#we start chatting and like usual i end up rambling so i try to ask questions as well so i don’t seem self-centred but then when it’s my

[dust-n-roses]

made a casual conversation into an infodump again. oops

[radiant-reid]

just saw the post abt having to explain to spencer the talking stage then an actual relationship and how he overhears her telling someone she doesnt hv a bf maybe a blurb/fic on that idea?

Spencer steals glances at you every morning while you make your coffee and chat with Emily. It's so apparent to everyone what he's doing that JJ and Morgan have taken to stealing things off his desk, seeing how much they can take before he notices.

One day, when you're walking back to your desk you make a comment that has his interest piqued even more. "No, I don't have a boyfriend at the moment. I'm enjoying being single."

Spencer's heart sinks at your words, his mind instantly conjuring images of your dates. Dates that should mean he's your boyfriend, right? So why are you telling everyone you're single?

His head is spinning with confusion, and it's turning to anger pretty quickly. Are you ashamed to be with him? Surely if you're enjoying being single, that means you're dating other people or that you're not even interested in him.

He can't believe it, his emotions swinging from anger to sadness. It's unbelievable and you're breaking his heart.

Before you're even sitting down, Spencer's getting up and rushing to the bathroom to calm his racing heart rate before he has to be sick.

Your conversation doesn't even remain in your mind while you continue your day. What feels odd is Spencer freezing you out. Usually, on boring paperwork days, Spencer will tell you fun facts or dumb science jokes just to break up the repetitive work and horrific nature of your files.

He doesn't. Not a single comment comes your way, not even when you ask very open-ended science questions, basically inviting him to ramble about his favorite topics. None of it entices him.

His sarcastic remarks come just after lunchtime with a snappy attitude that irritates you. You're worried about him, firstly. Something must be wrong in his personal life to have him like this, but you can't help feeling a little angry that it's all being directed at you.

You were just starting to really like him and now he's turned around and shown you who he really is just because you're arguably who he's closest with. He's quickly becoming not the type of person you want to be with.

When you're the last two people in the bullpen, you realize you can't let him stay there all night. No matter how annoying he is, you're his friend, first and foremost, and he's clearly going through something.

So you approach him. "Hey, do you want to get dinner?" You ask.

"Not with you," Spencer replies coldly and totally uncharacteristically.

That's your breaking point. "What's wrong? Seriously, you've been horrible to me all day and I can't think of anything I've done to offend you."

Spencer sighs and it's weirdly more regretful than angry. "I... do you remember what you said this morning?"

You frown, unsure of what exactly he's referencing. "No?" Then you quickly add, "But I want to make things right."

"You said you didn't have a boyfriend." He feels pathetic saying it. The idea that someone like you would never be interested had been slipping from his mind, but now that concern is at the front of his mind.

You're only more confused then. "I don't."

"I thought I..." His cheeks flame up with embarrassment and he puts on a front of nonchalance. "I thought I was your boyfriend, okay? That's it."

Oh.

You wish you could have given Emily a different answer that morning. You would have proudly told her that Spencer Reid is your boyfriend, but you couldn't.

"You never asked me." You say softly, shuffling awkwardly on your feet.

"Did I need to?" He wonders dumbly, and it's very obvious that he's just unaware.

You shrug, explaining your point of view. "I thought we were still at the talking stage."

"The what?" Spencer asks.

"Like when you're just talking and casually dating, trying to work out if you're friends or if there's a romantic connection." You describe.

He nods softly before his heart sinks again. "I'm sorry, I'm an idiot." You're easily the best thing that's been in his life for a long time, and now he's totally ruined it. If you didn't think he was too inexperienced before, you do now.

"You're not, not provably." You break the awkward silence and tension that's fallen over the room, making him chuckle a little. "And I like you, exclusively."

Spencer's frown is adorable but it's concerning large this time. "Really? Still?"

"Mm-hmm." You assure him. "As long as you promise to talk to me when something's wrong instead of icing me out."

He stands up quickly, nodding. "I swear and I'm really sorry." He promises you. "So would you like to go to dinner? As boyfriend and girlfriend?"

You try to suppress an inappropriately large grin. "I would."

Spencer doesn't hide his smile and he's awkwardly tripping over his bag and feet to meet you around his side of the desk. "Let's do it." He smiles softly at you, offering out his hand for you to hold.

You take it happily, walking to the elevator with him. "Let's do it, boyfriend."

[zoe-is-amazingg]

Ghostface Ethan headcannons

Ghostface!Ethan X Fem!Ghostface!Reader

NSFW and SFW

Warnings - Fluff and smut, pervy Ethan. Dom!Ethan X Sub!Reader,

SFW

+ When you arrived at Blackmore with the 'Core four', you met Ethan trying to help Chad settle in

+ Let's just say he took a 'quick' liking to you

+ You had always thought he was a cool person and you thought you both had connection with each other

+ You definitely flirted with him a lot

+ He would always be like flustered by what you're saying to him, and you would just laugh and leave him there

+ He would find it frustrating but cute at the same time

+ Then one day, your teeny tiny crush on him slipped out while talking to Tara

"Really, Y/N? The Nerd?""I dunno what it is."

+ And this is when she told Chad, and oh boy he was so happy because Ethan told him the same thing about you

+ Him and Tara worked on this plan for a whole week just for you two to get together

+ You were basically in love with him by the time they started the plan

+ You and Ethan were in the library, and he was explaining Econ to you because you had 'no' idea what you were doing in this class, and you just 'desperately' needed his help iykyk

+ You liked seeing him ramble on about Econ and all this other shit that he was interested in

+ Anyway, Ethan started to notice you were just watching him talk and pointed you out for it

"Do you even need my help?" He teased you, making your cheeks go a dark red.

"Yes, I really do, I just hate Econ."

+ Ethan wasn't buying it

"Let's leave, I don't think your paying much attention to me anyways."

Oh boy you were, just not in the way he wants.

"I am, I promise."

+ Eventually, Ethan started rambling on again and you continued watching him

+ He would totally fiddle with his fingers after figuring out you were watching him

+ This is when Tara and Chad saw you guys sitting and just chatting about Econ

+Chad stole Ethan and Tara stole you

+They both lead you to the same place but in different ways and directions

"Tara, where are we going, I have to go back and study."

"Studying can wait girl."

+ This is when Tara threw you into a closet and locked the door

+ This is when you realized it is a weirdly huge closet

"Chad let me out! This isn't funny bro!" You hear Ethan yell. You slowly walk around to see him banging on another door.

"Ethan..." You mumble, he turns around and looks at you.

"Y/N!" He slowly walks up to you and smiles brightly.

"Did Tara put you in here?" He asks and you nod. "Of course."

+ He notices that you both go set up almost straight away and that surprised you, he usually doesn't notice things straight away

+ The dimly lit closet and his face together to you was bliss

+ You could look at him and get away with it!

+ Not until he decides to break the silence

"Can I tell you something Y/N." He says and you nod. "You've been my friend for like ever, and I couldn't help for me to sometimes...well, fuck... most of the time, want it to be more."

+ You kissed him right then and there

+ Let's just you both had built up feelings

+ You both kissed until Tara and Chad opened up the door and you and Ethan kind of runed out

+ But you didn't rush the time that you had

+ You both down at the table and Tara and Chad kind of didn't matter to you both anymore

+ You both finished up studying and ended up chilling at your apartment

+ You both watched a movie but ended up just talking and or making out

+ You would go to his dorm or vice versa and would watch movies together

+ Baby, Sweetie, Princess and Doll. Those are the type of names he would call you

+ Then the Ghostface killings started

+ You 'knew' he wasn't Ghostface

+ Even though he leave and then dead people will pop on the news the night he left

+ And sometimes the people that have died would be guys that you have talked to the day before

+ But Ethan is sweet and kind and could never hurt a fly

+ You guys would cuddle all the time

+ And he would try to make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible

+ He always made you feel safe and comfortable anyways so the way he was trying to do more was just perfect to you

+ Whenever you guys would fight, he'd leave and then come back with some roses or chocolates

+ One fight he left and didn't come back, and you were starting to get worried

+ Until your phone started to ring

+ You picked it up and you heard a voice you never wanted to hear

"Hey Y/N, I saw your little fight with Ethan." Ghostface says.

"Leave me alone." You half yell, not wanting anyone to hear.

"Come on doll." Ghostface whispers.

"Why the fuck did you just call me that?"

+ Then someone knocks on your door

+ You open it and to your surprise, Ethan, in a Ghostface costume, with blood, lots of it

+ Let's just say the shock you got, you couldn't even process it

"Look, I would never hurt you Y/N, I just need you to understand that this is who I am."

"Yes, But no, what the fuck?" You mumble, he takes more steps to get closer to you and you take more steps back until you're in a corner.

"Come on, Y/N I love you."

+ It took you a while, but you got used to it

NFSW

+ Before you guys started dating, he would steal your underwear and you would have no clue

+ You would look for them and then they would pop up again the next day

+ Whenever you would call him, he would jerk off to your voice, you never noticed this until one time, there was such a clear moan coming from his end of the line

"Y/N." He moans.

"Ethan?" You cough awkwardly

+ He immediately stopped and claimed he was doing nothing and you would just brush it off

+ When you both started dating, he would do things that would turn you on and him at the same time like rubbing your bodies together to form friction

+ He would always make little remarks at your outfits

"Baby, that outfit look's so good on you, I can't wait to eat you out in it later." He winks.

"Come 'ere doll, I want to fuck you, you look so good."

+ But they somehow would always turn you on so much that you didn't even want to go out

+ The group had a joke about the most innocent couple and that was you guys

+ Little did they know that you both were fucking anywhere you could

+ You even fucked on Sam's bed!

+ Until one day you got caught fucking

+ Everyone knew you both were dating but not fucking every chance you had between yourselves

+ Anyway, I see him as a choking, dob but sub if he wants to, knife play type of guy

+ Like, once you knew he was Ghostface, he fucked you in the costume

+ I could also see him carving his itinals under your tits

+ God, any noise you make turns him on so much

+ Even if it is just a tiny whimper or muffled moan

+ But he goes crazy when you moan into his skin, he loves feeling the vibrations and everything

+ He'd fuck you anywhere like I said

+ If he met your parents, he'd totally be a dick and like turn you on by like rubbing his fingers on your inner thigh or just completely fingering you

+ He honestly would love the way you would cough to stop any noise from coming out of your mouth

"Ethan!" You yell whisper, "The fuck are you doing?"

"Y/N, no whispering at the dinner table." Your dad says. "Anything you want to say to Ethan you can say to us."

+ The self-control this man had to have for him not to tell everyone that he was finger fucking you

+ But he knew that you would probably dump him

+ And you never met his parents (Jee, i wonder why?)

+ He would fuck the shit out of you if you pissed him off

"Come on, use that dirty mouth on me now if you have no trouble saying shit like that to me when were in a fight"

+ And he would always make do want he wants (But he'd still make you get there in the end

A.N - Just smt while I finish Y.J.N.M.T Part 4. That might be the final part because I'm done with that seires ngl. Pleae request smt. If you requested the JJ thing. I'm working on that, it is almost done. I'm also adding a new fiction to my list and that is The Summer I Turned Pretty. Jeremiah Fisher, Steven Coklin and Conrad Fisher

Taglist Request

Taglist - @idky5

Request rules

[rainybubbles]

Silent- Gaz x plus size reader

Summary : Finding a way to relieve the stress of work in a DnD discord, Gaz meets Silent. A player whose microphone is always turned off, using chat only. Maybe he'll find a way to break the silence with them and finds why their mic is off…

(Sorry in advance, English is not my first language, so sorry if it's bad or OOC.)

-TW social anxiety.

-"What a quiet kid you've got there. I wish mine was as calm at home."

-"Oh, you know, they're pretty mature for their age."

-The laughter faded into distant murmurs as I glanced over at the other kids.

-Yelling, chasing, breaking a vase or two—my eyes couldn't look away from them.

-They seemed to inhabit a world entirely different from mine.

-A world where scraping by at month's end, nightly dinners, locking up the house, solo bus rides, laundry routines, and helping siblings with homework simply didn't exist.

-Because, after all, they were just eight years old.

- But so was I…

-So why didn't I have the right to have fun, yell, chat, ask for sweets, act immature, or doodle on walls?

- My hand reached out briefly, hoping for a connection, but my mom's glance quickly reminded me to stay put…

-Being silent seemed to be the key to earning praise and keeping peace.

-So, I stifled that urge, withdrawing into myself, standing alone behind her legs, engulfed in a heavy silence.

____________

"Silent, huh?"

-My gaze drifted slowly to the chat.

-"Yeah, dude, they're usually a regular on Thursdays. Never says a word, their mic's busted, can't afford to fix it," one of the guys responded.

-The tone carried a hint of disdain.

-I felt out of place.

-Yet, I stayed put, unable to leave the server.

-It was the only place where I felt I could express myself.

-Through words, carefully chosen, controlled, retyped, erased, and sculpted to bring a story to life—a space where my imagination, so often overlooked, could finally roam free.

-By chance, I'd become enamored with Dungeons and Dragons.

- The only snag, of course, was the void in my social life.

-So, like figuring out how long it takes to cook broccoli, I scoured the internet.

- Discord groups organized sessions. I panicked at the sound of mics, voices.

- What would they think of me? What should I say? What could I do? And then someone asked if my mic was broken.

- Ever since, I'd stayed that way, and the nickname Silent stuck.

"Hi Silent, then :) I'm Kyle aka Gaz."

-Usually, I ignored introductions.

- People interested me little, their characters were the interesting ones.

-However, Gaz hadn't spoken those words aloud.

- He had written them. It was stupid honestly, but few people wrote back to me, few people responded to me in writing.

-Everything was done orally.

-Suddenly, someone was on my turf, reaching out.

-The campaign proceeded as usual.

-My thoughts were focused on my actions, the dice rolls, and the resulting outcomes.

- Yet occasionally, I let my eyes wander over Gaz's profile.

________________

-"Hello guys, I don't know if I've played with some of you before or not. "

-"Don't worry, we accept everyone. The days are rarely fixed."

-Gaz was back. It was Friday. It was my favorite group, the game master Ylias really managed to transport you.

-"Well, I'll start then-"

-Ylias started rambling, I followed the story when I noticed a notification in the discord. My finger brushed it, and then ignored it.

-What would he think if I clicked now? that I'm a friendless attention-seeker? But if I wait, they'll think I don't care about the campaign?

-So I waited 5 minutes, trying to find the right balance between the two.

-"Hey, Silent. I missed a campaign without you, the others keep on rambling about their athletics, last time I even had a guy mimicking a goblin with his mic, I'm glad to see you back in text :) !!!"

-Pressure flooded over me. What should I reply? A heart? Thanks? Ignore it? Tell him he's nice too?

-"Thanks."

-Too cold, too short. I thought it wrong, I should delete it, rephrase it, add a smiley, make it warmer, he must think I'm a monster.

-"I think we should try opening the door, are you coming with me? I don’t feel like going into the forest with the rest of the team."

-Oh. Usually in campaigns, I go with the flow, I heal and stay in the background. I never-

-"You need a score of 13 for that, folks". Ylias said.

-"Come on, Silent, roll the dice." Gaz replied

-Nervously, my mouse hovered over the virtual dice. With a score of 15 showing, I heard Gaz's laughter.

-"I knew we had to do it! Let’s go, plus with your stealth, impossible to get spotted. "

-"We'll see about that." Ylias replied, laughing.

-And just like that, Gaz made me smile. It was probably one of the worst campaigns, but it was the first where I could finally choose my actions.

__________________________

-"Back again :) ?"

-" Yes."

-Dry, too dry.

-"I was waiting for you. "Gaz replied.

-" Why? "

-"I don’t want to play a campaign without you, you bring me luck."

-" I'm not sure about that. "

-"Yes. I tried a campaign with colleagues, we died blowing up. "

-"Probably because of your colleagues. "

-"Okay, maybe my colleague set fire to a mystery barrel. But it was their first campaign. "

-"You're recruiting? "

-"Introducing them. He's trying to quit smoking, and I thought DnD could occupy his free time."

-I stopped myself.

-Curiosity, imagination, everything overwhelmed me.

-What was it like to be close to colleagues like this, to freely discuss your passions, to laugh…

-"And then?"

-" It's not his thing, he's more into action. "

-"I see. "

-"It's not for everyone. "

-"Is it your thing? "

-"What? "

-"To let off steam? If your colleague needs it, so do you, right?"

-Stupid. Too personal a question. Invasive.

-"Yes. It allows me not to think, to be someone else."

-" Me too."

-" Plus, being an elf is great."

-" You say that because I am one."

-" Maybe. "

-"Thank you. "

-"For? "

-"Talking in chat. People usually ignore me outside of campaigns, they don't respond by text."

-" They ignore the sexiest elf?"

-" There's no image, you don't know what I look like"

-". Hm, exactly! I imagine your elf tall, muscular like the Rock, hair like Gordon Ramsay's, and maybe makeup like Ru Paul's."

-" I'm not sure about the result. "

-"Sexy."

-I snorted at my screen.

-"Ok."

-" How do you imagine me? "

-"Your wizard? "

-"Yes. "

-"With long hair, maybe dreadlocks, white eyes, and a smile. "

-"A smile?"

-" Your voice sounds soothing. "

-"Really? "

-"Yes, sorry, it's weird to say that, I shouldn't have."

-" No. No. I've never been told that, I was just surprised, that's all."

-" I see. "

-"So, a sexy elf and a smiling mage.

-"Sounds like the beginning of a weird porno."

-He responded with a meme.

_________________________

-"So, what do we decide, Silent? Honestly, I don't want to raid the goblin but the vampire to face, I'm sure the score will be high." Gaz asked through his mic

-"It's your choice, not mine."

-"they're right, Gaz, this one's all on you," Ylias said.

-"Can't I even ask for help?"

-"Score of 15 in insight to spot an ally." Ylias announced.

-Gaz scored a 10. No one addressed me throughout the campaign.

________________________

-"Back, Gaz?" someone said.

-Three weeks of radio silence.

-My mind had been looping, wondering if my refusal to break the rules had driven him to find a more interesting group, a more exciting duo.

-But there he stood, his username glowing green.

-"Yeah, I finally got some days off."

-"Good for you, man."

-"So spill, I see some new names and all!"

-Strangely, his voice had become grating to me. I didn't understand why, so before he could reach me, I disconnected.

- Alone in my apartment, I held my knees to my chest.

-Why am I reacting like this? He's entitled to a life, damn it.

-I fet like he...gave me up.

-Shit it's stupid.

-I didn't understand. I tried to calm myself, but the deafening silence of my apartment seemed to slowly engulf me, and before I knew it, I found myself in a new spiral of anxiety.

____________________________

-There were no campaigns. I just liked reading. Reading what had happened. Living vicariously, imagining their voices, their reactions.

-"hey :)"

-The off-campaign tab was blinking.

-He was addressing me, I knew it, I was the only one online with him.

-My thumb grazed the notification, but I ended up entering the chat.

-"hey."

The period was too harsh, too dry.

-"It's been a while! Something happened?"

-"Work." I answered.

-That's a lie.

- But lying is like oxygen, it's easy to come up with excuses to avoid others.

-But harder to let go of it to face the potential risks of social suffocation.

-"I know quite a bit, just got back from mine."

-"At 1 am?"

-"Yep."

-"Cook?"

"Soldier."

-A shiver ran through me. Uniforms had never been positive in my life.

- As the long seconds passed, I hesitated.

-"Not a fan?" Gaz asked.

-"You could say that."

-"Military family?"he asked.

-"yes."

-"I see."

-"Sorry, that's stupid."

-"No, I understand, I mean, we all have red flags." He said.

-"It's not a red flag."

-"You'd been quiet for 5 minutes."

-"With everyone." I answered.

-"Everyone?"

-"I'm not the best at socializing."

-"Really? Yet when you blew up a castle instead of talking to the princess in a campaign, it seemed normal to me." He joked.

-A laugh escaped.

-"And you?" he asked.

-"Me?"

-"Your job?"

-"Proofreader."

-"For books?"

-"Yes, I read, annotate, and correct."

-"No humans."

-"Exactly."

-"Would you like to add me? I'm not super comfortable with everyone seeing this."

-"Why?"

-Stupid. I should have accepted without questioning.

-"To prevent everyone from knowing the secrets of the sexiest elf on the discord."

-Always there to catch my blunders.

-I accepted it even though suddenly there was added pressure, what to say when there's a pause?

_____________

-"A dragon arrives and—"

-My eyes glanced at my notifications. Kyle was in the campaign but—

-"The narration is terrible, isn't it? The guy has been stuck on the dragon for thirty minutes while Théis killed it."

-He was writing to me. Like someone whispering in your ear during class.

-"Yes, Roxanne is a beginner, but she'll get there."

-"So kind."

-"Not really, one day I insulted a game master."

-"Oooh, a gangster among us?"

-"Never, besides, you'd arrest me, wouldn't you?"

-The ellipses seemed to linger.

-"I wouldn't mind."

-Oh.

-"I don't want to end up in a secret government cave."

-"Caves are old school, we have containers now."

-"I don't know if you're joking."

-"Classified."

-"Gaz…"

-"I'll keep the secret, I think you won't have a choice but to be arrested by me someday."

-"… it won't happen."

-"Why?"

-"I haven't committed any crimes."

-"Not even indecent exposure? I thought you were 45 years old and hiding in bushes naked."

-"For that, I'd have to leave my house."

-"Quite the homebody?"

-"You could say."

-"I'm the same, I don't like going out much."

-It's different. I didn't know what to add, so I let him continue the conversation.

-----------------------------

-"Still into your nerd stuff?"

-Gaz looked up at Soap.

-"It's not nerd stuff." Gaz said.

-"Dragon, princess, elf, discord all mixed together. It's nerd stuff. "Ghost replied

-"Dressing up as a skeleton at Hot Topic too, L.t."

-"Ooh, I wouldn't have liked that. "Soap laughed. "But seriously, don't you think about doing it for real? I mean, gathering around a table."

-"They think about it, but we all live in different parts of the world."

-But it would be amazing. Maybe he could even hear Silent's voice, see them…

-"Hm." Johnny said with a smirk

-"What?"

-"It sounds like you have someone in mind."

-"I don't have anyone in mind."

-"Not even an elf you get along with, Garrick?" Ghost retorted

-"I- we're a duo, it

-"It's different."

-"I mean it, we just get along."

-"So if you check discord in a military bar at 11 p.m., it's not to reply to him second by second?"

-"Shut up," Gaz said as the two laughed.

__________________________

-"You're not participating anymore?"

-I ignored his message.

-Three months.

-Three long months of descent, of confinement, of discomfort, of crises.

-Everything was too much.

-Crowds, outside, errands, people.

-My lungs constricted at the thought of meeting someone's gaze. My eyes avoided every contact. My lips were dry from lack of words.

-"I admit that campaigns suck without you," he had written.

-That was two weeks ago.

-"I refused to play with Théo, he wanted to take your place," he had sent.

-That was three months ago.

-"The office GIF."

-Three weeks.

-He… Gaz had never stopped.

-No matter the views, the winds, his boldness didn't stop.

-I was confused.

-Usually, people quit after a month.

-They had better things to do, and I understood. The burden of my social anxiety was mine and shouldn't inconvenience them.

-So why was Gaz standing there carrying this burden unknowingly? Coming back every day, bearing a heavier load…

-"hey."

-Three letters.

-Too short.

-Too dry.

-"Sorry." I continued.

-For what?

-I didn't deserve his forgiveness, I knew it.

-"Glad to see you're back :)" he replied.

-A tear rolled down my cheek.

-"thank you." I replied by text.

-For staying.

-For not asking questions.

-For welcoming me.

______________

-"Sorry, I was at the hospital, do you think I can join the campaign or not?" he had sent.

-My eyebrows raised.

-"No. Wait, you're just out of the hospital and your concern is DnD?"

-"I should really stay by my favorite elf's side."

-"Gaz, seriously, are you okay?"

-"Fractured ribs."

-"Ouch."

-"Broken arm."

-"Wait, what—"

-"And a bullet in the thigh."

-"Wtf."

-"But I'm fine."

-"No."

-"I assure you, I've had worse."

-"And???? You need to rest, not focus on rolling dice to defeat Mindflyers."

-"…but I have no distractions."

-"I'm here."

-"You're in the campaign."

-"No."

-"Wait, what—"

-"I- I saw you were absent so I didn't…join that one."

-"But you only play on that day."

-"I know. But it's not the same without you."

-I didn't know he was currently smiling like an idiot.

-"Thanks, Silent."

-"No worries. Besides, I was also coming out of the hospital."

-"WHAT?! Why didn't you start with that?!"

-"It's ridiculous."

-"No, are you okay?"

-"It's awkward."

-"Oh, serious awkward or-?"

-"No, I'm used to it. I- I took the tram and I couldn't handle it, the crowd was too big, I passed out inconveniencing a hundred people, embarrassing."

-"That's not embarrassing."

-"Yes, I made people late, Gaz."

-"And??? It was for your health."

-"No, I should've known I couldn't handle taking the tram. It's been two years since I couldn't do it, I shouldn't have tried again."

-"Two years?"

-Shit. I said too much.

-"Forget that."

-"Wait, no. You help distract me when I'm on base, I can listen to you in return :)! "

-"There's nothing to say, I don't handle social stuff, that's all."

-"So, your mic, that's it?"

-"Yes."

-"My sister has it too."

-"Has what?"

-"Social anxiety."

-"I see."

-"I know it's different for everyone, but don't give up. Honestly, it's a huge step, right? Taking the tram after two years. Surely you wouldn't succeed all at once, I mean it's like rolling a 20-sided die hoping for a 35."

-I snorted.

-"Nerd."

-"You're a nerd too, Silent."

-"yes, I- I just thought I could succeed, tell myself I could do it."

-"You did it."

-"I passed out."

-"So what? next time can't be worse."

-"Yes, if I have another one."

-"Then you'll have another one, I'm sure you'll manage. Look, I can even show you a tutorial."

-I furrowed my brows and saw a video. A man in an apartment, a cast on one arm, his face cut off from the frame.

-"Quick tutorial for falling on a tram. So lesson 1, stand next to a tall person. We want a good pillow when we fall, so tall people are perfect. Then manage the fall. Fall on the person, not forward. We want to avoid a bloody nose. Especially if there are vampires on the horizon." Gaz said in the video.

-He lay on the ground pretending to fall.

-"Step three, play dead to see sexy firefighters and avoid stares, and step 4 get taken home while flexing in the truck."

-I snorted.

-"Wow, thanks for the tutorial."

-"I know, I know. Passing out pro here."

-"Do you often fall on fridges?"

-"Hm, considering the build of my colleagues, you could say that."

-"Are they as tall and wide as a fridge?"

-"My L.T. yes. With Soap, we even thought he was an android, I mean it's not human to be that built."

-"You look fit too."

-"Oh, a compliment?"

-"Gaz, I-"

-"But yes, honestly, I try to do his routine but I think his genetics play a big part."

-"Shame, no Fridge Gaz then."

-"No, you'll have to settle for Normal Gaz."

-A smile slowly spread across my face.

-"Thanks for the video, it was funny."

-"You're welcome. Plus, if I can flex with my favorite elf."

-"I'm not an elf."

-"Nothing proves me wrong."

-"Gaaaaaazzzz"

____________________________

-"Who are you posing for? "

-"No one."

-" So shirtless, sunlight, flexed arms for no one? Damn, don't tell me it's for your mom. "

-"SOAP!"

-" I'm just asking, man."

-" It's for Silent. "

-"Oh, your magical voiceless elf."

-" It's not— "

-"Yes, yes, not a magical elf, I know, no need to give me another DnD lecture."

-Gaz sighed.

-His selfie was good.

-Shirtless, in the sand, sun rising.

-He looked good.

-But he was nervous.

-What if it was too much?

-After all, this little game of sending each other sunrises or sunsets had started by chance.

-Silent had told him the view was beautiful and sent him a sunset from their window.

-Gaz replied with one from Las Almas, and eventually whenever he went to a new country, he would send a photo.

-But now… maybe it was too much?

-Sending his face.

-Price would kill him.

-But he wanted to progress the relationship.

-Maybe his face could appeal to Silent, they would send him a voice note or even a selfie back?

-"Is this too much? "

-"Hm? "Soap asked confused.

-"This photo, is it too much? "

-"For a thirst trap?"

-" To say hello."

-" It depends on the hello. "

-"Hello as in "I'm showing you my face for the first time." "

-"Oh, maybe. I thought it was a "hello, did you sleep well because look what I could bring to your bed" kind of thing. …But if I received this photo, I'd be happy. "

-"Soap. "

-"I mean, man, you're handsome."

-" Soap. "

-"Plus, who would say no to your abs? "

-"No need to- you know what, I'll send it. "

-"Also, you—"

-Gaz ignored him and sent it.

-Damn, he hoped everything would be fine.

________________________

-Beautiful.

-Too beautiful.

-My eyes scanned that smile not knowing what to do.

- How could someone like that end up playing DnD?

-I closed the conversation.

-I am…. Out of his league.

-So much.

-I could barely bring myself to look at my mirror.

-I knew what I would see there.

- My rolls, my thighs, my stretch marks, my horrible hair, this disproportionate face.

-I'm not ugly.

- But I'm not…I'm not like him

-. I'm the second choice, I'm aware of that.

-I don't get free compliments.

- Nobody turns back to look at me. I'm just…there.

-And him.

- He seemed so radiant, so kind. Damn, I wasted his time.

__________________________

-"So? " Soap asked

-"It's been two weeks with no response."

-" Ouch. "

-"It's not— Sometimes it happens, I think they are doubting."

-" Doubting what? "

-"Themselves. They…before every message, they take 5 minutes to rewrite it, every syllable is thought out and then I send this out of nowhere, I didn't handle it well."

-" You couldn't have known, Kyle. "

-"Yes. YES, I could and I messed up. They told me about their anxiety and then I send them a half-naked photo when I've never even heard their voice. "

-"Try to talk to them then. hmph."

_____________________

-"hey."

-My eyes hesitated.

-"hey." I finally replied

-" For the selfie, I can explain. "

-"No, I- it's not your fault."

-" Yes, honestly, I screwed up" he texted back

-". No, I've been looping again. "

-"You- "

-"seeing you, it was…good, really, but too good." I answered.

-" Too good?"

-"I feel- Illegitimate to talk to you. "

-"what- "

-"You're so- beautiful, and smiling and nice, and the only thing I do is disappear for days and turn up out of the blue. I-"

-" And it's okay, we talked about it." he said.

-" But you deserve better as friends."

-" I decide what I deserve, Silent. And no one beats you. "

-"…I- I don't know what to say. "

-"Send me your sunset :) I haven't had mine."

-Damn. A tear rolled down and I took my phone and sent my sunset. How can someone be so adorable?

-"Perfect." he replied

_________________

-He had continued to send his face on the sunsets. It was stupid, but I waited every time he could and I rewatched them.

-However, it had been three months of silence. I wasn't worried, he was probably on a mission somewhere.

-By a stroke of courage, I had put my phone down to take a photo with the sunset.

-He wouldn't see it. I would delete it.

-But for a moment, I felt beautiful. The sunlight on me warmed me, my outfit was cute, my curves were beautiful.

-I sent it. I would delete it tomorrow. After all, Kyle had said it could last four months.

___________

-"Hey, everything alright, mate?"

-"They're amazing."

-"Lasswell or tony ? For Lasswell of course, why do you think her wife is—"

-"Look."

-Soap raised an eyebrow and glanced at Kyle's phone.

-"Oh, oh."

-Kyle couldn't tear his eyes away from his screen

-. During the mission return, he had picked up his phone and seen a notification. Clicking out of habit, he saw it.

-their smile, their hair, their body. My god.

-"Lucky bastard." Soap said.

-They were perfect. And their belly, their hips, everything was beautiful. Kyle had always preferred curvy people, it was a fact.

-Sure, he had imagined that silently they could be one, but the fact that it was true… It filled his heart with joy.

-"They… damn. "he murmured, zooming in on every detail.

-Mole or freckle, he observed every pixel.

_____________________

-"So the elf wasn't the only one sexy." he texted.

-I raised an eyebrow at the notification as I woke up.

-"Hm?"

-"The photo. "he replied.

-Oh fuck.

-"You saw it?"

-"Yes, I shouldn't have?"

-"I thought of deleting it before, I—"

-"Oh."

-"But did you like it?"

-"Yes. you— I— honestly, I can't stop looking at it. you look radiant."

-He was lying. -No?

-"And that outfit is amazing on you, really."

-It hugs everything, why… why is he complimenting that?

-Usually, people say "those jeans make you look thinner than you are" "you look better in loose clothes" "hide your rolls".

-"Thank you."

-" I have to admit I'm so relieved. I mean if you ended up being a 40-year-old, I wouldn't have been so confident I think."

-"Oh really, wrinkles and gray hair aren't your thing?"

-"No, I'm more into curves and people my age."

-"Damn, I was about to confess that I was 70 years old". I joked.

-"I can make exceptions, but only for elves."

-"I'm lucky then."

-"Very. I— I hope to have more, or occasionally."

-"Of?"

-"Photos of you, it's more beautiful than a sunset."

"-oh."

-A warmth spread to my cheeks, a smile settling in.

-"ok."

-"ok?"

-"Okay."

___________________

-"Do you think I'll hear your voice someday?"

-It was late, or early for him and late for me.

-"I don't know."

-showing my face in a photo…

-I could control that, take back the photo, delete it, edit it. But talking…

-Talking is taking up space.

-"I imagine it smooth."

-"My voice?"

-"Hm, like a stream, it rocks slowly."

-"I might have a smoker's voice."

-"That would suit you too."

-"Maybe one day then."

-"I'm looking forward to that."

_____________________

-Those were the last words sent from him.

-No more contact.

-His absence wasn't due to missions, he had confessed to me that he was off the day before.

-So he had decided to stop.

-I tried to find excuses, before accepting the reality of it.

-Days passed and I hoped he would come back.

-Maybe he was like me, needing time to recover.

-Maybe he was hurt.

-Everything was silent.

-When four months had finally passed, I understood.

-He had grown tired of the silence. I held back a sob and closed the discussion.

-A stab wound would have been better I think.

-To ease the constant pain and intense questions in my mind.

-What had I done wrong? Was I too much? Did I ask the wrong question? Should I have kept quiet?

-Everything was spinning and I finally closed the app. damn.

_____________________________

-My feet led me to the publishing house.

-Today I had to make the final corrections for Madame Lasswell before her vacation with her wife Kate.

-Hesitant, I knocked on her door.

-An "enter" was heard and I entered the already crowded room.

- A mustached man in a beanie, a masked man, a mullet, Kate, and Gaz were watching me.

-My eyes betrayed my surprise at his presence. What was he doing here? Why now? How should I react?

-"Y/n, sorry for the crowd. I guess you have it."

-"Yes ma'am."

-My voice barely above a whisper was usual for Jocelyn. I handed her the manuscripts.

-"We're going to drink at the bar downstairs, do you want to come?"

-Come? To a crowded place, surrounded by drunk people, constant noise, blinding lights with the icing on the cake being a guy who blew me off for the year?

-"No, I'm busy tonight, sorry."

-"No problem."

-Slowly my heels turned, I took the elevator but I heard footsteps. Kyle was with me.

-"I was on a mission."

-"hm."

-"I know I told you no, but he… there were quite a few problems and I had to leave, I didn't have time to warn you, it dragged on, Ghost broke my phone by sitting on it with his stupid hard ass, and we just got back from the airport actually. Lasswell, Kate finally— she works with us so that's why I'm here"

-A silence stretched, he took a breath.

-"you didn't have to explain… I mean after the word mission, I understood I was wrong."

-"I wanted to be clear."

-"I should have asked and sent you messages."

-"No, it's okay, it must have seemed suspicious. I ask for your voice, you say no, and I disappear. The conclusion was logical."

-"but it wasn't the right one."

-"It's okay, we're here, aren't we?"

-"yes."

-The elevator rang, the door opened. Hesitant, I watched him.

-"I love it." -"hm?"

-"your voice."

-"Oh."

-"I… you're really busy tonight or…"

-"No, I just don't like…"

-"The crowd."he guessed

-"Hm."

-"I— I can invite you for dinner? At my place, we'll grab takeout, no crowds, no one to see us."

-"That sounds like the pitch of a serial killer."

-He widened his eyes. I snorted.

-"Okay, you got me." he chuckled.

-" At your place sounds good. Better than a restaurant." I admitted.

-"Cool, so…"

-"Shall we go then, yes". I murmured as he finally released the elevator button and we stepped out of the elevator.

_________________

-At his place, everything was calm.

-Not me.

-How should I stand? Too close? Too far? What to talk about? And what if I'm boring in the end? What to order? Does he like seafood or is he allergic? My eyes focused on every detail and…

-Everything's fine.

-His hand on mine, he took the initiative for the restaurant to order, asking me my preferences, and we waited for the delivery guy.

-Slowly, he asked questions about my work. I mastered it.

-And slowly everything unfolded naturally.

-Sitting on his couch, his hand not letting go of mine, he drew circles with his thumb while talking.

-I liked that. In groups, I liked… listening.

-People like to talk about themselves and I like listening to that, not participating, and Gaz understood that in such an impressive way.

-Occasionally, he asked questions in return, gauging my desire to speak, I answered and this back and forth held until the food arrived.

-Maybe everything would turn out for the best.

-Standing in front of his door, I didn't know what to add to this evening.

-A not-so-stranger, three years of virtual chat and now I was unable to figure out the right goodbye on his doorstep.

-Hesitant, we observed each other.

-"I hope we'll do this again."

-"Yes. "I replied.

-He stepped forward.

-I remained still, his face close to mine. -Kiss? Cheek? Goodbye? Whisper? -Which action would he choose? -I wished for a dice to decide, a title, or a "Gaz approves".

-"May I?"

-Oh. -I nodded. -His hands on my hips, he placed a brief kiss on my lips. -"I'm glad we managed to break the silence." -"me too."

-Perhaps, after all, I wouldn't return to my solitary silence tonight. His hands guiding me back to his apartment and the door closing behind us.

-I could easily guess that a die had just been thrown for a long evening and we both seemed to have the right score.

If you want more my COD Masterlist

[justabigassnerd]

The Talk

Pairing - Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell x daughter!reader, Bradley Bradshaw x Mitchell!reader

Word count - 2,701

Warnings - mentions of sex, lil' splash of angst, fluff

Summary - you and Bradley near the next step in your relationship, however, you worry about it

Sequel to - 'Overprotective Aviators'

A/N - what is up y'all? I appear once more to offer y'all a fic that was a lovely anon request! I had so much fun writing this and I hope I did the idea justice! I won't ramble so as per y'all, please send in requests, feedback and enjoy!!!

It had been almost one year since Bradley asked you out on a date and your relationship was still going strong. It took your dad a good week or so to actually process the fact you were dating his best friend’s son but after a long talk with Bradley which ended with Bradley ensuring he’d do his best by you and wouldn’t break your heart; your dad accepted it. Though it didn’t stop him from insisting you kept your PDA to a minimum when you were in his immediate vicinity.

The further into the relationship you got with Bradley, you started to get more intimate, lingering touches lasted longer than usual. You hadn’t had sex with Bradley, but your mind was screaming at you that you were getting clear signs you were nearing that step in your relationship. You were sure Bradley had much more relationship experience than you. He had girlfriends before he got with you, but Bradley was your first relationship. You had never been massively popular in high school so many boys didn’t look your way. Even if you did have boys throwing themselves at your feet, you were sure your dad would’ve chased them away sharpish.

Carole had quickly caught onto the changes that happened with you. She noticed how you and Bradley were more touchy than usual. How you often went off seeking privacy with him more often than not. She knew Maverick and Goose hadn’t picked up on the changes. She loved the two men dearly, but she knew there wasn’t a thought that occurred in their heads most of the time. She also knew that she should have a conversation with you, woman to woman.

One day, when Bradley was out with Maverick and Goose, working on repairs on the P-51 Mustang Maverick had found himself in possession of, Carole had headed over to your house, knocking on the door and greeting you with a smile.

“Hey, sweetie. Could we have a chat?” Carole asks as you invite her in, following you into the living room and sitting on the sofa as you nod.

“Of course. Is everything okay?” You reply, sitting down on the sofa, leaving a little gap between both you and her as your mind begins to race with worst-case scenarios.

“I just wanted to have a chat with you, woman to woman.” Carole says softly, taking one of your hands in hers and squeezing it softly. You remained silent, confused about what she was getting at.

“Now, sweetheart, I’ve noticed some changes with you and Bradley, and something is telling me you two are nearing that step where you are going to have sex for the first time.” Carole says, getting straight to the point as you feel your face get hot very suddenly.

“What? Carole, I don’t-”

“y/n, don’t bother denying it. I have eyes you know. It’s okay if you want to take that next step together.” Carole says, not letting you try and hide behind a lie. You remain silent for a moment, processing her words and thinking about your own doubts.

“I’m scared.” You admit quietly, dropping your head as Carole squeezes your hand softly, getting you to look at her.

“What are you scared of, sweetie?” Carole asks softly, her gaze never leaving you. She was all too aware that you didn’t have any kind of maternal figure in your life, so she always did her best to be a trusted woman in your life, especially since your dad had a tendency to sleep around and never get in a relationship.

“Bradley’s been in more relationships than me. He probably knows what to do and what not to do with things like that. I’m scared I’m not good enough for him.” You confess, blinking back the tears that threaten to spill past your defences as Carole coos quietly, bringing you into her arms as she rubs a hand up and down your back as she holds you tight.

“Oh y/n/n. You don’t need to worry about that. Bradley is most definitely head over heels for you. I know taking steps like this is scary, but communication is key in relationships, sweetie. Goose and I have to have conversations about things. Every couple needs communication, it’s what keeps relationships afloat. You don’t even need to have the conversation the next time you see him if it doesn’t feel right. Just make sure you do talk about it. I’m sure if you spoke to him, he’d understand. If he doesn’t then just know he’d have some hell to deal with because I did not raise him to be that way.” Carole says, pulling away and grinning when she notices the small smile creeping onto your face. You knew she was right, that relationships required communication and if you just spoke to Bradley, you were sure everything would be okay. Before you could say another word, you hear the front door unlock and Maverick announce his return with Goose and Bradley entering behind.

“Honey, what are you doing here?” Goose says the moment he sees Carole in the living room, immediately sweeping her up into his arms and pressing a delicate kiss upon her lips.

“Just wanted to keep y/n company while you men were gone.” Carole says, grinning up at her husband with loving eyes. Bradley then squeezes past his parents and sits alongside you, pulling you into a quick kiss.

“Hey, don’t push your luck, Bradshaw.” Maverick scolds as you and Bradley pull away from the kiss, smiling softly at each other.

“Dad.” You mutter, glancing over at Maverick who holds his hands up in mock surrender.

“Let’s go sit in the garden, the weather’s beautiful.” Bradley says, tugging you to your feet and leading you to the back door to head out into the garden as the adults watch with soft smiles. The second the two of you are out of sight, Carole turns to Maverick.

“Mav, we need to talk. Alone.”

“Wha- don’t you want to include me in this conversation too, honey?” Goose splutters, looking between Maverick and his wife.

“Nick, honey, I love you, but this is a Maverick thing. Besides, I know he’ll tell you the second the two of you are left alone.” Carole says, looking up at her husband and patting his cheek lovingly as he pouts lightly. Carole then grabs Maverick’s wrist, tugging him into the privacy of the kitchen and turning to face him the moment she hears Goose turning on the tv to occupy himself.

“What did you need to talk about, Carole?” Maverick says, leaning back against the kitchen counter with folded arms.

“You need to speak to your daughter.” Carole says bluntly looking at Maverick who blinks in shock.

“I literally spoke to her a minute ago.” Maverick starts, confused as to where Carole was going with this conversation.

“No. Your daughter is growing up Pete. And growing up means that when she gets into a serious relationship, she’s going to take that big step when she’s ready.” Carole says, watching as Maverick’s eyes narrow in confusion before widening in realisation.

“You don’t mean…” Maverick starts, knowing where Carole was going but hoping he was wrong.

“Sex? Yes, I do mean that.” Carole says as Maverick glances out the kitchen window, seeing you and Bradley curled up together in the hammock.

“I- are you- how did you find out?” Maverick manages to force out, looking back at Carole who bites back an amused grin at Maverick being rendered almost speechless for the first time in his life.

“I spoke to her, woman to woman. I gave her a little advice, but her dad needs to give her the rest.” Carole says, watching as Maverick’s shoulders slacken.

“You’ve given her some advice, why can’t you give her the rest? I’m not a woman.” Maverick says, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“Pete, I may be a woman but you’re her father. You’re the only parent she has, and she needs her dad to talk to her about this whether you like it or not. She needs you to teach her how to be safe when it comes to sex. I know it's an awkward conversation, believe me, I know. How do you think Goose fared when we gave the talk to Bradley? He couldn’t get a full sentence out, I think he stopped functioning altogether. I know it’s tough when you realise your kid is growing up, but they still need our love and support regardless of their growing independence. Just talk to her Mav.” Carole says, resting a hand on Maverick’s upper arm as she gives him a soft smile. Maverick sighs lightly, but nods his head regardless, looking down at the tiled kitchen floor.

“I’ll talk to her.” Maverick says as he shifts his gaze to look back up at Carole who pats his arm.

“Good. Now, let’s get back to Goose, he might go insane if he’s alone any longer.” Carole laughs lightly, turning around and opening the kitchen door and heading into the living room while Maverick remains rooted in place for a moment, thinking over how to approach the conversation with you, re-joining Carole, and Goose once he had collected his thoughts.

That evening, after the Bradshaw’s had headed home for the night, Maverick was sitting alongside you on the sofa as you watched the tv. Carole’s words echoed around Maverick’s head as he glanced at you out of the corner of his eye. Without warning, Maverick grabbed the remote and muted the tv, ignoring your protests.

“y/n, we need to talk.” Maverick starts, and you immediately have a feeling that you know where this is going.

“Did you speak to Carole?” You ask, fiddling with your fingers as you look down at your hands.

“I’d say she cornered me into the kitchen and spoke to me. But yes, we spoke.” Maverick says after letting out a weak chuckle.

“Dad, I-”

“Squirt, you’re going to need to let me talk, okay?” Maverick politely interrupts, shuffling around to face you properly.

“Carole told me that you reckon that you and Bradley are nearing that next step in your relationship. I need to make sure you know how to be safe when you do make that step. You need to know you have the right to say no if you don’t want to have sex. Don’t let yourself feel pressured into saying yes if you don’t want to. As long as you’re safe and know you have the right to say ‘no’, you’ll be fine. I just want you to be safe.” Maverick says, making you look up at him before he offers you a soft smile before he reaches out, wraps an arm around your shoulders and tugs you into his side.

“Bradley won’t force me to do anything, will he?” You ask, looking up at your dad who softens.

“No, sweetheart. As much as I like to pretend that he annoys me because he’s dating you, I know he’s so in love with you and Goose and Carole raised him to be nothing but respectful. It’s just important that you know that you can say no if you don’t want to have sex.” Maverick assures, rubbing a hand up and down your back before pressing a kiss to the top of your head as you nod against his side.

“I really love Bradley. I’m scared I’m not good enough for him because I don’t have as much relationship experience as him.” You admit quietly, curling further into your dad’s arms like you were little again.

“Oh, y/n/n. Like I said, Bradley is hopelessly in love with you. He’s as in love with you as Goose is in love with Carole. You have nothing to worry about.” Maverick reassures, squeezing you lightly.

“Carole said a similar thing.” You say as you laugh lightly to yourself as you remember Carole’s words from earlier. Maverick didn’t reply, opting to stay silent and relish the feeling of you curled in his arms. He knew you were growing more independent by the day, and that you would reach a point where you wouldn’t want to find solace in your father’s arms anymore, so he relished any moment he got with you.

“I love you, dad.” You mumble, smiling to yourself when you feel your dad press another kiss to the top of your head.

“I love you too, y/n.” Maverick whispers as you return your attention to the muted television, planning on how to approach Bradley with the conversation.

The time for you to speak to Bradley came a couple of days later, Maverick and Goose were at Top Gun, teaching, and Carole was out visiting some friends, so you had gone around to Bradley’s house. The two of you were upstairs in his room and sat on his bed as you kissed each other passionately. As you pulled away, resting your foreheads against each other, Bradley’s hand brushed against your thigh as he moved to set it on your hip. You tensed up at the contact and Bradley noticed, immediately pulling away and looking at you worriedly.

“Are you okay?” Bradley asked, his eyes searching yours as you silently scold yourself for flinching at Bradley’s touch. You’d never flinched at his touch before, but you knew why you had done so. It was time to have the conversation you were most fearing.

“Bradley, I feel like we’re getting close to that step in our relationship where we… you know… have sex and I’m going to be honest; I’m terrified I’m not going to be good enough for you. You’ve been in relationships before, and I don’t know how well I measure up to old girlfriends you had.” You ramble, opening your mouth to speak more but being stopped by Bradley gently resting a finger on your lips to silence you.

“Honey, let me talk for a moment, okay? It’s okay if you don’t have much relationship experience, we all start somewhere. I don’t know everything about relationships. I love you, and there’s no rush about anything. We don’t have to have sex or anything unless we’re both ready. There’s no rush for anything. Yes, we’re getting a bit more intimate but that doesn’t mean we have to be leaping into anything if we’re not ready. We can take it slow, that’s more than okay.” Bradley says, his gentle smile never leaving his face as he speaks, his finger moving from your lip so he can cup your face gently, his smile widening as you leaned into his touch.

“I love you too Bradley. Sorry for blurting all that out, I’ve just been panicking for a couple of days.” You apologise, attempting to bury your face in his palm. Bradley carefully removes his hand so he can see you properly.

“There’s my beautiful girl. It’s okay. I’m glad we talked about this. My parents always tell me that communication is important. I also want to be sure you know you can always come to me to talk if you need to.” Bradley says softly, leaning in and pressing his forehead to yours as a smile breaks out across your face.

“And you can always talk to me if you need.” You say, quickly leaning closer to press a quick kiss to Bradley’s lips. Just as you pull away, Bradley grabs your waist and pulls you back in, kissing you again as you bite back a giggle at your boyfriend’s sudden movement.

“Is this okay?” Bradley asks as he pulls away, his eyes flicking down to his hands before looking back up at you.

“More than okay.” You confirm, kissing him once more until the need for air becomes too much.

“As much as I’d love to keep kissing you. I had a date idea. There’s that new mini-golf place that has just opened along the beach. I was thinking we could go there and test it out, a bit of fun and competition.” Bradley says after pulling away and a cheeky smile crosses his face.

“I hope you’re ready to lose Bradshaw.” You say, a smirk covering your face.

“In your dreams, Mitchell.”

[queenslimeball]

Living in a Bush

Kurt Kunkle x male!reader

Requested by; @batzfailz

Contents; Fluff

Summary; M/n gets in Kurt's spree before recognising his childhood bestfriend.

Kurt bobs his head along to the music in his car while he sits on his phone. He's been driving people around on spree all day, but just now he's started to get tired. One more. He keeps on telling himself. Just one more, then I'll go home. There's been seven one mores.

The wait for one more passenger seems to be forever. There's no shock to it, though. It's the middle of winter and it's almost 1am. Kurt puts his car into drive, about to give up and drive home, but he gets a notification from his phone. One more.

He instantly clicks on accepting the passenger and puts his phone down. He doesn't really care who he picks up. He's just excited to talk to one last person. He follows the directions, and pulls up to where he hopes the person he's getting is.

Kurt lowers the window and sticks his head out to look for who he's getting. Nobody around. Strange. Kurt jumps and almost yells when he hears the door open and close behind him. He twists around with a smile to see what kind of person he's picked up this time.

"Hey, my name's Kurt!" He introduces like usual. But something seems different. He feels like he knows the boy sitting in his backseat and he can't quite place it. He opens his mouth to ask if he knows him, but the boy has already started talking.

"Nice to meet you, man. I'm so glad you could pick me up, like– you would not believe the day I've had." The boy starts. Kurt turns around and looks at his phone. He starts to drive with the directions from the app.

"I went over to my friend's for a chat, right? And she ended up inviting every damn person she knew, so it ended up a fuckin' party when I was not after that. But then her dog ran out because someone left the door open and everyone went out to find it and..."

Kurt's mind channels out the boy's non-stop talking as he stares at the name on his phone. M/n. He knows this guy from somewhere. But he just can't figure out where. He dives real deep into his memory, but can't find anything.

He looks into the rear view mirror and stares at M/n for a moment. Not to be creepy, but as if trying to solve the puzzle. Solve the puzzle.

While their parent's chat away, incoherent to their little ears, the two boys sit on the floor, rummaging through a pile of puzzle pieces to try and complete it. There are only few pieces layed out already. Neither of them can seem to figure out what next.

"Kurt, seriously, kid? You got the right piece in your hand." His dad says, pointing at where it should go. All the parents look his way. A small Kurt looks at the piece in his hand and looks at the floor. He fits it in place, looking rather proud of himself after. The small M/n looks just as proud of him, like he's just changed the world.

M/n! Kurt smiles to himself as he remembers his childhood friend. He looks in the rear view mirror again. He wants to tell him about it, but M/n just keeps on going on. It's like he doesn't stop. Kurt hears a slight pause and quickly jumps in.

"Hey, uh! I think I know you." Kurt says quickly, not wanting to let M/n start rambling again. He glances over his shoulder at him with a smile, hoping he remembers.

"...I don't think so, man." M/n replies, looking directly at Kurt, as if to try and remember his face.

"I think so." Kurt replies. "When we were kids... we went to school together... our parents were friends.. but I moved away. Kurt!"

M/n's face changes very quickly. "Woah! Oh my god, Kurt? Like, Kunkle? No way!"

"See, I told you!"

"Wow, I couldn't even recognise you. Sorry about that, man." M/n laughs, more out of embarrassment. Kurt shrugs, not taking any offence to it. "I guess it's the hair..?"

"It's all good. I wouldn't recognise me either, so it's okay."

Kurt runs around the garden, searching every perimeter. He spots a bush rustle, and he narrows his eyes. He slowly approaches, grabbing a toy sword on the way to prod at the bush. It rustles again, and Kurt giggles.

"Are you in there?" Kurt asks, sticking the sword further in. The "ow!" That comes from the bush proves him right. Kurt lowers down and crawls into the bush. He finds M/n curled up inside. He playfully gives him a push.

"Found ya!" Kurt exclaims, curling up with M/n in the bush. "It's nice in here, isn't it?"

"I don't really wanna leave." M/n nods in agreement.

"We could stay here forever." Kurt suggests, confidence in his gentle voice. "My parents can have the house, it's fine."

"Really? That sounds so fun!" M/n replies excitedly. They both giggle, Kurt's dirty blond hair becoming ruffled by the lose twigs. "Boys! Dinner is ready!" It's Kurt's mother.

"Shh! shh! shh!" "Quiet!"

Kurt had pulled over somewhere, anywhere, it doesn't matter. He's climbed into the back so he can catch up with M/n after so long.

"So what brings you to Azusa?" Kurt asks.

"I moved out, but it's more affordable here, so..." M/n shrugs.

"You have your own place!? That's crazy, man. I'm still at my parents'." Kurt replies, scratching the back of his neck.

"It's crazy we're not living in a Bush together, right?" M/n jokes.

"Oh my god! You remember that?" Kurt laughs. "We were so sure we'd stay out there forever."

"The rain kinda put me off, to be honest." M/n chuckles.

The laughter dies down, and they're left with a silence. Not exactly awkward, but unreadable. Neither can quite tell what's going on as they stare into each other's eyes.

"I missed you." Kurt admits, breaking the silence. What he intended to say was "How's life treating you?" . But, his mouth has betrayed him.

M/n is flattered. He doesn't know how to react at first, just making sounds between a laugh and a heavy exhale. "I missed you, too."

Kurt stands by his family car as he stares into M/n's eyes. Tears have already escaped down his face. His parents are moving back and forth from the house to the trunk with bags.

"You're leaving?" M/n is crying now, too.

"I didn't know." Kurt admits, wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

"You can't leave.."

"I'm sorry!" Kurt cries out as they both dash into each other's arms, sobs escaping from both of them. Kurt's parents awkwardly try to step around them as they hug and cry for what seems to be a little too long.

"C'mon, kid. We're going." Kurt's dad says, opening the door and nodding towards it to try and get Kurt to hurry up.

Kurt looks back to M/n. It's the hardest decision of his life so far, even when it's not a decision that he can even make. He can't choose to stay, as much as he wants to. He slowly steps back from M/n, their arms falling limp from each other.

"I'll never forget you." Kurt promises.

"I won't forget you either."

"I'll find you. I know I will." He says, looking over his shoulder as he gets in the car. Kurt's dad slams the door shut, and gets in the car, too. The car gradually starts to drive into the distance, but M/n chases after as fast as his little legs can carry him. Which, ultimately, is not very fast. He trips over a pothole and hits the asphalt on his forearms and chest. He lifts his head in a whip, not caring about the physical pain, but the emotional.

He makes eye contact with Kurt through the back window as the car disappears from sight.

"I, uh– Really don't wanna say goodbye again, y'know. So I was wondering.." Kurt murmurs quietly, feeling too awkward to spit the words out he needs.

"Are you gonna ask for my number?" M/n said it for him, which is a huge relief. Kurt points and nods.

"Yeah, that!"

"I'd love for you go have it." M/n assures, making sure Kurt doesn't feel nervous about this. They exchange numbers and save their contacts, making sure they've got it right before anything else.

"Haha... uh... maybe we could go out sometime?" Kurt questions.

"Like a date?"

"Like a date, yeah!"

The boys had snuck into M/n's sister's room. It's much different to their usual hangout spots, but they're too young to care.

Kurt sits at the small, child's table, pushing a teddy bear out the way, and M/n sits opposite. They pretend to sip tea from the empty teacups, discussing all sorts of things that go on in their underdeveloped minds.

"I brought you to this restaurant to ask you something." M/n says, getting off the chair and standing by the table. He slowly sinks onto one knee. "Kurt, will you marry me?" He asks with a haribo ring.

Kurt feigns an overdramatic gasp. He nods. "Yes, yes, yes!" He stands from the table and M/n puts the ring on the wrong finger, but neither notice. They jump about, holding onto each other.

"What are you boys so happy about?" M/n's mother asks as she enters to put some clothes away into the sister's wardrobe.

"I'm gonna marry Kurt!" "We're getting married!"

"That's nice, boys."

[mirai-e-jump]

ViVi Magazine, February 2024 Issue Murakami Erica x Hirakawa Yuzuki Interviews (translation below)

Publication: December 22, 2023

Erica and Yuzuyan's rambling talk

The close combination of Hirakawa-chan, known as Yuzuyan, and Erica appear for the first time in ViVi. During this photoshoot, we could feel the close friendship between them, as they giggled and talked the whole time. We asked alot about these two, who are a hot topic right now.

-Our youth is now! Anyway…I'm so glad we met~!-

"What do you call each other?"

Erica: Everyone calls her Yuzuyan.

Yuzuki: I've never had a nickname before, but I got one for the first time on set (laughs). I call her Marie.

Erica: I think everyone at ViVi was surprised to call me by that name. Actually, my real middle name is Marie, and everyone on set of the show calls me Marie. I'm so happy about my secret name~

"What is it like on set?"

Yuzuki: We chat alot while waiting to film. There's the 6 of us filming together, and when we've all gathered, it's like break time at school (laughs). It's so loud and noisy!

Erica: Someone will get into things, someone else will join in and do something stupid, and so on and so forth (laughs). Every day is jam packed with inside jokes. It's silly, but the 6 of us spending time together is so much fun~.

Yuzuki: We've been filming together almost every day for 10 months, so our friendship levels are amazing. From the very beginning, when we first started filming, we were all in perfect sync and got along well. But, when the cameras start rolling, everyone gets serious. It's amazing how everyone's faces change so quickly!

"What kind of personalities do you two have?"

Yuzuki: Marie is, in a single word, a bomb (laughs). Marie's explosive power when she's tired is insane (laughs). She'll suddenly explode and become cheerful. And, we all get caught up in it and get excited too (laughs).

Erica: We spend so much time on the set, that if we don't talk, I get sleepy, so I feel at ease exploding because everyone will pick up the pieces (laughs).

Yuzuki: She does things that go way beyond what you'd expect, so I never get tired of watching her. I'm like, "Even though you're so cute, why would you do something like this?" She's constantly one upping how interesting she can be (laughs). I can't tell if she's trying to be funny or if it's all natural.

Erica: Thanks for letting me do it, and for being on the receiving end (laughs). Yuzuyan is everyone's "straight man" older sister, but she can also be everyone's little sister.

Yuzuki: I'm often described as being a 5th grade boy~. We're the "mess around" combo.

"What does your existence mean to each other?"

Erica: After becoming an adult, I never thought I'd meet someone who I could mess around with so much, even more so through work!

Yuzuki: I'm so glad that someone like her exists, where we can joke around and laugh like this as friends 💜.

"What were your first impressions and current impressions?"

Yuzuki: I knew of Marie's modeling from reading ViVi, and I thought she was just so~ cute and looked like a doll. But, the more I learned about her, the more I thought she was like a bomb (laughs).

Erica: My first impression of Yuzuyan was that she was a very refreshing person. But in reality, she talks alot and is hyperactive (laughs). She notices things that other people don't see and takes the initiative to follow up, and is very considerate. From the very beginning, I felt like she was a dependable older sister. She's also good at remembering directions (laughs).

"How was today's shoot? How do you like Erica as a ViVi model?"

Yuzuki: When I look through ViVi, Marie is so cool…..she doesn't always look like this! It makes me want to get involved (laughs). She wears cool clothes and her expressions are amazing! It's so cool!!

Erica: This was the first time for the two of us to do a photoshoot together for a fashion magazine. I was happy to be able to work as a model like I usually do. We were able to shoot as our usual natural selves, which was alot of fun and very fresh. I thought it would be so much fun to shoot with someone who understands me.

Yuzuki: For today's shoot, she led me around alot, and I was impressed by the fact that she was such a great ViVi model!

"Do you see any similarities between yourself and the role you play in Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger?"

Erica: I think we share the same caring nature. However, I myself am not strong willed, so I admire her for that.

Yuzuki: I think we're similar in that we have humanity. We're both basically no nonsense, and we have our "on and off" switch. However, while my role is to be immovable, I'm actually extremely hyperactive, which is the complete opposite.

[bibbityboppitybillyharvgrove]

Stream-Mas - E.Munson

Summary - Eddie gets his stream crashed once again but this time comes a different surprise to his viewers. Kinda a part 2 to Stream Crasher but can be read as a stand-alone.

Word Count - 834

Warnings - Use of Y/N, female reader, mentions of food, mentions of stretch marks

Author’s Note - Welcome to day 13 of 25! We’re getting there, slowly but surely. I have been busy writing so hopefully everything will be written in advance but we’ll see. I hope you enjoy!

my masterlist

25 days of fics masterlist

Feedback is welcomed and encouraged

Enjoy!

not my gif

not my gif

It had been a good amount of time since Eddie had streamed with his wife crashing. However, he had decided that for the month of December, he’d stream everyday until Christmas Eve. So because of this, he was more likely to get his stream crashed once again. He had been almost all the way through, day 23 to be exact without a crash. As he was streaming a replay of Hogwarts Legacy, he heard his wife’s usual gentle knock before the door slowly swung open, the hinges creaking gently.

“Sorry to interrupt honey, I’m just bringing you some food before I go lay down,” She apologized as she approached her husband who was sporting his usual t-shirt and sweats combo, his large headphones draped over his ears.

“Don’t apologize baby. Why are you going to lay down? You feel okay?” He asked his wife, gently taking the plate from her hands. It was some cut fruit and a steaming hot omelette. 

“Just tired, this pregnancy is kicking my ass.” Eddie took off his headphones and made his way to his pregnant and tired wife.

“You didn’t have to make me anything, baby. You go rest with the little one. I’m gonna wrap up my stream so I can spend some time with you.” Before she could protest, Eddie planted a kiss to her lips before giving her a stern look. She nodded at him, kissing his cheek before heading off to their bedroom. As he sat back down and put his headphones back on, he looked at his chat.

It had completely blown up with comments about the interaction he had just had with his wife. Everyone was surprised that they were expecting a baby. As he began to read the questions, he started to eat the food his wife had made him. “I see you guys have a lot of questions so I’ll answer some before ending the stream. As for how far along she is, she’s 7 months in so not long now. We are very excited to meet our little girl and spoil her rotten. So when the baby is born, I will very likely take a bit of a break from streaming until we get a feel for being parents and getting a routine down. We do have a name but we decided not to share her identity on the internet, I’ll probably refer to her as the baby or my little girl or princess but I’m gonna try to avoid using her name,” Eddie rambled to his stream, reading over the comments of constant ‘congratulations’ coming through, some questions thrown in but the comments were flying by too quick to really read them.

“So I’m cutting the stream shorter than usual but I will be back tomorrow for the last day. Thank you all for the well wishes and congratulations, I love you guys. See you tomorrow.” Eddie ended the stream, shutting down his equipment and lights, going to the kitchen to clean up whatever was including his dirty plate before heading to his wife who was asleep on the bed with the TV playing Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. He walked in quietly, shutting off the lamp on her bedside table, leaving the TV on as he climbed into the bed. 

“How long was I asleep?” Y/N asked, her voice muddled with sleep.

“Not long baby, go back to sleep. You’re tired, you and princess need the rest,” Eddie assured her.

“Cuddle with me, I missed you.” Eddie wasn’t complaining, quickly respecting his wife’s wishes and pulling her body as close to his as possible. Her head falling onto his chest, her arm plopped over her abdomen without care. His arms were wrapped around her, one arm around her back and the other over her arm with that hand gently tracing up and down her arm, his other hand resting on the side of her belly where he felt the baby’s little feet pushing on.

“She’s gonna be an mma fighter. She’s always kicking the crap outta you,” Eddie joked as his hand aimlessly traced over her belly and the stretch marks that littered her skin.

“You’re telling me. She kicked my ribs this morning, damn near knocked the wind outta me.” The two shared a sleepy laugh before the room fell into a comfortable silence.

“I love you,” Eddie broke the silence after a couple minutes.

“Love you more, Eds.”

If you had told Eddie from his freshman year that this is where he’d be years in the future, he wouldn’t believe you. His dreams had absolutely come true, he had his dream girl, a career he never expected on top of the one he had planned and a baby on the way. He had slept more soundly than usual, his wife in his arms, feeling his baby kick his hand from where it was resting and the sounds of his wife’s favorite movie from her favorite franchise. He wouldn’t trade it for the world.

[meep-moops-stuff]

Sidney Crosby x Reader - Found Father

“You can let it go, you can throw a party full of everyone you know / and not invite your family cause they never showed you love”

It was finally winter in Pittsburgh, meaning the temperature was starting to get colder and the snow was starting to fall.

A month had gone by since Sidney paid for y/n’s latte and it ended well. They ended up chatting afterwards about her degree in social work and all she has to study.

Sidney never went to college, so he found it interesting to hear about the true college experience.

Ever since then, and every time Sidney would walk into the cafe, he’d find book girl in her usual corner. He’d always give her a little wave or say a small hello as he’d walk by.

But today had ended differently.

Sidney made his usual order at the cash register and waited for his drink to be made when he saw y/n talking on the phone and she did not look impressed.

He kept his eyes on her as he grabbed his coffee and made his way over to her hair as she hung up and took her glasses off to rub her eyes.

“You ok?” Sidney asked gently.

Y/n looked up and smiled but sighed.

“The stupid power is out at my apartment complex because of the wind and snow. And they won’t get it back on until tomorrow afternoon.” She explained.

Sidney set his drink down and sat in the chair across from her.

“What? So you won’t have any heat? It’s supposed to get really cold tonight” Sidney said with a stern tone.

Book girl put her glasses back on and leaned back in her chair, shutting her laptop as she looked outside.

“Yeah I won’t have any heat tonight.” She mumbled. She watched the snow fall as she began to bounce her knee, trying to figure out what to do.

“Have you asked your parents if you could stay with them?” Sidney asked.

Y/n chuckled and shook her head.

“No. I don’t really talk to my family anymore.” She said softly.

“You can stay with me I have a guest room” Sidney blurted out.

Y/n stopped bouncing her leg and looked at Sidney in surprise.

Sidney’s eyes widened, realizing what he had just said.

Why doesn’t he think before talking sometimes?

He cleared his throat and sat up, trying to figure out how to make things less awkward.

“I didn’t mean that weirdly like you can stay with me. I’d be in my own room obviously and the guest room is like not close to mine so you’d be totally safe” he rambled out.

His face started to get red and he knew this looked bad.

Y/n smiled as she crossed her arms and began to giggle at how awkward Sidney was making this.

“I just made it even more awkward by adding that, didn’t I?”

Y/n nodded and sat up and took a sip of her hot coffee.

Sidney looked at his watch and noticed it was 5pm and the sun would set soon.

“But I did mean it. You can stay at my place in the guest room until your heat is back on. I don’t want you freezing to death” he said softly.

“I’ve known you for maybe three months at this point and you’re just going to offer up your guest room like it’s no big deal?” Y/n asked.

Sidney shrugged and traced circles on his coffee cup.

“Well I think it’s safe to say you aren’t a serial killer based off what I know…so yeah” he said, causing her to smile.

“How do I know you aren’t a serial killer though?” She asked and smiled.

Sidney chuckled and tilted his head to the side.

“That’s true. I could be. But I’m too busy to be one” he said.

She giggled again and cracked her knuckles as she looked back outside to see the sun beginning to set.

“Ok. I’ll take up the offer”

Sidney nodded and set his empty coffee cup back down on the table and cleared his throat.

“Ok do you need a ride? I can drive you to grab some things and then we can head back to my place and-“

Sidney stopped talking as he looked at y/n who was already done packing up her back pack and putting her winter jacket on.

“I have a car. I can drive to yours or follow you” she said softly.

Sidney scratched the back of his head and nodded, forgetting that she was probably able to drive.

“I have extra clothes in my car. I’ll be fine” she added.

Sidney nodded again, not sure of what to say.

“Well are you ready to go?” He asked.

Y/n nodded and smiled as she grabbed her car keys out of her pocket and stood up as Sidney stood up.

“Well after you” he said and gestured towards the door, making her smile.

He walked behind her out the entrance and as soon as the cold air hit his face, everything dawned on him.

He’s really letting her stay in his guest room?

She’s maybe 20 at the oldest. He doesn’t even know her age, just her first name and why she goes to college.

He was joking before about the serial killer comment but what if she is?

And what if she-

“Sid? Are you ok? This is my car”

He was snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the car she was standing at, about to get in.

He nodded and pointed to his car that was a couple cars in front of hers.

“I’ll pull out and you can follow me” he said and smiled.

He turned to walk to his car as he heard y/n shut her car door. He let out a breath he had been holding in and made his way to his car.

As he got into the drivers seat and closed the door, he stared at the steering wheel.

If this was any other person, he would’ve left right away. But something was different when it came to y/n. She seemed different, like she needed help. Some sort of extra support.

Sidney isn’t a parent but he knows when his paternal instincts come in, and when he heard she was be staying in a freezing cold apartment, he couldn’t let that happen.

He finally snapped out of his thoughts and started his car up, making sure y/n was behind him through his review mirror as he pulled away.

[its-desca]

People post their fics on tumblr sometimes. Right.

Uhhh anyways Engiespy fic below the cut where they are both aspec. 3.5k words.

Link to Ao3 version in reblogs because I don’t trust tumblr not to hide the post if I add a link. I’m gonna write one more short chapter so you can go bookmark it there if u wanna see that 👍

Late nights in Dell’s workshop weren’t supposed to go like this.

He and Spy had been sitting on opposite ends of his old, worn couch. Spy always insisted on taking the more intact side of the cushion, waxing on about Dell’s poor choice of interior decor, but it only ever made the shorter man laugh, as he knew Spy would always show for their Friday movie nights. They’d settle in, sometimes Dell would crack open a couple beers (for himself of course, Spy hated the stuff), and the two would relentlessly criticize each and every aspect of whatever they were watching, laughing all the while. It was the perfect way to end off a usually stressful week, and with Dell’s insistence to take as many late nights as possible working, it was also the only time he’d get anywhere near eight hours of sleep. Mostly.

This was one of those nights. The film had ended a few moments before, the credits beginning to silently slide by.

“Well, that was stupid,” Dell started, stretching his arms back and yawning. “I mean, seriously, when they blew that guy up the trajectory of his limbs was completely wrong. And did you even see that effect for the shotgun blast? Ridiculous! It’s like he got shot with twelve lil’ pistols, that ain’t what shells look like in the slightest, right?”

His short ramble was returned with silence, and after a moment Dell furrowed his brow, turning to look at his friend. Spy loved accosting the poor special effects directors, it wasn’t like him to spare even an inch of criticism at any chance he got. But when Dell looked over, he was surprised to find Spy staring straight back at him, his dull blue eyes locked onto him with a strange look.

“Spy?” Dell asked, concern edging into his tone. “You alright there, partner?”

Spy took a deep breath and reached over, gently taking the engineer’s hand. It was such a soft, intimate motion, that Dell immediately froze up, a faint blush starting to creep over his features. Oh no.

“Dell,” Spy said softly. “You’re… a very wonderful man.”

Dell hadn’t known there was a good kind of blush back when he was young, flitting from girl to girl at his fathers insistence, desperately trying to cling to the vestiges of every relationship he could manage to find. “You’re just flustered,” he’d been told when he brought this up. He’d convinced himself yes, that’s what it was. It was not an easy feat.

“We have been convening for quite some time now and… well… I have recently begun to see something different in you,” Spy continued. He seemed intent on maintaining eye contact through what he was saying, but Dell could tell he was struggling.

“And that is…?” Dell laughed nervously. Please. Please no.

“I… I believe I am in love with you Dell. I would like to know if you feel the same.”

Dell opened his mouth to reply, but couldn’t find the words, panic welling in his chest. It was over. Every good thing he and Spy had, every conversation, every joke, every cheap beer and fancy glass of wine, every long night in his workshop, every early morning chatting on the balcony, had all amounted to nothing. Again. It always ended this way.

Spy let out a breath after a moment, seeming to take his hesitance as an answer. The look in his eyes hurt more than anything he could have said. He leaned back, withdrawing his hand from the Engineer’s grasp, and Dell had to stop himself from reaching out again. The distance apart was unbearable, the air suddenly feeling so much colder against his empty hand.

Dell wouldn’t cry, not now. He shouldn’t have even been able to cry, because something was wrong with him, something was broken. He’d been to doctors. He’d been to therapists. Hell, he’d even tried talking to Medic. But nothing came up on tests, the psychologists would say he just hadn’t met the right person, and Medic had given him such a puzzled look he gave up immediately. Well, by all means, the right person was right in front of him. The right person should have been in front of him. But he felt nothing in the hollow hole of his heart but shame.

“I’m sorry- I just-“ Dell found the words tumbling out of his mouth before he could stop them, the sound of his voice much shakier than he would have liked.

“No, no, it is alright. I understand if men are… ah… not your taste-“ Spy cut in.

“That’s- not- Women ain’t either,” Dell blurted out. He immediately regretted his outburst, embarrassment crawling in his stomach with the strange look Spy gave him.

“Then…” Spy spoke slowly, as if every word might scare his coworker away. “What… if you don’t mind me asking… is your taste?”

Dell’s throat felt tight as he searched for an answer to the question he’d asked himself over and over again. “I… don’t know.”

He leaned over and put his face in his hands, taking a deep, shuddering breath. As the fingers in his still-flesh hand met his cheek, he drew them back to find them wet. He had sworn he wouldn’t cry.

“I’m sorry.” Dell muttered. “You’re a fine man and I don’t… I just… I’m awfully sorry. You… you can go.”

Dell stared at the ground, trying to take deep breaths. He waited for the telltale sign of footsteps, the sound of a cloak, something. What he wasn’t expecting was for a gloved hand to gently meet his back. The engineer looked up.

Spy’s face was unreadable, not an unusual appearance for the man, but this time he looked more lost. The man opened his mouth and closed it, trying to parse some kind of response.

He finally spoke, “Dell, really, it is alright. Please do not worry about me-“

“-I do worry about you though!” Dell interrupted. “I think about you all the damn time! You’re always hiding yourself away in that fancy old room of yours, never showing up to nights out on the town, answering every question with a question. Do you ever hang out with anyone other than me? Ever?”

Spy’s eyes widened at his outburst, but he didn’t say anything.

“That ain’t good for you, Spy. You can’t just close yourself off to the world and be a one man show.”

Spy scoffed at this, turning away, “Says who?”

Dell grabbed Spy’s shoulder and turned him around to look him in the eye. “Says me. Because I care about you. I care about you… a whole damn lot. And I don’t…” he felt his eyes sting with tears again. “Something’s busted up in my head, I’m sure of it. Because you’re great. You’re smart as a whip, and- and funny, and caring, and handsome, and… a whole buncha other stuff I can’t think of right now because I’m upset.”

Spy’s eyes widened and he stuttered, the blush under his mask creeping up to the bridge of his nose. “Q-Quoi?”

Dell took a deep breath, leaning back. “I mean it. I don’t… I’m awfully sorry, Spy, I just…” He trailed off awkwardly, leaving the two of them in silence for a moment.

Spy had diverted his eyes to the floor, his lips pressed together in concentration. Dell could practically hear the gears turning in his head, but couldn’t possibly fathom what there was to be processing.

After a long pause, Spy looked up again. Dell nervously shifted as the man spoke, “Monsieur Conagher… what you are describing… sounds like love to me.”

Dell sighed and shook his head, having gotten all too familiar with this reaction at this point in his life He usually didn’t try to explain himself further, but something was different about Spy. As he stared back at him, he could see something lurking beneath the surface of those murky blue eyes. Something he couldn’t quite place, but compelled him to keep talking.

“It’s like… you know how you love a friend differently than a partner?” Dell tried. Spy stared at him blankly, and the engineer sighed, rubbing his temples. “No, that’s not right, lemme start over.”

“Way I see it, there are three ways to love someone. You can love them as a friend, where you’re fine just sittin around and shooting the breeze, maybe throwing back a couple of beers. You can love them the way you’d love a partner, where you wanna go on dates and the like,” Dell scratched the back of his neck. “That one flies over my head a bit. Like, I’d be fine going on a date with someone. Just not… in a romantic sort of fashion. All friend-like would be fine.”

Spy raised an eyebrow, speaking again, “You said there were three kinds of attraction?”

“Well, yeah… I suppose you can go and figure out what the third one is.”

“I presume it is of a sexual nature?”

Dell’s face reddened, “Well you don’t have to just go and say it!”

“Hm.” Spy pulled out a cigarette and lights it, taking a long drag before looking back over. “Why the refusal to speak about it?”

The shorter man crossed his arms, huffing, “I ain’t refusing nothing! It just ain’t proper, is all.”

Spy chuckled, throwing Dell a look. “Well, in that case, where do you fall on the matter?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“As you appear to not experience this attraction of the ‘romantic’ sort, do you experience any sexual attraction?”

The blush on Dell’s face deepened, and he looked away. “Well, that’s a tricky question. I do experience… well… some kinda… that.” He gestured vaguely. “But it ain’t exactly to other people. Like I wouldn’t say no necessarily if it was offered, but… you know… not something I’m looking for.”

The smirk on Spy’s face melted into a more neutral expression as he hummed thoughtfully, shifting his gaze back to the T.V. The credits to the movie were over at this point, static casting a faint glow over the man’s masked features. Dell couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like behind the disguise. A few defining features crept through the fabric, high cheekbones, an aquiline nose, a strong chin, but not enough so that Dell felt he could identify the man without it.

The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes before Spy broke it again. “This… romantic… type of attraction you speak of. Would you mind describing what it… feels like?”

“Well, I’ve only had it described to me through others, so can’t say for certain I’m the best source. But from what I’ve heard, you start thinking about that person all the time. When you’re around them your knees get kinda weak and your head all fuzzy. You get hit with overwhelming urges to do stuff like kiss em or hold their hand.” Dell shrugged. “Stuff like that I reckon.”

Spy’s lip curled with disgust. “Sounds like a disease. Are you sure?”

The engineer laughed, grinning back. “I know, right! People describe their partners same way I talk about my blueprints!”

“You are the only one who feels this way about math.”

Dell’s smile widened and he clapped his hand on Spy’s shoulder playfully, “And that’s why I’m the best goddamn engineer this side of the Mississippi!”

Spy chuckled in response, taking another drag of his cigarette. Dell looked at him thoughtfully, the gears beginning to turn in his head while he evaluated the man before him.

“Spy?” Dell started, trying to sound casual. “Are you saying that you reckon you might… feel the same?”

Spy huffed, furrowing his brow. “The way you are describing romance is not the way I perceive it.”

“How’s that, then?”

Spy thought for a moment, his eyes searching the floor for something that didn’t seem to be there. “I am… uncertain. But I have treated romance as a natural progression of friendship. A strong sense of camaraderie with another, where you take additional actions such as ‘dates’ or ‘kissing’ to express the nature of this relationship. Although, this does not appear to be… the ‘correct’ way. As you’ve described.”

Dell wondered, for a brief moment, if he’s dreaming. If this was just some horrible trick his brain was playing on him to make him think he’s finally not alone. “So… you said you loved me? You still… think that?”

“Well… there are multiple ways, yes? I am… beginning to believe it was in the way of a friend as opposed to a lover,” Spy responded slowly.

“Well…” Dell thought for a second. “I know a way we could test it.”

“And that is?”

Dell took a deep breath, wondering if what he’s about to say is stupid. “Kiss me.”

Spy’s face immediately reddened. “What?!” he spluttered incredulously. “I thought you said-“

“It wouldn’t be in a ‘lovers’- or, whatever you called it- kind of way. We could do a… a friends… kiss?”

Spy scoffed, “There is no such thing.”

“Why not?” Dell gently reached over, taking Spy’s hand. The man looked back at him like a deer caught in headlights, and Dell almost laughed. So much for that suave Frenchman he so adamantly claimed to be. “If you don’t wanna, that’s fine. But I think-“

Dell was interrupted by Spy’s lips crashing against his, the man pulling at his overalls to bring him forward in an almost desperate motion. He squeaked in surprise, trying to orient himself better on the couch into a more comfortable position before starting to kiss back, although he’d admit that he did so with much less finesse than the Frenchman.

It was strange to kiss Spy in this way, something in the way that they met feeling different than the other times Dell had kissed someone. His face was hot, sure, and he felt a little bit like he might keel over at any moment. But there was so much less intention behind every movement, something more playful and relaxed about the way Spy’s hands curled around his back. It was… nice. That was, until Spy started trying to get tongue involved, and Dell pulled away, laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Spy asked after a moment, looking a little bit dazed.

“You taste like cigarettes!” Dell laughed.

Spy’s offended look made the engineer laugh even harder. “I do not!” the Frenchman snapped in indignation.

“You sure as the devil do! It’s like kissing a hooker!”

Spy scoffed. “Well, you kiss comme un adolescent.”

“I assume that’s not a good thing?” Dell smiled.

Spy returned the look with a smirk of his own. “Non.”

The two looked at each other like that for a moment and then broke out into laughter, unable to keep a straight face. When they stopped, Dell noticed that he and Spy were still very close, and his heart skipped a beat for a moment.

He began to move away, stuttering, “Ah, well, that was… sorry if that was weird I just…”

Spy reached out for him, speaking softly. “No, no, it wasn’t… strange. It was…” he glanced away, “I am not sure I know the correct term. But I would not be opposed to doing it again.”

Something warm rushed through Dell’s chest, and he struggled to identify it. Was this love? No, that wasn’t it. Or maybe it was. Not romantic love, but something softer, yet equally as strong.

“Me neither,” Dell chuckled. He stood up, sidling over to the TV and starting to fiddle with the VCR, rewinding the tape inside before popping it out and tossing it haphazardly to the side. His eyes caught on the box of movies they still had yet to watch, eyeing a tape sitting at the top and grabbing it. He flashed it at Spy, smiling.

“I know we got a ‘one movie a night rule’ but… you up for one more, partner?”

Spy let out a sigh, nodding. “Fine. But choose a short one.”

Dell’s grin grew and he grabbed a random tape from the box, jamming it into the VCR before flopping back down onto his end of the couch. The film began to play, the screen once again casting a faint glow over the two men.

They watched it for a couple minutes, neither of them speaking much. Dell’s mind was still racing, and as he glanced over at his friend, Spy seemed to be the same. The man looked up and they met eyes for a moment. Spy opened his mouth as if he were going to speak and then closed it again, turning back to look at the TV.

Dell tilted his head, his voice breaking the silence, “Somethin’ wrong?”

Spy shook his head no, rubbing the back of his neck and trying to parse a response. “I was… well… I was wondering if we could sit… closer…” he said tentatively.

Dell let out a laugh at that. “Awwww, you wanna cuddle~?”

“Not like that!” Spy huffed, his face reddening. “Just… well…” He trailed off, looking away. “It has been… some time.”

The engineer softened at that, the sadness in Spy’s voice tugging at his heart. He tried to remember the last time he’d held someone himself. He couldn’t recall.

He scooted over, reaching out and gently pulling Spy into his arms. The Frenchman leaned into Dell’s touch in return, snaking his arms around the engineer’s back and letting out a near imperceptible sigh.

Despite his considerable height advantage, Spy felt so small in Dell’s grasp. He had never thought about how boney the man was until holding him, feeling like any wrong move could snap him in half. His muscles were tense, his entire body coiled tight like a spring as he pressed his forehead into the southerner’s chest. Dell smiled a bit at that, resting his chin on Spy’s head. Spy still smelled like cigarettes, but there was something softer underneath it, hints of wine and cologne clinging to his suit. It was nice.

“You ain’t really watchin’ the movie from that angle, ya know,” he joked.

“It is probably stupid anyways,” Spy mumbled, his voice muffled.

Dell looked up at the TV and watched a character's head get blown off by a rocket. “‘Fraid so,” he laughed.

Spy chuckled softly in return, relaxing slightly in Dell’s grasp. Dell sighed, wondering if the man ever really relaxed all the way. He was so uptight all the time, constantly looking as if he was ready to flee from any situation. Dell supposed that was part of the job, not getting caught unaware, but it saddened him to see Spy still so wound up even in the solitude of the engineer’s workshop.

Time passed and the movie went on, but Dell wasn’t paying much attention anymore. His thoughts were occupied by Spy, and the almost desperate way he clung to him. Dell had heard someone use the term “touch starved” once, and he couldn’t help that it sprang to the front of his mind. Was Spy touch starved? He glanced down and realized how tightly he was holding the man in return. Was he touch starved too?

He slowly ran his hand up and down Spy’s back, turning his head so his cheek pressed against the top of his balaclava. Dell couldn’t help but close his eyes at the sensation, the warmth surrounding him nearly intoxicating, the simple feeling of holding someone and being held in return better than anything he’d experienced before. Is this what sex was supposed to be like? He couldn’t blame people for chasing it if that was the case.

Logically, Dell knew that he wasn’t safe. His brain reminded him of the window on the east side of his workshop that he hadn’t fitted with bulletproof glass, the flimsy security checkpoints outside the base, the magnetic locks on the doors never quite closing them tight enough, the alarm on the wall that threatened to ring at any point. His heart, however, had a different idea, slowing to a calm rhythm in his chest as Spy leaned his head against it. He was shot at for a living. He closed his eyes, drinking in the feeling of it all. This was a nice change of pace.

When he tried to open his eyes again, he felt himself struggling to do so. A sudden wave of exhaustion crashed down upon him, and he shifted, intending to get up and plod off to bed. As he did, he was reminded of Spy pressing down on him, acting almost like a blanket. There was no way in hell he was going to ask the Frenchman to move. Accepting his fate, he let his eyes close again, sighing a little. He relaxed, quietly letting sleep overtake him.

[morsesnotes]

Another Morse/Joan ramble [vague spoilers if you're new to Endeavour and don't know how they end]...

There's been quite a bit of chat lately about the parallels between Morse/Thursday and Morse/Joan, and it got me thinking about why exactly the Morse/Joan relationship is compelling to me.

The thing about Morse and Thursday is that they are very different people, but they're also very similar. That's why they fit so well together like two puzzle pieces and can pull each other out of a hole when they need to. They may not always click, but when they do they're an incredible team.

We know Joan takes after Thursday, and this imo allows for a similar magnetism in her dynamic with Morse. The best example of this I can think of is the bank robbery in Coda. Morse and Joan are in sync all the way through - bouncing off each other when Morse is going through clues, protecting each other, and trying to keep everybody calm. Apollo is similar. They have different approaches and engage in some petty bickering, but ultimately have similar aims of making sure the kids are protected and seeking justice. At the end of it you get the sense they respect each other a little more. The more time they spend together, the better their relationship is, but when they distance themselves there's a communication breakdown (sound familiar?).

But the real interest for me, comes in where Joan and her dad are different. For several reasons Joan is much softer around the edges, and her Fred-like traits aren't as entrenched. That in turn allows for a potential healthier relationship with Morse. On Morse's side as well. I'm sure people will disagree with me on this, but I think in the later seasons he doesn't put Joan on such a pedestal because she actually tries to ask for help when she needs it and attempts to express herself honestly. She lets him see her at her lowest and challenges him directly when she's bothered by something he does. I think it gives him a reality check. He talks to her like a friend and isn't afraid to show it when he's annoyed with her compared to earlier on when she could do no wrong in his eyes. I feel like by the end he really did love her.

Whenever they interact in the early seasons, it's like they're in their own little world and could sit talking to each other all day if given the chance. Joan always cheers Morse up and brings out a lighter sensitive side of him we don't usually see. He gives her agency, doesn't pressure her, and is completely loyal to her. Although it takes him a minute to understand her goals, he encourages her once he gets it. They both push each other to open up emotionally. Along with all of this they are blatantly attracted to each other and you can feel it every time they look at each other. There's real sexual tension and that's a weirdly rare thing. What's interesting is that he's so different from every other man in her life she doesn't know how to react.

To be clear here it's not that I believe they were destined to live a long happy marriage or that they should've walked off into the sunset together. My issue with how their relationship was handled is that it didn't feel like it came to the conclusion it did through the natural actions of the characters. It felt like things only happened the way they did because Joan wasn't canonically part of his later llfe and Lewis didn't know what to do with that other than to keep them apart. It was as if he went, "Hmm these two get on too well...better start making Joan push him away for no apparent reason."

Whether Morse and Joan could've made it who knows, but I definitely believe they could've given each other the love and passion they desperately wanted, at least for a little while.

[anotherobeymeblog]

You can be you (I mean, if you want)

An incredibly self-indulgent fic that stemmed from me reading the "Belphie Reflects" chat and thinking oh. Oh no that's me.

Synopsis: Ironically, it seems helping Belphegor to get up in the morning makes it easier for you to get up too.

GN!Reader, reader is implied to have chronic fatigue (but you could probably interpret it as a different chronic illness), morning fluff, very rambly

It was a strange feeling, to be sure, dating someone who slept in later than you did. You couldn't remember the last time you'd been the one to wake another in the morning, but it felt... kind of nice. Gently running your fingers through Belphie's hair, murmuring that it was time to wake up, smiling and offering sympathetic coos at his inevitable complaints. It was a comfortable routine that the two of you had fallen into.

Of course, it didn't start off so smoothly (nothing ever seemed to with Belphegor). You weren't surprised when he had texted you to say that he had overslept and was running late for the plans you had made. It was far from the first time, after all, and you had long since accepted it as part of the package deal that came with dating him. What did surprise you, though, were his rapid-fire texts apologizing and promising it wouldn't happen again, asking if you could forgive him. The familiarity of the situation made your stomach twist, though this time, you were on the opposite end of it than usual.

The box full of alarm clocks only made you roll your eyes. Belphie wasn't stupid. If the solution were that simple, he'd have figured it out a long time ago. So, instead of giving him the scolding he was doubtlessly expecting when he knocked on your door, you sat him down, gently squeezed his shaking hands, and asked what you could do to help him.

"Hey. Stop zoning out, you're supposed to be giving me attention," Belphegor's sleepy grumbling cut through your reverie. (As it turned out, having an incredibly bratty demon demanding morning kisses did a pretty good job of keeping you from drifting off again too. In spite of everything, it was a symbiotic relationship.)

"Hmph. I don't know why Satan complains about not being allowed a cat when you're practically one already." You propped yourself up on your elbow and smiled down at him. When you reached to wipe some sleep from Belphie's eyes, his own hand came up to hold yours against his cheek with that lovesick smile you knew would be replaced instantly with a scowl if you dared mention it. You'd just have to admire it in silence instead.

Belphegor yawned and turned his head slightly to press a kiss against the palm of your hand. "Well, if I'm a cat, that's all the more reason for you to take care of me, right?" He looked up at you with a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'll be your kitty if it means you'll carry me downstairs."

You laughed and withdrew your hand to flick his forehead, relishing his indignant yelp. "Only if you're okay with both of us collapsing on the ground as soon as you try to put your weight on me."

Belphie wrinkled his nose in distaste and shuffled forward to press his face into the crook of your neck. He let out a long, slow exhale and it took every ounce of your resolve not to just let him fall back asleep like that. It was completely unfair how cute he was.

"C'mon, Belphie, I just told you I can't carry you."

"Mmn... don't wanna go to RAD today..." he grumbled against you, and you couldn't entirely disagree.

"Well... in that case, why don't we just focus on going downstairs to get breakfast and some coffee? We can worry about school once you have some food in you." You pulled away just enough to be able to bend down and kiss him, and your heart fluttered when you felt his small smile against your lips.

"Hm... fine. But one more kiss first."

[satuwn]

Do you know how to make friends? Even online? I keep trying to talk to people, and it goes well for a day or two, then we never talk again. It’s starting to really get in the way of me doing anything.

honestly i will admit to u, i dont know! im going to try to give u advice but i myself have spent years of my life without irl friends and i actively talk to 3-4 online friends (which most were already longtime relationships) i try to make new friends and talk to ppl but! its hard! especially when ppl dont usually reach out to u first :-( so i myself dont have an answer for that... but there is hope for u and me, always. more rambles under the cut, this is personally what /i/ do so this advice might not apply to everyone!

the best place to make friends is a group of ppl u kinda have to interact with, ofc this is a gamble bc it depends on the ppl u end up with,, which i havent had luck with school wise until now where i met rlly cool ppl in the masters degree im studying at! but perhaps courses, workshops, gatherings, stuff like that! try to gouge someones interest, fav shows, music, cartoons, games etc. and try to keep up with em, maybe get their number or socials and text every now and then! u dont need to pester someone everyday for a relationship to form, and if u are neurodivergent like me it will be Hard to see if theyre genuinely interested in hanging or just being polite, but if u can sense they arent rlly vibing with u i wouldnt try forcing a realtionship even if u find them cool :( aside from that tho just be persistent and dont give up! i had the problem of usually latching to one person i like and that is a nono esp in a group of ppl, try to go around and talk to many ppl and mix it up so u dont come off clingy (as i am often afraid of doing) also, setting up hangouts outside of ur group activites! going out to eat and chat, going around streets, shops or malls, movies, or look up fun or interesting places around u! u can approach inviting someone with 'hey i wanted to check out [place] would u wanna come with?'. this can all be applied to online relationships too, relating to them/asking questions abt their interest/life, watching/gaming together, and just checking in on em from time to time. i might not have said anything new and again i am the last person to be giving this advice but! i dont know, i still hope it helps and i hope everything works out for you!

[nogenderbee]

REQUESTS ARE OPEN HIP HIP HOORAY

can i request I, E, M, S (fluff alphabet) for saki? thank you!!

take all the time you need and have a great day!!!

Yay! And I'm happy Saki is getting some love! It was pretty fun to write so I hope you enjoy this as well! <3

Saki E, I, M, S fluff alphabet

TagList: @bleachtheidiot @vodka-glrl

⊱ Endearment ═ How much and how often do they need their lover affection? And what do they do when they really need their lover affection?

Saki loves both giving and receiving affection but somehow, she likes to give it just a tiny bit more~ She'll always find a way to wrap her arm and yours, to hold your hand or any other small yet cute gesture.

As for frequency... she spoils you on every dingle ocassion, literally. There's almost no time you two are close to each other but have no physical contact. You're always holding hands, cuddle, hug or even kiss!

When she really wants to receive some affection tho, she'll either go for it herself or ask you for it with a smile! If you still decline, she'd probably whine jokingly... it's not serious and she lets it show but it gets on your soft side either way...

"Y/N you're so mean... can't we have at least a little hug? One tiny hug and nothing more? Please?"

⊱ I love you ═ How long did it took them to say those 3 words for the first time? And how often do they like to say it?

Surprisingly Saki took some time with saying it... but it wasn't because she was scared or anything. She simply wanted to make those first 3 words special and memorable! In the end tho she said it either way after you gave her something she always wanted, and it just slipped...

After first time is done tho, it turns out that she says it every day. Sometimes it's like a greeting, sometimes like a morning or goodnight message, and sometimes she just feels like it! Reason really doesn't matter, if she feels like reminding you that important fact, she will.

"Awh~ that's so cute! I love you~ Hold on... I was supposed to tell you that ok tomorrow's date! Ugh!"

⊱ Mail ═ How often do they text or call their lover? And why they do so?

Saki is the type to text you daily and basically all the time! Starting from morning/goodnight messages, to little chats, to just giving you some checks you didn't asked for.

Her checks are usually just sending you photos form cafe she's in with her friends or any other hangouts as she says that she's having fun or that she knows where she's gonna take you on the next date.

"<Hey look! Isn't that squirrel just cute? I got many more photos of it if you want!>"

⊱ Sleep ═ Their lover feel asleep! What's their reaction?

Saki's first reaction was squealing and if she didn't wake you up in the process then it's either miracle or you're really a deep sleeper. If she does tho, she'll immidietly feel bad and try to help you fall asleep again!

She'll even guide your head onto her shoulder or lap so you two can keep in contact while you take your rest. It's lost likely that she'll take few photos of you two but not to much! Maximum number is 3 and these will be just for her and MAYBE she'll show them to her bandmates as well if you agree! But she'll definitely ramble to not only her bandmates but brother as well about this cute situation when you fell asleep next to her or on her. And she always has that adoring and excited smile when she talks about it~

"Awwwh! Omg you're so cute when you're sleepy!! Oh no, sorry! I didn't wanted to wake you up! You can go back to sleep!"

❉⊱•═•⊰❉⊱•═•⊰❉⊱•═•⊰❉⊱•═•⊰❉⊱•═•⊰❉⊱•═•⊰❉

[matrixxsystem]

Terrapin Soup Part 4 (1/3)

After a bit more time at the park Usagi packed his things and took Leos hand as he led him towards his house, "Y'know. I'd been thinking, about out chat the other night." He started as Leo used his free hand to text his brothers that he'd be out late again tonight. To no ones surprise. "Oh? Which part were you thinking about." "Us being boyfriends. Of course, I know you'd meant it more in a.. Pretend situation." "Right.. I mean, it'd be a little weird to date someone you just met that day. I mean we'd been talking for a while but I couldn't just ask you something like that forward as soon as we met and-" "You're rambling." "Hm? O-Oh.. Sorry I uh.." "It's alright, I find it kind of.. Endearing."

"Is.. That a good thing?" Usagi chuckled giving his hand a little squeeze, "Yes Leo, it's a good thing. Endearing means to inspire affection. I like listening to you. Which brings me back to what I was saying. If you'd like, I think it would be beneficial for us to date. But as an honest couple rather then a mask to deter suspicion." "Beneficial..?" He asked, raising a brow and hoping his face markings would be enough to hide any blushing. "Yes. On each of our ends we'd be supplied with plenty of alibis, someone to collaborate with, and a real relationship with someone who shares many of the same preferences. Seems like a fair deal, seeing as neither of us mentioned having feelings for someone else prior to this agreement. And seeing how your family already has a good impression of me it'd be easier for us to stick with each other for a while instead of trying to find someone else, and slowly trying to ease them into these kind of.. Dietary preferences. And... You aren't exactly awful to look at so, that would be a plus as well.." Leo laughed a bit hearing the last bit, his eyes scanned over Usagi, having already called him hot it wasn't a lie to say something similar.. And they already had quite a bit in common. Who else would like him as he was? Who else would treat him as kindly as Usagi had? Probably no one.. "Well you make a solid argument, but I would've said yes if you asked me out normally too y'know~"

"Well, far from normal seems to be our thing. Why bother with it?" "I love how you think.."

-_-_-_-

Once the brothers set foot on the other side of the portal they headed off to do their own thing, doing their daily training exercises then right to goofing off as usual till later that day when Leo finally texted letting them know he wouldn't be home till later that night. [R (Raph) D (Donnie) M (Mikey) for texting]

R; 'Hey what are you all up too'

M; 'I'm writing down the pizza puff recipe for the next time we see Leos boyfriend'

D; 'At the moment I'm doing some upgrades, why do you need something?'

R; 'I mean, it's not like important or anything. I just. So what did you think of Usagi?' D; 'You wanna gossip about Leos boyfriend? I mean hey I'm all for it I love drama but it's kinda random' 

M; 'Yeah I thought he was great! Oh! And he's soooo fluffy too! Did anyone else get to touch his fur I'm so jealous we aren't mammals :C'

R; 'I don't wanna gossip! I was just wondering.. If anyone else got like... A weird feeling' D; 'I mean he didn't like. Impress me, but he was better then most guys Leo's been fanning over lately, and he's real so I can't ask for much else. And he did bring us food, that was an unnecessary kindness. Why? Did you get a weird vibe?' R; 'I dunno.. I mean not really I just.. Raph's brain is thinking a lot right now.' M; 'Well tell Raph that Dr. Feelings says it's okay to be conflicted, just don't overthink it okay? He's our brother so it's normal to feel a little uneasy about him going off with someone else, but you can't let that feeling interfere with something that makes him happy if there's no tangible sign of danger' R; 'I guess you're right.. It's just weird. He's not here that often anymore and I mean he's here for missions and stuff but don't you guys miss him?' D; 'I don't usually interject when emotions are involved but I think I have something to contribute, this once.'

D; 'When we were younger me and Leo made a promise, an oath if you would. To always be there for each other, no matter how mad we were or how far away, we'd always be brothers and always have each others shells. Even to this day that idiot still stands behind me when we get attacked as if its second nature to cover me even I wear my battle shell. Despite his absence from recent activities, I don't feel like he's MIA in our lives, because I know that if I need him he'll be there, in the most flashy and annoying way mind you, but still.'

M; 'Awww Dee :'3c ' R; 'That was.. Surprisingly heartfelt. Thanks Dee.' D; 'Mhmm are we done here I need to keep this core stabilized or it could blow up so Imma brb'  R; 'I'm sorry what-?' -_-_-_-

Usagi led Leo into his house, not far from the garden they'd had lunch in. It looked surprisingly normal, its was a mix of a modern New York style house and a Japanese apartment. Leo smiled a little as he was led in, he wasn't sure why but his mind had made up this dark and ominous house he thought Usagi would've lived in that sort of unnerved him, but this of course was the much more realistic place. "Please make yourself comfortable, my teacher is the houses owner but he is not here often, and will not mind if I have guests. He is a tall lion yokai, which may look a bit intimidating but he's harmless." Leo nodded, glancing towards the kitchen as he listened. "You can look around if you'd like?" "Hm? O-Oh, no it's alright. I was just.. Curious." Usagi chuckled and took Leos hand again leading him into the kitchen, it was surprisingly clean- Well.. Usagi did say he liked to be organized. He mentally cursed himself out for thinking such harsh things about Usagi and what kind of things he might do in his own time. "I like that you're curious." He said with a little smile, letting go of his hand to show him around, "It's no fun to sit in silence. Ask anything you want, and I will answer." "..You will, no matter what it is hm?" "Correct, as long as I'm comfortable doing so of course." Leo nodded, leaning against the island counter in the kitchen, "Do you cook regular stuff and.. Other stuff, in a separate place?" Usagi went to the other side of the counter  leaning forward, "That would waste time, I do all food prep here. And in the basement where we have a bigger freezer, but it's also very well kept down there." "Oh? What kind of prep do you need to do there?" Part 4.2 Part 1

TS Master Post

[mybrainismelted]

Office AU part 5! previous parts can be found here (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4) or read it all on AO3

Mickey went about his morning routine, showering, shaving, breakfast... all the while thinking of all the ways he was gonna get Gallagher back for last night.  He wasn't actually upset about it, but what would be the fun in admitting that?  Deciding that he needed to make sure he got to the office first, he left a bit early, taking an extra bag with him that he had thrown together with some things he might need for his little act.

He managed to get to the office first, and unpacked a few things into his drawers, leaving others in the bag for later.  He was actually managing to get some work done, and almost forgot his plan when a certain tall redhead came quietly through the door and sat down across from him.  Remembering at the last second, Mickey kept his eyes straight ahead, not acknowledging Ian at all.

"Mick?" Ian said quietly.  "Can we please talk? I don't know how to tell you how sorry I am about last night." Mickey continued to ignore him, typing away at what was actually complete gibberish that he wasn't paying one bit of attention to.  "Come on Mickey... you can't just ignore me.  Tell me you hate me, tell me I suck, just say something."

At that, Mickey reached into his drawer and pulled out an obnoxiously large set of headphones, placing them over his ears and clicking around on the computer like he was starting up something to listen to.  Ian looked completely crestfallen where he could see him out of the corner of his eye, sagged forward with his head in his hands.  He shook his head a couple of times and then got up and moved to his own desk.  Mickey had to fight to keep a smirk off his face, pretending with everything he had that he was paying absolutely no attention to the sulking ginger on the other side of the room.

About an hour later, Mickey decided that it was time for phase 2.  So he pulled out his phone and sent off a text to Jess.

Mickey:  Hey, don't ask me why, and PLEASE try to act normal, but I need you to come in here and ask me how my evening was.

Jess: Ok... why are you being weird?

Mickey: Promise I'll explain at lunch.  I just need you to do this for me.

Jess:  Fine, on my way

A minute later, she came strolling into the office, flopped down in his extra chair, and gestured for him to remove the headphones.  When he had taken them off and put them aside on his desk, she started rambling about being bored, nothing to do, and everyone else in the office being booooring.  "Enough about me, though.  How was your evening?  Do anything exciting? Or did you spend the whole night at home with that damn cat like usual?"

Mickey rolled his eyes dramatically, and said "Nothing much happened.  Had dinner, went home, watched a movie, and went to sleep.  Sorry to bore you."  He gestured with his eyes towards Ian, hoping she would take the hint, which she eventually did.  "Ugh, you are a terrible story teller.  Don't know why I put up with your ass.  What about you, Ian?  Do anything interesting last night?"  she smiled, turning to face him.

"Uh.... no, I mean, I guess not.  Kinda had a thing, but it got weird, and I dunno what's going to happen now."  He muttered, not meeting her eyes.

"Ok... well that wasn't ambiguous or anything.  Thanks for the chat."  she huffed, getting up and leaving their office.

Mickey:  That was perfect.  I seriously owe you.  Pizza for lunch?

Jess:  Hell yes, and you are paying because that was hella awkward.

Jess:  And I want an explanation!

Mickey sent her back a thumbs-up, put his headphones back on, and went back to work.

At lunch, he did tell Jess the whole story.  Dramatically, of course. By the end of the story they were both holding their stomachs from laughing, tears rolling down their faces.  "Oh shit Mickey... that poor guy is convinced that you hate him.  How long are you going to let him suffer?" Jess managed to gasp out.

"Not too long, but you know... gonna let him sweat it out for a bit.  Fucker stole my cat AND fell asleep.  Left me with blue balls in my own fucking apartment!"

They managed to calm down on the walk back to the office, as Mickey contemplated which part of his plan he wanted to use next.  When he walked into their shared office, though... his plans went out the window at the sight of Ian, sitting at his desk, eyes forward, but red-rimmed and bloodshot, his nose red, and face blotchy.  Shit.  He was just trying to have some fun with the guy.  Didn't mean to make him cry or whatever.

Ok, plan B.  Move the plans for the day waaay forward.  He quickly walked behind his desk, and pulled a small pillow out of his bag.  Walking towards Ian, who was clearly now trying to ignore HIM.... he whacked him on the head with the pillow, and then dropped it on his lap.  "That's for just in case you feel the need for another little nap.  Get your rest before you come over tonight."  He said with a wink.

Ian looked at the pillow on his lap, looked up at Mickey, and a hesitant smile crossed his face. "Yeah?  Shit Mickey... I thought you were never going to speak to me again.  I was going to get them to move me to a different office.  You aren't mad?  You still wanna do this?"

"'Course I do man.  You're hot as hell, and I kinda like your dorky ass.  You going to get up here and kiss me, or what?" 

Ian practially leaped out of his chair, and tackled Mickey against his desk.  "Fuck yeah" he muttered, before attaching himself to Mickey's lips, sliding his hands under Mickey's thighs and lifting him to sit on the desk.  Mickey couldn't help the moan that escaped him, as he pulled Ian closer, hands roaming over each others bodies as their tongues slid together.  Eventually their panting and soft moans started getting louder, and Ian pulled back.  "Be right back"  he whispered.  "Gonna close the door real quick"

Mickey huffed a laugh and scrubbed a hand over his face in an effort to calm down.  Before he knew it though, Ian was back, pulling him forward some on the desk, and attacking his mouth again.  He wrapped his arms around Ian, deepening the kiss, one hand ending up on the side of his neck, the other coming back around to the front to feel the hard planes of his chest.  Ian's hands were squeezing at his ass, wandering down his thighs, and back up.  After another minute of that, suddenly one of Ian's hands was on his belt, quickly flipping it open, then popping open the button, and sliding his zipper partway down.  Mickey's breath hitched, and he pulled away from the kiss just slightly to watch as Ian's giant hand slid inside his pants, under the band of his underwear, and slowly stroked his already hard and leaking cock.

"Fuck, oh fuck yeah" was all he could manage to get out as Ian's hand moved more firmly, slowly increasing the pace, before capturing Mickey's lips again, muffling his gasps and moans as he slowly but thoroughly jerked him to completion.  "Ian, fuck, I'm gonna...." he gasped out, just before he came, all over Ian's hand, and the inside of his boxers.  "Shit."  he panted once the aftershocks had worn off.  Ian passed him a couple of tissues that he used to clean himself as much as he could in his current position, before looking up and reaching for Ian's belt to return the favour. 

Ian stepped back, shaking his head and said "Nah, I'm good.  You can get me back tonight." With a wink, he stepped forward again, kissed Mickey softly one more time, running his fingers through his hair, and then pulled away, saying "duty calls.... back to work Milkovich"

Mickey was still slightly in a daze, but managed to slide off the desk, doing his pants back up, and opened the office door.  Shaking his head, he wandered off towards the bathroom, the only thought in his mind "holy shit I can't wait for tonight."