#--for a bit as everyone else takes a solo and then it pans back to him like 4 minutes later and he's meditating + inexplicably shirtless

[estradasphere]

HOW DOES HE DO THAT

I've been paying more attention to drums in songs lately drums are so cool. No easier way to impress me than to show me some fast complex drum fill

[raya-hunter01]

Lights, Camera, Action! Pt.1

Lights, Camera, Action!

Jey Uso x Black Female OC! (Shantell)

Roman x Black Female OC! (Tangela)

Solo x Black Female OC! (Sofia)

Jimmy x Trin

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut; oral, sex, spankings,fluff, handjobs, masturbation

Words: 11,212

It’s the night before the MITB PPV and the bloodline Civil War match is vastly approaching. How do you keep it together as Smackdown’s production director and navigate your life as the girlfriend of Mr. Main Event Jey Uso?  Follow Shantell as she navigates her life as a girlfriend, sister, and confidant to the bloodline. Follow her on her journey to self-discovery of love and happiness.

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Camera ten pan over, Camera eight get ready! I want that final shot of Jey and Joe before the brawl! Then we are going to pace it going back and forth between camera five and eleven. Stu it’s about to get wild stay safe, and rock it like the rent is due! “I said into my headset.

 “I got you Shan, let’s go to work.” Stu responded.

“Let’s make it count guys in 5,4,3,2,1.” I say looking at the monitor feeling antsy not wanting to miss a moment.

We’re all on pins and needles as Roman walks up to Jey. “You gon step up now, you a big tough guy now, huh. “What you gon do?” he shouts as Jey begins looking down and around with an expression of apprehension.   

 “You ain’t never done nothin, you understand me? “You are nothing without me!” Roman continuously yells at his cousin who he has spent the last three years being abused by the Tribal Chief.

“Alright camera five we are coming your way.” I say as the action seems about to pop off.

“I got you Shan let’s do this.” Scott said as a familiar voice rang out in our ears through our headsets “The civil war has begun!” stated Michael Cole as the brawl breaks down between the bloodline as Jey pie-faced roman right into a superkick from Jimmy.

“Cameras eleven and five let’s take it home guys.  Hard cameras keep your eye on the ring, you got five seconds before it goes to you, then back to camera five. Camera eleven I need my shot!”  I shout into my headset feeling myself in the zone.

“Jey Uso! Takes out the bloodline, the civil war continues tomorrow at “Money In the Bank! “Michael Cole screams as camera five take us home with a final shot on Roman writhing on the floor.

The show was done, and we made it through, the atmosphere in London is so magical and overwhelming at times but we had a great time directing the show. My name is Shantell, but everyone calls me Shan for short. I’m not one to toot my own horn but I’m the first woman to run WWE Smackdown production ever and a black woman at that. I take pride in my job being that I’ve been a fan of wrestling all my life.

 I have been employed by World Wrestling Entertainment for almost three years now. “Jesus!” I scream as I feel someone grab me around my waist from behind and kiss my neck. “Hey baby” the sweaty figure whispers into my neck before dropping a kiss on the sensitive area. A chill ran down my spine because I know that deep sexy drawl anywhere.

 “Jey, you scared the shit outta me!” I exclaimed as he let out a little laugh and turned me around in his arms to face him as I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Well, you know it had to be me, who else would steal a kiss?” he questions with a sly smirk.

 “It could have been anybody, you know how some of these men been trying to get at me all of a sudden since we been dating.” I smirk watching his facial expression turn territorial, almost challenging.

“Ma, ain’t nobody crazy enough to try to take what’s mine.” He says scrunching up his face a little bit before stealing a quick kiss.

“Well, that would be hot if it didn’t sound so ……You Tarzan me jane- ish.” I whispered against his lips before stealing a kiss myself. We both held it together for a few seconds before we fell out laughing.

Yep, as you can guess Joshua Fatu is my boyfriend he is best known to the world as Jey Uso.  We’ve been together almost four months even though we’ve known each other for five years.  Everything is still fairly new to us, and we are navigating the waters from being friends to being in a relationship.

“Hey Uce.” said Jon aka Jimmy Uso walking up to us and giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Hey big guy! Great job out there.” I said as Joe and Solo came up and I hugged them as well.  “How did we do baby girl?” Joe asks as I embrace him. “You all were awesome I had fun directing you guys tonight. “I said excitedly.  

“Fun my ass! It was a blast; we might need to do a behind the scenes video of you guys directing a segment. Pure passion and at times comedy gold,” said the COO of the company Paul Levesque said as a few of us from production began laughing.

I wrapped up my final work of the night and met the guys at the bus. I saw Jimmy off to the side, ending his phone call looking very upset. “Hey everything ok?” I asked as I saw the longing in his face.

“Yea just missing Trin, it’s a big day tomorrow and I’m so use to having her here.” He says rubbing his hand across his tired face.

“Hey, it will be ok, I know it is hard but if anyone can do this it’s you and Trin.” I say as he nods his head in hopefulness.  

“Guys let’s roll!” shouts Joe from the bus. I give him a hug before we got on the bus to go to our next location in England for a last-minute appearance at a house show not very far from the 02 arena for those that couldn’t get smackdown tickets.

The show was still going on and the bloodline was double booked for both shows with smackdown being filmed earlier in the afternoon.

“Baby, I’m going to call my mom right quick then I will be in” I say as I see them getting ready to get off the bus for the house show main event.

“Ok baby, see you in there,” Jey says as he’s the last one off the bus.  

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Tampa, Fl

Trin POV

Ring…Ring.Ring…

“Hey Shan, how are you?” Trinity asks with a smile. It was great to hear from my friend, she hated not being on the road with them but in the end, she made her choice. She couldn’t be happier with the new opportunities she was receiving, but she was missing her husband and her friends.

“I’m good I just wanted to run an idea by you. When do you have to go back to work?” Shan asks.

 “Well Tommy thought I was going to England with Jimmy, so he gave me off until next Thursday. I wish he had told me before I reported to work because I could have gone with you guys. Then a fan tweeted me a video from an interview the guys did yesterday, and I just felt so bad.  I miss him so much, and I miss being there, but I had to take a stand on what’s right.” I say brokenly as all I wanted to do at this moment was hold my husband and take is pain away.

“That’s why I’m calling Trin, the company Jet is in route back to the states to pick up a few more talent that is going to do house shows this upcoming Monday and I asked Paul if you could come, and he said yes!” Shan says excitedly.

My tears began to fall I had to take a moment to comprehend what my friend was saying. “Are you serious?”  “Yes, I’m serious Paul understands what went down, why do you think he had no problem with you being at Wrestlemania to support Jon, he adores you.  The Plane will land in about three hours at the airport also, Tangela and Sofia are coming,” she adds.

 Tangela and Sofia are also my girls and Roman and Solo’s wives respectively. It’s hard in this business being married but we all find a way to make it work.

“Shan, I can’t thank you enough,” I say trying to stop my tears from flowing.

“Girl, stop crying, tomorrow is going to be special for them, and it wouldn’t be complete if the most important women in their lives weren’t here to share in that. Now get packed and come see your hubby.” she says confidently.

“See that’s why you my sister, you keep me grounded,” I whisper in gratitude.

“See you tomorrow sis, call me when y’all land,” she says as we finish our goodbyes.

Shantell’s POV

“I was getting worried bae,” Jey said as I came and sat on his lap.

“I’m ok baby.” I said giving him a chaste kiss on the lips.

“Get a room ya’ll! I’m already missing my wife, “Solo says with a laugh as I got up and pretended to square up against him.

“Now sis, you know damn well, “he starts with a belly laugh as I cut him off.

"Hey! Don’t sleep on us quiet ones, we’ll put them paws on dat ass!” I exclaim, smiling and swinging my fists in a windmill motion as the guys start laughing.

“I’ll remember that.” he says rubbing the top of my head with a smile as I stick out my tongue at him.

“Bro, leave my girl alone,” Jey says grabbing me by the waist pulling me into his lap laughing at the antics of his brother and I.

We all continued to joke around with each other before Paul Heyman made his presence felt, “Gentleman this angle has been amazing, all the hard work you have put in is paying off. I couldn’t be prouder; you deserve this, and so much more so enjoy this moment.” he said with tears in his eyes.

The moment of clarity for the four men was resounding as they seemed to be in trance still trying to comprehend all that is happening to them and just taking the moment in. Tomorrow they would make history with each other.

 “I’ll be back guys,” Jimmy says as he stands and proceeds to go deep into the arena.

“He misses Trin.” Jey says as he looks at his brother retreating form.

I look at Jey and then turned to Joe as I heard him speaking. “That is a major part of it, but he also thinks with everything that has happened in the past he’s not deserving of this moment. That interview really threw him for a loop yesterday,” he says taking a deep breathe looking in the direction his cousin went.

“I’m going to talk to him,” I said practically running to find Jimmy before Jey could stop me.

I found him in a deserted part of the arena with his head between his hands. I sat down beside him. “Wanna talk?” I ask. “I’m gonna fuck this up,” he says in a whisper. Unbeknownst to them someone is listening in the shadows.

“What do you mean you’re gonna fuck it up?” I ask.

“I don’t belong here Uce,” he says as I look at him with sympathetic eyes.

“I don’t know who you’ve been listening to, but I am telling you that you belong here. You belong here with your brothers, and your family. You all play a part in this, not just one person. I’m sorry but the guy l directed a couple weeks ago that cut that badass promo with his brothers and cousin was ready,” I say as he hangs his head taking a deep breath.

“Jonathon!” I yell as he turns to look at me in disbelief.

 “My government name…. Really sis?" he whines as I shake my head yes at him.

“Yes, government name because I’m talking to Jonathon Fatu now not Jimmy Uso. Look we all make mistakes. Do you know what matters?” I ask as he stares at me intently and shakes his head no.

“It’s how you handle your mistakes that makes you the person you are. You messed up big deal, you owned it, and you worked your way back. You brothers loves you, so does Trinity, Joe, we all do, and you know mama and daddy Kishi don’t play bout they babies,” I say finally getting a smile out of him as I nudge his shoulder.

“We are all with you every step of the way because that what family do,” I say reassuring him. He sadly smiles at me as a few silent tears slips from his eyes.

“I’m glad my brother has someone like you in his life Shan,” he says as we embrace.

“I know right!” I say smartly as we both laugh. “But seriously I’m blessed to have your brother in my life, he treats me like a queen. And I’m glad Joshua is blessed to have brothers like you and Solo,” I say as we sit in silence for a minute.

‘Now can we go back and enjoy the moment with your family,” I ask as he nods, helps me up, and we walk back towards the group.

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Jey’s POV

Jey wipes the tears he didn’t even know had fallen from his eyes as he watched his girlfriend walk off with his brother to rejoin the group. He felt his brother’s pain as he himself had made a few bad choices, but the media always focused on my brothers’ problems. I didn’t know he felt this way and that bothers me. We both deserve to be here.

We gon have a talk when we get home away from the prying eyes of work. Behind every corner someone sees something. Case in point my ass hiding in the shadows listening on a conversation not meant for me, but I’m glad I did.

“There you are baby,” Shan says as I walk up trying to mask all the emotions inside of me from the conversation I overheard.

“I was going to find you guys, but I had to go to the bathroom” I said sitting beside her.

She looks at me and nods in understanding. “We’re on soon guys, then we can go on to the hotel to get some rest.” Joe states taking a seat beside Solo and Jimmy.

“Good because I need to call Sofia, “Solo says looking at a picture of his wife and son on his phone.

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Shantell’s POV

“Night guys,” I say as Jey, and I step off the elevator for him to walk me to my room.

“Night Uce,” Jimmy says with a smile and a side nod trying to push his bro to shoot his shot. Jey shook his head no while signaling to his twin brother to shut up.

“No fooling around guys, you know what Mickey said in Rocky. Women weaken them legs,” Solo says as Joe hits him on the back of his head as we all laughed.

“We all know Shantell is a good girl, she going to make Uce earn it, they may cuddle at best, so he won’t have weak legs tomorrow Solo, I assure you, “Joe snickers.

I blush and put my head down as Jey laughs, “Aye, aye, get outta me and my lady business,” he says as the elevator door closes. We began the walk to my room finally reaching our destination, I turn to say goodnight and I’m met with an earth-shattering kiss from Jey, it was slow, deliberate, and powerful.

Getting lost in the moment my arms automatically go to around his neck as he pulls me in close. I feel his tongue begging to be inside my mouth as he pulls me even closer to him.

I gasp at the sensations he is causing me to have all at once as our tongues finally meet in a sensual dance as his hands begin to roam all over my body.

“Ahem!” A familiar voice says as we turn to see Paul Heyman with smile on his face.

“Maybe you two would like to take that inside one of your rooms maybe?” He says as I blush and put my head on Jey’s shoulder as he snickers rubbing his hands up and down my arms.

“Sorry OG, I lost myself for a second.” Jey says trying to not laugh.

“No problem, I know what it was like to be young and in love” he says smiling walking into his room beside mine.

“So are you coming in mister right hand man?” I ask as his gaze intensifies as he invades my space once again. “I wanna do some thangs to you with this right hand, he says touching my breasts through my shirt as I moan. “I don’t wanna rush you, I’m trying to be a good dude here,” he whispers before taking me again in a gentle kiss as we both moan from pleasure. I can feel his chest muscles tighten as I rake my nails up and down his back trying to feel him anyway I could.

Breaking away from the intense kiss to catch my breath, I finds my voice, “I’m not ready to say goodnight yet, I whisper still holding on to him as he smiles. I was content in his arms yet struggling to find the courage to say what I know we both wanted.

“Shit you look so fuckin sexy right now, you makin it hard for me to go to my room Shan,” he groans as I gaze up at him with bashful, lust filled eyes. “Can I stay wit ya baby. I just wanna hold you.” Jey whispers to me as he sensually attacks my neck with kisses as I nod and let out a small moan as he finds my sensitive spot behind my ear.

 “Mmhmm, I found a spot didn’t I baby,” he moans near my ear as I groan, and nod appreciatively barely holding it together. “Can I stay baby?” he moans kissing and sucking on my neck as if he’s trying to drain my dry of my senses. I nod again unable to speak as he’s enjoying feasting on my neck.

“Nah, let me hear you say I can baby”, he demands as he pulls back to look into my eyes.  “Do you want me to stay beautiful?” he asks again more clearly as he gently caresses my face looking at me with so much love and admiration. I pray this feeling never ends; I’m so gone over this man if he wanted to take me right now in this hall up against the wall, I would let him.

“Yes,” I moan breathlessly without hesitation as he gently kisses me. “I promise I’ll be good,” he whispers against my lips in between kisses “I trust you baby,” I say gazing into his eyes before turning away to open the door.  He wraps his arms around my waist slowly pulling me to him gingerly brushing my hair to one side while sensually attacking the other side of my neck with butterfly kisses as we go inside.

“Bout time Uce!” Paul says to himself smiling happy that the relationship between the two was flourishing. He didn’t mean to listen to their intimate conversation, but they weren’t exactly being quite either. Paul shook his head went to call his own wife before he took a shower to settle down for the night.

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Sofia’s POV

“Baby… I miss you so much,” Sofia says as she talks to her husband Solo on the phone.

“I miss you more babe, tomorrow is on my mind, and you calm me down when I’m overthinking,” he says glancing around is lonely hotel room.

“Baby, I want you to breathe, I hate the connection was so bad that our facetime call dropped earlier,” Sofia mumbles as Trinity and Tangela shoot her a look from the other side of the plane. She holds up a finger at them.

“Baby, can I call you back? I’m going to check on the Cameron,” she says as Solo voice perks up at the mention of his son. He knows how hard it is for a newborn sometimes to sleep and their son was no different. He knows I’ve been struggling to adjust to Cameron’s sleep patterns.

“Sure baby, give Cameron my love. I love you Sofie,” he says as I smiles “I love you too big guy.”

“What was that about?” Tangela says as I disconnect the call shaking my head.

“Oh, he’s nervous about tomorrow and wishes I was there,” I say with a look of longing, this was harder than I thought it would be.

“Aww, he is going to be so surprised tomorrow,” Trinity says as Tangela smiles.

“Joe text me talking about keep the home fires burning, we are going on a trip when he gets done with smackdown next week. I hate I could never get into wrestling like you guys, sometimes I feel outta place” Tangela says with a small frown on her face.

“Girl, even if you don’t like it, I bet when you feel the atmosphere tomorrow you will enjoy the show and will be cheering him on. You support and love him, so he doesn’t mind if you don’t come to shows but I know it’s important to him and his face is going to tell the story when he sees you tomorrow.” Sofia reassures her.

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Jimmy’s Hotel Room

“Damn,” Jimmy mutters as he tries to reach his wife but gets her voicemail.

“Good night beautiful…. I had you on my mind, and Josh is probably staying the night with Shan, so I was hoping for a little facetime fun. I can’t wait to get home to see you.  I Love you.” He ended the call and went about his nightly routine to get ready for bed.

Shantell's Hotel room

Jey’s POV

“I’m going to grab a shower baby, “Shan says heading into the bathroom. As Jey makes himself comfortable on the bed. “Need any help baby?” I ask with a smirk. “You are so silly,” she says shutting the bathroom door.

“She gon to be the death of me,” I whisper to myself as I hear the shower in the next room. I pulled my clothes off and strip down to my underwear, having showered at the building paid off because I probably would have taken my clothes off and joined her in the shower and took her right then and there with how hot she got me from our makeout session outside of her hotel room.

“Jey, hold it together ….Damn,” I say to myself while channel surfing. Next thing you know the thought of the water cascading down Shan’s body is too much and I’m sliding my underwear down a little to release my throbbing dick.  

“Shit! That feels better,” I mutter as I glance back at the door then back down at my throbbing dick, I needed to take care of it before Shan gets out of the shower. I slowly grabbed my dick and began to stroke it to further erection. I needed to get relief quick and fast.

 My breath hitches as I pictured Shan in the shower as I began to stroke faster, my gasps faintly heard throughout the room as I struggle to be quiet to not alert her as to what I was doing.  I begin to stroke even faster, as the thought of her going down on her knees looking up at me with those beautiful bedroom eyes as she takes me in her mouth.

 “Fuck!” I mutter as my eyes closes, it feels so fucking good. I stroke myself harder as I feel my thighs start to tighten, it’s almost like I could feel Shan’s mouth on my dick sucking me hard and fast. My body begins to shiver as I cum hard shaking and cursing below my breath gasping Shantell’s name.

“Damn, I’m whipped,” I say to myself as I clean myself up quickly and climbed back into bed feeling more relaxed and ready for bed.

Shantell’s POV

As I was finishing up my shower my thoughts began to wander to Jey. We have been dating for a few months, few kisses here, and caresses there. I want so much more; I’m ready to give Jey every inch of me.  I never really dated as I was always concerned with school and sports so it left little time for dating.

After high school, I started college but two years in I left due to my grandmother being diagnosed with cancer. I put school on the back burner until she went into remission. Then when I returned, I did my internship with WWE and finished my last two years of college.

Sadly after my one-year anniversary with the WWE my grandmother's cancer returned and after a long-fought battle, she passed away last year.

Now I stand here as a thirty-two-year-old virgin. I remember the battle we had about our ages since he’s almost thirty-eight and I thought people would talk about our six-year age difference.

I’ll never forget him storming into gorilla while I was working, telling me how we both grown ass folk, and it was nobody’s business but ours what we do. He also decided to yell about how over half of the people that work in the WWE are married and cheating on their spouses. Not how I wanted it to be known we were together, but hey he was passionate about it.

Laughing and shaking my head at the memory, I steps out the shower, I could hear his light snores. I dried off and changed into my right-hand man t shirt that he gave me on one of our many late-night movie marathons in his room. As I open the door, I see my he is out like a light. I climb in bed beside him.

Jey’s POV I moan as I feel Shan next to me and as I roll over to scoop her up in my arms.  I can get use to this. Man, she making an Uce feel a certain type of way, real talk.

“Night baby,” I whisper her against her ear kissing her neck, wrapping my arms around her pulling her closer to me.  “Goodnight my right-hand man, “I hear her faintly whisper as we drift off to sleep.

London Airport

“Trinity…. Tangela, hurry up!” Sofia says as they are rushing to get off the plane. The show has already started, and she wanted to see Solo before his match.

“I’m coming!” Trinity yells having changed into her new Day One-ish shirt. Following close behind her was Tangela in her husband’s shirt.

The women hopped in the limo waiting for them excitement taking over as they were on the way to their husbands finally.

O2 Arena  MITB PPV

Shantell’s POV

You could cut the excitement with a knife as the guys were off talking about last minute plans for their match.

 “Where are they?” Shan mutters as she looks at her watch. The women’s MIB match was going on. She was hoping the girls got there in time to share a few minutes with their husbands before the match.

Lost in her thoughts her phone beeped to alert her of an incoming message.

“Outside by the bus, is the coast clear to come in?” Trin’s text read.

“Girl, yes get in here quick, they’ve gone down to the spare ring in the building to run over some stuff, they don’t want me to know the outcome.” I text back.

Shan took off towards the bloodline dressing room thanking her lucky stars that the guys still shared a dressing room together.

Ok roses, fruit, champagne for after the match I say to myself scanning the room making sure everything was right.

Knock, knock

“Thank god,” I whisper as I open the door and let the ladies in as we share a quick hug.

“Thank you so much Shan, even though y’all know I’m so confused by this whole wrestling thing, “Tangela says honestly.

You’re welcome, Tangela. The night wouldn’t be complete without you all here,” I told her.

“I owe you,” Trinity says tearing up.

“No ma’am, no tears go freshen up,” Tangela says as Sofia nods in agreement.

“I’m going to go find them and be right back.” I say leaving out of the dressing room.

Paul knew I would want to be at ring side tonight to Support Jey, so I have the night off. Thankfully I won’t be out there alone because Trin is going to sit with me.

Tangela and Sofia weren’t comfortable being out in front of the crowds, so they were going to watch the match from the dressing room.

I changed into my new Day-One-ish shirt as I fumbled around the arena to find the guys.

45 minutes before the Main Event.

Solo’s POV

“The crowd is gon lose they shit Uce!” Jimmy says excitedly as we all hug and go silent as we see Shan approaching us.

“Does she know Uce?” Joe whispers to Jey as he shakes his head.

“No, I want her to be surprised with the ending,” Jey says as he smiles at his girlfriend coming closer to them in the spare ring.

“You know that can go one of two ways, she kisses you, or cuss yo ass out.” I laugh as Jey rolls his eyes at me.

“Ok boys you got about forty-five minutes before showtime,” she says smiling as she can see how excited and nervous, we are. “How about we go back to the dressing room for a second, I think you guys need a moment to soak in the moment from prying eyes.” She offers as we all agree with the suggestion.

Tonight, was big, I’m competing in the main event as a competitor going against my brothers. Holy Shit.  Yea, I need to call Sofia to get my damn nerves together I think to myself as we walk back to our dressing room.

Shantell's POV

I texted Trin that we were headed their way as Jimmy led the way.

“Ma, you just cheesing,” Jey says taking my hand in his smiling himself.

“Hey, I got the night off so I can watch my man compete in peace, I ain’t gotta be shouting orders about camera shots or nothing just let me enjoy this moment mister main event,” I say excitedly as he shakes his head.

Jimmy’s excited voice could be heard from the dressing room, and it made Joe and Solo pick-up pace to get there to see what the commotion was. I smiled and looked at my boyfriend.  

“What did you do?” he asks.

“Nothing… I swear baby,” I say as he rolls his eyes at me.

“Yessss Sir!!!!” Roman yells as I smile wider as Jey looks at me shaking his head.

“You did something, come on here sneaky,” he said leading the way as we walked in the dressing room to see what was going on. I feel Jey’s eyes staring intently at me.

“What?” I ask as he pulls me closer and kisses me long and deep.

“Thank you, baby,” he whispers as I shake my head.

 “Don’t thank me baby, it’s no need.” I say as I kiss him this time.

“Baby you had me fooled,” solo says as he kisses his wife.

“I was so scared you would pick up on my facetime lie about the bad signal,” Sofia says rubbing her hands through his short mohawk.

“Babygirl you at an event I’m shocked but so damn happy,” Joe says picking his wife up and spinning her around.

“I’m glad baby, I missed you.” Tangela says kissing her husband.

Jey’s POV

A few sniffles could be heard from across the room as I saw Trin and Jon locked in an embrace as if they let go one of them would disappear.

“You did this Uce?” Jimmy says finally looking up at Shan when they finally pulled away from each other. Shan smiled.

“Hell, yea she did,” Trin interjects with a smile.

“Thank you,” Jimmy says as she gives him a nod.

“Tonight, is such a big night for you all and I knew who you would love to share it with, so I asked Paul, he agreed, and he helped me make it happen no need to thank me ya’ll.” she says shrugging her shoulders. Man, I love this woman so damn much it ain’t funny.  She is always giving to others, showing love.

“This means so much Shan…. Thank you, sis. “Solo says going over to hug her.

“Hell, everybody group hug!” Jimmy yells as we all smush together for a group hug.

Shan’s POV

As we all chatted for a bit a knock came at the door, "Guys your needed at gorilla," a stage hand said poking his head in the door.

I looked up and my eyes met Jimmy’s, I gave him a small wink, he nodded his head in understanding as a bright smile appear upon his face.

“Go kill it ya’ll,” Trin says as they began to gather their things.

“We got you sis,” Solo says with a smile.

“I’m going to watch from Gorilla along with Trin while Tangela and Sofia are going to watch from the dressing room,” Shan says as the guys nod in agreement.

“Walk us to Gorilla.” Jey says looking intently at me.

“Nah, you need to get in the zone I don’t want to mess you up. I’ll head to Gorilla before Roman and Solo go out. Good luck, and be safe baby,” I say kissing him before they left. It felt like an eternity before they finally did leave, I think it was the excitement in me.

“Trin you ready?” I say smiling, putting on my Usos hat. Got to be a little incognito out there.

“Hell, yea girl let me put my hat on too.” She says heading to her bag.  

“Have fun!” Tangela says as Sofia nods her head in agreement.

“I think you guys will get use to this and before you know it will be cheering your heads off in the crowds with us, “I declare as Trin and I leave to head to our seats for the main event.

Gorilla Area

“Guys I got a second hard camera on the side of the ring by Barrett and Cole. Go there and do your pose during your entrance since Joe and Solo are going to pose in the middle during their entrance,” Paul says as the Jimmy and Jey nodded in understanding.

“Have fun, live in the moment and I’m proud of you guys.” COO Paul Levesque says as he slaps them on the back and walks back to his headset.

“Thanks boss,” they say and began jumping around in place getting amped up.

“Let’s bring the house down boys!” Joe encourages as Solo starts to get a little nervous.

“Aye, lil bro, we got you,” Jimmy says looking at his brother with a warm smile. All four men hugged each other.  WWE’s photographers along with a camera man were taking pictures and documenting this amazing moment that was about to take place.

Ringside

“Girl, I’m out of shape,” Shan says as they finally make it to their seat during the ending of the Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor match. Finally getting a chance to sit down and catch her breath.

“Girl, please I’m tired, and I know I’m in shape. This running for the birds almost made me break a sweat.” Trin said as we both laughed and settled in for the main event.

UUUUUSSSSOOOOO!!!!

Trinity and I both jumped to our feet and began screaming as the beat dropped and our men began their walk to the ring.

Down since

Day one ish

Down since

Day one ish

Day one ish

Line 'em all up

Knock 'em down like this!

Jey’s POV

Whoo! This crowd is live Jey thinks to himself as he hits the steps with his hand and steps up on the apron bouncing around heading to the corner for the hard camera shot.

Wait is that Shan Jey says to himself with a smile as he sees his girlfriend on her feet with his sister-in law jamming out screaming their theme music with the fans dressed in their merchandise.

 Jimmy was pointing walking towards the ropes smiling having just spotted his wife. I climbed the turnbuckle, as we take in the atmosphere of the crowd as we bounce to the music. Looking down at the women in our lives who smiles were so bright it could outshine the sun as they sing our theme song.

Down since

Day one ish

Down since

Day one ish

We been down since

“I’m gonna marry that woman,” I whisper to my brother as he looks down at Shantell who is so carefree singing her heart out dancing. Jimmy nodding his head as he can’t take his eyes off his wife himself as the girls are dancing and singing with the crowd.

Day one ish

Line 'em all up

Knock 'em down like this

“Let’s go Uce,“I say to my brother, tapping his shoulder as we head to the center of the ring to amp the crowd up even more than what they were.

“We got’em!” Trin yelled as we high five each other, sat down and got ready for the main event.

Backstage

Bullshit! Bullshit! The hostile crowd chants as Roman is laying over both Usos going for the pin to end the match.

“Come on Joe!” Tangela screams as Sofia looks over at her with a smile.” Yep, she’s hooked,” Sofia says to herself as she turns back to the monitor.

“Accept they didn’t win, the Usos kicked out!” Michael Cole screams as both women clap their hands at the awesome match that was happening.

“Get’em baby!” Sofia yells as Solo snaps Roman out of his daze and begins pounding on Jey.

Ringside

“My fucking nerves are shot!” Shan exclaims as Solo is currently perched on the barrier in front of them. He looks back at the women for a second, winks at them, turns back around pose for a second and misses the table dive on Jimmy.

“Fuck Solo,” Trin whispers with wide eyes as her brother-in law is laying in the midst of the table carnage.

“Get up Jey! “I yell as Roman covers him.

1!

2! 

"Jey kicks out!" I could hear Cole screaming as the crown is going insane

“I know that hurt!” Trin says as Jey low blowed Joe while kicking out of the pin.

Backstage

“What the hell Josh!” Tangela screams, as Sofia is worried as the camera hasn’t gone back to her husband to see how he is doing after the table spot just replays. Out of the corner of her eye finally she sees him climbing on the apron being met with double superkicks from Jimmy and Jey as he falls back down to the floor.

“Fuck, that looked brutal,” Sofia says shaking her head.

Ringside

“Tag! Go baby!!” Shantell shouts as Jey goes to the top rope and hits the splash from the top rope onto Roman.

“Pin him!” Trin yells as Jey covers Roman.

1!

2!

3!

 The crowd explodes as Trin and I jump practically almost over the barricade cheering for all of them. Jey had just pinned Roman it was the first time in 3 ½ years since he had been pinned and they gave Josh the honor of doing it.

Jimmy is overwhelmed in the corner as Trin wipes away her tears. We hugged each other as we were so happy in this moment for all of them.

Backstage

“That was amazing!” Tangela says watching the replay of the pin and catches her husband whispering “I love you” to his cousin as he pins him. “Aww Joe,” She whispers to herself.

“Great match!” Sofia stands up clapping.

 “Ok y’all got me hooked,” says Tangela as she heads to the door with Sofia to meet their husbands at the curtain.

Ringside Celebration

Watching these two brothers have their moment in the ring brings tears to our eyes as they join hands and hold up the ones. Jey and Jimmy came back to our corner and celebrated.

 “Jimmy points at Trinity and she yells” I love you Jurdy!” He smiles at her as Jey winks at me as I blow him a kiss.

 We quickly grabbed our stuff and started to head towards the back as we didn’t want to bring attention to ourselves with Trin being under contract to TNA and WWE didn’t need a lawsuit about having TNA talent on WWE television.

The crowd continues to sing and dance as Jey and Jimmy celebrate.

Shantell's POV

“Gril that was crazy!” Sofia exclaims as Trin and I come through the side curtain.

“It was amazing,” I say feeling a little emotional as we all hugged waiting for the guys to come through the curtain.

Joe and Solo slowly make their way through the curtain as a round of applause breaks out as Sofia and Tangela stand off to the side as their coworkers are giving them pats on the back and praise.

 Joe and Solo tell them thank you as Jey and Jimmy come through the curtain and the applause starts up again. Fellow wrestlers move over to the Usos as Joe and Solo come further down the gorilla area as Sofia and Tangela run to their husbands.

“That was the craziest thing I ever seen,” Tangela says kissing her husband gingerly on the lips.

“Thanks, babygirl so does this mean I can get you to come to more shows now,” Joe laughs hopefully.  

“Hell yea, I had fun.  Are you ok?” She asks as they stare into each other’s eyes.

“Never been better baby,” he assures her as he kisses her again.

“You scared me!” Sofia exclaims as she is holding on to solo extra tight. “Woman all this cushion I was ok,” he laughs as he rubs his wife’s back.

“Jurdy!!!” Trin screams as she jumps in Jimmy’s arms and as Jey walks past them smiling down at me out of breath, body glistening and engulfs me in a tight hug.

“I’m so proud of you Josh.” I whisper in his neck as we embrace.

“Thank you for everything baby,” he says pulling back taking me by surprise with a tender kiss caressing my face. I can’t hide my smile, I’m so proud of him.

“Yo!! We did that shit!!” Jimmy shouts as we laugh but agree.

“Thanks for tonight, Paul.” I say going over to give him a hug.” No problem munchkin, I can say it made for a great tv moment of their natural reaction seeing you guys at ringside,” he laughs. “I bet you got footage of us acting a damn fool don’t you,” I say as he nods.

“You bet kiddo, you two had a whole damn concert going on down there with the crowd, ya’ll totally belonged out there,” he laughs.

“Oh no!” I laugh as I give him another hug and go back over to Jey who was looking at me with a longing and fire. Yea, this man can get it…. Virtue is all out the damn door if this man keeps them looks up, I think to myself.

Shantell’s Hotel

So, I finally get the man alone that pinned the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns tonight, a man who hadn’t been pinned in almost four years. How does this man want to celebrate, he wants to eat pizza, wings, candy, and drink Ginger ale out of his red solo cup pretending he’s drinking alcohol. I will say this though, Canada Dry will drain your soul it’s so strong.” I say laughing as we bump our cups together in a toast.

“Hey, it’s a vibe ma, and plus the candy is for my breath because I’m planning on stealing some kisses tonight and I don’t want Stank breath.” we both laugh as he grabs another slice of pizza.

I really enjoy moments like this with him where we shut out the world and we can just be us no matter how goofy we get. His deep voice penetrated my ears.

“You know I heard you yesterday with my brother,” he says snapping me out of taking a bite of my pizza.

“Oh that,” I say putting my slice down giving him my full attention.

“Yea that. I know you don’t like to hear people make a big deal out of stuff that you do but that interview we did Thursday really hit him hard with them asking about Trin and his DUI’s.  It had him overthinking and doubting himself,” he says putting his food down.

“I thought as much but I saw him on the phone after smackdown, how sad he was, and how he missed Trin.” I said as he moved the pizza off the couch and put it on the table. I grabbed some gummies off the table and put a few in my mouth as he held his hand out for some.

“So, I asked Paul for a favor since he was sending the jet back to get talent. So, I asked if the girls could come along for the show and the rest is history, “I say as he nods his head in understanding.

“Well thank you for helping with one of the biggest moments in my career and for being there supporting me baby,” he says leaning over to kiss me.  “Always baby,” I moan against his lips, as the kiss became intense, I pulled away.

“What’s wrong baby,” he asks as he rubs my legs looking apprehensive.

“I need to tell you something,” I say as I take a deep breath staring at him with a small smile.

“What. I know you ain’t married,” he says looking at me with wide eyes…. “Is you,” he asked nervously as I shook my head no fast as lightning.

“Now you know damn well!” I said raising my voice before he cut me off holding his hands up in the air laughing.

 “Easy tiger… I was kidding baby, you know you can tell ya man anything,” he says smiling at me.

“I just feel bad that I never told you why I wanted to take things slow, and I know this is probably hard for you,” I say rabbling as he cuts me off.

“I respect it baby, I thought maybe somebody hurt you so you’re taking your time before giving your heart and body again to someone. I enjoy being with you and I’m willing to wait until you’re ready.” He states with a charming smile that could light up any room.

“Jey, nobody hurt me, I just” … I hesitate and take a deep breath as he grabs my hands and I look into his eyes and see nothing but love.

Chile, stop being dramatic and tell the man so, we can move on my mind screams at me.

“Nobody hurt me Jey, I’ve just never given my heart or my body to anyone…. Ever.” As the words “ever” left my mouth in a whisper his eyes got almost wide as saucers.

"Wh..what," He stutters as I nod my head.

"I’m a virgin," I say a little stronger feeling good to have finally told him. I look at him and he is still stoic and just staring at me.

“Say something Jey,” I say as tears start to build in my eyes. That seemed to bring him out of the daze he was in.

“Nah, don’t cry baby….  You just caught me off guard,” he says wiping my tears.

“This is so fucking embarrassing,” I say looking away from him as he turns my head back towards him and urgently kisses me.

“No, it ain’t woman, I’m so fucking turned on right now you have no idea,” he moans as he pulls away and his intense eyes feel like they are piercing my soul.

“Huh,” I stutter unsure of what he’s trying to say.

“I have wanted you so badly from the first day I met you five years ago, but I was going through a divorce and a lot of other shit, so I let you be.  I just settled for us being friends, my Uce,” he said smirking as I looked at him dumbfounded.

 “You made me want to be better, always encouraging me and my brother. Then you and Trin got closer, so we got to hang out more and I fell even harder for you. It’s not about sex Shantell what we have is real. You had me five years ago baby and you didn’t even know it.” He says intently as his eyes never leave mine.

Taking a deep breath, I can see he is struggling with something himself and I feel a weight come off him as I hear the words, “I have a secret too,” he whispers as I listen closely.  

“I love you Shantell,” he says looking at me with much love and admiration I could melt to the floor right here and combust.

I feel the tears building up in my eyes again. He loves me, tell him you love him too idiot my mind screams as I see him drop his head.

I leaned over and caressed his face as he has done to me many times. He lifts his head and sees fresh tears threatening to fall.

“Baby,” …he starts as I cut him off placing my hand on his lips.

“I love you, Joshua Fatu. “I confess as I feel him exhale a deep breath, I didn’t even know he was holding. I lean forward and kiss him with all my might.

“Shan,” Jey gasps out as I climb on his lap with my legs on either side of him never breaking our kiss which was growing hungrier by the second as I began grinding on his lap. I gasp against his lips as I feel his hardness pressing against me.

You've got me (You've got me)

You've got me (You've got me)

Oh

You've got me (You've got me)

You've got me speechless

My mind was in a whirl, and I couldn’t think, he never missed a beat scooting us to the end of the couch, as he lifted me up with ease, my legs still wrapped around his waist never once breaking our kiss, he balances one hand on the bed sliding us to the headboard.

I gasp as I feel him rocking against my wet covered center. His hands gripping and rubbing my thighs as our tongues battle for control as he caresses my face. We both stop for a second to catch our breath.

Finally finding his voice “I’m not going to take you tonight, Shan,” he states breathlessly as I whine before being cut off by a powerful kiss.

“I want it to be special, tonight, just let me take care of you baby” he whispers.

Laying so closely

I feel your skin rubbing and touching me

Only sweat between us

Nuzzling my neck, he slowly undresses me “God you are so beautiful,” he says making me blush. Jey caressing and kissing my body has my mind is in a whirl as he moves from my neck down to my breasts. “Josh!” I exclaimed as he took one of my nipples into his mouth swirling his tongue around it as I gasped arching my body closer to him.

God, my body was on fire and only Jey could put out the flames.

“Baby…. Please,” I moaned as he continued his torture on my breasts.

“I need to feel you baby please,” I beg as I help him take off his shirt. I touch his chest running my fingers around to his back lightly scratching him as I kiss his neck. His moans cheering me on to be bolder.

Feeling you kissing and pleasing me

I rub your back

I kiss your neck

I know that you love when we touch like that

As he rains down kisses across my body, my hand automatically go to his hair as he kisses my navel, my breath hitches as he goes lower licking and kissing my skin while never looking away from me. His gaze is so intense, and his mouth feels so good on my body. I lay back as he parts my legs and kisses my inner thigh.

I try to close my legs, but he stops me, pushing them further apart as I brace myself on my elbows trying to see what he’s about to do to me. “Don’t hide from me Shan, I’m gonna make you feel good baby,” he says boldly as he begins licking my pussy sending an electric jolt through my whole body.

“Oh my god” I gasp as I began writhing on the bed as his tongue licks my clit. Before I knew it, his whole mouth starts to devour my pussy like it was dessert, sucking, licking, nibbling, and pushing his tongue inside my pussy in perfect sync driving me into a frenzy.

I can feel you need me

Feels so good to me

Feels so good to me

Going outta my head, I think I'm losing all my mind

Jey’s POV

“Mmm… Look at me baby,” I moan never breaking eye contact with her as I needed to see how beautiful she is as she comes undone.  I insert a finger inside of her and she rewards me with a throaty moan, then two as I began moving and attacking her clit with my tongue at the same time.  Taking her to new heights it seems as each second passes. “Are you gonna give it to daddy baby?” I ask groaning at how good she tastes, and how breathtakingly beautiful she looks as I’m take her to ecstasy.

“Yes, daddy I am,” she moans as her hands go to the sides of my face holding on for dear life as I’m pushing my tongue deeper and deeper inside her.  

“Oh! Jey…Baby I can’t take it!” She gasps as her eyes close, head and back perfectly arched writhing on the bed. I may have to keep her this way.

“Yes, you can and you will,” I growls as I pick up pace with my tongue as she tried to scoot back, I snatched her possessively back on my mouth.

“Don’t run from daddy baby,” I whispers as I attack her pussy even deeper with my tongue. Her resolve is crumbling as she’s moaning and at times her words are incoherent. She’s telling me how she feels differently, and I can tell she’s afraid of what’s happening to her body.

“What’s happening,” she moans out as her grip tightens on the sides of my face gripping my hair in the process moving her hip vigorously fucking my face. I moan briefly finally closing my eyes savoring the taste of her.

“Mmhumm,” I moan into her pussy making it vibrate as it is quivering in my mouth sending a new sensation through her already sensitive body as she is now griding even harder on my face searching for her nut. Her mouth open as her back arched in ecstasy. Fuck yes, that’s what I wanted to see, she’s close as fuck. I softly grab her hips and start to pull her back slightly and began thrusting her pussy back on my mouth as I push my tongue as far as I could inside her pussy.

“Jey!” She screams as I smirk admiring my work thus far.  After a few minutes, I’m back to my slow methodical pace holding her thighs in my hands as I go back to devouring her pussy not allowing her to move. She was gon learn tonight, this my pussy.

Drive me crazy, burning candles, making love all night

Feels so strange, it feels so crazy to be in your world

In your arms lost for words

You've got me (You've got me)

You've got me (You've got me)

You got me speechless

Shantell’s POV

“Look at me Shantell, “Jey demands almost with a primal growl as his eyes never leave mine, as he takes my hands from the sides of his head, lacing our hands together. Gasping I look down at him with heavy lids as the man I love was giving his complete self to please me. I felt a new and startling spark start as he continued to devour my pussy with his mouth. Our gazes getting more intense as each second passes as I’m losing control fast.

“Oh! God!” I pant as I feel like I’m on fire and about to explode.

“Mmmmhmm. That’s it, give it to me beautiful,” he moans as his eyes turn even darker, he’s on a mission. “Josh,” I moan staring at him as I feel my eyes start to roll back into my head. He has stirred up so many things within me I can’t hold it any longer.

Yes, yes, yes

Speechless, all I can say

Yes, yes, yes

All I can say is

Yes, yes, yes, yes

“Just let it come.” he mutters as almost he’s reading my mind never missing a beat in that sexy drawl.

“Joshua!” I exclaimed as I came with a harsh cry as he welcomed my juices into his mouth.  His moans of gratitude as he’s swirling his tongue around sucking, slurping, and tasting my essence made my legs shake. He continued until his thirst was quenched.

“Mmmm, you taste better than I ever imagined baby,” he says continuing to suck on my clit as I’m coming down from my high. Through heavy lids I see him kissing his way up my body slowly as almost as if he was making mental note for himself. As he finally reaches my lips, we share sensual kiss as our tongues caress each other. I could taste my essence on his tongue and see ruminates of it glistening on his beard as he looked down at me.

“Fuck! My dessert was so good baby,” he says in his distinct drawl with a sexy smirk as he leans down moving his kisses to my neck as he’s grinding against my naked sensitive center caressing my legs gently as I tighten them around him. Our moans of pleasure filled the room.  My hands began to travel between us to the top of his sweatpants his pants, but he gently grabbed my hands kissing each one and put them on his chest before kissing me again.

“What about you,” I ask against his lips trying to catch my breath. “Tonight, was about you baby I’m good,” he says as I look down at his throbbing dick with wide innocent eyes as it has grown in size laying to the side of his sweatpants making the perfect outline print.

 “Give him a couple minutes and it will go down,” he says reading my expression with a smile as he kisses me again before pulling me close, as I gingerly rub circles all over his chest.

“I love you Shantell,” he says trying to catch his breath as he looks down at me with love and admiration.

“I love you too Joshua,” I says as I try to steady my own heartbeat as we share a chaste kiss and settle off to sleep.

Kiss me

Hold me

You've got me

Speechless

Tangela POV

“Fuck!” I scream at my current situation as I’m here naked in the shower with my legs and arms wrapped around my husband hanging on for dear life as Joe’s primal growls almost overtake the sounds of the waster cascading down on us both drowning out my cries of pleasure.

“Shit! Baby I missed being inside you,” he moans as he attacked my mouth with desperate kisses as he continues to thrust hard and fast.

“Fuck me baby!” I moan as his pace begins to quicken even more as I begin meeting his thrusts, tightening my muscles around him. The sensation is causing my vision to go blurry.

“Yea, baby girl you about to cum.  I feel it, cum on your dick baby so daddy can cum in his pussy, “he groans in my ear as I fall apart at the sound of his deep voice and start meeting his thrusts even harder trying to take control, a hard smack on my ass brings me back to reality as he kisses me nibbling hard on my bottom lip. He begins to shiver against me with his thrusts becoming more frantic and wilder.

Looking into my eyes he knows I’m so close and so is he as we hold each other’s gaze. I gasp the three words I know will be his undoing. “My Tribal Chief! I moan as his eyes take on a wild dark primal appearance as he growls pushing me up against the shower thrusting me up and down on his thick long dick.

“Say it again,” he growls looking at me as I’m falling apart in his arms as I toss my head back, he grabs my neck in gentle, sensual squeeze pushing my head back up to meet his gaze. “Who am I” he growls before taking me into an aggressive kiss never breaking his thrusts.  

“My Tribal Chief!” I scream as I began squirting on his dick.

“Oh fuck yea, give it to your Tribal Chief Tang,” he moans out as he cums as I’m continuing to ride out my orgasm.

“That was insane,” I say embracing him as the water cascades on us as he sets me down to actually shower this time. “You’re telling me,” he smiles stealing a quick kiss as he helps me shower.

Solo & Sofia Hotel Room

Solo’s POV

“Baby I know we can’t have sex Cameron isn’t even 5 weeks old. I’m not that impatient. I can wait eight weeks like the doctor said,” I says as Sofia kisses my neck.

 “It’s other things we can do,” she whispers as she licks and sucks on my neck.

“Baby you had a C-Section and still feeling pain.” I groan as she looks at me smiling as she chose to ignore my words and continued to nip at my neck.

I moan as she grabbed my throbbing dick and began to stroke me.

 I know we can’t do what we want, but I want you to get some release baby, “I won’t hurt myself I promise baby,” she says shyly.

Laying back on the bed I felt her tiny hands continue to stroke me. She knows I’m trying to keep my composure.

“I want you to let go baby. Do you get yourself off thinking about me at night when we’re apart?” she whispers in my ear as she nips at it before sucking on my ear lobe.

“Y..you know I do baby… fuck!” I exclaim bringing her to closer to me for a scorching kiss.

“Can you imagine me on my knees, looking up at you as you fuck my mouth baby,” she purred as she continues to attack all my senses driving me wild.

“Fuck yes!” I mutter as the sweat is starting to run down my face, my wife was on it tonight, and the image she was painting was driving me insane. I needed release.

“Mmmm.. I’m gaggin real good on that dick now .. you like me gagging on that dick baby,” she moans against my lips. I’m so close all I can do nod my head not trusting my words. The images are so vivid in mind I can’t think straight.

“Shit it feels so good Sof,” I whisper as her hand movements pick up as she sucks and licks on my neck, my breathing starts to pick up as I know I’m close and Sofia knows it too.

“Mmmmm, “she moans closing her hand a little tighter and began stroking faster. “Now I’m on top riding my dick baby, it feels so fucking good. Can you feel it? Can you feel my pussy dripping and gripping your dick?” she shivers against me letting out a moan letting me know she’s turned on as hell herself.

I nod my head as she kisses me.  “Can you feel how tight your pussy is baby,” She purrs as she strokes me harder and faster.

“Sofia, I’m close baby,” I say as I looks at her tiny hand swallowing my dick.

“Cum inside your pussy then baby,” she whimpers as I grabs her face our lips meet in a demanding kiss as I thrusts myself upward into her hand as she milks my dick as I cum all over her hand and my stomach.

“Fuck baby! I shout as I collapsed back on my pillow. She smirks as she looks shly at me as I’m desperately trying to catch my breath.

“That was so fucking hot” I confess as she puts her head on my shoulder settling further into bed. “Mmm.. Yes, it was baby “she smiled catching her own breath.

“Four more weeks to go baby” she says as I nod in agreement.

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

Jon & Trin’s Hotel Room

Trin’s POV

“Jurdy!!!” I scream as my husband is fucking me with long, hard and deep thrusts as I’m on all fours trying not to rip these folks sheets as he is thrusting and talking shit with every lethal deep thrust.

“Yea…uhhhuh.. Yea what was all that shit you was talking the other night,” he groans out. “Sayin you was gon squirt on your dick. Well, I’m waiting ma,” he taunts grunting as he’s trusting away inside me.

“Jurdy!  I don’t wanna cum yet” I whine as I try to crawl up the bed, but I feel his hands grip my hips pushing me back harder on his dick making it throb deeper inside me.  

“Nah, take this dick baby, you know we missed you,” he pants as I look back at him as he wipes the sweat from his brow. I began to throw it back on his ass as he grabs my hair continuously pounding away as I meet his trusts bouncing my ass hard on his dick.

 “Yea………. Throw that shit…… All the way back,” he grunts as he smacks my ass.

“Uh huh give it to me, I feel it coming,” he moans as he slaps my ass again never slowing down his movements.

“Jon!” I shouts as my hands grip the sheets even tighter as I feels him getting even harder as I explode all over his dick.

“Yesssss! Fuuuuuckkk! Squirt on this dick baby… Ah..Fuck yea that pussy so fucking tight, ”he praises me as he continues to pound into my pussy hard.

“I’m bout to cum baby,” he says as his knees almost buckle at the new sensation of my pussy clinching him light a tight vice as he finally let’s go.

 “Here it come Trin, “he moans as he pulls out quickly and cums on my ass. We collapsed on the bed totally spent.

“Damn, did you miss me Jurdy? My ears are ringing,” I laugh breathlessly as we collapse on the bed side by side as he pulls one of my legs across his waist as he’s trying to regain his composure.

“Girl, hell yea I missed you, you’re my life,” he says kissing her.

[pb-dot]

Precursors

Something a bit outside of my usual oeuvre today, everyone. I decided to expand my vacation to my work on Thereafter, but since I know better than trying to stop writing cold turkey, I decided to explore some ideas in short story form. As I happened to have The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher rolling around in my brain at the time, it ended up being a bit of a Sci-Fi take on some of the ideas there, combined with some miscellaneous worldbuilding ideas that I had bouncing around in my brain at the same time. So, without further ado let me introduce a tale of ancient knowledge and the consequences thereof.

The ship shuddered and whined as we exited FTL, giving every impression classical physics was what governed our sudden deacceleration. It was, however, an illusion born of an FTL drive with several cheap and borderline illegal aftermarket tune-ups. I tried to not think about the complex math horribly mangled by second-hand magnet shrouds and gravitic sensors as I compensated for the FTL drift through a complex and furiously fast series of sensor adjustments that to the uninitiated looked like I was precisely calibrating something and not playing chicken with physics while playing a free jazz solo on an unwilling instrument.

"Is it supposed to sound like that, Cooke?" My passenger inquired.

"This one is," I lie as I bring us back to regular space. "It's a custom job, which is part of the reason why my prices are very reasonable."

"That they are," Their Anglo was pretty good, hardly a trace of an accent. Not all of the citizens of the PLN are as fluent in the old colonizer language, but then again, my Ta Reo isn't great so who was I to judge?

I allow myself a brief peak at the strange brew I had picked up at the borders of UA space. They went by Whetu, and whatever else you could say about them, they certainly were beautiful. The tight topknot of luxuriously wavy black hair, the faintly browned skin that so many in the Pan-Pacific League of Nations had kept, even as generations in the black had robbed them of natural sunlight in the quantities one could expect in the bottom of our native gravity well. All of this was well and good, but their eyes, I swear on the soul within I could stare into the damn things for days. There was a deep dark brown to them, so dark they were almost, but not quite, black. They felt magnetic, like the precipice of a surely lethal fall.

Not that it mattered. They were a client, and clients were clients first and gorgeous mysterious strangers second. I could make a fool of myself by mooning over them once the job was done.

"So, I hope you don't mind me asking," I say, professionalism be damned, I had to know a bit about them.

"Hm?" They appeared distracted, spellbound by the sight of the solar system that was spreading out in front of us. Me, I had seen it all before. Not this one in particular, mind, but once you've seen your first few hundred systems, they all start to blend together.

"What's down here that's worth charting a clipper all by your lonesome?" I nodded at the solar vista ahead where our destination, a gas giant's toxic-green moon, hung in contrast to its large red primary. Now that we were too close to the star for FTL there was nothing much to do while the navigation drives brought us towards our destination.

"Precursors." My passenger volunteered.

"Ah," I said. "You're a xenoarcheologist then? Jumping on an unlicensed Clipper to go digging in the sand for ancient drive casing shards?"

"Oh, this is bigger than that."

"M-hm." I intoned. This wasn't my first starry-eyed ruin diver, but I will admit there was a resolve to their words that made me file away the possibility of them not being full of hot air for later.

"Much bigger. There haven't been any boots on the scene yet, but the catbots have been at it for months."

"Months? Is it a whole building or something?"

"Think bigger taku hoa, it's a whole damn facility."

I whistle at this. "Oh, so this is going to be one of those multi-cycle jobs then?"

"Might not get the chance, the whole damn thing is active."

"You're sharding me,"

"Not even a little bit. The prelim scans are unambiguous, there's mining done, deposing of waste rock too by the look of it."

"Shit," I say, finding myself adjusting a few parameters on my dashboard that don't matter just to not stare slack-jawed. "You think there's any… survivors?"

"Oh stars and routes, no, I should think not. It's probably automated, but still, if it's still running after all these years, there might even be some infrastructure left."

We sat in silence as the jade pearl that was our destination grew larger in the viewport. The scattered clues of a now-extinct alien race whose technology vastly outranked even our theoretical science was one of those things humanity had just gotten kind of used to. This was something else though. Knowing Gilgamesh and Enkidu probably existed in late prehistory was one thing, but finding their dirty laundry scattered about was something else entirely.

"This is huge," I say after a while.

"It is, potentially," They said.

"Might want to invest in some muscle in case you're not the only one to find it."

"Oh, you offering?"

"I am, are you taking?"

Whetu gave me an appraising glance, and try as I might I couldn't help but blush. My habitual presence in zero-G had made me quite the beanpole, and try as I might, it was beyond both my ability and budget to build meaningful muscle on a diet of home-printed nutrition bars. In short, I look like a scrawny pushover, no matter how much I liked to portray myself as a scrappy spacer.

"I can't promise you much action," Whetu said, "but if you want to tag along…"

Touching down on the moon in question wasn't particularly dramatic as these things went, although a panel or two of insulated plating did disintegrate under the heat of entry. Considering the physics involved, it wasn't more than could be expected. Once the doors of my lander creaked open to reveal the green fog and rocky surface of the aptly named moon AX-3882 vii b, I was starting to feel like this had been a mistake. That said, Whetu seemed undaunted, or at least not sufficiently daunted to show body language through the fortifying presence of the vac suit, and so I could not find it in myself to be any more of a craven.

Whetu had brimmed with excitement as I went about the business of parking us in orbit and prepping the fall craft. For me it was routine, and it didn't much spice it up that we were heading into what was potentially a robot factory built by god. Granted, I was nervous as a cat in a rocking horse factory, but that didn't change how boring the procedures were. Loading up my piddly materiel chest with what shield packs and bolt guns I could get for a song and a prayer was admittedly less routine, but there's nothing like fastening straps on plasteel containers to suck the danger and adventure out of everything.

"How's the air down there?"

"Nitrogen and oxygen mostly, it's earthlike, but there's some nasty exotics in there, we'll need rebreathers and goggles for sure."

"Might as well go for full vac suits then?"

"If you have them I don't mind the extra protection."

"Only the best for my unlicensed xenoarcheologist," I jest as I step aside to reveal the exoskeleton zero-G vac loading suits I bought off a bankrupt shipping startup.

"Oh that's some Verhoeven-looking hardware, sure you got licenses for those bad boys?"

"Of course," I scoff. "Forged it myself. Only the best."

The trek from the landing craft passed without much ado. Whatever the precursors needed this planet for, they had not developed it to any meaningful degree outside of the site. Perhaps they had not needed to, and whatever significance this planet held to them was inherent to it. Then again, there were signs of mining of some sort, so the resources of its crust couldn't be entirely irrelevant.

"It should be just over that ridge over there," Whetu motioned with a clumsy mechanized arm.

"Alright boss. Should I arm up?"

Whetu conferred with the digital multitool on their arm. "No need for now," they reasoned. "No other life signs in the area, so provided the facility isn't dangerous we're probably safe."

"That's a big thing to take on faith."

"If you consider violence and danger to be the base state of the universe, I suppose." Whetu didn't quite shrug, but the motion was inherent to their tone. It was a common refrain from PLN folk, that the universe was a kind place if you allowed it to be. A historian once told me it was an attitude that arose from the relatively peaceful nature of the Liberation and Unifications of the PLN. The clean break from the systems of exploitation that the Terra Communis agreement had followed the PLN out into the Black and largely fueled their off-world expansions both economically and spiritually. I suppose one could do worse, but you only needed to be on cleanup duty for one core meltdown salvage job before certain questions about the inherent goodness of existence did arise quite naturally.

The facility didn't seem like that big of a deal from the outside, had I not been informed of the significance of the dull silo, I'd assumed it to be some abandoned well-rat strip-mining site. Imbued now as it was with ancient relevance though, it was hard to not think of it as an obelisk to long-forgotten gods. As we drew nearer, I could see the ribbed tunnels that emerged like tubes from the base of the structure and into the ground.

"Perhaps," I say, no need to relitigate a philosophical argument older than either of us after all. "I'd rather be safe than sorry is all."

As we approached the silo, it felt less and less appropriate to call it a silo. I wasn't sure if it was strictly contextual, or if there truly was some strange aura that made the construction take up more space than it did. No, I decided this definitely wasn't just my imagination, whether by some alien trick of architecture or spooky ancient radiation, there was a profound feeling of wrong to the building. We shouldn't be here. This isn't for us. This place is not a place of honor.

"We assume those are part of an integrated mining hub of some kind," Whetu volunteered. "The little we know about them, the precursors, tells us they considered single-use buildings to be… uh… tasteless, or wrong, there's some ambiguity in our translations there."

"Huh," was all I could say.

"It's really exciting, trying to piece together history without any first-hand accounts. Kore, hadn't it been for the Proxima find we wouldn't even have the language."

"Some would say that's more maddening and frustrating."

"What it is you Anglos say? Potato-Tomato."

"Potato-Poh-tato, it's referencing some pre-exodus language thing I think. Never made no sense to me."

We enter all the same through one of the ribbed tubes. How Whetu decided that this one in particular was not used for active mining and would be safe to enter, I have no idea, but I did not ask. If nothing else, because hearing that they did not know and merely gambled on it would have me running for the hills.

The tube was about a person and a half tall, and as a perfect circle, it was equally as wide. As we entered the oddly organic-looking structure, I could not help but notice the strangeness. To my untrained eyes, it looked like the tunnel dug through the ground as well as the wall, leaving nary a trace indicating the change in material hardness. Either a lot of work had been done to even it out, or precursor methods of making tunnels were as strange as the rest of their tech. The slope upward was noticeable, but thankfully not too steep. We climbed in silence for a while, the whir of our servos almost but not quite syncing up in that maddening way that breaths sometimes do.

I expected the tunnel to end, to open up into what I considered the rooms of a building to look. What we instead discover as we reach of the zenith of the tunnel, was nothing of the sort.

There was a widening into some sort of chamber, yes, but it was way more organic than anything a human would do. The ribbed walls expanded more abruptly than they would into a natural cave, so there was no mistaking it for a distinct chamber. This bulbous space was mostly empty, apart from small, orderly piles of rocks, ore fragments I came to realize.

The Android Revolution had failed to materialize, as engineers and designers discovered that while Man was, indeed, a piece of work, the anthromorph form was not a particularly effective one for a machine to have. Together with the disappointing non-start of sapient AI running into much the same problem in data structure form, humans had, however reluctantly, shed the dream of forming machines into our own image. The precursors it would seem, had come to a similar conclusion.

"The first chamber is usually empty according to the bots," Whetu explained without being prompted. "If there's actually anything still working here we'll have to go deeper."

"Of course," I found myself saying. "and if we're looking for any tech we'll have to go to the very center I suppose?"

"Not necessarily," Whetu said, it sounded like they did not consider my observation rude, but that was surely a failure of their comprehension. "The precursors were big on decentralized layouts. Come on, let's check it out." They motioned for the point where the bulb yet again constricted into a steep but climbable tunnel wall.

We had passed a handful of mostly empty chambers when we saw the first of them.

The machine creatures, for it was impossible to not call them creatures as they moved in a creature-way, albeit with the mechanical precision and purpose of a machine, reminded me first and foremost of an enormous earthworm or other anelid. Its long segmented body was constructed of a light metal or metal-looking substance, approximately four or five meters in length. The body coiled and wrapped around itself to support a broken column as what one might consider the head of the worm slid open to reveal a plethora of tools. Whetu and I both watched, transfixed, as the worm-bot started welding the column back into place. The column was not supposed to be load-bearing, as the spherical ribbed cave seemed to bear its own weight beautifully. The exact purpose of the column, though, became clear once the worm finished its work and started coiling its way up the freshly restored column toward a hole at the apex of the ceiling.

"Amazing," Whetu said, I couldn't help but nod, even though the stiffness of the exosuit swallowed the entire gesture.

"I guess the worms run the show huh? Do you want to try getting a closer look at one?"

"No," Whetu said. "It's better to just observe their functionality in the wild, the catbots have taken some close-up captures anyway. We need to go deeper."

And so we did. Every new chamber showed more complex movement from the metal worms. In one room, a larger model moved to devour the small pieces of ore rock, leaving behind, for the lack of a better word, droppings of smelted ingots for its smaller brethren to collect. We ascend, and as we do, it becomes clear that the pearl string of connected rooms spirals upward, the holes in the ceiling tunneling to the next hole in the spiral above. It's a nonsensical design to me, as a human, but given the flexibility it offers the mech worms, it makes somewhat more sense.

"It's weird," I find myself opining.

"Hm?"

"So far we've not really seen this facility doing anything."

"How do you figure?"

"It's all repairs and maintenance," I gesture towards the worm inching up the curved room wall with multiple metal ingots stuck in its metal skin, like magnetic studs on an earth caterpillar. "That boy over there is taking that metal from the digesting room, and we saw the welder down there use the ingots as…super-solder I guess? Either way, we haven't seen anything about what this whole thing is for I think. It's weird."

Whetu remained silent for a while, from the flickering of their digitool projection on the inside of the vac suit helmet I could tell they were going through the data by the survey bots.

"You appear to be right," they said at last.

"The catbot surveyors haven't been much deeper than this yet, though, there may be a chewy center to this place for us to find."

"I hope so," I found myself saying, and to my surprise it was true. There just was something deeply unconscionable to me about these automatons going on forever for the sake of it.

There were fewer and fewer of what I'd designated "digesting rooms" as we climbed higher. In its place, are construction bays. Rooms with plentiful scaffoldings where the welder worms worked on, as best as I could see, repairing or creating new units.

The oddest thing about the Chamber was how it wasn't the least bit spherical. The tunnel opened up suddenly to a flat floor. The puck-shaped chamber was approximately the size of the tower's base, and so I came to understand it as its center. Along the outer walls, wall reliefs, statuesque representations of vaguely humanoid forms, their faces, if they'd had any, worn away by time.

For an uncannily long time, all we could see were robots repairing robots, robots building robots, every bit as mindless as the humble earthworms they so resembled until we came across the Chamber.

"This is it," Whetu said, equal amounts awe and enthusiasm in their voice. "This is what I've been looking for!" They set down the plasteel container they had been lugging around, revealing it to be a mini drone hub, as sphere-shaped documentation drones started whirring about the second the case opened. "There should be a terminal around here somewhere."

The center of the chamber was a column of strange metal and glass constructions I came to understand as machines of some sort. Light pulsated through the glass tubes and rods, causing sheet metal to ring with tones that may or may not be part of normal operation. Whetu approached it with the light steps one might approach an altar or a very scared dog that might bite. What they were looking for, I had no idea, and as to distract myself from the shapeless uncertainty that started to take root in me, I found myself inspecting the decoration along the outer walls.

"The field of Digi-Archeology is pretty fresh," Whetu said from somewhere behind me.

"Mhm?"

"But we've been working on a way to access and interpret precursor databanks… this is my first field test with the thing so I'm pretty excited about it as you can imagine."

I found myself transfixed by the wall statues. If this was how the precursors looked, they certainly wouldn't win any contemporary beauty contest. Their limbs were long and strange, seeming to fit poorly with their solid cylindrical torsos and flexible, seemingly boneless, bulb-heads. Maybe their faces, if they'd had any, tied it all together, but I couldn't but regard them as a blobby mess.

"Ok, yes, we have contact. I'm going to try to access the log function if there is one, and see if we can find out what this whole place is for.

"Sure," I said. Somewhere behind me, Whetu's digitool projected a screen where streams of odd symbols, I had to assume the alien language, was annotated by globs of text, the best suggestion of a translation if I had to guess, but I did not dwell on them, my brain demanded I instead pay attention to the statues.

"Ok, yes, here they are… hmm, this is less than helpful, this whole place's history starts at… 0? I'm guessing it counts local history from the point of construction which… isn't how I'd do it but ok. I can't access the last bit of the log, or even tell how long it is, it's a bit unclear if that's a bug or corruption or some write-only read-only interference or what"

It was difficult to say for sure, but it felt like the statues were made to look like the precursor subjects were covered by a blanket or fabric of some kind like the true masters of marble sculpture back on Earth would on occasion depict their subjects covered by sheer sheets of silk. There was an imprecision to their form that had me equal parts repulsed and fascinated.

"The entire facility is set up to be self-sustaining, extracting material to replicate the bots that keep it running… and these machines, yes. Wait… yes, this includes their databanks, they're built from silica and ferrous material at a set interval now this IS fascinating, the saved data is built into the new digital machines, no file transfer necessary. It's not PERFECT replication, but close… wait, that's an idea."

"Huh?" I found myself staring at one statue in particular. There was something defensive to its posture. Even though its long limbs were at what a human would call a resting position at it's side, its shoulders, and upper torso were twisted in what might seem as an avoidant way.

"If I can find the rough error rate and this system has some way of diagnosing it's data corruption level, I could figure out how many cycles it has been since Year 0… let's see, oh yeah, they use Base12 don't they… hmm, the digital stuff lasts the longest it seems, they construct new replacements every… uh, time units convert at a rate of…." Whetu descended into mumbling, only to perk up at "103 thousand years or so? Stars above they build these things to last and there's… uh.. approximately… fucking base12… an error rate of 0,05% over that lifetime? That's pretty good I guess."

"Beats me," I say, I'm no longer paying attention. What is it about this statue? Is it how it looks like it's desperate to escape its statue-ness like it's struggling against its calcified skin, like some gorgon's curse has trapped it in stone forevermore.

"oh… oh wow. To ten decimals, 0% guaranteed uncorrupted data is left… no, 20 decimals? What the hell, how many cycles has this gone on?"

"Huh," I say again, I'm not listening, Whetu has to know I'm not listening and yet they keep on like they are every bit as transfixed by their investigation as I am to mine. Something bright catches my attention. Something along the edges of the ghoulish relief glints with fae mischief in the dimness of the room.

"Over 106 thousand cycles? That can't be right because that would mean…"

These weren't statues. These weren't art, I realize as my eyes run over what I had believed to be a rounded frame. Now I see what looks like ancient crumbling rubber, or some other flexible sealant on the translucent glass-like covers.

I say nothing. The source of the glinting was not a diode as I had initially assumed, it was reflective. If it wasn't glass, it was a similar substance. The little shard of glass or not-glass stood out like a hook, still sharp after whatever violence broke off the rest of it. The rest of it. I realized there'd have to be more, a whole glass shroud or…

The realization sets in like nausea, and I can't help but step back, aghast at the horror of it.

These had been pods, meant to contain living things. Cryostasis or some other way of preserving the living flesh through the ravages of uncaring time, I guessed. The pods had failed, maybe before the glass coverings were shattered, maybe as they shattered, or even after, and whatever fate slated to claim the precursor's biology had inevitably set in. They did not decompose it seemed. If anything, they calcified, turning into fossilized versions of themselves. Maybe whatever made up their faces or features rotted off or turned brittle and crumpled, leaving them as the ill-shaped parodies of life that they now inhabited. Perhaps even the tower we explored was made out of their own dead, fused in death into solid blocks, hollowed out by their anelidic mechanical servants like base cement.

The shrill sound made my world swim in sudden vertigo. I had not seen the mechanical worm enter the room, nor had I caught it moving, but now it clung to, and coiled defensively over the "statue" I had drawn my gun on. The worm's head was retracted, and the aggressively blinking light and strange tools that faced me immediately brought to mind readied weapons, not helped one bit by the undulating sway of the worm's body, moving as a snake poised to strike. It must have been the worm or one of its comrades in arms that had produced the sound, a sonic assault of some kind.

"Unless my math is way off," Whetu's voice shook with the implications "This tower is over 14 billion years old. That's… That's older than the universe… older than we assume the universe to be."

I did not listen. The words entered my conscious mind, but there was no one at home. I found myself drawing my bolter. It wasn't in fear, as much as it was in a deep revulsion or pity, if there truly was a way to delineate between those two emotions in my mind, I certainly couldn't make the distinction. I needed to destroy these remains, to uncage these alien souls from their mineral prisons, to shatter these before-comers and tell the universe in no certain terms that their age was over. Whether by natural process, conquest or self-genocide their time was over, and the grasp of time could not be denied.

Once I stepped back and lowered my weapon, the worm lowered its head, mirroring the gesture, but it did not slink away, nor turn its faceless attention away from me. I had, apparently, been reclassified from Mostly Harmless to Probably Bad News. In the distance, I could hear the metallic sound of more segmented bodies moving, the sounds grew louder.

As we ran, I realized the hopelessness of the situation. If the worms were operated by a centralized intelligence, or at least a decentralized one with the ability to communicate with its compatriots, we could potentially be met with a small army of worm-bots below. Even if they didn't have any dedicated weapons like I had assumed, their welding torches alone could char us down to the bone, and the way the worm used its coils to move heavy beams like it was nothing told me that tearing us limb from limb wasn't off the menu either.

"We need to get out of here," I said. It was possible the worms would not lump Whetu in with me in their threat assessment, but I, for one, did not want to take the chance. I seized Whetu's hand. "Whetu! We got to get out of here." I yanked on their hand, praying that this would drag them along. If Whetu activated the vac suit exoskeleton nothing short of a bulldozer would get them out of this room without their express and ongoing consent, and while I doubted the worms could do it either, their attempts might be considerably more violent, and the suit's shear and tear strength would not be sufficient no matter how strong it got.

Neither one of us said anything as we boarded the fall craft and prepared for the kick. Escaping a gravity well is inherently riskier than returning to one, and while it shook the fight out of us and then some, I felt safer in the shaky grasp of the Fall craft's takeoff engines than I did on the compact rocky soil of the moon. The blessed calm of zero-G came as a soothing balm after the tribulations of takeoff, but not even the tranquility of the Black could erase what we had experienced.

Fortunately, it seemed the worms were content with getting out of our way, although more than one of their rounded, sightless not-heads followed our hastened retreat down from the puck chamber and out of the ribbed tunnel. They would act if we at any point stopped leaving, my terrified fight or flight instinct informed me in jagged pulses of adrenaline. We weren't safe before we were out, ideally off planet, ideally on our way out of the star system fastways.

We ran down the hill we had crested on our way there. I felt like it had been years, like an entire life had taken place between our crossing of this natural threshold into the impossible and unnatural, and us emerging like bedraggled Orpheuses now, in the low twilight of the moon's setting sun.

For the longest time, Whetu gave no answer, nor any indication that they had heard me. They had stopped moving around aimlessly and sat by my side at the bridge viewport. Once I had been careful about letting my passengers to the bridge, mostly because I didn't like to be seen struggling with the instruments. I had conquered that, though. If anything, my virtuoso handling of my rustbucket ship was something to be proud of.

We were both out of our vac suits and ambling like lost souls around in my cramped clipper before either one of us said a word.

"Do you want to return to Neo Wellington?" I asked. It was such a ludicrous thing to ask after all we've seen, but whether we had upended humanity's understanding of the universe or not, at some point I had to chart a course somewhere. If my feelings on where we were headed were true, that it truly didn't matter, I needed someone else to make the call. "Or do you want to go somewhere else?"

"Kapiti Ano," Whetu said at last. "I have some colleagues in Kapiti Ano, they should hear about this."

I whistled. "Oh, that's deep in NPL territory. You got your papers in order?"

"Of course," Whetu said absent-mindedly. "Will getting there be a problem for you?"

The truth was, I was happy to go to a foreign port. It postponed the question of what I was going to do with myself. Whether I'd continue to be a well-hopping freelancer, or if this knowledge the universe had burdened me with needed to go somewhere, to do something with something. If I'm able to forget, I'd take it, but there was a portentous voice in my head that told me that oblivion would not claim me, no matter how many bottles or tabs I went through looking for it.

"Oh no, I have all the permits. Forged 'em myself." If Whetu picked up on my little joke, they made no sign of it.

The universe was always massive in a way the human brain couldn't fully comprehend, ruled by forces both infinitely vaster and more infinitesimal than my puny comprehension. If such a little speck could find an ounce of truth in this massive existence, that had not changed one bit with our revelations, even in their incomprehensible knowledge and skill, the precursors had ultimately perished. The universe, for all the chaos and difficulty and incomprehensibility, was constant and persistent in contrast. And so, I figured, all I could do was to persist, and persist I would.

I engaged the FTL drive and started the preparation for a jump. The universe was vast and incomprehensible around my little ship, but that's not new.

[umemiyan]

okay I’m back (Solomon’s #1 fan here)

In NB- we are (basically) married to everyone’s favourite sorcerer. MC is living with him in their own place (cocytus hall)- we’ve bagged him. He’s ours. He’s on our shoulder and he’s not coming down for anyone. We’ve seen how protective he gets over MC- the whole “do you think I’m NOT angry?!” He’s our husband, your honour.

Do you think- mayhaps- that this mighten instill a possessive streak in him? Not even just like, kink wise, like I mean in general. Like MC comes home and makes dinner for them both (Solomon isn’t allowed to cook- the charred marks on the kitchen ceiling and ruined pans are a testament to that) and it just makes him a little smug and [more] feral? Like in the OG, he doesn’t get a ton of time with MC as they’re always whisked away by the brothers but now?? MC’s coming home to HIM. MC is cooking for HIM. They’re under HIS protection. They’re HIS.

I think he’s petty enough to give them like protection talismans and charms made out of things that won’t necessarily badly hurt the demons but would definitely irritate them enough to keep a bit of distance. Like, what do you mean Mammon’s complaining he can’t put his arm around you because your silver necklace burns him? Sorry, MC you can’t take it off- it’s for your own protection. Guess he’ll have to keep his hands to himself. Shame :(

I love one [1] silly little man

THIS IS SO DELICIOUS MY FRIEND i’m answering both asks here because 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

YES OMG YOU ARE SO REAL FOR THIS like solomon DEFINITELY has his petty little possessive streak, especially after practically becoming your husband via being your roommate and the one you come home to every night—or at least that’s what he’s telling himself!!!! because yes, you’re cooking dinner and eating with him and planning groceries and sharing a roof with him. married activity!!!

so so soooooo prone to giving you little items that are oh so subtly warding off all the demons, or marking you with his scent because he knows they can pick up on it. he is SO sly like that, and it’s fucking SEXY.

this specific brand of possessive/slightly yan behavior is so delicious to me actually because it’s like… you still basically have your freedom and agency but he’s still finding ways to make you his. he’s not manipulating you directly as much as he’s playing games with everybody else via these markings and whatnot, because while he obviously has somewhat of a controlling streak, MC receives a different level of respect from him at the end of the day. he’ll play around a bit with the demons and whatnot, but he respects you too much to deeply restrict you (unless we wanna get freaky and pretend otherwise 👀)

but i mean wasn’t his response to the love survey something like “he doesn’t want to be bound by his lover and vice versa” ??? which is something that i would expect from someone like him. he’s cheeky and playful of course, but also old and wise and has a certain level of maturity lmao like insecurity isn’t exactly something he seems to heavily struggle with. HOWEVER he is not perfect nor is he immune to the human condition 😌 he can’t help but fall prey to his feelings towards you and also experience that instinctive human urge to be jealous and possessive.

this is all interesting emotional territory for him. he’s soooooo fascinating actually and he’s lowkey one of my favorite types of characters to pick at. and all of your thoughts are so JUICY thank you for sharing them with me!!!!!! you’ve truly got me craving this man rn.

oh, and absolute chaos in the main timeline. the brothers are conflicted, but so is solo. he’s feeling a little confident about securing you, but is likely being confronted with new insecurities after having grown so close to you as well. i imagine the brothers are a bit of a wreck, and solomon relishes in it, but at times he perhaps isn’t as easy-going as he seems either!!! because uh… that’s his SPOUSE, everyone get your dirty paws off!!!!

[library-of-ohara]

anon asked: MAY I PLEEEEASS REQUEST FOR ACCIDENTAL EXHIBITIONIST KAIDO. Like this man is 7 meters tall and and I just imagine the whole onigashima maybe even the whole wano could hear this babygirl’s moan and grunts while doing the deed or flying solo iykwim. maybe even cause a slight earthquake with his thrusts Thank you thank you sososososo much 🛐 (this is so horny im sorry feel free to ignore 😭)

a/n: written by Lale (@childofblackmaria) <3 YES YOU MAY MY BELOVED ANON. whoever you are, thank you for sending this in because it was pure self-care writing this. i love this babygirl and i hope you enjoy reading this!

contains: gn!reader, n.sfw under the cut, rough sex, implied monsterfucking (not descriptive), bit crack but filthy as requested (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ

word count: 707

It was happening again.

The Beast Pirates were exchanging nervous glances, holding onto each other as they ran outside, away from everything that could drop down from shelves or the ceiling. The kitchen staff was alarmed as soon as the plates in the kitchen cabinet were starting to clatter, grabbing their few belongings and some pots and pans to alarm everyone else on their way out. This was not a drill. The floor was shaking slightly, the walls of the castle were starting to crumble a bit. It felt like an earthquake but it was not.

Kaido was fucking again.

Fucking you, to be precise. You had always joked about being able to take him – once, when you had a death wish maybe – but now that it was really happening you regret your words a little maybe; they might have turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy. No amount of lube could have prepared you, your hole, for his merciless, literally earth-shattering thrusts. He went from his flirty, drunk phase straight to his dicking down area, his only mission now was to fuck.

And boy, was he enjoying it.

The sweet moans and growls coming out from deep inside his throat, the whimpers when he was balls-deep inside of you, holding still to feel you clenching around him, only to increase the speed of his thrusts the next second, making you arch your back in lust and desperation, the sensation of him being inside too strong too handle almost. You adored that he wasn’t holding back though, you always loved a man who was loud in bed, letting you know how heavenly that cunt felt that was squeezing them dry.

Kaido was fucking you against the wall of his chambers, but not even the massive bricks were able to withhold his thrusts, causing slight cracks that grew bigger and bigger until the whole wall crumbled. Talk about some wrecking balls.

He didn’t care about the bedroom wall being gone and continues fucking you on the hallway, the slaps of his skin on yours echoing through the whole castle by now probably, making the transmission powers of the Marys completely unneccessary. You wail out his name as you fall apart under his cock, your whimpers and his groans turning into a sweet choir of lust and hunger, the sloppy movements of his hips an unsteady rhythm, the slaps drumming through the whole Skull Dome.

Meanwhile the Tobiroppo also gathered outside, listening to the spectacle unimpressed. Just another Tuesday night with their feral captain, what’s new? King was leaning disinterested against a tree, staring at the sea, probably contemplating his life choices while Queen was getting ready for an impromptu concert to the sound of Kaido’s balls slapping which echoed from every wall that was still standing in Onigashima.

Who’s Who and Sasaki were taking bets about how long he’s gonna last this time and if he was gonna cry afterwards again and if he will switch into his dragon form in between; meanwhile Black Maria was filing her nails, small talking with her subordinates and watching over Ulti who was this close to stomping to Kaido, asking him if he was stupid for interrupting her favorite telenovela that was on air right now. Page One looked like he was ready to drown himself just to escape this whole mess, he couldn’t even grab his headphones on his way out to mute the noise. X Drake took a mental note that his boss and also his therapist will hear about this, already filing a lawsuit in his mind.

Several hours and a big bang later, Onigashima was finally quiet again, the haunting echoes stopped. A few stones were still crumbling from the ceiling and Kaido’s subordinates returned to the castle, trying to clean up the mess and damage he caused, still avoiding his chambers though where he was now sobbing in your arms, sad because it was over and also relieved because you were still standing, despite everything (Who’s Who won his bet about the dragon form). You pat his massive back and send a prayer to the gods for letting you walk out of that night alive, even though you were a bit hungry for another round, to be honest…

[redbeansoups]

Graduations and Goodbyes

Nishinoya Yuu x Reader In which life is bitter, and you and Noya part ways.

***

In the many years you’ve known him, nothing about Nishinoya has ever screamed boyfriend. He dresses half his age, and his shirts are a tad bit too large on him, and he gets little bits of food stuck on the corners of his mouth when he eats, and his handwriting is chicken scratch, and his cooking is little more than half-salvageable scraps in a pan, and he’s terrible at math, and he can barely put an essay together for the life of him–

You’d met him as an overeager middle-schooler, a squeaky, pre-pubescent boy just entering his teenage years. A history class and a terribly organized group project was all it took for the two of you to be at each others’ throats, bickering and fighting at every given chance. You’d sworn him in as your mortal enemy, declaring your rivalry to anyone and everyone who would listen.

Thinking back now, you don’t have a clue how things mellowed down, or when you’d begun to look at him the way you do now. Hell, you don’t even really know how you two started dating, or why. And yet you can’t help it: the affection that swims and swirls in your chest, the pride that swells at the sight of him, the urge you get to shout to the world that Nishinoya Yuu, in all his vertically-challenged glory, is yours.

You won’t deny that you’re young. Naive and hopeful and praying, desperately, for the right one to come your way. Stupid in the way all highschoolers are. But when his hands are entwined with yours and he looks at you like you’re all that’s ever mattered, how can you resist?

It’s love, you think. Because what else can it be? He’s everything to you, and he always will be.

***

Senior season has sprung upon you in the blink of an eye. You’ve set your sights on Tokyo for the year ahead, and you’ve spent the past few months planning out which trinkets to bring and which clothes to wear and what new identity you’ll craft for yourself next.

University will bring new beginnings and awkward things–but Yuu, you know, will always be by your side. He tells you as much, after all, and he always has. 

“You’ll never have to worry about us–we’re tight as a knot.” A kiss seals the deal, and you believe him. What reason do you have not to? Nishinoya Yuu is your past, your present, your future-to-be. You’re devoted, truly, and, if his words are anything to go by, he is too–

So why can’t he meet your gaze anymore? 

***

The Karasuno basketball team has a penchant for throwing house parties, at least in comparison to its volleyball team. You’re awfully sure this is their third or fourth this quarter, but for all the booze they’ve given out, you really aren’t in any position to complain–especially as a frequent recipient. And judging by the way your friends have ditched you (“Hot basketball boys await!”), you have a feeling they aren’t complaining, either. 

Not that you mind being alone too much. The host seems to have no shortage of nostalgic tunes and comfy corners to take solace in. And you’re feeling pretty good; you’ve long downed your fourth (fifth?) drink by now, little red solo cup lost in the sea of drinks before you

“Hey!” There’s a warm hand on your shoulder; the touch is gentle and familiar, and the gruff, easy voice brings a smile to your face.

“Asahi!” You whip around, wrapping your arms around his neck to pull him in. You haven’t seen him since he’d graduated; he hugs you back in the old, comforting way he’s always done, hands settled right at your waist. “Didn’t think I’d see you here,” you laugh, pulling away just a tad too quickly. The alcohol has your mind spinning a little.

He chuckles. “You can thank Suga for that. He went into mom mode the other day–said I’ve been too much of a homebody lately.” The image really isn’t difficult to conjure; you can practically see him with his arms crossed over his chest and lecturing the poor boy half to death. “In other news... Noya wouldn’t happen to be with you, would he?”

A shake of your head yields a pensive hum. “I haven’t been able to get ahold of him lately,” you tell him, trying to mask the concern in your voice. “I mean, I’ve seen him at school and stuff–but he’s been distant, y’know?” You look up at him curiously. “Did something happen?”

Asahi’s expression contorts into something of a grimace, eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed. “No,” he says, but the words come too quick, too loud–

It’s a lie, and you know it.

You raise an eyebrow. He knows that you’ve caught on, but he shakes his head regardless. 

You’ve never known him to be much of a secret keeper. A few shots are all it takes to loosen the man up; you’ve used him time and time again to sniff out Noya’s birthday gifts weeks in advance. 

Today, though, he’s refusing to crack. And even as you drop the subject, the tension lingers in the air, clawing at both of your throats with a vengeance. Something is up–and you’ve clearly been left out of it.

The frown on your face stays put for the rest of the night.

***

Unable to hold back any longer, you show up at his house the very next day. His mother–bless her heart–welcomes you with a hug and a tray full of freshly-baked sweets. After years of being in her presence, they taste of home. 

“He’s upstairs,” she tells you warmly, and you thank her as you scurry up the steps. You know his place the same way you do your own. You’ve memorized which steps creak and which ones wobble, which photos on the walls have the cutest Noyas, which corners are the best to cuddle in–

“Yuu,” you say, pushing his door open. He’s cross-legged on the ground, laptop balanced treacherously on the tip of his left knee.

For the first time in years, he greets your presence with dismay, eyes falling to the ground. “Hey, um–you really shouldn’t be here,” he tells you.

It takes more effort than it should to keep your voice level. “And why shouldn’t I be?” You step forward, shut the door behind you with a click. “You’ve been avoiding me, Yuu.”

“That’s not true–”

“Why don’t you want me here, then?” Your volume is raised despite yourself; you don’t miss his flinch.

He turns his head away and sets the laptop on the ground. The cogs in his brain are going haywire; you can practically see the thoughts churning, synapses firing, heart beating–he’s picking at the cuticles on his left thumb. 

Ignoring his discomfort, you seat yourself beside him. A few breaths is all it takes to regain some semblance of control. “I just want to talk, Yuu. I’m not going to be mad–I just want to know what’s going on.” You place a hand on his knee. “Did I do something wrong?” 

“No–” 

"Then what is it?"

There's a pause before his next words. “I’m leaving," he breathes, finally.

“For college?” You lean in closer, letting his breath graze your cheek. Despite your best efforts,  the confusion laces itself in your voice, hanging off of every syllable. “That’s not the end of the world, Yuu. We’ve talked about long-distance already, haven’t we? It’s not like I’m staying in Miyagi either–”

“You don’t understand,” he blurts. The interruption is in-character, but holds far more weight than usual. His voice has gone up an octave, words falling from his mouth in a hurry. “I’m leaving Japan.”  

Wordlessly, you pull away. You can feel the hurt radiating from him, but you can’t help it.

Something warm and wet hits your knees. 

“Wait, it–it’s nothing against you!” he says, scrambling to wipe your tears. “Really, I promise–I’ve been thinking about it and talking it through with Asahi and my mom and stuff,” he grips your arm, finally meeting your eyes, “and I think, you know, while I’m young and I have the energy, traveling a little wouldn’t be so bad, right?”

He’s always been the adventurous type–this much you know. And though you’ve talked about Yuu not wanting to go to college (“Not just yet, maybe..”), you didn’t think it’d come to this.. or that he’d hide something so big from you. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” A twinge of embarrassment hits you as your voice cracks midway. By now, though, you don’t think it particularly matters. 

He takes in a breath. Sharp, quick, painful. His next words come out a whisper: “Look–I didn’t know how–”

“What does this mean for us, Yuu?”

He’s crying now. Big, ugly tears fall against his flushed cheeks. 

“I’m sorry.”

Your forever, you realize, is coming to an end.

***

The next few months are a blur. You hold Nishinoya a little tighter, kiss him a little softer, and savor each moment with him just a little more. Even with your demise in sight, he still fits so perfectly against you. And as you watch him toss his cap into the air, you’re filled with nothing but love.

You toss yours with his, watching them float down to the ground.

Graduation day is marked with one last kiss.

***

Miyagi’s airport is a little far off, and you’re the only one with a car and license on hand. With Tanaka in the backseat and Noya riding shotgun, the car ride is sure to be far from dull. You have half a mind to drown them out with music. But when Noya squeezes your thigh and gives you the same doe-eyed look he always has, pupils swimming with love, you’re reminded, suddenly, to take in the moment, to bask in his presence just one last time. So you toy along with the boys the entire ride there, joining them in belting old tunes and playing stupid games.

The banter doesn’t stop even at the airport–and, despite yourself, the chiding comes automatically. “Take care of yourself,” you tell him, straightening the rucksack on his shoulders. “Don’t do drugs. Don’t get arrested. And don’t find yourself stranded all the way in Italy–I won’t be there to take care of you, y’know. And send me photos!” 

He laughs. It’s melodic and light, the way you’ve always known his voice to be. “I know, mom.”

There’s a comfortable silence as the two of you pull each other in for a hug. It’s longer, warmer than any other you’ve shared; and even though Tanaka is right there, you hold him like he’s the only one around.

“I love you,” he whispers. “And I always will.”

You know he means it. More tears fall from your eyes, spilling onto the fabric of his t-shirt and leaving an ugly dark patch in its wake. “I love you too, Yuu.” 

He pulls away. 

And then he’s gone, heading beyond the gates and beyond your grasp.

[handsomelyhiddleston]

The Cabin - Tom Hiddleston x Curvy Reader (Part 2/3)

Part 1

You woke up as the movie credits were scrolling. The kiddos were all still asleep strewn about the den. Looking at the clock, you realized it was about lunch time.

Walking into the kitchen, you saw Lisa sorting out the food that needed to go to the grill while one of Chris’ sisters was working on making some side dishes. “Anything I can help with?” You walked to the coffee maker to make a second cup of coffee.

“I think we’ve got everything sorted” Lisa answered. “Can you bring these out to the guys?” She was holding a large tin pan full of hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers.

“Of course.” You answered, holding your coffee in a way that let you grab the pan. “Do you mind opening the door?”

Chris’ sister hurried to the door, sliding it open.

“Thank you” you said, heading down the wooden deck to where the guys were sat by the grill.

“Look who’s awake” Chris teased, jogging to you to take the pan.

“I have to say, I needed that nap.” You laughed, following Chris to the grill.

“Are the kids still passed out?” Scott asked, watching you take a seat next to Tom. Chris started grilling the food.

“Yup” you answered. “I restarted the movie so they’d have the background noise.”

“Aren’t you cold?” Tom asked, seeing you were still in your fuzzy socks and sweater.

You shrugged, sipping your coffee. “I’m good for now. Anyone know what the plans are for the rest of the day?”

“Food. Probably hit the store in a bit. I think jetlag is gonna hit everyone harder than they think” Chris laughed.

“We should go get stuff for drinks after lunch” Scott suggested.

“I’m in. We should get a list from your mom of anything else she thinks we’ll need right away” you replied.

“Do you mind if I tag along?” Tom asked, looking between you and Scott.

“Of course, not” you answered, shivering a bit as the cold soaked through your sweater.

“Scott, can you go grab a pan for the cooked meat” Chris asked.

“Sure thing” Scott answered, getting up.

“Can you grab the blanket by the door?” you called out as he walked towards the cabin.

“God, do I have to do everything around here” Scott teased in a dramatic voice, making the rest of you laugh.

“Would you like my jacket?” Tom asked as you took another sip of your coffee.

You turned to look at him and shook your head no, a soft smile on your face.

When your gaze lingered a bit longer than one would call socially acceptable, Tom’s cheeks turned pink. “Do I have something on my face?”

You laughed. “No, you’re just…hear me out…like, if I were to write a perfect gentleman into whatever story I’m writing…I think that’s you…you check all of the boxes.”

Tom smiled and cleared his throat. “If I may ask, is that a compliment or are you trying to gently inform me that I’m incredibly boring.”

Chris let out a loud laugh, which prompted both of you to laugh. “I meant it as the highest compliment” you assured him.

“Well, in that case, I’m extremely flattered.” Tom replied, lifting his arm and prompting you to fill the small gap between the two of you. When you’d scooted against his side, he wrapped his arm around your shoulders.

When Scott returned, he tossed the blanket over both of your laps, going to stand by the grill with Chris. By the way they would take turns glancing back at you and Tom, you assumed they were talking about you.

“Chris mentioned that you do some sort of writing or consulting outside of your books.” Tom said, simply wanting to get to know you better.

You laughed, knowing that it drove Chris crazy not knowing what else you did for work. “Well, that’s accurate.”

“Is it safe to assume you won’t tell me what it is?” Tom smirked.

“I mean, never say never” you replied, looking up at Tom.

“Well, if I can’t know what else you do for work, what do you do for fun?” He continued, the two of you chatting until it was time to go inside to eat.

It felt good to have the cabin full of people. Chris’ family and a few of their family friends, including you and Tom, spent the next hour eating, laughing, and telling embarrassing stories about each other as you do when you’ve got the whole family together.

You were banished from the kitchen when you’d tried to help with the dishes. “You and the boys go do your shopping, we’ll clean up” Lisa said, handing you a short list and shooing you away.

“Now I know where Chris gets his stubbornness” you teased, hearing Lisa laugh as you left the kitchen.

You climbed the stairs, stopping at Chris and Tom’s rooms, both of them sitting in Chris’ room with Scott. “You guys ready to go?”

“Just waiting for you” Scott replied.

“Let me grab my jacket and my shoes and I’ll meet you guys’ downstairs.” When you made it outside, Chris already had your SUV started, letting the heating warm up.

“Mind if I drive?” he hollered out the window.

You shook your head no, walking around to the side of the truck and climbing into the back seat next to Tom. Scott was sat up front in the passenger seat. “I’ve got the list from your mom.”

“Then we are ready to rock n roll” Chris said, looking in the various mirrors to make sure it was safe to back-up.

Chris drove around the town for a while. He drove down a few scenic roads showing Tom the beautiful landmarks. When he saw a perfect, untouched patch of snow he insisted the four of you make snow angels. Of course, he made sure to get a picture of everyone laying in their angel.

Next stop was the liquor store. You pushed the cart around with Tom as Scott and Chris added various bottles and pre-made beverages to the cart.

“Y/n!” you heard Scott call from a few aisles over.

“Yes?” you laughed, looking to see if he was going to pop around the corner.

“Do you have a beer pong table?” It was Chris’ voice you heard this time.

You and Tom laughed at the brothers. “No” you answered.

“If I had to bet, I’d say that you’re about to be the proud owner of a brand-new beer pong table.” Tom laughed, walking with you towards the front of the store.

When you rounded the corner, you saw the brothers walking towards you. Scott had a fold-up beer pong table in his hands and Chris had two cases of White Claw and a bag of red solo cups in his.

“White Claw?” you laughed.

“Less calories than beer means that I have to spend less time at the gym while I’m here.” Chris replied, putting everything in the cart. “Speaking of, Tom do you want to work out with me in the mornings?”

“Absolutely” Tom replied. “I was a bit nervous to go running with all of the ice and snow.”

“I’d be more worried about the bears” you said, watching his eyes go wide.

“Now I’m extra glad that I didn’t try to run this morning” Tom said, following you as you pushed your cart to the front of store checkout. Chris pulled his card out before you could even offer to pay.

Next stop was the grocery store.

As Chris and Scott gathered the things on their mother’s shopping list, you took Tom to the baking aisle. “You mentioned that your family bakes when everyone gets together.”

“I did.” Tom smiled as he continued. “My mother and my sisters are usually baking some sort of sweet.”

“Well…” You gestured to the various options laid out in front of you. “What do you want to bake?”

“Really?” Tom asked, looking over at you.

“We can make pretty much anything” you answered. “I mean, unless you don’t want to.”

“No, no. I do.” Tom replied, swallowing back a bit of emotion. “I just…I know we really only just met so you have no way of knowing any of the craziness that has been going on in my life.”

You could sense a bit of hesitation in Tom so you reached out and grabbed one of his hands in yours.

Tom smiled, his eyes watering a touch. “And I’m not complaining, I promise you. I’m grateful that I’ve been afforded so many opportunities. I just…I only got to see my family for 4 days all last year. Home is the one place I feel like I can completely be myself and relax and…Well, when I found out I wasn’t going to see my family on the one break I have for the next three months, I didn’t expect…”

When he stopped talking, you slid your arms around his middle, pulling him into a hug.

“I apologize.” He said, wrapping his arms around you. “I’m sure a simple ‘thank you’ would have been a much more eloquent response.”

You could feel a light laugh rumble in his chest. “Don’t apologize.” You loosened your arms a bit to pull back from the hug.

Tom’s arms held you against himself for a moment before letting you go. “What is your favorite thing to bake?” he asked you.

You thought for a moment before answering. “Cookies.”

“Then I’d love to bake cookies with you” he replied, turning towards the various bags of chocolate chips.

“FYI” you said, grabbing a small bag of sugar and flour.

“Yes?” he put two different types of chocolate chips in the basket.

“I think anything you say in that accent sounds eloquent.” You pushed the cart further down the aisle to grab the oil. You could hear Tom laugh behind you.

“I’ll have to remember that.”

When the four of you got back to the car, Chris recommended picking up pizza for dinner since you guys had been gone a few hours.

“Just text your mom to make sure she isn’t already working on something.” You replied

When Chris got the green light on his pizza plans from Lisa, he placed the order over the phone and you guys picked it up on the way back to the cabin.

As everybody dug into the pizza, you took your baking supplies to the kitchen to tuck them away. You wanted to make sure that no one else used them before you could bake the cookies with Tom. Deciding to catch up on your work emails, you grabbed a slice of pizza and headed upstairs to your room. Sat at your desk with your headphones blasting your favorite music, you started replying to potential project proposals and questions your publishers had about your next works.

Because of your headphones, you didn’t hear Tom walk into your room about a half hour later. As he walked up to your desk, he was calling out your name not realizing you couldn’t hear him.

Standing behind your chair, he glanced at one of your computer screens, understanding what you’d been doing since you’d disappeared. What he didn’t expect, though, was what project you were currently emailing about.

See, most of the people that knew you as an author knew you wrote books in the same category as Hunger Games or Beautiful Creatures…Well, having the ability to hide completely behind an anonymous pen name let you venture into some projects that you deemed a bit more…fun? Maybe spicy is the right word.

Feeling bad for accidentally snooping, Tom put his hand on your shoulder to get your attention, scaring the absolute shit out of you. You threw your headphones off and turned in your chair, your heart going a million miles an hour.

Tom was stood there trying not to laugh. “I’m so sorry.”

“OH, dear god” you laughed, laying your hand over your heart and leaning back in your chair. “You about gave me a heart attack.”

“I was meant to come and tell you the brothers want to play beer pong, but I think they can wait a bit longer.” Tom said with a grin on his face.

You tilted your head to the side, confused as to what Tom meant. “That sounds both ominous and sexy” you laughed.

Tom chuckled and turned your chair back to face your computer. “Mind telling me what project you’ve got coming up?”

“Now it makes more sense” you continued laughing. On your screen was the proposed cover of your new book in an email you were replying to. You leaned your chair back so you were looking at Tom upside down. “You sure you can handle it?”

“I’m a bit offended that you think I can’t” Tom answered.

“You asked for it” you replied, standing up and walking over to your door. Sliding the lock in place, you walked to your closet, turning to Tom. “You coming?”

Tom opened his mouth to speak and paused, choosing to simply nod and follow.

Walking to the back of your closet, you pushed your clothes to the side and opened another door. This was your writing room. Specifically, for your ‘adult’ books.

You’d covered the walls in inspiration, essentially. In addition to your mainstream ‘young adult’ or ‘new adult’ novels, you wrote adult books…erotica…but your books were very inclusive. They featured various orientations, gendered pairings, gender identities, ethnicities, body shapes, body sizes, and various forms of being differently abled. Your walls were covered in artwork that featured real bodies in all of their various forms.

“So, this is your secret career?” Tom asked, looking at all of the various things hung on the walls.

“One of them” you answered, opening a cabinet full of dozens of books.

As Tom sorted through them, he understood your niche. “I think this is brilliant” he said, staring at you with an eye crinkling smile.

“Thanks” you replied, feeling your cheeks warm. “I don’t know how I thought you were going to react, but that definitely wasn’t it.”

“I mean it” he replied, continuing to look at the various books. “I love storytelling. Obviously, it’s a huge reason why I pursued acting. I love literature and music and many other various forms of art but acting has been my passion for so long. It’s only now that I’m realizing how narrow of a range that I’m personally capable of expressing.”

“Hey, that’s not true” you replied.

“That came out wrong” Tom turned to you. “What I meant to say was that as an actor I will never be able to personally tell many of these stories. Sex aside, obviously.” Tom lightly laughed.

“The only reason I was able to tell a lot of them was because I talked to and got to know people that had little to no representation IN these kinds of stories.” You pulled out a box of letters and printed emails. “When I started writing these books, I wrote for women that looked like me. Bigger women are rarely cast as the romantic lead, in literature or on screen. When we are, we have to go through some stupid ‘worthless to worthy’ journey where a ‘special kind of man’ swoops in to complete us and convince us we deserve love. We’re never just allowed to happily exist AND have a happy ever after.”

When you turned to look at Tom, he caught you off guard by roughly pressing his lips against yours as his hands held either side of your face. When he pulled back, his hands lingered a moment longer. “I do apologize. I couldn’t help myself.” He cleared his throat and turned back to the box you had pulled out. “Please, go on.”

You stared at him a moment longer, trying to gather your thoughts before turning back to the letters. “What I was saying before you so delightfully interrupted me…” You glanced at him, seeing him lick his bottom lip as he smiled. “Under my pen name, I run a page online. People send me their personal stories, fantasies, questions, worries…These people come in more than just various shapes and sizes. Some of them are in wheelchairs or are not as able bodied as you and me. I have a woman with Tourette’s who shares stories about her sex life and romantic life with her wife while living with her various tics. I just saw that someone started a new forum for people who have had mastectomies. When I go to write a story that represents something I can’t personally speak to, I talk to those that can. I get permission to even attempt to represent them. Sex is the easiest part of these to write. I feel responsible to do right by them and to translate the truth of their experience into a bit of romantic escapism. If they want to, everyone should be able to find characters they can relate to.”

“I think that what you’ve done is really, quite incredible.” Tom complimented you.

“Thank you” you replied, chuckling. “It’s weird getting compliments for essentially writing porn.”

Tom laughed, turning one of the books over in his hand. “Am I allowed to read any of them?”

“Go for it” you replied. “You just cannot tell Chris about any of this. At all. Pinky promise?” You extended your pinky towards Tom.

With a very serious face, Tom hooked his pinky in yours and answered. “I wouldn’t dare.”

“We should probably go downstairs. Chris and Scott are probably wondering why the hell we’re taking so long” you laughed, walking out of your writing room.

Tom turned to grab a book before following you out, closing the door on his way. “I’m going to tuck this in my bag in my room.”

“I’ll meet you down there.” When you got to the bottom of the stairs, you saw Scott and Chris practicing their aim with no beer in the cups. “Who against who?”

“Us against you two, obviously” Chris answered, Scott switching to stand on the same side of the table as Chris.

“Oh, it’s like that?” you laughed, opening two of the cans and filling your cups.

“You guys don’t stand a chance” Scott added. “Has Tom ever even played beer pong?”

“I have, actually” he answered, coming down the stairs.

“Then let’s see what you got!” Chris teased, acting like a total frat boy.

The four of you played quite a few rounds before your lack of sleep and buzz from the alcohol finally got the better of you.

“I’m calling it quits” you said, covering your mouth as you yawned.

“I should probably go to bed too since I’m setting an alarm for 6 am to go work out” Chris pouted, letting his head fall back.

“I’ll set mine as well” Tom added.

“You guys are so boring” Scott teased, starting to clean up the cups.

You grabbed the cups from yours and Tom’s side as well as all of the empty cans and started walking towards the kitchen to throw them away.

“I’ll grab those” Tom said, taking the cups from Scott and following you into the kitchen.

You dumped the cups and cans in the trash and turned to see Tom walking in with the rest of them. “Thanks.”

Tom dropped the cups into the trash and turned to you. “About earlier…”

“About that…” you smiled, half asleep and tipsy. You loosely wrapped your arms around Tom’s middle. “Want to explain yourself?”

Tom chuckled. “I think my actions were self-explanatory.” He placed one hand on your cheek, the other pushing your hair out of your face.

“I don’t know” you teased. “I think I need further explanation.”

“Explanation or demonstration?” Tom asked, his thumb brushing against your bottom lip.

You pretended to be considering the two options for only a few seconds before his lips were against yours again.

“Y/n!” Scott called. You could hear him and Chris talking just around the corner.

You felt like two teenagers being caught by parents. You and Tom broke apart, both scrambling to be pretending to do something else. He ended up pulling the trash bag out of the bin and tying it up even though it could clearly hold more trash and you ended up unloading the dishwasher.

“What happened to going to bed?” Chris asked, confused as to why you two were doing chores.

“I’m going” you replied. “I just didn’t want your mom to have to do this in the morning.”

“Well then you should have asked for help” Chris replied, helping you finish unloading the dishes. Scott started wiping down the counters and refilled the paper towels. Tom tried to hide the smirk on his face as he took the trash to the outside bin, but he wasn’t doing a very good job of it.

“Okay, that’s it. I’m going to bed for real this time” you said, putting the last glass away.

When you woke up the next morning you could hear someone in your shower. Part of you hoped that maybe Tom had come up to use yours since him and Chris would both want to shower after coming back from the gym.

“Good morning, sunshine.” Chris said, interrupting your short daydream about a very sweaty Tom walking into your room after working out.

“Oh, it’s just you” you teased him, turning over and snuggling back into your bed.

“Damn, someone woke up in a mood” Chris teased back, walking toward your bed with a towel wrapped around his bottom half. “You hoping it was someone else?”

“A girl can dream” you turned over to smirk at him.

“Are you two a thing?” He asked, dropping down to lay in your bed.

“I don’t know” you answered honestly.

“Do you like him?” Chris continued, laughing when you blushed.

“I mean, I haven’t exactly gotten to know everything about him, but I think he’s kind of great.” You replied.

“Well, for what it’s worth I approve” he said, rolling back out of your bed and heading downstairs to get dressed.

Part 3

[afeb]

Draco Malfoy - Ravishing

I walked out the Yule Ball early, a sickening feeling growing in my stomach as couples began to slow dance. It simply reminded I’d come here solo off the back of Hermiones advice: fat lot of good that was.

I wandered the empty halls of the castle, taking my heels off and walking bare foot. I watched as Draco, also alone, turned the corner ahead of me. I decided to follow him, having nothing better to do. I turned the same corner and frowned as he seemed to have disappeared.

“Follow me, Y/L/N?” I jumped as I peered behind a large black curtain, seeing Draco sat on a stone bench by himself.

I moved to sit across from him. “Better than being at that ball.” I sighed. “Where’s Pan?”

He shrugged. “Went off with some Slytherin.” He bitterly said. “Where was your date?”

“Didn’t have one.”

He scoffed and smirked. “Really?”

I frowned and folded my arms. “What’s so funny about that?”

He raised his hands. “Not funny, I’m just surprised.” He defended.

“Oh...” I sighed. “Well, thanks I guess.”

He leant back a little as his eyes trailed over me. “So what’s your ancestry?” He asked.

I frowned. “Why does that matter?”

He shrugged. “Just wondering.” He drawled out, when I didn’t reply he asked again.

“Just...witches and wizards, like everyone else.” I vaguely replied.

“So no muggles?” I shook my head. “So you’re a pure-blood?”

I scrunched my nose. “Don’t use that word.”

“What, muggles?” He smirked.

“No.” I snapped. “The P-Word.”

“Pure-blood.” He said loudly. I simply glared at him. “You know, you and I should really stick together.”

“And why’s that?” I asked.

“There aren’t many pure-blood families around anymore, everyone these days has some muggle in them.” He bitterly said. “How come I never knew? My family knows all pure-bloods.”

I stood and went to leave, finished with this conversation but Draco followed me. “My family aren’t like yours, we aren’t proud of our heritage.” I shortly said, heading towards the Ravenclaw home room.

Draco shoved his hands in his pockets. “They should be.” He said. “So you keep it a secret then?”

“As best I can.” I said as we stood outside the Ravenclaw painting.

He gazed at the portrait. “You’re not in Slytherin?” He asked.

I scoffed. “God no.”

He looked mildly offended before a smirked graced his face. “Well, I’ll leave you alone then.” He leant a little closer. “You look ravishing tonight by the way.”

Before I could respond Draco turned and cockily strolled away.

***

“I’m home!” I called into the house as I dumped my suitcase on the floor. “Hello?”

I walked into the kitchen where my mother and father were deep in conversation. “Ah, just the girl I wanted to see.” My father smiled as he enveloped me in a hug.

I chuckled and squeezed him tight. “What were you guys talking about?” I asked as I hugged my mother.

“This.” She handed me a letter.

Dear the Y/L/N Family,

You are cordially invited to the Malfoy Mannor for lunch on the 20th of December.

Please RSVP before attending.

Yours sincerely,

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

I frowned down at it. “Well obviously we aren’t going.” My mother and father shared a look. “You aren’t seriously thinking about going.”

My mother stood by my side. “Your father seems to think he can convert them to our way.” She sighed. “I don’t.”

My father looked at both of us. “Look, we made a decision to incorporate the muggles way into our life, we said Y/N could see muggles if she wished. If our family can do it, maybe they can too.”

“Do you know anything about the Malfoys?” I asked. “They’re vile people.”

My father looked sternly at us both. “We’re going, end of.”

Both mine and my mothers mouths dropped. “I’m not being nice.” I said.

My father smiled and kissed my forehead. “I don’t want you to be.” He smirked before leaving the room.

***

Our carriage pulled up to the Malfoy Mannor, the family patiently stood on their doorstep. I rolled my eyes and looked over at my mother, who was doing exactly the same thing.

“If for nothing else, enjoy the food.” My father winced before opening the door and helping us out.

“Mr. Y/L/N,” Lucius opened his arms. “A pleasure to meet you!”

“And you.” My father curtly said.

They shook hands before the attention turned to my mother and I. “Are these beautiful ladies with you?” I wanted to gag.

“Yes, this is my wife, Y/M/N, and this is my daughter, Y/N.” I didn’t take the hand that was offered to me.

“Pleasure.” I shorty said, my eyes flicking to Draco as he held back a smirk.

“Please, come in.”

You wouldn’t believe Christmas was in five days. The house was dark and cold, no decorations what so ever apart from a feeble Christmas tree in their large living room. It was far too big and grandiose, it was cocky.

We were all soon seated around the table, an excessive amount of food laid out on the table. The servants placed napkins on our laps.

“Thank you.” I smiled brightly at the older lady.

“We don’t thank the help.” Lucius politely said.

“I do.” I innocently smiled back.

I saw Lucius fists ball for a second before he tightly smiled. I didn’t have too much food, more so pushed it around my plate to appear as though I was eating. My father and Lucius spoke about everything from politics to Hogwarts. Nacissa attempted to speak to my mother, but much like me my mother either ignored her or didn’t make an effort in the conversation.

Thankfully Draco didn’t speak to me, simply stared into space. “Draco,” his father said. “Why don’t you show the lovely Y/N around our house whilst we discuss other matters.”

“Yes father.” Draco said before standing, beckoning me after him.

I looked towards my mother who smiled encouraging, her eyes telling me to convince Draco of our ways. My father smiled brightly as I left the room, Draco leaning against the wall in the hallway. He perked up when he saw me.

“The lovely Y/N.” He mocked, offering me his elbow to hold.

I slapped him away. “Get on with it then.” I grumbled.

We didn’t speak as we wandered the house, ending up in the library upstairs. I gazed around the books as Draco watched me closely.

“You like reading?” He asked.

“Oh yes,” I sighed. “I love books. Any type, it doesn’t matter to me.” I turned to smile at him.

He stood and approached me, I grew a little uncomfortable as he reached over from behind me, his chest brushing my back. “This is my favourite.”

He pulled a small book from the shelf. “Tales of Beedle and the Bard.” I smiled. “My mother always read this to me.”

Draco smiled down at me. “I had a Nanny growing up and she always read me stories.”

We gazed at each other for a moment. “No muggle books, I see.” I noted, stepping away and looking out the window.

Draco scoffed. “Why an earth would we have those?”

I shrugged. “Some of them are good.” I defended, opening the small book in my hand and reading over it. “There’s an author called Terry Pratchet and he comes up with the most amazing stor-“

“I don’t care.” Draco snapped. “Whatever it is, it’s terrible. Everything they do is terrible.”

“And everything you do is so great?” I snapped, slamming the book down.

“All those muggles do is start wars and mate, they’re hardly intelligent creatures.” He sneered as he stepped towards me.

I scoffed. “What about the war You-Know-Who is starting, and how do you think you were born?”

He peered down at me. “At least our mating is clean and right, they’re just like animals.”

Our faces were close together. “I’d happily mate with them.”

Suddenly Draco grabbed my jaw and pressed me against the tall window. “Don’t say that.” He snapped. “Someone as pure as you shouldn’t even consider mating with such filth.”

My small hand tried to pry him away, but he was too strong. “Why does that bother you? Hm?” I glared.

His eyes flicked down to my lips. “Because I want to fuck you.”

Before I could utter a word his lips were harshly pressed to mine, body rubbing against me. I attempted to push him away but Draco stayed put. He was good, too good. I slowly ran my hands through his hair, his evil smirk forming against my lips.

“Knew you wanted me.” He jeered, lips pressing down my neck. “You’ve always wanted me.”

I gasped as he bit my neck, sucking the sensitive flesh. “Draco.” I breathed out, rolling my hips up against his.

“Want it, little girl?” He taunted. He quickly spun me around, hand immediately palming my behind. “You can have it.”

His hands went to the hem of my skirt, pulling it up and over my ass and groaning as he saw my green underwear. “Like you knew I was going to fuck you.” He sighed before moving my underwear to the side and sinking his fingers into me. “So wet.”

I moaned deeply and pawed behind me, grabbing a fistful of his shirt. His fingers came to my mouth as I tasted myself from him. “Taste that? So sweet I could drizzle you on my breakfast.” Draco breathed.

He quickly pulled himself out, easing his tip into me before harshly grabbing my hips and thrusting into me. “You always wanted this, didn’t you?” He moaned into my ear. “Wanted my cum inside you, no one else’s.”

“Yes.” I agreed, throwing my head back against his shoulder as he kissed over my neck.

“No muggle could make you feel this good.” He promised. “No muggle could make you cum on his cock the way I do.”

“No, only you.” I agreed, my hand gripping his hair tightly as he moaned again.

“Fuck, I wanna see you filled with my cum.” He confessed. “I wanna see you carrying my child, knowing that it was my clean cum that got you pregnant.”

“Ah, fuck!” I wailed out, jumping as his hand came to cover my mouth.

“Shut up,” he snapped. “Your daddy has high hopes of you fucking some muggle, how disappointed he’d be knowing his little girl is getting pregnant from me.” He sneered.

I moaned into his hand. His arm circled around and began to rub small but harsh circles into my clit, groaning as I clenched around him. “You gonna come, Sweet Thing?”

I nodded frantically. “Good, cum for me.” My moans were muffled by his hand as I clamped around him, my pussy spasming as he forced an orgasm from me.

His hand dropped from my mouth as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling my body flush against his. “Cum inside me.” I whined out. “Please.”

“Fucking hell, gonna paint your womb with my cum.” He promised as his hips stilled and hot ropes of cum came inside me. “Fuck.” He leant against me, kissing over my cheek and neck.

He pulled out, watching as the cum leaked from me. He sighed and pulled my skirt down, turning me around. His hand softly cupped my face as he leant in and sweetly kissed me.

“Don’t clean yourself up,” he smirked. “I want to know you’re walking around with my cum inside you.”

I bit my lip and nodded. “We should get back.”

His hand gripped mine as he led the way back to the dining room, letting go of me once he heard our fathers yelling at each other. We entered the room and my mother quickly pulled me away from Draco.

“Y/N, thank god, we’re leaving.” She spat at Narcissa.

“And another thing, language like mudblood and pure-blood are so outed it’s laughable!” My father yelled.

“At least I don’t want my off-spring mating with dirty genes.” Lucius snapped.

“The only dirty genes are yours.” My father retorted. “Thank you for dinner, the chicken was overcooked.”

My father grabbed mine and my mother’s hand, pulling us past Draco who simply smirked and winked at me.

Once in the carriage my father ranted and raved about the idiocy he’d just been in the presence of, my mother quickly making her distain for them known.

“What about the boy?” My father asked. “Was he any better?”

I shook my head. “Baffoon.” I said.

That wasn’t totally true.

[gayfrenchtoast]

Okay fine we're doing this. I havent read the books and I'm probably not going to I've only seen the movies so I'm sorry if anything I say is contradictory or has already been stated.

So! Descendants 3 was kinda shit and I dont like it but especially because of the ending because everybody was like "oh yeah island is open and we're all happy with no worries or implications about free villains or people being spiteful about being imprisoned for years!" In fact if anything they joked about those things.

The island is basically its own culture, I can't say how long it's been around, long enough for some almost adult kids to be about and to develop a kind of community.

The Isle is a place of poverty, people are dirty and on the street, eveyone steals from each other and most people don't put much effort into appearance upkeep (personal or of the sourounding area) not because of laziness or being "evil" but because they clearly don't have time or luxury to do such things or possibly even the clean water. Does the Isle have clean water?? How to they get electricity??? Someone tell me!

Another thing that I've noticed is easy to see but is not much explicitly said is the unique style of those on the Isle. As previously stated they don't have much but those who have the most "power" and such on the Isle are the best example of this As they have the most colourful outfits. However these outfits are often made out of patches and ripped things put together, even salvaged things like nets and chains as we can see on thing like Uma and Harry's outfits in D3 they make the best of what they've got and they do fantastic because their outfits are intricate and detailed and just tell you everything you need to know about them. Which is why it's a damn s h a m e when the original VK's ajust their style to be more like Auradon's. That's not an improvement! Be proud of where you came from!! It's like they forgot what it was like being on the Isle in D3!

Moving on, here's something that was touched on in D2 but not enough. Equality. On the Isle there is basically equal opportunity as in saying everything is shit and nome cares what gender and presumably what sexuality you are as long as you can work. Sexism is shown to be almost casual in aurodon from the looks of it, Chad makes sexist comments and litterally none else says anything or seems to see anything wrong with it except Jay who caves to pressure from peers and expectations. He does redeem himself because he's from the isle and he knows you shouldn't give a shit about anyone's gender or anything. If they can do something and ask to be included you give them that opportunity. The sexism is also implied in the way that the rule book has men written specifically in the first place and that it has taken until then for anyone but boys to be allowed on any kind of sports team. We never see it! It seems to be the hetronormative veiw where the boys do sport and girls do cheerleeding and other genders? What other genders? Never heard of that? BAD AURADON!! I bet there's so many trans folk on the island just living their lives, thinking Aurodon is the better place and not knowing that it's a cis het filled nightmare.

Okay no I'm headcannoning now, if their are now a bunch of Isle kids at auradon prep they find it fucking aweful the way all these preppy royals are treating them and make the first LGBT club in Auradon. There is lots of pushback and they get bullied a fuck ton for making themselves the most prominent queer folk in the school until a fight breaks out and the club demand that they should be treated better, taking all the evidence to fairy godmother who is very hesitant because COME ON she's never been that great she is biased to Auradon kids and if putting away those in the Isle is brought up she is all on it, she is jelly spined about doing anything against the royal kids. So the kids are like "Fine, if you won't help us we'll take this to the King himself!" Well mainly the queer mom's of the group (you know the ones I'm talking about) who lead the others and protect the anxious queers as they storm to Ben at his fucking locker and demand an audience because they are being harassed and bullied and none is doing anything. Ben had no idea there was even a LGBT club (too busy ig) and is gassed there is one for a moment before he's like "wait people are harassing you?" So Bisexual King Ben gets his lovely Bi wife and they start coming to club meetings and investing in the pins and stuff the club makes. Most club members are pleased but the queer mom's are apprehensive that this will help until some assholes come to the club to do their usual bullying only to find King and Queen Beast themselves siting there with rainbow bracelets and bi pins and all trying to have a nice old time eating their fucking cupcakes what the fuck are yall doing? The bullying dies down quick once they realise it ain't gonna fly, the other OG VK's that hear about this become members and very protective over their queer children. Did I mention Dizzy and Ceila are a part of the club? They're girlfriend's. Celia is one of the queer moms. Harry becomes one of the biggest protectors over the group as the pan dad. He's been going around snogging everyone and anyone wholl snog him everyone already knew he was queer they just didn't have the balls to try and bully him over it as much as they bullied the lil club members. But now Harry can often be seen in jackets and shit with pan and general queer patches and pins and running around with his gay children yelling "MOVE WE'RE GAY!!" He totally calls them his queer crew. Anyway as a result lots of queer royals start coming out of the woodwork, obvs Lonnie is one of them, and the club eventually serves to bring members of Auradon and the Isle close together.

Where was I? Yada yada auradon expects girls to be pretty princesses and boys to be brave knights or dashing princes. It's shit and should stop being portrayed as good. Moving on!

Food! One of the things we'll established in all movies is that the food of the Isle is shit compared to food of Auradon. The Isle has no fresh fruit which likely means its almost impossible for things to grow there which is fair because again there doesn't seem to be much fresh water and there are always clouds overhead so no sun. Maybe there is some people trying really hard to grow stuff but the general attitude of the Isle seems to be "there is no time for that" and fruits are forgotten so much that the VK's litterally don't knownwhat they are when they come across them. That and anything containing sugar. Actually it's mention by Dizzy and Celia that they enjoy the fact that the cake dosent have dirt or flies so basically food there is terrible. We don't see much food on the Isle but what we do see seems to be beans, eggs, chips and shellfish. Basically protine and carbs that can be easily stored and produced. To be fair beans are kidna good for you but they're likely a sign that if they get any imports from the mainland it is canned stuff. Prison food. There's probably some chef villain that is trying their best to make good food out of the shit but honestly the Isle dwellers should be angry that they've been deprived of good food for so long not happy they're finally been given decency.

Moving on, music! Auradon dosent have nearly as many musical numbers it seems, the Isle songs have a distinct style, to them, the villains that basically "founded" the place were masters of the dramatic songs (with backup or solo) so banging music is basically ingrained in the music's culture, even for battle as we see with the fight between Mal and Uma in D3. Meanwhile Auradon seems to have mainly romance and "I want" songs. Even Audrey's villain song is basically an I want song.

Okay let's talk about the Villains. We've established that the VK's are not inherently bad. However not all of them can be totally good and there are legit OG Villains just kinda chillin on the Isle. They've obviously lost quite a bit of their power, motivation and sanity (isolation will do that to ya as they lost everything and the VKs know no different) but deadass? They were bad guys. You can try to rehabilitate them sure but you've basically just let them free roam, they could make a runner and you wouldn't get the chance. They were also shitty patents which is brushed over/joked about in the interaction between Carlos and...man I feel bad I forgot her name deadass their relationship seemed to come out of nowhere in the second film she didn't seem interested in them at all and friendzoned them multiple times I'm pretty sure Disney did that becaue queer kids were relating to Carlos and headcanoning them as queer (which they deffinatly are) but deadass their mom is an attempted animal murderer and has hurt her child as we can see from how they're afraid of her and her rhetoric and yet it's "haha I'm afraid to meet your ma!" "Me too cus im a dog! Lol!" Fuuuuck offfffff

I think I'm running out of thoughts so here's a last one for now; with the magical barrier down a bunch of magical Villains kids should be coming out for the woodwork. We know Mal has magic basically stored in her so it's is possible, she technically doesn't need the spellbook to do magic it is just inherent to her. So with the diverse range of people from the isle there are deffinatly magic folk in there. Actually if we're following Disney movie law I saw something mentioning Jay being half Genie and yeah! He should be half Genie! Jafar got turned into a Genie he's probably only human because of the barrier! Oh also Ben should be able to go beast on command as long as he had a better beast form than he did in the movies. And give him back the beard and fangs like fuck you he looked so much better

Okay I'm done for now

[chibivesicle]

Golden Kamuy - Kikuta really deserved better [part 3] 280-283

I’m still behind on my GK meta.  Here is my push to catch up before new chapters drop.  Just a note of clarification from my last meta.  When I discuss Yuusaku’s eyes being similar to Asirpa’s, I don’t mean that he has blue/green eyes like hers but just that his ‘innocence’ is represented by that but there may also be a difference.  If he were not Hanazawa’s biological son, it would make a sweet plot twist and explain why he didn’t inherit the ‘natural abilities’ of the men of that family in the military.  This sounds silly, but a major theme of GK is that children do inherit abilities from their parents.

Most of chapter 280 isn’t super useful, we learn that Usami discovered Kikuta’s role as a spy for central and that’s pretty much it.  Kikuta seems to think that Sugimoto will be enough to stop Tsurumi which, I dunno, I guess makes some sense considering he’s one of the main characters, but meh.

He does get a badass scene where he tries to look cool and take Tsurumi out with him here . . .

Unfortunately, he doesn’t get to be badass as Tsukishima shoots him in the head.  Recall that, he’s wanted a front row seat for the Tsurumi theatre and has rationalized in the past that he’s going to be Tsurumi’s right hand man -

[Sighs].  Oh Tsukishima, I’m more worried about your mental health and well being with these recent chapters. Honestly, the rest of the chapter seems like filler to me.  The skins are arranged to reveal a location for the gold, at the fort in Hakodate, Goryokaku.  The only other part I found interesting is here.  Tsurumi makes his orders known and Koito is off in the corner by himself.

Koito, what are you thinking?  How are you feeling? Are you upset by Tsurumi?  By Tsukishima declaring he’s Tsurumi’s right and man and not your big brother?  Tell me Koito?  Are you no longer on board with things but caught up in the momentum of events?

And both groups are now en route to the location and - Kikuta deserved better.

Chapter 281 starts out with group eating squid in Hakodate as they check out the remains of the fort.  It is mainly historical context information and how this is where Hijikata should have died.  I’m not a Shinsengumi ‘fan’ so this plot point continues to be meh for me.

What is more important is that Boutarou told Shiraishi that the gold came from the Russian Consulate to the fort.

Kimuspu lead them there as the group of men organized by Wilk are in search of the gold at the Russian Consulate.  They are able to break through a fake wall to find a cellar below where the gold is supposed to be.

Of course, since this is a manga this perfectly overlaps with other events in the manga - mainly the kidnapping of Koito by ‘Russians’ aka Tsukishima and Ogata.  Wilk goes over to investigate and sees Koito Sr. deciding that Koito’s fate is set based on the current actions of the kidnappers.

It is interesting that the previous chapter had a very lonely looking Koito to lead into this flashback that is also related to him.  Is this important or just luck in the plot/flashback story line? The men proceed to find the gold - but as Wilk examines it, it becomes clear that it isn’t the gold.

Instead, we are only left with Wilk asking him what is going on?  And we have no idea what Wilk is looking or referring to, but it isn’t gold!

The flashback ends and the group is roaming around the fort a night only to bump into the 27th!  Poor luck for the group indeed.

Chapter 282 starts off with a fight between the 27th and everyone else.  Of course they are doomed from the start since they are up against monsters of a sort.  After a few violent deaths, Sugimoto searches one of the men to find a telegram.

Welp, shit.  There best effort to beat Tsurumi isn’t going to happen as he figured things out at the same time that they did.  Shiraishi has a complete meltdown for several pages.  Which I’m personally not a fan of - I’m just tired of him being the lazy comic relief by this point.  But if you’ve been reading my meta since 2018, you’d already know how I feel about that.

Hijikata remains calm and tries to think of logical places to search for the gold.  Digging directly into the ground would have been too obvious so it is likely in a building.

Frantic, Shiraishi runs into the door of one of the buildings. The group seem to descend into a sort of chaotic panic about finding the gold before Tsurumi gets there and then how to get the gold off the site.  It all just seems odd.  Like, dude, you guys need to just chill and stop shouting out random suggestions.  Of course Sugimoto immediately concludes they will have to fight.  Which isn’t a very clever idea from Sugimoto, it is his freakkin’ default state.

Of course Hijikata was planning to fight from the start.  That has been his goal since the beginning of the manga!  But this time, he’s enlisted the help of Sofia and her fellow Russian partisans.  Who are on their way to Hakodate and we get an epic shot of her pouring vodka on her face.

It is a logical call, he needs other people who are experience fighters - someone who can go toe to toe with the 27th.

Chapter 283 then turns to give us a brief flashback into Hijikata’s planning for events.  He knows the fort inside and out and takes charge (as he should in this situation).  Before they left he met up with Sofia and tells her to bring her men to Hakodate that afternoon.

What is interesting is the conversation that unfolds as they discuss working with Sofia and her group.  As a war vet, Sugimoto is the most uncomfortable with this, even if he isn’t quite aware of it, he thinks it is too much of a stretch.  What surprises me is that Shiraishi, doesn’t trust her either and he even mentions Kiro, unless he personally thinks Kiro was more trustworthy than Wilk or Sofia?

Hijikata is confident that they will deal with things as they happen, but Asirpa clearly states that they can trust her.  This makes sense based on how Sofia was there with Asirpa when Tsurumi interrogated her - she knows Sofia is someone whom she can rely on.

Meanwhile, Sofia is supporting the dream that Wilk and Kiro both shared in their youth and tells her men as such.  Going way back to the flashback with the three of them and their interaction with Tsurumi as Hasegawa we know that she is the most caring and compassionate of the three leaders.

She is the type of person who could truly inspire others to work towards a common goal, and we’ve seen this through her actions, including taming that tiger.  The idea is still crazy, but hey why not.

On the same train is Ogata, clearly following Sofia.  He’s asleep and we get a flashback to him laying on the futon with his mom.

At the end of the chapter, it notes that she is saying some lines from a nursery rhyme associated with a children’s game.  I’d go with the interpretation that many things are easy to enter or become involved with but are difficult to escape.  How will this impact his role in the fight for the gold?  Is he still acting as a sort of solo agent?  Is he reflecting on this entire mess?  His life choices? Lack of choices?

The rest of the chapter is again a bit meh.  Of course Tsurumi has commandeered a train, looks like it is mainly carrying freight and Vasily as well.  Vasya, what are you doing again?  Why are you still after Ogata?  And you are just humming a tune while you lounge on a horse in the freight part of the train. Okay . . . as I’m behind on this meta, others have already pointed out that Vasily is likely a Cossack, all comfortable on his horse.  Which I feel like is a somewhat lazy ‘Russian stereotype’ since many different Slavic groups existed in the Russian empire at this point in history.

The end of the chapter does finally answer a question I asked in meta a very long time ago now here: https://chibivesicle.tumblr.com/post/178997911192/does-hijikata-have-a-useful-tattoo  I remember asking if Hijikata had a useful tattoo b/c we never saw it in the manga - until this chapter.  The answer?  Yes.  He fucking does have a useful tattoo.  And he is a buff man despite his age and imprisonment!

All in all what to I think of these chapters?  They are moving all of the groups together for some sort of confrontation.  How does this all pan out? We shall see.  Koito is def wavering in his support of Tsurumi.  Ogata is in the mix, likely with the Russians.  What is Vasily doing?  How many men does Tsurumi have?  What will Hijikata do based on his past battle at Hakodate?  Will Asirpa be safe?  Will Sugimoto finally get captured by Tsurumi and Ogata will have to rescue him?  I’ve been waiting for that to happen for years now by this point!

[capsteddybear]

Our Playlist - Wanna Be That Song - Brett Eldredge

Song lyrics:

"When you're searching the horizon, When your eyes look back, When you're standing in the moment, Every life has a soundtrack"

----- ------

You wake up to the sound of people getting their suitcases from the overhead cabinets. You stretch out in your seat and open up your window cover and quickly close it from the bright sunlight beaming in. You feel a tap on your shoulder and you look up and it's your fellow colleague Sarah, "hey wake up, sleepy head. We landed."

"Hey, Sarah. Yeah, I'm up, I'm up." You stretch out again and gather up your things and get your carry on bag from the overhead cabinet. As you board off of the plane you see your other coworkers and students waiting at the gate. Once you're all together you guys head to the baggage claim and gather your other bags and guitars.

You guys then hop in a shuttle and head to the hotel where you guys will be staying for the trip. Once you guys arrive at the hotel you help check in all of your students. The lobby is packed with other students from different universities, but luckily enough the check in process doesn't take too long. You head to your room to check it out. As soon as you walk in you carefully prop your guitar case against the wall and toss your bags on the floor and flop onto the bed face first hugging a pillow. You lay there for a moment letting your body relax. You slowly turn over and stare at the ceiling as you listen to the city atmosphere coming from the street below. You sit up and walk over to the window and pull open the window curtain and look down at the street. Your room is on the 15th floor of the hotel so the crowds of people below look like a bunch of ants. You scan the surrounding buildings taking in the scenery.

You hear a knock at the door and it's your colleague Betty, "hey (y/n), we're gonna head out on the town and get an early dinner. Wanna join us?"

"Yeah sure."

"Okay we'll meet up in the lobby in about an hour?"

"Yeah sounds good."

You close the door and decide to unpack some of your stuff. You pull out your phone and call Chris back home. At first he doesn't answer and you look at your clock and figure out that it's around 3 o'clock in the morning back at home. You decided to leave a message instead, "Hey Chris, I know you're sleeping right now, but just wanted to let you know I made it to Japan. I miss you and Dodger. Love you. Bye."

About a minute later your phone is buzzing and you see Chris' face on your screen.

"Hi"

"Hello, beautiful. I got your voicemail."

You can tell he was asleep from the tone of his voice, "Just wanted to let you know I landed."

"I tried to stay awake, but I fell asleep on the couch. I felt the phone vibrating, but it got lost in the covers and by the time I found it, it stopped ringing."

"You didn't have to stay awake."

"I know, but I wanted to…. Or at least try. What time is it there?"

"It's almost 4:30 in the afternoon."

You hear Chris yawn over the phone, "What are you guys gonna do the first day?"

"Just settle in. We're about to go get dinner." You hear Chris yawn again, "I should let you go back to sleep."

"Mmm, call me when you get back to the hotel? I should be better after I get a couple of more hours of sleep."

"It's okay we can talk another time."

"Nooooo, I miss the sound of your voice…. And I miss your face."

You smile, "It's only been a day."

"After a minute passes I miss you."

You giggle, "aww, that's sweet. I think you need to get some sleep."

"Yeah, but please call me later. Promise I'll answer."

"I will. I love you."

"I love you, (y/n). Good night."

"Good night, babe."

You hang up the phone and freshen up a bit before heading down stairs to the lobby to meet up with the others. You guys head out on the town and do a bit of sightseeing before finding a spot to eat. Everyone is tired from the flight so there's not as much talking at dinner, but you know everyone is enjoying their time together.

After dinner you all head back to the hotel. Once you're back in your room you take a quick shower before calling Chris.

It rings a couple of times before he answers, "hello?"

"Hi, did you sleep enough?"

"Yeah…. I wanna see you, can we video chat or is it bedtime for you?"

"Yeah we can for a bit. Let me set up my laptop and I'll call you back, okay?"

"Okay, bye. Love you (y/n)."

"Love you. Bye."

You grab your laptop out of your backpack and hop into bed. You connect to the wifi and call Chris back. It rings twice before you see his handsome face on the screen.

"Hey handsome."

"There's my girl."

You can tell from the background that Chris is in the kitchen, "What are you up to?"

"Cooking breakfast… your favorite… pancakes." He lifts the pan from the stove and shows you.

"Yummy."

"What's some? I think I made a bit too many."

You rub your stomach, "No thank you. I ate enough at dinner."

"How was it? How's the view from the hotel?"

"It was delicious. There was a lot of different food, I couldn't remember the names of everything, but it was really good. Wanna see the view?"

"Yeah!" Chris puts the pan down and concentrates on the screen as you get out of bed to walk to the window. "Oh wait, you were in bed? Sorry, you didn't have to get up."

"No, it's fine. I didn't find my comfy spot yet."

You hear Chris giggle as you open up the curtains to reveal the view. You hold up the laptop closer so he gets a better view and you point out stuff to Chris.

"How far is the university from there?"

"I think the schedule said about a 10 minute drive."

"Ah not too bad, what time do you guys have to be there tomorrow?"

You walk back to bed and snuggle back in the covers with your back leaning against the pillows with the laptop on your lap. "Call time is at 9 so I'll probably wake up at like 7:30-8 and make sure everyone else is up and has eaten breakfast…. And you, what do you have planned after breakfast?"

"Take Dodger for a walk and visit my mom later."

"Tell her I said hi."

"I will."

"How's Dodger?"

"He's doing good. He slept on the couch with me after you called earlier."

"Why didn't you sleep in bed?"

"I fell asleep watching tv waiting for your call, and I was too lazy to walk to the room after you called."

You let out a giggle, "sorry, I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

"It's fine, I'll always wait for you." Chris winks at the screen that causes a big smile to appear on your face.

"I love you."

"I love you too, (y/n). You should get some sleep. You got a long day ahead of you tomorrow."

"I should. I'm really tired from the flight. How do you get used to the time difference?"

Chris laughs, "it'll take another day or so, but you will don't worry."

"Ugh, okay. Gonna sleep now, I'll text or call you when I can okay?"

"Okay. I love you, (y/n). Good night."

"Have a good day, Chris. I love you. Bye."

You close the laptop and place it on the nightstand. You set your alarm clock and soon drift off to sleep.

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

The next morning you're up 20 minutes before your alarm goes off. Your head is pounding so you take some medicine before having breakfast and meeting your students in the lobby. Once at the university you guys head to the music department and auditorium where you guys will be rehearsing. You think the auditorium at your university is big, but this one seems three times as big. First you guys sit in the seating area as the director of the university introduces himself and welcomes you to campus. After the introduction he shows you the practice and dressing rooms. You guys leave your stuff in the rooms before taking a tour of the music department. Once the tour is over you have your students warm up on stage before rehearsing as a group. Your headache is almost gone which makes you happy, but you brought your medicine with you just in case.

During rehearsal you would walk off stage and down the aisle of the seats. Having to perform in a bigger space than you're used to means you have to play a bit louder to fill up the space. Even though there would be mics set up on stage you made notes in your head on certain parts of the piece where you'll need to change the dynamics. You walk back up stage and end the piece. You flip back through your score and add the dynamic changes and tell your students to do the same. You go through your other pieces and add notes as you go along. Your colleagues are also sitting in the audience so you ask for any suggestions that they have and make note of them too.

After you rehearse all of your group pieces you take a 20 minute break before it's time for the solo acts and duets to rehearse their pieces. During your break you send a message to Chris telling him how rehearsal is going and attach a photo of the auditorium with the caption saying "it's 3 times as big as the one back home." When break is almost over you notice that the other ensembles from the other school start to enter the auditorium to watch you rehearse before it's their turn to practice on stage. You start to get nervous. First, it's the bigger concert hall and now it's having unfamiliar people in the audience during practice, not even during the concert yet. You start to fidget in your seat and you feel your phone vibrate in your hand. You look down and it's a message from Chris:

"Hi sweetheart, that's a beautiful spot you get to perform at. I'm so proud of you. You worked really hard to get there. Don't get nervous, okay? You're gonna do great. I love you. 💙 "

You smile and your eyes get teary, but you quickly wipe them away so your students don't notice. However your friend Sarah is sitting in the same row as you and notices you wiping your face and comes to sit next to you.

"Hey, (y/n). You okay?"

"Yeah, just nerves. I'll be fine."

"I'm here if you wanna talk, okay?"

"Thanks, Sarah."

Rehearsal continues and the solo acts and duets from the students sound great. They even get applauses from the other university that's watching. Once all of the students are done rehearsing it's now your colleagues and your turn to take the stage. A few of them perform before you. Once it's your turn you read your message from Chris one more time before placing your phone is your guitar guitar. You take deep breaths as you make your way up to the stage. You perform 2 pieces "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" by Francisco Tarrega and "Asturias" by Isaac Albeniz.

After you finish your time on stage you put your guitar back in your case and take your seat in the audience and watch your other colleagues perform. Once everyone from your university has a chance to perform on stage the next university sets up their ensemble to rehearse. You, your students and colleagues stay in the audience to watch them as well. After 2 hours of rehearsal you guys go to the practice rooms and work on whatever else needs adjusting. You check in on your students if they need any other help with stuff and you give them your notes that you took while watching them rehearse.

The next few days of the trip consists of rehearsals on stage and in the practice rooms. Not only for your students, but also for yourself. When you're practicing in one of the rooms you get text messages from Chris. Mostly of him saying he misses you and that he loves you. But your favorite ones are random photos of him and Dodger throughout the day.

"Dodger misses you." Attached is a photo of Dodger chewing on one of your shoes. "Don't worry, I'll buy you a new pair by the time you come back home."

"Tell Dodger I miss him too. Gotta get back to practice now. I'll call you later."

When you're back in your hotel room you video chat Chris. As you're eating dinner he's eating breakfast so it seems like you're eating together.

"What's for dinner tonight?"

"I just ordered some fruit and a salad. Not really hungry tonight."

"You okay?" As Chris tilt his head in a concerning manner.

"Yeah, I had a big lunch earlier. I'm fine." You smile to reassure him.

"Okay, remember I'm here if you wanna talk."

You let out a deep breath, "I know, thank you. We've been rehearsing a lot and I'm just tired."

"If I was there I would give you a massage."

"Please? I miss your massages …. And your cooking."

Chris laughs, "just another week and I'll give you as many massages and pancakes that you want."

You sigh, "gosh, another week? Don't remind me." You rub the back of your neck from the tiredness.

"Aww come on, besides all of the rehearsing I'm sure you're having an awesome time, right?"

"I am, I just miss you."

"I miss you too, (y/n). I love you."

"I love you, Chris."

"You should get some rest."

"Yeah, you're right…. I'll call you when I can."

"Alright, sweet dreams, sweetheart. I love you."

"Good night, Chris. I love you."

---- -----

The second week of the trip consists of master classes with the instructors from the different universities and the guest judges. When you perform with your students you get a handful of great comments and a few pointers to work on before the final performance at the end of the week. Between rehearsals you always find time to call home and check in with Chris.

"Hi Chris."

"Hey beautiful, how's it going today?"

"It's going great. We finished our master classes this week and we have one more full dress rehearsal tomorrow before the concert."

"Woo, sounds like you've been busy… Gosh, I really wished I could be there to support you in this."

"Aww, I wish you were here too… Promise I'll play my solo pieces for you when I get home."

"Please do. I love listening to you play."

"Okay, I gotta go back to work now. I love you, Chris. Bye."

"Love you too, (y/n). Bye sweetheart."

---- ------

The last dress rehearsal is a success. All of the ensembles from the universities sound amazing. With it being the last night before the concert you go out for dinner one last time with your students and colleagues.

One of your colleagues makes a speech before your food arrives at the table.

"I would like to start off this toast by thanking (y/n) for getting us here. If it weren't for your dedication to your students and your hard work ethics we probably wouldn't have been here."

You turn a light shade of red because now the whole table is looking at you. You take your glass in your hand and raise it up as you stand up from your seat, "I'll take partial credit for getting here. If it weren't for my hard working students we wouldn't be here. These past 2 weeks have really shown me the dedication and time you guys have put into your craft. I really appreciate that, it makes my job easy and fun." The table laughs as you finish up the toast. You enjoy the food and company before heading back to the hotel to sleep.

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

The day of the concert you get to sleep in longer than usual. You feel refreshed and well rested. You have breakfast and lunch with your colleagues and head back up to your room to relax and call Chris.

"Hey."

"Hi, sweetheart, tonight's the concert right?"

"Yeah, in about 2 hours. Wanted to call you before it starts."

"You excited?"

"Uh, yeah, but more nervous than excited."

"Don't be nervous, sweetheart. You're gonna do great. You've worked so hard and so have your students. You guys are gonna rock. I know it."

"Thanks, Chris. I love you. I'll call you later."

"I love you (y/n)."

You take a shower before heading to the university.

Once you're in the dressing room you unpack your concert attire and dress in your conductor outfit for the ensemble pieces first. You stand backstage to the side as you watch the other universities perform first. After they're done it's now your ensemble's turn to take the stage. As you walk across the stage to the conductor podium you hear the applause and your heart starts to race. You take a few deep breaths before you cue your students. You lose yourself in the musical pieces. All of your focus is on the music and your students. And soon enough you're done. You freeze in the cut off position for a moment before you relax your arms and let out a breath of relief as you step down from the podium and the audience applauses your performance. You bow to the crowd and walk off stage as the curtains close to set up for the next ensemble. You miss the next couple of performances as your change into your solo concert attire. As you take one final look in the mirror in the dressing room you notice a single white rose and an envelope with your name on it. Your eyes get watery because you have a feeling you know who it's from. You quickly rip the envelope open and read the note inside:

"Hi sweetheart, I hope you get this in time before you get on stage tonight. Your friend Sarah contacted me and said you were a bit nervous this whole week about performing. I know I probably sound like a broken record when I say this, but don't be nervous. You're gonna sound amazing on stage. I'm so proud of you. I love you. Can't wait to see you when you get back home. - Chris. "

You smile and wipe the tear falling down your cheek as you freshen up before heading back to the stage. You listen to the other solo performances before it's your turn to perform. As you walk on stage again to the concert bench you take deep breaths to steady your heart beat. You take a seat on the bench and get into the playing position and start your performance. After you play the last note of your piece you freeze for a moment and then relax and take a bow as the giant auditorium fills with cheering sounds. A smile of relief appears on your face as you take another bow and walk off stage. You place your guitar back in its case in your dressing room before heading back to watch the rest of the performances.

Once the concert is over you change into more comfy clothes and head back to your hotel room and turn in for the night.

----- -----

You wake up early the next morning for your flight back home. You pack up all of your stuff and meet everyone in the lobby to take the shuttle to the airport.

Before take off you send Chris a text:

"Heading home now. Can't wait to see you. I love you."

While on the plane you stay up and watch multiple movies and read some chapters from a book that Chris recommended for you.

Soon enough you're back home in Boston. As you make your way to the end of the gate you spot Chris in his Boston cap and red flannel. With it being early in the morning you see a sleepy smile appear on his face as soon as he sees. You run up to him and jump into his arms burying your face into his neck as he hugs you tight.

"Chris!!!"

"Hi sweetheart."

He gives you a welcome home kiss before you hug him again and pepper his face in kisses. "Gosh, I missed you so much."

He giggles between kisses, "I can tell. I missed you too." You stand there for a minute in each other's arms, happy to be back together. "Let's go get your luggage and head home." He laces his fingers with yours and you lead the way to baggage claim. When your stuff appears on the belt Chris carries your guitar case in one hand while still holding onto yours.

On the drive back home you lean your head on his shoulder as he drives. He kisses the top of your head and you smile watching the sunrise.

Once you make it back home you're greeted with puppy kisses from Dodger.

"Hi handsome!"

He melts to the floor as you rub his belly. Chris laughs and walks passed you and heads to the kitchen, "you hungry?"

"Depends…. You gonna cook pancakes?" You walk into the kitchen and see Chris with a plate of pancakes already made. You cover your face and bust out laughing.

"You said you wanted pancakes when you got home… I never break my promises." He places the plate on the counter and walks up to you and hugs you.

"Do you remember the other part of your promise?"

A grin appears on Chris' face and he leans in for a kiss, "if you're talking about the massage, then yes I remember."

You kiss him back, "then I'll take the massage first." You wink as you lead the way to the bedroom.

Chris laughs and spins you around into his arms and kisses you passionately before picking you up and carefully placing you on the bed with him laying on top of you.

"Welcome home, sweetheart."

You run your fingers through his hair, "I'm glad to be back."

He peppers you in light kisses before you guys roll around in bed, lost in each other's eyes. Soon enough he does end up giving you that massage he promised. You missed the touch of his warm, strong hands on your body. You moaned as your body relaxed more and more. Soon after you fall asleep. A few hours pass and you wake up from your nap. You roll over in bed and see Chris with his phone and headphones plugged in. You tap his arm to get his attention.

"What are you watching?"

He turns his phone so you can see, "you."

"What?" You rub your eyes to take a better look.

"Your friend Sarah emailed me clips of your performances…. You sound amazing, sweetheart…. You always do…. And you look really beautiful."

You set up in bed and kiss Chris, "I love you so much, babe."

"I love you too, (y/n).... Wanna eat your pancakes now?"

"Yes please!" You hope out of bed and run to the kitchen. You can hear Chris laughing from down the hallway. "Oh nooo!"

Chris jumps out of bed and runs to meet you in the kitchen, "babe, what happened??" You both catch Dodger in the act eating your pancakes and bust out laughing. "It's okay, I'll make a fresh batch for you." He gives you a kiss on the forehead as he walks over to the stove.

"Thank you, Chris." You take a seat on the stool at the kitchen island and tell Chris all about your trip as he cooks pancakes for you.

[poodlejoonas]

Dad!BC AU - the moms

So wow-ihateithere and I (because for some reason Tumblr won’t let me directly @ you) have been tossing out so many amazing ideas for the BC dad AU lately that we’ve thought of pretty much every scenario under the sun. One idea I’d like to throw in here is the group that is the moms who make up their own personal wolfpack. Since they’ll be brought in as stand-alone characters soon, it would be better to have a basic introduction for each and how they know/interact with each other.

(Under the read-more for length)

Joel - Emilia (”Millie”) Hokka - The absolute baddest bitch you will meet on this planet. She's a 5′1″ sweetheart, but if you lay a single finger on her kid, her husband, her BC brothers and sisters, or any of her nieces and nephews, she will become the human embodiment of that one line from “Wolfpack.” You know the one. She’s gone viral before for Joel needing to hold her back from fighting the mom of a kid who’s bullying Enkka at school, and literally watching this tiny woman become a human hurricane at the drop of a hat was enough for this kid to immediately leave him alone. From then on, kids at school know not to come after Viktor Hokka because his mom doesn’t play around. Why would she? After all, she dedicated 18 months of her life to trying to become a mom, and anyone who dares to come after her baby needs a running start to get away from her.

Sometimes even Joel has to hold her back from doing something she probably should regret but wouldn’t if it involved her family. He knows better than to cross a line with her. Then there are other times when they work together to be the shadiest power couple on earth, like when Aleksi’s ex-girlfriend Laila slanders him in the media for talking about taking custody of their son from her. If Joel comes home pissed about something, she’s the first one to jump on board with whatever plan he has to get his point across. She would totally have a stan account on Instagram dedicated to her called “milliehokkasupremacy”. And Joel loves his wife so much that he would eat every bit of this shit up. When she tells someone off, he writes down what she says and turns it into the lyrics of Blind Channel’s next single.

In short, Millie Hokka is 100 percent That Bitch™.

Bonus bit because this idea made me laugh: (in the comments section of a post slandering BC) @milliehokka: Bitch you better take this shit down before I puncture your fucking tires @joelhokka: She's my better half ❤️

Joonas - Kirsten Porko - Kirsten’s one of the quiet BC moms, and a hell of a lot more tame than Millie. But she has her shining moments every now and then, like when she was wondering why Millie took Joel with her knowing that she could’ve easily beaten that bully’s mom’s ass without him. She has the patience of a saint, being married to Joonas and raising two (soon to be three) kids with him. But she adores every minute of their chaotic little family. Since Sohvi was the first of the BC kids, the guys were quick to show up in support of her and Joonas. She was also pretty lonely until the others started dating their wives, and she was more than happy to have more friends to bond with.

She does the most to mother the rest of the kids when they need it. They love to come to their house because Kirsten will have a fresh pan of cookies ready for them. They also like hanging out with Joonas, but Kirsten is a fun aunt on her own. She’s typically the first to show up when one of the other moms tosses out a cry for help in taking care of their kids, especially when they’re newborns and the guys are away on tour. Kirsten’s total aesthetic is the absolute opposite of Joonas’s: she’s bubbly and wears nothing but pastel dresses and soft fabrics. A lot of people wonder what a “nice girl” like her is doing with a punk rocker like Joonas, until you see them interact and know that they’re crazy in love with each other and their kids. She’s the unassuming type, but she loves pranks as much as her husband and kids; she’ll play along whenever there’s a really good one and sometimes she can totally outdo them.

Niko - Jenna Moilanen - Jenna is Millie’s co-conspirator and partner-in-crime. If Millie needs someone to back her up and Joel’s trying to talk her out of whatever she’s thinking about doing, Jenna is the first to show up on the scene. She’s very much Niko’s type - she has just as many tattoos as him, several piercings, and hair that changes color depending on her mood. She’s naturally a blonde but you almost never see her as one. A lot of people tend to pass judgement on her abilities as a mom based on her appearance, but both of her and Niko’s kids adore her (especially their daughter Lahja) and they grow up happy with their loving parents. She’s a fantastic cook and works as a head chef at a five-star steakhouse, and she’s always willing to come home and cook for her family as well. She and Millie are the two shortest of the group, and it’s hilarious because they are both absolute spitfires.

Jenna has the best intuition when it comes to deciding who is trustworthy and who isn’t. There’s no “leader” in the group, but most of the others trust Jenna when someone gives her a bad feeling. She would be the one to raise the alarm on Laila years before she and Aleksi ever break up, and Laila would find the absolute worst way to end up on Jenna’s shit list. In her time with the group, Laila does nothing to help take care of the rest of the kids or try to fit in with the group. One day, when Leevi cries because he needs something, Jenna spots an annoyed expression out of the corner of her eye coming from Laila. It takes an intervention from God to stop Jenna from ripping her apart on the scene. The most important thing to note about Jenna: she calls her closest friends “bitch” affectionately. The moment it stops being affectionate, there’s no turning back.

Olli - Kaarina Matela - The quietest and calmest of the BC moms. She perfectly matches her husband’s energies, which is why they parent their daughters so well. She was definitely more calm than him on the day they learned they were having twins, and still is to this day. When he was panicking about their pregnancy scare, she was still managing to stay collected somehow (but just as relieved as he was). She’s very much like a suburban soccer mom type, but far from being a Karen because she’s aggressively kind to everyone around her, including hardworking people. And Olli just adores her so much, sometimes he doubts if he even deserves her. She’s always the first to remind him that there’s no one else she would rather be with.

Kaarina is the arts and crafts kind of aunt. During the summer, she likes to have the kids come over for day camp style hangout sessions where they mix in time outside with craft activities. She’s the reason why Olli’s stage outfits have been so cool lately, because she’s got a perfect eye for colors and is super skilled at hand-stitching patches. If the kids need anything repaired, they’ll know to go to Aunt Rina first because she’ll either make it as good as new, or turn it into some sick artwork. All the moms get along but she and Kirsten vibe together the best. They get together and plan the summer activities for the kids, which involve Rina planning the crafts and Kirsten baking for, and with, them.

Tommi - Marja Lalli - Marja is unique in her position as a BC mom because she joined the group when her son Miikka from a previous relationship was already almost 4. For a brief time, she was worried about herself and Miikka feeling left out of the group dynamic that was already there, but they were so quick to invite her in as one of them. A lot of it had to do with her being friends with Jenna since elementary school, and Jenna knew that the sisterhood would be more than happy to accept her. She and Niko help set her up with Tommi because they both know he would love her and accept Miikka as his own. She’s chill and reserved, but she’s still a ton of fun to be around. Along with Kaarina and Kirsten, she’s one of the level-headed moms and is typically the voice of reason for a lot of things (especially when it comes to trying to contain Millie and Jenna’s tempers).

The rest of the moms were thrilled when she told them she was pregnant with Anna, but constantly concerned and fretting over her when she was on occasional bed rest. If Tommi couldn’t be with her, it was one of them coming over to help take care of her and Miikka. Marja’s health showed the caring side of the sisterhood of the BC moms, how they are willing to take care of each other in sickness as well as celebrating the good times and defending each other from drama. Even months after Anna is born, they still come over from time to time to see if there’s any way they can help.

Aleksi - Laila Pekkanen (later on, marries Hanna Kaunisvesi) - So this one is a bit complicated. For about three years, Aleksi was in a high-profile relationship with Laila Pekkanen, a producer who worked with him on a solo single before joining BC. They meet again a couple years later and begin a relationship that last for about three years. But it was far from loving, as they were just in general not good for each other. A few weeks after their break-up, Laila calls Aleksi while he’s in the studio to break the news to him that she’s pregnant, which sends Aleksi into total emotional turmoil because he thought they were being careful. Of all the guys, he’s the most careful with avoiding this kind of thing, but it was her who missed one too many days of her birth control. They’re barely on speaking terms, but they agree to try to stay cordial until Aleksi can take full custody of the child himself. She admits to having no maternal instinct and wants nothing to do with the baby.

Here’s where it gets messy. Aleksi finally decides to break his silence on the matter and announces via Instagram that he will be a father and raise his son on his own. He does his best to tell his side of the story without dragging Laila down. But she takes it personally and goes on the radio to try to attack Aleksi, feeling like she’s being treated like a villain and a bad person for giving up her child. She feels like she’s being “exposed” in thinking that Aleksi publicly acknowledging their son’s existence would ruin her career, because she’d been trying everything possible to cover it up. It becomes a major feud between her and her team, and Aleksi and the BC team, but more industry people can back him up as a stand-up guy than they can come to her defense. She nearly ends up having Noah prematurely, and yet Aleksi still shows up in support, more so for their son than for her. When Noah is born months later, she refuses to hold him and immediately cuts off all contact with Aleksi. 

Aleksi raises Noah alone and learns to support his son when he’s later diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Noah is semi-verbal and partially communicates with sign language. He uses sign in situations when he meets a stranger, and Aleksi respects his intuition when someone makes him uncomfortable. Noah has separation anxiety from losing his mom at a young age, so Aleksi refuses to date for years because he doesn’t want to bring a revolving door of strangers around him. But then he meets Hanna, who makes an almost instant connection with him. He’s hesitant to make a decision about a long-term relationship with her until he sees how well she works with Noah. She’s one of the first people he opens up to - mostly because of her experience as a child psychologist - but the moment that seals the deal is when Noah calls her “mom” for the first time (in sign to his cousins). Fans and people he works with can’t help but notice that Aleksi is so much happier with Hanna than Laila. And as much as he would like to have a baby with her, he’s happy having Noah and wants to invest his energy into ensuring his happiness. But Hanna understands, because she’s an angel and only wants the best for her family.

[talkfastromance4]

stuck with u--calum hood (part ii)

Read part one here

word count: 4.7k

warnings: nsfw, boyfriend!cal, oral sex (female receiving), slight exhibitionism, slight cum talk, slight dirty talk, unprotected sex, 18+ please

Let me know if you’d like a part 3! I’ve got ideas but they revolve around baby Hood and I know I write that way too much but I can’t be tamed so if you don’t want that this will be the last part ok

Enjoy! :)

Masterlist

• • • •

She was finally able to visit her family for a few weeks with Calum and Duke accompanying her on the trip. Staying in her childhood bedroom had its drawbacks of not being intimate with each other. Not that Calum went without trying. He’d move in to give her a goodnight kiss, distracting her with his lips while his hand attempted to slip under her pajama bottoms.

“Hold your horses, handsy,” she’d giggle and pull his hand away. “Wait until we’re alone.”

“We are alone,” he’d pout against her neck.

“My parents are right across the hall. You know me, I can’t be quiet.” She’d play with his hair affectionately trying to appease him.

“I love that you can’t be quiet,” he’d smile back then sigh deeply, it tickled her skin. “Fine, but when we get back home…you’re mine.”

After rekindling their relationship, it was stronger than ever. They found a routine that included a workout regime while also spending some alone time apart. Sure, they still had their qualms, but the resolve was quicker than before.

She was so happy to help out with the Wildflower video when that happened and made sure to follow Andy’s instructions to a T as she helped him film it. She loved watching him do his own workout routine by the pool, his muscles rippling and glistening in the midday sun was a sight for sore eyes.

One day, he was holed up in his music room on a call with the guys. She assumed it was about tour and she could hear the frustration and sadness in his voice as she passed by to start dinner. While she cooked she suddenly felt a wave of guilt wash over her because spending this time with him when he should be on tour made her happy.

His door opened half an hour later with him running his fingers through his hair in distress.

“Smells good, baby,” he says moving behind her. His hands rest on her waist, he kisses her cheek then holds her for a moment. He sighs heavily.

“What’s going on with the guys?” she asks carefully, not wanting to add her own salt to the wound.

“We couldn’t reschedule all the tour dates,” he says sadly. “We were thinking of making the set longer since it was held off, hopefully have the fifth album out before then so we can double new songs. We’ll see.”

“I think that’d be great, the fans would love a longer set.”

He hums in agreement watching her sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the fish, his lips pulsing on her shoulder like little fish kisses. When she has to put the pan in the oven, she pats his hands which he removes so she can do her task then sets the timer for the appropriate time. She takes Calum’s hand then leads him to the couch so they can sit together.

“What else is on your mind?” she asks curling her fingers in his hair, he leans into her touch resting his hand on her thigh.

“Ash said he’s been creating his own solo album since all of this started and he’s nearly finished with it.”

“Really? Wow, that’s great for him!”

“Yeah…it is,” he starts to chew on the nail of his thumb lost in thought. “It got me thinking.”

“Of?” she continues to play with his hair, his own hand rubbing circles on her thigh.

“What if I…I might want to put an actual book of my own writings together.”

“Really?! I think that’s an awesome idea!” she exclaims kissing his cheek excitedly.

“You do?”

“Yeah! Your writing is incredible, honey. Poetry is becoming such a big thing again, it helps others not feel so alone, it brings out their emotions. What would you write about?”

“You,” he smiles leaning forward to press a delicate kiss to her lips. “Me, the guys, growing up as a kid, other thoughts I have.”

“It already sounds like a bestseller.”

“I don’t know where to start,” he huffs. He shifts on the couch so he’s lying on her chest, his curls tickle her chin, they hug each other close.

“Wherever you want to,” she kisses the top of his head. “They’re your words, your thoughts, your feelings.”

They sit in a comfortable silence while dinner cooks, she continues to play with his hair and rub his back with her other hand. She’s excited to see his process with this, something that’s his own creation. When the oven timer goes off, he helps her set everything else up for dinner, both of them are stuck in their own thoughts and musings.

Bedtime rolls around and Calum’s been flipping through his brown leather notebook he always writes in and the one he gave her for her birthday. He’s waiting for something to jump out at him for a good place to start. While she sleeps, he thinks. And thinks. And thinks. Until an idea blooms in his mind.

The next morning, she wakes to a Calum-less side of the bed. She looks to the bathroom but he’s not in there, then she checks her phone if he texted her that he went to the store or something. She finds the coffee maker is still on with her mug and favorite ingredients set aside for her along with a small handwritten note from Calum.

“Be back soon, love. Getting something for the both of us to enjoy xx Cal”

She smiles at the note, fixes her coffee then ponders what he could possibly be getting for the both of them to enjoy. Her mind immediately goes to something sexual, but they haven’t really discussed anything out of the ordinary as of late. She also found it very sweet that he left a note instead of a text, his romanticism never fails.

Upon waiting for his return, she rinses the dishes and puts them in the dish washer, then decides to take a quick shower. She pulls on some fabric shorts and one of his shirts then prattles about the house until Duke’s barking signifies his arrival.

“Y/N?”

She comes by the door where Calum quickly lifts her into his arms and spins her around, his rumbling laughter makers her join in even though she doesn’t know the joke.

“Where have you been?”

“Come outside but close your eyes.”

He takes her hand then covers her eyes with the other, leading her to the front of the house. Their feet knock together as he guides her to where he wants her.

“Okay, are you ready?”

“Did you get me a pony?” she teases.

“No, silly girl,” he chuckles then removes his hand, but she keeps her eyes closed. “Open.”

When she does, she’s staring at a mini retro camper that’s yellow and white with an outline of a dog painted on the front. She gasps at it; they’ve always talked about getting one so they could do a camping trip together.

“What do you think? Want to check the inside out? It’s pretty spacious inside,” he grins mischievously pulling open the door.

“Oh yeah? Give me the grand tour, sir.”

She takes his hand helping her step inside. Her mouth opens in shock at the updated version inside. White cabinets and furnished wood flooring make the space appear bigger. There’s a small nook with a table for eating, the kitchenette is small with a door leading to the toilet and across that is a small shower. Two small steps lead up to a large bed decorated with an orange bedspread and see through curtains over the back window. Up front is a small couch with pillows and a blanket.

“And, check this out,” he ducks in front of her then pushes a button, a medium flat screen appears behind two cabinets. “We can plug in our firestick as long as we’re in range of a Wifi spot so we can watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+.”

She looks at all the small details, she loves the wicker basket ottoman in the center of the room and there’s already a small dog bed for Duke next to the table. She loves it.

“I was thinking we could go camping along the coast, I already found two great campsites, bought a grill and other camping supplies. I figured we could get away for a bit, out of the house and into the outdoors. I can work on my writing and it will be relaxing and romantic. What do you think?”

She turns around to stare at him, his head just barely touches the ceiling, but his eyes are bright with excitement. He’s glowing in this little camper that is now theirs. She closes the space between them and wraps her arms around his shoulders giving him a big kiss.

“I think that’s the best idea I’ve ever heard,” she whispers on his lips. “I love it. When can we go? We’ll need to go grocery shopping and get bug spray and travel sized shampoo and other things. Those are so cute, they’re so compact. We’ll have to pack for Duke. I’ll make a list and—”

He silences her rambling with a kiss then backs her further into the camper towards the bed. She crawls into the middle of it, their lips still locked. When he presses his hips against hers, she can feel his arousal and she moans.

“We can do all of that after I take you right here, baby,” he mumbles shifting his lips to her jaw. He lies her back against the orange and white pillows. “We need to christen this bed, hm?”

“Mhm,” she sighs enjoying the feel of his plush lips on her skin. She turns her head to the right so he can continue his kissing path then she notices the door. “Shut the door.”

“Everyone’s in their houses…”

“Cal,” she laughs pushing on his shoulder playfully. “If you go close the door, I’ll be naked and waiting for you.”

That grabs his attention. He pulls back giving her a questioning look. He bounds off the bed, the camper rocking with his motions as he shuts the door and locks it. By the time he’s back at the steps, she is indeed naked, trailing her fingers down and over her breasts to in between her legs. She lifts a finger, motioning him forward in a ‘come here’ fashion.

“Fuck,” he sighs and removes his own clothes, quickly joining her on the bed.

She giggles at his excitement dragging his mouth to hers, his hand grips at her thigh then curves in between her folds. Moans replace her giggles when his finger slips inside, curling and twiddling against her spongy wall.

“So wet already? Can’t have you ruin this new bedspread before we get on the road, can I?”

“What are you gonna do about it?” she smirks, then winces when he removes his finger.

“Lick you up.”

He looks up at her with lust filled eyes, brushing his lips in barely there kisses down her stomach then wiggles his tongue over her clit. He moans at the taste and laves her up more with his tongue.

“Mm, Cal…” she whines wriggling her upper body. He flattens his tongue, doing deep swipes up and down her folds before suctioning onto her clit. She rests her heel on his shoulder just when he inserts a finger. “Yes!”

He smiles against her, pumping his finger slowly paired with the roll of his tongue. He adds another and ups the ante until she’s panting in staccato breaths. Moans tickle past her tongue the faster he goes chasing her orgasm.

“Come for me, baby…let me feel you,” he whispers and at his words her stomach clenches and her heart jolts in her chest. He moans with her to heighten the arousal then when she teeters off he kisses the inside of her thigh. “Good girl.”

He moves his face back, but she pulls on his hair, jerking his head up so he looks at her.

“Need you now. Please,” she whimpers.

Very slowly, he licks his lips then pulls his fingers out of her. Very slowly, he licks those, too before clambering on top of her. She reaches for his hardened dick, guiding him inside. He sinks into her easily, moaning into her mouth while he fucks her. She rocks her hips with his, meeting his rhythm with a desirable frenzy.

Their motions are rocking the camper slightly, the bed squeaks quietly as they pursue their high together.

“Feel so good,” he pants on her mouth.

“Faster, faster,” she begs.

A few more quick snaps and she cries out in a loud moan, Calum’s body jerks against hers then he pulls out quickly as he releases on her stomach and then they’re both breathing heavily. She swallows thickly, letting out a gust of air and pets his curls that are now a perfect blend of blond and black. Calum lifts his head and tugs on her bottom lip with his teeth.

“I think we rocked this camper.”

She bursts into laughter then sighs, “Yeah we did. You rocked my world, for sure. Giving me a workout in my legs, babe.”

“Sore?” he kisses her nose then slowly rolls onto his back and moves into the small bathroom. He grabs toilet paper wipes himself off, pulls his boxers and pants back on then kneels on the bed to help clean between her legs and on her stomach.

“Thank you.”

“’Course,” he grins peppering kisses on her belly.

“Lay with me for a bit,” she tugs him down next to her, wincing as she lets her legs relax. She fells the strain in her thighs already and shifts into a comfortable position against him. “We’re really going to do this, right? Go camping and leave the world behind for a bit?”

“We’re going to do this,” he strokes her cheek in assurance, loving how flushed they are from the sex they just had. “You and me and Duke. We’ll make smores, nap in here whenever we want—and yes it has air conditioning,” he laughs.

“It sounds so nice,” she sighs closing her eyes then yawns. She usually falls asleep right after, he wears her out.

“Let’s not sleep out here yet, we gotta check on Duke and start a list.”

“I need to shower first,” she sits up stretching her arms above her head. “Toilet paper doesn’t really get the job done.”

“Can I join you?” he smirks springing into a sitting position and kisses her shoulder.

**

Setting up their campsite didn’t take too long when they arrived. The awning on the camper was easy to assemble and setting up their chairs in the front didn’t take that long as well. The camper was already stocked with the food they bought with their clothes in the drawers set about the whole perimeter. She even added a photo of her, Calum and Duke on one wall so it was officially theirs.

They walked along the beach with Duke collecting shells and sea glass they found. They snacked when they wanted, took a nap in their bed with the windows open. It wasn’t until the third day that Calum was struck with inspiration for his poetry book. He sat out in the sun for a while before she woke up, then when he heard commotion he walked in to see her in nothing but his tank top.

The hem just barely covered her ass, she looked sleepy and beautiful while she sang along to the song “Something” by The Beatles and started the coffee pot. He snatched his phone out quickly, took a sneaky picture of her then opened up his notebook, his pen flying across the page.

From then on the words continued to pour out of him. He thought of words and phrases all day, all of them were mainly about Y/N but he didn’t find anything wrong about that. While they sat around their small campfire, they would play their ukuleles together as the sparks became stars.

He’d ask her for help sometimes if he got stuck on the structure of a poem or if he should keep one line or a different one so it would flow better. She was more than happy to help when asked. Sometimes, right before bed, they’d shut all of the lights off and leave the windows and curtains open so the sound of the ocean waves would blow in. They’d be illuminated by the glow of the stars and moon; hands would wander in soft caresses while his lips kissed the shell of her ear.

After about a week and a half when they went into town to use the laundromat, he was on the phone with Michael then with Ashton. She’s reading the poems he’s finished so far, Calum is tracing his fingers over her back while he’s on the phone, but she’s not paying attention. She’s immersed in his words.

“Y/N….babe…hey love,” his voice pulls her from the words on the page.

“Huh, what? Is the wash done?”

“No,” he grins then crouches in front of her. “How would you feel about meeting up with Mike and Crystal at their little getaway in the hills then heading to the desert with Ash for his album release?”

“Sounds like fun,” she smiles. “When do we leave?”

The windows are down as they cruise along the highway towards Michael and Crystal’s campsite. They’re only staying for five days and Y/N is staring at Calum as he drives. His hair flicks in the wind, he has some scruff forming on his jaw and chin that she loves. It’s a soft scratch on her own cheek or in between her thighs that sends her heart haywire.

“Whaddaya starin’ at over there, little lady?” he smirks then goes right back into singing along with Voodoo by ASL.

“Just you,” she grins then notices a love bite is still red on his neck. She touches it with her finger. “I feel selfish for loving all this time with you.”

“Why do you feel selfish?”

“Because you’d be on tour right now. I feel bad for feeling happy.”

“I get it,” he nods then flashes her a smile, eyes sparkling. “Would it make you feel better if I said I’m happy I’m not on tour right now, too? It’s not ideal for a break but I think it’s a break we all need.”

“Yeah…you all seem more…relaxed. Do the guys know about your poetry project?”

“No, I’m gonna wait until I’m finished with it. I also don’t want to take away from Ash’s moment.”

Michael and Crystal’s camper was much larger than theirs, one side was completely made of glass with sliding doors that overlooked the hills and dunes. The four of them went on a hike with Duke in tow and took plenty of pictures with each other.

All too soon it was time to travel on to the desert where Ashton had a whole set up. He rented out some cabins that looked more like tents on a wooden deck. Calum and Y/N opted out so they could use their camper. While his album played in the calm desert night, Y/N and Calum were snuggled up together discussing the songs quietly with each other.

“I’m going to get ready for bed,” she tells him when the album’s played through.

“Already?” Calum asks kissing her cheek.

“Yeah, long day of driving. I’ll get our sleep things ready,” she grins at him.

“I’ll be in soon,” he wraps his arms around her for a hug. “If you wanna sleep naked tonight, I wouldn’t object to that.”

She giggles and smacks his chest playfully.

“And risk our friends sneaking a peek? I don’t think so, babe,” she snickers then bids everyone else goodnight.

Calum watches her leave, his eyes lowering to her sweatpants covered butt that still looks so adorable.

“Stop staring at me, Hood!” she shouts tossing him a flirty smile over her shoulder.

“Can’t help it, my girl’s hot!” he shouts back, and she shakes her head.

He stays with their group of friends for another twenty minutes until he heads inside, Duke trotting along with him. He circles his bed three times then lays down sighing heavily. Calum locks the door, Y/N’s leaning over their bed adjusting the pillows and curtains. All she has on is one of Calum’s t-shirts black cotton panties with pink lace along the edges.

She heard him come in but didn’t turn around, her focus is on the task at hand at assembling their bed. Calum’s hot hands are on her waist, his fingertips gracing the front of her thighs, his mouth by her ear makes her gasp in surprise.

“You’re not naked, but I love this view, too,” he whispers, his teeth grazing her ear lobe.

Shivers spike her neck as Calum presses himself against her, his hard on apparent against her ass. She bites her lip to suppress the moan when his tongue licks at her neck, his thumbs kneading her ass. His lips kiss her skin delicately before he sucks on it, the air from his nose tickles her skin.

“That tickles,” she sighs leaning against him to feel some form of stimulation on her covered core.

“Should I put my lips somewhere else?” he asks, his fingers already pulling down her panties. The fabric falls to her feet, she kicks it away and Calum palms her ass a little roughly. He gives her a light smack, she yelps in response.

“Where’d you…have in mind?” she swallows thickly attempting to turn around. His hands press on her waist to keep her leaning face forward against the bed.

“Stay right there.”

He kisses her lips quickly then drops to his knees; he pushes apart her legs.

“Can you bend over for me, baby? Let me see how wet you are…” he nips at her ass as she complies, his thumbs spreading her open. He hums at the sigh. “You’re throbbing for me, hm?”

“Caaaal,” she whines pushing her ass backwards.

He chuckles and bites her other cheek. He kisses down her thigh, pausing over her dripping core and kisses the other thigh. She groans in frustration and Calum chuckles darkly rubbing his stubble on her flesh.

“Please, please, please,” she whispers shifting her feet.

He loves to tease her, but he loves to please her more, so he closes his mouth around her pussy, his tongue pulsing against her clit. She lets out a small shriek from his wet tongue finally making contact where she’s been needing him. He laps at her furiously as if he’s in a race with himself to make her cum in record time.

His speed does the job because she’s grasping at the bedspread, breathing heavily, her body warming up as her orgasm takes over. She moans his name, her ears ringing as he keeps going, his tongue and lips slurping and suctioning away.

“You sound so hot,” he pants but continues working her over into another orgasm.

All too quickly, he removes his mouth while her orgasm ebbs away. She hears him shuck off his pants then feels his tip nudge between her folds. She lets out a loud moan from more teasing, her fingers clutching at the bedspread. He teases her entrance more and she can’t take it any longer.

“Fuck, Calum…please, no more teasing.”

“You want me that badly, baby?” he leans over her, pressing his weight against her ass with his tip inching in further.

“Yes,” she groans.

“Will you two be quiet?! For fuck’s sake.”

“Don’t listen, then!” Calum shouts back to Ashton and she looks up to see the window by their bed is still open. The curtains lifting lightly from the breeze.

“Cal!” she squeals and pushes the button for the light. They’re flooded in darkness, but she still desperately needs him.

“Kind of hard when Y/N’s so loud!”

“Plug your ears!” Calum calls and presses himself into her more then teases himself back out.

“Cal?” she lifts her head from the bed craning her neck to look at him.

“Yeah baby?”

“Screaming at Ashton is kind of killing the mood. I can be quiet.”

“I like you loud,” he sighs inserting himself once more, this time further than before. She gasps at the stretch.

“We can wait. I—ohh.”

Calum buries himself inside her, filling her completely and silencing whatever she was going to say. He thrusts gently then pulls out until he finds a good pace, the shirt of his that she’s wearing rides up her back. She closes her eyes from the glorious sensation of his pulls and pushes, biting her lip to try and stay quiet. When he hits a certain spot one spills out so she shoves her knuckles in her mouth.

“No, no, give me your hands,” he pants.

He pulls her hand from her mouth, twisting her arms behind her back and holds them in place on her back. He leans over, the angle causing him to push deeper inside her, he thrusts in tiny pulses.

“Want you to be as loud as you can for me, yeah? You like when I take you from behind?” he pulls back slowly and pauses waiting for an answer.

“Feels so good,” she whines into the bedspread. Having her wrists bound by his hand adds to the excitement and her pleasure, the restraint is enticing.

He grins, stands up straight then plunges inside her with force. It makes her cry out in pleasure and he picks up a quick pace, her body pushes against the bed. He squeezes her wrists then smacks her ass every once in a while. She clenches around him sporadically, small orgasms building to the big one that he knows she’s never silent for. Her breathing picks up and so does his.

“There, there, there, yes, yes, yes!” she cries out and he picks up the pace, tightening his hold on her wrists.

She squeezes his cock, a long-pleasured screech breaking through the surface of the bedspread. It’s animalistic and so sexy that he doesn’t even have time to pull out because he’s coming as well. His stomach tightens and untightens, her rapid clenching dragging his orgasm further.

He breathes evenly through his nose once he relaxes, her own body going lax beneath him and he loosens his hold on her wrists. They fall slack beside her as she tries to catch her own breath.

“Don’t move,” murmurs and pulls out of her slowly. She lets out a soft cry from the loss of him inside her, his arousal leaking out a little. He reaches for a washcloth hanging on the towel bar and wets it in the small bathroom sink. “I got you, baby, hold on.”

She gives a non-committal groan as he cleans her up, his teeth marks and a small red shape from his hand stare back at him. He kisses the marks softly, making sure to be careful at her sensitivity. He grabs a towel and dries her off then helps her back into her panties.

“C’mon, into bed,” he says lifting her gently onto the mattress. She falls into a heap, rolling over sluggishly and stares at him through blissful eyes. She reaches for him. “I’m going to brush my teeth quick, then I’m yours, love.”

He’s true to his word and brushes his teeth quickly. When he climbs into bed she latches herself onto him quickly, dragging his mouth to hers in a lazy kiss.

“I’d say I’m mad that all of our friends just heard us have sex, but I’m too fucked out to really mean it,” she murmurs. He laughs against her lips.

“It’s payback for all the times I’ve heard them. They really don’t care, baby,” he slips his hand under her shirt to tickle her back.

“You know what?”

“Hm?”

“Next time can we actually tie my hands together?”

He perks up at that suggestion. “Really?”

“Yeah, I liked it,” she giggles.

“I liked it, too,” he smiles brushing his lips over her hair. “You want to know something?”

“Hm?”

“I just thought of a dozen poems. Your body’s like poetry.”

The rest of the night is spent in lazy kisses until they eventually fall asleep, words and prose circulating in his dreams.

Taglist: @calpalirwin​​  @thecurlsofgod​​ @myloverboyash​​ @rotten-kandy​​ @tea4sykes​​ @jannimoeller3​​ @loveroflrh​​ @iovehemmings​​ @cxddlyash​​ @princesslrh​​  @katiaw2​​ @g-l-pierce​​ @fairyintheglass​​ @gosh-im-short​​ @banditocth @dezzym17  @lukeisbaby​​ @spicycal​​ @mysticalhood​​ @notinthesameguey​​ @wastedheartcth​​  @itjustkindahappenedreally​​ @calumance​​ @babylon-corgis​​ @thew0rldneedsmcreycghurt​​ @lanternlover2​​ @istaywithmyjonas​​ @calteahood​​ @sarcastically-defensive17​​ @another-lonely-heart​​ @devilatmydoor​​ @frontmanash​​ @philthepegacorn​​ @mantlereid @lukedorkyhemmings​​ @addietagglikesbands​​ @kikixfandoms @sanrioluke​​ @mayve-hems​​ @morguelth @haikucal​​ @thatscooibaby​​ @meghanrose05​​​ @idontneedanyone​​​ @nicebasscalum​​​ @haveufoundwhaturlooking4​ @suchalonelysunflower​​​ @burstintocolor​​​ @zhangyixingxing1​​​ @dead-and-golden​​​ @mymindwide​​​ @everyscarisahealingplace​​​ @stardust-galaxies​​​ @blackbutterfliescal​​​ @redrattlers​​​ @lovelybonesetc​​​ @karajaynetoday​​​ @quasighost​​​ @i-like-5sos​​​ @creampiecashton​​​ @calpops​​ @superbloomed-c​​ @ophelia-enthusiast​​ @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof​​ @flaneurcth​

[eunjidrabbles]

Clarity

hey lovely, sentence prompt for jisoo, please~ Do what you want with it ^^ "Why are you my clarity?"

(This was yet another request by @gominiljido back when I didn’t know my anon ask wasn’t on :’) Hope ya’ll like it

Edit: So I was thinking... wouldn’t it be funny if I updated twice in a week? So I did. Now laugh at my prank so I will do it more often.)

Word count: About 2k

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There was a certain pressure to being the oldest in a group. It doesn't matter if you were named the leader or not, all eyes would always automatically drift to you whenever things go wrong. It was an unnecessary burden of pressure just because you were born a few years before everyone else. Part of Jisoo hated the fact that she had to be the one to act responsible most of the time and remind the younger ones to pull their act together and not act out lest they attract more trouble. She loved her members, with no doubts but there were times she wished that they were all more responsible for themselves. The perfect example was no time like the current.

Promotions were honestly a time like no other. As a group, they were easily able to get through promotions of their singles but with the release of their album, their schedules were packed full. There were days where the only sleep they could catch was on the van on their way to shoots or even in between shooting while they waited for their solo scenes. With such little rest and having to remain smiling as they rush from schedule to schedule put everyone in an unexplainably tense and short temper. At first it was just frowns and a comment here and there out of annoyance but with no other means of releasing their tension, it grew to poisonous words thrown at each other. When they do get a chance to head back to their dorm, it didn’t get any better. Out of sight of their managers and fans, their voices were raised and often it just ended up in shouting matches between members until tears were shed and everyone went back to their own rooms unhappily. Jisoo had tried hard to be the middle person to stop the fights at first but when she herself gets dragged into the fight while trying to stop it, she gave up. After all, which group doesn’t have their days where everyone didn’t get along?

At least that was what Jisoo thought. A few days was understandable, but this was dragging well past two whole months. This is getting out of hand. Sighing as the loud slamming of a door solidified her point, she didn’t even bother looking up from her game on her phone.

“Are you serious Lisa?! You can’t even keep your cats in your room-” Sounds of thumping footsteps and another chasing the first vibrated through the halls of the house.

“You know that I have to let them out everyday at this timing! You can’t blame me when you leave the door to your room open when you have food out in the open!”

This is ridiculous-

“This is ridiculous!” Hearing her thoughts being echoed out loud, Jisoo sighed from the couch and peeked her head around the back of it just to make sure the quarreling pair haven’t started tearing their fangs into one another yet before going back to focusing on her game. Hearing voices get louder, she started to frown and flicked her eyes briefly up to the approaching pair. Sitting up from the couch to make her presence known to the two, her frown deepened when they paid no attention to her and continued their argument. Deciding that butting in was not worth the headache, she removed herself off the couch and moved into the kitchen blindly reaching out to open the fridge to grab a drink while her eyes were locked onto her screen. Cracking open the bottle, she took a sip of the cool drink right as the first curses started being thrown around. Glancing out the kitchen, the two were out of her sight but she was mildly concerned. Huffing, she forced her attention back onto her game. She can’t always be there to play referee when they start quarreling.

Taking more swigs of her drink didn’t seem to help with the steadily approaching headache as the quarreling got louder and louder. Clenching her jaw in annoyance, she threw annoyed glances out the kitchen as if the owners of the voices could sense her irritation. Her posture was tensed, as she heard another door slam open and another voice joined in the shouting, this time telling for the other two to “Shut the fuck up, I’m trying to rest!” That was when the calm vocalist snapped.

A sharp white noise started ringing in her ears from the harsh words thrown at each other, piercing right through her head. Settling herself down at the dining table, she squeezed her eyelids shut and her hands abandoned her phone and automatically raised up to start massaging her temple. Mentally blocking the yelling in the background out, Jisoo took deep breaths again and again. At some point of time, she thought she felt hands on her trying to get her attention but when she reopened her eyes along with an inhale and moved her palms away, she was only met with an empty dining room with the lights dimmed. Looking up at the clock in the dining room, it told her of the hours of rest she had lost just sitting at the table. It took a second to reorientation herself and remember where she was, and what she was doing. Everything sounded too distant, and she could barely focus on a single thing for a few seconds before her heavy head lowered and her gaze followed, travelled lower and lower until she was staring at her knees. That's when Jisoo decided that breaking the rules doesn't matter. What mattered was that she needed to get out of that enclosed house for at least the rest of the day. She deserved to have her moments where she didn’t have to be responsible for her own doings.

Rushing to her room, she changed out her clothes for something baggier and more comfortable before grabbing a mask and a cap and shrugging everything on. Checking her phone for the time, she nodded to herself and booked for a cab. Shoving an extra set of clothing and her keys in her bag, she slipped out of the back door, cautious of letting anyone see her. The ride in the cab was almost in silence other else than the radio playing songs from their album. Frowning yet again to hear it, she pulled out her own earpiece and blocked out the world with her own choice of music and stared at the evening skies above and the flashes of streetlights as the car whizzes by.

Her body recognized the familiar surroundings before her brain could, and before she realized, she was out of the car and letting her body have a mind on it’s own to walk its way while she was still preoccupied with her thoughts. It was as if she was watching her body move from a stranger’s perspective, as her hand slipped into her bag to pull out the set of keys and open the doors to step in. The heating in the house was what brought her slowly back to her senses as her body warmed up from the cold air outside. That was when she felt her freezing fingertips slowly warm up and she raised them up to her face and slowly remove her mask and cap, toeing her shoes off, then let her bag drop to the ground with a soft thud. With each article removed, it felt easier and easier to breathe.

Sluggishly moving her way into the house, her ears picked up on humming coming from the only lit room in the house; the kitchen. Shuffling her way further in, she stopped by the entryway into the kitchen where the humming and few words of lyrics was coming from the source. The aroma of the food and sizzling of the pan reminded Jisoo of the fact that she has yet to eat anything after breakfast and she could feel her stomach growling in hunger, yet she did not dare to make a noise to disturb the scene in front of her. You were by the stove, happily humming and singing whatever songs that came to your mind despite the fact there was no music playing as you did silly little dances while you cooked your dinner. Tears sprung to Jisoo’s eyes as she relished in the warmth you emitted even though you were probably just doing your routines you did daily. There was comfort in the simplicity of life that you lived that Jisoo wished that she could have instead of all the attention being in front of the clicking cameras and heated fans. That was why she was with you. She knew that nothing else mattered when she stepped foot into this house. It was a sanctuary, that whoever she is to the public can be left behind right at the door and she can be as true to herself as she wants to in this environment. It was her home in her heart.

Feeling herself calm down completely and the last bit of her ache fade away, she moved forward and timed her hug just as you moved back in front of the stove from the sink. You tensed up momentarily, before relaxing without even looking back and letting out a pleased chuckle.

“I thought you still had about a month of promotions to go through?”

She shifted her arms around you, pulling you closer to her. Cautious of burning your food, you kept your eyes on the pan as you leaned back and nuzzled against her. The fact that she gave no reply told you enough of what she was feeling. Pouting a little, you scooped up a small portion of your food with a spoon and turned your head slightly to feed Jisoo over your shoulder. Feeling her bite down on the spoon, you took the chance to meet her eyes and it confirmed your suspicions.

“You sneaked out, didn’t you?” Sighing with a small smile still on your face, you pulled the spoon out of her mouth and started transferring your food onto a plate you prepared earlier. “I only cooked for one, but we can share.” Feeling movements of her head nodding at your back, you continued. “I demand cuddles later though. I missed you.” Turning around, you faced her and gently brushed her loose strands of hair behind her ear.

“Welcome home, Jisoo.”

Leaning her forehead against yours, you watched as she closed her eyes and completely relaxed against you. You remained in the same position for a few minutes before your stomach grumbled from the aroma of your meal right behind you and Jisoo opened her eyes again.

"You help make everything better."

"Thank you, I try." It was a simple statement. You knew how harsh it is. You couldn’t do much, but you accepted the fact and still chose to stay with her. To be there to catch her fall. To be the home she needed to build herself back up again. That was the least you could give.

Leaning forward, you shared a gentle kiss. Pulling away slightly to take a full look at you, Jisoo ran her hand through your hair and pulled you into her chest. There were times where Jisoo had thought to herself this one question when she looked at you: Why are you my clarity? There was no exact answers that she could give herself, but deep down she knew it more than just a feeling.

"You're my clarity. My home. My everything. The beauty in even the worst of things. Thank you for staying."

You could hear her heart thumping being so close. You could feel the sincerity in every word she spoke. You were just about to reply when you heard an even louder growl and you looked up at Jisoo with a surprised but amused look in your face and you were met with a red blush that was spreading quickly over her cheeks. At the same time, you both burst out in laughter at the ruined but still warm moment you shared a few seconds ago before you turned around and grabbed the plate of food. Turning back to Jisoo who was still trying to calm her laughter, you raised it between both your faces.

“Let’s eat together?”

[haledamage]

Coming Home

I'm a day late because this thing got much bigger than I expected, but better late than never! This is for @shepherds-of-haven Shepherds Summer 2021! The prompt was Pacific Rim AU!

Some of the backstory stuff is from this post here. Some is just pushing ShoH canon slightly to the left so it fits better in a Pacific Rim setting. Some is the result of reading ShoH and watching PacRim at the same time and then taking a nap to see what seeds got planted. There will be a part 2 to this because I had to split it up in order to finish it on time and then I was late anyway.

Shepherds of Haven/Pacific Rim AU. Iorwen Emroth/Blade Bronwyn (well, hints of it. more in part 2)

---

The Haven Shatterdome looked very small from overhead. Iorwen watched it loom closer with a trepidation somewhere between “being late for an important exam” and “being read her last rites.”

It had been just over two years since she’d last been this close to a Jaeger, half a world away and in a different life, but all the Shatterdomes looked the same after a while. Steel and glass and everything painted in olive drab, black, and safety yellow. 

Part of her felt like it was too soon to walk into those hangar doors again, the empty space at her side where her partner used to be still a raw, open wound. She couldn’t even think xer name yet without feeling like she couldn’t breathe. Returning to work felt like a betrayal of xer memory.

Another part of her, louder with every passing minute, was just so happy to be home again.

"Wen!"

Iorwen had barely stepped out of the helicopter when she heard her name called and turned to see Red jogging toward her. He looked more tired than she remembered him, but his smile was as bright as ever, his hair vivid against their otherwise drab surroundings. She’d known he was here - he’d transferred to Haven shortly after she left Capra - but hearing it and actually seeing him were two very different things.

She dropped her bag carelessly to the tarmac and ran to meet him halfway, throwing herself at him as soon as he was close enough to wrap her arms around his neck. He hugged her back without hesitation. They were making a Hel of a scene in the middle of the landing pad, but neither of them really cared.

"I knew you'd come back," he mumbled into her hair.

"Had to." She finally pulled away, stepping back just enough that she could see him. "You can barely tie your shoes without me, Liefred."

He only laughed before leaving her side just long enough to grab her bag. He slung an arm around her shoulders as he rejoined her, dragging her towards the hangar. "Welcome home."

She stared up at the Shatterdome, hangar doors towering over them. It didn't look nearly as welcoming as Red seemed to think it should, and was much more intimidating than it had been from the air. It still smelled like blood and motor oil - or maybe it was her memory that did.

She tried to put on her best smile anyway, for his sake if not her own, and let him drag her inside.

They stepped into a hive of activity, the sounds of machinery and voices echoing off the walls, laughter and shouting and clanging metal rising up to greet them. She tried to stop and take it in, but Red was still dragging her along with him out of the main hangar and into a labyrinth of hallways; she probably could have escaped him if she tried, but she didn’t really want to.

“Have you met the Marshal yet?” he asked, once they were in a quiet enough place that he didn’t have to yell to be heard.

“Not yet. Mostly talked to his second so far.” Trouble Alder had, in fact, shown up out of the blue one day three months ago, sitting on her front porch with a stick of charch between his lips and looking completely at home. He’d revisited her every day for a month until he’d finally worn her down enough to convince her to come home. Stubborn bastard. “What's he like?”

“Intense,” Red answered almost immediately. “Most of the younger crew are terrified of him. He doesn't like me.”

Iorwen scoffed. “Bullshit. You’re the most exceptionally likeable person I’ve ever met. Everyone likes you.”

“He doesn't.” 

They stopped in front of a door in what was probably the barracks, the walls lined with identical doors on either side. Sure enough, there was a simple bed, a dresser, and not much else inside. Iorwen didn’t mind; she didn’t need much else.

Once she’d dropped off her bag and they started down the next hallway, Red continued, “I don't know if he likes anyone. He barely says two words to anyone but Trouble.”

She was still skeptical, but didn’t push. “Well, he must be doing something right. Look at this place. Capra barely had a skeleton crew compared to this.”

“It’s amazing!” Just like that, Red lit up again. “Some of Blest’s best and brightest are here. Pilots, mechanics, scientists, strategists, you name it.”

“And which of those are you? All of the above?”

“Mostly scientist, I think,” Red rubbed a sheepish hand over his hair. “There’s better pilots. Pan, Neon, and I serve better in the lab than on the field most of the time.” He paused, watching her cautiously, before adding carefully, “And… which will you be?”

“I’ll be working in the clinic,” she said quickly. “As a Healer. I’m not… ready to be around Jaegers again. I might never be.”

“I understand,” he assured her, reaching out to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We all do.”

They fell silent after that, and stayed that way until they stopped in front of a door labelled Administration. “This is Shery’s office. She’ll get you all set up.”

“Thanks, Red.”

“Anytime.” With one final quick hug, he turned to leave, only to stop halfway down the hall. “Oh, and Wen?”

“Hmm?”

“Welcome to the Shepherds.”

---

It was two weeks before Iorwen finally met the Marshal, and it happened entirely by accident.

She had just finished a shift in the clinic, patching up minor burns and bruises on unlucky mechanics and restless pilots. The silence between Kaiju attacks left everyone on edge, and that led to carelessness, which inevitably meant stupid injuries. She didn’t mind. All things considered, she’d rather have the silence.

As she turned a corner, she noticed a light was on in the training room, and curiosity led her there without much input on her part.

She recognized the man in the room easily enough. Even if they’d never spoken directly, she’d seen him around enough to know who he was. He commanded the attention of a room like no one she’d ever met before. He was hard to look away from, even here, out of uniform and either unaware or uncaring of her presence.

Magnetic. That’s what he was.

He was also much younger than she expected for a Marshal. He was close to her own age, or at least she assumed he was. She wondered about the story there - obviously there must be one - but knew better than to ask the rumor mill. Gossip was like dust: inevitable, everywhere, and harder to see through the more you stirred it up.

The Marshal’s back stiffened, and Iorwen knew she’d been caught staring even before he glanced over his shoulder in her direction. She stepped into the room as casually as possible. “Hello, Marshal.”

He simply nodded, dark eyes unreadable. “Ranger.” She bit her lip to stop herself from correcting him. “Emroth, right?”

“Yes, sir.” She approached until she could finally see his face. “Iorwen.”

Another nod. “Blade.” She thought he would leave it there, but after a moment, he spoke again. “Antiqua speaks highly of you.”

“Of course he does. He's biased.” She laughed, rolling her eyes at the idea that Red was going around extolling her virtues to anyone who would listen. When the Marshal - Blade, she mentally corrected herself - gave her a look that she interpreted as curiosity, she elaborated. “We trained together as cadets. He was my first Drift partner actually.”

“But you never piloted together?”

“No. It…” Iorwen broke eye contact, the floor suddenly fascinating. “It didn't work out that way.”

“It's not too late,” he said, almost softly.

“Yes it is. I'm not a Ranger anymore. Not after…” Xer name got stuck in her throat, like it always did. She took a couple of deep breaths until she could comfortably breathe around it again, but her smile was still sad. “I'm happier on the ground. I'm a good Healer. It's where I should be.”

She could feel Blade’s eyes on her, but she didn’t look back up to meet them. Eventually, all he said was, “I see.”

He turned his back on her again and it didn’t take long before her gaze was drawn to him again. He was wearing a tank top, like most people did when they came here to train or spar, and standing this close she could clearly see the web of electrical scarring trailing over his arm and shoulder.

She knew those scars well. The scars of someone forced to solo pilot a Jaeger. She should know, she had a matching set.

Blade did an admirable job of pretending he didn’t know he was being observed, but he moved too carefully for it to look entirely casual. Or maybe he just always moved like that. He picked up a bo staff and tested the weight of it.

Iorwen took the opportunity that presented without thought or hesitation. “Looking for a dance partner?”

The briefest flash of surprise crossed his face before his expression smoothed back out. “Are you… sure?” he asked carefully. If she didn’t know better, she might say he almost sounded nervous.

She found it charming. She found him charming, with his not-quite-smile and his cool confidence, this magnetic man who could simultaneously terrify the cadets while inspiring absolute loyalty in them.

But she didn’t tell him that, of course. She just grabbed a staff of her own and grinned as she lifted it in a fencing salute. “On your guard, Marshal.”

---

After that first night, it became a regular thing. Not every day, not even on a set schedule. But sometimes after she was done in the clinic or in the garage, Iorwen would stop by the training room, and sometimes when she did, Blade would already be there. Not waiting for her, not exactly, but never surprised when she arrived.

He never really said much, but she didn't mind talking for the both of them. She could tell he was warming up to her, as the weeks passed; his silence felt much less formal and stiff and more cordial. Eventually, even friendly.

Two things were apparent from the very beginning, though. Well, three things. The first was that Blade, as a fighter, was completely out of her league. She never stopped by with any expectation of beating him; she was content to follow his lead. It was nice to be active again, to feel the familiar burn in muscles left dormant in her self-imposed retirement.

The second was that they were extremely drift compatible. While Iorwen could never beat him, she could consistently predict him. They could both be blindfolded and still know what move the other would make. There was an effortlessness to the way they understood each other that bordered on the supernatural. It was a kind of connection that she hadn’t felt since Zori had been killed.

The third thing was that neither of them were willing, in any way, shape, or form, to admit the second thing.

It was barely a week before Red found out.

He flopped down on the bench next to her in the cafeteria. “I brought those papers you were looking for to your room last night, but you weren’t there.” He didn’t say it as an accusation, but it still managed to feel like one.

“I spent a couple hours in the training room,” she said as casually as possible. “Trying to get back in shape.”

Red blinked a few times, letting that sink in, before smiling wide. “That’s really good. Let me know if you ever need a sparring partner.”

“I kind of… have one?”

“You do?” His smile went from friendly to devious, the look of a man who had four sisters and was willing to tease her as if she was a fifth. “Who?”

Before she could stop herself, she looked across the room at Blade. He sat at a table with Trouble, whose laughter was loud enough to reach them even from the other side of the busy cafeteria. The Marshal’s face remained impassive, looking like he wasn’t even listening, but Iorwen knew him well enough to tell he was amused.

As if he could feel her watching him, his eyes snapped up and locked on hers. She smiled at him; he nodded almost imperceptibly.

Red cleared his throat, and she looked away quickly, turning her attention back to the smugly amused grin of her best friend. “Well, I guess maybe it’s not everyone he doesn’t like.”

“Guess it’s just you.” She nudged his shoulder and he rubbed at it as if she’d hurt him. “He’s not as bad as you made him out to be.” She couldn’t stand his knowing look anymore and turned away, but doing so led her eyes right back to Blade. “He's nicer than he looks. And surprisingly funny. He doesn't treat me like I'm fragile. Like I'll break if someone talks about… Zori.” 

Mentioning her former Drift partner and copilot didn’t hurt as much as she expected it to this time. Less like twisting a knife in her heart and more like being poked in a fresh bruise.

Mentioning xer also stopped whatever comment Red had been about to make right in its tracks. He studied her with obvious curiosity, mouth still half-open in surprise. Whatever he saw on her face had him leaning forward and tapping his forehead against hers, a quick gesture of affection and understanding. She leaned into it until he pulled away.

And then his teasing smile was back as if it had never left. “Plus, he's handsome.”

She eyed him warily, but let him have the subject change. “That too.” She picked up a piece of fruit from her plate and popped it into her mouth. “Please don’t say anything about this to Pan or Neon.”

“Scout’s honor.”

“I mean it, Red. Not a word.”

---

“So I hear you and the Marshal have a thing.”

Iorwen sighed from the very depths of her soul. “I hope Red knows how very dead he’s about to be.”

Panrachus looked legitimately confused at her response. “What? I didn’t hear that from Red, I heard it from Caine.” Then he gasped, eyes widening with sudden, delighted recognition. “What does Red know?”

She only barely bit back a groan. “Why are you even here?”

“Right! We’ve got something you oughta come see.”

She followed him, with more than a little trepidation, out of the clinic, through the office labyrinth, and out into the hangar. It took her a few minutes to get her bearings and realize where exactly they were going. “Why are we going to the Jaeger bays?” He didn’t answer. “Pan?”

Then they turned the corner, and she had her answer.

Looming over her was a Jaeger unlike any she’d seen before. It looked almost lanky, the proportions lean and sleek instead of the more familiar bulky designs. It would be unbelievably fast with the right pilots; she could tell that just from looking at it. From the top of each wrist, a wicked-looking blade extended over the hand, almost long enough to drag the ground. It was painted black, navy, and silver, but its eyes glowed bright blue.

From the ground, it almost looked like iladrin. Like the same blue light that lit Iorwen’s own eyes.

“What’s her name?” she whispered, unable to tear her eyes away from the Jaeger.

“Stellar Enigma.”

“Who’s piloting her?”

“You are.”

She jumped at the unexpected voice behind her and turned to see Blade, Red, and Trouble approaching, along with an entourage of what looked to be equal parts Shatterdome leadership, actual engineers, and nosy onlookers.

“You are,” Blade said again, quieter, softer, “Ranger.”

“Blade, I--” Iorwen started, but she wasn’t sure what she actually intended to say.

He reached up and lightly pinched her cheek, a faint smile on his lips. “You’ll be alright.”

Before she could reply, Trouble gently but pointedly cleared his throat, reminding her of their audience. She glared his way, just for a second; he grinned back, unabashed and unrepentant.

“Who’s my copilot? Sir.” She added the last as an afterthought, trying to act some semblance of professional.

“I get the feeling you already have someone in mind.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Bit early to be reading my thoughts, isn’t it, Marshal?”

---

Iorwen’s suit didn’t fit as well as she remembered. Tight around the shoulders, too loose at the waist. Like it was meant for someone else, no matter how many things tried to tell her otherwise.

Blade’s fit him like a second skin. He looked like a Jaeger cockpit was where he was always meant to be. Like it was the rest of the world that didn’t fit him right instead.

She met his inscrutable gaze before ‘admiring’ could cross the line to ‘ogling’. “You look good.”

He paused for a long time, staring back at her in silence, before finally clearing his throat. “You too.”

She grinned, both at the compliment and at the sight of the Marshal so off-balance, but she took pity on him and changed the subject. “Do you want the left or right?”

“Right.”

“Good. I prefer left.”

They didn’t speak anymore as they connected to their harnesses and their suits started interfacing with the Jaeger, the computerized voice talking them through system checks. It took longer than Iorwen remembered, but it had been a long time since she last Drifted with anyone, let alone with someone new.

“Are you sure about this?” she asked, once their helmets were in place and they’d run out of checks to do. “I’m not--”

“Yes,” he interrupted sharply. “You’re ready. We both are.”

There were a lot of things she wanted to say. To thank him, mostly, for a list of things that seemed to be growing bigger by the hour. She kept quiet; he’d hear it in her thoughts soon enough.

“Initiating neural handshake in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… neural interface drift initiated.”

Between one breath and the next, she was somewhere else. Images flowed over her, some familiar, some new. She did her best to let them pass, to not cling too hard to any of them.

The destruction of Drummond's Point, the first attack the day the Kaiju came. Iorwen, dragging Zori's unconscious body out of town as fast as thirteen-year-old legs could carry her. Blade, stern and silent even as a child, a soldier from the day he was born. Zori, tears at the corners of xer eyes as xe laughs at a joke Pan told, Red and Neon joining in, the three of them always together even then. Blade's older brother, startlingly similar to him in appearance and demeanor, the two of them either sparring or fighting; for them, there had never been much difference.

Zori's scream as xe's ripped out of the cockpit. Gladius didn't make a sound as he met the same fate.

Iorwen's grief washed up against Blade's, soothing in it's familiarity. A gentle reminder that they weren't alone anymore, that thanks to the Drift they'd never be entirely alone again.

She saw him in her memory of their first meeting. Stern, aloof, but warm underneath, like a fire behind frosted glass. Captivating her before he even so much as looked at her. 

And then herself through his eyes at that same introduction. Sad, withdrawn, but still burning bright. The embodiment of stubborn hope, like a flower blooming in a snowy field.

And then they broke through the surface, both gasping as they came up for air. Below them, Stellar Enigma came to life. The rush of memories and emotions settled into the background, present but no longer demanding attention.

“Pilot connection stabilized.” It wasn’t the computer’s voice this time, but Shery over the intercom. “How do you feel?”

Moving as one, Blade and Iorwen lifted their hands, right fist resting on left palm, and bowed. Stellar Enigma did the same, moving as smoothly as her pilots did. Iorwen couldn’t tell which of them the wave of elation came from, but it burst out of her in a laugh.

“It feels like coming home.”

[taekooktimeline]

November 20, 2020 (live)

BTS broadcast a Comeback vlive, with Yoongi not there due to his shoulder surgery. 

When Joon dramatically yells “V!” to introduce Tae - referencing “jump” - Jk keeps his ritual alive and begins singing Tae’s part in “jump” by himself. Subtitles don’t pick it up.

As a result of Jk extending his intro, Tae plays along by posing like this:

(Timestamp 3:25)

Speculation on Kayla’s part but something she wants to note - Interestingly, when the camera pans out, we can see Tae’s and Jk’s concept room photos next to each other.

Close up -

The others’ concept photos are seen in the wide shot but it’s curious TK’s were placed standing up, next to each other and separate from the others.

Better look at the other concept rooms scattered below:

(Timestamp 5:54, zoom out SS at 13:09 and 31:13)

Members take turns to photograph each other as they pose with Yoongi’s cardboard picture. Tae ends up taking Jk’s pics, and since Jk started messing with others’ angles and wanting to create  the funniest pictures, Tae commits to the task by focusing on the humorous part a little past his liking.

First call out -

Tae still tries to get a funny shot by not including Jk’s entire face. Jk whines and corrects his angle -

(Timestamp 8:40-9:00)

When Yoongi gets on the phone with them, Tae asks for his opinion about his talking skills during the press conference as an allusion to the mistake he made, clowning himself. Members laugh and Jimin high-fives Tae.

Jk can’t help himself and teases Tae by verbalizing the phrase that everyone is thinking about. More laughs ensue.

He scrunches his nose as he recalls the incident that BTS won’t let go of and keep bringing up.

(Timestamp 10:35)

They continue teasing him during the intro of his song “Blue and Grey”. Joon uses Tae’s extravagant phrase while Jk mischievously asks him about the genre. Tae has a faint, shy smile as he speaks.

(Timestamp 17:40)

Various members express love for Tae’s song, including Jk.

(Timestamp 18:40)

As Tae describes “Blue and Grey”, Jk holds up his slipper to his outfit and jokes how this is blue and grey. The discussed is a beautiful but weighty song about Tae’s struggles and Tae was feeling a bit uncomfortable when the word “depressed” was brought up, so Jk might have thought it was good to bring some levity to the situation by being funny and holding up his slipper to showcase the colors, or it might have just been a cute realization.  

(Timestamp 21:43)

Jk explains how “Stay” was originally the last song for his mixtape.

Off camera, Tae waves his hand which Jk comments on, before saying Tae supported the song. Tae was playfully asking to be recognized for his role in its inclusion on the album.

Tae appears pleased as Jk goes on to explain how, rather than doing it himself, it was Tae who had the members and even the company listen to the song to get it included in BE - confident in its potential.

Jimin then affirms all the members ended up supporting the song being included.

Joon and Jimin then discuss how they originally considered another song for the album but the members didn’t like it. That’s when Tae suggested they listen to “Stay” - which, up until that moment, only Jk and Tae had heard.

After Tae suggested “Stay” the members listened to it in the practice room.

Hobi then reiterated what Jimin said - that once they heard it they agreed with Tae and supported Jk’s song being included in BE. 

(Timestamp 31:54)

As the members discuss “Dynamite”, it seems that staff informed them about Jk having something on his neck and he either asked Tae for help or Tae read the sign and showed attentiveness, which led to Jk exposing his neck for his inspection and getting cleaned by him

(Timestamp 35:32)

Close ups -

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHzuVHCIQbE/?igshid=tu7hbchl1vu5 

They move onto the MV reaction. When Bighit’s logo appears on screen, Tae complains by pointing out they should’ve used Jk’s “Golden Closet” brand since he was the director.

Jk echoes him.

(Timestamp 37:37)

The members ask Tae why he rubs his lips in the LGO MV and he explains it’s a habit. Jk says he’s never seen him do that which causes the members to laugh. The humor resides in the fact that they are close and he should’ve noticed if it was in fact a habit.

Tae laughingly insists it’s a habit.

(Timestamp 43:03)

BTS hold a raffle to change their “BE album” parts for the filming process of the CB vlive’s, impromptu version of their latest MV. Tae is in charge of being the hair and makeup artist and goes around applying lipstick to the members.

(Tae starts by applying lipstick to Hobi around 59:33; at 59:56 is when he applies to Jk)

Jimin - who previously tried to avoid having the silly lipstick done and swore revenge - doesn’t let Tae get away with not having lipstick on and teases by holding him and commanding Jk to apply it to him.

Despite initially saying he’d do it faintly, Jk mischievously applies it to Tae in a messy manner.

Upon completing, he peeks at Tae and throws his head back in laughter. He absolutely loves being responsible for such ridiculous results.

(Timestamp 1:01:02)

Jk and Tae make eye contact and Jk erupts in another fit of laughter.

Jk’s legs buckle as he laughs at Tae’s look, finding it hysterical.

He then pats Tae on the back

before running his hand down his arm.

He laughs some more while patting Tae a second time, which reads as “forgive me but this is too good”. Tae is happy to cause such a joyful reaction. 

(Timestamp 1:02:08)

When Joon raps his part in LGO, Tae is in the background styling Jk’s hair in maknae line’s typical, absurd way (creating “horns” or spikes) - as he did with everyone else, making the most out of his stylist position. It’s hard to capture an SS from the raw footage but it may be seen around the 1:03:44-1:03:45 mark, right behind him and the Yoongi cut out.

https://twitter.com/_k91230v_/status/1330065648811184135?s=21 

When Tae appears on screen to sing his part in LGO, Jk starts laughing again while wrinkling his nose.

(Timestamp 1:03:58)

Tae goes to stand by Jk after Jk’s solo part. Tae briefly pats him on the back (SS don’t do it justice).

(Timestamp 1:04:14)

As the group sings, Tae turns to Jk and gets his attention.

He then flicks his chin.

Jk responds by pointing at Tae and starting to laugh heartily all over again at Tae’s look, who made it increasingly funny by acting serious.

Jk slightly scrunches his nose in laughter.

(Timestamp 1:04:26)

https://vlive.tv/post/0-19932216