#‘but ember’ you say. ‘a two year old isn’t really a kitten’

[gatesofember]

my kitten turns 2 today!!!!! say happy birthday!!!!!

[kashimos-hajime]

pretty face on a pretty neck | b.b.

summary: they aren’t fucking dating. not fucking friends, either. no, bucky just fucks romanoff’s best friend until she’s fucking stupid, begging for it, and leaves in the morning because that’s how the universe fucking works. and sometimes, he wishes it didn’t work that way.

WARNINGS: a tiny bit of smut (18+), fingering, choking, swearing, drinking, brief mentions of cheating, bucky’s just really fucking jealous, mentions of a shitty relationship and self-doubt from it, the dark knight spoilers, fluffy end!! pairing: modern!bucky barnes x fem!reader, brief steve rogers x fem!reader lmaoo  word count: 5.5k

a/n: this is a cute lil piece written for @sourpatchkidsandacokecan​​​​​​! my prompt was “you called me, remember?” inspired by kiwi by harry styles. 

For a moment, Bucky wonders how the fuck he got into this situation.

Then again, he’s not complaining.

The view is fucking stellar.

You weave through the crowd, glistening like some glazed dessert that he can’t wait to get his mouth on. Your lips are shining with a swipe of that sweet lipgloss he loves to suck off and you’re wearing that black dress.

The black dress. Shorter than short, showing every inch of skin yet not enough.

You toss your head back, exposing that neck that he loves to bite to Steve who grins, glad his joke landed. Stifling a scowl, Bucky grabs his scotch and throws it back, desperate not to grab you and throw you into a stall just to mark you up as his.

You had made him promise, after all. No socialization outside their little nightcap sessions that often lead to… well, Bucky’s game for anything really.

A cigarette is pinched between your lips and Steve helps you light it with a flick of his lighter, the burning embers glowing in the dark, seedy bar. Leaning on the bar counter, you talk to Sam wiping down his station and he nods, eyes dragging over your face and Bucky cannot tear his gaze away as Sam pours you three shots of vodka. You blow out a lungful of smoke, cigarette pinched between two fingers before glancing at Steve and making some sort of bet, based on the way your lips curl.

They go down like water, dripping down your chin and you laugh when Steve wipes it off your collarbones before he grabs your chin and smashes his lips against yours. You immediately reciprocate, mouth opening as he bends you over the bar, his hair golden and his hand trailing up your thigh.

“Fucker,” Bucky mutters, finally managing to rip his gaze away. A heat blazes through his stomach.

Stupid fucking party for damn Romanoff’s birthday. Sometimes he hates being some of the oldest friends that redhead knows. It makes him feel creepy, wading through a sea of college students that are only one or two years younger than him. Steve himself is finishing his last year, so he’s sure he doesn’t share Bucky’s plight of feeling old.

He wishes he could just approach you and ask to leave, pin you against the wall of his apartment, take you like he knows Steve’s going to later, but he can’t.

You aren’t fucking dating. Not fucking friends, either.

No, Bucky just fucks Romanoff’s best friend until she’s fucking stupid, begging for it, and leaves in the morning because that’s how the universe fucking works.

And sometimes, he wishes it didn’t work that way.

“Not enjoying yourself, James?” Birthday Girl Romanoff asks, appearing at his shoulder and he turns to her, shifting in his seat.

“Steve’s too busy chatting up your friend for me to do anything,” he replies, keeping his tone light and Romanoff glances at where Steve’s made his way to kissing up your neck, your fingers carded through his hair.

“Give him a break,” Romanoff says. “They both need to get laid.”

“You don’t think she’s getting laid?” Bucky asks incredulously. “Every fucking guy I’ve met has said they wanted to get with her at least once.”

“Sounding a bit jealous over someone you claim to hate, James,” the redhead teases, sipping on her mojito with raised eyebrows.

“I’m just saying. All the boys were saying they were into it.”

“And you?”

“She’s… a brat.”

“Seems to me that you’re into that,” she hums, leaning on his shoulder. “Honestly, it would’ve been better if you two met before her and her stupid boyfriend did. Ever since she moved in with Rumlow…” The woman trails off and Bucky absently fills in the blanks, she’s faked every single orgasm she’s had with him. “I don’t know. He’s a fucking prick. Doesn’t treat her like she deserves.”

“Does he—“

“No. Just… never a priority, is she? Why else is she here alone?” Natasha pauses, as if debating how much to tell him, then adds, “Then he gets all pissy about where she’s been. On his beck and call, isn’t she?”

“Asshole,” Bucky replies distantly. Steve has his hand basically up your dress and he watches as your legs pull him closer, your lips running along the shell of his ear. “You’re endorsing your best friend cheating on her boyfriend, you know, when we could just be beating him up”

“Hey. She said she was going to break up with him. I can’t make those choices up for her and I’m not about to land any of my friends in jail trying to be my ride or dies.” Romanoff shrugs, glancing at her friend. “Besides, she doesn’t have anywhere else to go, does she? It’s not like she can move into my dorm or move back into her parents across the country.” Bucky watches as you hook your legs around Steve’s waist and he hoists you into his arms, disappearing into the crowd.

By the direction, Bucky can guess the destination and some distant part of his head whispers, She could move in with me.

“Might want to avoid the bathrooms for a while,” he comments and Romanoff snorts, the ice crackling by her straw as she stirs her drained glass.

“I’m going to go get laid, too,” she replies frankly. “Don’t stay brooding in the corner, Barnesy-bear. Your face is one worthy of being sat on.”

“Thank you.”

With that, the redhead slips into the crowd and Bucky gets up, plucking his jacket and leaving the bar. His pants are tight with the thought of your mouth and the sound of your gasping breaths echoing in his ear. The feeling of your fingers scratching down his back makes him roll his shoulders back as he flags a cab.

So what if you’re fucking Steve?

It’s not like he’s exclusive with you.

He can’t fault his best friend for having excellent fucking taste.

As he enters the cab and tells the driver his address, he wonders how the fuck someone like Rumlow snagged the title as your boyfriend when there are so many other options.

Steve being one, but he’s still living on-campus.

Bucky doesn’t want to say it, but maybe he, with his own apartment and steady job and intimate knowledge of your desires and interests and needs, is the other.

.

It’s two weeks later when he finally sees you again, at Romanoff’s birthday function at the beach. Something with closer friends, in broad daylight at a beach house Romanoff’s parents own. She and Sam are already there by the time Bucky gets there, unpacking in rooms for a weekend stay.

“Take any room you like,” Romanoff calls from upstairs and Bucky does so, choosing one of the few rooms on the main floor just as another figure walks in.

“I’m here, Nat!” Your voice echoes against wooden walls as Bucky pokes his head out of his room to see you there. He doesn’t know whether he should feel guilty or not that he’s glad Steve hasn’t sated your hunger when you show up alone, shorts riding up your thighs and a t-shirt that is so sheer it does nothing to conceal the bikini top you wear beneath it. “I’m taking my usual room.”

“Fine with me!”

With that, you walk down the hall, eyes meandering over the living room and kitchen. Bucky’s throat closes up when you walk past the stairs to stop at his room and you smirk all saccharine at him.

“Hey, Barnes.”

He scans your face for a moment. “You came. Thought you’d still be sucking Steve’s face off like you were back at the bar. Or… sucking his dick. Whatever floats your boat.”

“Well, that was a one-off thing. Heat of the moment,” you dismiss, leaning against his door frame and he hates the way you look against the wood. Makes something in him stir, makes the blood run hot and his mind focus on one image in particular.

“What’d your boyfriend say when he saw your neck fucking marked up?” he asks, uncaring of the thin ice he stands upon. You frown, arms crossing.

“I was careful,” you reply tightly, “and I didn’t let him leave any marks.”

Bucky can’t help the small flash of satisfaction at hearing that. “You’re not careful with me. I like seeing your neck tatted up with it,” he comments, his hand twitching to wrap around your throat as he lifts his finger to trace the soft, pulsing vein along your neck. You tilt your chin up, eyes narrowing with amusement.

“I’m not yours, Barnes.”

“What you say tells me differently, princess.” Dropping his hand to grab your wrist, he pulls you into his room and slams the door shut, pinning you against it with a harsh push. You exhale sharply, the breath pushing out of your lungs as your bags drop with a disant thump. His senses zero in on everything about you, the light scent of the sunblock smeared into your skin, the cotton twisting beneath his fist as his other hand finds your neck on its own accord. “You’ve been distant lately, kitten.”

He can feel your racing pulse against his palm as you smirk, hands wrapping around his waist and pulling him flush against you. Every inch of his skin is pressed against yours as you hike a leg up onto his hip. His hand at your waist immediately goes to cup it and you loop your arms around his neck innocently.

“I’ve had a lot of work to do. Brock and I…” You let out a soft hum as if to ponder but he knows it’s just to piss him off, “spent some time alone. Romantic trip out of town. Then, I had other things to do.”

“Did you?” It’s not a question Bucky wants answered as you nod demurely, lips twisted into a smirk. He wants nothing more than to yank your shorts down, spin you around, and have you screaming his name as he takes you again and again. He’s been blue balled for two weeks and you haven’t answered any of his calls.

Now, he knows why.

“So, that stupid boyfriend of yours was with you, huh?” he asks, not waiting for an answer as he leans in close. He can taste the vodka in your mouth still, the vodka he never got to taste two weeks before in a bar, along with something fruity. Your gum, maybe, or an orange that you sucked clean off its peel. “And then what? Did you hop off after you faked your way through a few nights with him and head for Steve’s? Hm?”

“Temper, temper, James,” you whisper, lips barely brushing his. His entire body is alight, every nerve shooting sensations through his limbs as your fingers curl against the nap of his neck. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were jealous.”

“Jealous, yeah.” His hand on your thigh trails up and inward, sneaking past the hem of your shorts as you lower your leg to hook on his calf, pulling him infinitely closer. His dick is pressing against his swim shorts, completely obvious and painfully hard against your navel as he shifts his hips just enough to let his hand sneak further up your shorts. “Why would I be jealous?”

His fingers find the silky slip of your bikini bottom and brush over the junction of your hip, smirking at the tremble he can feel course through your body.

“You wanted me that night at the bar,” you whisper as he slowly trails deeper inward. “Tell me that isn’t true.”

“Who didn’t, hm?” He smirks when you turn your face away, biting your lip at his fingers dancing around a spot already slickening with anticipation. “C’mon, princess. You telling me you didn’t wear that black dress for me? Look at me.”

You refuse and he rubs his thumb into the side of your neck, dipping his head to bite at your collarbones.

“Look at me, princess,” he whispers, lifting his head to see your defiant gaze meeting his. “Tell me the truth about the black dress.”

“I didn’t wear it for you,” you bite back softly, “to fuck me in.” His hand tightens, just barely around your neck and your eyes flutter shut. Oh, how badly he wants to ravage your lips, lock you in this room and just take you in every way you want…

“Trying to make me jealous, kitten?” he rasps as your hips roll against his dick and you bite your lip, chin tilting up as your nails dig into his skin. Because it worked.

“So what if I was?”

“Then, you’re going to have to pay for it.” He spins you around and moves to shove his shorts just past his hips. You let out a sharp exhale at the pressure of his hand against the back of his neck, your hands pressed flat against the door. “You got anything to say for yourself, princess?”

His swim shorts fall and he tugs your shorts down just past your ass, tracing the smooth curve of it with an arrogant curve to his lip. His lips find your neck, nipping lightly before raising to your ear.

“I asked you a question.” His hand lands on your ass, kneading it with warm, familiar fingers and his words are a warning. In the silence, he can almost hear you rolling your eyes, struggling not to moan when he feathers smooth skin, tempts you with tiny brushes between the legs.

“You gonna keep talking, Barnes, or you gonna prove a point?”

His fingers hook on your bikini bottom, pulling the elastic away with an amused grin before letting it snap back against your skin.

“I don’t know. Are you gonna continue being a fucking brat?” He squeezes your neck, fingers digging into the soft flesh and you almost seem to melt against the door before he drags those bikini bottoms down too. Rolling his hips flush against your ass, he smirks when you shudder and try to thrust him in with a messy jerk back. “Aw, did you miss this?”

“Wouldn’t miss a thing about you,” you reply but it comes out strangled as his other hand wraps around your hip, travels down your navel. It wraps around your waist, keeps you tight against him as you smother his wrist between the door and your hips. When his fingers find your bud, you let out a soft sigh at the pressure he begins to rub into you and he smirks, biting the shell of your ear.

“C’mon, princess. You can admit it if you like,” he murmurs. Your fingers dig into the wood as you try to push yourself—in what direction, away from his hand, towards it, Bucky doesn’t know. He reaches farther down, fingers tracing through slick heat and he chuckles huskily against your skin, biting lightly into the junction of your neck and shoulder. “‘S that all for me?”

“Shut up,” you growl. Your eyes flash to him and he pushes you flush against the door, your head falling back against his shoulder as cock nestles itself between your cheeks. So close, not quite there. His hand on your neck travels forward, crooking inward and his fingers wrap around a silky neck from the front. He can feel every beat of your heart, the raspy whistle of your breathing. Lips falling to your exposed neck, Bucky sucks marks he knows are going to last if he doesn’t stop himself soon but two weeks has been two weeks too long— “Barnes.”

“Relax… it’s been a while since you’ve had a proper fuck.”

“Cocky bastard.”

“Needy brat.”

Your eyes flutter shut as his fingers work at a languid pace inside you. He knows every nook and cranny, every angle that brings you euphoria and he grinds his palm against your clit with every thrust, arrogant smile growing when you melt back onto his shoulder, lips slightly parted.

“Don’t have time for foreplay,” you finally manage to croak and you turn to look at him, eyes surprisingly clear for having his fingers in your soaking heat and working you up a steady incline.

“It’s the fucking beach, kitten. They won’t be in a rush to get anywhere.” Your lips are tantalizing up close and he chuckles, fingers pressing gently into your pulse. “How quiet can you be?”

“Try me,” you breathe, chest heavy and eyes filling with assured focus, “bitch.”

Challenge accepted.

Nudging your legs ever so lightly apart, he is about to push in. He can feel your heart beating through your back, a quick, racing drum and your breasts heave with every anticipating breath.

“James! Y/N! Wanna meet Steve at the beach?”

Natasha’s voice breaks the humid tension like a hot knife through butter, and your eyes fly open as if you’ve risen from a trance and he growls, not quite moving yet.

To say nothing raises suspicion.

He hates it here.

“Sure!” Bucky yells back right into your ear, much to your displeasure and he shrugs, trying to repress the smirk as his hand drops and playfully squeezes your breast. You return with a subtle nip to his jaw and he steps back. Your shoulders drop and you turn around, leaning against the door with a soft, condescending smile. Your eyes are blown with a mistiness and your thighs press together as he sucks his fingers clean. Your gaze narrows, he smirks with glee.

“What was that about not being in a rush to get anywhere?” you ask, dismissively sweeping your gaze up and down his body before grabbing your pants and pulling them up. His eyes follow the slow trail of the fabric and he sighs softly between parted lips. “Play one of those audios I know you’ve got on your phone. Can’t ever get enough of me, can you, soldier boy?”

“Don’t put yourself on a pedestal, princess.”

“I’m not.” You pick up your bags and open the door, letting cool sea wind sweep into the room that was cloudy with heat and lust. He can’t help the smile that digs into his cheeks despite how disappointed he is as you shrug innocently. You play the part so well. “It’s just the facts.”

Not for the first time, Bucky is left with the thought that Rumlow doesn’t deserve a second of your time.

.

It’s near the end of the month, the very last day. The thirty-first of May.

You broke up with your stupid boyfriend three days ago. He knows because he looked at your Instagram only to find all the pictures with him gone.

But he wasn’t stalking. He was just…

Curious.

Also, Natasha FaceTimed him and Steve, ranting all about it. So, he came upon this naturally.

Not stalking at all.

“Hey.” Bucky’s lying flat on his bed, naked and the sheets are too warm as he hears you pick up with a disgruntled sigh. “You awake?”

“Am now.” You don’t sound too heartbroken but your voice is a bit thicker than he remembers as you sniff. “What do you want?”

“Are you sick?”

“No, I was crying.”

He arches an eyebrow at your blunt response but doesn’t continue that line of interrogation. “Where are you staying?”

“Why does it matter to you? What do you want?”

“I was going to ask if you wanted to come over, princess,” he replied dryly. “But if you’re on the streets, I can come pick you up.”

“I’m not on the streets,” you reply sharply in a way that makes Bucky doubt your words. “But fine. I’ll be there in a moment.”

“Princess,” he begins but you cut him off.

“I just needa pack some things. See you in twenty.”

You hang up without another word. He lets his cellphone drop with a heavy sigh, sitting up and pulling on some boxers and some ratty old university hoodie.

It’s another fifteen minutes before there’s a knock on the door and he moves from the kitchen to the door, abandoning the orange juice he poured to pass the time. Swinging open the door to reveal that pretty face, he smirks to hide the concerned expression threatening to overtake his face. You look like hell, heavy eye bags and a wariness that he’s not used to seeing on your bold face. You’ve got luggage by your legs and a backpack is strapped to you as you regard him.

“Look what the cat dragged in.”

“You called me, remember?” you reply dryly. He steps aside, inviting you in. Walking in, toeing off your sneakers, and shedding your jacket, you let your backpack drop as Bucky pulls your luggage in. “Woke me up and everything.”

“Yeah, I bet I woke you up from your beauty sleep,” he snorts and you roll your eyes as his eyes trail over the dull skin of your shoulders, the limpness of your hair. He closes the door behind him, an unfamiliar tug pulling at his stomach. “Your boyfriend didn’t even give you time to find a new place?”

“No. And he’s not my boyfriend anymore.”

“Just a guy you used to fuck on occassion who couldn’t even make you come,” he says sagely and you sigh, rolling your eyes again.

“Are you describing yourself?” The words make blue eyes flash to meet yours and you smirk at the dangerous warning glimmering in his irises. Cocking your head, you shrug and lean against his dining table. “So, what do you want?”

“Why do I ever call you here if it isn’t for fucking you, huh, princess?” he muses, but even he can’t find the reason anymore. Whatever libido he was housing had melted in the time between you hanging up and you arriving at his apartment. As you stand before him, his blue eyes flicker from your exhausted face to the way your body seems strung out and on high alert. He sighs, too. “I didn’t want you in some seedy motel where the locks don’t work and the concierge is probably on the registered sex offender’s list. That sound good enough for you?”

You smile, the only thing familiar about you, and it sends a wave of relief through him. “Being nice isn’t your colour, Barnes.”

“Go take a shower,” he retorts, plucking your bag from the floor by your feet and he notices you don’t protest when he grabs your jacket and throws it in the hamper. “Then, we’ll talk.”

“Fine.” You’re unnaturally obedient as you head silently for the bathroom and he brings your luggage to the living room, setting it by the couch and laying it flat. Unzipping it quickly, he grabs the clean clothes he can find right off the bat and goes into his room to put them on his bed so you can grab them as soon as you come out. You’re standing in his bathroom, shedding your tank top and he grabs some clean towels.

It’s a strangely intimate silence as he offers you the towels and you dip your head in thanks. He can see the beginnings of a bruise on your bicep and he reaches tenderly for it, fingers barely brushing your skin.

“Did he—” The anger comes unbridled, hot and heavy and dark, in his voice and you don’t even jerk out of his touch. You’re completely relaxed in his presence as you look at your reflection in the mirror, so unlike a few minutes before when you’d been a ball of tension and you shake your head. His thumb gently digs into your skin and he can feel the pulsing heat of it. It’s fresh. Not even a day old, probably.

“No. I was walking and it was dark. Guy was coming out of a cab and didn’t see me standing there. Got whacked by the door,” you assure, pulling your arm out of his loose hold. Unbuttoning your pants, you continue to undress as he stands there, eyebrows knitting together. The air is wrought with an energy he’s unfamiliar with and he withdraws but your hand reaches for his wrist. Wide eyes dart to your face and he’s shocked by the surprisingly soft smile pulling at your lips. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, uh, sure. Hungry?”

You let go of his wrist and his skin is tingling. He rubs at it absently as you nod, your strange smile ever present. “Starving.”

“I’ll whip you something to eat.”

As he’s stirring Kraft Dinner around in a bowl, he listens to the shower run and thinks.

Or doesn’t think.

Time seems to pass in such a strange way. He’s cooking for you and you’re in his shower and nothing about this is normal or something he’s used to, but it’s not something he hates.

The shower turns off just as he’s sliding the mac into a bowl and he pours you a glass of water before finishing his own abandoned cup of orange juice.

Your footfalls are light and you smell like his shampoo as you sit down at his kitchen island, clad in the clothes he laid out for you.

“It’s just some Kraft I had lying around,” he says uneasily, pushing the bowl towards you but you take it anyway with a shrug and a easygoing smile. You look more awake after the shower and colour has worked its way back into your lips. There’s new life in your eyes as you eat and Bucky, satisfied, heads for the couch just to watch whatever’s on until you’re done.

Everything seems so strange, mundane, almost… domestic as you eat, scroll your phone, and he watches The Dark Knight just because it’s on. He watches the movie blindly, his mind still going a mile a minute and his body unintentionally becoming attune to yours in a way he only knows with when he’s fucking you.

But now, he knows how you move, knows when you’re putting your bowl in the sink and knows when you’re walking towards him by the way his heart starts beating just a millisecond quicker, the gentle give of his couch as you sit down beside him. Your eyes burn into his cheek and he glances at you out of the corner of your eye.

“Come here,” he allows, lifting his arm from the pillow and you scoot closer, pulling the pillow into your lap and hugging it tight. He rests his arm along the back of the couch. “You didn’t die of food poisoning. Pity.”

“You’d have to be truly something to fuck up Kraft Dinner, Barnes,” you reply dryly, smirking at him and he suppresses a snort as you tuck your knees up. “It was good. Although, I hope you’re not living off of that stuff.”

“I do take out every once in a while,” he says with a shrug and you roll your eyes.

“I’m a college student and I can cook better than you.”

“You’re one year younger than me. We’re not so different.”

“Whatever you say.”

Bucky can’t help the amused smile edging its way onto his face as you fall into silence, watching the movie, too. One thing Bucky’s always liked about you, even if he didn’t like anything else, is that you share a lot of the same interests as him. They had whole rants on how terrible some movies were, or the disappointment that was some TV finales. It always made pillow talk a fun time, if they ever made it to that stage. 

It was more often than not either of them would wake up before the other and just head out without a single word.

Bucky finds he likes your companionable silence more than he thought he would. Maybe he should’ve indulged pillowtalk a bit more. By the small, sated smile on your lips, he wonders if you’re thinking the same thing.

“You know,” you say after a while, “when I said at the beach house that you wanted me…” Your voice rouses Bucky from his trance of staring at the TV. The credits are rolling and he hadn’t even realized. So lost in his thoughts he was near the end, thinking about Rachel’s letter to Bruce and hyper aware of your every shift in your seat beside him, the movie seemed to pass by in a blink.

Something about the long lost melancholy of lost chances…

Bucky’s never been fucking sentimental, but even he can see the chance that Bruce Wayne really… really missed out on, and the blue-eyed man doesn’t want to be in that position ever. To do the right thing only to find out it’s too late. Because she died in the end, didn’t she? She died and he was alone even though he tried…

“What?”

“At the beach house,” you repeat. “When I basically told you that you wanted me…” you say with a roll of your eyes, “it was just teasing, foreplay.” Then, more seriously: “But I guess I was being like Two-Face. Double entendres, innuendos, all that.”

“You’re going to become a vengeful, homicidal DA?” he quips wryly and you huff in faux irritation, poking him lightly in the chest.

“No. God, use that brain inside that pretty little head of yours for once.”

“Aw, you called me pretty.”

“Barnes.”

“Fine. Continue.”

“Well, what I was saying… When I said you wanted me… God, this is stupid. Feel free to just punch me in the face after, but…”

“But?” Eyebrows knitting together, he looks at you and you pull the blanket up to your face, embarrassment telltale in the way you avert your eyes. He gently pushes the blanket down, muting the TV and waiting patiently. You look more alive that you did the first minute you walked into your apartment and you look like you want to bury yourself in the blankets but he’s not going anywhere and you stare at him, lips pressed into a flustered line. “I’m not going to punch you in the face. You can just tell me.”

“I guess… I just... I wanted to believe that you wanted me,” you state, shaking your head, “for me. Like some affirmation that there’s a possibility you could ever want me like that, and… I’m being dumb. I swear I’m not usually like this, all sentimental and shit, but it’s just I feel like shit and you don’t care about any of that and Brock… I broke up with him because I know he doesn’t love me even if he says he does and that I deserve better but I just… it gets to me, you know? It fucking gets to me when I’m all alone and now I am alone and if he didn’t put me first... maybe it’s because I’m not wanted.”

“Hey, princess,” he murmurs, reaching for your hands and you surrender to him easily as he cranes his head to keep your eye contact despite you ducking your head. “I don’t judge you for any of that shit and that’s wrong. He’s a fucking prick, and people want you here. Romanoff, Steve, Sam…” Me.

“I know. I know and I just… I’m scared because I have nowhere to go. And, you’re always honest with me, and just slap me in the face because… I can’t believe I’m asking you this what if… what if everyone’s gonna treat me like Brock did? What if no one will ever really want me?

There’s a beat.

Then, two.

He’s squeezing your hands so hard he’s surprised you haven’t drawn away but then he realizes your fingers are clutching onto him even tighter, his bones wincing as you crush his digits.

“It’s stupid. I’m stupid—”

“No, you’re not.” Bucky shakes his head and you—fourth year college student and someone he shouldn’t be attached to because you two are so different but he is because you two are so alike—are something else. No one has gotten under his skin like you have.

You’re not fucking stupid. Because I do want you. In a way. In more than one way. And you are irritating and burn so fucking bright and you’re fucking bold, but—

I want you.

He doesn’t say any of that.

And it’s complicated, but that’s how the universe fucking works.

“You’re free to stay here for however long you need to,” he tells you quietly, seriously. “I don’t care how long it is, and there are no catches. Just… just don’t give that fucker another chance, yeah? ‘Cause there’s always gonna be someone who wants you, kitten. Someone who’ll treat you right.”

You smile faintly, knees tucked to your chest and hair still a bit damp from your shower. You’re warm, soft, with no cigarette smoke clouding your silhouette and no glossy sheen of alcohol. You look like you in a way Bucky’s never known before.

He thinks this beats you in any kind of black dress.

“Okay,” you accept and you lean over first to kiss him. It’s a soft peck to the corner of his mouth, an innocent, flitting thing, but Bucky doesn’t mind. He eases against the couch and you lean against his chest, cuddling close against him. His arm falls around your shoulders, holding you tight to him and you melt against him just like he does around you.

For a moment, Bucky wonders how the fuck he got into this situation.

Then again, he’s not complaining.

The view is fucking stellar.

[falcor-thee-luck-dragon]

Under A Storm - Bucky Barnes x mystery (f)reader Avenger

Summary: You’ve been in love with Bucky for awhile now, and so has he, what will happen when you reveal your true origins? Will he still love you?

Warning: got some good’ol angst, fluffy times with Bucky I don’t hate you I promise

Masterlist

“I think I’m winning. Just putting that out there.” You quip, not even breaking a sweat as Bucky uses everything in his power to get your arm to budge, even just a little.

“I’m trying...just give me a moment..” Grumbles Bucky as he strains to keep his metal arm from reaching defeat at the end of the table.

For the entirety of the day the two of you have been wandering around the Avengers base with nothing better to do then annoy Tony in his lab, and harass Clint who’s recovering from a broken arm while everyone else is off somewhere in the Netherlands, probably freezing their asses off.

Luckily for you, Steve said this was your vacation week, while Bucky on the other hand was told to hang back while his abdominal scars heal up nice and pretty. And since you could care less about heading down south to some fancy and excessively hot beach all on your lonesome, you’ve decided to keep your friends company. Especially Bucky.

But if you’re being honest with yourself here, you mostly just stayed to spend time with Bucky. Ah yes, that beautifully handsome blue eyed bastard with the metal arm and incredibly good looks paired with an equally as stellar personality.

It’s almost like the universe said “I know you’ve had a hard time down there so here’s this literal angel for you, you’re welcome, lots of love now go and do nothing about it sucker.”

It’s not like you didn’t want to make a move, it’s just, you’re origins are so different from his. In fact, your ass isn’t even from earth! You’re not even an actual human being! Granted you look humanly enough, separate from the fact that you’ve got a beautiful pair of darkly colored curled horns, and eyes the color of fire embers that reflects light due to your nocturnal vision.

But other then those little oddities about yourself, you look pretty normal, even more so when wearing a hoodie and sunglasses. Which has become a staple of your usual street attire in general and even when on missions.

Even with all the mystery that still surrounds you and that you’ve kept hidden within yourself since you’ve met him, Bucky likes having you around anyway, and without a doubt you are his favorite person on the team.

Smiling adoringly, you chuckle while Bucky struggles to pin your arm to the table, while your arm holds his up with little effort due to your inhuman strength.

He’s trying really hard, putting all of his effort and sweat into winning this round, which would be the first if he does happen to win, which you already know won’t be happening today, nor the next week.

“Just give me a moment.” Mutters Bucky through clenched teeth as his metal arm adjusts and readjusts to use as much strength as physically possible by this special Wakandian tech.

Blowing air out of your lips, you casually rest your head against your knuckles on your free hand as you wait for him to finally crack, “Just tap out or I’ll pin you again. And I know how much you hate losing.”

“I’m not tapping out Y/N.” Says Bucky defensively as he focuses all his energy into moving your arm even just an itty bitty inch, something, anything.

“Fine then.” You reply before slamming his metal arm against the table with a loud clang that rings throughout the entire lounging area. He quickly gives you an annoyed look as your face turns into a bright grin.

“I hate you.” Grumbles Bucky as he leans back into the couch.

Snatching your water bottle from the side table, you take a swig before shrugging, “We don’t have room in this house for weak bitches. Barnes I’m sorry to say this but....you’ve gotta go.”

Bucky shakes his head in annoyance before the corners of his eyes begin to crinkle, followed by his beautiful smile and then that contagious laugh. “Y/N I couldn’t make it without you, please be kind.” He pleads jokingly as you set the bottle down.

“I’ll consider your words.” You muse with a dramatic hair flip as he reaches over to take the half empty bottle of water, drinking it all in one long chug that has you memorized for a good ten seconds.

Snapping out of your Bucky-being-unknowingly-hot-without-realizing-it trance, you quickly fake pout, “My water you ass!”

“I’m from Russia so it’s our water.”

“Shut up you just lived there.” You retort before giving him a double take, “And hey.”

“Ah, come on doll let’s go bother Clint again.” Suggests Bucky as he rises to his feet and walks around the table to pull you to yours as well. God all you wanna do is kiss that stupid face of his and shove him back down onto the couch and...

“Hey guys what’s up.” Chirps Clint as Bucky wanders into Tony’s lab, you following right after.

Nodding to him in acknowledgment, you casually shrug while looking around at the various contraptions and work-in-progresses, “Oh you know, the usual.”

“Here to lighten up the place? Things were getting pretty dull.” Confirms Clint just as Tony walks out of the bathroom.

“I heard that. And what? Are we not having fun? Are you not entertained?”

“I’m entertained all right.”

“Exactly.” Points Tony before shifting his attention over to Bucky, “Speaking of entertainment. I need you for a little something out back involving a knife and you throwing it at a couple things I’ve been testing out.”

“He’d love too.” You add with a beaming grin as Bucky turns to glare at you, noticing his agitation you quickly take a step forward and squeeze his shoulders, “Right?”

Pursing his lips together, Bucky turns his head to face an expectant Tony before glaring back down at you, “Sure.”

“Alright great! Just follow me and let’s blow this popsicle stand.” Claps the genius enthusiastically as he gathers a bag full of various materials, making certain to snatch a camera before making for the door. Oh, you’ve gotta watch that tape later.

Releasing your grip from Bucky’s broad shoulders, you hand him a small smile, “Hehe sorry.”

“You owe me you little asshole.” Jokes Bucky with an apprehensive smirk as he swiftly touches your chin affectionately before turning to jog out the door after Tony.

Smiling like a fool in love, you suppress a childish giggle as Clint loudly slurps down a smoothie, “You got it bad kid, you really do.”

Raising a brow at him, you walk over to the swivel chair he’s seated comfortably on and take the free spot on the table nearby, “I’m almost as old as the dinosaurs so don’t call me kid.” You sass, causing him to chuckle.

“Fair point. But still, you’ve got it bad Y/N.” Rolling your ember irises, you let out a huff of air as he grins knowingly, “Decide on telling him anytime soon or are we waiting for something tragic to happen first?”

“I’ll get around to it.” You mutter unenthusiastically as Clint takes another long pause to awkwardly suck down his weirdly colored smoothie.

“Sure. Okay, and I believe the earth is flat.” Snorts Clint, his words absolutely dripping in sarcasm.

Scoffing you throw a dirty cloth at him before letting your head fall into your hands, “It’s too fucking difficult Clint. I’m too goddamn weird.”

“What?” Laughs Clint in bewilderment, genuinely surprised that you would say such a thing considering he’s know you for years and finds that completely false, “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“No it’s true.” You mumble against your palms, “He doesn’t know about everything about me yet, I don’t wanna freak him out just as he’s starting to like me alright.”

“Ah, so he does like you.” Confirms Clint with a knowing nod, “I knew it.”

“Yeah me too.”

Nodding slowly once again, the archer stands and makes the less then 1 foot distance to reach you. Head still in your hands, he gently knocks a fist against one of your horns as you try your best to ignore his existence.

“Knock. Knock. Anyone home?” Asks your friend as he awaits in hope that he can talk some real sense into you about your strong feelings for Bucky. “Please, I know you’re in there Y/N, time to open up.”

Cracking a smile at his theatrics, you slowly release your head from your palms to greet him with an annoyed half glare, “By the way I am not waiting for something terrible to happen. I have my reasons okay.”

“Your reasons being...”

Biting your lip, you pull your legs up to sit cross legged on the table, “You don’t get it Clint, I’m me alright. I’m not from this planet, I’ve got horns, I can sense peoples emotions, and since my mother is Goddess of the Underworld I’m technically herald of bringing this earth to a bloody and violent end!” You shout as he keeps the most irritating of faces on, making your anger rise by the second.

“Isn’t it nice to talk about our feelings.” Replies Clint in the most soothing voice you’ve ever heard, if you weren’t so flustered right now you could probably have laughed.

“Fuck off Clint I’m in love and he doesn’t know that shit part about me.” You grumble with a frown, “Bucky doesn’t know anything.”

“Well...” Wonders Clint for a brief moment, “Maybe he should. I mean you said it yourself, he does have affections for you.”

“Oh I know he does, every time I’m around him he smells like what happiness and love smells like.”

“Which is?”

“Hard to describe in this world, but it’s the best smell in existence.” You admit with the smallest of smiles as you think about Bucky, “Clint why do I have to feel this way? Why does he have to love me? I’m destined for terrible things....or, well...I was, but still.”

Noticing how your eyes have suddenly glossed over, Clint holds your shoulder while giving you a reassuring smile, “Y/N, listen to me. You will never do anything like that, you’re too morally correct and are almost the embodiment of a kitten for that shit anyways. And I know Bucky will love you either way, because he’s Bucky and that man needs a wild woman like you in his life to keep things interesting. You’ll be fine, believe me.”

Shutting your eyes tight, you reveal the tiniest of smiles before looking at Clint, “Maybe you’re not just a pretty face after all. Thanks Clint I needed that.”

Taking a step back, be claps his hands together happily, “Why thank you. I’ve been watching a lot of Ted talks on our higher purpose and motivation recently and you gave me the perfect opportunity to test my insight.”

“Clint you’re ridiculous.” You laugh, “But still, I think it’s time to tell him. I just hope he’s okay after all is said and done because I don’t know what I’d do with myself if he walks away.” You worry.

“Well if he does I make the best margaritas...”

“Shut up.”

——

For the past half an hour your mind has been swimming with worries and thoughts about how Bucky may react when you tell him the full truth of your origins, and possible future that you’ve fought to keep away since you walked into this world.

He’s only a man, a full mortal, but you have grown to love him so much it hurts sometimes.

Your ember eyes watch as the trees sway back and forth with the moody wind who pushes and pulls them back. A storm is on the rise as giant puffy dark clouds appear in the far distance, causing the once sunny day to darken.

You slouch lazily in your comfy plush lounging chair, one that you easily dragged over to the nearest giant window to watch the clouds race by while you wait for Bucky to return. Getting lost in your drifting thoughts in the process.

“Guess we won’t be going for a walk today after all.” Interrupts Bucky from your jumbled mind, your head immediately turns to watch as he walks from the kitchen to your side by the window.

“Yeah, too bad. I’m not that mad though, I like listening to the thunderstorms.” You confirm with a casual shrug.

Bucky smiles down at you, head turning to watch as the wind rushes against the trees, “I guess there is a beauty in the chaos....but hey Y/N, you know what we could do now?”

Chuckling at his excited expression, you tilt your head up, giving him your full undivided attention, “I’m dying to know Buck.” You muse with a cute little smirk that unknowingly caused his heart to jump with happiness.

Breaking out into a shy smile, Bucky quickly runs his fingers through his less then shoulder length hair, “Uh, what do you say to a movie night? With me?” He asks cautiously, hoping you’ll say yes so he gets even the tiniest opportunity to maybe, possibly, cuddle you.

Your eyes shift back to the growing grey clouds as small water droplets flicker against the window, smiling to yourself, you swiftly stand and turn to face him, “That’s a compelling question...” You muse with a lopsided grin, your hand rising to touch the tip of your chin thoughtfully as he leans against the thick window with a bemused smirk, “And since you asked so nicely and look so very polite too, oh I guess it’d be a tragedy and lonesome night if I declined.” You laugh.

“It would be very lonely for sure.” Agrees Bucky, his face suddenly shifting to slight nervousness, “So uh....you in?”

Breaking out into a beaming grin, you playfully roll your eyes, “No shit I’m in.” You quip before walking past him and into the kitchen for a drink, Bucky following close behind.

He stops to lean his torso against the marble countertop as you fill up a glass of water, “Well I wasn’t completely sure, just checking.” He admits with a nervous chuckle. Bucky you are unbelievably adorable.

Finishing your drink, you roll your eyes as he hangs his head in slight embarrassment, “God Buck, it’s a good thing you’re pretty.” You jest, causing his cheeks to dust pink as he rises his head to meet your shimmering irises. You’re so beautiful, he thinks, incredibly glad that you can’t read minds like Wanda.

Little does he know you can sense emotions, smell them even if they’re strong enough; and if Bucky doesn’t just smell of love and absolute joy right. It’s the most adorable thing in the whole entire world, there’s no fucking way you’ll refrain from admitting your feelings tonight. It just wouldn’t be fair if you didn’t.

“Hey I’m trying here.” He protests half defensively, pushing himself off the counter as you walk around and head for the door. He’s at your side in a second, smile on and eyes trained on nothing but you.

Keeping your eyes forward, you bite your lip as he stares, suddenly his metal arm gives you a slight friendly nudge and now you have no choice but to look at his dumb face, “You think I’m pretty?” He wonders with a mischievous smirk.

“Yeah.” You mutter before pushing him to the side as he’s drifted comfortably close to you, “Pretty annoying.” You retort, doing your best to hold in your laughter as he takes offense and grips his chest dramatically.

“Y/N you monster.” Gasps Bucky, mouth a-gap as he watches you casually shrug.

“I am evil and cold blooded what can I say.” You muse back, a smug grin on your lips that Bucky would like nothing more then to kiss right now. Yet he refrains, not today, he needs to gather his courage first.

Turning the corner to the Avengers sleeping quarters, he quickly stops when he realizes none of you know which room to take, tugging at his sleeve you hand him a calming grin, “We’ll watch in mine. You’re bed is too hard anyways.”

“It is not.” He argues.

“It is too.”

“Not.”

“Well it is so shut up.”

“Not.”

Pushing him into his door, you raise a brow at him, “Just get the movie, I’ll be in my room waiting for your annoying ass.”

Shaking his head at your humorous sass, he quickly salutes you before opening up his door, “What are we thinking? Horror? Comedy? Adventure? All three?”

Taking a step forward, you lean in closer to Bucky; almost testing the waters, before lightly pushing him backwards by his strong chest, “Surprise me.” You quip, wiggling your brow once for emphasis. He breaks out into an adorable crooked grin as he watches you leave and close your own door right across from him.

After making record time changing into your comfortable movie watching sweatpants and some ten year old shirt from Nat that says SHIRT in red letters with the R in a dull grey. Yeah, its one of your favorites; you race to turn the tv on as rain pounds against the glass, one flash of lightening strikes in the distance as a knock sounds at your door. Bucky.

Bolting for the door so fast you almost trip on a stray hoodie, you quickly regain your cool before taking a breath and opening up the metal door. You’re immediately greeted with the smiling face of Bucky as he holds a movie and two beers.

Leaning nonchalantly against the door frame you meet him with the chillest guise you can muster, “So, you come here often?”

Bucky instantly chuckles at your amusing antics as a small blush creeps out over his stubbled cheeks, “Only when I’m invited.” He replies before holding up the movie, “Is this one good?” Hell yes, and you’re now in my room.

Snatching it out of his hand you pull him fully into the room by tugging on his red shirt without much warning, he practically stumbles in, quickly regaining his balance while you shut the door and practically swagger over to the bed. Bucky following close behind.

You gracefully jump onto the comfortable mattress and twist into a seated position before grabbing some kind of hand held scanner, Bucky awkwardly shuffling to the bedside as he then moves to find a spot against the headboard as you fumble around with the movie and whatever device is in your hand.

Raising a brow he watches in curiosity, “Uh, Y/N. What exactly is that?”

“A movie scanner made by Tony. I scan said film and boom it translates to the tv no problem. Technology right.”

He nods in understanding as you press some button and suddenly the movie is on the tv screen, set and ready to play, “Woah.” He mumbles, genuinely in awe of the advanced tech of today. And how fast you were able to do that, god you’re just the best, he thinks.

A second later he flinches back as you throw a pillow at his side, “Shit sorry.” You mutter almost shyly while crawling to his side, “Heads up.”

“Yeah thanks for the warning. I’ll sit on the floor next time until you give me the all clear.” Sasses Bucky as you sit, grabbing the pillow and smacking him on the side of his head while also pretending not to notice your little theatric as you turn towards the screen. Very nonchalant.

Bucky on the other hand is left with some disheveled hair and the dumbest smile on his handsome face while you press play and grab a beer from out of his right hand, “I’m gonna take this.” You add before gasping in excitement, “You wanna watch something?! I have a party trick! It’s a good one too, you wanna see!”

“Please.” Snickers Bucky as you turn to face him better. He watches in awe as you raise the bottle to your left horn and in one calculated motion, use the sharp tip to crack open the beer bottle. “Wow.”

“I know right!” You exclaim with excitement, “It took me a week to perfect it. I just kept breaking the bottles neck and then Steve would drink after cause he can’t get drunk so.....uh yeah, you want me to open yours too?”

“I’d be honored.”

After drinking both your beers and watching the movie progress in relative peace, with the occasional gust of wind against the glass and a crack of thunder and lightening here and there. All was going pretty well, Bucky was laying on his one side while you were laying on your stomach totally engrossed in the film until....

Crack! BOOM! Darkness.

“Dammit! They were getting to the best part!” You whine, shifting around to sit while dramatically yelling out your frustration as Bucky turns to lay on his back, suppressing bemused laughter while you curse the shit excuse for efficient electricity in this place.

“It’ll come back on soon.” He inquires, “Guess you’ll just have to talk to me now.”

Snapping your head over to him, you scoff, “Why do I feel like you planned this?”

“I thought you planned this? Considering.....well, I guess I don’t really know.” He says thoughtfully, pausing for a moment before he hums, “We could ask each other questions.”

Y/N this is the absolute perfect opportunity, take it you lovestruck idiot, “Uh, yeah sure....I like knowing things.” You internally cringe, wanting to smack your head for that one; and you thought you could go a full hour without embarrassing yourself. Nope.

Nevertheless, Bucky smiles in the darkness, “Alright uh, let me think.......hmm okay uh.....where are you from? Since I’ve never really asked about that before.”

Well, fuck. I guess he’s going for the big guns straight off the bat.

Biting your lip anxiously, you twist a piece of frayed fabric from your one strange little pillow as you gather your courage to finally tell him everything. This is it, no holding back, “Oh uh.....well......you know I’m not from earth, yes?”

“Yeah, I did know that. The horns.”

“Right, good.” You mutter, your voice wavering with nervousness so much that Bucky sits up and turns to properly look at you even if he can’t really see your face.

“Y/N, are you okay?” He worries, brows furrowing in concern.

Hastily you regain your once dampened composure, “Yes! Yes.....yeah, I’m good. Awesome. Great....”

“Y/N.”

“Yeah.”

“Is it because you had a bad childhood?” Quips Bucky, using your own inside joke against you to help lighten the mood and make you laugh.

Snorting in amusement you smack his arm, Bucky mentally rejoices when he hears the sweet song of your happiness coming back, and the light sting of your always powerful hand.

“I didn’t have a bad childhood Bucky.” You admit, voice suddenly somber and thoughtful, “I didn’t even have a childhood.” Already getting depressing Y/N, nice one.

“oh.”

You shrug, letting out an apprehensive sigh as you look from the window then back to Bucky again, while he tries to watch your every move in the blackness of the room, “Bucky....there’s some things in this world that are so incredibly hard to comprehend and fully understand....you’ve seen the power Wanda can create and the talent of the mind stone inside Visions head. Yes?”

He sits in deep thought at your intriguing words, trying to piece together where you may be going with this, “Of course. What does that have to do with you?”

“I wasn’t actually born like a normal being....rather, I was formed and created by my mothers will and raw power. I was molded by earth, thunder, magic, and chaos.....I am.....well..” You sigh, “I don’t really know.”

“Well that’s......neat.”

Cracking a small smile, you continue on, lest confuse him more, “My mother...which I assume you’re curious about by now. She’s essentially, goddess of the Underworld, keeper of beasts and master of chaos. Some type of divine something, who can really say when I’m not even sure.”

Bucky stays silent for longer then you would like, each extra second making you grow more nervous and regretful for revealing all this to him. Soon enough he answers, “So that means.....Y/N you’re technically a demigod?”

“I guess.”

He pauses for another moment before gently shaking your leg, “Y/N! That is the coolest thing anyone has ever said to me in my entire life.”

“What?” Is he serious?

“You’re a demigod! I’m sitting next to a demigod. Y/N I didn’t think you could be any more amazing then you already are.” Exclaims Bucky in awe as you cover your face in your hands, a flash of lightning illuminating your reaction.

Immediately he stiffens and feels maybe he shouldn’t have reacted that way, “oh, uh.....Y/N? Is that not a good thing?”

“No. Not really.” You mutter sadly.

Bucky frowns, “Please tell me why? Because I think you’re the best person alive and I don’t want you to be upset.”

Releasing your hands from your face, you let out a shaky breath, “It’s why I was created. Not out of love, or the want of a daughter.....she formed me so one day I will turn this world to ruin.”

“Why-I don’t understand?”

“She has made me live among the mortal before, in other realms, other planets very far away from here.....I learn about them, I see how they live, how they treat one another and if she sees that they are terrible and violent to each other through what I tell her....”

“Well, I imprison their world leaders, forcing them witness portals open to the Underworld...where beasts of all ugliness and terror wipe out most of the population.” You reveal, your voice breaking with every word, “I then kill all of them......and turn them to more beasts....hellhounds.....shadow creatures.”

You swallow hard as Bucky takes a moment to process the heavy imagery and story you’ve just told him. You can sense how conflicted he feels, he’s known you as the literal funniest and sweetest person ever; he’s come to fall in love with you even, how could you do such horrible things, “Did you enjoy it.” He asks, voice slightly colder then you would have liked, but you understand.

“It’s all I knew. It’s what she created me for, my only purpose. Her herald of death..I..I can’t say..”

“Did you?” He interrupts, sadness lacing his words now, the anger and disappointment only but a slight simmering in the back of his voice.

Your heart breaks in two, he feels hurt by this news of what you did to others, “I did.” You monster. He’ll never love you now.

The atmosphere is thick with emotional tension, if not for the sound of the raging storm outside, you’re certain you could hear a needle hit the carpet. His breaths are slow and heavy, you can tell he’s deeply conflicted with what to do now, yet he refrains from leaving your side.

“Why did you stop?” Asks Bucky, voice a soft whisper as a flash of lightning illuminates around your sides, ember eyes and two curled horns flashing for a brief moment and your heart sinks when he slightly flinches.

Hanging your head low, you nervously fumble with your hands, “Because I met someone....he reminds me of you actually, I guess I felt...” Biting your lip, you suck in a breath as a stray tear runs down the side of your cheek, “I fell in love....it was a long time ago, before this continent was discovered. He gave me humanity, empathy, and I saw what I was truly doing....I bared witness to the monster I truly was. So I ended it.”

You pause, nothing is said from either one of you for a long time until at last you break the tension, “I don’t deserve forgiveness from anyone. I hate my mother and my only friends are the people here. You don’t have to stay any longer then you want.”

“I want to stay.”

“oh.”

He takes another heavy sigh, “And this whole time I though I was the worst person on the team.” Muses Bucky to your great surprise and puzzlement.

“What? You’re not mad I don’t understand? Not even scared or disappointed...you’re just...uh...”

“I’m what? Y/N what wild thing are you about to tell me now? I cut it off with learning you’re a demigod who caused multiple apocalypse’s.”

Slowly sitting up a bit more, you fold your legs and fully face him as he tries to see you in the darkness, “I can kinda....uh....sense peoples emotions and umm....smell the scent if its strong enough.”

“Can you sense what I feel right now?” Asks Bucky, voice above a whisper though you hear it all the same.

Hugging your sides, you nod, “Yes.” He’s practically ecstatic, he feels relieved and grateful that you have trusted him enough to share something so deep and personal. He smells sweet, better then the most lovely of flowers or most delicious of fruits. He smells of love and hope, paired with a smile that could warm a frozen lake.

Reaching a hand out into the darkness, you quickly take his with yours as he brings his other one in to gently clasp your hands with his, “Don’t believe I would ever leave you Y/N....you mean more to me then anything else in this entire world and I’m honored to be someone so special to you. I hope this isn’t too soon or rushed but uh....I love you.”

The way you subconsciously tighten your grip on his hands is enough to indicate that his words have been well received, “I know Bucky.” You confirm with a small smile, “I love you too.” A second later his lips crash messily against the corner of your lips as he fails to completely find them in the darkness. oh, you idiot.

Smiling into the kiss, you pull him into a fierce hug as your lips move slowly and blissfully against one another, his hands quickly find their way around your waist as yours reach up into his long dark hair that you love so much. Moments after you and Bucky fall in a heap of tangled limbs onto the soft mattress, lips still feverously locked with one another. Soon he begins subconsciously smiling into the kiss which causes you to giggle with amusement for how absolutely adorable he’s being right now.

Confused to your cheerful laughter, Bucky breaks from the kiss to gently beck your cheek before resting his head against yours, “I wish I could see you right now.” Mumbles Bucky as he holds you flush against him.

Kissing his stubbly cheek, you quietly snicker, “I can see you.”

“Let me guess?” Humorously asserts Bucky as his fingers trail casually down and up your back, “You can see in the dark too......this whole time?”

“Yeah.”

“Do I look good?” He wonders.

“I’m gonna faint you’re so hot.”

And with that said does he pull you in for another heated embrace, tonight's defiantly going to go extremely well for you. Without a doubt.

[luninosity]

2020 fic round-up - original / published fic!

Time for the original fic overview, from this year! There’s a LOT, but some of that was written (at least mostly) last year, and only published this year. So let’s see...

Original Fic (at least mostly written and published in 2020) (Character Bleed, E, 254,099 words. **Pretty much all of this was written in 2019, so I'm not really counting it as 'new words' - but all the editing - and the publication!!!! - happened in 2020!** THIS STORY, YOU GUYS. I love it and these characters so much. It's  the  most ambitious thing I've ever tried to write, that whole  story-within-a-story, being about actors filming a  Regency-era gay love  story, and falling in love themselves. I'm just looking at it all...and  I'm in awe...and the response to this, oh wow. I've been so amazed and  so grateful and so thrilled - the art, the trailer, the comments, the  people thinking about these characters and loving them along with me -  I'm so lucky to have all of you. *hugs everyone* And now you can buy it! As three volumes - Seaworthy, Stalwart, and Steadfast! Available via JMS Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and everywhere!) Character Bleed Bonus Scenes,  E, 84,125 words, which means 58,428 new words! Also there're at least three special bonus scenes that *aren't* on AO3, only included with the published books! (Conversely, there're at least two bonus scenes that will only ever be on AO3, for all of you reading there!) So that's probably an extra, oh, let's say around 5k words. Cinnamon and Strawberries (A Character Bleed Story), E, 12,169 words. My Jason & Colby holiday novella! Full of celebrations, love, moving in together, and interesting uses for holiday ribbon... Cadence and the Pearl, E, 60,097 words, About 30k of it written in 2019/2018 (Was this really also published this year? I had FOUR novels out this year? Gosh.) I really love this one, honestly - historical, paranormal, pensive, ocean magic, a fairy tale. The Arch-Mage's Firebird, E, 11,220 words. A spin-off story in the Kitten & Witch universe! (I really ought to write the third part of the main story...) A runaway firebird, and an Arch-Mage in hiding, and a beachside town. One Night in London: Robert & Anthony, E, 29,247 words. My part of the fabulous collaborative three-part novel, with @turtletotem and @thebestpersonherelovesbucky ! <33333 You can buy the collected version here - they're more fun to read together, since our characters interact, but they can technically stand alone. Regency m/m romance, ballrooms, scandals... (I also wrote the prologue for the collected edition, so, + about 5k words!) Eventually there'll be a print version of the collected edition! We had so much fun - perhaps we'll do it again sometime... :D :D A Demon for Forever, E, 13,752 words - surprise! I thought I was done with the Demon for Midwinter  universe - but JMS did a submissions call for stories celebrating LGBTQ  marriage, and, well - I'd written the proposal story for Kris and  Justin, so...we should get to see the wedding, right? With Justin in a wedding dress. A sparkly one. This story is also available as part of the JMS Books 2020 Top Ten Anthology! The Demon's Choice, E, 19,365 words - extra surprise! I'd had to cut this whole subplot from an earlier Demon story, but I couldn't stop thinking about it, so...I finally wrote it as a bonus story! Hurt/comfort, Justin confronting his heritage, and of course a happy ending. Refuge at Clifftop, E, 17,262 words. Third in the Extraordinary superhero polyamory series! Lots of hurt/comfort in this one, near-death self-sacrifice, tons of heroic love! Leather and Tea in London, E, 20,909 words - the third  of the Leather and Tea stories! Written for the JMS Books BDSM  collection call. Simon's brother needs a favor. So Ben and Simon head to  London, bringing Ben's retired-spy skill set and also some fun toys for  enjoying themselves. This story is also available as part of the JMS Books Hurts So Good BDSM Trio Collection! A Penny for Your Thoughts, E (but mostly implied / discussed - those darn truth-telling coins!), 3,981 words. A original-fic rewrite of an Evanstan drabble, expanded somewhat - and I really love these characters! A magician, his hero, mutual pining, and love confessions. Of Starlit Balls and Starship Captains, T, 6,596 words. M/F, with bi/pan protagonists - my attempt at mixing space opera and Regency romance! Technically I'd written an earlier version of this a couple years ago for a contest, for which it was not chosen, so this isn't all new writing, but substantially so. Statuesque, E, 3,491 words - some lesbian erotica! Short and kinky - established Dom/sub relationship - and loving. Honey Witch, E, 4,032 words. More short lesbian erotica! A witch and her princess, finding each other. Original Fic (written/heavily revised in 2020, publication contracts signed but not yet published) A Sonnet for a Thunderstorm, M, 3,202 words. An expanded original-character version of a several-years-old Cherik drabble - 18th century historical, thunderstorms, a poet and his pirate. Probably out in April/May 2021. (Frost & Raine, expanded version - the version that's still on AO3, which I'll have to take down, is about 31k - the published version, coming in February 2021, is currently 40,020 words. So...8,141 new words!) Original Fic (written in 2020, not yet under contract or published other than on AO3) In Focus, which is the Character Bleed spin-off, Leo's story - still in progress! it's up  to 68,458 words, so that means...52,947 new words in 2020! Not bad. Whumptober 2020 - Original Fic Edition, E (overall; individual chapters vary), 13,271 words. All the Whumptober fics for my original fic - fanfic for myself! A couple of the Character Bleed-related ones might make it into publication, as well as the Jamie/Brendan story, eventually, I hope. Ember and Serenity,  E, 23,170 words currently - I added chapter 5 in 2020, so that's 2,418 new words! I do have plans for this one. Oh yes. My  librarian-magician and his book-thief...yes. And if you're wondering who  hired Serenity, well, there already has been a clue... :D Spells and Sensibility (working title), aka the Mystery Project I'm working on with @thebestpersonherelovesbucky  - which involves Regency-era magicians, and is currently 35,546 words!

#

That’s a lot of words! I feel Accomplished. Looking forward to more words in 2021 - and sharing them all with all of you, without whom I’d’ve never had the courage to try to publish stories. Thank you - you’re why I do this. <3333

[emocean-is-trash]

hey!! i was really excited to post this oneshot for the prompt “Time Passing” today. i worked super hard on this one and i’m very proud of how it turned out.

you can also find this on my ao3 @emocean_is_trash

if you’d like to request a prompt (the list is on ao3 in chapter 1) you can send me a comment there or message me here~ :) i’ll get to your prompts as soon as i can. thanks!!

~~~~~~~

“Alright children, it’s time for recess.”

A chorus of cheers erupted from the several young children sitting in their desks as they stood up and raced towards the classroom door. One of the students in that frenzy was Yang Xiao Long, who was definitely one of the more ��fearless” kids in her elementary school. She was the kind of child who would stand up for anyone, sometimes getting into fights if she had to. She always wore her heart on her sleeve and fought for what she deemed right.

But today wasn’t one of those days. The usual bullies in her school weren’t giving anyone a hard time. It was a nice change of pace. Her teacher, Ms. Glynda, led her class to the playground, opening the metal doors and letting the kids enjoy their hour of free time. Yang grinned from ear to ear and sprinted towards the jungle gym, her pigtails getting rustled from the physical activity. As soon as she reached the top of the structure, she pretended to be looking through a telephone and scanned the rest of the playground to see what everyone else was doing.

Cardin and Sky were playing tag with each other and running in the grass instead of picking on other kids. Weiss was sitting on the bench singing to herself; she never was very social. Ren and Nora were playing hide and seek, Nora stomping around the wood chips while Ren managed to hide under the slide. Jaune was crying like usual, the reasoning not important in the slightest.

But as Yang’s gaze passed over the swing-sets, she realized that there was a girl that she didn’t recognize. And she was crying! Yang immediately climbed down the jungle gym and rushed over to the dark-haired girl who was sitting on the ground next to the swing, clutching a scraped knee.

“Are you okay? Here, I have a bandaid you can use!” Yang grinned and held out the bandage for the girl to take. The girl sniffled and took it from Yang, putting it on and smiling back at her.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome! I’m Yang! What’s your name? Are you new?”

“I’m Blake, I moved here from Menagerie. You talk a lot.” Blake replied bluntly and looked up at Yang.

“Yeah, that’s what my mom and dad say! It’s nice to meet you! Wanna be friends?” Yang giggled as she held out her hand for Blake to take.

“Okay.” Blake replied as she took Yang’s hand and stood up, dusting the wood chips off of her legs.

From that day forward, they were practically inseparable.

~~~~~

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Aw come on, that’s boring Blakey!” Yang hollered as she turned to look at Blake, who was braiding Yang’s hair. She was the only person who was allowed to touch it, and honestly the only person Yang wanted to touch her hair besides her dad and sister.

“You know that I’m boring, Yang.” Blake responded as she finished Yang’s hair off with two hair ties and moved to sit on Yang’s bed next to her.

“Of course you’re not boring, you’re my best friend. Oh! I have a good question. Do you have a crush on anyone at Signal?”

“Oh, well I guess that Adam kid is pretty cool.” Blake admitted as she looked out the window into Yang’s backyard and blushed slightly.

“Ohhhh, Blake has a crush! Blake has a crush!” Yang teased as she made a silly face and ran around the room.

“Stop it!” Blake shouted as she chased Yang around the room before they both fell on the floor laughing hysterically.

“What about you Yang? That guy Junior seems to like you..” Blake asked after catching her breath, turning over and looking into Yang’s eyes.

“Junior? Nah, he’s just a friend. I don’t...I don’t really like anyone.” Yang hesitated and stared up at the ceiling.

“I always know when you’re lying, silly. Who do you like?”

“Ugh fine, I’ll tell you. The truth is...I’ve never really liked boys. I think I like girls.” Yang sighed and felt her face heating up. She wasn’t sure how Blake was going to respond to this revelation. She’d known for a few months, but wasn’t sure how to bring it up to her.

“Oh really? I think that’s cool. Adam is really handsome, but Pyrrha is also very pretty.” Blake smiled at Yang and grabbed her hand, squeezing lightly.

“Ah, the transfer girl from Argus Middle School? Yeah, I guess so. Wait what did you just say?” Yang sat up and looked at Blake. She stared down at Blake’s hand and squeezed back, grinning at the dark-haired girl next to her.

“I understand Yang. We might only be 13 years old, but this is when we figure out who we are. I’ll always support you.” Blake smiled gently and wrapped Yang in a hug.

“I’ll always be here for you too.”

~~~~~

“He broke up with me.”

“Oh Blake, come here.”

Outside of Yang’s home was a teary-eyed Blake shivering in the cold. Yang pulled Blake inside and wrapped the girl in a tight hug. Blake sobbed into Yang’s shoulder for what seemed to be hours until she was finally calm enough to talk in full sentences.

“Do you want to go up to my room?”

Blake nodded. Yang grabbed Blake’s hand and took her upstairs into her room, closing the door and locking it. They sat down on Yang’s bed and continued to hold hands. Blake clearly wanted reassurance that Yang would stay.

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“There..isn’t much to say. He texted me saying that he wanted a break this morning. Adam was never one for confrontation unless it really mattered, so I guess that I was never that important to him in the first place.” Blake sighed as she looked at the ground.

“Of course you're important Blake. You’re the most important person to me out of anyone. Well, you and Ruby are tied, but you know what I mean. Adam was always a piece of shit.” Yang responded by wrapping her arm around Blake’s shoulders and looking her in the eyes. She wiped away the tears on Blake’s cheeks with her thumb and smiled at her.

“Oh..thank you. Yang...I—” Blake started before pausing and cutting off her train of thought. No, this wasn’t right. They were in high school together, and they were best friends, but that’s all that they could ever be. Wishing for something more was pure stupidity.

“What is it Blakey? Do you need something from me?”

“Yang…” Blake shook her head and decided that actions were better than words in this moment. Before she could seriously think it through, Blake caressed Yang’s cheek and placed her hand on the side of Yang’s jaw, pulling her in for a kiss.

After the immediate shock of the situation wore off, Yang put her arms around Blake’s neck and kissed her back gently. Embers crackled to life in Yang’s chest, her heart beating incredibly fast and her stomach filling with butterflies. It was as if their two souls had melded into one during that raw, exposed moment. Running her hand through Blake’s hair, Yang sighed and kissed Blake again like it was the last thing she would ever do.

It was Blake. It had always been Blake. Blake was the one she was meant to be with. Adam was just some obstacle that had stood in the way of what was real.

It was after a few minutes of lapsed judgement that Yang finally pulled away, leaning her forehead against Blake’s and catching her breath.

“Blake...That was...wow.”

“Yeah.”

“I just…” Yang started, inhaling and exhaling a few times while deciding upon what needed to be said.

“Listen Blake. You’re really vulnerable right now, and I’m so sorry that I took advantage of you like that. If this is...If this is what you really want, then in three weeks, come talk to me. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Blake looked into Yang’s eyes and nodded after a minute of silence.

“Yeah. Yeah okay.”

A few minutes later, Blake left Yang’s house and Yang finally exited her bedroom, plopping onto the couch and staring out the window in solace. When she heard Ruby padding around the kitchen most likely looking for some cookies, she turned to face her with a solemn look on her face.

“You love her don’t you? You’re in love with Blake.”

“Ruby I...It’s complicated. You and Weiss were able to figure things out, and now you’re dating. Blake isn’t there yet. She might not ever get there. But yeah, I think..I think I do. Love her.”

Ruby walked over to Yang and wrapped her into a hug.

~~~~~

“Honey, I’m home!”

“Do you really have to do that every time you walk into our apartment?”

“Of course I do! What do you take me for?” Yang responded lightheartedly and walked over to her girlfriend who was standing in the doorway of their bedroom, grasping her face and giving her a swift kiss on the lips.

“You know you love me Blakey.”

“Yes, unfortunately I do.” Blake sighed sarcastically and wrapped Yang in a hug, nuzzling against her collarbone.

“I missed you.”

“Aw, I missed you too baby. Ruby and Weiss are taking extra long to decide on what movie to bring, but they should be here soon.”

“Can’t we just cancel? I wanna spend time with you.” Blake mumbled as she inhaled Yang’s calming scent of citrus and firewood.

“It’s so adorable when you’re clingy. Sorry kitten, it’s too late to cancel now. They‘re probably on their way by now.” Yang whispered as she kissed Blake on the top of the head and hugged her closer.

“I am not clingy. But can we at least cuddle during the movie?”

“Yes you are.” Yang chuckled to herself. “And of course we can snuggle, it’s one of the best things to do during a movie!”

“Oh? And what exactly is better than that?”

“Pranking Ruby and the Ice Queen of course! They fall asleep almost every time, I have so many pictures to blackmail them with.”

“I can’t believe you still call her that.”

“Watching Weiss get annoyed by something so unimportant never grows old.”

“You’re such a dork.”

“Yeah, but I’m your dork.”

The doorbell rang and Ruby and Weiss walked into the apartment, interrupting their train of thought. Ruby ran straight to the living room and popped the movie into the DVD player while Weiss followed behind her, setting her things next to the coffee table.

“What’s up Rubes? Ice queen. Good to see you.”

“Hey! Stop calling me that!”

“Hi Yang! Hey Blake! I brought Nightmare Zombie Town 5!”

“Haven’t we watched this movie like twenty times?” Yang asked as she and her girlfriend moved towards the living room, still holding hands. After Yang gave Ruby her usual noogie, her and Blake sat on the couch and huddled close to each other, the two of them almost constantly inhabiting the same space.

“That’s what I told her, but Ruby insisted.” Weiss sighed as she grabbed Ruby’s hand. “She can be quite persuasive though.”

Yang purposely pretended to gag at Weiss’ admission and kissed Blake’s cheek, settling in to watch the film for the hundredth time.

“How are your classes going Weiss? Have you made any progress on your thesis?” Blake asked Weiss genuinely; she did like hearing about how her friends were doing.

“Classes are fine. My thesis is almost complete, but I need to send it to Ozpin for his approval. What about you two? How are things?” Weiss replied with the utmost sincerity she could give.

“Being an engineering major is rough!” Yang interrupted and laid her hand on Blake’s thigh.

“Yes Yang, engineering is difficult when you sleep in class every day. Anyway, literature has been really enjoyable lately. We’re writing a short story this week.” Blake continued, placing her hand on top of Yang’s. Yang scoffed at her and pretended to pout.

“That’s good to hear. Well, shall we get started?” Weiss offered as she wrapped an arm around Ruby on the floor.

“Yes finally! I’ve been looking forward to this for hours!” Ruby announced, moving closer to Weiss and grinning from ear to ear.

A few hours had passed when Blake finally spoke again, despite Yang’s goofy comments and constant touching throughout the entire movie. Ruby and Weiss had passed out on the floor together, surrounded by a pile of blankets and pillows. However, Blake and Yang were still awake, holding each other closely.

“You know, I’m so glad that you offered to help me that day when we were kids. If not, then I never would’ve met you. I never would’ve fallen for you. You’re my best friend, the one person I would dare to call my soulmate even. I’m so happy that I met you.” Blake whispered, a genuine smile on her face.

“Me too Blake. If it weren’t for you, I may have lived my whole life thinking I was happy. But now I know the truth. You make me feel at home. And that will never change.” Yang whispered in Blake’s ear, bringing her girlfriend into a slow intoxicating kiss that was completely different from every single one before then. This one screamed pure love and adoration, stronger than ever before.

Many more words could’ve been exchanged in that moment, but all that mattered was that they were here, together. Their entire lives had led up to this very moment, hearts beating as one, emotions raw and real. Yang knew that Blake would always be with her. No one needed to tell her that. Blake knew that Yang was the one all along. No one needed to tell her that either. They may not ever get to have a moment like this again, huddled close together with their true emotions revealed and their hearts bared on their chests.

They were okay with that.

[blake-belladonna-defence-force]

Ember/Shroud

Okay. I decided to try my hand at an au. Does it even exist yet?

It was mostly born from wanting a more serious reason as to why Blake was scared of dogs. I kind of feel bad.

I’m just going to call it “Emotional Support Soul AU” for now. Is this something people would like to see more of? Is it even a good au? Eh, it was a fun writing exercise at any rate.

Things to note:

Adam (abusive ex) is in jail.

Blake has come a long way but has residual trauma and depression

COMMUNICATION ISSUES

Yang does have a moment of being a lil forgetful and maybe a touch insensitive but she tries to make it better

Blake and Yang were roommates in college who decided to move in together

This is mostly because of Blake’s cat

They don’t know why but being too far apart physically hurts

So oblivious

Adam probably ran a dog fight ring or trained them to attack humans because he’s a goat lookin ass

Faunas are a thing

Set in Vale

Apparently soul pets or bonded animals or whatever are things here

The animal you were always meant to own/your guardian

Even more special if it’s your soulmates pet and it adopts you

Having your soulmates bonded animal approve of you is the highest complement

Both animals getting along and approving of each human in the relationship is rare and usually means they’re soulmates or something

They will often act as wingmen

It’s how Blake and Yang truly bonded as friends

Ember is a stray that Blake rescued as a kitten. When she finds out Yang is her cat’s bonded human, she’s surprised because: blonde party girl. She tried to keep Ember; does not go well.

Yang tried to keep Ember; does not go well

She refused to leave Blake but demanded that her bonded human stay

Even the cat ships them

————————————————————

“…Yang. What is that.”

“It’s a dog, Blake. Ya know, canine? Canis Familaris?”

“I know what a dog is, Xiao Long. I want to know why it’s in our fucking apartment.”

Uh oh. This was bad. Very bad. When Blake was mad she yelled. It was a part of her passionate nature; an injustice is done and Blake will have your head. But it was when she got quiet and spoke in that dangerously low tone of voice that you should probably start backing up. And never mention that’s she’s actually really pretty when she’s mad. Additionally, she was swearing and Blake only really swore when she was really pissed off. And apparently bringing home a Newfoundland equaled really pissed off the cat faunus.

“She needed a home. The poor baby was all alone, isn’t that right, Shroud?” Yang cooed adoringly at the friendly giant laying in front of their sofa.

“That is not a baby. That is a monster that I am sure will probably kill my cat.” Shroud whined and laid her head down, the dog almost seemed hurt. What am I supposed to do about Ember, Yang?!” Almost as on cue, a slender ginger tabby slunk her way into the living room. The cat immediately trotted over to Yang, headbutting her ankles fondly, completely ignoring her actual owner altogether. Before Yang could bend down to let the cat sniff her hands, Ember locked onto Shroud. She slowly walked over sniffed the giant nose that was presented to her. What truly surprised the two girls, however, was when Ember butted her head under the giant dog’s jaw before curling up against the dogs stomach and glancing at them as if to say “this is my bed now”.

“Ember, you traiter. I saved you from the streets when you were a kitten. I raised you and loved you like my own and this is how you repay me?!” Yang wished that she could say that Blake was joking but the cat faunus could be quite… extra when she wanted to be. To say the least; she was not pleased.

Yang walked over and scooped Ember up, not without complaint, and held her out to Blake.

“Aw, c’mon mum. Can we keep her? I’ve only just met her and I love her!” She pitched her voice, wiggling Ember around as though the cat were talking. This resulted in a bitten hand and a very disgruntled cat.

“You earned that. I pay half the rent, Yang. Couldn’t you have spoken to me about this first? You know how I feel about dogs.”

“Yeah, well, that’s kind of why I didn’t.”

“So you decided to ignore how I felt and go behind my back?” Yang winced. When you put it like that…

“Look, I’m sorry that I didn’t talk to you but my old high school buddy needed her gone ASAP. I couldn’t just leave her.” Yang made sure to look her friend in the eyes. She’d learned a long time ago that eye contact was important to the other woman and Yang always tried to make sure that she knew that she had Yang’s attention.

Blake didn’t say anything for a long while.

“Fine. Whatever.” She muttered, faunus ears pinned against her head, before turning on her heel and heading to her room. Yang cringed as she heard Blake’s door slam. Their uni days had taught her when to push and pull and when to back off. This was very much a back off situation. Even if she found it hard to understand why somebody would be so deadset against a dog.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Hours later, she was laying on the floor cuddling with both cat and dog when she heard Blake walk into the kitchen. She immediately headed over and stopped short. She knew Blake. She knew what she looked like when she was ecstatic, what she looked look when she was about to kick somebody’s ass.

Yang also knew what it looked like when one of her friend’s depressive episodes were kicking in. So the sight of a drained, red eyed and shuffling Blake was not new to her. It always broke her heart to see one of the most amazing, incredible people she’s ever met hurt like this. But to know that she was the potential cause…

“Blake?” Yang had never sounded, or felt, so small. Blake breathed deeply for a moment before turning to Yang.

“He used to keep dogs. Trained them to bite and attack. I don’t exactly have pleasant memories of them.” When Blake spoke, carefully holding her hip as it ached, it hit her hard. Of course, that was in the police report when they finally managed to get Blake’s ex away from her for good. Why the hell didn’t she put two and two together?!

“Shit, Blake. I am so sorry. I don’t know why I didn’t- it doesn’t matter. I obviously hurt you and I am so, so sorry.” Yang was close to tears herself at this point. She had seen how that man had broken her friend. Watched as Blake pulled herself from the shadows and stood tall and continued to repeat that process every single time he knocked her down. Now that she was finally free of him, she could be who she was meant to be. But that didn’t mean that he didn’t still haunt her. It hurt to see the pain in the other girl’s eyes but she kept eye contact. “I’ll find her a new home as soon as possible, I swear.”

Maybe that would have been it. Maybe she would have rehomed Shroud and they would have been done with it. But the canine in question suddenly walked into the kitchen and made her way to Blake.

“Just stay still, Blake. It’s okay, I won’t let her hurt you. I promise.” Blake was frozen but before Yang could grab her, Shroud sat at Blake’s feet and stared up at her. Yang paused. It was eerily similar to how Ember had decided that Yang was her bonded person. Blake’s breathing started to even out as she gazed at Shroud, who then proceeded to flip over onto her back and wiggle, tongue and jowls flopping comically.

“Hi?” Blake’s uncertainty would have been adorable had it not been for the situation. As the dog shifted, so too did Blake, her gaze becoming more curious than fearful. There was a patch of white on the dog’s black chest, seeming to form the shape of some kind of flower. “I think the fates are fucking with me.” Blake mumbled. “Because that is a Belladonna plant.”

Yang blinked. Blake met her gaze and before too long, the two women were giggling. Perhaps it was the fact that tensions were running high or perhaps Shroud had somehow known how to break the ice with Blake. Because when Blake spoke next, she left Yang surprised.

“Keep her.” Blake inhales shakily. “But please, for the love of God; train her properly. I can’t live like that again, Yang.” Yang immediately nodded and then, unable to help herself, ran over to hug Blake.

Only to be blocked by a large furry body. Shroud wasn’t growling, merely acting as a barrier. The dog had apparently thought that Yang was going to hurt Blake and was already trying to defend her. Wasn’t there a meme online about that? “I’ve only had Blake for one day but if anything happened to her, I’d kill everyone in this room and then myself.” Evidently, that was what was going on here. Not that Yang could blame the dog. Bonded animals did tend to be extremely protective of their person, if that’s what this was.

“Uh, Blake? I think that you have a body guard now.”

“Oh.” There was a light sniffle as the emotions of the past few hours crashed over Blake. “I think that that’s fair since you stole my cat.” Yang snorted, side stepping around Shroud carefully before wrapping Blake up in a hug.

“Not my fault she’s my soul pet or whatever the hell they’re called.” Yang defended herself. “I can’t believe that I’m going to need to ask a dog for permission to hug you.” Blake giggled weakly, burying her head into Yang’s neck.

“Just… lets take it slow, yeah? I’m not going to become a dog person over night. Even if she is my bonded animal.” Yang hummed. Well, that confirmed it. Most people could tell once eye contact is made. They felt a sort of unspoken promise; the creature would protect their sworn master, so to speak. The bonded animal would then act as a sort of body guard. It was useful many years ago but now it was more about them being glorified emotional support companions. Sometimes the matchups were odd. Yang had honestly beloved hers would be a golden retriever, not her best friend’s cat. And apparently Blake’s bonded animal was her best friend’s dog, despite the fear that she held for them.

Maybe Blake would never love dogs. But Shroud could at least be one dog that Blake could at least be comfortable with. After all, people were usually gifted the animal that they needed the most.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

It was a late afternoon when Yang realised she had been right. It had taken weeks, even months worth of training and slow progress between the two but eventually, Yang was forced to admit that Shroud was meant to never hers. Just like Ember was never meant to Blake’s.

She had just come home from work and had called out to Blake when she heard distant singing coming from the kitchen. Rounding the corner revealed a very surprising sight. One that made Yang melt.

Shroud had her paws on Blake’s shoulder as the young woman danced them around the kitchen singing along to the radio. Those gym sessions were really starting to pay off for Blake.

“You could be my Queen, I could be your dream. Oh, let me be your bumblebee.” Blake giggled as Shroud barked at her. It was a sign of how far they had come considering that she used to flinch at such. “Yang loves this song. Now that I mention her...I think that you might be a much better dancer than your mother, Shroud. Even if she doesn’t quite realise that staring is rude.”

Yang blinked. She’d been caught.

“Sorry, I’m just stupidly proud of you. So proud, in fact, that I’m going to ignore that jab at my awesome dancing abilities and my pride.” Yang glanced down at Shroud, who had dropped to all fours. “You going to say hi, girl, or are you just going to abandon me for a pretty lady?” Shroud almost seemed to glare at her before looking up at Blake who nodded solemnly in return. Yang let out more than a few grumbles about traitorous mutts and reached out to pet Shroud. Until she noticed an envelope in the dog’s collar. She rolled her eyes; they had taken to using the poor dog as a messenger, after all. Opening the letter revealed a reservation for one of the new high end restaurants in Vale. She looked up at Blake in confusion.

“It’s that new faunus cuisine place I told you about. You’re free Friday at six, yeah?” Blake was smirking and leaning up against the bench.

“Um, yes, why?”

“Because if you won’t make the first move beyond telling me I’m “feisty” and “pretty when I’m mad”, then I will.” Blake narrowed her eyes. “Don’t think that I haven’t noticed, Yang.”

“Oh. Am I that obvious?” Yang swallowed nervously.

“Yes. Also your sister and her “BFF” talked to me and have me informed to, and I quote, ‘take your pining, queer ass out before Weiss kills somebody.” I’m still not sure if Weiss wants me to date you or snipe you.” Yang felt her eye twitch. Those two...

“I mean, I’m more than happy to go on date with you and all, Blake, but I kind of want to kill them, now.”

“Want to pretend like nothing’s happened and mess with them for a couple of weeks?”

“How the hell are you so perfect?” Blake simply laughed and walked out of the kitchen with Shroud in tow.

“And of course the stupid dog follows her.” Feeling a bump against her ankles, Yang looked down. Seeing Ember, Yang quickly bent to hold her up to her face.

“But as long she keeps smiling, she can keep stealing from me. I mean, your mum already has my heart and soul, what else could I possibly lose?” She asked the cat quietly. Ember purred, apparently content with the results of her meddling from way back when. Yang smiled. It always made it a little more special when your bonded animal approved of your partner. If she was being honest with herself, so she was on cloud nine. Well, up until she heard Blake’s voice float down the hall.

“I heard that. Oh, you are so never living that one down, Yang!”

[laqualassiel]

Oh my /god/, Sola and Gladio are great. What about the other Chocobros? -Nani

XD Glad you liked it!

Alright, the other three are under the cut because this is gonna be STUPIDLY LONG.

Noctis:

-Sola loves her brother from the moment she learns that she’s going to be a big sister. It’s a fierce, unending love and it’s almost terrifying how easy Sola loves Noctis with her entire being.

-After Noctis’s birth, Sola drives the nannies up the wall spending every moment of her free time with her little brother. On one hand, they DO know where she is - just look for the Crown Prince and there’s Sola right next to him, napping or playing or - later - reading to him. On the other hand, they would like it if Sola would Stop disappearing with Noctis and let them do their jobs. (Regis and Aulea find Sola’s insistence on caring for Noctis too adorable to really help the nannies out in this case.)

-Noctis also doesn’t speak until late, and when he does, he also speaks clearly and skips almost directly to full sentences like Sola did. This is due to Sola communicating with Noctis almost solely with magic unless she is reading to him, in which case she’s often reading closer to her level and patiently explaining everything Noctis doesn’t quite grasp yet.

-Noctis gets all the piggyback rides. Regis is worried about Sola and Noctis hurting themselves (at least, when he isn’t getting ALL THE PHOTOS and Dying From The Cute) but Sola is Determined not to hurt Noctis and so takes great care when carrying her brother.

-Aulea dies when Sola is nine and Noctis is two, having never recovered from giving birth to Noctis. Sola doesn’t blame her brother. She could NEVER blame Noctis. No, Sola blames herself. Not for asking for a little sibling (because she can’t regret having Noctis as her little brother) but because she couldn’t save her mother. Even though her magic is able to heal, it was all but useless in helping Aulea. Sola deems her magic useless and decides to become strong enough to protect Noctis without it.

-Sola all but abandons using her magic, even learning to speak rather than communicate via magic. The only exception is with Noctis, the only person she will still tangle her magic with without reservation. Noctis follows her example - speaking to everyone verbally but using his magic to talk to Sola.

-It physically hurts Sola that Noctis forgets Aulea as he grows. Because it’s not fair that he won’t know how amazing their mother was, that he won’t know just how much she loved them and that he can only hear about her from stories and pictures. And it’s not fair, because Noctis deserves to have known her.

-Then Noctis finds a hurt kitten when he’s six and Sola thirteen, and his magic is so distressed and begging Sola to do something that Sola cannot bring herself to say no. She reaches for magic she hasn’t touched in almost five years, but it’s not enough. She doesn’t have the skill. She doesn’t have the power. (Sola was never meant to have deep reserves of magic. After the Healer King, no LC with golden magic would ever be born so powerful.)

-But Noctis mingles his magic with hers out of desperate need to help, and the sheer power that floods through Sola’s soul cracks her skin and turns her eyes to burning embers. When Regis comes running, Cor and Clarus hot on his heels towards the flare of desperation-pain-help-help-help, Sola and Noctis are unconscious. Noctis is pale, practically shivering with magic depletion. Sola on the other hand is flushed and feverish and just about burning up from channeling more magic than she was ever meant to wield.

-Noctis wakes first, and he bursts into horrified tears when Regis explains to him why he and Sola can never do that again. He hadn’t meant to hurt his sister, he just wanted to help. But Sola’s still unconscious and seeing his strong sister so helpless only makes Noctis feel worse and almost vow never to use his magic ever again.

-When Sola wakes, she learns that she has far more magic than she honestly knows what to do with. She doesn’t care much, because she’s more concerned about comforting a sobbing Noctis and reassuring him that she doesn’t hate him and she knows he didn’t mean to do whatever it was he did.

-Sola and Noctis are thrown into magic lessons. Noctis takes to magic easily. Sola hates the lessons but puts up with them because, well, it’s Papa teaching them. Sola’s lessons with Cor increase as well, Cor pushing her to use her magic in combat until it’s reflex no matter how much Sola loathes it.

-Then, when she’s fifteen and Noctis eight, Regis takes Noctis out to Galdin Quay for a day trip as a reward for how well he’s doing in his lessons. Sola’s own reward comes in the form of Cor presenting her with her own katana and a day of purely physical training, beating each other into the training room floor until Sola can hardly move and grinning ear to ear for it. Then flopping on top of her Uncle for a well deserved nap despite Cor grumbling half-hearted about him getting too old for this.

-Noctis comes home in a coma. All Sola can do is sit by his bedside and curse her magic for being useless. Again. She doesn’t know how to use her odd healing ability - it’s hard enough using it to heal herself from the odd training injury but she’s never really figured out how to use it on others for more than the basics. The only reason she healed Abyssus was because Noctis overpowered her ability and forced it to work when it shouldn’t have.

-Sola sobs when Noctis finally wakes, crawling up into his hospital bed and carefully curling herself around him. She wraps her magic around him, all her relief and love and guilt for not being there.

-Regis takes Noctis to Tenebrae to be healed. He refuses to allow Sola to come with, and Cor helps Regis keep Sola in the Citadel until they are far enough Sola can’t catch up. Sola Rages. That’s her little brother. She failed to protect him once already, failed to heal him, and now she is not allowed to help him again. (And part of her wonders if she’s not allowed to go because of her failure. Because she’s not good enough to be Noctis’s Sword.)

-Sola refuses to fail again. If she’s not good enough, then she’ll work until she is, with both her weapons and her magic. And there’s only one place she can push both past her limits, where they won’t try to stop her.

-The Kingsglaive.

-Cor forged her into her brother’s Sword. The Kingsglaive tempers her into a living weapon. Where Cor trained magic into reflex, the Kingsglaive pushes until it is instinct to reach for the power humming in her veins, to wield it as easily as she does the steel in her hands. Sola learns to heal her own wounds until she can do it without thought, learns to take the wounds of others with a mere touch, and learns to take the pain and keep going.

-They push Sola until she doesn’t merely use her magic, but embraces it.

-Sola doesn’t intend to enlist with the Glaive at first. She only joined their training for Noctis and had every intention of leaving after. But then the assholes grow on her, and it’s Noctis who points out that Sola is happy whenever she talks about her day with ‘her idiots,’ even if she’s griping about them. Noctis tells her with wide blue eyes (not their father’s shade, but their mother’s) that he likes Sola spending time with him, but he wants Sola to be happy too and giving up the Glaive would make her miserable. Then he brightens and adds that Sola can be his Captain of the Kingsglaive like Titus is Dad’s. Sola blinks and teasingly asks if she shouldn’t take over the Crownsguard from Uncle Cor. Noctis solemnly says that’s Gladio’s job, since the crownsguard protect the King, while the Glaive attack. Much better for a Sword. Sola hugs the stuffing out of her brother and asks when he got so smart.

-Noctis is there when Sola comes back from her first tour outside the Wall, frazzled and shaking from the sheer level of stimulation against her senses. He doesn’t hesitate to drag her to a sun patch and curl up beside her, wrapping his magic around her in comfort-safety-love, practically drowning out the world with the sheer strength of his magic.

-Once Noctis clears his physical therapy well enough to start combat training again, Sola is put in charge of training Noctis and Gladio. Sola pushes both of them as hard as she can, keeping close watch on them via her magic and stopping once Noctis or Gladio’s pain levels get too high, forcibly stopping Noctis when her little brother tries to push himself further.

-Noctis is the only one Sola ever tells about her dates, because while Noctis is protective of his big sister, he only wants her to be happy and knows Sola can take care of herself. Therefore he never threatens any of Sola’s dates - not even the one idiot that made Sola cry - only asks Sola if he can take a crack at whatever she leaves behind. Sola laughs and ruffles his hair and only promises a ‘maybe.’  Noctis will take it - it wasn’t a no.

-Sola worries about how isolated her little brother is in the public school system. She knows he doesn’t really have any friends, and while Noctis pretends he isn’t bothered by it, pretends that Gladio and Ignis are more than enough, Sola can see right through him. She can tell that Noctis wants what Sola has - friends that treat her as Sola first, and not royalty.

-For Sola’s Coming of Age, Noctis presents Sola a masterfully crafted glaive (that he may or may not have commissioned from a Bellum weaponsmith instead of the usual Insomnian ones, shhhh) as he Officially appoints her as his Sword. (And if every single Glaive in the room recognizes Noctis’ unspoken support of Sola staying in the Kingsglaive, well, Noctis all but verbally named Sola the King’s Glaive.)

-The first time Sola lands herself in the hospital with serious injuries, twelve-year-old Noctis is not happy. He and Cyrus curl up on her hospital bed next to her and then throw the mother of all tantrums once she wakes up. It takes Sola promising Noctis that she will not die on him for Noctis to calm down, sniffling into Sola’s shoulder.

-After that first scare, Noctis actually handles Sola’s other hospitalizations - of which there are a few, to the Glaives’ exasperation - with remarkable ease. When questioned, he simply says that Sola promised. And his sister doesn’t break her promises. Ever.

-Noctis teases the hell out of Sola when she and Lib finally start dating. He loves his sister, he really does, but Noctis tells Sola that her boyfriend is Oblivious. He also insists on meeting Libertus properly if the two last longer than she and Crowe did (who Noctis did meet, and took an instant liking to).

-(Noctis does in fact meet Libertus. Noctis decides that he Approves and agrees to help keep Dad and their Uncles from finding out and Overreacting. Noctis also sits back with a bowl of popcorn when Regis and Cor try to threaten Libertus and Sola Is Not Having It.)

-Then Noctis meets Prompto and for the longest time doesn’t introduce him to Sola. Sola somewhat overreacts out of worry, before Cor helps her realize that Noctis doesn’t want to share his Best Friend with Sola. And is probably nervous about Sola approving of Noctis’ best friend. Sola promptly goes to give her little brother a noogie and reassure him.

-Noctis is Pleased at being the Ring-Bearer for Sola and Libertus’ wedding. It also means he gets to sit at Sola’s table for the Wedding Dinner as part of the Wedding Party (along with Prompto as his plus one, though his best friend had laughed at his desperate plea because the only other option was 12 year old Iris and Gladio would skin him alive) rather than at one of the other tables with stuffy nobles and their - shudder - eligible daughters. No thanks! He’ll leave that to Gladio and Ignis to represent him! Six, Gladio will enjoy it!

-Then Noctis has his own Coming of Age and Sola just about face palms when a messenger shows up and names Noctis the True King, Bringer of the Dawn. What the Pyre. Little Brother why does ridiculous stuff like this always happen to you?! Noctis just wants to sink into the floor already as Sola, Gladio, Ignis, and Prompto all tease the hell out of him.

Ignis:

-Ignis, like Gladio, was originally meant to be Sola’s Hand. Also like Gladio, Ignis was never told this because he was all of three years old when Sola removed herself from the line of succession in favor of Noctis.

-Unlike Gladio, Ignis did eventually piece together why he is not serving as Sola’s Hand when she is seven years older than the Crown Prince. After asking Sola why she gave up the throne when he’s eight, Ignis accepts the answer she gives him and instead focuses on getting to know both his Prince and fellow member of Noctis’ Retinue.

-Sola likes Ignis. The kid’s a genius and absolutely devoted to her little brother. If Sola sometimes brings her own homework over to where Ignis is studying... well, Ignis is really good at explaining whatever she’s stuck on and picks up the material stupidly quick for all that he’s four years younger than she is.

-If by the time Ignis is nine he’s joined thirteen-year old Sola in her own lessons, well, Ignis finds the material much more interesting and Sola is quite the attentive student whenever he tutors her. Ignis doesn’t mention how pleased it makes him that Sola treats him like an equal despite the age disparity.

-Then Sola and Noctis end up in the hospital after healing a kitten, and Ignis gets a front row seat to Lucis Caelum Drama. Because while Sola is unconscious, Ignis deals with a horrified and despondent Noctis (and manages to talk Noctis out of never using his magic ever again, because Ignis has literally just read up on what can result from that and None of them are Good), and caring for the kitten they saved. As such, he’s the first one to realize that the kitten is by far Not a Normal Kitten.

-If he happens to hunt through the royal library for past examples of animals exposed to high levels of magic, stumbling across stories of Gilgamesh’s eagle companion that suggest said eagle was not in fact an eagle at all... well, Ignis is at least Prepared when the newly named Abyssus starts getting up to Shenanigans.

-Ignis is also the only other one in Noctis’ Retinue that Abyssus will listen to outside Sola. Ignis is not ashamed to admit that it is solely due to plying the massive cat with gourmet meals of meat and fish. And the occasional cream. A smart man knows to pick his battles.

-Then Sola joins Ignis’ magic lessons, and Ignis’ practical lessons are instead taught by the King. Ignis... needs a moment to adjust to that. But he adjusts and focuses on the lessons. As is the norm for his and Sola’s lessons, Ignis spends a fair amount of time tutoring Sola because, as the Princess once put it, Ignis is ‘a damn genius.’

-Something Sola would definitely appreciate more if it didn’t mean Ignis noticed things. Like how different her magic is to both Papa’s and Noctis’. Or how inexperienced she is using her magic and how much she honestly would prefer Not To. And well, Ignis is polite enough not to ask when clearly it’s a topic she’d rather not talk about, but Sola can FEEL Ignis’ curiosity like an itch between her shoulder blades and it’s driving her nuts.

-Sola tells Ignis how her magic is able to heal others by taking the injuries onto herself, but how she’s never been all that strong. She tells him how useless her magic is when it’s needed and how she decided that she never wanted to have to rely on it since she can’t afford to. Not with her little brother.

-And ooh, Ignis is curious about Sola’s magic. Curious and speculating on the exact measure of her abilities, but Ignis respects Sola’s boundaries and keeps his speculations to himself. Sola is trained enough that her magic is not a liability. Anything beyond that is Sola’s prerogative and Ignis will respect Sola’s wishes not to use her magic beyond the necessary basics.

-Then Noctis comes home from a day trip to Galdin Quay in a coma.

-It is Ignis’ first time seeing Sola look so fragile. Like the slightest touch will shatter her into hundreds of shards. It looks wrong. Ignis keeps a close eye on Sola. He cannot do anything to help Noctis, but he can hopefully help his fellow Retinue until Noctis - their Prince, their brother, their King - recovers.

-Ignis is there when Sola Rages at being kept from Noctis’ side. He is there when gold magic erupts from her, turning the air thick with pain-anger-betrayal. He notices how her magic skips over him even as it barrels into the Marshal with the full force of her fury.

-And if Ignis helps Abyssus make the Marshal’s life somewhat... difficult for the next couple days so Sola can join the Kingsglaive training without interference... Well, Ignis is no less pleased at being kept from Noctis’s side. And it’s not like anyone but Sola knows of Ignis’s involvement. They might suspect, but they cannot prove anything.

-Sola appreciates Ignis’ help in the days following Noctis’ injury more than she is capable of expressing with words. She also deeply appreciates just how much of a sneaky little shit he can be when pissed off, because wow. Sola didn’t think anyone could pull one over on Uncle Cor and Ignis managed two weeks. Sure it was mostly Abyssus, but Sola could see Ignis’ fingerprints all over some of her cat’s actions.

-Sola can’t wait to see how much better Ignis will get when they’re all older. Maybe she can suggest he practice on the old codgers that still insist Sola needs a Shield?

-She also really appreciates how much talent Ignis has for magic. Practically, Ignis’ specialty leans heavily towards Elemancy, but theoretically Ignis is, as usual, an utter genius. Ignis helps her work out how to use her odd healing ability, so that her injuries - and damn Tredd to Ifrit’s Pyre, the asshole - are fixed by the time she has to report for training the next day.

-Ignis wants to get revenge on Sola’s behalf, but Sola’s called dibs so Ignis takes his satisfaction in hearing about the utter disbelief when Sola shows up to training fresh as a daisy no matter her injuries the night before. If he also helps Sola come up with increasingly inventive applications for other spells to test on Sola’s victi- erm, volunteers, Ignis says nothing. Plausible deniability and all that.

-When Crowe demands to know how Sola comes up with half the spells she does, Sola takes great glee in introducing Crowe to Ignis. Because Crowe’s face at meeting the twelve-year old genius is hilarious.

-The two get on like a house on fire, and Crowe pouts when Ignis flat out refuses to consider joining the Glaive when he’s older, reasoning that Sola can just as easily convey the results of their magical experimentation. His place is at his Prince’s side.

-Sola decides Ignis is Terrifying when he manages to wrangle her into a dress for her Coming of Age Gala. She still doesn’t know how he managed it, and is more than a bit miffed that she has to actually wear the damn thing. At least until after Crowe escorts her back to her quarters after the party and her girlfriend demonstrates how much she liked the dress. 

-Ignis reads Sola the Riot Act the first time she lands in the hospital. It’s also ten times worse than Uncle Cor, Uncle Clarus, Captain, or even Papa scolding her because Ignis figured out how to communicate the same way Noctis and Sola do so she can feel every ounce of Ignis’s disappointment-worry-relief.

-That Ignis then goes out and procures a supply of Phoenix Downs and Hi-Elixirs for the Kingsglaive tells Sola exactly how much he appreciates Sola getting injured as well as how much he believes in Sola’s ability to stay out of the hospital. Sola just really wants to know how on Ifrit’s Pyre Ignis managed it, because Phoenix Downs and Hi-Elixirs are expensive. (The Glaive also would really like to know and may or may not be in Awe. They also ask Titus where they can get an Ignis of their own.)

-(Ignis is Smug. Then again, helping Noctis sneak down to Little Galahd to discreetly commission Sola’s Coming of Age gift was far more difficult. If less expensive in the long run.)

-When Sola goes head to head with the Council over the conditions of Little Galahd, she takes vindictive pleasure in securing Ignis’ help. Because Ignis sees it as experience for when Noctis becomes King and is absolutely vicious in tearing apart the nobles Ignis sees as taking advantage of his King’s people. Especially when a number of those same people are responsible for keeping Sola alive on the battlefield. 

-Ignis is seventeen going on eighteen when he finds out about Libertus and Sola dating. By seeing the rather distinct bruising on Sola’s neck during one of their training sessions and Ignis blue screens. Just, nope. Ignis did not, at any point in time, want to consider the fact that his Big Sister might have a sex life. (Him telling the Marshal and watching the subsequent Chaos as Cor and Regis Overreact is Ignis’ Petty Revenge. Noctis, pass the popcorn.)

-(Ignis and Noctis also dig out the popcorn when Gladio tries to threaten Libertus and Sola kicks his ass around a training room.)

-Ignis absolutely helps Sola and Libertus plan their wedding. In which he helps Libertus mediate between Sola and the Royal Wedding Planners and finds convenient excuses to drag Sola away from the preparations whenever it’s clear she’s about to strangle someone. (Though he does come to the aid of the Royal Tailors if only so Sola will have a not-dress that doesn’t sear the eyes of every non-Lucis Caelum present. He’s picked up enough of the Galahd Color Code from the Florist Debate to be able to argue the basics with the Walking Fashion Disaster that is Sola.)

-(Ignis even manages to wrangle Regis and Noctis into Decent Suits, at which point the Royal Tailors probably cry because it’s a MIRACLE-)

-Ignis repeats his miracle of dressing Sola and Noctis (not Regis this time, he leaves the King to the Royal Tailors who don’t quite manage to get rid of the pinstripes) for Noctis’ own Coming of Age Gala. Sola compromises with Ignis for an outfit cut similar to her wedding not-dress because ‘I’m going as Noctis’ Sword, not as Princess.’ Ignis is just thankful that Libertus is so easy going when it comes to formal occasions requiring his presence as Prince-Consort and can help Ignis with his wife. 

Prompto:

-At first, Sola is concerned about Noctis’ new friend. Because her little brother has been friends with this kid for weeks now but hasn’t said so much as a word to her. Sola Worries. And Overreacts.

-Sola ends up doing a full background check on one Prompto Argentum, digging up every little bit of intelligence she can find as far back as there are documents for.

-She even breaks into Uncle Cor’s files, because some of the files she’s found has her Uncle’s fingerprints all over it and why the Pyre are the Crownsguard watching Noctis’ civilian friend?

-The reports Sola steals from Cor’s office nearly make her throw up out of horror. Because how could someone do that to a baby?! Cor finds her later as she’s doing her level best to trash a training room and Sola confesses to the documents she stole from his office. Cor reassures her that they’ve been watching Noctis and Prompto, and it really is just friendship.

-Prompto is honestly terrified the first time Noctis introduces him to his older sister. Everyone knows how protective the Princess is of her little brother, and Noctis adores his sister. If Sola doesn’t approve of him, Noctis would probably drop their friendship like a hot potato.

-He’s... not expecting her to be so short. From Noctis’ stories, Sola seemed to be larger than life so meeting her and realizing that he’s actually taller than her is jarring.

-Noctis introduces him, and Prompto can see how tense he is as the two siblings somehow hold a whole conversation in one look alone. But then Sola smiles at him, then she’s hugging him and thanking him for being Noctis’ friend and Prompto would really like it if the ground could swallow him now. Noctis’ face is so red that he could probably cook an egg on it but he’s also relieved so Prompto decides he can put up with a bit of embarrassment at being thanked by the Princess.

-Sola feels any lingering concerns about Noctis’ friendship with Prompto disappear the first time she meets him. Because while Noctis hasn’t realized it yet, he’s already slotted Prompto in as his Heart. And Prompto, for all that they’ve been friends for a few short weeks is whole-heartedly devoted to Noctis.

-But Sola can see the insecurities dogging Prompto’s heels. He’s not of noble or royal (or even Lucian, but Prompto doesn’t know Sola knows that) birth, he’s not had a day of combat training for all that he’s in decent shape for a civilian, and at sixteen he’s the only one not Officially part of Noctis’ Retinue. Or even unofficially, because Noctis is Protective and doesn’t want to seemingly drag Prompto into the Drama of Court against his will.

-So Sola goes to talk to him. Because she knows what it’s like, feeling like she isn’t good enough for Noctis. And Prompto is just as wrong as Sola was at fifteen.

-While Ignis distracts Noctis, Sola drags Prompto off to a corner of the Citadel she knows will be absolutely free of anyone trying to eavesdrop.

-Prompto is blindsided when Sola tells him, dead serious, just how much Noctis values his relationship with Prompto. That for years Noctis has longed for a friend that sees him as Noctis first instead of the Crown Prince. That Noctis doesn’t care that Prompto isn’t noble or combat trained or a genius like Ignis, because face it, no one’s as smart as Ignis - Sola grins when Prompto can’t hold back the snort at the way Sola complains about Ignis’ intelligence.

-Then Sola tells Prompto about the four positions of the King’s Retinue. The Sword, the Shield, the Hand, and the Heart. And Prompto feels his heart thunder in his chest because he knows where this is going. Noctis already has three Retainers. He sits, wide eyed and breathless as Sola tells Prompto that the Heart is someone who protects the King, not from physical harm, but emotional. Someone who supports the King through life as his friend. Good times, bad times, everything.

-Prompto chokes out that Sola makes it sound like marriage. Sola snorts, but states that it’s not uncommon for a King’s Heart to also be the King’s Consort. Her grandfather King Mors’ Heart was her grandmother Queen Vita. Papa’s on the other hand... Papa’s was Uncle Cid, and after their falling out Mama tried her best, but it wasn’t the same. Just like how Ignis’ father is the Royal Advisor but not Papa’s Hand because Uncle Weskham lives in Altissia.

-Prompto thinks about that, thinks about having a fight with Noctis so bad that he never talks to him again and something in his chest clenches. Prompto wants to say that it will never happen, but the secret of his origins weighs down on his shoulders.

-He asks Sola why her Uncles left the King, if they were part of his Retinue. Sola fiddles with the end of her braid as she sadly says that Uncle Weskham was injured and they had to leave him in Altissia so the Empire didn’t catch them during the Great War. Uncle Wes told them to do it, but apparently it really hurt Papa to leave him. Uncle Cid, something about Grandfather, she’s never learned the full story there. But them leaving broke something in her Papa, and it’s why Lucis Caelum’s don’t bond with just anyone. Because when it goes wrong...

-Sola looks at Prompto, and she tells him that Noctis chose Prompto as his Heart before Sola ever met Prompto. Prompto gapes at Sola, because, what? Sola’s mouth quirks into a half smile, and she tells him that Noctis hasn’t offered the position to Prompto because being recognized Officially comes with Expectations and Noctis doesn’t want to force that on Prompto.

-Prompto protests, Noctis wouldn’t be forcing Prompto into it, Prompto would be happy to take the position! Sola grins and says that she knows that, but her little brother can be a bit Dense. He also worries, because it’ll make Prompto a target and he doesn’t want Prompto to get hurt. Hence why she’s telling Prompto all this because Astrals know Noctis won’t.

-Prompto has to sit there, dazed as he considers everything Sola just dumped into his lap. Then he turns to Sola and says that Retainers are Officially appointed at 18, right? Sola nods, and Prompto says that he’s got two years then, can she teach him self defense? Because he wants to protect Noctis too.

-Sola beams at him, and Prompto can’t help but grin back.

-Sola teaches Prompto self defense, which Gladio takes over when Sola is busy with the Glaive. Ignis keeps Noctis from finding out about the training, because Prompto wants it to be a surprise.

-Sola helps Prompto find a weapon he favors, and then proceeds to join him for firearms training and the two bond over guns. Sure, Sola’s interest is in weapons in general rather than guns specifically, but she is able to keep up with him when he goes off on a ramble about whichever model’s caught his interest and it’s nice.

-It’s also nice when she finds out about Prompto’s photography hobby and Prompto learns that she weaves tapestries. The first time Prompto helps Sola prank the Glaives by taking a series of photos for Sola that she then makes tapestries from to secretly hang in Glaive HQ, Prompto is practically giddy as the Glaives all but lose their minds trying to find out who the artist is. (Apparently the inclusion of the photographs completely threw off all their previous assumptions, leaving them back at square one.) He and Sola exchange fist bumps.

-Prompto ends up revealing his training to Noctis earlier than expected, because Noctis frantically comes begging for Prompto to be his plus one to Sola’s wedding so Gladio doesn’t kick his ass for asking Iris. Sola overhears and dryly tells Noctis that him taking a member outside of his Retinue will give everyone the impression that he and Prompto are dating. Iris doesn’t count because she’s twelve and his Shield’s little sister.

-Noctis freezes like a spiracorn in the headlights and Prompto watches with some amusement as Sola rolls her eyes and tells Noctis to just ask already. Because as funny as everyone’s reactions would be to thinking Prompto and Noctis were dating, he really doesn’t see Noctis like that. Nuh uh. That’s his brother. 

-Noctis stammers so bad trying to ask Prompto to be his Heart that Prompto takes pity on him and accepts. Then, while Noctis is gaping, Prompto points at Sola and says that his sister explained the whole thing, like a year ago. Noctis shoots a wounded look at Sola, who is completely unsympathetic when she tells Noctis that he’d bonded with Prompto at fifteen. She got impatient. Now go drag his Heart to Ignis so he can get outfitted for this shindig.

-Alongside the professional photographers hired for the wedding, Sola asks for Prompto to take photos beforehand because she wants some photos that feel more candid and she really likes Prompto’s work. Prompto is over the moon. Especially when he later sees one of his photos (of Sola and Libertus, flanked by Nyx and Crowe) being turned into a tapestry on Sola’s loom and Sola confides that it’ll be placed in the Hall of Arts with all the other Official Royal Art.

-Sola complains when Noctis’ Coming of Age Gala comes around, because as Prince he doesn’t need an escort, and Prompto just laughs at Sola. Sola throws one of her warp balls at his head but Prompto catches it and whips it back, starting a game of catch/dodge ball until Ignis comes in and tells them to take it to a training room before they break something. Again.

-As a civilian, there’s no pomp and circumstance for his eighteenth birthday. Even his appointment as Noctis’ Heart is a much quieter affair than the rest of the Retinue (though considering Sola’s Appointment was during her own Coming of Age Gala, everyone else’s was quiet comparatively).

-Prompto is more than fine with that. They celebrate his birthday with presents (Sola gets him an absolutely gorgeous camera) and then he and the guys go out downtown while Sola tells them to have fun.

[necrokittytales]

Necrokitty Tales: Trouble in Inkwell Isle (Chapter 23)

Authors’ note: Necrida’s writing will be in italics and SPKC’s writing with be regular font.If you have no idea what this roleplaying thing is, you can start from the beginning here.

———————————————————————————

Grim watched Isabella demonstrate the stretches from the children. He was very hesitant to join and snuck a glance toward Bon Bon. The woman was smiling as she watched the lesson, making the dragon swell up his chest. He realized this class was a good chance to show off a little in front of the Baroness and started to stretch with the bats. He thought about what cool flying acrobatics he knew how to do.

Isabella kept describing different stretching exercises. “And finally, we always end with the sun salutation!”

"Yay!” Mina cheered. She leaned over to her rabbit friend. “It’s my favourite,” she whispered to Harvey.

“Ok, we’re going to bend our backs down, reaching for our ankles. Bend your knees if you need to,” the bat started explaining.d “Then we’re going to put our hands together, as if we were praying, and slowly we’ll get back up, reaching for the sky with our hands as far as we can…aaand we greet the sun: HELLO, SUN!” She yelled and waved to the sky.

“HELLOOO, SUUUUN!” The little bat cheered giggling.

Grim smiled “Hello, s-sun!” He said shyly.

“No, no, no.” Isabella shook her head. “You gotta shout! The sun is very far, he can’t hear you.”

“Oh, eh, ok… ” The dragon took a deep breath. “HELLO, SUN!” He roared so loud that it echoed around his tower.

Mina clapped impressed and Isabella chuckled. “Better.”

—

As the flyers finished their stretches, Hopus moseyed around the Second Isle’s stores, browsing the selection of stuff. It would be really nice if he could find something for his wife. She was a real trooper, managing the home while he had been putting in the overtime.

King Dice had been especially demanding as of late. Something must be going on to get the house manager all worked up but Hopus preferred not to know what it is, preferring to keep his head down and work.

He was aware of residents furtively glancing his way and he realized he was wearing his bow tie. He would have taken it off but the rabbit wanted to stop by the circus real quick, check out the damage.

Maybe have a talk with the clown.

Hopus walked into the carnival and let out a low whistle. “Wow,” he admired. There was broken glass and embers everywhere. He carefully walked around the bits and pieces. Looks like Harvey and Hannah had a very good time last night. He should let them go out more often.

He could hear the familiar voice of Beppi and casually walked over to see the clown sulking, holding a piece of broken mirror.

“Hello, Beppi,” Hopus greeted casually.

Beppi froze for only the briefest of seconds before looking at Hopus with a humongous smile. “Heya Hopus! I haven’t seen you in a while! Not since your buddies dragged your beaten butt back to the casino.”

Yes, their last interaction hadn’t ended on the most pleasant of circumstances. Not that Hopus minded as much. Or at least was not showing that he minded.

Hopus kept the same grin. “I could say the same. Looks like they stitched that arm back on really well. Could hardly tell it had been torn off.”

Beppi gestured elsewhere. “We can thank Djimmi for that. You haven’t seen him, have you?”

“No?”

“Darn. I’ve been trying to call him on day but he’s not picking up.” Beppi held up his “phone” to prove his point.

Hopus looked at it. “That’s a piece of mirror.”

“Magic mirror. That Djimmi made,” Beppi clarified.

“You could always walk to his home?”

“Nah. This is more fun. I’m hoping that if he picks up, his face will be all warped because of the mirror… And he won’t be too mad that a lot of the mirror’s got broken last night.”

“Yeah, I can tell.”

Beppi looked at him more closely. “Ya know, you don’t happen to have mini versions of you running around, do ya?”

“That’s a queer question.”

“Two of the little kids from yesterday were rabbits is all. Looked a lot like you, minus the sharp pointy teeth ya know?”

Hopus played dumb. “Huh. I’ll have to check around and make sure I didn’t conjure up any by accident.”

Beppi tried one more time with the mirror but gave up. He checked with Hopus. “Did you wanna ride the bumper cars with the rest of your buds?”

“Oh nah, just wanted to…rest of my buds?”

“Yeah, Mango and Chips are on them now. Isn’t that why you’re here?”

“Not exactly. Just wanted to check things out. But I’ll head over there and see how the guys are. Good luck with your phone call.”

“Thanks. Hopefully it doesn’t reflect too badly of me if I can’t make it ”

Sure enough, Mango and Chips were at the bumper cars, ramming into each other over and over again. They spotted Hopus and waved. “Hey, Hopus!” Mango yelled, “Care to join us?”

“Not now, just visiting with my family. You two having fun on our days off?”

Chips grinned. “Hell yeah, we just saw the most amazing siren!!”

–

The Baroness stifled a giggle at how enthusiastically the flyers were shouting. Hopefully Grim’s booming voice wouldn’t alarm any townsfolk. It had before but by this point, everyone was quite used to his volume and just carried out with their daily lives.

“So what’s the next step?” She asked curiously.

Grim looked at the tower. “I g-guess we dive? T-that’s how I learned.”

“By jumping off towers?” Mina asked, very worried.

“Actually, it was a m-mountain,” The dragon clarified.

“Ah! Me too!” Isabella chuckled. “I even broke a leg.”

“I broke t-two, and my tail!” Grim replied, strangely proud of it. Isabella whistled in admiration.

Mina looked curiously at her mother. "Who taught you how to fly, mama?”

“Hmmm. It was this friend of Madame Butterfly. I remember he was very nice with kids…until we found out he was a pedop~!” Isabella bit her lip, remembering there were kids present. Grim and Bon Bon looked at each other nervously.

Harvey raised an eyebrow and scratched his head. “A pedo what?”

Knowing her daughter, it was best to give an answer, or she wouldn’t rest until she figured it out herself. The woman cleared her throat. “ A pedooo…dactyl!” She finally said, hopping that would be enough to satisfy their curiosity.

“A pedodactyl? You mean pterodactyl?” Mina asked, confused.

“Ah! Yes yes, that’s it! Haha! Me and my awful English!” The bat laughed nervously.

“Pterodactyl…as in a dinosaur?” Mina insisted.

“Mmmhmm.” Isabella affirmed.

“A 65 million years old dinosaur?”

“Oh yes, he was quite old. Probably dead now.” The woman tried to sound convincing. “But enough questions now! Let’s go diving!” She kneeled in front of her daughter so she could climb on her back.

“Actually, can I go on your back, Grim?” She asked innocently with big puppy eyes “I always wanted to ride on a dragon!”

Grim couldn’t resist her cuteness and nodded. “Sure! Hop on, k-kids!” He said, lying on his belly so they could climb on him. “And leave some r-room for Bon Bon.”

Baroness Von Bon Bon seemed surprised. “Oh! Am I riding too? Will that be too much for you?” She asked as Harvey and Mina were already climbing into the flopped dragon.

“Well, y-you won’t see m-much from down here,” Grim blushed, embarrassed. Truth be told, he really wanted to have her near him again just like this morning.

“Hop on! Hop on!” Mina said trying to encourage Bon Bon.

Isabella listened to their interaction, trying to catch any hint of subtext that would confirm Goopy’s gossip from last night. This was going to be fun for her too.

“Well, if that’s going to be all right by you, let me me board.” The Baroness climbed on top of Grim and made sure to securely hold onto his scales. She didn’t ride Grim that often, but if she treated it like riding a horse bareback, she could manage it.

A large horse that is, she mused, glancing down at the ground.

Harvey patted Grimm. “Okay we are all on now!”

Grim shivered slightly feeling Bon Bon on his back and when he was sure everyone was settled in, he spread his wings. With a powerful flap, he lifted from the ground. He started to fly in circles around the tower as he climbed altitude, making sure his back would stay as horizontal as possible. He didn’t want to let anybody fall.

Isabella followed, keeping her distance to avoid getting hit by Grim’s wings. Mina started giggling and yelling out of excitement. She was riding a dragon!

Noticing her enthusiasm, Grim roared to make her experience more authentic. Mina tried to roar as well, only to release the cutest kitten meow. She covered her mouth and lowered her ears, embarrassed.

Minutes later, they reached the top of Grim’s tower. The dragon softly landed and laid on his belly to let everybody down.

“That was amazing!!!” Mina said, lifting her arms in the air. Isabella landed as well and smiled at her daughter’s excitement.

Harvey hopped off. “Holy cow! That was amazing!”

The Baroness slid off, running her hand along Grim’s back affectionately. “Yes it most certainly was. Is it Mina’s turn now to fly?” She asked, winking at the B-cat.

The kids enthusiasm made Grim feel more confident, but it quickly faded when Bon Bon slid off him, sending a delightful shiver all over his spine. He turned his head away pretending he needed to scratch his nose to hide his blushing.

Mina smiled at the Baroness and nodded. “Yes! Today will be the day I conquer the skies!”

Isabella smiled tenderly, sitting on the edge of the railing and crossing her legs. “That’s the spirit, my little îngar!” She cheered.

Grim recovered and cleared his throat before speaking. “Let’s begin!” He got closer to the railing where Isabella was sitting. “The easiest way t-to start flying is by catching a wind. Did your mother t-talk to you about that?”

“Oh yes! I kinda manage to do it when I glide, but I can never use it to lift myself,” The little girl said, a bit sad.

“It’s alright, nobody gets it on the first t-try” The dragon tried to make her feel better and Mina smiled shyly. “It’s very easy, you just have t-to dive in, heads first, and keep your wings closed” the dragon showed with his wings the correct position. Mina tried to imitate him. “That’s good!”

Isabella clapped “Yay, Mina!”

“And then, ” the dragon continued “you open your wings slowly, k-keeping the right angle.” He demonstrated again with his wings. “And then, you k-keep going until you’re horizontal. Questions?”

Mina didn’t seem very sure. “Could you demonstrate, please?”

“S-sure!” The dragon nodded and threw himself from the tower doing the movements he had described until he caught up to a wind. To return, he decided to show off a little, and did an elegant swirl before landing in the tower again. “Tadaaah!”

Harvey clapped enthusiastically. “Mina can totally do that! She’s the best!” He cheered helpfully.

Grim did some small bows with his head in appreciation. The bats clapped in admiration as well. Well, mostly Mina. Isabella clapped when she heard everyone doing so, although felt a bit sad she wouldn’t be able to enjoy the show.

The Baroness winked at Grim. “Maybe float by her if she needs a pointer or two?”

He nodded at Bon Bon and turned to the b-cat. “Ready to d-dive with me?” the dragon asked.

Mina hesitated, looking how far up they where, but she nodded at the dragon. She stood on the railings, spreading her wings.

“On three,” Grim said showing Mina the starting position. “One. Two. Thr~!”

“I can’t do it!” Mina panicked at the last second. “I-i-It’s too far! Too windy! Eh…the sun is on my face!” She tried to made up an excuse.

“Oh! Don’t be afraid, draga mea!” Isabella approached her. "You have to trust your wings. You were built to fly!”

“And I’ll be flying right next t-to you! You’re not getting hurt on m-my watch,” the dragon said, pointing at himself with his thumb.

“You can t-try to close your eyes, it helped me on my first flights.” Grim suggested.

Mina tried to go a second time only with her eyes closed, and even if it was better, she didn’t dare to take the leap. She started to feel nervous and a bit ashamed. All this fuss and excitement just to back down like this. What would Harvey think of her now?

“Mina.” Her mother put a hand on her shoulder. “Every great journey starts with a small step.” She smiled tenderly. “Sure! It can be a very scary step, but think of the wonders that await you after! You will explore the world, you will conquer the skies, and if you put your mind to it, you will discover the wonders of the universe itself! Aaaall that…from a small first step.”

Mina looked at her mother, charmed by the idea of becoming an explorer, and looked back down with renewed determination. She took a deep breath and got into position. Grim prepared himself as well to jump next to her.

The little bat closed her eyes and imagined she was about to jump into a pool full of cotton candy. She slowly let herself get pulled by gravity until it made her fall. Isabella had to fight her motherly instinct to jump to her aid when she heard her small child screaming.

The floor was getting close at an alarming rate, and Mina started panicking and flapping her wings, scared.

“Head first!” Grim said, flying next to her with a smile. Mina looked at him relieved that he was around, and tried to get into position. “That’s right, you got this! Now, you have the speed, time to ride! Change the angle on your wings.” The girl did as she was told but the speed made the air too strong around her tiny wings and she couldn’t get the right angle.

The impact was imminent but Grim softly grabbed the b-cat in the air and with a swirl he flew back up to the tower. Mina clung to the dragon’s skin, breathing heavily and full of adrenaline. “That was…hhh soo…hhhh scary!” She managed with a smile.

“First time always is” Grim chuckled not feeling the feline’s claws. “At least you didn’t break any bones.”

“Oh! My dulceata! I’m so proud of you!” Isabella clapped.

Grim was an excellent teacher; he was very patient with Mina. He didn’t mind repeating himself, and he really had fun correcting Mina’s knowledge about dragons.

Isabella was very grateful for his help. She felt a bit sad she wasn’t able to teach her herself. But the bat was very aware of her limitations, and as the years passed by, she learned to accept it, and take help from others. She was happy to know her little girl was going to fly soon.

The flyers kept diving from the tower and Mina was making progress. At some point she managed to catch a wind that carried her to the limits of the garden.

“That was really g-good, Mina!” Grim said, getting close to the tree she grabbed on to. “A bit more practice and you’ll be flying in no t-time!” The little bat smiled at the dragon, panting exhausted.

Isabella, who was flying next to them, noticed her child’s fatigue. “I think we had enough for today” she chuckled. “We’ll take over again next week.”

“Oh no! Can we continue tomorrow?” The little b-cat asked.

“Dulceata, we can’t be bothering Grim all weekend! He has a life too, you know?”

“It won’t b-be a bother at all” Grim hurried to answer. “I’m really enjoying it, you can come by when ever you want!” This was helping him to be way more confident, and he liked that feeling. If this kept up, he might almost have the courage to ask Bon Bon out. He turned red at the thought.

“Aww! that’s very nice of you, Grim” Isabella used her enticing voice this time, confusing the dragon.

“No p-problem,” he had very little experience in terms of love, and he thought she was actually hitting on him. He got nervous. “I-I-I’m gonna go pick up the others,” he said, flying towards the tower.

Isabella smiled. He was a sensitive dragon, and she found that adorable. The bats flew down to ground and Grim reached the tower, slightly blushing.

“C-classes are over, let me t-take you down.”

–

“You saw her at the club, you say?” Hopus confirmed.

“Yeah, well until that fight broke out and we all had to leave. But KD sounded very interested. Ya know, when he was done yelling at us.”

“Best part is, she’s blind! Mango totally have a shot at her since she can’t see his ugly mug.”

“Buzz off, Chips!”

Hopus scratched his head. “She sounds an awful lot like the mother of Harvey’s friend.”

“Ah, what? She’s a mom?!”

“She’s still hot.”

Hopus jutted a thumb toward Grim’s place. “They’re having a flying lesson right now but maybe we can head on over in a few just to be sure.”

“Sounds like a plan!”

–

The Baroness applauded the way Grim was patient with the little bat girl. As she brought her hands down, she couldn’t help but feel something poking at her from the side. She peeked at it and spotted an envelope.

Oh yes, the strange letter. Normally she wouldn’t be one to open personal mail outside of her castle but it seemed harmless enough and everyone else was enthralled with the lesson. She pulled it out and carefully opened the envelope before removing a bright sheet of glittery paper.

Her eyes glossed over the body of the letter and she turned as red as a cherry. “O-oh!” She couldn’t help but gasp, quickly folding the letter shut.

Harvey heard the gasp and looked over to see a very red faced Baroness. “Baroness, are you okay?” He asked, hopping over to her.

The royal woman swallowed but her throat was dry. “Oh, I uh, I’m fine!” She tried to say.

Harvey pointed out the letter. “Did you get a letter?”

The Baroness had no words.

Grim noticed the Baroness was slightly more red than usual as he landed. “Y-you’re ok, Bon Bon?” He asked, worried.

Harvey bounced up and down as Grim approached. “The Baroness got a letter!” Harvey cheerfully pointed out. He looked up at the dragon with a smile, “How did Mina do? Are you guys going to practice again tomorrow?” He asked, distracting the dragon.

The Baroness took another moment to reread the letter whilst the dragon was distracted. She had been so caught off guard she hadn’t finished reading it:

‘You are one of the most frustrating, stubborn women I have ever met and I cannot imagine a day without hearing your annoying stupid voice because hearing your voice makes me so happy that it drives me insane. And I can only imagine how your voice would sound when it’s screaming my name while I pollinate and dominate you dumb, sexy, amazing, silph. Sincerely, Cagney’- CAGNEY?

She turned even redder. The crass flower from Isle one had sent her a love letter. Oh God, the very thought made her stomach twist. Sure, there could be something very, very, VERY small about him that might be charming (and that was really pushing it) but she in no way reciprocated those feelings.

Bon Bon’s mind swam. How long had he felt this way? What would she do next time she saw him? She realized there was more and quickly read on:

'PS I wish I hadn’t broken that tiny pot because it means so much to us and I love you but i gotta puke because Grim pours heavy absinthe…’

Tiny pot? She never made a pot when she was younger. A trebuche, yes. But not a pot. Now she was even more confused. But Grim was mentioned. Perhaps the dragon would know more. She looked up to see the dragon still around. “Grim, may I speak with you privately?” She asked, trying to keep her tone even.

Grim nodded. “Sure! Just, let me t-take Harvey down real quick.” He helped the little bunny hop on his back and swiftly flew down the tower, leaving the bunny with Isabella and Mina. He quickly flew back to the top of the tower. “Is everything ok, Bon Bon? You f-feeling sick?” The dragon asked worried.

The image of Cagney pinning her down and deflowering her DID make her nearly gag, but Bon Bon swallowed hard instead, trying not to shudder at the thought of that plant getting anywhere near her privates. She presented the letter to Grim. “The post delivered this letter this morning. I, well, perhaps you would know more about this than me? I’m rather disturbed by this.”

The dragon froze. He completely forgot about the letter. That’s why she was weird! She must think he’s a disgusting pervert! This was going to be the last conversation he would ever have with her.

He reached for the letter with a very shaky claw. “Eh! B-b-baroness! I-I-I can explain… I….” He looked at the writing and realised this wasn’t his very exquisitely calligraphy handwriting. It was Cagney’s!

“Oh! Thank God!” He yelled in relief. He noticed Bon Bon’s look and quickly explained himself. “I mean~ t-this isn’t f-for you. It’s for Hilda!” He showed her the scribble at the beginning of the letter. It was actually a bit hard to read. “Cagney came b-by a few days ago and we t-talked and… well, we kinda drank a bit,” the dragon said nervously.

Then it hit him, if Bon Bon had Cagney’s letter, then that meant…

The Baroness immediately let out a huge sigh of relief. "Oh thank God. The thought of doing anything remotely sexual with that plant sounds rather unpleasant.” She looked at the letter. “I, should I deliver it to Hilda? It IS addressed to her, I suppose, but did Cagney even mean to write this?”

The thought of his beloved Baroness doing something remotely sexual with anyone, made his blood boil… even more than what was natural. But at the mention of whether or not the letter should be delivered made his blood turn cold.

“Oh no! Nonononono!” He shook his head and clutch the letter. “C-cagney was really drunk and, let’s face it, t-this is a horrible letter.”

“Oh! We should make a better one!” They both turned their heads at the very pleasant voice. Isabella had managed to fly silently towards them and was now hanging from one of the spires. “I just flew here to tell you we were leaving, but this is so much fun! Let’s do it!” She said excited. “Let’s give a little push to those love birds.” She smiled, holding her hands together. Grim looked at the bat speechless.

The Baroness looked at Isabella a bit confusedly. “This is a fairly adult letter,” she managed to finally admit, “but at the same time, I can’t imagine Cagney otherwise willingly admit any form of romantic feelings unless under duress.”

She crossed her arms, “Then again, tampering with the mail is against the law…it should be delivered to its intended recipient…. what do you think, Grim?”

“I d-don’t know…” Grim hesitated. “It’s still a bad letter…Hilda might kill him for this.”

“Wait a minute!” Isabella flew down to the floor. “Let’s deliver it!”

“B-but-!”

“Wait! Listen, listen… you say the flower has trouble expressing his feelings, but this letter express them pretty well.” She chuckled. “So we deliver it to Hilda, she gets pissed or, who knows, maybe she likes this kind of language… either way, she will go confront him. They will both be forced to talk about their feelings for each other, and they will realise how much they love each other, and they will live happily ever after, if they work on their relationship.” She added quickly extending her arms with open palms. “What do you think? Good plan, right?”

Grim looked at the letter worried. “I d-don’t know. Besides Bon Bon, Cagney is pretty much my only friend, and we’re not even that c-close. If he ever finds out I didn’t take back the letter, he will never speak to me again….”

Bon Bon folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. “I will call an audience and deliver it to Hilda then. If Cagney inquires about this letter or if you had any involvement, you can just deny any knowledge.” The Baroness smiled and patted him on the arm. “It’s not like you wrote a letter or anything,” she reassured him, hoping her words would soothe the large dragon.

Grim gulped. “Hehe, y-y-yeah, ” he laughed nervously, trying to think for a way to recover his own letter.

“Yay!” Isabella clapped excited. “Oh please, you will have to tell me about Hilda’s reaction.” She said to Bon Bon before diving from the tower giggling. 'Goopy is not gonna believe this.’ She thought to herself.

Mina’s mother had nearly landed on the ground as Harvey grabbed Mina’s claws. “How was it? What was it like flying? Did you have fun?”

“It was amazing!” Mina yelled, happy. “It felt so weird to be carried by the wind like that! Oh man! I can’t wait to actually fly! And then I’ll carry you around with me! It’s gonna be so much fun!” She kept rambling about how awesome having wings was until Isabella reached the ground.

“Ok! Great class! Now time to go home and eat! I’m starving! Harvey, would you like to eat with us?”

Mina’s eyes opened wide. “Oh yes! Please! Stay!”

Harvey had just opened his mouth to agree when he heard his name being called. “Harvey!”

He turned to see his dad walking toward him and he wasn’t alone. Two of the other casino employees were alongside him.

Grim was about to fly down with the Baroness when he noticed all the people in his garden. He shrouded nervously. “So m-many people… you want me to take you home directly?” He asked Bon Bon.

The Baroness looked down and her eyes narrowed. “Those are casino debtors, Grim. What are they doing here?” She didn’t realize she had started holding him a little tighter and pressing herself against him worriedly.

It felt really good to have the Baroness so close, but Grim knew her well enough to notice she was concerned. “We don’t have t-to go down right away. We can go inside and have tea?” He dared to ask blushing heavily. “O-or I can t-take you home! T-they won’t see you on my back.” The dragon offered, hoping she would choose to stay.

“Tea sounds like a really good idea,” she decided,  unwilling to admit that even though they had beaten the debtors, their presence still made her uncomfortable.

The dragon wiggled his tail discreetly and opened the floor gate to enter his tower. He was going to let Bon Bon come in first, but he remembered he didn’t had much time to clean after the night with Cagney, so he ran in first, picking up things that were on the way.

“I’m sorry f-for the mess!” He said, sitting on a chest full of weapons to force it to close.

The woman gave the dragon a reassuring smile. “This is just fine. Thank you. Can I help you get ready?”

—

Harvey recognized the two adults with his dad. "Hi, dad! Hi, Mr. Steen. Hi, Mr. Bettigan,” he greeted politely.

“Shucks, boy, Chips is just fine,” Chips called out. He and Mango stopped when they spotted Isabella.

Hopus paid them no mind. “How was the flying lesson, Mina?” He asked of the little girl.

Isabella wiggled her ears paying attention to the people accompanying Hopus.

“It was fantastic! I almost flew on my own, and we even got to ride on Grim!” She explained happily. “And we were going home to have lunch. Can Harvey come, please?” The little b-cat asked sweetly.

“Is that okay?” Harvey hopefully asked.

“Should be okay with your mom and I-,” Hopus started to say.

“IT’S THE DAME FROM THE CLUB!” Mango finally squealed, startling everyone.

“Ah man, you got quite the voice on you!” Chips yelled. “We even called the boss to talk about you!”

Hopus looked startled. “The boss? You mean, the boss, boss?” He asked.

“No, no, God no. KD.”

Hopus hesitated. “That’s not…how are you both still here?”

“Oh my!” Isabella said, startled before releasing this could be an opportunity. “Thank you, darlings, it’s always a pleasure to meet fans,” the bat said with her delightfully enticing tone.

Mina understood her mother was working her magic and she thought it was best to let the adults talk. “Harvey, let’s go climb those trees!” She said running through the garden away from the adults.

Harvey didn’t quite understand what Mina’s mom was up to, but he could see the way his dad was eying his co-workers and thought a tree climb sounded like a really good idea. “Race you to the top of that one!” He yelled, bouncing after her.

Mangosteen and Chips hadn’t realized the children had left, their attention focused solely on Isabella. “Yes, helluva show!” Chips agreed.

“The fight at the end really took the cake!” Mangosteen chortled.

Chips nudged her. “Ya ever think about working in a casino, beautiful?”

Isabella didn’t appreciate their closeness but she was very interested in their proposition.

“A casino? Hm… I don’t know… .” She pretended to have doubts taking the opportunity to pose innocently with one hand on her hips and the other on her chin, very softly touching her lips with her index finger. “Big crowds can be frightening, even for a blind dame.”

“Nah, it’s real classy joint,” Chips chuckled, “we got a great house manager too. Keeps things nice and tidy and neat, ya know?”

“And if someone steps out of line… Well, it ain’t just their money they could lose,” Mangosteen suggestively hinted.

Hopus had to step in. “We all work at the casino on the fourth isle,” he clarified to the bat. “There had been talk about maybe getting some new entertainment, try to draw in new blood.” The rabbit looked at his coworkers. “Is that why you two are here?”

“Sorta. Thought we was gonna be seeing some other dame last night but this one is much better.”

“Aw, you flatter me, boys.” Isabella said shyly. “I’ll be at the Night Owl club again tonight. You think your boss could come see me then?”

“Does anyone hear someone screaming?” Hopus asked glancing behind him.

Mangosteen grinned broadly, ignoring the rabbit. “That’s just the thing, he’s still on the fence, ya know. He might swing by, he might not. That’s KD for you. But I can tell ya he’s interested.”

“So keep singing them lovely tunes! You’ll know him when you see him.” There was a pause. “Uh or not. You’ll know when it’s him.”

The woman chuckled. “Well, if he doesn’t have the time to see me, you can tell him I can always swing by his casino and show him what I got.” Isabella was excited, but she kept her cool. She already knew a bit about King Dice. If she could work for him, her plan would be on track.

Hopus saw the look of absolute delight on his co-workers’ faces at the thought of bringing the woman with them to the casino and stepped in. “Oh, well Isabella has a lot of responsibilities here. But I’m sure King Dice will head this way soon enough, especially if you two keep getting into trouble,” he hinted to the two debtors.

Chips glanced around. “Oh yeah, ya got a kid. Say, where’s your kid, Hopus?”

“He was just here a few minutes ago, wasn’t he?” Mangosteen realized.

Hopus pointed toward the kids. “They’re over there playing.”

“I’ll be waiting impatient for him.” Isabella said sensually before calling the kids to take them home.

Hopus gave a sharp whistle, calling over the children. “Well it was nice to see you boys outside of the casino. I’ll see you back at the grind on Monday, yeah?”

“Sure will.”

Hopus pulled out his own wand. “Now Miss Isabella, if you can hold little Mina tightly and Harvey you go ahead and hold on to me, I’ll get us back to your friend’s house in time for lunch.”

Isabella did as he said not really sure what Hopus was going to do. Little Mina held on to her mother and looked at Hopus, excited.

Hopus made sure to get a good grip on Isabella and Mina before fishing out his wand. With a quiet chant, a wave of his hand and they disappear in a poof, reappearing at the entrance to Mina’s home.

“And we’re here!”

Isabella held tight to her daughter wiggling her ears in every direction. She was very lost but the familiar sounds and smells indicate her they made it home.

Harvey looked at his dad who seemed a bit tired. “Dad, you okay?”

“Yes, yes,” Hopus assured him, “Just a little tired after doing magic like that.”

Mina’s excited shrieks stopped the conversation after a little more chit chat, the kids and the bat said goodbye to Hopus and got inside the house to eat.

———————————————————————————

CHAPTER 01,  CHAPTER 02,  CHAPTER 03,  CHAPTER 04,  CHAPTER 05, CHAPTER 06,  CHAPTER 07,  CHAPTER 08,  CHAPTER 09,  CHAPTER 10; CHAPTER 11; CHAPTER 12 ; CHAPTER 13 ; CHAPTER 14  ; CHAPTER 15; CHAPTER 16 ; (nsfw) CHAPTER 17 ; CHAPTER 18 ; CHAPTER 19 (nsfw) ; CHAPTER 20 ; CHAPTER 21 ; CHAPTER 22 ; CHAPTER 23 (you are here)

[thestudyof5sos]

When Uber Becomes Tinder (tinder!Ashton) - part 3

When Uber Meets Tinder, by @larryologymajor Read Part 2 here.

Part 3: Saturday.

It was nearly 9 am on Saturday morning when Ember was jarred awake from a deep sleep. Her phone was violently buzzing from the night stand, no longer in Do Not Disturb mode, but still on silent. She blindly pawed at the table surface trying to grab her phone.

"Hello?" She answered sleepily. Ember listened for a minute; she had forgotten all about her disastrous experience driving Uber last night. Ember nodded her head and quietly replied with a few yeah’s and okay’s before ending the call with her roadside assistance representative.

Ember's kitten crawled into bed and laid on the pillow with her. Ember tried to scratch under the kitten's chin, but the cat was more content with chewing on Ember's finger. Knowing she likely wouldn't fall back asleep, Ember gave the kitten a quick cuddle and crawled out of bed. She slapped her glasses on her face, shoved her phone in the kangaroo pouch of the long-sleeve tee she wore over her pink cami, then ambled into the kitchen where she stabbed at the Keurig through squinted eyes and waited for it to come to life.

Coffee and breakfast in hand, Ember sprawled out on the couch. Although it was sunny out, the outside temperature dipped colder overnight without cloud cover and her apartment felt cooler than normal. She pulled at a blanket from the back of the couch and spread it out over her legs. Moments later the kitten bounded up onto the couch, so Ember lifted up a corner and coaxed her kitten, "Come here goofball. Snuggle under the blanket and get warm." The kitten complied and pressed her body against Ember's leg; she was rewarded with vibrations from the kitten purring.

Later that afternoon, Ember was bundled up and heading out the door to pick up a few essential groceries from the convenience store across the street. It was cold out and she didn't want to walk, but her fridge was fairly empty and she had a long week ahead of her between school projects and exams. As Ember stepped out her door, her text signal dinged. It was Ashton: Hello

Ember grinned to herself and typed out: Hi :) How are you?

Then she slipped her phone into her jacket pocket and pushed open the door to exit her building. The sun was bright but the wind was wicked. She hurriedly crossed the street to the convenience store and walked even faster when her phone dinged again from her pocket. She slid into the foyer of the store and stepped over a puddle of melted snow, quickly exchanging her gloves for her phone.

Ashton: I'm good. Bored. How are you?

Ember sighed. Meh. My car is out of commission for a few days, so I walked to the store near my apartment to pick up a few things.

Ashton: So you're not going out driving tonight?

Ember: Definitely not, although I wish I was. Instead I'm stuck at home.

Ember's phone was quiet for a few seconds, so she slid her phone into her jacket pocket and grabbed a basket from the foyer then proceeded into the store. She quickly walked the aisles and loaded her basket with milk, yogurt, coffee creamer, sliced turkey, her favorite cranberry wild rice bread, eggs, and butter. Then, for good measure, she tossed a frozen pizza in her basket and headed towards the coffee station. Her phone dinged again. She set her basket on the floor and slid it out and unlocked it in one fluid motion.

Ashton: Well, at least you get to chill at home and take a break?

Ember: True, but I was looking forward to making more money tonight. I don't really have a job right now other than driving. But on the bright side, I'll be able to watch the hockey game on TV tonight.

Ember grabbed a thick paper cup and pushed a few buttons on the latte machine. She stared at the brown liquid coming from the machine thinking that she should have brought a reusable bag with for her groceries. Her phone dinged again as the machine sputtered out the last few drops of espresso.

Ashton: Understandable. Do you think you'll need some company tonight?

Holy Shit thought Ember as her heart raced. She wasn't sure what she wanted, or what to tell him. So she blinked a few times, slid her phone back into her jacket pocket, then gathered her basket and latte cup and headed to the checkout line.

Once Ember was home, she slid the frozen pizza into the oven and took a long pull of espresso; the liquid warmed her on the inside and the cup felt nice against her icy fingers.

As her pizza cooked, Ember turned on the TV just in time for the 7:07 pm puck drop and thought about the last text from Ashton. She unlocked her phone and posed her fingers over the keyboard, slowly tapping out: Will you be disappointed if I say yes, but just to hang out? My life is a lot complicated right now.

Ember finished her latte, ate her pizza, and cheered loudly whenever her team made a good play or scored a goal. The game ended with Ember's team winning 4 to 3 after two overtime periods. It was nearing midnight, much later than Ember expected and she was exhausted from her lack of sleep the previous night.

She still hadn't heard from Ashton, and she figured it was a lost cause. But she put on a brave face and sent him one more text: I think I'm going to bed soon. I'm so exhausted.

A few seconds later, her phone dinged. It was Ashton. He replied: *thumbs down* *thumbs down*

Ember scoffed at the thumbs down emojis and wrote back: Haha, I told you I'm too old to stay out late, didn't I? *laughing emoji* I need at least 8 hours of sleep to function and I'm running on 3.

Her phone dinged again seconds later, once again Ashton. Lol so you don't want to see me?

Ember was confused.I didn't say that. I just said that I'm exhausted and going to bed.

Ashton: Lol you can't be that tired.

Ember: No, I really am... Zzzzzzz... Even my kitten is ready for bed.

Ashton: Well, what if I want to see you?

Ember's heart stuttered again, and she furrowed her brow in confusion. She tapped out a lengthy reply. Ohh, I see. I appreciate the honesty although I'm a bit confused. Out of curiosity, how old do you think I am? Age doesn't really matter, but like I said, my life is complicated and I'd like to put some context to it.

Her phone dinged twice before she could unlock it. Two more messages from Ashton: 35. Lol.

Ember's mouth gaped open at her screen. He was right and she wanted to know how the hell he knew. Well fuck. Either I have a bad memory and told you, you're an incredible guesser, or you're stalking me ;) tbh I don't know which one it is lol

Ashton: Honestly, it was a good guess

Ember thought for a minute about everything she knew about him thanks to her endless hours of reconnaissance. But, she had to ask. Well you were spot on with your guess. 35 isn't that old and I don't feel old, I just can't stay up that late anymore without regretting it. Besides, all of my friends here at school are 22 year old boys who call me mom ;) They keep me young.

Ashton: Lol I can call you mom... ;)

Ember's eyes flew wide open reading that one; her fingers flew across the keyboard manically, reiterating the words she spoke out loud while laughing: Oh god, no, you can't call me mom! And why me?

Ashton: What do you mean?

Ember: What do you mean 'what do you mean'?? Why did you call and message me through the Uber app to report your 'lost' item? I'm sure know a lot of people and have a ton of friends that you can call...

Ashton: It's worth it.

Ember, still trying to get an answer from him, tried once more: Why me? It's not like this is Tinder...

Ember scrolled back through the conversation for a few minutes, but didn't see another reply come in from Ashton, so she switched her phone to Do Not Disturb, sent her best friend at school, Ben, a quick text wishing him goodnight, and went to bed.

Thanks for reading! There’s more to come! If you enjoyed this chapter, I would appreciate a reblog please and thanks! <3 I’m also looking for a beta/cheerleader for future chapters. Message me if you’re interested!

Tags: @mycollectionofnuts, @kaxseychill, @sunnysidesblog Want to be tagged? Let me know!    

[winterbuckytho]

Steve & Bucky Go To White Castle

Pairing : Stucky

Wordcount : 3016

Plot : Steve and Bucky now living in a state with completely legal marijuana laws decide to get weird

Warning : NSFW, M|M, Legal recreational drug use, Public Masturbation, Fluff & LOLs

A/N : You already are aware I am a little shit so of course I had to write this.

"So since no one has ever over dosed on the stuff, we apparently can do say double the amount and maybe see some sort of results." Bucky explained to Steve who made dubious faces at the glass object in Bucky's hand.

"Do we smoke all of what's there or..?" Steve asks. It's not that he hasn't because he has smoked it before. Just not a lot of it and not for a long time. With the stuff being entirely legal for medical or recreational use, there was nothing stopping them doing it. What could go wrong?

Bucky had gotten curious after consuming some with his friend from dance class and thought he and Steve could use it in their lives. It had worn off quickly and wasn't too strong since Bucky didn't smoke that much of it. He had told Steve how different even the most basic stimuli was and begged for them to get use and carry licenses but Steve wasn't sure it would work.

He had to drink a lot for even the lightest of buzzes and wasn't sure he wanted to smoke for hours to figure out how much was needed. But after some research he found that if it did no harm in small amounts one could use caution and other methods of consuming it to get it to work at higher doses.

Now curious himself he watched Bucky flick the lighter and inhale. Smoke shot up into the 'spoon' as the budtender had called it and into Bucky's mouth. He exhaled the smoke out over their bed and handed the still lit glass smoking pipe to Steve. The fragrant smoke smelled of citrus like grapefruit and there was something sexy about watching Bucky smoke again. Oh the many times Steve had spent watching Bucky's lips as he smoked wondering what they felt like. Now smoke itself was kinda hot so there was already something pleasant about using marijuana. Steve saw the ember was still lit so pressing the back of the pipe to his lips took a drag. It wasn't what he expected. After having not smoked cigarettes or anything else for so long he found it was not like riding a bike. It had not come back to him that a person can't breath smoke in as densely as they do air. He handed it back with a sputtering cough covering his mouth with the back of his arm. Steve's tongue had a cool numbing sensation like some kind of mint had been in his mouth. he realized his gums and cheeks felt the same.

this was their third experiment with the marijuana flower and having eaten two 50 mg cookies each 4 hours ago they concluded that maybe smoking a little could put them over the edge where they might feel it. But just the one bowl pack. Steve didn't know he liked smoking much anymore now knowing how dangerous frequent smoking really was.

And hadn't finding that out been a kick in the balls? He had once spent all of his money for on cigarettes his doctor swore would have him right as rain after one day of smoking every two to four hours. Steve now understood he had felt better from that because his breathing passages had been coated with a stiff layer of particles that made it seem as if he was having less trouble breathing.

Speaking of...Was there some warm pressure building in his chest?? Steve hadn't felt asthma in a long time but this was a bit different and he thought maybe it was from coughing.

"Oh hey now..." Bucky said "I think I'm getting something. My limbs even the cybernetic one feels...distant." He handed the spoon back to Steve who took it figuring after all the research and purchasing new items it wold be with it to try to do what he could to give it a shot.

Steve took another drag and found it not so bad this time now that he had drawn on it differently. He took several drags and noted that he was starting to feel something. It was more of a mind thing for him. Color and light were beginning to take on dream like qualities he could not explain. "Bucky, do you feel like your sight is changing or something?" he asked.

"Yeah, a little. Hey, if things pan out wanna watch something funny? I've heard people say a laugh you have while effected by reefer feels pretty good. Maybe we could watch the documentary about Thor and his roommate." Bucky was beginning to babble a bit and Steve found himself in a flow of smoking a little then passing it back to Bucky and vice versa. "I think the mental aspect is hitting a little harder. I think I like this. The relaxation thing is doing wonders for me. I can see myself changing one of my seriously bad days into something better. Ooo, I wonder if I can figure out edibles a bit better. I want to put oil in something savory..."

Steve had gone unusually quiet as he examined his own body and mind. The warm feeling in his chest was deepening and he didn't like it. He realized the traffic out side and people playing music was disturbing him. "Uht oh." he breathed handing the glass device back to Buck.

"Babe?" asked Bucky taking the bowl and putting it down on the night table.

"Somethings... not right. I feel like it's hard to breath but not really and all the noise, urgh, I think I'm getting dizzy." Steve said laying down. That made him feel worse so he moaned like a helpless kitten.

"Shit, fuck, shit, ok ok...Everything is gonna be ok, Stevie baby. I know what to do. Sometimes marijuana triggers...fuck oh my God, your lips are blue! But that's ok you're just low of oxygen right now. This is a physical anxiety response and should pass. We just need to get you outside. NAT!!!" Bucky was nervous but he had read about all the possible negative outcomes and knew this one he just hadn't counting on anything going wrong but he had prepared any way. Surprisingly the marijuana was allowing him to keep cooler under the stress, it had that going for it.

As Nat came into the bedroom she saw that Bucky was trying to get Steve on his feet as he explained "Try not to focus on what feels uncomfortable about it, anxiety is a little monster that gets bigger if you feed it your fear. I know that is hard and complicated but just focus on me, baby, look at me. We're gonna go in the car for a ride and if you don't feel better in the next ten minutes we will go to the doctor."

So off the three went down a few floors on the elevator to the car park. Once outside, Steve felt a little better with the cool air. but the smells of vehicles was strong here and he got sick to his stomach. For whatever reason Nat had rented a station wagon to tool around in so quite close to the elevator their ride waited. As Steve doubled over she unlocked the back and pushed something to lay the seat down. Bucky picked up Steve squirreled them both into the back hatch and shut it.

"Uhg, the smell..." Moaned Steve. That warm feeling int the chest was feeling not so good but Steve kept his eyes on Bucky. He was so proud of how far Bucky had come from when he first came home with Steve. Here he is walking Steve through a panic attack the same way Steve does for him when he needs it. And god, isn't he just flat-the-fuck-out gorgeous with that thick head of chestnut hair and those eyes that look like the water in Fiji?? Fucking so beautiful, an angel. Steve's angel.

"It's ok Stevie, you're gonna be ok. Let's just roll the windows down..." Nat had made the streets and Bucky was saying to her, "Ok his lips aren't blue anymore, nut he still looks woozy. I think the air is doing him good."

Nat replied "Wanna take a lap around Goddard Park?" She rolled down all the windows for a few minutes to get the rubber and gasoline smell out then left the back to half up.

"Yeah, he said something about noise maybe somewhere quieter will be good."

Nat was driving very smoothly and at just meeting speed limit through the neighborhood to the state park which was  quite big and she felt if he was unwell still they'd be right by the hospital. I f he felt better there was a white castle they could go to for some drinks.

Steve starting feel more high and less sick wiggled his muscular frame around so he could rest his head on Bucky's lap. "Mmm...Bucky your so good to me. I'm gonna eat you all up...delicious husband..." Steve said trying to share an idea h was too high to say all of.

"Yep bae. That's me, 101 year old tasty thot. How you feeling, babyboy?"

Steve laughed a silly guffaw and said "Ah! Stupid, I feel stupid!!" and began to laugh again. Bucky who had felt nearly sober during the initial complication, how felt kinda hammered and laughed when Steve did. In between his laughing Steve was trying to say "There was a waste bin back there and I thought it was a really short bear till we were almost on top of it!! Promise guys, no one can find out cannabis makes me a fucking dumbass!"

Nat peeped in the rearveiw at them and turned on the radio to a station called 1970s road trip. "Glad your felling better buddy. hey Steve, I've heard a lot of people used to listen to this kind of music while using pot or reefer as you guys call it. Have a listen and I'll take us for drinks an burgers. Later you an tell me what your first impression of this is." she turned it up a little and long groovy riffs began pumping out on the cool leaf smelling breeze.

In quieter tones Bucky said "So you gonna be ok, sweetie?"

Following suit Steve said "Oh yeah. Sure. That thing at the beginning wasn't the worst just unexpected at that moment. Wow, my mouth is so dry!! Bucky I fee so weird but it feels really good. I suspect I'll get great sleep later. All sort of stuff might be nice to experience like this..."

"Yeah, I know. I've never done but I suspect sex under the influence would be fantastic." Bucky sat up and leaned from the front of the car to the back and laid down next to Steve their legs hanging off the back of the seat into the footwell there.

"Hoh, fuuu..."

"What? You ok?"

"You said the word and now I'm having all these sensations...you're not even touching me, what the fuuu-uhn!-..."

Bucky got a clever grin and took off his jacket throwing it over Steve. He slipped his hand underneath and rubbed Stev's nipple between his fingers "Oh? Well, then here, let me..."

"Oh, my god -why'd yo-...fuuuck, that feels so good."

"Relax, chief. I'll take care of you."

Then quietly Steve breathed "But Nat's right there!"

"No, no she's not. She's driving herself to the burger joint and not paying any attention to the other things happening in the car. And we aren't in a back seat we're...laying on the deck of my uncle's boat. See if you lay like this you can watch the trees and sun and clouds go by and feel the breeze... and me." He said as he looked up out the back window. When Steve looked up too he rolled towards Steve and put his right arm under the coat. His hand drifted down o Steve's dick. It was already hard as nails."Ooomph, baby... you don't know how bad I want every inch of you inside me..." Bucky said quietly into Steve's ear as he gently caressed Steve with his palm.

Steve's eyes had gone a bit bloodshot but he otherwise looked fine if not for his almost mesmerized expression. He seemed to remember his endurance though, he breathed in and out in smooth long breaths so as to keep from getting too aroused just yet. Bucky shook his head and slipped his hand down Steve's pants. Steve gasped and rocked his hips up into Bucky's touch. His eyes drifted back from the window to Bucky and as White Room by Cream came on watched Bucky's lips as he mouthed sweet nothings.

Steve perfectly able to make out what he was saying saw him say "...that's it. Ride my hand. Ride these sensations. Ride these melodies. It's ok. Everything will always be ok when we are together. Just look at me, baby... I love you so much. So so much. And I can always feel your love around me, keeping me safe and helping me understand the world again. Thank you for so many things I can't begin to count. If only my hands could say the things I don't know how to word and express to you..."

Quietly Steve began to answer back without noticing it. "Yes, like a current and waves. Darling, that's right. That's our precious secret. Me & You. I love you. I love you like I've never loved anyone ever. And you inside me, you are why I push on, why I never give up, why I never forget what is right, you are in my heart always. Thank you for just you. Thank you more than I can ever say. Yes, just like that, dollface... let your hands do the talking, babe, I understand, I feel...aaah uuhmph!"

Jacket over Steve's lap and hiding the front of Bucky's Steve clutched Bucky's other hand with his own right hand as he stared up and out at the clouds and sky once more. he slipped his left hand down the front of Bucky's jeans and with just a few strokes Bucky was cumming, biting down on his lip he came in total silence his eyelashes fluttering as he did. Bucky was so aroused he was strait up getting more out of giving Steve a hand job ever before. Steve looked back at Bucky, at his eyes which seemed to be shifting like prisms. Bucky looked back unblinking drawing Steve in until he found himself closing his eyes and leaning toward Steve even further resting his forehead on Steve's. They stayed that way for a second and then Bucky was head first under the jacket. When Steve removed his wet hand Bucky began to eat his cum off Steve's fingers. When he was done he somehow got into the footwell and had his head between Steve's legs without it looking like a nearly 300 pound soldier was trying to play hide and seek wrong.

BUcky's hot mouth enveloped him and he was dropped into a world of sensation and sounds. Steve began to whimper and moan as quietly as possible. He struggled to keep his voice low, he felt the sensations swirl through him like a drop of ink in water as his brain processed what Bucky's tongue was doing and the dips and rises on the road the traveled, the percussion on Heartbreaker by Aguaturbia.

With his other hand he lifted and looked down under the jacket to see Bucky. His eyes were closed and he had the same look on his face as he does when he dances: concentration and bliss in equal measurement. He was working in time with the rhythm of the song playing seeming unconsciously. Steve remembered Buck was feeling the high still too. He watched for a very long time. All through Nights In White Satin and Mind Flowers, lyrics sometimes making perfect sense and sometimes quite uniquely mystifying. He thought perhaps he would be unable to cum but the moment came very suddenly and He cried out quite loud having forgotten where he really was.

Bucky's other hand shot up to his mouth covering it as he cried out. Bucky rubbed Steve's belly with the other as Steve regained control of himself, his cries winding down and quieting. Bucky maneuvered out from under the jacket and leaned over Steve kissing him. They were deep slow kissings and were so satisfying Steve kissed back and when Buck began to pull away Steve hooked a finger into the front of his top holding him a second until he settled into the kis once more. It was only when the kiss started to heat up and get noisy did they remember Nat and the fact she might not need to hear that. They parted and cooled their jets while laid together looking up into the sky.

The rest of the ride went by in a slow haze and when the car stopped Steve and Bucky became more lucid though still stoned to hell and back. They got out both blushing like little boys caught red handed. But Nat made as if she had no idea what had taken place in the backseat. Bucky and Steve loved her all the more for it.

They went inside, the two men now feeling everyone who saw them knew them and knew they were high. They began whispering to each other "Please don't kill my vibe..." and "Oh, god, don't say anything funny, I don't know if I can stop myself going on another laughing fit... "

Nat ordered them each a large drink and two burgers. Bucky and Steve wolfed them down. "I need ten more of those. Steve?" Bucky asked.

"Yeah, ditto. They are so tasty even if they aren't that good for you."

Bucky went up to order and came back with twenty burgers stacked neatly on a tray.

"Well, now that this little adventure is done and you guys know a little bit of the experience we have to go back to your place and watch Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle." Said Nat completely deadpan.

@wxnters-amxrica @felixkp @usadisgracee  @bugmenotfailedme@the-surviving-revolutionist kryptonstar18@vivienneblom @world-of-nature @gaywitchboi@sautperilleux@skelekitty42@natcad@babydollbucky@grimmlytimelord@salty9winter9adult@wyntersouljah@buckys-islandgirl@hellyeahbottombucky@propertyofcastiel@devildears@buckysinthesinbin@lady-thor-foster@buckybirbs @spam-ocean@baaaaaaaaaaaarnes@jaded-scorpio@doyouknowme-welliknowyou@bucky-senpai @cry-me-a-fkin-river@love-buckybarnes@marveldcmistress @starstar1012

[thegrumpypenguin]

The first time I saw “Cinders and Ashes” outside the den

Ember in her den

On May 5th of last year I was leading my Workshop group on a tour of the Zoo’s African savanna. Owing to an issue with the water fixture in the main lion exhibit, the white lion cubs were temporarily on display in their behind-the-scenes holding. I took my charges down the path to the lion house and showed them the playful balls of fluff cavorting about there. Only two other members of the public were back there at the time, and those two ladies were having a conversation with the Keeper who was monitoring the proceedings. After we had been there a few minutes, I heard the Keeper raise her voice and say, “I’ll bet Steve would know!” I glanced over to see all three of them grinning at me, so I asked my group to wait a moment while I walked over to see what they were talking about. The Keeper told me that the ladies (I recognized them as Zoo Members I had seen before) had been down in the Canadian Domain and were certain they had spotted a baby lynx in the den there. She wondered if I knew anything about it. Thinking they meant the den behind the exhibit – and remembering the cub that had been born in there the previous year but had not survived through the summer – I hesitated to say anything until I had more information. Eventually I replied that I hadn’t heard anything of a recent lynx birth, but I would head down there myself the next day to check into it (I had to leave that afternoon right after the Workshop was done).

Six days old!!!

The next day was Friday, May 6th. I had another Workshop that day and as soon as it was done I hurriedly changed clothes and rushed up to the lynx exhibit. I saw Ember in her den at the front of the exhibit and she was surrounded by straw. I realized that the women had thought they had seen a baby in that den, which made a lot more sense. In the meantime, too, I had asked around a bit and it seemed the rumour of a lynx kitten was making the rounds. I fully expected to see a baby, so I settled in to wait until it came into view. I was there a good 20 minutes or so when I suddenly realized that what I had thought was one of Ember’s paws was actually the tiny head of a newborn kitten! I texted my partner, Sarah, to tell her of the exciting news and waited for a chance to grab a photo or two. This was quite difficult to achieve, because the den was very dim and I had to shoot through a small-mesh fence at the front of the exhibit. Nevertheless, I was able to snap off a few shots, with the one here being the very first of them.

A second cub!!

I had been there for about another 20 minutes or so, watching Ember and her baby and kind of zoning out a bit, when I began to realize there was something kind of odd about the kitten’s ears. I couldn’t work out what was bothering me about them, until all of a sudden it struck me: they were two right ears! This epiphany had not yet had time to germinate into the obvious conclusion when all of a sudden the two right ears split apart and went different directions. Oh my goodness, there were two kittens!! I excitedly texted this info to Sarah as well, then proceeded to spend the next 45 minutes or so convincing myself that there were three! four! five babies! in the den. Everything that moved at all was another baby, in my mind. At the end of the day, however, it was pretty obvious that there were “just” the two of them. I went home and immediately shared the news with everyone, including the Keeper who had alerted me to the possibility of a lynx baby in the first place. (I found out later through an information sheet that the Canadian Domain Keepers themselves didn’t confirm the second cub until that weekend – even though they had been born on April 30th –  which seems to indicate that I was the first person to be aware of the multiple birth!)

13 days old – and about to be famous

I went back day after day after day for the next few weeks – or months, really – because these babies were not common knowledge for quite a while so I had easy access to them, whereas all the other “marquee” births were besieged with visitors from the start. At one point the head of PR got a hold of me, saying she had “heard a rumour” that I might be in possession of the best photos of the cubs taken so far, and would I be willing to donate one or two for their press release – with full photo credit. I was thrilled to do so, and presented her with two dozen choices of which the one you see here made the final cut. Unfortunately, even though the Zoo put my name on the press release, the outlets that reprinted the photo gave the Toronto Zoo the credit. A bit disappointing, but acceptable. What was not acceptable was seeing the photo then appear on the Zoo’s Facebook page with, again, photo credit given explicitly to “The Toronto Zoo”. I’ve recently gone back to that post (it actually used two of my photos) and corrected the error in the comments; I guess it stayed a sore point a lot longer than I had realized! Anyhow, onward and upward, right?

I could honestly fill about four pages here with photos of these gorgeous creatures, but that isn’t really the point, is it? Or is it? Hmm. Well, here: how about a small mosaic of some of the other photos I submitted to PR for the press release?

My favourite

*boop!*

(My favourite – and it’s not close – is the first photo at the top left where Ember is watching one of the kittens squeaking with a wide-open mouth.

The cubs and mom after 6 1/2 weeks

As I’ve previously mentioned, I saw quite a lot of this family as the kittens grew. This photo at left will forever be the single greatest one I took of the family among the myriad here on my hard drive. The sole reason this one wasn’t on the calendar? It looks very weak if cropped to 11 x 8 1/2. However, it’s striking when square – and I made a 16 x 16 version of this for my Stepmom as a Christmas present last year and it hangs proudly on the wall in her den. I showed it to my Dad and told him about the present in early November; it was the very last day I was able to show him any photos before he passed away. This shot holds very special for me, for Sarah, and for June. And I simply don’t see how I could ever have grabbed a better capture of these three gorgeous girls.

One month old

For it turned out the cubs were both girls, although for the longest time we were all pretty sure that the larger, more aggressive one would turn out to be a boy. And the story behind the photo that did make the calendar is kind of a cool one, too. The photo at right here is from the same morning: May 30th, the day they turned one month old. I had not yet seen them out of the den and, as it was a beautiful day and I had all the time in the world, I arrived at the lynx exhibit before the park even opened and planted myself there. For almost five hours when all was said and done. But oh my, was it worth it. Just before noon, with the babes settling down for yet another nap after a long drink from mom, a chipmunk made the ill-advised – and very nearly fatal – decision to run up to the entrance of the den. Luckily it realized the folly of its ways just slightly before Ember spotted it; it was thus able to escape back out through the fence with the adult lynx in very hot pursuit on its heels. Of course, this meant that Ember had bolted away from the cubs in a flash, leaving them a bit bewildered and upset in the den without her. They searched around in the straw for their mom for a few moments until she returned to the mouth of the den – but she did not enter right away. This made the cubs very brave indeed and they began to come out of the den and into the sunlight via the soft underbelly of their mama. When they had cleared Ember and were hit full-on by the bright light of noon, they were spectacular. Their eyes were an incredible shade of blue; their fur, a golden brown I had not expected. I was almost too overcome to take any pictures; luckily I snapped out of it in time and the result appears at the top of this page (and on the April page of the Baby Boom! calendar). I will trade five hours of any day to witness such beauty as a reward, let me tell you.

Ashes (left) and Cinders

On February 13, 2017 the sisters and their mom left the Toronto Zoo for Parc Safari in Quebec, still having not been officially named by the Zoo – although I’d been calling them “Cinders and Ashes” (Cinders is the larger, slightly more red sister) for many months. The lion cubs left on the same day (I’ll save that story for later) so I guess it made economical sense to make just the one trip. However, this came as a surprise to a great many of us and by the time I found out it was too late to say goodbye to my beloved girls. They were off exhibit being crate trained by early February; as a result, this photo at left – taken on January 18th – is the very last one I ever took of the girls together. At that, I was very luck to get any shots of them that day; they were all in the house when I arrived – as they had been for the previous few visits because the weather had turned cold – but this time I decided I was going to wait them out. So I sat down on the viewing platform, pulled out my phone, and began to play a game. I think I was there a good 20 minutes when a Keeper vehicle passed by; I watched it go up the road and then turned to see these two beautiful faces in the doorway to their house.

Cinders, for the last time

Eventually Cinders came out (but not Ashes) and I spent a good hour talking to her and just watching her enjoy the air. I had no idea it would be the very last conversation I would have with her at the Toronto Zoo. I did go back and say “goodbye” to the three of them and I am certain they heard me (they certainly responded to me with great calmness for all the months I went to visit them); still, one last glimpse would have been very much appreciated. At some point this summer we will visit them in their new home when we travel to Montreal to see my cousins and aunts. I hope I’ll be able to see all of them at that time!

I will leave you with one more collage, made up of various photos I took throughout the summer and fall of 2016 as the girls eventually grew into their enormous feet – including some from a memorable day in early January when Cinders really, truly seemed to believe she could fly.

Next month is one of the two (the other being December) where I chose an animal whose birthday I did not know for sure to be in that month. I have to say, though, that there still is a strong possibility this cutie was born in May, judging from the date I took the photo. It’s a species I love to hang around with, in an area of the Zoo which is quieter than most. See you then!

2017 “Baby Boom!” Calendar – April Story On May 5th of last year I was leading my Workshop group on a tour of the Zoo's African savanna.