#what kind of decorations are there? are there fences? how much space is between the houses? are there any Locations?

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

*staring very intensely at the neighborhood* what do you look like when you're not a simplified website map

[seriously-mike]

Elephant on the Road

or, How I Had To Re-Learn How To Drive After Two Decades

As you know, my father died over a year ago, leaving not only his apartment with a fully-stocked fridge, but also his car - a 2000 Nissan Patrol, at that point disassembled and split between a mechanic and a body shop, with the extensive repairs paid only halfway. A year later, it was finally put back together, with 3/4s of the drivetrain replaced, the frame rust-proofed and a new coat of Raptor finish in graphite color. Then, it stood at the local parking lot for five goddamn months before I got the courage to get behind the wheel and drive it.

So holy shit, there I was, trying to wriggle a two-ton War Elephant out of its parking space, some guy's shiny new Mercedes to the left, three trucks behind me and zero knowledge how the whole thing behaves - acceleration, braking, turn radius, I knew fuck-all about that. But, with some slight fettling, I got out of the parking space, out of the parking lot's gate and OHMOTHERFUCKERITURNEDTOOHARD. Literally, I turned the steering wheel too hard, jumped the curb, ran over the remnants of a decorative fence all of four inches tall and swung the car back onto the road in the initial stages of a heart attack.

Fuck. And I mean, FFFFFFFUCK. Turned out that the two-ton War Elephant has really nice power steering for a beast slightly more than half my age and I need to turn gently. So, down the street I go, letting the pedestrians cross the road as they have the right of way on crossings without traffic lights, the brakes aren't that bad either, the soundtrack from Brutal Legend is blasting from the radio because my dad bought one with an USB port long ago and then asked me to make a thumb drive with his favorite songs on it (which I, sadly, failed to do), I'm GOING. Baby, am I going. But then, I have to turn into the large avenue and I'm all kinds of afraid what's gonna happen then.

So, apparently, the first rule of the road is "act like everyone else, and nobody will suspect you don't have a driver's license" (I actually do, for the record, I just didn't have a car for the last two decades and the last one I had to drive was a rusted-out fifth-gen Nissan Sunny with a busted manual gearbox that had issues with switching gears). So I'm rolling down the avenue, regulation 50 per (km/h, mind you), and I haven't even killed anyone yet. I'm even using turn signals, correctly, because the War Elephant has an American dashboard with two separate turn indicator lights so I know whether I'm flashing left or right. So, off to the right lane and I tuuuurn right into another avenue.

Much to my joy, I see a "Speed Limit: 80" sign on the overpass (this one is a part of the large transit road through the town), so I floor it. I floor it so eagerly to keep on the tail of the guy before me that I go all the way to 100 per before noticing and gently slow down back to 80 before hitting the tunnel.

I fucking knew I forgot something, and that something were the headlights. Halfway into the tunnel, I turn the headlight knob, swearing and hoping that no undercover cop car saw me. Okay, now we're driving 100% legit, only one car honked at me, no hits, no scrapes, I stay in my line like a motherfucking tram. Off a roundabout that isn't a fucking roundabout (who even named it like that?!), down another street and after some more uneventful ride I arrive at my dad's former apartment to pick up some junk from the basement. Hell, even parallel parking was easy because someone was nice enough to leave a car and a half's worth of space between the two already there.

I forgot to turn off the lights, as you can see in the photo, because I'm a derp and I haven't figured out what the incessant pinging after turning the engine off meant. So I take the photo, notice the lights on, open the car again, turn the lights off and head to the basement to pick up the junk.

Coming back was a bit more difficult, mostly due to me being unable to tell which of the three turns left was the correct one (note to self, it's the third one, the largest), but it resulted in an "always wanted to say that" moment when some absolute fuckwad decided to cut from the right lane all the way to the left and up the overpass, prompting me to go "Turning left from the right lane, you unschooled dickwad?! Last time I've seen idiots like you in Night City!"

[sentryfence123]

How to Pick the Right Garden Fence for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing a garden Fences Manchester, there are many factors you need to consider. What kind of materials do you want? Is it purely decorative or is it meant to provide privacy or security? What type of budget are you looking at? With so many different types of fencing on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is right for your home. Here are 6 tips to help make the decision easier.

Set Your Budget:

Before you start shopping around for Fences Manchester, it’s important to set a budget. This will help narrow down your search and save you time in the long run. You should also factor in any other costs such as installation fees and maintenance costs which could add up over time.

Consider Material:

Once you have a budget in mind, it’s time to look at materials. Wood is a popular choice for garden fences because it looks great and is relatively inexpensive but requires more maintenance than metal, vinyl or composite materials. If you want something that requires less upkeep, metal, vinyl or composite may be better options. Each material has its own pros and cons so make sure you do your research before making a decision.

Think About Style:

The style of fence should also be taken into consideration when choosing a garden fence. Do you want something classic and timeless or something more modern and trendier? If privacy is important, then solid panels may be the way forward but if security is paramount then wrought iron might be more suitable as they are harder to climb over or break through compared with wood panels.

Measurements Matter:

Measurements matter when choosing a fence! Make sure that whatever style of fence you choose fits within your allotted space without overcrowding other plants or features in your garden that need breathing room too! This will help ensure your fence looks aesthetically pleasing once installed without having an adverse effect on other elements within the garden landscape itself. Additionally, double check local regulations about fence height if there are any restrictions in place regarding this matter before buying anything!

Maintenance Requirements:

Depending on the material used, maintenance requirements can vary from low-maintenance (for example with metal) to medium-maintenance (wood). Be sure to take into account how much effort will be required from you before deciding on one particular material over another as this could potentially influence which option best suits your lifestyle and needs in terms of upkeep over the years ahead!

Privacy vs Security:

Finally, think about what level of privacy or security your chosen garden fence will provide - are there gaps between panels that can easily be climbed over or broken through by potential intruders? If so then maybe opt for something more sturdy like wrought iron instead - this could give peace of mind knowing that everything inside (and outside) is safe from unwanted visitors!

Conclusion:

Choosing the right garden Fences Manchester can seem like an intimidating task but by following these 6 tips hopefully it won't feel quite so daunting anymore! From setting budgets and considering materials all the way through measuring correctly, taking into account maintenance requirements plus thinking about privacy versus security - these basics should be covered off first before making any decisions about which type would best suit both yours and your family's needs! Now go forth and find yourself an amazing new garden fence today! Good luck!

[imagineabrighterworld]

Nothin’ On You // Sero x Shy!Reader

A/N: Kinda long! But I owe Sero for taking so long on finishing this! Hope you like it! ^^

The first time you meet is for a school project

In middle school he was the cool guy that got along with pretty much everyone. At first you would hide away, which was easy with a quirk like yours. You would turn translucent and mute according to your mood, so every time you tried to muster up the courage to talk to him when he passed you by in the halls, you would completely disappear. It was a game of chance to see who was paired with who when the fated project came up, but when you were paired with Sero you almost entirely disappeared off of the face of the earth. You begin to wonder if you could escape class without being noticed when he makes his way over and plops down in the seat next to you.

"Name's Hanta Sero, what's yours?"

Your face flushes, body turning translucent for a split second before you take his hand and shake it. "It's..." Your voice fails you. Of course it had to happen now. Your quirk just had to be a two-in-one kind of deal.

Lifting a finger, you scribble your name down on a loose piece of paper and offer it to him.

He looks at the scrap of paper with curiosity. “Cute name.” He looks back to you. “Is that your quirk? The..?” He motions to his body and mouth.

You nod sagely.

He beams. "Nice to meet you."

The tension in your shoulders lessen. Grabbing your textbook and one of your notebooks made for this type of situation, you write down several questions before pointing to the textbook pages.

He reads each message, surprisingly more patient with your quirk than others. Some expected you to push past it or get over your shyness, but he went with it. It made you feel.. valid. Like your quirk wasn't a burden.

“Sounds like we'll be having a few all nighters on this one, Mr. Takeshi expects waaay too much of us if he wants this done in a week.” Sero looks at you curiously. “What do you think? We could do it at one of those 24/7 cafes nearby.”

Feeling yourself relaxing, you realize you've returned to being opaque as you nod in agreement. "Sounds like a plan."

His smile brightens. "Hey, your voice is pretty cute too chica!"

This time you're glad you disappear from sight, hands covering your mouth as he laughs heartily.  

The project was an odd success

After your initial shock and shyness of being paired up with Sero, you both were a rather successful couple when it came to academics. You split the work equally and helped each other when either of you needed it. While he wasn't always the brightest, he always managed to put a smile on your face when you were studying long into the night, when your eyelids grew too heavy and your will to study lessened. When the day of the presentation came and you both took to the front of the class, it was his support that kept you from disappearing out of fright. However, now that it was over, you were surprised he still wanted to hang out with you, even if it wasn't required anymore.

“Oi, chiquita bonita! Over here!” Sero waves to you from across the classroom. He was sitting in his normal spot with his usual clique, and normally you didn't mix with them. They seemed nice, but it was always awkward when you joined him. You felt like they only tolerated you because of him.

Gathering your items, you shuffle out of your desk space and join him, blushing slightly as he scoots his seat to the side to make space for you right next to him. You could feel the burning stares of the girls surrounding him. You held on though, focusing on staying opaque, knowing he would try getting to the bottom of why you were nervous. Oh if only he knew how hated you were by his clique of girls.

“We did pretty good on the presentation didn't we?” He asks while draping an arm across the back of your chair, his body completely at ease. “Even the cabrón was impressed.”

You smack him lightly on the back of his head. You didn't know a lot of spanish, if at all, but you picked up some slang from the boy next to you. “Don't be mean Hanta, he's not all that bad.”

The girls’ hiss at your action, but Sero only laughs and tugs you closer under his arm. “Lo siento cariño. I'm sorry, but it's not my fault he has a stick up there.” He gestures upward with his middle finger.

You knew if you tried speaking, your voice would have fizzled out like a drop of water on a hot stove.

After the project you two were nearly inseparable, everyone knew you and Sero were an item (even if you both didn't see it)

“Dios mio! What did we do to earn this princesa?”

You turn around to the source of the voice, pausing on decorating the stage of the auditorium. It was Sero, you could tell immediately by his voice, but what you didn't understand was the context of his words. What was he talking about?

The confusion must have shown on your face as he moves closer and climbs onto the stage, walking up to you until he was by your side. “You're all dolled up. What's the occasion?” He holds you by the shoulders and peers behind you as well, earning a pinch on his cheek.

“It's the dance this week, remember? But the play is before, so we have to set up so it's all ready for the night. That means dress rehearsals too.” You were a part of the theatre group, an odd choice for someone who disappears when they get stage fright, but you were heavily invested in what you did. It was a passion you indulged.

“Aye, yeah I forgot about that.” Sero rubs his neck and looks at the ground, deep in thought. At least for two minutes. After the two minutes he peeks at you with a mischievous grin. ”Wanna go to the dance with me?”

To your credit, you manage to stay opaque while your heart beats wildly in its cage. “Thats a dumb way of asking me out.” You mutter while sliding down from the stage, nearly cutting yourself on one of the loose planks.

“¡Cuidado!” He holds his arms out, ready to help you down. “I don't want my date to get hurt you know?”

“I can still dance in a cast.” You brush off his concern with a rare smile. Crushes aside, you appreciated his friendship and concern.

“The fuck is this, Romeo and Juliet? Get a room!” A classmate yells from the lighting stage, laughing when you flip them the bird.

Sero joins in the laughter, leaving soon after apologizing to your classmate. Said classmate meets you in front of the stage, arms crossed and looking back and forth between you and the now closed auditorium door.

“So are you guys dating now?”

“No, we're just friends.” You rub your neck, feeling the translucency crawl up your neck. But it couldn't wipe away the smile on your face.

You gravitate towards each other

Stretching your arms in front of you, you twist your body to the right and sigh as you feel a pop. You didn't particularly like gym class but it was nice to get a good stretch.

Looking around at the field in front of you, you wave at the occasional friendly face. You had friends in this class, which made it even more bearable.

"Hola princesa!"

Sero?

Turning around you grin at the familiar face. You run to the fence blocking you in, gripping it as you watch your friend run to you. He holds your hand through the fence, a normal occurance and a habit you've grown fond of.

"What are you doing here?" You question while turning your hand in order to squeeze his, heart fluttering when you see the small tinge of pink on his cheeks.

"Just here to say hi. My next class is in E block." He peers over your shoulder. You were about the same height, somewhere around 5'4, so you relished being able to see him eye to eye (mostly) while it lasted. He grew a bit over the break of your first year. "Playing anything?"

"Volleyball." You shiver. "I'm team captain, but I suck at it." Who would you pick? Would you actually be a good leader? You feel your voice leave you as you begin to rival that of an onion skin, growing more and more invisible.

A small pinch on the back of your hand pulls you back to reality. Sero waggles a finger, tisking at you. "Don't sweat it, you'll do great." He squeezes your hand before backing up, walking backwards as he heads to class. "Just breathe princesa!"

"Got it." You whisper to yourself, waving to him as you watch him enter the building across from you.

Sadly by the end of your second year, he had grown taller, leaving you craning your neck to look at him.

When he entered U.A. you still cheered him on

Graduating middle school was tough when you split off into different schools. You knew you would keep in contact, but it was so much harder to spend time together when you didnt attend the same schools. Still, with each video chat and phone call, with each text, you showered him with all your love and support. He wanted to be a hero, and you were happy to support him with that dream!

You: Saw you on the tv, you were amazing!

Sero: thanks 😙 still lost tho 😅😅😁😁

You: Yeaaah🤔 but you still looked really cool! Still, didn't realize you were strong enough to pull that Todoroki guy that way 🧐

Sero: Im just full of surprises princesa 😘

Sero mentioned you often to his friends

You were mentioned in at least one conversation a day, it didn't matter the context, you just sort of popped up. What could he say, he loved you! You were his go to for support and someone he truly valued. Plus you weren't crazy like his classmates. 

“You keep talking about her but we've never actually seen her.” Mina leans forward on her palm as she sips at her milk tea. “You're not lying about her are you?” She wiggles her eyebrows, eliciting a laugh from Sero. 

“Course she's real.” 

Kirishima lays his head on the table of the booth they were at, looking at Sero with confusion. “Got proof? It’s not manly to lie to your friends bro.” Sure he believed in his friend, but after a year of just hearing about a special girl, it was hard to keep believing without some form of proof. 

Sero holds up a finger as he pulls out his phone. Placing it flat on the table, he pushes the power button and watches his friends faces light up as they view his lock screen. It was a picture of you.

“Woah! Who's the hot chick?” Kaminari asks excitedly as he returns from the bathroom. “Is she single?”

Sero powers off his phone before smacking a piece of tape on his friend’s mouth, surprisingly feeling a twinge of anger at his words. You were his best friend! He had to protect you!

 On the inside he knew his anger was from deeper feelings, but for now it was just from the fact that he may need to defend your innocence from his own schoolmate. You were so shy, he knew Kaminari’s flirting would be too much for you.

“Yeah, no cabrón. She's taken.”

You were there for his graduation

Needless to say, you were at his graduation! It was difficult to find him amidst the crowds of families wanting to take pictures of their children and siblings, and even some heroes wanting to say their goodbyes! You were absolutely bombarded and neigh invisible after overthinking the whole thing, so when you finally found him you were stunned into invisibility when his friends jumped you. 

“Ohmygodohmygodit'sactuallyyouuuuuu!” Mina screams as she pulls you into her, squeezing the life out of you before you can get a breath out. 

The boys were much gentler, but just as excited. Especially Kaminari.

“Hey it’s the hot girl- more like the gone girl, what's happening?” He questions as you disappear from sight, your voice completely AWOL.

Sero smacks his face as he curses his friends out. “Chingues! Give my girl some space hijos de perras!” 

Mina gives you enough space to breathe but holds you much like one would a hostage. For a hero course student, you believed that she would have done very well as a villain. 

“Nope! We get to meet this girl of yours, Tape Boy!” She looks down at you, squinting to try making out where your face would be, unknowingly glaring directly at you. “He talks about you almost nonstop yet you haven't visited us at all, how unfair is that?” Mina grins. 

You come into focus, your voice a mere squeak as you brush some hair out of your face. “A little? I should've visited..” You introduce yourself to his cadre, your name stumbling off your lips. 

“Hot and shy? What a cutie!” Kaminari hugs you from your available side where Mina wasn't holding you in a headlock. 

A whip of tape smacks the blonde and sends him reeling back to Sero who holds him in a similar hold Mina was holding you.

Your friend ruffles Kaminari's hair in a somewhat violent manner, grinning at him with threatening eyes. "Go easy on her cabrón. She's not used to so many people doting on her."

They were doting on you? You tilt your head and look at Mina who was still examining you. "I don't think I deserve to be doted on, that's not what's going on here right?"

"Of course not, but you and I are gonna have some girl time while the boys get us a spot at a restaurant! You're gonna tell us all about how you and Tape Boy here met!" She chirps excitedly, pulling Bakugou in with her free arm as he tries escaping past her.

You feel a drop of sweat as you accept your fate, watching Bakugou attempt to wrangle his way to freedom. "Sure, sounds nice."

Sero made it rather big as a hero, see, he wasn't the strongest hero but he was very popular

He had always been popular, so it made sense to you when his ranking kept going up and up until he was in the high twenties. You knew he was good at what he did, being a source of smiles even in dark times, but it always brightened your day when you heard your coworkers mention him in passing. 

“Have you heard about the hero Cellophane yet?”

“Yeah! I think I saw him around yesterday. He was eating soba with Shoto.” 

You look backwards to see the faces of your junior coworkers. They were in a different department than you, but you enjoyed chatting with them every now and then. Mostly when it came to heroes as you had somewhat of an insiders look. 

Had you forgotten to mention you were friends with Sero- Cellophane? 

You debated whether to tell them over tea one day until you heard their next words.

“He’s kind of hot isn't he?”

... Maybe you would keep the secret to yourself. 

As a hero he makes time to drop into your life, sometimes randomly 

What else was to be said? Really?

A blur flashes by your face, causing you to yelp in shock, stepping back and nearly falling onto the unforgiving pavement. Luckily, said blur created a swing of tape just in time to catch you, pulling you forward and bringing you into his arms. 

“Lo siento mi corazón! I didn't mean to make you fall.”  Sero grins at you, his arm wrapped securely around your waist. He definitely meant to make you fall, you could see the mischief behind his eyes. 

“As if Hanta.” You pinch him on the cheek, a smile coming to your face when he whines. “Look I’m happy to see you but I've got to get to work on time today, no funny business.”

“No funny business?” He repeats after you, rubbing his chin in thought. “Then I guess I’ll have to escort you to make sure you get to work on time.” 

Your eyes widen as you feel his hold grow tighter and more secure as he holds you flush against him. Oh no. “Wait Sero-!” 

And just like that, you were in the air, swinging from building to building with him propelling you both forward. You attempt to scream at him but your voice is lost along the way as you hear the clicking of cameras. 

Oh god they were taking pictures.

“Niña don't worry! We’re almost there!”

 Luckily for you, you were never caught on camera. So your quirk did have some uses. 

The media was sure he had a partner 

The photos really ended up getting him in hot water as every interview he did, the topic of romance was brought up. Fans would notice he would avoid the topic of love, but on his social media he would constantly mention a girl. No one knew who this girl was, but fans and news stations were determined to wring it out of him. 

Once the red light of the on-air button was out, the reporter in front of Sero swiftly covers the mic pinned to her lapel and scoots to the edge of her seat. Sero watches in quiet amusement as the whole station becomes silent. Weird. But he knew why they grew quiet so fast. They wanted information, and if even the news anchor waiting for his time to come up stopped his boisterous laughter, it must've been important. 

“Off the record. Do you have a secret sweetheart stashed away somewhere Cellophane?”

Oh. This again. 

He stretches his arms in front of him as he runs through his normal excuses and dodges for this question. All still viable and working, but.. Maybe he could give a little hint. The media was on his ass about this after those photos were taken of him and his girl, so it was only right to clear the air right?

“Turn on the cameras. I’ll give this to you.”

You were crushed when he admitted he did have a sweetheart (of sorts) and even more so when the media suspected it to be the Stealth Hero: Invisible Girl

The media did end up getting a bit of info out of him  and when you heard about this special girl your heart couldn't help but crack under the thought of him distancing himself from you to be with her. You treasured your friendship with him, romantic or not, you didn't want it to end. Because of this fear, you are the one who starts to close yourself off.

“Chiquita, what's wrong?” Sero follows you as you make your way to the kitchen, a bowl of chocolate coated pretzels in your arms. “Are you sick? I can stop by the pharmacy for you.”

“N-No, its okay. I'm not sick..” You back up when you see his arm stretched outward, flinching when the back of his hand meets your forehead. 

He hums. “No fever.” 

You push past him, abandoning the bowl of chocolatey treats on the counter. You felt yourself becoming frustrated. Not with him, but with yourself. His opinion meant the world to you- he was your best friend! And you were letting this relationship of his get to you. How petty could you be? He did nothing wrong. In fact, you should be happy for him, finally dating his high school sweetheart.

But the thought of him dating Invisible Girl- the irony of him dating an invisible girl- was just too much for your heart to take at the moment. 

You had no way to take out this frustration. So it was reflected onto him. 

“Cariño-”

“Please!” You slam your hands on the counter, voice fading in and out as you hide your face in the collar of your turtleneck. “Please.. Just go.”

The apartment was quiet, filled with only your ragged breathing as you hold in your rampant emotions. When he leaves with a silent goodbye, you're unsure if the breaking sound surrounding you is just in your head or if something truly reached into you and tore your heart to pieces. 

He makes it very clear who that sweetheart is

Finally, he announces just who captured his heart. It was live on a jumbo screen, playing as you were out getting “groceries” for the nights dinner. 

The hollow feeling in your chest wasn't easing, and it definitely wasn't made any better when you saw the Stealth Hero on the television next to her team. Though your calves were certainly doing better with how much speed walking you would do when you passed by convenience stores with tabloids lining their windows, photos of Sero and Invisible Girl on the front. 

Work went by dreadfully slow, and lunch went by just as uneventfully as usual. You ignored the chatter of your coworkers, uninterested in what they had to say. 

After the report came out, no one was talking about the top heroes anymore. They all were focused on the potential lovers and what other secret admiring the heroes had in their ranks. If other heroes were hiding their own affairs. If the popular Cellophane could hide his romance, maybe someone like Deku or Shoto could be too. 

“We’re going out for drinks later, want to come with?” Your junior asks as she slings her purse strap over her shoulder. “Jin is paying~”

You respond with a polite smile. “No thanks. I’m going straight home.”

- - -

Going straight home was the plan, but in the end you had to make a quick trip to the nearest grocery store for dinner. Something quick, as you didn't have the energy to make something complicated. 

Which meant you ended up buying only instant ramen.

It was on your way back, crossing a busy sector when the sound of your friend on the jumbo screen caught your attention. 

“She's my corazón. Mi vida.” 

You look up at the screen, stopping in your tracks.

Sero was blushing, a shy smile on his face, but his eyes were lit up with joy. You heart pulses rapidly in your chest, a blush creeping up your cheeks. You had never seen him so flustered, it was always the other way around. 

“I’ve loved her since middle school. I never wanted to drag her into this, so I never confirmed her name- but its not Invisible Girl!” He amends quickly, looking at the reporter with a knowing look. He wags his finger, his infamous cocky smile replacing the twitterpated look from earlier. 

“Sure, she has a similar quirk, which is how those photos came to be.” He leans back in his chair. 

“You want to know her name right? I guess it wouldn't hurt to say. I’ve kept it hidden for so long, but here it is.”

And then he said it.

He said your name.

Looking directly at the screen, he smiles gently, eyes full of the warmth you've been craving ever since you were paired for that project years ago. 

“Ella es mi tesoro. She is my treasure.”

Extra: 

Racing home, you're not surprised when you find the lights on in your apartment. In fact, it only spurs you forward. 

Yanking open the unlocked door, you drop your groceries and launch yourself into Sero’s arms as he held them open for a hug. 

He was sweaty from rushing from the news station to your apartment, but neither of you were concerned about it as you laugh. You laugh at the tape still clinging to his clothes, you laugh at the ramen spilling out of your grocery bags, you laugh at your tears.

You laugh at how long it took for you both to finally admit how much you loved each other.

“Mi corazón.” He pulls back from the hug and cups your cheek, looking at you with love softened eyes. “I love you.”

Tears brim your eyes. 

You speak in the clearest voice you've ever spoken in. Skin bright and flushed pink. 

“I love you too.”

[circuscarnage]

Birthday Escapade.

A Malleus Draconia and reader birthday fic.

Words: 2488.

Coloured banners were strung up on the walls, decorating the Diasomnia dorm in an almost welcoming glow. Black and green lines of fabric, embroidered with the inviting message of celebration. What had once been a room of polite gathering, had transformed into a much liver scene. Purple vines stuck out from the ground, acting more as decoration to the party, mimicking the witches of thorns power. Tables covered with delectable food as far as the eye could see. Edible works of art displayed for anyone to reach out and take. The most lavished of cakes being saved for the main table. The centrepiece of the room, almost impossible to miss, was a black sign coated in thorns, spindling a twisted birthday wish. Lilia had wasted no expense making sure everything was perfect. He had planned the entire thing. After all, this wasn't just anyone's birthday. It certainly was a change of pace for the normally dark and dreary castle.  

The entire Diasomnia dorm seemed more colourful than usual, and not just aesthetic wise. The sombre atmosphere was lifted with the sounds of delightful laughter and idle celebration. Students of the dorm gathered in the main foyer, enjoying themselves as they chatted away to their fellow classmates without a care in the world. However, the most important aspect of this celebration was missing.

Malleus Draconia was no where to be found. 

His guards, Sebek and Silver, had been scouting the dorm trying to find their lost master. They had checked down every hallway and searched all the rooms. Not a single stone was left unturned nor a speck of dust lingered in the process. They were at their wits end. Sebek's voice boomed throughout the dorm, ricocheting off the stone castle walls. Malleus's name sounded akin to thunder as it stormed every inch of the perimeter. It was uncertain which would give out first. His voice or the other students eardrums. 

You, however, knew better than to waste time on searching Diasomnia. If Malleus had fled, there was no way he would stick to the confines of the dorm. That was just too simple. Begrudgingly you left the Diasomnia dorm and headed back towards the hall of mirrors. When thinking of a safe heaven, there was only one place that came to mind. You knew exactly where he would be.

Ramshackle. It was very different compared to the other dorms. A shabby and old building that was as creepy as it was comforting. An uneven fence carved from iron surrounded the perimeter, acting more like a cage, warning those who pass by not to trespass. The vacant space and lack of activity made people wonder if it was simply just unfinished or abandoned. It certainly looked run down, even more so before Azul had it refurbished to extend his business. Luckily for you, that plan never came to fruition, so you could keep the haunted mansion you called home. 

As you approached, you could see the last remnants of winter still holding onto the Ramshackle dorm. Snow melted into the ground, slowly decaying into the soil as the seasons begin to change. The sugar coated season sluggishly torn away to be replaced with another. It wasn't hard to miss him. His raven black hair and pointed horns stuck out among the crisp white scenery. He stood against the decaying tree, leaning into the wood as if he was trying to merge himself into the plant. He was looking across the garden, but turned his head around when hearing your approach. "Ah, human." He greeted you casually, giving an affirmative nod of his head. "To what honour do I owe you this visit?" 

"Where have you been?" You questioned him, finally making your way up the steps and standing in front of him. He seemed taken aback at your forceful question. Why, he had just greeted you with a polite hello and you were already interrogating him. "The party has already started, and you're not even there!"  

Malleus quirked his head to the side. "Oh, was that today?" There was something different about his voice. The way his words lingered in the air, laced with a playful tone that spelled mischief. You looked down at his attire. Black dress shirt with a white suit jacket over the top. Black and green sash. There was no way he dressed up like that on a whim. This surely couldn't have been a coincidence. Malleus noticed your stare, lingering on his outfit for a little longer than necessary. "Must have slipped my mind." 

"Please don't tell me someone forgot to invite you to your own birthday." You hated to think he was acting like this because of some kind of petty vendetta against you. It wasn't anything new that people often forgot to invite him to events, whether that be the dorm leader meeting or social gatherings, but his own birthday? That must have cut deep.

Malleus chuckled. "Fuhuhuhu. That would be quite entertaining, wouldn't it? Forgetting to invite me to my own birthday. How quaint." He waved his hand. "No, I received an invite. I was even enjoying myself. And I appreciate how much effort Lilia put into the décor. I've just never been the one to enjoy these types of parties. It just feels so... Strange." Malleus looked down at his attire, emerald eyes observing the trinkets that decorated the white jacket. The handmade broach that resembled the curved horns that stuck out from his head. The black and green coloured badge that all to obviously drew attention to the date. Reminding everyone within a mile radius just who the special birthday boy was. He was used to being adored in lavished clothing, being of royal decent, so having an outfit that was traditional for many others was relieving. 

"The concept of birthdays... Forgive me but I've never embraced them fully, never needed to." You gave Malleus a quizzitive look, tilting your head a little to the side, imploring him to elaborate. He understood your plight and began to explain. "Compared to humans, fae live for an unnaturally long time. Our lifespans far surpass your own. Why, generations from now I'll still be alive. Wise with time and knowledge. Watching over the world behind the thicket of thorns. And you'll-" He stopped mid sentence. There was no need to continue. You both knew where you would be generations from now. Malleus blinked, the slightest glint of sadness present in his eyes. Possessing the power of longevity was something that many craved to have, but needless to say it did come with its consequences. The burden weighed on the back of his mind like an oncoming storm. 

Malleus cleared his throat, "Very strange indeed. You humans celebrate yearly the date of your birth, yet to us fae it is nothing more than a number. Even though I wish I could feel the same connection to it that you do. Maybe then I wouldn't feel such like an outcast..." Malleus blinked as he felt something touch his head. Unconsciously his hand had reached up towards his horns, bringing attention one of the many aspects about him that was different to humans. He was proud of his fae heritage, but always felt like it held him back when trying to forge connections. "Tell me, human." He brought his hand back down. "Am I forever cursed to be an outcast from a gathering? Even one of my own terms? I'm always one to be vacant, not on my own accord. My invitation being left blank while others have been sealed. So forgive my absence when for once I'm expected to be there."

"Tsunotarou-" You had to stop yourself, almost biting down on your tongue. Now possessing the knowledge of his name, it seemed needless to try and use the old nickname you gave him. It was sentimental, in a way. A name that only you could call him. A name made up on the spot yet seemed to fit a little too well. It always made your heart flutter whenever you used it. The way Malleus's eyes would light up in amusement, entertained by the fact anyone would ever consider calling him something so simple. Sometimes it was hard to conceal the corners of his mouth twinging upward in delight. You apologised and corrected yourself, "I mean, Malleus." It was an easy mistake to make. The way his actual name slipped off your tongue somehow sounded wrong. You had gotten a little too comfortable with that nickname. You hoped Malleus wouldn't mind.

To your surprise, Malleus grinned. A slight chuckle slipped between his lips. He was more taken aback by the fact that had felt the need to correct yourself then the use of his nickname. He was aware of your caution, and reassured you. "You may address me however you wish, child of man." Malleus turned his head to the side, looking off into the distance, and placed an hand thoughtfully on his chin. "I must admit, I have grown quite fond of that little nickname you call me. I do not mind being called that name," His attention was brought back to you, dazzling green eyes locking with your own. He huffed out a small laugh. "If you are the one to address me, that is."

You nodded your head, secretly gracious that he was allowing you to continue using that name. But you needed to address his previous statement. "It's understandable that you would feel this way. Being ostracized from a group can be quite intimidating." You sighed. "Trust me, I've been there. And sometimes it feels like you'll never truly belong." Malleus raised his brow. Were you trying to help him feel better or worse?

"But believe me when I say that the people there want you to be there too. They want you to enjoy yourself just as they have. And..." Your words trailed off. Your own voice getting quieter and quieter until even you couldn't hear it anymore. Words did not fail you at that moment. It was clear what you wanted to say. Whether or not you had the strength to say it was a different matter. Your eyes were in agreement, preferring to look at the ground below you rather than the person in front. Was it really that difficult to show your own emotions? You did genuinely enjoy your time together, and wanted it to last longer. Yet somehow whenever you tried to express this fact to him, something always stopped you. A defence mechanism that instinctively held you back. You looked back at Malleus. He stood still, patiently waiting for you to continue. You were thankful for his tolerance. Giving a curt nod of your head, you took a deep breath in, and exhaled. "...I want you to be there. I want you to be happy, on your special day." 

You braced yourself, ready for any sort of negative response. But as you waited in anticipation for a verbal reply, Malleus gave none. Instead he began to laugh. A slight chuckle that started out as a growl, but then gradually grew into a light laugh. He brought his hand up to his mouth, trying to cover it up, but he would have to try harder than that to stifle this laugh. You were confused. Was it something you said? Did it sound condescending? Needy? Selfish? That wasn't your intention at all! You just wanted to give him some reassurance.

His laughter eventually died down, allowing him to breathe steadily again. "Child of man, how presumptuous of you." A light titter escaped from his lips again. Whatever he had found entertaining about your statement, he clearly wasn't done. You furrowed your brow in suspicion as Malleus calmed himself yet again. "I do not need a celebration or to be surrounded by guests to be happy." He took another step closer, towering over you like a gargoyle, but it was not intimidating. The soft look on his face quelled any fears of threatening nature. It was actually quite surprising how peaceful he looked. "With you, I already am."

You had to turn your head away at that, letting out a small squeak that sounded more attune to a quack. Hearing such a genuine sentiment from him felt like wildfire had struck your heart, and it felt like it wasn't going to subside anytime soon. It was wishful thinking, but you hoped you didn't make your answer too evident. However, giving such an obvious expression meant it was easy for him to pick up. Malleus smirked at your reaction. Instinctively he placed his hand upon your head, smoothing his thumb gently over the grooves in your hair. He thought it was cute. Like a docile pet receiving praise.

You waved his hand off of you, not needing to feel anything more at the moment. You had wasted enough time standing here. It would be best to return the birthday boy back to his dorm. "I think we had better get back, your guards are in a frenzy over your disappearance." Malleus let out a small sigh. It was time to return to the party. After all, he wouldn't be considered a very good host if he was missing for the entire event. How else was he suppose to show he was worthy of peoples trust if he did not throw a good party? He was ready to return to the dorm, with you accompanying him. "Yes, I think I've troubled them for long enough."

You laughed, thinking about Sebek and Silver stumbling over themselves trying to find their dorm leader. Lilia wouldn't be too bothered, you thought, if you returned Malleus in time for his celebration. Turning around on your heels, you lead the way back towards the gate, eager to return to the party. At last, you could finally have a piece of that delectable looking cake. It had been on your mind the second you stepped into the dorm.

Before you could place a hand on the gate, Malleus called from behind. "And human?" You stopped in your tracks and turned to face him. He stood still, refusing to move unless he spoke. His face bore the same amused express, but this time it was different. It was gentle. His eyes holding nothing but appreciation for the human that stood before him. Someone who didn't see him as the terrifying figurehead of the Draconia family that so many made him out to be. Someone who wasn't afraid around him. Someone he was very thankful to have met. "Thank you, for seeking me out." He stepped forward, now walking by your side. It felt good for him to have someone beside him that didn't cower in fear nor turn away in intimidation. It made him feel accepted. "And for escorting me back."

[star-lemonade]

The Festival (2/3)

A.C.E Junhee x Reader

CW: smut, cross dressing, mentions of pegging

Rating: R

Word count: 3.5 k

The evening had been too short. You did not want to arrive at the hotel, because it would mean letting go of Junhee’s hand. It was warm and reassuring. A blanket against the cool air.

What a terrible night it would be, if you had to say goodbye to Junhee. You came closer to the hotel, you remembered the buildings. If you turned the corner you would be at the hotel.

You stopped and so did he.

“What is it?”

You could not say what you felt, it would seem needy, so instead you said: “I’m not tired. Can we walk for a bit more?”

Junhee did not seem convinced by your explanation but did not challenge it either. The alcohol had tainted his cheeks a light shade of pink and it looked adorable. He looked around.

“That way.”

You followed a street away from the hotel. The area consisted mostly of office buildings with occasional gyms and car dealerships. At this time of day no one was on the streets. In some offices lights exposed those working overtime.

“It’s not the most pretty part of town.”

You nodded and watched as someone exited from a side door of the building on the other side of the street. Junhee observed the man who lowered his head and fled.

“What was that?”

You asked too loud. The slight buzz made it harder to judge how loud you talked. Your hand flew to your mouth. The man had probably heard you. Junhee did not meet your eyes and you wondered if he had not heard you.

“What’s in that building?”

Junhee swallowed but seemed to realize it was better to tell you now.

“It’s the sex shop.”

“Ooooh. Someone is going to have a good time!”

You giggled, but Junhee stayed silent. The man had entered his car and drove off into the night. When the sound of his tires faded away, only your footsteps echoed from the buildings. You seemed to have reached the end of the industrial area as you could see smaller residential buildings further down the street.

“What would you get from the sex shop?”

Junhee tripped and needed to take a last second step to prevent a fall.

“Are you okay?!”

You grabbed Junhee’s arm again.

“Yes I'm fine.”

He licked his lips and looked around. The streets were still empty and you continued in the same direction. The houses on either side were residential now. Fences obscured the views into most of the gardens. Junhee turned into a side street and you followed. The street was slightly sloping down.

A few houses down, you slowed and Junhee stopped in front of a house.

“It’s my sister's house.”

“Oh.”

The building looked similar to the others left and right: a stone wall, metal gate and a tree that was just tall enough to be visible behind the wall.

“Do you... want to come in?”

You had just been on a date and now he is inviting you into his house? Well, his sister’s house. Junhee seemed to realize too how that sounded.

“You could sleep here.”

“I mean just sleep,” he added in a panicked voice. You giggled and squeezed his hand.

The house was dark and quiet. Junhee led you to a room on the second floor. It was clearly a guest room. The bed doubled as a couch and the walls were only decorated with a generic landscape painting. In a corner stood a sewing mannequin and sewing machine.

“You can change here, while I wash this off.”

He handed you some clothes and gestured to his face. You took the shirt and shorts, only to toss them on the bed. Junhee had already turned to leave but you caught his arm.

“Wait.”

Your voice was quiet but still too loud for the silence of the night. You took a step closer and slowly rested your arms on his shoulders. The lipstick had mostly faded but Junhee’s lips still looked so kissable. His arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you closer. His hot breath brushed your face and looked into his eyes. He leaned in and you met him half way. It was the kiss you wanted to have earlier, slow and sweet.

You changed into the t-shirt and shorts that were definitely not Junhee’s. You slipped under the thin blanket and waited. It was warm in the room so the thin blanket was good. The door opening was accompanied by the scratching of wood against wood. After spending the evening with long haired, make-up wearing Junhee seeing him now gave you whiplash. He wore wide shorts and a t- shirt that had been red in the past but looked more dark pink now. His short dark hair was wet and stood off at odd angles. The whole scene was a punch in the gut and you felt confused. He looked stunning.

“Hi, it’s a bit different, isn’t it?”

Junhee did not meet your eyes and sat down on the other side of the bed. He plugged the charger into his phone and placed it on the nightstand before lying down. You faced each other and without the makeup you could see the little beauty mark on his cheek.

“Yes but you’re still stunning.”

Junhee snorted but your pout shut him up. This was the version of him you were more familiar with. Well not exactly like this. At work he usually did not wear shorts and short sleeves. You would be too distracted to work if he showed up like this. At work he had always been that good team manager who took care of the people on his team. You knew that he regularly stood up for the people on his team to the higher ups. He had this aura that made you feel like it was okay to open up to him, tell him what is bothering you, safe.

“I will turn off the light, you have to get up tomorrow morning.”

Suddenly it was dark in the small room. Your eyes slowly adjusted and Junhee’s silhouette became visible next to you.

You slowly reached out to touch his head. He caught your hand and pressed it against his cheek. His skin was soft and warm.

“Are you still not sleepy?”

“Kinda sleepy.”

If you were to be honest, you were kind of turned on by kissing him earlier and literally everything about him you had seen today. Junhee was right though, you had to get up early tomorrow and get back to the hotel.

“What would you need to fall asleep?”

A good orgasm would probably do.

“Can we cuddle?”

Junhee took you into his arms and you draped one leg over one his legs. In the dark your lips found his and softly kissed him. His hands ran up and down your back, a relaxing feeling that really made you sleepy. The light, slow kiss surprisingly also helped. Your eyelids felt heavy and you could not open them anymore. Junhee pulled away and planted a kiss on your forehead.

“Good Night.”

You woke up from a dream that something was brushing over your arm. In the dream it had been something but the memory faded with every second that you were awake. Something was brushing over your arm. You opened your eyes to an unfamiliar room. A painting of a landscape hung on the wall.

“Good Morning.”

Junhee‘s voice was husky like he had not talked for some time. You rolled around to look at him. His hair had dried overnight and stood up in a messy tangle. Very cute.

“Hi.”

He stroked your cheek and smiled.

“I will drive to the hotel.”

“How much time do we have?”

You had no idea what time it was or how long you had slept. It felt like it had not been that long. Your eyes were dry.

“It’s 6 am, you said the conference starts at 9:30 am, so maybe an hour.”

He looked at his phone before placing it on the nightstand again. You bit your lip. One hour was a good time but you could hardly suggest that. The sleeve of his t-shirt had rocked up and you marveled at his arms. In general Junhee was not someone you had expected to have this big of arms. It also made sense to you now that he had opted for long sleeves yesterday. He chewed on his lip.

“Can I tell you something?”

The tone in his voice made you nervous. Whatever it was he wanted to tell you was definitely something big.

“Sure.”

You were awake now.

“Yesterday you asked what I would buy from the sex shop.”

You did not dare to breathe, afraid any interruption would result in him not telling you. Junhee fidgeted with the corner of the blanket.

“I have this fantasy.”

Oh boy, what kind of fantasy? Maybe now was time for some validation.

“Okay. I’m listening.”

Junhee leaned towards you and you automatically mirrored him. He took a deep breath.

“I always wanted to be pegged while wearing a skirt.”

You could not believe what you had heard and your mouth fell open without input from your brain. Junhee blushed and leaned back, bringing some space between you. He cleared his throat.

“Let’s get going, so you can shower at the hotel.”

Junhee sat up to leave the bed but you caught his arm.

“Ya! You can’t drop that and just walk away!”

You blurted out. He looked embarrassed, his face flushed.

“Sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable…”

“Uncomfor-? What are you talking about?”

You stared at him but he still looked down at the blanket.

“I just thought… you liked ..ehm..”

He pressed his lips together. No word would escape through there.

“I what?” You pressed. He looked hurt or upset, you were not sure which but you did not want either to be the case. Not when it came to you.

“I thought you find it sexy when I wear a skirt but I guess I was wrong.”

“But I do.”

“Oh.”

Junhee had misunderstood your surprise as disapproval. You giggled and the tension broke. A bright smile appeared on his face and wrapped your arms around his shoulders in an awkward side hug. You kissed his cheek and he turned his head to look at you.

“You really can’t just talk about pegging tho”, you talk in a low voice. “It gets me riled up.”

He kissed your nose. A gesture too sweet for what he said next.

“Do you want me to do something about that?”

“If you want to?”

You definitely definitely did not want to pressure him into anything. What you said before was meant as a joke.

“You really don’t have to.”

He took your hand and lightly pressed it against the blanket. There was no doubt.

“I want to.”

The words tickled your neck and his lips were on your jaw, kissing down to the collar of your shirt. You pulled away and moved to sit in his lap. The blanket was pushed back and Junhee adjusted the pillows before sitting back against the wall. The converted couch did not have a headboard.

Grinding against his hips made him gasp and you wanted more. More of his noises but also more of what was currently under your cilt.

“So hard already.”

You wondered if you could make him blush again. Blushing Junhee was too cute for his own good.

“We don’t have that much time.”

He said it as if that was a valid reason.

“Then make it fast.”

There would be time to really explode each other some other time, now you wanted to have him in you as deep as possible and release the sexual tension.

“Okay.”

He pushed you gently off his lap. You fell on back thinking he would follow but instead Junhee got out of bed. He rummaged in his suitcase. In a small bag he found what he was looking for and checked the date on the package.

You took the package and opened it. The condom was red.

“Is a little more interesting than the plain ones,” he said in response to your subtle frown.

You experimentally licked it but there was no interesting taste. When you looked up, Junhee had taken off his shirt and shorts. As you know though earlier, Junhee had surprisingly big arms and a stunning upper body. From his sculpted chest to the flat stomach, his form was breathtaking. You found your eyes gravitating towards the flats of his stomach. You could not say what it was exactly that was so fascinating which made it even more compelling to look for the answer.

His hand sank down and your eyes followed as gave himself a few light strokes. You handed him the condom and he rolled it on.

Junhee lowered his body to lie next to you. Your lips found his mouth and your hand landed on his chest. Very solid. You felt uncomfortably wet and you had barely started. Getting rid of the shorts may help. You tried to take them off while not breaking the kiss but that did not work.

He helped you out of the shorts and the shirt. It was always awkward when someone saw you naked for the first time, when you did not know how they would react.

“You’re gorgeous,” Junhee whispered and kissed your cheek before moving to your neck. The open mouthed kisses and sucking on your sensitive skin gave you goosebumps. You buried your fingers in his soft hair, grabbing on to it as if it was the only thing that could keep you grounded. He moaned against your neck and his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer. When he took one of your nipples into his mouth, having a clear thought was a thing of the past. You slid your leg up to swing it over his hips, but bumped into something hard on the way. Junhee gasped and his breath cooled your wet nipple. You reached between your bodys, wrapped a hand around him and stroked him a few times. He pulled back from your skin and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of your hand on him. His soft hair had settled on the sheets and you wanted to run your finger through it.

Junhee caught your hand, when you ran your thumb over the head and he let out a not so subtle moan. He placed your hand on his shoulder and rolled over so he was on top. His hips between your legs put some pressure on your clit for the first time and you gasped. You grind your hips against his hips expecting him to pull back, but he did not. His hot kisses and the delicious pressure on your clit make you moan into his mouth. You wrap your legs around his hips changing the angle. He could feel how wet you were now and pulled his hips back, just to slip a hand between your bodies. His fingers circled your clit, rubbing it and going further down, testing the waters. He pulled his hand back.

“How are you? Still good?”

Junhee looked into your eyes. His voice was soft and you felt a pang of affection.

“Yes, I’m very good. You too?”

Even to your ears your voice sounded like you were in love. What kind of spell had he cast on you? He nodded.

“Should we … proceed then?”

You bit your lip and nodded. He teased you, dragging the tip over your clit and towards the entrance, but not pushing in. You pouted and just as you opened your mouth to say something, he pushed in with a sigh.

He set a slow pace that matched his kiss. You grabbed a handful of his hair with one hand while the other explored his back, still amazed at how built he was. You used your legs around his hips to get him to speed up.

“It’s it a bit early for going fast?”

He kissed your neck but his hips moved with the pace you wanted.

“You said we don’t have much time.”

You smirked but not for long as Junhee’s thrusts came quicker and harder. He looked into your eyes, you got lost in the intimate moment. Your orgasm hit you like a truck. One moment it was just a good feeling, but in the next your whole body tensed, your back arched off the bed and a repressed moan escaped your mouth. Junhee stopped moving and he looked spent. His arms barely held his weight from collapsing on top of you. You planted a lazy kiss on his lips.

The third and final day of the conference was both the best and the worst. You had to sneak into the hotel with the same clothes that you had worn yesterday. Thankfully no one from the conference saw you, but one of the hotel staff had been on duty yesterday evening and gave you a knowing look. You fled to your room and took a shower. The hot water was a blessing. When you were dressed in fresh clothes and had packed your suitcase, you had just enough time to eat a quick breakfast, before the first talk.

During the talks you could barely keep your eyes open, last night just had been too short. With some coffee you made it to 3 pm and talking to some of the speakers helped you stay awake.

The first people started to leave and you decided to pick up your suitcase from the storage room as well. You left through the main entrance of the hotel.

“Hey!”

You looked up and saw Junhee standing next to his sister’s car on the other side of the street. He wore a dark tight t-shirt, ripped jeans and a bright smile.

“I thought you had to help your sister?”

You half shouted as you dragged your suitcase over.

“I already did.”

He raised his arms to hug you but let them sink again, unsure what the correct greeting was. You had not technically declared what status you had with each other, despite having had sex earlier. From what you had seen Junhee was more the touchy type who always hugged and touched people he was close with. You planted a quick kiss on his lips and earned a beautiful smile.

“Can you stay here tonight? I will leave for the city tomorrow, maybe we can go together?”

His hands rested on your waist. Junhee had done something to bring his hair under control. This morning when he had dropped you off at the hotel it had been a mess with strands pointing in all directions, but now it had settled for the down direction.

“I can.”

Back at Junhee’s sister’s house you settled in the guest room. The owner of the house was at work and would return later.

When you sat down on the bed, you started to feel the lack of sleep. You rubbed your eyes.

“You can sleep a bit if you want.”

The first answer that came to your mind was to deny it, but you were so sleepy, that you just nodded. You changed into shorts and a t-shirt from your suitcase. Junhee lay down next to you and you grabbed his hand, wrapping his arm around yourself. You drift off to sleep to the steady rhythm of his breathing.

You spent a nice evening filled with laughter in the company of Junhee and his older sister. At first you were a bit nervous. You had kind of just invited yourself to her home but Junhee’s sister was a welcoming person, she did not mind you staying after Junhee assured her that dishes would be taken care of. Junhee and you had indeed wreaked havoc in the kitchen while making dinner. Cooking and cleaning together made it feel like you were living together.

After a good night's sleep on the converted couch you and Junhee left for the city. Back in your empty apartment you began to wonder what would happen on Monday. Had the past days just been a hook up or did Junhee want to be in a relationship with you? At first you dismissed the thought but as Saturday turned into Sunday you were not so sure. You cleaned your kitchen, sorted out some clothes you did not wear any more and even considered looking at the little store room you had in the basement, anything that would keep you from texting Junhee. On Monday you would see him again anyways. No need to seem desperate.

When you went to bed on Sunday, it was with a ball of anxiety in your stomach. You could not fall asleep, your mind playing any number of potential embarrassing encounters.

‘It was all a dare, you did not think I really found you attractive.’

Eventually you sank into an uneasy sleep.

[lovelyirony]

Oh, can I please ask for one of your folklore prompts? “And I can go anywhere I want, anywhere I want/just not home” my tears ricochet  For a young Tony, maybe? It doesn't have to have a pairing if you don't want to. :)

A house and a home are different. Tony did not know this until he was in college, much to his surprise. 

A house is somewhere you live. A central place that you come back to in between visits to other people or places or countries or anything else. It is not personal. It is something you use until you no longer see the need or the desire. You can move to a lot of them. 

A home lingers. A home is where you smile late at night over drinks. It is where crumbs reside from last night’s takeout, and you spend lazy Sundays. 

(Tony also didn’t know what that was either.) 

He’s lived in a lot of houses. He has a lot of houses. There’s the one in New York that is looming and lonely and probably would be his least favorite except it’s in New York, which earns it its redemption. 

There is sunny Malibu with its beaches and great views. There are a few others. 

None of them are homes. It’s just a place to rest for a couple of months or a year or until Howard decides it’s not enough. 

He gets to MIT and gets a dorm room, same as everyone else. It is pitifully sad, he gets sun only in the mornings, and that sucks. He kind of hates it. He guesses that’s the college experience. 

He also has a roommate. Jarvis had told him it’d be good for him, and Tony had had to talk Howard out of about twenty-seven different legal documents that basically said “if you ever breathe a word of anything to anyone, you’re being legally sued.” 

James Rhodes. Literally studying to become a rocket scientist, has questionable taste in posters, and waves at Tony when they meet each other. 

“Call me Jim.” 

“...Jim. Are you eighty or something?” 

It’s probably the wrong thing to say. It definitely is the wrong thing to say by Jarvis’ raised eyebrows and down-turned frown. 

But James Rhodes takes it in stride. 

“You can call me something else if you want, but it has to be good and I have to approve it. Can’t be my last name, can’t be Jimmy. Anything else is fair game.” 

Different reaction. That’s...that’s weird. 

So Tony shrugs, smiles as Jarvis leaves, and realizes that he’s alone and Howard doesn’t really have an influence--except he does, god he does--and Tony asks James Rhodes if he’d like to get pizza. 

“You know anywhere with good pizza?” 

“Wanna find out if Hemingway’s is any good?” 

“It’s either going to be artisan hipster or the worst. Hell yes.” 

It’s artisan hipster. It is bad, and James laughs as he tells a story and burns his tongue when he’s reenacting his mother is chewing him out, using his full name, and: 

“Rhodey,” Tony gasps out. 

“I told you that you couldn’t use my last name!” 

“It’s technically not your last name, sugar plum,” Tony mocks, using one of his mother’s nicknames against him. “You are forever now Rhodey. Forever.” 

- 

From there, friendship progresses. Tony’s never actually had a real friend before, not that he tells Rhodey that. Besides, Rhodey probably knows. Tony just automatically assumes he’s paying for everything, and he’s not sure what to do with genuine affection for a couple of months. 

He looks at Rhodey with such love and affection. He does, really. Rhodey has created a whole new world for him. 

- 

And then, the holidays. 

Thanksgiving is Tony’s least-favorite-holiday for a variety of reasons. It’s all a fake kind of gathering. “Coming together to celebrate gratefulness” is the biggest goddamn crock of bullshit he’s ever cooked in his life, and for once his family isn’t doing a PR stunt, so his mother has announced that he’s welcome to be back home, but they won’t be there. 

Howard is taking Jarvis with him on a trip to England to visit Aunt Peggy and probably talk shop about Cap and ice and stupid fucking theories about the degree of alive he’ll be when he’s found. 

(When. What pretentious bullshit.) 

Tony doesn’t want to be alone in the house, because that’d suck shit and MIT would be better. At least he could make shitty ramen and cry and only get a noise complaint instead of one of the cleaning staff members saying that he probably needed therapy. 

“You are not staying in the dorms, what the fuck man,” Rhodey says. “You’re coming home with me.” 

“Now darling, I thought you said we weren’t going to be forward about this whole thing,” he purrs, putting on an old Hollywood accent. “Are you finally coming up and seeing me?” 

Rhodey rolls his eyes. 

“I’ll be as forward as I want,” he decides, and Tony wishes he wouldn’t say things like that, because that seriously get’s a man’s heart rising. “Besides, I told you that you need to have my Aunt Kendra’s rolls, and that’s a promise. So, Thanksgiving is now with the Rhodes’ family.” 

Tony doesn’t know if they know that he’s coming. He also doesn’t know the dress code, and Rhodey is absolutely no help. 

“What do you mean by casual?” Tony squawks. “Is it business casual? Dressy casual? Jeans casual?” 

“What do any of those mean?” 

“Oh my god, I’m going to look like a failure at this shindig. Your mother will die over her cooking because I’ll pull out of the wrong wardrobe and be a fool. I’ll die, and you’ll have to bury me, and you won’t even know which outfit I’ll want. God, this is going to--” 

Rhodey shuts him up, putting a hand over his mouth. 

“Just wear your red turtleneck and your dark jeans or whatever. That looks nice.” 

“You noticed?” 

“You don’t give me as much credit as I deserve,” Rhodey grunts. “Early wake-up on Monday. I’ll supply coffee as long as you give me gas money.” 

“I’ll give you anything for coffee. I’ll give you my hand in marriage for coffee.” 

“Don’t tempt me,” Rhodey teases. “I might actually do that.” 

God, I wish you would. 

- 

Rhodey’s house is a nice place, a wire fence bordering with a porch swing covered in a light dusting of snow, and swinging slightly with the wind that blows through the neighborhood. 

There are quite a lot of cars parked in the driveway and in the street, and Tony can see at least six people inside the house, which is more family than he actually knows on either side. 

It’s all warm and yellow, and Rhodey moves with an ease that Tony didn’t know happened outside of those cheesy family shows. 

He throws open the door and there are shouts of joy and happiness and “Jimmy-boy!” 

“I didn’t know Jimmy-boy was on the table,” Tony remarks dryly. “And here it’s been for months, Jimmy-boy.” 

Rhodey groans. 

“This is worse than Rhodey,” he mutters. 

A woman who could only be his mother steps forward, grinning. 

“Call me Mama, darling. And what’s this I hear about ‘Rhodey’?” 

“He burnt his tongue on pizza while telling me about a time he got a well-deserved talking-to by your own graceful words, Mrs. Rhodes,” Tony says. He’s charming. Oh, he’s very charming. 

She giggles. 

“I said mama, but I can’t say I’ll mind too much when you talk like that. Jim, you should’ve had us meet earlier.” 

“You see I would’ve, but I happen to value myself,” Rhodey says. 

“You do?” a man says. Mr. Rhodes, tall and a smile that could put any of the fake veneers in Hollywood to shame. “Could’ve fooled me.” 

Rhodey gets pulled into a hug, and he laughs, and Tony has the Distinct Memory that He’s Never Been Hugged by his Father. 

Well, isn’t this a time to realize family inadequacies! 

“Rhodey, light of my life, where am I setting up my suitcase?” Tony asks. 

“Come on up with me. We’re sleeping in my room, hope that’s alright.” 

It’s more than alright, and Tony smiles when he sees Rhodey’s room. 

He loves it. It’s decorated with model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, a peeling Star Wars poster that has most definitely been needed to be thrown away for more than five years (but won’t be), and a few trophies from soccer. 

Tony’s never had his own room decorated with anything but the current trends, his mother hand-picking his comforter and the decorations in his room. And they all say he’s so “fashionable” and “keeps an eye out for trends.” 

(Ha.) 

It’s odd for him to see a house look so...lived in. 

“Welcome home,” Rhodey says. “I haven’t grabbed it yet, but I’ll use a sleeping bag and you can take the bed.” 

Tony snorts. 

“No way, honeybee. I’m not kicking you out of your own bed. We’ve shared a bed before, this is no different.” 

"Only if you’re sure,” Rhodey says, smiling at him. “This is a bit different than both twin beds being crashed together because we wanted more space for the fridge.” 

“This time we don’t have the fridge,” Tony quips as Rhodey laughs. 

“Come on, let’s head downstairs. Mama’s probably gonna have us wash dishes or something. Maybe set up some more chairs.” 

What actually happens is that their laundry machine has gone rebel-mode, and is currently trying it’s best to fling the door open and spew laundry everywhere. 

“Shit,” Mr. Rhodes says, looking at it. “Another call to the repairman this month...” 

“He won’t get here until a week after Thanksgiving,” Mama says, sighing. “How much do you mind your jeans freezing up a bit?” 

He smiles a bit at his wife. 

-

Tony’s never seen that. But he likes it. 

-

“I can fix it,” he says. Family turns to him. This is all quite embarrassing. “I, uh, I’ve taken apart some washing machines before. I think I can figure it out, if you don’t mind me poking around.” 

“I wouldn’t mind a bit,” Mama says. “Jimmy, I like this one.” 

Rhodey rolls his eyes. 

“I’ll go get the toolkit for you. Need anything?” 

“Towels and you, honey-pie.” 

“You get one out of two of those options.” 

“You treat me like a vagrant,” Tony declares. Rhodey laughs as he heads to go get supplies. 

- 

The night goes on. People occasionally check in, and Rhodey assures them that it’s going well. 

“Instruction manuals are such bullshit,” Tony says. “Half the time they’re written by someone who doesn’t even know how to do it themselves. The other half, no one uses them.” 

“Well when you take over your company, write better instruction manuals,” Rhodey says. “Pass me a towel, things are about to get sudsy.” 

Forty-five minutes later, the washing machine is probably doing better than it was even at production, and Tony gets a kiss on the cheek and cheers all around him. 

“This calls for cookies,” Rhodey declares. “Tony, let’s go get some.” 

They sit at the kitchen table, and Tony learns so much about Rhodey’s family. He sees him laugh and relax and tell the funniest stories about when he was little and got stuck in a tree. 

-

It’s home. That’s how he finally understands it. Home where you keep on going long after, with people you love. 

He doesn’t have one of those.  

He thinks, maybe, that he could make a home of his own. Maybe he could have AC/DC posters lining a wall, or have the pictures of friends and vacation in the kitchen. 

And Rhodey would be there. For now, he’s going to enjoy his hot chocolate and try to get more embarrassing stories about his best friend from his family. 

[brelione]

Dating Kiara Carrera Alphabet

A- Apple pie. It was before you guys had confirmed your relationship. She wanted you to meet her parents and the only way she could get them to agree to have you over is if you helped them bake apple pies. It didnt go to well since you cut your thumb on a can of filling and spilled flour on yourself. You and Kie didnt end up baking that day, instead laughing in the living room as you were supposed to be finding recipes.

B-Butterflies. Fun fact about Kie: she fucking loves butterflies. Its convenient that every summer a mini zoo comes around to OBX with lizards, snakes, llamas, goats and a little butterfly garden. You surprised her, telling her to wear her butterfly shirt for the date and taking tons of photos of her with butterflies on her fingertips.

C-Cool. It was before you two started dating. She had been interested first, trying her best to hide the blush on her cheeks whenever you were around or when your name was mentioned. “So what do you think of (Y/N)?” JJ had asked since he was the one to introduce you to his group. “Shes pretty cool.”Kiara giggled, glancing over at you.

D-Day dreaming. She often day dreamed about your future together, thinking about what kind of house you’d live in and the pets you’d have. She had a ton of doodles of house plans, lists of names for pets and made a pinterest board of ideas of how to decorate.

E-ethereal. She’s very creative with compliments and your favorite thing she calls you is her ethereal angel.

F-Fun. The entire relationship was based off of fun, hopping fences into abandoned buildings and going to the beach in the morning to check on turtle eggs.

G-Gifts. She’ll shower you with random gifts. A new bathing suit, a bracelet she made, stickers, a reusable water bottle.

H-Horoscopes. She’ll send you your daily horoscope every single morning.

I- “I love you.” “Do you really?” “Yes.” “How much?” “Like….the amount the world owes in debt times four.” “I love you more.”

J-Jupiter. Jupiter is her favorite planet so you’re always prepared to hear her alien theories at two in the morning.

K- Kisses. She loves kissing your nose. She doesnt really know why but its her favorite part of your face.

L- “Loser.” “Love you too, Kie.”

M- Mommy kink. 

N- Neighborhood. She has to give you a whole tour of her neighborhood because every single kook mansion looks the same. “I’ll put a colorful rock at the end of the driveway so you know its mine.”She grinned.

O- “Of course im sure that I love you, the fuck?”

P-Pretty Girl by Clairo. No explanation needed.

R- Rain. Whenever its raining out the two of you either end up dancing on the beach as the rain drops drench you or you cuddle up in her bed and watch a movie on her laptop. Theres really no in between.

S-Sweater Weather. Most of the time you get into her car she has it playing and a grin on her face.

T-Thrift shopping. Ive said it before and i’ll say it again. Kie loves thrifting. She always finds the best clothes for any occasion.

U-Universe. You two often lay on a blanket on the beach, share a blunt and stare at the stars. “Hmm...do you think we’re soulmates?”She asked. You exhaled white smoke, a tired grin on your face. “Hell yeah, the universe put us together for a reason.”You replied.

W-Watch you sleep. It’s another song she plays a lot and you have fallen asleep next to her multiple times while the song plays on loop.

Y-Yogurt. It was three in the morning when she poked you in the side and asked you to come with her to make a yogurt bowl. You didnt know what she meant but you went with her anyways, watching as she grabbed two bowls and scooped vanilla yogurt into them before adding pineapple slides, cherries, mango chunks, strawberries and raspberries with a sprinkle of cinnamon. “This shit is good.”She told you, handing you the dish.

Z-Zodiac signs. When she first developed a crush on yous he demanded to know your whole birth chart to test compatibility.

@poguestyleskye   @jjtheangel @lovelyelinor @messuhp @outerbongs  @copper-boom  @httpstarkey @teenwaywardasgardian @deionswannabegirl​  @simonsbluee   @jiaraendgame  @khiaraaa-in-spacee  @on-socks-off  @abbiesthings @kindahavefeelingskindaheartless 

[hansoulo]

east of eden

pairing: gustavo gaviria/f!reader

warnings: cursing, canon-typical behavior and discussions, mentions of drugs, allusions to... stuff. cool.

word count: 1.9k

gif credit: (x) by my baby @bobafvtt

a/n: i just wanna be marina. we all wanna be marina.

You look Gustavo up and down in your sunglasses, his face tinted dark pink and hazy. He’s taller than you thought he’d be.

Your brother dismounts from his horse to shake hands. Introductions. Pleasantries. That sort of thing. Gustavo kisses your knuckles when you tell him your name and you only scoff a little bit, pull away slightly for the show of it all.

Yes, he’s very tall. Handsome, too, which should be dangerous (is dangerous given who he is and what he’s here to do) but you’ve always been one for pretty things. Expensive things, like the watch on his wrist that bounces back the light of the Colombian sun. His voice is deep when he laughs, a quiet chuckle in his chest that shakes the gold hanging above the hollow of his throat. He catches you looking. You pretend not to notice.

Fabio turns to discuss something with Pablo and the other men (transports or labs or some man with a plane) but you tune it out for the most part, walking a few dusty steps to meet the warm stare of his horse. You pat at its shoulders, cooing softly when it rears against your touch until it settles again, allowing your hand on the brown velvet of its head. Horses are nice. They don’t fuss over you or where you’re going or who you’re with. They just let you be.

Fabio would never let you ride this one, of course, but that’s neither here nor there. He doesn’t let you do a lot of things. You can hear their voices back in the courtyard but you just stay by the horse,  bored while they talk because business is always dull like that. You’re hungry. Tired.

Someone moves behind you and you jump, startled for a brief moment before another low laugh travels in the space between your bodies and goosebumps rise on your neck. “Scared?” the man asks, watching as you turn and twist the sunglasses off your face. It’s Gustavo.

“No,” you say after a moment, leaning against the fence. “It’s not nice to sneak up on your host, you know. Bad manners and all.”

“Well, I’m very sorry,” he responds, his lip quirking up just enough for you to see the faint edge of a dimple on his cheek. The wooden post digs into your hip as you rest against it, looking up at him with sun-squinted eyes.

“Doesn’t seem like it,” you respond, your voice notching in your throat when he comes one, two steps closer. “Not a very good liar, if you ask me.”

Gustavo smirks again, wolfish and much more attractive than it should be, bringing the smell of tobacco and sharp fruit over your nose when he reaches to fiddle with the thin strap of your dress. He rolls the yellow linen back between his thumb and pointer finger and your face flushes.

“Watch it!” Luis warns from across the way with a scowl.

Gustavo lets go, his fingers dragging against the bare skin of your shoulders. Your smile is saccharine before you turn away. “I’ll see you around,” you whisper, your sunglasses still dangling from your hand.

You’re gone with another toss of your head, up through the foyer and through open hallways as your sandals echo against marble floors.

⫸ ——–- ⫷

“Where’s Jorge?” you ask with a frown, watching as the dining table is set by women in pressed gray uniforms. He was supposed to be here, with your brothers and you. With Gacha - god, you hated him - with Pablo and with… Gustavo.

Fabio clicks off his radio with a sigh. “Business trip,” he tells you shortly, maneuvering around the chairs to walk back into the parlor, where the other men were sitting before dinner was ready.

“Oh,” you breathe out to no one in particular. “Okay.”

He doesn’t offer anything else so you just sigh, tracing the carved wooden backings of the chairs with your palm as you circle around the room. Maybe you could sneak something in the meantime.

You push past the double doors and hear the swinging of their hinges, stepping into the kitchen and eyeing the corner pantry. The room’s empty save for a maid and you wave at her, watching as she leaves with a stack of china plates. You’ve always liked the kitchen, with its wide windows and tall shelves and the way it smells like flour. Things are muffled in here. Far-removed. Nothing of concern besides whether or not the oven timer works and how your little pot of thyme rests on the windowsill.

The cupboard creaks as you open it and you rest your weight on the thin wood panel as you rummage behind the potatoes. You’ve used this shelf to hide food since you were a child and it’s no different now, even though you know your family could afford to buy you practically anything these days. Old habits die hard, you suppose, and so your chocolate stash remains undisturbed.

When you close it you’re met with the sight of a shirt, striped white and blue and smelling like laundry soap. It’s Gustavo again, leaning against the edge of the counter beside you with an amused sort of look on his face. Your eyes only widen a little bit before you raise your eyebrows.

“Want some?” you offer, snapping off a corner and holding it out. “I hide the good kind in here,” you say as you motion to the pantry. Gustavo laughs, more sincere this time. His eyes do this sort of crinkling thing when he smiles. You like it. A lot.

“I came here for a drink, actually,”

You shake your head. “Mm, no you didn’t,” you lilt, biting off a piece of chocolate when he doesn’t take it. Gustavo cocks his head. Like he’s daring you to do something. You don’t know what. “I saw that they have a bar cart in the parlor,” you say after you swallow, watching him as he watches you.

“Alright then,” he concedes. “I came to see you.”

The foil package crinkles when you set it down, your hand coming up to toy with the buttons of his shirt. You drag your fingernail across them until they catch on the smooth grooves, tracing the way the kitchen lights reflect back in alabaster. He just lets you do it. Humors you. “And what would everyone say,” you hummed, “If they knew you were alone with me?”

A finger, calloused but skimming soft, hooks under your dress strap again, lifting it and letting it fall along the slope of your shoulder. The air’s heavy; a little choking in the space between. Not suffocating, exactly, but thick in your throat like the fog of summer rain. His eyes are dark. Like chocolate. “They don’t have to know.”

You purse your lips to taste the sugar still stuck to the roof of your mouth before you hear your name called from somewhere, dampened by stucco walls. “We should go,” you whisper, not making any move to do so. Gustavo’s hand is still on your shoulder and his thumb presses into the divot of sloping bone, rubbing a slow half-circle. He’s looking at you still, eyeing his slow liquid gaze at the way your chest rises with your breathing. He’s bold, you’ll give him that.

You suck in an inhale and it comes out sharp, stilted and soft in your larynx before you speak again. “C’mon,” you say, letting your arms fall at your sides. “Don’t want to keep them waiting.”

He nods and you step away, worrying the bottom flesh of your lip between your teeth to hide your smile.

⫸ ——–- ⫷

You stay in the hallway for a few minutes after, resting your head on the plaster wall as Gustavo leaves. You know on an intellectual level that toying with whatever that was could probably land you in deep shit, but you’re bored and he’s nice to you, not because he’s paid to be but because he wants to. Maybe nice isn’t exactly the right word, but he’s sweet in a heady, rich sort of way. He said he liked your earrings. Said he’d buy you more. If you let him. If you wanted him to.

When you finally go into the dining room, there’s only one empty seat.

“Sit down,” Fabio motions to the chair, guiding you forward with a light hand on your shoulder.

“Oh but-” you begin, meeting the back of a dark head, a tan cap and wide shoulders. He doesn’t turn around but you know he’s listening, even as he leans over to the man to his right and starts talking.

“Sit down,” your brother repeats, impatient. The chair scrapes against the floor when Gustavo pulls it out for you. Sharp teeth. Large hands.

So you sit, feeling suddenly very small when you’re next to him like this, close almost to touching but far enough to seem unfamiliar. His palm brushes your thigh when his arm drops and you shoot him a look. Be careful, your face warns. You’ll get caught.

Maybe he takes that as a challenge. Maybe he just doesn’t care.

Gustavo’s eyes glint as he raises a glass of wine to his mouth, tinting them a light red stain. His tongue darts out and he drags it across his lips, nonplussed as you cough into your napkin. Tease.

You eat in silence; offer half-hearted responses to the men’s half-hearted questions. They move on from you quickly and turn in on themselves, little groups of twos and threes around the table. You hear smatterings of conversation and feel like a lampshade, there to decorate ugly things and stay still.

“Having fun?” a now familiar voice asks as the empty glasses increase, prompting louder voices and the clapping of drunken hands on drunken backs.

You push the food around your plate with a lazy fork. “Hardly,” you respond, the words dry and muffled into your cheek as your face rests in your palm. “You?”

“Not at all,” he responds, looking over at his supposed business partners. Pablo’s beginning a drinking song and you roll your eyes, dramatic as you motion a pretend noose around your throat. Gustavo chuckles and you smile back, your expression turning puzzled when he clears his throat. “Excuse me, gentlemen,” he says to the men now swaying back and forth, their arms around each other’s shoulders as they join in liquor-addled singing. He pats the pocket of his shirt and spares you a split-second glance before he stands. “I need a cigarette.”

A cigarette. Gross things, really, that lingered on people’s clothes and made your father’s lungs weak. A cigarette.

His palm slips down your neck when he’s behind you, his fingers curling hot around your hair before he lets go and walks away. A cigarette.  A pointed look. A cigarette.

Oh.

⫸ ——–- ⫷

He’s on you before the bathroom door closes.

“My brothers are gonna kill me,” you groan, tipping your head back against the doorframe as Gustavo’s hands slide across your waist. “How much time do we have?”

“Maybe fifteen minutes,” he replies, kissing a wet bruise into the skin of your jaw. “Before they start getting suspicious.”

“Fifteen minutes,” you repeat, gasping on the ending syllable when his lips seal across your pulse point.

Gustavo nods, his hair brushing against your cheek as he hooks his arms underneath your legs. “Fifteen minutes.”

[tinalbion]

Tina my beloved!!!

You! You are a mulberry color, but specifically with glitter in it, a shift between pink and blue forming that reddish purple tinge.

You are a starry night sky glistening with galaxies and far away planets, the kind that makes you think and wonder about life beyond earth, beyond our solar system, the kind that artists could only dream of capturing.

You are a martini in someone's favorite glass, taking the edge off of a long day and an even longer night, every sip bringing relaxation closet and closer.

You are black lipstick with purple glitter, the softest most velvety texture that dries down lighter than air, you are the sleek tube that it comes in and the fluffy applicator inside, it smells sweet like sugar but not artificially so, genuinely sweet and light.

You are velvet curtains pulled back from center stage, you are the tassels billowing gently as the twirling dress of a dancer brings a gust of air to greet it.

You are a black cat with fur like satin, sleek and elegant yet so friendly and misunderstood, loving and with a heart of pure gold and a purr that could put anyone at ease.

You are a blackberry champagne, bubbling and popping with an energetic fizz, an orange peel for decoration. The smell being worthy of a line of candles, tucked gently inside their glass containers with a sparkling ribbon for decoration, but at the same time no one would ever capture that smell perfectly.

You are rain at night, you are lights reflecting off of midnight sidewalk puddles- blinking slowly and putting the city wildlife at ease, you are taking a nap in a car during a long drive, you are a satin purse with a pearl handle, you are a little black dress, you are a diamond necklace, you are the sound of a keyboard clacking, you are a garden with a wrought iron fence, you are kisses between friends, you are laughter in an empty dance hall before setup, you are stiletto nails with floral patterns, you are a dove ruffling its feathers, you are the smell of a luxurious wine.

You are genuine.

Thank you for everything you've done.

-TML / Vic

Vic... VIC!

You absolute doll, I love this so fucking MUCH. Like seriously, I was looking through the ones I saw on my dash and just how in-depth and beautiful those were, I adored reading through them and was just curious what I'd be, and omg you did NOT disappoint.

These are all so beautiful and incredible? It's like you KNOW all about the things I like in life, the things I adore. I am known for loving the galaxy and stars, they're incredible and space is so VAST and beautiful to me, it's uncanny that you chose this. But all of this is just too much in the best way possible, I can't even begin to explain how thankful I am for this.

Seriously, Vic, you're the best and sweetest <3

[snowdice]

One More Chance (Part 12 of the Series “Is There Anything Left of Patton?”)

Fandom: Sanders Sides

Relationships: Logan/Patton, Virgil & Patton, Logan & Virgil, Roman & Patton

Characters: 

Appear: Patton, Logan, Virgil

Mentioned: Roman, Remy

Summary: Season change. Life changes. This time, Patton does too.

Notes: Zombie Apocalypse AU, Patton is a zombie

This is the twelfth part of a series of one-shots called Is There Anything Left of Patton?

Previous parts:

“Something Left”

“Someone You’ll Never Meet”

“Food You’ll Never Eat”

“Things You’ll Never Do”

“There Are Things That Are Lost”

“There Are Things That Are Missing”

“And There is a Question”

“Is There Anything Left of Patton?”

“And There is an Answer”

“But What Does It Mean”

“One More Dance”

My Master Post

The day Roman danced with Patton marked a big change in the house. Remy had basically already figured out what was going on with Patton (or at least as much as one could given Logan and Virgil didn’t quite understand it themselves), but it came as a surprise to Roman… somehow. Virgil had worried on the first day about Roman’s reaction considering his initial behavior when he’d met Patton, but much like Virgil had, Roman had managed to get attached. Zombie or not, Roman had decided Patton was his friend. The explanation of just what exactly was going on had come with some awkwardness, but not violence and life quickly moved on.

Once the secret was out and neither of them had an extreme negative reaction, their guests began to crest the barrier between guests and residents in the house. Logan began to devote time to thinking up a more permanent solution than just having the two crash on the floor of the study. For now, they had found usable mattresses and dragged them home to set up a temporary third bedroom in the study, but Logan had been making plans to renovate the house next door and build an attachment between the two so they would have more space. He’d already spent some of the summer constructing a sturdier fence around the neighboring house and planned on working on building more solar panels for its roof in the basement during the winter.

The division of labor became a lot easier too with the addition of two people. Scavenging was much easier, allowing Logan to get the supplies for the aforementioned solar panels as well as other supplies from more difficult to break into places. Remy and Roman were actually quite practiced at not dying in more risky situations since they’d started in a city.

Remy knew a bit about tech, having worked in a theater and jury-rigged a few things like microphones and lights in his day. Though he didn’t know as much about stuff as Logan, he knew enough basics that Logan was able to teach him things about maintaining and fixing the generators and other things around the house.

Roman, meanwhile, was good at hunting in both the traditional way and in the Roman-did-you-really-just-catch-a-chicken-with-your-bare-hands sort of way. They now had 3 chickens which they’d set up a coop for in the other house’s backyard.

Both Roman and Remy could sew pretty well which took some of the load off of Virgil and they could help in the garden some (Logan was still not allowed anywhere near it).

Virgil still often found himself panicking about the fast approaching winter, but they had even more supplies than the year before even counting the two extra mouths. So, overall, everything had changed for the better.

And then, there was Patton.

Patton had good days and bad days, but even the bad days were in stark contrast to what he’d been like a year ago. It’s like something had been triggered in him, and once he’d figured out how to follow the path to consciousness, it became easier to do so by the day.

On good days, Virgil imagined an outsider wouldn’t ever guess what he was. He wasn’t 100% normal, but most people would have no trouble saying he was a person. He still never spoke (except reportedly to Logan sometimes when they were alone), but he did react to what they said and seemed to understand. He smiled at Roman when he played him a song and tilted his head when Virgil spoke softly to him. There were entire passive aggressive arguments about the décor between him and Remy as both moved everything from furniture to decorations around sometimes behind each other’s back… and sometimes while making unflinching eye contact. Virgil thought they were having fun. Maybe?

There was a day in late August after the temperature had finally broken and it wasn’t boiling hot anymore where Virgil came down to find every blanket and pillow in the house had been brought to the living room and piled on and around the couch. Virgil at first had thought it was another malfunction and Patton was confused, but it was clear by how Logan reacted that it was in fact just a Patton thing. Roman had taken the blankets and constructed a fort for him which they’d both proceeded to spend the rest of the day in talking (well, Roman did the talking) about musicals and Disney movies.

Then, there were a few times where Virgil had caught him staring at a full cup of water sitting in the armchair. He’d sheepishly pretend like he’d gotten the water to drink it and Virgil let him.

Virgil’s hoodie just as often ended up folded outside his bedroom door in the mornings as it ended up in the washing machine and sometimes Patton would even come find him and hand it to him.

They hid the macaroni and cheese and woke to the entire loaf of bread that had been on the counter gone and cold grilled cheeses in the refrigerator. They put the macaroni back.

And on his best days when he came downstairs and poured himself a glass of juice from the refrigerator, he’d shoot a smile at Virgil and go off to find Logan. Virgil would often find them later smashed into the armchair together with Patton’s head on his shoulder while Logan read a book to him out loud.

The good days were become slightly more frequent as the months pushed on, but today was a bad day.

He’d been very confused and mostly unresponsive all day, but there was still something there in his eyes even today. Virgil glanced over as he removed the last jar of canned strawberries in this batch from the pressure cooker on the stove and set it on a dishtowel to cool. He’d been taking inventory earlier and some of the older cans that needed to be used soon were on the kitchen table including a jar of pickles.

Patton was staring at that jar intently as though it held the secrets of the universe. “Do you want a pickle, Patton?” Virgil asked. There wasn’t much of a response except for maybe a flicker of his eyelashes. However, the fact that he seemed to connect the sealed container with one of his favorite snacks did say something good about his object permanence.

Virgil passed the card table he’d set up for the earlier batches of cans to the kitchen table and grabbed the jar. He quickly took out one of the pickles and closed the can back up tight so the man wouldn’t try to eat all the contents in one go. He placed the pickle down in front of Patton. He immediately grabbed it and Virgil quickly turned away, so he wouldn’t have to watch that. When he looked back, the pickle was gone, and Patton had placed his chin on the table to once again stare at the jar intently.

“You just keep doing that buddy,” Virgil said before turning back to his canning station on the counter. He’d been working all day and this next batch would be his last. He started spooning the pre-prepared strawberries into the jars as he heated the water back up in the pressure cooker. He heard Patton shifting around but didn’t pay him much mind, too engrossed in his task. Annoyingly, it ended up that he was about half a can short on his mixture. He must have filled one of the earlier batches too full and now everything was uneven. It wasn’t a big deal, but still irritating. He’d just placed the last lid on when a hand suddenly appeared next to him and he jumped.

Honestly, one would think he’d be used to Patton randomly reaching for him by now. Except, unlike what usually happened, the hand went for one of the jars from the last batch instead of for Virgil himself. There was a quiet pop before the jar was set down again with its lid off. Virgil blinked at him. He blinked back and then wandered away. Virgil’s eyes followed him which is when he saw the card table. Every single jar was open.

“Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me Patton.” Patton gave him a curious head tilt, looked at the dozens of opened cans, and then looked back at him.

Virgil put his head down on the counter and let out a long, loud groan. He was actually impressed by own his lung capacity.

There were footsteps from the living room after about 15 seconds of sustained groaning. “What happened?” Logan asked.

“I just wasted an entire day on canning is what just happened,” Virgil sighed, gesturing to the many, many open cans.

Logan’s presence in the room seemed to pull Patton in and he walked up to him, kind of bumping into his front. Logan’s arms came up to hug him softly, and he rubbed his back a bit. Virgil watched as, after a moment, Patton tilted his head a bit to angle his mouth towards Logan’s ear. Virgil raised an eyebrow at that. Logan hummed after a few seconds and pressed a kiss to the top of Patton’s head. “It’s okay, love. I’ll help Virgil clean it up for you. You don’t have to worry.”

Virgil blinked. “Yeah, no, it’s fine Pat,” he was quick to reassure. “I get it. You’re good. It’s just a few cans.”

“How about I take you upstairs and you can lay down for a bit?” Logan offered. Patton nodded. “Alright, I’ll be down in a few minutes,” Logan said to Virgil before starting to guide Patton upstairs.

“You will not,” Virgil muttered, knowing it would be at least an hour, maybe two before he could pull himself away. Yet, he was more amused than annoyed at that fact. Virgil turned to look at the state the kitchen was in as they disappeared up the stairs. “Well, I guess I get one more chance to make sure the strawberry levels are even in all of the cans.”

Want to read more? The next part of this series is  When There Is Something Left.

[peace-coast-island]

Diary of a Junebug

Making cookies at the Nova Aeria Clock Tower

When it comes to being creative with cookies, Addie and Ginger are always up for the challenge! Since rebranding and opening shop at the Nova Aeria, things have been going super well for them. They went from a small cookie stand in their neighborhood to a traveling cart and now they have a full fledged bakery in the city.

Today the bakery was busy because of the monthly cookie contest, which has been a huge hit since it started earlier this year. Like I said, Addie and Ginger like to think outside the box when it comes to unique cookie recipes!

A lot has changed since I last saw them at the camp. At the time they were rebranding, taking time off to reevaluate things after realizing that the direction they were going in wasn't working out. By reinventing themselves and starting over from scratch, they were able to make something that aligned more with their dreams. It wasn't easy, but they took the plunge, knowing when to bail out when they realized that they deserved better.

The Nova Aeria Clock Tower feels like it exists in a space of its own. I don't know, it just gives off this starry, otherworldly vibe. I can also see why Addie felt that this was the perfect place to settle down in. She always has a knack for being intuitive like that. The moment she stepped inside, she knew that it was meant to be. And that's not something Addie says lightly so if she's somewhat certain about anything, we gotta keep that in mind.

For now, it's just Addie and Ginger running the bakery, though now they're in the process of building a team. Bree and Lyn were gonna start training soon but they're needed at the funeral parlor where Lyn's brother Ry works as undertaker turned temporary director.

Bree and Lyn have always been Addie and Ginger's biggest supporters so it was a matter of time before they joined the team. They're creative bakers too - Bree's baking videos are always relaxing to watch and Lyn likes experimenting will all kinds of complicated recipes. Problem is that their families aren't as supportive of their baking aspirations so it's a case of them waiting for the right opportunity to take a plunge and pursue their dreams.

So now they're one step closer! Except they can't quite take the step yet as poor Ry's overwhelmed since the funeral parlor director and consultant are out of commission. Lyn says it's not as bad as it sounds - basically, the director and consultant occasionally work with an adventurer's guild so they sometimes tag along on a mission with their investigator friend. Rarely they both go together and for that particular mission, things went horribly wrong, as Lyn puts it. The director, who Lyn describes as a bit of an eccentric prankster who seems too cheerful despite her family's business, should be out of the hospital tomorrow so she'll probably be back in a week or so. As for the consultant and investigator - an old fashioned gentleman and a headstrong young adventurer - it'll be a while before they're back up on their feet again, but at least they're recovering from their injuries.

Lyn always has stories relating to the funeral parlor - mainly about the director being weird and causing trouble. She seems like an interesting person, someone full of dark humor and can be a bit much, but a nice person overall. Lyn's family and hers go way back, and she has been supportive of Lyn and Bree while Ry seems to be on the fence. The consultant and investigator sound like cool people too - Lyn doesn't know them too well but they've always been nice to him. Bree says the consultant's super knowledgable about a lot of things so he always has a lot of interesting things to say.

The funeral parlor business was never for him so Lyn only really works there if they're short handed. Bree is basically the on call undertaker - probably the only one in the world as far as I know - though she mostly does cleaning and sometimes clerical stuff. To keep things lively, she bakes treats for the staff, which they appreciate, especially the director. She also learned a bunch of new recipes from the consultant, who also taught her a bunch of obscure and valuable baking techniques that most professionals have never heard of.

Since it's the monthly cookie contest, Ry gave Lyn and Bree the day off. So Ginger felt that this was the perfect opportunity to start their training - by being contestants! Normally Bree bakes something at least once a week but since the funeral parlor situation, she hasn't baked in almost a month, which is almost sacrilege to her. Of course, she was totally up for the challenge of coming up with a brand new recipe on the spot.

I was surprised at the turnout of the contest - thirty contestants! The bakery was packed so Addie had to break everyone up in groups. I didn't participate in the contest myself while Fauna and Mira did. Daisy Jane and I were behind the scenes, helping out contestants and cleaning equipment. It was cool seeing the kitchen as well as get some sneak peeks behind upcoming recipes.

It was fun watching everyone come up with all kinds of cookies. Everyone had such a unique spin on their creations so trying over thirty kinds of cookies didn't feel like a hassle. There were sweet cookies, savory cookies, and a lot of in between. Even things that you wouldn't think would go in a cookie came out well. Addie and Ginger sure know how to get everyone creative!

Fauna made a passionfruit matcha mochi cookie that screams tropical vibes. It was a recipe she came up with on the spot so it took a couple trial batches to get things going. The matcha cookie dough texture is like a mix between shortbread and chocolate chip, resulting in a flaky, buttery, and rich flavor. Then she bakes the cookies for a bit while making the passionfruit mochi. Before the cookies finish baking, she tops them off with the mochi, like putting chocolate chips on top, and put it back in the oven for a minute or two. That way, the cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside while the mochi is chewy and flavorful.

Mira came up with colorful chocolate cookies with a black sesame custard filling. They taste as good as they look, especially with the rainbow sprinkles. The cookie is made from a mix of coconut and almond flour, resulting in a nutty flavor that goes really well with the custard and chocolate. The flavor's not overly sweet thanks to the black sesame and a touch of flaky rock salt, which really elevates a dessert. I can totally see this cookie being served at a rainbow themed party for its looks alone.

Lyn went experimental with a super duper chocolate cookie. Basically a super rich brownie in the form of a cookie that's made from three different types of chocolate. To balance out all that chocolate, he topped them off with roasted pecans flavored with lime and chilis. He got the inspiration from hot chocolate with chilis and the flavors go surprisingly well together. I mean, along with the rich chocolate ganache drizzled on top, without the spicy pecans, the chocolate would've been way too much. Only Lyn can pull off something as indulgent as that!

Bree's creation is like a fusion of a focaccia and quiche in the form of a cookie. The dough is similar to focaccia, except with some tweaks here and there to make it more cookie like. The topping is a cream cheese custard with a blend of herbs, an unusual mix of sweet and savory flavors that balance each other super well. How she came up with this idea, I don't know. To add a bit of a personal touch, she decorated the cookies as various constellations. Creativity never ceases to amaze me!

There were so many cookies, more than enough to take home and give to friends. Bree and Lyn plan to stop by the hospital and funeral parlor on the way home to give away some of the sweet treats. I did a little baking myself with Addie and Ginger before they closed up and that was pretty chill. It's so good to see them thriving and I can't wait to come back, especially now that Bree and Lyn will be joining them soon.

While waiting for the cookies to cool, Ginger took us on a tour around the Nova Aeria. At first glance, the clock tower looks like a fancy shopping center. It kinda is but also isn't, if that makes sense. There are shops and cafes but there's also places like an archive building, an observation deck, the clock tower itself, a couple of HQs - it's basically the center of a lot of things. Even those who spend their days at the Nova Aeria for years - generations even - still don't know the full extent of the clock tower and what exactly its purpose is.

Being the curious cat she is, Ginger wants to learn more about the Nova Aeria. Lyn wants to know more about the place as well. Both say the consultant seems to have some knowledge about it so he seems like a good starting point. The director might know something too as her family has connections to the clock tower so that's another thing to look into. Hearing them talk about the clock tower's mysteries has made me curious too.

What stories does the Nova Aeria hold? That's another thing to look forward to on future visits.

[ysynx]

Hualian AU: Fetish club owner and the piano bar pianist

HC owns a goth club, turned fetish club. It has typical industrial goth vibes, warehouse style set up but with Victorian style iron gates and fencing with bookshelves decorated with all kinds of macabre knickknacks and lush red velvet gratos surrounded by gauzy curtains. The added extra fun comes from the spacious loft decorated in fetish gear and rigs. Whips, flogs, and paddles line the walls. Ropes in all colors are wrapped neatly and put on display on decorative shelves. St. Andrew’s crosses, spanking horses, and wall mounted D-rings complete the space.

So where does the owner of a wildly successful club go to spend his free time? The piano bar across the street of course. It started off as mild curiosity. Who would be brave enough to open a respectable business across the street from the most sinful business in the city?

Turns out the piano bar was boring as all hell and the drinks were mediocre at best. But what made HC go back almost every day for 2 hours at a time was the pianist. An ethereal looking man with shoulder length honey brown hair, half done up in a bun. He always wore a well fitted suit, no tie, with the top button undone.

On the first day HC went he left a generous tip. On the third day he learned his name was Xie Lian. On the fifth day he went and XL wasn’t there, he got his schedule from the manager.

From then on he would go every time XL was scheduled, and he would stay his whole shift, always leaving the biggest tip.

They never spoke, but XL would always look for HC in the crowd, and made sure to play all his requests, even if every single one is a cheesy love ballad.

They keep up this game for a few months until XL opens up his session with a romanticized version of “Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure. HC pops an instant boner, and an even bigger heart boner. His little crush turns into full blown infatuation. At the end of XL’s shift he slips him an even bigger tip with his number wrapped up in one of the bills.

They text back and forth for a week, and HC starts staying with XL after he finishes playing, buying him a drink and getting to know him in the hours before HC has to leave and run his club.

They talk about anything and everything. XL tells him about his white Persian and spends an hour showing him pictures. HC shows him pictures of his one eyed Rottweiler, constantly complaining about how needy he is, but XL can still see the loving gleam in his eye.

It’s during one of their chats after XL’s shift that XL finally asks, “So what do you do?”

HC smirks, takes a sip of his bourbon, then says, “Well you if you’re interested.”

XL chokes on his rum and coke, face a burning red, “I- that’s not what I meant!” He hides his face in his hand.

HC tries to swallow down his laugh, but he can’t stop his shoulders from shaking.

“San Lang...” XL practically whines, dipping his head to hide behind both of his hands.

Taking a few steadying breaths HC finally answers, “Sorry gege, I couldn’t resist.”

After a quick sip of his drink HC continues, “And if it’s any consolation, I own that club across the street. The teasing comes with the job.”

XL perks up at this, “Oh you do? That actually explains a lot. I always wondered if you were going out of your way to come down here.” XL gives a shy smile.

“Don’t worry gege, “ HC gives a knowing smirk, “I come here to see your divine hands make beautiful music.”

“Ah, thank you.” XL bites his bottom lip and looks deeply into his drink.

“So then do you live around here San Lang?”

“Not at all. I like to keep my work life and personal life separate,” HC chuckles, “as much as I can anyway. Though I’ve had pretty things follow me home from work before.”

HC makes eye contact with XL, and drains the last of his drink. XL swallows hard.

XL gets into an uber with HC and they head to HC’s townhouse. It’s a sleek modern thing with a distinct gothic influence. The walls are decorated with gray wallpaper, covered blood red roses and silver filigree.

A black finished iron chandelier lights the foyer, sitting in the center of the double height ceiling. A dark mahogany wrap-around staircase leads to the second floor, the steps covered in a lush red carpet, decorated with more silver and ivory swirls.

HC leads them around the first floor giving a tour of the many rooms before settling them both in the living room. He leaves XL on the 3 seater chesterfield sofa, plush red velvet giving under XL’s weight.

He returns with drinks in hand, soft piano music filling the silence. XL perks up at the music, recognizes them all as pieces he’s played at the piano bar.

HC picks up the conversation, talking about his work, but XL is only half listening, sipping on his drink and scooting closer and closer to HC. Soon they’re bumping knees.

HC sets a hand on XL’s knee, startling him, already flashing a smirk,  “Gege, everything alright? You seem distracted.”

“Sorry San Lang, I just...” XL trails off as he feels HC pull his drink out of his hand and set it aside, hand on his knee trailing up his thigh.

“Apologies gege,” HC leans in, other hand tracing XL’s jaw, lips just a breath away from XL’s, “but you know me, I love to tease.”

XL is the one to lean in and close the distance, but HC is quick to take control. It starts off a hungry pressing of lips against lips, and with a swipe of his tongue HC has XL inviting him in. XL climbs into HC’s lap, straddling his thighs and throwing his arms around HC’s shoulders.

They make out on the sofa, hands pulling at clothes revealing soft skin and defined muscles. HC pushes XL down to lay on the sofa and kisses his way down his jaw, undoing the buttons on his shirt, tongue laving at newly exposed skin. He takes a nipple into his mouth, toying it with his tongue before sucking, hands busy undoing XL’s belt and pants.

XL has his hands in HC’s hair, pulling hard as HC draws out sweet moans and gasps from him.

It doesn’t take long before HC is mouthing at XL’s clothed dick, drawing out a wet mewl from XL.

“Please...” XL begs.

“Please what?”

“San Lang...”

”I want to hear you say it.”

“Please, your mouth, I want it.”

”Want it how?”

”San Lang-“

“Good boys that follow directions get rewarded.”

XL keens before saying, “Please suck me off San Lang.”

“That’s a good boy.” HC pulls out XL’s painfully red dick, hard and throbbing. He gives the head a teasing lick before swallowing him down.

It doesn’t take long before XL is spilling into HC’s mouth, and HC greedily swallows it all down. When XL comes down from his orgasm he’s pulling HC down into a lazy kiss, a hand trailing down HC’s torso to palm at his dick through his pants.

“Now you,” XL says, breaking the kiss, feeling HC rock his hips into his touch.

“Then let's take this upstairs.”

XL barely gives a nod before HC is lifting him from the sofa. He instinctively wraps his legs around HC’s hips, and his arms hold onto his neck.

XL starts trailing kisses down HC’s neck, nipping at his collar bones, feeling HC kneed his ass as he walks them up the stairs to his softly lit room.

HC throws XL onto a large four poster bed. Dark mahogany frame, red chiffon curtains draped from  the frame, silken black sheets cool against XL’s heated body.

HC starts quickly pulling off his own clothes, quirking an eyebrow at the frozen XL.

“I don’t mind leaving clothes on, but I felt those abs you’re hiding under that shirt.”

XL’s eyes widen and then he’s quickly stripping, HC’s laugh echoing in the room.

HC tosses something onto the bed before crawling on top of XL. He presses his chest against XL, pressing him into the mattress, laying claim to his mouth, nipping at his lip, hands exploring exposed skin.

When HC has XL on the verge of tears he grabs him and flips him so he’s face down ass up. HC grabs the bottle of lube he tossed nearby earlier and pours out a decent amount.

He presses his chest against XL’s back and murmurs into his ear, “Be good and relax for me,” HC’s lube slicked fingers start tracing XL’s cleft.

“Say red if you need me to stop,” is all HC says before straightening out and thoroughly working XL’s hole open.

By the time HC flips him back over, XL is a trembling drooling mess. HC presses butterfly kisses all over XL’s face, massaging his trembling thighs, “So good for me. Letting this San Lang hear such delicious sounds.”

XL clings onto HC’s shoulders as his breathing settles and he stops trembling. His body feeling heavy, he settles deeply into the mattress and lets go of HC. He feels HC move around, hears the crinkling of the condom wrapper, then HC is back between his legs, stroking his thighs.

He presses a kiss to the inside of XL’s knee, “Don’t worry gege, I’ll take good care of you. Just make sure I can hear your pretty little voice.”

And true to his word, he does. He fucks XL roughly into the mattress with strong merciless thrusts as XL desperately clings to him. HC pulls on XL’s hair, making him bare his throat, biting red bruises into the unmarked skin, drawing out even more desperate mewls.

He manhandles XL’s body, pushing him onto his side and throwing a trembling thigh over his shoulder, gripping it to his chest for better leverage, punishing XL’s hole with the new and deeper angle.

Resounding thwacks, followed by yelps and moans, fill the space as HC slaps XL’s plump ass, ogling as it jiggles with each strike.

When HC finally deems them finished, XL is a shaking prone mess. His chest heaves as he desperately tries to catch his breath. HC massages XL’s aching muscles as he wipes him down with a warm wash-cloth.

“Gege was so good. He did so well for me,” he’s murmuring sweet nothings to XL as he works.

HC tucks both of them into bed, bringing XL to lie on top of him, circling him in his arms. His hand traces soothing circles on XL’s back, and he presses kisses to the top of XL’s head. XL tucks himself into a tighter ball, curling under HC’s chin.

“Rest gege, I’ll take care of everything in the morning.” XL gives a small nod before fully relaxing and falling asleep.

The next morning XL can barely move, groaning as he wakes up. HC carries him to the already prepared bath in the en suite bathroom. He washes him, much to XL’s embarrassment.

Dressed in HC’s much too large lounge clothes, XL joins him in the kitchen for breakfast. HC has prepared a large breakfast spread for them both, and makes sure that XL is eating his fill.

When they finish they take their tea to HC’s back yard and sit in reclining chairs on the patio. They talk about everything and nothing. It’s pleasant, and HC can’t remember the last time he enjoyed speaking with someone so much.

“Gege, do you have any plans today?” HC asks during a lull in the conversation.

XL tilts his head to the side as he thinks, “I don’t work today, so no I don’t have anything planned.”

“Then would gege do me the honor of accompanying me to my club tonight?”

“Oh? Are you sure? I’ll probably look really out of place.”

“Don’t worry about that gege, I’ll handle it. But don’t force yourself if you don’t want to.”

“No no, I want to go.” XL turns fully to HC and grabs his hand, “I would love to see the place you’ve built yourself San Lang.”

HC feels his chest tighten, “Alright then, it’s a date.”

[nukyster-blog]

Changing course chapter 17) under the skin

.-.-.

Communication was out of the question. Overnight, Ivar’s embarrassment had grown to the size of a boulder and that huge rock of sweltering shame rested upon his chest, making it rather difficult to breathe. 

Ivar was glad he’d been dragged back into the mud of the pigsty, as he could not bear to be around Piglet. With both their secrets stripped bare, neither were able to look the other straight in the eyes. 

Amongst the pigs, Ivar tried to recollect his damaged ego but managed it poorly. A form of hopelessness took hold of his shoulders and hindered him from keeping his chin up. 

The mundane labour and damp wind kept Ivar’s thoughts from spiraling down, the Dietsch autumn was merciless; losing her beauty and warmth faster every day. It would not take long for frost to claim the soil and turn the entire pigsty into a shallow lake of muddy ice. 

Ivar wondered how he was going to survive, once winter announced itself with snow and freezing temperatures. His clothes were no match for the upcoming cold and the way he scraped through his makeshift knee pads, during his day to day odd jobs, made him dejected. Because how on earth was he going to move through thick layers of snow? He’d freeze to death, with his poor rags for clothing, soaking with icy water. 

Piglet quite literally shoved him out of his thoughts. The young woman dashed over the wooden fence of the pigsty and crawled her way towards the pigs enjoying their breakfast. She managed to squeeze her body alongside the fat bellies and disappeared from view. 

Almost simultaneous to Piglet’s free dive between the grunting animals, a carriage arrived. The tough Lancewood shafts were carved; decorating the sides with elegant flowers and biblical images. The transport device was the size of a decent house and had windows made of actual glass. 

The imposing carriage stopped near the well, it’s driver scratched the back of his head and looked around a little lost and anxious. 

“Ivar,” Piglet hissed and threw a clump of mud in his direction splattering one side of his face. Before he could yell at her, she indicated very firmly to get his head down and mouth shut. 

Curious, Ivar did what was told but instead of hiding, he crawled through the pigsty and peeked through the missing border of the fence. 

By then, the driver had managed to spot one of the linen maids, the girl made a small bow and started pointing with her hand, giving him the proper directions to the main entrance. 

Intrigued by the whole incident, Ivar sat up and traced the glass windows. What type of master would be sitting on the other side? By the imposing impression of the carriage, it was not a commoner. Would it be an Earl? A famous healer? A king? 

“Hamar!” Piglet sank her nails into his shoulders and dragged him down. Ivar let out a harsh breath of frustration and gave her a hard shove back.

“Just because I’m no longer planning on murdering you, doesn’t mean you can treat me like a scurvy dog,” he growled and plucked on the collar of his shirt to fix it before craning his head back towards the carriage. 

A young fair maiden had stepped down the iron footplate of the carriage and seemed just as lost and puzzled as her driver. She was nervous too, although she managed to keep a blank expression, her fiddling hands gave it away. Her fingers played with the embroidered laces of her long, fur coated cloak. 

Oh, she came from wealth, with her pale cheeks that have hardly been kissed by the sun. 

Her fingers found a new distraction, they played with a loose lock or her long blonde braided hair as soon as master and mistress de Haar approached her carriage. 

To Ivar’s surprise and annoyance, Piglet’s tormentor tottered behind them, sour-faced and in a black mood.   

Between the four aristocrats, came a stiff introduction in which the fair maiden gave a brief bow towards the master and the mistress. Piglet’s tormentor managed to lisp a few words and hastily placed a clumsy kiss on the back of her hand. 

As the four of them strode back to the wealthy part of the castle, the young man gave his arm for the fair maiden to take and Ivar realised the purpose of her arrival; an arranged marriage. 

“Ludolf de Haar,” Piglet whispered closely to his ear and dug her nails into Ivar’s wrist with the strength of a wild cat. Her act was not provoked due to Ivar, no it was an extension of the fear she held for that particular young man. 

“Bad man,” she pointed to the young couple, “bad man…” 

.-.-.

From his warm lungs, came white puffs of clouds with every breath he exhaled. Ivar tried to brace himself for the night as the cold started to set into his muscles and bones. He’d managed to hide most of his body underneath a thick layer of hay, but without a proper bed, the cold crept up on him from the flooring. Knowing that in the morning, his legs would cause him agony, made it hard to fall asleep. 

And with the dreadful event of last night still fresh in his memory, sleep seemed completely out of the question.

Although he created the illusion of being fast asleep, his whole body was on edge and his ears wide open. If that croaked-lipped bastard decided to come back, he wanted to be wide awake. His companion must feel the same, usually she was the first one to drift asleep, indicated by her calm deep breaths and occasional snoring. 

Ivar overheard her tossing and turning, all while her breath remained shallow and fast. Both were destined for a long sleepless night while being plagued by the penetrating cold. 

Approaching footsteps made both their breaths catch in their throats. Ivar’s eyes narrowed and for a moment, he closed them completely. The footsteps had the wet sound of someone walking in mud, someone who hadn’t learned to walk quietly and instead, relied on verges to muffle their steps. Each footfall was chaotically spaced from the last, no rhythm at all. They lacked confidence and cunningness. 

The footsteps most definitely belonged to Ludolf de Haar.

Piglet was aware of this too and before the keys could click inside the lock and open the door, she flung herself over the fence that separated their boxes and sought shelter alongside Ivar. 

It felt strange, for her to be so close in the twilight. Never before had she willingly crossed her makeshift line, but with such a predator on the verge of walking in, all rules were fairly broken. Ivar hastily crafted a plan. Without a word, he tucked Piglet’s body underneath the hay and crawled close to the trough.

The second Ludolf set a foot in their doorway, Ivar shoved his middle and index finger in the back of his throat and started hurling. Tears burned his eyes as partially digested chicken spewed out of him. His unwilling stomach contracted as he forced its entire content up and out. His fingers crawled around the edge of the trough and turned his knuckles white. Lurching forwards once more, Ivar choked and coughed. The pungent stench invaded his nostrils as he heaved until there was nothing left. 

He knew he was a mess, a dirty, sweaty, smelling, disgusting mess. He’d learned from the best. When he flung his head up, his heart leapt as he watched Ludolf’s lop-sided lip curl up from repulsion. 

Continuing to his act, Ivar clumsily crashed onto his stomach and in the process knocked over the trough. 

The youngest descendant of de Haar did not know how fast he could flee from the shed, as splatters of vomit rained down onto his leather boots. 

Although his entire stomach was empty, Ivar felt content and victorious. He’d conquered the enemy without lifting a finger and saved Piglet’s virtue, at least for another night. 

Indecisive, he turned back to the quivering pile of hay. Piglet had morphed back into a sniveling mess and that form of a woman was foreign and appalling to Ivar. He much rather fight the Giant with both his hands tied to his back then to retreat to the end of his box. 

But he was cold and damn exhausted from being in a continuous state of alertness. So even though Piglet’s soft weeping was off putting, he crawled back, stole half of her hay and lay down beside her. 

“Shut up Piglet,” he growled at her, shifting on his side with his back towards her. Although the warmth of her body was rather welcoming, he did not want to give her the impression he was growing soft on her. Ivar could cope with blood, pain and violence, but any form of gratefulness coming from a woman, chilled him to the bones. Such gratitude might give her the impression she mattered something to him, which evidently would give her power over him. And he did not want to be used simply for being a longing weakling, because he did not crave her approval nor care. 

Ivar certainly did not want to feel loved. 

“Shukraan,” she thanked him soft and humble and draped her arm over him, pulling herself tightly to his back. Ivar’s body stiffened by her uncharacteristic forwardness and bit the inside of his cheek so hard he drew blood. Her upper body fitted perfectly against his and he could feel her heartbeat jitter rapidly. For a moment, he wondered which one of their hearts galloped faster.

Ivar inhaled a deep breath and blew out slowly: “shut up piglet,” but his words lacked its intended venom. 

She reeked, she had absolutely no respect for him and Ivar tried to think of many other reasons why he should not find so much relief in her embrace. But the truth was, her warmth and closeness gave him more comfort than any blanket or fur coat ever could.

And so he clenched his jaw over and over, sucked on the inside of his bloody cheek and remained stiff-backed and wide awake, because he could not swallow the fact that a reeking savage managed to continue getting underneath his skin.  

.-.-.

A/N: ok I know this was a ‘preventing a rape’ chapter, but I think those two together are cute af. As I mentioned before, I really like to torture Ivar and I think Piglet’s embrace comes pretty close to the many times the Giant beat the shit out of him. He simply cannot deal with kindness. I’d like to thank a few readers in particular: @youbloodymadgenius, @xbellaxcarolinax, @shanntgoatgruff, @pieces-by-me, and @readsalot73. Who’ve all been so motivational and I can’t thank you enough for all your kind words<3 My personal life is very time consuming, so I’m not sure when I’ll be able to update this story, but know I’m doing my very best to continue! 

Xoxoxo Nukyster 

The tagged ones:

@youbloodymadgenius

@xbellaxcarolinax

@saldelys

@shannygoatgruff

@pieces-by-me

@apenas-mais-uma-pessoa

@readsalot73

@lauraan182 @conaionaru

@sarahh-jane

If you’d liked to be tagged, please let me know:)

[howtosingit]

Fic: An Open Heart is an Open Wound to You

Days after the solar storm, Carlos and TK spend another night under the stars.

* 

Basically, a re-do of the 1x02 disaster dinner, taking place just after 1x10.

4.1K | Also on AO3

——————

Carlos can’t help but to let out a deep sigh as soon as he steps foot into his apartment. There’s a stillness to the space, a quiet that comforts him. It’s been so hard for him to find that kind of peace in the past two weeks; between the shooting, the lack of sleep from the fallout of the shooting, the solar storm, and the additional work following the solar storm, he feels like he hasn’t had a moment alone to catch his breath. It’s making him feel off-balance, like he hasn’t been able to fully adjust to everything going on around him.

So, he takes a shower, and it helps. He can feel waves of tension flowing off him as he stands under the hot water. He breathes deeply, taking in the heat, cleansing his lungs. He massages his eyelids, his neck and shoulders, his arms, driving away the tightness that he’s felt building. It’s relaxing, and he stays under the shower head much longer than he planned to, swaying in and out of full consciousness. 

What feels like an hour later, he returns to his kitchen, opening the fridge to see what he can pull together to eat. He’s much calmer than before, but there’s still something off about his apartment. He looks around the room, trying to spot what might be making him feel on-edge, but nothing looks out of place. He can’t pinpoint what it is, but he feels like something’s missing. 

He’s staring off into space, brows furrowed in thought, when his phone buzzes on the counter next to him. The name on the screen brings a sudden smile to his face, one that drives his current concerns to the back of his mind.

Wanna come over?

His eyebrows raise slightly in surprise; in the many months that he has known TK, the man has never invited him over to his place. Sure, their moment on top of his Camaro only two nights ago seemed to imply that they might be moving in a different direction, but still... This feels big, in a way, and Carlos is ashamed to admit it, but he didn’t think TK would be taking big swings this soon. 

His delay in responding becomes obvious when his phone buzzes again in his hand.

I miss you.

His eyebrows raise even higher, this time accompanied by a soft smile. It’s not that TK has been constantly emotionally distant, but he’s not usually this forthcoming either, especially through text. Carlos huffs out a laugh, thinking about how it’s only been a couple of days since they had some alone time, but how much he has also missed his… whatever they are now. And since Carlos has never really been one to hide his true feelings, he doesn’t hesitate to tell TK that.

I’ve missed you too. Be there in 20 minutes, that okay? 

20 mins is perfect! No speeding, Officer Reyes ;)

Fondly, Carlos rolls his eyes, dropping his phone on the counter and moving towards his bedroom. If he’s going to see TK, he’s going to need to wear something other than his faded sweatpants. 

--------

Eighteen minutes later, he’s pulling up outside the Strand house, tapping his fingers nervously on the steering wheel as he comes to a stop. He doesn’t even know why he’s feeling anxious; he’s known TK for months now, and he’s seen a lot of different sides of the man that he’s come to care for deeply. For some reason, this invitation feels like a turning point for them, and the pressure of what that could mean causes him to rub at his forehead, trying to lessen the stress he feels building there. He just really wants this to work out, probably more than he’s ever wanted anything, if he’s being honest.

Shaking himself, he gets out of the car and moves up the front path towards the house, noting the absence of Captain Strand’s truck in the drive. With a deep breath, he raises his hand to the door and gently knocks. 

It must be only seconds later when the door opens, almost as if TK was standing there in wait. Their eyes immediately link, a gentle softness that pulls a breath from Carlos. He just saw TK earlier this week, but that doesn’t stop Carlos from feeling like he’s seeing him for the very first time; it happens more often than he will probably ever admit. 

“Hi,” TK says gently, cutting through the silence. Carlos feels his smile widen slightly in response. He takes a chance and steps through the doorway, sliding his arms underneath TK’s to wrap him in a hug, mindful of his shoulder. TK tenses in surprise before huffing out a laugh, wrapping his own arms around Carlos’s shoulders.

“Hi,” Carlos replies, pressing his face into TK’s neck. He’s quickly discovered that it’s his favorite place to be.

“Hi,” TK breathes out, nuzzling Carlos behind the ear. He shivers in response, feeling a little ridiculous, but he kind of doesn’t ever want this moment to end. Before he can say anything further, his stomach lets out a small groan and he feels TK begin to shake with laughter as he pulls away slightly, giving him an amused look. “Either you're hungry, or I’m awakening some very strange parts of your body.” 

Carlos rolls his eyes. “You awaken every part of my body, cariño” he says, knowing full-well how stupid it sounds as it comes out, but he also notices how TK’s eyes darken just a bit, so he can’t be too embarrassed. “I am a bit hungry, though,” he admits. “Work was a little crazy and I skipped lunch.”

TK grins, letting out a small noise of understanding. “I just may be able to help you with that,” he says, grabbing Carlos’s hand and turning to lead him further into the house. He follows, gripping tightly to TK’s hand as he looks around. The decor doesn’t surprise him — it’s very similar to the remodeled firehouse, and he recognizes Captain Strand’s commitment to his personal style. It makes Carlos smile, happy to see a little further into TK’s world. 

TK leads him to the back of the house and through the sliding patio door into the backyard, where he stops abruptly, Carlos jerking quickly to the side to avoid running into him. He looks out at the small, fenced-in area, and can’t help the sharp breath that steals into his chest.

The yard features a picnic table, currently ladened with a full dining setup. He can see multiple candles at both ends, dishes of food next to those, and two plates at the center. Near the middle, he sees two champagne flutes and an ice bucket with two bottles sweating in the mild Texas heat. Carlos’s gaze shifts upward, above the table, eyeing the string lights that criss-cross over the table, twinkling softly. He grips TK’s hand tightly, intertwining their fingers as he feels himself vibrate with overwhelming emotion. TK never fails to surprise him, and it knocks him back every time.

He thinks the other man understands, as TK rises up to press a soft kiss to his cheek before dragging them closer to the table. Carlos allows TK to drop his hand as he reaches for one of the bottles and pours two glasses of sparkling golden liquid for them. He’s confused as he silently watches, taking his glass with a small shake of his head, TK clinking them together and raising his eyebrow to indicate that Carlos should take a drink.

The minute the liquid hits his tongue, Carlos recognizes the definite lack of alcohol. “It’s grape juice,” TK confirms, a small blush on his face as he takes a sip. “I know it’s kind of childish, I just wanted to recreate the—”

Carlos cuts him off with a kiss, smiling as TK lets out a small gasp, causing Carlos to push closer, parting his lips. TK does the same and as their tongues brush against one another, Carlos can faintly taste the juice, but mostly he just tastes TK. It’s kind of his favorite taste in the world.

They get lost in each other for a moment, Carlos reaching up to grip the back of TK’s head when he senses TK’s hand on his waist. He feels like he could spend the rest of his life kissing TK and never regret a single second of it, but at some point they both need air. “I really like grape juice,” Carlos says when their lips part, pressing forward to rest his forehead against TK’s. He watches as TK’s lips raise into a soft smile.

“I hope it goes well with dinner, which I have to be honest with you, I did not make” TK says, pulling back to gesture down at the table. Carlos follows his lead, moving to sit as TK stands across from him, grabbing his plate to begin serving the food. Carlos recognizes the baked red snapper, and his heart immediately swells in his chest. “First big thing to know about me: I burn water. You do not want me to cook for you.”

Carlos lets out a sound of disagreement, staring up at TK as he moves along the table filling the plate with salad and bread and asparagus. “I’d be happy to give you some lessons,” he says. “I love to cook.”

“I remember,” TK says, a slight grimace on his face. He doesn’t let it linger though. “You really think you could teach me a thing or two? People have tried before.”

“I think we could at least get you past the ‘burning water’ phase,” Carlos jokes as his plate is placed in front of him. “This all looks incredible, TK. All of it,” he says, gesturing to the entire set-up. 

TK blushes down at his plate before reaching for his glass, raising it to hover between them. “To surviving a solar storm,” he toasts, and Carlos responds, taking another sip. “Speaking of, how’s work? You said today was crazy?”

Carlos nods, diving into his day as they begin to eat. It’s easy, comfortable conversation, with TK responding with his own insight into what’s going on at the firehouse. He may not be back at work, but his team texts him constantly in their group chat, and he’s stopped by to hang out with Buttercup a couple of times. When TK speaks, Carlos can’t help but stare openly, watching as his bright green eyes reflect the twinkling lights above them. The thought of TK is usually enough to make his brain short-circuit, but seeing him here, so relaxed and happy as he shares a story about Marjan and Mateo and a prank gone wrong, Carlos can’t help but to admire his radiance. He’s unlike anyone that Carlos has ever seen. 

“This was delicious, TK, thank you,” he says, tossing a napkin onto his now-empty plate. “It means a lot that you did all of this for me.”

TK, who at this point is completely relaxed, stares across the table at him, tapping his fingers along the wood grain. For a minute, they just sit in silence, staring at one another, happy to be sharing time and space. Carlos watches as TK rises and moves around the table, leaning down to press a short kiss to his lips. He grabs his hand and moves away, pulling Carlos up from the table. “Come sit with me.”

Carlos happily follows TK over to a garden bench off to the side that he had missed when he first entered the yard. They sit side-by-side, TK immediately folding himself into his side as Carlos puts an arm around his shoulder, careful of his healing injury. TK grips the hand in his lap, caressing his fingers, almost as if he’s distracting himself. Carlos waits with bated breath, unsure what he might be building to say.

“I used to dream about moments like this,” TK says into the silence. Carlos glances down at him, but TK is looking off towards the table and the twinkling lights, lost in thought. “My high school friends used to laugh at me all the time about my high aspirations for romance.

“I think I blame my parents. They may have gotten a divorce, but the minute I heard how they met, I knew soulmates were real. Something about the idea of a young firefighter and a stressed-out law student meeting because she forgot about her dinner in the oven while studying and nearly burned her building down, it just screamed everlasting love to me.”

Carlos huffs out a laugh, somewhat in response to the story but mostly in response to what TK is doing; he’s never openly shared so much personal information before. He can feel TK’s smile against his chest. 

“Even when they separated, I convinced myself that it wasn’t because they didn’t love each other, it was just because the world wasn’t built to support their love story. And then, years later, when I realized I was gay, I couldn’t help but wonder if the world was built to support mine.”

Carlos grips TK’s hand in his own, feeling the pain of his words. He remembers feeling similarly when he discovered the truth about himself. It’s a feeling that he knows will probably never go away completely.

“But my parents were completely supportive,” TK continues. “I never doubted their love for me, not about that. So, with all of that support surrounding me, I kept believing in love. In the fairytale of it all, the earth-shattering romance. Even when things got harder, I still believed in that dream.

“I dated a lot in college. I put myself out there, I charmed boys, I wooed them. I did everything I could to make it feel big, make it feel like that dream that I wanted. The problem is, you can’t just create a big love story out of nothing. I tried really hard to do that, too hard. Like, ‘dated a user and used with him because I thought it would bring us closer’ level of trying. Turns out, pills can help fill the gaps that you’re trying to fill with guys who don’t give a shit and dads who choose their work over you.”

Carlos can feel TK shaking, and he tightens his grip on him, learning down to press a kiss to his temple. TK turns his head just slightly, pressing his lips against Carlos’s shirt, near his rapidly beating heart. He knows it’s impossible to actually feel it against his skin, but Carlos can’t help but feel like TK has branded him. 

“My addiction got bad enough that my parents couldn’t ignore it anymore. I went to a rehab place upstate the summer after my graduation. When I came back, I enrolled in the academy. I’d always wanted to be a firefighter, and Dad was happy to have me close, to watch me. It worked for a few years. I fell in love with my job, with the high that comes with saving people. I stayed away from pills, I did the casual thing with guys. It wasn’t my old dream, but it felt okay. And then I met Alex.”

TK pauses, pulling away with a sigh to lean back against the bench, looking up at the night sky. Carlos adjusts himself to accommodate the sudden change, his nerves spiking at the movement, but also at the heavy way that TK speaks the name. 

“He was a nice guy,” TK says, still looking upwards. “Better than any of my college boyfriends, better than the casual hookups. He was a photographer, we met at a first responder fundraiser. He was nice to look at and we looked good together. I felt good with him. 

“My dad didn’t care for him. He thought Alex was too self-centered, too interested in who he was going to be and not at all interested in where he was or who he was with. I don’t really know if that’s true. Looking back, I can see that I fell into my try-too-hard behavior from before: I planned all of our dates, I introduced him to all of my friends, I bought him nonsense gifts just because, I said ‘I love you’ first. I was always the one putting my heart out there. I didn’t see all of that then, though. I thought he was my soulmate. I thought he was my dream, and I wanted to marry him.”

TK closes his eyes, heaving out a heavy sigh. Carlos itches to hold him again, but he doesn’t know where this all is going, and he wants to respect TK’s need for space. He scoots over just a bit, pressing their sides together again, but he doesn’t reach out, choosing instead to leave his palm lying flat against his thigh. It feels like forever, but finally, TK reaches out and takes his hand again, interlocking their fingers. 

“You know the rest,” he says with a sigh. “Nuclear breakup, at the dinner where I was going to propose. He had been seeing someone else for months. It’s so obvious to me now, he was always pulling away, filling his evenings with ‘work.’ There was this distance between us, and I didn’t see it. Or I didn’t want to see it. And then it all just collapsed around me, this fairytale idea of what our relationship was, and I couldn’t handle it. So I tried to fill the gaps again, and I went too far.” 

Carlos shutters out a small gasp at the reminder of TK’s overdose. No matter how many times he thinks about it, he can’t get past the idea that he was this close to never meeting the man sitting next to him. He was so close to never experiencing everything that TK makes him feel and want. TK turns, his eyes full of concern, and pulls their bodies together, caressing the back of Carlos’s neck as they both breathe deeply in each other’s arms. 

“You weren’t supposed to find me so soon, Carlos Reyes. When I got here, I wasn’t anything like myself. I didn’t know who I was anymore. I couldn’t feel anything, and I didn’t want to. I was so tired of trying. I was tired of losing myself to this idea of something that, clearly, I could never have. 

“And then you walked up to me in that bar and I… Carlos, men like you are not supposed to exist,” TK says with a laugh. Carlos rolls his eyes, opening his mouth to speak, but TK cuts him off before he can say anything. “Don’t argue with me on this, I’m right. I’ll ask every single person in Austin, and they’ll say the same thing. Even the straight guys.

“But there you were, and I may not have wanted to feel anything, but you didn’t give me a choice. You were otherworldly. And you have to know, you’re the best partner I’ve ever had in bed.”

Carlos can feel himself blush as he turns to hide in TK’s uninjured shoulder. He hears the firefighter laugh, and feels him press his cheek against Carlos’s curls.

“I mean it! I’ve never had anyone give so much of themselves to me before. It was overwhelming, in the best way. You lit me up, Carlos. And I couldn’t stay away, even when I really wanted to.” 

Carlos closes his eyes, knowing what TK’s going to say next. 

“That night,” TK says, squeezing Carlos tighter as his voice stutters. “Carlos, you have to know that I have so many regrets about that night and the way I reacted, the way I treated you. I’m so sorry.”

“Ty, I know,” Carlos says, raising his head to look TK in the eye. He cups his cheek, trying to rub away the stress that he can see on TK’s face. “You’ve already apologized for that, and I forgave you.”

“I know, I know,” TK replies, covering Carlos’s hand with his own. “But let me explain, okay. It’s important to me.” When Carlos nods, he goes on. “No one, and I mean no one, that I have ever dated has done something like that for me. Cooking me a full dinner after midnight, just because you wanted to see me, talk to me, get to know me?”

“It was ridiculous, I can’t believe I did that,” Carlos huffs, shaking his head. 

“It was my dream, Carlos,” TK whispers. Carlos’s eyes widen at his candor as they stare openly at one another. “That dinner was like something out of every dream that I have ever had about romance. The idea that someone would go to such lengths just to spend time with me? That they would understand my life in such a way that they wouldn’t be put off by my weird schedule? That they would light candles, and dress nicely, and serve me dinner? That was everything that I ever dreamed of, and something I had never had. And it scared the hell out of me.” 

“Ty, you don’t have to be scared of me,” Carlos tries, but TK keeps going.

“I know that now,” he says, “but then? Then I didn’t want those feelings. I didn’t want the dream. The dream had hurt me, the wound felt too fresh. I didn’t want the big, romantic fairytale. I just wanted simple and easy, and I hurt you. I was selfish and I made a mess of everything, and I’ll always be sorry for that.”

Carlos pulls away then, breathing deeply as he clutches TK’s hand in his. This is so much more than he expected for this evening, and he needs a moment to process. He looks at the night sky, the stars twinkling along with the lights hanging in his periphery. He wants to tell TK that he doesn’t have to keep apologizing, but he doesn’t think that his words would be enough. He realizes now that this dinner was TK’s way of making amends for that night. It means a lot to him that he would go this far to show how much he cares, even if Carlos forgave him months ago. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves on a nearby tree in the backyard, and Carlos gets an idea.

He rises from the bench, pulling his phone out of his back pocket and opening his music app. He clicks play on a song, keeping the volume low as he turns back towards TK. The other man is looking up at him, his face concerned as his eyes continue to twinkle in the lights. Carlos holds out his hand. “Can I share something with you now?”

TK doesn’t hesitate before taking his hand and following Carlos to the middle of the backyard. He turns and gathers TK into his arms, pressing him close as he starts to sway to the gentle guitar music. TK seems confused at first, but he slowly allows Carlos to turn them in a slow circle.

“I’m not a dream, Ty,” Carlos speaks softly into his ear. “I’m a person, just like you. And I’m not a perfect person, as much as I try to be. I’m going to make mistakes. You’ll make mistakes. We’ll make mistakes together. We’ll fight sometimes, we’ll scare each other. It’s going to be a lot. I’m not a person who feels things casually. I’m an all-in kind of guy.”

Carlos pulls back, cupping TK’s face in his hands. His eyes are shining with tears that have yet to fall, and Carlos can’t help but press his lips to TK’s forehead in comfort. 

“There are going to be more messes,” Carlos adds, staring directly into the eyes of the man that he probably already loves. “But I already know that I would rather make a million messes with you than live a mess-free life with anyone else.”

A tear falls onto TK’s cheek as he raises his hands to grip Carlos’s wrists, keeping his palms pressed against his face. 

“I’d rather be scared with you than have it easy with anyone else,” TK whispers, his eyes heavy as they refuse to break contact. 

Carlos feels every part of him melt as he closes the gap between them, pressing his lips to TK’s in a kiss that feels like a seal, binding them together. He can taste the salt from the other man’s tears, and he pulls him closer, wrapping him in all of the love and support that he has to give.

Later, possibly minutes or hours or days even, they break the kiss, but they don’t stop swaying in each other’s arms and, in TK’s hold, Carlos realizes that he’s finally found what he had been missing all along.

[gryffindorcls]

Meant To Be:  Chapter 1 (Concert)

IT’S DAY ONE OF LOVESQUARE FLUFF WEEK 2020!!!  

Thank you @lovesquarefluffweek​ for organizing this event!

I decided to write a multi-chaptered fic this year.  Today’s prompt is “Concert”.

Enjoy!

---

Next —-> 

AO3

FanFiction

Chapter 1: Concert

“What’s that bright light coming from the park?” Chat Noir asked, perching himself on the edge of the roof and observed the scene below, “I know there are street lights down there, but they’re not usually that bright.”

Ladybug moved next to him. “Well, I did see some workers setting up for a wedding earlier today.”

“A wedding? How do you know?”

“My fam…uh,” she cleared her throat, “I mean, my favorite bakery is catering the event this weekend.”

“Oh.”

“But the workers finished hours ago, and I don’t see any people down there right now. I know that they put one of those temporary chain-link fences around the venue, but we should probably go check it out anyway. I doubt it’s an Akuma, but maybe they accidentally left something running?”

“Sounds good, my lady. Lead the way.”

The duo leaped off of the rooftop and landed gracefully inside the fenced-off area. Ladybug dove behind a bush and gestured for him to come. Chat quickly joined her behind the foliage and peered over the leaves. After a few minutes of observation, they both came to the conclusion that they were alone in the park.

“I think everything is safe, my lady,” he declared, “We should get going. I know you’re probably itching to get our patrol started.”

“Wow.” To his surprise, Ladybug ignored his statement, grabbed his hand, and pulled him into the decorated space. “They did an amazing job. It’s so beautiful.”

Everything within the boundaries of the fence was tastefully adorned with an explosion of pink and white. Chairs made of slatted wood-lined both sides of a shimmery aisle runner while large pots containing rose bushes in full bloom were scattered throughout the grounds.

A white gazebo that had been fashioned into an altar was the source of the park’s illumination. Light poured through translucent white curtains that swayed gently in the breeze. A cascading garland of pink and white roses adorned the entranceway.

“It’s like walking through a dream,” Ladybug whispered, reaching out to touch the delicate petals on the make-shift archway.

Chat stood next to her under the flowered veil. “Do you like roses?”

She nodded. “Yeah, the pink ones are my favorite.”

“I’ll make sure to remember that.”

“Thinking of getting me flowers?”

“Purr-haps.”

Ladybug flicked his bell. “I thought this little kitty was smitten with someone else. At least that’s what he told me that last time I checked.”

He turned his head away. “Um...no. Things didn’t exactly work out with her. We were...um...too alike.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Chaton.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

A dull ache resonated throughout his body. Every fiber of his being yearned to be with Ladybug. A lot had changed between them, but she was still his everything. Several months ago, he’d tried so hard to move on from his crush on her, but looking for love somewhere else only made him realize that he’d never stop being in love with her.

After Ladybug became the Guardian, Chat began to spend time with his partner after patrols. He knew that she needed his unwavering support, and he was more than willing to provide it.

At first, their conversations centered around plans to find and defeat Hawkmoth, but they eventually started talking to each other about their everyday lives. Without revealing their identities, they got to know each other on a more personal level.

Soon, Ladybug was no longer just the beautiful enigma who’d stolen his heart. He’d come to discover that beneath her serious exterior was an ordinary girl who led an extraordinary life. She had hopes and dreams like everyone else. She wasn’t perfect, but she was real. Chat always knew that his lady was brave, creative, and intelligent, but he was pleasantly surprised to learn that she was also quirky, kind, and selfless. While he still didn’t know her name, it was almost as if she was someone he knew in his civilian life.

It didn’t take long for them to become each other’s best friends. Once this happened, he knew things would never work out with Kagami. His heart would forever belong to his lady, and loving anyone other than his partner proved to be an impossible task.

So, with a heavy heart, he told Kagami that he was in love with another girl. Initially, she’d been upset, but they eventually came to a mutual understanding. In the end, he was happy that he and Kagami were able to remain friends.

Chat didn’t tell Ladybug about the overwhelming love he still felt for her because he was afraid that she didn’t want to know about it. His lady had mentioned going on a few dates with someone, but she said that she decided to stay friends with the mystery boy. He knew that she wasn’t dating anyone at the moment, but he’d become terrified of rejection. His heart wasn’t ready to hurt again.

Being in Ladybug’s presence made him feel broken and whole at the same time. However, after seeing the wonderment in her expression tonight, he was on the verge of shattering into a million pieces. As he continued to watch her gush over the decorations, a surge of emotion pressed against the fissures in his soul.

When tears started to brim in the corners of his eyes, he turned his head away from his lady and did his best to focus on something else. His gaze eventually landed on a white baby grand piano in the middle of the gazebo.

He sniffled, hastily wiped the wetness from his cheeks, and took a seat on the bench. After lifting the lid, he gently ran his fingers across the keys. He took a deep breath and began to play.

At first, the notes came slowly. As he continued to play, his song started to evolve into a tune that reflected his deepest desires. It was the song that his soul sang every day. He closed his eyes and escaped into the music.

Her voice cut into his reverie and pulled him back to earth. “That’s beautiful, Chaton.”

“Thank you, my lady.” His fingers still danced across the keys while he spoke.

“I’ve never heard that song before. Is it from something?”

“I wrote it. The melody took over every thought and wrote itself on my heart.”

“It’s incredible.” She walked over and sat down next to him. “What inspired you to write it?”

Chat’s fingers went still. “You were my inspiration.”

He heard her breath hitch. “What?”

“I wrote it for you.” He met her gaze.

“Please don’t stop.” Ladybug’s voice was barely a whisper.

“Anything for you, my lady.” Chat looked back down at the keys and started again from the beginning.

He once again lost himself in the melody. Every passing note screamed a hidden declaration of love. As if it was the last thing he’d ever do, he poured every ounce of himself into his playing. He couldn’t find the courage to voice the “I love you” that pounded against his chest, so his song spoke for him instead. Tonight, the piano sang the song of his soul, and he really hoped that his lady was listening.

When the song ended, he became painfully aware of Ladybug’s presence. Chat turned his head only to find his lady looking at her lap. Her bangs obscured her face, making it impossible for him to gauge her reaction.

“Thank you for playing that for me, Chat,” she said softly, “I have to go home now, but I’ll see you soon.”

He reached out as she got up and walked away from the piano. “Wait! We didn’t finish our patrol.”

“It’s a school night, and I have to finish some homework before tomorrow. Paris will be okay for tonight.”

He felt his entire body droop. “You hated it.”

Within seconds, her hands slipped into his own and she pulled him to his feet. “Oh, no, Chaton. That’s not it at all. I loved it. I loved it with all my heart.”

“Then why are you leaving?”

“The schoolwork thing isn’t a lie. I really do need to finish my Physics homework; however, I have a feeling that it’s going to take a little longer tonight because I suddenly have a lot on my mind.”

“But what does…”

Before he could finish his question, Ladybug slipped away and stood in the gazebo’s entranceway.

“I’ll see you soon, kitty.” She gave him a little wave and swung off into the night.

Chat felt the beginnings of a smile tug at the corners of his mouth. “Goodnight, my lady.”

***

Marinette sighed and stared at the ceiling. She’d been in bed for six hours, and, to her utter despair, she was still awake. Nothing felt right. Nothing felt comfortable. Her usually soft bed had betrayed her.

With a huff, she sat up, fluffed her pillow, and flopped back down onto the bed. She then scooped up one of her throw pillows and screamed into it.

“What’s wrong, Marinette?” Tikki mumbled groggily from her nest of blankets.

“Why is it always the blond ones?” She turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling. “Why couldn’t I have just fallen for the cute one with the black and blue hair! It would have been so much easier!”

“Sorry. I’m not quite following you.”

“Do you remember when Luka played me that song when I was trying to get over my crush on Adrien?”

“Yes.”

“Well, when he played that song, it felt like the giant gaping hole in my chest had been refilled. It wasn’t the same, but I felt whole again. It would have been easy to fall in love with him.”

“Okay, but what does that have to do with blond boys?”

Marinette squeezed the throw pillow against her chest. “When Chat played me that song tonight, it made me feel more than just whole. I felt complete. Like I gained something that I didn’t have before...something I didn’t even know that I needed. Does that make sense?”

Tikki giggled. “That makes all the sense in the world!”

“What do you mean?”

“I want you to think for a moment, Marinette. How do you really feel about Chat Noir?”

“He’s my best friend. My partner. We’ve never been closer, and I trust him with my life.”

“No, really think. How do you feel about Chat?”

Marinette laid her head on her pillow, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She let her consciousness wander back to the park and the glowing lights of the gazebo. Chat’s melody rang through her mind like the gentlest lullaby. It quieted her thoughts and soothed her soul.

Moments before falling asleep, everything suddenly made sense.

“I love him, Tikki,” she whispered before drifting into a blissful slumber.

That night, Marinette dreamt of spots, flashes of black, and soaring over the rooftops of Paris. It was as if her mind was finally catching up to her heart.

She awoke the next morning with cheeks that were sore from smiling. It’d been so long since she’d felt this way. The heartbreak of walking away from Adrien had crushed her, but for the first time in months, she was walking on air.

Even though she’d only gotten two hours of sleep, she felt wonderful. Her brain was a little fuzzy, but she decided that it was okay. Marinette knew she would spend the whole day dreaming about the next time she would see Chat.

She hummed while she got ready, and she kept humming while she walked to school. When Marinette took her seat, she continued to hum. After taking out her textbook, she rested her head in her arms and stared wistfully into the distance. Her entire world was a blissful blur.

“Girl!” A foreign entity screamed. “ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?”

Marinette blinked twice and looked up. Alya stood before her with her arms crossed over her chest and a smug grin painted on her lips.

“Yeah, what’s up?” Marinette did her best to focus on her best friend.

“Where is your head today? I’ve been calling your name for a full minute. You didn’t even move when I poked you.”

“I...uhh…” She sighed. “Sorry, Alya. I didn’t get much sleep last night. I think my brain is still dreaming.”

Alya laughed. “Girl, you are a mess!”

“I know.”

“It’s okay. I’ll let you copy my notes if you fall asleep in class.”

“Thank you so much! You are a lifesaver!”

“I know. But if I do this for you, then you’ll have to tell me the real reason behind that lovesick grin on your face.” Alya nudged her arm.

Marinette began to panic. “W-what do you mean? My face is perfectly normal, thank you very much!”

“Mmmmhmmm. Don’t lie to me. I haven’t seen an expression like that on you in months. Spill. Who’s the guy? Did you finally say yes to Luka?”

“No.”

Alya leaned in and dropped her voice to a whisper. “It’s not Adrien, is it? I heard he’s not dating Kagami anymore.”

“NO!” Marinette shouted before clearing her throat and adjusting her volume, “No, it’s...wait, when did he break up with Kagami?”

“A few weeks ago. Nino told me.”

“Oh, wow, but um...no. It’s not Adrien.” A pang shot through her heart, and she quickly brushed away the sensation. “You don’t know him.”

Alya squinted. “You’re lying.”

“No, I’m not!”

“Fine, keep your secrets. But you will owe me a whole box of pastries when you finally start dating Adrien. I’m telling you, girl, you and he are meant to be! It’s like the whole universe is working to get you two together.”

“Alya, it’s not like that. Adrien and I are just friends.”

“Sure! Go ahead, and keep telling yourself that. Just know that I’d like a mix of eclairs and chocolate croissants.”

“Hey, babe,” Nino called from across the room, causing both girls to whip their heads towards the door, “What’s up? You two look like you’re having a pretty deep convo.”

Alya looked back at her. “Marinette was just telling me about someone who caught her eye.”

“I was not,” she responded through gritted teeth.

Adrien walked into the room and took his seat. “Good morning! How is everyone today?”

“We’re all doing great,” Alya beamed, “Thanks for asking. How’s your day going, sunshine?”

“I’m...um...okay.” He took a deep breath. “I have a lot on my mind today.”

Before Marinette could react to his statement, Miss Bustier sauntered into the room. “Good morning, class. Let’s get started right away. Please open your books to page three-hundred and ninety-four.”

Marinette’s eyes may have stayed open during the lesson, but her consciousness was somewhere else. By the time class had ended, Chat’s melody had once again surfaced in her mind. Even though she couldn’t hear the notes with her ears, she allowed herself to become lost in her memory of them.

Eventually, she began to hum.

A gentle hand touched her forearm and snapped her back into reality. Within seconds, she became painfully aware of two shining green eyes looking into her own. Marinette could have sworn that there was admiration behind Adrien’s softened gaze. It was the kind of look that she had only dreamed of seeing him cast in her direction.

She found it strange how the love she felt for Chat seamlessly transitioned into a resurgence of feelings for her former crush; nonetheless, she allowed herself to revel in his closeness. In doing so, she was transported to a place she never thought she’d have the chance to revisit. Yet, here was the boy of her dreams, looking at her like she was the center of his universe.

It felt familiar.

It felt safe.

It felt right.

“Adrien,” she said breathlessly.

He swallowed before speaking. “Where did you hear that song?”

Marinette’s heart pounded against her chest as she struggled to find an answer.