#<- more like my reblog but i want to keep track of what i’ve added on posts!

[runnning-outof-time]

Hiiii, thank you so much for all of these they are so wonderful.

I would love something with Tommy and maybe 30? "You're not hurt are you?"

Was thinking maybe Tommy comes home after a particularly trying day and just flops onto the couch. Y/N comes home from food shopping shortly after and finds him and is concerned for him. They can be either married or whatever you see fit.

Uhmm I'd love it to be nice and fluffy, and I know you said you're not into writing shut sooo just go as heavy as you feel comfortable with and coat it with fluff and I'll be happy. >w< thank you so much I hope you're doing well and I'm happy to be part of this celebration with you! 💜

Thanks so much for sending this in, @chumon ! I’m sorry it took so long for me to write! I absolutely love this idea (thanks for adding some more detail to it…it made it easy to follow). I hope you like what I did with it! Enjoy! :)

I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! - YOUR COMMENTS & REBLOGS HELP ME WRITE!

Part of my 3.5k Celebration — find more stories here!

Never Tired For You

Tommy Shelby x Reader

Warnings: a slightly suggestive conversation/situation

Word Count: 1153

Summary: (Y/N) finds Tommy laying on the couch and immediately thinks the worst…he couldn’t just be laying down, right?

Tommy was tired. It had only been two days into his two week stay in London, and he already felt exhausted by the numerous meetings he had to carry out. There was so much to keep track of: the on-going deal with Alfie Solomons and all of the turns that took, making sure Arthur continued to keep things in line at the Eden Club, and keeping tabs of whatever Inspector Campbell was going to have him do next.

Somehow he managed to carve out an afternoon to himself. He was hoping to spend it with his wife, (Y/N), who had joined him on this trip — against his own volition — but upon returning to his sister’s home, he found that she wasn’t in.

So he decided to lay down on the couch. Yes, Tommy Shelby actually took a moment for himself so that he could rest. No, the world didn’t come to an end. But he actually managed to find a position comfortable enough that made him want to stay on the couch.

(Y/N) had been out grocery shopping. She realized that Ada needed a few things, and so with nothing better to do she set out and ran some errands.

The surprise that was waiting for her back at the house just about made her drop the basket she was carrying. Never had she seen her husband laid out on the couch — especially in the middle of the day. The sight of it alone was enough to get her mind running in overdrive.

“Tommy? What’s happened?” she got right to the point as she hurried over to the couch he was laying on.

“Huh?” he asked in confusion, beginning to move from his laying position so that he could sit once more.

“No, don’t move,” she rushed to stop him, her one hand extended in his direction, “you’re not hurt, are you?” Asking the question made her heart drop. She’d did a quick scan of his frame and found nothing glaring at her, but she couldn’t be too sure.

“No, love, I’m not,” he shook his head, continuing with his motions of sitting up, looking up at her with furrowed eyebrows. “I was just laying down,” he told her then, fishing the pack of cigarettes out of his pocket so that he could slide one between his lips.

The second half of his statement made (Y/N) audibly gasp. There’s no way that Tommy Shelby would willingly lay down, she thought to herself incredulously. “Ok now I’m worried, Tom. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes,” he chuckled at her worry, “there’s not a scratch on me. I’ve just had a long day is all,” he made another attempt to quell her concerns. The look on her face told him that she didn’t quite buy it. “Would you like to check for yourself?” he asked then, his one eyebrow quirking upwards as a grin teetered on his lips.

She could tell by his facial expression that his question was leaning on the suggestive side of things. Just the thought of what he was hinting at made heat rush to her cheeks. His cheekiness was one of the things she loved about him.

“Hmm?” Tommy cut into her thoughts, looking up at her through his eyelashes as he waited for her response.

“No…” she trailed off, biting her bottom lip to conceal her grin when she saw a tinge of disappointment fill his features, “I think I’ll believe you. And besides…you said you had a long day,” she called back to his previous statement.

“I had a long day…doesn’t mean I’m too tired for me wife,” he reminded her, the previous glint returning to his eyes.

“Maybe later,” she decided, her grin growing to match his.

“C’mere then,” he beckoned, leaning back against the couch as he placed the cigarette between his lips again.

“Let me put these away first,” she answered him, lifting the basket she was still holding. He nodded in response and she went to the kitchen to put the groceries away. Moments later, she was back in the front room curled up into Tommy’s side. “So you’ve really only had a long day?” she couldn’t help but bring their previous conversation up again.

“Yes,” he answered, his fingertips absentmindedly dancing over the skin of her arm. “Arthur’s losing it at the club again…I’m not sure what I’m going to do with him.”

“Give him another chance,” (Y/N) suggested, lifting her head from his shoulder when she felt his eyes on her. “I mean it,” she doubled down on her stance, her eyes locked with his.

Tommy pursed his lips and thought about her comments for a moment before he let out a breath and looked to the windows.

“I’ll drop it,” she broke the silence, realizing that his mind was going again. She didn’t want to ruin this moment. “Let’s go back to just sitting here.”

After speaking, she turned on the couch so that she was able to straddle his lap. His hands quickly found their home on her hips, and his eyes were immediately back on hers as the mischievous glint returned.

“Just sitting here, eh?” he questioned her with raised eyebrows.

“I’m sitting,” she grinned, her hands finding his cheeks before she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. Tommy’s hands moved to press flat against her back as their kiss deepened, bringing her body flush against his.

“If this is what it’d be like…” he breathed as they pulled away just slightly, “I’ll have to start coming home early more often.”

“If you hold up your end of the bargain, I’ll hold up mine, Mr. Shelby,” (Y/N) pulled further away from him so that he could see the smile present on her face.

Their lips met again, teeth clashing and tounges pressing together as they became lost in their embrace. Tommy tried to be sneaky with it, but (Y/N) pulled away when she felt him start to unbutton the top of her dress.

“Not so tired anymore, hmm?” she questioned, a suggestive glint in her eye as she sat up straight, her hands running down his cheeks so that she could settle them on his shoulders.

“Never tired for you, love,” he husked, his eyes blown with lust as he managed to continue with his mission despite her breaking further away from him.

“Let’s go to our room then. I don’t think Ada’d want us to do this on her couch.”

That was all Tommy needed to stop what he was doing and drop his hands from her frame. “Go on, then,” he nodded his head to her, “lead the way.”

(Y/N) wasted no time in standing from his lap. She waited for him to stand also before she gingerly took hold of his hand and led him to the steps and up to their room.

*tags in the reblogs so they’ll hopefully get sent out

MASTERLIST

[fungus-gnats]

thanks for the tag!!! :) i went down a little rabbit hole — linking some papers in this reblog, for my reference, if that’s okay!

Zheng CJ, Sohn MJ, Kim WG. Atromentin and leucomelone, the first inhibitors specific to enoyl-ACP reductase (FabK) of Streptococcus pneumoniae. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 2006 Dec;59(12):808-12. doi: 10.1038/ja.2006.108. PMID: 17323650. (easy access link)

-> summary: suggests that the 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone and phenol moieties in atromentin and leucomelone could be important for their antibacterial activity. lack of antibacterial activity at high concentrations may be due to the efflux effect of bacterial cell wall. i learnt the term "filamentous fungus" and more about leucomelone, from Polyporus leucomelas

2. Kim JH, Lee CH. Atromentin-induced apoptosis in human leukemia U937 cells. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2009 Sep;19(9):946-50. doi: 10.4014/jmb.0811.617. PMID: 19809251. (easy access link)

-> summary: role of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in apotosis, PARP in DNA repair; atromentin induced these compounds. really interesting to learn about the use of western blotting to analyse enzyme levels (i've only previously learnt about southern blotting! went to research more and learnt about even more blotting methods). also really cool to learn about the mechanics of apoptosis :0

SORRY this went into microbiology but YEAHH hydnellum peckii is a VERY cool fungus, now that i know more about atromentin, i like it even more!

Devil's tooth - Hydnellum peckii

This post will specifically discuss the 'blood' or red liquid that Hydnellum peckii leaks.

While the adult fungus has a beige colour, the younger has a white colour and ''bleeds'' from its pores.

The red liquid the young Devil's tooth leaks is much alike to sap, caused by guttation*. When the soil surrounding the mycelium becomes very moist, it can force water into the mycelium's roots through the process of osmosis. The buildup of moisture creates a pressure within the fungus. Which, when high enough, forces the liquid to the surface of the fungi, causing it to ''bleed''. The liquid appears red thanks to the pigments found within the fungus.¹

The red liquid is actually called ''extracellular fluid''. It is thought to be a defensive mechanism of thd fungus with the goal to keep it from getting eaten by animals, or, attracting insects to help spread its spores.²

Chemical properties and medical applications

The red sap contains a chemical compound called atromentin, which has anticoagulant properties and is commonly used to help prevent blood clots from forming. The pigment-producing compound found in several fungi species, atromenin also acts as a smooth muscle stimulant and has antibacterial and antineoplastic (anticancer) properties.³

The Devil's tooth image:

Information sources:

1.

2.

https://soil.evs.buffalo.edu/index.php/Hydnellum_peckii

3.

https://soil.evs.buffalo.edu/index.php/Hydnellum_peckii

More about atromentin (C18H12O6):

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Notes:

* high root pressure

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@squidsandthings hiiya, I just did some research on the red liquid the Devil's tooth bleeds. If it interests you, you can read this post. I also added some links for further research.

@flamingears hiii, this might interest you too. I thought you mentioned liking mycology:)

[lightofraye]

The reason(s) I’m anti-Danneel

Hello all!

This is actually my first official anti-Danneel post as opposed to reblogging an anti post or responding to anons who somehow found me.

First, a note: some of what I'm posting are reposts from other now defunct/deactivated Tumblrs that I was able--thanks to the Wayback Machine and/or Tumblr preserving the reblogs with information--so whenever possible, I will credit the original authors. It's because of them that I was able to find out all the crap Danneel had done and the evidence.

If it's a "Jensen said this", don't ask me where precisely, because there are way too many cons, panels, interviews. Just trust that Jensen did say it, okay?

Now... to begin with the biggest crime to lay at Danneel's feet: Abuse.

So I'm going to preface this with a content warning/trigger warning. If you are bothered by description of abuse, even emotional abuse, I advise you to skip. I will not be held responsible for how upsetting this might get. You've been warned.

Now to begin! Here's the issues I've noticed (and others). Hat tip to @taraslittlecorner (now defunct/deactivated) for the original post that I was thankfully able to find on the Wayback Machine.

I'll add a cut here because it's going to get long!

Public Humiliation:

Jensen eating gummy bears. This post was made as a public stab at Jensen for the amount of gummy bears he was eating. It was a stab at not only his eating habits/weight, but it was also a stab at him being greedy or gluttonous.

Jensen on the carousel. Another stab at Jensen about his weight.

The whole AD house tour is full of stabs at Jensen. She takes a swipe at everything from him not wanting to change the children’s diapers, not cleaning the toilets, not cooking, and not being able to organize or clean behind himself. (There’s a lot of sketchy things in that video as well.) She even made fun of him for being proud of his side of the closet for being tidy.

Jensen didn't cry at the birth of his children. Yet another attempt at making an important, emotional moment in Jensen’s life about her, as well making Jensen seem as if he is emotionless and detached from his family and children, and she’s the one that’s so sensitive.

The FBBC interview. Now, that interviewer sucked ass too, let’s not kid ourselves, that was one of the worst interviews I’ve ever seen in my life. Elta continually trying to make Jensen look lazy, saying that he didn’t smell good, saying that she was pregnant knowing it made him uncomfortable. All of this was with one goal, to humiliate him.

The gaslighting hairdresser. You will never convince me Elta put this woman up to posting this photoshopped, off guard, horrible pic of Jensen and herself, as well as disclosing the location of his family in order to make it look as if she’s been there the whole time when really she’s not. Jensen is very self conscious about his appearance, and this showed him in a bad light, again to humiliate him and make him look like a slob. (That seems to be her MO.)

(These are just the ones we’re all familiar with, but if you guys send more receipts you want to add to this I’d be glad to add them to it as a receipt collection.)

2. Controlling: This is another all day topic. Seriously, we could talk all day about how one can be considered controlling in a relationship, and Elta is no different. The biggest and most public thing that we can see is her constant control over his Social Media.

Now, we know good and damn well that she’s also doing this to hold up to her facade of a “happily married couple”, but it’s also a way of controlling his interactions with other women, (originally he was never allowed to follow women on Social Media; something that has recently changed since The Boys and Big Sky has happened), and to keep track of who he’s talking to and what he’s doing.

Access to one’s cellphone, email address, and other social media is almost as good as attaching a GPS onto a person. If she access his cloud, she can access everything from text messages he’s sent to his most recent emails to his employers.

I have some proof but it will take time to document all of them.

**For those SPN buffs out there. You will also notice that Dean got a whole lot less action between the sheets and with female guest stars after his wedding to Elta, and that’s not a coincidence.**

Jealousy, or extreme jealousy in Elta’s case, can also be the mark of an abuser. The NEED to maintain that state of control, and if he get’s attached to another woman that is paying him better attention, he may try and break things off with her.

3. Isolation: If you’ve noticed Jensen hardly sees his family anymore. He used to speak of his family often, now it’s rare that he’s ever seen with them. They usually have to come to Dallas Con just to see him, and the only actual evidence we have of Elta being there with them all in years is a sketchy ass post on Instagram of Thanksgiving a few years back. Jensen did take his dad, brother, and brother-in law to the Nascar event he recently attended. Other than that, there has been little to no evidence of contact with his family at all as the years progressed, and it’s gotten worse as the years pass of that “marriage.”

He also seems to have shorted his circle of friends to people she gets along with. Marcus, Steve, etc. And even on “vacations” it’s surrounded by her little group of mooching family members and friends: New Orleans, she brought her brother and mother, as well as Steve Carlson and Marcus. Marcus even attended the trip to Cali when they went to the Golden Globes after party.

If you really take time and look, he’s rarely seen with anyone that ELTA doesn’t get along with, or are friends with. He doesn’t even hang out with Jared outside of Canada like he used too, and that should raise suspicious eyebrows alone.

4. Hypersensitivity:

We’ve seen this in the countless attacks Elta, as well as her friends, feel the need to do to SPN fans, or anyone that questions the legitimacy of anything she does or post. I don’t have all of these anymore on hand, but will add the links if I can find them. She’s called fans “fat whores”, anti joker face used to have the receipts, they went on for a while. You don’t have to dig very deep to find this stuff people.

She’s even had Clif write long ass post in order to make it looks as if she’s been so targeted when she just really brings all this shit on herself. She feels threatened because somewhere deep down, she knows she’s doing wrong. You know how the old saying goes, the guilty dog barks? Well, Elta barks a lot.

Even Jensen can get a little defensive when they attack her at cons and to his face. He knows that if he doesn’t defend her, or trys to stand up for himself there will be repercussions. “I don’t tell my wife what to do. I’m not stupid, or suicidal.”

5. Unexplained injury, or weight-loss: Since about 2018, Jensen has progressively lost weight. To the point that the FBBC instagram page even removed the photo I used in this example because people were commenting on Jensen’s weightloss. They try to explain it away in marathon training, but we all know that’s not the case. The constant attacks she’s made against his weight are starting to show.

Every time Jensen has to quarantine with her he starts to look like death warmed over, weight drop, sickly looking skin color, (which is also a sign of malnutrition), and that dead look we can’t get seem to forget. Then we get him back to work, and it’s almost an immediate improvement.

Then there is the chunk that’s missing out of his nose now because of a nose injury that kept being explained in different instances at the same event as to how he even got it. It first appeared a day after the FBBC family reunion event that took place in May of 2018 in a post made by Elta of Jensen playing with the kids, and people thought it was just a breathe right strip.

If you look closely, you can even see that his eyes looked to be blacked, as if he’d somehow broken his nose.Once he got ot an event for Elta’s Limbo Jewelry line launch in NYC, he kept changing the story as to how he got said injury. First he told fans that he’d hurt it by hitting a pool wall while playing with his kids. Then he said he’d dropped a keg on it. Well, if you’ve ever worked for a bar or been around kegs you know those things are heavy, and that story is a blatant lie.

CONSTANTLY SHIFTING STORIES OF HOW AN INJURY OCCURRED ARE ONE HELL OF A RED FLAG PEOPLE!!

If it were Elta with the injury, and she kept changing the story as to how she got it, there would have been questions asked; but since Jensen is a man it was never looked into.

Take all these for what you will guys! It’s only my observations and opinions! You may not agree, but I know you all can agree that if Jensen were female, this conversation would have happened a LONG time ago.

Men can be victims of domestic abuse/violence, and the evidence is there! I’m sure there is more, and if you send it to me via submission, even if you want to keep quiet and not put your handle on there I will add the evidence to this post.

THIS MAN DESERVES BETTER!!

[siconetribal]

Put it on My Tab (16)

Pairing: Jason Todd x Fem!reader

Warning:

Backpack newbie, All the green flags, It is time for...the talk

A/N:

I originally came on here about 45 minutes ago to post this and got completely side tracked and distracted by a draft that was just staring at me for days. (I normally don't see it on the app and I might have been avoiding it because I couldn't decide on what to choose.) Anyways, without further ado, the next installment!

Please comment/like/reblog. If you’d like to be tagged moving forward, please let me know!

As always, a huge thank you and shout out to @harlequin-hangout for the amazing banners you made for me.

If you’re new to the story, please check out the master post for the rest of the chapters.

Jason waited patiently for her to climb on. He watched her shuffle bit by bit closer to him and his bike. He could not see her face because of the helmet, but he did not have to. He knew the type of face she must be making, and he had to keep his composure to not laugh at how cute this all was. Y/N was not the first innocent young woman he has dealt with, nor the first one to sass him back. She was a weird combination of the two that was uniquely her, and that is what drew him to her. Normally, someone like her would have never spoken to someone like him. Their worlds would have never collided. In reality, anyway. The fact that she’s IAmBatman still throws me for a loop. I would’ve bet big money it was one of the other Robins trolling me. He was about to ask if she needed help when he felt his bike shift from the added weight and her arms squeeze him tight, in what probably was her version of a death grip but ended up as more of a bear hug for him. Yeah, I’ve been squeezed harder by worse. I don’t mind this. He lightly patted her arms.

“I promise, I won’t do anything to scare you. Just follow my body and don’t be too stiff, ok?” He looked over his shoulder to see her try to look up at him, but his helmet was not doing her any favors. He snorted out a chocked laugh and quickly looked forward once more. “Sorry, sorry,” he reached back and hooked his hand under her thigh by her knee, tugging her leg up to rest her foot on a proper place. The motion had her scooting closer, and she jumped again when he pulled her other leg. “Keep your feet here and just enjoy the ride. Did you want me to put on some music? I have Bluetooth in my helmet. It won’t be easy to talk, since you won’t be able to hear well.”

“Music is fine, but how will you hear?” She spoke a little louder to not come out muffled.

“I’ll be fine, I rather you be comfortable.” Yup, she’s definitely having trouble hearing me. “Do you listen to anything in particular?”

“Anything is fine by me, but I tend to do more 90s rock. Linkin Park, Coldplay, or My Chemical Romance are always appreciated.” 

“Really?” He looked over his shoulder again to see if she was lying, but was met with his helmet. Right, I forgot about that. He rolled his eyes at his little lapse in memory. Didn’t expect that list from her. She really knows how to surprise me every time. He searched around a bit and managed to build a small playlist of songs for her to listen to. “Let me know if this is too loud.” He played a song and waited until they found a good setting for her. “Hold tight when the music starts and just move with me, ok?” He secured his phone and pulled out his red half mask that covered his mouth.

I don’t think any of the guys I’ve dated have ever been this considerate. He’s not a textbook gentleman, but he’s pretty close. Y/N was genuinely surprised with how much care he was taking with her. She was nervous that he may find her burdensome and tried not to cause much trouble. The tug on her legs caught her off guard, literally pulling her from her thoughts and scooting her closer to him. His voice was a bit muffled, but she was not sure which made it worse: the beating of her heart that was now magically in her ears or the helmet. Either way, she managed to figure out what he was saying and answer.

“Do you listen to anything in particular?”

“Anything is fine by me, but I tend to do more 90s rock. Linkin Park, Coldplay, or My Chemical Romance are always appreciated.” Is that weird to say? Maybe I should've said something more pop or indie? But I like them and they’re my go-to music.

“Really?” she felt him twist, so she looked up, or at least tried to but could only see part of his face.

How do people ride with big, clunky things like these? Then again, this is his size, so it’s probably not so big or clunky to him. She reasoned. 

Soon enough, everything seemed settled and as soon as the music started, she tightly held onto him. As promised, he kept to an easy speed which allowed her to take in her surroundings. It was not as scary as she thought it would be. The cars that zipped by were not the best, but Jason clearly knew what he was doing and avoided all trouble. At a red light there was a car revving its engine and some passengers were heckling them, but he seemed to just ignore it.

I wonder, would he have responded to them if I wasn’t here? They’re pretty annoying. This is the third light they’ve stopped at with us and are still trying to get a rise out of him. She frowned, unable to hear them thanks to the music. A bunch of rowdy losers. She tightened her grip on Jason. The pat to her arms surprised her, but it was reassuring. Cici’s right, I need to talk to him about the bill. He’s not going to throw a fit and storm off. 

Y/N looked up as they pulled into a parking lot. It was a diner she had seen on a few of the bus rides when the usual bus was not running. She had always thought about stopping by, but it was always a fleeting thought until she saw it again.

“We’re here,” she heard him as the music stopped. “You climb off first, I’ll keep the bike balanced.” She quickly followed his instructions and managed to get off without fumbling, much to her own surprise. Feeling proud, she stood a little taller and pulled off the helmet

“Not so bad, right?” He grinned, his mask hidden in his jacket once more.

“I’ll admit, not as scary as everyone makes it out to be. You were a textbook motorcyclist. I thank you for not trying to give me a heart attack.”

“Bikes get a bad rep, couldn’t let that happen again. Want your bag? It’ll be safe here if not.” Y/N hesitated for a moment. If he does end up freaking out on me, I’ll lose my things. It’s unlikely he would, but I can’t risk it. Who knows what’ll happen. 4k isn’t just some simple bake sale change. “Yeah, I probably should. My phone is there. I should have it on me in case Cici tries to reach me.”

“Say no more,” he carefully handed it to her and took his helmet in return. “C’mon, let’s get some grub. I'm starving!” He led the way inside.

“Well look who it is, back again? Oh, you’re not alone this time?” Y/N looked up at the sound of the gruff voice to a big older guy standing in the doorway to the kitchen.

“Hey Charlie, what can I say, I like your food. Yeah, I brought a friend, we’ll seat ourselves.” Jason hooked his arm around her shoulders and led her to a booth where there were not as many people. A young woman came around with the sticky laminated menus, pouting at the sight of Y/N. It was evident that the waitress was interested in the handsome regular and Y/N was not off to a good start.

Better not do anything to get her spitting in my food. She nervously smiled, picking up the menu.

Jason watched Y/N as she looked over the choices, a small smile tugging at his lips as he recalled how proud she looked when she dismounted his bike with ease. He was nervous that she may not have liked the ride because of the overcompensating teens that were trying to get him to race, but she had yet to say anything so he let it be 

Those dumbasses were lucky they were allowed to keep up with me. I'd been impossible to catch if I was alone. I’m just glad she wasn't annoyed by them. The ride was peaceful aside from that. She was not stiff and followed his lead well, which was great for him. Feeling her pressed against his back made him realize just how much smaller she was compared to him. She was not frail or sickly, but she was comparably weaker than him or many of the other females he has worked with. Then again, none of them are run-of-the-mill either. He realized the unfair comparison. It was different though, a good difference. He could not really put his finger on why it mattered, but it had. Instead of stressing on it, he let the thought come and go.

When they reached the diner, he asked her about her belongings and she hesitated. She was clearly weighing the risks and benefits. It was not shrewd, it was logical. Even though he was a secret vigilante, she should be cautious. If he was anyone else, she could have been a lot of trouble. Hearing her answer was a relief. He had no intention of just up and leaving her, but anything could happen. Duty could call, and he would need to go, and she would be stuck here. The idea of abandoning her did not sit well with him, and he could not figure out why.

Regardless, everything is going pretty smoothly for now, maybe we can have a decent conversation. I need to bring up the money, but she’s yet to even ask for my name. What does a guy gotta do to be inquired about around here!?  He propped an elbow on the table and glared at her reflection in the window, chin resting in his hand.

“So, I suppose I should start with a name, huh?” His ears perked up at the words, and he quickly turned to face her. “We’ve obviously met a bunch of times, but I didn’t really think we’d ever meet again after so I never bothered. My name's Y/N Y/LN, what’s yours?”

Did I hear right? Did she just and then just? Have I died? Like actually died-died?  “Took you long enough,” he grinned. “Nice to meet you officially, my name is Jason Todd. Now I can change your contact name from ‘Trouble Magnet Barista’ to your actual name.”

“You did not,” he showed her his phone and she whacked him with the menu. He laughed as he dodged the hit.

“You refused to give me your name. What was I supposed to call you? The Expensive Inquisition? Or D.I.D. #1?” He smirked as she scowled at him. “You have no one to blame but yourself for that.”

“I should change your name to Sir Questions-a-lot.” He heard her grumble as she took out her phone and changed his name while he changed hers in his phone. “Something tells you wanted to say more than just your name, what’s up?”

Y/N stared at the words on the menu but paid them no attention. She needed to get her thoughts in order and strike up the conversation without insulting or angering him. It’s not every day some chick comes demanding a large sum of money like that. She glanced at him over the top of the menu. Well for normal people anyway. Trust fund kids with a playboy father might have people knocking on their door all the time. I need to make sure he knows I'm not one of those people.

“So, I suppose I should start with a name, huh?” She finally built up the courage to speak up. “We’ve obviously met a bunch of times, but I didn’t really think we’d ever meet again after so I never bothered. My name's Y/N Y/LN, what’s yours?” She anxiously waited for his response as he simply stared at her with wide eyes. Oh no, did I do that wrong? How else was I supposed to do it? I can’t just say ‘hi’ like we weren’t just with each other!

“Took you long enough,” he grinned. “Nice to meet you officially, my name is Jason Todd. Now I can change your contact name from ‘Trouble Magnet Barista’ to your actual name.”

“You did not,” she gasped when he showed her the screen and she swung the first thing in her hands, which was the floppy menu. Sadly he was able to avoid the feeble strike.

Y/N stiffened at his reminder of why she even brought up their names. He was right. She made the decision to talk to him about the hotel bill. Jason had to have known he broke the machine, but was unaware of the bill that followed. How else would he be so carefree?

“Yes, there is something else.” She set her weapon down and took a deep breath. Just rip it off like a bandaid. “The hotel we stayed at,” she paused for a moment, shifting her gaze from his face to the table. “They contacted me that weekend and told me there was damage to the room. I know you didn’t do it on purpose, but the price to pay is really steep. I won’t demand you to pay all of it since I’ve already started paying it off, but I’d appreciate it if you’d help me with the rest. Which is why I’ve been working like crazy to cover the costs, but it’s slow progress and the hotel is starting to get annoyed with how slow the progress is. Not only that, but I’m afraid they’ll throw me into collections, which will only cause more problems. I wasn’t trying to hide it from you, nor did I want to blame you, but Cici and I are already living tight as is.” She tried to speak as calmly as possible, but her tempo sped up a bit towards the end as her nerves got the best of her. There, I said it! Now all she had to do was wait for him to respond.

Tag: @vbecker10 @wordsfromshona @harlequin-hangout @harpy-space @tild3ath @gone-batty-fics @princessbl0ss0m @dakotali  @antiquecultistst

[raccoonfallsharder]

i need your help!

hey hello, shiny gemstones and spring sunrises thw doodle queue is currently CLOSED

which is to say, ahem if you’re interested in being added to the doodle queue, REBLOG THIS POST with

a picture or detailed description of your OC

their name/pronouns, their story and any cool powers they have or what makes them rad as hell (i might message you to ask more questions!)

i welcome different body types, skin colors, and hair textures, etc. and so does rocket

you can also send me a message but tbh reblogs are easier to keep track of if i fall behind. see below the samples for more info.

in general i prefer to draw vaguely humanoid femmes with a thing for raccoons (you know which fandom im in), so those characters will likely get in the queue first. this ain’t a “first-come, first-served” thing, it’s a “which character does my brain want to gnaw on, with or without my consent” thing.

i got too swamped last time because i just accepted/took on too many requests at once which resulted in some glorious individuals waiting MONTHS for their doodles to be done and while that could still happen, i am hoping to avoid it by keeping the queue shorter and just closing/reopening more frequently

worth noting i’ve only ever drawn three anthro characters (see one of ‘em below) so if you so request that, just know i’m a novice

i may also end up adding a few to the queue as well (i really want to revisit ember, dori, petra, maybe fleuret and rose, always juno — would love a chance to draw jupe of one of @frostedwitch’s other OCs too!). ive also been playing with a new-to-me, semi-lineless style i might use your characters to practice on.

above are just a few of the OCs from the masterlist. you can find them there to learn more about them and their cool-as-hell creators. from top left to right descending: moon, dori, petra quill (dyed version), brita, ken, magril opossum, rose, cherry, mori, and juno ♡♡♡ thanks for letting me doodle these cuties!

to see past works, check out the let me love your OCs masterlist

taglist ✩ @pa1kaa-toto @archangelofzion

[writingquestionsanswered]

Feeling Weird About Promoting Stories

Anonymous asked: How do I get over being ashamed to promote my story more? While I definitely write for myself, I like a bit of validation as well but I'm too shy and feel a bit...cheap? There's a person in my writing community who goes around begging people to read their stuff. They keep track up to where you've left comments, and then asks why haven't you commented on their other chapters. They also passive aggressively say nobody likes their stuff enough to leave comments and other things to guilt people into guilt reading their stuff. I've been encouraged by friends to market my stories more, but I just can't bring myself to do it because I feel like I'm in the same boat as this person.

(Ask was edited for length...)

First, I want to be clear that what this person (in your writing community) is doing isn't promoting themselves. It's nagging and badgering, and if they ever try that as a fiction writer, they'll have a very short career.

What they're doing is like hitting someone over the head repeatedly with a pillow. Promoting your story is like standing there holding a sign that shows information about your story. You're not asking anyone to read your story. You're not badgering them by appealing to their sympathy or sense of guilt. You're literally just saying, "Here's my story..." It's up to them whether or not they want to check it out.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with or shameful about promoting your work/product. If there was, we wouldn't have TV commercials, print ads, movie trailers, billboards, etc. The key is to do it in a way that doesn't annoy or badger your potential "customer." When promoting books and stories, that means doing it in a way that's quick, interesting to the reader, and not doing it so frequently that they get sick of hearing from you.

Many fan-fiction writers have a social media account associated with their writing which they can use to help drive traffic to their stories. So, for example, an Instagram, Tumblr or Facebook page. The link to this social media would also be shared at the bottom of each story to give fans a place to stay updated on your writing.

A promotional post would look like...

1 - A text post with a little teaser or hook:

Hi, everyone! I just updated Two Balls of Yarn over at AO3. Let's just say this is the chapter where everything goes sideways. You can check it out here: [link to story on AO3, username, or whatever]

2 - A graphic: for example, a book cover for your story, a mood board or aesthetic, a gif set, or story art, along with a caption that says something along the lines of what's up above in #1. Alternatively, it could say something like: Two Balls of Yarn, updated 9/3/23, available here...

If you're have a story in progress that you're posting every week or so, you would do such a promo post every time you update. However, once every few days or so, you might also choose to promo an older story. Depending on the social media platform, you may also want to do other types of posts occasionally, such as episode reviews (if for a TV show), reblogs of fan-art or gif sets related to the fandom, etc. You might even share links to other writers' stories that you really enjoyed.

Also, and this is SO important... 90% of success when promoting on social media is reciprocal engagement. In other words, if you want people to read, like, and comment on your stories, you need to read, like, and comment on other people's stories.

I hope that helps!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[wellbelesbian]

carry on pornbots, what we know:

okay, so i’m sure many of you have noticed the carry on pornbot phenomenon that’s started happening, and i’m obsessed, so here is what i’ve put together so far. big thanks to the folks in the carry on server who found all the bots (at least, i think that’s all of them) and decoded some stuff!

if you’d rather see this all unfold for yourself, don’t click read more. but if you want to catch up or just keep your head straight, here’s everything i know:

so, the bots we know of so far, in no particular order. are:

Gareth @bucklemeup342

Daphne @strawberry-spreader-342

Natasha @headmistress-pitch-342

Smith Smith-Richards @the-real-chosen-one-422

The Minotaur @greekfurry342

Lamb @i-assure-you-im-real-223

Braden @youre-an-apocryphal-concept-223

Mitali @head-milf-in-charge-342

Jeff the were-badger @stay-out-of-the-quiet-zone-223

Ginger @level-me-up-223

Lady Ruth @i-eat-the-cake-422

Ebb @other-girls-definitely-count-342

also worth noting @real-cryptid-friend-shep-239, but we will get back to him.

we still don’t know what the numbers in these names mean.

most of the links in the urls lead to the ao3 page for their respective character or a ship they are involved in (for example Braden and Lamb both take you to their ship tag, which is woefully empty). however Jeff’s takes you to his ao3, the imdb page for I Was A Teenage Wereskunk and the wikipedia page for Carhenge.

so, the bots started appearing a few days ago, i think i got my first follow from one on boxing day, or maybe the day after. i didn’t pick up on the first few and blocked them. like many people, they came to my attention when Rainbow posted about them.

since then, Lamb, Braden and Mitali have been active.

first, Braden and Lamb had this exchange:

then Mitali responded to this ask from @thewholelemon

i messaged Ebb asking her to open her asks, and a few hours later when i checked again, all the asks that had previously been closed, such as Ebb and Daphne, had them opened. I’ve sent an ask to Ebb but she hasn’t responded yet.

then Braden reblogged this aftg art

i presume this was an accident and whoever is behind this meant to post it to their main account. or maybe it was a hint? Braden later added:

now seems like a good time to mention that Braden is double verified, which means not only time and effort but money has gone into this. i truly applaud whoever is behind it!

Braden also responded to another ask. this one is anonymous so it could have been sent by anyone.

finally, Gareth just posted this

and then there’s Shepard…

so, this account that resembled the others and was impersonating Shepard was found. in his bio is the link to his ao3 page and a rickroll.

but it isn’t like the others. it was created 3 months ago, it hasn’t followed anyone, and it posted some puzzles.

the first was this

which @raenestee figured out was hexadecimal code and spells out ‘Las Vegas’.

then came

which @thewholelemon worked out was page, line and word numbers in Wayward Son. that spells out “This is not Shepard”

then finally there was this wordsearch

@onepintobean found the word ‘contact’, then @yellobb solved the rest

and that’s all Shepard has given us. it’s funny, but personally, i don’t think it’s the same person/people behind this account as it is behind all the others.

but that’s it for now! i’ve reached the limit for photos i can add and that’s about all the information i can think of. i might add to this, we’ll see how complicated it gets. but either way it’s a lot of fun, especially to keep track of in real time. massive kudos to whoever is running all this!

[thrawns-babygirl]

"Why are you covering up? I've already seen everything." It's number #44 on the prompt list. Maybe the reader has been very insecure about their body lately, and doesn't want Cross to look at them because they are ashamed of themselves? It can be smut/fluff/angst, anything you feel would fit good! 💜 I love your stuff so much 😭

I've had the WORST writer's block recently and this fic took me a good 3.5 hours to write lmao but I think I'm finally back in the groove. I hope you enjoy it <3 as always constructive criticism, likes, reblogs, replies help keep me going.

and let me know if you wanna be added to my taglist for future works <3

Rating: E (18+) Warnings: Insecure reader, dirty talk, unprotected PiV, let me know if i missed any Word Count: 1200+ Prompt: #44 "why are you covering up? I've already seen everything"

Masterlist

Time alone with Crosshair was… very hard to come by. You’ve lost track of how long it’s been since the two of you shared more than a stolen kiss in passing while between missions. To say you were feeling pent up was an understatement to say the least.

Finally however, the stars align, and you were able to spend some quality time together after what you would both consider to be far too long.

Pressed against the walls of your quarters in nothing but a thin top and a pair of panties, Crosshair’s lips working the soft skin of your neck, hands running under the flimsy material of your sleep shirt make your head spin… and not in an entirely positive way. It’s been so long after all, what if he’s changed his mind? What if you’re not what he wants anymore? Negative thoughts swirl around your head as you try to keep yourself in the moment.

Suddenly you’re very aware of him lifting the fabric of your shirt over your head and you quickly move your hands to cover yourself. He pulls back, eyebrow raised as his eyes rake up and down your form. “Why are you covering up? I’ve already seen everything”.

It’s the first time he’s spoken to you since shoving the two of you into your room what feels like an eternity ago. “Well, I… You know it’s just been a while and-” You’re shifting on the spot, arms wrapped around yourself, looking at your feet as Crosshair places a knuckle under your chin and tilts your head up to look at him.

He looks at you intently, eyes narrowing slightly, placing a soft kiss on your lips before wrapping his arms around you and throwing you over his shoulder moving the both of you towards the bed in the centre of the room. You let out a squeak as he effortlessly manhandles you, you sometimes forget that despite his lean frame this man is a genetically engineered super soldier as he throws you down onto the bed.

You’re lying on your back, leaning your weight on your elbows as Crosshair sheds his blacks at the foot of the bed until he’s totally naked before you. You run your eyes along his lithe form, insecurity flaring again as you look at his (in your opinion) perfect body. He’s all toned muscle meanwhile you are… you.

He begins crawling up the bed towards you “mesh’la… You have nothing to worry about-” he begins placing kisses up your legs, starting at your ankles lips moving up your calf, alternating between both your legs, working his way up towards your thighs where he sucks small marks into your skin. You look down at him, your chest heaving with ragged breaths as he lavishes you with attention. “You are gorgeous…” he mumbles into the skin of your thigh. His words send heat through your body and your head hits the pillows behind you, your insecurities ebbing away with each pass of his lips over your body.

You close your eyes, basking in the feeling of his mouth getting closer to your still clothed core. You can feel his breath ghosting over your panties, but he doesn’t touch you, he simply continues his journey up your body, lavishing kisses onto your stomach, upwards towards your breasts. You open your eyes and look back down at him to find him gazing up at you intently. His pupils are blown wide and you can feel the bed moving slightly as he ruts his hips into the mattress to give himself some friction as he continues his torturously slow pace up your body.

“You are a work of are cyare… I want to worship every… single… piece… of… you…” he has his lips around your breasts, his words send vibrations through your chest straight down before he latches his mouth onto one of your nipples and sucks. You arch your back, your fingers threading into his short hair as he rolls his tongue around the bud before moving over to give the other one the same treatment.

He moves himself between your legs, grinding his aching length against your panties causing you to gasp, tilting your hips up to meet his until you both settle on a slow rhythm rutting against each other. You can feel Crosshair’s grunts and groans against your skin before he finally releases your nipple with a pop.

“You feel that mesh’la?” he grinds himself against you with more force “you feel what you do to me? You feel how kriffing hard I am for you? Your perfect body” he moves to his knees, pulling away from your body to peel your panties down until you’re totally bare before him. He drags his gaze down your form again, lingering on your glistening folds before his hands move back to your thighs and he’s dragging you closer to him.

Your legs settle either side of his slim waist as he takes himself in his hand, dragging the weeping tip along your entrance, gathering your slick along his head before nudging your folds open and slowly pushing inside of you. You groan out, throwing your head back onto the bed as his hands settle on your waist, fingers digging into your soft flesh as he starts a torturously slow pace dragging his length through your slick folds with a practiced precision, hitting that spot inside you that makes you see stars.

“Cross- ah… harder please” you moan as he continues to rut his hips against yours slowly. “Be careful what you wish for mesh’la” before you have a chance to respond he’s moving your legs over his shoulders, and sets a brutal pace in and out of you.

He rips a loud moan from your chest as he pounds into you, hitting the sweet spot inside of you with every thrust. He moves one of his hands down towards the apex of your thighs, rubbing tight circles against your clit while his other hand holds your legs against his chest.

“Y-you are so- ugh- karking perfect doll” his pace is starting to lose its rhythm, his fingers applying more pressure to your clit as the coil in your abdomen threatens to snap. “I want you to cum on my cock pretty girl, before I- kriff- paint you with mine” his hips are snapping into yours with wild abandon, that combined with his filthy words send you tumbling over the edge with a ragged groan of his name. “That’s it princess… you’re so beautiful when you cum”

Your back arches off the bed, and you scream soundlessly as your walls tighten around him. He throws your legs off his shoulders before pulling out and stroking himself until he spills ropes of hot cum over your stomach with a groan of your name.

He flops down on the bed next to you panting. After catching his breath he rolls over to face you, resting his head on his hand as he looks over you with his elbow planted on the bed. “You never have anything to worry about mesh’la, you’re stunning” you give him a soft smile as he places a soft kiss on your lips.

“Shower?” he asks and you nod as you extract yourself from the bed heading to the fresher with the sniper hot on your heels.

You really didn’t have anything to worry about after all. You never do.

@where-is-my-mind-tho @starborncyare @antishadow2021 @healingskywalker@djarinswife

[maaxverstappen]

I’ve been asking ppl cus im nosy. What’s your writing process like if any? Do u have a preferred place or time. Preferred device. Do u write rough drafts then edit or is it much more considered. How do u decide that an idea is worth fleshing out or pursuing if it looks like it’s plotty. Pls yap at length if u so wish — wiz

i love this question!! and would love to know other answers so if you want to reblog them i shall be on the lookout 👀.

i answered partly here so will just like build on that!!

the process is that i’ll have an idea and depending on how large it is write out some sort of outline. my preference for all planning in life is on paper so i have a little journal that ill write out some ideas in. kind of brainstorm / mind map style of just jotting down random ideas that come to mind.

however, with longer fics like my current post-as-i-go wip i have to do it digital bc so much changes and it’s too long (see pics in previous ask). that one i actually started planning in my notes app on a plane bc the idea had to come out of me someway and i was really excited about it. i then transferred it to a google doc and added onto my chapter per chapter outline (1st pic in previous ask). i felt like that was a bit overwhelming for understanding the overall plot so then i went and made a simple overview of the key plot points per chapter (the 2nd pic in previous ask) just so i felt like i had a better understanding of the goal per chapter.

now when i sit down to write a chapter ill get both the detailed notes and the main plot points and just write whatever i feel like in order to get to the goal of the chapter.

for shorter one shot fics i’ll either have no full outline or a one page idea list kind of thing. for instance, for worth the trouble i knew that it would start and end in the present time and then everything in between would be a flashback, but i didn’t know the flashbacks would be non chronological until i was writing it. same for the chewing gum aspect that ends up being quite an important part of the symbolism and that almost weaves the parts together, that wasn’t a *thing* until i was almost finished with the rough draft and i then went to add it in to previous scenes.

for my long fic i have to be a bit more calculated with the hidden messages/foreshadowing as i can’t go back and edit published chapters lmao so that is a little more thought out + i keep track of loose ends to tie together at some point.

editing is a bit of a harder one. for my long fic my overal editing is per chapter, but i do tend to go back and edit per section too. like right now I’m writing a texting scene and first i wrote the plain texting dialogue, then i went back to add the bits in between from characters’ pov. then i’ll read over it fully and edit where needed. finally when the whole chapter is done ill read over it and edit again, but at that point it’s mainly grammar and punctuation.

my main writing issues i’ve noticed so far is that i tend to switch tenses without realising so that’s something i look out for when editing. i also am always worried they don’t *do* enough so i like to think “hmm what action can i add in here to make them more human” when editing.

so far only worth the trouble has been beta read, the rest i do myself. if I’m stuck i will talk through a lot of it with my partner who will give me some ideas and just like help lmao (she’s also the one that beta read wtt!). but she’s not in the f1 fandom so it’s a little hard to have her beta read for characterisation and specific plot points so i do that myself. like when she beta read wtt she gave a few points of feedback that weren’t too relevant bc the average f1 fic reader would understand (like the significance of spa21, there is no need to explain it).

I’m a baby fic writer so a lot of my process will be redefined and refined as i go I’m sure.

as for deciding what to write, it’s really whatever captures my attention. the prompt for help me hold onto you is one i really liked and a trope i love reading myself. i was also ready to challenge myself to a longer plot fic and i was really excited about the idea so i just went for it! my main consideration is really just how excited i am for it.

i will say that i am currently really struggling with perfectionism / imposter syndrome. I’m having a hard time getting the words onto paper bc it feels like it’ll never be as good as my favourite authors anyway so what’s the point. (which is now also impacting the way i read fics bc it makes me sad that ill never write anything as good as what I’m reading lol)

i generally write on my laptop! in a google doc with grammarly activated and the word count on screen (which pisses me off bc i have to turn it back on after every refresh). i wrote my latest crafty!oscar on my phone (bc i was too excited to wait till i got to my laptop) but wouldn’t ever do that for anything much longer or plot-ier than that.

i fear this has gotten very long. i know u said yap away but …. i perhaps have yapped too close to the sun.

[here2bbtstrash]

✨ announcement: the trash library is OPEN! ✨

hi babes!!! exciting news for you today - we are TRYING A THING!!!

for a little context, this idea came about because i’ve deeply enjoyed getting introduced to some amazing new authors since i’ve started up my fic rec fridays this year! in addition, i get so very excited whenever someone shares something they wrote with me, whether it’s via a tag or a DM. i know firsthand how much vulnerability it takes to share something you've written, so it means the world, genuinely!!! i love getting to read and share y'all's works in this little community 🥺

but! as a person with wicked adhd, i have a hard time keeping up with sent fics when they’re all over the place- buried in my notes, forgotten about in my likes, conversed over in DMs. and then i never read them and feel bad, lol. so i thought we could try a new system!!

all this is to say: i now officially have a tracked tag!! that's right, we are building ourselves a #trashlibrary y’all!! ~party party yeah~ 🥳

join me under the cut for allllll the fun details!! 📚

what is a tracked tag? 📖 it’s just a regular ol' hashtag that you can add to a post (the same way you’d tag #bts fanfic or #jungkook x reader or anything else!) - but this is one i am personally following! that means i'll see everything in the tag and it'll make it much easier for me to keep track of it all, so that i can read all your delicious writing!

so how does this work? 📖 as far as i understand this magical mystical website, you’ll have to stick the #trashlibrary tag on any new post in order for it to show up in the tag. new posts only, unfortunately; editing or reblogging an old post and adding the tag on it won’t work. BUT! if you’ve got a brand new fic to post and you’d like for me to check it out, you can slap that baby at the end of your tags and officially add it to the trash library!!! it will need to be within the first 20 tags in order to actually show up in tumblr search, so pls keep that in mind! 🧐

what should go in the #trashlibrary tag? 📖 i’d like to keep it to written fanfiction specifically about bts, but other than those basic parameters, the world is your oyster! to make things easy, here’s a shortlist of stuff i enjoy in fics - if you write anything featuring ANY of the following, i would LOVE to see it show up in the trash library (but feel free to stick other stuff in there too!):

any member x reader (does my jihope preference need to be explicitly stated at this point 🤣), any combinations of member x member, ANYTHING with queer characters/themes or a diverse reader, POLYAMORY, group sex, HEALTHY kink (well-communicated & safe), unlikeable/flawed/complex characters, role play 🤤, ORAL!!!!!, dom/sub dynamics (preferably soft 🥺), overstim, SEX TOYS, ……cheating 🙈, drug use, sex work, anal play/pegging, experimental sex (trying something for the first time), unlearning shame around the human body and pleasure, forced proximity, hatefucking 😬, darker/more mature themes, semi-public sex, characters that are both horny for and enamored with one another lmao

i do also enjoy myself some tooth-rotting fluff or heartbreaking angst, i’m just less specific about my preferences there 😂 tagged works can be as short as a drabble or as long as you like, and literally ANYONE can use this tag - doesn't matter if it's your first fic or your hundredth, doesn't matter if we're besties or if we've never even so much as talked thru reblogs lmao. i’m up for it all!

will you read and review everything in the tag? 📖 i want to make sure this is explicitly clear from the jump. using this tag is the best way to ensure that i read and possibly review your work, but it is not a guarantee or promise that i will do either. not every fic is for me (WHICH IS FINE AND GOOD ACTUALLY, otherwise the world would be full of nothing but yucky porn 😂) and in addition: i’m just one person, with a whole-ass life, you know?

i will do my absolute best to keep up with this tag, and i'm very excited about it! but i kind of have no idea how much use it will see, and i may very well not be able to get to it all. what i can tell you is that i am much much much more likely to see your stuff if it’s in this tag, vs. lost in some other place that i have already forgotten about because i have 3 brain cells and 0 object permanence lmao.

by using this tag, you are telling me that you have read and understood this disclaimer, and that you can handle your emotions like a grown adult if i miss your fic, or even if it just takes me a while to get to it 💜

okay that's it! 🥺 i hope y'all are pumped - i know i'm excited to see what kind of goodies our library fills up with!!! see you in the stacks 😉

[hannah-heartstrings]

A Convenient Inconvenience

Finally after some rewrites, several edits, and a few distractions I’ve finished a fic with all four Heroes of Kvatch.

Me and my family pretend like our Elder Scrolls characters travel together, we’ve basically turned the Oblivion Crisis into a found family road trip. And this road trip is filled with a lot of bickering and detours, especially when one can’t stop doing side quests and another’s always looking for an excuse to visit a certain friend...

About 1,450 words so 1,200 is below a cut.

@nine-blessed-hero @babyblueetbaemonster 

Just tell me, anyone, if you want on or off the taglist. And for more, all my tes fanfics get reblogged to @ragtags-of-tamriel.

---------

           The sun hung high, leaving short shadows around the trees and not much shade for the road.

           Four adventurers rode or walked down the road in a diamond formation.

           Rann smiled confidently as he led them atop his unicorn.

           In the back Praelyn surveyed the surrounding forest from her white horse. “Isn’t Cheydinhal a bit out of the way?”

           “Lecrinn found a lost heirloom, and you know how serious I am about returning lost family heirlooms.”

           Her brows lowered. “Unless they’re powerful maces?”

           “I’m still in the process of returning it,” he said defensively, glancing back.

           Between them rode Reptilious. He arched a brow at Lecrinn who walked beside, always insisting she was fast enough on her own. “Cheydinhal huh? Convenient…”

           She shot a quick glare up at him.

           Praelyn still had her annoyed gaze set on Rann. “And how long have you been in the process of returning it?”

           “I don’t remember,” he said quickly.

           As no one spoke it grew quiet, just the soft hoof beats against the dirt and a distant songbird.

           Lecrinn looked to the trees, spotting one with pink flowers she gave a big smile. They were getting close.

           “You know what I don’t get?” Reptilious asked after a minute. “How are people always losing their heirlooms?”

           “I know,” Praelyn’s face pinched, “you’d think they’d keep better track of them.”

           “They should lock them up,” Rann added.

           Lecrinn faced forward. “What I don’t get is when people lock up the most mundane things.”

           They all looked at her.

           She stared intently ahead, looking more awkward by the moment.

---

           A Dunmer woman sat on a bench outside the stables, finishing off a loaf of bread. At the clops of horses she looked down the road, beaming as they came into view.

           “I could know for perfectly legitimate reasons,” Lecrinn argued as they came up to the stable.

           “Yeah but you don’t,” said Reptilious.

           As they dismounted the woman ran up to the unicorn. “Hey there,” she said gently as she petted its muzzle.

           “Hey Mivryna,” Lecrinn passed her.

           She turned her head to give her a quick nod. Turning back to the unicorn her smile widened. “I have apples for all of you!”

           “Thanks!” Rann stood beside the unicorn.

           “Oh,” she laughed nervously, “I was actually talking to the horses but you can have one too.”

           As the rest led the horses to the pen Lecrinn came up to Rann. “How long are we staying?”

           “I thought we’d just return the medallion, grab something to eat, and be on our way.”

           She looked worried. “Yeah, but while we’re in town anyways might be a good time to stop for the night.”

           He looked confused. “It’s noon.”

           “But by the time we’ve restocked and checked if anyone needs anything it won’t be.”

           “Didn’t we restock in Skingrad?”

           Her mouth hung open, floundering for an excuse.

           Reptilious came from the pen. “It wouldn’t hurt to spend an hour or two checking in, while we’re here.”

           Praelyn came up beside him. “I thought this was supposed to be a quick trip.”

           “Yes, but we don’t really need to hurry right now, it’s a good chance to make sure everything’s all right.”

           “I guess that’s true,” she nodded in agreement.

           Lecrinn eased.

           “I’ll check on the Fighter’s Guild,” Reptilious continued.

           Putting his fists on his hips Rann stood straighter. “And I’ll see if anyone needs a Hero of Kvatch, or an Arena Champion, or a dragon slayer.”

           The other three glanced at each other.

           “Sure,” Lecrinn nodded.

           “I suppose I’ll check on the Mage’s Guild,” said Praelyn, “someone should also make sure Rythe hasn’t fallen into a painting.” Gaze catching on Lecrinn she gave a playful smile. “Unless I need to keep an eye on everyone’s locked chests.”

          “Oh I think she’ll be busy,” Reptilious shot a slight smirk at Lecrinn, getting a glare back.

---

             Rann walked confidently as he led them through town. “Hey,” he greeted a Dunmer as she passed by, “Hero of Kvatch here, how may I help…” his head trailed after her as she kept walking. “I’ll check in later,” he looked forward, never losing the sure grin. “Hi,” he greeted a patrol, “yeah, Hero of Kvatch.”

           Looking away, Praelyn shook her head. Lecrinn held in a laugh while Reptilious just stared ahead.

           “Hello ma’am, Hero of-”

           She walked off.

           “Well I’m busy now, I’ll talk to you later.”

           As they reached the castle Lecrinn lit up with a big smile.

           Entering the throne room there was the count, his bodyguard, and steward.

           Her smile fell, immediately searching the room. Her steps slowed, falling behind the group.

           Rann stopped in the middle of the room, speaking proudly. “Hello sir, Heroes of Kvatch here to request an audience.” He raised his hand to take a dramatic bite from an apple.

           The count looked both confused and curious. “Go on.”

           He held up a finger as he quickly chewed.

           His confusion grew.

           With a sigh Praelyn’s head sunk into her palm.

           After choking down the bite he regained his composure. “We are here to return your lost heirloom,” he pulled the necklace from his pocket. “No need to thank us but you are welcome.”

           He gasped. “My Hlaalu Medallion! Where did you get that?”

           Opening his mouth he paused, realizing he didn’t know.

           “It doesn’t matter, I do thank you for returning it. Naspia,” he turned to his steward, “see that they are rewarded.”

           She nodded, took the necklace, and left.

           Praelyn stepped up beside Rann, hands folded before her. “We thank you for your generosity sir, that won’t be necessary.”

           “But I want stuff.”

           She elbowed him, aiming for his waist but forgetting her own height hit his chest.

           “No, I insist,” said the count.

           Rubbing his chest Rann leaned towards her, whispering. “What was that for?”

           She kept facing forward, eyes cutting to him as she whispered back. “You don’t need more stuff, you can barely carry the stuff you’ve got.”

           “I’ll replace it with better stuff.”

           “You don’t even know what all you have!” she snapped in a hushed tone.

           “Sure I do, I have this mace-”

           “That’s not yours!”

           Reptilious grimaced, wondering if they realized the room was quiet and echoey.

           “Without looking,” Praelyn turned to him, “can you tell me how many skulls you’re carrying?”

           “You made me get rid of the skulls!”

           “As if you haven’t picked more up!”

           “Not recently!”

           As they continued their whispered argument the count looked uncomfortable.

           Reptilious glanced back as Lecrinn snuck from the room. He shook his head but wore a slight smile.

           In the hall she passed a Khajiit servant. “Oh, hi Ra’qanar.”

           He looked from her to the throne room, curious.

           Once outside she crossed the courtyard, heading for the town.

           “Lecrinn?” asked a surprised voice from behind her.

           Turning she smiled. “Garrus!”

           There stood the guard captain before the barracks door. As he walked towards, so did she, arms bobbing at her sides.

           “It’s good to see you again,” he beamed before looking a little shy, “I was starting to worry.”

           “No he wasn’t!” a guard yelled from the barracks. “He worried about you the second you left!”

           He turned to look at him annoyed.

           He smirked back before heading towards town.

           “Ignore Marcus,” he turned back to her.

           “He’s fine,” she glanced after Marcus with a snicker before facing Garrus. “I’m going to be in town for an hour or two so I thought maybe we could get lunch? Unless you’ve already eaten,” her sure tone started to fade, “but we could take a walk or… something else.” She looked nervously hopeful.

           “I believe I could spare a few hours.” He smiled, her nerves calming. “And, no, I haven’t eaten, but while patrolling the market earlier I saw someone selling meat pies that smelled really good.”

           “A stroll through the market sounds nice.”

           “We can stroll after we eat, you’ll need to rest since, knowing you, you probably walked the whole way here,” he looked almost accusingly.

           “I’ll be fine.”

           “I know you will, because I’m making sure of it.”

           Her lips tightened in an attempt to contain the widening smile.

           “So how does eating meat pies by the river sound?”

           Her voice softened. “Sounds lovely.”

           “Great,” a smile brightened. “I’ll see if I can get someone to cover the shift.” He headed back to the barracks.

           She smiled triumphantly as she stared after him.

           Once he left Ra’qanar came up beside her confused. “Khajiit doesn’t understand, why did you bother to steal the medallion just to return it?”

           Gaze shifting to him, her eyes narrowed into a sly smirk. “I didn’t need it anymore.”

[karimac]

...in the details, Part 12

A/N: Warning for this series: 18+ audience (minors DNI), some cinematic level violence, some fluff and angst. Doubt that smut will be involved, but it may be implied. I’ll make sure that is noted clearly if it pops up.

All relationships, at this point in the story, are platonic, but there is romance in the cards for Kari and Bucky.

Please do not repost or translate my work. Likes, comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

Taglist is open! Please send an ask, and I will gladly add you to the list. If I have added you and you do not wish to be on the list, please let me know, and I’ll take you off the list.

Word count: 3.5k, give or take a word. Not beta read. All mistakes are my own.

Masterlist

Weeks had seemingly passed since the “Save Kari from herself” club was formed, but in reality it was only a few days. Despite the truncated length of the encounter, Devnet Casey was regretting getting involved at all with the Avengers and their hangers-on at this point.

Dev liked them all well enough. Darcy Lewis was gas, or funny beyond words as the non-Irish might say, and Wong was as wise as Kari had made him out to be. And Bruce Banner? He was all sorts of trouble Dev likely should have avoided like the plague, but she had a weak spot for science types.

She just didn’t like spilling the tea about one of her oldest friends to some new crop of “friends in training” yet again. How many times had it been now? After nearly 1,500 years? Who would want to keep track!

“I’m mental. That has to be it, Ty,” Dev said as she sat in her leather chair and patted the head of her Irish wolfhound Tyrone, his salt and pepper fur soft to her touch. “I’ve lost the plot, and here I am, about to make this all a million times worse.”

As Dev looked up at her clock, she shook her head and realized she’d need to leave soon. She’d asked Bruce to meet her at a small restaurant in Galway to sit and chat. He was going to be in town for yet another scientific conference. Biomedical and Clinical Engineering Association of Ireland if she remembered correctly. She did not want him coming out to her home just yet. A bit of distance never hurt as far as the immortal was concerned.

“I wish I could take you, but I will bring you a treat bag, Ty,” she said as she leaned over and hugged her furry companion before grabbing her keys and heading out the door. Kari might have used a portal to get there, but Dev needed to drive to center herself a bit.

For some crazy reason, Dev had suggested the Ard Bia at Nimmo’s. It was on the Spanish Parade Long Walk, and it tended to be a place for the more loved-up of the local crowd, but the seafood was to die for, and she did not want to be in some dark hole of a place for this talk. Light to clear the omissions and misgivings away and to help the new crowd understand what was ahead.

Heaven help them all.

If this lot were truly Kari’s friends, they could withstand the tumult.

“Of course he had to beat me here,” Dev said under her breath as she parked her car and walked past a few tourists who were dotting the street. “I see you found the place well enough,” Dev said as she waved to Bruce as she got to the entrance. “I do not have the lead foot Kari does, and I was not keen on using her other favorite mode of transportation. It can spook the tourists a bit too much.”

“Ah, yeah, Sam hates her driving, and I get why the other isn’t a great choice,” Bruce chuckled as he held the door open for Dev to go inside. “And your directions were perfect. I enjoyed the walk from the hotel.”

“Reservation for two. Casey,” Dev said to the hostess, and soon she and Bruce were seated at a table inside. “I know it’s a tad cozy. The design concept is more or less eclectic farmhouse, but the food is fantastic.”

“If you can’t trust a local…” Bruce said as he looked at the menu. “Wow. Beetroot gnocchi. You don’t see that often.”

“Alright, I figured it might be good for the local businesses to have more visitors trying out the fancier spots in town. You could tell your test tube society friends about this place,” Dev giggled as Bruce gave her a bewildered look. “They can’t eat protein bars and energy drinks all day.”

“That was Tony,” Bruce replied as he set down his menu for a minute. “Wait. You told Pepper you knew Howard.”

“In the Biblical sense, ah, yes,” Dev said as she looked Bruce straight in the eye. “But we ended it long before he met Maria, and I made myself very invisible after that. She did not need an old, I mean really old, girlfriend hovering around.”

“Not judging,” Bruce said as he held up his hands in a slight protest. “I just wanted to make sure I had the details straight. Dillisk mash?”

“What? Oh, the menu,” Dev asked as Bruce pointed to a particular item. “Mashed potatoes with greens, in this case a reddish seaweed.”

“Oh, Kari makes that colcannon thing. Like that. I get it.”

“Kari does a lot of things. That’s why I invited you to have dinner. I know you and Darcy and Wong have been pouring over my books. You probably need to have some things decoded by now. Right? Her very large family tree. All the battles she fought. Some odd historical point, maybe?”

“Only one thing actually,” Bruce said as he took a look at the drink menu. “Why are you so nervous about talking about all this? That Cailleach thing scared you, but that wasn’t the only thing that made you antsy.”

“Would you want to spill all of your friend’s secrets to people you didn’t know very well? Secrets you’ve held since the 500s in some cases? The fact she killed herself with a huge sword but was resurrected because of some jiggery pokery deal her Mhamó made with a goddess? Sorry. Her grandmother. The story of how a wizard—who was played by Colin Morgan or Sam Neill in one drama or another—used a blade to cut her body and soul into tiny shards and send them out into the ether, and how she is connected to nearly ever damned part of what Wong calls the multiverse? Maybe you want to hear the tale of how she was found, babbling like a lunatic in Irish, by a now famous British spy and tossed into the story of the Star Spangled Man and his poor friend who became the assassin for the ages? Where do you want me to start, Bruce? Because no matter where I start, this will all end in heartache and tragedy. It always does. And don’t get me started on why she has no kids. That one I can’t…I just…it hurts too much…”

“Slow down,” Bruce said as he gestured with his hands again, the immortal across from him levitating slightly in her chair. “And please sit down. This was never going to get settled in a day or even a hundred days. I think we all know that.”

“Sorry. I just don’t want to see anyone hurt. Not Kari. Not Barnes. Not any of us,” Dev added as she looked at her own drinks menu and waved over the server. “Chardonnay, please. And a Barry’s tea pot for two. Two glasses of sparkling water as well. I think you are not a drinker, right?”

“I’ll try the Silk Tree and Poacher’s Tonic. It seems to be a really nice non-alcoholic G&T,” Bruce said as he shook his head at Dev. “Good memory.”

“I try,” she said as she flexed her fingers a bit. “Kari’s afraid something will happen with Barnes. They…they have had a lot of run-ins over the years. That mess in Poland. A couple of bad dances in Russia. A train tunnel in the middle of Hungary. There are times I’m sure the Goddess blocks from her memory. He damned near killed her a few times, and either she is not bringing them up, or she doesn’t remember. I don’t want to think of them, you know, and him doing something that makes her snap. Or vice versa.”

Bruce by now was playing with his silverware as the server came over to take their orders of the chef’s favorite fishes with lots of local side dishes. Dev was not sure what Bruce would make of the samphire with his order. It was a local succulent that was used in a mixture with asparagus. She’d just have to wait and see.

“Look, I do not want to know about their private moments…” Bruce said as Dev turned bright red. “Oh. Sorry. What did you mean, then?”

“OK, if I reach for something near your arm, no issues. If he does and it reminds her of when he choked her, well, that is another story. And he choked her when he tossed her out the window in Katowice. Loki told me that story one night over Asgardian ale and some dreadful Viking dish I do not want to describe right now. Loki, well, he...it wasn’t that he loved Kari like that. That’s not my understanding anyway. They were friends on some weird level no one else could fathom. But they never…you know…”

“That is one picture I do not need to dwell on,” Bruce replied as his appetizer of aubergine fritters was brought over. “I know she felt horrible when he died. She always says she let him down because no one believed that he was brainwashed by Thanos.”

“I would not have either,” Dev noted as she took her tiny seafood fork and went to work on her Killary mussels. “But back to Herself. I think she is afraid that any problems she has with Barnes will send her down the road to ruin. To become The Destroyer. To become Cailleach.”

“Wait. That’s not another person?”

“As far as we can tell, no. Kari has two living sisters-in-law. Enya Sun and Minerva O’Malley Harkness. We call her Mina. They are part of the we in all this. And we have never once feared this Cailleach nonsense. Not until now anyway. Wong made her antsy about things. And the fact she did that stupid spell didn’t help. And that succubus in New Jersey fighting The Scarlet Witch. Add to that the fact Kari’s self-esteem sometimes is just shit. Thank her mother and grandmother fighting over her for that. Losing her siblings in the ways she did, especially her twin Branan. I’m afraid, Bruce. And I can’t just blurt it all out yet. Your friends will think I’m a basket case. I’m really not.”

“Then why did you decide to tell me?” Bruce asked as he dipped his fritters in the miso aioli that they were served with. “Why not Wong? Since he is the Sorcerer Supreme, wouldn’t it make more sense?”

“You can thank Howard for this chat,” Dev said as she put down her fork and picked up her Chardonnay. “I know a lot of people thought he was crazy and reckless, but he always listened. You always listen, too. So here I am, spilling my guts about one of my best friends because I can’t carry this by myself anymore. Enya will get snarky, and Mina, well, she’s a vampire, so not too many people invite her into any of their homes for very obvious reasons. So by default it’s always been me doing the heavy lifting on this stuff. I love them all, but I can’t fix this. I can’t undo Kari’s stupid spell. I can’t rewind time so she never met that succubus. And I can’t have a million people asking me a million questions at once. So for tonight, well, I’ll answer yours, Bruce. Maybe we can get a better footing to figure out what to do next? Or at least maybe I can give you a reason to trust that I’m not barmy or a bitch.”

By now the wait staff started bringing over the main dishes, and Bruce seemed pleased with the black sole he had ordered. “Thank you,” Dev said as her plate of pan roasted cod was set in front of her. “Bruce, I hope you like it. And don’t worry. I never say no to dessert.”

“How did you end up meeting Kari anyway?” Bruce asked as he looked at the servers clearing a nearby table. “Back in Camelot, right?”

“That is a very long story. The short take is this. I was sent to Avalon to study with a group of bards. Kari’s grandmother sent her there hoping she’d marry Arthur. Frankly, Kari scared the man. She did not scare Enya’s brother Galen. We just moved in the same circles in court, and being the Irish girls, well, we sort of stuck together. Then Galen was killed in battle, and things went boots up pretty damned fast. I’m sure you read that part in one of my books.”

“Then enter Merlin and his spell, and all hell broke loose?” Bruce asked as he tried the samphire and asparagus that came with his black sole. He stopped to look at it for a moment before taking a good sized bite. “This is pretty good. But what happened in Camelot sounds like a nightmare.”

“It got to be one once we realized Kari was still connected to all those parts floating in space. She felt them, and then she started seeing what they were doing while she slept. Most of the time it’s nothing, but sometimes it’s really bad. Those parts of her all have their own lives. Some of those shards have husbands and children. And that’s what hurts so damned much. Kari has always wanted children, and she technically does have them because of all those parts of her that have kids, but it isn’t the same. It’s enough to make your head explode at times. That’s why I stayed in Galway teaching. It keeps me sane. That and my dog Tyrone.”

“I can only imagine,” Bruce said as he sipped his virgin G&T. “Do you think she’s told Bucky about any of this?”

“I’d say that’s a hard no. But he’s not stupid. He reads. A lot from what she’s told me. He’s likely to start looking up stuff. Especially if that nut Helmut Zemo is involved. He gets under people’s skin pretty easily, and I know Kari got upset when he started talking to Bucky during that Flag Smasher business. We tapped into our mental link to her briefly when they were in Madripoor. I don’t think she told any of them. To be brutally honest, she’d have left Zemo to die in Siberia if Black Panther had let her. As she’d say, that was not her call. When it comes to Barnes, Kari never thinks straight. My opinion, and I’ll die on that hill.”

“Pretty forceful words, Dev,” Bruce noted as he finished his rosti, a Swiss-style potato pancake and set down his fork. “Why does that scare you so much? From what Sam has said, Bucky doesn’t seem to think all that straight where Kari is concerned. They dance around each other a lot.”

“And that can’t be good,” Dev said as she looked over the dessert menu that one of the server’s had left on their table. “They just, they…oh shite.”

Dev turned slightly in her chair and then started to hunch down like a scared school girl. “Not now. Not here,” she mumbled as Bruce looked over at another table and saw a couple sit down. The only thing that seemed slightly unusual was the fact the man, tall and muscular and seemingly in his 30s, sported a very healthy head of pure white long hair.

“You know them?” Bruce asked as Dev squeezed her eyes shut and seemed to be praying or casting a spell.

“Dev? Devnet!” the slender woman with dark brown hair and stunning green eyes shouted as she got up and hurried over. “Is this your new gentleman friend? How delicious!”

“Aerfen, no,” Dev said as she rolled her eyes. “Dr. Bruce Banner, may I introduce Aerfen and Ardan Dalcais. Kari’s twin cousins. I never thought I’d see them here tonight. I swear. They usually stay in Dublin where they live.”

“Oh, what has cousin done now? Or should I saw who has she done now?” Aerfen giggled as Ardan walked over. “So, Dr. Banner? Ah yes. Devnet has always enjoyed having her…”

“Don’t you dare!” Dev snapped. “I don’t accuse you of seducing every person you see, Aerfen.”

“Moi? I am not accusing you of anything. Just a bit of camaraderie and you go girl spirit! I wish I were in your shoes,” Aerfen said as she batted her eyes at Bruce.

“Pay no attention to my sister,” Ardan said as he stood and looked at the Avenger. “Devnet, if you need us, we’ll be over here. Not bothering anyone,” he said as he guided his sister back to their table.

“It could have been worse, I suppose,” Dev said as the twins walked away. “It could have been Conri and Saorla O’Cathain. Kari’s cousins on her father’s side. Aerfen and Ardan are on her mother’s side. They mean well, but…no. Back to the topic at hand. Barnes and Kari. Dancing.”

Bruce looked a bit confused after the cousins went back to their table. “Kari never mentioned…”

“Any of her family? I’m not shocked. When her siblings died, she shut down. She never gives straight dates on when they passed. She never talks about surviving family. She rarely tells anyone about me, Enya or Mina. I think she’s afraid we’ll all be in line for some sort of trouble. Those stupid accords. People coming after her. As I said, it can make your head explode. Now, how about dessert?”

Dev finally looked at the menu and decided on the strawberry parfait, and Bruce opted for the chocolate and hazelnut cake.

“She’s staring again, isn’t she?” Dev whispered as she leaned closer to Bruce. “And I just gave her more ammunition. I am an eejit. Don’t worry. I am not…I have read your story…Natasha…and I am so sorry about your loss…I just need a friend.”

Bruce was processing everything Dev was saying when several of the patrons got to their feet and looked out the window onto the street in front of the restaurant. There were purple lights dancing in the air, and suddenly they vanished. Dev looked at Aerfen, but the woman simply shrugged and went back to drinking her own glass of wine. “And just like that, another evening in tatters. Níl ann ach figiúirí. Sorry. It just figures,” Dev said as she looked at her dessert and finally remembered her promise to Tyrone. “Waiter, could I please get a Morgan’s ribeye to take home? Thank you.”

“Midnight noshing later?” Bruce asked as Dev laughed. “No, I promised Tyrone a treat bag. Maybe I should call Wong? That seemed a bit too supernatural for my liking, and if the Trouble Twins did not cause it, and I know I didn’t do it, then who did? I know you don’t know, and you have that talk tomorrow. I’ll find out on my own for now, but I’ll keep you posted.”

When the bill came over, Dev slapped Bruce’s hand after he started to put down a credit card. “I asked you here. My treat,” she said before she turned to hand the server her card. The purple lights came flashing back, and this time the patrons started to shout as something appeared in the lights. “Bruce, maybe you want to get out of here before…too late.”

Ardan was running out of the restaurant, sword in hand, scaring whatever people were still outside as he tried to see what was coming through the lights. “Oh joy! He thinks he’s the Witcher or something,” Dev grumbled as she got up and ran outside just to watch the lights fade again. “Well, did you see anything?”

Ardan walked over to his fellow immortal and Banner and shook his head. “The Rift might be pushing the boundaries again. I’m not sure. Where is Herself?”

“Herself, if she finds out about any of this, will kill me,” Dev replied as she looked to see Aerfen had followed behind Bruce. “And now I think I have to tell you two as well. Bruce, I can take it from here. I’ll ring you tomorrow after your talk. Night.”

“Night,” Bruce said as he walked back to his accommodations. The Eyre Square Hotel was not that far off, and Dev was glad for that in case she needed his help later.

“Now, Trouble Twins,” she started to say as Aerfen poked her in the side with her elbow. “Ow. What?”

“You like him. I can tell,” Aerfen said as Dev groaned in reply. “Fine, but you are no fun! What is wrong with Kari this time?”

“Remember back when Merlin was stupid? Kari upped that with a dodgy spell, and I have a funny feeling those purple lights mean we are all in the shite because of it.”

Dev turned back to make sure Bruce was actually on his way back down the Spanish Parade Long Walk. “May this be nothing I can’t handle on my own,” she said quietly as Ardan gave her a funny look. “Trust me. The Avengers are not ready for The Rift or any of the nonsense your family brings with it at times. You are all like family to me, but gods, they can’t deal with the lot of us on a good day.”

Tag list: @arrthurpendragon, @historygeekfics, @starryeyes2000, @chickensarentcheap

[bellaireland1981]

Starting Over | 4

Summary: You come home to work to find your husband of three years in bed with your supposed best friend. It’s the wake up call you finally needed to take your two year old daughter and get the hell out of Texas. With nowhere to go you head to your big brother in San Diego. The sagger squad takes you under their wings, and shows you what having a family means. You get a fresh start… will you find your happily ever after?

Characters: Jake “hangman” Seresin x Sister! Reader, Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Seresin! Reader (Eventually), Hangman x Phoenix (eventually) , Adorable OC Gracie!   The Dagger squad

Word Count: 6129

Warnings: Angst, cheating husband, emotional abuse, eventual fluff, smut in later chapters, Sweet uncle Jake, Adorable Rooster with a toddler… if I miss any please let me know.

A/N: I don’t own the characters or storyline for Top Gun Maverick. All OC’s are mine. I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR ANYONE TO COPY OR REPOST MY WORK TO ANY OTHER PLATFORM! DON’T STEAL! Reblogs, likes and comments ALWAYS welcomed. THANK YOU @waywardodysseys​ and  @beyondthesefourwalls​ as always for reading over my work and helping me flush out ideas!!

Taglist is open! If I missed anyone who asked to be tagged, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM  to be added. It’s getting to hard to keep track of asks. 

CH 1  CH 2  CH 3

The next morning everyone descended on the house to head over to the zoo together.  Gracie had already finished her breakfast and was playing with her toys while you packed her diaper bag with an extra set clothes, diapers…you really needed to tackle potty training, snacks, and her sippy cups.

“Are we ready for a day with animals?” Jake asked excitedly, coming into the living room. “Princess G! It’s zoo time!”

“Aminals! Unco Jakey we go bye bye!” Gracie cheered, running as fast as her little legs would take her over to Jake. He picked her up, tossing her in the air to make her laugh before holding securely in his arms.

“Ready to go, Tulip?” he asked you, “Everyone is outside.”

“Yup!” You replied, “I think I’ve got everything…. Wait! Sunscreen!” You ran back to the bathroom and grabbed the bottle of sunscreen before retracing your steps to the living room.  “Ready!”

Jake laughed, shaking his head and heading out the door with your daughter. Once outside, Gracie saw Bradley next to his Bronco, she got even more excited, once more squirming in Jake’s arms trying to get to him.

“Woosta!!” She yelled, “Unco Jakey, down!”  To keep from her squirming out of his arms, he set the toddler down and watched as she ran to Bradley.

“Hey Princess!” Bradley said, shooting a smug smirk to Jake. “Ready for the zoo?”

“Yes!” She replied, “You come too?”

“Yup!” He replied, “Let’s get you into your seat so we can get going, ok?”

“You know, Chicken, I’m really starting to think you’re trying to steal my Princess G from me.” Jake complained, scowling at Bradley.

“I can’t help it that she likes me more, Hangman.” Bradley threw back, teasing his friend. “She’s got taste!”

“Relax, Hangman,” Phoenix said, walking over, “He’s just a shiny new toy. The newness will wear off, then she’ll be her uncle's little princess again.”

“Or…”You said, coming down the front stairs after locking the house, “Gracie has room in her heart for BOTH of you goofballs.”

“I suppose.” Jake said, playfully, “But you love Uncle Jakey more, right Princess G?”

“I wuv you, Unco Jakey!” Gracie replied sweetly, then turned to Bradley and grabbed his face with her little hands. “I wuv you too Woosta!”

“I love you too, Princess.” Bradley replied, smiling widely and kissing Gracie’s cheek.

Your heart absolutely melted the sight.  You could feel tears prickling behind your eyes, emotions overwhelming you. You wanted your little girl to have a dad who loved her and wanted her. Your heart broke that her actual dad was sickeningly closer to your own dad. You were thankful she had her Uncle, and now his friends too.

Jake, seeing your reaction, gave your shoulder a squeeze, dropping a kiss on your head.

“Ok, let’s get going!” Coyote said, “We’ve got a zoo to tackle!”

Bradley put Gracie in her carseat in Jake’s truck.

“Woosta!” Gracie called, “You sit wif me!”

“Guess you’re a backseater today, Rooster.” Jake teased him.

“I will happily ride with you, Princess!” Bradley said, climbing in next to her in the truck. You smiled at him, handing him her diaper bag to keep in the back. He winked at you, before directing his attention fully to your daughter.

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road!” Jake called to everyone still outside of vehicles. You climbed into the front of Jake’s truck and got settled in. Phoenix jumped into the seat on the other side of Gracie, while Jake got into the driver’s seat.

“Buckle up” he reminded, although everyone was already in the process. “Looks like I’ve got 3 backseaters and a co-pilot today.”

“Wow, Bubs” You laughed, “That was pretty bad.”

“Yeah it was.” Phoenix agreed, “If anything you have a co-pilot and you’re flying a commercial plane with passengers.”

“Or a co-pilot and crew.” Bradley threw in. “Apparently Hangman is a plane snob and everything has to be a fighter jet.”

“Note to self…never ride with naval aviators.” You said, rolling your eyes. “Maybe I’ll just ride with Bob and Fanboy next time.”

“Critics.” Jake said, “All of you are critics. Princess G is the only one that loves me.”

“But she apparently loves Rooster more.” Phoenix teased, smiling at Gracie.

“Ouch.” Jake pouted, “Phoenix, that hurts.”

After getting to the zoo, you applied sunscreen to Gracie while Jake go the stroller from the back of the truck and got it set up. Phoenix placed the diaper bag in the basket under the stroller for you, while you buckled Gracie into her seat. You pulled the shade down so the sun wouldn’t beat on her head and be in her eyes. You made a mental note to look to see if they had any toddler hats or sunglasses your next Target trip. Living in California, that would be a necessity for outdoor outings.

“Ok! We’re set!” You said, moving around to push the stroller.

You all made your way to the entrance of the zoo before stopping in front of the Welcome sign.

“Group picture!” Coyote said, “We can send it to Maverick. Maybe he’ll frame it and put it on his desk.”

“Hand me a phone,I’ll take it” You offered, “Team Dagger coming right up!”

Coyote pulled his phone out, handing it to you. The squad all got in front of the welcome sign and you snapped several pictures, both nice and goofy, before you handed the phone back to him.

“Family picture!” Jake said, motioning you over with Gracie in the stroller for a picture.  “Need a picture with my girls.”

“I’ll take it.” Bradley offered, using his own phone to snap some pictures. “I’ll text them to you.”

Once pictures were done, you actually made your way into the zoo.

The whole group stayed together for the morning, walking between exhibits and habitats. You found yourself laughing more than you had in probably years. The group was a lot of fun and definitely close. Gracie alternated between being in her stroller and being carried by various people in the group. She loved being with her Uncle Jake, who carried her on his shoulders. Bradley took several turns holding her, both on his shoulders and carrying her on his hip with one arm around her.

By lunch time, she was content to be in her stroller, in the shade,  munching on some french fries and chicken nuggets from the cafe at the zoo.

You sat next to her at the picnic table eating your own lunch, the rest of the squad spread out between 2 tables.

“This was a great idea.” Phoenix said, taking a bite of her sandwich. “I can’t tell you the last time I was at a zoo.”

“It was.” You replied, “I haven’t been able to do much like this with Gracie. It’s so fun to watch her reactions to animals.”

“Wait until we take her to Disneyland!” Jake exclaimed, “Do you want to go see all the princesses and Mickey Mouse, Princess G?”

“Pwincess!” She agreed, happily. “Mickey too!”

“Isn’t she too little for that still?” You asked, “She’s only 2!”

“Ok, we’ll just take her for her birthday!” Jake reasoned, “Or….we take her now and for her birthday.”

“You’re insane, Jakey.” You laughed, “Disney is too expensive for multiple trips.”

“It’s not bad if you get the memberships.” Bradley said, handing Gracie a piece of his cookie.

“I saw that” You smirked at him, “Y’all are seriously goin’ to spoil my daughter.”

“Yeah, Rooster, stop spoiling my niece.” Jake said, handing her a piece of his own cookie as well.

“You’re laughing now, but she’s all yours when she turns into a gremlin with all the sugar.” You said, “Don’t think you’re leaving me with a sugared up toddler.”

“Princess G is not a Gremlin, Tulip.” Jake said, feigning outrage, “She’s a sweet, cuddly, Princess. Just so happens she is also my favorite niece.”

“She’s your ONLY niece, Bubs.” You laughed, rolling your eyes. “And if she gets all sugared up and refuses to nap, she’ll be your only Gremlin niece.”

“She’s got you there, Hangman.” Coyote laughed, “It’ll be alright, tho. Between all of us, we can run her energy off. I vote we let the baby have all the sugar today!”

“Spoken from someone who’s clearly not spent time around small children.” Phoenix pointed out, “We have to wait to sugar her up until AFTER her nap.”

“Not helping, Nat.” You said, shaking your head.

“Yeah, Phoenix” Bradley said, shaking his head at her, “Not helping here.”

“You gave her the first piece of cookie!” You exclaimed, laughing. “Bob! Aren’t you supposed to be wrangling the overgrown kids?”

“My bad.” He said, looking innocent. “Stop corrupting Gracie y’all! Wait until she’s older!”

“BOB!” You laughed, “I think I’m going to need to call in the big gun here. Maverick is clearly the one that keeps you all contained.”

“Actually,” Phoenix said, “Penny would probably be the better option for that.”

“Noted.” You replied, reaching around to grab the wipes from the diaper bag. You wiped Gracie’s hands that had become very sticky, and her face from the cookie crumbs.  

“Will she nap in her stroller if we walk her around?” Bradley asked, as he finished his own meal.

“Yeah, she’s pretty good about knocking out when she’s tired.” You replied, “I’ll just lay her seat back and put the shade fully down to block the sun.”

“What’s the plan for the afternoon then?” Payback asked, from the next table, “What does everyone want to see?”

“I want to check out the reptiles, snakes, and insects.” Bob said, “That exhibit looked pretty cool.”

“I can check out some reptiles.” Payback replied. Fanboy agreed with Bob and Payback.

“I’m out.” Bradley said, “Not all about the snakes and insects.”

“Same.” You replied, “Enough of the snakes and bugs in Texas, no thanks.”

“What about The Lost Forest?” Jake suggested, “It’s got the birds, the monkeys, and such. Then we can hit the bigger animals in Africa and The Outback before leaving later.”

“I like that plan.” You said, “I want to see the Sloths for sure. They’re my absolute favorite.”

“OK, how about we split up then and we can all meet back up in a bit?” Bradley suggested, “Birds and forest animals sound good to me!”

“Me too,” Said Phoenix. “I do not do snakes.”

“Alright, let’s go see some more animals then.” Jake said, “We’ll text you guys when we’re heading back to another area.”

“Sounds good.” Payback said, “Let’s go see some reptiles!”

Your smaller group headed toward the Lost Forest section of the zoo. Gracie made it through the monkeys and gorilla habitat then knocked out in her stroller. You made sure the sunshade was blocking the majority of the sun from her but still allowed the slight breeze through to keep her cool.

Jake pulled Phoenix to a display set up as a photo op, making her take a picture with her face through a cutout of animals. You laughed, pulling your phone out to snap a picture.

“Jake put your face through too!” You said, holding your phone up. He happily ducked behind the display with Phoenix to pop his face into a cutout. You laughed, holding up your phone again to snap another picture.

“Here, leave Gracie with me. Go get a picture with Jake.” Bradley said.

“Ok.” You replied smiling, “Then you’re the next victim.”

He laughed, shooing you over to the display.  

Jake and you posed for a picture before you told Jake and Nat to stay put and went back to send Bradley over.

“Your turn, Hot Shot.” You said, nodding to the display.

He walked over joining the others for a picture. Once you snapped a few, they joined you again.

“OK, I need something cold to drink. I’m going to go find something, does anyone else want anything?” Phoenix asked.

“I’ll come with you, I could use a drink too.” Jake said.

“I’m good. I want ice cream!” You said. You’d seen several people with ice cream cones and it made you really want one.

“Ice cream does sound fantastic.” Bradley agreed. “I’ll tag along with you. We can meet up at the start of The Outback and text the others.”

“Alright. You’ve got precious cargo with you, Rooster.” Jake said, “Take care of my girls.”

“I’ll guard them with my life.” He promised, winking at you as he said it.

“Phoenix, can you please babysit my brother for a bit?” You asked, playfully, “He requires intense adult supervision.”

“I’ll do my best.” She laughed, “But I make zero promises that I won’t duct tape his mouth closed.”

“You can’t blame her there” Bradley shrugged.

You walked over to Jake and hugged him, whispering “Just be you Jakey. Let her in.”  He hugged you back, before pulling away and flashing you a sweet smile, following Phoenix after their drinks.

“Let’s go find some ice cream,” You said, “There’s gotta be a cart or shop around here somewhere. I’ve seen a million people with ice cream.”

The two of you headed down the path in the direction you’d been heading before the pictures.

“What did you tell Jake to put the goofy smile on his face?” Bradley asked.

“Just reminded him to be Jake and not Hangman.” You shrugged, “He really does like Nat. Beyond just  liking and respecting her as a coworker and fellow aviator. He really likes her. Sometimes my brother gets in his own head and he doubts that anyone could actually like him so he puts on a act to protect himself.”

“I would say that Phoenix likes Jake too.” Bradley said, “Also more than just a friend or coworker. She will fight it though. She’s had to build a solid wall to keep herself protected, being one of the few female Top Gun pilots.”

“They’re a match made in Heaven.” You smiled, glancing at Bradley. “You know, he really respects the hell out of all of you. He might not show it often…or maybe not at all… but Jake cares a hell of a lot about you all and what you think about him.”

“Honestly, before the Uranium Mission, I thought Jake was an arrogant asshole that cared more about himself than anyone else.” Bradley admitted, “But after spending time training with him and then when he literally saved my life… he finally started to show us there was more to him. Part of it was us finally being open to seeing another side of him too. We all care about him too, Y/N. We’ve built our own family.”

“It’s really good to see my brother happy.” You said, “Now my goal is to show him he deserves to happy and loved.”

“What about you, Sweetheart?” Bradley said, “Don’t you think you deserve that too? I know Jake wants that for you. The rest of us see that you deserve the world too.”

“I’m working on it.” You admit, quietly, “I know I don’t deserve anything that I’ve been dealt from Trent.”

“I know Jake’s a little worried he’ll show up.” Bradley said, “I saw let him try. He’ll quickly learn that we don’t let insecure pencil dick asswipes mess with anyone in our family.”

You laughed at the colorful description of your soon to be ex husband.

“I’m serious.” He said, “I can’t wrap my head around how anyone could have you and Gracie and not consider themselves to be the luckiest person in the world. It proves that he’s too stupid to breath the same air if he can’t see how special the two of you are.”

“Thank you, Bradley.” You replied softly, “You’re really sweet.”

“Just callin’ it like I see it.” He said, redness creeping up over his neck and face.

“I think we’ve found the ice cream.” You said, pointing at a small building to the left.

After getting ice cream cones, and losing the battle over paying for them to Bradley, you made your way to a bench in the shade so you could sit and eat them while Gracie continued her nap.

“This is exactly what I needed.” you said, happily eating your ice cream.

“It was a great idea.” Bradley agreed, eating his own cold treat. “Think Gracie will want some when she wakes up?”

“Gracie never turns down ice cream.” You laughed, “She’s one hundred percent her momma’s lil’ girl.”

“She’s definitely as pretty as her momma.” Bradley said smoothly. He knew you were technically still married but he couldn’t help the way you and Gracie were pulling him in. Knowing there was zero chance you’d be working things out with the douchebag, alleviated any guilt for flirting with a married woman.

“You’re a natural flirt, aren’t you, Bradley?” You asked, smiling. Regardless if he was seriously meaning to flirt with you or not, it felt good. He was a really good man, you knew that from the few days you’d known him. It felt like you’d known him longer. He was the type of man you wished you’d fallen for instead of buying into whatever Trent had tried to sell you. He was the type of man you wished your daughter had for a father. Maybe once all the dust settled after the divorce and you were ready, you could find a man like Bradley.

“Possibly, but it doesn’t negate the fact that it’s also true.” He shrugged, smiling. “You’re beautiful and Gracie looks like a mini version of you.”

“Thank you, Bradley.” You replied, ducking your head to hide the heat creeping over your face.

He made a mental note to give you more compliments so you’d hopefully start to see what he saw when he looked at you. He also made a note to talk to Phoenix to get her opinion on how Jake would react to him pursuing you once your divorce was final.

“Mommy, I firsty.” Gracie said groggily. You stood up from the bench to get her cup from her diaper bag and gave it to her.

“Hi, Baby Girl.” You said, “Did you have a nice nap?” She nodded, sipping her cup.

“Me have some?” she asked, eyeing your ice cream cone. You laughed, crouching down to offer some of the treat to your daughter.

“Told you she was my girl.” You said, smiling up at Bradley, still sitting on the bench.

“Woosta ice cweam too?” she asked, sitting up and turning to see Bradley.

“You want to share mine too, Princess?” He asked, “It’s way better than Mommy’s!”

“Hey!” You exclaimed, laughing. “Cookies and Cream is the best ice cream, thank you very much.”

“Not as good as cookie dough.” He insisted, scooting closer to the stroller and leaning over, elbows on his knees, to offer a bite of his ice cream to Gracie.

She happily sampled the ice cream he offered, a little getting on her nose. He laughed before wiping it away with his finger.

“See, isn’t that better than Mommy’s ice cream?” he asked the toddler.

“Yes!” She agreed, although you were sure she was just agreeing with whatever Bradley said, not caring what she was agreeing to.

“Traitor.” You pouted, playfully. “Guess that just means I get to enjoy this ice cream all by myself.”

“I’ll share with you, Tulip.” Jake said, coming up behind you and nabbing your cone to lick some of the ice cream.

“What the hell, Jakey!?” You glared, “Unhand my ice cream. You can get your own.”

“That actually is really good.” He said, handing you back your cone. “I think I will go grab one. Phoenix, you want some ice cream?”

“That does sound pretty good.” She agreed, “I’ll come with you.”

“Looks like they’re getting along pretty well.” You observed as they headed across to the ice cream shop.

“It does.” Bradley agreed, watching the pair. “Looks like we’re on to something here.”

“Ice cweam, Woosta” Gracie said. “Pwease.”

“Good manners, Gracie Girl!” You praised, smiling at your daughter.

“Here you go, Princess.” Bradley said, tipping the cone towards her again.

“How are y’all gonna get ice cream without us?” Coyote asked, coming over. Bob, Fanboy and Payback joining too.

“Jake and Phoenix are across getting some now, y’all can get some and then we can finish up the rest of the habitats.” Bradley suggested.

Once everyone had their fill of ice cream, you all headed to The Outback and Africa habitats. Gracie was most excited about the kangaroos and then the Elephants and Giraffes. Jake pulled her out of the stroller, setting her on his shoulders so she could see the animals better. You tried to capture as much of the experience as possible in pictures and videos. You planned to print out the pictures and add them to her photobook. Thankfully, even in your haste to get out of the house, you’d managed to grab her other baby books so you’d have those for her when she got older.

“Alright, as fun as this day was,” Payback said, “But, I am starving and surprisingly beat.”

“You literally fly fighter jets, pulling G’s for a living..” You teased, “And the ZOO tired you out?”

“OH! She’s got you there, man.” Coyote laughed.

“Weak.” Phoenix teased, “I am starving though. The ice cream was great, but I need real food.”

“I could eat.” Bob agreed.

Later that evening after Gracie is in bed, you’re sitting on the couch with Jake, only half way paying attention to the movie on TV. You open your email app on your phone seeing your lawyer sent something to you.

Opening it up you see it’s a notification that she’s gone ahead to file the request for legal separation and that she’s had it served to Trent. She also said she’s filed the petition for an order of protection.

“Everything ok, Tulip?” Jake asked gently, “All of the color just drained from your face.”

“Yeah.” You replied quietly, “Just an email from my lawyer… she’s filed separation papers and a petition for an  order of protection.”

“That’s good though, right?” He asked, “It’s the first step to your freedom.”

“It’s good.” You said, looking at him, “I promise it’s good. I’m just…scared. What if he really does come here? What if he makes it impossible to be free from him? It’s been nice to ignore it all for a few days, but I can’t hide anymore. I have to face this…but I’m scared.”

“You’re not alone, Tulip.” Jake reassured, scooting over to you and pulling you close, “He’ll have to come through me…and the rest of the squad. We won’t let anything happen to you or Gracie.”

“What if Gracie asks about her dad, Jake?” You asked, “Am I doing the right thing trying to cut him from her life?”

“You are absolutely doing the right thing, Sweetheart.” He promised, “He hasn’t asked about her once in all of the messages he’s sent. He admitted to not wanting her. He doesn’t deserve her. And if Gracie asks…which, honestly, she hasn’t yet and she’s so young… I think you have time to figure out what to say to her if she asks.”

“I just want to protect her from everything…. But I don’t want to deprive her either.” You sighed.

“She isn’t missing anything by not having that piece of shit in her life.” Jake said, “She’ll have all the uncles and an aunt she can handle and… someday maybe she’ll get the dad she deserves…and her mom will get the love SHE deserves.”

“I love you, Jakey.” You said, sinking into your brother’s embrace. “Thank you.”

“Love you too, Tulip.” He replied, dropping a kiss on your head, “Just have some faith. You’ll see…it’ll work out.”

***

Over the next couple of weeks, you fell into a routine of sorts. During the day while Jake was at work, you would clean up the house and throw dinners into the slow cooker or just prep if it was a non slow cooker meal in the mornings. Gracie, content to play or color while you got stuff done. During her naps you would sit out on the back patio reading, enjoying the warm weather, or on your laptop looking into childcare options so you could accept the position with Penny.

You had just gotten Gracie down for a nap one day when you got a phone call from your lawyer.

“Hi, Y/N.” She said, once you’d answered the phone. “I just wanted to give you an update on how things were going.”

“Hello.” You said, “Hoping it’s good news?”

“As expected, he has his feathers ruffled. He retained a lawyer and has already contested both the divorce and objected to the order of protection.” she said, “He’s counter suing for custody of Gracie, saying you relocated out of state without consent.”

“He doesn’t even WANT her!” You exclaimed, feeling your heart rate increase, “He can’t take my baby. Please don’t let him take her!”

“Y/N, it’s ok, honey” She said, her voice calm and soothing. “I fully expected this. He will not get custody of that sweet little girl. You have a hearing for the order of protection Monday at 9:30. Once that is in place, and it will be, we move forward with the divorce, requesting it be expedited as well as full custody of Gracie. Ideally, it would be great if we can get him to terminate parental rights… and we might be able to get that in return for no child support if you’d be willing to do that.”

“Absolutely” You said, “I literally want nothing from him other than my freedom and my daughter.”

“Ok.” She said, “I will keep in touch. Please continue to forward any texts or phone calls from him to me. I imagine his lawyer will instruct him that all communication is to go through legal, but he hasn’t shown he’s capable of following directions thus far.”

“Thank you, so much.” You said, “For everything.”

“It’s my pleasure Y/N” She replied, “I’ll be in touch.”

After hanging up you sat on the couch, desperately trying to keep the anxiety flooding your system contained. You couldn’t fall apart. Gracie was depending on you. Despite your best efforts though, the tears started falling freely down your face. You sat on the couch, allowing the tears to fall…giving yourself a moment to let the feelings out.

There was a light knock at the door a while later.  Quickly wiping your eyes, you walked over to the door, checking through the window to see who was there before pulling it open.

“Bradley…” You said, “Shouldn’t you be in the air?”

“I’m on the ground today, instructing.” He said, “Jake is in the air though, but he forgot a manual he needs when he’s done.”

“Come on in.” You said, stepping back and letting him in. “I have no idea where he’d have put the manual but you’re welcome to look for it. Would you like a drink or something to eat?”

“I’m alright, Sweetheart.” He said, offering a smile, “Thank you. He said it should be on the nightstand next to his bed…. Y/N, is everything ok? Have you been crying?”

“I’m fine.” You said, plastering on a smile. “I was just watching a sad movie.”

“Sweetheart.” He said gently, walking over to you, “Wanna try that again? You’re a lousy liar, Y.N.”

“My lawyer just called.” You choked out, unable to keep the front up. A fresh round of tears spilled down your cheeks and a sob made its way out, despite your best efforts to hold it back.

“Oh, shit, Baby, come here.” He said, pulling you into his embrace. “It’s ok. I’ve got you. No matter what, you’re safe and Gracie is safe.”

He held you, letting you cry, gently rubbing your back with one hand, the other cradling your head. He didn’t say anything more for the moment, just giving you the time you needed to break down.

When the tears finally stopped and you were able to catch your breath, you pulled back.

“I’m sorry.” You whispered.

“Absolutely no apologies, Sweetheart.” He replied, “I’m glad I was here.”

“A crying hysterical female was probably not what you signed up for when you told Jake you’d get his manual.” You said, “And I soaked your uniform shirt.”

“Y/N,” He said, a soft genuine smile on his lips, “My shirt will dry. Never apologize for having feelings or showing them. You don’t have to be tough all the time.”

“I’m still learning that.” You admitted, “Jake and I kinda had to be tough growing up. I tried not to break down on him because he had enough on his plate and then in adulthood…well… I’m sure he’s filled you in.”

“He has.” He said, “But just because he’s worried and he needed someone to talk him down. What did your lawyer say?”

“Trent is contesting the divorce, and he’s counter suing for custody saying I took Gracie out of state without permission.” You said, “I don’t know how he can do both… I would think by counter suing he’s agreeing to a divorce. My lawyer told me she expected it but I’m still scared, Bradley. I can’t lose my daughter…and I can’t go back to Texas.”

“You won’t lose her, Sweetheart.” He said confidently, “If need be you have a whole bunch of people to testify on your behalf on how amazing of a mother you are. Judging from the voicemails and texts that Jake showed me though, no judge would see him as the better parent choice. And you won’t have to go back.”

“I have to go to court Monday morning too.” You said, “That’s when the hearing for the order of protection is.”

“I can talk to Mav and take off to stay with Gracie so Jake can be there for you in court.” He offered.

“Bradley, I can’t ask that of you.” You said.

“You’re not asking, Sweetheart.” He smiled, winking, “I’m offering. Plus, I get to spend time with a sweet Princess…so win for me!”

“Thank you.” You smiled back.

“What time does Gracie usually wake up from her nap?” Bradley asked.

“She should be waking up in the next half hour or so.” You replied.

“Alright, I’m going to have Phoenix cover my pilots for the first part of the afternoon.” Bradley said, “When Gracie wakes up, I’ll have you two follow me back to base and you can hang out with the squad until Jake is done for the day.”

“You really don’t have to do that, Bradley.” You said, “I don’t want to interfere with your job. We’ll be fine until Jake gets home.”

“I’d feel better knowing the two of you were on base, Y/N.” He relied, “Jake will be happy you’re there too.”

“You won’t get into trouble?” You asked, biting your bottom lip, an anxious habit you’d picked up over the years. “And your bosses won’t get mad?”

“I won’t get into trouble.” He promised, “If the admirals take issue with it, I’ll send them Mav’s way.”

“Ok, then.” You said, giving in, “But if you’re giving up your lunch hour to babysit me, you have to let me make  you lunch.No arguments.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” He said, laughing. “I’ll go grab the manual for Jake so I don’t forget it and then I’ll call Phoenix.”

“Ok, I’ll get your lunch going.” You said, “Anything sound good in particular?”

“Whatever is easiest. Please don’t go out of your way.” He said, “I usually grab a protein bar from the vending machine, so really, whatever you feed me is 100% better than that.”

“I’m going to start sending extra food with Jake for you.” You said, shaking your head, “You cannot fly when poorly fed.”

He chuckled, heading up to Jake’s room. While up there he called Phoenix and filled her in. She quickly agreed, saying she’d let Mav know.

With the manual in hand, he headed back downstairs. He set the manual down next to the door and heads into the kitchen.

“I reheated a plate of chicken, loaded potatoes and veggies I made last night.” You said, handing him the plate of heated food.

“Thank you, Sweetheart.” He smiled, accepting the plate. “Have you eaten?”

“I ate when I fed Gracie lunch.” You said, grabbing the pitcher of lemonade from the fridge and pouring a glass before setting it on the table in front of Bradley.

“This is amazing, Y/N.” He said after digging into the food.

“Better than the protein bar?” You teased, smiling at him.

“No contest, Sweetheart.” He said, winking. “It’s gonna taste like sawdust now tomorrow.”

“Nope, absolutely not.” You said, shaking your head at the man, “You are not eating a protein bar for lunch anymore, Bradley. I meant it, I will be sending lunch for you with Jake.”

“He’ll hate sharing his lunches.” He laughed.

“He can deal.”  You said firmly, “And anyone else that only eats protein bars will be getting food sent for them too. I tend to make too much every meal anyway so it’s not a problem.”

After feeding Bradley lunch, you pulled out Gracie’s diaper bag and filled it with some toys, a change of clothes in case she needed it, restocked the diapers, and snacks. Once her bag was ready you got to work prepping the food for the dinner you were making that night, making note of anything you’d need to stop at the store to pick up.

“I think tonight is a a lasagna night.” You said, taking inventory of the fridge and pantry. “So you can plan on that for lunch tomorrow.”

“That sounds amazing.” Bradley grinned, “Thank you.”

“You’re more than welcome.” You smiled. “Any requests for the squad dinner Friday?”

“How about we just order pizzas and make it easier on you?” He suggested.

“Ordering pizzas is not a home cooked meal.” You replied, leveling him with your sternest look, while trying to keep a straight face. “I could make homemade pizzas though if you want pizza.”

“Let’s make a deal, Sweetheart.” He said, hands on his hips, trying to look like a tough negotiator. “I’ll throw stuff on the grill and then you can boss me around in the kitchen while supervising me preparing sides to go with the meat.”

“Deal.” You agreed, offering your hand to shake on the deal. “But we’re making Jake help too.”

“Deal.” He parroted, taking your ordered hand and shaking it firmly with his own, both of you lingering a few seconds longer than necessary.

“I’m going to go check on Gracie and start waking her up.” You said, “I don’t want you getting in trouble for being gone too long.”

“It’s ok.” He said, “I’ve got Phoenix covering. She was going to let Mav know you and Gracie will be on base too.”

“Ok.” You said, “Gracie will be excited to see you…and to get to go to see the jets again.”

You walked back to Gracie’s room and quietly walked in. She was just starting to stir as you came into the room. You grabbed her shoes from the top of her dresser and a clean diaper to change and padded over to her bed.

“Hi,Sweet Girl.” You said gently, allowing her to wake up slowly. “Mommy’s going to change you and get your shoes on then I have a surprise for you.”

She sat up on the bed, her chubby hands rubbing her eyes.

“Pwize?” she asked, groggily.

“Yup!” You said, smiling. You made quick work of changing her and putting her shoes on. You finger combed her curls to untangle them from her sleep, then carried her out the living room.  “Gracie, look who’s here.”

“Woosta!” She squealed, fully awake now and reaching for her favorite mustached aviator.

Bradley smiled widely, reaching out to take her into his own arms.

“Hey Princess!” He said, hugging her close. Gracie wrapped her small arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. “Aww, is someone still sleepy?”

“She’s usually pretty cuddly when she first wakes up.” You said, smiling at the cute pair. “Today, you’re the lucky one that gets to benefit.”

“I will happily take the cuddles” He replied resting his cheek against the toddler’s head. “She's a good cuddler.”

“Yes she is.” You confirmed. “Gracie, do you wanna go to see Uncle Jakey at work?”

“Woosta too?” She asked, her head still resting on his shoulder.

“Yes, Baby Girl.” You laughed, “Rooster too.  We are not telling Jake he wasn’t the selling point today.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” He smirked.

A/N: Phew! Let me know what you’re thinking so far! Thank you for reading and joining on this journey! 

Taglist: 

awesomebooklover17, krismdavis, mygyn, jayniebop, hisredheadedgoddess28, jstarr86, @cherrycola27​, @harrysgothicbitch​ , @caidi-paris @senjoritanana​ @bethabear12 , @flyinlove  , fulla02 , @sophham​

[thedoctornumber11]

Rules and other things

This page is for my rules and policies.  Rules are mostly what I expect out of you.  Policies are things I do personally when it comes to roleplaying and running this tumblr account.  I know it’s a bit long and intimidating, but I promise it’s not as bad as it looks and I’m not like super strict about these or anything!  Most of these are just the same rules most roleplayers follow.

If you are not a Roleplay Blog, you should read this link by clicking here!

I do not expect anyone to remember these rules 100 percent forever.  There are a lot of them here, and I know when you RP with a lot of people it can be difficult to remember everyone’s rules.  I do appreciate you taking the time to read them and I do hope for some understanding of them upon initial contact.

Rules:

1. If you want to RP with me, just send me a message!  I’d appreciate it if you told me a bit about your muse (This can include sending a link to your about page), a bit about yourself and make sure to mention you are interested in roleplaying!  I’ll make sure to read your rules before responding.

2. I’m selective, but not mutual exclusive.  I know side blogs exist and all that, plus I don’t always see new followers.

3. Please do not force ships to happen.  I prefer for them to happen naturally.

4. No godmodding without talking to me first.  I know sometimes this kind of thing just sort of has to happen, but I would prefer we talk about it first.

5. I don’t mind a little bit of spelling and grammar misuse, but please try your best to use proper spelling and grammar

6. I generally prefer to stick to the Doctor’s cannon past.  Not a big fan of long lost wife/husband plots or things like that.

7. Please remind me about threads if I don’t get to them within 1 week.  This one is important because I do sometimes miss notifications from Tumblr regarding threads and although I do have a thread tracker, I only actually double check to make sure I’ve replied to everything once every two weeks or so.  The main except for this would be of course if I’m on a temporary hiatus, which I track here.  

8. I’m perfectly fine dropping threads as needed or as desired, but please message me to let me know so that I can remove it from my thread tracker!

9. There are occasionally mature themes on this blog.   I only RP with people who are 18+.  I will check your profile for this and ask if it’s not there.

10. I prefer ask box for IC communication and fanmail/chat for OOC communication.  When we first start interacting, let me know if you check for your chat messages or not, since I’ve noticed some people don’t use them.

11.  I prefer roleplaying through threads and not asks.  What this means, is if you send me an ask, and we decide to turn it into an RP, I would prefer you reblogged my reply instead of sending a second ask.  I’m perfectly okay as well if you decide to make a text post with an ask instead, although please do not expect me to do such a thing since I’m a bit lazy and just reblogging the ask is so much easier.  I don’t notice much of a difference anyway.

12. Multi-muse accounts, I prefer to RP with one muse and stick to that muse through all roleplays.  Please don’t start changing muses on me because that gets confusing.  This also applies to blogs with different verses.  I do prefer to stick with the same verse most of the time to keep things from getting too confusing for me.  It also helps develop the relationship between muses more and I value that a lot.  I just feel like this leads to better stories.

13. I typically try to only follow people who are interested in RPing with me AND/OR Doctor Who related blogs.

14.  If you respond to a closed RP thread I have with someone else, I will probably block you.  There are no warnings.

15. If you spam up my inbox in an inappropriate matter (including but not limited to ads, anon hate, etc.) I can and will block you.

16. Feel free to message me anytime about anything.  If we are already RPing but for some reason your muse randomly feels like talking to mine or interacting, feel free to tag me in a starter or send something through ask.  Not feeling much muse, but you, the mun, are a bit bored and just want someone to talk to?  Feel free to send me a chat message.  I’m here to interact and I’d love to hear from you both IC and OOC.

17. Communication is key with me.  If I’m doing something that bothers you, let me know.  If you want to drop a thread or stop interaction, let me know.  If you want to start something new or different, let me know.  If you aren’t going to be on for a bit or want to respond to a certain start or post, let me know.  I am not a mind reader.  If you need something from me, please let me know.  

18. I generally avoid pregnancy threads.  I’ve got nothing against them except for the fact that they are way overdone and have become generally boring to me because of that.  It also just doesn’t seem like a situation Eleven would find himself in generally, especially given my headcannons for him.

19. When responding to my starter calls, please make sure I’m aware what muse and what blog the starter is for!  Goes especially for multimuse blogs and side blogs.

20. Please do not like my starter calls and/or send memes or send or do anything RP related with me if you are not a RP blog.  If you are a personal blog you are welcome to follow and read my RPs, and like those and reblog my other content but having personal blogs like my starter calls really just fills up my notifications and it’s a bit annoying.  If you want to RP and you are a personal blog, make sure you follow all my other rules and just send me a message.  If you are a personal blog and you have an RP side blog, that’s fine, just specify.  This rule isn’t intended at you.  I’ve had a lot of actual personal blogs like my starter calls lately with no intention of RP and I’m not going to have it.  This is a blockable offense.

21.  I do RP with multiples of the same muse and do not do exclusives.  If you want to make me your exclusive Eleventh Doctor, that’s fine, I don’t really mind (although I also would not encourage that because there’s a ton of other great Eleventh Doctors out there!) however I enjoy doing different threads and different relationships with muses that might be similar so I won’t be doing any exclusivity at all.

My Policies, about roleplaying with me and about how I run this tumblr:

1. I do tag triggers and I do tag nsfw content.  It’s all hidden under the tag “nsfw” (This does include blood, core, etc.).  I am not always the best about tagging other replies however.  I do not use a read more.

2. I track #TheDoctorNumber11, however if you tag me in something, I do prefer you also send me a link in a message in case it doesn’t show up.

3. I do regular reminder messages to let people know that they owe if they haven’t replied in a week or longer.  This usually happens on Saturdays, although can be as late as Sundays, once every two weeks and I try to only send two messages before I stop mentioning it in case the first message is missed.  Tumblr sometimes messes up notifications and all that.  If you do not want me to message you about threads, let me know!

4. I’m generally willing to RP with you at any point during the Doctor’s time line, but I usually prefer later in his time line.

5. This is not strictly a RP blog.  While it is an RP blog, I will reblog things that aren’t related to RP or Doctor Who occasionally and I do occasionally make ooc posts.  Some people are bothered by this.  I suggest not following if you don’t wish to see any ooc content.  I do try and tag it with “#notdoctorwho”.

6. I will sometimes reblog my own stuff at different hours of the day to make sure it’s seen.  This is usually stuff related to the blog and I try to make sure I tag it “#reblogging for emphasis” so you can filter it out as desired.

7. I do like to get to know people ooc while roleplaying and I try to communicate regularly.  I believe that communication between roleplay partners is vital, and you should expect chat messages from me occasionally just to say hello.

8. Slightly related to the above post, I’ll sometimes tag partners in pictures, gifs, images or video of their muses if I happen to see such things while browsing tumblr.  Just kind of my way of showing I care I suppose?  Anyway, if this annoys you, let me know and I’ll stop.

9. I do have a job, so my work schedule sometimes makes replies difficult.  I generally try to get at least one reply to every thread every week (Usually two or three times a week), using the queue.

10.  Just because my tumblr is posting things doesn’t mean I’m online.  I schedule posts and use my queue a LOT and you should expect that I may not be online a lot.

11.  Please, never worry about length when RPing with me.  I promise I won’t judge you for it.  Right off the bat, I know my replies won’t always meet your’s in length.  Sometimes mine might be longer.  Sometimes it might be shorter.  It all depends on my mood and what makes sense with what’s going on in the thread.  Sometimes you’ll get a really long reply from me, but then your next reply from me will be really short.  Sometimes it’s the other way around.  I don’t expect you to match me, and you probably shouldn’t expect me to try and match you.  Length is irrelevant, it’s the quality of the reply that matters, and sometimes a short reply can get more across than a longer one might.  So I will not expect a specific length of reply out of you at any given point, and you probably shouldn’t expect a certain length of reply from me.

12. I know this might seem a bit odd to place here, but I’m just letting everyone know, that sometimes the Doctor does find things a bit hard to believe.  Whenever he runs into something magical or fantasy, or something he doesn’t think should exist, he generally tends to think it’s caused by an alien.  This is because he’s so used to alien encounters.  So if your muse is a vampire or a ghost or something, and he accuses them of being an alien, please don’t be offended.  It doesn’t mean that I as the mun think your muse is an alien.  I’m totally accepting of all muses and all creatures and all things in RP, but the Doctor isn’t always as accepting of magic and stuff like that, and will usually think it’s some kind of alien technology.

13. I mentioned this in my rules and I want to mention it again here, I do RP with people who play the same muses.  I won’t drop you if you decide to RP with other Elevens.  I’ve seen a few people mentioning this type of thing in their rules lately, and I’m really not picky.  This includes stuff outside the Doctor Who fandom as well.  For example, I may decide to RP with multiple people who play Little Mac from Nintendo.  If this is a problem, and you want your partners to be exclusive to your version of a muse, most likely it would be best we don’t interact.  Likewise, I don’t expect you to be exclusive to my Eleven and am perfectly fine (and encourage you) to RP with other Elevens besides just myself.  He’s a pretty cool character, and if I didn’t portray him, I certainly wouldn’t want to limit myself to just interacting with one Eleven.

14. I don’t expect reblog karma and in fact I kind of like when people reblog memes from me so I can see that they did and then send them the meme myself.  I also know it can be difficult to reblog from the source on mobile.  Likewise, I’m not always great about reblogging from the source when I’m on mobile myself.

15. I have a thread tracker here.  

16.  I do roleplay with multifandom OCs, Doctor Who OCs, crossovers with fandoms that I know or interest me and other Doctor Who muses including other people who play the Doctor.  In general I’m not very selective about what types of muses I interact with.  I do ask that I know a little bit about your muse before hand and if you do not have an about page, please do message me a bit about your muse when introducing yourself.

I think that’s everything.  I hope I didn’t intimidate anyone.  I hope to hear from you soon about roleplaying.  Thank you for reading.

[deandoesthingstome]

I posted 1,822 times in 2022

That's 1,295 more posts than 2021!

123 posts created (7%)

1,699 posts reblogged (93%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@sillyrabbit81

@thepriexperience

@littlegreenplasticsoldier

@deandoesthingstome

@anotherwinchesterfangirl

I tagged 1,720 of my posts in 2022

Only 6% of my posts had no tags

#not mine - 218 posts

#fic rec - 212 posts

#henry cavill - 194 posts

#inaq - 154 posts

#the last kingdom - 139 posts

#geralt of rivia - 114 posts

#this is also good - 113 posts

#what a man - 111 posts

#walter marshall - 105 posts

#tlk - 94 posts

Longest Tag: 121 characters

#also pretty sure i finally fixed the links for mobile so hopefully you can actually see my novice attempt at moodboarding

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

This is a post about August Walker.

97 notes - Posted November 13, 2022

#4

Night Moves

Chapter 1

Pairing: Walter Marshall x OFC (Alexandra Pierce)

Series Summary: When Walter Marshall is called to investigate a homicide by the railroad tracks, he quickly uncovers an unsettling pattern. Alexandra Pierce just wants someone to find out what happened to her friend. She has some secrets, too. And Walter’s going to uncover them.

Word Count: 1422

Series Warnings: In general, this series will depict assault, murder, stripping, hooking, rough sex, make up sex, fingering, oral (m and F receiving), p in v sex in various positions, self-loathing, failed relationships, smoking, drug use, drug addiction, general violence, and maybe some comfort. +18, Minors DNI

Chapter Warnings: Smoking, mention of stripping, mention of hooking, a dead body, grumpy Walter

Disclaimers: I do not own Walter Marshall, Night Hunter (Nomis), or any other characters from that movie, but I do own this OFC (Alexandra Pierce) and these words. Do not repost as your own. Likes, Reblogs, and Comments are more than welcome. It’s how I get my nourishment.

Header made by me, with pics found from Pexel.com and the internet. Dividers are not mine, but check out the masterlist for credit.

Playlist: I’ll be adding to Night Moves with each chapter. Songs 1- 3. I really hope you check it out, at least "Low" - Chet Faker. Whatever you think Walter's taste in music might be, these words hit home about him for me.

Masterlist

See the full post

123 notes - Posted November 23, 2022

#3

Night Moves - Masterlist

Pairing: Walter Marshall x OFC (Alexandra Pierce)

Series Summary: When Walter Marshall is called to investigate a homicide by the railroad tracks, he quickly uncovers an unsettling pattern. Alexandra Pierce just wants someone to find out what happened to her friend. She has some secrets, too. And Walter’s going to uncover them.

Series Warnings: In general, this series will depict assault, murder, stripping, hooking, rough sex, fingering, oral (m and f receiving), p in v sex in various positions, self-loathing, failed relationships, smoking, drug use, drug addiction, alcohol, general violence, makeup sex, and maybe some comfort. +18, Minors DNI

A/N: I’ve been kicking this story around for a bit and have a few chapters already drafted. I hope to keep to a regular posting schedule, but hopefully you’ll understand if life and the details of this story get in the way.

Header by me with pics from Pexel.com and the internet. Dividers will be from the amazing @firefly-graphics​

Playlist: I’ll be adding a Night Moves playlist here and updating with each chapter. The songs have absolutely driven this story and the way I see each of the characters and some of the interactions.  Direct link to Spotify here.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 (Coming Dec 14th)

Tagging those who I regularly bother or who may have asked for HC tags previously. Please let me know if you want off or on. 

@mayloma @sillyrabbit81 @kittenofdoomage  @kebabgirl67 @fvckinghenrycavill @summersong69 (tumblr won’t let me tag you) @itsrubberbisquit @lysarria @lizzystuffsthings @mysweetlittledesire​

138 notes - Posted November 19, 2022

#2

AU where Syverson becomes a dog trainer

Word Count: 1091

Warnings: smut of the cerebral and physical variety; kissing, oral (f and m receiving), fingering, cuddling, idk it’s been so long I don’t know how to do this anymore; you tell me

I don’t own Captain Syverson or Sandcastle but I do own these words and I do not give any permission to copy or repost them. I would absolutely love it if you liked or commented or reblogged. Stuff of life right there.

Written in a mid-week wine haze and completely un-beta’d. So I own the mistakes, too, is what I’m saying. But you can be me for a while if you want.

Sometimes when I'm walking my crazy-ass rescue pit in the woods, I imagine coming across dog trainer!Sy and Aika.

Aika is off-leash, which of course she is; Sy trusts her recall unconditionally.

When he hears my panicked calls for Ginger to return and stop straining against the lead, Sy immediately clasps a leash on the heavy D-ring of the neon green collar around the German Shepherd's neck.

He stands patient and calm about 10 yards away while I spew profuse apologies in his direction and gentle curses at my dog.

"She's a rescue. I'm so sorry. She really doesn't like other dogs. Ginger, sit!"

"She's a spitfire for sure, but she wants to say hi. She just needs to learn some manners."

When I tell him I've been watching training videos on Instagram, he can barely contain the smirk that forms beneath his rugged beard as he drops his head to the side and gives a slow shake.

He takes note once I finally have G under some semblance of control and asks if I've tried an in-person trainer yet.

I tell him I hadn't yet; that I'd adopted a rescue before who had a much easier disposition and I hadn't thought I would have so much trouble with a second one; that it'd only been a month and I was honestly regretting the decision to adopt again.

He pulls a small white card out of the pocket of his tan camo cargo pants and lets me know he's gonna just drop it on this tree stump here and back away with Aika in the opposite direction.

He tells me his name and says maybe the girls can meet again someday and I notice his biceps flex in his maybe just too small tee as he tugs Aika’s leash.

When he goes, I wipe the sweat of frustration off my face and pick up the card from the stump.

I see the nickname he failed to mention underneath the name K9 Tactics and see he's a certified trainer and I just want to die from embarrassment because this guy with the close shaved head and beefy thighs apparent in his pants is hot as all fuck and there is no way in hell I would ever summon enough courage to put my shortcomings on further display in front of him for any length of time ever again.

But I hear him holler back "Don't overthink it. First session's free. She’s got promise!"

And, like, imagine my surprise when he admits day one while we're walking G down the path near my apartment that I'm technically his first client since he made the choice to start this side gig after retiring from the Special Forces.

He's managed to calm her down after their frenetic meeting and hooked her up to the most convoluted convertible leash I'd ever seen.

We were stopping every so often while he waited for her to step back from her pulling before we moved forward and he praised her with a happy Yes every time she did.

I had a hard time concentrating on everything Sy said while I tried to wish the ache of those yesses away, but I did catch that he was finishing up a few business courses before stepping into an executive position at a new protection company forming in the area.

By the time Ginger was able to heel without hesitation, Sy had already asked me out on two dates and kissed me so passionately at the end of the second after walking me to my door that I was left reeling when he stepped back and I could not fathom for the life of me how I let him go home that night.

We waited until the girls met, G circling in and out trying so hard to approach Aika calmly and say hello, before we ended the night in bed together.

It was messy and hesitant and a little uncomfortable until we both laughed and admitted we were just thinking it might be better to kennel the girls in separate rooms for the night so they don't trip out that the bedroom door is closed for the first time in forever and destroy the living room while Sy was destroying me.

He pounced immediately upon entering the room after securing G and Aika, tossing me to the bed and diving right between the sprawl of my legs.

I practically melted into mush when he raised his eyes to me and mouthed a silent "okay?" and it didn’t take long after he latched his lips around my cunt and dug his tongue deep and pressed it into my clit with such fervor for me to come crying out his name.

Through my blissful haze, I caught him swipe a paw across his beard before he crawled up over me and dipped his head to catch my lip between his teeth before sucking a kiss and tipping his tongue into my mouth.

“Was that okay?”

See the full post

311 notes - Posted September 22, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Wake Up Call

Word Count: 2463

Warnings: mild feelings of despair, comforting Sy, gentleman Sy, Sy’s liberal use of ‘baby’ and ‘sugar’ (but is that even a warning anymore? don’t we just expect it?), more smut,  oral (both f and m receiving), fingering, cowgirl, missionary, doggy style, generous lube use (it’s a plot point, but IYKYK). Please let me know if I missed anything for you.

A/N: I couldn’t get dog trainer!Sy out of my head, so I moved you in with him and got straight to the sex. Ginger still has some behavior issues. 

Disclaimer: I don’t own Captain Syverson or Sand Castle, but I do own these words, so please do not copy or repost as your own. Likes, Comments, and Reblogs are amazing.

You shut the door hard and sink to the floor as soon as you wrangle Ginger inside the house. Aika pads in from her spot in the living room and gives a quick hello sniff to G then turns her attention to you.

Her gentle nudges and G’s face licks and wiggly butt can't stem the hot tears of frustration beginning to stream down your face as you replay the scene over and over.

"That dog needs to be put down," the old lady hissed as she passed you on the path.

She'd stared straight at Ginger as you were trying to put her in place, but you couldn't collect your dog's attention before the woman made direct eye contact with her. Ginger went a little nuts, but you held fast to her lead, trying to back away slowly with a firm pull, no tugging or yanking. Just like Sy taught you.

"Sugar, back so soon?" Sy calls from the kitchen. "Dinner's almost ... baby, what happened?"

Sy drops to his knees on the ground next to you, touching your shoulder gently. You know what he's looking for as you feel his eyes sweep over you, even with your head hanging low.

"I'm fine. Nothing's broken," you sniff. "Just some mean old lady on the path."

"Someone say sumthin'?"

"She said I need to put Ginger down just 'cuz she growled at her. Didn't even lunge, Sy. I was so proud of her for a hot second but I didn't grab her attention fast enough and then the lady.."

"Fuck. That's Betty. She's a real piece a work. Dontchu listen to a thing she says. Woman's got a real hard-on for anything bigger’n a teacup." Sy unhooks G from her lead and gives her a good pat. "She don't even like Aika. Can you believe that?"

Sy sends Aika off and turns to sit next to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and drawing you close.

"Come on, don't even spend another thought on it. You're doing great with Ginger. And there's probably gonna be some bad days. Happens to the best of 'em."

"Not Aika," you sniff again. "She's the perfect dog. Never goes nuts in public..."

Sy interrupts your self-pity party. "Baby, no need to compare. Ginger is her own dog. And she's got a different history you're trying to overcome."

"But.."

"No buts. 'Cept maybe this one," he smirks as he slides his hand down your back and under your seat, giving it a soft squeeze. "Now come on. We got one night before your trip and I made your favorite meal. Lemme wine and dine you outta this funk."

You lean closer to him, if that's even possible, amazed at the way this gruff, scruffy man can say the softest things to ease your troubled mind. He never makes you feel a fool for the way you handle your shit, especially with Ginger. He just waits for you to ask for help unless he sees a danger, and even then he's so respectful as he passes on advice. He never tells you what to do.

"I need a shower. Do I have time?"

"Can you make it a quick one? I think the timer's gonna go off in about 10."

You nod and let him help you up, relaxing into the bear hug he pulls you into. He kisses the top of your head, then gives your ass another squeeze and a pat.

"Now git. And put on something comfy," he smiles as you head down the hall.

You’re dressed and at the table in 15, foregoing a hair wash in favor of picking out something a little less comfortable. It is your last night with Sy for a bit, after all. The quick, steamy shower helped release the last bit of tension left after Sy calmed you down, and now you really want to make the most of the evening.

“Woman, did you just want to skip dinner altogether?” Sy exclaims, as you set yourself down at the table, meal already served on the plate in your space.

“What? Does this not meet the dress code for this restaurant?” you smirk back at him, smoothing your hands over the lacy camisole set you picked out. “You certainly seem a little overdressed.”

Sy scoots out his chair, stands, and tosses his napkin on the table. “That’s it. I’m sure glad to see you’re feeling good already. Let’s see how much better I can make it.”

See the full post

366 notes - Posted November 7, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[nyandereneko]

First Moonrise

Word Count: 1,679

Summary: “The moon smiled upon the wayward adventurers, well aware that the cogs of their intertwined fate had been steadily turning for a while now. And they weren’t going to be stopping any time soon, come what may.”

Author’s Note: Happy New Year 2023! My first drabble of the year and it’s Fate Touched, because of course it is. Considering we’re only 20 days away from season 2 of TLOVM dropping, I’m confident these next couple months (or weeks if nothing else) I’m going to be injecting DND directly into my veins because I can’t help myself. And that doesn’t even take into account the Lantern Rite’s imminent approach, but this drabble is about Vax so I’ll do my best to stay on track lol. Last year (the past few years, really) have been little more than an absolute nightmare and I’m putting my foot down and reclaiming my life. Which starts with reclaiming and revamping my selfships and sharing the content I’ve been so terribly neglecting in my depressive spiral. So, here’s to this year being better, and embracing the love and creativity we all deserve! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy! :D

Reblogs Appreciated!

*****

“First moonrise of the new year…so, I guess I can finally wish you a Happy New Year, Mom.”

Nova released her hushed greeting on a puff of breath into the chill night air, adding a tiny wave almost instinctively as she admired the radiant display of Catha and Ruidus shining like a painting against the backdrop of the night sky. If only she could capture the magnificence of this moment in the meticulous stroke of a brush…but she specialized in scrawling words on a page rather than guiding colors on a canvas. Besides, the striking silhouette of the sister moons had been captured and interpreted plenty of times over the years. If she truly wanted to appreciate their brilliance there was no shortage of their influence in the numerous temples and shrines that managed to persist in even the darkest corners of Tal’dorei.

The priestess had withdrawn from the rest of the party when her absence was least likely to be noticed, waiting for her remaining companions to collectively turn in for the evening before slipping out one of the inn’s side doors. With claws and tail primed for action, she’d lithely scaled the side of the building to get to her perch, settling herself on the roof’s ridge in the perfect position to view the tranquil nighttime scene. She couldn’t exactly share this little ritual of hers with her companions, considering they didn’t even know the true nature of who or what she was. It was too risky, too dangerous.

Things were simpler that way, hence why she’d long since decided to keep her secrets tucked close to her chest.

With her starlit tail wrapped around her feet for a little extra warmth and security, Nova leaned forward against her knees as she hugged her torso tighter and continued observing the grand celestial bodies suspended above. The transition from twilight to night proper heralded the start of the period the priestess had at her disposal to commune with her god—and not only that. The priestess’s devotion and reverence to the mysterious, whimsical Moonweaver stemmed from more than just years of carefully counseled and studied training and worship. 

While all living beings had one god or another to thank for their existence, Nova’s case was a bit more personal, a bit more literal.

Because the Moonweaver, Sehanine Moonbow, happened to be her mother in the most direct sense of the word. Despite not enduring the birthing process via more traditional or conventional methods, the Moonweaver had elected to personally pluck a special star from the heavens of her domain, granting it sentience and along with that the opportunity to learn, to grow, to become something. To experience life! It was an opportunity Nova would never regret or resent, especially not now that she had someone she wanted to be there for. Well, there were many someone’s she wanted to be there for, but the first person that came to mind when she ruminated on her fortunate circumstances was a unique exception, a case of her wild heart finding a place to nest despite the litany of disruptive odds and obstacles at play.

“It’s been a crazy couple of months, but I think we’re all hanging in there the best we can,” she began as her tail idly swept the battered roof tiles. “We’ve dealt with some real challenges, but we always come out on top…well, we have thus far, anyway. And I’m not naive enough to believe our luck will never run out. Trust me, I learned that lesson long, long ago.”

“And just what kind of lesson would that be?”

Nova let out a spine chilling hiss, shooting straight to her feet in a flurry of shock and panic before trying to take some kind of defensive stance. She almost lost her balance as something reached out to steady her. Thankfully, the unexpected intruder caught her before she could go tumbling off the slope, and as her vision adjusted her sights fell upon the winsome features of her greatest exception. She scrambled to regain her balance and free herself from the half-elf’s embrace even as he absently went about patting down her bristled fur. It was the least he could do, considering he was the cause of it. She didn’t want to think about or acknowledge how nice his touch felt, or how desperately she actually wanted to remain safely squirreled away in the sanctuary of his arms…so she held her ground and put a respectable amount of distance between them instead.

“Sorry, sorry, truly…I didn’t mean to startle you so badly,” Vax offered with a sheepish laugh, doing his best to keep his eyes jumping around lest they linger on the gleam of her resplendent visage in the soft pale light. “But honestly, you don’t really seem like the type that lets their guard down even at the best of times.”

“Well, I’m not usually all that likely to encounter strangers on rooftops in the dead of night.” She remained standing for the time being as she collected herself and braced for his interrogation. “To answer your previous question, though, it wouldn’t be a surprise for you to hear that luck runs out, right?”

Vax blinked a few times, a bit bewildered by the enigmatic nature of her inquiry. “I mean, it can, sure. I think everyone’s luck probably runs out at some point or another. I take it you have firsthand experience with that, hence the lesson learning?”

Nova returned to her seat on the ridge of the roof, caressing Vax’s wrist with her tail as she went to direct him to follow. Perhaps she couldn’t conduct the meeting she’d initially planned with the addition of this clueless bystander, but she could still communicate with her goddess in a professional context; that was what was expected of her anyway. Plus, it certainly didn’t hurt for the Moonweaver to get to know her future son-in-law a little better, right? Even if that future was still uncertain, even unlikely in Nova’s eyes, and even if the circumstances didn’t set the best atmosphere for a persuasive introduction.

“I mean, who hasn’t experienced their fair share of trials and tribulations?” the priestess began with a hint of melancholy, dangling her wrists off her knees. “Just look at our group. I don’t mean to get into anything too personal, it’s just…I know you can’t have the good without the bad. But sometimes…I know I don’t need to tell you that sometimes the darkness is just a little too thick, a little too suffocating.”

She didn’t volunteer anything further, and Vax didn’t push it. Settling down beside her, the rogue draped a portion of his cloak over the petite woman’s shoulders, endeavoring to conceal his surprise as he felt the distinct sensation of something warm and soft snake around his hips. It was too low, and fluffy, and noticeably warm to be mistaken for the signature transforming reptilian belt he rarely removed from his person. She slipped her tail under his cloak and around the edge of where he sat, offering her own form of solidarity without fully committing to a gesture that was more invasive, intimate, personal.

Vax didn’t mind taking matters into his own hands in that regard. He didn’t want to push Nova to discuss something she wasn’t ready to, something that she barely had the strength and conviction to face herself. Perhaps it was something she still hadn’t dealt with yet, a harsher, more harrowing and horrifying experience that she’d barely had the will to survive. Vax didn’t realize how close to the truth his assumptions came, but he did know he was glad she’d survived despite the circumstances, the cruelty, the suffering. He was here now, they could both be here for each other, and he’d long since decided he would stop at nothing to protect her from whatever threats had yet to come. 

Now that she’d established herself as a semi-permanent presence in his life, he never wanted to be without her. Her feelings had skewed in much the same direction over the course of their budding acquaintance. 

He felt her muscles tense under his touch as he leaned over to envelop her more completely, draping an arm around her shoulder and drawing his cloak with him until she was cocooned against his side, her head nestled in the curve of his shoulder. Vax was quiet, pensive as he rested his head against Nova’s, and the faelyne swiveled an ear to accommodate his increased proximity. Sitting here bundled up in the object of her affection’s embrace as they bathed in the moon’s first light of the year, it was hard for her to fathom anything better than this. The sounds of the sparse nightlife and a trickle of ever present yet impossible to trace notes drifted by on the breeze, breathing a life into the small town that both parties were a bit reluctant to leave behind.

“You don’t have to tell me any more if you don’t want to,” the half-elf encouraged in a whisper, and the quality of his tone made Nova’s heart skip a beat. He hadn’t employed any specific inflection in his delivery, she just happened to fancy his voice. “I understand dealing with stuff you can’t talk about. But I want you to know if you ever do want to talk, I’m here to listen. And regardless of what this year brings, we’ll get through it together, all of us. That’s a promise I intend to keep.”

“I suppose I’ll have to hold you to it, then,” the faelyne replied, nuzzling his shoulder before abruptly freezing in the movement the instant she realized what she was doing. 

I expect nothing less, he thought in response, letting out a contented sigh as she nuzzled him and giving her tail a few affectionate strokes in return.

The moon smiled upon the wayward adventurers, well aware that the cogs of their intertwined fate had been steadily turning for a while now. And they weren’t going to be stopping any time soon, come what may.