#<- yeah putting it in the main tag too i'm bold

[theraggedygirl11]

My Jance fic is slightly 👌🏻 getting out of hand, like

Random Jance enjoyer: How much do you want Jan to suffer in the first chapter?

Me: yes

As I said to my lovely @anxious-witch

[forever-rogue]

heyyy beeee🥰

I saw requests are opened and I come here bearing flowers and an idea. Here are the flowers: 🌷🌸🌹🌼💐🌻

And the idea: I just thought it would be funny and adorable for Steve “my favourite Star Wars movie is the one with the teddy bears” Harrington to have a Star Wars loving gf that would roll her eyes fondly and kiss his cheek whenever he got something wrong. He would be so cute trying to be involved bc his girl likes that stuff you know and she’d melt cause he’s trying for her even if it’s not something she expected him to do 🥲💖🩷

AN | But this is my dream (it’s me, I’m Star Wars girlfriend) and it’s so soft. Enjoy🥺

Warnings | Language

Pairing | Steve x Fem!Reader

Word Count | 2.2k

Masterlist | Steve, Main

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Steve's eyes were glued to your figure as soon as he spotted you. It was a boring afternoon shift alone at Family Video, and he'd been absentmindedly flipping through a magazine. As soon as he heard the doors open, he perked up at the idea of some human interaction.

He hadn't expected to be blown away by having the prettiest girl he'd ever seen walk in. His brain turned to scrambled eggs immediately and all he managed to do was close the magazine as you disappeared into the aisles. You hadn't even noticed him; not on purpose, you were just on a mission. 

Tossing the magazine to the side, he slipped out from behind the counter and started walking in your direction. He cleared his throat, touched up his hair and prepared himself for what he hoped would be an actual interaction.

"Hello there," he turned into the aisle you were in, causing you to look up in surprise. The moment he got a closer look at your face, he suddenly forgot what he was going to say. Your eyes flicked to his name tag and you relaxed when you realized he was an employee and not some random man.

"Hi," and oh. Steve already loved the sound of your voice and the small smile you offered in response. 

"Help need…do you?" He managed to blurt out as you giggled softly. His neck and cheeks pinked once he realized what he'd say. He was already smacking himself internally, "sorry - do you need any help finding anything?"

"Yeah, actually," you put back the movie in your hand and turned your full attention to him, "I'm looking for - and don't laugh - the Star Wars movies. Do you have them here?"

"Why would I laugh?" Steve asked, shaking his head as he motioned for you to follow, "but you're in luck, they were just returned."

"It's just kind of a nerdy thing," you shrugged sheepishly, chewing on the inside of your cheek, "a lot of people think it's really lame."

"It's definitely not lame," Steve was pretty sure that you could read him the dictionary and it would be anything but boring, "its pretty cool. Especially if you're into it."

You felt your entire face flush as you peeked at him. Was he flirting with you? He was flirting with you. You waved your hand around before taking the vhs cassettes that he held out to you, "are you into Star Wars too?"

"Me? O-oh yeah," he wasn't outwardly lying but he was definitely fibbing. He'd seen the movies, watched them at a movie night with Eddie and Robin, but honestly, he'd slept through a good amount of them, "totally."

"Cool," you bit your lip in a way Steve was sure would kill him slowly, "which one is your favorite?"

"The one with the…little bears?" And then you laughed, loud and bold, as he smiled sheepishly.

"Ewoks," you sweetly corrected him, "so Return of the Jedi."

"Yup…"

"You haven't seen Star Wars, have you?" You were definitely enjoying this, especially the way the pretty boy was squirming under your gaze.

"I have!" He countered, "I…might have slept through most of it but I've seen the movies!"

"Well," you rocked back and forth on your heels, "you should give them another watch if you're ever up for it. They can be pretty funny."

"If you say they are, they must be good," the two of you walked back to the counter where he began to check you out - in more ways than one. But he was still trying to keep it respectful, "do you have an account or do you need to create one?"

"I actually just moved to town a few weeks ago," you swallowed the lump in your throat and caught his pretty honey brown eyes, "so I'll need to make one."

"Alright," this was good, he decided. You had no preconceived notions of him from the sound of it, "can I just get your name and number?"

"Are you asking for the account or yourself?" Something was causing you to feel bold. Judging from the expression on his face you'd read the signs right.

"What if I said both?" He teased right back, finding it easy to slip back into flirting with you.

"I'd say yes," you grinned at him, "and that I'm free on Friday night after five."

"It's a date," he said, nervous for your response. But oh, he was already so invested in you and wanted to know everything and anything about you.

"It's a date."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

And one date turned into two and then three, and then countless others. Almost a year later and you were thoroughly and deep in love with your boyfriend, Steve Harrington.

He was so different from you, but the two of you meshed so well. Plus, unlike anyone you'd ever dated before, Steve tried and he cared. And he showed that he did. He tried to understand your interests and loves and you did the same to him.

Plus, it was really cute when he tried to understand all of your Star Wars and other nerdy interests. But it was the sheer love and enthusiasm that he did it with that made you love him all that much more. And - if you really wanted a deep conversation about such things - you had his (and now your) friends Eddie and Dustin.

Steve was over at your apartment for the night, and you'd gone to make some popcorn for the movie the two of you had agreed on for the evening. When you walked back into the room, you found him studying your bookshelves curiously.

"Anything interesting?" You asked as he started slightly with a pink flush welling up in his cheeks. You set the bowl down on your desk and walked over to him, standing behind and wrapping your arms around his waist. You felt him relax into your touch as he put a hand on top of yours, and you pressed a row of kisses to his shoulder.

"Everything about you is interesting," he stated sincerely as you snorted in amusement. He took your hand and gently turned around so he was facing. He was pretty, so pretty that it still managed to take your breath away at times. Those honey brown eyes, soft smile, and the freckles you loved kissing one by one. 

"Stevie," you chided him softly although there was no malice behind your words. He exhaled softly before pressing his lips to your forehead. You sighed contentedly, "I love you."

"I love you," he nudged his nose against yours before inching you closer to the bookshelf. He pointed to a few books that had caught his eye as you just smiled at him, "but these seem very interesting. Not as interesting as you, of course."

"You're so sweet," you carded a hand through his hair, "you're more than welcome to borrow them at any time. What's mine is yours, honey boy."

"I don't know," he said quietly, "don't know if I'm quite smart enough for all of that."

"You are," you insisted softly, "you are so much smarter than you give yourself credit for! Even if you don't believe you are right, believe me. I would never lie to you."

Steve practically melted under your praise, even though to you it was just the truth. You knew the Steve of now, the kind hearted and golden man you'd fallen in love with. 

"Thank you," he whispered as you pulled him into a hug, lightly swaying your bodies back and forth. You let go of him before pulling a few books off the shelf, ones you were sure he would enjoy.

"Try these," you really were the brightest spot in his life. A ray of sunshine on even his darkest and cloudiest days, "and let me know what you think."

"I will," he promised, "hey, I have an idea-"

"Uh oh," you teased, a bemused lilt to your voice, "that's even a good sign."

"Hey!" But the two of you were giggling at each other, "I was going to suggest watching Star Wars. Figured I could give it another shot."

"Really?!" Your eyes lit up like Christmas lights as you tried to contain your excitement. You'd never pushed him to watch them again so the fact that he was offering made your heart happy. He nodded eagerly and you pressed a kiss to his cheek, "you're the best! I hope you'll like them this time around! But if you get bored or whatever, just let me know."

"I will," he tugged you towards the bed. In his your absence, he'd already missed the vhs tapes out of the cabinet. He'd bought them for you a few months after you'd started dating so you didn't have to keep borrowing them from Family Video. He was so thoughtful, "but I have a feeling I'll like them this time around. I've got the best company."

"I'll try to shut up," you held up your fingers in a scout salute, "but I cannot promise to avoid all commentary."

"I would expect nothing else," he turned on the television and put in the first tape as you made yourself comfortable in the bed, "what's your favorite character again? Booba or something?"

"Boba Fett!" You were laughing as Steve shrugged and grabbed the remote to join you, "he's the best and one day, people will realize that and see how underrated he is!"

"I'm sure they will," he set the bowl of popcorn between the two of you as he pressed play, "now sit back and enjoy, angel."

"I will," you snuggled up to him, "because I'm watching my favorite movies with my favorite person!"

And yeah. Steve loved the sound of that. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Steve had an idea. An idea that involved your birthday, a lot of planning and assistance from his friends, and you. Or in other words - Steve planned a Star Wars themed surprise birthday party for you. He hoped you’d like it and wouldn’t find it too much or over the top. He got the sense that you didn’t place too much stock into your birthday considering you hadn’t even mentioned. He found out accidentally when you’d asked me to grab your ID for you. You’d insisted that he didn’t need to do anything special, but that wasn’t going to stop him. 

Steve had picked you up after work and took you to his and Robin’s apartment, under the guise of having a quiet night in. He’d already sent you flowers at work and gotten you a card and a cute little cupcake, which was more than enough for you. You just needed him and nothing less.

You were trailed behind Steve as he unlocked the door, talking about something random. You’d noticed he was a little jumpy today, but you weren’t going to question it. 

“Come on,” he motioned for you to step inside; the apartment was dark so you figured Robin wasn’t home. You went to flick on the light and were instantly met with a chorus of surprise!

Your friends jumped out of their hiding places, as you took a moment to calm your racing heart. You looked around at everything, and found yourself almost tearing up; the whole apartment was decorated and there was food, a cake, and a small pile of presents. 

“You guys,” you quickly wiped away the tears as you looked at all of them, “what’s all this for?”

“Your birthday,” Steve stood behind you and pressed a kiss to the crown of your head. He paused for a moment before whispering softly, “I hope this is okay. But I wanted to do something special for you.”

“This is…wonderful,” you turned around, “thank you, Steve. I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” he gently nudged you towards everyone, “happy birthday, angel.”

“Thank you all much,” you grinned at your friends, “I’m so happy to see you all!”

Eddie threw on some music and it was only then that you noticed that everything was Star Wars themed. Everyone was having a good time eating, drinking, and hanging out. It made your heart so happy.

The best of all was the little stuffed ewok that was sitting next to the cake. You walked over it and lightly picked it up, holding it to your chest; you knew exactly who it was from. You turned around and from across the room Steve caught your eye. His smile lit up his entire face as you held up the little ewok. He excused himself from his conversation and came over to you, “do you like it?”

“I love him,” you grinned, “I love this little bear from that one Star Wars movie. And I love you even more.”

“I love you,” he peppered your face in kisses, “happy birthday, angel.”

And it was the happiest of birthdays. The first of many.

[spark-lapis]

Hi! Ritsu's propaganda submitter here. What would you say is the best way to get into kagepro? Your propaganda made me curious^_^

OH WOW THANK YOU !!! and for the kind tags on your reblog too!!

to be entirely honest kagepro is a bit of a Mess and I'm a pretty casual (and old) fan of it, I haven't even caught up at all since like 2017-- this post (embedded below) has a really good comprehensive explanation of the situation!

basically it started as a series of plot-linked vocaloid songs, which is what I'm most familiar with! then there's also a manga (Kagerou Daze) and anime (Mekakucity Actors) and apparently novels too???

the anime (in my opinion) is basically only supplementary to the rest of it; the real heart of the series is the songs, but I read the manga online on one of those free translation websites back in the day and I definitely enjoyed that at the time as well!!

I don't usually post with links on the tumblr app so I have no idea if tumblr is embedding everything correctly, but this is Kano's character song that i mentioned in the propaganda!! It's an absolute classic and I highly recommend it! (And, due to being a classic, there's tons and tons of interesting vocal covers and such as well!)

most fanmade guides I've seen tend to consistently recommend starting with the songs and, if you do watch the anime, to do it dead last (otherwise it's deeply confusing because they don't really. like. explain anything that's happening. in the anime. basically it doesn't work very well as a standalone), but past that it's kind of a free for all.

as for what songs to start with, searching "kagepro" on YouTube turns up plenty of playlists to take your pick from!! after looking over a few of them I think this is probably the closest to my original experience (embedded below again since apparently Tumblr mobile is weird about in-text links) but ultimately kagepro is a bit more like a Jumble of Characters and Ideas than an actual chronological Plotline, especially since a lot of these songs are actually new and I don't even recognize them! (from what I've heard there is a chronological plot but there's lots of canon time-fuckery and rewinds and loops and routes and it's a whole mess.)

the really Classic songs that I personally recommend the most and consider the heart of the series, in my recommended order (sorted so songs with related characters are grouped together, with my personal favorite songs in bold), are:

Kagerou Days (Hibiya), Konoha's State of The World (Konoha), Children Record (basically the whole main cast), Ayano's Happiness Theory (Ayano, Kido&Kano&Seto), Toumei Answer (Shintaro&Ayano), Lost Time Memory (Shintaro), Kisaragi Attention (Momo), Otsukimi Recital (Momo&Hibiya), Imagination Forest (Mary), Shounen Brave (Seto, Mary), Yobanashi Deceive (Kano), Mekakushi Code (Kido), Yuukei Yesterday (Takane, Haruka), Headphone Actor (Takane), Outer Science (Saeru&Mary), Summertime Record (also the whole main cast; this is the good end I think)

after spending so much time thinking about this and typing it up I actually just went and put together a playlist in this order! especially because the titles differ slightly by translation and there's SO MANY covers that it's really hard to figure out what's the original version if you aren't already familiar with it. this is the playlist I picked the videos from if you are interested in more than just the classics, too!

SPEAKING OF COVERS !! this is a playlist of english covers for most of the really classic songs, and this is a half hour long english cover for a guitar medley of a lot of those same songs!! and this is by far my favorite cover ever for Outer Science, which i just. love how it sounds so much.

SORRY IF THIS IS ALREADY OVERWHELMING i just like to be really thorough if possible!!!! thank you for your interest and best of luck to your blorbo in the competition as well !!!!!! and absolutely feel free to reach out if there's any more questions or curiosities!!

TLDR is basically that I recommend checking out playlists of the songs and fanmade pvs, and/or the manga (under the name Kagerou Daze)! unlike the anime, the manga DOES seem somewhat understandable on its own, but I found it much more fun to read after already knowing about the characters from the songs!!

[where-them-kinomiya-at]

OK. EXPLODES. there's like. sooooo many facets of g-rev to get into, both for better and for worse (and when it comes to the bega arc it's very hard to talk about what i'd consider some of the best parts of the season without also going into... whatever the fuck they did after that.) but honestly. takao is i think a very good starting point to talk about what i'd say are the most interesting aspects of the season- and hell, out of the main cast, him and hiromi (who didn't really have anything to lose in the first place) are the only ones who made it out of the season unscathed.

there's like.. a lot to go over with him. but i think what i find the most interesting is the decision to go into just how deeply becoming world champion messed him up. like.. even if g-rev kind of backed out on most of the themes it was cooking as soon as kai joined bega, it's still a BOLD fucking direction to go. and it's just... i don't know man, it's almost horrifying in a way seeing this literal teenager thrown into the public eye y'know? he enjoys the attention, yes, but it's eating away at him in the long term and he doesn't even realize it!! he doesn't even know, chat!! and when you look back at s1 it hits you all over again that He's Just A Kid!! it hits you how much this has changed him!!!

honestly. i'm no good with words but i will probably write an entire very very long post on What G-Rev Was Cooking overall sometime. other key examples of The Vibe include barthez soldat just, as a whole, and the first several eps of the bega arc (again, the moment it goes to shit is when kai joins bega) (also ep 32 in particular is probably my favorite ep in the entire season)

Takao's struggles are definitely a major element in this season and yeah, it was messy and sad as hell. He faced the struggles of a real champion and the media/public throughout was as usual, god awful. Sometimes you gotta keep in mind that he's literally still a teenager. The media will be the media anyway but I'm glad Takao pulled through. I think this tension is one of the best parts of this season. But here's the thing....while focusing on Takao and Kai they had to degrade every other character in this season and that's why I can't watch it anymore.

The G-Revolution tensions were good and the battles were pretty good too, worth watching for sure. It's just that I cannot bear the deterioration of every other character apart from Takao and Kai even if they're my favourites. The BEGA arc doesn't exactly make up for Max and Rei either. I can go on about how much I hate the character focus in this season but that's another BIG ASS rant.

Personal opinion: Of course, I disliked the characterisation for some of the cast as well [i.e supporting/minor characters]. About Kai, ironically across the three seasons, this one was defo my...least favourite....the nicest way I can put it (his design was fabulous though of course). It's not that I disliked him but I prefer the personas of the previous two seasons. Just a personal opinion though lmao, no offence. Also they took zero elements from V-Force (which I may say would have helped build this season up more) and pretended like it never happened [like yeah YALL PLAYED TAG TEAM LAST YEAR REMEMBER??? and Takao and Max BOTH. WON. TOGETHER. REMEMBER???]. And yes, V-Force took plenty of elements from season 1 despite the change of directions.

Episode 32 was a good one for sure, because that's when the tensions following the BEGA arc took place.

[purplekoop]

Things I Love #01: Batman: The Brave and the Bold

So I'm a pretty big fan of superheroes. They're the aspiration of all aspirations to me, they're not just the characters and stories I like, they embody the ideals I want to see in the world. It's simple optimism that I think can't be beaten, even in the face of modern cynicism. There's been subversions that try to twist that simple idealism into a "realism" that misses both actual reality and the core foundation of the medium. There's been superhero stories that I think successfully subvert some of this "naive" optimism, but the best have taken the criticism and proven it wrong.

And then there's the superhero stories that simply go:

"Superheroes are fun, and that's that"

The first superhero show I remember that really invested me to any degree is the one that I'm dedicating the first entry in a series of posts where I go over... well, Things I Love, plain and simple. This is just gonna be me giving a brief overview of the show, things I find neat, maybe highlighting some favorite characters, but not too many details. This is gonna be largely spoiler-free and not an in-depth look at the entire show, because ideally I want whoever happens upon this post to check out the show itself someday. Not like spoilers are a major factor in this show, but hey, I like to play it safe with those.

BtBatB (or "buh-Bat-buh" as I like to say out loud) is an animated series produced by Warner Bros. Animation that ran from 2008 to 2011 on Cartoon Network. It of course, stars Batman, but the key feature of the show distinguishing it from any other series led by the caped crusader is his cast of co-stars. The show is named after a classic run of DC Comics that ran from the 50s to the 80s, with the premise being that each book was a team up between characters. So, the premise is simple: each episode features a team up between Batman and at least one other character in DC's massive catalogue of characters. A broad, broad premise that the creators of this show took and ran with.

Over the show's run, the cast of characters featured is massive, and pulls from every nook and cranny of DC's whacky history. The show has a handful of major recurring heroes that show up almost as reliably as the dark knight himself, like the young and eager new hero Blue Beetle (favorite little guy, love him), the comical crook-to-hero Plastic Man, the phenomenally hammy Aquaman, and Green Arrow, who acts as Batman's pseudo-rival and is kind of flattened of his actual interesting characterization but it's fine just watch JLU if you want a good animated Green Arrow. Some other characters that reappear pretty frequently are Red Tornado, Black Canary, Booster... Gold? Kamandi?

Yeah, even in just the "main" cast, we're getting into some characters who were pretty niche, at least at the time. Blue Beetle's gotten a movie this year, and Aquaman's redemption from being the Justice League's laughing stock has been well established by now, but that's just the tip of the team up iceberg. The array of characters on display is something it doesn't even take a fan of these niche classic comics characters to appreciate. One episode sees Batman and Aquaman tag along for a classic cheesy sci-fi story out in space, another will have Batman and Green Arrow try to work together along with Merlin to save the day in Arthurian times. It's a show that adores the breadth of DC's history more than I can put into words here.

But that's just the Brave and the Bold, but what about the Batman? Well I haven't seen that movie, but Batman in this show is... interesting. Kind of. Batman is the throughline of the entire show, with each story having him appear no matter what, but Batman arguably acts more as something for other characters to bounce off of than a character himself. He's a very hammy interpretation of the character, keen on cheesy one-liners at the start of a fight and calling his fists the "hammers of justice", to an extent that'd almost be hard to take seriously if he was in any other Batman show. His voice is far from bad, but it sort of reads like a "guy doing a comically gruff Batman impression" compared to some more nuanced depictions. His complexities are fairly surface level and easy to understand even with just a passing familiarity to the character, but barely ever get brought up much.

But I think to write off this Batman as just being a flattened bastardization of a complex character would be to miss the point of... the whole show, to be frank.

Batman's not complicated here, he's a gruff no-nonsense hero who's the best of the best despite not having powers, because he's got iron-clad determination and willpower that inspires every other hero in this world to do good too. He's a reflective surface that's used by the show to measure up the vast array of other characters. He's the straight man to the other characters with their whacky powers and stories, and acts as a grounding point to explore the rest of the wide world the show explores.

Now, this isn't to say Batman isn't completely deprived of personality here. Despite him being the grounding character, he's not immune to being petty or just straight-up wrong sometimes, especially early on into the show. Those early episodes also have a weird trend where you hear Batman's introspection, generally about whatever goofy goober he's stuck with that week, which I call "weird" because it fades out by halfway through season 1.

Even then, it'd be a little weird to call this a strictly "Batman" show. He's the throughline, but hardly the main appeal. It's more of a general "DC" show, which has an interesting effect that becomes apparent as the show goes on. When we do get a focus on Batman-adjacent characters, especially for the first time they pop up in the show's run, it's like a special treat. It's the stuff that hits close to home for the main man, and it's just kinda neat. When The Joker baby appears for the first time, it feels special! Which is weird for a Batman show, where you'd normally expect him to be the bad guy for episode 1! There's a somewhat notoriously beloved episode that's much more "Batman" than the rest of the show, which has the darker tone and more serious storytelling you'd expect of something like Batman: The Animated Series, all while still retaining the team up gimmick and silver age style that define the show.

Speaking of that style, oh lordy does this show have STYLE! Not just being a love letter to silver age comics in its light tone and obscure characters, but the design of the characters and the world is a delightful homage to that era too, though with a clean "modern" coat of paint that, y'know, works for a Cartoon Network show. The characters have thick outlines, bright colors, and strong shapes that just ooze with a classic charm.

And I don't know how I've gone this far without gushing over the soundtrack, Ohhhhh the soundtrack. Keeping in theme, the show hearkens back to the silver age not just in looks, but in sound. The show is scored with a gorgeous big band style, songs that wouldn't be too far off from fitting The Incredibles soundtrack.

I think a lot of the show's high points I've mentioned already can be summarized, fittingly, in its opening:

Snappy, bold visual style, the showcase of all manner of obscure DC heroes and villains, and that deeeeeelicious jazzy theme tune, all in a stylish 30 second package.

There's more I could go into with this show, but again, this is a brief overview, in part because I want to get my thoughts out within the day of finishing my rewatch and it's already 3 AM here, and in part because, again, I wanna leave room for this show to speak for itself. I might to an in-depth retro-whatever some day, but for now I just wanna get off my chest that I think this show is pretty neat.

It's not a deep show. In its respectable 65 episode run, there's a few grander storylines with higher stakes and plots that are built up across multiple episodes, which are cool! But at the same time, those aren't the episodes I think excite me the most. There's comedy episodes that play DDR with the fourth wall after knocking it over, there's sincere tributes to the old and obscure and forgotten characters of bygone eras of comics, there's the gimmicky episodes that push the show's premise to the absolutely most delightfully whacky of places, and there's a musical episode. Not kidding.

And it's the goofy stuff that shallow-thinking cynics would say is antithetical to Batman that made me remember this show so fondly to where I've spent years wanting to revisit it. There's other stories that take the themes of superheroes and have something to say about them. Things I think are beautiful, introspective, thought-provoking, and sincerely inspiring. The Justice League animated series and its sequel series Unlimited contain some of the genuine best stories that have a lot to say about superheroes that holds up even nearly two decades after its original run, when those same characters have been run into the ground with short-minded cynicism.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold has something simpler to say, but it's something that still rings true just as strongly.

Superheroes are fun, and that's that.

[nightsidewrestling]

D.U.D.E: Part 3 - Shamrocks & Shenanigans (Set in 2020)

Note: This is set in a universe where Men VS Women / Intergender matches can happen.

Chapter 1: here Chapter 2: here

Tags: @piratewithvigor @tantamount-treason @thedollmaker16

Around 2000 Words. 18+ in places (those chapters will be marked as ‘Mature / sexual content’ just to be safe). Please inform me if you wish to be tagged or untagged from posts. If the text is in italics and orange it’s Kirby’s inner monologue. If the text is coloured but not in italics, it’s either dialogue or a P.O.V change (P.O.V changes will be in bold and translated dialogue will appear in square [ ] brackets), Key below. Quick note on Geia’s text colour: Yes I do know that as Greed she should be in yellow but I decided to colour the men’s dialogue yellow so Geia was changed to be pink like the other women in the story outside of the main 8.

The Main 8: Damo - Bio. Vi - Bio. Billie - Bio. Geia - Bio. Kirby - Bio. Honey - Bio. Eli - Bio. Sara - Bio.

Gluttony's P.O.V:

"Nope, just me, Mam and Da."

"Any boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé?"

"That's very forward of you, Eddie."

"I just want to know if there's anyone, other than the girls and Damien, in your life."

"Nope, as far as I'm concerned, I'm by myself."

Eddie nods as he leans back, breathing out a cloud of smoke as he looks at Kirby.

"I have... had friends, back home, T.J, Mike and Yoshi. Haven't spoken to them since I left Wales, though, two years ago." She mutters.

"You have me," Eddie smiles softly before clearing his throat, "and Mox, if you need us, I'm always just a text or phone call away if you need me."

"You'll protect me?" She jokes, cocking an eyebrow as she looks at Eddie.

"Yeah. Sure on TV we're at war right now, but now I know what your 'Boss' is like, and he's an asshole by the way," Eddie grins, "I'm gonna keep you safe whether you like it or not."

"Don't be an ass, Eddie." She chuckles, struggling to keep a straight face as Eddie sticks his tongue out at her.

"you're stuck with me today, kid, so you better get used to this asshole." He winks.

"I'm stuck with you. As in Mox dropped you off so you'll be with me all day?"

"Exactly, so put up and shut up. Where's your car anyway? We can talk and drive, get you to relax around me, too."

Kirby looks over at Eddie whilst they walk to the car. He glances over at her, smiling as he takes a drag of his cigarette, finishing it before getting into the car. The moment she turns the car on her music comes on, quiet but still loud enough to hear, 'The Have Nots' by House of Pain.

"Oh man, you listen to House of Pain?"

"Yeah, why? Do you want me to turn it off?"

"Nah, how do I turn it up?" Eddie asks, messing with the buttons and dials inside of the car before Kirby can give him an answer.

After an hour of silence from Kirby, Eddie snaps slightly at the lack of conversation.

"I know you can talk, so why the fuck have you given me nothing but silence? Did I offend you somehow? What have I done?" Eddie asks, or rather, demands.

Kirby stays silent, pulling up at a new hotel, or more accurately motel, and parking.

"The fuck are we doin' here?"

"Eddie, if we stayed at the hotel we were at last night Damian would know. If we stay here, no one except us knows." She explains softly, her tone like a mother dealing with an unruly child.

"Oh... smart move," Eddie mumbles, "Well, when we get a room you gotta pretend that ya datin' me."

"Beth y uffern [What the hell]? I'm not... why the fuck would I do that?" Kirby stammers, her eyes wide and her eyebrows raised as far as they can go.

"Beth... what? Because ya have ta, or else people might get suspicious." Eddie shrugs, getting out of the car and opening Kirby's door before she even realises he's on her side of the car.

"But why?"

"But why," Eddie whines mockingly, "Let me put you in my shoes for a second, kid. Guy of my age rolls up at a shady, cheap-lookin', motel with a young, pretty lookin', gal like you, are ya gettin' the picture?"

"Oh," Kirby gasps, "I see... I am not, you know, a red light special, so to speak."

"A red light special? Like the TLC song?"

"Yeah," Kirby whispers as she walks beside Eddie, "I like 'em attentive and I like 'em in control, you know what I mean?" She chuckles softly.

Eddie shakes his head as he chuckles, getting his suitcase out of the trunk, before heading to the front desk, and getting the first available room.

The room's small, bathed in pink light from the sunlight streaming through the, still drawn, curtains. Kirby heads to the bathroom and stops in her tracks, in front of her is a small room, barely lit from the pink lightbulb above her head, she turns around and blocks Eddie's way into the bathroom.

"What's up with you? Need me to leave while ya piss or somethin'?" He grunts, raising an eyebrow as he takes in the bright pink of Kirby's cheeks, her scar almost managing to blend into her skin for once.

"Edward, we have a problem." She manages to squeak out.

"Problem? What sorta problem?"

Kirby moves, allowing Eddie to see the heart-shaped bathtub and the, intentional, pink lighting, he chuckles for a moment, then his brain kicks into gear and stops him mid-laugh.

"Oh fuck, there ain't a shower in there?" He asks, the grin dropping from his face.

She shakes her head, "I like some excitement and I like a man that goes." She teases as she walks over to Eddie, jokingly blowing him a kiss before taking her car keys off him, heading to grab her bags from the trunk.

"Now is not the time to quote that song!" He calls after her.

When Kirby returns, Eddie's outside on the balcony, smoking a cigarette and mumbling, what Kirby can only assume is, either rap lyrics or his thoughts to himself.

"You alright, Eddie?" She asks softly as she walks out onto the balcony next to him, "you don't have to put that out now I'm here, you know."

"You got that song stuck in my head, kid, you've got me mumblin' that shit to myself."

"I've got you mumbling Red Light Special to yourself? I guess there are worse songs to think about having sex to... not that you're thinking of having sex with me or anything. God no, why would you want to, I mean, look at me, I'm no man's first choice." Kirby rambles on quietly, her cheeks gradually getting redder as her brain screams at her to shut up.

"Hey kid, you're as pink as that bathtub," Eddie chuckles, patting her shoulder and pulling her into a side hug, "If I were thinkin' of fuckin' ya, I would at least get to know ya first."

"Don't mess with my head, Eddie." She grumbles.

"Or else you'll?" he teases.

"I'll steal your phone, call your mother and explain to her, that her son's making a young lady very uncomfortable."

"Don't you dare, my mother would destroy me with words alone, she'd take my head off with her teeth."

"Ooh, you've got a fiery mother too? Is she a red-head like mine or is she... What's the thing Billie says, Latina or Hispanic?"

"Puerto Rican, my father's Irish though."

"Fully Irish, or like half Irish half somethin' else?" She asks quietly, "My Da's half Irish, half Welsh."

"Fully Irish, I think, I'm not sure though, fairly sure he's part Hulk sometimes... and not smart Hulk, like first movie dumb Hulk."

"I get that. My Ma's half Scottish, so pissing her off is like pulling the pin on a human grenade."

"Ah, so that's where you get your fire in the ring from, you got both Irish and Scottish fire, so it's like a shotgun blast of 'Don't piss her off'."

"Sure... unless you're Damien, and have control over my career, and drag me away from my friends, just to see if working in America will work out."

"Oh really? You wanna talk about that?"

"Yeah, or at least the friends I, used to have, Mike, Ashkii, and Yoshi. Ash always had this joke that hanging out with me and Yoshi meant he was 'hanging with the video game girls'. Yoshi would always tell him he was an idiot for saying things like that." She smiles faintly.

"And what about Mike?"

"Me and Mike... we were as close as a guy and girl can be without dating. People would joke that he was Viscera's son, and I looked like Mideon's daughter, and we were gonna be the next Ministry of Darkness. I managed him for a while, tried to train him and get him to below three-hundred pounds, but nothing ever worked... in a way it was part of his charm, a guy that didn't care about impressing me with his physique, no rippling abs or striking bodybuilder poses as I walked by in the gym, just... playing Reggae music and singing along as he watched me put together that night's plan for after the show."

"Sounds like a great friend." Eddie mumbles, rubbing her back to reassure her, holding her closer when she starts to tear up.

"And then one day, Damien decided he wanted me to become 'Gluttony' and my uncles agreed, a seven-to-one vote stripped me, and my Da, of power over my career..." she takes a shaky breath in, wiping her eyes with the palms of her hands, "...I never wanted to be 'Gluttony', I thought it was horrible as a concept. Luring men who were considered 'out of shape' with the power of overindulgence in the consumable... I would never harm anyone's feelings intentionally and yet there I was, night after night, making jokes at my former best friend's expense, no wonder he kicked me out of our flat. I ended up moving back in with my parents, because I knew if I got a new place I couldn't pay the rent, I... I fucked up through no fault of my own." She whispers, her voice hoarse.

Eddie finishes his cigarette and leads Kirby inside, sitting her on the bed and holding her close, whispering small attempts at reassuring phrases to her.

"I'm sorry, you probably think I'm a wreck or something." She murmurs, only to be met with a gentle kiss on the forehead.

"You're not a wreck, you're a kid, who grew up in the wrestling world and never learnt how... tough, the business could be because your dad protected you. How about, I go get us lunch in the car, you stay here and rest. I'll be back before you wake up from your nap, I promise."

"You promise you're not just leaving forever?"

Eddie takes her face in his hands, although rough, the feeling is quite gentle, "I promise on my mother's eyes" He whispers.

After Eddie leaves, Kirby undresses down to her underwear, an (unintentionally) sexy black lacy bra with a pair of TMNT boxer shorts, every one of her tattoos and scars on display for only her to see, and potentially any security cameras placed in the room.

True to his word, Eddie returns before Kirby wakes up, setting out the Chinese food and the small table, almost intentionally like a first date, the two seats parallel to each other, he curses under his breath when he hears her let out a gentle yawn.

"I promise you it's not what it looks like!" He blurts out, his cheeks turning pink momentarily.

"It looks like a conversation set up, two chairs opposite each other, food... perhaps a pint of Guinness? Maybe a can of beer?" She shrugs, getting up before her brain catches up to her body.

"Well, it's not everyday I see a sight like that," Eddie chuckles as Kirby reaches for her discarded t-shirt, bending down and unwittingly giving Eddie the 'perfect view' of her cleavage, "If you want me let me know it." He winks.

"Did you just-"

"Quote Red Light Special, yup."

"Oh thank fuck, I thought your dick had made you go on auto-pilot to flirt with me."

"You don't have a lot of experience with men, do ya?"

"Wrestling them, yes. Socialising with them, no." She admits sheepishly.

"Well, usually a guy will tell a girl they like them, either by actually sayin' somethin' or their body will tell the girl, I think you know how that stuff works though."

"Oh trust me, I have seen plenty of jean crotches being adjusted or covered by men."

"See, jeans can hide it. Just get baggy enough jeans and the problem sorts itself out. Sweatpants, however, they give everything away." Eddie explains, sitting on the edge of the bed.

[ashasmonsters]

The Skateboarder

Female reader x Female orc (Morn)

Citrus rating: Lemon

Content: brief alcohol, stupid memes

Words: 9k

Morn reached between the legs of some intertwined partygoers, retrieved a beer from the strategically placed cooler, then opened it on the strike plate of the living room door. Some of it foamed out and fell on the carpet with the bottle cap but she didn't seem to care. The owners of the sorority house didn't care either.

"...so yeah, she said I stank and got up and left." Morn finished her tale of an attempted one-night stand.

"She didn't even touch you yet?" You asked, leaning in close so she could hear you over the thumping music. As was usual for parties like these, you and Morn had carved out a corner where you could be ignored by everyone else and gossip.

"Well, yeah, but not below the belt. That's what pissed me off. She was all over me all night and as soon as I say I want her to go down on me, she insults me and leaves."

"I mean..." you grinned, unable to resist, "did you stink down there, though?"

Morn punched your shoulder and chuckled.

"Fuck off, it's not like roses and daffodils are the norm. You know, it's like I always say..." It was Morn's turn to grin mischievously.

"Don't fucking say it. I swear to God, Morn. I'm going to laugh really hard and everyone's going to look at me weird. " You pleaded. You knew what would come next; Morn's favorite turn of phrase that she managed to use more often than one would think.

"—like I always say, good pussy smells like the heat coming out of the PS4."

You were true to your word. As you caught your breath between peals of laughter, a few partygoers did in fact stare at you. Despite your prior protests, the stares didn't bother you that much. Here in Morn's gossip corner, all that mattered was whiling the time away until the other half of your group was ready to leave. Dera's whereabouts were unknown but Lash was visible in the corner of the room.

"Looks like Lash's plan is all coming together." You noted. Morn turned to look as well; she was aggressively making out with an Elf boy. He licked her tusks. You grimaced.

"Goddamn. When Lash wants something she gets it."

"She mentioned that guy... what, like, yesterday?" You asked. "From staring at him across the classroom to heavy petting in less than twenty-four hours. That's a new record."

"Makes me feel like I'm not even the same species," Morn complained, finally turning away from Lash's public display of affection. "I know Orc boldness is a stereotype but it's not one I'd mind living up to."

"That's not Orc boldness, that's Lash boldness," you chortled. "Don't be down on yourself for not having it. Besides, she's not looking for a one-night deal; if that Elf doesn't call her back tomorrow she's gonna have her week ruined."

"I guess that's true..." Morn sighed.

"Morn." You firmly squeezed her shoulder and stared at her. "I love Lash to death, but you've never called me at three in the morning crying over the end of a week-and-a-half-long relationship. It's okay to not be dating a new person all the time."

"Yeah, I know." She finished her beer and smiled a bit.

"Besides, if you were hunting down an object of desire every time we were at a party, I'd have no one to chill with. Morn's Gossip Corner is the only thing getting me out of the dorm on Friday nights."

"I'm glad to be of service." She dramatically saluted. "You're right, though. I guess it's just the party atmosphere that makes me forget sleeping around and dating have drawbacks."

"Definitely the party vibe getting to you," you affirmed. "Speaking of sleeping around, though... where's Dera?"

"If I had to guess, upstairs. Text her." Morn suggested.

You pulled out your phone and opened the group chat, aptly titled "THA HOOLIGANZ 👩‍💻👩‍✈️👩‍⚕️🕵️‍♀️" and sent a message:

You: dera where tf are u, its almost been an hour

Almost immediately the indicator that Dera was typing popped up, followed by her reply:

Dera: upstairs. firbolg football player. huge 🍆

"Oh, god." You gagged. Morn pulled out her phone in response to see the cause, then had a similar reaction. She started tapping away at her phone's keyboard.

Morn: damn, dera, chill. we just wanted to make sure you were ok.

The typing indicator preceded yet another reply from Dera.

Dera: lol ok mom

"She's got an attitude tonight, sheesh." Morn shook her head and put her phone away.

"I think tonight an early exit might be a good idea. Dera and Lash seem pretty occupied," you said. You couldn't find Lash or her Elven paramour in the room anymore.

"I think you're right. Text the group and tell 'em we're leaving."

You nodded and did so, receiving 👍 responses from both Dera and Lash after a short pause.

"Let's go." You got up from your place on the sunken-in couch and helped Morn up. The two of you navigated through the fire code-violating sorority house to the front door, where you met the cool night air and the odor of cigarettes. Morn's skateboard was next to yours, propped against the thick trunk of a long-dead tree.

"I don't wanna go back to the dorms yet. It's not that late," Morn said, checking her watch.

"Pizza?" You suggested.

"Pizza."

Before long you were both skating into the night. The entire university town was built into the side of a mountain with the greek life houses at the top, making it a breeze to fashionably exit parties like this one. There were a few drunken revelers to dodge on the way down, but once you cleared the sororities and fraternities it was smooth skating. The incandescent streetlights flew past as century-old houses gave way to newer corner stores and parks. Before long, you and Morn were skating through the thick of the city on a course set for Main Street.

The pleasant sound of plastic wheels on stamped concrete was soon married with the aroma of cheap, indulgent pizza. You wouldn't have needed any senses other than smell to know you arrived at your destination: "Get Stuffed," the type of place where a slice was a dollar and you could write on the walls. As was usual for the time when Friday became Saturday, it was packed with the university crowd; too packed to even sit inside.

You and Morn shimmied to the counter and ordered your usuals. Fortunately, Get Stuffed had nailed speedy service and it was only a few short moments before you were on your way out with greasy pizza on flimsy paper plates. You set your skateboards on the curb and sat on them, side-by-side.

"Thanks for fleeing with me," Morn said, folding her slice of pizza and tucking her loose black curls behind her ear.

"Anytime, Morn." You mimicked her pizza fold before noticing something about the beanie she wore. It was oddly familiar, so you delayed your first bite. "Hey, where's that beanie from?" Morn looked at you, chewing.

"This thing?" She tugged at the chunky burgundy yarn. "You should know."

"I should know?" You mused, finally chewing on your first bite of pizza. It was just as greasy and gratifying as you expected it to be. Then, as realization dawned on you, it almost fell out of your mouth. "You kept that thing for this long?!"

"Of course. It's a good beanie. It's lasted... what, since second grade?" She smirked. "It's one of the best birthday gifts I've gotten. Thanks, by the way."

"Thank you for holding onto it," you countered. "The memories... wow."

"That was the birthday party where we had a sleepover afterward. We played tag, and—"

"Oh, no," you moaned, remembering.

"...you ran so hard that you threw up." Morn giggled. Your cheeks still burned at the vivid memory. You almost forgot crocheting Morn's beanie, but you never forget throwing up at someone's birthday party.

"It's crazy we've been friends for so long." You gracefully changed the subject and started working on your pizza slice in earnest.

"It's not that crazy. You've always been there for me."

"I mean... I try..." you were hiding your blush, feeling warm as Morn readied to shower you with compliments.

"Like the time Chrissie Becker rejected my invitation to prom. You started crying when I started crying, and I hadn't even told you what happened yet." Morn giggled warmly. "Or when our families went camping together and you let me share your sleeping bag when I forgot mine."

"I couldn't just let you sleep on the ground!" you sheepishly defended yourself against the flattery.

"Even though you knew I kicked in my sleep." Morn looked up from her plate and smiled at you, her tusks glinting under the streetlights.

"You're more important to me than my shins," you said quietly.

"Hah!" Morn laughed heartily, bumping her skateboard into yours and wrapping an arm around you. "You're more important to me than my shins."

In Morn's embrace there on the sidewalk, you melted. She had such a way of effortlessly making you feel safe and loved. She had been there for you as well several times and was damn good at it. You enjoyed the feeling so much that you just sat there quietly until she got a little worried.

"Hey, did I tease you too much?" Her wry grin had been replaced with a slight frown and sympathetic brow.

"No, no..." you reassured her, savoring the dreamy feeling. "It's all good. I'm glad you're here with me. I'm glad we're... friends," you stumbled a bit over the last word.

"Me too," she gave your shoulder a little squeeze.

You both finished your pizza in silence, enjoying each others' side and the ambiance of the city street. After a moment you both tossed the greasy plates into a trash can and skateboarded back to the dorms. The courtyard was where your paths diverged, and after bidding one another goodnight and farewell, you parted. You shared your bed that night with a familiar feeling. Embarrassment, shame, and maybe even guilt. All for the way your heart skipped a beat when she put an arm around you, or the unstoppable smile when she recounted her memories of you. You weren't super familiar with love, at least not in the way Lash and Dera were, but the way Morn made you feel in recent months was more than simple friendship. You agonized over the thought that she wouldn't return those feelings. It was a miracle you managed to sleep at all.

Saturday morning arrived, and with it, a text. You groggily pulled your phone into bed with you to read it after rubbing the sleep from your eyes. It was from THA HOOLIGANZ.

Dera: hey sorry about my sass last nite. i figured y'all left early and that's cool, i was kinda doing my own thing anyway

Lash: LOL sameeee. anyway, does anyone want to meet up for coffee or something? i’d rather be hungover around you guys than my parents 😭

You considered the offer; it would be nice to actually see Lash and Dera after missing them last night. Your moment on the curb with Morn still bothered you, and a distraction from that would be nice.

You: im down, where u wanna go

Dera: u know that cute little cafe on that corner? main street i think?? the one thats literally 100% pink???

Morn: you're thinking of tokidoki cafe! i'm down to go, that’s my spot!

You sighed. This outing wouldn't be very good for distracting you from Morn if Morn was seated across from you.

Dera: thats the one. lets gooooooo

Lash: yes. literally right now. start running

Morn: thanks, but I think I'll skate there. see y'all in a bit

You: same

The morning air was crisp and cool in the way spring mornings always were. It was a shame Lash and Dera were too busy downing aspirin and chugging water to truly enjoy it. Your skateboard served you well as a means of transport on mornings like this; you and your friends were the rare few students who didn't usually sleep in on Saturdays, so you enjoyed the empty sidewalks. The soft plastic wheels gripped the concrete well enough to accommodate any street corners.

The cafe was 100% pink, as promised. The sweet, pillowy smell of crepes mingled with the robust aroma of coffee and met you as you hopped off your skateboard. The tiny size of the place made it easy to tell you were the first to arrive. You ordered the latte-crepe combo that took up the most space on the menu and sat while you waited. You were idly scrolling through your phone when you heard the rhythmic thumping of a skateboard wheels on slabs of sidewalk.

She looked painfully good as she stepped through the cafe's front door. The morning sun made her long black hair golden around the edges and she still wore that damn beanie. Her tusks poked out from her smiling lips when her eyes met yours. Illuminated by sunbeams, her well-toned arm showed every muscle and vein as she gripped her skateboard by the trucks to carry it in.

"Good morning!" she beamed at you. The employee behind the counter smiled at her knowingly.

"The usual, Morn?" he asked.

"Yep!" She quickly answered before sitting across from you, the pins on her denim jacket jingling. "You got here quickly."

"Yeah..." you answered weakly, your conversational skills still recovering from the way Morn held you last night.

"You weren't drinking last night, were you? You alright?" Of course, Morn immediately picked up that something was the matter. It would be stranger if she didn't.

"I'm fine. Where are Lash and Dera?" You deflected. As if on cue, your phone buzzed. THA HOOLIGANZ chimed in.

Lash: lol srry, throwing up. cant make it

Dera: yeah same.

"Unbelievable. Those girls can't seem to show up anywhere lately." Morn had a slightly disapproving tone. She tapped away on her phone.

Morn: this is going on your attendance sheet

Lash: see u in detention, dera

Dera: enjoy your crepes you two!

You chuckled at the exchange.

"That's more like it. I like when you smile." Morn chimed in. "Do more of that."

The waiter saved you from needing to respond by stopping at your table with your orders. A steaming, folded crepe landed before you covered in a sauce just as pink as the rest of the cafe. A warm latte arrived with it and you wrapped your hands around the warm mug. It soothed you a little.

"Morn..." you began, not quite sure what you were going to say. Was this it? Were you going to lay your feelings on the table right here, right now?

"What is it? You can tell me anything." Morn leaned in over the table. "I can tell something's been bothering you lately."

You opened your mouth to speak, but nothing came out. You didn't even know how to begin; should you preface it with an apology? Some sort of explanation or disclaimer?

"I don't even know if I can tell you. Like, if I can get the words out," you said before sipping your latte. You savored the taste, hoping the espresso would ground you somehow. At the very least you wouldn't be expected to talk with your mouth full.

"There's no rush. I just... I want to help. I've known you long enough that I'm sure there's something I can do." Morn hadn't even touched her crepe yet.

"Let's just, um, eat." You answered.

"Good idea. I'm sure you'll feel like yourself once you've eaten and the coffee starts kicking in." Morn nodded to herself, cutting open her fruit-filled crepe. You similarly started to work on yours. The two of you ate in silence and, for a moment, you did feel better. Fully focusing on the aromas, flavors, and textures of your breakfast stilled your trembling hands. The slightest bit of confidence grew within you halfway through the meal.

"I... um..." the words slowly formed in your mouth. Morn paused, setting down her fork and knife and looking at you intently. "I fell in love. With someone I don't think I should be in love with."

Morn listened but said nothing. She was thinking.

"How do you know it's love?"

"What?" you asked.

"How do you know it's not just a crush? Or, you know, lust?" Morn inquired. You considered the question carefully. Memories of platonic cuddles, impromptu sleepovers, and late-night conversations with Morn came to mind.

"It's love because it's lasted way longer than any crush. I trust this person, and they trust me. I'm not like Lash, pining for the new guy from across the classroom; I know this person really well."

"I see." She paused again. "Why would it be bad to love them? Wouldn't a good history make a romantic relationship easier?"

"Only if they felt the same way..." you sighed and nestled your head in your elbows.

"Ah, right..." Morn looked sheepish. "Well, personally—and I do mean personally, so it might not apply to them—if I had a long-time friend that I had feelings for, I would just tell them."

"Really?" Your eyes widened.

"I mean, yeah. If I and this person had such a long history of trust, then I would trust them to still be friends with me afterward if they didn't feel the same way. I'm sure it would be awkward for a while, but I really don't think it would be, you know... destructive or anything."

More memories came to you. More times where you felt completely open and vulnerable with Morn, and when she did with you. Times when you comforted each other and shared secrets under blanket forts and playground swings and gymnasium bleachers. Words formed inside your mouth, desperate to make themselves known to the world. Perhaps now would become another one of these memories. You'd look back on it in the future and remember the smell of pink crepes in the pink cafe.

"Morn... I have these feelings for you. I'm talking about you."

You fought the urge to cover your mouth, and you didn't stutter or stammer in the slightest. Though working up the courage was difficult, letting the words go was one of the easiest things you had ever done. Morn didn't react much; an eyebrow rose slowly as she finished chewing. The silence was agonizing.

"I'm happy you trust me enough to share that with me," Morn said calmly. You wanted to shout that's all?! but held your tongue. She took a sip of her latte, clearly in no rush to say more.

"So..." you began, well and truly lost. All your effort had gone into mustering courage and now you had nothing left. Even your anxiety and worry had gone, and you were strangely content, though eager, to hear Morn speak.

"So..." Morn parroted, "does that mean you want to... you know, date me? Like, romantic dates, not besties dates. Kissing dates."

Again, your impulses screamed duh!

"Um, yeah..." you said sheepishly, rubbing the back of your neck. "I'd like that, but... only if you'd like that too."

She sipped her latte again, still calm.

"You know, over the years, I've imagined what we would be like if we were romantic with each other. Like, girlfriend-girlfriends. How could I not? We've known each other for so long."

You nodded, bidding her speak more.

"I never knew you wanted that. I can't imagine how you felt; I could tell something was wrong but I couldn't figure out what." Morn set the mug and her cutlery down, intentionally and warmly looking you in the eye. "I think...

You didn't even breathe.

"I think we should give it a shot." Morn smiled widely. "Does that sound good to you?"

"Yes, yes it does," you finally drew breath. If Morn was feeling a similar tumult of emotions that you were, she was hiding it considerably well. Morn wiped her lips and tusks with a napkin and got up from the table.

"Well, I've got to visit mom and pops tonight, but we've still got Sunday tomorrow. How about we have our first real date then?"

"Uh, sure!" You sat there, dumbfounded. Was it really going to be this easy?

"Cool. I'll let you pick where we go, just like most of our... non-date hangouts," she said, turning to the cashier. She gestured widely to the table. "Put it all on my tab."

"You have a crepe tab?"

Morn chuckled. Making her way to the door, the sunlight caught her hair and skin deliciously.

"I'm a regular. Anyway," she grabbed her skateboard, "see you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow." You answered. She gave you one last toothy grin and stepped out before gliding out of sight, disappearing past the edge of the window. You rested your chin in your hands and sighed like a lovestruck teenager in a coming-of-age movie. Before long, your window-gazing session was interrupted by an employee.

"All done, ma'am?" he asked politely.

"Uh, yes. Sorry, I was spacing out."

"No, it's all good. Thanks for coming by, and if you don't mind me saying..." he looked somewhat pensive.

"What?"

"Don't tell Morn I said this since she's proven that she could snap me in half like a twig, but... speaking as the crepe guy she visits several times a week, I think she's a good match for you."

"But you've never met me before. Maybe once or twice, but—"

"She's told me all about you. All good things, don't worry. It's less about you and more about how Morn talks about you. She gushes when she mentions you, seriously." He paused awkwardly then started to clean up the table. "I've said too much."

"No, thank you," you said. "It's good to know."

"Glad I could help. Anyway... um, thanks for coming in." He waved at you as you got up and left. You nodded and made your exit.

Back at your dorm, you couldn't decide if you wanted to pace or lay in bed and kick your legs. You had so much energy inside you, trapped. It was equally nervous and thrilling. You wondered how Morn kept herself so well composed; something in the back of your mind nagged at you, wondering if it was because she didn't really feel that strongly for you. Enough, you thought to yourself. Morn was your best friend for almost as long as you could remember. She wouldn't toy with you like that. Hell, she explained her entire thought process on the topic before you even confessed to her.

You decided to pace to distract yourself. Those thoughts weren't helpful. Right now you had to choose a place for your first officially non-platonic date. It was never this hard to pick a place to hang out with Morn before...

Then, an idea. It sprung into your mind out of nowhere, and it just felt right. You made sure that the place was open on Sunday, checked the ticket prices... it was perfect. You readied your phone to text Morn the details... but Lash had already sent you a private message. You opened the notification.

Lash: yo how did crepes go?? sorry i no-showed

Your brow furrowed a bit. Lash's random interest was a bit strange, even more so since she was hungover. A dehydrated, vomiting Lash was bedridden for a good half-day in your experience.

You: the cafe was cool! the crepes were good

Unsure if you should be forthcoming about your new development with Morn, you figured they could find out tomorrow once your first "real date" was underway. A change like that would likely be a big deal in your friend group, so a text message wouldn't do the announcement justice anyway.

Lash: how's Morn?

You: shes fine? did something happen??

Lash: no lol, just wondering lol

Two "lol" in one text? You wanted to indulge your suspicions and investigate further, but you decided to leave it at that. You had a date to arrange.

You: still at your parents' place?

Morn: yeah, I'll be back in town tomorrow though

You: k, cool. does meeting at the aviary at 2pm work?

Morn: yeah definitely! what made you pick the aviary?

You: idk if you remember, it was so long ago, but it was the first school field trip we went on as friends

There was a pause as Morn's typing bubble hovered on your screen.

Morn: ����OMG YOURE SO CUTE IM GONNA CRY😭

Morn: i cant wait to see you tomorrow!!!

You: me too 💕

Your phone landed on your bed with a thump and that nervous energy returned with a vengeance. More pacing, more leg-kicking, even some giggles. This situation felt both extremely real and like a scene from a movie; you never imagined this sort of thing happened in real life, especially in yours. Against all previous expectations, things were going fine. It was thrilling, scary, and made your heart race, but it was going fine. The homework you had to do took a back seat to your excited daydreaming and scheming about tomorrow. You thought about how you would greet her, how you would hug, if and how you would go for a kiss, walking while holding her hand... predictably, sleeping that night was incredibly difficult.

In the morning, you finally executed the plans you fantasized about prior. You decided to err on the side of being overdressed, picking an outfit that wasn't formal but still a little more special than what you would usually wear. You showered, brushed your teeth, swished some mouthwash, and even flossed! Breath mints, a small assortment of Morn's favorite snacks, and an extra water bottle found their way into your bag. If you were going to overthink, then you would take advantage and be overprepared as well. Squeaky clean, dressed to impress, and with a heftier bag than usual, you skateboarded down to the aviary intent on arriving ten minutes early.

The journey was uneventful save for your steadily increasing heart rate. By the time you were waiting for her by the entrance gate, you were fully flustered. You stood still with a kind smile on your face, but anything more complex would have been asking too much of you. The mental rehearsal in your mind's eye ran over and over again: smile, say hi, hug. Smile, say hi, hug. These were all things you had done with Morn before, but with platonic intent instead of this newfound "why not?" intimacy. With how calm and composed Morn had appeared throughout this whole process, you felt as if you were at a disadvantage somehow. You worried in a juvenile sort of way that she was too cool for you.

The way she pulled up to the aviary in her car didn't help that worry at all. Her ride, an old, angular, black thing that roared like a beast, was her pride and joy. She had practically built the thing herself with the number of parts she swapped out of it. It was fully manual and she had the skills to maneuver it gracefully into the parking space. Out from it stepped your actual, honest-to-god, bonafide date.

She smiled at you and your brain melted. You held up a hand in a sort of mellow wave, offering a faint grin. By the time she closed the distance, your simple three-step plan was gone with the wind. Luckily she also decided that greeting with a hug was the correct choice and you were in her embrace quickly. You paused before realizing you should probably return the gesture and wrap your arms around her as well.

"It's so good to see you! You look great," she said, pulling away and looking you over.

"You too..." you breathed, taking your own chance to get a proper look. Her outfit was just as sleek and dark as her car: a pair of black jeans with accompanying boots, a matching leather jacket, and of course, that classic burgundy beanie to top it off.

"Shall we?" She extended a green, competent hand to you. She wasn't wearing her driving gloves today, which was good for your composure; otherwise, you would have well and truly swooned. You accepted her grasp and she gave your hand a firm squeeze before strolling with you to the ticket booth. Thanks to your student IDs, you got in with discounted admission.

The aviary itself was fairly large, and on this particular Sunday, you and Morn practically had the place to yourselves. Other than the idle chatter of a few other scattered visitors, there was only the sound of wind in the leaves and bird calls. The two of you meandered between the exhibits, chatting but not about much in particular. Instead, you were simply content to enjoy each other's company and look at the birds. The birds liked looking at you, too; at one point a pair of free-roaming peacocks followed you and Morn around the aviary.

"Looks like it's a double date," Morn quipped, gesturing to the two plumy birds. They were both mostly brown and lacking the massive, fan-shaped tails.

"They're a pair of girls too. Male peacocks are the ones with the crazy feathers," you noted.

"It's almost like having Lash and Dera tagging along." Morn chuckled. "In fact, if they keep failing to show up these birds would make good replacements."

You looked at the two peacocks, who had started preening each other's feathers.

"Do you think they're besties or girlfriends?" You playfully asked. "That's some pretty intense preening."

"Maybe they're both, like us." Morn wrapped an arm around you and offered you her shoulder. You melted again. "If you had feathers, I'd be preening you right now."

"If I knew how to return that compliment, I would." You said, deliciously rattled by her closeness and warmth.

"I have an idea... if you're cool with it." Morn kept holding you close, turning to make eye contact with you. You faced her and realized how close you were. Trapped in her gaze, you couldn't speak. You gave a faint nod.

The first thing you felt was her tusks on your cheeks. They met the corners of your mouth, pressing gently just before her lips met yours. In reality, the kiss was a quick peck. In your mind, time froze. You could no longer hear the birds calling or wind blowing, only the sound of your heart beating like a drum and a feeling like fire in your chest. Morn pulled away from the kiss with a sheepish smile.

"Sorry if my tusks poked you. I'm still getting the hang of that."

"Hey, practice makes perfect, right?" you let slip with a suaveness that surprised even you. Morn's eyes widened in surprise before she let out a hearty laugh.

"That's the spirit!" She cheered, squeezing you hard. "I'm gonna hold you to it, so be aware: I'm gonna kiss you a bunch more before we're out of here."

"That's fine by me." You couldn't do anything else but giggle. Morn gave you another peck immediately after, angling her head a bit so her tusks didn't have such a lead on her lips. Your first kiss with Morn was perfect as far as you were concerned, but this second one was a bit more graceful.

"Better?" she asked.

"Better."

Your stroll through the aviary continued in this fashion: chatting about this and that, generally gushing about each other and punctuated by more quick kisses. It was strange to have a first date with someone that you knew so well, but you weren't complaining in the slightest. Each kiss felt natural and fun, not nerve-wracking and awkward as in the dates of your past. Before all this, you scoffed at yourself for wishing that there was a switch you could toggle to go from best friends to girlfriends, but so far it seemed to work precisely like that.

To the sound of your giggling, the sun was poised to set soon. The aviary closed early because it was Sunday, and you found yourself with Morn leaning against the gleaming hood of her car. You saw your reflection in it, the two of you framed by the orange sky. She came to your side, attaching to you like a magnet.

"It's probably time we headed home, huh?" she suggested.

"Yeah, probably," you replied reluctantly. "I almost don't want it to end."

"It doesn't have to." Morn smiled. "Did you really think I'd kiss you goodnight and leave you on the curb?"

You giggled. That would certainly be the plan for a first date with a stranger, but this was Morn.

"You could come by and hang out with me in my dorm for a bit?" she asked.

"I'd love to." You answered. Her dorm building and yours were right next to each other, after all. She stood up from the hood of her car and opened the passenger side door, offering the seat to you. Not long after stowing your skateboard in the trunk, you were cruising through the city streets bound for the university. Morn's focus made the ride a smooth one, her hands expertly gripping the steering wheel and gear shifter. She wore a focused but pleased expression as she deftly maneuvered the growling vehicle.

"Oh!" Her concentration broke. "We should get food! We haven't eaten at all."

Tires squealed as she veered right, making a turn she wasn't expecting to make. You gripped your armrest and giggled. The engine roared and, within moments, delivered you to a drive-through whose location Morn seemed to know by heart. She was so familiar with it that she blew past the lit-up menu and instead went directly to order.

"Don't worry, I'll get you something you'll like." She reassured you before making it out of the drive-through, takeout bag in hand, in record time. The bag landed in your lap and delicious smells wafted from it. You were tempted to peek inside and sample its contents, but even while entranced with Morn's driving skills you knew eating in her car was a no-no. Untoasted Pop-Tarts during a late-night study session on her bed were okay but her car was like a temple. You folded the top of the bag to make it easier to resist the temptation.

After she had parked and gotten out of the car, you followed her with takeout bag in one hand and skateboard in the other. This late on a Sunday night, the sky was a deep navy. Stark white light from the lamp posts illuminated the web of pathways that connected the dorms, parking lots, student union, and myriad other places you'd typically skateboard solo to.

A few beeping locks later, you made it to Morn's dorm room. Like yours, it was spartan and tiny, but it belonged to her and her alone. You set the bag down on the solitary table and determined to chow down, but Morn caught your attention. She sat on the twin-sized bed that you had shared with her many times before; platonically, of course. She had an expression that you couldn't quite decipher.

"You okay?" You asked, not sure where to begin.

"I'm great, actually," she said, brushing her hair out of the way so she could look at you. "Sorry if I overdid it with the kisses earlier—"

"You didn't," you interjected.

"I just... It felt great to kiss you. I don't know if it's just my nerves, or the newness of it all, or something else, but... I'm kicking myself for not making the first move on you sooner." She looked away, blushing a forest green on her cheeks. You sat next to her on the bed before she could say anything more.

"Hey, don't feel bad just because I was moping for a bit. The fact I was so worried is proof that you can't really know how someone feels about you until you ask. Even if you were friends since forever ago." You reversed the usual arrangement by wrapping your arm around her. She chuckled softly.

"I can't believe I was stressing myself out over random sorority chicks at parties rejecting me. Being with you just feels so much better than the dating apps and the parties and shit like that," Morn sighed. "I know it's technically only our first date but I really think we're something special."

"We are special," you held her tighter, "we went on our first date after... what, a decade and a half of knowing each other? That kind of history sure beats cheesy Tinder pick-up lines."

"Sure does," Morn punctuated her sentence with a kiss. Instead of giving you a quick peck, she pressed her lips into yours even harder. Within the privacy of her dorm room, your heart fluttered at the notion of Morn being able to do whatever she wanted to you. You felt the beginnings of her tongue at your lips, then she pulled away and took a deep breath. Her face was inches from yours as you caught your breath.

"I really like kissing you," Morn uttered. "Now that we're alone... are you okay if I really kiss you?"

"Really kiss me?" you teased. She got even closer.

"Please?" She played along with her best begging tone.

"Go ham." She kissed you again, giggling at your choice of words with her lips pressed against yours once more. She immediately cradled your head in her strong hands, gently placing you into a reclining position. There wasn't much room, but she managed to fit alongside you in the twin-sized bed all without breaking the kiss. You opened your eyes after pulling away to breathe, and all you could see were her dandelion-colored irises.

"I'm gonna go again," She said, smiling. "I just had to get a good look at you first."

"You can do whatever you want, Morn." You grabbed her arm and placed her hand on you. "Just don't keep me waiting."

Morn kissed you hard for the third time, the hand you held now caressing your body ravenously. As her tongue gently played at your lips, her hand found its way to your chest and played with your breasts. She hardly gave you time to gasp, coming back to your mouth with fervor. Her tongue met yours in earnest now, both of you closing the space on the bed between you. Her body flush with yours, you could feel every muscle as she held you close.

You felt one of her legs settle in between your thighs, and you whined into her mouth as she teasingly rubbed you against it. Even fully clothed the sensation was electric, no doubt due to the person giving it to you. Many nights alone had involved fantasies just like this. Now they were coming true.

Desperately, you began grinding yourself against her leg. You chased the sensation as far as you could, moaning into Morn's kiss. Just as you felt yourself approaching the edge, she removed herself from you. Her leg pulled away and the kiss stopped. You opened your eyes, bewildered. Morn had gotten off the bed and kneeled just next to it, her eyes level with your aching need. She grabbed the waistband of your bottoms before looking you in the eyes again.

"You said you didn't want me to keep you waiting," she grinned, tusks glistening. "This okay?"

"It's more than okay... stop teasing me!" You whined. She nodded, pulling your bottoms off entirely before hovering in between your legs. You could feel her breathe on you through your underwear. God, she was so close; you twitched with each puff of warm breath. Her tusks brushed against the inside of your thighs. With a tentative finger she eased your underwear out of the way, gently planting kisses all around your bare mound. She held your legs in place as they twitched and reacted to her electric touch. She deliberately avoided your tender nub with her warm lips. She was playing with you.

"Morn, please," you begged. She paused to look up at you and give a toothy grin.

"You're so cute when you're frustrated," she teased, quickly going back for more. She felt unimaginably warm against your already hot entrance. It wasn't unlike all those other times you melted at Morn's touch, only now it was so intense you couldn't help but let out gasps and squeaks. She held nothing back this time. Hungrily, she lapped at your slit, each lick finishing with a flourish on your sensitive little nub. You mewled in time with her curling tongue.

"Oh! That's— ah! So good!" You moaned, your back beginning to arch as you squirmed around on the mattress.

"You flatter me," Morn uttered between licks, looking proud. You saw something in her eye before she let go of one of your thighs and brought her hand to your entrance. Her tongue didn't let up at all as she slowly introduced one of her substantial fingers. It fit comfortably inside you at first, but you gasped hard when it started moving. Morn added another soon after, stretching you deliciously.

"I'm gonna come if you keep that up," you panted, your face burning red and lungs desperate for air.

"My pleasure," Morn said before redoubling her efforts. Her fingers curled inside you, making a "come hither" motion that made your hips rock. By this point, Morn's tongue had trouble staying on you as you writhed. You gasped with every finger curl, well and truly lost in the heat of the moment.

"Ah! Morn!" You cried, rocking yourself against her fingers desperate for more. She gave up on trying to lick your nub, instead palming one of your breasts with her other hand and pinning you to the bed. With the new leverage, she worked your insides with her fingers, pumping them in and out of you with her muscular arm. You could see sweat beading on her taut green skin.

"Come for me. I wanna see you come," Morn urged. You could do little else but cry out and oblige her. Your body spasmed hard as you cried out gibberish interspersed with her lovely name. Her fingers didn't stop rubbing against your inner walls, leaving you breathless and faint and tightly wound around her. The coiling pleasure within you finally snapped. Your back arched, completely leaving the bed as Morn pressed her lips into yours. She kissed you hungrily as you wailed into her mouth. There was nothing in your mind but the feeling of her fingers coaxing you through the height of your bliss and holding you there for as long as possible. When the pleasure finally started to subside and your breath returned to you, Morn finally withdrew her fingers and lips and wiped her forehead. She smiled at you wordlessly.

"I love you, Morn," you said, panting. There was nothing else to say, nothing else on your mind. If you had given yourself that sort of bliss on a lonely night, you would be drowsy and lethargic. Instead, with Morn turning her love for you into pleasure that made you cry out and curl, you had never felt more alive. She gave you a moment to catch your breath. Leaving your lips unkissed, she sat by your side and stroked your hair.

"I love you too," she planted a quick kiss on your forehead. "Are you tired?"

You shook your head enthusiastically. Sure, you would likely be sore in a few hours, but you wouldn't dream of denying Morn more of you.

"Good, because I wanna get off too." She chuckled and pecked your lips. Undressing herself completely, she helped you out of what clothes remained until you were both completely bare. You were completely flush against her on the bed once more, your skin perfectly complimenting her green form. Her body was toned and full, muscled yet smooth. Even after all you had just been through, the sight of her still made your heart skip.

"I've always wanted to try this. Spread your legs," she commanded, gently grasping your ankles. You complied and she lifted one of your legs aloft just in front of her as if about to hug it. Still holding your leg pointed toward the ceiling, she straddled your dripping warmth with her own. She eased herself onto you and those lovely electric feelings returned. She moaned for the first time, her pleasured sounds like music to your ears.

The position was a little awkward and bent your back in a strange way, but the feeling of her slick sex pressed against yours was delicious.

"I'm gonna start moving," Morn said. She initiated a gentle rocking motion that made you both gasp. The friction between the two of you felt gorgeous and you soon found yourself reciprocating with your hips. Interlocked and sharing the same squeaks and mewls, you wanted desperately to kiss her but couldn't. You had to lay there at her mercy as Morn clung to your leg and ground herself into you. She doubled up on her pace.

"Oh, shit," Morn groaned, both with pleasure and with effort. She had the same expression as when she was driving; when her head wasn't thrown back with a sigh, she was looking at you with love but also intent. Her grinding made you moan and her glare made you shiver delightfully. You had never felt anything like this before, nor had you even fantasized about Morn pressed up against you like this.

"This feels amazing... ah! Morn..." you sighed between yelps when the friction between you peaked.

"I—I..." Morn gasped, her entire face contorted and flushed. She had brought you to your peak once already, and now you wanted nothing more than to see her reach her own ecstasy.

"Please, Morn, come," you pleaded, mirroring her own urgency when she had brought you to orgasm earlier.

"No, I... Shit, I've got a cramp." She sighed, this time tinged with disappointment as she stopped her grinding. "Ouch." She gently disentangled herself from you, rubbing her thigh. The realization that her creased brow had come from pain and not pleasure embarrassed you a bit, an emotion that Morn echoed.

"Hey, it's okay." You sat up and held her shoulder. Her eyes were downcast as she massaged the cramp out of her muscled thigh. "Just so you know, I'm having a great time."

"You were having a great time." She winced as she shifted her kneeling weight on the bed. "Serves me right for thinking I could fuck like a pornstar on the first date, huh?"

"I already came once, Morn," you reminded her. Sitting alongside her, equally naked and sweaty, there was a clarity in the air that made it effortless to speak your mind. You felt bold, yet comfortable. You felt like you wanted more of Morn's body. "Let me take care of you. I think I can make this work."

"Take the lead, babe," Morn relented. The way she said babe made you giddy inside, but you were focused on her now. "Just mind the leg, it still freakin' hurts."

"Morn, when I say I'm gonna take care of you, I mean it. Just lie down," you said, easing her onto her back. With the positions reversed, you had a moment to look her up and down. Laid bare before you and anticipating your next move, the sight of her awoke something within you. Something that told you not to hold back.

You practically pounced atop her, squarely laying yourself on her body. She met you with a kiss that you eagerly returned. You channeled all your built-up desire to please her into that kiss, at the same time aligning your mound with hers. It took a few tries, but eventually, you found the angle where your clit could meet hers without requiring pornstar-style flexibility. Pleasure jolted through both of you and she broke the kiss to gasp.

"Told you I could make it work," you grinned, focusing now on the movement of your hips. You started slowly at first as to not tire yourself out but quickly increased the pace as the coiling warmth inside you grew. Instead of kissing her, you buried your face in her shoulder so you could hear her sing. With every roll of your hips she moaned, louder and louder as you humped her harder and harder.

"Oh, god, babe," Morn panted. You could feel her frenzied breath on your neck as she cried out. You could feel your own orgasm building but all you cared about was her.

"Tell me how you feel," you commanded, maintaining your hips' pace. "I want you to come so bad."

"Keep going," Morn grunted. "I'm close, I'm so fucking close!"

You furthered your efforts, grinding your desperate nub into hers with vigor. You panted as you began to feel tingles in your extremities and your breath became impossibly tight. Morn matched your desperation, her hips weakly pushing upwards so that her mound would meet yours sooner. Just a little more! More! You shouted to yourself mentally as Morn's hands squeezed your waist to signal her impending orgasm.

You frantically let go of her body with one hand, giving up precious leverage in order to make sure Morn couldn't escape the pleasure you were giving her. There was nothing you wanted more than to reach the peak together. You gently caught her pearl between your fingers and rolled it as you ground into her, drawing out deep moans from her. She spasmed in your grasp, gasping in time with your own pleased sighs.

"Oh god!" She cried out, throwing her head back into the piled-up blankets. Her whole body tensed and you could feel each of her rippling muscles press against you in a desperate bid to ride out her orgasm. You followed soon after, the air forced from your lungs as an explosion of tingling warmth knocked the wind out of you. All you could do was cry out with her and press your nub into hers where your hand was still at work. You rubbed and rolled, trying your best to prolong the mutual climax before finally catching your breath and collapsing into Morn's tired embrace.

With your body limp and your face buried in her neck, you could feel her breasts rise and fall with each breath. You held each other loosely for a moment, just listening to her breathe. After only a few heartbeats, she started giggling.

"What's so funny?" you asked, lifting your heavy head to look at her.

"Nothing," she stifled her giggles, a tear rolling down her cheek. "That was just really, really good."

"Are you crying?" You asked, concerned but secretly proud of your handiwork.

"No, I'm not crying. I'm tearing up, there's a difference," she chuckled. "Thank you."

"Thank you. You're the one that started it," you cooed, stroking her hair. "plus, you ate me out first so I think I owe you."

"It's on the house," Morn sighed contently. "But you're still on me... could you roll over, please?"

"Oh, sorry!" you quickly shifted your weight off of her and onto the mattress.

"Don't worry about it, I just figured the bed was softer than me." She chuckled again.

You said nothing, instead opting to resume your embrace with her from the side. She reciprocated, rolling over so she could be the big spoon. She wrapped her arms around you snugly.

"Ah, shit," Morn cursed under her breath.

"What? What's wrong?" You craned your neck a bit to see her golden eyes in your periphery.

"Our food is definitely cold by now," she grumbled, "and I don't have a microwave."

“I’ve got snacks in my bag.” You replied.

Morn readied a compliment, but delayed when both your phones buzzed. THA HOOLIGANZ had something to say.

“What is it now?” Morn rolled over and grabbed her phone, reading the messages as they rolled in. You did the same.

“What the…?”

Lash: did you two kiss yet???

Dera: they did more than that 😳😳😳

Morn shot you a look of disbelief before tapping away frantically.

Morn: wtf are you guys talking about?

You: ^

Lash: the crepe date! u two are dating now right?

You: what do u mean crepe date? the breakfast u failed to show up to u mean??

Lash: lol, relax. we just thought you two needed some time alone. for the record, i was actually hung over. me and dera just agreed you two needed to talk it out

Dera: seriously, u look at Morn the way she looks at crepes, and she looks at u the way Lash looks at literally anyone

Lash: or the way u look at dudes bulges

Dera: shut up

“I…” Morn began, jaw agape. “I don’t know if I should be mad or amazed. I’m both.”

“They set us up like lonely freshmen.” You shook your head, chuckling.

Lash: u two are dating now right???

Morn: yes dumbass

You: can confirm

Lash: CUTEEEEE

Dera: morn fucks on the first date. respect.

You: wait how- what?

Dera: ur in Morn’s dorm right

Your texting was interrupted by three solid thumps coming through the wall.

Dera: i’m right next door and these dorms are made of fucking paper

Morn: hey, i’ve dealt with hearing every single time you slept with some guy. fair is fair

Dera: no judgment from me!

Lash: suddenly i’m glad i still live with my parents…

You put your phone down as you really didn’t have much to say. Morn gave up on it as well, your phones resting together on the floor. She resumed spooning you and a moment later, you felt her chest start to heave with laughter; a hearty laugh loud enough for Dera to hear through the walls. You joined her, laughing until your diaphragm ached. The whole situation, the realization that Dera and Lash knew before either of you did and that they had a master plan… utterly ridiculous. It was like something out of a movie, yet with your arms wrapped around one of Morn’s, completely real. You feared this was all a dream, and as soon as you succumbed to sleep in Morn’s cozy twin bed, it would dissolve.

Morn could tell sleep started to take you.

“I love you,” she whispered into your ear. She squeezed you tight. You had never been more sure of anything in your life that Morn would still be cuddling you when you woke up.

[impala1967dwinchester]

Dean Winchester: Miracle and Simon

Pairing: Dean W. x Wife!Reader Pov: Dean Warnings: Fluff, a little bit of angst, Dean, dogs, talk of infertility, sadness, overall fluff, comforting Dean, Sam is mention. Summary: Y/n and Dean learn after a long time of trying for children that Y/n is unable to bare a child. With this news, they decide to wait. When Dean comes across two very cute pups how can Dean pass it up? Word Count: 2.3k A/N: Written for band-psychos 1.5 followers writing bingo challenge. This is sad, but good at the same time. By the way, I have absolutely no clue what it's like to be told that I won't be able to have children, so what I may say may be wrong. Also, I'm sorry if this is something that affects you. Square: First Pet

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Tag list: @band--psycho @akshi8278 @deanswaywardgirl @hit-meup69 @doctorlilo @fofisstilinski @wonderfulworldofwinchester

Month, turned into years of trying for a baby. It was okay in the beginning, but it turned into constant disappointment. Not disappointed in Y/n or myself. Just overall disappointment in the situation.

How we had been stripped of the ability to have kids. Y/n being stripped of the chance of being the best mother I know she can be. I felt more hopeless, and helpless than I had in any other part of my life.

My darling wife unable to bare a child, unable to be the most gifted thing in life. Unable to become a mother. That day was horrific, She cried in my arms and spent the drive back home in silence.

She stayed away, she had moved back into her old room. Forcing everything that we had built to be crushed. She pushed everything and everyone away.

It was horrible, she wore her ring still. Years of marriage, years of trying. Years of our life being shut out. Being put behind a wall because she felt as if she wasn't enough, wasn't worth being with.

There were nights of course I'd try and make conversation with her, but it always ended in silence, or in me talking enough for the both of us.

The few months that she pushed me away were the hardest, hearing the loud sobs echo through the halls. Not hearing her voice at all was the worst of it all, not being able to see the bright smile that used to blossom on her face was horrible.

So many things that I wish that I could change for her, so many things that I wish that I could make better. Better for her, better for me, but most importantly better for our relationship.

Finally one night.

Hearing a soft knock on my door, even with it being ajar. "Dean.. Can I come in?" Y/n asked, barely poking her head into my, our room. I was still a little confused on that one.

"Of course honey," I said pulling the bedspread back so if she wished she could climb into bed with me. She walked in slowly, not bothering to shut the door behind her.

She wore an old shirt of mine, sleep shorts, and her slippers. She looked just like she has always looked comfortable, but the look on her face was a displacement of how she looked. Her voice was white, heavy purple and black circles under her eyes, her face even looked a little bit too skinny.

Y/n say slipping her slippers off before climbing to the bed with me. "Hey." She said timidly like, "Hey baby," I said. During the time she had taken to be by herself, I had done more than enough research about what happened when women learned that they were infertile.

How they need space, or how they didn't like to be touched, how they could have outbursts of many different emotions. It's been five months and now Y/n's back in our bed. I'm hesitant to touch her, I think she can tell.

"Let me first say that"

"I missed you"

We spoke at the same time, speaking at the same was something that we always tended to do... God to hear her voice was amazing, like cutting butter so smooth and calming. She was so perfect to me no matter what was going on outside of this moment right now.

I smiled, and Y/n smiled back at me. It wasn't a full smile, but it was true and halfway there. "Do you want me to go first?" I asked not wanting to push her if she wasn't fully comfortable with it.

But if she wasn't comfortable with it then she wouldn't have come to my... our room and sat down next to her husband. Right? 'Stop asking so many questions.'

"If you want to Dean." She said her voice starting to waver. She's going to start crying, start talking Dean.

"I'm going, to be honest with you here. I don't know what to say.' Smiling afterward, ' I... I want you to know that you aren't alone in this, I know now that you needed your space, I want you to know that no matter what you think I don't blame you at all, not once. Because I'll forever love you. I've also been reading a lot,' Y/n was smiling now, raising her eyebrows at my reading comment. 'Anything for you Y/n you know that, but regardless I've been doing some reading on this situation, how this may affect us, you and myself. I just want you to know that I'm here for you." I said finally shutting my mouth.

She didn't look like she was going to cry anymore. Y/n was smiling a bright tooth-grinning smile. "You know Dean even when you don't know what to say you always manage to say the right thing, every single fuckin' time," She said through her smile.

Is it weird to say, but I know when Y/n is at her most happy because she curses. She spouts out every single bad curse word there is known to man. Just to tell you how happy she truly is.

God, I missed her smile. You don't realize just how much you miss something or even need it until it stops coming into your life and then comes back into your life a bullet.

I reached out to touch her, but I'm still hesitant. Very hesitant she most definitely saw that. When I went to take my hand back to my lap, she reached out grabbing my hand.

She's so soft, and her hands god how I've forgotten how much smaller her hands are to mine. Look at her hands, look at that ring, still shiny and glistening under the light of our room. That ring I think is what brought her back to me, no scratch that I think our love for each other is brought her back to me.

I had been looking for weeks after Y/n finally came back. Everything needs to settle down before I can even prompt the question to her. I want her to feel safe, I don't her to feel pressured or like I might be trying to replace the idea of children.

I again dived in and did the research for my idea. Sam even helped me, helped me to try and find the right one for her and me. Sam knows a lot of things but he especially knows this about me. When I do something I do it all the way, no half-assing anything and that only becomes ten times more when Y/n is thrown into the situation.

Doing the best research I could with the help of my brother of course. I found the best thing, not something I necessarily like the idea of but anything to help Y/n.

Anything for her.

They passed my screen, and before I knew it I was scrolling back up to them. In the loud and bold letter, it read.

These two come together, a pit bull and a golden retriever. Price is free, just come and pick them up today.

It just clicked, you ever have those types of moments. Where you can feel deep down in your mind, and body. Gosh, I'm really starting to get more and more like Sam.

I shouldn't say that because honestly, that's how it was for me when I first met Y/n. But that is most definitely a story for another time. I jumped from my seat sending the library chair to slide and then fall against the tile floor.

"Are you okay?" I heard Y/n's sweet voice ringing from behind me. 'Shit I forgot' "Yeah I'm fine, I just remember that I forgot to grab something when I was out earlier," I said, turning jamming my phone in my back pocket, calmly walking over to her, and kissing her temple saying bye.

I rushed, driving down the gravel road that leads to home sweet home. If nobody knew what I was doing they'd probably all think I was trying to get away from a murder that I just committed.

The drive to pups was silent. I'd driven baby so many times alone, but this time it just felt different. My impala was the first one parked, a few people close behind me. I rushed up to the fairly older man. He looked over my shoulder, he huffed before waving the other people off.

"Now listen heree son, I'm given' you 2 pups for nothing, so I don't want to hear anything." He said stepping down the porch and walking in front of me to the red broke down barn.

"They're in here. All yours." He said pulling back the door and then walking back to his barn house. Pointing in a very general area, there were 2 pups as the old man called them. Curled up into each other, 'cute' I thought to myself.

'I've already been gone for too long, hurry up Dean.' I said to myself. "Do they respond to commands? Like come, or no?" I asked as I slouched down to the height or near height of them. He hummed and said a few things under his breath.

"Come here," I said gently, just like if I were talking to Y/n. I know that as husband and wife you're supposed to talk about things before you just go outright and do them, but I kind of figured that Y/n wouldn't have any cons to having some furry children. It would most definitely take her mind somewhere else for the moment.

Waking them up from their shallow sleep, they were both wary at first, but grow to be giving me kisses had me rolling around on the dirty ground.

"Come on son!" The old man said. I jumped up from the ground dusting my clothes off and whistling for the dog's attention. "Let's go" They followed us out of the barn and chased after each other. There was no need for a transaction seeing as he just wanted them gone.

I whistled again, both chasing each other and coming to a fast stop in front of me. I was hesitant to let these pups in my baby, but anything for my girl, for her happiness, anything for her.

Both jumping up and finding a comfy spot and laying down. I speed back home, I'd already been gone for much longer than I originally wanted.

I once again speed down the gravel road heading to my home sweet home. Parking in the garage caused the pups to raise their heads. That being the first time, at least they don't complain about my driving like Sam does. That's rather nice.

I opened the back door and let both of them slip out. Yes at that moment I had realized that I had in fact told nobody of my plans, and I also had nothing to give them food-wise.

Letting them into the bunker they seemed to feel at home, but the more odd thing was that they didn't seem to care about anything other than finding Y/n.

An odd moment, it's like Sam said years ago sometimes animals can sense evil, so why can't they sense happiness or even sadness. I wonder?

The two of them led their own ways to the door of our bedroom. "Sit," I said quietly. They looked at each other and sat down, well actually they laid down.

I knocked and then came in seeing at it was also my room. "When'd you get back?" Y/n's honey slick voiced asked. "Just a few moments ago, love...." There was a comfortable silence between us, but Y/n always knows.

"What are you hiding Winchester?" She asked, pulling the sheets from her body. 'No don't get out of bed' "I need you to stay in bed for this surprise if you will." I said gesturing her to lay back down. " Be ready okay?" I said opening the door,

There sat a golden retriever and a pit bull. I heard her gasp "Dean?!". Behind me I saw the two dogs slowly sit up fully, they looked over at me, then over at Y/n.

I nodded and whistled. The pitbull was the first one to reach Y/n his nose nudging her arm. "Dean?" I heard again, so I turned I was smiling, the dog has already made a way onto her lap. "We.. are.. you." Y/n was most definitely stumbling over her words.

"Yes, they're ours. I thought that if we y'know. We could find a way to take care of something. I think he likes you, baby." I said walking all the way into the room having the golden following close behind me. "Yeah and I think she likes you, Dean." She said, patting the pits head.

"They need names," I said nodding to let the golden know that it was okay for her to jump up on the bed. I want my bed to remember them too, cause my bed is memory foam.

"Miracle and Simon. What do you think." Y/n said resting her hand on top of the pits head. "Whos who?" I asked, Y/n pointed at the dog taking up most of my lap, "That's Miracle" then moving and pointing over the sleeping pup in her lap snoring "This, sweet boy is Simon." She said a single tear falling down her cheek.

"What's wrong honey?" I asked "I know that I didn't even ask you if this was okay," I said worrying as more tears fall down her soft warm-toned cheeks.

"Nothing is wrong Dean, I just remembered that I wanted to maybe name our son Simon when we finally got pregnant." She said, I wiped her stray tears and said, "We've got our son and daughter just in fur version. And being together is enough for me." Kissing her forehead. A whispered, "Thank you Deanie Beanie." I rolled my eyes and kissed her forehead again.

Completed on: 05/24/2021

Posted on 05/25/2021

[bcdwhcre]

heyyy so I'm such a SIMP for tamaki amajiki and I just saw your "secret relationship" headcanon it just so happened to be one of my favorite and I know there's no other writer for me to request for this type of scenario other than you because your writing is amazing. So that being said can I request one for tamaki? You absolutely dont have to do it. I know you already have a lot to do so no pressure! 😊 love your work!! please continue putting a smile on many people's faces including mine with your amazing writing 💙

“Untold Truths,” Tamaki x Reader

PLEASEEE I LOVE HIM, if I don’t see more of him in the new season I will riot also your message is so cute pls, I love you.

Summary: having a secret relationship with Tamaki

Warnings: none

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It happened unexpectedly.

You weren’t really looking for a relationship

Then you had gotten an internship from Tamaki to be working under Fat Gum. The more you spent time around Tamaki, the more you had developed feelings for him.

You liked how shy he was, he was always so nervous and too shy to even look you in the eyes for long periods of time.

You knew that the both of you being shy wasn’t going to take you anywhere, so you somehow managed up the courage to ask him to hang out and then it turned into cute ramen dates until he asked you out, almost throwing up afterwards when you said yes because he was that nervous.

You both wanted it to be private, the way things were going right now you didn’t want to give off the impression to Fat Gum that the only reason you got this was because you’re with Tamaki.

You were all around talented on your own but his push to help you further up the chain was more than appreciated.

The sneaking around wasnt something you cared too much about, you liked the secret meet ups in the office building and the brushing your fingers against his to make him nervous in front of Fat Gum, it was entertaining to watch.

It actually made you gain more feelings for him as time went on, the more you two had met in private, the more thrilling it was but soon enough you wanted to

One day you both had sat inside Fat Gums office, looking through the paper work he had told you to do while he was gone on a pro hero mission, simple paperwork, easy.

Your eyes kept going over to glance at Tamaki, the silence in the room had made you look to see if he was okay but you knew he was just a quiet person.

When his eyes met yours, his cheeks tinted into a pink shade and you couldn’t help but giggle at how shy he still was around you. It made you want to kiss him.

“What do you think about this one?” He randomly said, making you snap out of your endless thoughts and look down at the paper he was referring to.

“I would just leave it off to the side, we can figure that out later.” You mumbled, making him nod his head and put the paper to the side.

“Are you hungry?” He asked, his eyes looking down at you and you slightly nodded while stilling organizing the paperwork.

“Let’s take a break then.” You both had stood up, watching him walk to the office door but you had stopped him by grabbing a hold of his hand.

You had leaned up, going on your tip toes to press a firm kiss on his lips which had caught him off guard but that was most of the time anyways. He slowly kissed you back even though his cheeks were on fire from how red they were.

“Sorry, I just wanted a kiss.” You mumbled, laughing at his red face and he quickly nodded as he got more flustered.

The both of you had walked out of the office, going down the street to get some food and every once in a while you would brush your fingers against his, making his eyes glance down at you.

“Tamaki!” You heard a voice from behind you, glancing back to see Mirio and his face had lit up.

“Mind if I tag along?” He asked, looking down at you then up at Tamaki.

“Sure.”

You didn’t mind Mirio, you two were actually good friends but it’s never fun having a third wheel while you’re with your partner- even if no one knew you two were partners.

He had stuck with you guys to get food and even came back to the office to hang out for a minute or two, knowing him- he would stay a lot longer but you paid no attention to it.

“Let me use the bathroom first then I’ll help you guys out!” He disappeared from the office, leaving you two alone again and you turned your body to face him.

“Do you think we should tell him?” You questioned Tamaki, making his eyes wide and he looked over at you.

“No no, not yet at least. Still kind of new to this boyfriend thing.” He admitted, giving you a nervous smile and you instantly cupped both of his cheeks.

“I think you’re a great boyfriend.”

“Really?”

You nodded slowly, rubbing your thumbs over his skin as you felt it get warm under your touch from him getting flustered again. It was cute, you couldn’t imagine being without Tamaki now that you two were dating, seeing his flustered face and his smile made your heart flutter to no end.

The way he would be nervous to stare at you but do it anyways to maintain eye contact made you melt and fall for him even more if that was possible.

This time Tamaki had decided to lean forward and kiss your lips, which was rare for him to do since he was still trying to warm up to being a boyfriend and giving you affection.

Even when he would be too nervous to show that affection, he wouldn’t hesitate to remind you how beautiful you are and how much he adores you, it was a bit easier to say it then to be bold enough to plant a kiss on your cheek or hold your hand because it made his palms sweat too much.

“So I was thinking— oh! I’m sorry!”

In seconds you two pulled back from each other, looking over at the door with wide eyes as Mirio stood there staring at the both of you. Tamaki about lost his mind, the color draining from his face and soon his face was back to hot red.

“I- uh.” He stuttered, he couldn’t find the right words to say and you giggled lightly at his reaction.

“Yeah.” He simply put it, looking over at you and back at Mirio.

“Yeah what?” Mirio said, his face growing flustered too because he felt like he walked in on you two doing something illegal.

“We’re together.” You decided to speak up, you eyes glancing between both of the guys who continued to be awkward and flustered about it.

“Ah, well, congrats.”

“You’re saying that like we’re expecting.” You raised your eyebrow and he started to laugh, scratching the back of his neck.

“Sorry, um, you two are great... together?” He slowly said, realizing how unsure that sounded.

Suddenly Mirio had ran out of the office and you two looked at each other and it looked like Tamaki had seen a ghost as he began to panic a little too much about his friend knowing.

“It’s fineeeee! Stop being dramatic.”

“I’m not being dramatic.”

“I think you are, Tamaki.”

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This is short omgggg I’m sorry.

• Main Masterlist •

• MHA Masterlist •

[erensproudsimp]

Masquerade

Eren Jeager x reader oneshot

⚠Sexual Content Ahead⚠

Summary : Attending a ball on behalf of your sick mother, you meet a fine gentleman there leading to unexpected ~things~.

Word count : 2.4 k

'Claire de lune' by Claude Debussy was floding the hall into a fanciful series of secrecy as everyone hid their identities behind a masque. Sitting by the counter of the bar, a glass of wine on your left hand, you witnessed your best friend, Sasha, being a complete dork at the open buffet accompanied by Connie and Jean. How she contradicted the regal delicacy of the atmosphere really brought a smile to your face as you watched her snatch a chicken wing from Connie.

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"Come on Sasha! It's going to be fun I swear", you begged your roommate into coming with you in this masquerade ball that you had to attend on behalf of your mother because she was feeling somewhat under the weather and you didn't want to be there alone.

"But a masquerade ball sounds sooooo booorriinngg y/n", Shasha dragged her words while munching on some potato chips.

"There will be an all you can eat open buffet unless you really don't want to come with me then so be it I'll go alone", you turned your back on her crossing your hands and smirked knowing that the brunette can't say no to this.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR Y/N? WEAR THAT DRESS AND LET'S GO", she jumped as soon as she heard you say that proving you right.

"LET'S GET TO DECKING UP!"

She wore a pretty reddish brown knee-length dress and a brown mask which suited her perfectly while you wore (fantasise your dress) with f/c mask

You decided to invite Connie and Jean to the ball to give them a break from their mundane everyday school life who would keep her company as well to prevent her from dying from boredom.

The clock struck 06 00 pm when y'all left the campus in Jean's car. Thirty minutes later the car reached a magnificent vintage styled mansion located near the sea. Apparently the ball was organised by Grisha Jeager to celebrate his wife, Carla's, birthday. Your mother was her best friend which is why she had requested that you handed her the gift on her special day itself. Jean parked the vehicle and you came out taking a deep breath of the fresh air.

Adjusting your masks respectively the four of you stepped into the premises. What came in sight was simply mistical. Everyone was dressed in gowns and suits while a soft classical music was playing in the background. The chandelier being the main source of light softly illuminated the room. Candles were set almost everywhere bringing a sweet scent of floral combined with a distant wooden smell. Without wasting any time Sasha sprinted to the food with Connie and Jean ran after them to make sure they're behaving and not causing any chaos.

For the time being your main objective was to hand over the gift so that you could enjoy the party. You found Carla after a few minutes of looking around. She was looking wonderful in a flowing golden white dress complimented with a white mask. She recognized you instantly as your mother was always talking about you to her.

"Happy birthday Mrs. Jeager. My mother offers you her sincere apologies that she couldn't be with you on this special day", you said giving her the gift.

"Please drop the formalities and call me Carla and oh no worries my dear, tell her I wish her a quick recovery so that we could meet as soon as possible. Now go and enjoy the party to the fullest", Carla cheerfully said.

"Of course and thank you umm Carla", you hesitated not realizing that there was someone who was gazing at you since the moment you entered the ballroom.

After that you joined your friends in the buffet to eat and have fun when suddenly you craved wine. Excusing yourself from them you walked to the bar and requested for some red wine which you sipped while looking at your surroundings with a gentle smile resting on your face.

You didn't realise a man was approaching you until his shadow fell upon you. At first glance at him your body seized. This man was.. gorgeous. Though you couldn't clearly see his face with his black mask on but you just knew that he was handsome underneath it. He was wearing a back suit his hair tied back in a manbun with strands falling on his face.

"Umm Hello?"

You were brought back to earth and when you realised that you were staring at him for quite a while, your face turning beat red.

"Hey", you uttered quickly trying not to further embarrass yourself.

"Do you mind me sitting next to you?"he asked in his hand a glass of wine too.

"Not at all, go ahead", you waved your hand.

"So, how do you find the ball so far?" he questioned you taking a sip of the liquid in his glass.

"Absolutely lovely. To be honest it's my first attending a ball so I was so nervous that I made my friends tag along with me", you replied looking into his green eyes.

"I'm glad you're liking it. My mom really goes the extra mile when it comes to things like this. "

"Wait your mom? Mrs. Jeager' s your mother?" you said bewilderedly.

"Hell yeah she is",he stated looking adoringly at the lady in question joyfully talking with the guests, "So what's your name?"

"Y/n, what about you?"

"Eren."

"Pleasure to meet you Eren", you raised your glass, "Cheers to this acquaintance?"

"Cheers," you both said clicking your glasses together.

Soon you two were having conversations after conversations and you realised that you really began to like this guy.

Out of the blue, Sasha came up to you looking pretty tired and full. She noticed Eren's presence and asked if you would return to the campus with them or would rather stay longer. You looked at Eren who suggested to give you a lift which you happily accepted as you would be spending more time with him.

As such Sasha, Connie and Jean left after saying bye.

Eren cleared his throat and proceeded, "There's going to be a dance later, do you have a partner?"

"I'm literally alone right now so of course not dummy, "laughingly you told him.

For a second you swear you saw a red tint on his cheeks.

"Well then, Would you like to offer this dance to me m'lady?" Eren offered his hand.

You nodded and without further ado he took you to the centre of the ballroom. One hand on your waist and the second held your hand gently. Eren was beaming with joy and his contagious smile spread to you too as you could feel your lips pull into their smile. Once the musicians saw you two they began playing a slow song which signaled the beginning of the dance. Several other couples joined in but you could barely notice them as you were drowning into his mesmerizing green eyes.

Butterflies filled your stomach as he pulled your body closer to him yet holding you so gently as though you were a fragile flower that could break anytime. His eyes were fixated on yours and you still wondered how he looked under the mask. He twirled you and took you into an embrace. You could feel his hot breath fanning as your faces were inches away from each other but both of you stayed in the same position as everyone was dancing around. You placed your hand on his cheek caressing it gently with your thumb as you felt the sexual tension increasing second by second.

"Can I kiss you?"

Though there was loud noise around you, you heard those words as clear as a cloudless sky. At that moment time stopped. You could feel the beat of your heart so hard and clearly. Without wasting anymore second, you pulled his tie and crashed your lips against his.

He was taken aback by your boldness but held you tighter and leaned in.

Soon enough the gentle tenderness of his lips turned into a passionate fiery makeout that sent electrics down your spine. Realising that you two were in public, Eren pulled you into the nearest room he could find and locked it.

Muffled music could still be heard through the closed door. The room was elegantly modern with celtic furniture alongside a bed in the middle and led lights which Eren turned to red.

Finally he took off that mask. You were right about him being extremely attractive as you stayed still to admire his beauty.

"What?" he tilted his head which you found utmost adorable.

"Nothing just looking at how beautiful you are," you admitted.

Eren's face went through a fifty shades of red.

Taking this into advantage you pinned him to the wall with your body pressed against his and arms on each side of his torso as you looked at him deep in the eyes. His one hand was wrapped around your waist and second one tilted your chin as he locked his lips with yours.

He pulled back to untie your mask. When he removed it, he stared at you because you were the prettiest angel he had ever seen.

"Wow, you're gorgeous," he complimented skilfully unzipping your dress which one side fell down your shoulder as you let it slide off you.

Eren's breath hitched as he stared at you in your black laced underwear. He couldn't seem to be able to process things as his mind was clouded with all the dirty things he could do to you. You proceeded to unbutton his shirt and almost ripped it off him. You couldn't tear your eyes off his well-built toned body.

Neediness growing he took you in bridal style and threw you on the bed. From the floor he picked up his tie and tied your hands together with it above your head. Taking a bottle of wine from the shelves, Eren opened it with a pop. He put it in his mouth and kissed you to transfer the liquid in your mouth. Drops fell down from your neck to your breasts. Eren licked them off you.

His hand went your bra's fastener, "Are you okay if I remove it?" You hummed to give consent.

He unclasped it to reveal your top body bare. He admired your figure before taking one bud into his mouth.

You threw your head back and looked at the ceiling only to see that there was a mirror right above. Your eyes widen at this.

From the mirror you saw Eren spilling wine on your body. The sensation was cool at first until he started licking it off you. The view was so erotic. You could see him drag his tongue across your boobs. Slowly the licks became kisses as it went lower from your stomach to your folds. He held your tied hands in place so that you wouldn't move away.

He kissed your core right through your underwear and you couldn't help but let out a small moan. Hearing that Eren got turned on and dragged his lips from the inside of your thighs back to your covered slick cunt. He removed the cloth and without warning his mouth was onto you. You screamed his name.

You flushed when you looked into the mirror and saw Eren clearly between your legs with your hands tied. You grabbed his hair and played with it to signal him to continue.

"Don't stop, don't stop,"you repeated as your lips were quivering.

He rubbed little circles with his tongue around your opening. You could feel him smile down there as he sucked your clit indicating that he was enjoying the effect he had on you. This threw you in a rollercoaster of pleasure.

"Fuck Eren don't stop," you gasped as you felt the knot in your stomach starting to unravel. Eren continued to play around leading you closer to your orgasm.

"Cum for me y/n, go ahead release everything you've got to me. "

This was the last straw as you came all over his face.

"You taste delicious,"Eren said licking your juices from his lip.

You were still shaking and Eren came up to you to kissed you so that you could taste yourself on him. This felt so sinful.

Stabilizing your breath you switched positions with him making you on top and unleashed your hands with the help of your mouth. You could feel how hard he was through his pants. You pulled them down to free his bulge.

You grinded on him slowly as you dragged your hands on his abbs.

"Y/n stop teasing me," Eren moaned.

You took his dick in your hands and spread the precum oozing out with your finger. Eren whined. You loved the control you were having over him.

Sucking the tip then dragging your tongue up and down the shaft made Eren whimper. Unexpectedly you put his member into your mouth and began sucking him while your hands were playing with his balls.

"Y/n, "Eren purred your name.

Slowing you picked up speed and watched him fall into the mercy of your touch. Shortly after he released inside your mouth. He watched you swallow every single drop which turned him on more. You kissed his shaking lips to make him taste himself like he did with you.

Again he switched positions to make him on top. He positioned his dick in front of your entrance.

"Are you okay with us doing it?" he asked for consent.

"100% sure"

Eren inserted himself in you slowly and waited for you to adjust to his size. Once your hyperventilated breathing calmed you told him it was okay to move which he started at a slow pace. You could feel his veins pulsating inside you. However, you couldn't take it the slowburn anymore, you wanted more of him. No, you wanted all of him.

"Eren please go faster", you begged.

"Your wish is my command m' lady, "as he picked up speed and nuzzled in the crook of your neck. You put your hands in his hair and pulled it while the other was busy making marks on his back with your nails.

Looking at the mirror you saw the whole scenario. The marks on his back was so attractive and made you feel powerful to be marking him. You watched as you both came at the same time.

Eren collapsed himself next to you and fell into a deep slumber. You chuckled and removed his hair from his face.

You cuddled closer to him and covered the both of you with the bedsheets.

End.

Thank you for reading :)

[shiberpostshere]

The Kiss Thief - Park Seonghwa Social Media AU

13. Chapter Nine: Mega big brain boy ✨

Previous Part✨ Next Part✨

Masterlist of the AU✨

🌸

Yesterday was wild. It was truly wild personified. Your friends and Seonghwa's friends mingled together to create, as Yeosang kept mentioning, chaos multiplied. 

Despite the loud talking, heavy eating, after-dinner meeting and dramatic goodbyes under the influence of alcohol, (No one has yet confessed who switched Cola with Alcohol. Hence, the appearance of bold Jongho) the time spent was the most fun you've had since college life began. 

It was fun but it was tiring staying up late.

The only thing that occupied your mind today was the thought of comfortable sheets putting you to sleep in your bed.

Currently, you're thinking about the same but with different emotions, specifically regret. 

"Why are you making a face like that? This is the fourth time you've zoned out today." Seonghwa's question pulls you out of your trance. 

You two wrapped the daily studio teaching a few minutes ago and the next occupants of the recording studio showed up when you were leaving. As Seonghwa conversed with them, you decided to text Yeri, who delivered you the news, shattering your napping plans. 

Why today, of all days, today I forgot my key? 

You rub your eyes and place the phone in your pocket. "You've been counting?" 

"Well, you're the only person here I am supposed to pay attention to. So yes, I've been counting. What's up?" He asks as you two begin walking down the stairs. 

Groaning, you push your hair back into an aggressively tight ponytail. "I forgot my dorm keys, I wanted to nap but now I need to pretend to study in the library while I complain loudly in my mind." 

He raises a brow, hands fishing out car keys from his pocket. "Why don't you just drink your deathly beverage? Doesn't it keep you all buzzed and active?" 

You stop in front of the building entrance with a smug expression. "Oh, my deathly beverage for which I attended the beverage addiction convention?" 

Looking down, he shakes his head. "Do you want to grab something to eat?" You expected a snarky or teasing remark but what is delivered surprises you for a moment. 

"Together?" The thought of just the two of you sharing a meal is enough for your heart to beat a little faster than usual.  

The time spent in the studio mostly consists of him correcting mistakes and answering your confused questions.

The initial embarassment is only subtly present. His playful comment are mostly absent when he's explaining what Hongjoong has already well explained to you. His presence is comfortable.

When among your friends there's always someone (mostly Mingi) chiming in now and then but this is the first time since you've met that you'll be spending time with each other. 

Frankly, you also don't know how to act around everyone with him when even sneezing is considered giggling. You two haven't exactly acknowledged openly about your high school crush on him other than easy, playful conversation you two engage in quite a lot, whether texting or talking. 

"No, we'll be sitting on seperate tables." He begins walking towards his car. You had half-expected an answer like that. 

"Really? That sounds great, at least I don't have to put up with your nagging." Arriving by his side, you comment with a side eye. 

He offers you a deadpan expression. "Didn't you listen to what Yeosang said? I'm actually that clueless. That open discussion about me, remember." 

"Are you really? I have receipts of your messages admitting how you find my reactions 'cute'." You tap your pocket, contaning the source of evidence, your phone. 

The confidence comes when with him without you having to muster up any.

Seonghwa unlocks his car, a small hint of smile on his lips. "Okay, let's continue this conversation while eating." 

This boy. 

"Are you really that unphased? Are you really that clueless? Teach me your ways." 

He opens the door to the passenger's seat. "I'll feed you instead." 

You place your hands on your chest, followed by a dramatic expression. "Wow, you're amazing at deflecting." 

Seonghwa places a hand on his hip and that's your cue to get inside before losing your free meal ticket. 

You'd rather eat with Seonghwa any day instead of pretending to study at the library with droopy eyes.

🌸

After a ten minutes ride to a small and cozy restaurant, you two are seated in the chatter filled environment with two servings of soup in front of you loaded with vegetables, meat and noodles.  

He arranges the spoons for both of you.

"Better than greasy food that will make you more sleepy." He sips a spoonful and an instant satisfaction takes over his features.

You chuckle. "Oh my god, you're really a mom material---" The comment is instantly regretted as you taste the refreshing soup, enough to widen your eyes. 

He slurps the noodles and then turns to you with a victorious smile. "You develop motherly instincts when you hang out with children." 

"Children?" You're listening to him but the soup definitely has a majority of your attention. "Oh, you mean the guys?"

"All the seven of us are uniquely handful," The smile is still ever present on his lips. 

Even though you haven't spent much alone time with him, you can still detect the warmth filled, selfless nature he had back then and still has it within him now.

That was one of the main reasons you were attracted to him. 

Okay, not now (Y/N), let's not make it awkward. 

You take a big bite of the juicy, broth soaked meat. "You're still as initiative and kind as I remember." Speaking with much difficulty, you hold up your hand in front of your lips, "But I think something went wrong somewhere and you developed the quality of enjoying making fun of innocent girls like me." 

He offers you a tissue with his trademark, unphased expression. "I am actually that clueless." He shrugs. 

You snatch the tissue and wipe the corner of your lips. "Yeah, sure." 

He laughs at the look on your face. "What? You can't take a little teasing from your senior?" 

You throw up your hands in false frustration. "Oh my god, stop asserting your age kink!" 

"It's not a kink!" He says defensively. 

"Yes, sure. Mingi is Mingi but you, you are something else!" You say the statement, knowing that he understands the meaning behind it and begin sipping the remaining broth.

He too, downs the broth in one shot. "What am I?"

There it is, that amused and knowing glint in his eyes and the smirk he's attempting to hide. 

"You're..I don't know, whatever. Seventeen year old Seonghwa would never do this to me" You bite your tongue after delivering the statement.

He crosses his arms below his chest. "Seventeen year old Seonghwa was actually clueless." 

You point a finger at him with an exaggerated smirk. "Ha! You are basically saying that twenty-one year old Seonghwa isn't!" 

He places his head on his hands, shoulders shaking with gentle laughter. "(Y/N) if you keep reacting like that, do you really think I can stop?" 

Your expressive gesture shrinks. "You know what, I understand now." You hold up your hands in defeat. 

"No, don't stop now. We are finally opening up and talking." He gives you an encouraging nod. 

"Oh, don't trick me now. My eyes are about to roll back into my head." Your fingers undo the ponytail to let your hair breath. 

Sleep has abandoned your senses long ago but only now you realise how energized you're feeling.

"Fifteen year old (Y/N) would never." The innocent face of his doesn't do justice to the way he is speaking. 

"Hey!" You protest.

Wow, I sure react to everything he says. 

"Fine, fine. I'll stop now but If it ever gets beyond the limit, tell me." He assures with an honest expression. 

God, you cannot be teasing one minute and be kind the other, no, don't do this Park Seonghwa. 

You huff out a sigh and lean into your palms. "It is harmless anyway but you're too good at it and sometimes you are something else."

He mirrors your posture. "Yes, (Y/N), so tell, What am I? What is something else?" 

Your face falls into your palm and you hear his soft chuckles. 

Not again, Park Seonghwa, not again. 

Pairing: College Student! Seonghwa x College Student! Female Reader

Genre: Fluff, A teeny tiny bit of smut with a pinch of angst

Synopsis: High school crushes are often silly and forgotten. However, you cannot forget the one senior, you "borrowed" once a kiss from. Years have passed and it's a memory you laugh at but what will happen if you're to encounter the same senior in a much different setting and situation? Especially during your first year of college.

A/N: He make fun of you, he tease you but mostly importantly, he feed you 🙏🏻

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! 💫

🌸Tags:

@enigmaticsal @stardusthyuck @missiopk @preets-kpop-world @rae-woo @sanisms @retrofuture-ism @jiyeons-closet @hongjoongsnoona @seong-hwa1998 @dreamie-deonghwa @veeeenus4 @mochibabycakes @vhschs @kokoboxp

Unable to tag: @mingiibabieee

🌸

Please do not repost, modify or claim these images.

[danwhobrowses]

AEW Double or Nothing 2021 - Review

It's that time of the year to put your chips in, Double or Nothing is back with a big card that includes a Stadium Stampede, Sting in Non-Cinematic action and AEW's first Triple Threat World Title match.

Unfortunately due to the UK having a weekend heatwave I was way too tired to watch this live, so I'm watching the replay on Fite- thankfully it's a Bank Holiday so I don't really have to rush this and I somehow managed to get through the morning without being spoiled.

Like my Wrestlemania review I will be putting in bold who I thought would win Also it goes without saying, Spoilers within

The Buy-In Not a fan of the 5-ish minutes of beeping as the camera synced up or the 12 minute wait overall but it is the Pre-Show. But we start with a lot of packages, in fact we had 2 packages of Bucks vs MoxEddie which was weird. 45 Minutes we get the crowd though and that just injects you with the energy.

Matt and the HFO starts with a backstage promo, bragging of his win and enticing Private Party by lowering his 30% cut to 15% if they win, then another Shida/Baker package...like, we could throw more matches we had an entire Countdown show for these packages on Fite and Youtube, you have the roster for it. Also the stage did invest a lot in the fan seats, not much of the set, kinda 50/50 on it because on one hand it's a shame we didn't have a grand set but on the other hand it had an ECW feel of being swarmed with (COVID safe) fans.

NWA Women's Championship: Serena Deeb (c) def. Riho (Submission via Serenity Lock) At about 50 mins of a 75 min buy-in we get our first match, and Riho and Deeb come out to big pops. I'm glad they noted that Riho has a win over Deeb too. Bell rings to a big cheer, after some back and forth Riho extends the handshake but Deeb slaps her, cementing a heel turn. Riho slaps back and fires up, knee to the corner and a diving crossbody for 2, she tries a sunset flip but Deeb almost gets the Serenity Lock. Deeb then decides to pick off Riho; Dragon Screw, launch pad into the bottom rope, Elbow into the thigh, she looks to set up the Romero Special but instead pulls on Riho's nose, then stomps her knees down. Abdominal Stretch and then a Cravat, but Riho snapmares out and chases Deeb at the corner, Deeb catches her though through the ropes with 3 rope-assisted chokes and the a spinning neckbreaker into the middle rope for 2. Deeb then pulls Riho up for a inverted Gory Special then driving her into the turnbuckle, she tries the superplex but gets knocked off, Riho hits the stomp but the knees buckle so she can't make the pin. She attacks with some strikes, headscissors, 619 but it's only 2, she tries the Dragon Suplex but Deeb locks in the Octopus Stretch, transitions into a sleeper but Riho gets a fantastic reversal of the bridging suplex for 2 again. Strung on the middle rope, Riho goes for the double stomp but misses and hits the ring apron, injuring the knees more, Dragon Screw on the rope, Twisting Neckbreaker for 2, she charges at Riho in the corner but Riho has her boot up, Riho tries to kick away but Deeb keeps hold of the leg, catches the other and Dragon Screws both of her legs, Powerbomb 1, 2, No. Deeb sets up the Detox but hits the back body press, she tries the Dragon Suplex but Deeb escapes, she gets it on the third attempt of the match, Double Stomp on Deeb's back while she was bent over but the knees give way again, she tries the running Meteora but Deeb rolls into the half-Crab in Maki Itoh fashion, Riho makes the ropes but can't escape the inverted Dragon Screw, she rolls out another Detox into a pin combination for a tight 2, but when she tries for the Crucifix Roll she can't wrap her legs and drops, leading to Deeb hammering the injured knee into the ground and cinching in the Serenity Lock, Riho taps out to a standing ovation.

I wish we lingered on the celebrations a bit more since we moved straight onto the fanfest thing with all the neat merch, but damn did that match go! That was a PPV quality match and just the thing to heat up the crowd, Deeb's vicious heel style still suits her especially against Riho's connection to fans as a babyface. This also sets up Rosa to be the babyface in her pursuit to reclaim the NWA title too, but yeah excellent match, it could've gone either way but I know that COVID would've restricted Riho's schedule to be the champ, otherwise a hot start.

A THIRD Bucks/MoxEddie package preludes Taz and JR coming to commentary to get the main card started. The main card has a bit of pyro though

Main Show We were kinda given away on the first match since you hear the entrance theme just as the Buy-In ends, no time for packages we're jumping straight into action.

'Hangman' Adam Page def. Brian Cage (Pinfall via Buckshot Lariat) Cage comes out with some Terminator gear and the FTW title, a low hum of boos for the Machine given how he is the heel. Hangman however gets a massive pop, a poster of 'Hangman is a Dream Boat' and 'He's a F***ing Horse' and the traditionally hilarious name plate joke being 'Horse with a Hangover' pads Hangman's time getting in the ring while Taz talks trash. The moment the bell rings Hangman is off the mark but gets shoved off by the stronger Cage, some Big Boots stagger but Cage throws him into the turnbuckles, he tries to set up a Pumphandle version of the Drill Claw but Hangman lands on his feet. Triangle Clothesline doesn't stun Cage long enough to pull Hangman out of the ring and into the guardrail, but Hangman comes back with a Suicide Dive. Cage catches the Diving Crossbody and powerbombs him into the ring post, another guardrail throw and Cage brings things back into the ring, every time Hangman tries to strike back Hangman uses his power, choking Hangman on the ropes, throwing him into the turnbuckle, Cage is having fun. That fun almost gets him though, after some showboating with bicep curls, Hangman reverses the Fallaway Slam into a Crucifix Bomb for 2, Hangman tries the lariat but Cage doesn't budge, he tries again but Cage responds at the same time, only Hangman falls from the impact though. Cage then tries a lariat but misses, leading Hangman to use his whole body to Lariat both of them over the ropes. Big Moonsault out of the ring hands the Hangman an advantage but as he climbs to the top rope Cage pulls back, looks to set up an Avalanche Drill Claw but Hangman fights out, Hangman tries a super Hurricanrana but Cage is too strong, Cage looks for the Avalanche Bomb but Hangman hits the super rana the second time, 1, 2, No. Hangman looks to set up the Buckshot but hits a boot through the ropes, Cage hits back with a Superkick that kinda doesn't hit him at all XD Cage sets up the Deadlift Suplex, but Hangman flips out of it and sets up a Powerbomb, Cage wriggles out, misses the Discus Lariat and gets hit with a forearm, Lariat floors Cage for 2. Commentary notes that Cage is dazed as Hangman sets up the Deadeye, Hangman clubs out though and hits the ripcord elbow, looks for a F-5 thing but Hangman floats out, Cage catches the big boot, Knee to the gut and a neckbreaker for 2. Cage does his corner combo but Hangman holds off the German, he hits an elbow but runs into Cage's F-5 that drops him into the ropes. Seeing the entrance ramp, Cage hits the Deadlift Suplex, hits an Avalanche Flatliner back into the ring and sets up his own Buckshot Lariat, but he staggers on the flip and Hangman hits the F-5 for 2. He tries the Buckshot but Cage ducks German, Powerbomb, Buckle Bomb, but Hangman gets the Jacknife Pin, 1, 2, NO. Cage hits the Discus, Spinning Liger bomb, 1, 2, NO. The crowd are getting super hot. And in that heat a reign of boos come about as Hook and Starks rush to the ring, the former distracting the ref as Starks throws Cage the FTW title, Cage though is having none of it, throwing the title back to Starks declaring that he can win it without. Starks is offended, aghast even, but as Cage turns Hangman tries to lift him for Deadeye, Cage escapes and throws Hangman into the ropes, as he turns to address Hook though Hangman holds on, Buckshot Lariat! 1, 2, 3!

And Breathe. Lord what a match. Granted the FTW shenanigans was a little bit of a damper but this sets up Cage's face turn away from FTW, and it protects him a little because they distracted him. A big Hangman win was definitely the best way to open the match with the crowds, Hangman grabs a beer and cheers to the roaring crowd as Taz voices his disappointment. Angered, Cage gets in Hook and Starks' faces, he goes to shove Starks but he notes his bad neck so he shoves Hook instead and leaves.

Yet another Bucks/MoxEddie promo...this time though it's because the match is on next.

AEW World Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks [Matt & Nick Jackson w/Brandon Cutler] (c) def. Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston (Pinfall on Moxley by Matt via BTE Trigger x4) Wild Thing (admittedly, while it was nice for Nagata I prefer his old theme) hits the crowd as the crowd get to their feet, Mox and Eddie enter the crowd like they're in the streets, carrying the Buck's fancy shoes with them. The Bucks comes in with a Red and Blue with liquid prints on their jackets (signifying 'drip'), but as the streamers pop Mox and Eddie attack. A good nod from commentary joking that the pop of the streamers signified 'Go' to Mox and Eddie as Mox fed Matt his streamers outside of the ring. While choking Matt with a scarf though the significantly blonder Nick escapes Eddie and gangs up on Mox, all get hit with a Suicide Dive from Eddie as the two take things outside of the ring. Kingston throwing streamers in front of KiLynn King while Mox soaks in a beer with the crowd. Both bucks get thrown in the Barricade as Brandon Cutler attempts to tend to them with Cold Spray, Kingston stalks him though so he rushes through the ring in hopes of getting to the ramp - only to run into Moxley's Rear Naked Choke - Kingston and Mox combo a Half-Nelson Suplex and Clothesline combo to finish him. The Bucks come back though as Matt pulls Mox out the ring, Nick blindsides Eddie and calls for the bell to ring, the match is finally started. Moxley deals with Matt as Eddie chops and Kitchen Sinks Nick. After a double shoulder block Mox alerts the ref to Matt entering the ring illegally, as the duo stomp at Nick in turnabout. After both hitting Nick in the corner Kingston hits a Drop Suplex? (I dunno what it's called he lifted him up but then dropped him face first rather than leaning back) and an STO. The Bucks recover momentum with a thumb to the eye thanks to Matt's distraction, Matt tags in and knocks away Mox, mid-rope dropkick while skinning the cat leaves Eddie alone for the corner combos; boot and enzugiri and then the bottom corner dropkick/kick to the back of the head, the Bucks then chide the crowd. The Bucks start getting into their groove with their usual combos, but when Nick mocks Mox it gives Eddie time to Flapjack him into the ropes, Matt tags in though before Eddie can reach Moxley and kicks away his leg before knocking Mox from the corner and pretending to Hot Tag from Kingston. It's your traditional hot tag stuff, clotheslines then the 10 clubs in the corner, powerslam then some Hogan-esque showboating, but Moxley catches Matt's legs when he goes to the ropes and hits a lariat. Throwing his brother in the ring, Nick tags himself in but lands into an exploder, both men tag out but Mox goes at both Bucks, dropkicking Matt into Nick, throws Matt, hits Nick with the Money Clip and Gotch Piledriver, Matt jumps Moxley but gets a piledriver too, Mox tries the Bulldog Choke but Nick breaks the hold, the Bucks try a double suplex but Mox twists out and into a double DDT. Both Bucks are in opposite corners, Nick gets hit by a clothesline but Matt gets his foot up, Mox hits the back body press and then Anderson comes out. The ref distracted, Nick goes to hand Matt the spray, but Eddie's got a glare like hell on the Bucks and scouts what they're doing, he dives at the blindsiding Gallows and Kazarian out of nowhere charges at Anderson, he warned the Elite that he would come for them. Matt does get the Cold Spray in Mox's face and hits him with the bottle for good measure, 1, 2, No. Mox is busted open now but Gallows and Anderson are ejected. The Bucks are pissed now, and hit Moxley with a Meltzer Driver on the rampway, wanting the countout as Don Callis (I only could confirm he was there up till now...) notes how he'd be happy with that. Moxley staggers around the ring, dazed but able to get back in the ring, inviting more from Matt. Matt goes for the open wound, stomps and punches, then the draped swanton for 2, the crowd chant for Moxley as the Bucks kick away at him for 2, then a Bulldog Choke by Matt, then an outside the ring choke from Nick

as Eddie tries to alert the ref. Mox tries to fight back but the Bucks team up to club down at him, they mock the Shield as they set up an assisted powerbomb, but as Matt does the OOOOAHHH he eats a boot from Moxley, German for Nick, German on both at the same time (Matt grabbed Nick trying to escape it), Eddie tags in for a big hot tag. Belly to belly on Nick, Enzugiri and DDT on Matt, he tries his submission hold but Nick hits breaks the hold by hitting Eddie's head, Eddie is not at all impressed - as am I for JR forgetting that Maki Itoh has the 'hardest head in the business' - Nick eats the big boot and Matt gets the chops, Nick though superkicks the back of Eddie's leg to regain momentum. Assisted Sliced Bread and a running Shining Wizard gets 2, Nick goes for the Swanton but the knees are up, Mox tags in but runs into a double Superkick, they set up More Bang for your Buck but Mox gets the Rear Naked Choke as Eddie holds Nick down. Nick escapes and just as Matt rolls out lands the 450, 1, 2, NO! Matt is furious, sets up the Meltzer driver but Eddie pulls Nick down, Mox gets the Choke again, they try their combo (I think they called it the Violent Crown) but Nick pulls Moxley from the ropes. Bucks try the Meltzer driver on Eddie but Mox pulls Nick into the apron, Mox throws Eddie one of the Bucks' Diors in front of the ref, but grabs the other three as the ref confiscates it, using one of the shoes he hits the Doomsday Device but Nick breaks the hold, rocks Kingston with a knee and sets up the superkick, Mox catches and sets up the Paradigm Shift, Nick rolls out and gets the Sharpshooter (JR correcting with the Scorpion Deathlock) as Matt tries to hold down Eddie. Eddie breaks the hold and hits Matt with the Backdrop Driver but eats a Superkick, Moxley hits the Lariat, Paradigm Shift, 1, 2, Matt breaks the pin. Moxley hits headbutts and tries to throw Nick out of the ring, but he lands on the apron and kicks at Eddie's leg again, that leads him to be choked but he's on the ropes so Mox drags him into the ring, Matt tries the superkick but Mox catches, but he can't stop both of them, double Superkick! But Mox rebounds to a double Lariat, he looks to get Nick with the Paradigm Shift but eats a Superkick, then it's just a Superkick party, Nick, then Matt, then both, On-NO! Not Even One! Moxley is possessed, staring at the Bucks, they hit another double Superkick but Eddie comes in, he flinches at the Superkick and gets one in the shin by Matt, leading to Nick hitting him with one in the face. The Bucks smell the end, BTE trigger! But Mox doesn't fall, BTE Trigger, BTE Trigger, BTE Trigger, and Mox finally collapses, 1, 2, 3. Callis comes down to celebrate as the Bucks mock in the camera.

3 Matches in and all have been bangers. I sincerely thought that Eddie and Mox's unorthodox nature would throw the cocky Bucks off for a short reign until Renee was due but I am not unhappy with what we got, stunning match where the Bucks simply won because they were a tag team, plus their position on the card - no way they were gonna have Hangman and then MoxEddie win consecutively. It's a shame that Eddie rarely wins a feud still but what a showing from all four men, shades of Revolution's tag team banger too.

As Commentary run down the rest of the card we learn that the Blade will be replaced by Serpentico and QT is replaced by Aaron Solow in the Casino Battle Royale due to injury, shame but I doubt they were gonna win. They at least storied up QT's one as him 'not wanting to risk injury'. Paul Wight comes down as guest commentator for the CBR as the rules are run down.

Casino Battle Royale - Jungle Boy wins the battle royale (Eliminated Christian Cage). The Clubs come out first with Christian Cage first out, Matt Sydal, Powerhouse Hobbs (looking extra lean now), the Bullrope-wielding Dustin Rhodes and Max Caster look to start off, Caster running down his opponents in rap - that 'had no Edge' comment for Christian was one hell of a deep cut, but also alluding to Sydal's flop last year - it at least got the crowd going. Bell rings and Hobbs and Christian pick up where they left off, Dustin goes for Caster while Sydal bounces off Hobbs. Dustin and Matt switch places for Sydal to have a mini-match with Caster, but Caster hits him with a low blow and dumps him out - I guess we won't see him do the Shooting Star Press. Caster though gets eliminated by Christian, he landed on the ramp first so there was confusion but he rolled to the floor to sell it properly, he may've hurt himself though because Christian did pop his head out the ring to check on him. The Diamonds are out next; Matt Hardy, but he and Kassidy wait at the tunnel to try and jump 10, Vance though boots Hardy and Powerbombs Kassidy so the two can sleep, Comoroto is out next and guns for Dustin, easily outmatching him as Serpentico makes his entrance dragged by Bobcat Goldthwait Luther. Serpentico doesn't last long against 10 though, who squares up to Comoroto, Spine on the Pine by 10 but he can't clothesline Comoroto over the rope, he lands into a Spear and gets thrown over to the apron, 10 looks like he was meant to headscissor but didn't grip well, as Comoroto is draped Dustin throws the Freakenbeast over as 10 falls with him. Comoroto though still cracks Dustin with the cow bell, their Bullrope Match is imminent, leaving Hobbs able to dump Dustin out. For 4 seconds only Hobbs and Christian remain in-ring (Hardy starts to enter at 1 seconds) for him to hit the Killswitch. Hearts are next as Kassidy chop blocks Christian when the crowds popped for a classic E&C/Hardys retreading; the Varsity Blonds though roar in together to get Matt and Kassidy, Colt Cabana comes in with Brodie's old ring jacket to hit the Dusty Elbow but the numbers are balanced by Bowens (Christian and Hobbs are sleeping now). And then Penta rocks up in a Joker-inspired gear which looks insane in the best possible ways, Cero Miedo superkick to Bowens, then just having it at anybody who looks at him. Cabana is eliminated off-screen by Kassidy when trying to deal with Hardy, Bowens is it with the Dropkick/Spinebuster combo from the Blonds before being dumped out, Griff is eliminated by Hardy after some blows on the apron as Pillman struggles with Penta. HFO try to clean up but Penta just goes at it with Matt now, the crowd chant for Brian Pillman as Jr tries to dump Kassidy, but the Spades are coming. Baltimora pops the crowd huge for Jungle Boy's entrance, immediately getting in Penta's face, two Singblades by Penta follows Quen's entrance to Gin n Juice Pillman Jr, Pillman's dumped by Private Party as Aaron Solow goes in for Matt Hardy, Evil Uno and Lee Johnson complete the 20, Uno at Hardy, Johnson to Solow, the latter two go to the apron and Johnson elbows Solow off but gets knocked off by Hardy - tad abrupt for me really. Uno is eliminated by Penta's Enzugiri but then Jungle Boy just LAUNCHES at Penta, headscissors him out while still holding the ropes that was insane, but Hobbs has slithered back in and just ran through Quen, patented Spinebuster on Kassidy and now Christian is back in the ring. Hobbs though is shrugging off any offence, Hardy is knocked away, JB is being choked out, he tries to splash Christian in the corner but Christian dodges, and after a labored attempt throws Hobbs over. 50 seconds until the Joker; Hardy Party vs Christian and JB, Christian is hobbling as the numbers advantage comes into play, 20 seconds both faces are just being stomped in the corner, 10 seconds and Kassidy is holding Christian down with his foot, 7 Seconds the Crowd Stand to see who it is; 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Lio Rush, it got a tiny pop but, yeah...people were

hoping for something bigger. Rush is another Forbidden Door given his time on NJPW Strong and starts immediately with Private Party, Poison Rana on Quen, Spanish Fly on Kassidy, botches the first but hits the second rebound stunner on Hardy, the Man of the Hour is the only one standing. Rush looks to try and dump Private Party, they try the Silly String but Rush puts Quen back on Kassidy, he looks to add the weight but Hardy eliminates him, saving Private Party and kinda rendering the Joker meaningless, a half-hearted 'sorry, Lio' from JR too. Back to how it was before Lio came in, Hardy Party dealing with the faces, doing some 'Delete!' chants as Hardy hits JB with a Side Effect, JB though hits the rebound Clothesline so Quen attacks, JB is on the apron but Christian has come in, Private Party try the Silly String again but JB superkicks Kassidy off him and sweeps Quen for Christian to dropkick him, the turns have tabled! Hardy tries to establish veteran teamwork against Christian, Christian looks to agree then just throws Hardy out to a big pop. It comes down to Jungle Boy or Christian Cage, it really sells on JB's face what a moment it is. Christian tries for a quick throw over but JB goes to the corner, the crowd chanting his theme song, Flying Uppercut by Christian but JB gets his Enzugiri combo, rebound clothesline is reversed into a reverse DDT, Christian favors the knee but sizes JB up for the Spear, JB lifts him though and tries to DVD him off, but Christian shifts his weight back in-ring, Christian throws JB onto the apron, but JB latches onto Christian, trying the slow DDT-drag but now both are on the apron. JB tries to get in the ring but Christian grabs the hair, JB (sitting on the middle rope) leans back to kick him in the face, he knocks away one hand, goes to boot the other but Christian dodges, sets up the Killswitch but JB elbows out, goes to push him into the ring post but JB SWINGS AROUND IT and back into the ring. Christian tries the dropkick but JB headbutts him in the gut, tries the back body press AND HE'S OUT! JUNGLE BOY WINS!

The crowd erupts in Baltimora as Jurassic Express congratulate their stablemate, Christian returns and congratulates JB, telling him to make the most of his opportunity. I am physically sweating right now. Battle Royales are tough to get right unless it's called 'Royal Rumble', even then the CBR did fail in some places of not giving some younger talent enough time. Hardy eliminated a lot of younger talent which while it's a storyline sense because he's the Leech didn't sit too well, once again Evil Uno gets slighted but at least he didn't botch his elimination. Lio Rush as a Joker would've been fine but he came in, had a flurry and then got eliminated so nothing really changed, I know a lot were hoping for Daniel Bryan and lawd would it have blown the roof off but I am fine with a Forbidden Door entry, should've at least gotten one person - I had hoped the Joker would be the winner too. I really appreciate though that Christian didn't win, he still has his mini feud with Hobbs which is elevating the dude big time, and I don't think winning a royale to get a title shot fits for his 'Out-Work Everyone' Mantra and I was convinced he was gonna win after being the first to enter, Jungle Boy though is a thoroughly deserved winner, this dude was bouncing off all manner of things! He has been a proverbial bridesmaid in royales because of how good a babyface he is and while I doubt he'll beat the champion this can act as a similar saga that Darby had when Moxley was champ.

In prep for the Patriotism match Shawn Dean - a veteran himself - and the K9 for Warriors group while respecting the fallen and showing a number to support the Paws Act S.613, which will help Disabled Veterans get Service Dogs to combat Veteran Suicides. Blatant placement to make Cody the face aside, this act should be a thing. But of course, this leads to USA chants and a very American veteran's package which I thought was preluding Cody's entrance to start. I have...thoughts...but not ones I'm going to rant about.

'The American Dream' Cody Rhodes [w/Arn Anderson] def. Anthony Ogogo [w/QT Marshall] (Pinfall via Din's Fire) Ogogo enters to weak boos carrying the Union Jack, it seems that some fans have been handed mini-USA flags too. Ogogo's entrance is short because Cody comes in with the tron showing the American flag, Cody is VERY red white and blue, with some gold in there too, it's not Apollo Creed level but if you stuck that attire in a fighting game you'd tell that they were the American. The announcer really hammed up both men too, but while Ogogo's is worth noting since he is an Olympic medallist I don't think Cody's needed the 'he's the son of a common man and a father to be', I would actually have been intrigued to watch this match with an American because as a Brit this is super excessive and pandering. Cody hands his weighted USA belt to a kid in the crowd and at this point Cody's entrance has lasted 2x longer than Ogogo's did. A tale of the tape also kinda undermined Ogogo, 'The East of England'? He's from Suffolk just say Suffolk, England. The Bell rings and Ogogo goes straight for the hammer, Cody ducks and does the Boxer-hugging thing to stop punches. Ogogo tries another punch but Cody catches and tries to wrench it, being knocked away he does the drop uppercut but then runs right into the Guv'nor's Hammer, but Cody is a patriot, we all knew he would stand up from that. Olympic Slam hits 2 as Cody catches his breath, he dodges the corner charge and hits the powerslam but now both men's ribs are hurt. Cody knees at Ogogo's ribs, but Ogogo shows his athleticism, leapfrogs Cody then stomps him down. He tries for a punch but Cody grabs the leg to knock him down, Cattle Mutilation weakens the arms but doesn't get the submission as he rolls out the ring, Cody tries a dive but gets clubbed in the arm. German from Ogogo, kick to the gut, then kinda a heelish People's Elbow - he middle finger'd the crowd and did the wanker gesture then hit the elbow - but it's only getting 2s. Cody grabs the leg but Ogogo rakes the eye, corner European Uppercut and a Clothesline from Hell, as Ogogo talks to the ref QT suckers Cody but it only gets 2. Anderson chases QT with a chair to prevent him from interfering again, QT scurrying to the ramp to avoid the Enforcer. Ogogo misses the...let's call it The Empire's Elbow as Cody goes for the hands, Ogogo lifts him up though to a F-5/chokeslam kinda move for 2. He boots Ogogo in the face and looks for the lariat but Ogogo just sidesteps him and throws Cody into the ropes, Cody then quickly rushes to Arn for encouragement - for a brief moment I thought he got whiplash or his throat got crushed because that was a nasty rebound. QT is busted open, likely bladed by QT, as he tries for another punch, Cody though keeps kicking away, picking at each limb and then the Bulldog (ironic), Cody clubs at the open wound and hits the Cody Cutter, he puts him on the top turnbuckle but Ogogo punches him away, he gets down but gets back up on the turnbuckle so he probably forgot his position for a bit but he lands an impressive Frog Splash, the injured ribs means that Cody kicks out at 2. Cody hits a dropkick and puts in the Figure Four, QT tries to pull the ropes to Ogogo but it's too far so Ogogo rolls, Cody breaks the hold and goes to the ropes, headbutts blindly at Ogogo and sets up the Cross-Rhodes, but Ogogo snapmares him, Guv'nor's Hammer, Uppercut, but as he pins Cody's arm is under the ropes. Dominator, 1, 2, no...He tries the Pop-Up Guv'nor's Hammer but Cody elbows at his head, Din's Fire for 3. Cody jumps in the crowd to celebrate.

*sigh* Yes, let's not put over Anthony Ogogo in victory, not like Cody has a child he'll wanna take care of and thus be written out of tv. It went how I feared it would really, Cody shrugs off 3 gut punches that have KO'd him before AND AN UPPERCUT from an Olympic Boxer who KO's people for 10 seconds rather than 3 because 'Murica and Memorial Day Weekend, could QT have not moved Cody's arm from under the ropes? Or told Ogogo of that fact? I'm sorry but I didn't feel this, it doesn't ruin the PPV but this match should've ended on the first gut punch, but Cody is Cody, he doesn't lose clean unless he gets a win back and he's only ever done that once - I just hoped this'd be different. This feud didn't need the America vs UK stuff, but Ogogo really makes the valid points about the failings of America's healthcare system and how the foundation of America is built on underpaying and overworking the lower class while Cody's argument is 'my wife is black', but Cody is the face. This narrative also was hampered by the fact that Cody beat QT - the faction leader - previously too, so what was the point of putting his less-experienced student against Cody if he wasn't gonna win? As a match it was a good showcase to what Ogogo could do, but booking wise this only benefits the uber-patriots and Cody's ego, especially since he didn't even land a Cross Rhodes he used Din's Fire which hasn't beaten anyone in AEW nor does it affect any of the 'injured' spots alluded to in the match, the worst thing he got before that was a cutter, so sorry but no don't buy.

We move to setting up the TNT title match as it's noted that in a prior fans-only weigh in between Baker and Shida, Miro cheap shotted Jake the Snake.

TNT Championship: Miro (c) def. Lance Archer (Submission via Game Over) Archer charged in without Jake, scaring the announcer since he hadn't brought any jobbers with him, Miro next comes in with the TNT title colors. Before the match even starts though Archer dives at Miro, throwing him in the ring to begin the match. After some running corner clotheslines Miro tries to clothesline Archer, neither man budges though so Archer hits the big boot, he does his Old School Moonsault but only gets 1. Miro takes advantage outside the ring by hitting Archer with the barricade, but when trying to use Archer's hair as leverage Archer comes back, hitting Miro on the ring post, a table then a spinebuster through that table. Miro leaves the ring but Archer goes for the charge, he's caught though and belly-to-belly'd into Fuego del Sol and friends, Northern Lights back over the Guardrail and Miro takes advantage, he takes a bit too long to soak in his strength though as Archer crossbodies into his charge, Miro gets back the momentum with the leg lariat as he amps the crowd for some Yes Kicks - while holding Archer's hair - his third one though is caught and I think they called it a 'Hellercoaster' is hit, only gets 2. Archer goes up top, but misses the Moonsault, Matchka Kick, Samoan Drop, 1, 2, no. Miro sets up another Matchka but Jake the Snake is in, with the snake bag in hand, Miro drags Jake in and superkicks Archer, he then grabs the snake bag and throws it all the way back down the tunnel - rather he had stomped it first like Earthquake killed Jake's original snake. Eyes like Death Miro prepares to finish Jake off, but runs into a chokeslam by Archer, 1, 2, No. Miro's on the turnbuckle clubbing at Archer, Archer sets up the Black Out but Miro gets out, chopping the tree at the legs but then gets hit with a Pounce. As Archer attempts to enter the ring he grabs Miro with a chokeslam in mind, but Miro kicks the middle rope so it hits the nether region, suplex into the ring by Miro, Matchka and then Game Over is announced. Archer struggles before Miro can lock in and as Miro tries to cinch back it's proven that Archer's knees are in the way. Miro kicks at the kidneys then pulls back, Archer now laying on Miro as the Game Over fades him. Miro rallies the crowd as he gleefully celebrates his successful defense.

Nice little TNT title match, I think it did well to cleanse any sour palettes that the last match begot. Archer is sadly in the same case as Kingston where he does keep losing but at least here they had a pseudo-low blow to protect him. Miro's reign continues which is a positive though the snake stuff probably wasn't needed.

A promo for All Out returning to Chicago is made, Cody announcing it probably not the best call either, there are other EVPs, how about World Champion Kenny Omega?

AEW Women's Championship: Dr. Britt Baker DMD [w/Rebel 'Reba' Tanea] def Hikaru Shida (c) (Submission via Lockjaw) - TITLE CHANGE! The show wasted no time getting this started, no promo package at all. Baker came in to a huge pop clad in red and black as Reba feigned walking with a crutch. Shida arrives clad beautifully in white with the new Women's Title (Bigger is better but I still think it could be wider). While it didn't get a package it got an announcement, allowing the crowd to cheer both women, but the DMD chant was louder. Staring down each other, the match immediately explodes, clubbing blows from both but then Baker rolls for the Lockjaw, Shida escapes and tries the Tamashii but Baker dodges. Baker takes control and gets a snapmare pin, but then Shida powers out, stretching Baker with the Bow and Arrow, then a Bodyscissors, then a shoulder stretch, Baker escapes the dropkick though and catches Shida with a kick when re-entering the ring, she holds the hammerlock but gets thrusted into the turnbuckle, a fantastic rana from Shida and then a dropkick lands, Baker is thrown into the barricade as Shida sets up the Chair-assisted knee strike. Baker looks to reverse it into a Sling Blade but Shida dodges by jumping onto the apron, diving crossbody takes out Reba and Shida sets up the apron knee-lift, but Baker kicks Shida during her charge. Baker resumes control by attacking the head, stomps and punches, Shida tries to reverse into an arm drag but Shida then hits the curb stomp (the one where she holds the arms not the Rollins one), Reba brandishes a black and red sparkling glove as Baker prepares for Lockjaw but Shida rolls away, Baker hits the butterfly suplex for 2 twice and lays into Shida, Shida gets a foot up but Baker sweeps her face first into the turnbuckle for 2. Shida catches one of Baker's mock kicks as she starts to heat up, two hits in the face sets her off as she goes to town on Baker, sweeping her leg to club at her some more. Headshots into the turnbuckle, 3 knee strikes and a stretch at the nose, she looks for the Falcon Arrow but Baker sandbags and tries to roll away, but Shida rolls with and hits the normal suplex for 2, Tamashii to the back of the head - Reba unable to grab the leg - 1, 2, no. Shida tries Falcon Arrow but Baker hooks the leg to try a Fisherman's Buster, Shida escapes with some knees to the gut as they trade punches, Baker kicks the thigh but Shida hits the Enzugiri, low superkick by Baker and a Fisherman's Neckbreaker gets 2. Baker tries to get the Rollins-esque Curb Stomp but Shida catches her into the Stretch Muffler but Baker gets to the ropes, Superkick and Sling Blade gets Shida as her emotions are running high against the ref, Air Raid Crash for 2, she sets up for Lockjaw but Shida is crawling for the ropes, so Baker cleverly switches sides but can't get the Mandible Claw in, in Sasha Banks fashion she kicks the ropes to roll them both into the ring but Shida's on her feet, Baker looks like she yanked the hair to get off. Both trade yanking at the hair, Shida hits the German, a Sliding Lariat for 2. It may've been a botch because I think Shida was trying to do Colt Cabana's finish when you drop someone into the turnbuckle corner but it was easily sold as Baker wriggling out, instead we get a In and Out Superplex by Shida for 2, she lifts Baker to try again but Baker rolls her up for 2, Shida gets the Stretch Muffler so Reba distracts her with the title, scouting the crutch though Shida side steps Baker and Baker gets cracked by the crutch, 1, 2, No! Falcon Arrow, 1, 2, No! Shida sets up the Katana but Reba distracts her and the ref, Baker grabs the title, Shida takes it off of her, Baker superkicks, Curb Stomp on the title, 1, 2, NO! Tony cannot believe it! I can't either! Baker goes for Lockjaw but Shida rolls up for 2, jumping Knee strike by a wobbly Shida, Tamashii! 1, 2, No! Baker rolls Shida up, 1, 2, No! Baker has the Lockjaw, gets the Mandible Claw and Shida taps! Reba comes to the ring to show a new shirt and Tony embraces Baker.

It had to happen, but by god...what is this show? Palette completely cleansed now the women killed it. My only complaint would be how quickly Shida tapped - and that she tapped at all - but it does really sell the Lockjaw well. Shida though, I will have no disrespect towards her, she has delivered all freaking year AND she was responsible for the eliminator tournament, Hikaru Shida is an AEW Legend, full stop. As for Baker, as I said it was indeed her time, Shida had beaten everyone in the division and now Baker can be at the top of the mountain, we can also now establish a ton of new challengers for Baker, like whoever takes it from her will be instantly elevated, will it be Rosa, Conti, Anna, Riho, Itoh, Leyla, Abadon, Statlander, Yuka? There are endless possibilities to look forward to.

We pan to each of the Triple Threat members in preparation for their match; PAC is working out, Cassidy is chilling with his Best Friends and Alien with ice cream, and Kenny is playing with a ball with all the titles around him - Callis holding the Impact World title is a nice touch.

Tag Match: Darby Allin & Sting def Ethan Page & Scorpio Sky (pinfall on Sky by Sting via Scorpion Death Drop) The team I like to call ScorpEgo enter first with their posturing before a package by Darby signifies 'It's Showtime', skating down the highway he this time enters a 50s car Sting is riding. Sting enters first with his snow and a huge pop from the crowd, Darby soon after with the Sting-inspired paint. Darby gets in the ring, then dives right at Page (seems to be a theme this PPV) to instigate a brawl on the outside. Darby using his full body to crush Page by the guardrail before rabidly attacking him with the rail and then hopping on him like an animal while Sting and Sky (Scorpion vs Scorpio) go to the rampway. Sky rakes Sting's eye and hits 60 Year Old Sting on the rampway (the red carpet must be obvious padding) as Page crushes Darby between the apron, but Sting immediately gets back up as Sky poses on the poker chips and throws Sky off the stack and into Page. Sting takes off his sweater and there's the old ring attire, diving crossbody! The crowd goes wild! Sky gets thrown into the ring to start the match as Sting throws Darby into Sky, then again into Page, before hitting a bulldog. The duo isolate sky with an armlock and quick tags, Darby tries the armbar but Sky powers out, he looks to jump off the top rope but Page cuts the legs from under him, making an innocent shiteating gesture as the crowd boo him. In and out cutter by Sky puts the heels in control, Page toys with Darby as Excalibur notes on their shared history outside of AEW. Sky tags in to bend Darby with a backbreaker and a stretch, but Darby goes for the fingers to escape, only to be hit by Page's elbow drop after Sky tagged him in while still locking Darby down, Page mocks Sting before hitting a suplex, Sky tags in and sends Darby into the corner as Page rakes him, Darby tries to kick but Sky catches it and swings him for a Draping Neckbreaker but Darby flips over and tags in Sting. As Sting goes to clean up though Aubrey dismisses Sting, having not seen the tag due to Page's attacks against Darby, Sky drags Darby from outside the ring back into his corner and tags Page back in, Page mocks Sting by extending Darby's hand, picks him up for a gorilla press and JESUS CHRIST ETHAN! The dude throws Darby into the crowd, and you hear where Darby's legs clip the barricade that was close. It turns out that the people who caught him included Darby's brothers as Page just looks insane. Sting drags the limp body of Darby from the barricade as Aubrey is forced to start the count, Sting torn between protecting his successor and continuing the fight as Page goads him into bringing Darby back into the ring with him. He tries to lift Darby but he can't do it in his heart, the count gets to 9 as he drops Darby and looks to charge into the ring alone, but then Darby just darts back inside the ring on his own. Page drags Darby back into his corner, mocking Sting for too long, because when he sets up the Ego's edge Darby kicks Sky off the apron and uses the turnbuckle to lock his legs around, he scraps out and applies the backpack sleeper, pulling Page's arms under his legs so he can't reach Sky. Page breaks the hold by charging into the turnbuckle, but Darby replies with the flip stunner and finally tags in Sting. Sting clubs at Sky and whips him into Page, then whips him into the other corner for a Stinger Splash, then another to Page, he clotheslines Sky out the ring then hits a rolling 'code red' onto Page for 2 (it was more a sunset roll but still really impressive). Darby asks to be tagged for the Coffin Drop by Sky cuts the legs from under him, Page then winds Sting with some kicks, with Sting on the floor and Darby on the turnbuckle, Page throws Darby into Sting like a Swanton, maintaining wrist control to set up the Ego's Edge, it looks like he's gonna drop Darby on Sting but Sting pops up and gets the Scorpion Deathlock in. Sting is not legal, but Darby adds to the hold with the armbar, Sky though gets the heel lock in, so now both legal men are being

subjected to submissions by the illegal men, slapping at each other and gouging at the eyes as Aubrey tries to reclaim control. At 4 she pushes Sting away and Sky breaks the hold, Sting and Sky square up but Aubrey sends both to their respective corners. Page and Darby tag in to set up Sky and Sting - JR noting the Scorpion/Scorpio comment I said too, quit stealing my lines JR - Sky keeps chopping at the legs but Sting rallies, he tries the Stinger Splash but Sky goes for the In and Out Cutter, Sting catches it, Scorpion Death Drop, 1, 2, 3! Sting pulls Darby back into the ring to celebrate.

Really good match, Sting really showed his stuff and AEW did really well to mask any limitations he might've had. Sky and Page worked great too aside from that throwing spot which scared the shit outta me. I had ScorpEgo to win by neutralizing Darby because they were undefeated, there looked to be a Dark Order feud on the horizon and I did have a lot of babyface win predictions (in this I'm including Ogogo as a face, because he was) but I am not upset with Sting and Darby getting another win. I will say however that this needs to lead somewhere, and not just Archer interrupting Sting interviews it actually has to lead to something tangible, even if it's Darby getting a rematch so he can face Miro at 100%.

We get out World Title package now for the first of our co-main events.

AEW World Championship: Kenny Omega [w/Don Callis] (c) def. PAC & Orange Cassidy [w/Best Friends & Kris Statlander] (Pinfall on Cassidy via Crucifix Roll-up) PAC enters first, he doesn't go to the turnbuckle though and he's not with his Death Triangle buddies, OC though comes with his squad, a chekov's backpack and Statlander looking extra beautiful - her outfit seems to be an alien homage but I dunno which one, Kenny then comes out draped in gold; AEW title on his waist, TNA on his chest, and the AAA and Impact titles in his hands. Also Unbeaten in 638 days...we not including Impact where he lost in tag action? The bell rings and PAC tries to go for Kenny, but hides in the ropes before jumping OC. PAC and Kenny square off in the ring, trading blows off the rebound before wiping each other out with simultaneous crossbodies, OC struts back in, casually pins both men each time for 1, both men get up and try attack him while he gestures for the pockets, but OC ducks and hits a double rana. PAC leaves the ring leaving just Kenny but OC does the suicide dive on PAC and a tilt-a-whirl DDT on Omega, more emphatic cover for 2, he gestures the Orange Punch but Kenny goes in close, PAC returns and ejects Kenny with a Headscissors, then an Asai Moonsault before tending to OC in the ring. PAC tries to choke OC in the corner, Shotgun Dropkick to OC, then to Omega, then to both, now he chokes Kenny in the corner, Kenny whips PAC into OC but his running back elbow only hits Cassidy, he seats Cassidy on the middle turnbuckle and hits PAC with the You Can't Escape while hitting OC with the backstabber. Kenny continues his focus on PAC, dragging his face across the ropes then hitting the backdrop for 2, chops piss off PAC though and they trade blows, PAC asks if that's all he has so Kenny replies by shoving PAC into the turnbuckle with his boot, he talks shit to PAC but as he turns OC is doing a Last Supper rollup, only two! Kenny hits a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker as PAC rolls out the ring, Kenny gets a gutbuster and mocks the Freshly Squeezed Chants with the thumbs up, he throws Cassidy to the ropes but he grips on, hits and elbow but PAC slides OC under the ring and then gets hit with Kenny's baseball dropkick then hits both with his diving tope. He pulls OC into the ring, sets him up for a suplex but gets countered into a Stundog Millionaire, he sets up the Beach Break but Kenny tries the sunset roll, OC sits down to pin him but they see-saw back and forth with pins, OC tries the Jacknife pin, Kenny gets each shoulder up but on the third PAC breaks the pin with a 450. Pac leapfrogs over Kenny on the springboard but gets hit with a Snap Dragon Suplex, two for OC as well, both opponents are on the ropes, V-Trigger for OC but PAC dodges and hits the German, blocks the Superkick but not PAC's boot, Kenny uses OC to block PAC's momentum and tries another Snap Dragon, but PAC wriggles out, he goes for a superkick but Kenny ducks and it hits OC instead while Kenny swings a Lariat. Another V-Trigger to OC this time on the turnbuckle, he sets up for an Avalanche Snap Dragon Suplex but OC is fighting, the crowd sense it as he lowers his hands, inching to his pockets, Kenny tries to torque back but he gets them in there, and is unable to get them out, in his struggle PAC leaps up and Avalanche German's Kenny, PAC rolls out the ring but OC hits him with a diving flip. He goes back into the ring for Kenny but gets a kick in the gut, Kenny unpockets him and hits the Tiger Driver 98, 1, 2, No. PAC is on the apron, ready to springboard on Kenny, but as he jumps Kenny catches him and sets up the OWA, PAC shifts himself though and tries to flip him, but Kenny catches him and does a bridging German Suplex for 2. Kenny pulls down the Knee Pad and strikes OC with a couple of knee shots, on the third OC puts in his pockets and then collapses, giving PAC time to recover, but Kenny hits a knee onto him, he rebounds off the ropes but OC pushes PAC out the way and hits the powerslam, PAC then hits OC with the Brainbuster, 1, 2, No. PAC is growing even more

brooding as he sets OC up for a delayed Superplex, but Kenny breaks it up - OC falls real hard off the apron though, he did not get any grips on that - and sets up the OWA again, but he's climbing the turnbuckle...he looks to finish PAC but he reverses into a sunset bomb, Avalanche Falcon Arrow but OC has stormed the ring, thrown PAC out to pin, 1, 2, NO! Callis choking in fear. Kenny's out of it and PAC and OC are in the ring, OC goes for his deadly shin kicks but PAC just low blows him like a BASTARD, all fair in triple threat rules. Twisting tope to Kenny then setting up for the Black Arrow, he hits it, 1, 2, Kenny breaks the pin! PAC goes for Kenny this time, sets him up for the Black Arrow, but this one he misses, Kenny sets up the OWA but PAC locks in the Brutalizer! The thing that KO'd Kenny last time weakens Kenny but OC comes in with a wild swing that's probably meant to be the Orange Punch, in the rebound from the ropes PAC is dumped out the ring, Beach Break! 1, 2, NO! PAC rushes back in and tries to low blow OC but he catches it, PAC goes for the powerbomb but OC flips out of it, Orange Punch! Kenny's setting up the V-Trigger though, OC dodges it, Orange Punch to Kenny! Callis has left the announcer's table, OC picks his corner, hits PAC with the Orange Punch again, 1, 2, Callis pulls out the ref. I hate ref pulls to be honest, I don't get why that stops a count, you could just tap from the apron, but it serves as a means here. Callis is arguing with the ref as KiLynn King stands out from afar, Callis turns and is met by a very bewildered OC. Callis flinches away but OC goes to the top turnbuckle, Kenny grabs his leg and climbs up, but OC headbutts him away, he tries to hit PAC with the diving DDT but PAC catches him, Northern Lights with wrist control, rolled over and now the Brutalizer to OC. Kenny stomps on PAC's head but PAC won't break the hold, OC is fading and there's no rules about breaking a hold, so Kenny attacks the ref. Spoiled for choice, Callis picks to throw the Impact title to Kenny, who cracks PAC with it, then again with the AAA Mega Championship, then with the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, and finally with the AEW world title, as he postures though OC hits an Orange Punch, he crawls for a pin and Aubrey darts in, 1, 2, No Kenny's rolled him, 1, 2, 3! The Bucks, Gallows & Anderson celebrate with Kenny as OC looks on in lament, probably could've stayed there a little longer.

Really good match, shenaniganry was expected of course and I feel like the finish could've been a bit more but OC did endure a shit ton of abuse earlier to warrant exhaustion, it protects him and PAC that it took so much to be inches from a win, for AEW's first triple threat for the World Title it was really good but honestly, nobody expected Kenny to lose and when they did it was 6 seconds before he did win.

An ad for Full Gear in St. Louis is set for a Saturday Night in November as JR and Excalibur talk about going back on the road. Tony announces that AEW Rampage will debut on August 17th and that they have signed a 'special analyst' and his name: Mark Henry. No Salmon Suit but a big pop for the World's Strongest Man, he'll be appearing on the Next Dynamite on Friday, the card will also have the Inevitable Bullrope Match, the Bucks will take on Death Triangle (PAC and Penta), Cody and Lee Johnson will face QT and Ogogo - where Ogogo will likely get his win back without Cody taking a fall - and Baker will have a Championship Ceremony. Two weeks from now as well Jungle Boy will get his title match.

Stadium Stampede: Inner Circle [Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Jake Hager, Santana & Ortiz] def. The Pinnacle [MJF, Wardlow, Shawn Spears & FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) w/Tully Blanchard] (pinfall on Spears by Guevara via 630) MJF enters first in a white limo dressed for a street fight, cutting a promo on the camera that the Inner Circle should be scared because it's the end of the line. Judas hits though and the Inner Circle are seen abseiling down the Jacksonville arena Scoreboard - showing the Inner Circle logo, Jericho still in his arm cast as coherent Judas-ing is heard from the crowd. MJF is noticeably alone though as IC charge him, he flees to his limo, but there's a reason MJF was alone, the rest of the Pinnacle fly in on truck to ambush the Inner Circle, going for their obvious parallels. Sammy and Spears start in the ring as the camera struggles to keep up, Hager was gonna stick Wardlow's head in an oil drum fire as Santana gets thrown into a barricade wall. Guevara hits the cutter and boots Wardlow on the outside, this distracts him enough for Spears to roll away from the Shooting Star Press and hit the Blue Thunder Bomb on Sammy. Sheepishly, MJF slithers out the limo but Jericho has been waiting for him behind the car as they tee off on one another. As the tag teams climb the bleachers Jericho opens the boot to try and shut MJF in there, Jericho's cast is unraveling though as MJF knocks him away and grabs a fire extinguisher from the boot, blinding Jericho before running away. Jericho catches up as MJF asks to talk things out, punching MJF into a trash can, MJF retorts by throwing coffee in Jericho's face then hitting him with an old telephone (surprised the stadium still has those) while MJF makes a 'sorry can't come to the phone right now' joke. Raking the eyes MJF turns to face the camera, but Jericho then screams through a megaphone point blank at MJF to disorient him and sandwiches him with catering trays, he throws MJF towards a table but MJF slides under it, so Jericho crushes him in between it and whacks him with a Wet Floor sign. After another bin attack they run into another room which I guess had Jacksonville Jaguars staff (they said one was the coach), because they throw him some Pigskins to chuck at MJF, as well as a laptop. MJF rakes the eyes but misses the helmet shot, Jericho gets a roller chair and charges MJF out the door, over the rail and into a conveniently placed catering table. MJF goes for the arm but Jericho hits MJF with a flip of the white board, stalking MJF as he crawls away before charging him out the door. In the back room, Wardlow and Hager are throwing some MMA style punches, Wardlow catches a kick and throws Hager into some boxes, then shuts him an the freezer room, Hager though stops the door from shutting and kicks Wardlow away only for Wardlow to weaponize those big oil cartons, Wardlow sets up the F-5000 but Wardlow escapes and they both charge into the freezer room, a gruesome sight of a vertically bisected pig was not appreciated. Wardlow grabs an icicle like a shiv but Hager hits an Uranage onto a trolley of boxes before hitting his back with a plastic tray as they leave the freezer. Hager knocks Wardlow back with his strikes but hits a giant locker which Wardlow throws into him - the locker has a literal dent in it too - groggy, Hager talks shit but gets socked by Wardlow's punch, Hager throws up the middle finger so Wardlow gets a knee to the gut, Hager didn't hear no bell though and flips off Wardlow some more, leading to Wardlow spearing him through a gimmicked wall into the kitchen. Over to Sammy and he's searching for Spears, he hears a noise and the lights go dark, in the middle is Spears, the Chair Man, in the Chair Room. The brawl falls in Sammy's favour due to his speed and ability to use the chairs as a launch pad, but Spears pokes the eye and boots him off a chair to regain momentum. He tries to throw Sammy into a wall but Sammy pops the crowd by backflipping off the wall, kicking Spears and then kipping up it was ridiculous. Knee strike off a Forklift

then a dropkick through the Forklift's cockpit, he tries for the crossbody though and gets caught, Lawn Darted into a metal screen as Tony reminisces about Kevin Nash almost murdering Rey Mysterio. Seeing some tools Spears is spoiled for choice, he doesn't like the bolt cutters and grabs the chair, nonchalantly strutting until Sammy just bullets himself into a knee strike. They end up into the construction warehouse with a chekov's ladder, Guevara is hit onto the same Scissor Lift that he had the Infamous Matt Hardy match with as Spears looks for wires, Sammy though leaps out and chokes Spears with his own wires, prone, Sammy sees how tall those shelves are and sets Spears up, he climbs to the top but Spears rolls away, Sammy jumps down parkour style but runs into chekov's ladder. Spears then brandishes handcuffs and locks him against the shelving, giving him the finger and walking away. As Sammy struggles though he notices some bolt cutters. We move to the bar with that notorious brand 'Vodka' having bottles on the table. Santana and Ortiz are approaching FTR and Tully who are having a casual drink, Santana breaks a glass over some innocent bystanders while FTR throw away Jake St. Patrick and friend, all coming together to one table, where Tully sets out 4 glasses of the Vodka Brand. Seems this is our Hangman/Hager segment as they down the Vodka, the DJ stops though as we zoom in - It's Konnan! - the table flips and the brawl commences. Our first ever cover of the night comes when Ortiz hits Harwood with a tray for 2, before choking him with the same tray, Tully comes in with a pipe to blindside Ortiz but Konnan stops him and gets hit in the gut by Ortiz. Santana comes to group up on the horseman, Santana hitting him on the head with a plastic dinner knife, but FTR jump the duo; Santana is whipping Wheeler with his belt but Harwood is hitting Ortiz with a bin, Santana dives at Wheeler for two as Harwood and Ortiz are engaging in fisticuffs, Ortiz gets the upper hand and hammers him with a traditional wrestling trash can, Wheeler though comes in and throws bottles at Ortiz from afar, he's tackled by Santana which triggers the elevator which they sprawl into. Back to Wardlow and Hager and the War Dog is stalking Hager, Hager dodges a wooden tray being thrown on him and evades Wardlow with those buoy things before getting Wardlow with a punch, he's thrown into the famous golf kart though as they set up on the roof, Wardlow looks to powerbomb him but Hager low blows him, chokeslamming him through a bunkhouse. In the VIP area Jericho and MJF still brawl, MJF wrenches Jericho's injured arm but the veteran kicks him away, MJF hurts his own hand by punching a cut-out of Shahid Khan, which Jericho then weaponizes and pats on the head, MJF then swings a door into Jericho's face and increases pressure on the arm, Jericho though repays the favour and staples a thank you card onto MJF's head. A superman punch sets them up on the table and MJF hits a piledriver for 2, he grabs the hammer and aims for the arm but Jericho hits him with a mini-bin, he opens a cabinet to brandish his baseball bat and ping it on MJF's head, neck and stomach. MJF then goes through the glass of a door busting him open. Back to Spears and he's looking for Tully, but he's found the Inner Circle's 'motorcycle club' (that's a thing?) and gets chased down by them, exiting into the Trades Office. MJF is dragged to the rafters of Daily's Place, going through the crowd as MJF is atomic dropped into the railing. MJF though attacks the arm with the railing and removes the cast entirely, looking to throw Jericho off the rafters, Jericho escapes and hits MJF with a heavy spotlight, then Powerbomb through a box. Spears is arriving in Daily's Place too, he looks to his side and it's waiting for him: this time, Sammy's at the wheel of the Golf Kart and gets all of Spears with it. Sammy and Spears enter the ring - Sammy with a chair - but Spears lifts him up, Sammy escapes and hits an Enzugiri, gestures the audience but gets wiped out mid-launch with a chair shot! 1, 2,

No. Spears picks up his favoured weapon again, but Sammy gives him the middle finger, Spears cracks Sammy with the chair, 1, 2, No! Spears is absolutely perplexed how that didn't work, so he prepares the corner spot he did on the Pinnacle's debut. Dragging Sammy over is labored but it gives Sammy time to lift him for the GTH, now Spears is in position for the Chair stomp and gets it - although not as impressively - 630! 1, 2, 3! The rest of the Inner Circle come down to celebrate, embracing Sammy - who was responsible for losing Blood & Guts remember - as the crowd sing along to Judas. Pyro goes off as the Inner Circle do their usual middle finger. The music stops but the chanting keeps going, and our final image is the crowd finishing Judas with the Inner Circle.

Well that was as entertaining as the last, I do have minor qualms like how FTR just kinda disappeared, you'd think they'd come back given that we last saw them in the elevator, I think it would've been much more satisfying for MJF to have taken the pin as well. Sammy getting the win was absolutely correct in story but booking consistently does wrong by Spears taking the fall, he's already considered the weak link of the Pinnacle so taking the fall doesn't do anything to disprove that. At the very least though the Inner Circle send the fans home happy.

Conclusion My god, what a show. From the moment Deeb/Riho's match started to when Stadium Stampede ended it was one hell of a wrestling show, one of the best PPVs of the year for sure. AEW delivered in spades having at least two 5-Star matches in my opinion, in a rating I would give this 9.7 out of 10. Why not 10? Well, there were some minor tarnishes from the bloating of promo packages with the Buy In - the only reason you should have 1 match on a pre-show is if it's a big Battle Royale, the Buy In should be treated like Rampage, 1 hour of wrestling and build up to the PPV - since we could've fit at least 2 more 10-15 minute matches in there, Lio Rush's uneventful Joker entry in the CBR and Cody beating Ogogo after withstanding several of Ogogo's punches because patriotism. But frankly those are my only major complaints, otherwise it was a pulsating and emphatic show, even surprising us with a Jungle Boy win and Mark Henry joining as a Coach and Analyst. The Era of DMD begins, the Elite and the Inner Circle live on, Hangman gets back his spot, and Sting turned back the clock, what more can you ask for?

Absolutely All Elite.

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 4,090 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

Tag List: @txemrn @choicesficwriterscreations if you'd like to be tagged just drop a message in my little ole inbox! I don't bite!…unless you’re into that sorta thing. 😏🙃

TW: mentions of miscarriage and child loss. Viewer discretion is STRONGLY ADVISED.

Baby Blues. 

Shanelle thought she was hearing things. 

“Your Majesty?” 

“Huh?”

“Did you hear me?”

She blinked herself back to reality. 

“I…think so?” she said after shaking her head, “You said something about my bloodwork.”

“Yes ma'am. Your most recent bloodwork came back positive for hCG. Congratulations. You’re pregnant.”

Shanelle stared at her doctor. 

“Pregnant? Like pregnant…pregnant?”

“Yes, my Queen.”

“But I can't be pregnant! I just renewed my vows. I literally spent half the night drinking! My wedding anniversary is next weekend!”

“Not to worry Your Majesty. You’re not that far along.”

The news hit her like a ton of bricks. 

“Sonuvabitch!” she muttered a little too loudly.

“Ma’am?”

“Oh! I'm sorry. I was talking about my husband.”

“His Majesty?” her doctor asked. 

She chuckled dryly. 

“Yes, him. He's gonna love this news.”

“I'm sure. This is an amazing time for you and your family.”

“That's one way to put it…” she replied before exhaling deeply, “thank you, Dr. Andersen.”

“My pleasure, Your Majesty. I'll put in a call to Dr. Ramirez and get the ball rolling on that front. You should expect a call from her soon.” 

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

“Of course.”

“Now I have one helluva bomb to drop on my husband.”

“Good luck.”

She scoffed. 

“Yeah, I'm going to need it.”

Shanelle watched her doctor as he walked out of her office. Leaving her alone with her racing thoughts.

“What the fuck?! How the fuck?! When the fuck?! Where the fuck?! Who the fuck?! Why the fuck?!” 

She couldn't believe it. She just couldn't believe it. She's pregnant. Again. For a third time. 

“I'm pregnant?! I'm pregnant! Me! I'm having a baby?! I'm having a baby! Holy Shit! I'm having a fucking baby! How the fuck did this happen?! How did I wind up pregnant?!”

She looked at the picture of her whole world on her desk. Her loving husband and the little girl that has had her heart since she gave birth to her. The two beats of her heart. The two people she would crush the world for. Her perfect family of three will now be four. And she has no idea how it happened. 

Well…she knows how it happened. She just doesn't know when it happened. She was pulled from her thoughts by a knock on the door.

“My Queen?”

It was Margo Geaneaux. Shanelle’s lead attendant.

“Yes, Margo?”

“It's almost time to go pick up the Princess from her piano lessons.”

“Oh yeah! Thanks for reminding me.”

“Are you alright, My Queen?”

“Yeah, I'm okay. I'm just…distracted.”

“Distracted? What's wrong?”

Shanelle chewed her bottom lip. And Margo knew something was up.

“If I may, what is it Shanelle?” 

Shanelle let out the breath she had been anxiously holding in. 

“Close the door and sit down.”

Margo does as she's asked.

“Okay, I'm sitting down. Now, what is it?”

“Umm…promise me you'll keep this to yourself.”

���How long have I worked for this family, Shanelle?”

Shanelle nodded.

“Point taken.”

“Indeed. Now, what is it dear?”

Shanelle took a deep breath.

“Okay here goes…I’m…I’m…I’m…pregnant.”

Margo’s eyebrows shot up.

“Seriously?”

“Yup. I met with Dr. Andersen earlier. He confirmed it. Your adopted son got what he wanted.”

Margo chuckled.

“Well, congratulations my dear. I'm happy for you, him, and especially my granddaughter.”

“You will never let them go, will you?” Shanelle asked. 

“Never. You know Marquise is as much my child as my own children. As the one that had to raise him, I will always lay claim to him. To hell with Constantine. Laying claim to him also means you are as much my daughter and Khari is as much my granddaughter as the two I have.”, Margo replied. 

Shanelle smiled softly as Margo reached for her trembling hands. 

“This is great news Shanelle. For you and the family. But I know you. Something else is bothering you.”

Shanelle got quiet.

“It's your son, isn't it?”

“That obvious?”

“Yes, dear. You aren't feeling guilty, are you?” Margo asked her.

“It's hard not to be Margo,” Shanelle replied quietly. 

“Shanelle, I will tell you the same thing I have told him for years, none of what happened was your fault.”

“I know that I just…” Shanelle trailed off.

Margo could sense her sadness. 

“My dear. I want you to always know and remember that you and Marquise are great parents. Your daughter is the sweetest little girl. Feisty at times but sweet nonetheless. She's being raised by two people who care for and love her as she is.” 

“I know that Margo but being pregnant just brings up so many emotions that I thought I buried.” 

“I'm sure it does. But again what happened that day was NOT your fault. And it doesn't make you a bad mother if you feel excited about being pregnant again.”

“Are you sure?”

Margo gave Shanelle an earnest maternal smile.

“Yes, my dear. No one will blame you for feeling happy.”

Shanelle stood up and hugged Margo.

“Thank you. You always manage to get me out of my head.”

“If I can do it for your husband then I can do it for you. Now hurry. Your daughter is waiting for you.”

“I'm off.”

“And Your Majesty?”

“Hmm?”

“Don't call me if he faints.”

Shanelle smirked at Margo before walking out of her office and going to pick up her daughter from her piano lessons. 

Later that night after putting her daughter to bed, Shanelle found herself standing on her balcony and going over the ways in her head that she could tell Marquise she was pregnant. It has always been his biggest dream to have as many children as possible. And while the thought of having 12 kids like his ancestor King Fabian scared the shit outta her, Shanelle did want another child. But she didn't think she could have another one. Not after losing her first. But she had Khari, who was as healthy as any baby. Yet, she couldn't help yearning for their first child. The son they lost. 

They found out she was pregnant shortly after their honeymoon. They were excited about the news but wanted to keep it under wraps. So they only told a select number of people and kept her schedule light to not raise suspicion. And at first, everything was fine. Until that awful night. 

Marquise had left for a three-day summit in Cairo when he got the worst possible phone call from Margo. The urgency in her tone struck fear in his heart. 

“Margo? What is it?”

“Marquise you need to get home now! Something’s gone wrong!” 

“What is it? What’s wrong mom?”

“It’s your wife, son. You need to get home! Now!”

That conversation would haunt him all the way back to Cordonia. When he touched down in Cordonia he was taken straight to the hospital and met with the lead Obstetrician on the Women and Children’s floor that night. That’s when he would hear the words no expecting parent wants to hear. 

“Your Majesty…we did everything that we could to try and save the baby but we couldn't.”

Marquise felt like someone had knocked the wind out of him. And if he wasn't sitting down he probably would've fainted.

 “Doctor Bell…what are you saying?”

“I'm so sorry my King but your son is dead. He was stillborn.”

“…stillborn? But how can that be–”

The words died in his throat when he heard his wife scream. At that moment the doctor's response didn’t matter. Shanelle is what mattered. Getting to her is what mattered.

“What room is she in?”

“She's in the last room down the hall, Your Majesty. Room 3486.”

Marquise ran down the hall as fast as his legs and feet could carry him. And when he got to her…his heart shattered. She had a look in her eyes that was a mix of heartbreak, utter disbelief, and complete devastation. And what was worse was there was nothing he could do to take it away.

“Shanelle…”

When she looked at him, he nearly lost his nerve as the nurse who was in the room with Shanelle left to give them time alone. 

“It’s not true…tell me it’s not true! The baby…they’re not…they can’t be…tell me it’s not true!”, she pleaded with her husband. 

“I…my love…I…”, he struggled to get the words out. 

“Tell me, please! Tell me our baby is fine!” 

Unfortunately, he couldn’t tell her the one thing she desperately wanted to hear. He took her trembling hands in his own and prepared himself to speak the very awful words. 

“They tried Shanelle. They did everything they could…”, he trailed off. 

“No. No. Marquise no! No!”

“My Queen. I’m…I’m…I’m so sorry. Our baby…our son…” he choked up at the look of horror and devastation on her face.

“NO! NO! NO! IT’S NOT TRUE! IT CAN’T BE TRUE!” She screamed before bursting into tears. 

He wrapped his arms around her and held her as she cried. His heart was broken for his wife, his son, and especially himself. When the doctor brought the baby to them Shanelle was inconsolable. 

“Your Majesties, I thought you’d like to see your son.” Doctor Bell spoke softly as he presented them with the swaddled infant.

Marquise couldn’t believe their baby was dead. And he didn’t believe it until he held him close. That’s when he felt his soul break. 

“My son. My beautiful son. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He said as his voice trembled as he held the baby. He looked at Shanelle and placed the baby in her arms. 

“No. You can’t be gone! You can’t be!” She cried as she held their son, “My baby. You can’t be gone!”

Sadly for them, both their son is dead. And the loss of him was as real and raw as it gets. Shanelle wanted nothing to do with the funeral arrangements so she left that duty to her husband. Rather than have a funeral according to Cordonian tradition, they were joined by her parents and those that were trusted with keeping Shanelle’s pregnancy a secret at a simple burial. 

Shanelle was fine until they were asked for any final words before he was to be interred next to Marquise’s mother. That is when her grief took hold and her knees gave out. If it wasn’t for her husband standing behind her she would’ve hit the floor. She couldn’t stand it. She couldn’t stand the thought or sight of her baby boy being buried. 

“No. Marquise, please. Don’t bury him. Please. Don’t let them bury him.” She sobbed in her husband’s arms. 

“I’m sorry my love. I’m so sorry.” was all he could say as he rubbed her back. 

He was fine until they sealed the tomb. That is when he broke and the tears fell. Clutching his wife close to his chest the King Of Cordonia sobbed as his son was laid to rest. 

“I can’t be here. I’m ready to go. I don’t want to be here anymore.” Shanelle said to him. Her voice was barely above a whisper. 

“Okay. Let’s get you out here.” He replied. 

They barely got out of the Royal Family Mausoleum before she couldn’t walk anymore. She didn’t have the strength. So Marquise carried her back to the main residence of the palace until they left for her duchy the next day. 

All these years later and the memory still haunts Shanelle. She refuses to go back to their son’s grave. The memory of watching him be buried has scarred her. And yet, she still wonders what she could’ve done to save him. Why did she see or notice the signs? And now that it’s been confirmed that she’s pregnant again, she wonders if it could or would happen again. But all of that was put to rest when she glanced down at her phone in her hand. She had to tell her husband they are expecting again. She decided to wait until he came home from his trip to Japan the next day. 

His Majesty returned home early the next morning and spent his day on conference calls and with a certain little girl who was happy to have her Daddy back home. 

Later after he had put Khari to bed, he hopped in the shower and she laid down on the bed and flipped channels. She knew he was tired but not exactly ready to go to bed. When he walked out of the bathroom and she saw him, her jaw hit the floor. He was wearing nothing but a towel and his trademark smirk. She couldn’t help but stare at her husband. 

“Take a picture, love. It’ll last you a lot longer than staring at me will.” He teased as he flexed his muscles.

“I will stare whenever I see fit…Your Majesty. I am the Queen after all.” 

He shook his head and dried off before grabbing the lotion and applying it while she watched. 

“Need help?” She asked. 

“Sure. You can get my back,” he replied. 

“Okay. Lie down on the bed babe.”

It didn’t take her long to cover his back. What started out as her simply applying lotion to his back, turned into the best massage he’d ever had. Her fingers worked deep into his muscles driving away any stress she knew he may have had. He was in heaven and also a tad curious. 

“Damn! What did I do to deserve that?” He asked her. 

“Nothing outside of me just wanting an excuse to put my hands on you.”

Marquise turned over on his back and arched an eyebrow at her.

“Uh-huh. What did you do now?” He asked as she straddled his hips. 

“Nothing!”

“Yeah okay. How many of your cards did you max out?”

“I swear I didn’t do anything!”

“Do I need to have that verified?”

“No, you don’t because I’m telling the truth!”

He snickered. 

“I just wanted to see your reaction.”

“Jackass!” She sneered. 

“That’s King Jackass to you.”

She rolled her eyes and smirked at him.

“So tell me what was that massage about?” He asked. 

“I missed you. That’s what it was about.”

He chuckled.

“No that’s not it. I mean I believe you when you say you missed me but a massage like that only happens when you want something or when you've done something bad and you don't want me to find out. So since you claim you haven't done anything, what is it, my love? What do you want?” He asked before burying his face in the crook of her neck. 

“Weeeelllllllllll…there is something that I need to tell you. But you’re distracting me.” She said as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her close. 

“Am I now?” He asked before placing a soft kiss just below her right ear. 

“Yes. You’re in nothing but a towel and it’s messing with my concentration.” She replied as her arms rested on his broad shoulders. 

“We’ll just have to do something about that now won’t we?” He whispered in her ear. The tone in his voice made her shiver. “Starting with this pajama set you have on.”

“What did you have in mind, My King?” Shanelle asked. 

A slow smile bloomed across his face. 

“I was thinking something like this…” he trailed off before bringing her lips to his. 

When their kiss ended the only thing he wanted to do was devour her. Although the turquoise and black satin and lace pajama set she wore caught his eye. 

“Is that new?” he asked. 

“This old thing? Nah I’ve had it for years. I just haven’t worn it in a while.”

His eyes roamed up and down her body. 

“See something you like, Your Majesty?”

“Always when it comes to you. But I must say you look beautiful in this outfit.”

“Has there ever been a time where you haven’t thought I looked beautiful in something?” she asked. 

“Nope. And there never will be.” He whispered in her ear before nipping her earlobe. “Now My Goddess, you can hurry up and take this outfit off or I can rip it off of you. The choice is yours.” 

“I kinda like the idea of a striptease then again it would be quicker to just let you rip it off…so why not both?” 

Marquise arched an eyebrow. 

“Both huh? Fine. But I call dibs on the shorts.” 

“The King has decreed it, so shall it be!”

With a sly look in her eyes she bites her bottom lip and pulls the top and bra off. He had his hands all over her ass, palming, squeezing and kneading it.

“Look at you. So fucking beautiful.” He said as his fingers traced the contours of her breasts. 

Soon she plants him with a searing kiss that he returns full force. She pressed her chest against his as their kiss deepend. She introduced her tongue into his hungry mouth and he growled against it. She felt his strong arms tighten around her. Feeling her body against his shot his possessive desire for her through the roof. When their kiss broke, all he wanted to do was ravage her.

“I just remembered something.”

“What?”

“You still have these goddamn shorts on.”

“Then do something about it…Your Majesty.”

He growled as he ripped her shorts and panties off of her. He then laid her down and tangled his left hand in her hair exposing her neck to his teeth. He placed suckling bites all down her neck and across her collarbone. 

“You just don’t know what you do to me.” 

“You poor sweet man. I know EXACTLY what I do to you.”

The wickedness in her voice spurred him on. He dragged his mouth across her breasts. He slowly teased and tasted them which drove her crazy. He loved making her nipples harden at his touch. 

“More please! I need more!” she begged. 

“That’s exactly what I want to hear,” he told her.

That’s when his right hand found its way between her thighs. His thumb circled her clit while the rest of his fingers teased her entrance. 

“Watch the fireworks, my love.” he told her with a wink before he slid between her thighs. 

It never took him long to make her melt. She could feel his mouth all over her clit and could feel his fingers playing with her entrance. 

Even with his left hand squeezing her breast he was laser focused on her and her pleasure. He drove his fingers deeper inside her causing Shanelle to grab the cover under her. He is relentless. She was trying to ride his fingers as he quickened their speed. Her body began to tremble as he worked her over. 

“I can't hold it in much longer! I need you! Now!”, she begged. 

He could hear the desperation in his wife’s voice but he wasn’t done teasing her. The sensation coming from him was almost too much for her. 

“Not yet My Queen. Not yet.” he whispered against her lips before he kissed her. 

The only thing she wanted was for him to fuck her but the King had other plans. With a gentle yet firm tug of his left hand, he pulled her head back. He dragged his tongue down her pulse line before biting gently leaving a mark. The sensation caused her to rake her nails across his back. 

“Do that again and watch what happens," he growled in her ear.

She took his warning as a challenge and dragged her nails across his back again. She felt his smile against her ear.

“Have it your way, my love…”

This was the game they'd played for years. The swipes and snide remarks, the jokes, the insults, the teasing, the sex, the love, the devotion, and the affection all of it made their marriage work. He twisted his fingers just enough to make her back arch. His thumb circled her clit faster and harder. He could feel her body writhing beneath him. Begging him for more. He listened to her breathing become more and more shallow.  But he decided to take it slow and torture her. He wanted to remind her that he isn't just her husband, he is her King. 

“This is where you belong. Beneath me. Just the way I want you to be.”

“Will you please shut up and fuck me?”

“Defiant as ever.”

“You’re taking too long!”

“Desperate My Queen?”

“I swear to God if you don't–”

He silenced her with a surge of his fingers. Quickly working her over driving her crazy.

“That's funny. I don't remember permitting you to speak.”

“Please.”

“I know you need me, my love. Besides, I'm getting impatient myself.”

He pinned her down to the mattress, threw her legs over his shoulders, and took no time filling her up. That is when she arched her back off the bed pushing her chest into his and clawing his back.

“That's it, love. Show me how badly you want it.”

If there was one thing the King knew all too well it was his wife's body. He knew which spots were sensitive to his touch. And judging by the sounds she was making, he knew he was onto something.

“Is this what you want, my love?? He asked as he surged inside her.

“Yes! Give it to me.”

“I don’t think you can handle it, love.”

Every surge of his hips sent her deeper into a frenzy.

“I want you! I need you!”

“God, you feel incredible around me, my love. Like a fucking glove.”

Her moans were getting louder and more desperate. That meant she was truly unraveling and her orgasm was rising. 

“I can never get enough of you. You feel so fucking good. So tight. So warm. And all mine!” He growled in her ear before softly biting her neck. 

“You feel so good! Give it to me! Take me! Make me cum!!” She screamed. 

Her body trembled under him and broke out in a cold sweat. She was closer to the edge. And he knew it. 

“Good girl! I know you can handle it! I know it feels good to you! Take it!” He moaned. 

He knew he wouldn’t last much longer. But he wanted them to cum together, with a shift of his hips, his thrusts went deeper. Relentlessly he began hitting her G-Spot. Never giving her body a chance to adjust. He would pull out just to slam back in. When her eyes started to roll back, he grabbed her chin and made her look at him. 

“Keep your eyes open! I want to see those beautiful eyes as you cum for me.”

He went from grabbing her chin to pinning her wrists down. She tried to push him off but he made sure that she had nowhere to go.

“Oh no! Don't you dare run from me!” he growled. “Now be a good girl and take it! Cum for me!”

He applied slight pressure to her wrists as he fucked her harder and faster. Going deeper until she just couldn't take it anymore and stars burst in her eyes. 

“Don't fight it, love. Give in! Give it to me! Cum for me!”

This sent them both hurdling straight into their combined orgasm. Her body gave into his and he collapsed above her. He wrapped her in his arms and cradled her close to his chest. He used his left hand to draw abstract shapes along her back.

“Well, that was fun.” she breathed out.

He chuckled low.

“It always is, my love.”

Shanelle buried her face into the crook of his neck as he placed a soft kiss on the side of her head. 

“Shanelle?”

“Hmm?”

“I know.”

She looked at him confusedly.

“What are you talking about?”

He kissed her slowly while placing his right hand on her stomach.

“I know," he whispered against her lips.

When she looked at him it dawned on her what he was saying.

“How did you know? Who told you?”

“I had a feeling you were pregnant. You haven't been yourself lately. But I had no concrete proof until you left your pregnancy test on the bathroom counter.”

Shanelle’s face went pale and she groaned.

“Well, there went my element of surprise.”

He shook his head with a smirk.

“Look at me,” he said as he tilted her chin up, “I love you. You know that right?”

She smiled at him. 

“I love you too handsome.”

He pulled her close and slowly drifted off to sleep with his right hand resting on her stomach.

[theredalice]

*cracks knuckles*  AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH LETS GET IT

I was tagged by @robobrainmurdermysterytheatre to do some OC things, so here we are!! I’m going to do their full list of the OC things that they did cause I haven't done any of those lol

As usual, I’ll be doing Jay Amone (my baby. precious boy. we stan him). Please feel free to send me asks for me to elaborate bc I love talking about him and my other characters!!

I’m tagging @tea-petty @kvltprince @asktinyandpals @aj-vincent-roleplayer and @thotymusprime . Your OCs are all fucking amazing and I love hearing about them pLEASE TAG ME IF YOU DO THIS 

I'm gonna put this under a cut cause there's a lot and I'm finna go all in Y'all

NAME: Jay Amone

NICKNAME: Flyaway (Railroad codename) Little Bird (Gabe’s pet name and also Atom Cats’)

AGE: 26

SPECIES: Human

PERSONAL

MORALITY: the most Lawful Good you will ever meet

RELIGION: Doesn't really have one? He never really understood the concept of God(s) so he just stays out of all together

SINS(greed//gluttony//sloth//lust//pride//envy//wrath): He’s very envious of how people can just???? go thought their day and not have constant anxieties or paranoia??? Like how tf you do that sis??? How does it feel to be neruotypical??

VIRTUES(chastity//charity//diligence//humility//kindness//patience//justice): He takes a lot of pride in the work he’s done for the Railroad and is very proud of how far he’s gotten. he’s an extremely hard worker (almost too hard. sis, take a break). He is so kind. So kind. Like if you’re in need of something he’ll try and get it right away. need caps? boom, here is what you need a little more. Need adhesive? shoosh, he hoards it. He has plenty to go around. need a shoulder to cry on? bitch, him too. Lets cry together sis. He’s very patient (which is something Sala and Gabe admire)

KNOWN LANGUAGES: English, just a tad bit of Spanish from Rico

PHYSICAL

BUILD (scrawny/bony/slender/fit/athletic/curvy/herculean/pudgy/plus size/average): Scrawny, but his calves can and will kill you. Athletic (he has to run a lot for the Railroad (b...because he’s a Runner)

HEIGHT: 5′11

SCARS/BIRTHMARKS: Has a brand of a rose between his shoulderblades

ABILITIES/POWERS: none? but he’s very kind and has the ability to make everyone feel better when they talk to him :)

FAVOURITES

FOOD: yum yum deviled eggs

PIZZA TOPPING: cheese

COLOR: Blue/light blue

MUSIC GENRE: anything thats slow and flows

MOVIE GENRE: Romance/comedy

CURSE WORD: fuck. Its safer than most words out there

SCENTS: soap, fresh laundry, clean

FUN STUFF

BOTTOM OR TOP: Call him a top and he’ll cry cause he is most certainly a bottom

SINGS IN THE SHOWER: um, hell yeah. The shower is like the one place he feels like no one can hear him so he does a lot of vocal things in there

LIKES PUNS: yes yes yes yes yes Y E S. Tell him a pun and he’ll consider youa great friends and interact with you a lot more

OC Phrases: Bold the phases that you connect with one of your ocs.

SIGHT. small towns. big cities. six thirty curfews. lights that take the place of stars. blanket nests. light through the blinds as a wake-up call. found family. finding a single star in the middle of new york city. window shopping. watching something terrible and enjoying it. growing numb to the sight of injustice. wilted flowers. faded caricatures. bright, bold colours.

HEARING. crickets and lightning bugs. car engines and a / c units. a phone call to mum/dad. laughing with friends. jokes that are so bad you have to laugh. the clicking of computer keys. noise cancelling headphones. the sound of silence. muffled music from another room. drumming fingertips on a table. the clicking of pens. listening to a clock and swearing the ticks get slower. ringing in the ears. the voice of someone you love. pitch shifted songs.

TOUCH. being held close during a long night. fleeting reassurances. holding hands when you’re scared. brushing fingers through strands of hair. freshly dried clothes. bruises on your knuckles. silk and satin. your favourite pet’s fur or feather. wringing your hands anxiously. snuggles. comforters in the dead of winter. nails against skin. cold metal. leather in summer.

TASTE. coffee in the morning. tea in the evening. bubblegum that lost its flavor. alcohol burning the back of your throat. homemade cooking, no matter what’s made. blood in your mouth. stale air. mint. fresh vegetables. that processed taste of citrus candy. the first meal you cook by yourself that tastes good. foreign sweets. fast food. bittersweet. sour. spicy. sweet. bitter. too much salt on fries

OC and Songs

Here’s his playlist!

His main theme!

All of the songs in there represent him or his story in some way (please feel free to send me songs you think would fit him ((((maybe that should be my first ask game- send me songs you associate w my OC's- would anyone even play that?))))

Thank you for reading! Also, please feel free to do this yourself with your own character and tag me! I’d love to see your character!

[khoicesbyk]

A/N: I'm officially obsessed with Wolf Bride and what does one do when she's obsessed with a certain book? She writes an AU about it! 😁 So, Talley Ho! *in my Sherlock Holmes voice*

Rated: Mature. | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual from me. 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: Roman (LI) and Naia Evans (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and certain original characters, created by me) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 1,790 words. (May be a little more and may be a little less. I stop counting after editing and re-editing. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

Song And Story Inspiration: Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)-Janet Jackson | All This Time (Vocal Version)-Lalah Hathaway | Can’t Let Go/Vision Of Love-Mariah Carey | If I Ever Fall In Love/Comforter-Shai

This series is rated Mature. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

This series may contain spoilers. If you wish not to see spoilers, please do not read any further.

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you. 😁😘

TW: character death. Death of a parent. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Tag List: @shewillreadyou @choiceslady @aussieez @secretaryunpaid @pixie88 @bebepac @hopefulmoonobject @sfb123 @lucy-268 @glaimtruelovealways @txemrn @texaskitten30 @choicesficwriterscreations

Chapter 2.) The Alpha.

Roman is Alpha of his Pack.

He was always taught to be strong, to lead, to guide, to hunt, to fight, to defend and especially to breed. It is his duty to carry on the next generation of Alphas like his father did and grandfather before him.

He is the oldest of his parents' children. His father Xander was his hero and he praised the ground his mother Delia walked on. Growing up in the pack wasn’t always easy for him. Growing up he would have dreams of a young girl. She was beautiful, especially when she smiled. Her eyes would light up when she smiled. Her laugh made his heart skip. He loved seeing her in his dreams.

He couldn’t wait to wake up and tell his mother about her.

“Did you see her again?” She asked him as they walked. His mother loved to walk amongst the trees.

“Yes! She was so pretty mother! I love to see her. Even if it’s in a dream.” He replies.

The joy in his voice made Delia smile.

“I’m happy to hear that my son.”

“I do hope that I get to see her again.”

Delia smiled at him then said, “I’m sure that you will see her again, my son.”

His father raised and trained him to be stronger, faster and better than his siblings or any of the other wolf pups. He was being groomed to be the next Alpha. He loved to hunt. Silently listening for his prey before making his move gave him an adrenaline rush. Conquering his prey gave him pride. He loved providing for the Pack.

He became the Alpha at 19 when his father died. Although it is a burden and some of the elders felt he was too young and not ready for it. Roman was more than ready, willing, capable and able to lead the Pack. Even though he missed his father, Roman is a great Alpha. The Pack respects him and follows his authority. He is stern but fair with those he protects. And when he defends the earth as well as his pack, his ferocity is on full display. And even when he is occasionally challenged by others from within the Pack, he always proves why he is Alpha.

He was the leader his mother knew he would be. She loved watching him flourish in his role as Alpha. Seeing his confidence grow brought her joy. Delia loved each of her children and was proud of all of them, but Roman being her oldest and firstborn child had her heart.

Which is why he took her death so hard. He loved his mother and always made sure that her needs were tended to. Even after her cancer diagnosis, if she wanted it then he made sure that she had it. Even if it meant just sitting with her holding her hand or worse singing to and with her, he was happy to do so.

Her final moments were spent in his arms. He knew she didn’t have much time left. He held her in his arms but he wasn’t ready to let her go.

“Roman, it’s time for you to choose a mate.” She said in a voice just above a whisper.

“No. Not now. My focus is on you mother.” He replied cradling her closer to him.

“You must my son. You are Alpha now. It is up to you now to have and raise pups.”

“Mother please…”

She smiled softly at him then said, “My sweet boy, you must. It is our way of life. You must carry on the next generation.”

“I can’t mother. Not right now. My role as Alpha doesn’t allow me time to search.”

“My son, you don’t have to search. You’ve already found her my son.”

“Who?” He asked.

“The young girl you used to dream about. She will be your mate.” Selia replied.

“Mother she isn’t real.”

“Yes she is my son. I’ve seen it. You two are meant to be together. Find her in your mind and your heart and you will see the bond you both share. Find her Roman. She is your mate.”

“Y-yes mother.” He said as his voice cracked.

“I love you my son.” She whispered.

“I love you too mother.”

Delia closed her eyes and took her final breath. Within seconds she was gone. And although he grieved her, Roman understood what his mother was telling him. He needed to find a mate. He tried finding a mate within the Pack and while many of the women had interest in him, he really had none in them. But he forced himself to choose anyway. He settled on his now ex Isobel. They tried to make their relationship work but for him, his heart just wasn’t in it.

His heart was calling on someone else. So he went to the Pack Elder Noemi for guidance.

“What can I do for you, my child?” She asked. Her voice soothing. She was like a grandmother to him.

“I’m having trouble finding a mate, Speaker.” He replied.

“Then let us find you a mate, my child. Come! Let’s go to the grounds.” She replies as she rises to her feet.

He walked behind her as they walked to a plateau known as the grounds. Old stones covered in moss that were placed in a circle. Noemi sat down on the edge while Roman entered the middle.

“Tell me what you want me to do Speaker.” He said to her.

“Close your eyes and open your mind and heart.” She instructed him.

Once his eyes were closed, he opened his mind and heart.

“Heart of the earth, hear me. Open yourself to my child. Guide him on his path to his mate.” She chanted.

Deep in his subconscious, Roman searched. Concentrating on what he remembered about her. He unlocked his mind to the earth. And that’s when he saw her. The girl from his childhood dreams. Only she was no longer a girl. She had grown up to be a beautiful woman. Her long black hair framed her face perfectly. Her brown eyes sparkled. And her beautiful brown skin was hypnotic to him.

He’d found her after all these years. As he looked at her, he noticed that she was singing. He’d heard her voice for the first time in decades. It’s just as beautiful as she is. She was on stage at a karaoke bar with her friends singing “Vision Of Love” by Mariah Carey.

“Treated me kind.

Sweet destiny.

Carried me through desperation.

To the one that was waiting for me.

It took so long.

Still I believed.

Somehow the one that I needed.

Would find me eventually.

I had a vision of love.

And it was all that you've given to me.

Prayed through the nights.

Felt so alone.

Suffered through alienation.

Carried the weight on my own.

Had to be strong.

So I believed.

And now I know I've succeeded.

In finding the place I conceived.

I had a vision of love.

And it was all that you've given to me.

I had a vision of love.

And it was all that you've given me.

I've realized a dream.

And I visualized.

The love that came to be.

Feel so alive.

I'm so thankful that I've received.

The answer that heaven has sent down to me.

You treated me kind (yeah).

Sweet destiny (yes, you did).

And I'll be eternally grateful (oh).

Holding you so close to me (prayed through the night).

Prayed through the nights (so faithfully).

So faithfully (faithfully).

Knowing the one that I needed.

Would find me eventually (he would find me).

I had a vision of love.

And it was all that you've given to me.

I had a vision of love.

And it was all that you turned out to be…”

As she sang, he felt close to her. He could feel her emotions as she sang. She was heartbroken. And it made him furious. He wanted to hold her, to comfort her, to tell her that it will be okay and to tell her that he would protect her. As she sang she could feel a presence around her but couldn’t put her finger on what it was. Like someone had their arms around her and was holding her close. It was their hearts, minds and souls becoming connected and awakening their bond.

When Roman finally opened his eyes, Noemi was smiling at him.

“Have you found her my child?” She asked

“Yes I have. She’s beautiful.” He replies.

“What is her name, my child?” She asked.

“Naia.” He replies.

Noemi smiled warmly at him.

“She will be your mate, my child.”

“Of this I have no doubt, Speaker.”

A week later, Naia looked up Hunt’s Peak and soon found herself enthralled by it. She loved the pictures she’d seen online. She felt connected to it for some inexplicable reason. Soon, she was dreaming of Hunt’s Peak and started hearing a man’s voice. The voice belonged to Roman. And when he was able to dream about her, that’s when he would call out to her. He wanted to have her at his side. His heart longed for her. His body yearned for her. He could feel her even though he had never formally met her before.

Early one morning he was awakened by the pull of his heart. She was close, he could feel it in his bones. She was closer to him than she had ever been before. She was coming. He left the den in search of her. When he went into the woods, he shifted from human to wolf. Being a wolf gave him a better sense of smell and direction. He quickly picked up a scent and followed it.

His being called him to follow his bond with her. The closer he got to her, the stronger the bond became. Soon he arrived at the Days Inn outside of town. He shifted back to his human form and stood at the edge of the woods across from the parking lot. He was drawn to her. Especially when he heard her sing. It was through the bond that they shared that he heard her. He closed his eyes and listened.

“There you are holding her hand.

I am lost.

Dying to understand.

Didn't I cherish you right?

Don't you know you were my life?

Even though I try I can't let go.

Something in your eyes.

Captured my soul.

And every night I see you in my dreams.

You're all I know.

I can't let go.”

Listening to her sing confirmed to him that he’d finally found her. And that very soon, he and Naia would be together.