#(which I've seen tossed around a handful of times and it never sits right with me)

[hiimcanadia]

@treesofgreen I am deeply aware of how mental illness and disability can negatively affect people's lives. I'm also deeply aware of the fact that if you suffer from something for long enough, you eventually learn how to cope with/ work around it. Considering what we know about Ed's past and pirate culture in ofmd, I can only assume that Ed did most of that learning without much support, and therefore his methods for coping and working despite what he's going through are largely independent. I don't think that people who need more help are weak- I've needed a lot of help in my life, personally- but I do think that Ed likely would not have survived pirate life and become as powerful as he is if he needed constant help to survive because I don't think that was available to him for most of his career.

This isn't to say that Ed never needs help, of course! Everyone goes through rough patches. We see this happen to him on screen. We also see that he greatly benefits from the help of people who genuinely care about him and want to listen and support him. And I love that for him! I love that he's developing the kind of support system he's always deserved!!

The intention behind this post was more so trying to say that I think Izzy specifically probably thinks Ed needs more help than he actually does, which in my own experience can sometimes be nice but can also quickly reach a point where it starts to feel condescending. (And also a little bit that Izzy specifically might not be the best person to offer this help to Ed, since he seems to have a pretty narrow view of what things like "sane" and "Blackbeard" are supposed to look like, and doesn't really seem willing to deal with the "listening and supporting" side of things.)

See I don't agree with any takes that Izzy has to remind Ed to take care of himself, but I would absolutely believe that Izzy does that anyway because he thinks he has to. Especially in Ed's breakup/kraken eras.

Like. Do I think that Ed would actually forget to (or decide not to) eat? No. But do I believe that Izzy would demand that all Ed's meals be brought to his cabin if he isn't there exactly at lunchtime? 100%.

Do I think that Ed would actually forget to bathe? Never he's far too much of a neat freak. But do I think that Izzy would come knock on his door while he's crying and tell him that he's had a bath drawn for him so he best go take it? Yes, and he'd be a condescending little shit the entire time too.

Do I think that Ed needs to be told when to stop drinking? Not at all, he's a 40-something year old man who knows his limits and can handle the consequences of his actions. But do I think that as soon as Izzy realizes that Ed is currently a sad drunk that he starts trying to hide all the alcohol from him so that nobody can ever see the great Blackbeard acting so pathetic? What do you think baby!

[ethereal555]

JEALOUSY, JEALOUSY.

angst x jobe bellingham.

You’ve never seen Jobe act this way before. We had just finished our dinner at Hakkasan which started off lovely; you'd both missed each other to bits. It started when Jobe expressed his confusion about the amount our waiter spoke to me, the way in which he spoke and looked at me and definetly didnt like the fact I was slighly enthusiatic in return when the mans questions regarding my profession. And no matter how many times i'd tell Jobe, that 'it's common decency' it fell upon deaf ears every time.

In situations such as these which occured often, he'd be a baby about it and whine about how all the men we come across were always infactuated with me and how it wasn't fair because I am his and his only. Or he'd tell me to be more blunt and harsh in my rejections. At least he was communicating with me..

But this time, it was an intense silence on the way back home, a silence that left your mind unsettled.

-

You both made your way back to his black Audi. Your gaze frequently shifting from the side profile and then to the floor as you internally prepared yourself to rectify this issue before it got out of hand.

Your gaze landed on Jobe again only to see his sharp jawline prominent due to the extent of which he was tensing it. Tensed hard enough to break glass. You also noticed his walking pace quickening by the second, another telling sign of the volcanic eruption brewing within him.

“J, you’re going too fast can you hold my hand please?” you whined. You knew he wasn’t in the mood for that and definitely had other things on his mind but he did it anyway reaching his long arm back and in doing so not sparing me a glance. Your rolled your eyes, hard.

You latched onto his hand making your way back to the car at a decent speed this time. Thank God.

Everytime you both were at a social event, there would always be an odd circunstance that occurs leaving one of you jealous, disheartened or upset. Jobe was the usual culprit; you had told your man for what felt like the uptenneth times that you were an attractive girl, men were bound to stop and stare and wink and do whatever they desired and the same applied to him. But you also told him, there would never be any reciprocation from your side; which you expected him to trust. Simply saying thank you to compliments would suffice. Just common decency that you'd been taught growing up- it wasn't going to change. It baffled you as you'd never given him any slack throughout your 3 year relationship about any of the thousands of fangirls that were overbearring and desperate around him. You trusted him, and you were secure.

This time, you think it hit harder for him because it was supposed to be an especially romantic date; as you both had been apart for 5 months in different countries for work purposes - so you did sympathize slightly.

You halt in your tracks, consequently making Jobe's walking stop. He looks back at you, unimpressed. You smile at him sweetly, leaning up to kiss his mouth. 'Please don't be mad at me. Baby, I've missed you so much and I want us spend quality time tonight. I really enjoyed dinner and I want to enjoy.. you later.' you whine as you pepper wet kisses over his jawline and neck. Hoping he'd leave this atttitude in the resturant and not bring it home with us.

You see his adam's apple move up and down, he beckons with his head 'Get in the car, Tee', pushing at your waist.

You both get to the car, and to your surprise he doesn’t open the door for you, like he usually does. He goes straight to the drivers seat and sits.

You scoff entering from your side of the car, slamming it shut once you were in.

“Listen Jobe. Bellingham. Don’t let your jealousy get you fucked up. I don’t give a toss if you're pissed , especially because of how stupid it is. You’re still my man. So act right.” You scold mushing his head with your index and middle finger.

He moves his head away from your hands.

“Stop - don’t touch meh or ya walking home, crazy girl”

“Get the lad in 'er to rush over and open the door for ya, and 'em lads you like to entertain. Desperate” He said gesturing towards the waiter who was now serving some guests who were seated outside.

You look at him dumbfounded. Mouth wide open.

'I could.. Jobe.. i could spit on your right now, how dare you..?'.

'Try it' he dares, an inferno arising in his chest.

“Y-You're really upset because I was being a decent human being. You’re a child you know that right? and you're fucking childish and immature and direspectful as fuck” you spat.

“That’s great actually - fucking brilliant - because I’d rather be a child than be a fucking flirt that hasn’t a self aware bone in their body” he humours, driving out of the parking lot.

It felt like your heart dropped.

“A flirt? When did I flirt?” I questioned hysterically. I understand Jobe was jealous , and had those tendencies, but to say I was entertaining another man was absurd and not in my character.

You start to shake your feet, attempting to distract yourself from this recongizable feeling. The heat you felt rising from your chest racing toward your throat, your cheeks burning and your eyes stinging. No, you thought, I'm not giving him the satisfaction.

'Stop the car', you cry. Struggling to get your phone our of your back, that was placed by your feet and underneath the dashboard.

Your voice betraying you.

'N-now, Jobe, I can't anymore' you shake your head continously.

'Ya can't do what?", his face softeneing for this first time as he briefly turns to look at you. He pulls into a side road and removes his seatbelt turning to face you. Rubbing his hands over his face as if I was the one stressing him out.

You chuckle bitterly 'that's the only thing you've listened to, this whole ride', your vision and your thoughts become blurry so you carefully remove the accumulated tears from your eyes as you try and call an uber, not wanting to pull any of your clusters out.

Jobe cradles your face when his left hand, you react as if his hand was a bowl of scorthching hot oil.

'If ya must ya can call the uber later, just look at me'.

You knew he hated to see you cry, that was his kryptonite, no matter how bad the arguement is.

His right had catches your other cheek until he has encaptured the entirety of your face within his palms. He stares, looking deep into your eyes, for what felt like minutes. maybe searching for words to say, accountability maybe.. you anticipated an apology ..

“Ya do this all the time me love.."

'what jobe, what i do?' you croak

'ya cry when I tell ya the truth, baby, ya know I don’t lie', he pecks the corner of your lips.

You break away and look at him through your now damp lash clusters and teary eyes.

my man my man my mf man

'make up your mind' - chris brown inspo kinda

i hate a nigga that doesnt take accountability btw.

[puripurin]

Again, thanks 4 da idea, @littlekohai77!! Now this is the one where cute yan monster's darling is meeting his mother.

— "You have a human mother??" You said in confusion. I mean, you could see it, but was there anyone who could survive this long with a hanging jaw? It's been a few weeks since you met Aimilios, but you've never seen his mother roaming around.

"Yeah! You've never seen her because my mama is always in the basement of the building now because in recent years, many people have come and tried to "save" her, I don't know why, though. She looks safe and happy! She enjoys running around, hiding from my father, and loves being tossed around him. They're actually trying to kidnap her and experiment on her because she's very pretty. That's what I've come up with. How horrifying." You tried your best not to look skeptical, though. You didn't want him to burst out crying because you told him what people actually see when a woman is running around in an abandoned building being manhandled by a monster. So you kept your mouth shut on that part and changed the topic to his father.

"Wait, but your father is that crazy horned bastard who doesn't like me?" You furrowed your eyebrows as Aimilios tilted his head, trying to understand what you mean.

"Yeah, and he and my mama love each other very much! Just like you and me, we love each other very much, mh! You are my one and only." He hugged you and snuggled into you before grabbing your hands.

"Because papa finally trusts you enough. He finally allowed me to show you where mama is staying and meet her. So can we meet her now?" He smiles at you and grips your hands tightly. Although you go swooped up into this ridiculous situation by force, you could tell that it means a lot to him to see his mother.

"I-... okay, we can see her." He squeezed your hands tightly and hugged you one more time before leading you down a flight of steps to the basement. He breathed in before opening the door too fast and hit himself in the face and slammed his hand on the wall when he pulled the door open. He slowly crumbles to the floor in pain.

"Oh! Amy, is that you– ACK!" You heard a harsh thud as the woman fell to the ground. You slowly led Aimilios inside the room with the hand that wasn't swollen with pain and saw the woman covering her mouth in pain. How unfortunate is this family that they get injuries at the same time??

After a couple of minutes, it was silent. Aimilios' mother was looking away in embarrassment as she held an ice pack to her lips while Aimilios, who was sitting next to you, held an ice pack to his nose and his hand was on the table with an ice pack resting on top of it.

Now that you're looking at her, you can see where Aimilios' cuteness came from. This woman looks young, almost similar in age to Aimilios, and has the exact same eyebrows, eye shape, and nose as him. The eye colour came from his father, but his hair? You have no idea where it came out from.

"R-right. I'm sorry about that you had to witness that, (Y/n)... My first impression of you must be bad, so I'm sorry about that." She lifted the ice pack when she needed to speak and was extremely embarrassed by the situation.

"Ah, no worries. I can see where Aimilios got his clumsiness from. My name is (Y/n) (L/n), and im 23." You smiled at her and gave your hand for her to shake, to which she obliged to.

"You can just call me mom. I'm the mother of Aimilios and the wife of that grumpy little beast. Im 44 years old." She smiled as you looked surprised.

"44? You look the same age as Aimilios!" His mother just chuckled and put her hand on her cheek from the compliment.

"So how did you meet Aimilios because I have a feeling that he's lying to me about saving you from one of the ruined rooms in this place." Aimilios' face exploded into a bright red blush.

"N-no! I wasn't lying! Mom!" Aimilios covered your ears, but it was too late, you burst out in laughter.

"T-that's what he told you!?!? Hahahahaha!" You wiped your nonexistent tears as Aimilios put the ice packs into the bowl on the table and covered his face from embarrassment. His mother let out a couple of chuckles.

"Well, I was exploring this place because I was bored, and when I was walking when all of a sudden, he came out only to hit his face on a hanging piece of metal. He was going to cry--" You laughed, but Aimilios covered your mouth.

"I-I'm going to get water." He said in embarrassment and shuffled to the makeshift kitchen to open the tap. He huffed turned back.

"Mom... There's no water. I'll go outside to turn on the water..." He quickly left with a set of keys. As soon as you heard the door clicked, you turned back to the mother.

"Why are you not telling him the fact that people are really trying to save you out of concern??" You spoke out, really wanting to know the reason why she hasn't told him anything. His mother slapped a hand over her mouth and closed her eyes out of embarrassment.

"You don't know how hard it it to go up to him and say, "Oh, it's not because people want to kidnap me because they want experiment on me, it's because when i have fun with my husband, they either think he's mauling me to death or raping me! Sorry, son!" It's not easy-" There was a drop of keys both you and his mom eyes widened in horror as Aimilios was standing at the door, tears welling in his eyes.

"Mom! (Y/n)! How could you lie to me!!!" He cries and runs away.

"aMy NOOOOO!!!"

Okay, okay, that ending was super fun to write 💀💀 this is better than the storytelling one cus this is goofy asf. Anyways how do yall like the names ive picked out for cute yan monster and his father? I better hear amazing, Googling shit is hard /j

Also the hair colour thing is intentional cus i have an idea with that 🤭 sorry if your oc has blond hair thoughhh.

Note prooftread.

Edut: forgor tags again. Mb

[nethhiri]

Chapter 55: Flatline

Warnings: references to rape, violence, murder (ish)

Curiously, you woke up without the familiar cage of Kid's arms around you. Stretching out, you could feel that Killer wasn't beside you either. It took a few seconds in your groggy state to notice, but the shower was running and there was a fast-paced rhythmic thumping sound followed by a string of strangled moans. Oh. While this normally would have encouraged you to go join them, you were understandably not interested in sex in the least bit. Physically you were fully healed and, while you could participate in that aspect, mentally you were not there yet. 

You thought about waiting for them to finish, though depending on how long they had been in there already, that could take a while. It was also a reminder of something that you didn't want to dwell on, another way you weren't the same person you were several weeks ago. Killer had been thoughtful enough to bring some of your own clothes to the room for you, so you grabbed them and tossed them on. It was a few minutes of fumbling with where the holes were on things and how to figure out if they were right-side-out or not before you could get them on. The shoes weren't as hard as you thought they would be. There wasn't any underwear, which was odd, but he probably just forgot.

You got to the hallway and had to pause, remembering where everything was and trying to imagine spatially where it would be. You didn't get far before there was a wet nose prodding under your arm. Mini slid her head under your hand to guide you to the deck. There were people on deck, you could hear them talking, getting slightly more hushed when they noticed you there. The majority of them hadn't seen you at all since you had been back. The sound of someone running and feeling of arms wrapping around you alerted you to the presence of Quincy. 

"Y/N! It's so good to see you out." She squeezed you once and let you go. "How are you doing?"

"Probably better than most would be."

"Yeah... If you need to talk or anything... I mean I'm sure Kid and Killer have it covered but..."

"Thanks, Quincy. I'll..." You were about to brush her off, but it might actually be nice to talk to someone else. "I'll keep that in mind." 

She bounded off to complete her duties. You didn't really have anything to do. You didn't even know where you were going. You could go to the infirmary, though it wouldn't do any good to be there. Mini helped you wander around until you found yourself leaning against her, sitting in the skull at the ship's bow. It felt good to walk around, and even better to breathe in the fresh, salted sea air. The sound of the bow cutting through waves was calming. You had a lot of bottled anxiety given your new normal and you hated it. This was the first time in your life that you weren't confident in anything that you did and you were very unsure where you were headed. With the loss of your log pose, you had no way of tracking down the last person on your hit list. If you were lucky, maybe you could torture it out of Warthin. At least you had that to look forward to. 

"Mind if I join you?"

The voice made you jump. 

"Sorry!" 

"For a big guy, you're light on your feet."

There was a faint jingle as the hoops on Heat's belt dinked together when he sat. "I didn't mean to be." 

The two of you sat there in silence. You continued to half-meditate, yet there was something prickling at the edge of your mind. It feels like I'm being watched. It was such a strange feeling and it was beginning to unnerve you. At the same time, you thought that you could tell where it was coming from.

"Heat? Are you staring at me?" 

"O-oh. I didn't think you could tell." Heat paused. "Wait. How can you tell?" 

"I... don't know." 

"It's just... you look so sad. I've never seen you like this." 

Hearing that, coming from the saddest looking guy to ever do it, made you snort. "Yeah, well, when you've been assaulted and permanently maimed, let's see how well you handle it." You thought about how little you knew of Heat and his scarred smile. In reality, he probably had been through something similar. Maybe that's why he was eternally sad-looking. Maybe you had more in common than you thought. You were instantly guilty. "I didn't mean that. I wasn't thinking." It was silent and you thought he might have left.

He laughed, despite what you thought was a fairly mean attack. "Now I know you aren't doing well. You? Apologizing for being mean?"

That made the ghost of a smile appear on your face. 

Heat rested a reassuring hand on your knee. "I like it when you're mean to me anyway." 

You were grateful for Heat trying to make it seem like a normal day even though your comment probably did wound him deep down.

"It won't be permanent." Heat scooted next to you and put his arm around your shoulders, resting his head on yours and giving you a side hug. "Kid is going to fix you up, just like he did for me. Maybe he'll even give you an upgrade, too." 

"I hope it's not fire breath or one of us will have to leave," you deadpanned.

"That's the Y/N we know and love." Heat ruffled the hair at the top of your head and patted it before getting up. He did have other duties to attend, but he wanted to check on you first. "And then when you feel up to it, you can try to fix the other one with your devil fruit."

"I already tried." A frown settled on your face. "I can't make something from nothing."

Heat was confused by this. "What do you mean 'from nothing'?" 

"I need at least a part of something to restore the rest of it. I can't create something out of thin air." You sighed. You really didn't want to be thinking about this, which is why you came out here in the first place. "And that eye is long gone by now." It had been over a week since Warthin had gouged it out of you and who knows what happened to it afterwards. 

Now Heat understood. You didn't even know they had your eye. He told Killer that he thought it was a bad idea to keep that from you, but obviously he didn't listen. "Y/N... " Heat tore his eyes away from you. He wouldn't be able to tell you if he watched your face.

You gave him a puzzled look.

His face was one of concern and perhaps regret. He was silent.

"Heat?" You prompted, suspicion evident in your voice.

He didn't want to get Killer in trouble like this, though he did make it clear he thought it was wrong to keep your eye from you. 

"Heat, tell me," This time your tone was serious. It left no room for him to back out of whatever he was trying to tell you.

"Please don't get angry." He knew those words would have no hold over you. 

Your heart sunk, knowing whatever he was about to say was most assuredly, going to make you angry. 

Perspiration broke out on Heat's skin after seeing the dark change in your expression. He couldn't backtrack now. And he couldn't lie to you. Maybe he could frame it in a positive way to soften the blow. "It's actually good news when you think about it-"

"HEAT, JUST FUCKING TELL ME." The anxiety of what he had to say was eating at you and you could already feel your temper flaring. 

"Your eye is fine. It's here. We have it."

"What?" Venom dripped from your voice and you stood up.

Heat backed up a step as you walked towards him. "Warthin sent it to us along with the video transponder snail." 

"So you've had it this entire time," your voice cracked as it boiled with anger, "and you all let me think I would never see again." 

"That would never be true, even if it really was gone. Kid can fix anything."

"So that's it? He kept it from me so that he could make me completely dependent on him? Held it hostage so that he could be a knight in shining armor huh?" 

"No! Killer thought-"

"Killer!?" Kid had done some stupid stuff before that made you mad, but Killer had really never done anything that hurt you. It was hard to believe that Killer could do something so cruel. 

"He thought it would be best to wait until you could heal. He was worried that you would fuck up your eye if you tried to mess with it too soon!" 

"That is not a choice that he gets to make." You stepped to Heat until your chest was flush with his body. "Do you know what was the most traumatic thing for me?" You paused. "It wasn't being force fed every day. It wasn't getting beaten. It wasn't having a permanent brand carved into my skin. It wasn't being raped over and over and over again, not even when it was broadcasted, not even when it was multiple people, and not even when a fucking beer bottle was shoved up my cunt. It was getting my fucking eye ripped out and wondering if the last  memory I had of Kid would be him getting shot in the head, wondering if he was alive or not. Or if all my memories of Killer would slowly be replaced by the last face I saw, the face of someone I despise. I was more worried about what you would all think of me if you found me than if you were actually coming at all. What would I be without my eyes? What worth would I have? And the whole time I've been back, I've been stuck in an endless loop of these fears. I have been tormented every fucking second of every fucking day that once you all realized that I was useless, the only reason to keep me here would be to fuck me, because that's about all the worth I have right now. And even then, why would you want to, after seeing what he did to me?"

You shoved Heat aside in your anger and made a furious beeline back to Kid's cabin. Your throat was pained from yelling and the way the air was cold against your cheeks made it known to you that tears were streaming down them. It was unknown if it was your ominous aura that kept people out of your way, or the haki you didn't even know you possessed leading you in a clear path. Even in your rage, you didn't want to harm either one of them. That was the shitty part about catching feelings. It made you soft. Before, you wouldn't hesitate to start swinging. That didn't mean you weren't going to go apeshit though. You kicked the cabin door open so hard you could hear the frame splinter. 

"WHAT THE FUCK, ROTTEN?"

"SHUT UP, KID!" You and Kid were both shocked at how vicious you sounded. You could sense Killer somewhere in the room, taking a millisecond to locate him. You pointed at him. "GIVE ME MY FUCKING EYE!

"Y/N-"

"And don't say a fucking word because I don't want to hear anything you have to say right now!" You were livid and it bled through in your voice the way it cracked and was slightly raspy from screaming. 

This was a complete betrayal. How could they do this to you and claim they loved you? You cried in their arms and bared your heart to them. They knew how much torment you had endured and all the fears that seeped into your mind. They consoled you and reassured you that you would see again, all while having the ability to do so right that instant, yet still withholding that information. How could they have been extending your anguish purposefully like that? It was not an accident or a misunderstanding. It was a deliberate choice to keep you from seeing. The heart you bared to them, that loved them, that only kept beating for them, they held it in their hands and crushed it. 

Killer silently led you to the infirmary, where he had placed the jar with your eye in it on one of the highest shelves. He could almost imagine a hole burning through his chest with the way you were projecting vitriol towards him. He could feel it flowing freely from you. He could hear it in your heated breaths as you followed him. Killer knew there was a possibility that you would be pissed. He didn't think you would be this mad. He expected to be yelled at. The way you were completely silent after you had screamed at him was unsettling. He wanted you to say something, even if it was just more yelling. His own heart was sinking, realizing that this might have been the wrong call. 

Kid followed the both of you, also freaked out by the way you lit into him and were now clearly brimming with wrath. Part of him was there to back up Killer, and by how unpredictable you were being, he didn't know if that meant physically or with words, or emotionally. He could see from behind you, how tightly your fists were clenched, and the short moments where your devil fruit flickered to life within them. The hair on Kid's neck stood on end as he realized that he and Killer were within an arm's reach and could peel their skin off with a simple touch, if you really wanted to. It looked like you were fighting to contain it. 

You heard the sound of glass sliding on the counter to rest in front of you. After making sure your hands were clean, you felt around in the jar until something slimy bumped your hand. Scooping it out, you held it, feeling around for the various attachments it should have. There was no foul stench from the jar. That was a decent sign that your eye hadn't decayed yet. The harsh smell of formalin burned the inside of your nose and throat instead. The tissue was dead, but preserved. You could work with that. It was heavier than you thought it would be, as you ran water over it. If you put it back in as is, the formalin would give you a chemical burn on the inside of your skull, which may actually be preferable to whatever you were feeling currently. 

Taking a deep breath you tilted your head back, separating the eyelids on the left and dangling your eye above the opening. You lowered it back into its original setting, using your devil fruit to part the newly forming scar tissue that had filled the empty space your eye's absence had left behind. Your power worked at the neural tissue, reforming bonds with the nerves in your eye. The foreign feeling of your brain being altered made you lightheaded and ill. As the nerves in your eye made connections, light, without color or shape, became visible to you. It was like someone was shining a light through fog. Your breath caught in your throat with hope. You were afraid to breathe until it was done. Shape came next, in the form of blobs in varying shapes of gray. Tinges of color crept into the blobs and they began to sharpen. The colors became more saturated and the blobs turned into more recognizable shapes. The readjustment for your brain made it ache. Vision was not unfamiliar to it. The portions used for vision had begun to be allocated to other functions, so reversing that did take time. It was a soreness akin to using a muscle that hadn't been used in a long time. When the shapes became clear and the color had fully returned, it was still slightly off. Holding your hand in front of you, it looked sideways even though you knew it was straight. You rotated your eye in its socket until everything was going in the right direction, then you healed the musculature around the orb, securing it in place and making it able to move. You could let your breath out. You made several slow blinks, moistening the long-dry eye. You could see.

You turned cautiously, stopping, unsure if you wanted to look at either of them right now. Continuing the turn, part of you was relieved and you wanted to cry tears of joy that you could see again, that you could see them again. The other part of you was utterly mangled, seething, unwilling to give them the time of day. Your newly restored vision only settled on each of them for a millisecond before you breezed past them, yanking Kid's pistol from his belt as you did so. Whatever they said to you as you went, you didn't hear it and you didn't care to. Right now, even though you wanted to really let them have it, you didn't want to say something you would regret. The feelings you had for them held you back. The same feelings are what made you so livid in the first place. If you didn't love them, their actions wouldn't have hurt you this badly. 

So you would do the next best thing, take it out on someone who really deserved it. 

Mini followed closely behind you as you stormed out on deck and down into the bottom level of the ship. The bubbling anger that was roiling within you was laced with a certain malicious giddiness. Finally. Finally, you were going to give that sick piece of human garbage what he earned. The sound of several heavy footsteps followed you. You ignored them. When you slipped into the ship's dungeon, you slammed the door behind you and sealed it with your devil fruit. The heavy footsteps stopped at the door for a time, and eventually walked away. 

You turned your attention to the man at the far end of the room, one you would never mistake for another. Your steps were solid and intentional as you stalked towards him. His eyelids were sewn open and he was swollen with joints at unnatural angles. In spite of your hostility towards them, you couldn't help but feel your lips tug up in a smile at what was surely Kid and Killer's work. It was incredibly satisfying to see Warthin sagging in pain. He recoiled at the sight of you, appearing as if he was trying to disappear into the wall behind him. You raised the pistol as you neared, firing one shot into his abdomen, reloading, and doing the same thing, then again, and again, until you had one bullet left. With that one, you ended your walk by pressing the barrel into his eye. You cocked it, letting him get a good look at the person who was going to end him.

And pulled the trigger.

Next

Tag List: @bbnbhm @nocturnalrorobin

[cherrycola27]

Red, White, and Rooster

Series Warnings: Language, alcohol consumption. Frenemies to lovers, relationship of convenience. Political situations. Allegations of affairs, military and political inaccuracies. Eventual smut. 18+ Minors DNI. Banner Credit: @thedroneranger

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Chapter 5: Honeymoon Blues

You woke up early the next morning to the smell of breakfast cooking. You slipped out of bed and went to the small bathroom to brush your teeth and get ready for the day.

You were well rested. It was probably the best sleep you'd had in months. You went to your suitcase and found your simple black two-piece bathing suit. You were on vacation until Wednesday, and you planned to enjoy it. You slipped a pale blue Oxford button up on over your bathing suit and a pair of white shorts. You tossed your hair into a high ponytail before gathering a few things you would need for the lounging by the pool, which was right outside the sliding glass door of your room.

"Good morning, Sweetie." Bradley greeted you as you entered the room. "I made pancakes and eggs and bacon." He said.

You turned into the kitchen, and you had to do a double take. Bradley looks so different from the man you were used to seeing. He'd traded his suits for a pair of swim trunks, a white tee, and a Hawaiian print shirt.

"Who are you, and what have you done with the president?" You tease him. He laughed before setting a plate of food down in front of you. You perched on a stool at the island and began to eat.

"Oh my god! These are the best pancakes I've ever had!" You exclaim through a mouth full of food.

"Thank you, Bradshaw family secret recipe." He laughs. "Does that mean you're going to share it with me sometime?" You smirk at him while wagging your rings in his face. He tenses before muttering, "Yeah, sure, I guess I can." The two of you talk for a bit. After breakfast, you insist on cleaning up the kitchen.

You then grab your things to head to the deck. "I'm going to lounge on the deck. Would you like to join me? You might as well take advantage of this free time we have." You tell him.

"I might be out there in a few." Bradley replies. You shrug your shoulders and head outside.

Once outside on the private pool deck, you open the umbrella beside a lounge chair and set your things down. You place your book, phone, and water bottle on the nearby table before spreading out your towel on the lounger. You slip off your shorts and unbutton a few of the shirts' buttons, but decide to leave it on before you settle down in the chair and start reading.

After about thirty minutes, Bradley joined you with two beers in his hand.

"Isn't it a little early to start drinking?" You asked him.

"It's five o'clock somewhere." He mused as he handed you one. You set your book down and took a sip.

"I think I'm ready for a swim. Can you put some sunscreen on my back for me?" You asked him.

He nodded. You grabbed your bottle and passed it to him before turning to stand with your back to him. You slipped your shirt off your shoulders and tossed it aside.

Bradley almost lost it at the sight of your in your simple black bikini. He'd never seen this much of your skin. It was just as beautiful as he thought it would be. And he had thought about it a lot. Probably more than he should have.

He swallowed thickly as he quickly composed himself and rubbed the lotion on your back and shoulders before setting it on the table next to him and sitting back down. You turned around to thank him—and that's when he saw it. His eyes almost buldge out of head. Thankfully, you couldn't see them because of his sunglasses.

He was enraptured by what he saw.

The distinct black ink on the left side of your chest that curved under your left breast and disappeared under the band of your swim top.

"You have a tattoo?" He blurted out in surprise. "Oh, yeah. I didn't tell you?" You asked him. No, you most definitely did not tell him. He would have remembered that. He would have fantasized about what it looked like if it was the only thing you had on. "It's not visible all the time. Sometimes I forget about it." You laugh.

"What is it?" He asks you. You move closer to show him. You lift up the band of your top ever so slightly so he can see the whole thing.

"It's one of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs lace judicial collars she used to wear. It says 'I belong in all places' on the inside because of my favorite quote by her: 'Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.' I got it here because I wanted to keep that close to my heart. Being a woman in politics isn't always easy. I wanted a reminder that I belonged here." You explain to him.

"It's amazing." Bradley tells you. Without thinking, his hand reaches up to trace the ink. You shudder under his touch. "Sorry." He quickly draws his hand away.

"It's fine, I'm just ticklish." You laugh. "Care to join me?" You say as you nod toward the pool. "I'm fine, have fun." He tells you as he leans back into his chair. Bradley waits until you've dove under the water to get up and leave. The sight of your nearly naked form and him learning about your tattoo have made him impossibly hard, and he needs to get back inside now before he combusts.

.........................

Wednesday couldn't come fast enough for Bradley. After the tattoo fiasco, he'd spilled wine all over your pajamas by knocking your glass over. You were frustrated because you didn't have another set to wear. He'd offered you one of his worn Navy shirts he had packed, though he would have preferred it if you wore nothing at all. It was almost sinful the way it fit your body, stopping at your mid thighs, leaving just enough to the imagination. You spent the rest of the weekend prancing around in it, and when you had to reach up to get something off the shelf and he caught a glimpse of your lace underwear, it almost did him in.

But the thing that really killed him was Tuesday night. The two of you had decided to watch a movie, and you had ended up falling asleep on him. Bradley had to will himself to get up and put you in your bed and not his. He loved the way your body tucked into his. He had to do something.

Your flight back was easy, and everyone was happy the two of you were back. You were all smiles when you entered the White House. Bradley was quickly pulled into a meeting in his office while you went to your room to unpack.

Only, when you got in there, your things were missing. Everything of yours had been moved. Your smile quickly turned into a grimace as you asked one of the housekeepers where your things were.

She informed you that Bradley had called that morning and made arrangements for your things to be moved into his, well now your shared bedroom.

You rushed down the hall to his office. You were fuming. How dare he? You spend a long weekend together, and now he thinks he can just move your things without your consent? He thinks just because you're married, now he can boss you around? Just when you'd started to like him, he becomes a dickhead again.

You both knew this marriage was a calculated business arrangement. There was no reason for you to have to live with him.

"BRADLEY!" You shrieked as you stormed into his office. He was by himself, his meeting over you assumed.

"Yes, Sweetie?" He asked as he cocked his head to one side.

"Where are my things!" You yelled at him. "I had them moved into our room. You won't need your old room anymore now that we're married." He preened.

You locked eyes with him. You could detect a hit of something. It wasn't anger. It was more like resentment or frustration. Was he mad that you slept in a separate room over the weekend? No. That couldn't be it. He didn't want to share a bed with you? Did he? You shook the thought from your head.

"It wouldn't look good if people saw us sleeping in separate rooms, now that we are back, would it?" He asked you.

"I know that the staff have been thoroughly vetted, but all it would take is one of them saying that you still sleep in your old room for the tabloids to go crazy. The rumors would start flying immediately. You know I'm right." He stated.

You sighed. It was all part of the game you two were playing.

You rolled your eyes and huffed. He did have a point.

"Fine. But next time you have my stuff moved, you'd better tell me first—dear." There was an edge in your voice as you used the pet name. "My apologies—sweetie." He shot back at you. You groan before storming out to go to your new bedroom.

"That went well." Jake chuckles as he comes into the room. He'd stepped out for a moment and heard everything.

"You know you're being petty right now?" Jake asks Bradley. "I'd be a lot simpler if you just told her how you felt instead of forcing her to shack up with you." Jake croons.

"I'm not forcing her to do anything. I'm simply keeping up appearances." Rooster smirks before kicking his feet up on his desk and taking a sip of his whiskey.

...................

That night, when bedtime came, you were nervous. Bradley had already showered and was watching TV when you got back from a post honeymoon dinner with Jaycee. You got your sleep clothes and found everything you needed for your shower. You drug out your skincare routine as long as you could. When you emerged from the bathroom, you noticed Bradley had set up some pillows and blankets on the couch and was getting ready to lay down.

"Bradley, I'm not going to kick you out of your own bed. I can take the couch, or we can get a cot put in here." You tell him gently. "Sweetheart, I'm not going to make you sleep on the couch, and definitely no cots. You can take the bed. This couch is insanely comfortable." He assured you.

"Bradley, dear, the president shouldn't be sleeping on a couch." You tell him. You look at the bed, and then you look at him. "This bed is huge. We can—we can share. I mean, no matter how comfortable you say that couch is, you can't sleep on it for the next four years." You tell him

He takes a few seconds before he reluctantly agrees to it. You inform him that you sleep on the left side of the bed, which is fine because he prefers the right. He even takes time to build a pillow wall between the two of you before he slips under the blanket.

You click off the light and tell him goodnight before turning over.

Neither of you knows it yet, but neither of you gets much sleep that night. Both of you are too busy longing for the person on the other side of the pillows who is so close, but still so far away

I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I know it wasn't as much drama, but I promise the next two parts are going to have you reeling!

Taglist: @daggerspare-standingby @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @hecate-steps-on-me @roosterscock @roosterbruiser @roosterforme @seresinsbabe @startrekfangirl2233 @soulmates8 @xoxabs88xox @avengersfan25 @blackwidownat2814 @loveforaugust @mak-32 @cottagecori @amysteryspot @heyimmadisonn @princess76179 @bradshawseresinbabe @sunlightmurdock @lt-bradshaw @cassiemitchell @die-cunt @mj-l4 @shipinabluebottle @malindacath @violyn20 @imawkwardlysoc @books-for-summer @blackroseboulevard @recordblues @luckyladycreator2 @katieshook02 @samhapner6 @sebsxphia @roosters-girl @diorrfairy @je-suis-prest-rachel @chicomonks @mizzzpink @a-linabean @amklibrary @gretagerwigsmuse @jstarr86 @actuallyazriel @krismdavis @desert-fern @bradshawsbaby

[amazingmsme]

With a Bow on Top

AN: Happy holidays to all who celebrate, & especially to @tickles-tea I’m your squealing santa! I loved writing this, & I hope you enjoy! Added a lil festive flare to this one. HUGE thanks to @hypahticklish for hosting! & be sure to follow @squealing-santa so you don’t miss out on all the winter fluff!

Miguel sat on the floor of Peter and MJ's living room, half-used rolls of wrapping paper scattered about the floor around him. Peter himself was sitting next to him, completely transfixed on the movie playing "for background noise."

That lying rat bastard.

"You know, I only said I'd bring my universe's Grinch because you promised you wouldn't get distracted and actually help out. Which, you're not doing," Miguel said bluntly. Peter snapped out of his Christmas movie haze to defend himself.

"Sorry, but I've just never seen it before!" He reached down and grabbed one of Mayday's unwrapped gifts. Folding the paper around the box, he finished by sealing it up with a web. Miguel rolled his eyes.

"What? My gift looks way cooler than yours, you're just jealous of my artistic flare," he said smugly.

"Don't get me wrong, it looks great, but how's she gonna open it?" Miguel asked with a smirk. Peter's brow's nearly kissed his hairline as he came to the realization.

"Shit! Well, hopefully by Christmas it'll be weak enough to tear through," he finished with a shrug, slapping a bow on top and sliding it under the tree. As Peter reached for another present, he noticed a scrap piece of ribbon, much too short to fit around a box. Then, his gaze trailed over to his unassuming friend. Perfect.

He picked it up, fluttering it along the back of Miguel's neck. Peter can hear him gasp, and isn't that a lovely sound. He rolls his broad shoulders, arching his back and scrunching his neck ever so slightly. By the time he whipped around to glare at the perpetrator, he had already retracted his hands, hiding them innocently in his pockets.

Miguel looked him up and down before returning to his work. To his credit, Peter waited a few seconds before striking once more. Miguel sucked in a breath through clenched teeth, rubbing his ear against his shoulder to rid himself of the lingering tingles.

"Peter?"

"Hm?"

"I know you're not really working," he deadpanned. Peter sputtered in shock.

"I am too! Look, a perfectly wrapped gift!" he said proudly, holding out Mayday's present. Miguel looked it over, only half amused.

"You're right, a gift. So why not pick up the pace?" he challenged, tossing a Spider-Man themed basketball his way that Peter had planned on giving Miles. Peter caught it with one hand, and Miguel rolled his eyes. Showoff.

"How the hell am I supposed to wrap a ball?"

"I don't know wise guy, you're the one who got it for him." Okay, Peter wasn't sorry for what he was about to do.

He grabbed a marker off the floor and uncapped it with his teeth, making a satisfying pop sound. He barely bit back a snicker as he leaned in, quickly scribbling at the back of his neck. A strangled squeal caught in his throat at he snatched Peter's wrist in one hand, the other rubbing at his neck.

"You think you're funny or somethin'?" he asked with a cold glare.

"Hilarious, actually," Peter corrected with a shrug. Miguel scoffed and let him go.

"Go back to watching the damn movie if you're just gonna bother me," he suggested, grabbing a new tube of wrapping paper to switch things up. Can't have them all looking the same, now can we?

Why not both? Peter thought to himself, an evil grin growing on his face that rivaled the Grinch onscreen. He grabbed two pieces of ribbon discarded on the floor holding them poised to strike between his fingers. Miguel had his back turned, busy wrapping another present and allowing himself to get sucked into the movie. He was practically serving himself up on a silver platter. He really ought to know better by now...

Or maybe he didn't totally mind Peter's shenanigans. But that was a silly, fleeting thought.

Or was it? Only one way to find out.

Ever so quietly, he scooted closer to Miguel, snatching the marker off the floor. The grumpy Spider-Man was sporting a pair of ripped jeans. (He constantly made sure people knew he didn't buy them like that and that he earned those holes and rips.) A particularly large hole left his knee exposed and vulnerable for an attack... Perfect.

He let out a surprised snort, jerking his leg away before a chuckle could follow. They were locked in an intense staring contest, or glaring contest, on Miguel's part. Peter wore an innocent grin, though his next words were anything but.

"What's wrong big guy? Ticklish?"

If it were anyone else, they wouldn't have noticed the way he flinched at the question.

"No."

"Really? You're sticking to that lie?"

Miguel huffed, angrily slapping a bow on top of a present. "It's not a lie."

"Well in that case, I'm not ticklish either," Peter boldly proclaimed. Miguel looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Since we're being honest and all." Miguel grabbed a tube of wrapping paper, bonking Peter on the head in one swift motion before he even knew what happened.

"Don't forget I'm the one helping you," he reminded pointedly.

"Noted," Peter said, grabbing the tube from him and setting it beside MJ's new boots. For good measure, he started wrapping the gift until Miguel turned away. Then it was back to scheming.

He scanned the pile of unwrapped gifts for inspiration, smiling to himself when he spotted a handheld massager he got as a stocking stuffer.

"Hey Miguel?" he elected to ignore the annoyed groan he was met with, "Can you do me a favor?"

"No."

"Perfect! Just tell me if this massager is any good, okay? I don't want it to be too weak or painful, or not have enough settings." He heard Miguel sigh in defeat.

"Whatever."

"Thanks!" He scooted closer to him, turning on the X-shaped massager. At first he decided to play nice and actually work out the tension in his friend's shoulders before setting his plan into motion. He had to rebuild some trust, after all.

"Not bad, I think she'll like this," Miguel hummed, letting his head fall to one side as he began to relax. He was really watching the movie now, allowing himself a moment to enjoy it. It was one of the more heartfelt scenes of the film, and one of his favorites. He found he tended to like the more subtle, meaningful holiday movies rather than the over the top comedies and rom coms that dominated the season.

The last thing he was expecting was a dreadfully ticklish buzzing on his side.

His resolve gave way as he fell onto one side, loud surprised cackles spilling out into the room and drowned out the sound of the TV.

"Peheheter! Quit ihihit!"

"I'm sorry, what was that? I couldn't hear you through all that laughing. Which is weird, considering how not ticklish you are," he taunted, running the massager over his abs. Miguel curled in on himself, a giggly groan slipping out in response to the teasing.

"You're hohohorrible, you know thahat?" he asked, weakly swatting at Peter's hands, but to no avail.

Peter snorted. "Maybe to you."

The gentle vibrations traveled from his belly up his sides and to his ribs, causing the deep rumbling chuckles to build up momentum. Encouraged by this, Peter grabbed his wrist and wrestled his arm above his head, pinning it in place.

"Wahait!" he cried, trying to fend him off with his other hand. Peter grinned down at him, the textbook definition of smug.

"Okay. Well? What am I waiting for?" he asked, hovering the tool above his armpit menacingly. Miguel slammed his head against the ground in frustration.

"Gehehet off of me, you asshole!" he demanded through giggles.

"Why should I?" Peter challenged.

He just won't quit, will he? Miguel had no choice but to surrender, if they ever wanted to get done wrapping, that is.

"Fihihine, okay? You wihihin!" he conceded, rolling around on the ground. ,!"

"Wow, okay, so what do I win?" he asked, pulling his hands away to give him a breather. Miguel panted and glared up at him.

"I'm fuckin' ticklish, okay? There, happy?" he growled through residual giggles.

"Over the moon," Peter confirmed. He patted Miguel's chest as he let him go, crawling over to the pile of unwrapped presents. "No more funny business, I promise!" he assured. Miguel only rolled his eyes, a fond smile still lingering on his face.

"Yeah yeah, I'll believe it when I see it."

[darkacademicvibes]

We Think Similar Thoughts

Part three

Lonely!Fem!Reader x Lonely!Remus

"The fuck did you just ask her?"

You glance nervously at James, and James shakes his head, unsure how to help as Remus steps in front of you. Sirius continues to speak, "I swear to merlin, if you ever think about asking her out again before you pull your head out of your arse and stop using girls for your own personal amusement-" Remus places a hand on Sirius' shoulder and gently pulls him away, clearly angry. "Dont touch her, don't talk to her, or we'll find you, and we will make your life miserable" Remus threatens quietly. Peter wraps an arm around your shoulders and turns away, the other three boys following after you two.

Remus wraps his arm around your waist, tugging you subtly out from under Peters arm as James laughs, pulling Sirius into a headlock as they walk, which Sirius wrestles out of easily.

"Merlin Pads, I don't think I've ever seen you so defensive since I told you I might fancy Reg" James teases, and Sirius rolls his eyes, cringing, "that's my baby brother, Prongs, I'm still not over it" he quips.

"Thank you, Sirius, I know we aren't that close-" you begin, and Sirius waves off your words easily. "Don't be ridiculous, you were there for Remus. You also told me to get my head out of my arse, and managed to make me listen" Sirius jokes. "You're family now" he tells you, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. James, Peter, and Remus share a look, surprised by his sudden acceptance. "Besides, you remind me of Pete's little sister" he hums, and everything clicks into place.

You smile softly, "little sister?" You ask, and Peter pulls a picture out of his notebook, handing it over. It's a picture of him, clearly from this summer, with a young girl. She also has y/h/c hair and y/e/c eyes, but she still looks so unlike you. "She likes the rain as well, and we can never get her to put down her books, and she hates puzzles but never gives up once she's started" Peter informs you, clearly spotting the slight confusion on your face as you all walk.

You begin to understand, "I see, she's very cute, how old is she?" He grins, taking the photo back. "She's five tomorrow, I'm going to see her and my family at Hogsmeade" he tells you.

You talk of his family for a while more before the both of you are dragged into seperate conversations, Peter with James and Sirius, and you with Remus, mostly about your plans for the Christmas holidays coming up. You don't have any.

☕︎︎

You'd left Remus alone for two hours, an hour and forty minutes at most, and he managed to land himself, Lucius Malfoy, and Corey in the infirmary. You walk in, clearly fustrated, and make your way over to Remus.

"For merlins sake, Remus, I ask you to keep yourself out of trouble while I study for our N.E.W.Ts, and you end up in the hospital wing! What part of 'out of trouble' did you have difficulty understanding, exactly?" You scold, and Remus flashes you a guilty smile. "He was talking about you, they both were, I wasn't gonna let anyone talk about my friend like that" he admits softly, his uninjured arm reaching up to scratch under his eye lightly.

You sigh heavily, "This is the second time today we've been to the hospital wing" you state, still slightly annoyed. "Both times because of me, and I won't stand for it, I can take perfectly good care of myself, and I couldn't give less of a care about what mindless fools say about me" you tell Remus, crossing your arms as you sit beside him.

"Next time you end up here because you got into a fight before exams, I will continue studying, I hope you know that" you hum, and Remus laughs, tossing his uninjured arm around your shoulders. "I do, thanks for checking up on me, even if it was only to tell me off" he jokes. "But y'know what prongs says, 'only the great die young', right?" he teases quietly, and you roll your eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah, did you win at least?" you joke, and he nods proudly. Dork.

You help him up gently and he follows you to the library after you both thank Pomfret, who sends a distracted smile to Remus as you leave, muttering out a hurried "no more fights, Remus" warningly under her breath.

☕︎︎

Mock exams, of course it has to be the day where you're busy with practice exams that Lilly Evans bumps into you, crying her eyes out. Thankfully, you both had the Charms exam next, it was a simple timed essay, with no talking, and no cheating - obviously - but when Flitwicke saw Lilly's tear-stained cheeks, he didnt say anything about the way you reached forward to hold lilys hand as she sat at the desk in front of you.

You could feel James' eyes on you both as he sends worried glances at the girl of his dreams, trying to catch your eye to ask silently about the pretty redhead.

The moment Flitwicke dismisses everyone, James is on his way over as Lilly speaks lowly to you.

"Thank you for being so kind, I know we aren't exactly close" Lilly mumbles, wiping her her face with her long sleeves as you dig through your bag, finally finding the face wipes you have and handing them to her gently. "No, of course, you're Remus' friend" you smile softly.

She takes the wipes greatfully as James stops at her side, his hands gently tipping up her head to make her face him, "what happened Lils? Is everything okay?" He murmurs softly, his hazel eyes searching over her for any sign of injury. Lilly hiccups, "my cat died" she sniffles, and sympathy strikes at you as your hands immediately wrap around her, hugging her lightly, your hand rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"I'm sorry, Lilly, I know how awful that is" you hum, and James relaxes, gently brushing Lilly's red hair back from her face as he gently takes the wipe from her hand, cleaning her tears without smudging her eye makeup. Regulus stops by, frowning softly as he takes in Lilly, "are you alright, Evans?" He asks quietly, and Lilly nods, repeating her heartache. Regulus' eyes fill with a soft sympathy and he nods slowly.

"Oh.. I'm sorry to hear that" he murmurs, smiling sadly at James and hesitating before nodding at you and continuing onwards. You watch him for a moment, the threes dynamic slowly fitting into place in your mind. Curiosity and slight amusement fill you as you wonder about how the next stages in their relationships will work out, if they'll end up together or not.

"Are you coming, y/n?" James hums, and it yanks you back to reality. You nod, hurrying after the two, wrapping your arm around Lillys shoulders as you walk, James' hand gently rubbing up and down her back as she sniffles softly, explaining her cat and how wonderful he was.

☕︎︎

You practically sprint to the room of requirement after dinner. Things have been rushing so quickly and the days seemed so much shorter, and you felt so thrown off.

I need a place where everything is slower.

The door appears and you make your way in, immediately heading right towards the very back of the huge room, a library, tearoom, music room, and living room all combined into one. The grand piano is tucked away between two of the large bookshelves, and a few small tables littered with kettles, and sugar, and cream, and cups with saucers are hidden few and far between the shelves as well. You reach the back of the room and fall onto one of the couches, a few chairs and couches all huddle around the large fireplace, the soft, antique, red persian rug laid across the floor, warmed by the fires heat.

You sit up and look towards the small rack in the corner of the room, mostly hidden away, with changes of clothes. You make your way towards it and look through the items, deciding to change from your uniform into comfortable leggings and a large sweater, kicking off your shoes before browsing the shelve of candles. One peculiar one catches your attention.

𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔

𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅

You hum and gently take it from the shelf, lighting it before you slip a book from the shelf and settle into one of the armchairs, curling up by the fire as you allow the tension in your shoulders to slowly lessen, until you've practically melted into the chair.

You're halfway through the book and the candle when you hear the door open, a soft voice calling for you from the entrance. "Y/n? Are you in here?" James sounds exhausted, and a shuffle of footsteps make you lift your head, "back here, James" you call quietly, not wanting to disturb the peace as the sunset shines through the windows, the golden light highlighting the small dust specks in the air as the fire sends a darker light around the couches, warmth blooming through your bones as you stretch for the first time in hours.

Remus and James round the bookshelf and pause, "it's so weird seeing the sunset at one in the morning" James mumbles sleepily, wearing his pajamas. Remus gazes softly around the room. "It's nice" Remus murmurs, moving over to lean on the back of your armchair, gently slipping his fingers through your hair soothingly. "You're so tense" he hums and James watches Remus, clearly judging, "liar" James huffs, collapsing onto the couch and tugging a blanket over him.

"Classes are canceled, started storming, a few classrooms in the dungeons are flooded and there isn't enough room for the potions students anywhere else, not for them to study safely, said there was a ghoul in the abandoned corridor" James mutters, closing his eyes as he tosses his glasses onto the coffee table.

Remus gently combs his fingers through your hair, his thumbs gently slipping down the back of your neck. "You alright dove? You been hiding away since dinner, I was worried" he hums, and you nod, quietly admitting how things have seemed lately. Rushed, busy, and torn to bits, sometimes you felt unsure of what day it was.

By the time the sun sets in the room, Sirius and Peter have joined you, brining along Lilly who easily slips into a comfortable chair with her book, and a cup of tea.

The room is now lit by oil lamps like the ones in your grandparents home, and the letter Sirius said came for you when he dropped onto the floor by the fireplace is now beside james' glasses as he sleeps peacefully, occasionally sniffling in his sleep.

You finish your book, eyes filled with tears, and you meet Remus' eyes hesitantly. He moves smoothly, settling in beside you and allowing you to babble on about the book as you cry quietly, Lilly, the person who recommended it to you, sends you an apologetic smile as you flip her off half-heartedly.

You easily relax against Remus' chest, and something feels hauntingly familiar.

He smells like chocolate, and cranberries, and sandalwood. He smells exactly like the candle that had made you relax the most as you did what all candle lovers do; sniff them until you find one that provides you with the perfect type of calm you want.

You were sure, if the room of requirement could talk, it would be cackling at the way your stomach dropped at the realization. You're starting to feel things a friend shouldn't feel for a friend, and the thought of losing Remus makes you curl closer to him, which doesn't help your racing heart.

There's no winning, you suppose. But at least you can see the stars, and at least you aren't quite so lonely anymore.

[whlfchn]

first time ~ hyunjin

pairing: hyunjin x fem!reader

word count: 2.4k

rating: 18+! warnings below cut!

genre: some fluff, smut, very soft!dom hyunjin

synopsis: in which a late night visit at the dance studio turns steamy

warnings: fingering, some nipple play, teasing, unprotected sex, some choking, some praising, hyunjin loud in bed

!my content is not suitable for minors! 18+ only! by reading more you consent to being 18+ and to nsfw content and take all responsibility!

tangled limbs strained against invisible binds as the music changed tempos. each move melting into each other fluidly with each beat. the room dimly lit from the lights on the ceiling casting a soft shadow of his long elegant form. 

the soft yet sensual movements of his body drawing you in. eyes fixated on each movement he made. losing himself to the music until it finally ends. 

all that could be heard was the soft panting and hands clapping. you were absolutely marveled at his skills. his lips casting the softest smile while finally turning his attention on you. soft looks shared from across the room. 

“like what you see?, hyunjin teased while making his way over to you.

“you know I always do,” you tease back as he sits next to you on the cold studio floor while grabbing his water bottle and chugging it. droplets of water going down his long neck. the soft movements of his adam's apple going up and down. his long veiny fingers wrapped around the cold wet bottle. long wet hair sticking to his forehead and neck. he finished his bottle and tossed it aside while licking his pink plump lips. then directing his attention to you and facing you.

 “you know… I can't concentrate while dancing when you look at me like how you are right now,” he teased, having caught your staring. everyone in the world would agree that your boyfriend was absolutely breathtaking. so getting all his attention and being asked to see his new dance to the song “taste” was exciting. to say you werent eye fucking him the whole time was an understatement. you weren't together that long and haven't taken things all the way. you were barely alone together. always with him and his members, constantly interrupted at his place by a bunch of the guys shirtless eating chicken breast and ranting about the gym. 

“well you should be concentrating on me instead, so…”you teased before cracking up at your boyfriend that's giving you a disgusted face and poking you in the nose before blushing and giggling at your comment. hyunjin loved to tease you and you normally wouldn't tease him back, but you were on a roll today. blaming your hormones and watching him dance like you've never seen before.

“was my dancing okay? I've been working very hard on it so I hope it wasn't too bad. the boys said I still had to practice and fix some things before our performance,” he whines and pouts while grabbing your hand in his. your hands molding perfectly into each other with his overpowering yours in size.

hyunjin would never admit he liked skinship, but in reality he craved it and needed it to survive. he needed constant physical touch from you to feel safe and assured. 

“my love… you did amazing. I'm not lying when I say you are the best dancer I have ever watched. each movement was smooth yet calculated. you are so talented. I wish you saw yourself how I see you… perfect,” you voiced while brushing his hair behind his ear and smiling as he leaned into your touch. you loved how long his hair had gotten and how he looked with a mullet.

whatever he does, and whatever he sees he always thinks to himself if you would like it. he thought of you both as one.

he got distracted by the thought of you while looking into your eyes. getting lost into them as you finished speaking. he brought his hand up to your cheek making you now lean into his touch. brushing his hand softly over your cheek before looking down at your lips while licking his own and looking back up to your eyes. you looked down at his lips and blushed, giving him the confirmation to kiss you.

lips pausing before the kiss. just barely touching and breathing each other's air. feeling dizzy from the attraction and need for him. 

“never seen you look at me like that before. I got to say… it's really turning me on,” he says before giving in and crashing his lips to yours. lips molding perfectly together. the hand on your cheek slowly going to your neck while the other goes to your waist. you climb onto his lap and straddle him. both of your breathing getting louder and louder as the kisses intensify. his hand on your throat slowly gets tighter while the one on your waist goes to your breasts and squeezes it catching you off guard which allows him to trace your bottom lip with his tongue causing you to slightly moan. tongues meeting and rolling over each other. your hands making their way to his long hair and tugging on it causing him to let out a loud groan. It was like music to your ears. you start grinding your hips on his lap. eliciting a sweet moan from the both of you. actions getting hotter and hotter until he couldn't take it anymore. lips parting while you both heavily breath.

“should we move this to the couch… the floor kind of hurts,” he giggles while panting. leave it to hyunjin to be goofy and dramatic at a time like this you said to yourself.

“mhmm,” you confirmed before attaching your lips to his neck.

“then hold on tight baby,” he whispers while putting both hands on your thighs, holding firmly. he gets up from the floor with your legs straddling his waist and arms holding onto his shoulder and neck with ease as if it was nothing. In a mere second he sat you both on the couch that was in the dance studio. the same position as before with you straddling his lap, except now on the black leather couch. one hand travels back into his hair while the other travels to his shoulder before ghosting over his neck. he gives you a slap on the ass which causes you to squeeze on his neck causing the loudest moan to escape his lips. your lips break away from the kiss as he looks at you with pure lust.

“you look so good with your hands wrapped around my neck baby,” he teases before picking you up and pinning you under him. his hand now gripping your neck while the other is on your waist getting closer and closer to your breasts. his hand squeezed over your breast causing him to groan into the kiss. 

you would always catch him staring at your breasts and whenever you would cuddle he would use them as a pillow which you eventually learned was intentional and not by coincidence. his hand went to the bottom of your tank top tugging at it asking for permission to take it off. you took your hand and put it on top of his guiding it to take off your shirt. lips parting as he hungrily takes your tank top off revealing you in a pretty white lace bra. his lips attach to your neck giving you sweet soft kisses then trailing down and stopping right before he reaches your bra.

“can I kiss and touch you here baby,” he asked, biting his lip in anticipation.

“yes baby, please,” you say right away, missing his touch and wanting him to take you completely.

“always so needy,” he groans before his hand slips under your back and in one swift movement unhooks your bra. It's off in an instant. his eyes locked on the beautiful sight. you were perfect to him. he wasn't the best with his words so he wanted to show you how much he cared for you.

once he was out of his trance his tongue found his way to your hardened peak flicking and swirling while his hand squeezes and flicks the other causing you painful but intoxicating sensations. he takes his time looking up at you and seeing what you like the best while moving onto the other hardened peak showing the same attention being more aware of what you liked.

you gripped his hair hard causing him to let go and giggle at you for a sec before attaching his lips to yours once again. your hands travel to his chest running up and down. one hand slowly goes towards his crotch lightly touching it while taking your hand away as if you hadn't done that causing him to groan and let go of your lips while sitting up and taking his shirt off before hungrily bringing his lips back to yours. your hands roam back to his crotch rubbing him up and down through his pants. hyunjin was not shy about making noise. he was moaning loudly into your kiss and making the sweetest noises, making you excited to hear him when he finally was inside you. hyunjin breaks your kiss and leans his forehead on yours, panting at how breathless he was.

“we don't have to do this… we can stop here… we are on a dusty sofa that isn't fit for a queen like you,” he said calmly until he laughed at the end when he said you were queen. hyunjin might have cringed at himself for saying that out loud, but he truly saw you as just that. when he dates someone, he truly has deep feelings for them. you were his everything. you giggled with him then grabbed his face with both hands and looked into his eyes and gave him a kiss on the nose which caused him to scrunch his face and look at you with a pout. 

“my love… we could be almost anywhere and i wouldn't care… as long as i'm with you that's all that matters,” you voiced. he smiled warmly and kept eye contact. you knew he wasn't the best with his words, but you both had a way of understanding each other without words. he leaned back in and devoured your lips in a kiss. Your hands going straight for his waistband of his sweatpants and tugging. he took the sign and gave you one last peck before getting off of you and standing up.

his long fingers slowly made his way from his chest to his waistband when he finally stripped himself of his pants and boxers causing his hard long length to bounce up and slap his stomach. In the dim room you could see the pre cum on his tip glistening. you licked your lips causing him to smirk before reaching you again.

“I know you're on birth control, but do you want me to use a condom?” he grunts when you wrap your hands around his hard length spreading the pre cum with your fingers down his length before letting go causing him to whine and pout at you like the drama queen he is.

“no baby,”you seductively moan when his hands reach your waistband and take them off in an instant. still standing next to you he plays with you and runs his long fingers over your panties to feel how wet you are. you whine and want more.

“you're cute when you're whining for more… tonight I'll pleasure you beyond your wildest dreams,” he mutters before taking your panties off and climbing back on the couch above you. he latches his lips back on you while running his fingers over your wet folds. teasing you sliding up and down barely entering his fingers until you whine some more. he finally shoves two fingers inside you causing you to moan into his mouth. his fingers curving and hitting that spot that felt so good pumping in and out of you. adding a third finger stretching you some more and getting you ready for him. the closer you got to release the louder you got. he started pumping his fingers in and out of you erratically while you moved your hips with the rhythm losing composure. your kisses get sloppy with your nerves on fire, your hips jerk and you release on his fingers. he kisses you gently before letting go and putting his fingers in his mouth slowly savoring your taste. 

“I need you jinnie,” you whine, needing him to fill you up. he chuckles and smirks looking down at you.

“are you sure you want this,” he says, features softening while looking into your eyes for any discomfort. 

“yes jinnie, I do… I want you,” you reply with a smile. he gives you a peck on the forehead before lining himself up to your wet core. looking at you one last time before slowly pushing his long hard length into you. 

sweet moans leave both of your mouths as you adjust to his size. once adjusted he slowly rolls his hips, filling you up and massaging your inner walls. thrusting harder and harder feeling your juices spilling out knowing he's hitting the right spots for you.

“you look even more beautiful with my length in you,”he rasped in your ear. the breath tickling your ear and starting to make you dizzy from arousal.

moans leaving your mouth with each thrust. music to his ears causing him to grunt deeply knowing he's hitting all those spots for you and driving you over the edge.

raising his body up and lifting one of your legs putting them on his shoulder. hitting all new spots you didn't think were possible. eyes never leaving his as his slim muscular build contracts with each hard thrust and contorts with each pump. a long veiny hand coming to your wet nub and rubbing it vigorously. 

“god you're so beautiful,” he rasps. 

head dizzy, all that was on your mind was one another. feeling as one and feeling intoxicated with the other. wanting to feel good, but make the other feel just as good.

“f-fuck,” you whimper feeling yours walls flutter around his hard throbbing length. eyes rolling back as you clench on him and you release.

hips thrusting into you even harder and sloppier, overstimulating your wet core as he jerks and floods you with his cum. letting out a loud sweet moan from those pretty pink lips.

collapsing on top of you. refusing to let you go and wanting to stay buried in you. he felt safe. finally looking up and you he stares into your eyes and looks at your lips giving you the sweetest peck. he takes one hand and intertwines it with yours.

“you make me so happy��.. I feel like you and I are one…. I love you… and I want to be loved by you… you're my angel,” he whispers looking into your eyes, hopeful that you feel the same.

“I love you too jinnie… and I always will,” you whisper back before smiling and giggling like idiots savoring this moment.

disclaimer: my writing is intended for entertainment and does not represent any real person! the names are used for purely fictional purposes!

please reblog and leave a like! feedback is greatly appreciated and it motivates me to write more! I read it all and am so thankful for each of you!

~ masterlist ~

[itsscromp]

Insomniac miles and Peter with a reader on Halloween! :D

Peter Parker and Miles Morales x reader

YES YES YES YES YES !!!!! Word count:900

Halloween is right around the corner, Peter and Miles knew how much you loved Halloween, It was one of your favourite holidays of the year besides Christmas. You were going to pull out all the stops this year, Running to the store and getting decorations and candy.

After which you rented a couple of movies online to watch, Peter was into the classics like the exorcist or A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Miles is into more modern horror like Talk to Me and A Quiet Place, So what else to do a marathon combining their movies together !!!

Peter was the first to arrive, tapping on your window to let him in.

"Hey Pete" You smiled opening the window and letting him inside.

"Wow you went all out on the decorations y/n, I'm really impressed" He smiled as he took his mask off, Heading to the bathroom and coming out, changed out of his suit and into his more casual attire.

"Thanks for inviting me and miles y/n" He smiled as he sat down on the couch, tossing a piece of candy corn into his mouth.

"It's no biggy, You guys deserve to have some fun. Don't worry, I rented your movies as well"

"Yes !!!" He cheered. "I'm surprised Miles hasn't seen the exorcist yet, It's such a classic movie. Made me nearly pee myself when I first watched it in high school" He chuckled.

"Yeah, I know right ??. It still holds up to this very day"

Speaking of, He then knocked on your door and you let him in.

"Happy Halloween guys" He smiled as he placed his backpack on the floor and cracked open a soda can before sitting down.

"The best Halloween event ever is happening !!" You fist pumped the air out of excitement.

"I think they may explode Pete" Miles chuckled.

"It really looks like it huh ??" Peter smiled.

"So which movie should we watch first ??" You jumped onto the couch and turned on the tv, flicking through the rented movies.

"Let's give talk to me a go" Peter got cozy.

"Oh Pete you are gonna love this one" Miles was now happy boy.

The movie started with a wild start and a simple set-up, But whatever it did, It worked. Scaring the bejesus out of Peter.

"If I see either of you two with a hand like that I am swinging out the window" He held onto a pillow.

You and Miles chuckled as the movie continued on into it's twisted ending.

"Wow I didn't see that coming" You were shocked.

"Get's me goosebumps every damn time" Miles rubbed his arm and then took a bit of candy.

"Alright then, You think that movie was scary, Y/n put on the exorcist" Peter spoke determined.

"On it" You then flicked to the exorcist and pressed play.

"Oh come on it's an old movie how is it that scary ??" Miles smirked

"Oh you'll see"

Miles braced himself for whatever fake and old scares that awaited him, and oh boy did he get so scared seeing it. Peter was right it still held up to this very day.

"Oh god, not the head turn !!" Miles hid his face into your shoulder.

"Miles you saw worse" You chuckled.

"I know but something about that..." He then shuddered.

"Still the scariest movie I've ever seen" Peter's eyes were glued to the screen.

After that, the three decided to take a break and tell their favourite Halloween adventures.

"I remember when one time, I had to fight vulture at my high school Halloween party, It was hard to try and get him out of the gym and into a more contained space where no one could get hurt." Peter told his story.

"Wow that's nuts" You listened in.

"You never told me that story before" Miles spoke up.

"I mean it was a simple fight and this was early days before Vulture really upgraded his gear, so I guess it really wasn't interesting of a story, But it was the most memorable Halloween I've had. Or when Me and Uncle Ben went trick or treating. That was always awesome."

"Oh yeah definitely, when my family was still living in Brooklyn. Me and dad went out trick or treating one night, Uncle Aaron joined us and we went to the basketball court, It was lit up with all these little jack-O Lantern lights and it was just amazing. That was my favourite Halloween." Miles smiled.

"What about you y/n, what was your favourite Halloween ??" Peter then asked you.

"Hmmmm" You thought long and hard.

"Oh I got it."

Peter and Miles listened in.

"There was this one Halloween when my cousin decided to turn their house into a haunted maze, They went all out I mean props and costumes. He even had one of his buddies chase you around with a toy chainsaw, Man I gotta love that commitment" You smiled at the memory.

"Haunted maze's are so cool" Peter agreed.

"Or I guess... This one is my favourite Halloween. Just being with you guys." You smiled brighter.

Peter and Miles couldn't agree more and smiled as well.

This really was the best Halloween they've ever had in such a long time since being Spider-man, Just relaxing, enjoying each other's company. Eating candy and watching movies. It didn't get any better than this.

Taglist: @callofdudes @fun-k-board

[kassiekole22]

hello_friend

Description: While waiting for a meeting with Fsocitey to start, you and Elliot take a ride on the ferris wheel so you can have some alone time to talk... Warnings: Mention Of Anxiety And Poor Mental Health (But Nothing Very Detailed.), Friends To Lovers, Low-Key Pining. Word Count: 1.5k A/N: So, since the pole ended and I got more votes for writing for Elliot, I decided to finally post this fic that I've been sitting on for a month. I've reread and rewritten this thing over and over because I just can't tell if I'm getting it right. I guess I have the "writing for a new fandom" jitters right now. 😅 If I got something wrong, feel free to let me know in the comments so I can learn from it in the future. I haven't watched the full series yet so I made (Y/N) oblivious to what the meeting with Fsocitey was about, because I honestly didn't really know myself. 😂 And to those people who didn't want me to start writing for Elliot, your votes only made me want to write for him more. 😉 MasterList: 🖤 TagList: @lorebite, @mornandil. (I'm only tagging people from my original taglist, who I know want to read this. So, if you want to be added to the taglist as well, let me know in the comments! 🖤)

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Pov: You

I arrived at the old Fun Society building around noon today. I walked quickly towards the building that was now taken over by Fsocitey, who I was joining for a meeting today. When Mr. Robot told me about it, he didn't give me any details on what we would be discussing. I wasn't nearly as skilled with hacking as the others were, so I was pretty much useless to the group, but Mr. Robot had requested that I be there because he seen my potential and wanted me to learn from the others. I approached the door to see Elliot leaned up against the wall, almost as if he was waiting for me - or somebody.

"Hello." I greeted him kindly. I was never one for social interactions but I felt pretty comfortable around Elliot. I felt as if he understood me which made it easier to interact with him.

"Hey." He muttered monotonously as his eyes glanced at me for a moment from under his hood, watching me step closer to the door while taking another drag of his cigarette and tossing it to the ground.

I reached for the door handle and to my surprise, Elliot grabbed my arm, stopping me and making me jump subconsciously. Elliot was never one for physical contact, this I knew. So, I was curious to know what caused this action.

"I-I'm sorry…" He muttered as he let his hand fall to his side, his eyes shifting away from me quickly.

"Oh, no. Don't be. It's ok." I assured him. "What's up?"

"Darlene is late. So, we are waiting to start the meeting until she gets here. I was wondering if you would want to take a walk with me?" He suggested and I smiled before nodding my head. After glancing over at me one last time, Elliot turned and began to walk in the other direction so I followed him away from the building.

The next couple of minutes were pretty quiet as we walked, which I didn't mind. Me and Elliot could just sit in silence for hours and be completely fine just enjoying each other's presence. I began to feel a chill and zipped up my hoodie which Elliot immediately took notice to.

"You cold?" He asked and I nodded shyly. He stayed silent for a moment, chewing on the inside of his cheek as if he was thinking of a solution before looking up at the big ferris wheel a few feet before us. "You wanna go on the ferris wheel to take your mind off of it?"

I looked into his light blue eyes that were now darkened due to the shadow that his hood was casting over them and thought for a moment. It was an odd suggestion to fix the current situation but I noticed the small smirk tugging slightly at his reluctant lips and I couldn't refuse. So, I nodded and followed him to the ride.

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Pov: Elliot

Hello, friend.

Today took an unexpected turn. Though I don't have to tell you that. I bet you didn't expect me to take off with (Y/N) Instead of going inside? To be honest, neither did I. Darlene was late for our meeting so I decided to take this opportunity to be alone with (Y/N). Sure, Mr. Robot would prefer me to me inside, discussing the same shit over and over until Darlene arrives and we get to the important stuff, but I didn't feel like doing that today.

We sit in silence as we begin to approach the top of the ride and I notice that (Y/N) is now shaking slightly.

Shit. She's afraid of heights.

Yes, I know what you're thinking. It was weird of me to suggest it but I want to have her alone. I don't know why, but I just do. And the ferris wheel is the only place I know people won't interrupt us unless Mr. Robot wants to interfere.

"It's ok. The others have rode this thing hundreds of times and have been fine." I assure her and a smile tugs at the corners of her soft lips.

Wait… Shit, I'm staring at her lips again. I hope she didn't notice.

I have to stop doing that…

"So, how have you been?" I attempt to make small talk to break the silence that has once again fallen over us.

Yes, that's a good question. Keep it casual.

"Oh, pretty good. I've been practicing my programming and hacking skills like Mr. Robot asked me to and I think I'm getting better." She responds as her smile grows bigger with a bit of pride.

Good. She deserves to be proud of herself.

"Hey, if you ever need my help with anything-"

"I know. Thank you, Elliot." She says as her expression softens with appreciation. "How have you been?"

"I've been ok. I've been struggling a bit more than usual, but… I'm ok…" I confess as I look down to my shoes.

"I'm sorry to hear that." I look back up to see a look of genuine remorse on her face and I feel my heart stammer slightly.

I need to fucking chill. Shit. Maybe this was a bad idea. Can you help me out of this situation?

"It's ok. Hey, Flipper and Qwerty are doing good though." I chuckle softly to lighten the mood. Her eyes light up at the mention of Flipper and Qwerty and I almost don't notice that I'm smiling again.

I always seem to do that more when she is around.

"That's good! I miss them." She smiles at me and I feel a rush of heat in my cheeks. I remember the first time she came over to my apartment and met them. Her computer had shut down unexpectedly and she panicked and came straight to me. She spent the whole time, sitting on my couch while petting Flipper nervously and watching Qwerty as she nervously chewed on her lip. She thought I didn't notice. But I did. I notice everything about her.

How she taps her nails on any hard surface when she's anxious.

How she does anything to avoid eye contact when she's feeling shy.

How her eyes twinkle when she's happy.

How she blushes when she receives compliments and instantly decides to not believe them. Mr. Robot noticed that when he told her that she has potential to be a good hacker.

Yes. We talk about her. Quite a lot, actually.

Mr. Robot sees her as a distraction… But I think he's wrong…

Hm… She has only been back to my apartment a couple times since the day her computer broke down. And surprisingly, I don't mind having her around there. I swallow thickly as I advert my gaze from her, worried that she would notice the shift in my demeanor.

Fuck.

Things go quiet again and I'm beginning to think about things more. I can't even talk to Krista about most of the things I tell her with no problem. It's like she is the bug in the system that is my self sabotaging mind. Whenever I am around her, she is fixing me, slowly, I can feel it. Hell, now that I really think about it, I've never felt as comfortable talking to anybody like I do with her. Well, her and you.

Wait…

No…

Oh, fuck! Shit! She's you! All this time, I thought I was talking to an imaginary person but I was really talking to her - Well… I guess I mean you now.

I guess I should accept these new feelings and do something about this then…

"(Y/N)…" I stuttered slightly, nervous to speak the words I'm about to speak.

If I'm being honest, friend, I am terrified to make this confession to you. But if I don't, I might regret it.

No. I will regret it. I have to do this.

"I have never felt so comfortable with anybody but you before and I-I think I want to be more than friends." I finally confess and if it wasn't for the ferris wheel cart still swaying just a tiny bit from the ride's most recent movement, I would have thought that time had stood still.

You freeze in your spot and your eyes widen while your mouth falls agape. Even in a state of shock, you still look so beautiful. But I have messed things up. I have ruined what we had between us and scared you away by my confession. I feel my heart thud violently against my ribcage as if it's punishing me for being so stupid. But to my surprise, your shocked expression softens and your mouth shapes into a toothy grin. You're always the prettiest when you're so happy. You stand up, carefully cross our cart and sits down beside me before carefully taking my hand in your own, moving slowly as if you're trying not to startle a wild animal while watching my face for any signs of discomfort.

"C-Can I kiss you?" You ask shyly. My heart melts at the fact that you are so mindful of my hate for physical contact and are considerate enough to ask me before making the first move. I nod and you lean forward before connecting your lips to mine.

Fuck…

You're amazing, friend…

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[chickensoupleg]

Happy Halloween/Day After!

--

Heather perched on the bed, slowly pulling out piece after piece of candy from the bag besides her, popping them in her mouth. She was staring right at her girlfriends, Chrissy sitting in Robin's lap as she applied her makeup for her, Robin's lips and eyelids pink. They were all going as Pokemon, an idea thrust forth by one of the kids that always seemed to be lurking around Steve at any given point in time. The kids would then be Team Rocket, with Dustin as Ash Ketchum solely because he wears a hat all the time.

It took some convincing, but then Chrissy thought it was sweet so of course Heather was doing it, and Robin was already about to do it because Steve can never say no to the twerps. They didn't need the supervision either it sounded like, it was just to 'make the group costume look even better'.

Heather was already dressed up, wearing a brown sweater over a cream dress, her hair done up as usual. Her hands were covered by brown leather gloves, which she stole from Billy with permission. Attached to her was a cape as well, handmade by Eddie of all people, to act as the fox tails.

Chrissy hadn't changed yet, but her costume was sitting right besides Heather, a dress that Chrissy affectionally referred to her as her chocolate strawberry dress and a white headband with little pink and white butterflies on both sides of her head. Her gloves, also brown but went up to her elbows, were currently being fussed with by Robin, the fabric wrapped around her wrist at the moment.

Robin hops up the moment Chrissy slides off her, moving to look at herself in the mirror. Chrissy did a great job, Robin blushing red when she spotted the little black music notes drawn next to her left eye. She turns, chin ducking into the white ruff around her neck. "I look both great and also like a total absolute doofus. You sure I need this?" She tugs at the collar.

Chrissy nods, already slipping out of her pyjama pants to pull on the brown tights for her costume. "That's what the book showed! You look great Robin!"

Heather nods in agreement, Robin still fussing with the thing.

"I feel like a clown."

"If you're a clown you're the cutest clown I've ever seen," Heather says, unwrapping one of the individually wrapped gummies and tossing it into her mouth. She smirks when Robin just sputters, smile playing at the teen's lips.

Chrissy giggles, her head hidden in the dress as she pulls the fabric over. "You would make the cutest clown ever though, Robin! Oh! You could be the clown that toots a little horn!"

"I can't believe my own girlfriends, loves of my lives in a romantic setting, are calling me a clown."

Heather raises a finger. "Hey, cute clown. Don't misquote us."

Once Chrissy was dressed they headed out of Heather's house. Steve's car was parked outside, Robin's ride to Heather's place. They would drive all the way to the Wheeler's to meet up with the kids, and then go from there. Steve waves at them from where he was sitting on the hood, the guy dressed in a brown sweater with a fluffy beige scarf wrapped around his neck, with a massive brown tail sticking out from behind him. Robin wastes zero time stealing the passenger seat, leaving Chrissy and Heather to sit in the back.

"Looking great, Steve." Heather slaps a hand on his shoulder as he slides into the drivers, Steve adjusting the headband on his head with the ears as it nudges against the roof of the car.

"Yeah well. Least I didn't almost get orphan dinosaur."

Heather squints. "Orphan what?"

Steve pulls out of Heather's driveway. "Mike said Billy should be the... Cub Bone? Or something. Because his parents up and left him so he's an orphan. Then Max pushed him."

"Go Max."

"I know right? But anyways Billy's something else now. Upgrades."

Steve takes a turn, then pulls up to the Wheeler's. They could all see the kids already waiting outside, Dustin walking up to Steve's window and knocking on it. Steve rolls his eyes before rolling down the window, Dustin sticking his head in.

"Took you long enough! Come on, we need the whole team!"

"Hold on a second I didn't even turn the car off geez-" Steve switches the engine off, the girls climbing out. Steve had to wait until Dustin backed away from the door before he could exit.

Heather's eyes scanned the group. The kids all were wearing very similar outfits, save for El and Max, who were in white instead of black, Max's hair dyed a pink shade while Jane had a blue wig slapped on her head. Under Jane's arm was a cat doll with a yellow oval taped to its head. Billy was leaning against the house, cigarette between his lips. He looked like he always does, save for the blue mouse ears on his head and the cape pinned to his back, the inside white and the outside a blue shade. As Heather got closer she realised his face was smeared the same blue, his forehead hair curl also blue. Billy's eyes focuses on her immediately. He curls his lips at her, winking and pushing off the house to walk over.

"Looking good, Heath."

"I would say you too, but you still look like you put in no effort."

Billy shrugs. "My looks are effortless."

Heather rolls her eyes, but it's playful. "Uh huh. And where's dumbass number three?"

Billy jerks a head towards the door, Eddie popping out of it looking like a demon. It was obvious he put a lot more thought into it, horns on his head and face painted black and orange. His jacket was just as black, with white 'bone' wrapped around the collar and a skull necklace. Heather could see a devil tail dragging behind him, Eddie skipping over to the group.

"Alright, the bladder demon has been eviscerated!" Eddie chirps, followed by the echoing groans from the kids and Steve. "Oh, hi Heather, love your Vulpix costume!"

"Is that what this is? Well, thanks Munson."

Eddie grinned with sharper teeth than usual, bowing ever so dramatically and waltzing over to the kids. "Alright! Who is ready to steal sweets from the unfortunate and bountiful!"

The group coalesce with cheers from the boys, but only so they could all move as one down the street to begin trick or treating. Of course the kids led, not that the older teens brought any sort of collection bag.

"So where's Nancy and Jonathan?" Robin asked a few minutes in as they waited on the sidewalk for the kids to collect their candy.

"Jonathan's home with Ms. Byers. Nancy went with Barb. Left Stevie here in charge of the Party." Eddie gestures to Steve, slapping a hand on his shoulder. Steve turns his head and shrugs.

"Always the babysitter, every single time."

"And you're doing a swell job, big boy." Eddie pats his shoulder a few more times.

"Steeeeve, they made us only take one! And they're only the snack sizes too! This is a scam! A scam I say!" Dustin shouts as he strides down the driveway shaking his bag. Erica looked equally as offended, still glaring at the house as the kids move as one to the next house.

"Well, maybe the next house will be better. If you're just gonna complain I might make Billy take a candy tax for it."

"He better not!"

Billy, ever the menace, just stalks closer silently, Dustin quickly moving away from him. "Hey! I won this fair and square! Stop!!"

[flyingwargle]

thank you as always for the likes and reblogs! <3 i've been consumed by brainrot for a sunaosa slow burn with blind!osamu so here's a little treat ehehe

--

around the corner from the recreation room is a quiet nook that’s flooded with natural light from the window that faces a small garden, furnished with a handful of couches and tables. it’s never crowded, as many assume there’s nothing else in the basement, and the hallway is partially blocked by bulky garbage bins. suna has only seen a handful of students here, either napping or studying like him, and today, he’s fortunate that there’s no one else.

he plugs his laptop into the wall socket to watch volleyball highlights while he eats, tossing the container when he’s done. he settles down for his nap, tucking his laptop on the floor under the couch and stretching over the couch, feet propped on the armest. suna pulls his hood over his head, headphones on, arms folded tightly across his chest. he doesn’t need music to fall asleep - the battery life sucks, anyway - but likes the noise-canceling it provides. it doesn’t take long for him to drift unconscious, backpack beneath his head as a makeshift pillow.

until he’s woken by someone typing on their keyboard.

it beats a steady staccato in the quiet muffle created by his headphones with occasional interludes. suna opens an eye, blinking at the blurred ceiling, unfolding his arms to reach for his phone tucked in his pullover pocket. 1:43 pm. as much as he’d like to sleep until the hour rolls around, there’s no point. he grunts as he stretches, lifting his head to see who interrupted his sleep.

osamu.

he’s seated on the other couch, earphones in, laptop opened. his backpack is on the floor, guide dog curled by his feet, currently without her harness, which is on the couch beside him. she blinks at suna, as if watching him sit upright, placing his laptop back on the table. he blinks back, doesn’t break eye contact as he reaches over to pull his charger free. the sound is harsh, and osamu jumps slightly, head snapping in his direction. the depths of his gray eyes are unlike anything that suna has seen, and he almost thinks the other man can see him…and maybe he can, because he says, “suna-san?”

“suna.” pause. “you’re miya, right?”

“osamu. i’m too used ta hearin’ my given name, with a twin an’ all.” his smile is soft, an added layer of radiance to the already bright nook. “sorry, did i wake ya? i tried bein’ quiet when i heard yer snorin’.”

“oh. no, it’s fine. i usually wake around this time.” well, that confirms it. whatever, until komori smartens up and records him snoring, he’ll continue denying any and all allegations. “i thought only a few people knew about this place.”

“a friend brought me once, an’ it left an impression. it’s kinda hard ta find on my own though; i thought sriracha brought me down a service corridor, but then i heard snorin’, an’ i thought there’s no way service people would be sleepin’ anywhere without a door ta hide behind.” osamu takes his earphones out, slipping them back in their case. “what’s yer major?”

[watermelons-dont-grow-on-trees]

Marci's drabbles pt. 3

"It's just hair"

this takes place the day after Harmful Healing (to those who I've complained about not being able to finish stuff, this was it, i did it!!!)

masterlist

TW: captivity, addiction, drug abuse, choking, triggered dysphoria, noncon touch (non-sexual), forced haircut, manipulation, carewhumper, trans whumpee

"Can you take a shower by yourself?" Wesley asked carefully in the morning. He'd made the bed for her in the guest bedroom, which technically now hers. As much as something could be hers, now that Marci was stuck as his asset as well.

"I'll manage" she replied, and the man handed her a towel.

"Take your time" His smile dropped as the door to the was closed shut behind her. He tried calling Tricia, again. The phone rang and rang endlessly, but she didn't pick up.

Wesley threw his phone across the room. Not strong enough to break it, or smash into the wall across, just tossed it and let it land wherever. Who gives a shit?

At the same time he heard the shower turn on finally, there was a knock at the door. Or sone noise that was meant as a knock, but came out as dull thumps, like someone was kicking it.

"Why the fuck didn't you pick up your goddamn phone?" he greeted, the young woman standing on his porch.

Tricia just looked down on the pile of stuff she was carrying in both her hands and then back at Wesley with one brow raised, as if to say "my hands are full, isn't it obvious?"

"Okay, get inside" Tricia walked past him, kocking into his shoulder, because he didn't give her enough room to enter, and she unceremoniously dropped her things on the coffee table in the middle of the living room, much to the man's dismay.

"I brought clothes, mostly stuff I don't need anymore," she started sorting through it, making an even bigger mess if that was possible "they might fit weird though, she's thin as a rail, and much taller than me at that"

Wesley stepped closer, getting over his disgust over the mess and looked through the clothes. There were short sleeved T-shirts, washed out pastel colours for the most part, and sone darker shorts.

"Okay and what else?" he gestured towards the other things lying around. Tricia rolled her eyes.

"Underwear, some makeup and hair stuff" she listed, annoyed "Have you seen what her hair looks like?"

"It's messy, what about it? I'm sure she'll brush it out and it's fine" he waved his hand dismissively. Tricia shook her head, the little braids flew around with the momentum, the beads and rings adorning them clinked together softly.

They heard the shower turn off in the bathroom and they both looked in the direction of the hallway expectantly.

Marci emerged, she'd put the same clothes on, she had on the day before, a blouse with bright and colourful patterns and a pair of jeans.

Wesley took a better look at her hair, now that Tricia mentioned it, and she was right it looked a mess even more so now that it was dripping wet, though he'd never admit to it.

"Hi" the younger woman greeted softly, and walked over to Marci, taking her by the hand and leading her to the couch to sit. "I brought you a bunch of clothes you can wear, until we figure out what's gonna happen now, okay?" she pushed the pile towards her on the table.

"... thanks, uhm, but why?" she looked up at them, no matter how much clearer she looked, even her eyes were focused on the other two, they weren't sure she comprehended the situation in the slightest.

"You can't wear that forever" Wesley rolled his eyes, and crossed his arms. Tricia shook her head, and put a gentle hand on Marci's shoulder.

"Just try them on, okay?" she sighed and chose a couple of things in the pile for her to put on "Here"

Marci stood up and walked back into the bathroom, almost robotically, just following the instructions.

She was quick to put the new outfit on in front of the mirror. The shirt was way too short for her, it rode up above her waistline, showing off her stomach. It would have even been considered fashionable around twenty years earlier, when she was just a kid. Marci remembered watching the TV with Dallon, wishing she could grow up to wear these things. It was really nice of the young woman to give her these. She should have remembered her name, but it slipped her mind. It was fine. The shorts were a little loose, but soft and comfortable. The underwear was plain and white, and thankfully comfortable everywhere. None of the items were things she would have actually chosen for herself, though.

She walked out again, this time with a careful smile on her face.

"It fits!" Tricia exclaimed with a relieved smile. Wesley looked her up and down, and gave a nod of approval.

"She looks like a doll" he noted. Marci blushed at that, she wasn't sure if it was meant as a compliment or something else. Her head was still fuzzy, and she had to remind herself over and over again what was happening to her so she didn't forget.

"Okay sit down, let us take a look at-" Tricia was interrupted by the alarm on her phone going off. "Shit" she took a glance at the notification "I have to run. You'll find everything you might need there" she pointed to the table and grabbed her own bag in a hurry "Call me if you need anything" and she was gone.

Marci watched as she left, puzzled by the sudden turn of events. Tricia was there in one moment and then wasn't in the next one.

"Come here" Wesley asked with a strange tone, one might use to call a dog. Marci obeyed and sat back on the couch.

The man reached into the pile of things and handed her a brush.

"Can you do something with that on your head?" Marci took it shakily to her head and the bristles immediately got stuck in the messy tangles at the back.

"I can't" she admitted after a while of trying and failing to comb through at least one strand.

"Give me that, I'll try" he took the brush with a load of baseless confidence and tried to run it through. She hissed and whimpered to stop, stop, stop the forceful moves.

"It hurts" she teared up and buried her face in her hands.

"How did it even get this bad?" he retreated the brush, but didn't stop hovering over her, pulling on and trying to detangle some strands.

"I don't know"

"I mean, you clearly can't fucking take care of yourself... What the fuck are you crying?" The answer came in the form of a sob.

"Stop that" Wesley ordered, clearly distraught by her reaction "You did this to yourself, what are you crying about?" Her shoulders shook with each heaving breath she tried to take to calm herself. It seemed to be an impossible task, too much for her to handle and Wesley's words stung on top of that.

She's said those sentences to herself a million times before, but it was somehow different coming from the man.

"I'm probably gonna have to cut this" he muttered and that did put a stop to her outburst. The tears dried up instantly and she turned around the best she could to face the man standing behind the couch she was sitting on.

"No" Her eyes grew wide with fear and she put her hands over the tangled mess on the back of her head as if that would offer some sort of protection.

"You started crying when I tried to brush it, I can't leave it like that if I'm keeping you around" he explained with a condescending scoff.

"No, but you can't- please don't cut it" She stood up, noticeably unsteady, he had half a mind to reach out to help her stay standing. She hit the table with the back of her legs and stumbled a bit, as she started backing away muttering "Please, don't" over and over again.

"That's fucking ridiculous you know" Wesley strode closer, walking around the couch. He had no sense to approach her slowly or carefully like one would a scared horse, though it might have been the best course of action.

Marci's eyes darted around wildly, as she still backed away, but as soon as she settled in the direction of the hallway, he caught up to her.

They were the same height, and still she felt suffocatingly small. She felt her legs stuck in place and her entire body freeze up, she could barely breathe.

Wesley was so close, she felt the heat of his body next to her, it was all the wrong kinds of warmth, not one she needed so she pressed her back into the wall behind her to avoid it.

He didn't notice or didn't care about it, and lifted his hand. She watched in paralyzed horror as it got nearer her face.

There was a moment of relief she felt when it wasn't raised high enough to hit her face, but it evaporated in the blink of an eye as he wrapped his hand around her throat and pushed.

His touch burnt worse than him being close. A fresh wave of tears found their way back in Marci's eyes.

"I told you to stop" he hissed.

"-m sorry" she whimpered fearfully. She couldn't help but put her own hands over his in an attempt to pull him away, but the harder she tried the harder Wesley pushed.

Marci gave up quickly and went limp in his hold.

"I don't know why the fuck you're so worked up, but I guess we can figure somethingout, right?" She nodded. Anything but this. He finally let go, and Marci doubled over covering her neck with both hands.

"Sit back down" he pointed to the couch without waiting for her to gather herself. She did so quickly.

The softness of the pillows reminded her of the day before. When Tricia gave her that little pill. And her thoughts were steered back to being high, a reprieve of the world she desperately needed.

He walked back behind her and resumed pulling on her strands.

"There's no fucking way this can be combed through" he stated. Marci nodded in agreement, utterly defeated.

"Why can't I just cut it then?" he asked with a sigh of clear annoyance.

"because, uhm, 'cause I- I don't, I don't wanna look like a boy" she mumbled.

"Oh" was all Wesley could reply. At least that made some semblance of sense.

"Tell you what" he cleared his throat "I'll try to save as much of it as possible" Marci didn't reply, so he continued, smoothing over the strands he'd previously pulled on, much more carefully this time "Like maybe down to your shoulder?" It was a stretch, but not impossible.

Marci shrugged.

"Can I get something while you do it?" Wesley could barely make out the ashamed mumble of a question. It gave him an idea.

"If you don't freak out and bother me while I'm trying to fix it, I'll let you fly among the clouds if you want to"

"But I can't- please, I need something" she started squirming in her seat as if she was about to attempt a runner again. He had a plan this time.

"If you don't stay put and shut the fuck up, I won't give you anything" She stilled and he smiled. Finally.

"Can I do it?... cut it?"

"No, I don't trust you with scissors" He started doubting the success he felt just a moment prior.

"Then, uhm, can I watch what it, uhm, looks like?" She tried again.

"Fine, let's go to the bathroom"

The scissors looked simply wrong in Wesley's hand. Marci followed his every move, vigilantly. He held it wrong and it made her wince with every strand he snipped away.

She lost count of how many times she cried by the time he finished.

The cut was blunt and sort of uneven. It barely reached her shoulders, but with the help of a comb it was manageable again.

"No thank you?" he asked, after he dropped the scissors in the sink unceremoniously and cleaned the hair off the floor.

"Please, give me something now"

"Whoa, it's only polite, you know, I could've buzzed it all off and been done with it" he held his hands up in a mockery of defense.

She held eye contact for as long as she could, with a face void of emotion, but the spark of defiance got put out quickly and she muttered "Thank you" looking down. He nodded.

"Wait here then, I'll get you something to calm down"

Marci crossed her arms on front of herself and stared ahead.

Just a couple of minutes and all of it would go away. She won't mind the short hair when she's high.

He returned, holding his hands behind his back.

"Left or right?" A strangely cold smile grew on his face.

"What?"

"Choose"

"Left" he opened his hand for her, there was a single white pill on it. She took it without hesitation, not questioning what it was. Anything helped. She closed her eyes and knew it would take time to kick in, but still felt calmer already. "What was in your right?"

"You might find out tomorrow" he chuckled and led her to the guest bedroom and sat her on the bed "Have some rest and get yourself together"

Wesley shut the door behind himself and dialled Tricia.

"What did you run out on me for?" he asked when she picked up.

"Sorry" she offered no further explanation. It was a wise choice, considering how easily authorities can tap into calls.

"I need your help to deal with this next time"

"What happened?" she sighed.

"She freaked the fuck out"

"Why, what did you do?" Tricia saw right through it. It offended Wesley deeply that her initial reaction is to blame him for Marci's behaviour.

"Cut her hair, because it looked horrible"

"And?"

"I don't fucking know, it's just hair" he raised his voice.

"It's not just hair, oh my god, what are you doing to that poor woman?" Now it was Tricia, who was freaking out. Great.

"Oh, come on something needed to be done, now she looks like a doll"

"I'm going there as soon as I can" Tricia ended the call.

[maranull]

Hi, you're the first Elden Ring headcanon blog I've seen on here and I wanted to say how much I appreciate you and your blog! The soulsborne series has a lot more untapped potential and I'm happy to see you digging into it! Really, discovering it for the first time was very refreshing, thank you. May I get some romance/relationship headcanons for Malenia, please and thank you. If not that's fine, have an amazing day!

Oh, hi! Thank you so much! I started them as a fully self-indulgent stuff cause I was/am crushing hard at Melina. :P Didn't expect people would like them.

Oh, btw, I tent to find it easier to make the xReader headcanons in a generic modern AU, but if you want the setting to be the Lands Between, sent me another ask and I'll alter them. It'd be no trouble at all. :)

Right, headcanons go!

Malenia doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone, due to her fear of infecting them with the Rot

Despite that, after you originally meet, she doesn't go out of her way to avoid you, which, for her, is already allowing herself to relax too much

Letting you get close feels almost as an accident to her

One that she quite likes, but her usual mindset doesn't allow her to accept your affections

Cause why would anyone love her, her being mutilated by and carrying the Rot in her

Confessing to her made her literally get up and run, and she didn't talk to you for a week

After which she "accidentally" passed by your usual route to work, and gave you a shy wave from across the street

Obviously you skipped work that day and you spent your time talking

Awkward at first, and she was still very closed off, but you could hear in her tone that she was giddily and nervous

Starting to date was quite similar to your usual time together

But she let herself laugh more, allowed you to actually sit next to her and not a seat away, and her whole body began looking less tense when around you

Slowly, very slowly, I mean weeks to months slowly, she physically came closer and started taking your hand, leaning to you and after a month+, sometimes asking you to hug her

All that time she was panicking and repeating that it's not that she doesn't like you or doesn't want to touch you, it's just that she is scared of the Rot afflicting you

After you spent the months making it abundantly clear that the Rot is a non-issue for your affection towards her, she slowly starts initiating touch, instead of asking you to hold her

~~~

After getting fully comfortable with you, she seems a bit changed

She talks more

Laughs more and at little things

She isn't scared of you seeing parts of her body that are rotten, and even asks you to apply a soothing cream Miquella has helped create

She can be a slob and single minded

Her only worries are Miquella, you, her swordsmanship and the Rot

She enjoys you brushing her hair, and with how rough and long they are, the whole process takes hours

She's not the most playful person, but when she gets in a mood, you are crying from laughter

She almost never gets angry and you never hear her swear

The only time you've seen her cry was a day where all three of her prosthetics decided to malfunction and after tossing them at the wall with enough force to break them, she broke down in crying from frustration

She enjoys honey and flowers

So when you moved together you found out that being with Malenia comes with also having a small bee colony at your place

She also enjoys you reading to her, and you often combine brushing her hair and reading when you sense she's feeling down

She enjoys walking, working out and training and talking to her brother, so while she has no need for a job (due to her status) she's made a habit to leave during your work hours for her own things

You do walk together to the station, and often she'll arrange her cardio to bring her by your work, around the time you clock off

That's all I got for now. I hope my depiction of her disabilities was respectful. Please let me know if they weren't. I'm able-bodied so mistakes are inevitable, but I would prefer to be called out on them, so I know not to repeat them in the future.

So, thank you for the ask! Hope it was what you were looking for! Have a lovely day!

[crmsnmth]

September Sky Chapter One, Part 8

"Fine, Midnight Magenta. Either way, it was bugging me that I'd never seen you around. You're kind of noticeable. With the hair and eyeliner."

I laughed and shrugged. To be honest, I had wondered that myself. How I had gone through my time in college without noticing her? And then, the day I leave, I almost take her out.

"Do you ever go out?" She was looking at me, reading me.

"Yeah, I do. I wander around a lot." I said, smiling back.

"That's weird. So close, yet so far."

"Apparently, I had to just ruin your lunch to make it happen," I smirked.

"Very true, but can we not make that a regular thing?"

She was easy to speak to now. I found myself letting my brain do its thing and not worry about my mouth. It seemed we had the native tongue of sarcasm shared as well. I hadn't felt that comfortable around someone that quickly since Chad.

"I will try my absolute hardest to pay attention to my surroundings," I said, hold one hand up with my pointer and middle fingers raised.

"And?" Addison said with a playful grin.

"I'll try to not to go around ruining people's lunches," I said, laughing slightly.

I hadn't even realized it, but Addison was pulling into one of the limited parking spaces on Center Street. There weren't a lot and it was always a pain to find a spot. We got lucky this time.

She turned off the truck and silence took the airwaves. I said nothing. She said nothing. And it felt natural. Like it belonged. There was no desperate desire to start talking again. It was sitting in silence. We both got out of the truck and she met me on the sidewalk. We had about a half a block to walk, which really isn't all that bad.

"So what are you in school far?" I asked, as we walked along. Across the road, a couple were walking an excited and happy chocolate lab. Cars and trucks drove up and down the road, some turning down side streets.

"You're going to think it's weird," she said. Now the question seemed to have gained some substance. From just an easy getting to know someone question, into something with mystery.

"Look at me, " I waved my hands along my body, "I am weird. I like weird. The weirder the better."

"You make a good point."

"So, seriously, what is it?"

"I'm studying to become a mortician."

"Like a funeral director?" I asked, unsure that I had heard her right.

"Yeah," she said. We were now standing outside the door of The Uptowner, as I finished up a cigarette.

I don't know what I had expected, but it definitely wasn't that. Of course, I thought it was one of the coolest things I've seen in a very long time. It only added to this woman's charm.

"You're quiet. You do think it's weird." Addison said.

"Well, duh. Of course I think it's weird. And I also happen to think that it is extremely fucking cool. "

"Really?" She gave me huge smile, and behind her black framed glasses, her blue eyes opened wide.I tossed the cigarette into a small metal bucket filled with sand, right outside the bar's doors. I beat her to the door, and held it open for her. I followed behind.

The Uptowner is definitely a dive bar. There was no way in hell you could refute that fact. Tables scattered along the floor, a match book, or a folded coaster was under the legs of at least half of them. Along the wall were old church pews that had been carved on and chipped that most of the finish was gone. In the far back sat two pinball machines from the nineties that had seen better days. One even carried a crack along it's glass top. A pool table, with felt that had been ripped and repaired far too many times. Stains covered the field, some of which were not just drinks. The actual bar sat about 13 or 14 people. Addison and I took the two stools closest to the door.

[el-michoacano]

protector

I’ve seen some interest in Aurelia’s dynamic with Domingo, so I thought I’d write them together for a change! 

Gonna tag my Lia lovers: @rosayoro, @chordsykat, @lokisinsurrection , @michaelmandog and @chocopinda ​ 🖤

.

"I was supposed to go to the gym today." Aurelia didn't mind; She never minded when Domingo made time to stop by her condo. She sat in front of her massive vanity at present, fussing with her hair. It was a tousled mess, but the tousled look suited her.

Domingo was still in bed, sitting among the silken sheets, which were pooled around his waist. His eyes were on her, watching as she now applied a fresh coat of lipstick. She didn't need it; She was one of those girls who was always pretty. He asked, "You go to the gym?"

Aurelia laughed at him, the sound high and lovely, like the ringing of a golden bell. Everything about her was golden. She said, "You think I look this good without going to the gym? You really are too cute."

He gave a little laugh of his own, a soft, sheepish thing. He gave her a long, appraising look next, as if he hadn't seen every inch of her less than an hour ago. He guessed, "Yoga?" Girls did yoga, right?

Aurelia rolled her big amber cat's eyes. "Kickboxing," she said, tossing a glance at him over her shoulder. "A girl's gotta know how to defend herself, doesn't she?"

Domingo felt a little pang of guilt. He said, "I could defend you."

Something in her expression went soft, and she sighed, then stood. The robe she wore was white and flimsy, and in this light, he could see right through it. He was certain she'd chosen it for just that reason. He watched her approach the bed, taking hold of her waist when she straddled his hips. She lifted her hands to his face, meeting his eyes with hers, saying, "I have enough people defending me, Domingo." His heart flip-flopped stupidly in his chest any time she called him by his name. He was usually Bambi or baby or a combination of the two. She only called him by his name when she was being serious. "I don't need another protector."

A few years ago, she'd had more. Losing Lalo had nearly broken her, Domingo knew, and losing Nacho had nearly destroyed them both. She still had Tuco and don Hector and her brothers, at least. She still had Domingo. He said, "I've been thinking--"

"None of that." Aurelia pressed her hands to his chest, pushing him down onto the fluffy pillows. Was she aware of the ring he'd been carrying around the past few weeks? "No one in this business lasts long enough for that." She leaned down to kiss him, just softly, and he wound his arms around her, pulling her close. "Come back in a year and ask me again."

"I will." She seemed a little surprised by that, pulling back enough that she could meet his gaze with her own. "I'm not going anywhere," he said, "not without you."