black to match his pants, and sighed. He listened to the chatter around him, recognizing some voices as he eavesdropped on their conversations. Ominis shook his head as he stood up, fixing up his own outfit, which was similar to Sebastian’s in colour, and excused himself. “Where are you going?” Sebastian asked, watching Ominis. “I’m off to get a drink and talk with some friends, perhaps you should do the same.” Ominis turned and left, disappearing into the crowd.

      You hovered near the drink with Garreth, taking a few sips as you watched people filter in. You smiled as Ominis came into view and walked over to you, greeting you and Garreth. “You look dashing in that, Ominis! You pull it off really well!” You complimented, handing him a drink. Garreth nodded, “It really suits you! I’m sure they’ll be flocking to you soon.” Ominis smiled as he accepted the drink from your hand, “Thank you. Though I might not be able to enjoy myself for too long, otherwise Sebastian may get lonely and upset.” You sighed as you shook your head. “He’s still pouting?” Ominis nodded. Garreth placed his drink down and took your hand, “How about we get a dance out of the way, and you can talk to your friend Sebastian? Maybe he could hang out with us.” You nodded as you said goodbye to Ominis, following Garreth.

      The tall boy stood before you as he placed a hand on your waist, earning a shy smile as you placed your hand on his shoulder. The two of you swayed to the music, smiling at some people as they spun by you. Garreth was gentle with you, but it appeared that he hadn’t taken any lessons for dancing, as he stepped on your toes every so often. You smiled as you brushed it off, mentally noting how bruised they would be in the morning. As the song ended, the two of you finished with a bow, smiling at each other. Leander walked over to the two of you, greeting you as he turned to Garreth, asking him if he wanted to hang out with some of the other Gryffindors. Garreth looked at you, seemingly asking if he was allowed, and you smiled and you waved him off, telling him to have fun.

      Without a date now, you walked around the large room, making small talk with some people as you passed by, searching for Ominis and Sebastian. You mumbled to yourself as you walked, thinking about how sore your feet would be the next day, yet thankful that it was the weekend as you made your way out of the crowd, spotting Ominis and Sebastian. You smiled as you looked at the details of Sebastian’s outfit, noticing the blazer that lay next to him, and walked over to sit next to him. Sebastian didn’t look up as he kept his head down, almost as if he was asleep, and you messed with his hair lightly. “Not now, can’t you see I’m busy?” He mumbled, shifting his head in his arms. You chuckled as you kept messing with it, “You can’t sit here forever, why not dance?” Sebastian scoffed as he turned away from you, exposing his back to you as he grumbled. “Don’t you have Garreth for that? Why not go dance with him?” You sighed, tracing your fingers down his spine in boredom. “He ditched me to go hang out with his friends, and Ominis said you might get lonely.” Ominis chuckled at the mention of his name, shaking his head. Sebastian shivered as you kept tracing his spin, quickly sitting up and turning to you.

      His eyes widened as you looked at you, your face seemingly glowing in the light as you smiled at him. He felt heat grow in his cheeks as he took in your outfit, the dark green bow that laid on your chest adorned with silver chains that hooked onto the ribbons, black beads scattered along the links. You placed your cheek into your palm, the soft white sleeves that clung to your wrists dropping slightly as the elastic wrapped around your skin, the frill falling into your arm. He looked back up at your face, unsure if he would be allowed to see the rest of your dress from where you sat. “Do you like it? I think it’s beautiful!” You said as you stood up, twirling around to show him. The white dress shirt buttoned down until it slipped under a dark green corset, wrapping around your middle as it transitioned into the dark green skirt, the top layer ruffled halfway to your knee as a dark sheer fell from under it, reaching your calf, the final layer a white frill, which ended just under the top layer. Your collar was frilled as well, matching your sleeves as they billowed as you twirled.

      “It’s very…lovely.” Was all Sebastian could say as you beamed at him, sitting down beside him once again. “I really love it, Poppy and Natty helped me find it.” Sebastian nodded as he continued to watch you, unsure if you were aware of the dark tint that covered his cheeks as you spoke. “Enough about the dress, though. I’ll be needing some ice when this is all over.” You said, reaching down and messing with your shoe, checking on your foot. Sebastian scoffed, breaking out of his trance. “Did your date step on them?” You pouted as you nodded, “It doesn’t hurt too much right now, but it’ll be a pain in the morning.” Sebastian shook his head as he looked to where everyone was dancing, sighing. “Guess you won’t be dancing anymore tonight.” “Absolutely not, I’m not passing this up!” You said, sending a playful glare at Sebastian, who only shrugged. “Good luck with that, then.” You huffed as you crossed your arms, watching people walk by.

      You stand, sending a smile to Sebastian as you begin to walk away. “Where are you going?” Sebastian asked, and you waved. “I’m going to dance with Amit! I’m sure he’ll be happy to dance with me!” You turned away and kept walking, hearing footsteps quickly approach you as Sebastian grabbed your arm. “Amit? Why would you dance with him?” He asked, and you shrugged. “Well, someone won’t dance with me, so I’m going to find someone else.” Sebastian sighed as his hand slid down your arm and took your hand, his face heating up as he slowly led you to where everyone was dancing. You smiled as you watched his flustered face, meeting together as you placed a hand on his shoulder and kept his hand in your own. Sebastian’s face grew hotter as he slowly placed his free hand on your waist, avoiding eye contact. You chuckled as you felt your own cheeks flush as he brought you closer, slowly beginning to dance.

      “I’ll try not to step on your toes, don’t need you in anymore pain.” Sebastian said as he watched his feet, carefully dancing around them. You hum in response, raising an eyebrow at him. “What?” You shake your head, smiling. “You seem really eager to dance with me now, for someone who didn’t want to be here.” Sebastian let out a soft chuckle as he shifted his hand on your waist, spinning you. He brought you back to him and lowered his head so he would whisper to you. “I was going to ask you to the Ball earlier, but I got scared.” You scoffed, “Scared? You? Of what?” Sebastian squeezed your hand and blew in your face in annoyance, causing you to laugh. “I figured; you might reject me. So, I pretended to not care.” You smiled softly as danced around Sebastian, hands still together and you waltzed. “So, you rejected yourself? Why would I reject you?” Sebastian shook his head, grabbing your waist again as the music slowed. “I don’t know. Nerves, maybe? There are plenty of other people here, I figured you’d prefer them.” You chuckled as you leaned your head onto his chest. “Why would I prefer anyone else over you? I’d rather you here with me instead.” Sebastian sighed, feeling his heartbeat faster, afraid you’d hear it. “Although, you took forever to ask. I was going to wait, but I’m glad we can end the ball as dates instead.” Sebastian smiled, looking down at you as you wrapped your arm around him, hugging him as you danced.

      “I’m glad we can dance together; this is rather nice.” Sebastian said, leaning his head onto yours. It felt as if you were the only two people left in the room, a small yet intimate moment shared between the two of you. You hummed in response, shift your head so you could look up at Sebastian. “We should do this more often.” Sebastian chuckled, raising a brow. “What, dance? Or would you rather just stay in my arms?” You placed a quick kiss on his chin, watching as his face lit up again. “Both, perhaps.” Sebastian stuttered as he looked into your eyes, biting the inside of his cheek. The song began to end, and he quickly led you into a dip, placing his own soft kiss to your lips. “Agreed then.”

      Poppy and Natty watched the pair, smiling. Ominis walked over with a drink in his hand, taking a sip. “Has anything interesting happened?” He asked. The two girls giggled, sharing smiles. “They’ve kissed twice now.” Natty said, Poppy clapping her hands together. “It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” Ominis nodded, grabbing a treat from the table behind them. “Maybe Sebastian will be quiet now.” He said, taking a bite.

[rosepascal]

Ice skating woes || Joel Miller x Reader

summary: Joel's getting old and his body isn't what it used to be, but that stubborn man refuses to let that get in the way of a day with his granddaughter.

warnings: no outbreak Joel

a/n: I really liked this idea but I'm not sure if I love how it turned out tbh. Actually to be completely honest I think this is going to be my last fic in a while. The motivation just isn't there anymore. The interest is gone. I love Joel and Mando and all the Pedro characters still but I just don't find the joy that I used to. I need a break. Thank you for reading if you do and thank you for letting me post my writing <3

There's nothing more embarrassing for Joel than to admit he's getting older. He used to be able to pick up Sarah in one arm and carry her for as long as she wanted. Now getting out of bed is a challenge, his back hurts, his knees hurt.

His hair is turning gray and his once fit body has turned into what you lovingly call a "dad bod". He should be grateful he still gets to do things with his little girl who isn't so little anymore and his granddaughter who calls him papa but Joel hates every moment he feels weak. Which is why he's determined to get on the damn ice rink, even if it kills him.

“Papa!” Joel, who’s lying on the couch, sits up as he hears the voice of his granddaughter.

“Joel, careful.” You rest your hands on his shoulders as he groans in pain. His back has been killing him and you have sent him to rest with an ice pack.

“I’m fine.” Joel grumbles as pain shoots through his back. You frown as Joel puts on the biggest smile as Charlotte climbs into his lap.

“How’s my favorite granddaughter?”

“Papa, I'm your only granddaughter.” She says with a giggle.

“Hi baby,” You turn your attention to Sarah who is watching Joel and Charlotte with a smile.

“Charlotte, you ready to go ice skating!” You say cheerfully as you get her attention. Joel smiles but you can see him grimace in pain every time she jumps on him.

“Go get your snow coat from the closet and we’ll go!” She runs upstairs faster than you’ve ever seen her run.

“Hi dad,” Sarah goes to hug Joel and he winces as he stands up. Sarah frowns as Joel tries to cover it up.

“Dad..” Joel waves her off, hearing her tone of concern.

“I’m fine baby, nothin’ some tylenol won’t fix.” Ever since Sarah was a kid Joel’s been working himself to the bone and even if he’s retired now it’s really catching up with him.

“I’m ready!” Charlotte runs downstairs with her coat in hand, bouncing to get to the ice skating rink. Immediately she puts her arms up for Joel, asking to be picked up.

“Charlotte baby how about I carry you,” You put your arms out and though she is hesitant at first she hops into your arms.

You carry her out to the car, listening to her babbling about skating and how she wants hot chocolate too. As you buckle her in you hear Joel grumbling and Sarah sigh.

“Joel baby, you need to take care of yourself.” You whisper as you get in the front seat of the car. Joel buckles into the driver's seat and looks at you.

“I told you both, I’m fine.” He starts the car and drives off without another word. You love Joel more than anything in the world but man is he stubborn. He’s hurt, he’s in pain and that idiot won’t admit it. Sure it’s ice skating now but what if something happens? What if he really hurts himself? Charlotte can barely contain her excitement as the ice rink comes into view. Once Joel shuts off the car she’s already bouncing out of her seat.

“Calm down there sweetpea.” Joel chuckles as he gets out and opens her door. Once she’s unbuckled she tugs on Joel's hand and the two of them hurry to the doors.

“What are we going to do about him?” Sarah sighs as she walks with you to join them.

“I don’t know.” You see the pain in his face when he holds Charlotte, when he bends down to help tie her skates, and when he bends down to tie his own.

“Damn laces,” He grumbles. Sighing, you bend down and take them from his hand.

“Are you sure you want to do this honey?” You ask one last time. Joel cups your cheek and you lean into his hand.

“What kind of grandpa would I be if I can’t take my little girl skating?”

Your heart breaks as Joel stands up and walks towards Charlotte. You know Joel looks back on his time with Sarah with regret.

He doesn’t regret how she turned out, she makes him proud everyday. But he regrets the fact he couldn’t be there for her like he wanted to. He couldn’t make every soccer game or take her to the mall when she wanted. He couldn’t always do fun stuff and it killed him.

Now he’s older and he doesn’t work anymore but he can feel his body failing him. He’s not the same guy anymore. He’s shaky when he gets on the ice, his knees aren’t as strong as they were before and it's starting to hurt. But the moment he sees Charlotte's smiling face he fights through the pain. You skate alongside them, watching as Joel holds her hand and picks her up when she falls.

“Papa Papa watch!” She lets go of his hand and starts to skate by herself.

“Look at you go sweetpea,” Joel compliments as she starts to move faster. Charlotte, who’s wrapped up in her own world, starts to skate recklessly.

“Be careful!” You skate faster towards her but before you can get to her she collides right into Joel’s legs, sending both of them to the ground. Joel grabs Charlotte without thinking.

Pulling her into his chest to break her fall as he falls hard on his back. You skate as fast as you can and kneel beside them. Sarah comes rushing over too.

“Oh my god are you okay?” You ask both of them.

Charlotte clings to Sarah and it's clear that she’s alright, just a little scared. Joel on the other hand does not look okay. His face is scrunched up in pain and though he’s always been able to hide it very well it’s clear he can’t anymore.

“Joel!” You cup his face and try to help him up. He groans in pain as his back seizes up on him. White hot pain shoots through his body.

“Baby,” You help him sit up and he reaches to take his skates off but he can’t move his back an inch without it being too painful.

“I got you baby,” After taking off his skates you and Sarah helped him to his feet which was not easy given how little he could move. Slowly you take him to the exit and back onto solid ground where he could sit.

“I’m fine.” He grumbles and you roll your eyes. He's like a broken record.

“Will you stop trying to be the tough guy all the damn time!” You scold Joel.

“Please..” You kneel down and rest your head on his knees.

“I need to be there for her.” He says.

“You are there for her. You go to all her dance recitals, dinner every Sunday, what more could she want?” You ask him. He doesn’t know what to say. He knows why, deep down he knows why he’s ignoring the pain. It’s not just for Charlotte, but for Sarah and for you.

“I’m getting old. Soon enough I won’t be able to do all the things a grandfather should do with their grandkid. I just, what if I…” What if he dies before he can see her grow up? What if she stops caring about him?

“Don’t think about that.” You say quickly.

“Joel, she loves you. You’re her favorite person in the whole world and I’m sure she’d rather have you on the sidelines and not hurt in a hospital.” Joel knows you’re right and his back really does hurt right now.

“I know, I know.”

“Papa..” Joel looks up and could feel his heart break when he sees Charlotte with tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Her lip wobbles as she speaks. Joel opens his arms and she rushes into them.

“Don’t cry sweetpea, it wasn’t your fault I promise.” Joel hoists her into his lap and dries her tears.

“Are you okay?” He asks gently. She nods her head and curls into his chest.

“Then that’s all that matters.”

“Can we go home? I wanna watch frozen.” Joel chuckles and Charlotte hops down from his lap.

“Course we can.”

Joel doesn’t fight you when you help him up or when you drive home so he can recline his seat a little. He lets you put a heat pack on his back as you place multiple pillows for him to rest on. Charlotte cuddles next to him and Sarah sits next to her. She gives her dad a look, one that Joel understands without a word.

“Ready?” You sit next to Joel and turn on the movie.

Her eyes sparkle with excitement as the music from her favorite movie starts to play.

Maybe getting older ain’t so bad. He has his daughter who’s grown up before his eyes and a granddaughter who he loves with everything he’s got. He has you, the love of his life. Who isn’t afraid to put him in his place when he’s being stubborn. So yeah, Joel doesn’t like the fact that he’s getting older.

But if getting older means that he gets to have more moments like these, then he’ll take the bad back any day.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Saturday wonderful fandom :) Ahhh the next in the line of goodies to come. This one doesn’t have a ton for them but doesn’t mean there isn’t absolute gems in it. So it'll be a littler shorter than the last one ha Also Aaron is amazingly hilarious in this episode. I love him to death. Let us get started.

5x09 Take Back

We start off with Tim being Watch Commander while Grey is miserable in NYC ha Things get immediately awkward when Chris arrives. Still clueless as ever asking Tim of all people about Lucy’s taste in houses. I mean if you don’t know her taste at this point should you really be buying a house together? Tim looks intrigued when he says he needs his opinion then it gets so awkward when it's about a house...

Tim is so very uncomfortable when he asks his opinion. Knowing this is going NOWHERE for Chris. I’ll never forget this hilarious post I saw about this scene after it premiered. I couldn't find it this time around. Had the lyrics from anti-hero by Taylor swift. ‘It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem it’s me.’ You ain’t ever getting that house with her because of that man sitting there LOL Idk why that post made me laugh so hard but it did. It stuck with me clearly haha

It’s so very weird Chris comes to Tim for this. It's obvious he knows Tim knows her the best. Crazy to me he's not threatened at all by that fact. Clearly he isn’t if he’s coming to Tim for advice. Blows my mind how blind he is. Lucy comes in asking what they’re talking about? Chris tells her he found THE house. Lucy looking as uncomfortable as ever at this news. Saying he's going to call the realtor and call her later. Lucy's high pitched 'I can't wait...' Couldn't be more awkward if she tried.

He gives her a kiss on the cheek and leaves. Tim giving that good ole fake Sanford smile when he does. Tim's face crack me up. Like he stole your girl and you have no idea you putz heh Also just so on brand for Chris to not see how uncomfortable Lucy was. He’s been blind their entire relationship It’s unreal. You can also see how much Tim hates seeing him kiss her. Even if it’s on the cheek.

It’s almost a grimace really as he watches it. Probably thinking of all the ways he could easily kick his scrawny ass haha That fake smile begging for Chris to leave the room so this awkwardness can pass. How Chris doesn’t pick up on either of these vibes I don't know. But then we call him the clueless clown for a reason don’t we?

Lucy doesn’t look comfortable till Chris leaves the office. Tim asking 'How the breakup is going?' HA Cleary it's going well Timothy...Lucy tells him she’s in the planning stages. Just reviewing the literature. Classic Lucy response. Wanting to plan this out completely before pursuing it. Tim telling her a psychology journal isn’t going to tell her how to break up with Chris. I mean he's not wrong.... It's just a bandaid you have to rip off even if its uncomfortable as hell.

He’s so matter of fact with his wording. Using a sports metaphor to explain how she should do it. Makes me wonder if he's actually done this before? Ha She’s adorable in her reply of saying ‘Playbill?’ She truly has no idea what he’s talking about. It’s too funny. It's comical really Tim giving her advice on how to break up with Chris. So you know he can date her haha

Tim has been very patient in all this but you can see him getting a little antsy about it. It is interesting how full circle this moment is. He set them up in 4x12 and now he’s ready to help break them down in this 5x09. Tim is just so ready for Lucy to do this cause he’s anxiously waiting to be with her. It’s pretty damn cute if you ask me. He’s trying to be patient but also is like can we hurry this along a bit?

Lucy says that’s too cruel she wants to handle it her way. No matter how this goes down Chris is going to be hurt though. It's how breakups go there is alway someone who walks away more upset about it. Her empathy taking the front seat in this decision. Where Tim just wants her to rip the bandaid off. Get this over with ASAP.

This is where we see little bit of Tim’s self doubt kick in. It's written all over his face when he asks her if she's having doubts? Worried she’s delaying this because she is having second thoughts about him. About them. Lucy immediately squashes his anxiety with her reply. Shooting massive heart eyes his way as well. She wants Tim to know she’s all in just like he is. That there is nothing for him to worry about.

I love how sure Lucy looks when she tells him 'No, I'm not'. She is so certain this is what she wants. Needs him to know this as well. Not a doubt in her mind about this whole thing. She just has stuff to work out with this breakup first. The certainty in her eyes is everything. Nothing makes more sense to her in this moment than him.

That confidence of hers is why Tim relaxes the way he does above. His whole body draining of the tension he was carrying. His cute smile saying ‘Good.’ Could this man be more of a soft puppy for her? Look at him. That hope and excitement back in his eyes. Lucy replying in kind with her own 'In love 'gaze. They’re both all in and it makes my heart very happy. Also they’re having a full on flirt session in Grey’s office for everyone to see.

I adore Tim being so open and vulnerable in this scene. Making sure she wasn’t backing out. The same Tim who couldn’t communicate in his other relationships to save his life. But with this he is checking in with her. Letting Lucy know his stress about her not breaking up with Chris yet. Lucy assuages his worries instantly. When it’s the right one the harder stuff seems a little easier. More natural. Lucy sensed that panic and instantly calms him with her words and heart eyes. Gah so good. Look at these idiots in love. I just adore them so very much.

This next scene with Aaron is pure gold. I love him so much he cracks me up. Never expected him to be as funny as he is. He notes how quiet she is being and is asking what's going on? Lucy letting him know she needs to break up with Chris. First off like to say we are all Aaron when he says ‘Finally.’ To her breaking up with Chris. Yesssss and Hallelujah finally breaking up with the clown. Nails it even further when he says Chris was never on her level. I mean yeah he never was. Not ever.

Aaron is speaking for the whole Chenford fandom in this moment LOL Chris had nine lives with her and they've finally run out. Aaron's reaction is the best part of this scene. I love that he knew where Lucy's heart was and it obviously wasn't with Chris. He knows it’s with Tim 100 percent. Like most people in their world do. Tim is her equal in so many ways it’s insane. Chris could never compare as Lucy figured out last ep.

Aaron tells her they can practice her breaking up with him. So it’s much easier when the time comes. It’s not a bad idea tbh. This is where it gets hilarious. Lucy brings up them looking at houses. Aaron kinda judging her for letting get as far as looking at houses. Telling her 'Yikes....' HA Tell us how you really feel my man. Lucy reprimanding him saying that is not helpful....Oh Aaron I love you so very much.

Lucy starts her speech trying to find her footing in what she is trying to say. She looks over at Aaron in the middle of it and see he is crying. lol If you didn't laugh at this scene you're dead inside. It's so damn funny. Lucy asking him WTF he is doing? Aaron telling her he is channeling Chris's pain LMFAO I mean he's not wrong she had to be prepared for an emotional response. It's just the way he went about this that is so hysterical. He is having way too much fun with this.

Telling her they should do angry next. I'm rolling. Lucy is doing some channeling of her own. She is channeling her man in this scene. It’s so funny. So aggravated with his role playing in this. Wondering why she asked for his advice in the first place? hahaha They then get a call about a 'Navi'. Lucy is so confused. Aaron geeks out and says it's from Avatar. Tells Lucy she should ask if it’s full grown. The look she gives she is channeling her husband again so much. ‘Aaron, it’s a fictional character...’ LMAO

I really love this ending scene with them. Aaron wants to do one more practice run with her. Lucy tells him she doesn’t need it. (Oh but you do....) That she’s just going to go with her gut on this one. It sounds like a solid idea in the moment but it's honestly the worst thing to wing it. Especially when it's something this intense.

When something is this emotional the right words tend not to just come to you IMO. They sure don't for me. I love him being brutally honest with her about it LOL Saying it’s a terrible idea. That he likes the sentiment but this isn't going to end well. I mean he’s not wrong as we will see here in a bit. Lucy once again channeling Tim in this moment. Cutting him off from saying anything else and just tells him good night haha

We get to the breakup scene we’ve all been waiting for. Lucy is bumbling and awkward. Not knowing where to start. Chris once again blind as a bat. He has no idea why she’s acting this way. Lucy curses Aaron for being right about this moment. Saying she should practiced more LOL I adore her panicking and defaulting to Tim’s playbook advice haha idk what’s funnier that or her being shocked Chris knows what she means by saying that.

All that prep and thinking this out and she went with her man’s advice on how to end this. This makes me giddy to no end. I bet you it’s cause Tim was on her mind from the minute Chris entered the apartment. My guess is that is part of the reason she fell back on his advice. Literally the most Lucy Chen thing ever to use it then be surprised Chris knew what she meant. I love her sfm haha

Chris stumbles around shocked as hell she’s breaking up with him. He seems so very blindsided by the whole thing. I mean if the man opened his eyes for once he wouldn’t be that shocked…But this Chris we are talking about. Lucy tries to get him to talk to her more. Saying they should sit down and talk this out. Chris just bails not wanting to talk at all. Not wanting to fight for her at all. Just takes off like a child who didn't get what he wanted.

Now I’m ok with this. Obviously we all are. Just goes to show you Tim was willing to fight for her and Chris wasn’t in the end. Lucy said it was over and he just left. I mean he wasn’t wrong there isn’t much to talk about out. She doesn’t love him. But still no fight in him at all after Lucy does this. Just folds like a cheap suit. A clueless clown from beginning to end...

We’ve reached the scene of the ep that made us all swoon and squee. I remember feeling so anxious to get to this scene. I had to re-watch the episode to truly appreciate it all. I was too antsy to get back to them sharing a screen. I was so damn giddy this was the place we were in. They spent the majority of this episode apart. So all I could focus on was her coming back to him in this moment.

I adore Lucy coming back into the station to talk about the breakup right away. Needing to share this news with him as soon as she could. I love that she returned to work just to tell him about this. So anxious to get back to Tim after it was done. Lucy wanted him to know as soon as she could it was over with Chris. Knowing he was just as anxious as she was about the breakup. It's sweet how he tentatively approaches her when she says why she is back.

He wants to be understanding about it. Seeing if she wants to talk about it more. Doesn't just want to jump the gun and bulldoze her feelings about the matter. Lucy isn't there to chat about that though. She wants to cash in on him asking her out. Because she couldn’t wait another second without him asking her out again. They're both so damn nervous and sweet in this scene. Fidgety and excited about the prospect of their future. Lucy messing with her hands the entire time as she explains the breakup. Tim keeping his distance while she explains it.

Gah I love her fidgeting near her ring as she approaches Tim. Anxiously awaiting for him to ask her out again. Lucy’s nervous way of reminding him to ask her again like they decided. How she looks into the bullpen before approaching Tim. Saying ‘So…’ He looks nervously excited by her doing this. Eric the king of expressions strikes again. The way his eyes go to check the bullpen as well before refocusing on her. He isn't sure what she is going to do in this moment.

The entire station can see into this office. He looks so friggin cute in his nervousness. I love that that she makes him nervous like this it's so adorable. Lucy gains her confidence and looks him directly in the eye flirty as can be. Asking him if there's something he wants to ask her? The whole purpose of her returning to work is to secure their date. Telling him about the breakup was the catalyst yes. But truly she was wanting to hear him ask her out again.

Tim see's her confidence and starts shaking off his own nerves. Replying in a sassy manner. Their banter the undercurrent of this moment going forward. Fueling them with the courage to say what they want to. Tim can't help being playful and sassy with her replying ‘I can’t remember.’ Doing that cute smirk of his that I love so very much. Wanting to push her buttons a little because well it's Tim.

Lucy is affectionately violent in her reply haha Look at her she is beaming with adoration. She loves this goober in front of her so very much. ‘Don't make me hurt you.’ Because she would legit hurt him if she had to in this moment haha I saw a funny parallel from this to her ripping that tape off in 4x07. She'll do it Timothy LOL Don't test your girl.

I love how he gets serious after she says this. It's the way he slowly moves towards her. That intent look on his face in the first one. *fans self* gah. Then in the second one the way he melts for her. In a way only Lucy gets to see. Asking with as much giddiness and excitement as I ever seen in this man. "Do you wanna go out on a date? Look at this puppy of a man. He is beyond excited to ask her this question again. Knowing now he will get a yes with no stipulations this time around. There is still a little nervous hesitation in his delivery which is precious.

Lucy is bursting at the seams with absolute giddiness when she replies ‘Yeah. I do.�� So happy he's asked her again. How one looks when the man they love asks them out. There’s so much to love about this scene. He’s asking her out in the Watch Commanders office. I love that sfm. Both ecstatic they’re finally going on a date with nothing holding them back now. They’re at work and have to restrain themselves from being too obvious. Which you know they suck at heh

My god anyone looking in on them in that last gif could see how in love these two are. They're so excited just to be around each other right now. The way they’re just standing there looking into each other’s eyes with the dopiest in love smiles. I cannot. I remember thinking the break was gonna take forever to get through. What a time to be alive watching this the first time I remember. LOL

~~~

Side notes -non Chenford

Is it just me or does John have more chemistry with Genny than he does Bailey? Thought I’ve always had from this ep. Probably just me but I always thought they had solid chemistry.

Greys have a ROUGH SL in NYC.

Celina also has a hard time in the ep. With their suspect dying in custody. She has a tough rookie year.

[captianmikasa]

AFTER 2 YEARS! THE ATTACK ON TITAN SEASON 4 PART 2 RELEASES THIS JANUARY.

THE WONDER ABOUTS OF EREN AND THE CREW FOR THE NEW SEASON!

I sigh and rub my eyes aggressively, “I can't even scroll through Twitter these days…”

“It’s actually called X now.” Mikasa says in a sarcastic voice.

“Oh shut up, who actually calls it X?” She turns her head over to look at me while she’s getting her makeup done.

“Jean does.”

My posture got better, and my head twitched towards her out of shock, “Really? Like no funny shit, really?”

“Yep heard him call it that the other day.”

“Jean, look at the video I sent you,”

“What did you send me it on— oh X.”

“He genuinely calls it that? Did that actually fucking happen or are you kidding me…” I couldn't actually believe what was coming out of Mikasa’s mouth.

“Nope, really says that.” We both laughed.

There were footsteps coming to the room, the door opened. “Mikasa, you ready yet?” It was the voice of Armin.

“Give me a second…” Mikasa says as her makeup artist finished her makeup.

She continued, “Alright! I’m good now. What are we shooting?”

Armin rolled his eyes, “You should know this Mikasa.. The last episode of part 2.”

Today was the last day for the shooting of Attack On Titan; season 4 part 2. After these months of recording all these scenes, it's finally coming to somewhat of an end. Well, an end for just half a year. Then we'll have to get back to recording for the final special 2 episodes, to really end off Attack On Titan.

We all headed to the set. The director spoke, “ALL WE NEED IS MIKASA TODAY! ON THE BOATS!”

I escorted Mikasa on the boat as she shot her scene that was about my character. She did it in one take, beautifully. Mikasa has always had a natural talent in acting. She almost always gets her scene in one take, without fail. It's amazing how well she can do her job. I can't help but smile any time she films her part. Which in turn, makes it difficult for me to record scenes with her. It's been like that ever since we were younger.

After she was done we all clapped. She ran down from the boat with a large smile, “Was it good Eren? Was it good?”

Her being so excited about her scene made me smile larger than ever before. I responded to her, “It was great.” Me and her hugged with an annoyed Armin in front of us. He took a photo of him with me and Mikasa hugging in the back.

Mikasa smiled even harder at the photo, “Armin it’s so cute… send that to me!”

He rolled his eyes, “No, I’m posting it so that everyone knows how terribly annoyed I am at both of you.”

We watched over Armin’s shoulder. He went onto his Instagram and tagged us both as he was posting. The caption stated, ‘I really do hate them.’

Mikasa scoffed, “You don’t hate shit.”

I laughed a bit. “Armin, one of these days, the media is going to believe that you actually hate us.”

We went to grab our things so that we could head back to our separate houses. Mikasa took hold of her blue Louis Vuttion purse. Me and Armin only brought our wallets. To be fair, it was just supposed to be Mikasa on set today but we wanted to come here with her. We do that for most people who are shooting a solo scene.

After her scene, we finished up recording for season 4, part 2. Why did they have to split up the show this much? Sometimes I just wanna hurry and get everything recorded at the same time.

We all started to try to prepare ourselves before walking out with our guards. We knew that the place was going to be swarmed.

We started exiting the set that we were recording at, and I was right. The paparazzi was all over the place. There were so many flashes of cameras all around us as we exited the building. When we first started acting, the light blinded me terribly.

One of them had a mic and was trying to speak to me, “Eren! What’s happening in the new season?!” 

I didn’t want to be rude so I gave a brief answer, “You’ll figure it out soon!” We all went into the car of my driver. This has happened so many times that she just starts to immediately drive whenever we get in so that they don’t crowd around the car, even if she doesn’t know where to go.

I ended up in the left end, Mikasa in the middle and Armin on the right. I heard a large groan from Armin, “I am hungry as a bitch.” He complained.

I sighed, “I mean, we could go out and get something to snack on. Nothing too big, we have the cast dinner tonight.”

Mikasa perked up on the word ‘snack’. Mikasa always gets hungry after a shoot, no matter the length. “My God, yes can we please get food? I think I'm actually starving.”

I spoke to the driver as I sighed, “You heard the princess.” We started heading towards Mikasa’s favorite fast food restaurant… Burger King.

When I first met Mikasa, I wouldn't expect this to be her favorite place to eat. For a lady that acts so classy, it was truly unexpected— until she told me the real reason.

_______________

3 YEARS AGO:

“Mikasa, you always want Burger King, why? You know that we can all afford something better.” I spoke to her while we were sitting down in the B.K booth.

She laughed, “I can't just want Burger King?”

I felt bad for my words and thought that there's maybe not any lore behind it. “Oh I’m sorry Mikasa—”

She cut me off, “But no, you're right. There is a different reasoning.” 

It went silent for a minute as she was just staring at her food. I became confused, “Are you gonna tell me? Or—”

“Well,” She cut me off again , “I didn't really grow up with a lot of opportunities. First off– I’m a second generation immigrant. My parents met when my dad traveled to Japan when he was in college. And in those four months, my mom met my dad. They fell in love, or however you wanna put it. They were dating for 3 years. On their anniversary, my father visited Japan again and got my mother pregnant. They decided that this was really the factor that they needed to have my mother move to America with him.”

I looked at her eyes. Not necessarily sad, but more so– telling.

She continued, “We couldn't afford much, so a lot of nights we would get fast food since it was so cheap. A load of mail would come for my dad, every Sunday. And we would receive the magazines of Burger King coupons. So we would get Burger King a lot. But now, I eat it for comfort– to remind me of being home, even though it was a rough time for all of us.”

I felt genuinely bad. It was only just a slight sliver of what she must've gone through, but I still felt sympathetic.

________________

The driver pulled up to the window for us to speak. I rolled down the window and Mikasa started talking, “Could I get a Whopper Jr. and a medium coke?”

Armin followed up with chicken fries and a regular fry too. I wasn’t too hungry, so I got just regular fries. I rolled the window back up as the driver went up and collected the food from the fast food windows.

We all started eating in the car. It was silent as everyone was stuffing their mouths. Our driver started heading to my house, she knows us so well at this point. The drive was only about 25 minutes away from the Burger King.

_________________

“Y’know, I’m so grateful that we made it this far but… I feel like I can’t even go on social media without seeing Eren’s aggravating face everywhere.” Armin spoke while we were sitting on my couch.

Mikasa started dying laughing while my mouth was hanging open, “My face is not aggravating.”

“To you, maybe. But when we already see it everyday and then when we go home and see it too, it’s like I wanna punch you in the face.” Mikasa added herself in the conversation.

“You too, Mikasa?!” They both started laughing. They are always picking on me as a joke…

We all started arguing with one another until Mikasa’s phone started to ring.

“Who is it?” I asked her.

“It’s Vianna.” She spoke and walked away to answer the call.

Vianna, Mikasa’s manager. It’s one of her close friends’ mother from when she was in elementary school.

Me and Armin exchanged looks as we both were listening in on Mikasa’s conversation.

We saw her eyes go wide with excitement, “I got it ?!” Me and Armin looked at each other, confused.

We couldn’t hear the other side of the line so just hearing Mikasa’s voice confused us. What did she get ? It had me wondering just what the hell Mikasa could be talking about.

“Holy, Via… Shit, I’m gonna be super fucking busy. But thank you and thank them! I’ll gladly take it.” There was a slight pause for whatever Vianna said. “Okay! Bye-bye!”

Me and Armin rushed back to our positions and tried to act like we weren’t eavesdropping. We pulled out our phones and both collectively started to scroll on Instagram. 

Mikasa rolled her eyes as she entered the room, “I would be stupid if you guys think you could fool me. I know you were listening in.”

Me and Armin dropped our phones and started to talk to Mikasa, knowing we got caught. Armin spoke, “So what was Vianna talking about?” All eyes and attention was on Mikasa.

“I got the role for Hori in HoriMiya!” Mikasa gave the largest smile ever.

Me and Armin started to celebrate her, but another role besides the one in Attack On Titan..? Isn't that a lot of time and effort? Once it all settled down I spoke, “How’d you get the role? Did you audition behind our backs?!” I let out a very fake gasp.

She laughed a bit, “No! They scouted me and Vianna told them that I’ll take it. I’m glad she did, because I’m super excited about it. HoriMiya was a really good comic.” Mikasa displayed a smile on her face that I’ll never forget. She really is genuinely happy about landing this role, huh?

“I was never really into reading… What is it about anyway?” I asked about ‘HoriMiya’.

Armin spoke for Mikasa, “It’s basically like a rom-com.” He turned his attention back to Mikasa, “But I didn’t know that they were making it into a show!”

Mikasa… In a rom-com? I laughed to myself a little. Both Mikasa and Armin turn their heads immediately. Mikasa speaks, “What’s so funny?”

I controlled myself from letting out anymore laughter, “Nothing really, I just think it’s funny that you out of all people were scouted to be in a rom-com, considering how serious your A.O.T. character is.”

She sighs, “Yeah, now that I think about it– the fans will probably be surprised. But oh well, with the ending of Attack on Titan coming up, the extra money won’t hurt.”

Armin spoke, “True that, I don’t know what my next job will be yet.”

“Wanna hear my plan?” I asked them. Their attention went to me now, “I’m riding out on this Attack On Titan money and taking a break for a bit. I mean– we’ve been doing this since we were kids. Plus, I don’t want the people to get sick of me already.”

Armin had a sigh of agreement, “Fair. I guess I could wait for a new job until the series is officially over. I mean we’re not dropping the next two movies until next year, yeah? I have some time.”

Mikasa started to talk again, basically ignoring what we just said due to her excitement, “Well they want me as soon as possible for HoriMiya.”

As soon as possible? Mikasa is gonna totally over work herself. She already has a prime role in Attack On Titan and probably could live off of that money for a few years. I guess that just shows how much being an actor really is an important thing to her– not just the money.

“Who’s even playing Miyamura?” Armin asked Mikasa, his face looked almost as happy as Mikasa’s.

“Via didn’t tell me, so I guess I’ll figure it out.” She sounded bummed out by the fact that she didn't know who was going to be her main co-star.

That’s right, it is a rom-com. She’s going to have to be very romantic with somebody. Not like I care or anything. Me and Mikasa are only a thing on screen, not real life. I have to remind myself that a lot these days. My childhood best friend… her and Armin. They mean the most to me.

Mikasa is just a friend, like how Armin is a friend. We are all just friends. The most iconic trio, on screen and off.

Before I knew it, I was spacing out for a while. Everything that I was thinking about had to deal with Mikasa.

“Eren? Are you okay?” I heard the beautiful voice of Mikasa Ackermann was above me, waving her hand in my face– trying to gain my attention.

“Y–Yeah… Sorry.” I came back to reality quickly. The over view angle of Mikasa is always a pretty sight.

“We should probably start getting ready for dinner, yeah?” Armin spoke.

We all got up and went to go grab our clothes. My place is always the main hangout area, so everyone has clothes here in the different guest rooms. We scurried off and I put on an outfit that seemed… proper enough. It was a celebration dinner for the Season 4, Part 2 recordings coming to an end.

During season 4, the table grew extremely. There were so many new characters to sit around the table. Zeke, Pieck, and Porco… All new additions. Plus we keep people who died from the past seasons. It’s going to be way too many people to count.

Me, Mikasa, Armin, Sasha, Connie, Jean, Annie, Reiner, Bert, Levi, Hange, Erwin, Historia, Ymir, and the new season 4 people. I groaned just thinking about it. Too many people to keep track of and way too many to genuinely have a conversation with.

We go to the same restaurant every year… It’s a tradition that I’ll genuinely be sad whenever it ends. And now the ending of Attack on Titan is becoming even more apparent as cast members book other shows and movies to star in. Their time is becoming more free from A.O.T… More things to do and people to see. 

Historia and Ymir already got the job to be Nana and Hachi in NANA . Sasha got the job to be Teruhashi in THE DISASTROUS LIFE OF SAIKI K. Along with everyone else, many other people in the cast have gotten other jobs… I think it’s just hard for me to really let go. The difference is that Sasha, Historia and Ymir’s jobs don’t start until a year or two. Mikasa’s character ‘Hori’ is being filmed as soon as she is free.

I genuinely couldn’t really think of what Mikasa would be like in a rom-com. I know it’s acting but Mikasa’s real self is so connected to her Attack On Titan character that it feels almost unbelievable to see her in a different role. But that may also be because that’s all I’ve known Mikasa for in my whole life. The Mikasa Ackermann in Attack On Titan… Not in anything else.

I got up and looked at myself in the mirror, mentally getting ready for this afternoon. My outfit; jeans, a white long sleeve with a polo sweater covering it. I don’t get super dressed up unless its for award shows… Speaking of which– the Yem Awards are somewhat soon– a few months.

A Mikasa Ackermann bust through my door, “Eren are you– Yes you are!” 

Mikasa has always been beautiful, since that day I met her when we were just 12 years old. She was always someone who caught my eye. One of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen. She is almost the exact definition of my type . There were rumors of me liking Mikasa because of all my previous ex’s having at least one key feature that is similar to one of Mikasa’s.

She started to really walk into the room instead of standing by the door frame, “Awe, we’re matching kinda.”

I look down at her outfit and then mine. “Yeah… We are.” She was wearing almost the exact same outfit as me but more– cropped, I guess.

Mikasa groaned, “Armin’s taking forever and a year to get ready.” She spoke as she pulled out her phone. “Take some photos with me, I kinda wanna post today.”

Her Iphone 13, pro max with a plain black phone case. We went in front of my mirror and started to take photos. It was nothing crazy, just friendly poses. We are the best of friends. I genuinely consider her that. Some people might disagree with that– like Connie for example but their opinions don’t matter to me. Mikasa’s my best friend and I know it.

As we were taking the photos, her hands shifted to places where they wouldn’t usually be. Her hand was on my upper thigh, almost basically on my lower waist. The hand placement was making me– not necessarily hard but… nervous? 

Ever since we were kids, Mikasa has always managed to make me nervous. As a kid, I didn’t really like being friends with girls that much. To be honest, I think the gender separation that the adults teach us at a young age made me that way. But Mikasa was different. Mikasa was my first genuine friend that was a girl. I was in a mire 6th grade when everything started. I was 11 years old when I got casted as the role. A lot of my childhood was taken from me since then, I couldn’t genuinely experience an actual childhood anymore. Attack On Titan was the best thing to happen to me. But all pros have a con.

My parents told me how revolutionary this show would be. Attack On Titan– originally named ‘ Shingeki No Kyojin’ was a script idea from all the way back in Japan. They were very specific with their casting. They wanted the characters to really feel, real. Since they wanted that– they casted people whose names fit the roles as well. They took Mikasa and her Uncle, even though in the show– they’re cousins.

My parents were right about this show though, they made everything almost as realistic as possible. They tried to make me feel actual grief. My parents are both actors too, so it just made the most sense that we all starred in this show together. And I am forever grateful for them forcing me to play in this show that would make my whole career.

The only person in the cast whose a Yeager but not actually related to me was Zeke. I didn’t really have any family that would fit the role of Zeke, so they went out and found that one on their own.

“Eren! Are you even paying any attention? These photos are going to look like absolute shit if you don’t actually pose. Aren’t you supposed to be pretty boy?” Mikasa was in my ear about me spacing out.

Pretty boy… I haven’t heard that one come out of Mikasa’s mouth in a while. It used to be Mikasa’s favorite nickname for me back in the day.

Armin came into the room, “I’m ready… are you guys done taking your little photos?” He asks.

“Yeah, coming.” Mikasa responded as we all eventually walked out of my house and in the car, heading towards the restaurant. 

__________________

We made it… finally. People were surrounding us as we made it to our destination. Loads of cameras and microphones were everywhere. I’ve gotten used to this life, and I would have assumed that Mikasa and Armin would be too since we all get scouted and paid the most attention to, since we’re the main characters and all. But Mikasa still can never seem to get used to the flashes and the paparazzi in general.

I usually always have to cover her with the help of Armin. 

After what seemed like forever, we made it inside, to the back of the restaurant where it was quiet. We seemed to come in the middle batch. Most people were here but not everyone yet.

We sat around the giant table, Mikasa to my right and Armin to my left– like it always has been. After about 10 minutes, everyone showed up.

After I was sure that it was everyone, I ordered champagne to the table, pouring up for everyone. They were all having their separate conversations, I felt bad but it was time…

I stood up and made my annual speech, “The show that has brought us together and met a new family that we never knew was here. Attack On Titan, I will always be grateful for the people that it has brought me. Who knew that it would end up being my best friends for life? This is a toast to the best show we will ever work on, along with the best cast we could ask for– even with our new additions to the table. Attack On Titan, Season 4; Part 2 is completed. Two more movies to go within the upcoming year and the beautiful show we’ve come to know and love will be gone.”

I look around at the table and everyone. The last person I look at is Mikasa, signifying her to say what she usually does. “Raise your glasses! And~...” She held the ‘and’ for a while.

“CHEERS!” We all shouted in simultaneously. There were smiles on everyone's faces.

“Another great speech, Eren.” Erwin spoke to me after everyone calmed down once again. 

I smiled at him, the oldest one here, “Thank you Erwin! It means a lot coming from you.” As a response, he just gives me a smile. Whenever Erwin gives a compliment, it means the whole world to all of us.

The waiter came along and asked us for our orders, everyone basically got what they usually get when we come here. 

Everyone must have been hungry as hell because it was complete silence as everyone was eating their food. It must’ve been a complete 20 minutes of no one talking at all.

Once everyone started finishing up their food, there was conversations starting up all around the table.

Something shot to my mind and I just remembered what else I wanted to talk to the table about, “EVERYONE! Sorry to grab your attention once more but there is something that I need to speak about.”

Everybody's attention went to me again, “I’d like to congratulate everyone who has gotten another job handed to them for another show or movie. You guys are all great actors, like no other. And I’d also like to congratulate another one of us for finding out that she got another role as of today. Mikasa has gotten the role of Hori in HoriMiya!”

Mikasa started to blush a bit and get a little embarrassed for everyone at the table celebrating her accomplishment.

Mikasa hit me a little bit as I sat back down in my chair, “You had to announce that to everyone!?” She whisper-yelled at me.

I whispered back, “I’m sorry… are you actually mad at me?”

She rolled her eyes a bit, “No,” She shoved me a little, “I could never really be mad at you.”

“Eren you never think before you speak…” Armin was lecturing me.

I sighed, “I know.”

Me and Armin both heard a gasp come from Mikasa’s mouth. We turned our heads as soon as we heard it. She got a text, I assumed it was from Vianna… The way she was so excited.

I even looked over to see that Sasha and Connie were interested in what was going on, her gasp was loud.

“What is it?” Connie asked her. He got to it before me or Armin could.

She lifted her head up from her phone to see that basically everyone was looking at her, “Nothing— I just found out who is playing Miyamura.”

Okay now I’m super interested. “Who?” Almost all of us said in unison.

She started to get shy from all the people talking to her at once. Mikasa is never good with too many people bombarding her.

I answered for her, “She probably can’t tell since the cast listing hasn’t gone on the internet yet.” I looked towards her, looking her in the eye, asking for confirmation.

“Yeah…” She said lightly. I let out a slight smile from Mikasa’s actions.

__________________

It’s been 2 hours since dinner and now I’m home alone. Mikasa’s at her house and Armin is at his own as well. 

I lay in my bed, alone and tired. I was tired, physically. No matter how tired I am, I still can never get genuinely comfortable in my bed. I groaned to myself and my struggles.

There was music playing on my speaker, the playlist that me, Mikasa and Armin all made together. It brings me comfort whenever I’m alone or nervous about something.

The speaker read me a notification– I thought I was on Do Not Disturb , Jesus… It read a notification from me, Mikasa and Armin’s group chat.

I opened my phone–

MIKASA– Okay, I couldn’t not tell you guys whose playing Miyamura.

ARMIN– Who?!

MIKASA– Yaku Takahashi, you know, the one that played Megumi in Jujutsu Kaisen.

ME– Yaku…?

ARMIN– Yaku?! Oh I love him! He did a really good Megumi!!

MIKASA– Yeah! It seems he’ll be a really fun person to work with.

_________________

Yaku Takahashi– One of Mikasa’s most popular ships outside of me and Jean. They ran into each other for the first time at the Yem Awards last year.

Yem Awards– One of the most popular TV show / Movie awards as of the past recent 2 decades.

Fans loved the interaction between the two. He’s pretty handsome as well.

They’re probably gonna have pretty chemistry on the screen, and the fans are going to freak out. But who am I to be upset about this– they’re just acting… like how and Mikasa do. I mean– I am allowed to be a little off-put by this, yeah? She’s my best friend for so long and I’ve been the only one recording those types of intimate scenes with her, so it’s only natural to feel weird knowing that someone else is going to start doing that too… maybe even more.

I shook off the feeling from myself and stood up from my bed. I just really can’t believe it— I’m nervous, almost scared. It must just be the fact that one of my best friends is getting a new role and it’s not with me, right? I can’t comprehend what I’m feeling right now. And who knows what’ll happen once the public finds out. Everything that I’ve been seeing about EreMika will be gone.

“What the fuck is wrong with me?!” I shouted out to myself in my room. I think I’m going crazy. WHY DO I EVEN CARE? It’s just Mikasa getting some extra money… but who even knows how much closer Yaku and Mikasa are going to get.

I threw myself on my bed, once again and screamed into my pillow. I didn’t even feel like a 19 year old, I felt like a little kid.

TO FINISH THE REST OF THE BOOK HEAD TO MY AO3 PAGE!

[deancasbigbang]

Title: Ready To Run

Author: Inkblooded Witch

Artist: CrzyDemona

Rating: Explicit

Pairings: Jimmy/Balthazar, Benny/Meg, Bobby/Ellen, Sam/Eileen, Ishim/Naomi, mentioned past Dean/Others.

Length: 114500

Warnings: Cannon-grade violence, dub-con.

Tags: Western AU, Omegaverse, Set Primarily in 1875, Angst with Happy Ending, Dean Has Anger Issues, Slow Burn, Fluff, Smut, Collar AU, Alcohol Consumption.

Posting Date: October 27, 2023

Summary:   Castiel and Jimmy have always been close, on opposite sides of a single coin. While Jimmy’s rebellions have been loud, blatantly throwing every indiscretion in their father’s face, Castiel’s have been quiet, easier to hide, less publicly embarrassing. For this reason it’s no surprise when he is slated to be married off first. Something they’re informed of right as Jimmy has decided he wants to marry Balthazar, an Alpha he’s been courting on the sly for some time.    Neither of them have been optimistic about their fates should they be left to their father’s tender mercies. Castiel knows that once Jimmy is gone, he will be next. He likes Balthazar, and sees no reason why they should both be condemned, so they hatch a plan. While Jimmy elopes and boards a steamer to Europe, Castiel boards a train to Nebraska as his twin.    Knowing your life will never be the same is one thing, but Castiel never could have predicted what chaos would come of him getting on that train. Starting when plans to slip away before he reaches his intended destination quickly go awry.

Excerpt:   “I’m marrying Balthazar.”    His brother’s teacup froze halfway to his lips. “You’re what?”    “We’ve been planning it for weeks anyway, we’ll just have to hurry things along. I won’t stay here, brother, I can’t. You know that as well as I do.”    “Why didn’t you tell me Balthazar asked you to marry him?” Castiel protested, setting his cup down.    “Actually, I asked him,” Jimmy admitted, smiling sheepishly. “Bal took it rather well. He did ask that he be allowed to propose with a ring he gets to surprise me with.”    Castiel beamed, rising to come around and embrace his brother. Despite their mutual turmoil, Jimmy cracked a smile of his own, rising to return the hug. When they parted, he smacked Jimmy in the arm, hard.    “Ow! Hey, why- ”    “That is for not telling me,” Castiel informed him, retaking his seat. “Some brother you are. Now, how do you expect to get away with that. You’ve pulled some impressive stunts before, but this will be a true trick.”    “Bal knows where we can get a quick wedding, all we have to do is tell them I’m pregnant.”    “Are you?”    Jimmy gave him an insulted look. “I’m brazen, not foolish, brother. No, we just have to tell the priest that and he will get us married very quickly, complete with legal documentation. Which we will then take on a steamer to London.”    Castiel considered that. “I suppose you have always wanted to travel.”    “Yes, and Bal intends to show me Europe, maybe Asia. But he did promise to introduce me to his family first.”    Balthazar Grace was British by birth, the son of a rich family that allowed him to indulge in a lifestyle Jimmy also participated in. He had been seeing the Alpha for nearly a year now. Castiel had met him, and while he found the man to be…much, he clearly adored Jimmy, would give him the world if he asked. For that alone Castiel approved.    “I am happy for you, truly. But how do you expect to get away for this? You know father, he won’t trust you, he will put you on that train personally.”    “I don’t know, I just found out about all this.” Jimmy gestured vaguely with his liquor bottle, still gripped by the neck, which he began drinking out of directly. “What if he puts me on lockdown? How will I tell Bal about this?”    Castiel stared into his own cup, worrying his lip. “Father never cares what I do. I can liaison with him for you if need be.”    Jimmy paused mid-gulp, cobalt eyes sliding over to him. Slowly lowering the bottle’s mouth from his lips, tone thoughtful, he said, “You.”    “Me?”

DCBB 2023 Posting Schedule

[eiacez]

~ angst, slight fluff, cliché plot(?), one piece setting

~ wc: 2.08k

a/n: the Want You series(?) will be on-hold; the three remaining stories will be written soon. i’m still grasping on what to write for those three. for now, i’m gonna post my finished fanfics.

masterlist

“Bepo! Come help me carry these to my room please!”

Said bear comes right at your aid to get the second box with your purchase. The crew came back from the island you all stopped at for a few hours to restock necessary food and things.

You come back with two boxes, both filled with clothes you bought on a sale. Pushing your captain’s strict warning at the back of your mind to spend berries responsibly and not so hastily. He can come at you for this later and be all angry and snappy but at least you got what you wanted. Maybe you can even give him shoulder and head massages—which he doesn’t like at all, no, not at all.

“(Y/N), you bought this many again! Captain’s not going to be pleased with this!” Shachi welcomes you with an unapproving expression. You just smile mischievously at them, not at all bothered and regretful.

“Don’t worry! If he gets angry, at least it’s all just about me. Worry about yourself guys. You didn’t even buy that many supplies!”

“That’s because you had almost all the money–”

“Alright, Bepo, hurry and follow me! I want to arrange these quickly!” You cut off Penguin, completely leaving them to grumble about your expense.

Little by little, the Polar Tang was once again filled by the crew, only Trafalgar Law was missing in action.

There was a bet going on if you’re gonna get scolded or not. Majority bet on you getting scolded, somehow Jean Bart and Ikkaku are the only ones who sided with you. Must be out of pity but you did not care at all if no one sided with you. This is a cause for a good time.

“Is everyone already here? We’ll sail straight away if all are here.”

“Yes, Captain! Everyone’s here!” You all said in unison, rushing to do whatever to get ready to sail again.

You were about to pass on Law when he called.

“(Y/N)-ya. Let me see your receipts.” You smile at his request, while the others stop for a second, others gulp, and others run away from the scene, not wanting to hear Law’s fury.

He was watching you carefully while you smiled and reached inside your pocket. “Here, Captain!” You weren’t even phased at all, whether you saw his face with irritation or not, you won’t fear Law.

And it’s a plus to see his face with displeasure, only he can make such an expression that handsome.

The captain unfolded the paper that was folded many times. He clicked his tongue in annoyance when he saw that it was worth almost 200k berries. Sale my ass.

“I thought I told you to not spend this much anymore!” Everybody flinched at his angry voice but you kept on smiling, with a laugh at that too. You were testing him. Or not.

“Half of that is from my savings, Captain, so don’t worry!” Law stares at you sternly, you hold his stare with a stupid smile.

Aaand the staring contest begins. It made everybody get out of the scene, but Bepo’s look switches between you two.

“Next time you get off the Polar Tang to buy stuff, I’m coming with you. This ridiculous consumption of yours should be stopped.” He sighs heavily. You smile even more.

“Aw, Captain! You’re so nice!” You jump at him, engulfing him in a hug that annoys him. Pushing you out of his personal space when you do this is hard because you’re so tightly hugging him. “Alright, that’s enough, (Y/N)-ya! Get out of here!”

It was a night of celebration when you seriously thought of everything you feel.

Being with the Heart Pirates were always joyful and fun despite the struggles and battles you fight for almost everyday.

When you feel like you’re in a pinch, someone from the crew saves or helps you. You do the same for them because you care deeply for them. They were your first family. That’s why you’ll risk everything for them.

Law was the one to help you at your worst, leading to you being in the crew. Since then, your view on life has changed for the better. He was always there for every person on the Polar Tang. Whether by medical problem, personal, emotional, or mental.

You look up to him in every aspect in life. He was by no means a god, but you feel like worshiping him but not really. That’s a bit over dramatic though.

Day and night, not only does he make you feel happy and needed, but he is also giving you attention even if you do some nonsensical things. As it should be right, he’s a captain after all.

The celebration was due to the birthday of one of the Heart Pirates. Each and everyone is having a blast. Singing, dancing, having a drinking contest, playing, and etc.

While you sit on top of a tree branch, watching them round the campfire. Smiling from time to time as they do silly actions.

Law can be seen from afar, drinking and watching the crew silently. At the moment you lay your eyes on him, that makes you think of the feelings you may have.

You stare at him like he’ll get up and out without a word. Feelings heighten and that makes your heart seem to contract in a hurried way.

Some people may not like him because of his attitude, but in your case and the crew’s, you like him just the way he is.

His attractive appearance adds to his attitude too. Making his character overall likable, not to mention he’s smart also.

You think and think and think until he’s out of your sight. Then you lean back on the trunk of the tree, drink the booze you had and inhale and exhale heavily.

One thing leads to another and the next thing you know, you’re on the sandy beach not far from the forest the crew chose to celebrate on. You almost panic when you open your eyes then you search your surroundings, eyes landing upon a captain seated not too far nor near to you.

“You’ve been staring daggers at me. Do you have a problem?” With a mouth agape and a dumbfounded stare at him, he rethinks if you’re going to be responsive. He should’ve just approached you like a normal person and not teleport you here.

After a few minutes, you blink rapidly, clicking things into mind. You gave a small smile before responding. “None at all, Captain. Just thinking.”

“About what? Me? ’Cause you stare like I’m the root of your problems.”

“What?” You laugh. “No, that’s not it. It’s just…”

Truth is and let’s be straight to the point, Law likes you. You’re here not only because he wants to help you with your thoughts. It’s also because he wants to have your company.

The attitude you give him is one of a kind within the crew. You openly defy him and shamelessly joke with him like you’re not under him. You get all huggy and sometimes place your arm over his shoulder.

To say that he didn’t like it might come off as a lie, which is in fact true, he did like the gestures, but you and him should have boundaries.

Still he likes everything about you. And who knows, maybe he’ll get it out of his mind and heart and tell you. Screw being rejected (he does mind if he gets rejected), at least he got to tell you, right?

He waits for your answer with a far away look on the sea. Contemplates whether to talk to you in knowing his feelings or not.

“It’s just, you know… Maybe I feel something that isn’t.”

At that, his heart rate picks up, caught off guard by your reply. Shit.

“What?” He asks with uncertainty.

“Is this alright to be shared with you, Captain? Will you not get awkward?”

He thinks. Is this worth a shot? Will he get a chance to say something to you?

He audibly clears his throat. “Sure.” You cross your legs and hold your arms like you’re hugging yourself.

“Okay… You see, I was just thinking earlier of what I may feel for you. Not in a weird way, alright!” You sheepishly say and laugh awkwardly, “What I’m trying to say is, I was conflicted.”

Feel? Feel for him? What do you mean? Is this a confession of some sort? He’s not ready if that’s the case. Although he won’t stop you at all.

You describe to him all the things he did for the crew and you. With pure feelings and he thinks if this is it. He was sure you’re getting to the point so he gulped.

“And then, I realized… that,” you scratch on your upper arm, “Um, will you not say something, Captain? I’m not sure if you’re uncomfortable or what.”

You look at him and he reciprocates. Only his gaze is filled with something you can’t put a finger on.

“I’m listening.” He almost rolls his eyes. Almost.

“So, yeah. I realized when I closed my eyes earlier that…” Were you even sure to talk to him about this? It’s all good, right? A sigh escapes your mouth, and you look down at your legs.

“I thought I liked you. Or might have loved you. Turns out that I was just greatly admiring you.” A tilt of head to the side. Then a hum. “Yes, I’m sure. I’m sorry for ever feeling like that. But really, I’m sure that I’m just highly respecting and admiring you, Captain.”

It was like his world shattered at your words. Like the sun had died out, affecting the moon and stars, darkening the once bright night sky.

This wasn’t what he expected at all. With the way you’re talking to him pouring your heart out, and in details he was happy about; he wasn’t sure what to feel. All he focused on was your confession of adoration that he also has for you. You led him to believe you like him.

Who can blame you though? All you did was be honest with your feelings that he questioned about. Of course you might have thought that this is him being understanding with all ears so you talk to him about your thoughts.

Law was stupid for thinking of you having the same feelings as him. He wishes that he never pried on your reflection towards him. The anger stirring in his system is slowly building.

Law is angry at himself for having to do this to both of you. He understands what you feel but by him being distant because of his feelings for you, it may have to affect the relationship you have. Not only yours, but others as well. Your captain wants and thinks of controlling his anger towards himself so as to not make you suspicious and pity him.

He doesn’t want to ever have your pity for him. It hurts him to think that you will feel sorry that you led him on or that you came off as having feelings for him.

All he could do at this moment was to say his hurt response.

“That’s okay, (Y/N)-ya. I didn’t mind your confusion and feelings. But it is great to know that you admire me that way. Thank you.”

“Really, Captain?” You turn to him and smile and seeing you with that adds more pain to his aching heart. Yet he musters up the courage to give his signature small smile without seeming to have a pained one.

Like instinct, you close the gap to embrace him, but was stopped by his hand on your face.

“No, you reek of sake. I’m gonna go and sleep now.”

You give a pout and just like that, he teleports you again back to where you were situated before. Then he does it to himself, an angry and sad expression on his face.

It would’ve been nice if everything went in the direction he wanted. But not everything goes according to what you want.

Law hopes that for the next few days, weeks, months, and years you spend together, that he’ll be able to be casual with you and keep just being your captain. That nothing will change.

Except those would not be the circumstances with you from this day on anymore.

– eiacez

[apocalypticavolition]

Let's (re)Read The Eye of the World! Chapter 23: Wolfbrother

Spoiler alert: There are so many spoilers in this post. Probably. I just started writing it so IDK. But to be safe, you really shouldn't read this if you haven't read the whole series, at least if you care about that sort of thing. Me, I love spoilers, they make everything better, but other people are quite particular about these sorts of things so you know. Best to move on before you learn such startling revelations as this chapter debuting a new icon.

For those of you who are habitually skipping those first paragraphs: this chapter introduces a new icon. Is a pupper. There is no explanation needed for this one; these chapters are always about Wolfbrothers (usually Perrin) and Wolfbrotheryness.

“I’m the only one who’s supposed to get saddlesore, is that it? And when you walk till your feet are ready to fall off, you’ll expect me to look after you.”

Egwene is channeling Nynaeve so hard here, and of course it really just emphasizes a theme that will continue almost the entirety of the way through Perrin's arc until ToM in that he is perpetually assuming leadership surrounded by people who instinctively have a better understanding of everything than he does. Egwene is more than correct that it's completely ridiculous for Perrin to try and walk the whole way there.

There were only short rations of bread and cheese to begin with, and what there was gave out by the end of the first day. Perrin set snares along likely rabbit runs—they looked old, but it was worth a chance—while Egwene began laying a fire. When he was done, he decided to try his hand with his sling before the light failed altogether. They had not seen a sign of anything at all alive, but. . . . To his surprise, he jumped a scrawny rabbit almost at once.

They ran out of provisions on day one and this isn't fucking Oregon Trail where they set out with 3,000 bullets and can shoot 20 bears to be fine for the rest of the way. Perrin's plan to not go to Whitebridge is literally the stupidest thing. It's insane. The only reason that he survives is because he's a protagonist. I cannot emphasize enough how absolutely bone-headed he and Egwene are being.

“It was so easy back there on the riverbank, Perrin. Just the way Moiraine Sedai showed me. I just reached out, and. . . .” She gestured as if grasping for something, then let her hand fall with a sigh. “I can’t find it, now.”

So like, does Egwene get to skip channeling sickness because Moiraine eased her into it? There's been no reference to her having a reaction to her first time and I don't think she's going to be sick in a few days either.

But they found no place where men had breathed in living remembrance. Memories of Shadar Logoth kept them away from the ruins and hurried their footsteps until they were once more deep in places that seemed never to have known a human footstep.

Ironically, the one time they do show some kind of common sense, it doesn't do them the least bit of good. They're at more risk of dying from the ruins collapsing on them than anything else.

“Wait here,” he said softly. She frowned, but he cut her off as she opened her mouth. “And be quiet! We don’t know who it is, yet.” She nodded. Reluctantly, but she did it. Perrin wondered why that did not work when he was trying to make her take his turn riding.

It doesn't work when you're being a blithering idiot because it's blithering idiocy! Egwene uses her brain, so since "One of us should scout ahead on the stranger to see what's up" is a functional idea, she goes with it. Sadly, she's still in your ta'veren stupidity field, so the notion that sending Goliath to scout instead of someone smaller is also a bad idea doesn't quite manage to get through your Brainspawn-esque brain wave suppression. Alternatively, she's using him as a meat shield, but that seems mean.

Perrin gasped, and nearly dropped Elyas’s hand. The man’s eyes were yellow, like bright, polished gold. Some memory tickled at the back of Perrin’s mind, then fled. All he could think of right then was that all of the Trollocs’ eyes he had seen had been almost black.

I spent way too much time looking through everything for previous mentions of weirdly colored eyes before realizing - as the narration itself will confirm in a few paragraphs - that Perrin is just associating Elyas with actual wolves. Of course, wolves can also have brown or green eyes IRL.

“And none you will,” Elyas said, chuckling. “The way you’re going, you can travel all the way to the Spine of the World without seeing another human. Of course, if you managed to climb the Spine—it can be done, some places—you could find people in the Aiel Waste, but you wouldn’t like it there. You’d broil by day, and freeze by night, and die of thirst anytime. It takes an Aielman to find water in the Waste, and they don’t like strangers much. No, not much, I’d say.” 

I approve of your efforts to absolutely terrify these dumbasses, Elyas, but uh... they might not see another human going east, but if the didn't die, they'd absolutely reach the road that runs from Caemlyn to Tar Valon. Then if they were too stupid to turn, they'd still hit the Erinin and presumably die trying to ford it. It's good they don't know that though.

They were staring at him, those four wolves, Perrin saw. He had the feeling that all the wolves, those in the trees, as well, were staring at him. It made his skin itch. Cautiously he moved his hands away from the axe. He imagined he could feel the tension ease among the wolves.

Perrin, you're not imagining shit. This is the moment that his wolf brotheriness awakens, though for all intents and purposes it could have held off until book 13 and nothing in particular would have changed.

“It isn’t exactly talking,” Elyas replied slowly. “The words don’t matter, and they aren’t exactly right, either. Her name isn’t Dapple. It’s something that means the way shadows play on a forest pool at a midwinter dawn, with the breeze rippling the surface, and the tang of ice when the water touches the tongue, and a hint of snow before nightfall in the air. But that isn’t quite it, either. You can’t say it in words. It’s more of a feeling. That’s the way wolves talk. The others are Burn, Hopper, and Wind.”

As is often the case in books, the fact that this communication cannot be rendered in human words will be forgotten and everything will be explained to us in that form, what with it being the entirety of the medium and all.

“That’s very interesting,” Egwene said, and Elyas looked at her sharply. “No, I mean it. It is.”

"You're fucking crazy and you're clearly going to kill us and skin us, hopefully in that order, but your delusions are genuinely fascinating."

Perrin nodded. “That’s right. We thought about seeing Maradon first. I’d surely like to see the King. But the capital city would be the first place our fathers would look.” That was his part of it, to make it plain they had never been to Maradon. That way no one would expect them to know anything about the city, just in case they ran into someone who really had been there. It was all a long way from Emond’s Field and the events of Winternight. Nobody hearing the tale would have any reason to think of Tar Valon, or Aes Sedai.

See, Egwene's lie is only forgivably stupid - her mistake is not understanding just how desolate and long the journey from the nearest part of Saldaea to where she is now would be and why no one would take it. She includes no specific details that would out her lie - though it would be caught by the wolves regardless. Perrin's lie is monumentally stupid because there is no king of Saldaea.

“Of course not,” Elyas growled. “Wouldn’t have worked on me, gentling, but it made me mad, them wanting to try.

Light forbid you let them try, proving clearly to them that it doesn't work at no harm to yourself and thus opening paths to freedom that don't involve killing Warders.

“It isn’t as if we have a choice. We’ve had Trollocs chasing us, and Fades, and Draghkar. Everything but Darkfriends. We can’t hide, and we can’t fight back alone. So who is going to help us? Who else is strong enough, except Aes Sedai?”

There's some nice dramatic irony in this, since of course Padan Fain is chasing them as much as everyone else. And by the end of the series, all of the EF5 will be quite capable of taking out anything that comes their way by themselves, with the Aes Sedai in their entourages being mostly back-up. (Admittedly, this is because three of them are channelers and one will inexplicably pick up an army of channeling slaves, but still.)

Elyas grunted. “Dapple said that’s what you’d decide. She said the girl’s planted firmly in the human world, while you”—he nodded at Perrin— “stand halfway between. Under the circumstances, I suppose we’d better go south with you. Otherwise, you’ll probably starve to death, or get lost, or—”

Halfway nothing. Perrin's so far over on the human side of things that he's currently using Egwene as a shield and pushing her out of firmness. And frankly, if Elyas had told Egwene she was a Wolfsister, she would have asked if they could stay up all night for extra lessons in having yellow eyes. Only reason she's dead set on Tar Valon is that it's her only education opportunity at the mo'; if anyone had had some cool counteroffers she might have dallied.

Perrin sat wrapped in his own silence. He could feel Burn leaving. And the scarred male was not the only one; a dozen others, all young males, loped after him. He wanted to believe it was all Elyas playing on his imagination, but he could not. Just before the departing wolves faded from his mind, he felt a thought he knew came from Burn, as sharp and clear as if it were his own thought. Hatred. Hatred and the taste of blood.

I always forget that Burn is such a buzzkill. Jordan could have done a much better job of justifying Perrin's refusal to engage with his powers if more wolves had been like him (or if he hadn't met Elyas until much later while still picking up the gift and being exposed to Noam first, which is the direction I think the show is going), but after this book the wolves kinda become interchangeable plot minions except for Hopper. Ah well. This chapter still ends on a good note as is, and I should emphasize that after spending this whole time bitching about every time Perrin so much as breathed.

Next time, we'll be back to Rand, Mat, and Thom, a trio of dudes I have a lot less urge to complain about than Perrin - and when we get to his next chapter after that, he and Egwene will be involved in 100% fewer stupid plans, which should improve my mood on that front too. See ya then!

[goldkirk]

my goals for august:

• buy a mattress for the first time!!

• pick a bed if I have enough money this month

• get new legal documents

• report the problems from my psych admission in 2020 to the hospital even though it’s super late, so they just actually know. doesn’t matter if any of them care or change anything, just want to do it for me.

• listen to 8 new music artists on my catch-up list (1 is already done, Pearl Jam. Listening to Pink Floyd next)

• have someone forcibly go with me to the endodontist to get the over a year old root canal done and make them not tell me anything else about other teeth until that’s done so I don’t straight up leave and never come back

• learn what annual physicals are and find out if my new primary thinks if I actually should do them

• get a lot more post it notes and whiteboard stickers for notes to myself and just go ahead and put them everywhere for the moment

• get more than 38 hours of sleep every week for at least 3/4 weeks

• make a poster board that’s just the daily flow chart for work so I can stop trying to hold onto the three remaining shreds of that memory and just give up and use the external instructions for a while

• bake a congratulations for escaping a cult cake for myself and put sprinkles on it

• go to ONE group social event (or something like a museum group I guess) before it’s the end of the month. Have you considered a support group or hobby group ever in your life future me??? bc you should

• figure out strategies for food hoarding fixes and sort that shit out fast before it compounds too much in the new place

• avoid any and all thought pathways or questions about anything triggering during work hours like the plague, so I don’t pile on unnecessary spirals or flashbacks

• KEEP TAKING ALL THE MEDS EACH DAY JFC THEYRE EVEN IN A PILL BOX IT CANNOT POSSIBLY BE EASIER AND YET THERE ARE STILL SOME LEFT EVERY WEEK. PLEASE EXPLAIN, ME.

• stop. eating. so. many. brownies. stop. it’s not fun treating yo self anymore. it’s alarming. there WILL be brownies in the future the world will not stop having cosmic brownies for you to access I s2g me. i can see you have something to prove to yourself by compulsively buying and eating this very specific food that was like The snack food echoing through childhood. but like. Christ, dude. lay off the brownies. please for the love of everything. there is no way this is helping. there is no way you should be eating pre packaged processed snack desserts as often as this. i am literally begging you to make one pan of beans again. why in the world are you tired of beans they’re the only healthy thing you know how to cook HURRY UP AND GET UN-SICK OF THE BLACK BEANS AND STOP EATING COSMIC BROWNIES THIS IS JUST EMBARASSING, ME 😭

• try to do some beginner art tutorials from YouTube in sketchbook and on dollar store mini canvases

• get thank you letters sent that have been simmering in a sauce pan in the back of your head for months

• get pooh bear and the old glass lamp n stuff from the storage unit and finally put them in your apartment

• I have no idea how many things are in this list, sorry people, I’m on mobile and can’t put a read more so I’ll keep it short

• write a one sided index card explanation of why I’m not ready to talk to therapist for now that I can just hand someone if it’s suggested

• start making a poster board chart for various flavors of dissociation so I can pinpoint the right type faster and then just see the instruction for what’ll help and hopefully save time

• somehow make a physical copy and two more digital copies of the family event and situation records I’ve started keeping so I don’t just lose them someday if I get hacked or forget a password. consider sending a copy of what I have so far in a folder or mini binder and sending it to a safe relative for one more layer of protection

• talk to actual financial counselor about debts and about the right rate I should fill the safe-place-to-land money account for the niblings if I’ve only got 3-5 years max

• write a small script to tell the boss and my daily coworker a bare bones but honest short explanation of what I’m coming from and how it might affect my work for this coming year and to please let me know early if they start feeling like I’m slacking off or if I’m not as responsive and on top of things as I’m supposed to be, so we can all avoid frustration and repeated cycles of increasing boom-bust stress because of my current natural tendencies

• log things more often

• get physical sunlight on actual skin at least once every two days

• go outside for an Aoife walk at least twice a day even if it’s an ongoing fear response the whole time. No excuses. It shouldn’t matter if other people will think you’re weird, your dog needs walks. Also you need walks. Also you need people. You are like five days away from full agoraphobia and that’s gonna be a no from me dog. Sincerely, not quite agoraphobic but definitely never wanting to leave the building again past you

• Say nicer things to myself. I’ve gotten really, really mean, I haven’t been this cruel to myself in a few years and it needs to stop. If I catch a thought consciously, I’m going to attempt to build a habit of immediately having to say one nice statement too, related OR unrelated, that’s compassionate instead.

• catch up on four people or groups I’ve completely not responded to in ages without explanation and apologize before August is over. Four is better than 0, which it’ll be if I don’t ever actually just start somewhere and let myself keep being tired and afraid

• get a second tally clicker to track how many times this month I’m actually not scared or on edge

• test the phenomenon about my light sensitivity being shockingly super different on that one drug and jot some notes or a little log to bring up with doctor later if it’s helpful or if I have questions

• talk to someone to see a physical therapist for my left knee BEFORE it gets actually injured. Make this the first time you ever listen to the signs before something is actually wrong-wrong, figure me! come one you worked really hard to learn to start recognizing what sensations are supposed to mean “pain” rather than just “sensation type 16374” and you’re working really hard to actually pay attention to your body when it has a sensation that’s supposed to be pain. That’s a lot of new neural wiring, bring it all together by connecting it one more step to make a whole brand new highway next to the old one. You can do this. Do it please before this knee is properly fucked, you can’t bank on having several years before any bad injury, you know now that’s not how bodies work and you could just get out of bed wrong and tear it if you’re at just the wrong angle and level of strain, get on top of this and it’ll be sooooo good in a few months, I bet our knees AND feet and hips will ALL feel stronger and more fun to move on if you do!!!!

• go to that one free yoga session so I actually see some people living here and get social time

• practice ducking and hunching less when outside around people

• get a psychiatrist over here and get all my meds switched over

• go fishing with Margie again before her school starts and take her somewhere fun with me

• bake Margie a cake

• paint a cardinal picture for Aunt P

• start writing letters to G even if I’m not allowed to send them and write them for the other kids too and decorate a special box to keep them all in

[ecosystem-administrator]

Call it a Day

Timeline: Post-5.3

Riol has been catching Thancred up on the things he missed while he was out.

“I think that’ll about cover it for now,” Riol said, stretching. “There’s some other little details, but you’ve got the big picture, and Krile’ll never forgive me if I overstrain yer pretty head when she’s just got it back on yer shoulders.”

Thancred grinned in agreement. “Truth be told she’d prefer I wasn’t even taking these reports yet, but I’m more than ready to start taking at least the paperwork aspects off your hands. I appreciate how much effort it must have been to step in for my sudden absence; you deserve the break.”

“Ain’t been all bad,” Riol shrugged. “I always did work well under pressure, so don’t hurry yourself on my account.” He tapped one finger against Thancred’s forehead, just above his now-healed eye. “No need to end up matching again, aye?”

“Who knew that several months of bed rest and constant healing magic was all that eye needed to finish recovering?” Thancred answered dryly. “Will you be staying the night, or is it back to Ala Mhigo?”

“Probably better stay here and head back in the morning.” Riol seemed a little disappointed by the necessity. “There’s nothing so urgent over there that it wants me to risk collapsing from aether drain by porting twice in one day.”

Thancred raised an eyebrow at him playfully. “Not going to miss your new friend out there too much, then?”

He was gratified to see Riol color faintly, even as the other man laughed it off. “I might’ve known ye’d already heard about that. Maxima’s a big boy, the Ala Mhigans won’t eat him if I leave him to his own devices for a bit. Not anymore, anyhow.”

“Glad to hear it.” He tilted his head and met Riol’s eye pointedly. “Does that mean our usual arrangement is called off? …Not that I ought to make myself available tonight anyway, if I stay up too late I think Krile will put me back in an infirmary bed herself.”

Riol shook his head and waved a hand vaguely. “We’re not either of us committed or anything,” he said. “Though…I haven’t been makin’ time for anyone else lately, so I should probably at least mention it to him before you make your way out that direction. But from what I understand of his history, the expectation where he comes from was for folks in his situation to take what they could get where they could find it. He ain’t for the doves at all, y’see.”

Thancred nodded, grimacing a little in sympathy. “A tricky circumstance in Garlemald. I suppose all the concealment has helped him be more useful to us.”

“Aye, seems that way.” Riol pursed his lips and then smacked Thancred’s shoulder gently. “But that’s for going off and leavin’ me to find that part out on me own. I spent months wondering why he was givin’ such mixed signals, ‘cause I didn’t know shite about what social life is like in Garlemald, and he fair panicked when I tried to push the issue not knowin’ why he was so shy. Would’ve been nice to have yer fancy Sharlayan input.”

Thancred couldn’t help but laugh a little sheepishly. “My apologies. I’ll just have to make it up to you both when I’m fully recovered.”

[thefanciestborrower]

Saw that character asks post, and now I gotta know more about these lads!

May I perhaps ask 1 and 12 to Ben,

And 1, 7, and 14 to James?

Also, I’m very curious if #84 had any special significance, and why you chose it!

Ben:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Sup guys! I’m Ben, and I’m one of the craziest people you’re ever likely to meet. No really, I’m pretty sure I am. I mean, not many other guys would be willing to sing on a table in front of all their friends or dive down a giant’s throat, and therefor that makes me special. I love acting, gaming, and hey if you’ve got YouTube then you should totally check out my stuff because I am ALWAYS looking to up that follower count. It’s mostly original shorts and things, but I think if enough people start spreading my work I could really make it big. What else what else...oh! I can play harmonica, which is a skill few have mastered and I am very proud of it. 

12. What’s your favorite part of being nommed?

Well what’s not to like! I mean, sure some of my friends think I’m a bit weird for enjoying it so much, but I think they’re secretly just jealous I’ve got the best spot to nap and play splatoon between classes. It’s warm, soft, and call me crazy, but even the slime is pretty fun once you get used to it. Plus I get to mess with James and listen, seeing how embarrassed I can get him with a few simple little pokes to his stomach is always a highlight of my day.  

James:

1. Alright, pred, tell us a little bit about yourself!  

Hey everyone, my name is James, and I guess the most interesting thing about me is that I play football. It’s...more of a hobby than anything really, but I love the exercise and it’s a great way to make friends. My favorite thing to do if I ever end up with some free time though is taking care of my plants. It’s a little silly and boring sounding maybe, but for me it’s also very relaxing. Which I think is important you know? I mean, I like hanging out with my friends, but I need my alone time as well from time to time. I also really like cooking and eating new foods. Again, that’s also more of a hobby than something serious, but there’s just something so fun about creating, well, art, with something most people take for granted. 

7. How does your favorite prey react to being eaten?

Oh, you mean Ben? He’s practically crawled down my throat on multiple occasions and I think that about sums up how he feels about the whole process. He’s pretty wiggly too, and while I’d be lying if I said the movement didn’t feel nice, sometimes it makes him a little hard to swallow. Mm, he’s also loud. Like, really loud. The second he realizes he’s about to be eaten he either launches into extremely dramatic ‘oh woe is me’ mode, or starts cackling like a madman. Not great for when I’m trying to avoid attention I’ll say that much. Even after I’ve got him down he practically never stops moving or talking, even in his sleep, and it can be pretty distracting when I’m trying to study. Would not recommend eating him before a test I’ll say that much. 

14. When being a pred, do you take your time?  Or do you like to hurry the process along?

Well, I suppose I tend to take my time. That is, I don’t really like to eat someone as fast as possible often. I’ve done it before of course for games and such, but sometimes that means they’ll get stuck or I end up with a sore throat, and it just...isn’t a fun experience. But I definitely eat faster than some other friends of mine, so maybe I’m somewhere in the middle? It’s hard to say. I do enjoy savoring Ben in particular when I can though. He tastes so good and...gosh this is embarrassing, but sometimes I’ll get cravings specifically for him you know? And when that happens I definitely go a lot slower than normal. 

Okay okay now get ready for this dump of American football knowledge I gained through my extensive hour of research lol and my reasoning behind choosing #84 for James’s jersey.

So apparently, those numbers on the players jerseys actually tell you what position they play! I thought it was like, idk, a way to keep track of how many people you had in the whole team or something hwjhfdhbd but NO! 

Anyways after talking with a friend of mine who is very knowledgeable about the physical attributes you need for different sports ball positions, we decided James is a tight end. Basically, in the most basic terms possible, they’re the players that are big enough to block linebackers and defensive ends but athletic enough to run fast and catch passes. They also tend to be on the taller side. So the number on his jersey is basically just there to tell you what he plays

I think there was some change that happened in 2021 that redid the number system but honestly I don’t care that much lol. Most stuff said 80-89 is the correct range for a tight end so I went and picked 84. Idk why that number specifically, it just felt nice 

[likelylarks]

danielfest preview (idk if this is allowed oops)

on september 16 of 2021, i asked you (my besties, bros, and beloveds), to tell me what to write out of a list because i needed external motivation - one of those things was a post dutch gp max riding daniel while draped in the flag

so, here’s me finally delivering on that nearly a year later (but not actually because i don’t want to spoil the whole scene and maybe also bc i don’t have it fully written OOPS) - so pls y’all tell me if this is bad and i should abandon my danielfest fic entirely so no one has to read any more drivel

Daniel watched the podium ceremony from the garage; Max, drenched in sweat, draped in the Dutch flag, the sweet swell of his dick visible. He felt his own dick harden in response. His mouth watered. Today would probably have to be quick though. Max would probably want to go out and celebrate with the team. Daniel wouldn’t have time to take him apart the way he wanted to. The way he deserved for not only living up to everyone’s expectations but exceeding them. 

Daniel shook himself as Michael called his name. Media. Press duties. Pretending he wasn’t as pissed as he actually was that his team fucked him over for Lando. 

The looks he got from his press person weren’t overly horrible so he guessed his answers were sufficient. As he was trekking back to the garage he checked his phone. He had a couple messages from Max. 

I don’t want you to blow me today. 

Daniel didn’t have time to let the disappointment - just another one, in today’s increasing string - sink in before his eyes flicked to the next message. 

Fuck. That came out wrong. 

I want you to fuck me. 

That would have been enough. But Max had always, and inadvertently, known every one of Daniel’s weak spots. 

Please. 

Daniel stopped walking so abruptly that the person from McLaren continued to walk past him for a few steps. “Daniel? Everything okay?” 

Daniel looked up, smiling widely, sure it was evident even behind his mask. The first real smile he’d had since the race had started. “Yeah, all good.” 

He rushed back to the garage, flying through changing his clothes and the debrief and hustling Michael and Blake back to the hotel. They both looked at him, knowing. Daniel ignored them. He didn’t care who fucking knew -

That he was rushing back to the hotel. He didn’t care who knew he was rushing back to the hotel. Let them think it was because he was angry about the result and the strategy and wanted to rest before Monza. He knew that didn’t fool Michael and Blake. He furiously jabbed the elevator button up to his floor. So what if they were his friends and they’d told him that he could tell them anything; they were also his fucking employees and he didn’t have to tell them jackshit about where he was going. 

He said a hurried goodnight to both of them in the hotel hallway, shutting the door in Michael’s face. Michael put a hand on the door, trying to stop it closing, “Mate, come on.” 

“Nah, I’m tired,” Daniel pushed harder, not quite meeting Michael’s eyes as he looked up at Michael’s face. “I’ll do my stretches, but I want a real shower. We’ll talk more on the plane tomorrow. Tonight I’m done, okay.” 

Michael narrowed his eyes, not accepting what Daniel was willing to give. In the time he took to gather his thoughts to tell Daniel why he was wrong, he stopped pressing against the door. Daniel took the opportunity to lean heavily against the wood and fully close the door. It snapped shut with a satisfying click. 

“You’re a right cunt, Ricciardo,” came through the door. 

Daniel grinned. He’d won. “You know you love me.” 

“If you’re not awake and ready to leave, I will use my key and drag your pancake ass out of bed!” Michael’s call was irritated.

Daniel laughed over his shoulder, already walking away from the door, “Harsh! For more than one reason! People love my ass!” If Michael or Blake said anything more, Daniel missed it. He’d get them both a nice breakfast tomorrow before their flight as an apology for being a dick tonight. But now was not the time to worry about them, Max was probably on a tight schedule, and that meant Daniel was on an even tighter one. 

He rushed through showering and debated shaving. He remembered one time Max drunkenly telling Daniel that he looked handsome with a beard so he decided to leave it. Daniel ran a hand over his chin. The rough stubble would leave Max’s skin pink and rubbed raw. Something to remember him by. He didn’t spare too much time picking out clothes, Max wouldn’t notice what he wore; he just made sure that everything was unbranded, lacking both his own name and the McLaren logo. He jammed a hat over still-drying curls and was out the door before a full twenty minutes had passed. 

Daniel decided to drive himself, not wanting to be potentially recognized by a taxi driver. His fingers beat out a mindless pattern on the steering wheel as he drove. His phone had automatically connected to the Bluetooth in the car, but he didn’t hear what was playing. He didn’t hear anything other than his own blood rushing in his ears and the echo of every time Max had said “Please” previously. 

He hurried through the lobby of Max’s hotel. There had been an excess of orange along the road, and Daniel kept his head down as he headed toward the elevators. He didn’t need to be spotted here. He didn’t have time for that. 

It might have been tempting fate to always get extra room keys at the start of every race weekend. One extra, with the express purpose of swapping between the two of them. It had felt that way after Silverstone. Again after Hungary. Today, it just felt lucky. Daniel absentmindedly tapped the plastic card against his lips. It almost tasted like winning. 

Daniel swiped the card and pushed open the door gently, expecting Max to be just inside. Waiting. Instead, there was nothing but open space and all Daniel could see was a couch on the far wall with a couple of Max’s shirts thrown across it. One of them looked like the shirt he’d been wearing today. Maybe Daniel had been too slow. Maybe Daniel had missed him. Maybe he was already gone to celebrate. 

“Daniel?” Max’s voice came from around the corner. 

Daniel stepped further into the room and felt his heart stop. The door slipped out of his hands and slammed shut behind him. Daniel supposed he had been right before, one of the shirts on the couch probably was the one Max had been wearing before. 

Because Max wasn’t waiting for him just behind the door wearing a stupid Red Bull polo. Max was waiting in the center of his bed, sitting on his knees with hands folded neatly in his lap, draped in the flag of the Netherlands, and absolutely nothing else. 

“Oh, sweetheart,” Daniel croaked. Max’s hands unfolded and fluttered around his thighs and the edge of the flag, tugging at the ends. His dick lay half hard already against his leg. Daniel wanted to devour him. 

Max smiled, coy, “They let me keep the flag.”

Daniel felt himself nod, unconscious of actually doing it. “I can see that.” He yanked the hat off his head and ruffled his hand through his curls, “You’d think I’d won, look at you.” 

Max laughed, bright and sweet. The movement made the flag slip off one broad shoulder. Max tugged it back into place, “If you had won, it would be an Australian flag.” 

Daniel laughed and took stumbling steps toward the bed, kicking off his shoes as he went. He fell onto his knees in front of Max, reaching out. His hands landed half on skin and half on polyester. Max’s thighs were warm, sticky with sweat. The flag stuck and slid in turn. Daniel clutched at Max, bunching the fabric, pulling the red stripe up until he could touch the white, then the blue - as if the more of the flag he touched, the more of Max he held, too. 

Max’s hands came up to tug at Daniel’s shirt. Daniel consented to letting go of Max just to get the fabric over his head. After it was gone, Daniel tipped his head down, latching on to Max’s chest. Scraping his cheek along the side of one of Max’s tits. The last time they’d fucked properly, Max hadn’t been carrying this much mass. His chest hadn’t had as much of a swell to it. Daniel took one of Max’s nipples into his mouth, sucking gently and then harder as Max’s hands interlaced in the short hairs on Daniel’s neck, pushing him down. 

Daniel released the bud from his mouth and made sure to flick his eyes upward to look at Max’s face as he deliberately scraped his chin across it. Max’s red mouth parted in a moan. Daniel kept his stubble scraping across Max’s chest as he switched to the other nipple. He released as Max tugged his hair, trying to get his attention. When he looked at Max’s tits, they were scraped a deep pink. He grinned widely and forced himself to look at Max’s face and not return immediately to turn the pink to red. 

“Daniel, Daniel, please,” Max panted. He sounded as if they’d been kissing for hours. No. Daniel halted that line of thinking. He and Max didn’t kiss. That would make this, something else. Something other than just. “Please, I need you to fuck me, Daniel.” 

[wicked-d00d]

Dizzy leaves the lecture hall with her backpack on her shoulders. As she walks down the hallway, she passes by other students who seem more engaged in their classes than she is.

"Everyone else looks so focused. Why am I like this? What happened to my brain?"

Dizzy enters an empty bathroom stall where she lights up a joint. She takes several deep breaths as she exhales smoke into the air. "I've been smoking weed since I was 12 years old," says Dizzy. "It helps me focus."

She then goes outside for some fresh air before returning to school. On her way out of the building, she sees another student lighting up a cigarette. The two exchange nods and smile at each other.

After getting home, Dizzy sits down at her desk and opens her laptop. She pulls up her online coursework and begins studying.

“Why did I even bother coming to college?” wonders Dizzy. “I don’t want to learn anything! All I care about is getting high and having fun!"

Dizzy closes her computer and puts away her books. She grabs her phone and starts scrolling through social media posts.

“Look at how much fun everyone else is having without me,” laments Dizzy. “They’re partying all night while I sit here alone.”

Dizzy gets up off the couch and heads over to her bedroom window. She gazes out onto the street below and watches people walking around town.

“What do they have that I don’t?” asks Dizzy. “How come they can go out there and enjoy life but not me?”

Dizzy returns to her room and lies down on her bed. She rolls herself a joint and lights it up.

“This is what I live for!” exclaims Dizzy. “Weed makes everything better!”

Dizzy continues rolling joint after joint until she falls asleep.

She wakes up late the next morning. Her roommate knocks on the door and tells her that she needs to get ready because they are going to miss class if they don’t hurry.

“You know you should stop doing drugs,” says Dizzy’s roommate. “Your parents would kill you if they knew you were using marijuana every day.”

Dizzy ignores her roommate and continues rolling joints. After finishing one last joint, she stands up and heads towards the shower.

“I guess I could try to quit tomorrow,” thinks Dizzy. “But today isn’t tomorrow yet…”

Dizzy finishes taking a shower and dries off. She puts on her clothes and heads out the front door.

“Maybe I will just skip class today,” muses Dizzy. “I mean, why waste time learning when I already know everything anyway?”

Dizzy arrives at campus and decides to head straight to the library instead of attending any classes. Once inside, she finds a seat near the windows and turns on her laptop.

“Now let’s see what happens when I look up "Guilty Gear" on tumblr...”

Dizzy scrolls through various images and videos related to Guilty Gear. She comes across a blog called @gear-project​, which contains information about the characters and storyline of the games.

“Wow, these guys really love Guilty Gear,” observes Dizzy. “And they actually put together a lot of cool stuff too.”

As Dizzy reads through the articles, she learns many interesting facts about the world of Guilty Gear, including herself. She was surprised to learn that she hatched from an egg.

“That explains why I always feel like I’m missing something,” remarks Dizzy. “I wonder what I looked like before I grew feathers and wings?”

Dizzy spends hours reading through the website. When she finally feels satisfied, she logs off and shuts down her computer.

Dizzy heads back to her dorm room and prepares dinner. While eating, she receives a text message from her friend asking her to hangout later tonight.

“Sure thing,” replies Dizzy. “Just give me a few minutes to take a nap first.”

Dizzy smokes a bowl and falls asleep shortly afterwards.

“Alright, let’s go find our favorite DJ!” proclaims Dizzy. “He’ll play us the best music ever!”

Dizzy leads her friends through the crowd and eventually locates the entrance to the dance floor.

“Here we go!” cheers Dizzy. “Party time!”

The group of friends enter the club and begin dancing along to the music. They drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes throughout the evening. At midnight, Dizzy and her friends leave the club and walk back to their cars.

“Let’s meet up again next week,” suggests Dizzy. “I think I might have found a new place to party.”

Dizzy drives home and parks her car in the garage. She locks the doors behind her and heads upstairs to her bedroom.

“Time to relax and unwind,” declares Dizzy. “Tomorrow is another day.”

Dizzy turns on her television and flips through channels until she reaches the news station. A report catches her attention.

“Oh no,” gasps Dizzy.

A picture appears on screen showing a man being charged with possession of illegal substances. He is identified as Johnny Gears, a well known drug dealer in the area.

“Johnny Gears is dead,” announces the anchorwoman. “Police say he died during a shootout with officers earlier this afternoon.”

Dizzy jumps up from her chair and runs over to the TV set.

“No, please tell me it wasn’t him!” pleads Dizzy. “Please tell me he didn’t die!”

Dizzy paces back and forth in her living room. She tries calling his number multiple times but keeps receiving voicemail messages.

“Where are you Johnny?” screams Dizzy. “Don’t leave me! Please answer your phone!”

Dizzy throws her cellphone against the wall and collapses onto the ground. Tears stream down her face as she mourns the loss of her beloved supplier.

“My only source of supply is gone forever,” moans Dizzy. “There must be someone else out there somewhere. But who? Where? How?”

Dizzy remains on the floor crying for hours. Eventually, she calms down enough to stand up and turn off the television.

“I guess I’d better start looking for a new supplier,” reasons Dizzy. “At least I still have my job to fall back on.”

The next day Dizzy woke up and rolled another joint before heading to her shift at McDonalds

Dizzy walks into work and clocks in for her shift, high as usual. As usual, she greets her coworkers by saying hello.

“Hey Dizzy,” says one of them. “Didn’t you hear? Your boss fired you yesterday.”

“WHAT?!” yells Dizzy. “NO WAY!! WHY???”

Dizzy rushes outside and calls her manager.

“Hello?” answers the voice on the other end.

“Hi Mr. Johnson,” says Dizzy. “It’s me, Dizzy. What happened? Why am I no longer employed?”

Mr. Johnson sighs heavily before answering.

“Dizzy, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this for some time now," begins Mr. Johnson. "Unfortunately, I had to fire you due to excessive tardiness."

“Tardiness? That’s ridiculous!” argues Dizzy. “I never showed up late once since I started working here!”

“Yes, but you also missed more than half of your scheduled shifts,” responds Mr. Johnson. “And you smell like you've been smoking weed.

“Smelling like weed doesn’t make me late,” retorts Dizzy. “Besides, how did you even notice? You hardly pay attention to anything around here!"

“Look, Dizzy,” says Mr. Johnson. “I understand that you may need help dealing with certain issues in your personal life. However, I cannot allow you to continue coming to work while under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. It simply isn’t safe for anyone involved.”

“Fine then,” agrees Dizzy. “If you aren’t willing to accept me for who I am, then I guess I’ll just have to move on without you.”

Dizzy leaves the restaurant and heads toward her house. On the way, she passes by a convenience store where she buys snacks and sodas.

Once home, Dizzy takes a long bath and relaxes in the tub. She gets high and enjoys listening to music and watching movies all night. The following morning, Dizzy awakens feeling refreshed and energized.

“Okay, so I lost my job,” reflects Dizzy. “But I still have plenty of money left in my bank account. And I can get more whenever I want if I keep doing what I do best.”

Dizzy rolls another joint and lights it up. She continues smoking marijuana throughout the rest of the day and falls asleep sometime in the early hours of the morning, ready for her next adventure.

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest - part 27

Masterlist

Summary: Karen will always hate meeting with the Daimyo. Especially when she is being escorted by the worst gleeful and grumpy pair she's ever seen.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: +2k

Overall warnings: canon-typical violence, adult content, time skips, angst, kidnapping

Travelling is not her thing. She is so tired during these days that she did not think they would be so long. She did not have much to think about when the letter had been answered with the time and date of the meeting. It was sudden, and they had to hurry up. Karen feels that things are going so well that complaining is unnecessary when the method transportation is not her favorite.  

She looks at the huge clearing holding in her bitterness for feeling so bad. It was one thing to go see the area where Hashirama dragged her before, nor that meeting with the legalities of their pact... another was to go to the civilian capital that is just far away from the place where they usually roam.  

A long road.  

“You must eat.” The man looks worried, while Madara takes another look around. It’s remarkable how paranoid they are... though, they tried to attack them throughout the journey. People are watching their movements, and she is sure it will be a matter of time before someone else attacks them.  

An important part of why she hasn’t slept so well either.  

Karen needs to rest.  

“I’m not hungry,” she says with nothing in her stomach.  

“You won’t last the rest of the trip.” The Senju is serious, looking firmly as she leans painfully against a nearby tree. The clearing is extensive, and the crackling of the small tricked-out campfire is noticeable to their eyes. The two of them are so professional in their manias that she has not asked how they manage to leave no trace of their stays.  

And they are avoiding the villages.  

That’s sad.  

“It’s just... my stomach is not eager to eat something.”  

“It’s broth.”  

“I know.” The girl purses her lips with a sigh to adjust herself. “Fine,” she comments after a long silence between the two. She is a civilian and she is sure he is not saying these words for nothing.  

“You should take a bath before reaching the village.”  

“Are we going to a village?”  

“No.”  

“Uh...” She sighs because she knows what he is pointing at. She hasn’t spruced up for days and if she’s going to present herself as a noble, she must get ready before taking a step inside the precincts of the leader of the place for the meeting. “Then what?”  

“There is a river just before.”  

“I see.”  

“It doesn’t bother you, right?”  

“I have no choice. Besides, I must maintain my bearing, right?” she laughs amused at the matter. She likes rivers and she hopes to have a little relaxation... although being between two men, it is notable that her care is not much.  

“There is no one.” Madara suddenly appears, looking between them. “Am I interrupting something?” he mocks his friend. Typical jokes between the two.  

“No...” Hashirama frowns. “So, there is nothing.”  

“No,” the Uchiha comments. “But...” He points out to give signs to the Senju and talk to each other. She supposes that it wasn’t so true that there was no one. Karen snorts... she looks at the plate again with some reluctance to take a sip. She reminds herself that she has to regain energy. She feels that her stomach is holding on very barely.  

Each sip is notable away from the gaze of those who are accompanying her.  

The breeze lulls her to sleep after finishing, settling down slightly to look at the stars. She is so tired that she doesn’t even miss the comforts of a bed, falling asleep like that.  

──

Hashirama wakes her up just when they stop at the edge of a river. She was getting drowsy, already somewhat accustomed to the speed and passage of the trees that had stopped making her dizzy after a while. However, the discomfort is persistent, and she feels like a burden.  

“You can take a bath,” the Senju leader assures, easily looking at her condition.  

“Oh...” She feels the floor so comfortable. Stretching is common when she has been in the same position for a few hours. “So we will arrive soon.”  

“Yes,” Hashirama laughs.  

“I’ll look around,” Madara, like the sullen person he is, turns to continue his path. He looks silent, and although he is a man of few words, he is not so notably enthusiastic in talking to her even though he accepts her as a companion and has proposed to marry into his clan.  

One thing no one mentions.  

“I... um, I’ll be around.”  

“Okay.” Karen doesn’t see the bad side. She trusts that they won't peek to see the man disappear. She sighs. Her bones understand why, with age, this doesn’t become easy. Her neck cracks just when she removes the first layer of her yukata. The inside is neat.  

She looks around and right at the river, there are two large rocks that will cover her location. It’s silly, considering that there are two shinobi accompanying her, but psychologically, she feels less shameless when she reaches the spot and places her bathroom things and clean yukata within grasp.  

She has to manage not to get anything wet... also balancing things so they don’t fall into the water.  

Almost like the days she spent on the ranch her grandfather had, where they didn’t have a bathroom and had to take baths in the river not far from the place, although they were kids at that age. The shame and danger, though not non-existent, were not noticeable to her childish mind.  

Karen sighs, allowing the cold air to move her hair a little and touch her skin. She sinks slightly to quickly make movements and clean every part that she feels is necessary. She hums slightly, tensing when she hears the brushes moving only to see a little rabbit.  

She chuckles, assuming that the attack on the village still has her shaken.  

Her hair is washed. She sighs relieved to cover herself with her dirty yukata after five minutes and then goes out and changes. She does not avoid feeling watched. She frowns after a few seconds, almost on the verge of taking off the dirty thing and putting on the clean one.  

She waits for a moment, frowning when someone grabs her out of nowhere. Hashirama simply covers her to make a jump that can only be distinguished by the emotion in her stomach, clinging to the man’s armor. She stays a few seconds behind some trees.  

“...” She looks into the eyes of the person carrying her. She hasn’t even taken her things, much less changed. She doesn’t see the shame in the issue, but Tobirama always reminds her that she is shameless about some things.  

She hears some words. Madara is discussing what he is doing, which makes her cling more to who is holding her. She is not bothered by the heat when her heart is tight, closing her eyes when the heat is firm on her skin. Seconds pass. The silence is tense, and the smell of burning feels her nose.  

“Hashirama?”  

“Don’t worry... everything is fine now,” he says with his serious face to sigh in relief. “Are you alright?”  

“Uh... I am, but I need to change,” the girl states easily, seeing the embarrassment of who is centimeters from her face. Now she notices this action that makes her laugh. “Don’t worry, it’s okay.”  

“But...”  

“Hashirama,” Madara calls, interrupting that strange atmosphere between them to jump from the tree and letting her down. Said Uchiha shamelessly looks at her from top to bottom. “If you wanted time alone...”  

“Madara,” the Senju huffs indignantly at what isn’t said. Karen laughs and then walks towards where she left her stuff.  

“Guys, could you leave me alone?” she asks to look at her things intact, even though they were moved. She ignores the flaming area in the corner and avoids looking at two charred lumps not so far away. She is disgusted... she wants to vomit, holding in out of foolishness.  

“Right... Madara.”  

“Spoilsport,” the Uchiha points out cheekily to look at her. “Don’t take too long,” he warns.  

“Sure.”  

──

The capital is huge. With her luxurious clothing, Karen stands among the many vendors and passers-by who shamelessly look at them. She supposes it is her features that make her stand out. They are relatively new, something that she had not remembered as she is used to how they treat her in the clan, only with the sight of that day they made the treaty.  

She had had no further contact.  

Karen still pretends that she doesn’t see the tumults looking at her openly. She is supposed to be a noble, so she is haughty.  

With two remarkable guards, they hear her mentioned as someone important, feeling a constant nervousness as she begins to enter.  

The main house is walled, with a large traditional wooden door with some backup samurai. “Name?” the bitter man questions, looking with some contempt at the two shinobi who raise their eyebrows in different tones.  

“Saucedo Karen,” she replies lightly. “The lord must be waiting for me.”  

The serious samurai frowns but does not comment on anything. “Of course,” he gives them way only with a little repression. “You?”  

“Senju Hashirama.”  

“Uchiha Madara.”  

“I see,” the guard chuckles at some local joke. “I didn’t think I’d see you escorting such an illustrious woman.”  

“It’s none of your business,” Madara points out bitterly. She assumes they have some story behind it that doesn’t matter to her.  

“I’m sorry, but we’re really in a hurry,” the woman chimes in easily, seeing the atmosphere of the guards. A woman us usually not so frank or direct in her actions. “So, would you mind letting them in? They come with me, and the lord awaits us.”  

The man bows in respect, remembering his position.  

“We apologize, my lady, for our audacity,” another comments formally.  

“Don’t worry, it’s alright. You were doing your job,” Karen responds calmly to continue on her way. Her sight wanders the big space so different from the outside, full of fresh trees and flowers that traditionally decorate, a beautiful lake in the middle with several ladies seen from a distance.  

As if they usually didn’t see men passing through those halls.  

“My lady,” a guard says clearly. “I have come to escort you.” He is young with luxurious clothes so different from her own, with a black hat that shows his rank, as she remembers from Mikami’s quick introductions.  

There is silence while the floor is heard beneath her feet. Her position is dignified among the gaze of the few servants who brazenly observe them. She does not know if it is common to see shinobi or if it is because of her, although she is sure it is the latter.  

“Wait here. The lord will receive you,” with a neutral and elegant tone, the man accepts to enter. They wait for a few seconds. The emotion in is noticeable in her stomach and she can’t calp but feel bad. She breathes... remembers that it’s like those meetings she had at work.  

So far away that they are no longer a reference. She raises her chin when permission is granted, taking a few steps forward just to see the person who is smiling at her. Mr. Shinji gives a superb gesture from his seat, getting up to raise his hands. She sees more curious men... many others surprised by his reaction.  

“Dear Saucedo-san, I thought it would take longer to see you,” the man cheekily exclaims to smile flirtatiously. She guesses that the idea of marriage has not yet been put aside, which makes her sigh. This meeting will be more complicated than she expected.  

Because one thing is that alliance where she skillfully avoided their interactions and another to speak directly with the Daimyo who took the opportunity to flatter her clothing, eloquence or arguments... Madara and Hashirama added to their debate with promises when it involved them.  

Shinji was shameless in just focusing on her... but she maintains her professional demeanor.  

Because it has a purpose... a place to install the alliance.

A/N: A small one to say present! Our OC has finally traveled away from the clan to a place that, despite tiresome transportation, she enjoyed in a certain way another air... the poor thing didn’t exactly find it exciting, but she endured... more so with the Daimyo’s flirting.

Now, another phase of the alliance of the alliance will follow: moving and the base of Konoha.

Thanks for the comments.

Author-chan out! 

[lemonjoonah]

The Garden Thief (M)

Pairing: Jungkook x Reader Word Count: 9.3K Genre: Hybrid AU, romance/drama/comedy, enemies to lovers Warnings: Unprotected sex, oral sex (fem. rec.), they get down and dirty outside but no one else is there to see them, cum play? (just a little), there’s also a bit of mud (sorry, but also not sorry, they’re outside what do you want from me?!?!), referenced hybrid neglect and oppression (hybrids are wrongfully deemed as pets by law and the majority of society).  

Summary: Your beloved vegetable patch has once again been victimized by a hungry thief in the night. The prime suspect? Jeon Jungkook, your neighbour's rabbit hybrid. But when you finally confront him, he pleads innocent, and proposes a plan to clear his name.

A/N: I wrote this fic’s premise and opening scene for the ‘A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Game’ that I played oh so long ago and now I’ve finally finished the tale!

...

“Oh for fuck’s sake, not again!” You swear upon seeing the leafy green remains of several carrots lying in your garden, inches from where they used to be buried. This maddening mystery of the vanishing vegetables has been playing out all summer. You’ve set out deterrents for every possible garden pest, rolling out chicken wire and spraying natural remedies to repel anything from bugs to small rodents. Yet you still wake to find that your garden has been robbed in the night. The only possible suspect you haven’t been able to protect against resides just next door, in fact—

You squint up at the boarded fence, spotting a pair of long dark ears peeking out over the posts. “Jungkook, is that you?”

The ears immediately disappear, ducking down behind the barrier. The sound of his hurried footsteps trailing away are followed only by the slamming of a door.

You rush into and through your own house carrying the wilted carrot greens. Exiting out the front, and over to the house next to yours, where you repeatedly press the bell.

The entry whips open on the fourth ring to reveal Jungkook. His face is flushed, beads of sweat racing down his brow, and a shirt that one would normally use to cover their chest, is instead thrown over his shoulder. “Something wrong neighbour?” He asks with a carrot stick in hand. Bringing it to his mouth, he taunts you with a bite and crooked grin.

“Is-is your caretaker home?” You stutter trying your best to swallow your nerves. Concentrating hard on his face, you plead with your eyes not to wander down. That’s exactly what he wants, a reason to put you off your mission, to make you so flustered that you have to walk away. He’s always trying to use his allure against you, and you hate how often he succeeds doing just that...  

“No, he’s at work.”

“When will he be back?”

“Not sure, maybe a week, or two? He’s on a business trip.”

Your gaze falters in it’s determination for a brief second as a drop of sweat descends from his neck to his chest. Holding your breath you watch it’s path, tracing the valleys between his muscles. When Jungkook finally wipes it away your brain catches up and scolds you for your weakness. “And he left you here, alone?”  You ask, while trying to recollect your dignity, reminding yourself of how much grief he has put you through.

“Of course.” Jungkook’s smile grows. “I’m not just some common pet. I know how to behave myself.”

The statement makes your brow twitch, enraging you enough to overcome his tactics. “I know you haven’t been here long, but you should know, people typically don’t like it when someone steals from their yard.” You lecture him, waving the carrot tops in front of his face. “So stop treating my garden like your own personal snack bar!”

“Now why would I take from you? I have plenty of food here, even got another delivery this morning.”  The hybrid kicks at a box next him filled with a vibrant collection of fresh produce and grains.

“I don’t know why. I just know it was you.”

“Prove it.” He prods, while taking the last bite of the vegetable from his hand.

The loud crunching gnaws on your composure, stripping you of any patience you may have had for the hybrid. “This all started when you moved in, and I’ve ruled everything else out!” You shout, but as good as it might feel to finally vent your anger, you feel as though you’re somehow playing into his hand.

“That doesn’t seem like very good evidence. It’s circumstantial at best. If you want to find out who the real culprit is you should have a stake out.”

“A stake out?”

“Yeah, you know, watch over the garden for the night, catch the criminal in the act. I could even help if you’d like.”

You scoff at the ridiculous notion. “You really think I should invite you over to guard my crops?”

“I do, so I’ll come over tonight? Say around seven?” You open your mouth to object, but the rabbit hybrid jumps from one statement to the next casually inviting himself into your own home. “Perfect. See you then.”

“I didn’t-no wait, that was sar-” The door closes between you before you can finish. Leaving you baffled and alone on the doorstep. You ready to knock but stop just before your knuckles hit the wood. Trying again right now is a lost cause, it’ll just play into his game. So why waste your breath when you know it’ll just end the same way? Tonight then, as he suggested, that’s when you’ll be ready to hit him with some hard evidence that he won’t be able to refute.

Admitting defeat for now, you retreat back to your garden to pick the surviving vegetables and contemplate the encounter. You wish your could have just spoken to Jungkook’s caretaker—fuck what was his name again? You’ve only seen the man a couple times since they took the house, but at least he doesn't give you a nervous knot in your stomach, or leave you confused and speechless like his hybrid does.

It’s been three months since they moved in. You were excited at first, to have new neighbours in your almost vacant cul-de-sac. Buyers don’t seem to be interested in the old houses with large lots in your area. Too much work to maintain, and not enough good job prospects to go around. So when you saw the sold sign go up you were beyond thrilled. Greeting the new residents with a fruit basket and a smile.

The rabbit hybrid you now know as Jungkook appeared rather shy at first, you did your best to welcome him. Always greeting him when he was outside, trying to engage him in small chat, but the first time you caught him during his workout everything changed. Until that point you had not considered him as anything but a prospective friend. You were stunned to see him in such a confident state, throwing around his weights like they were nothing. In that moment, with you too nervous to admit that you found him attractive, you became the anxious and blubbering fool in his presence, and he, unfortunately, took note. The once quiet and cute rabbit, became a flirtatious and bratty bunny.

And since then, whenever you would work in your garden he’d be on the other side of the fence grunting and panting. Staying close to the gap in the divider, a missing panel you had yet to replace. On days like today you would often look up from your radishes and accidentally lock eyes with the hybrid, drenched in sweat and showing off his skills.

Out of respect and self preservation you tried your best to not to pay attention, to keep your nose buried in your garden, but as the weeks went by the vegetables under your care started to disappear. The ample crops you tended to in the evening, lessened by morning, with only the refuse remaining to indicate it’s former presence. You didn’t want to point fingers immediately, but today was the final straw, and tonight no matter how hard he tries to distract you, you will find him guilty.

After harvesting the choice crops for the day and watering the rest. You dust yourself off, settling inside and in front of your computer; opening the visitors page for your place of work, the city's greenhouse conservatory. To help promote the centre in the community the staff all take turns writing articles revolving around their own projects or home gardens, and you’re up next in the rotation. You stare at the blank document for several minutes trying your best to concentrate on the task, but you are unable to think of anything other than the mischievous hybrid next door.

Embracing the topic of your aggravation, you start the post off with a title sure to catch the eye of any reader, ‘Garden Thieves.’

‘We’ve all been there, finding a tomato just about to reach its peak ripeness. We give it another day to grow into perfection, only to find it missing later on. In your absence something else has taken it into its own clutches. I myself have been dealing with a vegetable thief for several weeks, so if you are struggling like I am, here are a few things that might help. ’

You proceed to outline several garden pests uploading photos of their damage, along with quick remedies to deter their presence. Netting to block the sparrows, raised beds and fences to keep out most rodents or mammals, and a caffeine solution to stave off slugs.

‘I hope this may help you all in your efforts to keep your plants safe, but I must add a disclaimer. Unfortunately nothing here is completely foolproof. Even if you do follow all of these steps you still might lose some of your crops to a crafty critter. But I wish you the best of luck on all of your backyard battles. I myself plan to face off with my own long-eared menace tonight.’

You finish your post with a smile. Sending it off to your coworker Namjoon to get his approval before you make it public.

He calls a few minutes later, his laughter carrying through the speaker. “That was easily the best article you’ve written all year. You should definitely post it.”

“Thanks.” You chuckle, hitting the submit button. At the very least feeling a bit relieved to have one less task weighing on your mind. “I really appreciate it.”

“No problem. I take it you’re still having trouble with that hybrid neighbour of yours?”

“Yeah,” you groan. You’ve complained to Namjoon about the issue several times in the past month. It must have been all too easy for him to read between the lines and see what set you off to create this specific entry.  “But he refuses to admit it was him. It’s like he’s trying to make me question my skills as a gardener and I hate it! I went over to talk to his caretaker but he’s away on business for a couple weeks.”

“He left him alone for that long? What about food?”

“He’s been getting deliveries. By the looks of it, he has a healthier diet than I do.”

Namjoon pauses on the line giving you only a simple, “Huh...” in a long break.

“What?”

“Well it’s just-” A loud buzzing sound erupts through the phone line cutting off his answer. A noise you know to indicate someone is at the back door. “That’s weird. I didn’t think we were supposed to get anything delivered today. No one else is here.... did you have anything scheduled to come in?”

“No.” You double check the calendar sitting on your desk. “I shouldn’t have anything until next Monday.”  

Namjoon puts you on hold while he checks on the reason for the interruption, returning only a minute later. “It’s a delivery all right, but are you sure these aren’t yours? I’m seeing a lot of tropical species on the invoice. Combretum rotundifolium, Heliconia angusta, Myrciaria dubia-”

You mouth a swear as Namjoon carries on with his list. It’s obvious they are indeed the specimens of your expected batch. You're in the process of redesigning one of the tropical habitats. The lead director was adamant that the conservatory host a butterfly exhibition in the next coming year, and in order to support the grandiose endeavour you are required to introduce a vast amount of new flowering species over the next few months. “How many in total?”

“About two dozen. Looking pretty rough from the journey too.”

You’re not surprised by their current state. This summer is already one of the hottest and driest on record, and all the stock you had received this season was excessively wilted and near death because of it. “Do we have any holding houses with humidifiers available?”

“Not at the moment,” There’s a clatter in the background as Namjoon sorts through what must be the slack of clipboards. “But I’ve got the inspection chart here and your last delivery did just finish it’s quarantine. No signs of pests or illness, so they’re clear to plant. That should free up some space for you.”

“That’ll have to do. Thanks for checking.” Standing up from your desk with a sorrowful sigh. You mourn the loss or your afternoon off as you start to dress for a day of hard labour. Throwing on your work-issued overalls over your t-shirt and shorts. Unfortunately you can’t just leave the new stock to sit out under the beating sun. With little humidity outside and no protection they’ll be burnt to a crisp if you delay too long. But the worst part is that your planting staff isn’t scheduled until later in the week, and that volume of work will put you well into the middle of the night before you complete it. “I’ll be in soon to deal with it.”

“That’s a lot of planting to do on your own. I can help if you-”

“I can’t take you away from your trees, isn’t there a bonsai exhibition next week you have to prepare them for?” He’s been agonizing over this showcase for so long you couldn’t possibly inconvenience him now with your own troubles. “It’s fine, really. I’ll call to see if anyone else is willing to come in today.” You hang up letting Namjoon return to his tasks, and work your way down the contacts for the gardening staff as you prepare yourself to leave. Though as expected, all of those who answer have prior commitments and won’t be able to assist.

Grabbing your badge and plans for the updates to the garden you slip back out into the noon-day sun, so strong it’s turned your car into an oven on wheels. You’re just about to pull it into reverse when you spot the blinds shift in your neighbour’s window. Prompting you to recall the plans he had made for tonight.

With all the work you have, it’s doubtful you’ll be back home for seven. You return to Jungkook’s door to give him the news. He has it open before you can even knock, his usual smirk crawling across his face as he greets you.  

“About tonight... something has come up at work and I really don’t know how late I’ll be.”

His ears perk up. “You’re going into the conservatory?”

“Yeah,” you respond, somewhat shocked that he remembered where you work. It’s been a couple months since you mentioned it while introducing yourself to him and his caretaker. “An order came in earlier than expected. I’ll likely be planting all day and night.”

“I can help,” he offers, already stepping out to join you, and locking the door behind him.

“You want to help?”

“Of course, isn’t that the neighbourly thing to do?”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t want it or expect it from someone who terrorizes my own garden.”

“Allegedly,” Jungkook corrects. “And wouldn’t you rather have me with you, under your supervision, than here, all alone with only a measly fence between me and your impressive bell pepper harvest?”

“Stay away from my peppers!” You scold, pointing your finger at him. “Even if I wanted to take you, what about your caretaker? Don’t you need his permission to leave and work?”

“He’s never paid attention to my whereabouts before, and it’s not work if you don’t pay me. I’ll just be a volunteer. You have people volunteer all the time right?”

“Yes but-”  

“I’ll be on my best behaviour.”

“Alright, fine.” You finally agree though with a heavy dose of reluctance. Namjoon often brings his own hybrid in so it shouldn’t be a problem. “But if I see you nibble on even a single leaf, you’re coming straight back here.”

“Deal.” He rushes past you straight to your passenger seat and buckles himself in. Practically bouncing with excitement beside you as you pull out and head towards the conservatory.

The minutes pass and you try your best to focus on the road but you’ve never been so close to Jungkook in such a small space. And with his built frame taking up most of the car, he’s hard for you to ignore. His ears folded against the roof and his shoulders so wide they brush repeatedly against yours.

“Ever been to the conservatory before?” You ask, trying to divert your mind from the battle which builds inside you. A wavering war between frustration and attraction, with the former trying it’s best to pin down the latter, a move which only arouses the latter more...

“No, I’ve wanted to go ever since you mentioned it but my caretaker hasn’t had the time.”

“Oh.” A sense of pity joins the ranks of your emotions, nudging at you as you pull into the lot. “Sorry, I didn’t-”

“Why are you sorry?” Jungkook asks in a low whisper, snapping back to his flirtatious behaviours. His mouth turns up at the corner as he leans into you, so close that his drooping ears graze the top of your head.  “Would you have taken me earlier if I had mentioned it?”

“N-no,” you choke out. Placing your hand on his solid chest, you push him back and away. As tempting as his advance might be to accept, you know his forwardness to be nothing more than an act to make a fool of you. Why else would he try to both seduce you, and steal from right under your nose?  “You’re only here today because I am in desperate need of help, and I can’t trust you to be alone.”

...

You lead him through the unoccupied greenhouses. The conservation is closed to the public today (as it is every Monday and Tuesday); which usually allows for some time off, but at least now it’ll give you a chance to work unimpeded by visitors. Your own curated section is located in the most humid of all the houses, set in such a way to mimic the tropical environment you are attempting to represent.

The first stop is the holding house where the carts of new stock wait just outside.  Grabbing an empty trolly you enter and start to load up those that are ready to plant. Jungkook following your actions does the same, easily lifting the heavy planters that you yourself struggle with. “Thanks,” you whisper as he relieves you of a particularly burdensome tree. To which he smiles in return.

After making the switch, by placing the recent delivery in the house for it’s quarantine, you lead him to the supply closet. Where you collect a couple shovels, trowels, and two pairs of gloves. As you continue to scan for anything else you might require, Jungkook pops in behind looking at the shelves with a sense of curiosity. He reaches up and over you to a spray bottle labeled ‘slug repellent.’

“We won’t need that, it’s for the outdoor gardens,” You explain. “It’s just a mixture of ca-”

“Caffeine and water?”

You snap your gaze to him. “How do you know that?”

He bites his lip as a snicker starts to escape. “Just a bit of morning reading. I found an interesting article with that particular tidbit. One which also happened to reference the exploits of a long-eared menace.”

“Y-you read the conservatory blog? You read my post? No one reads that, there can’t have been more than ten views!”

“Which is such a shame.” He goads you. “I’ve found your work to be both informative and comical. You really have me rooting for you in your quest to catch your thief.”

You groan in utter fury. “Why must you be so-so-”

“Handsome? Funny? Caring?”

“Antagonizing!”

“Because you seem to take more notice when I am.” Jungkook answers, with a turn of his heel, his tail poking out from under his shirt as he starts to walk away with the cart. “And I like seeing that perplexed look of yours. Your nose is cute when you scrunch it up like that.”

You remain in the shed, your traitorous heart beating erratically over the fact that he called a part of you cute. While your more sensible side grabs your nose and smooths out the wrinkles he referenced.

“Should we get to work?” He calls out after you. “The sooner we finish, the sooner we can go home and expose that bandit of yours.”

You roll your eyes and follow him out, before taking the lead to your tropical glasshouse. The air sticks to your skin the moment you enter. Jungkook lets out a long exhale behind you tugging on the collar of his shirt. “Is it always like this in here?”

“It’s a bit warmer today, but not by much. Are you already regretting your decision to help?” You tease him.

“Nope,” he answers, slinging a shovel over his shoulder. “Show me where to dig, and I’ll get to it.”

Pulling out your plans for the new exhibit arrangement, you select a couple species placing them on the empty plots of garden as directed, careful to allow for future growth. Jungkook follows behind digging out their new homes faster than at least three of your staff members combined.

You stare at him for a second, unable to believe the pace at which he’s going. “Something wrong?” He asks, pausing to lock eyes with you.

“No, I just didn’t think you’d be so quick at digging.”

“I’m part rabbit, what did you expect?” Jungkook boasts with a chuckle and a raised brow. “I share their strengths. Especially when it comes to burrowing and fu-”      

His words are cut short when a fresh breeze from the outside washes over the both of you, a  sure sign that someone must have entered the greenhouse. Your neighbour goes rigid, his nose lifts into the air and his ears fall back flat against his head. “Jungkook what’s-” Leaping up he closes the gap and grabs you. Tucking you into him with his chin resting on your head, where a  warm and earthy scent envelopes you.  His breaths are quick and deep, causing his chest to rapidly rise and fall against your back.

Namjoon’s voice calls out to you. “... are you in here?”

“Over here!” You yell out in reply, before turning back to the hybrid who still has you locked in his clutches. “What the hell Jungkook? Let me go! Now’s not the time for your games.” Sure it might feel nice to be wrapped in his arms, to get lost amidst his aroma. At any other time you might even consider taking a moment before chastising his boldness. But here? Now? And with Namjoon coming to greet you? No, this is too much.

You try to push him away like you have before, but this time it’s as if he’s set in stone, and not registering you at all. He focuses only on the direction your coworker's voice hailed from. “That scent, he smells like-”

“There you are.” Namjoon interrupts stepping around a flowering bush and into view, looking surprised by your guest. “Oh, hello there.”

The point of Jungkook's chin rubs against your head as he grips you even tighter. Embarrassed and confused by the hybrids embrace. “Jungkook, this is Namjoon.” You introduce your coworker while delivering an elbow to Jungkook’s gut. He finally snaps out of his trace and lets you go though he continues to hover behind. “He works with the bonsai of the conservatory.”

“You must be the neighbour I’ve heard so much about, it’s nice to finally meet you.” Namjoon extends his hand to the hybrid, but Jungkook ignores the gesture, choosing to glare instead, with his nostrils flared and his ears pinned back.

“Jungkook?” You whisper trying to chase him from his mood.

Namjoon gives him a nervous smile. “You probably smell my hybrid, on me don’t you?”

“A hybrid?” Jungkook confirms, his eyes narrowed at Namjoon.

“Yeah, sorry, I didn’t intend to scare you. I’m sure the scent of a predator, especially a tiger, is a bit of a shock. He’s harmless, I promise.”

“Is Taehyung here?” You ask, hoping to see his affectionate part-feline companion.  

“Nah, he’s with a friend today. I needed to get some work done and he’d be more of a distraction than a help... but it would seem that didn’t stop him from scenting my shirt before I left.” Namjoon explains, and then turns to your neighbour again. “Jungkook would you mind if I borrow her for a second? I need help with one of my tropical species.”

Jungkook gives a solemn nod. For the first time since you’ve known him, he looks frightened, and somewhat hesitant to release you over to your coworker.

Worried by his current disposition, you reassure him with a squeeze on his arm. “Just keep digging where I’ve placed those pots and I’ll be right back.”

Namjoon leads you into the adjacent greenhouse where you can continue to keep watch of Jungkook through the pains of glass. But the instant the doors close between you, Namjoon starts bombarding you with questions. “Why didn’t you tell me? How long has it been going on? ”

You take a step back having been caught off guard. “Tell you what?”

“About you and Jungkook! Is the feuding neighbours just a cover story?” Namjoon’s eyes are wide and hopeful as he carries on, not letting you fit a single word in. “Don’t worry, I won’t inform anyone you're together. I know it’s not easy having a human-hybrid relationship out in the open. But I think you should be careful about going out into public because he’s far too obvious about it.”

“We’re not- we’re not a couple. Why would you think such a thing?”

“Because the way held you, he looked like he was marking you with his own scent. That’s what rabbits do isn’t it? They rub their chins on what they want to claim as their own.”

“They do what?” You ask, stunned by the possibility, before the realism settles back in. It must just be Jungkook’s idea of a joke. “No, that’s not what he’s doing, our connection is nothing remotely like that. Don’t get me wrong he’s very attractive, and he knows it.” You mutter the last part under your breath. “But-”

“But you really are having trouble with him. It's not a cover?”

“You think I would keep something like that from you?” Namjoon over the years has come to be your closest confidant. A good friend and coworker, you would never dream of hiding something like that from him.

“I suppose not.”

“Is that why you brought me back here, to question my relationship status?”

“Not entirely.” Namjoon shakes his head with a small dimpled smile and changes the subject. “I do actually want to get your help with one of my new acquisitions.” He points out an unusual tree on his work bench, much too big for the pot it’s currently situated in. It’s extensive roots spill out over the top and threaten to swallow the pot whole. “A Ficus microcarpa, far from the most sought after species when it comes to reputable bonsai, but I couldn’t pass this one up. It has such good character.”

“What made it grow in such a way?” You examine the plant and it’s container with care, prying between the roots and taking note of cracks starting to form in the terracotta.

“The last owner neglected it for far too long. It sat hidden in the back of a commercial greenhouse, still under the watering and fertilizing system, but since it was confined to such a small space it tried to root it’s way out. If I were to guess, it probably hasn’t seen a new pot for at least five years.”

“It’s a miracle it survived.” You nod impressed by the tree’s determination. “What’s your plan for it?”

“Give it what it wants, let it leach out. I doubt I would be able to pry it out entirely without causing significant damage to the roots that are gripping the sides, so instead I want to put another bellow to catch it and give it the fresh soil and room it needs.” Namjoon lays the tree and pot down on the table, and asks you to hold and support the trunk, while he taps and pokes at the bottom of the vessel with a metal trowel.  Enlarging the cracks, but not breaking the pot fully. It’s a tedious process. The small chunks of clay are removed piece by piece, giving him access to see and free some of the tightly bound roots inside.

While your coworker continues his task, your eyes are free to wonder. You check on Jungkook through the glass, as he kneels in front of the garden bed digging even faster than before.

Namjoon appears to notice your distracted state. “How's he doing?”

“Fine I guess.” You whisper. “He’s acting stranger than usual today though. He stole from my garden again. Invited himself over to my house, then here, and you saw what he did back there.”

“Huh...” Namjoon mutters, trailing off the same way he did on the phone.

“What is this ‘huh’ you keep giving me? You know I don’t like games Namjoon. If you have something you want to say, say it.”

“It’s about what you said earlier, how his caretaker leaves for extended periods of time. Usually if an animal is alone for too long they look for ways to stimulate themselves and resort to their natural instincts, scavenging and such. But he’s a hybrid and therefore part human, so if you were isolated and restricted to your house what would you do?”

“Probably look for the closest person I could find. So he’s acting out in my garden and teasing me, because he’s lonely?”

“I think so.” Namjoon responds as he extracts another root, freeing it from its confines.

“But why?” You ask, worried for the answer to come. “Why wouldn’t he just say something?”

“There could be a number of reasons. He might not understand what he’s doing on a conscious level, or he might be afraid to show any sign of weakness to you or anyone else. Jungkook is part prey animal, and humans are all too often predators.”

“If that’s the case...” You curse yourself for not realizing it sooner. The fury you held for him slowly fades away as you replay every encounter in your mind. He was literally jumping at the chance to spend time with you, to help you with your work, and you were to blind to see it. Your anger over your missing vegetables is so trivial in comparison to what he must have been going through. The loneliness he must have felt, and the inability to admit it, you can’t imagine how he suffered through it alone. “What can I do to help him? I have no legal claim to him Namjoon. What can I do within such limitations?”

He looks down at his work in progress. “The way I see it  you and he, like this small tree, have three options. You could maintain the status quo, leave him be, but how long will he be able to survive like he is? Creeping over the edge but grasping on to nothingness?”

You shake your head vehemently rejecting the idea while Namjoon continues.

“You could report his caretaker for neglect, breaking the container entirely, but that too could be very damaging to him, tearing him away entirely could put him in a state of shock, and in a home that is no better for him, while the legal battle is decided. Or...” Namjoon grabs another container, slightly wider than the one in which the plant is seated. Filling it with substrate he takes the tree clinging to it’s partial pot and places it on top. Pressing the newly freed roots down into the soil.

“You could support him, give him a better home just outside of his own where he can be himself and access what he needs. I personally think it’s your safest option for now.” Namjoon leads over inspecting the bonsai and lowers his voice to an almost inaudible whisper. “Until the day, when it is possible to fully cast the pot aside.”

You nod, though now left to grapple with what you could possibly have to offer the hybrid.  “I’m not sure I would be the best person to care for him.”

“I think Jungkook would disagree. He was already trying to scent you. That to me, implies his desire for something more in the realm of an intimate relationship.” You choke on your breath as Namjoon comes to an additional conclusion. Upon seeing your distress he makes a suggestion. “Of course you could keep it strictly to friendship between the two of you and I’m sure that will improve his situation, but his other needs will need to be met for him to feel completely at home...”

“His other needs? You think he wants to be with me? Intimately?! No! Surely he would have acted differently if that was his intent! He’s done nothing but tease me when he catches me even remotely looking in his direction.”

“So you have been looking at him!” Namjoon taunts you with a massive grin. Apologizing a second later when you proceed to glare at him. “But to answer your question, no, not necessarily. You have to remember most of society deems him a lesser being. He could be feeling a lot of guilt and pressure not to engage with you in that way. Though he might not outright say it, I bet his instincts will continue to shine through. I’ll even prove it to you.” Namjoon takes off a glove and rubs your head. “I bet this rabbit of yours will take less than a minute before he tries to replace the smell of my hand with his own again... trust me.”

You shake your head in disbelief. “I should probably get back to him.” You are just about to step away when your thoughts return to the long neglected plant. “Where do you plan to house that when you’re finished? Ficuses naturally belong in a more tropical location don’t they?”

“They do, especially if I want to give it a better chance. It’s going to need a place far more humid than this space.”

“Was this all your calculated way of guilting me to store it in my greenhouse too?”

“The thought might have crossed my mind.” Namjoon gives you a sly grin.  “But my logic is still sound in regards to Jungkook. He needs someone, he needs a better home... and it would seem he’s chosen you.”

...

You wander back to your greenhouse, still full of doubt. Finding Jungkook to have finished most of the required digging.

“Sorry for leaving you.”

“You-you okay?” He asks, upon seeing the dazed look on your face and then scowling in the direction that Namjoon led you.

“Fine, he just needed help with one of his plants. Sorry about earlier, I didn’t think you’d be affected by the scent of his hybrid, Taehyung is rather sweet though, you’d like him.”

“You trust him then?” Jungkook grumbles as he pierces his shovel into the ground. “You trust Namjoon and his hybrid?”

“Of course, why shouldn’t I?”

“Because it wasn’t just a tiger that I smelled. He’s been around a lot of hybrids. Every scent on him told me to run, all of them put there by dangerous predators.”

“Oh,” you shoot back in surprise. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Taehyung is rather popular, he has a lot of friends and Namjoon often caters them at his place. You don’t need to worry, you're safe here.”

“It’s not myself I’m worried about.”

Jungkook inches closer as you crouch to place the plants in the holes he dug. His nose twitches as he takes a deep breath, his eyes watching while you bury the root ball in the warm soil, firmly securing the trunk of the young tree.

While you are leaning down, Jungkook reaches across to the other side of you. Grabbing the trowel to your right despite the fact that the same tool can be found on his left. The bottom of his chin grazes the top of your head and lingers for a spell. Your heart stops in that moment while questioning his motives. Though Namjoon said he’d do just this, you still can’t be entirely sure that it proves him correct; Jungkook might just not have seen the other option available to him, and he’s never bothered about invading your space. This could be nothing, though there’s a small growing part of you that wants it more and more to be something.

“He’s a good guy,” you promise, returning to the conversation so as to not dwell on his actions. “He even suggested that I should bring you along more often, if you’re interested in spending some of your days here.”

“He did?”

You nod.  A small white lie, but not entirely incorrect, and if it gets him to accept Namjoon easier you’ll all be better for it. “I wouldn’t expect you to work, but you're more than welcome to just hang around. The staff here could always use some company and I’m sure it would beat staying at home alone all day.”

“I would like that. I would like that a lot, but would you want me to keep you company too?”

“If that’s what you want to do.”

“No, I need to know if that’s what you want.” He looks over to you pinning you down in his line of sight.  

“I suppose I would....” You answer and turn your head, unable to bear the nerves that his gaze brings. The both of you fall quiet. Knowing what you know now, being free of your anger for him leaves you vulnerable, open to his persuasion, and now you are no longer certain of how to act. So you start to rely on what has made him comfortable in the past, and interject with a new condition to bring an end to the awkward silence. “As long as you treat this garden better than mine back home.”

Jungkook lets out a long laugh. “I have nothing but the highest respect for your garden.”

...

When planting is finished your clothes are entirely saturated in sweat and your muscles aching from use. It’s hard to believe how much you’ve both done in such a short amount of time. While carting up the supplies, Jungkook’s eyes catch on something behind you. You look around spotting the newly potted bonsai on a back table. Namjoon must have dropped it off while you both were busy.

Looking at it now you can’t help but notice how even the shape of its leaves remind you of the hybrid’s ears, long, pointed, and reaching up to the sky. You consider your friend's words one more time and while Jungkook leans over to inspect the tree. Reaching out to his back, your hand shakes with hesitation before setting down on a spot just below his shoulder. He softens under your touch, a low hum leaving his lips. His attention turns from the plant to you. With your hand still in place, your arm is now wrapped around him, leaving only an inch between the two of you. You stand there fixed and unmoving, but content in the knowledge, that you seem to have left him speechless this time. His eyes darting away from yours, to your lips, your neck, and finally the hand you place upon his chest.  

Only to have the moment broken when you can hear and feel the rumble from his stomach. His nervous laugh follows as he reaches up to scratch behind his ear.

“Hungry?”

He nods in response, his eyes wide as he remains unusually silent.

“Come on, I’ll buy you dinner.” You offer as you turn him around to head to the car.

...

You both settle on a take out spot, and return home to wash up and eat.

After finishing your meal and tearing off your overalls, you both settle down on the hammock in your yard. With Jungkook’s legs long enough to touch the ground, he slowly rocks the seat back and forth.  He’s been near silent since that close moment together. He’s never had a problem with banter and flirtation, but now you’ve come to notice that any attention which can’t be passed off as a joke causes him to flounder.

Laying back in the hammock, both full and content, your eyes threaten to close after the long day as Jungkook continues to sit beside you. The sound of crickets lulling you to sleep. “Keep an eye out for that thief of mine will you?” You may not like games but if it makes him comfortable, and keeps him talking, you’ll continue to play this ruse with him.

“You trust me to keep watch without your supervision?”

“Are you suggesting I shouldn’t?”

“No, it’s just a lot more credit than you usually give me.”

“I think you’ve earned it.” You whisper as you finally drift off.

It feels like only a few minutes of rest before the sun sets and the air turns cool. Jungkook’s chin comes to rest on the top of your head like it did back in the greenhouse. He shifts his weight, burrowing his arms around and behind to cover you as he takes deep breaths. You lean into him seeking the warmth of his chest. No longer restricted by your childish anger to enjoy his company is a welcome relief, you only wish you could relinquish him of any of his own troubles and doubts.  And then, you feel it, a drop of cold rain hitting your neck. The hammock moves again as he adjusts, the back of his fingers running across the damp spot. Another finds your cheek and he wipes that away too, your skin shivering in response.

But when a speck lands your mouth he stops. You wait, a second, then two. Your anticipation grows with face heating up and your chest tightening as you continue to crave his touch. You want him to wipe it away, to touch you, to act on whatever desires he might be keeping. You part your lips with the desperate hope that he will take the hint. Rejoicing when the warm pad of his thumb spreads the drop across the delicate skin.

He comes down on to you, his mouth catching any and all remains of the droplet as he encases your lips. Jungkook places a hand on your neck while the other grabs the ropes of the hammock, his legs straddle your hips. The scattered rain turns to a downpour as he remains fixed to your mouth, even his form isn’t enough to shield you from the current washing down from the sky.

As your hands reach up to his own damp and curling locks entwining your fingers in the strands he moans and nips. But as quickly as it started, so too does it end. When Jungkook snaps up as though jolted from a dream. His ears point back as an apology flows from him. “I-I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Jungkook,” you call out to him but he ignores you as he tries to detangle himself. When one foot hits the ground. You grab his waist and try again. “Jungkook, you don’t have to be sorry.” But instead of stopping he merely pulls you off and along with him, sending you both to the muddy ground, but this time with you on top of him.

“Are you okay?” He asks the loud pouring of the rain forcing him to raise the volume of his voice.

You chuckle at his concern considering he’s the one flat on his back. “I think I should be asking you that question instead.” You pause as he mirrors your grin. “Why did you stop? Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” He looks up at you, his brow furrowing. “You did nothing wrong. It was me. I was the one acting on my instincts. I shouldn’t have done that when I know how much you hate me.”

“I don’t hate you...” You explain, trying your best not to be drowned out by the water cascading down. “The things you did might have annoyed me, but I get it now. I’m just sorry it took me so long to notice.”

“Notice what?”

“How fucked up your situation is. For not realizing how alone you must have been. How caged you must have felt. I’ve been so focused on my own little world that I didn’t realize what was happening or why you were acting the way you were. I like you, a lot, but I was too wrapped up in my frustration to say how I felt...”

“It’s not your fault.”

You shake your head. “I am not innocent in this. I should have been paying more attention.”

“Then pay attention to me now.” He begs with his round eyes shining up at you.  

“But in what way? As a neighbour, as a friend, or maybe something more?" Your voice cracks in desperation, trying to find his needs while also hoping they are the same as yours. “Is that why you were always teasing me the way you did? You wanted something more?”

“You really want to know?” Jungkook’s tone is low as it grips on to his every word. “I did it because it was the only thing that could distract me from my incessant need for you. Seeing your reactions and having your attention kept me in check. I’m very different from you and I’m aware it could cause a problem. I wasn’t sure if you could ever fully want me because of that.” He reaches to rub around the base of his ears. “But every day that I looked over I wanted to hold you, to claim you, to take you right here on this very spot. So often I dreamed of jumping the fence and coming for you instead of...”

You smile down at him, noting his near admission. “Instead of?”

“Instead of watching from a distance.” He smirks, catching and narrowly fixing his statement. Pleading guilty only to his longing for you.

“Then do it.” You demand of him.

He groans from his position beneath you. “Don’t tease me like that.”

“I’m not. You weren’t the only one peeking through the fence Jungkook.” Reaching up to your collar you tug off your shirt. He follows your lead with his own to reveal his sculpted chest he’s taunted you with so many times. “I don’t care if we’re different from each other. I don’t care if it causes a problem.” You shift back on his body traveling from your seat near his stomach down to his hips, his clothed dick firm and pressing against you. A moan escapes his lips, confirming that you’ve made your point. “There’s no one else nearby, so if you want me so much that you’re willing to fuck me out here, in the rain and mud-”  

His hands come to grip your waist, and in one swift motion, he lifts you off, maneuvering out from underneath, to fall into place behind you. From there he pushes you down to your hands and knees, his body bent over yours. “You have no idea how much I want to.” He whispers with a kiss to your bare shoulder damp from the rain that continues to pour.

He takes off your bra before his face moves down your back, nose trailing against your skin and pausing at your shorts. Unfastening the button he pulls them down, freeing you of your underwear too before they are both cast aside. “I want to smell you, and taste you.” Jungkook takes in a deep breath, wrapping an arm around your legs, and barring your thighs. He buries his face between your legs, his tongue reaching out to deliver a long lick to your folds pausing after every lap.

Your palms dig into the ground, the cool mud coming to the surface to meet them. You buck against his tongue but the forearm holding you remains firm, sending your squirming downward to bury your elbows in the soggy grass too.

Jungkook chuckles as you inadvertently give him a better angle. From behind you can hear the zipper of his own shorts. Rubbing the head of his cock against your damp folds, he covers it with the slick of your slit, and with a long groan he eases it inside. He’s slow at first, letting you savor the girth and warmth of him. So you start to edge back and forward on his cock. Taking the time to enjoy every inch, along with the sounds that leave him. But when he returns to take control, the first thrust is so powerful, his thighs hit your ass with a loud clap, and every jolt of his hips after, drives you further down each time.

A stuttering groan escapes him as he fills you. Thinking he’s finished you lean forwards and until his cock pulls out, but in response he grabs your waist. Turning you over, back to the ground on top of the discarded clothes and facing him.

He lowers himself pressing his chest against yours. His fingers reach to grab your chin and take a kiss. His cock, despite having come only moments before, is hard once more and poised to enter once again.

“How are you-” You manage to squeeze a few words in the gaps between his kisses as he draws breath. “Ready for more-” Another pass of his tongue. “Already?”

“You have my hybrid traits to thank for that.” He moves to nibble on the side of your throat. “I have more to give you, if you want it.”

You nod unable to emit any noise other than a gasp as his mouth finds a sensitive spot on your neck. His dick forges in again, your slick and his cum dripping out of you as he fills you with himself instead.

You’ve avoided touching him with your own hands as they are patched with mud, but as his thrusts grow more powerful than even before, you’re forced to grab on his arms and chest. Leaving behind streaks of dirt which display the path of your grip. Jungkook doesn’t seem to mind though, in fact looks rather encouraged by your touch, and the marks you leave him.

“What a dirty woman you are, and getting me all messy too.” He scoffs while admiring your handiwork. “Can I return the favour?”

“Help me come first and you can do whatever the fuck you want.” You gasp on the brink of your climax.  

His ears perk up and a grin streaks across his face. “Close are you?” He grabs your calf and wraps your leg around his back, the other follows suit and his hand comes to rest on your lower back pushing you up and into him effectively grinding your mount against him.

You gasp and flinch with the sudden pressure, but he holds you firm as your back arches to meet him.

His hips beat on at a rapid pace, a small whimper escapes him as you reach the peak, tipping you over the edge. The chilling rain can in no way can douse the searing heat that spreads through you. You're still gasping when his jaw clamps down hard, his teeth poised upon your skin. The first pulse of his cock comes inside, but on the second he pulls out to splatter your chest and stomach with the rest. His hand comes to clutch his shaft, spilling more out and on to you with each stroke.

After every remaining drop has been cast on you he smiles, dragging his fingers across the rain drenched mess of mud and cum on your skin. “Never thought I’d ever see you so thoroughly soiled.”

You giggle at his remarks through your deep breaths. “And now that you do, what do you think?”

“I think it suits you, the dirt, the rain, and me...” He lowers himself down onto you, with his head now resting upon your shoulder. “It’s too bad though. Now I just want more, but we’re both far too filthy to carry on like this.”  

You turn to whisper at the base of his ear. “Who says we can��t continue in the shower...”

...

You wake early the next morning with the sun spilling into the room, lighting up your bed, and the hybrid sleeping next to you. His ears and nose twitching as he continues to rest. Slipping out from the covers, and into a set of clean gardening clothes, you exit the room with as little sound as possible.

On the tile floor of your hall, muddy footprints trail from your backdoor to your bathroom.  A smile pulls at your lips as you recall the events which brought them there. Jungkook had been so excited to keep going he picked you up and rushed you inside.

The feeling from the warm water and hands in contrast to the cool rain was enough to bring back the waves of pleasure. He was so thorough in washing you down, you might have to ask him to join you for another this morning and repay the favour.  

Outside in the garden you find all your harvest from the day before present and untouched. You’re pleased by this new development, but it’s not the fact that your crops are intact which makes you happy, it’s the comfort in knowing that Jungkook didn’t feel the need to take them.

A few minutes later the hybrid in question comes up behind you wrapping his arms around your waist pulling with him a blanket he took from the bed to cover the both of you. “Morning.” He mumbles, as his nose finds the crook of your neck where he exhales with a deep and relaxed sigh.

“Morning.” You respond, enjoying the tickle of his breath before you turn around to better see him. “It seems the thief didn’t strike last night. ”

“I guess they found a new garden to plunder and devour?” Jungkook suggests, giving you a sly grin, before he opens his mouth again. It’s easy to see that he’s getting ready to confess, his face shifts to a stern expression as he looks down at the ground, the guilt weighing heavily upon his brow. Placing your index to his lips you stop him. No longer needing to hear those words of admission, you offer a new proposal instead.

“Maybe, but that was just one night. The thief might still come back. So if it’s alright with you I would like you to stay here. Until we can be sure they won’t return.”

Jungkook lets out a satisfied chuckle, pushing aside your finger and pulling you tighter into his warm embrace. “You’re right, I suppose it would be safer if I stayed.” His lips plant a kiss on the top of your head where he then rests his chin. “A temptation as enticing as this, shouldn’t be left alone and unattended.”

...

[lyrabythelake]

Looking out for Hyrule

I wrote this Hyrule sickfic a while ago for the wonderful @oriondoesthings and completely forgot to post it anywhere! I might put it on ao3 a bit later as well.

“Hyrule? 'Rule, it’s time to wake up.”

Hyrule opened his eyes and held back a groan at the way the early morning sunlight strained his eyes and sent his head throbbing. He noticed immediately how heavy he was in his face and how he couldn’t breathe out of his nose, like someone had stuffed bits of cotton up there. It was uncomfortable, and it hurt, and he was still tired despite having a perfectly reasonable amount of sleep last night.

Great. Perfect. He knew this was coming when he had begun to feel off yesterday, but ugh! Why now?!

“You alright, ‘Rule? It isn’t like you to sleep in.”

He brought a hand up to shield his face from the light, squinted up at Sky who was leaning over him. Sky. Things were truly topsy-turvy when the king of oversleeping had to wake him up.

He nodded, scrunching his nose. “Yeah, I’m good.” Well, he probably would be in a couple of days, at least.

Sky frowned, considering him for a moment, before shrugging.

“We’re heading off soon; you should probably get ready.”

Hyrule eyed the rest of the camp. Time was packing the last of his things into his bag and had his don’t-talk-to-me-yet-it’s-too-early-to-deal-with-this face on, as per usual for this time of morning, and Wind was tending to the blister on his foot he wouldn’t stop complaining about yesterday.

“Where’s Twi?” Hyrule asked curiously.

“Went ahead to meet the others. I think he’s worried about leaving Warriors and Legend in charge for too long.”

Hyrule hummed in understanding. Legend and Warriors were both exceptional leaders individually, but when working together… not so much.

Their group had been split up a couple of days ago during a particularly tricky infected monster attack. Half of them had run off to fight a trio of flighty Lizalfos and the others had stayed to defeat the battle-worn Moblin that had somehow managed to infiltrate and totally trash their campsite. 

After they had won their separate battles--due to the standard lack of communication and organisation that came with being in a group of nine heroes with rather incongruent personalities--while trying to find each other again had in fact wandered several miles in opposite directions before Wind had the sensible idea to contact Wild on his slate via the pendant he had found in his world.

Their new plan was to meet at the nearest town by the end of today, which, apart from anything else, would allow them to stock up on their depleted supply of potions and elixirs.

“Is Hyrule awake?” Wind called. “Oh, good. Can we please leave now? I want to get a red potion for this stupid blister.”

“You’re not wasting a potion on that,” Time told him sternly.

“Am too. It hurts like hell.”

Hyrule chuckled a little at that, despite the ever-growing pain in his head. He knew Wind was complaining simply to fill the silence because he had broken his arm last week and hadn’t put up nearly as much of a fuss. 

As Wind and Time continued their argument, he hurried to collect together his few possessions so they could get started on the last few miles to town, and they were off in a matter of minutes.

Travelling was second nature to Hyrule. He had spent his life travelling, never staying in one place in case the monsters caught up with him and killed him or stole his blood or whatever horrible thing they wanted to do to him that particular week. But travelling was hard when every step sent his head spinning and his body temperature kept switching from uncomfortably warm to shiver-inducing cold every few seconds.

He didn’t know what this thing was and why he felt like he was dying for no reason at all, but it had happened to him a good handful of times in his life. He thought maybe it was like Legend’s ‘chronic pain’ that he said was like fire in his joints and flared up every once in a while. That sounded much worse, but maybe this was a bit similar.

The other three wouldn’t understand, and he really wasn’t in the mood to be explaining it. Besides, he really would be fine in the end, so there wasn’t any reason to tell them. Usually, when one of these bouts of discomfort came around, he would hole up in an inconspicuous cave and rest until it went away again, but he didn’t really have that option now when it would slow down the group.

Sweat dripped from his forehead, and each footstep on the dry earth jarred his aching muscles and sent him spiralling further into pained exhaustion. Wind kept a constant stream of conversation, never able to accept comfortable silence, and the words merged and blended until they formed a blunt weapon purely to smite his cotton-filled head.

Hours passed like this and Hyrule worked to steel himself through his daze, knowing that the further the sun rose to noon, the closer they were to their destination.

‘You can do this,’ he told himself. ‘You’re nearly there, just—’

“Oh look, we’re half a mile out,” Sky pointed out, reading a small road sign aloud for those in the group who weren’t literate (Hyrule suspected Time was a silent correlative in this department, though he could be wrong).

The relief he felt at those words were, ironically, his downfall. The sheer happiness at being so close to their destination, a place he could rest, seemed to shatter his resilience completely and a stomach-churning wave of nausea suddenly overcame him.

‘No, no, no,’ he thought as his vision began to turn fuzzy at the edges. He better not faint now, that would be so embarrassing.

“Hyrule?”

He looked up at the blurry figure of Time walking towards him and realised that, in his attempt to stifle the sudden and inconvenient deterioration of his health, he had completely forgotten to keep walking.

“Hyrule, what’s wrong?”

“He really doesn’t look good,” Wind, very helpfully, supplied.

“I’m fine!” Hyrule told them quickly, his voice horribly high-pitched in his attempt to stave them off. “No need to worry, I think—I think I just need to sit down for a second.”

All in all, considering how truly awful he was feeling, it was a pretty good attempt at pretending he was fine. Or it would have been, except for when he took a step towards the side of the path for a place to rest, he fell flat on his face. The impact of it sent an entirely new level of agony through his head and he grimaced, groaning loudly.

“Hyrule!”

Hands grabbed him and pulled him upright again and the world spun sickeningly around him, a torturous tornado of colours, until he was somehow sitting upright, Time’s face in the forefront of his vision. He looked worried, and Hyrule felt guilty for being a source of stress on top of everything else Time had to deal with being a leader and all.

“You with us?” Time’s face asked.

“Mmm,” he confirmed. His voice felt distanced from him, like he didn’t have control over it anymore.

“Here. Put your head between your knees.”

Before he could comprehend the movement, his head was pushed down so he was looking at the dusty floor beneath him and a hand rested on his back, soothing him. It was nice. Comforting. And somehow made the aches and pains and dizziness recede, just a little.

Still, the world seemed to rock as if they were on Wind’s red boat again. Warriors got horribly seasick on that particular adventure, and Hyrule imagined this might be what he felt like. He felt a bit bad for laughing at him now.

“He should have some water,” someone was saying.

“He can’t drink water and have his head between his knees. It would come out his nose!”

“He can have some in a moment when he feels up to it… He’s too warm, he definitely has a fever.”

“Why didn’t he say anything? I could tell he was feeling off this morning.”

Hyrule thought it was rather rude of them to talk about him as if he weren’t sitting right there. And why was he sitting like this anyway? It felt very foolish.

“Why am I sitting like this?” he asked out loud.

“Is it making you feel better?”

“…I think so?”

“Then, that’s why.”

As stupid as it felt, it actually did seem to be working. He was feeling more normal again—still hurting, but the world was slowly slowing in its rocking, like he was sailing mildly choppy waters rather than through a storm. Slowly, he lifted his head up to look at the others.

Wind and Sky were both watching him worriedly and Time sat next to him, still rubbing soothing circles on his back. 

“I’m really sorry,” he told them apprehensively. Now the worst of the nausea had receded, humiliation took its place and made him shrink in on himself slightly. Hylia, he hated being fussed over.  

“Here, have some water,” Sky said kindly, leaning forward to hand him his waterskin. “And there’s no need to be sorry. But, Hyrule, why didn’t you tell us earlier you were sick? We could’ve helped.”

Hyrule sighed. “I’m not sick.”

“You clearly are, ‘Rule,” said Time, somehow both stern and soft at the same time.

He shook his head. You got sick when a wound got infected or when you accidentally ate a poisonous flower because it looked pretty, and you wanted to see what it tasted like. But he hadn’t done either of those things; this was something else. It was just his stupid body that occasionally did this for no reason, and he had no idea how to explain that to the others.

“But I didn’t do anything to get sick,” he protested, willing them to believe him. “This just happens sometimes; I don’t know why.”

“You probably just caught a bug, buddy,” Sky told him sympathetically. A bug…? Maybe bugs had ill-effects in Skyloft…

“No, I haven’t caught any bugs recently, either. Look, I’ll really be fine. We don’t have to stop for long, I just need to catch my breath.”

The others were looking at him strangely now and he felt like hiding his aching head in his hands. This really wasn’t his day.

“No, Hyrule…” Time began. “He meant a bug. Like a sickness. You know what that is, right? You don’t have to do anything to catch it, it just happens.”

Oh no. This was one of those things again, the things everyone else knew and he had never learned. Like how to read and write or to not eat poisonous flowers just because they looked pretty. He felt his face redden with embarrassment. It always made him feel so stupid when they looked at him like this, with a mixture of pity and bewilderment, because how could someone not know about these things?

But also…

“This is normal?” he asked weakly.

Sky smiled kindly. “Yeah, ‘Rule. It happens to all of us; you just have to rest for a bit and let yourself get better. What did you think it was when it happened to you before?”

Hyrule considered lying to make himself sound less ignorant, to make them stop looking at him like that. But honestly, he couldn’t come up with a plausible enough lie.

He sighed defeatedly. “When I was younger, I thought I was dying. But then, when it happened a few more times, I thought there was just something wrong with me. Like… maybe I was cursed or something.”

“Some illnesses can be deadly,” Time told him, “but this one right now just seems like a bad cold, perhaps made worse by the fact you continued to travel rather than stopped to rest.”

Hyrule looked down at his hands.

“Sorry,” he mumbled again.

“Not your fault. You didn’t know.”

Wind, who had been suspiciously quiet throughout their conversation and had visibly been growing more and more upset by it, chose that moment to speak.

“But… you had no one to look after you when you were ill? No one to even tell you what it was?”

Hyrule shook his head, his heart sinking further.

“Well, you have us this time,” Sky said firmly. “No one should have to be alone when they’re sick.”

“I’ll get Wild to make you soup,” said Wind enthusiastically. “It always makes me feel better when Grandma makes it for me.”

“Oh… thank you.” Hyrule didn’t have the energy to get a handle on his emotions, and he was having a hard time pinning down what he was really feeling. He wasn’t quite sure what to say.

Time smiled at him. “Do you think you’re up to the last half mile? Then we can find a real bed for you to sleep in.”

Even though he nodded, Time still steadied him with an arm around his waist when he was on his feet again, and though it was still a little embarrassing, he was glad for the support. Wind and Sky walked ahead of them, chatting quietly between them and occasionally looking over their shoulder to see how Hyrule was doing.

“Let me know if it gets too much,” Time told him quietly. “I know from experience how overwhelming it can be, to go from having no one, to suddenly having people who show they care in a way that’s… rather smothering.”

“Thanks,” he whispered back. “I might have to take you up on that.” But he smiled as he truly realised that he had people like that now. Those who cared for him and looked out for him, no matter what.