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sweetteaanddragons · 2 months ago

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(I See Your Wife with) A Man Who is Haunting

”Him?”

This was not how Fingolfin had intended to start this conversation. Faced with the gangly elf carving a barely passable wooden bird beneath Nerdanel’s apple tree, however, it was the only word that managed to come out.

The elf jumped a little, apparently having not noticed Fingolfin’s rather thundering entrance. The knife in his hand skittered, scarring the wood.

It was, of course, none of Fingolfin’s business, but still -

Him?

Nerdanel peered down from her perch in the apple tree, skirt full of apples. “Hello to you too,” she said dryly. “No, it’s fine, Partano - “

She was not in time to stop this Partano from bowing.

Fingolfin had to fight the urge to grab him by the shoulders and shake him vigorously until Nerdanel reconsidered if there might be something wrong with this picture.

It was not, he tried to convince himself, that Nerdanel was hoping to remarry. Her case to the Valar had been . . . perfectly sound. Inarguable, when looking at the precedent of his own parents.

It was only . . . “Partano?” he repeated a little weakly. He would have expected Nerdanel to pick someone a little more . . .

Well, a little more like his brother, he supposed. If there was an elf like that to be found.

Failing that, he would have at least expected her to pick someone a little more likely to be able to fight off the horde of Feanaro’s surviving supporters who would be out looking for blood the moment the news got properly out.

Partano was currently looking rather nervously between his king and his . . . his fiancee, Fingolfin supposed. His eyes had gone very wide.

Nerdanel rolled her own. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she told him, letting the apples roll from her skirts to the ground and leaping lightly down after them. “He’s my healer. He’s been checking on me since he got back from the Halls.”

The implied ridiculousness of this her tone was attempting was rather undercut by how sharply her bones stood out against her skin.

“Ah.” Fingolfin at last left the comfort of his horse’s back. “Forgive me. I just heard - “

“And assumed the first man in my vicinity must be the reason for my petition to the Valar, yes.”

“I won’t be the only one,” he protested in meager defense.

“Why don’t I just - take your horse to the stable? My king?” Partano tried.

“Thank you,” he said, trying for graciousness. “My apologies to you, as well.”

They watched him leave together before turning back to each other.

“Really?” Nerdanel said the moment he had gone. “You thought my second choice for a husband would be a nice healer who hates the thought of someone having a sharp word with him?”

He threw his hands up. “It would have been a change. I thought maybe - “

He had not been thinking at all, really.

It was a weakness of his when he got such news.

“Maybe you wanted a change,” he said more softly. He let his hands fall. “I did mean to be a little less prying about this.”

She leaned back against the tree trunk. He wished it didn’t look like she needed the help. “Hm,” she said critically. “I was expecting Arafinwe to be the one nominated to come.”

Fingolfin decided not to mention that there hadn’t really been time for a discussion, as such. One of the advantages of sovereignty was that there really didn’t have to be.

“Your actual intended. Is he . . . nice?”

She snorted. “I don’t marry nice. I told you that already.”

“Is he nearby?”

“Not presently. Are you going to ask me his name at any point, now that we’ve ruled out Partano?”

“What is his - “

“On the other hand, it might be funnier the other way. You’ve ruled out Partano; who would you like to guess next?”

Fingolfin gave up on that line of questioning and went to sit in Partano’s place under the shade of the tree. It meant he could only see her out of the corner of his eye; that made it a little easier. “I know you are not well,” he said quietly. “Is that why?”

She sighed. “Oh, I suppose that’s a part of it, selfish as it is. If that’s all it was, though, I would have waited. I do know just how much I’m asking. Mostly it’s Makalaure.”

That was quite possibly the last thing he had expected. “Is he - have you - “

“He’s still alive,” she said impatiently. “I know that much.” Her breath hitched a little. “No other word to even the Valar for a thousand years, but that much I know. Whatever cursed dungeon hides him from their sight, he is still alive.”

He had known, when he was in the Halls, that the last of Feanaro’s sons was not dead. It was not until he had emerged, not so very long ago, that he had learned ‘not dead’ was all anyone this side of the sea knew now.

Anyone at all.

It might not be some hideous forgotten dungeon of Sauron’s. It might be -

Well. It might be some hideous forgotten torment of someone else. Nerdanel was not the only one who feared.

He did not see how this would help except perhaps as a distraction.

If a distraction was all she wanted, surely they could find her something else.

“They did rule Feanaro had to agree to this?” he checked.

“Oh, yes,” she said instantly. “That was the precedent, and I would have argued for it even if they hadn’t.”

Fingolfin had not seen Feanaro in the Halls. He had not seen Feanaro since before the first rising of the sun. However: “And you think he will follow his mother’s precedent and agree?” he said doubtfully.

Feanaro had not wearied of life. He had only been barred from it.

He supposed Feanaro could have changed. Hoped for it a little, even. Just not . . . not that much, surely.

“Surely you have learned by now not to ask me to predict my husband,” she said dryly. “But I have done what I could, regardless; I asked them to carry my request to him just as I said it, and I have hope that they will. Even if they don’t, it may yet work,” she added hopefully.

It was not that he doubted her persuasiveness. Only . . . “What were your exact words?” he asked, very firm in his not doubting.

“That I ask only for the same courtesy that I promised him when I was carrying the Ambarussa,” she said promptly. “You remember how sick I was.”

He remembered hearing of it. He had not seen for himself; by the time it was evident just how hard the pregnancy would be for her, she had not been able to handle any possible additional stress, and he had not wanted to risk inciting an argument with Feanaro, and in those days, walking into the same room had been an incitement to an argument between them.

He had not previously imagined that she had been so wounded in spirit as to promise Feanaro that she would let him take another wife if she passed and could not gather the strength to return - or so visibly wounded that Feanaro’s indignance at the implication he would want to had not erupted onto all Tirion.

There were a lot of things he had not once imagined.

“Alright,” he said, defeated. There was nothing more he could do after all; nothing more but wait, as he once had as a boy outside Feanaro’s door, desperate to hear what he would say. “Alright.”

She looked rather concerned at his tone, but she didn’t try to stop him when he announced his intention to fetch his horse and ride away.

(“She asked them to tell him what?” Arafinwe asked incredulously when Fingolfin met him on the road.)

(Fingolfin repeated the message.)

(“The same courtesy - there’s going to be a riot.” Arafinwe swung his horse back toward Tirion.)

(Probably, but - )

(“She told me the story while you were gone,” Arafinwe said in furious impatience. “She was half delirious from the pain when she was carrying them. She promised him that she would come back as soon as she could. She promised him she would do whatever it took. She promised him she would <em>beat down the walls.</em>”)

(Realization finally struck.)

(“She’s not asking him to let her remarry. She’s asking him to break out.”)

(Ah.)

(That did put a different spin on it.)

[The title of this story comes from "No Longer You," a song from Epic: The Musical. It is also a hint as to how this story is going to end because that song involves Odysseus being told a seer has seen a vision of his wife standing beside a man with a trail of bodies behind him . . . and Odysseus angrily demanding to know who it is, not realizing the man is himself.]

[Which is not quite what happened here, but there are a few parallels.]

[This is, by the way, a Memento Pugna AU of all things; Nerdanel tells Finarfin her pregnancy story in the prequel to that, and Maglor's deal here is the same as it was there.]

[In this AU, though, Nerdanel got pushed past the edge and decided it was time to do something about it.]

[Possibly Fingolfin's return had something to do with that actually, since that hasn't happed in the main version of Memento.]

#silmarillion #probably third age #au #alternate universe #nerdanel #fingolfin #finarfin #memento pugna #sort of #partano is an oc from my story Little Bird which focuses on Nerdanel's childhood

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ghosts-bandwagon · 2 years ago

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can we have a headcannon of y/n (female) thats throwing dark humour around everytime and have 141 + Rudy, Alejandro nd konig react to her lmao 🤣

Can we have that? 💜 Thank you

Girl. Literally me. (I give my coworkers whiplash but they dish it pretty good too lmao)

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley:

Might actually get a decent laugh out of him, we’ve all heard his horrendous hilarious jokes, so we all know he can dish it, but can he take it? Depends on the type of humor

If it’s self-depreciating, probably not. Doesn’t really get it? Like he does but he sees you too positively for the humor to click.

Unalive jokes? Definitely not. Hates hearing it from you even if you’re laughing about it, so if you want to make them, you better be cheeky about it (“Head down, sergeant you’ll get spotted.” “Aw sweet, you think so?” You don’t have to be near him or even see him to feel his glare)

Jokes about your traumas? Not super keen on it but if you’re at a point in your life that you feel ok enough to laugh about it, he’s not one to take wind out of your sails (“Damn, this drink hits harder than my dad.” “Sweetheart. Please.”

But if your jokes are similar to his, then your chances of getting a laugh out of him went up exponentially (he thinks he’s so god damn funny and he’s right. king.)

“How do you turn a salad into a Cesar salad?”

“How?”

“Stab it 23 times.” Soap audibly groaned,

“That’s my girl.”

All in all, you’ll get a deep sigh with pinching the bridge of his nose for every joke you make, and maybe you’ll get a pretty laugh from him (god I bet his laugh is so nice 😭)

John ‘Soap’ MacTavish:

(laughs nervously) what the fuck?

He’s heard Ghost’s jokes firsthand, so the dark humor isn’t new to him. He might even laugh with you and crack a few of his own

Honestly, as long you’re having a laugh he’s not really that worried (still a little worried tho)

He trusts that if you’re feeling particularly bad about something, you’d talk to him about it and he’s here for that

He kind of enjoys the theatre of it, the dramatic reactions to something so seemingly mundane,

“So when are you gonna take me out?”

“To dinner? We just ate, bonnie.”

“… not what I meant but I love where your heads at.”

“Not in a million years.” He laughs kissing your temple and squeezing you against him

“So you’re saying there’s a chance? It’s just a matter of when, got it. Thanks babe, I owe you”

John Price:

He’s not thrilled about it but he’s worked with Ghost so he’s somewhat built a tolerance

He knows you sometimes use dark humor as a coping mechanism but he’ll tease you saying you should come with a warning label

He’s definitely choked at hearing some of the things come out of your mouth, at least the jokes relating to your own traumas, those always give him whiplash

He finds your situational dark humor much funnier than anything you might say that involves you being harmed, even if it is a joke that’s kind a nightmare scenario for him

Those will definitely get a chuckle out of him, just please stop making jokes about yourself, he loves you a little too much to stomach them

“What does my dad have in common with Nemo?” He refuses to answer, he knows, he fucking knows

“They both can’t be found.”

God damn it, sweetheart

Kyle ‘Gaz’ Gerrick:

He’ll join you for sure lmao

He’ll see you sparring on the mats with Soap and he sees you land a particularly rough kick that he managed to block

“Damn babe, that was clean. Now do it right here.” He’s pointing at his temple, you laugh and throw your sweaty towel at him

You’re out on recon and you’re making your way towards the targeted area,

“I’d be terrible if I was discovered, sure hope there aren’t any snipers to take me out. That’d be awful.”

Price groaned even as Kyle stifled a chuckle,

“Come on, love, we’re a bit too good to let that happen to you.”

“That’s the real tragedy, honestly.”

“Enough, you two.”

König:

He thinks you’re funny but low key a little worried at how easily the jokes come to you

But if you’re laughing and having a good time, then so is he!

Sometimes you really do say some crazy things and he doesn’t know whether to laugh or to hug you

He likes the jokes that have nothing to do with you much better, you’d be sitting at a briefing in the far corner when you lean in and whisper quietly,

“Köni, what’s red and bad for your teeth?”

“Hm?”

“A brick.”

He stifles a laugh and shakes his head, you can see the corners of his eyes crinkle as he tries to hide the smile.

Alejandro Vargas:

Honestly, he kind of gives me the vibe of “telling a joke becomes receiving a lecture”

Like you’ll make a joke and look at him and he’s deadpanned,

“Mi amor, that’s no laughing matter.” And then he goes into a full lecture about why what you said was out of pocket and a little hurtful

It’s not that he doesn’t understand the humor he’s just concerned

But, he prefers the goofier jokes I feel like,

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away, or at least it does if you throw it hard enough.”

“Mensa.” He pushes your shoulder playfully with a laugh.

Dumb jokes like that get a good laugh out of him, just don’t make them about you please he loves you so much and he will lecture you

Rodolfo Parra:

Mortified in Spanish

“Mi vida, please don’t make those jokes.”

They break his poor little heart :( he loves you so much it makes him sad to hear make such harsh jokes about yourself or even see such awful things

He sighs every time he hears one of your jokes and gives this look 🥺

He doesn’t like that you joke about yourself or the things that have happened to you like that

He understands that humor is sometimes a coping mechanism, but he’d much rather talk through the things you’re joking about

He just cares about you so god damn MUCH

But if they’re nonsensical, then he’ll chuckle quietly,

“You don’t need a parachute to go skydiving.”

“What? Amor you definitely-”

“You need a parachute to go skydiving twice.”

“Dios mío, amor.” He chuckles.

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meowzfordayz · 2 years ago

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when you wear baggy clothing — kyojuro, sanemi, muichiro

Author’s Note: friendly reminder to be kind toward yourself. 💓 Easier said than done, ofc, but you deserve it❣️

when you wear baggy clothing — kyojuro, sanemi, muichiro

Rengoku Kyojuro x Reader, Shinazugawa Sanemi x Reader, Tokito Muichiro x Reader

Word Count: ~1,000

CW: implied body insecurity, mild sexual content

Emergency Request Fulfilled: Hey, so I'd like to ask for a Emergency Request of Sanemi, Rengoku and Muichiro (if you want you can add anyone else) with an S/o that is very Insecure of their thighs and always wear baggy things on their legs no matter how hot it is because they just don't like them.

~faqs, image~

“Would you like to change?” Kyojuro asks, “It is quite hot out today!”

“Is there something wrong with my outfit?” you raise an eyebrow, quickly backtracking as alarm races across his expression, “I’m just teasing!” shaking your head with a fond smile, “I know what you meant.”

“I am relieved!” he exhales loudly, almost pouting as he watches you put on your shoes, “I would never ask you to change like that.”

Chuckling patiently, you pucker your lips, giggling as he squats down to kiss you, “I know, Kyo. I love you.”

“Let me,” he hums contently, gently nudging your hands aside to finish tying your laces, “Your outfit is wonderful, by the way.”

“As is yours,” you wink.

“I really am fine with waiting,” he tries again, “If you feel like changing,” standing up with a soft grunt, “Your comfort is my priority.”

“I’m comfortable,” you answer simply, “Thank you though.”

“If something else is on your mind,” he says abruptly, hesitant to approach the aching suspicion in his chest, “Then,” sighing as he mentally shelves the subject for later, “Then please remember that I care about you.”

“How could I forget?” you murmur, linking your pinky with his, using him as a counterweight to stand up beside him, “I’ll be alright.”

And though Kyojuro ultimately believes you, he still finds himself silently promising to love you better — to press your perfections into your skin, fingertips warm and trembling, until even you can no longer doubt their truth.

“You’re going out in that?” Sanemi scoffs.

“Piss off,” you snort, smacking his bicep, “I like this dress.”

“Aren’t you afraid of tripping on the hem?” he smirks, “You might need taller shoes.”

“My shoes are just fine.”

“And if you trip?” he drawls.

Blinking pointedly at him, you shrug, “You’ll catch me.”

“But watching you fall on your face would be much funnier,” he promptly quips.

“Are we done talking about my outfit?” you scowl, “We’re missing all the sunshine bickering in here.”

“So let’s bicker outside,” he winks, “Maybe I’ll toss in a compliment once I’m warm enough.”

“Oh yes, because you’re a plant who becomes much more agreeable after soaking in X amount of sunlight.”

“Your legs aren’t gonna tan,” he quips, opening the front door for you.

Eyes rolling, you pat his chest in thanks as you walk past him, exhaling softly as summer air caresses your face, “Sanemi, the last thing I’m worried about is tanning my legs.”

“And the first thing?”

“None of your business,” you retort without thinking, delayed panic setting in as you realize There’s no way he’s letting that slide.

“My love.”

You nearly wince at his lowered, serious tone, refusing to turn around, almost certain he’s glaring thoughtfully—or worse, staring softly—at you.

“What are you worried about?”

“This doesn’t feel like bickering,” you mutter weakly.

“You can always wear sunscreen,” he says slowly, “No need to resort to tripping hazards.”

Relief floods your lungs at the delicate humor in his voice, dress twirling gently as you carefully meet his inquiring gaze.

“Maybe I want you to catch me.”

“I already warned you, watching you fall on your face would be much funnier,” arms crossing as his jaw tenses slightly, “Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to listen,” continuing smoothly before your panic can flare again, “For now, know that you look amazing,” cracking a wry smile, “And I’m grateful I get to enjoy your beautiful, untanned legs.”

“Would you actually let me trip and die?” you answer breathlessly, tears pricking the corners of your eyes at his intuition and patience.

Laughing roughly, he waves a nonchalant hand, “If it looked like you were gonna die, then of course I’d catch you,” raising a smug eyebrow, “But chances are you wouldn’t die, so who knows…”

Despite his teasing reply, the moment he offers you his elbow, a sarcastic yet attentive glint in his eyes, you know better — Shinazugawa Sanemi will always catch you.

“Why are you wearing those?” you raise an eyebrow, gesturing at Muichiro’s grey sweatpants, “It’s like, a hundred degrees outside.”

“Because you are,” he shrugs, offering you a faint smile, “We’re cute when we’re matching.”

You poke his shoulder with a snort. He doesn’t budge.

“Y’know what’s not cute?”

“What?” he deadpans.

“Both of us melting into puddles.”

“So you’re allowed to be a puddle, and I’m not?” his head tilts.

“I don’t want to be a puddle,” you huff, arms crossing good naturedly, “But it’s better like this.”

Nodding slowly, his eyes narrow with confusion, “What’s better like this?”

“Never mind,” you sigh, reaching for his hand, nose scrunching happily as his fingers immediately intertwine with yours, “We’re gonna be late.”

“I’d like to resolve this first,” he replies, tone frustratingly smooth, “I don’t understand.”

“You don’t have to change,” you explain patiently, nudging him with your elbow, “After all, we are cute when we’re matching.”

“But I feel like you don’t want to wear sweatpants,” Muichiro retorts, stubborn as ever, “So why don’t we match in shorts instead?”

“Don’t like them,” you mutter quickly.

“You could wear mine? They’re longer, more baggy, more comfortable,” he assures you, brow furrowing, “Because I’m absolutely not putting on booty shorts.”

Giggling quietly, the tension between your shoulders lessens, his oblivious consideration easing your nerves, “We don’t have to match.”

“But I want to.”

“Fine!” you exclaim, eyes rolling playfully, “Let’s go change into shorts, your, shorts.”

“And for the record,” he murmurs, dutifully following you as you tug him toward the bedroom, “Just because I refuse to wear booty shorts doesn’t mean you can’t.”

“I know.”

“And I know we don’t have to match,” he pauses, affection warming the back of your head as he gazes fondly at you leading the way, “But I want you to know that I support you and your fashion choices, no matter what.”

He might be somewhat off the mark, but his sentiment calms the butterflies in your stomach nonetheless, voice soft as you respond carefully, “Thank you Muichiro. Me and my fashion choices appreciate you very much.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too. Now let’s put on some long, baggy, comfortable shorts!”

#preferences #modern au #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #rengoku kyojuro #kyojuro x reader #shinazugawa sanemi #sanemi x reader #tokito muichiro #muichiro x reader

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ghost-with-a-teacup · 2 years ago

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𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 ~ 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧 '𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭' 𝐑𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Summary: There was something so safe about quiet nights, where you could wind down and hear the soft noises of the world around you; the howling wind, blowing snow. But there was nothing more safe in the world than being held in Simon's arms in the early hours of the evening, dancing to a secret song of your own. OR You dance with Simon in the kitchen, and as much as he loathes to admit it, he loves to do it just as much as you do. Warnings: Mainly fluff, gets a tad bit suggestive at the end so 18+ please!! Pairing: Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader Notes: Simon is really taking my writing block and kicking it to the fucking curb LMAO. Not that I'm complaining :) Definitely helps that I'm on winter break <3 Anyway, came up with this as I was daydreaming this morning. Enjoy, my lovelies!!

The house was quiet. Not that eerie kind of quiet where you want to brush off the silence and fill the void with sound, no, it was that peaceful kind of quiet where you relish in it and allow it to embrace you in its welcoming arms. The kind of quiet where you can hear the branches as they sway and the wind as it whirls by through a cold winter night.

You savoured the peace as warm light filled the kitchen in the early hours of the evening, the world outside already having fallen dark with the shortened days, the light making way for navy blue skies. However, you could forget the world outside when you had your very own wrapped around your shoulders, holding you close.

Side to side you swayed with Simon as your back remained pressed close to his chest, a silent tune in the air as you rocked to an unbeaten rhythm. His head leaned slightly into yours, lips close to your ears so you could feel every single one of his breaths. It had been a few days since he came home, and you took every chance that you could get to be held in his arms. Even if that meant you had to hear his indignant little huff as you quietly say to him “Dance with me?”. And while you get this response every single time, you knew he would never say no. Never could, never to you. Not when you had that bashful little smile on your lips, the kitchen light hitting your eyes just so, making them twinkle like fireflies in the summer sky.

And so every time you would ask, he would act as if it's a tedious task that he just wanted to get over with. But you knew the truth because in the next moment he would be grabbing your hand tight and twirling you like two kids on their prom night before pulling you close.

Some nights he was serious, holding onto you as though in the next moment you would drift off with the wind. But some nights he would be goofy, like today, murmuring those ridiculous dad jokes he seemed to never have a shortage of, as dark as they might be at times. Nights like those you would giggle like a child at the ridiculousness of his humour, and while Simon isn’t doing the same, there’s that unmistakable happiness in his eyes, unbridled and bright as he listens to the sound of your laughter. No song in the universe could compare.

After recovering from your last fit of laughter you huff a bit to catch your breath.

“You’re such a goof, Si,” you say, turning a bit to catch his eye, a wide grin on your face.

“I never hear any complaints,” he says plainly with a shrug, and you roll your eyes.

“Nothing to complain about,” you say with a shrug of your own, and with a sigh, you calm down once more. Well, at least until he says another stupid joke you can’t help but laugh at. Something about how Simon sometimes says things make even the worst of jokes funnier, but you digress.

He says nothing in response, only hums before pressing a kiss to the side of your head softly. Lieutenant Simon Riley, this hulking mass of a man, being soft? Something others would have to see to believe, and yet you saw it every day.

His lips linger there for a moment before his head dips down lower, trailing his lips down your neck, barely there but enough for you to feel. All at once his arms wrapped around you, paired with the proximity and the seemingly innocent action becomes too much, and you just don’t quite manage to suppress the whimper that escapes your lips.

In that instant Simon tenses up, and before long you’re whirling around to face him, softness blown to the wind as he captures your lips with his own, fiery and intense, and you can do nothing but hang on for the ride. Step by step, he leads you backwards until you're pressed against the wall and clinging to him tight.

It’s a mess of lips and tongue as his hands roam around your body before settling on your hips, thumb rubbing small circles onto your hipbone. While you try to suppress the shiver that threatens to rack through your entire body it is to no avail, and with that Simon pulls away just to look at you.

Gazing up at him you already know what you look like, doe-eyed and dazed in only a few moments, and Simon only drinks your appearance in before squeezing his eyes tight.

“Fuck baby, when you look at me like that I don’t know if I want to protect you or absolutely fucking ruin you,” he says lowly into the air between the two of you. You gather the remaining few trains of thought you have left in your brain before responding;

“You can do both, you know,” you murmur, and in an instant, you’re swept off into his arms and off to your shared bedroom so he can do just that.

#simon ghost riley x reader #simon riley x female reader #simon riley #simon ghost riley #simon riley x reader #simon riley x you #ghost x female reader #ghost x reader #ghost posts #cod mw22 #cod ghost #cod fluff #cod x reader #cod

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ginneke · 6 months ago

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Instincts

(aka, what can be found in the heart, or somewhere like it).

A @flashfictionfridayofficial promptfic.

When I first had an inkling of this idea, it was meant to be Link POV of a missing scene from the start of ch3 of Seed of Song. Then Revali stole it, and this prompt got me to finally write it.

(This becomes infinitely funnier after @avenin was doodling sleep-deprived Revali + chick earlier this evening as well. Yes we were watching the same osprey livestream what of it.)

The fire crackles and spits, launching red-hot embers into empty space.

Eyes closed, Revali imagines himself back at his Flight Range—comfortably alone and resting, for a little while, just like this: listening to the lapping tongues of the fire and the murmurs of a distant wind...

Imagination only serves to illuminate the utter futility of his wish to be anywhere else. This place is nothing like the Flight Range. The air is much too stuffy; the barracks' stone walls are stifling, and the space doesn't breathe as a building ought. Even the faint whisper of a breeze through the open window does little to keep the suffocating closeness at bay.

The sounds are all wrong, as well: no companionable creak of a hammock-rope overhead; no faint, distant hum of Vah Medoh turning watchful circles through the sky above him.

Instead there's a faint, incessent scratching sound. It goes on for a long, long time.

No, this place is nothing at all like his Flight Range. He is caged in, confined, and is altogether much too warm. He desperately wants to be rid of it. Revali struggles to quash his roiling distaste for being forced into such close quarters with another person. He cannot entirely succeed. It's like standing near an improperly-stored Shock Arrow, an unpleasant prickling that sparks under his skin and turns the tips of his feathers to barbs, leaving him battling the urge to get as far away as he can—

As if sensing the turn of his thoughts, the hatchling startles awake.

Revali cracks open one eye and cranes his head to study it. It doesn't look to be hungry, nor in any kind of significant distress. It roots around in blind, listless confusion, still coming to terms with the world outside its eggshell.

This fragile helpless thing wouldn't have survived a day without a fellow Rito's care. Revali reminds himself it's for the best that he's here, and that its wellbeing hasn't been left to the clumsy, haphazard efforts of a Hylian... but even for him, this is unfamiliar territory. He's largely ignorant of what its care entails. The best he can hope for is to keep the hatchling alive until it can become somebody else's problem.

A disquietening thought, and one which stirs bleak memories better left forgotten.

Revali sighs, repositions the chick so that it is better covered by his folded wing, and closes his eyes once more, chasing the illusion of rest. It remains elusive.

And that damnable scratching won't cease. It nudges at the edge of his hearing, incessant: scrape, scratch, scrape.

Under normal circumstances, the scratch of a metal nib against paper would be a sound familiar enough to be comforting. Revali reaches for the comfort of pen and ink often enough. Today, though, it only makes him long for his diary and the chance to sort through his jumbled, tumultuous thoughts.

He cracks open an eye, affixing his ire on the faint silhouette sat just in front of the hearth. "Would it be so impossible for you to cease that racket?"

The scratch of Link's pen pauses mid-motion. His curious sense of industry doesn't bear the cadence of a letter. The sounds are too elongated for script. Revali finds that disconcerting; he has no idea what Link is up to. He doesn't entirely want to know; only the thought that Link might be reporting back on the root cause of their delay gives him any reason to wonder...

Link's downcast eyes glitter lowly in the light. Revali bristles, certain that it's just a ruse.

"What, pray tell, are you looking at?"

At least Link has the decency of looking somewhat abashed—or whatever is meant to pass for embarrassment on those dull, expressionless features. He puts the pen down in an unhurried motion, blows on the paper—scattering a fine layer of dust in the process—and stoppers up his ink. Only then does he lift his head properly.

"Nothing," he insists.

Once, the sound of Link speaking would have been a novelty — something he never expected to hear. The sporadic proof that he can, and always could, is more jarring than it ought to be. Revali doesn't know what to make of this newfound willingness to...

He's torn away from that thought by the chick, which jerks awake with a high-pitched squeak of distress. The sound hooks into Revali's chest, lodging behind his heart and tugging until he forgets all else. He lowers his head to the hapless infant, trying to determine what might be wrong...

In the corner of his vision, the fire flares. Revali notices it with vague detachment. It's immaterial: the thing that matters most is the chick and whatever is causing it distress. Is it warm enough? too warm? hungry? He doesn't know, and the lack of certainty confounds and frustrates him.

"Here," Link mumbles, passing across the remains of the duck he'd caught earlier.

At that point, it becomes easy to fall back into a rhythm of trying, and trying again, to coax the chick into whatever instincts are driving it. (Revali is more than a little perturbed by the evidence of his own instincts on display.) He doesn't remember what it was like to be an infant as young as this; he has no way of recalling how she managed. If only he could ask. Revali isn't coping at all. He can't even hunt for himself; there's no way he could be the sole provider and guardian of a chick. As galling and infuriating as his presence is, it cannot be denied that Link's insistence on staying has accomplished some good...

—

Revali jolts awake into a night that's almost silent. He listens out for any disturbance. Only the low hum of the Flight Range answers. The murmur of the wind cannot drive the sense of solitude away; it can't fill the hollowed-out void in his chest.

#imprinting is a two-way street #fic: seed of song #prompt fic #FFF255 #flash fiction friday #vague inkling of a knife at the end #it leads up to revali's version of ch7 #which is the only writing going halfway smoothly at the moment #ginnefic #no alt text #sorry - tumblr wouldn't let me access the menu #i tried to add it but it kept deleting the banner instead #it's the same thing as usual: the prompt number and the week's prompt #with a vaguely allusional graphic

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auspicioustidings · 1 year ago

Note

I AM BACK FOR MORE TEA SHOP

MWAHAHAHAH

Darling has started to get more comfortable with everyone so she starts to act like a brat occasionally. Teasing, snark, poking, the works. But every time she does, everyone just gives a fond sigh and picks her up and just keeps her in air jail. Lost her walking rights

ANON I AM SO SORRY BUT I AM ILL RN SO THIS WAS THE BEST I COULD COME UP WITH T-T

“Put that tongue back in your mouth.”

“Oh I'd listen tae him bonnie, cannae be a brat for big, bad Ghost.”

Hmph. It was hardly being a brat sticking your tongue out at the man who had just traipsed mud all over your nice floors. You knew there was some sort of training happening today, but was it so much to ask he showered and changed before coming here? Johnny had managed just fine. It was almost like Simon had done it on purpose.

“Big, bad messy pup is more like it! I'm going to start making you take your boots off at the door.”

Johnny only grinned as Simon stood so he towered over you, arms crossed. Watching you put a hand to your hip and glower up at him was an absolute treat. If this had been a year ago not only would Simon never have come in here and dirtied up your floors (he was really only doing it to get a rise out of you) but you would never have been up in his face about it. It had been a delight watching how you started to bite back at them, find confidence around them.

“Oh? Go on then sweetheart. Make me.”

You raised an eyebrow at him, not willing to let him win. Fine, you could play. You took the pencil from your apron and held it in front of his face before spinning on your heel to head towards the contract. Johnny howled with laughter seeing where you were headed, clever girl. There was already an added clause in there for Keegan that if he annoyed you he was banned from kisses for a week (not that he ever listened) and Simon had no interest in having something similar in there for him. You never made it of course, he had an arm banded around your waist and your feet off the ground by the time you got close.

“Not about to fall for that one, nice try though.”

You could only huff and stab his arm with the pencil. Bloody stab proof fabric.

–

“Otrod'ye” Nikolai snapped at you.

You weren’t sure what the word itself meant but the tone was enough to know you were in some form of trouble with him. Which you supposed was inevitable given that you and Gromsko had been absolutely insufferable for the past hour. He was teaching you Polish words and you were repeating them back and feigning innocence while you and Nikolai knew he was definitely getting you to say something dirty.

Nik kept trying to cut in, but seeing how it wound him up you had only continued. Gromsko was only too eager to help once he saw that you were doing it on purpose. Everytime you came over with more tea or snacks Nik got grumpier and grumpier about you and Gromsko’s chatting. He had snapped around about when you had giggled and pressed a kiss to the Polish man's cheek in payment for teaching you another word.

“Oh, you haven’t taught me that one?”

Gromsko snickered at that. You were such a fiery little thing when you wanted to be and while he did not get to visit as much as he might like, he always had such a good time when he got to. While he could perhaps have saved you, it was much funnier to just watch as Nik scooped you up with a fond sigh and simply refused to put you down for the next hour.

“Little brats go on naughty step, but this will have to do.”

#mhairianswers #mhairidrabblesteashop

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halestrom · 6 months ago

Note

Orange Rose - experiencing constant as well as distracting thoughts of the other person + character of your choice

its short...ish. some mclorne for you. evan pov.

“Major.”

Evan lifted his head away from where he had been staring at the blue lights behind the Colonel and grimaced. “Sorry, sir. I missed that last bit, what was it?”

Sheppard frowned at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Sir?”

Sheppard leaned back in his chair. “You’re distracted. That’s weird. So what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Evan said, lying through his teeth because the last thing he would do was tell his CO he was daydreaming about Rodney’s eyes. “Been a long week,” he elaborated when Sheppard looked unimpressed with his answer.

Sheppard sighed. “That is has. As I was saying…”

Evan stared up at the ceiling, wondering when he had ended up on his back. Ronon’s unimpressed face filled his view a second later.

“You alive?” Ronon asked.

“I’m debating,” Evan said as pain began to bloom across his face.

“You’re talking. You’re fine,” Ronon said, holding out a hand.

Evan took it and he was jerked up with an ease that made him a little pissed off. But he ignored it in favor of pressing against his cheekbone. It wasn’t broken, but it was going to have a hell of a shiner.

“You’re distracted.”

“I’m fine,” Evan said, poking at his cheek once more to avoid looking over to where he could see Rodney’s handwriting warning about a broken panel that hade distracted him.

“Uh-huh,” Ronon said. “Whatever. Come on. Focus and lets try again.”

“Have you considered going to metrology?”

Evan frowned, looking over at Radek. “What?”

“For the clouds that your head is in. Very unusual being so low. Perhaps they can help,” Radek said, looking back down at his laptop.

“Ever consider stand up?” Evan asked, not looking at the screen with the video of Rodney ranting about something the rest of the lab techs were watching. It was from the declassification tour he was on and had gone viral. Whatever that meant.

“Bah, would be funnier in Czech so you would all misunderstand.”

“I’m sure there’s a laugh track somewhere,” Evan replied, leaning back. “We can get it put in.”

Radek shot him a look. “Shoo, Major. I am busy and your face needs ice.”

Evan rolled his eyes, and then regretted it.

“Major Lorne, what on God’s green earth did you do?” Carson asked, taking one look at his face and waving at him to sit down.

“Ronon,” Evan said, sitting down on the chair.

Carson tutted. “Come here, let’s see if you have a concussion.”

“I’m fine, Doc. Really. I just need some ice,” Evan replied.

Carson shook his head. “Well I’ll be the judge of that,” he said, shaking his head and beginning to mutter about idiot Major’s that needed to get their heads checked and not for the reasons they think. Evan bit back a smile, and the comment about how Carson might be spending too much with Rodney.

“Anything else, Major?”

Evan turned his head, aware the rest of the command staff was staring at him. “No, sirs,” he said, not even sure what they were talking about.

Woolsey peered at him over his glasses. “I thought you wished to talk about the delegation that would be arriving tomorrow.”

Evan nodded. “Right, yes, sorry, sirs,” he said, waving a hand at his face as if the black eye would forgive him of all of his sins.

Thankfully, it seemed to work and Evan grabbed his tablet and looked away from watching the gate to see if it would dial, and Rodney could come back home early.

The door opening had him looking up, perking up as he watched Rodney stroll through and drop his bags onto the floor with a groan.

“If I ever, ever, get the urge to do that again have me checked over for another parasite because I am not doing that again,” Rodney said, hands planted on his hips, looking tired and stressed and it was the best thing Evan had seen all day.

He stood and walked over, wrapping Rodney up into a hug his partner returned with a groan.

“Earth is stupid. Blow it all up,” Rodney mumbled into his neck.

“Cheetos,” Evan replied.

“The Cheetos can stay, everything else, bye bye.”

“Mmhmm,” Evan said, feeling Rodney’s arms tighten around his waist for a moment before they relaxed.

Rodney leaned back and looked at him, mouth opening before a frown crossed his face and he grabbed Evan’s face, carefully. “What happened to you?” he demanded.

“Training with Ronon,” Evan said, pulling back. “Already checked it over with Carson, I’m fine.”

“Your face is blue!” Rodney snapped, blue eyes worried. “In what world is that fine? I’m going to kill Ronon!”

“I’m fine,” Evan repeated, patting Rodney’s hand. “I was just distracted. That’s all.”

“Distracted by what?” Rodney asked, still looking like he wanted to commit murder.

“Missing you,” Evan said honestly, watching the way Rodney’s face went slack with shcok before he smiled.

“Really?”

Evan nodded.

“Oh,” Rodney said, looking down and away. “Well. I missed you too.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Rodney said, sounding bashful. “I’m glad to be home.”

Evan pulled him into another hug, feeling Rodney’s arms wrap around him tightly. “I’m glad you’re home as well.”

#tumblr fic #my fics #tv: sga #mclorne #ty for the prompt!!#evan with the black eye ftw

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lostonehero · 8 months ago

Text

Marius has a bad time or more new mechs and tma au stuff

Marius was rubbing his eyes. The pain was getting worse as they continued deeper into these tunnels. "Mr. Bouchard, I don't mean to sound rude, but how much farther?" He was incredibly uncomfortable, and his hair was threatening to move without his permission from the slick back position.

Elias looks back and smiles. "Not much further now, Marius. Now, the history of these tunnels goes back over 200 years. Created by Robert Smirke himself, now he was quite detail orientated if you knew him."

Marius nods. He doesn't really know how long humans live, but he knows how long Martin should live and that he wanted to expand that. He knew about the other species that his crew was made up of and what that meant. He probably should look more into humans for Martin's sake. "That's very interesting, sir." He barely could register the now open room they were in, let alone the mummified corpse.

"Now I normally don't have the choice in choosing my new body, the Beholder picks for me, and I wake up and move on. However, the situation has changed, and unfortunately, this body is on its last legs." Elias sighs.

Marius felt like his eyes were about to explode from pressure, and he barely registered that he was being spoken too.

"I'm having Peter take over in the meantime since you're so new to the institute. Elias was here for at least 3 years, but I can't be picky. Not when I'm getting so close and you just walked in. I really have to thank you, Marius." Elias hums softly. "Now, don't worry, you won't be left when I take over. I've heard death is quite peaceful."

Marius's vision went black as he collasped on the floor. He could feel a warm sticky liquid drip down his cheeks before sweet unconsciousness took over.

.......

Jonah opened his eyes with a sigh. "Not an enjoyable process being awake, but necessary for the situation." He walked over to the corpse on the floor and fished out his phone. He shudders, finally realizing his new body felt wrong on many different levels. He went to run a hand through his new hair and bit back a surprised yelp.

"Not human." Marius blearily blinked as he floated next to the man possessing his body. "Also, be gentle. My hair is very sensitive."

"You're still alive?" Jonah watches Marius float in front of him.

"Kind of comes with the territory. I wonder if you'll stick around if I get killed well, my body, at least." Marius scratches his chin. "I can't say I've been possessed before, and it's quite an odd feeling."

Jonah stumbles back and hits a wall with a new jolt of nerves he has no experience with. He goes up his spine. "What are you?"

Marius snickers. "Is this how Jonny felt watching me stumble around for the first hundred of years felt? Because if it is, then I get his humor." He smiles as he floats down to sit next to the man possessing his body. "I would take over, but seeing you flail around is way funnier. I'm not human, I'm not even from earth to be fair."

......

Jonny can feel his tail threaten to break his belt loops on his pants. He was annoyed the sun went down, and he was stuck waiting outside Elias's office waiting for Marius. This was incredibly frustrating. Why did he have to wait for him he's a grown ass man. He can take care of himself, and it's not like he could die.

Jonnys phone buzzed and he took it out to see a message from Martin

Martin: Is Marius out yet? I'm sorry I asked for you to wait. I'm making your favorite when you both get back. I even found some bad alien movies for this weekend for just us to enjoy. I mean, you don't have to. I know you might have other plans, and that's ok.

Jonny can feel his face heat up. Ok, he knows why he's doing it, and homemade dinner sounded amazing. He was never much of a cook unless you counted butchering an animal you kill and cooking it over an open flame proper dinner. Martin spoiled him, and he expected nothing in return it's the least he could do to wait for Marius. He knew Ashes had to drag Ivy out of the library because it's Friday night, and the building was closed for the weekend.

Jonny began to play with his phone before his ears twitched with a new noise in the air that he knew to be Marius laughing. He scowls, shoving his phone in his pocket. "Are you quite done wasting time?" His annoyed scowl dropped to a confused frown as he confronted Marius.

Marius looked disheveled, which he rarely was unless it was early morning or he just left Raphella lab. His tail was swaying lazily behind him, and his hair seemed to be stretching. His pointed ears, Martin like to call elf ears, were blue at the top to match his mood, which was happiness. "Jonny!"

"Please tell me you're drunk." Jonny pinched his brow and sighed. He would much rather prefer a drunk Marius to a sober one. It's much easier to get him to do things.

"I'm possessed!" Marius breaks down in giggles. "I know you can't see him, but his face when I slit my throat was priceless. Also, he stays after I die, which is a little annoying, but he had no idea I wasn't human." He starts to laugh harder. "So so Elias wasn't actually Elias it was this guy Jonah possessing his body, and he picked..." He composes himself the best he could without breaking down laughing again. "He picked me! To possess! I've got his eyes now."

Jonny raised his brow, but the gray eyes were definitely not Marius's, but they were in his head. "So you got a dead guy in you?"

"I have a guy scared to die in me." Marius breaks down laughing again.

Jonny snickers that turns to laughter and is very insane laughter. "Fucking scared to die? That's fucking hilarious. I I.... fuck me I'm texting the group chat."

.....

The less cool mech chat because Martin isn't here

Jonny: guys Marius has a dead guys eyes now

Ashes: like in his hands or...?

Raphella: did he get affected by one of the cursed books? I will run tests.

Tim: You've gotta be specific. TS is asking if it's the same guy who stole their vocal cords.

Jonny: Like in his skull.....

Jonny sends a picture of Marius purple face mid laughter and his eyes are clearly gray and not green anymore. His hair is pointed up straight, and his sharp teeth are on display. There's blood on his white shirt from an earlier slit throat.

Raphella: I would like to remove the eyes

Tim: dude what the fuck

Brian: Is there another doctor?

Jonny: so.....

Jonny puts in a audio message explaining the entire situation as Marius is giggling in the background adding details like the guys name is Jonah and he's nearly 300 years old and how he did this to serve his god.

Ivy: so can he get the keys and I can go to the library?

Ashes: no

Ivy: fuck you

Ashes: Martin wants you to join game night Sunday.

Ivy: that means Raphella cant drag Marius to her lab

Raphella: darling I have wendsday open for that

TS: Honorary Mechanism!

Jonny: mechanism plus one.

Ashes: sorry TS I'm with Jonny

TS: That Is OK We Have A New Friend

Marius: Jonah didn't belive in aliens.

Several people are typing

#new tma mech au #tma podcast #the magnus archives #tma #the mechanisms #the mechs

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prettyinlimegreenboots · 6 months ago

Text

Finding Comfort (in Your Arms) - Chapter 8

August 20, 1943 0600 Hours

Watching the boys get ready to head back to merry ole England, Charlie narrowing his eyes, knowing he had a conversation that needed to be had before they left. Sighing, grabbing a cup of coffee, he headed over to where the planes sat, looking for the man that was head over heels for his sister.

“Charlie.” Buck greeted, giving him a nod of good morning, offering his hand for a handshake.

In the few days of knowing Buck Cleven, Charlie had really liked the man. Calm, steady and funnier than most men he knew, the two had gotten along pretty well. Charlie knew out of all of the boys he had recently met, Buck would be there for his sister just like Bucky would be. Slapping his hand into Buck’s, he shook it with a grin. “Buck. You boys ready to head home?”

“Some more than others.” Buck gave him a look. “Bucky and DeMarco especially.”

Charlie chuckled. “I know why Bucky but why DeMarco?”

“Meatball.” Five voices echoed back to him with that one word. Charlie cocked an eyebrow, confused on what Meatball meant. He assumed it was code for something else.

Buck laughed, taking pity on him. “Meatball is DeMarco’s 85-pound husky that your sister is head over heels in love with and is looking after right now.”

Charlie laughed, not surprised his sister would find a dog to adopt along the way. “Ahh it all makes sense now. Any idea where Bucky is?”

Buck scanned the area, pointing across the way to where Bucky and Kidd chatted. “He’s been nonstop today - antsy to get back to England.”

“Can’t imagine why.” Charlie rolled his eyes, slapping Buck on the back. “Safe travels home, Buck.”

“Thanks, Charlie. Until next time - maybe we’ll see you in England soon.” Buck called back as Charlie tipped his hat to him.

Walking over to Bucky and Kidd, Bucky raised an eyebrow at Charlie. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Bucky nodded, figuring this is where his life ends and Charlie puts his foot down about seeing Addie.

Kidd slapped Bucky on the back, leaving the two of them alone. “I just wanted to say thanks for making my sister so happy.”

“Not the conversation I thought we were going to be having but you’re welcome.” Bucky smiled widely, chuckling. “She makes it easy and I love her, Charlie. You have to know that I eventually want to marry her.”

Charlie chuckled. “I got that feeling when you wouldn’t stop talking about her the other day. Also, you wanting to know about our childhood kinda tipped me off too.”

“I’ll ask your dad, but do I have your permission to marry your sister?” Bucky smirked, hands nervously shaking. “Not that I need it but Addie would love it.”

Charlie smiled, pulling Bucky in for a side hug. “Yes, you have it but if you break my sister's heart …”

“You’ll have to get in line for the number of men that’ll kick my ass, including many standing over there.” Bucky pointed behind him.

Charlie nodded. “Good. One more thing, I don’t know if Addie knows yet but our father is being transferred to Ratcliff next week. He was supposed to tell her already but knowing him, he’s dragging his feet.”

Bucky’s eyes went wide at that. “Shit that sucks and she’s going to be heartbroken.”

“More than that, she’s going to be feeling alone - that she’s being left behind.” Charlie said, the gravity of his words lingering. “She’s going to act like everything is fine, especially in front of you. You’re going to have to drag things out of her. She will probably dig her heels in but I have a feeling you’re just as stubborn as she is, if not more.”

Bucky chuckled. “You got me pegged, Charlie.”

“Good man. Don’t break my sister's heart and I won’t have a reason to break your face.” Charlie held his hand out, Bucky eagerly shaking it. Holding out an envelope, Charlie offered it to Bucky. “Can you deliver this to Ade?”

“Happy to do so.” Bucky pocketed the envelope. “I think she might have killed me if I didn’t bring something back from you for her.”

“Be safe Bucky.” Charlie saluted him, Bucky saluted him back.

“You do the same, Charlie. Until next time.” Bucky grinned, heading back to his crew, shaking his head, partially in disbelief at the conversation he just had.

Buck, who had been watching the exchange, immediately picked up on Bucky’s excited mood. “Good chat?”

“You don’t know half of it, Buck.” Bucky ran his hand down his jaw. Bucky dropped his voice, confiding in his best friend. “I’m pretty sure I just got Charlie’s approval to marry his sister.”

Slapping his back, Buck’s eyes went wide, excitement radiating off him. “And you were worried about him not liking you.”

“Safe to say that that’s not a worry any longer.” Bucky sighed. “Any word on when we’re heading back.”

Buck smiled. “That’s what I was coming to tell you, wheels up in 20. Let’s go.”

Bucky followed behind him, scanning the area. He watched Charlie say final goodbyes to his crews as the boys huddled up, heading towards the planes that would fly them home. Buck and his crew were being divided up as their plane would stay in Africa, due to the extensive damage.

Buck followed Bucky to his plane, beamed at his best friend. “Looks like you get to be my chauffeur today.”

“Not unlike any other day of hauling your ass around base.” Bucky shot back, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. “Let’s go Major, gotta get home to my girl.”

1000 Hours

“Addie.” Looking over her shoulder, she saw Madison standing there with a piece of paper in her hand. ��This was radioed into the tower, specifically for you.”

Her eyes went wide, accepting the piece of paper for Madison. “Thank you, Maddie.”

Immediately, she unfolded it, shaking her head laughing. Bucky had radioed the tower asking her to come meet him on the tarmac. “I have to go.” Slapping her leg, she grabbed Meatball’s lead. “Want to come?”

Josie shook her head grinning. “I’ll meet up with you all later.”

“I think DeMarco might want a tarmac reunion.” Addie smirked, giving her best friend a ‘you know you wanna’ look.

A blush crossed Josie’s cheeks, quickly shaking her head. “Tell DeMarco I’ll meet up with him later.”

Giving her a salute and with Meatball following her, Addie grabbed the jeep’s keys, leaving the tower, heading out to the field. Clipping the lead on Meatball, she paused, looking at the sky, seeing the planes in a perfect line, smoothly touching down. Taking a deep breath, she felt the knot that she had felt the last few days dissipate as the boys returned home. Hoping into the jeep, she patted the seat next to her, Meatball jumping up, taking a seat as she drove out to the hard stand.

Her eyes trailed Bucky’s plane, watching it come to a stop on the hard stand, Lemmons quickly chocking the wheels as others started their assessment of what damage needed to be fixed. Pulling to a stop and getting out, she tugged on Meatball’s lead, watching him jump down, leaning against the jeep. Watching Buck hop down from the hatch, Addie snickered, whistling to catch his attention. “You actually let Bucky fly you home, yet you’re afraid to fly with me? I think there’s something fishy going on here.”

“He had to follow regulations, unlike you, Adelaide.” Buck called back with a laugh as she watched Bucky drop down from the hatch.

“There’s my girl!” Bucky called, just as DeMarco dropped behind Bucky, scanning the field for something.

Unclipping Meatball’s lead, she watched the dog tear across the hard stand, jumping excitedly at his owner, DeMarco falling to his knees to give the dog attention. Bucky made his way towards Addie with a pep in his step, dropping his bag, pulling her into his arms. He quickly dipped her, crashing his lips to hers. Catcalls erupted from the other hard stands as Bucky set Addie to her feet. “Well, that’s one hell of a welcome home.”

“You were missed around here.” Addie murmured, lips tingling from that kiss. “Good trip?”

Bucky shrugged, slipping his hand into his pocket. “You could say that.” Pulling out his hand, he flashed her an envelope. “Your brother sends his regards.”

A surprise look crossed her face as she snatched the envelope eagerly from his hand. “You saw him?”

“Spent 72 hours with him, learning all about your childhood and hearing stories about you and Josie.” Buck spoke up, coming up behind the two of them.

Eyes widened, Addie let a cuss slip from her mouth as she looked between the two of them. “Oh shit. What did he all tell you?”

“That’s for us to know and you to attempt to figure out.” Bucky smirked, leaning down to try to steal another kiss from her. She put her hand on his chest, stopping him in his attempts.

“Did you tell her the good news, boys?” DeMarco came up behind them, clapping Bucky on the back, causing Addie to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

“Good news?” Addie looked between the three cackling pilots, afraid of what their smirks meant.

Bucky gave DeMarco a confused look, motioning him to tell them what the good news was. “We met your brother and learned all about you and Josie. Why didn’t you tell us you had a belly landing?”

“Dammit, I’m going to kill Charlie.” Addie shook her head, giving them all looks. “Maybe I was keeping that in my back pocket for you all - didn’t want to spill all the good stories. So what else did my older brother tell you?”

Bucky chuckled. “Apparently, you’re not afraid of snakes and your brother knows DeMarco has a thing for Josie. Also, your brother knows that you scared Buck and he got a good laugh out of that.”

“I’m going to kill him.” Addie looked skyward. “I’m sure he was all too happy to tell you about those stories - and you all egged him on all too willing to hear all the stories.”

“Us, never Addie.” Buck gave her a smirk, knowing he agreed with her statement wholeheartedly.

“And I was starting to miss you all.”

DeMarco scoffed. “Well, that wasn't the welcome home I was anticipating.”

“No, Josie said she would meet up with you later.” Addie grinned evilly at DeMarco. “How did Charlie react when he found out about you and Josie? You know she’s another sister to him.”

“Charlie warned me not to hurt her and gave me the whole big brother speech.” DeMarco’s eyes widened while Addie threw her head back and laughed.

Pulling herself together, Addie gave him a look. “You know not to piss me off, same goes for Charlie. Who do you think I learned my evil streak from?”

“Noted.” DeMarco saluted her. “I’m going to get some chow. Buck? Bucky?”

Buck agreed, slapping his co-pilot’s back as the two headed off, leaving Bucky alone with Addie. Slipping her hand in his, she gave it a squeeze. “Welcome back, Bucky. It’s good to have you home.”

“Can you take a walk with me?” Bucky asked, sighing, running a hand across his jaw.

Nodding, he started walking towards the barracks, lost in his thoughts as Addie looked him over, noting a few new scratches, thankful he made it home this time. He cleared his throat, pulling himself out of his thoughts. “There’s something I need to tell you but let me drop my bag then we can go for that walk.”

Nodding, she placed a kiss on his cheek, watching him duck into the barracks. Hearing the door shut behind him, she tore open the envelope, pulling out the piece of paper. She smiled seeing her brother’s familiar handwriting.

Addie,

I apologize that it took me so long to sit down and write you a letter. You’re just lucky that your boyfriend made a trip to Africa so I could send this back with him. By the way, I like him and he’s perfect for you - will definitely be able to keep you challenged and on your toes. He’s smitten for you, if you didn’t already know that. You’ve got my approval, not that you need it.

Things here in Africa have been difficult at times. We’re on missions weekly, if not daily. I can’t divulge what we’re doing, just know that we’re probably doing the same things your boys are doing.

I miss you too and I’m trying to get back to England, at least for a leave, if not something more permanent. I know dad leaving the base isn’t going to be easy for you but just keep moving forward. From what I’ve seen, you’ve created your own mismatched family and you’ve got several here that care for you.

I’ll try to be better at writing (no promises). Love you, Addie.

Charlie

Addie rolled her eyes at her brother’s lack of answering her question about Anna. She would have to see if Bucky picked anything up while away. Tucking the letter back in the envelope, she put it in her pocket, making a mental note to write him back.

The slamming of a door caught her attention, causing her to look over her shoulder, smirking brightly seeing Bucky making his way to her.

Holding out his hand, she slipped hers into his, giving it a squeeze. He led her towards the open field beyond the hard stands, where the wildflowers grew and often the place the two of them would take a blanket, just to get away for a bit. A few important conversations had happened there along with some makeout sessions.

“Talk to me, John. What’s going on?” Addie was cautious not to spook him, as he was lost in his own thoughts.

Rubbing his hand over his head, he sighed, not sure how he was going to tell her. “I don’t know how to tell you this, Addie.”

“Is it Charlie?” The fear was evident in her voice as she looked at him, eyes wide.

Bucky shook his head. “No, no, Charlie is fine. He’s doing well. He sends his love and says that he misses you. No, this has to do with Curt - he went down, Addie. Harding is going to mark him KIA.”

Tears welled up in her eyes, she immediately shook her head. “No, no, no . . . Bucky, that’s just not true.”

“God, I wish I didn’t have to tell you that but he went down before we even got to Africa.” Bucky whispered, a few tears leaking from his eyes.

Throwing her arms around his shoulder, her forehead fell to his chest as tears rolled down her cheeks. Bucky’s hand trailed up and down her back, soothingly. Curt was always the life of the party, the one who could make her smile no matter what was going on and teased her endlessly.

She pulled back, looking at him, red eyes, sniffling. Bucky leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead, sighing sadly. “I’m so sorry, Addie.”

“This sucks.” She whispered, wiping her eyes, looking up at the sky.

Bucky didn’t know what to say because anything he did say wouldn’t take away the sting or hurt she was feeling. “What can I do?”

“Just hold me.” She looked up at him, sniffling. “This isn’t the only bad news I’m dealing with.”

Bucky squeezed her sides, attempting to comfort her the best he could. “Charlie may have mentioned something, but I want to hear it from you.”

“Of course he did.” The bitterness crept into her voice, her looking up at him, shaking her head with a scoff. “Apparently, Elizabeth and Charlie both knew my dad was being transferred weeks ago while I just found out. He was nervous to tell me. Gotta love being the middle child.” She rolled her eyes, chuckling at the situation.

Bucky caught her eye. “One of the things that I absolutely love about you is your ability to create your own family around base. The boys all love you and Josie has your back. I know it might seem like it, but you’re not going to be alone. I’ll be here to talk to you at the end of a hard day and make sure you’re okay along the way.”

“I love you Bucky.” She whispered, standing on her tiptoes, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

“Love you too sweetheart.” He murmured, reaching up and lacing his fingers with his. “Let’s walk and you can tell me about what you did while we were gone.”

So, with a tug, he led her around the base, listening to her talk about the day in Norwich. She got quiet as she mentioned about the destruction and the devastation of the town but shared a story of Maddie tripping and making a fool of herself. “I’m glad you girls were able to have a day to relax a bit while we were gone.”

He could see she was still sad, whether about Biddick or her father he couldn’t tell. A smirk crossed his face, tugging on her hand. “Come on, I know just what you need.”

Curious, she tilted her head. “I don’t like that look on your face.”

“Do you trust me?” He paused, tilting her head up so their eyes met. “Do you trust me, Addie?”

She looked into his eyes, immediately feeling safe. She did trust him, not to lead her astray or let her wander too far away from him. Squeezing her hands, she nodded. “Yes, John, I trust you.”

He brightened at the words, tugging her closer to one of the parked B-17s. “Come on.”

Climbing up to the wing, he sat, proud of himself for being able to do so. He reached down and tugged her up to sit beside him. Letting her get her bearings for a minute, he pulled her to stand beside him in the middle of the wing. “Scream.”

“What?” She sputtered, not anticipating that being the word to come out of his mouth. “I can’t scream, it’s not ladylike.”

Snorting, Bucky laughed, leaning over to clutch his stomach as he was laughing so hard.

“I am failing to see why that’s so funny, Bucky.” Hands on her hip, she looked at him with a bit of dismay and confusion. “I’m a lady or did you forget that?”

Bucky chuckled, standing to his full height, pulling her into his arms. His hand traced her cheek, resting on her jaw, tilting her head up, meeting her eyes. “Of course, I know you’re a lady.” Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her lips. “You never let me forget that but you’re the least ladylike lady I know, Bluebird. You’re a badass, a lady who would rather have dirt under her fingernails rather than nail polish on top of them. You can drink with the best of the boys and you never back down from a challenge. You don’t let anything stop you, which is one thing I adore about you. Though I’ve seen you in a dress, I know you’d rather be in pants and climbing into a plane, showing the boys that you can do it better than them.”

Her arms wrapped around his waist, resting on his back, fingers tracing lightly. “I should take offense to all of that, but I can’t stop thinking how you think I’m badass.”

“You’re the biggest badass I know, Adelaide.” He smiled, thumb tracing her jaw. “I knew it before I left for Africa, but your brother just confirmed it for the rest of the boys. I really did enjoy hearing the stories of your childhood.” She scoffed, shaking her head. “I’m sure you did - now you know how much of a wild child I was growing up.”

“Nah, you just didn’t want to be left behind and eagerly did everything you could to keep up with Charlie and Elizabeth.” He murmured, leaning down and kissing her.

She threw her arms around his shoulders, leaning into him more, deepening the kiss. She sighed, feeling the loss of his lips as he pulled back. “You’re distracting me, Bluebird. We got things to do.”

Bucky stepped away, stepping to the edge of the wings, motioning her to step up beside him. He watched as she tentatively took a step forward. Lacing his fingers with hers, he gave her hand a quick squeeze. “Scream.”

“We just talked about this.” Addie gave him a look, clearly thinking he was crazy for even suggesting that.

Bucky shook his head. “No, you need to scream. You’re feeling all kinds of emotions and if you scream, you’ll get some of those out. I guarantee you’ll feel better after you scream.”

She gave him another glance, unsure of his words, but knowing he wouldn’t lead her astray. He squeezed her hand again for encouragement. Tilting her head back, she opened her mouth and let out a shriek, causing Bucky to laugh. “You can do better than that, Bluebird. Just let it out, doll - you’ll feel better, I promise.”

Taking a deep breath, she threw her head back and let out a scream, causing a flock of birds to take flight from the sudden noise. They both laughed, watching the birds scatter into the sky. “Do you feel better, Addie?”

“If I say yes, that doesn’t give you permission to gloat, Bucky.” Narrowing her eyes at him, she smirked seeing his grin brighten. “But yes, I do feel a bit better.”

Throwing an arm around her, Bucky pulled her closer to him, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’m glad that helped, even though you thought I’d lead you wrong.”

“I didn’t think you’d lead me wrong - just didn’t know what you were thinking when you said you had something that would help.” She admitted. “You sometimes don’t have the best ideas, John.”

His eyes went wide. “Name one thing that hasn’t been a genius idea of mine.”

“Slipping the supply request into my weekly pile.” Addie didn’t have to think, replying back to him with a grimace on her face.

Bucky scoffed loudly, rolling his eyes. “That’s weak, Bluebird. Everyone loved that and in the end you thought it was funny. Took you some time to come around but now you tell that story with a grin on your face.”

“You’re right.” She wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pulling her to him, standing tiptoes to kiss him.

Bucky chuckled. “You admitted I was right. We have to celebrate.”

“Don’t let it go to your head.” She grinned, as he captured her lips in another kiss, pulling back meeting his eyes. “Thank you, John, for getting me out of my head and forcing me to deal with this.”

He kissed her again. “Always here for you Bluebird - to celebrate your wins and to get you out of your head when you’ve had a bad day.”

August 31, 1943, 1000 Hours

The base had changed for her. Her father left Thorpe Abbotts four days ago to head to Ratcliff, leaving her in the capable hands of the boys. Bucky had ensured that she was very rarely alone, often the boys would find her and hang out with her.

Though this morning, she hadn’t seen any of the boys yet. With a rare quiet morning and nothing on her agenda, Addie made a pitstop in the Radio Tower, catching up with Maddie and Ava as they monitored the skies. The familiar radio buzz interrupted the quiet of the room, causing Maddie to pick up the earpiece. “B-17 approaching runway 110, this is Clear-Up Tower.”

Addie caught sight of the B-17 approaching, eyes widening as she spotted another one directly behind it. Picking up the paperwork that was on the table, she quickly flipped through it, eyes scanning it to see if there were any forts being delivered to the base today. Maddie sighed, throwing down the earpiece, turning in Addie’s direction. “Did you know there were two forts being delivered today?”

“No and the paperwork doesn’t indicate that.” Sighing, slapping her thighs, she stood up, giving Maddie and Ava a look. “I’ll go let Harding and Kidd know.”

Walking out of the radio room, she took the stairs to where her office was, throwing open the door. Seeing Josie, she smiled. “Harding and Kidd here or are they at the command center?”

“Command center - he went over there about 20 minutes ago.” Josie replied concern laced in her voice.

“Two forts are touching down and we didn’t have them on the schedule.” Addie smiled. “I gotta go let them know.”

Without another word, she hurried from the tower, heading to the command center. She didn’t get halfway when she met Kidd and Harding. “Two forts are landing here?”

“I was just coming to tell you - did you order two more forts and forget to add them to the log?” Addie asked, raising an eyebrow in Kidd’s direction.

He shook his head. “No, they were supposed to be here next week, not today.”

Harding looked at Addie. “Are they ATA?”

“Maddie didn’t say, and I didn’t ask.” Addie confessed, watching Harding and Kidd make their way to the jeep, each of them giving Addie a look.

“You coming?”

Not questioning them, she hopped into the back of the jeep, happy to be along for the ride. Harding gunned the engine as they flew off down the tarmac. Screeching to a stop at the first fort, Harding and Kidd both hopped out, her staying back, knowing they both were going to be questioning the pilot.

They were both in the way so she couldn’t see who it was. Looking around, she eyed the other B-17, watching the pilot hop down and make their way over to the hardstand she occupied. The grin stretched wide on her face when she recognized the long brunette hair. Scrambling out of the jeep, she took off running down the tarmac, colliding into the brunette with a loud laugh. “What the hell are you doing at my air field?”

“Bringing your boys a fort.” Anna shook her head, giving Addie a look. “Didn’t y’all request two? I could’ve sworn I saw your name on the request form.”

Nodding, Addie looked over her shoulder at where Kidd, Harding, and the unknown pilot were walking towards them. “I was told they weren’t going to be delivered until next week. We didn’t have you or that other pilot on the schedule for today.”

“That other pilot? Lydia is going to love that when I tell her.” Anna chuckled, shaking her head.

Addie’s eyes went wide, whipping her head over in Anna’s direction. “That’s Lydia?”

“Didn’t think we weren’t going to make good on our promise to stop by to meet your fella, did you?” Anna teased, just as the other three came up to Addie’s side.

“Kidd, Harding, this is Captain Annabelle Swartz. We were in the ATA together.” Addie paused as Anna shook their hands. “I see you met Captain Lydia Anderson, also with the ATA.”

Harding gave the two girls a look. “It’s a pleasure but you two aren’t supposed to be bringing those forts here until next week, or at least that’s what we had on our books.”

“Major, our CO gave us our orders this morning, telling us we were going to Thorpe Abbotts and delivering “Memphis Belle” and “Royal Flush”. We just go where they tell us.” Anna replied, Addie chuckling as she tried to reign in her frustration.

“At ease Captain.” Harding was quick to say, catching Addie’s eyes, smirking. “I will call your CO and figure out what is going on. In the meantime, I believe Captain Baker can show you around?”

Addie nodded. “Certainly, Major. I will show them the base until we can figure out how to get them home.”

She watched, Harding and Kidd head back to the jeep before turning back to Anna and Lydia. “Welcome to Thorpe Abbotts. Hungry?”

“I want to meet your fella.” Lydia said, giving her best friend a look, tugging her into a hug. “Your man on base today?”

Addie tilted her head, motioning the girls to follow her as they made their way towards the mess hall. “Yes, he’s on base today but I haven’t seen him yet so I’m not sure what he’s up to.”

“Damn, came all this way and we may not be able to meet him.” Lydia scoffed, Addie laughing and shaking her head at the two.

“You don’t know John Egan.” Addie cautioned. “He’ll come around sooner rather than later, along with his merry band of fellas.”

Anna laughed. “Tell us more about the boys on base, Baker.”

“As soon as you tell me about what’s going on with you and my brother, Swartz.” Addie raised an eyebrow in challenge. “You clammed up last time I saw you and I’m bound and determined not to let the opportunity pass by.”

Anna cussed under her breath, pausing in the middle of the tarmac, looking over at her best friend. “Charlie and I -”

She wasn’t able to complete her sentence as several voices yelled for Addie, causing her to look over her shoulder, shaking her head. Meatball broke away from the group, running up to Addie’s side, jumping excitedly. “Anna, we’ll revisit that conversation shortly. But in the meantime, this is Meatball, the 100th’s mascot. And that merry band of fellas are members of the 100th bomb group, the ones who will be flying your beauties in a few days.”

While the girls bent down to greet Meatball and give him pats, Addie watched the men get closer to where they stood. Bucky led the group with Buck, Blakely, DeMarco, Douglass and Brady behind him. Addie whistled at the girls catching their attention. “Incoming.”

Lydia and Anna both laughed, standing up, watching the rowdy group come to stop in front of them. “Fellas, it’s 10 o’clock and this is the first time I’m seeing your mugs. Where have you been?”

“Adelaide, unlike some, we’ve been up since 0500.” Buck taunted her, attempting to bait her. “You miss us?”

Addie laid her hand on her chest, looking at the six men. “Oh you poor babies, you have my deepest sympathies. No, didn’t miss you - just surprised I didn’t have someone following me around base today. Didn’t answer my original question, why are you here and not wherever you need to be?”

“We got released from training for the day and were actually looking for you to see if you could come to lunch with us.” Bucky spoke up, eyeing the three women curiously. “Josie mentioned there were two unexpected Fortresses landing here and threw some confusion into your day.”

Addie nodded. “That’s correct. Boys, let me introduce Captains Anna Swartz and Lydia Anderson, my best friends. They are fellow ATAs girls. Anna, Lydia, these gentlemen are Bucky, Buck, Blakely, DeMarco, Douglass and Brady.”

Pleasantries were exchanged between the group as Buck raised an eyebrow at Anna and Lydia. “Got any good stories about our girl here during her ATA time?”

“Dammit Buck - really? Can't you get them a cup of coffee first before you get into wanting stories?” Addie cried, shaking her head, forgetting how ruthless the boys could be. They were like a dog with a bone sometimes.

Lydia laughed, motioning to Addie. “Get us a cup of coffee and some food and I’m sure there’s a story or two that we can tell you about our girl.”

Grumbling under her breath, she rolled her eyes as Buck and DeMarco motioned for Anna and Lydia to follow them to the mess hall. She hung back as Bucky wrapped an arm around her waist as they followed the group behind. “Funny they were all excited to meet you. Be forewarned, they will probably interrogate you.”

“If I can handle your brother, I’m sure I can handle them.” Bucky leaned over, pressing a kiss to her cheek before placing one on her lips.

Addie laughed. “When you saw Charlie, did he mention anything about Anna?”

“No, but it was very evident he was sweet on a girl.” Bucky thought back to the Africa mission. “He looks like me when I think about you.”

Eyes widened, Addie met his eyes. “You’re not pulling my leg are you?”

“I would never, especially not this.” Bucky promised. “You think he’s sweet on Anna?”

She nodded, dropping her voice. “Anna clammed up when I was at Ratcliff when I asked her what was going on so evidently, my brother and her aren’t so tight lipped as they think they are.”

“Detective Addie on the case.” He teased, watching the group head into the mess hall. “Anything I should know?”

Addie smirked. “Josie has known me longer than those two but those two have known me since Canada days - they have all the ATA stories that Charlie didn’t tell you. Though we probably should go in there before the more embarrassing stories get pulled out.”

Bucky’s eyes went wide. “There’s embarrassing stories?”

“You didn’t think you were the only one who had them, did you flyboy?” Addie teased, walking ahead and pushing open the door to the mess hall, quickly scanning the room for the group. She strolled over to the table, just as Anna got a wicked look on her face and opened her mouth. “If the next words out of your mouth are brassier and fortress, you’re dead, Annabelle.”

The boys boo-ed as Anna quickly stuck her tongue out at Addie. There were five different voices protesting while Addie put her hand to pause their belly aching. “You know you’re not allowed to tell that story, Anna. We promised we’d take that one to the grave.”

“You’re no fun Addie.” Lydia piped up, as DeMarco and Buck both nodded in agreement.

Holding up a hand, she eyed the two ATA pilots, giving them a look. “Before the stories start to fly, this is John Egan, or Bucky, the one that you both were so eager to meet.”

“Oh really?” Anna turned in her chair, eyeing Bucky up and down as he took a seat next to Addie. Anna leaned her jaw on her open palm, giving him a look. “Are you treating our girl well, Bucky? Being the perfect gentleman?”

The five men went quiet, watching Anna raise an eyebrow, as Bucky was in the hot seat. “Yes, I’m being a perfect gentleman and treating her well, though she can tell you more about that than I can.”

“And have you met her brother and sister, yet Major?” Lydia jumped in, a curious grin on her face.

Bucky laced his fingers with Addie’s, nodding. “Met Charlie a few weeks ago in Africa when we went for a mission. He was quite the charming character, sent his regards and a letter through me to Addie. He looked like a man in love, though he never mentioned anything about his lady.”

Anna gave her a curious look while Addie looked at her, a pout tugging on her lips. “We know, Anna and you’re a shit liar. Why didn’t you tell me you and Charlie were a couple?”

“It happened just before he shipped out to Africa. With all the crap that happened in February, it got pushed to the back burner and we just didn’t tell you.” Anna sighed, running a hand over her face as she gave her best friend a look. “I haven’t seen him in six months - hoping to get some leave soon to meet up with him in London but it looks like a long shot.”��

Reaching over, she placed her free hand on Anna’s and gave it a squeeze. “Alright, you're forgiven.” Addie pointed a finger at Anna. “Don’t keep anything like this from me again.”

Nodding, Anna smiled. “Damn, I forgot how scary you can be.”

“Did she tell you about scaring the whole company shitless?” Blakely spoke up, breaking the quietness.

Lydia’s eyes widened at the question. “You mean our little bird got in front of the company and reprimanded you all? What did you do to piss her off?”

Douglass leaned forward and grinned. “I got Bucky to slip a fake supply request in her weekly stack asking for 1500 units of Twinkies and 2000 units of rubbers. She got called into our CO’s office and he let her figure out the punishment, which included a lecture. She had reading material and everything. Then a few days later, she shows up with a box for me filled with the requested supplies along with a shit ton of feminine products.”

“What Douglass here failed to mention, is the scream he emitted after he got through the twinkies and the rubbers.” Blakely chuckled, slapping his back.

Lydia and Anna both laughed. “Sounds like a throwback to training days.”

“You mean Addie is notorious for dropping surprise boxes to get back at people?” Buck raised an eyebrow, looking over at Addie.

Lydia snorted. “She’s been known to put a mouse in a box and leave it on someone’s bed to get back at them for annoying her a bit too much.”

“You’re just bitter that you didn’t heed the advice everyone gave you about not toeing the line.” Addie shot back, giving her friend a relaxed smile.

A waiter brought over 9 cups of coffee and plates of cheese and crackers, passed them around the table and mumbled that lunch would be served shortly. Buck gave Addie a mock glare, clearing his throat. “Now that we have coffee and showing you that we’re proper gentlemen, will you share any stories of Addie’s ATA times?”

“Have you heard about her belly landing?” Anna raised an eyebrow as the boys quickly agreed.

Buck nodded. “Charlie told us about that one in Africa.”

“Damn Charlie.” Anna cussed, shaking her head. “Alright, I’ve got one - it happened in Canada before we came over here for the war. She was on her last training session of a Hawker Hurricane before she had her solo flight to get the sign off to ferry them. She had her co-pilot who was skittish as all get out and was about to wash out.”

“She would scream when we would nosedive to get a fire out of the engine of a plane.” Addie interjected, rolling her eyes. “Needless to say, she washed out after this situation.”

Anna slapped the table, giving Addie a look. “This is my story, quit skipping ahead.”

The boys chuckled at the two, DeMarco motioning Anna to continue. “I was up in a Mustang, doing my own last flight before signing off. The tower had given one set of instructions while another operator gave Addie different instructions. Well they didn’t and they ended up giving us the same instructions and we almost collided mid-air.”

The boys’ eyes went wide and Buck’s jaw dropped. “How the hell did you two not collide?”

“We had been practicing evasive moves for weeks.” Addie started, a wicked grin on her face, leaning closer to the table. “So one afternoon Anna and I were both up in the air and we did the maneuver, unscripted but just playing around, trying to burn off energy. Jackie wasn’t impressed but after a minute, she saw that the move might not be a bad thing for us to learn, just in case we were ever released to active duty. So for weeks we learned how to do the evasive move and it came in handy when we had to do that in a life or death situation.”

“No one ever confirmed it but we’re pretty sure the whole tower lost their jobs in that incident.” Lydia piped up, smirking. “We had to sit in on a lot of classes on when to do the evasive moves and when not to do them. Some pilots paid more attention than others.”

Anna and Addie’s eyes went wide before they rolled them. “Just because you were the teacher's pet, doesn’t mean you need to shove that in our faces. We passed all the important tests and made it through without too many scrapes and scratches.”

Anna smirked, shaking her head at Addie’s rant. “Unless you don’t count the time that Addie couldn’t pick out Wyoming from a map.”

“It’s a damn useless state, why do we gotta know where it’s located? Probably nothing ever happens there.” Addie ranted, huffing while Bucky chuckled and Buck’s eyes widened at her rant.

“I take offense to that.” Buck cried, muttering under his breath, Addie pausing to take a breath.

Looking between Bucky and Buck, she paused. “Why do I feel like I’m missing something? Why do you care about Wyoming?”

“Because that’s my home state. Grew up in Casper.” Buck cried, shaking his head. “And to think I called you a friend, Adelaide.”

Pursing her lips, she put her hand on Buck’s, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I apologize that I called your home state an useless state. I wasn’t aware that you were from Wyoming.”

“Apology accepted.” Buck teased, running a hand through his hair. “You weren’t all wrong in your statement - nothing ever happened there.”

The doors to the mess hall opened, Addie’s face brightened seeing Josie walking quickly towards them. “Josie! I was wondering when you were going to come see the gals.”

“Some of us had some things to take care of.” Josie raised an eyebrow in Addie’s direction. “Besides, I was figuring out how to get Anna and Lydia back to Ratcliff before nightfall.”

Anna groaned. “Let me guess, planes, trains and automobiles? Or did you get us a direct route back?”

“Got you a direct route back. There’s a ferry that will be landing in about an hour that will pick you up and take you back to Ratcliff.” Josie smiled, Anna and Lydia both high-fived her for that. “Our CO wasn’t happy and kinda wants you two off base sooner rather than later.”

Addie chuckled. “Harding thinks he’s all tough but underneath that toughness he’s a big teddy bear. Welp, we’ve got an hour to kill. Boys, any other questions for our guests?”

“Is there anything we should know to avoid pissing Addie off?” Blakely inquired, giving his friend a bright grin when she scoffed.

Lydia smirked. “Don’t steal her food or interrupt a nap. I don’t know if you have had the pleasure of seeing Addie with little to no sleep yet - it’s not a pretty sight.”

“Also, don’t get between her and chocolate.” Anna cussed under her breath, while Addie pointed a finger at her. “That was your own fault, Annie. The first thing I told you when I met you was not to steal my chocolate and what did you do? You stole my chocolate.”

Bucky chuckled at the three. “Where did Little Bird come from?”

“She was the youngest in our class but that didn’t stop her from being the first in the class by the time we were all said and done.” Lydia quipped. “If she had to do something in 30 minutes, she got it down to 25 minutes. Always had to be the fastest one and would work relentlessly to ensure she could beat her own time.”

“That competitive nature Charlie was talking about is shining brightly.” Bucky muttered, Addie laughed at him.

“Naturely.” Addie quipped, smirking. “I wasn’t going to wash out just because I was the youngest.

Anna scoffed at that. “Like Jackie was going to kick you out. You were the best pilot they had in the group and you weren’t going anywhere, despite you doing several stupid things along the way.”

DeMarco and Buck’s hands both hit the table, looking between Anna, Josie, and Lydia. “Those are the stories we want to know.”

“Addie’s got to have a few stories so that she leaves you wanting more.” Lydia quipped, shaking her head at Buck and DeMarco being so dramatic. “She needs to have a few secrets of her own.”

Scoffing, Addie shook her head. “And to think you two were all too happy to tell them all the stories.”

“And now we’re going to bow out so you can decide what stories to tell them or not to tell them.” Lydia laughed, watching the boys’ faces drop, knowing they weren’t going to get any additional stories out of the girls.

Bucky sighed, looking at his watch before looking around the table. “Ladies, it’s been fun but we’ve got a training mission - the last thing we need is Kidd on our asses for being late.”

Groans escaped the boys’ mouths as they made a move to stand. The boys wished the girls safe travels home and thanked them for the stories. Addie relaxed back in her chair as she watched the scene in front of her. She picked up on something, grinning as she took a sip of her coffee.

Bucky leaned over, placing a kiss on her lips. “See you later?”

“Of course.” She replied, giving him a grin. “Dinner later?”

“Sounds like a plan.” She stole another kiss from him, watching him and the boys make their way out of the mess hall.

As soon as the door shut, she picked up her coffee cup, hiding her grin, turning her attention to Lydia. “Is there something you’d like to share with the class, Lyd?”

“Not sure what you mean Addie?” Lydia took a sip of her coffee, avoiding her best friend’s eye while Josie and Anna looked on amused.

“Uh huh and Captain Brady couldn’t keep his eyes off of you.” Addie’s tone was filled with amusement. “Have you met the Captain before?”

Lydia sighed. “No comment.”

“You do realize we’re just going to ask more questions, Lyd.” Addie took another sip of coffee. “Fine, keep your secrets but keep us posted if anything goes on.”

Lydia laughed. “Same with your Major. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself, could he?”

“No comment.” Addie threw back, laughing loudly at Lydia’s scowl. “You don’t divulge, neither do I.”

The girls dissolved into giggles. Addie missed the simple times, hanging with the girls waiting on ferry orders, all while teasing each other on who was dating who and catching up on the latest gossip. Though, being on base with her friends and Bucky, she wouldn’t change that for the world either. Addie was happy.

Chapter 9

Thank you for reading! Feedback would be greatly appreciated!

#addie + john #masters of the air fan fiction #john egan fan fiction #john egan x oc #writing #fan fiction #mota fan fiction #taking comfort (in your arms)

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tavyliasin · 10 months ago

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Forbidden Papers - Drabble~

A short Raphael/Haarlep warmup from earlier - not too spicy, but there might be a little hint of a callout to those of us who fill our pages with art and fiction of our beloved fiends~ It was meant to be shorter, but as often happens when I start writing dialogue for these two they just took over and I had 350 words in a 15 minute sprint (my average is 200-250 usually). So, some mild smut below the cut, and if you feel like continuing from where this leaves off please be my guest and reblog with your additions! (Also I forgot to mention, Raphael is in cambion form here, but is still just half an inch shorter than Haarlep because it's funnier that way~)

Raphael pushed his glasses back up his nose to meet the crinkle above the bridge that began at his brow. The pages before him were unceremoniously slammed back to the desk with a heavy sigh, his hand moving up in a vain attempt to iron out his frown. “Oh dear, Archduke, are mere mortal words enough to vex you now? Here I thought you ready to take over all nine hells, a rule that will last eternally under a tight fist.” The smirking incubus peered over his shoulder, snatching a page from the top of the stack before the cambion could relax. “Ah, well I see there certainly is something to do with a fist here~” “Do not try my patience, Harlot, you will find it thinner than your control over your libido.” Raphael gave up on that page, quickly dismissing the others to some unseen locked drawer with a swift wave of his hand. “I thought these were some of your contracts? You gave them the inspiration to write, to create art, and…” Haarlep stifled another laugh a little too slowly. “You have to let me meet some of these clients. They are quite fascinating~” The cambion seemed to have a change of heart about letting the mocking incubus keep even a single page, swiftly standing and turning to grab it from crimson fingers, knocking his chair to the floor in the process. Unfortunately for him, his reach was just a fraction too short as Haarlep held it aloft, their other hand coming to grip his chin. “Remember your place, Master. You are in your House, but my room.” Their talons dug in to his skin, blood pricking along his jawline. “I’ve been needing some new reading material, won’t you bring more back for me?~” Their tone changed from threatening to saccharine in an instant, not dissimilar to how Raphael’s own voice would switch around manipulations with his clients. “Absolutely not.” “I’ll make it worth your while~” They punctuated the promise with a kiss, quickly deepening it to catch his tongue before he could utter any further protest, delighting at how swiftly he began to soften as he gave in to the lust. Their grip on his chin eased to a caress, drifting up his cheek, coming to rest with their fingers entwined in his hair. A lie of affection that was not to last long. The grip tightened, pulling on his hair to drag greedy lips away from their kiss once more. “Now, bring me plenty more of this,” they waved the paper in the air above them, “or I will keep you from pleasure’s bliss until you do.” Raphael looked about to complain, the crinkle at the bridge of his nose returning…but he soon relented. Pages appeared in his hand with a curl of heatless flames. “Fail to satisfy me and you will get no more than this.” “Fail? Me?” Haarlep did not hold back their laugh this time, wings rising behind them as a silent threat. “You are simply adorable, Archduke. Now, I suggest you remove everything from that desk that you do not wish to be broken, then place yourself upon it.”

#baldurs gate 3 #bg3 #haarlep #bg3 raphael #bg3 fanfiction #fanfic #raphael x haarlep #bg3 haarlep #drabble #warmup drabble #short drabble #drabbles #please feel free to continue this and add to it!

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whysodelirious08 · 1 year ago

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Guitar picks and promises (A Mini-Series by Deli) (18+)

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Parts: 1/?

Pairings: Steve x FemReader x Eddie

Warnings: 18+, love triangle, angst, slight violence, heartbreak, abandonment, conflict.

A/N: Hi! Welcome to the first part of this mini-series. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to post any suggestions on what could happen next/at some point. And who do you want to earn the love of? Eddie or Steve?

Please comment with any feedback and ideas! Reblog if you would be so kind!

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You hadn't seen Eddie for months, not since he scored that once-in-a-lifetime trip to go see one of his favourite bands. Not that you knew who that was. He had told you. Only on the day he was leaving and you couldn't remember for the life of you what it had been. And that had been nearly ten months ago. The trip should have been only a few days but somehow you had gotten word that he managed to tag along with the support band and get a taste of life on the road.

All those feelings pulled thousands of miles and they were going to snap at any moment. You'd barely heard from him. A few postcards. A few voicemails. Nothing else. And they were few and far between. You two had been attached by the hip from the moment the two of you had met but now you felt like he didn't even care about you. Like you were now a distant memory. Hell, you had been close to admitting your feelings for him just before he left. And you knew by word of mouth that he also felt the same. So why was he now suddenly so unconcerned about you? Why did it feel like he didn't give two shits about you or your life. It hurt. More than that.

During the late hours when you couldn't sleep and your mind would wander, you thought how he might have found someone else. Some rock chick to fill his fantasies. Some girl who was prettier than you. Funnier. More suited to his style. Perhaps the version of the friendship you had formed with him had all been some sort of delusion. Perhaps none of it was real, a figment of your imagination. Perhaps his version was totally different. That you weren't as close as you had thought. These were the thoughts. The maggots. That buried under your skin. In your brain. Tormented you. And you just couldn't let it go, you just couldn't stop and it was eating you from the inside.

Even now as you sat at the desk waiting for someone to check out a movie or buy some snacks. The day was slow and you were nearing the end of your shift but knowing your luck, everyone and their cousin would turn up the moment you stood up to close for the night. Always your luck. Perhaps one day you'd clock out on time. That was wishful thinking though. Just as you got up to start packing up, a familiar face sheepishly revealed itself.

"Slow night?" A soft voice called, hands in his pockets as a small smile appeared, tugging at the corners of his mouth. He leaned against the counter from where you had just been, strands of brown hair falling into his face momentarily before he swiftly pushed them back.

"Steve. I've just closed for the night. Well, I'm trying to. So go and lock the door before anyone decides to rent the entire store. I'm sick of finishing an hour later than I'm meant to" You sighed as you half-assedly point to where the keys were.

"Yes miss president. Of course, miss president." You heard him say sarcastically as you looked up and watched as he put his hands up in defeat and swung his body around the counter and grabbed the keys, giving no extra effort than average as he walked over to the door and flipped the "open/closed" sign just as someone was about to walk in. The act earned a dramatic flinging of the arms as a loud "What the hell, man?!" Was muffled by the glass. The scene made you smile at least, you enjoyed Steve's company at least.

You focused your attention back on putting the returned movies back on the shelf, hearing Steve lock the door and shuffling over, the sound of the keys landing on the counter along the way.

"So..." You heard Steve start but trail off.

"So?" You copied as you stood up and wiped your knees off the dust embedded in the thick, wiry carpet. You were glancing at him but focusing on picking up the now-empty box and stood waiting briefly for an answer before you moved around Steve's still body. You half listened as he stumbled over his words trying to find the right wording. Clearly he was having a hard time trying to ask you something.

"Yes say it. Jesus, listening to you try and find the right words is more painful than what you're probably trying to ask." You sigh and turn on your heel to face him after placing the box down on the counter, arms now crossed over your chest. Quite frankly you were grumpy from being on your feet all day and tired of being around people. You just wanted to go home and have a nice bath, catch up on Golden Girls and call it a night.

You heard Steve sigh and he became quiet for a moment, you watched as he ran a hand over his hair and strolled over a little closer.

"Have you heard anything from Eddie?"

"No. You know I haven't. Why are you asking me this now?"

"It's just. There's been some information going around-"

"Information? What do you mean? Who from?"

You watched as Steve's expression twisted into a frown.

"I don't know who it came from first. Maybe Gareth? Anyway, apparently he's with some girl now and he's maybe. I'm not sure. Maybe coming back to Hawkins. But you can't trust word of mouth you know so dont-"

"You expect me to be okay with information. Steve? I haven't heard anything from Eddie for at least three months. Does he really even have anything to come back to?!"

"Hey...hey. calm down. Let's just-" you listened wanting to rant but you bit your tongue, wanting to see if that was all Steve was going to say.

"How about I walk you home? I know you have your little routine so...how about I make you some food while you have your bath?"

You took a deep breath and tried to calm down. You couldn't help but get so riled up at any mention of Eddie now. You only felt anger and pain when you heard his name or anything about what was going on with him. You wished that you could just erase home from.your mind like he never existed on your life. That would be easier than this.

"Okay. Let me just go sort some stuff in the back" you agreed after a moment.

...

Steve held the door open for you once you had unlocked it, you shot him a small smile and plodded into the dingy wooden cabin you called home, throwing your things down on the nearest seat before doing the same to your tired body, landing on your green corduroy couch. The scene had clearly amused Steve as you heard him chuckle from his place in the kitchen which was open plan to your living room. You knew that your flimsy home was rundown and stark in comparison to Steve's own home but he hadn't ever said anything, had given a more than surprised look when he first saw it but had kept any thoughts about the place to himself though you could read from his face back then that he thought it was a shitty little shack in the wooded area of Hawkins.

You heard Steve pipe up from the kitchen as you flicked through the TV trying to find the late night running of your favourite show.

"Not got much in. When did you last get groceries? Half of this is off" he grumbled, concerned

"I don't know..." You tried to dismiss it, acting like you hadn't been unconsciously starving yourself.

"You'll get unwell, you know. I'll grab you some food while you're at work tomorrow. OK? I'll order us some food for tonight. You have to look after yourself, there'll be nothing left if you at this rate" you listened at Steve rambled and you rolled your eyes even though you knew it was all true. You hated facing facts. You'd rather ignore them and deal with the consequences later.

"Yeah yeah. Okay. How about pizza?" You smiled and watched as Steve nodded and headed to the phone. You shifted your attention to the TV as Steve ordered, paying attention to the commercials that didn't stand out. It wasn't until you felt a tap on your legs that you shifted your gaze to Steve and moved your legs so he could sit down. The couch wasn't massive but it was enough for three people, you felt Steve tug your legs back down and placed on his lap. You felt a little fluttery as his hands remained on your legs, gently tapping along to the jingle of one of the commercials. You deny that the last few months were spent with Steve and along the way you two had been getting closer. You knew he was all about Nancy yet it seemed like for a short while he had shifted to you. Any time he touched you, you felt all warm and yet nervous inside. The same thing you felt with Eddie...but you didn't want to think about him. You loved Eddie. You never confessed it to him but it had probably been obvious to others. But he wasn't here now. And though you felt guilty every time you got butterflies from Steve's touch and smiles, you felt you deserved to be wanted, even in just friendship.

You were just sinking into the seat when you heard the phone go off. You groaned and went to get up but Steve signalled that he'd get it. Thinking the pizza place was calling back or something.

"Hello?" You heard Steve ask before falling silent, you didn't look until you noticed Steve had been silent for a moment too long. Long enough to pique your interest. You noticed the tense demeanour Steve suddenly held which gained a frown from you as you shifted to get a better look at Steve.

"No. She's not home. It doesn't matter what I'm doing here. It's not like you have any business saying where I shouldn't and should be." You listened as Steve became aggravated and you were trying to figure out with your tired brain who Steve was talking to until you heard a slight shout from the phone of a voice you recognised.

"Is that Eddie?!"

"No."

"Don't lie to me Steve. Give me the phone" you asked as you pulled yourself from the couch.

"No. You don't need to speak to that asshole" You listened to those words that left Steve's mouth and something stupid inside you snapped.

"Don't talk about him like that! Give me the phone" you demanded as you reached for the phone, you could hear Eddie on the other end shouting something unintelligible. All before you watched as Steve hung up. You stood in tense silence. In shock. Not being able to believe that Steve just hung up on the first call in months from Eddie. You felt the anger rise from the pit in your stomach. A fiery resentment suddenly formed. You didn't realise what you had done until the sound echoes off your walls and Steve was no longer at eye level. You had slapped him clean across the face. The sound of contact had been so crisp. And Steve's body had swung down after the contact until he was in. A crouch, trying to compose himself. You both stood in pained silence.

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