#( him miss a chance to flirt with Sage? never )

[4fter-hours-archive]

━━ ✦  ( @inhumanhacker ) cont from here

Charlie listened intently as he watched Elizabeth leave. He knew that Sage would understood what he meant. Everyone in their world knew that the two would kill for each other if it came down to it. He was found, she was sold, to the same man. They used all they had learn to survive and make a name of their own with their skills. While it was a brutal upbringing, they were thankful for one thing, they had each other now. Both having lost their families, they made one with each other.

He watched Sage handle her Glock 17, a smile on his face, his own Beretta 93R already in his holster ready to go. ❝ I think there better question is who isn't in this race. All the big names and even the smaller ones smelled blood in the water. They are all out for The Book. I think their talents should be best used focused on getting us there first. ❞ Taking the bag without hesitation and then shrugged. ❝ I think the only one we should focus on honestly is the new guy for the Castle Family. He had no qualms on doing what he did to Libby last time they met and I'd rather he not be in our vicinity. ❞ While this was all dog eat dog world, there was some decorum to it all, it was okay to hurt each other when trying to get to the same thing, hell perhaps even land each other in the hospital. But when the Castle's man saw Elizabeth, he aimed to kill and that was something he would not tolerate, this time he would see him coming first and wouldn't miss. ❝ Who knows, maybe it'll be quiet since I got the information first. Maybe I could finally take you to dinner. ❞

[fishsinsareacknowledged]

Chamber, outside of base, goes by many names, "Bastard", "Scum", "Traitor", but only to you he gives an actual name. Vincent, he once told you to call him.

"When its just the two of us mon amour, shout for Vince, short for Vincent."

Long before all this bullshit started.

"Go on a date with me yes? It'll be my treat.'

Over the top, a true player. Flirting with both you and Sabrina.

"Once again, I do not want to go on a date with you Chamber. Stop flirting with me shamelessly in front of your so called lover. And to let you know. I'm married."

He stopped soon after, diverging all his attention onto you.

It was annoying now that he had the energy to flirt with two people diverged into one. Like a funnel full of water he was gushing onto you everyday. Becoming your little helper.

It was nice somedays, overbearing on others. How he'd gently touch your cheek, whisper sweet compliments like he means it. A short side of the stick for what you knew the man for. A comrade, once friend.

"Just one chance please? I know exactly how to spice up our night", he'd say softly, sweet in that singsong rhythm. "You're the most special person I have, you know it would mean the world to me."

You let him hold your face. You don't know why you did.

His hold is light, gentle, just firm enough to grip, it reminds you of how he holds his weapons. Perfect accuracy.

His face inches closer, hazel eyes pursued your lips and a taste of your love. He's so close. Far too close. So you pull away. Leaving him in the empty lobby with a weary heart and a painfully clenched fist. He was so close.

He talks to you on missions far too often, he wouldn't let yesterday affect him. He talks for long hours where he has to watch angles. Its insufferable, even more when the whole team's down except you two. It's fine, sage will revive them later, where ever she is.

He hears it first, he's by the spike while you rip a bullet wound through a Jett's head. That damned beep.

"Mon amour, I regret to inform that someone has touched our beautiful spike."

And you're back in action. Rotating quickly, shamelessly letting your feet run over to C site. Right back to him, no, to the location of the spike now that you've found the last hunt.

"krst- Unfortunately, you take too long. No worries, I shall deal with it, and I hope you save me a seat back on base. Preferably on your lap."

There's still an echo of his laughter when the comms cut off.

Whatever, he was right, you didn't want to go run over there when your hair was passing through a hole in your right ear. They missed, twice.

He was still your teammate, you could trust him enough.

Just call evac and wait for him to come back. You'll collect the bodies of your teammates while you wait. It's taking him a while but you can feel it, the spike collecting more radianite, even from you.

It's about to go and you'll finally be on your way back to bed.

So where was Chamber?

"My dear-", the line cuts off or maybe he's coughing, either way it sounds retchous. Like he's dying. You would be fine with your entire team dying but him? It leaves a shallow taste in your mouth.

"-we seem to have a problem-", and he heaves into the mic loudly, footsteps heavy against the wooden floor, something's dripping and you pray because you never do.

"Chamber, what's your status, where are you?", always so formal you were, it was one of his favorite things about you, always so upright and reaching for the best, the best for both of you. And now here he was, a punctured lung and a ruined suit.

He can't run.

A step behind him, then the sound of an empty clip. He's won, he knows it, but at what cost.

The cost of never seeing you again? He knew what he was getting into when he got the job and yet, he finds it a hollow death. He can't run anymore. He can't run.

He can't run.

So he lifts his gun, one bullet left and his arm shakes. A perfect headshot, wonderful accuracy, two bodies fall.

He can't stand. So he crawls, a slow, painful crawl, he couldn't let you see him like this. He laughs at the absuridity of it all. His arms no longer functional the moment a bullet shattered his arm.

He was so close. So close to coming back home to you. Its funny really. He lived his whole life trying to get things he wanted, from a prized collection to a lover. It seems he can't get it all.

"This was- this was too fun- krsst-", your mission is done. Brimstone will be happy to hear you got the radianite back. You're not happy.

You can't revive a man without a body.

He didn't think he could believe in an afterlife without a god.

[suga4mycoffee]

I posted 457 times in 2022

That's 457 more posts than 2021!

37 posts created (8%)

420 posts reblogged (92%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@yeetlegay

@rainbowcolored7

@lutawolf

@kinnship

@iffervescent

I tagged 448 of my posts in 2022

Only 2% of my posts had no tags

#coconuts mafia - 421 posts

#kinnporsche - 251 posts

#kinnporsche the series - 238 posts

#kinn theerapanyakul - 49 posts

#porsche pachara - 41 posts

#porsche kittisawasd - 40 posts

#apo nattawin - 39 posts

#kinnporsche meta - 34 posts

#mile phakphum - 32 posts

#love in the air the series - 23 posts

Longest Tag: 77 characters

#i too was attempting to manifest insight from the queen of the coconuts mafia

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Saw a post where someone was bitching about Korn, and it reignited my hatred...

The constant manipulative and condescending bullshit he's pulling is unbelievable. A benevolent smile, and soft-spoken words, hiding cold calculation, and someone who would be willing to sacrifice his son's happiness, sanity, and probably even his life, if it means his family is in a position of power. As long as there is a legacy. (Tankhun may be unable to lead the family, but Korn doesn't need Kinn to take over. Because he'd drag Kim back kicking and screaming, with no hesitation, and to hell with what Kim thought about it. The only reason he hasn't done that, is because he has Kinn to step up and take over. If Kinn were to die, become seriously injured, or even just earn enough of his father's displeasure... Korn would give Kim that responsibility. I 100% believe that.)

And the way he keeps up the (thin) facade of caring and concerned father, while making sure to keep Kinn firmly under his thumb, and even crushed under his heel? Never missing a chance to bring up Kinn's past 'mistakes'. Encouraging Kinn to be distant and almost isolated, but still heavily reliant on Korn for praise and validation, because it's a way to control him and manipulate him. Speaking in bullshit parables, like he's some wise old sage, when he's really just coming off sounding like one of those douchebags on the internet who think they're so cultured and enlightened, and are eager to tell you all about it. Giving Porsche special treatment, and then demanding Porsche be punished for something, because he's just another bodyguard and doesn't deserve special treatment.

(That's not even touching on the fact that I don't believe he's got any reason to be punished. I know people are all like "He's a bodyguard, he should have been more careful!", and I would agree... if not for Kinn. I know very little about D/s dynamics, but I personally saw Porsche look to Kinn for permission to take the water. And because Kinn has no social skills to apply to the task of 'flirting with his crush', and was being 'coached' by his friends, when he ends up smiling at Porsche (if we can call that a smile, you awkward little cabbage) and giving a little nod, well... To me, and probably to Porsche, that was a nod of permission. Yes? Probably need @lutawolf to tell me if I'm seeing correctly, or I'm being a big dumb.)

These barely scratch the surface. I might revisit Korn's scenes in the future, if anyone thinks I have a point to further turn my brain onto. If not, fuck that guy. He can get face-fucked by a cactus, because you can see how much Kinn is impacted by what Korn says and thinks. Which is why I found the 'rusty knife' scene so interesting. Because here we see Kinn visibly and significantly uncomfortable with what Korn is trying to pull, and his expression does a whole-ass journey. Again, I can also talk about that, if anyone wants me to.

In summary, it's 3:48AM, I've been frothing at the mouth about this for an hour or so, and I'm going to go the fuck to sleep.

My rage is immeasurable, and Korn can catch these fucking hands.

103 notes - Posted May 23, 2022

#4

In my humble opinion...

Kinn needs to get his ass eaten and destroyed. And Porsche is just the man to do it.

I will not be accepting criticism at this time.

139 notes - Posted May 17, 2022

#3

It's a good thing we don't have P'Pond's email, or anything. I can just see it now:

Dear P'Pond,

Thank you so much for the absolute masterpiece that is KinnPorsche The Series. Me and my fellow thirsty hoes would like to request that you just straight-up film sex tapes for any of your actors who are willing to 'perform', and make them available for purchase immediately. We'll take digital download, if you don't want to incur the expense of physical copies, photocards, etc.

Sincerely, The Coconuts Mafia: Conglomerate of Unrepentant Sluts

173 notes - Posted July 28, 2022

#2

The moments of realisation that hit you when re-watching this show are brutal.

Like the moment where Vegas speaks about taking care of the hedgehogs, and all of them dying.

The moment where he speaks about the last one, and how "He still left me, too."

How "I didn't even get to name him.", because if he didn't name him, maybe it wouldn't hurt so much when he died.

How everything he's ever tried to take care of, except Macau, has died. And that he must be terrified that something will happen to Macau, too.

When he says "Everything that I love has left me.", and you realise he's just waiting for that to happen to everyone in his life that he even remotely cares about.

How you realise that, maybe, this is why Vegas tried so hard to treat Pete like a pet at first.

Maybe, this is why he kept calling Pete a pet. "You are such a good pet of the main family."

Perhaps, it's why he tried to make Pete eat from a pet bowl.

Because if Pete was 'just' a pet, like the hedgehogs he's cared for, maybe it wouldn't hurt so much if he died.

But when he sees that Pete might actually die, he panics.

He crumbles, because he's scared he'll lose Pete, just as easily as those hedgehogs.

When he calls Pete's name, no longer calling him a pet of any kind, shaking his arm, tapping his face. Because Pete is so much more than a pet.

How Vegas dresses Pete's wounds, gives him medicine, speaks to him softly.

How he makes him hot food, in a proper bowl with proper utensils, and even eats some of it himself, to not only prove that it isn't poisoned, but to show that it's a bowl he's willing to eat from. That it isn't something he'd give to a pet.

How he's completely fine with Pete having a book to read, until Pete says something that makes him lash out.

How he gave Pete a chance to escape, to leave him, instead of dying under his hands, like all his hedgehogs. Like the one he holds in his hands when he leaves him the key.

The way he sits like his strings have been cut, mourning the last hedgehog, and knows that Pete will be gone by the time he's brushed himself off and gone back inside.

Because "Everything that I love has left me."

Except Pete.

Because Pete doesn't, no, can't leave Vegas while he's suffering.

He was given the perfect opportunity to leave, to go back to the main family, to escape Vegas.

And instead of grasping that opportunity with both hands, he stays. He sees Vegas, alone and in mourning, and decides that he can't leave him.

He gives Vegas an ear, lends his metaphorical shoulder to cry on, because he wants to help ease his suffering.

He sits with Vegas as he gives the hedgehog a little funeral, handing him flowers to lay atop the grave. (If I'm not mistaken, the flowers are plumeria flowers, which have various meanings, one of them being new beginnings.)

When Vegas stands and walks away, Pete follows.

Pete says he doesn't know why he didn't run away, but I don't believe that. I don't think Vegas really believes that, either.

And Vegas opens up to Pete. He tells him about the hedgehogs, about his battle to care for them and keep them alive, and how he failed. How they died over, and over, and over. How he doesn't have any left. How he didn't name the last one, because maybe it would hurt less when that one died too.

He tells Pete how he's always measured against the main family, against Kinn, and found lacking. How, no matter what he does, his efforts will never be noticed, never be given the same weight.

Pete tries to comfort him, tries to stop him from hurting himself.

See the full post

206 notes - Posted June 28, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Okay, but Kinn trying to talk to Porsche while being 'patient and calm', and instead shrieking like a particularly grouchy alley cat in heat every two seconds? Fucking flawless?

And then trying to modulate his tone and volume, and ending up being so fucking cringe, because he's emotionally constipated and has no proper social skills to speak of, because he's never needed them? Immaculate?

Finally, Porsche being so fucking done with him the entire time, his face practically screaming 'fuck you and all you stand for and your stupid family' while not giving Kinn a single inch of anything, except more rope to hang himself with during this fucking disaster of a conversation? Priceless?

This is my third re-watch, and I'm still feeling so many things, but the overriding emotion this time?

Pure petty glee.

Don't get me wrong, I love Kinn, and I'm sure he'll get (some) of his shit together soon, but damn, bitch. I thought Porsche was our beloved disaster king, but Kinn's coming for his crown in this episode.

306 notes - Posted May 9, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[maizumis]

LOVE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE - suna x fem!reader smau

part 14: what a beautiful sight

summary: after years of not talking to each other, your childhood best friend decided to reach out again, how will everything go?

note: one make out session, the text are the bottom of the chapter are from suna to y/n, this starts when run picks y/n up in case you a little lost eheheh

series masterlist - playlist - part 15

“you never fail to look like a goddes”

It was really just a black jean and a sage green crop top but you did feel like Aphrodite with his choice of words

“too early for this rin, let's go, I'm excited!”

You rushed to the now-familiar car, quickly placing the belt over your chest, tapping the tip of your fingers to the rough material of your pants

“The boys are gonna be so happy to see you”

“and you don't?”

He turned on the car after playing his usual playlist on the radio, carefully going into the road, his hand finding a place in your thighs

“im always happy to see you, baby”

Atsumu’s place was rather luxury and of course – he had his pride and joy framed on the wall, MSBY black jackals jersey hanging proudly there

“‘tsumu! ‘samu! This feel so surreal oh my god! We are finally together again”

You would love to be hugging them right now, but your lovely Rintaro had an arm protectively wrapped around your waist

“it does! Samu and I already picked the movie, Barbie & the diamond castle sounds right”

“by ‘samu and I he means just him, a had no decision into this”

Tired of his little act, you got out of Suna’s embrace, walking towards the younger twin, involving him in the best hug you had in years

“we kinda saw each other a few days ago ‘samu, but I missed you”

He didn't missed the chance to take all your scent in, his nose couldn't be deeper into your skin

“missed ya too angel, missed you too”

A no so distant voice cut off the cute and very much needed moment between the both of you

“why don't we skip this part an get into the movie? Pretty girl, come sit on me”

Maybe you were too naive because you were cuddling with him a soon as he told you that, Osamu felt a knot in his throat, an oh-so-familiar knot that he used to feel everyday in his teenage years

“look at the movie pretty girl, but don't take your eyes out of me”

The movies was interesting for sure, the little scene always got your attention, bit right now the texts Suna was sharing with another girl while you were literally sitting on him made you feel weird, or just not welcome, you could clearly see that the girl was flirting with him and not only that but he was flirting back

“um- atsumu where's the bathroom?”

He quickly gave you the indications before pausing the movie so they could wait for you, as soon as rintaro heard the sound of the bathroom door closing, he picked up his car keys

Osamu quirkes a brow at his actions, what was he trying to do? Fortunately, his twin asked before he had the chance

“suna, where ya going?”

“my sister had an emergency guys, I need to go” sure, your sister, your sister that flirts with you and tells you she is home alone

Atsumu tried to stop him “Rin— ya we're going to take y/n home” the only answer the blonde twin got was the sound of the door closing

“guys! I'm back– where's rin?” the brothers shared a remorseful look before flashing you the news

“he went out, his sister had an emergency”

“but he was gonna take me home? And he really said his sister?” you couldn't believe his stood that low to the point of lying to his friends where was he going, he knew he was doing something that was wrong

“dont worry– ya can crush the night here, samu is gonna stay too, and what do ya mean by his sister?”

You scoffed before plopping down the couch, laying your head on osamu’s shoulder “he was texting a girl and she told him she was alone, I really doubt his sister had an emergency”

Atsumu decided to take the matter on his own hands before he had a sad y/n crying on his couch because of his stupid friend

“son of a bitch- crash here y/n, though a only have the the couch that ya can make a bed to sleep, but ya shall share with samu...”

“a can sleep on the floor” “i don't mind sharing” your comment had ‘samu blushing furiously, did you really didn't mind to share a bed with him?

The blonde twin came to the living room with lots of blankets and pillows, you were sure you had less covers in your house than this

“ya two decide then, I'll go ta sleep, good night, no funny business”

The first few minutes may we're a little uncomfortable bit now that both of you were under the blankets, just your head on his chest whit his arm around your shoulder, this actually felt right, you felt on placed after a long time

“this feels nice, ‘samu” you snuggle closer to his chest and god, he really tried not to look down because he knew he would contain to smash his lips on yours

“it does feels nice princes... What ya been up ta these years”

You started by the change of high school and the new friends it gave you, how grateful you were for that, how you went through college and met tsukkishima and how both of you were now working at the museum and of course, you had to ask him the same too

“ A could finally start my business, a think is the more exciting part of all this year”

You changed positions, now sitting beside him but looking straight at his eyes that we're calling for something you just didn't knew yet

“your ‘nigiri is the beat samu, you're elite when it comes to food" your fingers came to play with the baby hairs on his neck and he doesn't know how his hand was now on the back of yours, taking the galaxy your eyes had to offer, it wouldn't be rugby to kiss you but that sentence you told “kiss me, samu” that was the las straw

He was so fast to run his fingers through your head, accommodating you in tall form you were straddling his hips- your lips were way more adictive than he initially thought

“yer so pretty angel, so so pretty” it was too different from the usual comments suna would give you, you felt appreciated there

“you're prettier samu, way prettier” with that your tongues kept dancing together, his hands holding you waist in place and maybe there was a little to much drool on both your faces but he wouldn't change this moment for nothing, the sound of your giggles between the kisses making him feel butterflies all over his body

Unknown to the both of you, atsumu woke up to grab a glass of water, turning around the moment he saw you sharing some kinda things with his brother

“what a beautiful sight”

taglist [open]: @arrogantsonofabiscuit @sakusasbitch @souco @sunasexual @boba-duckie @discountkiyoko @shoyotime @sunalma @kuroohoeee @cubbluv @astrqmi @triniteaaa @zukoslosthishonor @iheartkuroorin @kac-chowsballs @akaashiwife @lilith412426 @loveprisms @eunoiwa @gladly-olus @its-the-aerieljeane @smackmyasslikeavolleyball @bakugouswh0r3 @mydandydayss-blog @erens-piss-cleaner @call-me-lulu @peachyaeger @omisemi @megumiisee @sakuxxi @almondeupeach @lady-tokugawa-of-mikawa @whorefornoodles @togesslut @singularly-gifted-witch @akkeyomi @art-junkie-13 @usernotcool @whoreuc @schleepyflocci @tetsuhoes @tatiquichi @starylust @bakudummy @akaashis-wife @mysterystarz @mysticstrawberryballoon @rinsangel @gumisluvr

[sunrisefairy]

Secret moments

Pairing: Sirius Black x reader Summary: Sirius and reader are dating in secret and reader has had enough.  Warning: just a big of angst, mentions of sex (blink and you’ll miss it), swearing, mention of alcohol.

A/N: for @theweasleyslut writing challenge. Based off the prompts “There’s people here” “I know”

taglist: if your name is crossed out i couldn’t tag you @theweasleyslut @anxiousblanketqueen @accioweaslcy @widowdays @inglourious-imagines @garbdump @star-sunshine-sage @weelittleweasley @a-dusty-emerald @starlightkell @omghufflepuff @weasleyprincess @j-amespotter @gryffindorgirl @siriusbarnesslut @joytyce397 @layaaaa @thegirlinthelibrary​ @ch0colatefr0gs​ @weasleyyy​ @amourtentiaa​ @kaslupin

To be added to the taglist click here

A volcano. You can feel it; in the pit of your stomach, angrily bubbling and ready to erupt, to destroy whatever is in its path and right now that’s yours and Sirius’ relationship. If that’s what you can even call it. You and Sirius had been friends ever since first year when you charmed his quill to squirt ink on his robes whenever he picked it up. Young Sirius was equal parts embarrassed and stunned when he locked eyes with the pretty young witch sat at the front of the classroom who shot a smirk and a cheeky wink his way. To this day Sirius doesn’t think he’s blushed as hard as he did in that moment. Almost instantly you seamlessly slipped you way into a tight knitted friendship with Sirius and the rest of the marauders, the 5 of you hardly to be found separately. You seemed to gravitate towards the raven-haired boy the most though, Sirius rapidly became your best friend and the two of you were joined at the hip.

About 4 months ago, you and Sirius crossed the line from best friends to something more when you shared a heated kiss after a late-night study session. The two of you promised it was a one-time thing… it wasn’t. Months of sneaking around, stolen kisses behind closed doors, quick fucks between classes and private dates when the rest of the marauders had detentions. Your secret relationship with Sirius started off perfectly, neither of you wanted the rest of the world to know, you were content with this just being something you and Sirius shared in private but that was 4 months ago. And right now you were over it, over having to watch girls and boys flirt with Sirius right in front of you, over making up excuses as to why you don’t want to swap saliva with the tall Ravenclaw James tried to set you up with, over being Sirius private girlfriend.

Which led to this moment right now, in your dorm room, fighting. Your blood was boiling and pumping rapidly inside your veins after having to witness Sirius decline another date from a pretty Hufflepuff. The air felt thick and heavy as your voices raised higher and got louder, you could only hope your conversation couldn’t be heard from the common room below.

“Are you ashamed of me? Is that why you don’t want to tell anyone about us?” the words jab at Sirius’ heart strings almost hard enough to make him stand down and wrap his arms around your smaller frame and whisper how much he cares for you. But his emotions have the better of him and Sirius Black isn’t one to back down.

He scoffs, masking the sharp pain stabbing his chest whenever he sees you upset and the knife in his heart twists knowing he’s the one causing your pain, “of course not! Sorry for not wanting to parade my girlfriend around like a piece of meat.” His voice is thick with sarcasm.

“Oh yes I forgot,” you glare harshly at the boy in front of you, “clearly my memory has failed me because you definitely did not like parading Julianne Sommers around when you were dating her in 4th year and definitely did not suck her face off and grope the poor thing every chance you got. And don’t even get my started on Jonathon Michaels in 5th year, how that boy didn’t pass out from lack of oxygen is beyond me because you liked to make it very clear the two of you were dating. Don’t give me that bullshit excuse Sirius because I know it’s not true. You had no problem letting the world know you were dating them, so what’s so different about me?” Your chest feels heavy and you’re tired; tired of this, tired of playing pretend.

Sirius knows very well the true reason why he wants to keep your relationship a secret and it isn’t because he’s ashamed of you or scared of the friendly teasing James, Remus and Peter will be sure to send your way. It kills him to see other blokes talk about how fit you are and whenever he sees you, he just wants to walk right up and cup your cheeks and kiss you so deeply everyone knows you’re taken. But the truth is, he’s frightened. He’s frightened because he loves you so fucking much and he’s never loved anyone like this. He never thought of himself as a coward. Sirius gladly punched Samuel Stevens (who is twice Sirius’ size) in the nose after he pinched your arse in 5th year, he’s never once backed down from a fight when someone is teasing Remus and never fails to stand up for Peter and will always stand by James’ side. But ‘brave’ Sirius Black is scared of loving you, in particular Sirius is scared of everyone knowing he loves you. Sirius Black is a coward because he’s terrified that if people and merlin forbid you, know about his love then that will destroy the bubble the two of you have created. And if staying in this private bubble and keeping your relationship a secret is how he can keep everything together then he’ll gladly do it. Because he can’t lose you, he can’t risk you leaving him, the thought of everyone knowing petrifies him. He’s worried that it will taint your relationship.

Sirius chokes on his words, because I love you, he wants to say but he struggles to get them out, in fear of ruining what you have but it seems he’s doing that anyway when you leave the room and slam the door on your way out.

….

“Oh my ghosts! You look stunning babes,” Marlene wolf whistles and grips your shoulders to spin you around wanting to see your whole outfit. “You trying to impress anyone tonight hun?”

You have to crane your neck to hear her over the music pumping around the common room. “Nope, no one to impress.” You mutter sadly. It’s been over a week since your fight with Sirius. Neither of you have made the effort to apologise, although Sirius might have tried once or twice but you refused to be alone with the boy. You were angry and pissed and needed Sirius to realise that if he wanted you then it was all or nothing. You were tired of hiding.

“Well, who needs stupid boys anyway when we have each other!” Marlene declares dragging you to the drinks table to pour you some of the questionable looking punch.

Most of the night is spent dancing on the makeshift dance floor with Marlene, Mary and Lily; hips swinging and hair flowing, seemingly not a care in the world. It was just the distraction you were after, although you knew eventually you were going to see Sirius, given it was a party in the Gryffindor common room you couldn’t expect Sirius not to make an appearance.

“Nice to see the boys finally showed up,” Mary comments nodding her head in the direction of the stairs which lead up to the boy’s dorm. The 4 marauders come clambering down the stairs clearly ready to have some fun. Your breath hitches in your throat when you see Sirius, clad in a dark button up which he might as well not even bother wearing with how many buttons he has undone, half his muscly, toned chest on display. His dark locks fall lusciously against his shoulders and if you look closely you can spot some black eyeliner that makes his piercing grey eyes pop even more, he looks utterly gorgeous and your heart plummets into your stomach at the realisation of spending the reminder of the night watching him flirt with people that aren’t you.

You don’t even notice Sirius push his way through the crowd towards you until he’s towering over you. He’s standing so close that you can smell his aftershave, it’s both intoxicating and comforting at the same time. After a beat of the two of you staring at each other with no words you realise how close you are, way too close to convince everyone that you’re just friends. However, after the fight you aren’t 100% sure if you and Sirius are even still dating. Just as you’re about to take a step back from Sirius, he brings his hands to cup your face forcing you to look at him. Your eyes widen as you stare up at Sirius and notice the familiar glint in his eyes, you know that look and any hints of uncertainty were squashed when you catch the way his eyes flicker down to your lips. It feels as it time slows to a complete stop when Sirius leans down clearly trying to meet your soft lips.

Your hands fly up and press firmly against his hard chest, halting his movements. You frantically look around the room and notice multiple pairs of eyes watching you. “What are you doing? There’s people here y’know?” You question, Sirius must clearly be off his face, too intoxicated to register the room full of people watching your every movements. Surely, he pregamed a little too hard and fully believes it’s just the two of you in the common room because why else would he be standing here with his large hands caressing your face so gently?

Sirius smirks, little did you know there wasn’t one drop of alcohol in his body, however he was drunk on you. “I know,” he whispers so quietly it was almost swept away before connecting your lips together in a deep kiss.

Sirius’ lips have always felt like home; warm and soft and never failed to make butterflies and fireworks explode in your tummy, his kisses always made your head dizzy and knees weak. You couldn’t believe you had gone a full week without them, without him. The music around you fades into nothing, all you can focus on his Sirius lips and tongue and how they dance against yours and his hands as they travel from your face down to your hips, clinging onto you as if he’s afraid you’ll slip away. You let your own hands get tangled in his curly hair, determined to show him you don’t want him to go anywhere. Ever.

You find yourself chasing his lips when he finally pulls away, breathlessly. He chuckles at your movements and pecks your lips lightly twice before opening his eyes, he finds you already staring up at him confusion smeared all across your features.

“M’sorry for being a dick, I care for you so much baby and I was shit scared that if everyone knew about us then somehow it would ruin what we had and I’m terrified of losing you. But I realise now that I was throwing it all away by keeping you a secret, so I’m not going to do that anymore.” Sirius then looks over your head and nods at James. “Now Prongs,” James turns off the record player which causes a few people to groan at the loss of music. James gives Sirius a cheesy grin, you see Remus and Peter standing beside the bespectacled boy all 3 of them giving Sirius enthusiastic thumbs up.

You turn your attention back to Sirius who is now standing on top of the nearby table. You and the rest of the Gryffindor house all gawk the boy, uncertain what is about to happen.

“My darling Y/N, I want everyone here tonight to bear witness to what I’m about to say,” Sirius has always been dramatic and now was no expection. He clears his throat, raising his voice to ensure everyone can hear him, “Y/N L/N you are my everything and I love you. I’m sorry for being a complete tosser but it would make me a very, very happy man if you agree to be my girlfriend? Again.”

The smile that consumes your face is so big and bright it hurts your cheeks, you know you look like a proper sap but you don’t care, “get down here you big idiot so I can kiss you.” You motion for Sirius to join you again.

It was Sirius’ turn to grin as he jumps down from the table and makes his way towards you, “is that a yes then?”

You roll your eyes playfully at him, wrapping your arms around his waist, Sirius immediately wraps his around your shoulders giving them a light squeeze, “of course Sirius.”

Sirius doesn’t think his smile could get any bigger, well that was until he heard you mumble 4 words into his chest. He knew in that moment he was a complete goner for you. I love you too.

[skellebonez]

20, with Spicynoodleshipping helping Mei flirt with a cute person?

Heck yeah, solidarity and helping out your bestie!

Do you even know what subtle means?

"Mei, you're literally half the reason Noodle Boy and I are even dating ourselves," Red Son said with a grin as the three of them sat together at a table in Pigsy's noodles. "Surely you don't need our assistance t-"

"Shh-shh-shh!" Mei interrupted, ducking her head behind the menu and peaking up from it. "There she is!"

And there, indeed, she was. In walked someone who could not be mistaken for anyone else, a girl around Mei and MK's own age in a spiked leather biker jacket and long purple hair with heavy boots that made a strong sound with every step she took.

"Ooooooh," MK said with a sage nod as she took a seat at the bar and looked over the menu. "Yeah, she does look as badass as you told us. I can't believe I've never noticed her in the shop before."

"She only started coming in about a month ago, usually when you're out on the lunch or dinner rush," Mei explained, stealing a few glances in her direction. "She's hard to miss. But she started coming during the slow hours last week and I noticed she had a bunch of books on motorcycles and video games and..."

"You needed to know her immediately," Red Son finished for her.

"Yeeeeeeees," Mei drawled, face planting into the table. "But she's so cool that every time I go to talk to her I feel like I'm going to explode and I freeze up and before I take my chance she'd finished her bowl and leave. I now understand why you needed my help to get together, this feels like torture."

"Hey, you don't even have to worry," MK said with a smirk. "You just need a quick lesson in subtlety."

"Do you even know what subtle means?" Mei laughed, sitting up to take a sip of her drink.

"UH, yeah, part of why you had to help us was that I was so subtle Red took almost 5 months to realize I was flirting with him!" MK defended, making the aforementioned fire demon inhale his own drink and cough violently.

"MK, you weren't being subtle, you were so obvious that everyone knew. Red Son was just too flustered to react!"

"Oh... wait," he turned to Red with a wide smile and a playful tone. "I flustered you?"

"I-isn't think conversation supposed to be about Mei!?" Red yelped, hiding his flushed face behind his bowl as he gulped down the noodle broth.

Mei couldn't help but laugh, sneaking another glance over at the mystery girl and flushed herself when she realized mystery girl was smiling and glancing over at them herself. She turned back to her companions with a deeper blush than ever before. "Oh no she sees me!"

"Forget subtlety, this is your chance to talk to her!" MK yell whispered, gently kicking Mei's leg under the table. "She has a gaming magazine, ask her about whatever's on the cover!"

"Compliment her jacket," Red chimed in quickly. "Or her hair!"

"She'll like you! How could she not? You're you!"

Before Mei could respond they heard the tell tale sound of her heavy boots coming straight toward them and before they could react Mystery Girl was standing right at their table looking at the very flustered Mei.

"Hello gorgeous," she said without even thinking and a few second passed before Mystery Girl's surprised expression softened into a lopsided smile and Mei realized what she had said and covered her face. "OH MY GOD I AM- I'M SORRY."

"Don't be," Mystery Girl said with a bright laugh. "I like it when people are honest like that. I've seen you in here a lot, and your kick ass bike too. I've been meanin' to ask, what's your name?"

MK and Red Son looked at each other with knowing smiles.

[haledamage]

astral for whoever you want :D

astral - of or relating to the stars­

unsurprisingly, it’s Greedfall again, but not Nadia/Kurt for once! Instead, it’s Nadia/Vasco! pre-relationship but definitely flirting, on the boat ship to Teer Fradee.

---

Just before sunset, one of the crewmates of the Sea Horse had brought out a fiddle, and then had been joined with concertina, pennywhistle, and drum. By full dark, more than a dozen others - Naut, Coin Guard, and Congregation alike - had answered the call of music, and now laughter and singing drifted on the gentle ocean breeze as they danced along the deck.

Nadia leaned on the railing near the helm, watching the revelry but not joining in herself. They’d been out at sea a little over a month now, and while she had started to feel a bit of kinship with the sailors and soldiers in their entourage, she didn’t feel comfortable imposing on their merriment.

She became aware of the steady thud of approaching footsteps, and turned as Captain Vasco joined her at the rail. He had eschewed his hat, most likely because the sun was down, and he looked younger without it, less formidable. He always had such an air of easy authority about him, the kind that made you want to listen when he spoke, that it was easy to forget that he was only a year or two older than she was. She found herself both envious of and intrigued by it.

He turned his head enough to catch her eye, smiling slightly as if to let her know that he’d caught her staring. “Good evening, Your Excellency.”

“Good evening, Captain.” She gestured toward the musicians. “You’re not going to join in?”

“Someone needs to make sure the ship doesn’t sink while they’re slacking off,” he said, but she could hear the fondness in his voice. He loved his crew as much as they loved him. “They like to have a little festivity sometimes on calm nights like this. Music, dancing, drinking. Keeps morale up, and as long as no one is too drunk to do their jobs, I see no reason to stop them.”

“Do you play any instruments, Captain?” Nadia asked, hoping to take the opportunity to learn a little more about him.

He shook his head. “Flavia tried to teach me the fiddle, but I didn’t take to it. Not a bad singer, though.” He looked away from the growing dance floor and turned the full force of his attention her way. “What about you?”

“I was a very mediocre piano player for three years before my teacher gave it up as hopeless.” She had tried, really she had. Madam Duret had told her she simply ‘didn’t possess the gift’ for music.

“Can you sing?”

She shrugged. “Good enough for tavern halls.”

Vasco laughed, the sound as light and lovely as the fiddle below. “That’s all that matters.”

They fell silent, and Nadia’s eyes drifted away from the dancers and up to the sky above them. It was nearly cloudless, and the lanterns on the ship and waning moon weren’t bright enough to interfere with the vast and breathtaking view. Her preferred studies had always been more earthbound, but she suddenly understood the draw of astronomy. She couldn’t imagine ever getting tired of such a sight.

“Are there always so many stars?” she whispered.

“There are.” He matched her tone, though instead of awe his voice held curiosity. “Can’t see them like this from the city, I suppose.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Yes. Beautiful.” Something about the way he said it drew her gaze down from the sky, only to find his eyes already on her. As soon as he noticed her looking, he glanced back up at the stars. “How much do you know about them?”

She considered his admittedly handsome profile in the dim lantern light, but his face wasn’t giving away any hint of what he was thinking. After a few moments of quiet contemplation, she gave in and took the bait. “Probably not as much as you, but I’ve studied star charts before.”

Vasco nodded sagely, though she didn't miss the twitch at the corner of his lips that said he was stifling a smile. "You know, we Nauts have different names for constellations than what you’d find on those charts."

"I’ll bet you do." Nadia was fairly sure she'd heard that line before, though never with quite so much sincerity. "And what would it cost me to learn some of the Nauts’ vaunted secrets?"

She expected 'let me buy you a drink,' maybe even an offer of dinner. That was how these conversations usually went. Instead, he just leaned closer, close enough that their shoulders brushed, and murmured, "You could say please."

There was no way it was that simple. She could almost feel the trap closing around her, and yet she still found herself tempted. Surprisingly so. Maybe it had something to do with the captain's natural charisma. Maybe she simply liked having the undivided attention of a handsome sailor, for however long it lasted.

Before she could answer, a voice rang out from below.

"Captain!" It was Jonas, who had finally noticed the two of them standing in the wings. He sat on a crate holding a musical instrument Nadia had never seen before, waving one arm wildly to get their attention. "Where’s your sense of hospitality? Ask the lady for a dance!"

“Jonas, I could not agree more.” With a graceful flourishing bow, Vasco offered Nadia his hand and a playful smile. “Would you do me the honor of a dance, Your Excellency?”

“Call me Nadia.” She curtseyed and slipped her hand into his. “And I would love to.”

He led her down the stairs toward the rest of the dancers, and none of them even pretended not to be watching them approach. He spun her twice before pulling her flush against him, his movements showy enough to entertain their audience, but obviously competent. Someone wolf-whistled at them; Nadia was fairly sure it was Constantin, but didn’t look to find out.

The band struck up something vaguely resembling a waltz, fast enough to alleviate most of the awkwardness that came with dancing with an unfamiliar partner but not so fast that it wanted to turn into a jig.

Vasco was an excellent partner. His lead was confident and clear, but never pushy or demanding; he simply moved, and trusted her to follow. If this was the same way he led his ship, it was no wonder his crew was so loyal to him.

As the next song slowed down enough to give them a chance to breathe, she told him so. “Captain, you are quite the skilled dancer.”

“You can call me Vasco.” They briefly separated in order to let another couple twirl past them, moving much faster than the speed of the music dictated. He took her hand again as soon as he was able, his other falling to her waist to bring her close. “So are you. A good dancer, I mean. But I suppose you have to be.”

“True. It’s part of my job.” Nadia hesitated to continue, but decided that a little honesty couldn’t hurt. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun with it.”

“Well, the night’s still young.” The song ended, and Vasco lowered her into a deep dip. It surprised a loud, delighted laugh from her, and something softened at the edges of his smile. “Let’s see if we can do better than that.”

[justniaaa]

Unravel Me (4)

Gif by: @blackisblackisblack​

Rating 18+NSFW

Work Count: 3.4k

Pairing: Christopher “Rio” Martinez xblack!oc

Warning: Swearing, mentions of a gun

A/N: Hey my loves! I’ve missed you guys so much, so sorry for the late update. I’m not going to lie and say it wont happen again because it most likely will but I wasn’t expecting to be gone for so long. Anxiety/ Depression is a fucking bitch bro and like I said before even if my posting isn’t constant, I always want to make sure to give you guys content. Thanks for you for rocking with me and Enjoy chapter 4! Happy reading and please dont forget to like, comment and reblog <3

Summary: Toni forms an unsuspecting friendship with Christopher that turns into something more. As her feelings towards him continue to grow she starts to  unravel the secrets that surround him and in return, he unravels her completely.

Chapter 4: Let the games begin

After the eventful night between Toni and Chris, it was like the days went by rather quickly and before she knew it, Friday was here and Toni’s nerves were coming along for the ride. When she came home that night and told her girls about what transpired with her and the mysterious business mogul they gave out beaming smiles and all three of them jumped around, excited that Toni was going out on a date. And of course, don’t even get her started on Aaliyah, the woman was more than elated, and every chance she got she made sure to bother Toni about her new “boyfriend.”

Toni was walking in from work at Print Monthly and let out a yawn. Working two jobs, and writing a new article was slowly catching up with her, but with enough caffeine, she thinks she could make it through. She took off her heels and placed her keys on the entrance table trying to stifle yet another yawn, that was on its way out of her mouth. As she went further into the apartment she didn’t hear any movement from either of the girl’s rooms so she figured she was home alone. Toni went into her room not caring to turn on the light since she had a small night light in the corner and shut the door. She dropped her purse on the floor and took off her clothes, only leaving on her bra and panties. Toni sighed and shuffled to her bed, face planting into it as she wrapped her sherpa throw around her body. Since the AC was fixed the day before her place was nice and cool and all she wanted to do was take a small nap.

But before she could float away to unconsciousness her door was rushed open and the light flicked on, “Oh no bitch, get up!”

Toni groaned hearing Rocky’s voice and covered her face with the blanket, wishing for  a couple of minutes of sleep, “Antonia Kelis Thompson, up now!”

The blanket was ripped away from Toni, and she put her face into the pillow, “Just five minutes,” she groaned.  

“No, get up! Sage made you a smoothie to help with your energy before she left for the grocery store and you need to drink it so we can get you together for tonight.”

Toni turned her head and looked at Rocky, she was standing next to her bed with her eyebrow raised and a hand on her hip and the other was outstretched with said green smoothie in her grasp.

“It’s only six Rocky, we meet up at nine.”

True to his word, Chris hit her up and they set up a time and place to meet up, the place being an escape room to which Toni was particularly thrilled about. She had always wanted to go to one and she vaguely remembered mentioning it to him on one of their morning talks at the cafe. After they arranged their night out they continued texting each other throughout the day and it felt good to have that feeling of giddiness whenever she heard her phone ding and it possibly being him.

Toni huffed and sat up, sitting cross-legged on her bed and took the drink from Rocky’s hand. Taking a few sips she scrunched up her face from the taste but soldiered on when she saw the look Racquel gave her. When she finally finished the last bits of the smoothie, she put the glass on her nightstand and turned back to her friend.  

“All finished, what’s next on the list warden?”

Racquel rolled her eyes, “So damn dramatic, go take a shower and I’ll dive into that mess  you call a closet to find you something to wear.”

Toni stretched her limbs as she stood up from the bed while Rocky shooed her to the bathroom grabbing her towel from the back of the door in the process.

“And don’t forget to shave bitch!” Rocky yelled out.

“I shaved my legs yesterday, why the hell am I going to do them again?” Toni said poking her head out from the doorway, her confusion was evident.

“I’m not talking about your legs, girl,” Raquel said, winking. Toni didn’t plan on sleeping with Chris tonight but with how crazy the attraction was between them anything was possible. So with understanding and gratitude, Toni simply nodded and backed into the bathroom, closing the door and getting to work.

After the long half-hour of exfoliation, shaving, and showering, Toni came out of the bathroom feeling fresh and squeaky clean and walked into the sight of her bed strewn with clothes. She took in the sight of her best friends arguing with a piece of clothing in their hands about which outfit would work best. She chose to ignore them knowing that whatever they picked would be applicable and tightened the towel on her form, going to her vanity to do her makeup and hair. The girls interrupted her a few times showing her what they chose and Sage helped Toni curl her hair in the back. Music and bouts of laughter were heard throughout the home and the minutes ticked by getting closer to when Toni was deemed to leave. She was just putting on her light blue jeans when her phone went off, interrupting the song that was playing on her Bluetooth. Rocky and Sage continued talking about whether she should wear heels or sneakers, and Toni finished buttoning her pants walking over to her device. The name Chris was on her screen, and before the voicemail picked up she answered.

“Hello,” she said.

“There she is, thought you weren’t gonna answer,” Chris’s smooth voice came through the phone, making Toni’s stomach flutter with butterflies. She could vaguely hear noises of machinery in the background but she didn’t think anything of it because as quickly as the noise came it was gone, like he went into a separate room.

“I mean I didn’t have to pick up, especially since you're interrupting me getting ready for my date,” Toni sat down on the bench at the end of her bed.

“Oh, word? Who’s the lucky man?”

Toni looked down at her nails, “Some guy I met a couple of weeks ago, he ain’t all that but I decided to have mercy and give him a chance.”

Chris laughed into the receiver, “I bet he’s hype as fuck to take your pretty ass out.”

Toni shrugged like he could see her, “I mean, I am kind of great.”  

“That you are Antonia, that you are.”

Toni covered her mouth with her fingers, trying to control the megawatt smile that was threatening to break out. They knew each other barely a month and already the way Chris made Toni feel was slightly alarming. “Is everything okay though, because if you need to change the time or something that’s fine.”

“Nah we good, just wanted to check up on you. And make sure I wasn’t gonna do an escape room by myself.”

“No worries, I’ll be there,” Toni said grinning.

“Aiight, so I’ll see you soon yeah?”

“Yes, sir nine o’clock.”

Chris chuckled, “Aight mama, later.”

Toni hung up and put her phone back on the charger, “I’m guessing from all the flirting we just heard, that was him,” Sage asked.

She shook her head, “Yeah, he was calling to make sure we were still on tonight.” Toni went and looked at the shoe options they picked out, thankful that her friends lended out a helping hand.  

“We think the all-white Nike’s would look great with your outfit. Plus it will give your feet a break from the heels and you can run around as you play the game with your boyfriend,” Rocky smirked when Toni gave her a dirty look at her use of the “B” word.

“I agree,” she told them. After bending down to put her sneakers on, Toni stood up and examined her outfit in the mirror, liking how it looked. The white bodysuit accentuated her curves and the light blue jeans and sneakers really brought everything together, making her feel comfortable but be cute at the same time. Toni sprayed her perfume and got her crossbody bag and phone, listening to her friends give her a pep talk as she walked to the front door.

“We put some wipes in your bag and some mints as well just in case your breath gets hot,” Sage said, following behind Toni.

“Oh yes and some pepper spray if he decides to get handsy,” Raquel continued, bringing up the rear, “You never know he can turn into an asshole when the clock strikes twelve.”

Sage gave Rocky a glare and nudged her, “I doubt it will come to that, Racquel but it is always good to be safe.”

“Yes, it is,” Rocky grumbled, rubbing her sore side. Sage may be small but her elbow had some power behind it.

Toni turned to them when they reached the door, “Thanks guys for all the help.”

“We got your back girl, you know that.”

“And have fun tonight please, you deserve it and it will do you good to get some dick. It might help you stop being so damn uptight.”

“Sage!” Toni gasped, hitting the girl’s arm while Rocky stood next to her nodding in agreeance.

“I can’t stand you guys.” Toni picked up the keys she left on the small table by the door and opened her arms, “Alright give me some loving.”

They all came in for a group hug, just like they always did back in college, “Love you hoes,” Toni murmured.

“We love you too,” Sage and Rocky said together.

*****************************************************************************************************

Pulling into the parking lot Toni texted Chris letting him know she had arrived and while she waited on his reply she stared down at her phone and went through her social media. Suddenly a knock on her window made her jolt in the seat and look up with a hand to her chest. She let out a breath when she saw it was Chris at her window, his eyebrow raised and his mouth curved into a smirk.

“Geez Chris, you scared the shit out of me,” Toni exclaimed through the closed window.

She reached next to her, to get her purse and took her keys out of the ignition, placing them and her phone into her bag. She unlocked the door and he opened it for her, a smile still residing on his lips, “My bad ma, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Toni side-eyed him as she got out, “Liar, you know damn well it’s too dark for your ass to be playing games.”

“Oh shit, don’t tell me big bad Antonia is scared of the dark.” Chris closed her car door behind her and Toni hit her key fob locking the vehicle. They began walking through the sparsely lit up parking lot, heading towards the building that had MadeYa Look Escape Room in bright lights at the front.

“Listen, frightening things live in the night, so don’t shame me.”

Chris chuckled as they walked side by side, his hands behind his back, “Nah, no shaming here baby. I used to be the same way, years ago.”

Toni felt a jolt at this new nickname, she hadn’t been called baby from the opposite sex in years and it made her feel warm inside to be hearing it from him. Toni decided to play it cool and not show how much the term of endearment affected her, but she secretly promised herself she would gush about it later in the privacy of her home.

“What made you stop being scared?” Toni asked as they finally reached the entrance.

She went to open the door but his ring covered hand was suddenly on top of hers, making her palm sweat on the cool metal of the handle, “When I became the scary thing to the monsters.”

Toni noticed the sudden shift between them as she gazed into his dark brown orbs. You would think after a statement like that she would be afraid but she felt perfectly fine, safe even. She didn’t know what to think about that, so she intended to not think about it at all.

“I forgot to tell you earlier but you look beautiful,” Chris said, his eyes not leaving hers, he was close enough that he could hear her breath stutter but didn’t comment. Toni bit her lip and pushed a piece of hair behind her ear.

“You got your nose pierced,” she said, surprised. Toni saw the faint glint of the piercing from the glare of the lights and even though she never dated a guy with one it was different and it fit him perfectly.

Chris took note of the change of subject but he nodded anyway and ran his tongue across his bottom lip, making it shine, “You like it?”  

“It’s cute,” She said with faux disinterest. Just like last time, with the close proximity they were in Toni could smell his cologne that was dark and subtle. They would kiss if she stood on her tiptoes.

“You ready for me to whoop your ass in this game?” Chris teased, and just like that the spell was broken and the light-hearted flirting came back into play.

Toni scoffed, grateful for the break from the tension “Please, the question is are you ready?”

With her hands still encompassed in his, they both opened the door and went to the front desk to pay and get instructions. The brunette clerk who they later learned was named Debbie was none the wiser to the something that transpired moments before, as she explained rules and questioned which room they wanted to play. While the middle-aged woman was talking, he had his hand rested on the small of Toni’s back and tried as she might she couldn’t focus on anything else but the heat of his palm. Luckily, another couple came in after them and they were able to play against the pair in the zombie apocalypse escape room. Before the game started Toni and Chris set up a bet for whoever solved the most clues even though they were on the same team. Toni ran her hand through her loose curls to put her hair up in a ponytail waiting for the countdown and noticed Chris’s outfit, “You don’t think you’ll get hot running around in your jacket?”

As per usual Chris was clad in all black but he had on a jean jacket over a black shirt this time rather than a regular button-up.  

“I’m straight,” Chris said nonchalantly. Before she could interrogate him further, Debbie’s voice came onto the intercom letting them know she was starting the countdown. Quickly, ten seconds turned to one, and the game began.

*****************************************************************************************************

The couple walked out of the room breathless and delighted with how well the game turned out. They beat the newlyweds by a landslide with one minute to spare, and unfortunately to Chris’s exasperation, Toni solved most of the clues and now she had full reign over tonight.

“Congrats guys!” The clerk complimented as she handed them two free t-shirts for winning and even offered to snap a picture of them to put on their winner board. Chris declined grumbling about how he hated taking pictures but of course, when Toni gave him puppy dog eyes and reminded him she was the captain of tonight he grudgingly relented. Only on the grounds of them taking the photo on their personal phones and that Toni promised not to rag on him the rest of the date.  

Toni gave the woman her phone already opened to the camera app and they both took their place in front of the winner’s board. She didn’t know where to position herself, not wanting to be too much in Chris’s personal space if he wasn’t comfortable with it, but he made the decision for her when he put his arm on her shoulders and brought her in close, making Toni’s palms sweat. She quickly decided to wrap her arms around his waist praying he couldn’t feel her heart practically beat out her chest when she leaned against his side. They both looked at the camera with big smiles earning an “Awww you two are adorable!” from Debbie.

As Toni went to pull away, she brushed against something solid and what felt oddly like steel under his jacket. Stepping back Toni pondered over the fact that the object that she touched was most likely a gun and that was probably the reason why he didn’t want to take off his jacket before the game.

“Here you go hun,” Debbie said, passing Toni her phone.  

Toni graciously thanked her while she took the device and tried to school her features. She knew people had guns, even her father had some locked away at his house but something about him hiding it made her stomach roll.

They went out into the cool night and Toni walked next to Chris quietly still thinking, “So where to boss, since you running shit now.”  

A beat passed and she could see Chris in her peripheral take a look at her, wondering why she wasn’t responding.

“You good mama?” He inquired.

 She was acting like such a dumb ass, it wasn’t like he was her boyfriend he didn’t have to necessarily tell her why he had a gun and she was fine when he told her the monsters were afraid of him. So why did the gun affect her so much?

Toni looked over at him seeing his brows knitted in worry and decided to push the issue aside for a second. “Yep, but the real question is are you good after that ass whooping I gave you? Mr. I’m gonna win just watch.”

Chris groaned, “I thought you promised you wasn’t gonna flame me.”

“Obviously I lied, I just wanted you to stop whining and take the damn picture.”

“Nah, I just think you wanted a pic so you could look at it and fantasize about me all the time.”

Toni snickered and pushed him, “Please, don’t flatter yourself.”  

They were still talking when they finally reached her car. Toni leaned against her door, she could see his Range a couple of spaces from hers. “So what now Antonia?”

He asked while he stood in front of her, his hands in his pockets.

“Not sick of me yet?” Toni wondered, tilting her head.

“Never that darlin’.’”

Toni cleared her throat feeling her cheeks burn, damn him, he knew exactly what the hell he was doing. Not wanting to put it off any longer she made the choice to just ask him about the gun, not wanting to proceed with the night without being in the know.  “Can I...ugh this is probably so stupid but can I ask you a question first before we leave here?”

He straightened when he heard the way she stuttered like she was worried about questioning him, “Go ahead.”

Toni crossed her arms, “You can tell me it's none of my business and honestly it’s not that big of a deal but is there a reason why you didn’t want to tell me you were carrying a gun? I felt it while we were taking the picture.”

She was expecting him to get upset about her interrogation  but his posture went lax, seeming happy that that was what she wanted to ask.

“I didn’t say anything ‘cause I wasn’t sure if it was gonna freak you out. I use it for protection only and I should have told you instead of assuming.”  

Toni sighed and rubbed her forehead, “No, I apologize it just took me by surprise is all. I knew someone that carried and it always seemed like he used it more to showcase how much of a dick he was rather than use it as a safety precaution.”

“Hey,” Chris raised Toni’s chin, making her focus on him. “Don’t ever be scared to ask me somethin’.  Even if I don’t like the question, imma always try and give you as much of the truth that I can, aight?”

“Okay,” Toni said.

“Okay,” Chris dropped his hand and grabbed Toni’s holding it in his grasp, still looking at her, “So we gonna chill in this parking lot all night or we gonna go to the next spot?”

Toni lightly squeezed his hand with a mischievous glint in her eye, “I know the perfect place.”

“Aiight then,” Chris walked to the passenger side of her car waiting, “Let’s go.”

“You’re not gonna drive your car?” Toni wrinkled her nose, puzzled whilst unlocking the car.

Chris opened the door and simply said, “Nope I trust you,” before getting into the vehicle leaving Toni speechless.

Toni let out a harsh breath and whispered “This man is too fine,” getting into the car as well. It seemed like their night had only begun.

Tag list: @aria725 @kikilovesdankmemes​ @briannab1234​

[mbavholidayexchange]

to @rowsha from @pixiepaintt

title: pumpkin pasties and unspoken promises

rating: teen and up audiences

summary:

Benny wasn’t the biggest fan of pumpkin pasties. They were too sweet and too savory and the flavors all mashed into one nasty confection he could hardly call a treat. He'd avoided them ever since his first year.

But when a blonde-headed vampire asks him to try one, he can't bring himself to say no...

ao3 link: link

content:

Benny wasn’t the biggest fan of pumpkin pasties.

They were savory, filled with rich sage and toasted garlic, yet also sweetly crusted with browned sugar and butter. He wasn’t typically a picky eater; he would scarf down most of the Great Hall if it weren’t for those stingy elves (once, he’d snuck into the kitchen at night for pudding and woke up all of the teachers with his screams). But something about the pumpkin pasties made him wince. He wished they would just pick a flavor category and stick to it.

Rory loved them. Every Saturday morning, as the three boys walked to breakfast together, he’d ramble about how long the weekdays had been and how he would give anything for the pumpkin pasties to be available every morning. He usually raced to the hall to gather up all of the pasties from the Gryffindor table for himself; then he’d eventually feel bad and return a couple. Of course, he kept the majority for himself, but it was the thought that counted.

Benny, despite his disdain for the fickle pastries, would never outwardly show it because he was a good friend. His way of showing affection often coincided with insults, but he didn’t want to seriously hurt his friends. Even if Rory liked the grossest food known to warlock, he deserved at least some happiness.

Right now, he wasn’t happy. The two Gryffindor boys were stood outside Ethan’s dorm room at ten minutes past eight. By now, they should be in the Great Hall loading their plates full of the weekend delicacies but a certain someone was too concerned about his likability.

“Guys, do you think Sarah likes straight hair or gelled hair?” Ethan called from across the door.

“Dude, who cares, the pumpkin pasties are probably all gone by now,” Rory wailed, “I’m doomed to eat sticky pancakes and oily hashbrowns for life!”

Benny slung an arm around his shoulder, trying to suppress his laugh.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get some,” Benny promised, grinning.

Rory let out a pleased squeal– seriously, what kind of teenage boy squealed?– and turned to crush Benny in a hug. He was definitely the most physically affectionate of the group and Benny didn’t mind one bit. Except for the fact that he valued his life.

“Watch the bones,” Benny grimaced, “some of us are mortal.”

He was immediately released and prodded at, a bashful Rory checking for any damage. It wasn’t his fault; vampire strength was hard to control, especially as a newborn. He got excited easily and wanted to share his happiness with his friends, but it unfortunately sometimes ended in a broken bone or two. Fortunately, Benny was good at crafting excuses to get Madam Pomfrey to heal them.

“Sorry, Benny,” Rory softly amended with a pout when he was satisfied with his inspection. Something tender filled Benny’s chest, easy and comforting. It made him want to pull Rory back into a hug even if it meant broken ribs. It made him feel like he was safe. It made him feel like his smile would last forever.

“Yeah, uh, no problem,” he replied, trying to not let his giddiness show.

And, just like that, the moment was over. Rory gave him a big smile and turned back to the door, rapping on its poor creaky wood.

“Ethan, Benny said he’s going to get me pumpkin pasties! He’s my bestest best friend now!” Rory yelled.

A few of the Ravenclaws in the boys’ commons glanced over and frowned at the commotion, sighing when they saw Benny and Rory. They technically weren’t allowed in other houses’ dormitories, but they snuck in so much that no one cared to confront them anymore. Benny smiled weakly and half-heartedly waved.

“Not my fault I’m the only one with any chance with a girl!” Ethan yelled back, then paused, “Sorry! I’m just freaking out. Do you think Sarah would prefer a more floral or woodsy cologne? I was thinking about an earthy scent but that might be overwhelming for her vampire senses. Do you think Jesse wears expensive cologne? He probably does. Hey, Benny, do you have any more of that pheromone stuff?”

//

By the time they reached the Great Hall, most of the students were finishing breakfast. As soon as the doors opened, Rory was rushing to the Gryffindor table, oblivious to all of the students he knocked over to get there. Benny winced.

Ethan was still frozen in the entrance, staring at Sarah not-so-subtly. Benny nudged him and waved a hand in front of his flushed face. He was fairly sure that Ethan had pencilled in his eyebrows.

“Hello, earth to E,” he joked. Ethan blanched and frantically turned to Benny, eyes wide.

“Oh Merlin, I should have gone with the floral cologne!”

“Yeah, guess you’ve ruined your chance forever,” Benny dryly responded before laughing at Ethan’s petrified expression, “I’m kidding. Go get ‘em, tiger.” He winked and pushed Ethan toward the Ravenclaw table. He would go with him, as a wingman, but he’d rather not leave food-crazed Rory alone with the first-years.

  So as much as he wanted to valiantly shield Rory from all of the nasty looks and middle fingers being thrown his direction, he knew that Rory didn’t want conflict. He wanted comfort.

  As soon as Benny turned his attention back to the young vampire, he sighed. Rory was plucking all of the pasties from the table– even the ones on plates– and curling around them protectively. He had garnered more than a few glares from the rest of the house members. Rory spotted Benny and waved giddily, his mouth full and spirits high. Benny always admired him for that: he never seemed to care what strangers thought about him. He would wear the most outlandish clothes and talk about the most obscure things and just… deflected any mockery that came his way. At first, Benny had thought he was just oblivious to the sniggering and badgering, but when he tried to confront the bullies, Rory stopped him and told him that it didn’t matter. No one else’s opinion mattered– only his friends’.

  Benny walked over to the table and sat next to him, giving him a warm smile.

“You know, it’s not very swagalicious to steal food,” Benny chuckled, bumping shoulders with Rory as he sat down. Rory gasped, quickly swallowing his food.

  “R-Dawg has more swag than you’ll ever know,” Rory adamantly defended, scowling, “R-Dawg invented swag. Check it!”  He then began making various noises and swinging his hands in what Benny assumed to be beatboxing. This earned him even more glares.

  Benny rolled his eyes and started piling his plate up with food: cinnamon-buttered toast, black pudding, bacon, and a large heaping of sugar donuts. He was quite famished from his late-night DND campaign (and his subsequent adventure of sneaking Ethan back into the Ravenclaw dorms afterward).

  “We need to bring the Muse-A-Tronics back!” Rory whisper-yelled to him, eyes sparkling.

  “And lose the tiny bit of dignity I have left?” Benny whisper-yelled back.

  “Maybe it would make Erica finally notice you,” Rory quipped, looking back down at his plate in something akin to nervosity.

  “It would make all the primo babes notice me,” Benny boasted, puffing out his chest dramatically. Truthfully, he valued Erica more as a friend (and was pretty sure she wasn’t into men) but he didn’t want to admit it. His friends had teased him about it long enough that it felt wrong to confess– it felt wrong to even acknowledge himself. When he started thinking about romance, he started thinking about Rory, and then he started feeling guilt and– he preferred to not think about it.

  “Girls love that macho piano playing,” Rory affirmed, something pensive in his tone, almost hesitant. He picked at the crust of his toast.

  Benny frowned at his arbitrary dejection and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, bringing him in for a quick side-hug. There was a strong need arising in him to console Rory, a mixture of guilt and sympathy. He patted his shoulder and broke apart the contact, feeling foolish for something he didn’t know how to describe.

  “Don’t worry, MC MonsterBat will be a lady-killer for sure,” Benny said.

  “Who are we killing?” Ethan asked, sitting across from Benny and grabbing an orange.

  “Just women,” Benny shrugged, “Speaking of, how’d it go with Sarah?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  Ethan facepalmed and shook his head.

  “You don’t want to know,” he groaned.

  “Aw c’mon, I’m great at love advice!”

  “B, last time you tried to hit on a girl, you had your eyebrows singed off,” Ethan deadpanned.

“That fireworks spell was trickier than I thought!”

  “The time before that, you almost drowned.”

  “In my defense, the textbooks make mermaids seem really sweet.”

  Ethan just laughed and started peeling apart his orange. He found Benny’s outlandish flirting style amusing, but he had learned to keep a distance whenever it involved magic.

  Rory had been developing a frown throughout the conversation, glaring at his orange juice. He seemed to suddenly decide something and looked up, tugging on Benny’s shirt.

  “Benny, do you want to try one?” He asked hopefully.

  “One what?” Benny hesitantly responded.

  “A pumpkin pastie! AKA the most delicious thing in the world,” Rory cheerfully coaxed, picking up the biggest one he had and offering it reverently. He was so heartened and upbeat that Benny couldn’t bring himself to tell him no.

  The smile on Rory’s face was infectious, and soon Benny was grinning widely too. Rory could probably ask him to eat an earwax jelly bean and he’d agree to it– just because it was Rory. 

  “Uhh, sure, I’ll try a bite,” he said, not missing how Rory’s face lit up adorably or how he pulled him infinitesimally closer. He gently took the pumpkin pastie from Rory’s hands and bit into it without any hesitance.

  To be fair, he still didn’t like it. It had too many clashing flavors and the nutmeg was overpowering. But, when he saw the blush growing on Rory’s face and the way his eyes crinkled with joy, he found himself taking another bite, and another…

  “Do you like it?” Rory excitedly asked, biting into his own pastie and beaming.

  Benny nodded and finished it off, licking his fingers off (and if Rory’s eyes were caught on his lips, neither of them acknowledged it).

  “Yeah, it’s a very unique flavor,” he said. He didn’t want to lie; he was just stretching the truth.

  “You can admit it, it’s the best food in the world,” Rory stuck out his tongue. Benny just laughed and shook his head.

  “Oh, B, you should try the fruitcake next! You always refuse even though it’s my favorite,” Ethan interjected, glancing around the table and grabbing a slice to hold out.

  “No offense, but that is probably the nastiest thing I’ve ever seen. I’d rather face Moldy Voldy than dried figs and prunes trying to disguise themselves as a cake.” Benny fake gagged and scrunched his nose up. He had a rich sweet tooth and could say for certain that fruitcake was not included in that. It barely even counted as sweet.

  “But you just ate the pumpki– Oh. Oh, of course,” Ethan grinned and flickered his eyes between Benny and Rory, “I’m bloody dumb.”

  Rory quizzically looked up from his food and managed a “Hmhuh?” through a full mouth. Benny raised his eyebrows. He usually shared a brain cell with Ethan and could tell what the other was thinking, but he had no clue what was making Ethan laugh so much. He had long since made his hatred for dried fruit known.

  Ethan shook his head and smiled at both of them.

  “Nothing to be worried about. Did you guys want to head to the Quidditch field later?”

  //

  The next Saturday, Benny was the first one up.

“Rory, get up! It’s breakfast time!” He yelled, untangling himself from his sheets.

From the bed over, Rory groaned and hid his face in his pillow. He had spent the entire night getting “food” in the Forbidden Forest. Benny didn’t want to know any more than that.

There was an odd spike of excitement running through him; he just knew that he had to get to the Great Hall as soon as possible. He’d been looking forward to it the entire week, constantly thinking about the darned pumpkin pasties. Whenever he mentioned it, Ethan just gave him a wink.

“If you get up now, I’ll eat another pastie with you,” Benny added.

At that, Rory was standing up, fully awake.

“Really? You’d do that?”

Benny laughed and shrugged.

“Anything for you,” he said, immediately regretting it. That wasn’t a very bro-like thing to say. Rory didn’t seem to mind, though, brightly smiling at Benny and moving to get his robes out.

Benny opened his trunk as well, absentmindedly picking out his finest robes. It seemed like it was going to be a great morning.

//

The warm feeling in Benny’s chest didn’t dissipate. Truly, he knew what was causing it, but he wasn’t ready to face it yet; he wasn’t ready to face him. He felt like it could end any minute, and he couldn’t risk that.

He was a bit relieved when Ethan said he had to study for his midterms rather than go on the Hogsmeade trip. He didn’t want to leave his best friend alone on the weekend, but the prospect of going out with Rory was too exciting.

Hogwarts had just had its first snow, thinly carpeting the winter grass and stone paths in a soft reminder that winter was near. Hogsmeade was decorated in shiny red ribbons and glimmering icicles, sprinklings of mistletoe hanging from every signpost. The restaurants were particularly busy, drawing in onlookers with their warm stews and hot chocolates filling the chilly air with hearty aromas.

They had, as tradition, stopped by Honeydukes first to satisfy their cravings. Benny was sure to grab enough peppermint creams and sugar quills for Christmas; when in doubt, candy was the best gift option. Who would turn down Honeydukes?

They eventually ended up in the Three Broomsticks, properly cold and yearning for fish and chips. Benny had jumped right into his butterbeer, not caring at all how the froth gave him a mustache.

“I’ve died, I’ve died and reached heaven,” Benny bewailed, clinging onto his mug like it was the most precious thing in the world. Which it was.

Rory had the audacity to look offended. He had barely touched his drink, uncharacteristically distraught.

“You can’t die yet, dude, we haven’t beaten the Feudal Wars IV boss yet.”

Benny considered that for a second and then nodded approvingly.

“You’re right, yeah, I guess I have to hold on until then.”

“Can’t leave the Rorster hanging!”

“Of course not,” Benny chuckled, “You’d never be able to finish that round on your own.”

Rory flicked one of his chips at him, pouting. Benny sighed and gave him back a chip to equalize the transaction, squeezing Rory’s hand briefly as an apology.

“You have to admit though, I’m a god at the Feudal Wars series. I think I’m ranked twenty in the nation. Which, to be fair, there are only about a hundred players in Great Britain, but rankings in a multiplayer RPG are skewed anyway. I can’t wait until I’m back home so I can get back to–

“Benny.”

“What’s up?” He replied, taking a swig of his butterbeer and silently pretending that it was real alcohol to feel cooler. Rory hesitated and drummed his fingers on the wooden table.

“I… I know you don’t like pumpkin pasties.”

Benny froze, nearly choking on his drink.

“Dude, what? We’ve been eating them together every week,” he weakly rebutted. Rory rolled his eyes and smiled.

“I’m not a complete idiot,” Rory laughed, “I know you’ve hated them since first year.”

“But you–”

“I wanted to see if you would. Try one for me,” Rory said, leaning forward and resting his head on his palms. His fangs were ever-so-subtly peeking out.

“Oh.”6

Godric Gryffindor, he must have not been as smooth as he thought. What would Rory think of him now, lying about something so simple as a pastry? Normal friends don’t do that.

Benny lifted his head, mouth agape and ready to rush out an excuse, but– he was met with a blushing, embarrassed Rory. Who didn’t seem upset in the slightest.

“It’s cute,” he promised, reaching out for Benny’s hand and rubbing small circles on the back.

“I just– I didn’t want to make you sad, I’m sorry–” Benny stuttered, feeling exposed.

“Don’t apologize, B,” Rory insisted, “You know, to make it even, I’ll eat fruitcake for you.”

Benny furrowed his brows. It sounded almost like a confession– a reciprocation. Maybe they had both been hiding their attachment. Merlin, Ethan had probably stayed back at Hogwarts to make this happen. Well, not that Benny was complaining.

He squeezed Rory’s hand and smiled.

“That’s a bet.”

“Okay, tomorrow morning! I’ll prove it!” Rory asserted, biting his lip, “R-Money will prove his heart’s desire!”

“Moment ruined,” Benny teased fondly.

“Oh, do you prefer R-Dawg? Rorster? Ror-inator? R-Money? Batman? Ror–”

Benny pressed his thumb gently on his lips to quiet him.

“I just like Rory.”

//

By the time they left, the snow was sticking to the ground and the sun was peeking out. If they squinted, they could see Ethan cheering them on from his dorm window with two thumbs up. Damn seer abilities.

With Rory’s hand in his, cheeks red from more than just the cold, Benny took a moment to reconsider. Maybe he had liked the pumpkin pasties all along. He just hadn’t been able to appreciate their ambivalence– he hadn’t realized that if he had just let the flavors meld together, there didn’t need to be a schism.

He turned to Rory, giving him a chaste kiss on the forehead and running through the snow.

“Last one to the castle has to help Ethan get ready for his date tomorrow!”

[give-me-back-my-rhodey]

Let’s Burn the World Down - AUgust Day 6

Title: Let’s Burn the World Down

Author: Purple_ducky00

Rating: Teen

Relationship: Clint Barton/Tony Stark, Background relationships: Bucky/Natasha, Steve/Sam

Link: Read on AO3

Summary: Tony falls in love with the guy he keeps meeting in the ER. Too bad the guy already has a girlfriend... or does he?

+++++++++++

For a billionaire, Tony has to go to the hospital very often. Whether it’s a lab accident, a car accident, an assassination attempt, and/or anything else, Tony finds himself in the ER at least once a month. His insurance is higher than his standards, which isn’t saying much, Tony surmises, because he’s halfway in love with the guy he sees almost every time he goes.

 They’ve seen each other so frequently that they’ve started nodding to each other and saying, “What are you in for?” like they do in the movies at the police station.

 Although he’s being truthful, Tony knows that most of his incidents sound very made up. “Oh, they sent someone to assassinate me, but I managed to flirt my way out of it with only a stab wound.” “My lab exploded.” “My robot dropped a steel sheet on my foot.” “I tripped on something and fell off my porch to the porch below.” But he is even more disbelieving of this man’s injuries.

The guy says stuff like “I shot myself with a boomerang arrow.” “I was skydiving with my dog and my parachute got caught on a tree branch, and an eagle attacked me.” “I think that pizza I ate was too old.” “My old circus buddy tried to kill me. He failed.” “I fell out of the vents, and the bad guys beat me up.”

 Today Tony comes in because he had to jump through a window to avoid Sunset Bain. He now has glass sticking out of his side, and he’s sitting calmly until a doctor can see him. The man limps in, bloody and skin mangled on his leg. The others in the ER gasp as he signs in and takes a seat beside Tony. “Hey man, what you in for?” He asks.

 “Jumped out a window to avoid my ex.”

 “Mood.” The man nods sagely. “I just battled a cougar and won. Before you ask, yes it was the cat kind, although I don’t doubt that a middle-aged woman couldn’t do this if she was rejected.” He gestures to his leg. Tony barks out a laugh.

 “Oh, they could. Trust me. By the way, I never got your name. Or did you want to stay anonymous?” Tony asks.

 The man shakes his head. “We’d go great no matter how we do it. Name’s Clint.”

 “I’m Tony.”

“Yea, I know.” When Tony looks at him, surprised, Clint pats his shoulder placatingly. “You’ve got these people fooled with your greasy shirts and hats, but I never forget a face. Don’t worry, I won’t rat you out. But why do you come to this crappy ER all the time? Aren’t you supposed to go to the ones that are made for rich people?”

 Tony shrugs. Truthfully, the first couple time he came, it was because he had happened to be in the neighborhood when disaster struck. He had struck up conversation with Clint, and he decided that if he were able to talk with him, Tony would keep coming to this ER. “I don’t know. I’m in the area a lot, I guess.”

 Tony gets that he has problems. He knows that he quickly falls in love with anyone who will show him kindness or even just the time of day because he didn’t get enough love and attention from his parents as a child. He goes to therapy, and he does make an effort to figure out which people are being nice only because they want something, which people are just simply being nice, and which people are flirting. It’s still hard sometimes, like now. He doesn’t think Clint wants something because 1.) he just said that he won’t rat Tony out and 2.) he could have taken Tony’s wallet very easily many times. But is Clint just a nice dude, or does he like Tony?

 A nurse gets Tony just as another comes for Clint. Tony lies on his side for far too long as they pull glass from his body. When he’s cleared to go, the doctor tells him, “You have to be more careful, Mr. Stark. You’re not invincible, and I’d hate to see anything happen to you.”

 “Thanks Doc. I’ll do my best.” He shakes the man’s hand.

 On his way out, he sees Clint talking to a beautiful redhead. She is reaming him out in Russian, calling him and idiot and a few other unsanitary words. Clint tries to console her, but she grabs his hand and pushes him into her car. She speeds off, still shouting in Russian. Tony’s heart drops. He has no chance with Clint now. No one would give up a woman like her for him unless they wanted something.

 The next time Tony gets hurt, he goes to the ER near his home. He is in and out shortly, but Tony feels incomplete. He misses the easy camaraderie with Clint. I can still joke with him as friends, right? There’s no harm in that. He reasons, but he chickens out the next time, when he accidentally burns his arm with his blowtorch, and then when he gets shot. This keeps happening until it has been at least three months since he last saw Clint.

 Tony gets drunk in a bar | in Brooklyn. Very, very drunk. The thing about being a Stark – you can hold your liquor very well, and even when you are so drunk most people black out, you can still walk and talk albeit hindered a little. Well, Tony is that drunk, and this is when he tends to overshare. He’s telling the bartender, a beefy man with long brown hair, about Clint. “So, there’s this guy, you know. Only time I see him is when I go to the ER. He’s really cute, he’s got like tons of biceps, and he’s funny. We used to see each other all the time, and I think I love him. But one time, I saw him, and he had a girlfriend. Super, smoking hot redhead – like I don’t even stand a chance. So, I’ve been avoiding him. It’s dumb because he doesn’t know I like him, and I keep convincing myself that I can still talk to him as friends and such, but then my brain just tells me he has a girlfriend, and I end up going to an ER near my house. You know?”

 “Not really.” The bartender grins. “But I’m not an ER regular.”

“That’s too bad. It’s fun there sometimes.” Tony pats his hand somberly. “Sometimes we freak people out with our injuries. But we’re calm. It happens so much that we’re just like ‘meh’.  The doctor told me to be careful because I wasn’t invincible, and I was like ‘ok, I’ll tell my enemies to stop trying to kill me. I hope it works.’”

 The bartender throws back his hand and laughs. Tony drains his glass of Scotch and asks for another. “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” The bartender asks. What was his name? Barney? Barn?

 “Barnes!” Yells someone from the other end of the bar. “I need a mimosa stat!”

 “Shut your whore mouth Wilson!” Barnes yells back. “I’m not serving you anything after what you and Steve put me though last night!” He turns back to Tony. “The dude’s dating my step-brother, and our walls aren’t soundproofed. I hate them so much.”

 “I could soundproof your walls for you.” Tony offers. He’s not sure why he offered, but he did. It’s not like he hasn’t done it before.

 “Thanks for the offer, but Nat and I will get them back at some point. Maybe we’ll do it on the couch.” Barnes grins. “Someone else can make Sam’s mimosa. Wanda’s working that end of the bar anyways.” He gives Tony one more Scotch and says, “This is your last one. I’m going to have to cut you off because I don’t want you to die.”

 Tony quietly sips on his drink while Barnes makes other drinks. Once done, he stuffs a few hundreds in the tip jar and turns to leave when a scarlet-haired woman sits on the stool beside him. Tony blinks at her for a second, thinking that she looks familiar. Barnes’ face lights up, and he comes over to her. “Hey, come here often?” He asks, fake seductively.

 “Don’t be an idiot,” She tells him and pulls his face in for a kiss. Tony realizes why he thinks she looks familiar. She’s Clint’s girlfriend!

He spins on his stool to face them. “You bitch!” He yells at her, then clamps a hand over his mouth as Barnes growls a warning. “I am so sorry. I don’t know your situation. You could have broken up with him, or hey, you’re a threesome, or an open relationship. I’m sorry. I was just caught up… and I’ll just go.”

 Tony stumbles off the stool and heads out of the bar. Mind swirling with liquor and shame, he doesn’t notice he’s in the street or the ugly purple car headed towards him until it’s too late. Frozen, he stares down the lights until the car smacks into him.

 Lying on the ground, the last thing he remembers is a person jumping out and yelling, “What are you doing, you idiot? Tony?”

 Tony wakes up in a strange place. He feels like he should be in the hospital, but he’s not. Looking around, he sees a lot of… purple. “Ugh, no one should have this much purple anything,”

 “I take offense to that.” A voice says. Wait… that’s Clint. Tony wildly tries to sit up, and Clint comes into his line of vision. “Hey, hey lie back down! I don’t think anything’s broken, but you should probably just let your body rest for a while.”

 “What happened?”

 “I hit you with my car because you were standing in the middle of the street. Why were you standing in the middle of the street?” Clint looks worried.

 Tony tries to wave him off. “You know, just for the thrill.”

 “Tony, most things I do are just for the thrill, and I know it’s idiotic to stand in the middle of the street.”

 “Yeah well, the thing I did before it was idiotic, too, so I’m pretty good at that.” Tony sighs. He doesn’t really want to get into it because Clint will probably make him leave. Tony’s good at leaving. Everyone makes him leave after they learn his true self. Ah, well, what does he have to lose but the love of his life?

 “So, last time we were both at the ER, I saw the woman who picked you up. I guess I just figured you were dating the way you both interacted with each other,” Tony explains. “Well, at the bar last night, she came in and made out with the bartender. I called her a bitch because my first thought was that she was cheating on you. Then I remembered that it had been three months, and I didn’t really know anything about you – you might have broken up, or were poly, or open relationship. Point is, I’m an idiot who speaks before he thinks then faces the consequences, even if they’re not direct.” He is very confused when Clint starts to laugh. “What’s so funny?”

 “I can’t believe you called Natasha a bitch and still live to tell the story.” Clint says between gasps. “That’s fuckin hilarious. I am sorry that I hit you with my car.”

 Tony is thoroughly confused, and Clint takes pity on him. “Natasha is dating Bucky, the bartender. She’s my best friend and confidante. She gets angry when I do stupid things, but I still do them. We are not dating, never have, and never will. Hopefully, that clears things up.”

 “A little.” Tony just feels disoriented. This is not something he has ever had to deal with before.  

 There’s a knock at the door. This “Natasha” pokes her head in. “Hey Clint, is he ok?”

 “Yea, come in. Tony meet Natasha Romanoff. Natasha, this is Tony Stark.” Clint gestures to the both of them.

 Natasha smirks. “Hi Tony.”

 “Hi,” He says weakly. “I’m sorry for calling you a bitch. I sometimes talk before I think, and I’m sorry.”

 “Just don’t do it again. Are you guys hungry? Bucky’s making blini.”

 Clint nods. “Tell him I love him. We’ll take two plates. You like blini, right?” He directs the question at Tony.

 “I think so. I’ve only had them once or twice,” Tony says. When Natasha leaves, he tells Clint, “You don’t have to stay with me. I’ll be fine.”

 “Well this is my room, so I want to stay here. By the way, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in a while. I was starting to think you took my fancy ER comment seriously.”

 Tony grimaces. “Well, it’s a long story. But I did end up going to the ER near my house a couple times. It’s hard to get no injuries in the stuff I do.”

 “Well, I don’t blame you for going to the uber fancy ERs, you know, because there’s better service or whatever. But if you do, can we hang out somewhere other than the ER, then? I kind of missed you, man.” Clint looks at Tony earnestly.

 “The main reason I stopped going to our ER is that I saw you with Natasha and thought, ‘how could I ever compete?’ I would tell myself to just go. I could talk to you as a friend, and not me crushing on you, but I always psyched myself out when I got hurt, and I just went to the ER by my house.”

 “You’re crushing on me? Wow. I did not know that. I crushed on you the first day I saw you, and I thought you were just being nice. I’m a dumpster fire on my best days.”

 Tony shoots him a wicked grin. “Then let’s burn down the world together.” 

[suga4mycoffee]

Saw a post where someone was bitching about Korn, and it reignited my hatred...

The constant manipulative and condescending bullshit he's pulling is unbelievable. A benevolent smile, and soft-spoken words, hiding cold calculation, and someone who would be willing to sacrifice his son's happiness, sanity, and probably even his life, if it means his family is in a position of power. As long as there is a legacy. (Tankhun may be unable to lead the family, but Korn doesn't need Kinn to take over. Because he'd drag Kim back kicking and screaming, with no hesitation, and to hell with what Kim thought about it. The only reason he hasn't done that, is because he has Kinn to step up and take over. If Kinn were to die, become seriously injured, or even just earn enough of his father's displeasure... Korn would give Kim that responsibility. I 100% believe that.)

And the way he keeps up the (thin) facade of caring and concerned father, while making sure to keep Kinn firmly under his thumb, and even crushed under his heel? Never missing a chance to bring up Kinn's past 'mistakes'. Encouraging Kinn to be distant and almost isolated, but still heavily reliant on Korn for praise and validation, because it's a way to control him and manipulate him. Speaking in bullshit parables, like he's some wise old sage, when he's really just coming off sounding like one of those douchebags on the internet who think they're so cultured and enlightened, and are eager to tell you all about it. Giving Porsche special treatment, and then demanding Porsche be punished for something, because he's just another bodyguard and doesn't deserve special treatment.

(That's not even touching on the fact that I don't believe he's got any reason to be punished. I know people are all like "He's a bodyguard, he should have been more careful!", and I would agree... if not for Kinn. I know very little about D/s dynamics, but I personally saw Porsche look to Kinn for permission to take the water. And because Kinn has no social skills to apply to the task of 'flirting with his crush', and was being 'coached' by his friends, when he ends up smiling at Porsche (if we can call that a smile, you awkward little cabbage) and giving a little nod, well... To me, and probably to Porsche, that was a nod of permission. Yes? Probably need @lutawolf to tell me if I'm seeing correctly, or I'm being a big dumb.)

These barely scratch the surface. I might revisit Korn's scenes in the future, if anyone thinks I have a point to further turn my brain onto. If not, fuck that guy. He can get face-fucked by a cactus, because you can see how much Kinn is impacted by what Korn says and thinks. Which is why I found the 'rusty knife' scene so interesting. Because here we see Kinn visibly and significantly uncomfortable with what Korn is trying to pull, and his expression does a whole-ass journey. Again, I can also talk about that, if anyone wants me to.

In summary, it's 3:48AM, I've been frothing at the mouth about this for an hour or so, and I'm going to go the fuck to sleep.

My rage is immeasurable, and Korn can catch these fucking hands.

[bssaz97]

@iceberg-week

Alternate RWBY Volume 6 Chapter 1

“Reunion” Day -May 28, 2020

*Mistral Central Station*

Sun: “Thanks for coming to pick me up man, gotta tell you I have a lot to tell you, Scarlet and Sage about these past few months. You won’t believe what’s been going on!”

Neptune: “I can imagine, although I still can’t believe you helped in the arrest of an entire White Fang faction.”

Sun: “Yeah I am pretty great, but that was mostly all Blake.”

Neptune: “WOW! You’re humble too now! Guess a lot has happened since you leeeeee....” *trails off as his eyes focus off elsewhere*

About five gates away from them, Neptune saw the familiar group of huntsmen and huntresses from before the Fall of Beacon. Although the one person he had his eyes on was the the only person with white hair that he knows of.....Weiss Schnee. The last time Neptune had seen her was when she told him that they could no longer be together as she had to return home to Atlas with her Father. He caught on quickly that the decision was entirely her Dad’s and not Weiss’ own, but she denied his claim and said some.... hurtful things that caused him to leave that final day they saw each other at Beacon. How much Neptune regretted his past action for allowing himself to be so easily sent away.

Neptune impulsively started to walk towards her but quickly stops himself. At this time he started to realize that he had no plan of action, he had no idea what he wanted to say to her. That was a lie, he knew fully well what he wanted to say to her but he found himself unsure about his standing with her now. Did she still want to see him? Had she truly meant when she said to him that she wanted nothing to do with a “womanizing, self loving, gold digging flirt.” Those were her words not his own, but they those weren’t the one’s that caused him to walk away that day. The words she said hurt far too deep.

“You actually think I dated you because I liked you. No... I used you. I only dated you because seemed easy enough to buy the fact that any pretty girl wouldn’t pass up the chance to date a pretty boy like you. I only did so because I wanted to know what I could gain from you. Turns out you weren’t even worth my time....”

Those words have been stuck on his head since they first came out of her mouth. They cut deep and hurt his pride but most of all it broke his heart. Neptune remembered that he wanted to forget all about her and her snobby face, but he never did. Even though they had been together for only a short time, Weiss was unlike any other girl he had ever met. It wasn’t just because of her looks or her money or even grades... although those were great too. No, most of all it was the small things he noticed were different about her from other girls. Her dedication to her team was admirable, her willingness to learn about new things despite claiming they were trivial and her laugh was like that of an little child who has been hiding for a long time.

As months went by he had realized just how much Neptune had missed Weiss. He wanted nothing more than to buy a ticket to Atlas and march right up to Weiss’ family mansion to confess his feelings for her and how much he wanted her in his life again. But of course with Atlas closing itself off from the rest of the world that was all but impossible. Many of his previous exes had attempted to rekindle old flames but he knew that what he had with Weiss couldn’t be replaced, even if he didn’t show it. It was actually why he had attempted to flirt with that Faunus girl, to try to make it seem like he was the same dashing intellectual he was back then, as embarrassing it was to find out about her orientation not long afterwards. Not his finest five minutes of his life. In reality he knew it was wrong to try and cover up his broken spirit but he wanted to talk about that later when they were back at Shade Academy. That is until he saw Weiss again....

Sun: *gripping his shoulder* “Nep, I know that face. You should try to go talk with her.”

Neptune: “I..... actually you know what, I forgot something at the gate I should go get it!”

Sun: “Hold up!” *tugs at Neptune’s back collar*

Neptune: “Sun! Don’t do that! It ruins the collar!”

Sun: “Why are trying chicken out?” *lets go of his partner*

Neptune: “Chicken? Actually you know what, food! I should get us food!” *attempts again to run away*

Sun: “Stop trying nerd.” *grabs Neptune’s tie now*

Neptune: “Gah! Sun! Choking!”

Sun: “You gonna wuss out again?”

Neptune: “Ok I give! I give!”

Sun: “Cool.” *lets go*

Neptune: “‘Gasp!’ You really need to watch how hard you pull.”

Sun: “It’s been awhile and it’s been pretty tense. Now why don’t you wanna go talk to Weiss?”

Neptune: “I don’t know. I’m just... worried. What if she’s moved on already? What if she really doesn’t want to see me anymore? What if she’s already with someone else?!”

Sun: “Like who? Jaune?”

Neptune: “Is he?”

Sun: “As far as I know no. Although I’ll admit, he has gotten pretty jacked since Beacon.”

Neptune: “How much so?”

Sun: *points to where Jaune was standing*

Neptune: *follows Sun’s finger* “Oh Gods he’s hot now!”

Sun: “Eh, he may have gotten a bit more muscle but I don’t think he’s using that to catch any eyes. Not that he knows how to use it mind you.”

Neptune: “Sun! Don’t you see! He’s blonde, tall and jacked, he’s as close to real life Fabio as you can get!”

Sun: *deadpans*

Neptune: “Listen you don’t count your eyes are on Blake not Weiss.”

Sun: “Dude would you stop trying to talk yourself out of this. She’s right over there! In front of you, seize the moment!”

Neptune: “I...I can’t. I’m... I’m brave like you are.”

Sun: “Dude! Being brave ain’t got nothing to do with it! It’s about showing her the real you!” *pokes his finger at Neptune’s heart*

Neptune: “...But what if-?”

Sun: “Look, look, look! Enough of the what ifs. Ask yourself, do you like her still?”

Neptune: “Yes. But-!”

Sun: “Do you wanna see her?”

Neptune: “Yes.”

Sun: “You wanna make things right?!”

Neptune: “Yes!”

Sun: “Then go get her! Because the trains almost here.”

Neptune: “What?” *turns to see that the train was fast approaching the train station in the distance*

Neptune: “Gods damnit Sun!” *starts running*

Sun: “Good luck Buddy!”

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

Ruby: “Look everyone! The train’s almost here!”

Weiss: “Well we should be off then.” *getting up from her seat*

Neptune: “Weiss!”

Weiss frozed on the spot as she clearly heard a voice she hadn’t in a long time. She looks to towards the sound of the voice and sees a fast approaching Neptune. Brothers, why did she not anticipate the chance that Neptune was going to be here! She should have prepared for this, she wasn’t ready to face him yet. Not after what occurred during their last time seeing each other went.

Weiss: “We should hurry! The train will be here soon!”

Ruby: “Don’t you wanna say hi to Neptune?”

Weiss: “I...”

Neptune: “Weiss!” *he stopped right next to the group*

Weiss: *looked at him for a moment and looked down quickly*

Neptune: “Weiss listen I-.”

Weiss: “Everyone. Could you please go wait at the gate, I’ll be there as soon as I can. There’s something Neptune and I need to discuss.”

Ruby: *looks between the two of them then smiles* “Ohhh read you loud and clear bestie. Come on gang, lets go wait in line.”

With that most of the group minus Weiss and Neptune have made their ways towards the growing line of people entering the train. With short time they have before the train departs, they would only have a short talk before the train would depart.

Weiss: “Neptune I-.”

Neptune: “Hold on Weiss. Before you say anything there’s something I’ve been holding onto for a long time and I just need to say it now.... is that ok?”

Weiss: ..... *nods*

Neptune: “Ok.... I missed have missed you so much! I don’t think words can truly express how much these last few months have been filled with nothing but thoughts about you and how much you mean to me. I know people say that I’m a flirt, a skirt chaser and I’ll admit I hadn’t been the most forthcoming boyfriend back at Beacon. You deserved so much better than that and more, and I let my pride, my need to be noticed get in the way of figuring that out. There’s so many things I would do differently if I had the chance to and I want to still take that chance. But most of all, my feelings for you haven’t lessened in fact they’ve grown and I will do anything to prove that to you. So if you would please-!”

Weiss: “Why do still want to waste your time on me.”

Neptune: “...what?”

Weiss: *trembling* “After everything I said to you... after everything I called you... basically telling you in your face that you were nothing... and you still want me.” *she started to sniffing and her face becoming lightly red, but not in anger but from sadness*

Neptune: “Weiss...?”

Weiss: “Your wrong Neptune! ‘Sniff!’ It’s me who doesn’t deserve you! I-I only said those things to you because... I didn’t want to waste your time on a girl who you could never be with, *tremble* a girl that’s too broken to even fight for something that she wants. ‘Sniff’ I didn’t want to burden you with a girlfriend that you might never see again so I let you go. My Father would have never let us be together and not just you but everyone! He told me that it was either you all or the company, that I couldn’t have both.... and I listened to him.”

Neptune was stunned, he figured things were bad with her father from what how little she mentioned them but he didn’t know it was this bad.

Weiss: “I-I should go the train will be leaving soon. I hope we can still be friends. But that might be too kind of you.” *begins walking away before feeling being stopped by her shoulder*

Weiss: *She frozed again when he pulled her into a hug*

Neptune: “You are not a waste of time. You have been such a blessing in my life, in everyone else’s. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for you to make a choice like that and I’m sorry that you had to make it.”

Weiss: “How could you forgive me so easily? I gave you up for something I ended up losing anyway.”

Neptune: “You didn’t lose me Weiss, even if you stabbed me with Myrtenaster I wouldn’t have let that stopped me.”

The two separated and looked into each other’s eyes. Neptune lifted up his tie with one of his hands and started wiping away any of Weiss’ remaining tears. This of course caused her to laugh as she found the act extremely silly but sweet. Brothers how he missed her laugh.

Neptune: “You ok?”

Weiss: “Yes, I think I’m good now. Thank you.”

Neptune: “Anytime Snow Angel.”

Weiss: “Oh gods I forgot how much I hated that name back then.” *she giggled and face palmed*

Neptune: “Sorry is that Jaune’s thing?”

Weiss: “How did-?”

Neptune: “I heard from Sun awhile ago he used to call you that when he tried to ask you out. Is it weird?”

Weiss: “No it’s fine. It’s nostalgic actually.”

Neptune: “Geeat, because I was really trying to figure out a better nickname but man is that one hard to beat.”

*TWOOT! TWOOT!*

Weiss: *looks over to see the others have already entered the train* “Apparently that will have to wait awhile. I must be getting going.”

Neptune: “Yeah you should go now before it leaves!” *he urges*

Weiss goes to leaves but stops, she turns around then jumps to wrap her arms around Neptune’s neck and gives him a chaste kiss on the lips then let’s go to start running towards the train.

Weiss: “Goodbye Neptune, I hope to see you in Vacuo next time we meet!” *she yells from the train door while waving*

Neptune: “Yeah... Yeah! I’ll bring you flowers and we can get ice cream!” *he waved back*

They watched each other from a pane of glass as the train departed from the station. Soon enough they were separated once again but in better circumstances then last time.

Sun: *walking up* “...Ice cream? In Vacuo?”

Neptune: “.....Aw gods damnit!”

- Fin -

A bit late to the party but I hope you all enjoy! This is not intended to trash the episode this story is based on by any means, just trying to explore what if you know. Iceberg is valid! Also don’t hate me if i made Weiss seem unlikeable at the start. We all know Jaqcues would tell her to do something like this.

[alicepink-me]

The New Guardian

Story Summary: Marinette Dupain-Cheng is an adult in the real world, guarding the Miracle Box in Master Fu's place. She's in love with Chat Noir, but refuses to tell him her feelings. New holders appear to fight the duo and shake up their lives. Marinette makes a tough decision about her future as Ladybug.

Chapter 7: Battle of Emotions

"Can you believe that?" Marinette stirred a pot of soup. "This guardian council or something sent another team to deal with us? Why can't they leave us be?"

"I'm assuming they have unfinished business with Master Fu and wish to fix everything from before his time as guardian." Wayzz said.

"Well I am not going back there again unless it's an emergency." Marinette began to cut a carrot. "Chat Noir and I aren't a match for them and they're just using signals to draw us out into the open. We're better off not engaging with them. I can't risk you guys or the Miracle Box."

"But Marinette, you can't turn your back on Paris." Tikki said, sprinkling some salt in the pot. "You must protect the city.

"I am by protecting all of you." Marinette replied. "If I give them a chance at that much power . . . Paris will fall and many other places could too."

"Do you really think they'd hurt innocent people?" Duusu asked.

Marinette emptied her cutting board into the pot. "If revenge and power is on their minds, they might do anything out of anger, even if that means going against their own laws; whatever those are."

. . .

"Can you believe it?" Duusu squealed. "Chat Noir still loves her."

"I always knew it." Pollen smiled. "Those two were meant for each other."

"Master did choose them himself." Wayzz added.

"Marinette has no reason not to tell him now." Nooroo chimed.

"What do you think, Tikki, will she do it? Will she reveal her feelings?" Trixx asked.

"Marinette is . . . stubborn." Tikki admitted. "As long as she feels guilt from her past, she'll bundle all of her emotions up until it's too much to bare. It took years for Marinette to tell Adrien and years more to get over him. We can encourage and support her, but Marinette's feelings can't be rushed."

"We've got to give her some confidence!" Mullo shouted. "If she's going to use her energy to keep us out of the Miracle Box then we're going to use it to her advantage."

"Yeah!" The kwamis cheered.

. . .

Marinette sat at her dinner table, eating a bowl of soup. Each kwami had a small teacup of soup in front of them as they happily ate. Right as Marinette lifted her spoon to her mouth, her phone vibrated. She closed her eyes and breathed. She tapped her phone.

"A news update." Marinette announced.

"Those two have probably returned." Tikki said, flying over to her. "You should open it.

Marinette set her spoon down and picked up her phone, clicking on the story. "This is Nadja Chamack reporting to you from the Channel 11 news chopper. The two new villains with miraculous powers have returned again this week to attack the city. There is a blind miraculous holder who just launched a peculiar mist around a crowd of bystanders at the Louvre museum. Citizens reported loss of sight, smell, and taste." The mist is shown spreading. "Citizens scream in terror as the attack continues. Paramedics cannot reach the people as long as the mist is there. It seems to go through gas masks so at this point, there is nothing we can do. Will Ladybug and Chat Noir show up to help us in this desperate time?"

Marinette set her phone down and pushed her bangs up, sighing. She took a deep breath before standing up and pushing her chair in. "Tikki, Spots On!"

Ladybug quickly locked her front door before moving to her window. She pushed it open, jumping out and swinging through the city. Ladybug landed on a row of buildings and ran towards the Louvre. Chat Noir headed towards her from another direction and joined her sprint from the side.

"Good evening, M'Lady." He smiled.

"Hello, Chat Noir." She panted.

"Looks like these two are even more serious than the three." Chat said. "We'll need to end this conflict between us and them today."

Ladybug chuckled. "Well they're clearly stronger and we don't have a single step to a plan."

"Stay positive, M'Lady. We've got this." He smiled.

"I hope so." She mumbled.

They reached the Louvre, looking down at the growing crowd of panicking civilians.

"Mint, stop!" Ladybug commanded. Mint's head turned to her with a diabolical smirk. "These people aren't a part of this!"

"But they are, Ladybug. This is your city after all." She taunted.

"It's us you want and more likely what I have, so leave them be." Ladybug said. "Suppress your fog."

"A few more minutes? Unless you'd like to come down now." Mint breathed in, listening to the screams.

"Stop!" Chat yelled. "Why would you want to prolong the wait to fight us? You're thirsty for our blood after all."

"True." Mint agreed. "Defrost." The mist shifted over to her and disappeared inside of her.

The citizens regained their senses and bolted, leaving an empty space. Once the mist was gone, Sage seemed to appear next to Mint. Ladybug and Chat Noir jumped down.

"We were only having a little fun because you two wouldn't come out to play." Sage said.

"Well your fun's over." Chat glared.

"I don't know." Sage put her hand under her chin. "We have some interesting ideas."

"We might not even engage in combat though." Mint frowned. "That's kind of a let down, but mental torture is far more pleasurable."

"I don't know what your plan is, but I'm gonna guess it has something to do with her." Chat Noir looked to Sage. "She has yet to use her power."

"Maybe strays aren't worthy of it." Sage said proudly.

"Stray?" Chat stepped forward, but was stopped by Ladybug's arm.

"Do not engage." She commanded. "We shouldn't jump in so carelessly." Ladybug sighed. "Let me try my power." She threw her yo-yo up. "Lucky Charm!" A pair of spotted ear plugs fell in her hands. "Again? Why do I need these now?"

"Right now, we have no idea what her power is." Chat whispered. "Maybe it's better to play it safe instead of waiting to figure out both of yours."

Ladybug nodded. "I'm sorry I only have one pair." She apologized, putting the ear plugs in.

"It's better this way." Chat smiled.

"That won't work." Mint announced. "Sage."

Ladybug turned to the heroine, their eyes meeting in what felt like time stopping. Sage smiled and raised her hands in front of her. "Weep." She commanded, their eyes instantly locking. Ladybug couldn't look away. "Now . . . " The feeling between them was frightening.

Her head began to burn. "Ah!" Ladybug shrieked, her tranced breaking. Her head throbbed and she could move again. Her head felt like it was on fire as ideas bounced against her skull. Her mind was racing and she couldn't straighten her thoughts anymore. Ladybug dropped to her knees, shaking.

"Ladybug, what's wrong?" Chat rushed to her side. Ladybug harshly pushed him back, blushing hard.

"I have set her emotions ablaze." Sage grinned. "Ladybug's emotions and memories have been intensified. She can't think clearly or handle what she says right now. She's lost all control . . . she will weep."

"Let her go!" Chat shouted, trying to help her, but she hit him away each time. Confused and shocked, he turned back to the enemy. "Why won't she let me near her? What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything." Sage turned to Ladybug with a demonic smirk. "Why don't you tell him?"

"No!" Ladybug breathed, trying to focus. The ear plugs didn't work with Sage inside of her head. Her lucky charm was useless. "I-I can't!"

"Stop this! You're hurting her!" Chat growled, his fist clenching.

"Tell him why you won't let him near you." Sage demanded, ignoring him.

"I-I can't let him get too close, I can't let him near, and I can't let him touch me." Ladybug blurted, shaking her head. It hurt too much. Chat froze, speechless. "Ah!" She held her temples. "Please s-stop."

"No." Sage denied emotionlessly.

"Why can't I get close to you?" Chat asked, slightly hurt.

"Answer him, Ladybug." Sage felt pleasure in her torment. Ladybug dug her fingers in the sides of her head. "Answer him!"

"Because I love him!" She blurted, fear filling her eyes as she paled. "I-I am in l-love with Chat Noir." A tear streamed down her face. An agonizing weight was lifted only to create a landslide of emotions.

Chat stopped breathing, his heart pounding in her ears. This could all be a dream or a nightmare, but who knows how it'd actually end. Maybe he'd wake up any second now. Sage grinned, watching everything before her unfold.

"Tell him the rest." Sage ordered.

Another tear fell. Ladybug stared at Sage as if she was in a trance. "I can't tell Chat Noir because I rejected him for several years. I played with his heart because I was in love with another boy. I was rejected by that boy and soon realized how much I regret rejecting Chat Noir myself. I miss his flirting and crazy ideas. I miss everything. I may not know who he is behind his mask, but I know that I love him."

"Ladybug-"

"Let her finish!" Sage snarled, turning back to the bug. "What do you feel now, Ladybug?"

"Guilt." She winced, blinking.

"Hmm." Sage grinned, tapping a finger against her cheek. She looked between Ladybug and Chat Noir. Chat Noir stood motionless, barely blinking. Ladybug held her face in her hands. "Well, I think I've done enough relationship counseling for today." Sage looked over at Mint before staring Ladybug. "I release you."

Ladybug gasped. She felt an enormous load lifted off her chest. She steadily regained her balance and eased up off the ground. Her thoughts were starting to straighten, but her heart was still rapid and her head dizzy. Ladybug had a massive headache that blurred her vision, but she knew one thing. She needed to leave and she had to do it now. She needed to run.

Ladybug released a breath and took one last look at her enemy before fleeing, tossing the ear plugs along the way. They purified the city, even though there wasn't much damage. Ladybug's never moved so fast in her life, but she had to escape. From this day forward, she would never see Chat Noir again no matter the circumstance. There's no akumas to purify, so another hero joining him without Ladybug shouldn't be a problem. She can choose a new holder. She is the guardian after all. It's her job.

Chat Noir used to work really well with Ryuko, so maybe it's her turn as Paris's leading heroine. Either way, Ladybug needed out and she was going to do everything in her power to stay away.

Ladybug ducked into an alley and detransformed, landing as Marinette. Her head felt dizzy as she stumbled back, hitting a wall. She slid down and burst into tears. With her mind returning to order, each thought stained her memory. The incident replayed over and over again. Her sleeves were soaked within a minute and her nose began to run. She wasn't strong enough. She couldn't fight anymore.

. . .

Marinette unlocked her apartment and walked inside. Once shutting the door behind her, she leaned against it and slid down to the floor. She needed a moment, but there wasn't any time to process this. Marinette needed to move on. It's been a long day, but she needed to clean the kitchen. The kwamis were all passed out on her bed. They probably finished their soup awhile ago and she needed to pack away any leftovers, plus do dishes.

Marinette managed to pick herself off the floor and made her way to the table, gathering the teacups on a tray. She reached her bowl and sighed. It was almost full since she was interrupted earlier. She had lost her appetite in today's aftermath, so it'll have to be saved for later. Marinette steadily carried the tray to the to the kitchen and set it on the counter, a cup falling from the top, but she caught it in a swoop. Marinette checked the pot before digging in her cabinet for a container. She pulled one out and poured the leftovers in.

Marinette grabbed a towel and began to wipe down the countertops. She stopped, feeling a slight draft pass over. She forgot to shut the window when she came home. Marinette turned around and gasped, dropping her towel.

"What are you doing here?" She almost trembled.

Mint smiled. "I stopped by to see you of course." She sat relaxed in the chair next to Marinette's bed.

"How do you-how did you even find me?" Marinette asked. "How did you know my civilian identity?"

"That's a long story that I don't feel like telling, but I have other things to discuss with you." She announced.

Marinette awkwardly crossed her arms. "Like?"

"The Miracle Box." Mint sat in the chair like she owned the place.

Marinette looked over at the kwamis on the bed. "Why haven't you taken it yet? All that power . . . is right there. It's right in front of you and yet you're acting peaceful for once. You never seemed like the one to actually talk things out."

"Well I'm usually not one to do this." She admitted. "Fighting's much more fun anyway, but I've reconsidered my tactics and have decided to have a chat with you."

"Lucky me." Marinette moved to the couch area, standing across from her. "So does that mean you're ready to reconsider the rest of your plans too?"

"I still need the Miracle box and all of the miraculous." Mint informed. "I'm just trying a more peaceful method."

"Which is?" Marinette looked skeptical.

"I think you should return to the guardian's temple with me." She said. "Nothing big, but you'll need to bring the box with you."

"And why would I do that?" Marinette snorted, crossing her arms. "I don't trust you in the slightest."

"Because if you don't come along, the council will send dozens more to fight you until you give up all of your power." Mint sighed. "Those three that were sent to Paris before me and Sage had lied to you. They said they would take the Miracle Box from you without a choice, but there is another option. You can train at the temple as a way of pardoning your crimes."

"Hold on, didn't you two say the exact same as those other three? Your threats weren't so different."

"I may have fibbed a little." She shrugged.

"And crimes?" Marinette glared. "I have protected this city. Chat Noir and I have watched over Paris and fought every villain that threatens the peoples' safety. We haven't committed any crimes."

"In some eyes you have." Mint admitted. "Your guardian never finished his training and put the temple underground for almost two hundred years. There are several furious elders there who want to repeal any decisions he has made. Some on the other hand have voted to give you a chance, but you must go through training."

"Master Fu trained me years ago to be a guardian."

"On his terms." Mint corrected. "Fu never finished, so that means you didn't either. Plus, you never trained for your miraculous. Obviously the curriculum would be bent a little to accommodate you, but most people at the temple study and compete to be considered for one. People spend years pushing themselves in class to get a miraculous, yet you received one so easily. The least you can do to make up for it is go through some basic classes."

"How many years did you train for?" Marinette asked, slightly interested.

"I started at the temple when I was eleven, I received my miraculous at seventeen, and I finished training with the Eucalyptus miraculous at nineteen. I'm twenty-two now."

Marinette shook her head. "I don't have time to just drop everything and leave for over five years of training."

"You don't have to." Mint stood up. "The council just wants you for a year. You already know a majority of the history and are pretty familiar with your miraculous, so the full ride isn't necessary."

"I don't know." Marinette looked at the kwamis. "I have other priorities."

Mint sighed. "I know you don't like me." Marinette chuckled. "But I think you should go." She finished. "You need a break and as far as I can see . . . you and Chat Noir aren't doing so good."

"Thank Sage for that." Marinette snarled.

"Sage didn't embarrass you or anything. She only made you tell the truth."

"Against my will!" Marinette took a deep breath.

"I don't know, but I believe there shouldn't be secrets between you two." Mint shrugged. "Avoiding your feelings and lying to the one you love is a steady drive straight off of a cliff. It would've never ended well, but at least now he knows."

"Am I supposed to thank you?" Marinette questioned.

"No, but moping around won't solve the rest of your problems. Whatever you two do now is up to you . . . or him, whichever you allow to happen." Marinette stayed quiet for a moment. "It's your choice, but you will face the council soon. Will it be in peace or battle?"

Marinette took a deep breath. "Fine, I'll go."

"Marvelous." Mint smiled.

"What's the first step?" She asked, shaking off her anger.

"Renounce those kwamis back to the box." Marinette looked confused. "I can feel their energy just like I can feel your judgement."

"I'm not-" Marinette walked over to the passed out kwamis. "I . . . renounce you." Each one faded away back into the box.

Marinette grabbed the Miracle Box and walked to the window. "Let's go."

"Wait." Mint muttered.

Marinette turned around. "What?"

"Yeah, so flying through the air, not being able to feel a thing, is not really my style." Mint said. "I prefer the ground where I can see or at least get an idea of where everything is at."

"Fine." Marinette turned back. "How do you travel then? You guys don't exactly have yo-yos and extendable batons."

"Come here and don't make this weird." Mint held her hand out. Marinette walked over and took it, confused. "I use teleportation. It's my specialty besides my eucalyptus." She sighed. "I'll show you what it's like and then I'll bring you back to pack your things."

"Fine. A little test run won't hurt." Marinette said. "Just don't kill me."

"Oh." Mint laughed. "That would be so much fun, but I'd really like to keep my powers."

The two flashed out, leaving the apartment empty.

[fox-mother]

If Kushina never left Uzushiogakure to go to Konoha, I can almost guarantee that it wouldn’t have been destroyed. She is a warrior first and foremost, one who would do almost anything to protect her home. Kushina won’t allow people to take advantage of her homes smaller size to wipe her clan and home off the map. She would fight until the breath left her body for Uzushiogakure without fault. Kushina is among the Uzumaki- inspired by her- who finally manage to completely wipe out those responsible for massacring a large number of her people. 

When Mito passed, she gave Kushina four important roles; Uzumaki Clan Head, Uzukage, the position as Daimyo for the land alongside her new duties as the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. It was a lot of responsibility to be placed upon the shoulders of someone so young but Mito held full confidence that Kushina could handle it. Kushina continued her predecessors work of bettering the Uzumaki Clan, able to pick up pretty much were Mito left off. 

She became a Sage at the age of 18 and has her name in the summoning scroll for the toads. Kushina has a reputation to fear and she is in the process of distancing her people from Konoha as much as she can. She fears that due to the prior attack on her home because of Konoha, that a similar incident could occur again. Kushina refuses to take any chances in regards to her home. 

Despite her best efforts, she has to remain allies with Konoha until her people can be self-sufficient, which is closer than Konoha would like. Unlike Mito, Kushina holds no affections for Konohagakure or it’s people so has no desire to assist the village anymore. During wars, she refuses to send any shinobi to assist Konoha, instead focussing on protecting her own land from possible invasion. The only time she felt compelled to send assistance was when it was directly requested by a unit who needed backup in the form of a couple of healers and a proficient fuuinjustu user. Kushina personally attended the incident- which turned out to be Team Minato- and she fixed Rins seal, rescued Obito and alongside the other healer was able to bring him back from the brink of death with only minor scarring to show for it. 

Finding this mission a bit too dangerous for children to be involved in, Kushina asks Minato a few questions regarding them. She doesn’t like what she hears and she then asks him what it would take for him to turn his back on Konoha completely. A long talk and a bit of persuasion later and Kushina manages to convince Minato to return to Uzushiogakure with her and his team. Hiruzen is angry when he finds out what Minato has done but he can't do anything about it, seeing as Kushina prevents contact between them. 

She and he initially are only friends which slowly develops into something more after a few months of playful flirting between them both. They end up getting married and having a son before deciding to adopt Kakashi, Obito and Rin properly. When the time came to send Naruto to school, he attended Uzushiogakures Academy and later took part in the Chunin Exams, representing Uzushio. There he meets Sakura and Sasuke, who are both his age and who he is fighting against. By this point, he has already been taught the Rasengan as well as his fathers hiraishin so can confidently hold his own against Sasuke during their fight in the finals. 

Suna and Oto still interrupt the exams but everything is a bit more clear cut when Naruto can temporarily fix Gaara’s seal and actually talk to him like a normal, rational human being. The Third is still killed but Orochimaru doesn’t get very far before Minato and Kushina pin his snake ass down. They’d attended the exams, obviously, and felt compelled to do something about the snake. He got away in the end but they managed to delay his plans so much that his army was wiped out. Tsunade goes on to become the Yondaime as Minato never took on the role. Naruto and Sasuke still have their fight at the Valley of the End before Naruto returns home to train with his father, mother and Jiraiya. 

3 years later and Naruto is back again to try and bring Sasuke back to Konoha. Most of the events play out from there the same way except that Jiraiya isn’t killed by Pain- because there is no Pain- and the Pain Invasion never happens. Instead, Amegakure and Uzushiogakure are allies with Nagato having still met Yahiko and Konan but under better circumstances. They formed the Akatsuki and overthrew Hanzo, coming into power and allying with Uzushio. With the assistance of Uzushiogakure, they thwart Danzo and Hanzos plan to get them to go rogue. 

Then everything plays out from there the same way only with Uzushiogakure coming out in full to fight in the war. Truly, they manage to show the rest of the world how they improved in the time they were laying low. Kushina gives Sakura a quick boost before they can use a combination Taijutsu attack that more than makes up for their supposed “weaknesses”. She then also goes on to use a combination Sage attack alongside her husband, Naruto and Jiraiya. With the latter three forming a giant Rasengan and with her applying her chakra natures to it as well as Sage chakra to form a truly devastating attack. The Uzumaki help seal all the Edo Tensei away- except Madara- without issue before helping ward off Madara’s Majestic Destroyer Flame with only minor difficulty. 

Kushina and the rest are also plunged into the Infinite Tsukuyomi while the events of the end of the series play out. She and Minato are released from it by the Sage of Six Paths to help bring Team 7 back to the normal world after their battle with Kaguya. Her and Minato are waiting for their son to return before they berate and coddle the boy when they see his missing arm. They let him choose where to go and he decides to flip between Uzushiogakure and Konogakure as he helps Sakura with whatever she wants to do after the series ends (looking at a certain Sakura here who may benefit from this change in Nart).

[hd-fan-fair]

[ Fanworks posted in tropes order here ] 

MASTERLIST OF H/D FOOD FAIR 2018 FANWORKS

ART

1. pygmy-puffy drew Meet Me at 6 (PG-13) Summary: Harry owns a food truck. Draco is a grudgingly regular customer. One day, Harry pushes an unsolicited cake pop in his hand; it comes with a little heart-shaped message attached to the stem: “Meet me on the roof at 6.” 2. anokaba drew Cafe, Custard, & Courting (PG-13) Summary: After agreeing to this fake relationship scheme, the boys meet at a cafe to get their stories straight. Of course they can't help but push each other's buttons. 3. epithalamium (art tumblr) drew 4-Ingredient Recipe for a Relationship (PG) Summary: Because of his childhood with the Dursleys, Harry relationship with food is rocky at best. And then he meets Draco, who loves cooking. 4. girl412 (gothzabini) drew Honey and Apples (PG-13) Summary: When Draco’s ability to taste is cursed away, he loses more than just one of his senses. Who can help him, if not Harry Potter? 5. sugareey drew Weekly Cuisine (PG) Summary: It's routine for Harry and Draco to go to a Muggle restaurant every Sunday to try new foods and catch up. During their exciting dim sum experience, they discover something important they should've laid out on the table in the first place. Also, Harry is a (sneaky) idiot. 6. dustmouth drew Draco Malfoy's Reasonably Large Cucumber (PG-13) Summary: After making yet another drunken wager with Malfoy at the pub, Harry finds himself vying for first prize in the Annual Wizarding Vegetable Competition, an average sized pumpkin in tow. 7. citruskk drew Here Comes the D! (G) Summary: Draco loves his soup, especially when he's sick. However, he hates it when he's too shaky to feed himself so he had to rely on Harry to spoon-feed him the soup. Alphabet soup. It's not helping that Harry always, always picks the D letters first and gleefully say, "open up wide, here comes the D!"

 ART & FIC

1. fantom_ftnoise wrote and drew Once Upon a Time (R, 12725, Same Artist & Author) Summary: This is the story of Hansel & Gretel - er, that is, Harry & Draco.  2. writcraft wrote and phoenixacid drew Slice of Life (NC-17, 16314, Artist & Author Collaboration) Summary: Luna and Ginny are worried about Harry, Greg is a very a fine baker, Snape’s portrait has a lot of opinions and Draco Malfoy is (probably) up to something. In which one man’s love for jam tarts blossoms into a different kind of love entirely.

 FIC

1. ICMezzo wrote Passion Cake (PG-13, 19384) Summary: Once more, with passion. Or, Harry orders a magically enhanced cake from a chic London bakery, except Pansy overcharges him, and then Draco Vanishes it entirely, and really, from there it all goes to hell in a cake tin. And will someone please tell Harry what Passion Cake is? 2. xErised wrote Chasing Treacle Tart (and Draco Malfoy) (NC-17, 23141) Summary: Malfoy, who is sentenced to work as a dinner lady in the Ministry canteen, has an annoying habit of withholding desserts from Harry. Harry puts up with it, but when Malfoy stops him from getting his beloved treacle tart, Harry is determined to do something about it. And Ron? He's really just there for the awkward flirting. 3. Razra_Eizel wrote Birthday Bash (PG-13, 3234) Summary: To cheer Draco up during their Eighth Year, Harry decided to throw him a birthday surprise party, no matter what challenges he may face. 4. bafflinghaze wrote Where There Is Tea (PG-13, 12643) Summary: Somewhere in London, overlooking a garden, sits a little tea room. There, Harry finds tea, distraction, books, conversation, inspiration, himself, and Draco Malfoy. 5. enchanted_jae wrote Feluna (PG-13, 2558) Summary: As the owner of a new bakery, Draco can't afford to turn down business, even if it's with Loony Lovegood's cat cafe. 6. AhaMarimbas wrote The Devil's Aphrodisiacs (PG-13, 3097) Summary: Teddy learns a new word, Harry breaks his favourite coffee mug and Draco loves his little family. Not necessarily in that order. Or, Squirt squirt squirt squirt. Squirtsquirtsquirtsquirtsquirtsquirtsquirt. Squirt??? SQUIRT!!!!! 7. MistyDeath wrote Sweet (S)talker (NC-17, 10296) Summary: Merlin, he’d stalked the asshole for almost a year, you think Harry would have noticed him tongue fucking sugar quills on the daily! 8. JGogoboots wrote A Holiday in Provence (NC-17, 32201) Summary: Harry Potter is turning 50 years old and feeling lonelier than ever. Divorced, retired, and learning he’s not quite as straight as he thought he was, Harry reluctantly accepts a birthday gift from his friends for a week’s stay at an idyllic French vineyard. Too bad Hermione and Ron neglected to mention that the owner of the winery happens to be a certain quick-witted blond Slytherin… 9. maraudersaffair wrote Paidi's Proper Shag (NC-17, 10531) Summary: Draco works at a fast food restaurant. Harry is his worst customer. 10. simplylegilimenss wrote grant that we may feast (in fellowship) (NC-17, 20388) Summary: When the house elves are on strike given Sundays off, a cooking competition ensues in the Hogwarts kitchens every Sunday. Passionate rivalries turn to passionate friendships. Or could it be something more? Or: Draco can’t cook for shit even though he says he can, Pansy and Blaise are also little shits, Hermione Granger is downright scary, Ronald Weasley totally called it, and Draco really needs to stop checking Harry Potter out every chance he gets. 11. lokiperfect wrote There Used To Be A Lightness (PG-13, 3598) Summary: Down on his luck, Draco Malfoy is trying to find a job. It proves more than unsuccessful. Molly Weasley, with all kids now grown up, is trying to start a restaurant. That proves more successful, and makes them cross paths. Harry Potter, running away from memories of the war, returns to London three years later to discover exactly how things have changed. 12. cubedcoffeecake wrote What Happens at the Milk Bar (doesn’t stay there) (R, 10133) Summary: "Draco, look at me. You talk about Potter all the time. Your complaints about him usually just sound like… Well, you tend to give the impression that you don’t like Potter because you find him distractingly attractive and don’t like that you can’t touch.” Meg and Art nodded sagely as Draco’s jaw dropped. “I—what?” “You’re attracted to Potter, Dray,” Meg helpfully supplied. 13. Bangyababy wrote Promising Produce (NC-17, 3068) Summary: Harry knew it was a stupid idea, but Harry'd never been one for listening, even to himself. Now he's standing in Exam Room 3 trying to explain to Draco Malfoy why there's a carrot stuck up his bum. 14. harryromper wrote Let him lead me to the banquet (PG-13, 16066) Summary: The worst part is Harry’s got no idea why Malfoy keeps sending him invites. He’s never replied to a single one. And if the whole dinner is as exclusive and sought-after as the Prophet keeps breathlessly reporting, then presumably the only reason Malfoy wants him there is in his capacity as the Chosen One. So, really, he can fuck right off. Harry doesn’t care about Draco Malfoy’s redemption tour. And he’s certainly not going to help him with it. 15. AhaMarimbas wrote The Godric's Hollow Wizarding Parents Association (NC-17, 26298) Summary: When Draco decided to move his small family to Godric’s Hollow, little did he know he’d have to deal with misleading television programs, some surprisingly friendly neighbours and a bit of peanut butter. Okay, lots of peanut butter. 16. Ingi wrote haunt yourself and refuse to be buried (G, 3354) Summary: Harry Potter is eighteen years old and he is not okay. 17. whiskyandwildflowers wrote Feeling Rough, Feeling Raw (In the Prime of My Life) (NC-17, 7570) Summary: In which Harry has a quarter-life crisis and winds up at a health spa, Malfoy dresses like a cult leader, and everyone consumes a lot of raw greenery. 18. Goldentruth813 wrote Boiling Point (R, 42882) Summary: Ferveret - n. boiling point After an Auror raid gone wrong, Draco ends up trapped in a dodgy safehouse with nothing but Harry Potter’s dubious company and a dwindling supply of food. With only each other and the walls surrounding them, they're forced to confront their past and their feelings which have long been threatening to boil over. 19. PollyWeasley wrote Potter’s Delicacies (NC-17, 4823) Summary: Draco thinks a quiet life is just what he ever needed in his life. He’s got good friends, a nice independent job as an artist, and an exclusive pâtissier just for himself. He doesn’t think much of why Potter likes to feed him treats so often, he’s just that weird. Even if Draco wants to have something with him, Potter is just a nice, good friend who likes to see him enjoying fancy treats. Right? 20. parkkate wrote A picture of ricecake (NC-17, 7030) Summary: After a night of hot sex, Draco wakes up to the smell of Harry cooking. When he eats his food Draco vows that's it, Harry's making him breakfast forever. 21. crazyparakiss wrote Sweet Relief (NC-17, 1708) Summary: It happens on a Tuesday. The most boring, innocuous day of the week. That’s the day when Draco discovers something delectable, something devious...something fun. 22. DoubleAppled wrote Harry Potter and the Showstopper of Doom (R, 11528) Summary: In which Harry’s an amateur baker, Draco wants him to go on the Great British Bake-Off, Petunia never misses an episode, Sue is a witch, Paul Hollywood is Paul Hollywood, and everyone eats a lot — like a whole lot — of baked goods. 23. postjentacular wrote Tectonic (PG-13, 3296) Summary: In which Draco is the unnoticed centre of attention, Harry's unobservant and, (eventually) they talk. 24. maesterchill wrote Eat Me (NC-17, 10954) Summary: Harry's having a terrible morning. That is, until he receives a curious package at work. Inside are two things: a chocolate model of an erect penis, and a note simply saying ‘Eat Me’ in an elegant, inviting script. And Merlin, he’s hungry. 25. Synonym4Life and GingerTodgers wrote The Fair of Artful Pleasure (F.A.P.) (R, 7363) Summary: F.A.P or the Fair of Artful Pleasure is going as splendidly as Harry could have imagined. Which is not splendidly at all. Which is, in fact, the complete opposite of splendid. Two steps in and he's already traumatised for life. And yet, it still manages to go downhill from there: Malfoy is at the fair and he's making Harry lick lube from dildos in front of an audience. As if that wasn't terrible enough, Harry has feelings. 26. jeni_andtheafterthought wrote Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire (NC-17, 22238) Summary: The war may have ended, but Draco was never able to move on with his life. Having no access to his vault and cut off from his friends and family, he is forced to support himself by working jobs in muggle restaurants. With his luck in the gutter and his flat up in smoke, Draco thinks things can't possibly get worse. Harry offers to help, convincing Draco that things could, in fact, get worse. 27. gracerene wrote The Hand That Feeds You (NC-17, 17371) Summary: Harry needs something only Draco can provide. 28. squadofcats wrote Soup-pocalypse and The Great Curry Cataclysm (NC-17, 104357) Summary: Eleven years after the war, Draco Malfoy leads a quiet, boring, and perfectly respectable life, thanks very much. Or, at least he does, until a sudden and very unexpected veela awakening causes him to throw soup all over Harry Potter in the middle of the Ministry cafeteria. 29. RuArcher (coriesocks) wrote Anyone But Him (NC-17, 19323) Summary: Harry thought going to a Muggle university would be the perfect opportunity for a new start. He hadn’t counted on having Draco Malfoy as a flatmate. 30. Magnolia822 wrote The Great Magic Sex Mushroom Fiasco (NC-17, 6789) Summary: Lost in the Siberian wilderness without food, Aurors Potter and Malfoy are forced to improvise, with unexpected consequences . . . 31. timothysboxers wrote The Boy Who Licked (R, 4039) Summary: Draco Malfoy is doing well for himself: he has paid his dues, enjoys his work at the Ministry, and has his feelings safely in check regarding a certain Auror Potter, thank you very much. That is, until he bears witness to the obscene things the man can do with his tongue and a custard filled bun... 32. gnarf wrote The Difference Between Dust And Soup (Is You) (PG-13, 17612) Summary: When Harry returned for his eighth year at Hogwarts he had high hopes that he'd have a normal and quiet year for once—he had earned it after all! But when he found Malfoy starving and unconscious in the Astronomy Tower one night, it all started over again. He had to figure out what happened to him. After Harry started to cook for Malfoy, and while sharing their secret dinner night after night, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a possibility of them becoming more. 33. Blowfish_Diaries wrote How to Handle a Matzo Ball Soup Emergency (R, 22028) Summary: Harry, having left the Wizarding World after his divorce, inherits a deli in a trendy part of London. Draco wanders in and falls in love - with the food. And certainly not with the infuriatingly-fit-father-of-three who runs the place. A tale of growing up and families of choice; of awkward hugs and new best friends. 34. mykesprit wrote Succumb or Retreat (NC-17, 2068) Summary: Draco procures the Forbidden Fruit, and Auror Harry Potter arrives to take it from him. 35. lyonessheart wrote Melange a deux (PG-13, 10006) Summary: This is the story of two men finding love in unexpected places. And lots of delicious food. 36. oldenuf2nb wrote The Chains of Memory (NC-17, 14417) Summary: Harry is growing sicker by the day and Draco wants to know why. 37. Fantasyfiend09 wrote Popular Appetite (G, 16735) Summary: Bad press is destroying Draco’s hotel. There is only one person who can create enough good press to save it. 38. firethesound wrote The Way These Days Seem to Go (And Go) (PG-13, 15112) Summary: Stress baking isn’t a hobby Harry ever thought he’d pick up, but he’s surprised to find how much it helps him to get through those long months post-war. It keeps his hands busy, it keeps his mind occupied, and when Draco Malfoy steadily pushes his way back into Harry's life, it helps with that too. 39. LadyOfTheAttic wrote Cooking Mama (PG-13, 5124) Summary: Harry and Draco are roommates and auror partners but there are certain lines Draco doesn't cross-- namely, he won't let Harry cook for him. This would be fine if Draco didn't live off of frozen dinners and sadness. Harry decides to help with lessons! 40. TheKnitterati wrote The Finest Ingredient (PG-13, 4474) Summary: The Weasley family is in need of help. Help that comes in the form of a rare plant, grown only on the grounds of Malfoy Manor. In order to save the day, Harry might have to flirt with Draco Malfoy. Or worse...they both might have to face up to the reality that they fancy each other. 41. giraffeminion wrote A Hint of Spice (G, 6787) Summary: After the war, Draco breaks ties with the wizarding world to lead a quiet and uneventful life as a financial advisor on the outskirts of Muggle London. His peaceable existence is broken, however, when a damnable food truck sets up shop right outside his front door. 42. groundbreaking wrote Order To Go (R, 17645) Summary: Draco Malfoy opens a new pâtisserie in Diagon Alley, his pastries and desserts are to die for. Harry is the coffee shop owner next door who wants to take Draco home for dessert. Ron is just there for the bread. - in which harry has a sweet tooth, but it isn't for anything on the menu.  43. Sw33tCh377yPi3 wrote Ice Cream (G, 7508) Summary: Sometimes the critical moment passes us by. If we’re fortunate, we get a second—or third—chance. 44. epsilonargus wrote The Right Question (PG-13, 4652) Summary: Harry is having dinner every week with Malfoy - but no, Ernie, they are not bloody dates! 45. Femmequixotic and Noeon wrote Ynys Afallach (I Will Give My Love An Apple) (NC-17, 42472) Summary: Professor Waverley Root's tutorial in the history of magical food is something of a legend at Flamel College. Draco Malfoy wants to apply it to his work in sustainable wizarding agriculture. Harry Potter's taking it for his interest in historical overlap between the magical and Muggle worlds in the West Country. When Root pairs them together, the fireworks (and the apples!) fly. Now if only they can find something original, perhaps they'll make it through to complete their degrees on time. 46. Drarryismymuse wrote The Way to a Man’s Heart (NC-17, 16390) Summary: Draco is released from Azkaban and given one week to find gainful employment...or else. A chance encounter with the ever-meddling Harry Potter changes the course of his week, and ultimately his life. This is a story of mistakes, burnt toast, awkward encounters, rude employees, bold gestures, and a bit of anal. :D 47. milkandhoney wrote Squill & Spoon (R, 19169) Summary: In order to complete the terms of his probation, Draco's mind healer must deem Draco reformed enough to re-enter wizarding society. Squill & Spoon, a new wizarding supper club could be the perfect opportunity — that is, if Harry Potter would stop showing up at his table every. Single. Time. 48. brightowl wrote The Dinner (NC-17, 7795) Summary: Draco had been trying to beat the sunset, walking along the cobblestone road to the Chateau where he would be staying that night, when he saw the door. Le Billet Doux, said a painted red sign. Below it, réservations non requises: ‘no reservations required.’ 49. Wonders wrote The One Where Harry is a Prat (Not Really) (PG-13, 5941) Summary: The one where Harry is a prat, a pig, an incompetent wazzock, an imbecile and ridiculous. Harry hears Draco talking about his favourite flower and buys him a bouquet full of them. Why, then, does he think Harry’s trying to kill him? 50. tigersilver wrote Eighteen Kisses (PG-13, 9436) Summary: Harry is being targeted by a very determined and wily Malfoy, a Malfoy with sly hands and a sweet, sweet mouth. 51. germankitty wrote The Best of Food (PG-13, 16884) Summary: It all started at the Hogsmeade Food Fayre. If some people those idiots Smith and McLaggen hadn't tried to sabotage a few participants, Draco would never have had to put up with having Potter's bread stall jammed in next to his. (And no, that wasn't a pun, thanks ever so.) Because then nobody could have claimed they'd seen him nibble morsels of tasty, delicious home-baked bread directly from Potter's fingers. Or let Potter lick spoonsful of Draco’s exquisite, scrumptious gourmet preserves directly from the jar. Clearly, Pansy, Blaise and Granger those people were quite delusional. At least that's Draco's story and he's sticking to it. 52. potteresque_ire wrote The Kitchen Thieves (and the Kitchen Herself) (NC-17, 67053) Summary: In a deserted cottage miles away from Hogsmeade, a pair of young spirits waited for a new owner to call the place home. One day, Auror Harry Potter bought the cottage. One evening, farm wizard Draco Malfoy showed up to spend the night with Harry… and steal from the kitchen. Why don’t we let Kate tell you their story? She’s the spirit who looks after the kitchen, and she’s got quite a bit to say… 53. sassy_cissa wrote Three Months, Eleven Days and Nine Hours (PG-13, 11029) Summary: Broke and living in a one room hovel in Knockturn Alley, Draco hunts in rubbish bins for food. Nothing could be more humiliating, right? Unless you're Draco Malfoy...

PODFIC

1. semperfiona read Pomegranate (NC-17) Summary: Podfic of "Pomegranate" by treacle_tartlet. More than a decade after the War, Draco makes a triumphant return to the wizarding world as the successful chef/owner of Pomegranate, only to have his world thrown into disorder when Harry arrives unexpectedly in the dining room.

[astrodances]

Glows in My Heart

TADA!

So happy to finally get to post my piece for The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful (@lotor-zine-2018)! Lotor, you're a gem, as is everyone who worked on and supported/bought this zine! Thank you to the mods for letting me be a part of this!

I had a blast with this, particularly with the Monsters & Mana scene and the volwolg scene. Creating Altean customs is very fun. :D The title and inspiration for this piece comes from Michael Jackson's "You Are My Life." Highly recommend giving it a listen while reading this!

Also, this was the first zine my work's ever been printed in, so getting to hold that in my hands for the first time was a very special moment.

Note that digital versions of the zine are still for sale! There'll also be a few physical leftovers available for sale in April. Check out lotor-zine-2018 for more info, and to see everyone's awesome works!

Vrepit sa!

Summary: Through patience, Lotor has always been able to play by his own rules. But sometimes, a catalyst comes in and overrides those rules. In this case, that catalyst is love and the new rules are simple: tell Allura how he feels.

"I'm a what?" Lotor asked. Six sets of eyes stared patiently, eagerly at him, hoping that he would understand them momentarily.

"A mage! Like, you know, a magician!" Pidge explained once again. "C'mon, you'd be perfect for it!"

Lotor shuddered. Sure, somehow the Paladins had managed to convince him to play this...Monsters & Mana game with them, but that was only because the Sincline ship had ran into an unfortunate malfunction when Allura and he first tried to test it. Now it would be at least another Spicolian movement before they could test it again, a movement that would involve a lot of downtime while they ran diagnostics. He could live through these games during that downtime, but under absolutely no circumstances would he be a mage.

With a flick of his finger on the stat tracker Coran had given him, Lotor looked through the other available characters he could be. "How about this: a swordmaster?"

Nearly the entire table groaned, leaving him confused.

"Please, no. Just...no," Hunk said, jerking a thumb at Shiro to his left. "That's like Shiro wanting to be a Paladin. You're already that in real life!"

Shiro didn't budge, obviously having been through this conversation before. "And your point?" he asked, arms crossed, which made Hunk slouch in defeat.

Lotor hesitated, then smirked from across the table. "Then I'll gladly join your side of this, Shiro. I want to be a swordmaster," he declared, choosing the character from his tracker.

Following another round of groans, Lance remarked, "Great, now there's two of them."

This earned a snicker from Allura to Lotor's left, which prompted him to ask, "What? You find this amusing?" She innocently shrugged, to which he then asked, "Well, what are you?" If she could tease, so could he.

"I'm an archer," she declared proudly.

Lotor nearly choked. He eyed Allura suspiciously. Surely, she must know...

In Altean folklore, archers were seen not only as one of the most powerful and skillful of warriors, but also as the sages of love, beauty, and desire. Alteans would seek out archers in hopes of finding love to the point of self-destruction, for once discovered, no one could resist an archer's allure. And no one could ever find them again.

Only Coran and Allura would know of this legend, for there was no reason for them to explain it to the others at the table. Still, for Allura to tell him she was one so casually when she must know that he knew of their significance spoke volumes. The bond they'd formed during their trip to Oriande and their work on his ship had led to excuses for physical proximity, subtle eye contact, and not-so-subtle flirting. He'd been infatuated with her from the beginning, but he didn't want to rush her into feeling the same. But this...she had to know what she was doing. If she did, then she was essentially challenging him. It was his move.

Ooh, he didn't need this.

Lotor watched Allura carefully as the team fell into rhythm of the game, looking for any sign of confirmation from her that he was right. Just when he was about to give up on it, however, he got it.

"I cast...Passion's Arrow!" Allura said with a roll of the die when it was her turn. Had he not been paying attention, Lotor would've missed the smallest of upticks at the corner of her mouth, a smirk directly aimed at him.

Oh, game on, Princess...

She had to be an archer.

Lotor might have laughed at the situation, had he not been involved. Here he was, thinking that, with time, he could make Allura his by nurturing their bond, that his patience would win out just like it had with all his plans over the millennia because he could see all the angles. He made the rules.

But in one fell swoop, Allura had shot an arrow through his rules and pinned her own to his heart. Whether the whole archer game was simply just a coincidence or a catalyst, he knew he couldn't deny the truth to himself any longer, nor wait to tell her.

He was in love.

Something between a sigh and a whine escaped Lotor as he splashed water on his face. He was back in his quarters now on the Castle of Lions, able to think his feelings through in blissful solitude as he got ready to sleep. He watched himself in the mirror as the droplets ran down his face, looking for guidance in a reflection that should have it.

For all their easy-going games, actually telling Allura how he felt was going to be one of the most daunting experiences of his life. He'd been in relationships before, but never for love. For his plans, even for curiosity's sake, yes. But after 10,000 years, he'd come to know what real love looked like, and without a doubt, this was his first time truly experiencing it in a romantic sense. He had to do this right.

After drying his face, Lotor wrapped a spare Paladin robe around himself and made his way out to the bedroom. What is the right way to do this? He perched himself on the foot of his bed, lost in thought.

Obviously he wasn't going to just tell her over an afternoon of working on his ship together. Telling her in the quintessence field seemed like a rather unique setting, but that wouldn't be for another movement at minimum, and he couldn't wait that long. That left him with little choice other than a date night aboard the Castle as the team was stationed at the rift currently.

Alright, he could pull off a date night. He'd have to keep it secret though, from everyone, and he'd have to make it a night worthy of Allura's time. Of her heart.

Lotor sat up straight, suddenly alert with concentration. If there was one thing that Allura loved more than anything in this universe, it was Altea. And if he was remembering his knowledge of Altean culture correctly, there was a gesture of love involving a special Altean flower. Oh, what's it called? He wracked his brain, staring down at the floor between his feet, his eyes searching for the flower's name.

"Juniberries!" Lotor suddenly exclaimed out loud, his whole body perking back up. Despite the empty room, he still covered his mouth after the outburst, as if someone might overhear. But after a moment, he dropped his hands and smiled slyly to himself. He repeated the name, this time in a whisper. "Juniberries..."

As he climbed into bed, Lotor began to work out the details of the date night, down to the moment involving the flower and how he hoped Allura might respond to his feelings.

He was going to make the most of his move.

Lovesickness was an unusual color on Lotor, he was finding out. It frayed at his confidence and interfered with his sleep. It even reignited some of the Paladins' suspicions of his true intentions. He couldn't blame them, though; with all his sneaking around as he got ready for the date, he'd be suspicious as well.

But he couldn't help it.

He'd played out his vision for the date so many times in his head, that the possibility of something going wrong unnerved him. He wanted this to be perfect for Allura. He wanted to see the look of awe on her face when she saw his surprise for her. But most importantly, he just wanted to hear her say that she loved him, too. He wasn't sure what he'd do if she said otherwise.

Just in case that did happen, however, Lotor decided to have the date on the night before they tested his ship again. That way, it would either be a blissful night of declarations before they embarked on their journey into the rift, or he'd be able to save face, and likely go on the trek alone...

The uncertainty was killing him. He was positive that she felt the same way, but he couldn't disregard the possibility that this really was just a game to her.

To occupy his mind, Lotor threw himself into preparing for the big night at every free chance he got.

He rehearsed the Altean gesture in his mirror over and over. Every move, every word had to be right.

He brushed up on his dancing and culinary skills. When Lance caught him mid-spin on the training deck, he immediately dove into a lunge-and-thrust and insisted that he was honing his agility for sword fights. That practicing without a sword made one pay more attention to the rest of the body's moves. That he definitely wasn't dancing, and no, he wouldn't teach Lance that "fancy little spin move."

He duplicated and reconfigured one of the Castle's holodeck programs for a special setting on Altea. He knew it was a hologram, yet when he first turned on his program as part of a test run, he nearly fell to his knees in tears. For all his centuries of studying Altean culture and history, this was the first time he'd ever felt, even for a brief second, like he was actually on Altea. It looked so real. It looked like home.

The only problem Lotor was having with his preparations was the juniberry.

He searched high and low through his databases, and even through some of the Castle's, in an attempt to locate somewhere in the universe that might still have them. But it was to no avail.

Juniberries were native only to Altea, and Altea was no more.

No matter. He could still use one of the flowers on the holodeck for his plan. After all, the most important part was the meaning behind the gesture itself. As long as he clung to that reasoning, he could settle for a holodeck flower. Still, he couldn't ignore the slight disappointment in his chest that he couldn't be as authentic as possible with the gesture. That he couldn't give Allura a piece of her home alongside his heart.

With everything set, there was only one thing left to do.

On the day of the date, Lotor, for once, was truly nervous. All movement long, he'd done fairly well at either avoiding Allura or putting all his effort into seeming casual (with varying degrees of success) around her. But today, he was sure that she could sense that extra spark in the air just as much as he could.

As they were finishing up work on the Sincline ship for the day, Lotor's eyes glazed over the latest diagnostics on his screen, his mind unable to focus on them anymore. He peeked at Allura from the corner of his vision. She had her back to him, a tool in one hand as she sorted through a box of parts. With a deep breath, he asked, "Princess, will you be free tonight? Say around, 15.70 vargas?" His eyes darted back to his screen as soon as she began to turn towards him, and he plastered on one of his innocent, disarming smiles.

Allura leaned against the console she was at with one hand, the other against her hip. "I believe so. Why?"

"I was hoping you could meet me at the holodeck then." He held up a hand before she could question him further. "Uh-uh. I'm not going to tell you any more than that. It's a surprise. Just be sure to wear something nice and comfortable and...fun."

Lotor smirked at the fake glare she sent him for the lack of details, but relaxed into a smile when she did. "Alright then...15.70 it is," she agreed, turning back to her console. In a moment of playfulness, she joked, "Don't be late."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

15.40 vargas. Lotor's heart was ready to burst.

Every tick that went by brought him that much closer to the moment he'd been anticipating all movement. His love for Allura had erased nearly all traces of the patience he usually carried, so he was grateful that he still had some things to set up, such as the Altean meal he cooked himself for tonight.

After the meal was set, Lotor stood up and stretched for a moment to ease his nerves as much as possible, glancing around the Altean Valley of Berries projected onto the holodeck. It was all so peaceful, so bright, and seemed to go on for miles. He wished he could run towards the hills in the distance and look over them to see Altea in all its glory.

A beep interrupted his thoughts, causing him to nearly stumble out of his stretching. "Quiznak," he cursed. She couldn't be here yet.

Before he could do anything, the doors opened automatically to reveal not Allura, but Coran. Lotor sighed in relief, yet realized a tick later that Coran was spoiling the surprise. He couldn't tell–

"Lotor, I'd like to have a word with you."

Lotor's breath caught in his throat as he eyed the advisor. His hands were tucked behind his back, and his tone was reprimanding.

Yet instead of anything troubling, Coran simply said, "Here," as he pulled his hands out from behind his back. In them, he held a juniberry. A real one.

Lotor was stunned. "How–how did you get this?!" He grasped around the flower, afraid to actually touch it. "How did you even know?"

Coran shrugged, answering in reverse order. "Your searches for them in the Castle weren't exactly private. And let's just say...Alteans and mice weren't the only things put into cryostasis for 10,000 years." He then brought a hand up to his face and whispered behind it, "But don't tell Allura. They're surprises for her on special occasions. And I believe volwolg certainly qualifies."

He winked and handed the flower to Lotor, who took it speechlessly. He could perform the volwolg he'd been dreaming about for quintants now.

"Just...don't hurt her, right? If I find out you broke her heart, well, just know that I know how to find and provoke weblums. And I will not hesitate to use that knowledge." Coran's voice had reached a terrifyingly low decibel at this point, but in an instant he popped back up to his cheerful self and turned on his heel. "Well, have fun!"

Lotor's face had paled with Coran's warning. He hadn't been expecting that...any of that. But he couldn't dwell on that now. It was almost 15.70.

He hid the juniberry in a safe location, then looked down at his outfit, checking over his gold-and-purple Altean evening suit one last time. He was ready.

When the door beeped once again, Lotor stood with shoulders straight, hands folded behind his back, and a fresh wave of confidence rolling through him. "Enter," he beckoned.

Allura walked through the door, and for a tick, both of them were awestruck. Lotor over her breathtaking beauty (she was in a dress similar to her usual attire, only it was much more...sparkly), and Allura over seeing Altea once more and Lotor in Altean garb. He was really quite handsome in it.

When Lotor came back to reality, he smiled and raised a hand to snap his fingers. In an instant, the landscape changed from day to night, making Allura gasp. The valley took on a tint of blue as the juniberries' petals lit up with quintessence, leaving everything in a mystical glow.

Done with subtleties, he stepped forward, with Allura meeting him halfway, and took her hand, placing a gentle kiss along her knuckles. "Welcome, Princess," he greeted.

Allura blushed. "Lotor, I...this is incredible. How did you..?"

"I have my ways." He grinned, taking her arm in his as he led her to the picnic he'd set up for them amid the flowers. "Hungry?"

Over the course of several Altean specialties and a bottle of nunvill, the two laughed and shared stories and took in the raw beauty around them, letting themselves believe that they were truly on Altea for the night. Yet each glance and "accidental" brushing of their fingers together only fueled the electricity between them. As they finished eating, Lotor knew he couldn't wait any longer.

Allura watched as he got up and told the holodeck's computer, "Play Glow-Plexis-One." As a soft, rhythmic tempo began to play, he held out his hand to her, asking, "Would you like to dance, Princess?"

She didn't need to be asked twice. She allowed herself to be helped up, and he instantly pulled her close to him, wrapping his free arm around her waist. As they swayed together, she smirked affectionately at him. "This was one of my favorite songs, you know. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to seduce me with all of this."

Lotor grinned sheepishly. "And what if I am?"

They both laughed and blushed, and in that moment he was more in love with her than ever before. He could feel his heart beating to the tips of his ears, and he let himself get lost in the feeling. It was now or never.

He brought their dancing to a halt and Allura looked at him quizzically. "Close your eyes," he whispered.

She did as he instructed and he squeezed her hand, then let go so he could lean over to pick up the juniberry Coran had given him. After returning to full height, he took her hand and held it over his heart, then held the flower between them with his other.

"Okay, open."

Allura's eyes lit up with the juniberry's quintessence when she did so. Her gaze moved between it and him, and then it dawned on her. Volwolg.

Lotor took four steadying breaths, focusing all of his mind on Allura. On the fifth, the juniberry's glow began to pulse in rhythm with him. Allura could feel his heartbeat beneath her hand match the glow. Altogether, he looked ethereal.

As his eyes pierced hers with their intensity, Lotor rumbled in perfect Altean, "From heart to mind, I glow for you. I'm yours."

Now was the moment of truth. Each passing tick gnawed at something deep inside him as he waited to see what Allura would do. When she finally brought her free hand up and wrapped it around his on the juniberry, he willed himself to maintain his composure.

"From mind to soul, I glow in return. Our rhythm is one," Allura answered in Altean.

Her breathing matched his and the juniberry's pulse and soon, the marks on their faces began to glow in time as well. Their eyes never left one another and for a few moments, they were keyed into each other's quintessence patterns. Their love was true.

Once the rhythm faded and the juniberry's glow returned to normal, Lotor wasted no time in kissing Allura, and it felt as though his entire body was glowing.

When they parted, they both smiled breathlessly. Lotor transferred the juniberry fully to Allura's grasp, and she smiled graciously, but then he nodded towards it and said, "Smell it."

She brought the flower up to her nose and sniffed it, nearly dropping it out of surprise as she got a whiff of its sweet fragrance. "It's real?" she questioned, absolutely floored.

He nodded once more. "As real as what we now share."

Allura chuckled, pulling him in for another kiss. "I guess that Passion's Arrow worked after all."