#*giggle* but still will be here for whatever you will be doing

[woso-dreamzzz]

Rival VI

Hardersson x Child!Reader

Part of Big Adventures Universe

Summary: You return to London

"Princesse," Magda groans as you come jumping down the stairs of the hotel with Pernille," What did I tell you last night?"

You very pointedly ignore her as you go skipping over to Sydney, Georgia and Sam. You present yourself in front of them, chest sticking out as you smooth down the familiar red material and the cannon crest on your chest.

"You're kidding," Georgia says, eyes wide as she looks up at Magda and Pernille," You have to be kidding me. You're letting her wear this?"

"I'm not!" Magda says at the same time Pernille rolls her eyes.

"She's old enough now to choose her own clothes," Pernille says plainly," We're fostering independence."

"Yeah!" You say with a little giggle, sticking your tongue out at Georgia happily," I packed it just for today!"

"It shouldn't have been packed at all!" Magda insists," I told you that you weren't allowed to pack it."

"Auntie Frido says-"

"Oh, here we go."

"-That choosing clothes is an exercise of my right to express myself."

There's silence for a moment and all of the adults look at you with varying degrees of shock.

"Do..." Magda's mouth is wide open as she stares, blinking a few times as if she can't understand why you've just said that. "Do you know what you just said?"

You shake your head happily. "Auntie Frido told me to tell you though. She made me remember-ise it."

"Memorise."

"Huh?"

"She made you memorise it."

"Yeah, that too."

Magda sighs deeply, eyes closing briefly before opening again. "When we get home, I'm burning your Arsenal kits."

"Auntie Frido says that's illegal! And I can sue you for it!" You turn to Pernille primly, chest puffing out. "She made me memorise that too."

To save Magda's eyes, you end up wearing a zip up hoodie over your Arsenal jersey on the bus ride over to the pitch.

You happily sit with Pernille, who lets you watch one of your favourite Scooby-Doo episodes on her phone as you hum the theme song under your breath. Your little legs kick around happily as Straus says a bit more about the game plan to the team.

You're not listening at all as you watch Daphne use her super cool martial arts skills to punch one of the monsters in your show.

"Alright, you," Pernille says softly as she takes her phone back," We're here."

"We are?"

Your head pops up as you look out the window, fingers automatically going to unzip your hoodie so you can show your Arsenal pride but Magda's there quickly.

Her hands make sure your zip is done all the way up and you frown.

"But Morsa-"

"No," Magda says firmly, lifting you up into her arms before you complain anymore.

You huff a little but don't fight her.

Magda carries you all the way into the changing room and still doesn't let you take your hoodie off. Even Pernille doesn't relent and you sit stubbornly in her cubby with your arms crossed over your chest.

"What's that pout for?" Tuva asks with a laugh, tickling under your chin," You not going to be our good luck charm?"

You shake your head. "No."

"Oh? Why not?"

"My good luck is going to Arsenal!"

Before anyone can stop you, you stand up and rip off your hoodie to show your Arsenal shirt.

"North London forever!"

"Oh no," Pernille groans as Magda's eye twitches.

"Whatever the weather!"

Georgia bursts into uncontrollable laughter.

"These streets are our- Morsa!"

Magda plucks you from Pernille's cubby, muttering under her breath too quiet for you to hear as the door to the locker room is knocked on.

Katie and Caitlin poke their heads around the door.

"Alright, Eriksson?" Katie asks with a grin," We heard our Big Boss was in the building. Do you mind if we steal her?"

"Actually-"

"Of course you can." Pernille takes you from Magda's arms without fuss, putting you back onto the floor so you can run over to the two Arsenal girls by the door. "Princesse, remember, be nice, helpful and-"

"Don't cause trouble," You finish off," I know!" You take Caitlin's hand. "Let's go see Auntie Stina and Auntie Lina!"

"The warm ups are just starting," Caitlin tells you," Have you got your gloves? Because I'm sure the keepers would love to warm up with their Big Boss."

[prlssprfctn]

It is no secret that Jason Todd has a soft spot for kids. His family knew it for a while, figured by the way he always changed the intonation of his grumbling voice around them, and stopped to help them out with whatever was puzzling their little, chaotic minds.

But it is still so unusual for them to see Jason actually acting soft around random kids.

So, when Dick accidentally walks on Jason and a little crying kid in the alleyway, during the patrol, he... freezes a little. There is something absolutely cute in a way big bad Red Hood kneels in front of the kid, while animatedly telling some stupid, funny story with all sounds effects rolling down his tongue, and big gestures. The kid giggles, gasps, and eventually stops crying, wrapping little arms around "brother's Hood" neck. Jason gets grumpier when he notices Dick staring at them, but that's fine. It is still cute-cute.

The next week, Tim stumbles across Red Hood, distracting a homeless boy scared of explosions by playing with him. When the boy jokingly hits him on the shoulder, Red Hood dramatically falls on the ground, gripping his "wound," and Tim can't help but stifle a laughter along with a boy.

Barbara listens through the comms as Red Hood hums some lullaby to a girl, he saved from Black Mask's goons. Damian catches Red Hood taking off his helmet for a toddler to stop crying at the sight of an unknown big guy around.

But the point stands: Jason always finds a way to protect kids, and that's something they all are used to.

...They just don't expect kids to protect Red Hood.

When Jason gets hit with a fear toxin — again — and Bruce figures out that he mindlessly, in a total state of panic, went to the Crime Alley, Bruce is... alarmed. None of them handle fear toxin well, but Jason has guns on him, and his memories are the worst. He practically sprints to the location Jason's tracker is, and... stops in the tracks.

Jason is here, full in his armour, curled in the dark, dirty alleyway with kids surrounding him. There tenths — maybe more of them — and they are trying to calm shivering and panicked Red Hood down. A little girl pats him on the helmet, and another boy hugs him gently. They all murmur something, debating about what to do, and Bruce needs a good minute to remember why is he even here.

'Hey!' Some kid from the crowd notices him first, instantly frowning. 'Back off from there. Don't touch brother Hood.'

Bruce doesn't know whether he should laugh or cry.

'I... I am here to help,' he softens his voice. 'Don't worry, kiddo. Thanks for keeping him safe, but—'

'Uh-uh,' the girl glares at him under uneven bangs while shaking her finger in the air. 'We don't trust you. Back off.'

...Jesus, surely Bruce remember times when kids were scared of him, but this is the first time they are actually so bold around him. And it is definitely the first time someone stops him from taking care of his own kid.

Kids from this side of town are really built differently.

'I—'

'Hey,' some taller teenager runs towards them, slightly out of breath as he shakes a can in his hand, addresing his next question to other kids: 'I bought his favourite beer. Do you think it is going to help?'

Should he be concerned that kids on the streets know Jason's favourite beer and bought it despite them being... clearly not of the age of drinking? Probably. Is it also a little bit amusing that they think alcohol would help? Yeah.

'I have an antidote,' Bruce clears his throat. 'I just need to inject it, alright? Please, trust me. I am here to help.'

They all exchange questioning glances between each other. Jason is still pretty much out of it, muttering some nonsense under his breath, shaking as a leaf — not crowbar, not again, please — but when a little girl in dress asks him if he wants to see Batman, his eyes clear just for a split second, before he mouths a small, scared Dad.

By the end of the day, when Jason falls asleep, recovering from the toxin, and kids finally seem to trust Batman enough not to hurt their big brother and let them go, Barbara and Dick tease Bruce non-stop about how kids humbled him. Still, Bruce feels a strange softness settling in his chest.

Maybe he wasn't always here to protect Jason. Maybe he still fails to do it sometimes, not knowing what to do with his son, but... at least Jason still has someone in this world, someone so loyal and loving.

So, yeah. Jason Todd is great at defending kids. But so are they.

[ashen-char]

expensive cars never took me where you do

ship: anora mikheeva (anora) x gender neutral reader

summary: being a mechanic dating a stripper is hard because you never get to spend enough time together. so anora spends a day in your garage.

word count: 3000+

notes: requested here. enjoy!

With your respective jobs, your schedules don't allow much time to be together. Not much overlap when you're in the garage from 8-6 every week day, while Ani's out from 5pm to the late morning stripping. Weekends, your main time for relaxation, were HQ's busiest times. As such, you had to make the most of the time that you did get. No more meal prepping for Ani when she gets home, for example. You took it upon yourself to whip stuff up for her to take to work in her trusty Tupperware, saving you two some much-needed cuddle time. Plus, you loved the awed look on her face whenever you made her favourite meals, the way she'd dance and hum happily when you let her taste-test it.

The train blares its horn, rattling Ani's entire room as it passes by. Cheap rent, Ani had explained the first time you stayed over and jerked awake to the sound, startled by the sudden noise and movement. She hadn't even opened her eyes, just stayed cuddled up on your chest. She's used to it. Even after months of dating her, it wakes you up everytime, which makes Ani laugh, teasing and calling you 'Princess and the Pea' for being so sensitive. So right now you're wide awake, checking your phone to see if she'll be home soon.

wifey💕: on the subway now! keep the bed warm 💋

You smile, sending back a kiss of your own. "stay safe," you type.

It's 4am when Ani slips into the room. Her harsh expression (or resting bitch face as she sometimes refers to it as) softens when she sees you, and she quickly sheds her coat, scarf, and beanie as well. "Why are you still up, dummy? You're gonna fall asleep on the fuckin' job, I swear..." she chastises.

"Sorry, babe," you whisper, stretching and shifting over to your side of the bed to let Ani into the sheets. "I knew you were coming home soon is all. Wanted to see you come in."

Your sleep shirt, like most of your clothes really, has these distinct splotches of oil on them. Made worse by your bad habit of wiping your hands on whatever's around. After years in the garage, you've learned to not bother with trying to keep clothes looking clean. The very worst of them get turned into rags or purely as sleep clothes since you don't like wasting anything. 'Waste not, want not' is a deeply-rooted mantra from when you didn't have the money to dispose and replace things so easily.

"I'm just saying." Ani shrugs, slipping the rest of her clothes off too. Fluid in her movements, as if her commute clothes were made to be taken off just like her HQ attire.

Your eyes trail over her frame appreciatively, taking in the rose tattoo at her ribcage that makes you smile, or the slight muscle of her core and arms. She's fit. She needs to be to work the pole like that, but can't put on too much muscle to turn away the knuckleheads that frequent Headquarters. Stupid but it brings in the dough, as Ani would say.

"Don't blame me if you smash your finger in a door again 'cause you weren't paying attention," she says, giggling when she throws her tank top at you. You catch it, give it a deep sniff. "God, you're so gross!" Ani complains. There's that laugh you were looking for.

"I'm not that clumsy." You frown, but it's hard to keep on when she's giggling like that. "It just clipped me, I didn't lose a nail or anything."

After slipping one of your larger shirts on - which almost comically swallows up her frame - she finally slips in beside you. You kiss Ani's cheek, and let her cuddle into you. Even if you know you smell of grease and gasoline and she's gonna cuss at you and say you need a shower. Burrowing her nose into the crook of your neck, she inhales you deeply, letting your scent fill her lungs. With the way she hums, you know she's content. Soothed. Letting the night melt away, all the pressures of the club or the bullshit from Diamond. She doesn't have to be on, not when she's here with you.

"Some of your body glitter's still on ya," you tell her. Your finger dabs at the corner of Ani's neck, which must have been missed by her makeup wipes.

She shivers at the contact. You used to be insecure of the fact that your hands feel like sandpaper but Ani sure seems to love it. One time she told you it was weird that you've never seen her as 'Ani'. The way she is in the club, she meant. No makeup, no heels, no cute little outfits. Of course, she likes to glam up when you two do make the time to go out on dates, but it's not similar to what she puts on for the club. Doesn't have to think about balancing the right amount of cling to show off her assets with the ease of removal.

With you, Ani said she felt like the girl she was before all this. Before the club, before Vanya, before the glitter and glam. There's nothing sexy about your lives, really. Both of them working shit jobs, living paycheck to paycheck. But for some reason, she found it comforting.

"Well, I missed you."

She's so tired. Never enough sleep, always on the go. But your body is warm and solid and she can relax. Just for a bit. "I missed you too," she mumbles. "Even if you fuckin' stink or whatever."

Ani lifts her head to look at you, eyes soft. "What time you gotta be at work?

"In a few hours," you answer in a groan. You didn't want to be reminded of it. You hate leaving before she wakes up, hate the way her body always tries to cling to you by instinct. Feels wrong, even if you know it's necessary. "The new apprentice, Jon, he still needs to be trained. He keeps texting me dumb ass questions. Like, dude, change the oil, you don't need my permission!"

"Mm I getcha. Like sometimes I show new girls the ropes. I remember Lulu being the newbie once actually," your girlfriend shares. "Poor thing. She was scared shitless when she mixed up a song request and didn't know how to play it off like a pro yet."

Ani tells you about the 'fresh meat' sometimes, how they're usually gone within the month when they realise the gig's not their thing. Usually 18-21, the type of girls that got told they were pretty enough times to want to make some coin off of it but without any dance training to speak of. The established girls do their best to make the space inviting and fun. To guide them to the right classes, how to manoeuvre around the club and look impressive on the pole without getting hurt. But ultimately it's their choice. Leave or stay.

Mostly, your definition of 'training' is trying not to yell at the poor kid, unless it's a safety concern obviously. He's an idiot and fixing his mistakes is a pain in the ass, but you don't want him quitting. It'll be more annoying to find a replacement since you've already spent the last few months making sure he can do shit without your supervision. The garage is small, started off as a glorified chop shop that you converted with some friends,

You must have gotten lost in your thoughts for a while, because Anora laughs at your scowl and shoves you. "Geez, who pissed you off? You're not even listenin' to me now huh?" she complains from her spot on your chest.

"Sorry, sorry. Just the apprentice. Broke a 10mm bolt today."

"Boooo. Speak American. What the fuck is a millimeter." Her eyes roll at the excuse and the metric system, and her sheer... Anora-ness makes your bad mood lift and a smile crack.

Which is where the idea comes from. "Do you have any days off soon?" you ask.

Anora shrugs. "Yeah, this Thursday. Why?"

"I want you to visit the shop! Come on. Didn't you always say you wanted to come and 'see what I do all day'?"

Her nails scrape up your arms, and her words are mumbled and muffled against your chest. A vibrating sensation that tickles you. "What would I even do there though? No offense, I'm sure it's riveting, but you can't exactly entertain me if you're working. Plus, when I said I wanna visit I meant I wanted to drop in sometime, give you coffee or something. Not... what, sit there and look pretty?" Anora laughs at the image, shaking her head against you. It's clear she thinks she'll just be a burden if she comes, that she'll do more harm than good.

"For one, I'd be a lot less stressed explaining myself over and over to him if you were at the shop. I could pretend I'm explaining to you," you say, trying to convince her.

Honestly, the idea of Ani 'sitting there and looking pretty' has already won you over. Who wouldn't want their gorgeous girlfriend there to impress with their mad car skills? You've been dreaming of this moment since you were a teen, fixing up a rusted hunk of a truck. Looking back it's embarrassing, but you were convinced that if you got it up and running, your crush would've swooned and asked you to give her rides to school then and there. Explaining your passion to a beautiful girl, showing off your hard work and how you could help her... it's a fucking dream.

Anora giggles. "Oh, I'm sure. You just wanna flex your mechanic brain and your stupid sexy muscles." Tilting her head up, she flashes those big brown eyes at you and you're gone. She's so heartbreakingly perfect like this. No makeup, bags under her eyes, the natural pout of her lips. Tired, from all the hard work and effort she puts into everything she does.

"Come on, please?" you ask, tilting your head down in response so your forehead meets hers. Skin to skin, gaze to gaze. Her nose presses into yours. "I wanna spend more time with you. I wanna show you what I do. Bonus points that it'll help me not scare off the new kid."

Anora nods sagely, like it's a sacred task you're entrusting to her. Her arms wrap around your neck, keeping you pressed against her. She's definitely not complaining about how you smell now. "Alright, grease monkey. I wanna be wowed."

--

"OK, you might remember this one. That's what I attached my cables to when your car wouldn't start," you say, gesturing to the battery, particularly to the red end in case it looks familiar to her.

To you, it's unforgettable how the normally cool and confident Ani was shaking in her leather boots when you told her to clamp it. Like she thought she'd get electrocuted then and there. Anora grasped you so hard, and your heart thumped at the knowledge that she trusted you'd never let something bad happen to her.

Ani leans against the wall, watching you work under the hood of a car. Her arms are crossed, one foot kicked up behind her, resting against the wall. She's putting on her best 'cool girl' attitude, but inside, you know she's fascinated. You know your shit.

"So, like, what's all this stuff do?" Ani asks, gesturing vaguely at the engine. "It's all just metal and wires and shit to me. Rusted shit."

You chuckles, wiping your hands on a rag before taking hers. "Well, babe, this here's the heart of the car. The engine. Makes it go vroom vroom," you teases, revving an imaginary engine.

Ani rolls her eyes but smiles. "Okay, smartass. But like, what do all the parts do?"

You take the time to point to the different components, explaining in layman's terms. The specific car you're looking at is one from a regular customer, so you've run maintenance on it for years. You tell her stories of the parts you had to replace, especially the shitshow last month when you had imported specific parts from Japan and the apprentice misplaced them.

Ani listens intently, asking questions when she doesn't understand. She grins like she's won the lottery whenever you tell her she asked a great question. You involve Jon too - if it seems like something he should be able to handle, you make him answer it. Correcting him when he gets something slightly wrong, or if you wanted a more detailed explanation. It makes you laugh when Jon messes up his words because Ani is just that gorgeous. As for the complicated ones, you're patient, breaking it down so she grasps the basics.

"So, like, this is why it's important to get your oil changed regularly," Ani says, tapping the oil pan. She's squatting down to watch you as you're laid out on the dolly. "Cuz if it's all gunked up, the engine can't, what, lubricate itself or something? No lube is rough, I get it." She sighs, patting the hood like she's empathising with it.

That makes you chortle, never prepared for Ani's crass jokes or references to your very active sex life. "OK, hold on, no lube has always been your idea!" you protest, giving a weak kick from underneath.

"I didn't say I didn't like it~"

"Alright, masochist." Rolling your eyes now, you focus on her actual observation. "And to your previous point, exactly," you beam, proud of her. "See? You're a quick learner."

Ani preens under the praise. "I got a good teacher."

She helps you out from under the Nissan Tiida, sliding you back out. Work's slow sometimes. The city's got a lower amount of people who own their own cars, and you don't like the monotony of working on the same make over and over, so you don't usually go for fixing up taxis or rented cars. This specific one has been a passion project, something you toy around with when there's not much to do. You've wanted to take it home for a while, but you've been holding off. Not until it's perfect.

"Alright. What's, mm, that one?" Anora asks.

Standing up, you come up behind her, your warm breath on her neck as you lean over to see what she's pointing at. "That's the intake manifold. It brings in the air and fuel mixture the engine needs to run. Sometimes it cracks and leaks out more air than it should."

Ani nods, trying to wrap her head around it. "Okay, I think I get it. So, like, if this thing's fucked up, the car won't run right? Or at least the engine will go fucky."

"Pretty much," you confirm, wrapping your arms around her waist now. Jon's off on a lunch break. You make him go pick up burgers at a spot a few blocks down when the shop's quiet like this. Means less time of him hassling you. "But don't worry, I'll always make sure our ride is in tip top shape."

You press a kiss to her hair. The tinsel in it always falls straight down, which is why Anora straightens her hair every day to make it look right. With you, all natural without anyone else to impress? Her hair's got her natural waves, looking healthy and sleek.

Ani melts into your embrace, leaning her head back against your shoulder. "I know you will, babe. You're the best."

The two of you stand there for a moment, just enjoying each other's presence. You can't help it. You wanna tell her everything, there's a compulsion in you. Then you pull away, taking Ani's hand. "C'mon, I wanna show you something."

You lead her to the car you were just working on, opening the driver's side door. It's not flashy, not luxurious or even running perfectly yet. But it's got its charm. The seats are comfortable unlike leather which gets hot quickly, it's surprisingly spacious on the inside, and the wooden look of the interior detailing makes it look and feel cozy.

"What are you-"

"I bought it for us. Out of pocket," you explain, helping Ani into the passenger seat. "It wasn't cheap, but it's been sitting in the shop for months, and I just couldn't let it go to waste."

Ani runs her hands over the dashboard, the textured cream seats. It's not new, but it's been lovingly restored. All by you. No way you'd let Jon touch this. "It's beautiful," she breathes. "Did you do all this?"

You nod. Her awed look makes you push out your chest a little, ego thoroughly inflated. "Most of it. I had a friend look at the AC, but yeah. This is all me, babe."

Ani turns to you, throwing her arms around your neck. "I love it. I love you. You're amazing," she gushes, peppering your face with kisses.

"I figured it was time we had a real car. One that's ours. No more borrowing beaters or taking the subway everywhere. Even if you say it's alright and you like the subway." You return the 'I love you' and pucker your lips for her to kiss.

"Thank you," Ani whispers, cupping your face in her hands. "You're the best partner a girl could ask for. I mean that. Who the fuck fixes up a whole car just to surprise their girlfriend?"

"Anything for you, princess," you murmur against her lips.

"Princess?" Anora playfully shoves you away. "You're fucking high."

But you mean it. You wanna spoil her to the best of your abilities, wanna make her feel like a princess even with your meagre funds and lack of time together. You want to make her feel like the most special girl in the world.

"How about I take you for a spin in our new ride?" you offer. Your hands grip the steering wheel, the polished wood under your hands. "And the best part! No more relying on the subway. I know this isn't exactly rolling in style but..."

Anora shakes her head, taking your hand. It's calloused and rough, but the way she holds it makes you feel like you could be tender in your own way. Makes you appreciate that your hands and hard work is the way you show it, not by blowing cash. "It's perfect," she tells you. "Because you did it, because you wanted to provide. That's all I need."

"Better than the limos Ivan rode you around in?"

Anora rolls her eyes, looking at you like it's a stupid question. Because how could she even compare the two when you're in front of her, giving her everything you can? "No competition, baby. I thought I wanted that, back then, but you're what I was really waiting for."

It's so mushy and vulnerable, coming from her. Just straight from the heart. "I'm nothing special," you attempt to refuse.

"You're the only fucking one who knows what I need. Who gives it to me, no matter what it is," Ani tells you, refusing your refusal. "You've got me. Body and soul."

[mintsturniolo]

i’m right here

| a/n: it's 2am, so it's unedited, lol. also i'm working on a new au right now, so if anyone wants to know more and work on it with me let me know

Matt was starting to worry about you. It had been days since you’d left your room, let alone your apartment. Matt made his way in, setting his backpack down on the nearby table. “I’m back. Sorry, it took so long. I think you’ll like what I got, though,” he announced as he entered your bedroom.

Matt paused when he found you in the exact spot you’d been the past couple of days. You turned your head too look at him, and a sad look crossed his face as he sat on the edge of your bed. “Hi,” you murmured.

“Oh baby. You still not feeling better?” he sighed, noticing the tear stains on your face.

You shook your head as Matt gently brushed your hair out of your face. “You ready to talk about it yet?” he asked.

“There’s nothing to say,” you muttered. “I don’t even know why I feel this way.”

Matt was quiet for a moment, before giving you a sympathetic smile. “Well I have a few surprises for you. I’m going to set them up real quick.”

You nodded as Matt kissed your cheek. “I’ll be right back,” he told you.

Your curiosity was piqued as you heard Matt moving around in the living room. You heard him humming along to his favorite songs as he worked on whatever it was. He must’ve had earphones in since you couldn’t actually hear any music.

It wasn’t long before Matt came back into your room, a broad smile on his face as he made his was to the bed. “You’re going to love this,” he said excitedly. “I promise. But you do have to get out of bed to see it.”

You raised an eyebrow as he took your hand, eager to get you out of the bed. Not wanting to disappoint him, you let him lead you into the living room. Your eyes widened when you saw the setup he’d made for you. “Oh my God. I love it Matt,” you gasped.

Matt had set up several pillows in blankets to create a spot just big enough for the two of you to relax. The coffee table had been moved closer and had an arrangement of snacks for you to choose from, and the TV was already set up for your favorite show. You giggled as Matt picked you up and carried you to the couch, and laid you down. You couldn’t help but smile as he joined you under the blankets and handed you a small gift bag. “What’s this?” you asked curiously, taking it from your boyfriend.

Matt grinned as you started to open the present in front of you. “Now you can’t actually keep this. I just thought it would cheer you up. You can have it til you feel better,” he explained.

You pulled the gift out and couldn’t help but smile. “Mr. Wrinkleton?”

Matt nodded as you hugged the stuffed animal against your chest. “He missed you,” Matt laughed, as he watched you burrow further under the blanket with the toy.

You didn’t know what to say as you looked up at Matt. You didn’t even have to speak. Matt knew what you were thinking. You felt yourself blush as he left several gentle kisses on your lips. “I love you. I’ll always be right here whenever you need me, okay.”

You hummed contently as you rested against him. It was the first time you felt okay in days, and you wanted to savor every moment.

Taglist

@dirtylittleheart333 @sturniolo04 @flouvela @mattyblover07 @sturnioloveniamh @slutforsturniolos @ivysturnss @ksturnz @emely9274 @amelia-sturniolo3 @freshlovw @courta13 @chriss-slutt @chrissweetheart

[zuppizup]

psssssst you should write a spicy oneshot of post season 7 rayllum for me

Would it make you happy to hear I’m working on one, Nonny 👉👈

Just For Fun

(most certainly going to be E rated post-bridge scene Rayllum sandwich)

Smirking, Rayla’s eyes darted around the area, a wicked glint in her eye.

“Oh?” He couldn’t help but grin back, knowing well that particular look.

“Come on,” Rayla squeezed his fingers as she pulled him across the fridge and away from the still singing animals, their little funny voices slowly fading away into the night.

“Where are we going?” Callum happily followed her lead, intrigued as to whatever it was she was up to.

Their boots crunched on the rocky ground as they left the bridge and began making their way across the clearing. Instead of turning towards the lodge, however, Rayla was leading them in the opposite direction.

“Well, you said you want to do something just for fun,” Rayla teased, turning to him as she took both of his hands in hers, “the lodge is a bit cramped at the moment, don’t you think?” Smiling cheekily, she used her rear to push open the door to the stables.

“Oh,” Callum couldn’t help but smile back at her, giddy anticipation already making his mind wander.

The lodge was certainly cramped and their days had been particular busy, especially the past few weeks. The opportunities for any particular time alone had been few and far between.

Giggling, they both made their way into the stables, both of them clearly looking around to ensure they were alone. A number of horses whinnied at their intrusion, but as far as he could tell, they seemed to be the only ones inside. Which made sense, there was no reason for anyone to be in here this late at night.

Unless perhaps they were also seeking private time.

“So,” Rayla ducked into a stall, darting around him so that she could back him up against the wall, “still want to have some fun?” She raised her eyebrows, biting her lip flirtatiously.

[evelyns-envy]

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ switch daisuke!

overview - who knew pulling on daisuke's hair could make him so... different??

warnings - SMUTTTT. unprotected p in v, breeding kink kinda, hair pulling, dai being a huge switch, use of (y/n), (y/n) not being able to walk afterwards!!

okay so hear me out here...

we all know daisuke is relatively submissive right? okay now imagine you riding him, praising him n shit when you accidentally reach up and pull on his hair.

your nails gliding over his scalp, gently scratching as you tug softly.

bro becomes a whole new man istg (speaking from experience ;))

his eyes roll back in his head, and those pretty noises of his turn from his usual whimpers and babbles of nonsense into the deepest groan you've ever heard him make.

his hands are now resting on your waist, fingers digging into the skin as she helps you bounce harder.

your hips stutter for a moment, eyes widening at this new sensation.

"aughnn.. so fuckin' good (y/n).. ridin' me like a damn cowgirl- fuck. keep going."

bro NEVER talks like this

is usually dying laughing whenever he tries to dirty talk to you but whatever tf you js did to his hair made him so insane

instead of js letting you take the reins, he's now meeting your bounces by thrusting into you whenever you come back down

euphoric noises from you both

(swansea needs his help fixing smth but stopped dead in his tracks when he heard those.. uh... sounds.!)

for the first time EVER, you finish before him, and his pupils widen at the sight of your cum all over his dick

he's still guiding your hips through your climax tho (where tf did he learn ts)

once you've come back from seeing STARS, he flips you both over

you did NOT know he had that kinda strength

daisuke is now above you, hand holding the headboard and the other groping one of your tits (hes a tits guy fuck off)

hickeys all over your neck

"dai- mmnn- slow down jesus-"

to NO avail

if anything your whines make him go faster

"gonna let me put a baby in 'ya? hmm? nghhh- feel so fuckin' good baby."

he's NEVER talked abt breeding or anything WHAT is happening

"yes- yes! please.. gimme a baby dai-!"

you whine and whimper under him, roles being entirely reversed

his thrusts grow uneven and his breath ragged as he finally finishes

you can feel his cum pouring into you (holy shit.)

once he's back to reality, he slowly pulls out of you in order to now overstimulate you anymore than you already were

he flops down next to you, laying on his back with his arm behind his head

you're still panting, head thrown back into the pillow

"where the fuck did that come from?"

you whisper, looking over at him only to be met with those pretty brown eyes that you love so very much

"no idea. you're really gorgeous though (y/n). like zamn."

"i hate you."

"didn't hate me when i was fucking you senseless."

you smack his arm playfully, resulting in a giggle and more playful banter between you two.

"babe... can you so grab us a towel pakiusap (please)?"

"daisuke. i cannot walk."

"oh yea."

all of that... just from pulling his hair. you gotta start doing that shit more often..!!

(a/n - pakiusap is please in filipino btw (daisuke is filipino and i feel like he’d know some of the language idk)

[becauseimswagman1]

Illusion vs Reality: When Did the Lines Blur?

Content Creator!Kelvin Harrison Jr. x Virgin!reader

--Reader is sick and tired of her family asking where her man at so she buys one--

A/N: this is a request! AND it's part 1 (idk what it is about breaking up fics into parts but I'm addicted! I get so caught up in the plot that I need to break it up). And boy when I say this spoke to me on a personal level, I mean it!

warnings: shenanigans are afoot.

-------------

Your family could be so mean sometimes. They constantly made you feel bad for not being like your older sister, married with children.

But you were only twenty-four, you had plenty of time to do all the things they wanted you to do… NOT! You wanted to live a little more than you already have… that literally just means losing your virginity. 

That’s right, a hot girl like you is still a virgin, by choice. You had a love-hate relationship with sex. Combine that with too many rom-com movies growing up, you wanted things to be special. But as growing up would have it, things were not like the movies. You were not a prude, but you never felt too comfortable with the guys you grew up with to take their time and not jackrabbit inside you. 

And by the time you turned eighteen, it seemed like everyone was getting their back broken! 

Now you weren’t a complete virgin though, you’ve done things like given blowjobs and sent nudes (of like your breasts and maybe an ass pic here and there). It’s just no one has touched you there, except yourself.

Fast forward to the big twenty-four and you’re more confident than you’ve ever been about everything except having sex. And that’s okay! Everyone moves at their own pace. 

It’s not like you never had the chance to do it either! You never trusted anyone enough AND once you got to the point with a guy where you’d tell them you’re a virgin, they either acted weird about it (“Oh you want me to be the first to tap that?”) or they wanted nothing to do with you (“I don’t know if I can be with someone that’s a virgin. I’m sorry.”). 

And with Thanksgiving coming up soon and no man in tow… you’re gonna be roasted alive by your family. But not this year! You were determined to figure something out. So you face-timed your bestie, Brianna. 

Thank God she answered for real, “Hey, Bri! I got a silly ass question.”

“Wassup girl?”

“How does one get a man in less than a month?”

“...You want a real relationship and not a situationship right?”

“Duh.” you thought that was kind of obvious.

“OH!” She laughed, “ Yeah girl that’s a silly ass question. Don't ask no shit like that again!”

“Whatever! You got an actual answer or what?”

Bri sat up in the camera, “You have a better chance at buying a man than getting one that’s not in it for sex in less than a month.”

You had an evil look on your face.

“Oh hell no! Don’t tell me you’re actually considering that shit?”

“I mean… I could! Just for Thanksgiving weekend.” It's not like you had a better idea.

She sighed, “I’m gonna trust you with this cause you gone do it anyway. Just make sure he’s a stand-up guy at least, girl.”

“Well, I kinda have someone in mind already.”

Brianna's eyes grew wide, “ALREADY?! You work too fast for me.”

You giggled, “I know. I’ll text you if it works?”

“Duh, girl! I gotta see how this plays out.”

You blew her a kiss, “Muah! Thank you again for the idea! And I love you!”

“I love you, too, girl!”

You hung up and opened your laptop. You really did have the perfect guy in mind.

—--------------------------

Kelvin Harrison Jr. The perfect guy’s name is Kelvin Harrison Jr. He’s an on-the-smaller side content creator with a super loyal fanbase. He’s become your internet crush. He’s so real (as real as the camera makes him look) and so damn funny! It wouldn’t hurt to shoot him an email with the proposition of being your fake boyfriend for a weekend, right?

--------------

taglist (comment to be added, dm to be removed): @gaydakiss @sharmelasworld @ayeeeitsmiracle @femdisa @luvrsluxe @papithetia @mzv11 @gg-trini

[wosoafc]

kyra fluff!!

Have you ever seen the rain? (pretend like the song is here, still trying to figure that out)

Kyra Cooney-Cross x catley!reader

summary: your anniversary with kyra doesn't go as planned...

warnings: a bit suggestiv

words: 2.7k

„Hey Less“ Kyra turns to less, her best friend at arsenal, after they sit down next to each other on the team bus. „Hm?“ Less asks, taking a protein bar out of her bag and offers kyra a half, just like they always do after a match. „I need relationship advice“. „Ohh“ a grin breaks out on alessias face „Tell me more“ she says while leaning back in the chair. Alessia was the first kyra told about you, she knew everything. From the first date, the first kiss and even the first fight. You adored alessia, she and kyra were a combination that would never fail to make you laugh. So naturally alessia would be the first one kyra would go to if she needed some help involving you

„Soo you know our anniversary is coming up right?“ she starts but is interrupted by steph peeking through the seats from behind „What do you mean anniversay? You are only 6 months into the relationship right?“ she asks confused, so less and kyra share a look because they are probably gonna be in trouble. „Umm yeah when we told you we were already together for half a year“ kyra grins lightly, biting her lip at what steph might say. „Whattt??“ steph asks loudly which earns the attention from the rest oft he team. Kyra just nods and says a quiet sorry but steph keeps frowning and diverts her gaze to alessia. „And you knew before me? Since when?“ she interrogates her. „Umm like, one week after their first date“ less can’t contain a little grin at stephs reaction. „You little pest, and my sister too. I deserved to know before everyone else!“ steph protests but the girls before her just start to giggle. „Maybe because you decided to act like their mom since you found out“ katie joins in the little argument, not being able to stay away from drama. „I am not!“ steph protests, being sure until right now that you always thought of her being the cool older sister.

But they are probably right about that observation. Steph being your older sister made her quite protective, especially because you guys lived so far from home she always felt like she needed to look after you. Obviously that was something you have always appreciated, especially at the beginning when everything was new in london. But in that case, the case being kyra, it was not good at all. You really wanted to tell her, usually steph and you would share everything. But you were scared that she might destroy it. Of course those worries proved tob e wrong. Steph still gave Kyra a stern talk about what would happen if she’d break your heart, but other than that she was just happy you were happy. Still, that doesn’t keep her from acting like your mum once in a while.

 „Yes you are stephy, c’mon you didn’t even let them sleep in one room when y/n snuck into our hotel“ leah giggles from behind her, finding it hilarious to wind steph up. She is just way too easy to annoy, maybe that was the reason kyra has always been an absolute pest towards her. „It was before a match day! And they are way too young for stuff like that“ steph arguments back but everyone just laughs until they all say in unsion „yes mum“ which makes the girls laugh even louder. „Oh just shut up“ steph grumbles and falls back on her seat „i thought you are my friends, but apparently kyra and my sister have taken that place now“. Katie laughs and scoops in next to steph before throwing her arm around stephs shoulder. „C’mon we’re just taking the mick out of you.“ She grins down at steph who’s lips now have to twitch a bit, still trying to look stern. „Whatever“ she rolls her eyes which makes kyra and less giggle once again, that earns them a serious look from steph but a few seconds later the older woman can’t keep it in anymore and has to laugh as well.

„Alright alright guys i really need help okay?“ kyra has to calm everyone down while they all had a good laugh. „You don’t know what to get her for the anniversay right?“ less asks and kyra shakes her head „no i got a present but i wanna do something nice with her, we got a day off and we should use that. But i just don’t know what to do?“ kyra explains her troubles while the rest is listening carefully. „Ohh that’s a nice thought kyra. What did you get her?“ less asks but kyra just turns tomato read. „I’d rather not say“ she mumbles, but everyone can guess by that what it might be and the group, except steph, errups in laughter once again. „Okay okay we don’t need to know the details. What about the cinema?“ leah ist he first one to finally answer kyras question with a helpful idea. „Hmm i don’t know, you can’t really talk there right?“ kyra thinks out loud and the group nods at that, understanding what she means. „We went to a concert last week and had a nice dinner beforehand, what about that?“ less joins in but kyra shakes her head again. „I already looked for tickets but there is no good gig in town.“ Kyra explains which is followed by a groan. „This girl is impossible, all she wants to do when we’re together is cuddle and…well i won’t say because steph might loose her mind completely.“ They all chuckle again before looking to steph who just rolls her eyes. „Ha ha, good for you i know y/n a bit longer than 6 months, or a year apparently.“ She grins and kyra raises her eyebrows intrigued „Pleeease tell me stephy, I’m getting desperate here.“ She begs and steph sighs before she nods.

„Alright, she has always loved picknicks and when we were little girls she would always dream about how her perfect man, sorry ky she has not figured out her sexuality back then, would take her to a picknick at her favourite spot in the city. Well that was back in melbourne, but she does have a favourite spot in london too right?“ steph answers kyras question who sighs out relieved because that was a really good idea. „Yes i know exactly the place, thanks stephyyyy. You just earned a spot to be my second favourite catley“ she grins and steph raises her eyebrow at that. „Who was it before?“. „Calvin“ kyra shrugs with a grin. „Fair point“ steph admits.

„Now let less help you plan the thing, it would be a disaster if you’d do it by yourself“. Kyra laughs but has to admit that steph is probably right about that. So she turns her attention back to alessia who is eager to plan out the perfect picknick, being way more cheesy and romantic than kyra.

A week later the day finally arrives and kyra is so nervous about the whole thing. Even though her and less planned out every detail, she still has to manage to prepare it all. It’s still early in the morning, sun streaming through the curtains while you are still fast asleep next to her, exhausted from your bedroom antics last night. After leaving a small kiss on your head kyra slips out of bed and goes downstairs to make some breakfast and get ready. When you come down about an hour later kyra is humming to the music she put on, preparing two mugs of tea. You lean against the doorframe, watching the scene before you sneak up to kyra and hug her from behind. „Happy anniversay baby“ you whisper in her ear before giving her a light kiss on the cheek. Kyra turns around with a big grin on her face. „to you too darling“ she whispers back before giving you a proper kiss. You make out softly for a while but when you try to lift kyra onto the counter she stops you with a little laugh. „That has to wait love, i got big plans for us today“ kyra grins and hands you a mug of tea. „You do? I though we would just have a nice day in“ you ask surprised by those news. „Nope, you will go to your sister and she’ll tell you the rest.“ You raise your eyebrows and take a sip oft he warm tea „Alright, you not gonna tell me anything at all?“. Kyra chuckles at your noisiness but just shakes her head. „Nope, except wear something nice for me okay?“. Getting more excited about the surprise kyra apparently has prepared for you, you nod and run upstairs to pack your things.

A few hours later you find yourself getting out of the tube at chalk farm station, looking around for a sign of kyra. All the information you got from steph was a time, place and to pack a jacket. It was 7 PM, the sun slowly beginning to set already. Finally, you were starting to get a bit restless, kyra waves at you from the sidewalk. „Y/n! Come here“ she yells and you walk to her quickly. „Hey there“ she says and looks at you properly „You look beautiful babe“ Kyra adds and then takes your hand to lead the way. „We’re we going baaabe“ you ask desperate, still not having a clue what kyra had in mind.

But after walking a few minutes you arrive at the bottom of primrose hill and look over to kyra „That’s my favourite spot ky!“. „I know come on, you must be starving“ kyra grins and pulls you up the hill. A few moments later you fall your girlfriend around her neck „Kyra thats amazing!“. You were standing right in front of a nice blanket with a picknick basket on top. It’s decorated with fairy lights and candles as well as a bouquet of your favourite flowers. Already two glasses of bubbly champagne waiting for you, everything accompanied by some soft music coming out of a speaker. „Cheers babe, to us“ kyra smiles brightly, proud of herself for managing all of it and hands you one oft he glasses. „Cheers kyra“ you kiss her cheek before taking a sip. You sit down together, taking in the moment and just talking about god and the world. But right before taking out the food something happened that was definitely not on your bingo card for today.

It just started to rain like there was no tomorrow. From one moment to another you were drenched in rain, desperately trying to pack away everything kyra has prepared. But that really was a lost cause. You could sense how kyra was freaking out about this happening. Her distressed face broke your heart because you knew how much time and thought she has put into this. „Hey babe“ you take her hand and stop her from trying to safe the food, because to be honest that was a lost cause. „Hm?“ she looks up, eyes a bit glassy. „Heyy come here“ you smile softly and cup her cheeks „It’s only a bit of rain“ you kiss her forehead gently to comfort your girlfriend. „I-Im so sorry i should have planned this better“ kyra mumbles and looks to the ground „I just wanted this to be perfect“. You sigh and lift up her chin before pulling her closer by the waist. „My perfect just involves you, come on sit down“ you smile and fall onto the rain drenched blanket. „But everything is wet“ kyra laughs at you, it was a ridiculous sight to be honest. „Down“ you say again, so kyra chuckles and falls down onto the blanket next to you. You throw an arm around her shoulder and kiss her head softly, which is now resting on your shoulder. After a few moments of sitting in the rain, lucky it was a warm summer shower, you break the silence. „How did you know?“. „What?“ kyra chuckles and lifts her head up to look at you. „How did you know this was my dream date?“ you ask again and smile brightly, looking deep into kyras big brown eyes. „This is not your dream date, your dream date is an actual well prepared picknick at your favourite spot in the city“ she scoffs, annoyed by the failure again. „Well i guess i have a new dream date now, sitting with you in the rain“ you console her.

So kyra sighs again and finally nods „You are right, this is still nice, and kind of romantic“ she giggles before you interrupt her with a deep kiss. Her hands immediately fall to your waist to pull you closer which only makes you deepen the kiss more. It was an awfully cheesy scene. Both of you sitting in the rain, completely forgetting the world around, just enjoying each other. When breath became an issue you finally pull away and a wide grin breaks out on both of your faces. „I-I love you“ you whisper carefully, that for a second kyra thinks she misheard you. Even though being together for a year you never managed to say those words. You knew for a long time that you were falling deeply in love with the australian girl. And you wanted to tell her, desperately.

You wanted to tell her when she first tried to cook your favourite dinner, which ended in a big cloud of smoke. You wanted to tell her when she pulled you to your feet at an irish pub and started to dance like no one else was around. And you desperately wanted to tell her after your first night together. Almost 6 months into the relationship and you still haven’t been intimate, but kyra was patient and kind about you wanting to do it slow. So when it finally happened, you were overwhelmed by emotion and love fort he girl you got to call your girlfriend. Kyra has said it many many times by now. She never urged you to say it back, never pressured you. But you could feel how much this means to her by the wide smile forming on her face. „I love you too“ she whispers and pulls you back into a heated kiss. After another make out session you are slightly starting to shiver. „We have to get you home baby, you gonna get sick“ kyra decides and pulls you up with her. „Babe?“ kyra says after packing the stuff together quickly. „Hm?“. „I’m gonna warm you up real good at home“ she winks with a pat on your bum before pulling you after her towards a cab. You cant contain a blush, clearly affected by kyras words.

After making it home, kyra did keep her promise to warm you up. Many many times. So after god knows how long, you take a look on your phone and find about 10 missed calls from steph. „What the hell does she want?“ you ask kyra who is currently cuddled into your chest. „Dunno, just call her back“ she mumbles, clearly tired from your most recent activities. So you press the facetime button, steph already picking up after the first two rings. „Y/n! Finally“ she grins into the phone. „Hey steph, what do you want?“ you ask her while stroking kyras hair gently with your other hand. „I was just worried about the rain, did you guys got to enjoy the picknick anyway?“. You chuckle at your older sisters worries „Well we were drenched in rain but that didn’t stop us from having a nice time“. „Oh no, well if you still enjoyed it okay…thats the most important thing!“ she smiles. You nod eagerly, watching kyra who was just sitting up to lean into the frame. „Stephy don’t worry i warmed her up afterwards“ she grins cheekily while pulling the duvet over her bare shoulder. Steph groans and hangs up rightaway. You burst out in laughter, slapping kyras shoulder slightly. „You’re so smug i hate you“ you laugh but she just shakes her head, grinning. „No you loooove me“ kyra sings which makes you giggle even more. „I really do“ you sigh and cuddle into her side when your phone pings again.

Steph: I don’t know how you keep up with that pest.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope you liked it, feel free to send in more requests!!

[tapakah0]

@somerandomdudelmao

[xxplastic-cubexx]

Marvel's Squirrel Girl: The Unbeatable Radio Show! | All of Erik Lehnsherr's Call-In's

Episodes featured: The Fate of My Universe The Sinister Six Are No More Who Would Win In A Fight? Unbeatable

Full Podcast Playlist (Spotify)

Credits below:

Written by: Ryan North

Directed by: Giovanna Sardelli

Voice Cast: Milana Vayntrub - Squirrel Girl/Doreen Green Crystal Lucas Perry - Nancy Whitehead Leo Sheng - Koi Boi/Ken Shiga Davied Morales - Chipmunk Hunk/Tomas Lara-Perez Erica Schroeder - Tippy T. Squirrel Rob Nagle - Erik Lehnsherr

Key Art: "Squirrel Girl Infinity Comic (2022)" by Derek Charm - Doreen, Nancy, Ken, Tomas, Tippy "Magneto (2023)" by Todd Nauck - Erik

[bedforddanes75]

do you have any fanfiction recs??

I DO!!!!!! im honoured that someone's thought of Me to ask for recs omg... anyway theyll be under the cut because making long posts without a cut makes me feel mean

okay im assuming u mean gatty cos. its Me so sorry if u didnt 😞 smut is marked with * btw!!! (also before i start i'm sorry to everyone i tag i Hate tagging it's really scary.) SO. in no specific order. let's go

love me to death* by...somebody who i do not know the tumblr of (sorry) is amazing. i'd also recommend everything else by this person, too, because all of it is beautiful.

all the king's horses by the wonderful @allylikethecat is one of my all time faves, it just makes me want to scream and cry and yell and jump up and down. in a very, very good way!! (also, it has horses, so.)

the big light by @betweenthings2 is for real godsent, and i would die to be able to write like this!!!!! (but if u do then tw for speak of s/a!! keep urself safe!) it's beautiful and sad and sad and sad and wonderful. again, i'd recommend everything else by them, too!!! (also loads of crisps because it got updated like three seconds ago, and i Love It)

in the search for it, inside of you* by @arainesque is so beautifully sad, and the best thing ever. it's so soft and wonderful and lovely and aaaaaahhh!!! the way she wrote their dynamic makes my heart ACHE. obsessed always :(((((<3

how little i really know (about the things that matter)* OH MY GOD. farm boy george. literally almost entirely what inspired deus like it's AMAZING. beautiful and i love it so much

roadkill, again, by @betweenthings2 because she's genuinely amazing and deserves nine hundred thousand billion kudos on every single fic <3 (tw for restrictive (i think) EDs btw!!) i think if i read this while not in a good mood i would explode and die. it's amazing

into my spiral patterns you (my love) by @lookedlikethebins which is in progress rn is HWHSKJSJSJ. beautiful. obsessed with how they've written george in this one <3

okay im Very sorry to everyone who i tagged here i genuinely hate tagging people so much it makes me SICK but i kinda felt bad speaking about fics and Not tagging people. LORD. someone give me a tumblr etiquette class

[slusheeduck]

"I think I will go back to the Summerset plotline because I want to see Sotha Sil again" "...I am remembering why it has taken me this long to do the Summerset plotline."

[ashen-char]

we can be pirates

ship: river (all souls) x reader (gender neutral)

summary: river wants to give her daughter the best birthday party possible. noticing that it's personal for her, you help.

word count: 2400+

notes: requested here. split into two parts bc it surprised me how long it was getting. title from taylor swift's 'seven'. TELL ME THE SKULLS DONT GIVE PIRATE VIBES

River sits on the couch you two hauled off the road just last summer, flipping through the pages of a worn-out book on crafts. Beside her sits her mini-me, her daughter Jade who always loves being dressed up just like her mama. Big brown eyes go wide with excitement as the little girl points at one of the pictures.

"Mama, we can make this for my party," she exclaims, her small finger tracing the outline of a paper flower.

River hums, a tight smile on her face. "Yeah, baby. It doesn't look too hard. That'll be great."

Jade giggles and marks down the page number, already a small list of ideas on her pad of paper, her legs swinging.

Despite her smile, River can't help but think of how she wants more for her little girl. How she hates that Jade already knows they have to cut costs like this. Maybe if she pushed down her ego that told her she can do it all alone, without a cent of Silas' dirty money. River shakes her head, willing those thoughts out. She focuses on the pride blooming in her chest that Jade's still so happy and content with homemade efforts. She's raised a smart, kind, and wonderful girl. God, she can't even believe her baby's turning six in a week.

"You wanna help me?" she asks, poking Jade's cheek, who has now moved on to the section about invitation cards.

"Of course!"

This is when you walk in, joining them on the couch. You were busy preparing dinner so you didn't catch the full conversation, but the apartment's small enough where you could catch bits and pieces even without eavesdropping. Before you have a chance to tell them the food's ready, Jade shoves the book in your hands.

"You can pick one! I like this and this and-" Jade's pointing all over the place, choosing invitation cards she likes the look of seemingly by random if you didn't know her well. Luckily, you've had the chance to. Under River's upbringing and her own endless curiosity, Jade loves so many things it's hard to think of one straightforward theme. She loves her monster trucks as much as her stuffed puppy, as much as the manga the older kids in the apartment complex show her, as much as nature and princesses and scary stories.

"Woah, woah, slow your roll, kiddo." You wipe your hands on the apron before putting your hands on the book, knowing you'd get glares if you greased it up. "What's this about a party? I thought you didn't want to do a big one," you question.

"She doesn't. Says she'd be alright if it was just the three of us sharing pizzas and watching TV," River answers, to which Jade nods. "But Jade's in school now, you know? All the other moms already side-eye me for having her so young. I don't wanna give them more ammo, or make them tell their kids not to hang out with Jade anymore."

River has complained to you extensively before about the mom politics going on. Invite someone's kid to a party and they don't invite your kid back? Consider yourself dead to everyone. Couldn't bring muffins to their stupid bake sale? Worst mom ever award.

"I want Jade to have fun with her friends and not worry about being teased about not having a huge unicorn cake, or whatever. So..." River gestures to the book pressed into your hands, and you note all the marked pages of ideas.

You know the deeper reason too. How deep down, River wants better for Jade than what she had, never wants her to feel like she's going without. She wants Jade to feel like the other kids. To be able to stay a kid for longer, not cutting back on the toys she asks for just because you two are going from paycheck to paycheck. That's your responsibility as the adults. She shouldn't have to worry, shouldn't be punished for being born River's kid. It's something you've assured River about over and over again, that Jade's lucky to be hers and that the little girl knows it. But you can understand that wish too. Jade's such a sweetie. If any kid deserves to feel special on their birthday and get everything they ask for, it's her.

So it's no surprise that River isn't sold on the whole DIY party vibe. Resourceful is one thing, but she hates feeling cheap. Hates asking for or needing cash. She'll let go of her pride if the situation gets tough, but damn does she hate when people assume she can't take care of her girl.

"Hey, Jadey?" you ask, scooching down to address her directly. The two of you have agreed to not talk about money problems in front of her, so you know she should be far away for this discussion. "Can you go to the kitchen and turn the stove off? And when you're done, how about you write down all your friends' names that you want there, and draw them all a special invitation?"

Jade perks up at the request, liking to go on 'special missions' to help you or River. She likes the responsibility, likes that her favourite people can rely on her. It's part of what makes her such a good kid. "OK! Here!" As she hops off of the couch, she hands you the book. "They're gonna be the best pictures ever!"

"Don't come back too soon, OK? We're gonna come up with lots of ideas to surprise you!" you call out.

You turn to River, who shoves the book aside, frustrated. "Fuck. I don't wanna be a wimp about this, honestly. Or make it all about me."

"Hey." Your hand goes to her shoulder, rubbing right where she always seems to get tense. "It's fine. It's your first time living too. Or whatever the phrase is."

"It's just- I would've done anything as a kid to have had a birthday party," she shares, shaking her head like she thinks she's being ridiculous. But River does melt into your touch, letting you start to rub up, getting to the junction where her neck meets her shoulder. "This sucks to say, but I was always too ashamed to take any of my friends back home. I'm grateful for it now, but it was tiny and it smelled and I knew it. Didn't want them to give me shit for it."

Listening intently, your fingers trail over her shoulders as River sits up and tugs her knees to her chest. "And I didn't wanna hassle my mom. She was already doing so much to take care of me and put food on the table," River tells you. "My friends invited me to ones with the fancy custom cakes and the goody bags filled with toys and snacks, you know? The parties where the kids get to wear crowns and the parents take a million photos. My mom couldn't afford to take a day off of work, and I didn't have enough allowance to buy a gift anyways. So I never went to any."

And you can understand that. It's not like being a loner is always a choice. Sometimes you know that even if you try your best, you won't fit in, so why try? Pretend it's a choice. Pretend you're above it all, too cool for it, when all you really want to do is have fun with everyone.

"She's turning six. We could turn a sprinkler on and call it a water park and the kids would scream and laugh more than at some expensive party," you say. They're easy to impress at that age, at least in your own memory of being a kid.

River shakes her head. She wraps her arms around her knees tighter, resting her chin on them. "A water park? Really? She's six. She wants a real party with her friends, not just an excuse to run around like crazy. And it's not like we have a backyard for them to run in anyways." Something in her throat trembles, and it makes her voice rise with frustration. "I want to give her something special, y'know? I want her to feel like a princess for a day, not a charity case. Throwing around some paper decorations isn't gonna make the apartment bigger."

You know that tone, and you want Jade to have the very best too, so you fix on a more serious face, not wanting your girlfriend to feel like she's alone in this. "Fine. OK, so what's... special but free? Botanical gardens? Beach?" you start to pitch and brainstorm. "What's the best space to pizzazz with these paper flowers that Jade's gonna kick ass at making?"

When your hand reaches her ear, she just melts. It's a soothing gesture that helps when River gets these horrific stress migraines, pinching and rubbing along the lobe to coax blood flow. River thinks for a moment, considering those suggestions. "Yeah, the beach could work," River says slowly, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Jade loves the water, and I know her friends would have a blast playing in the waves."

"We'd keep an eye on them the whole time obviously," you add. "Section off an area just for the party, probably with whatever decorations Jade's picked.

More on board with the crafts now that they have a space in mind, she hands you the list of ideas Jade already jotted down. "Here. If you can read her handwriting."

Just like Jade's interests, her ideas are all over the place. Not that you don't appreciate her creative process, but cowboys, aliens, and dragons don't sound very beachy. There are pages that she scrawled down that go together though. The foam sword, the paper pirate hat, and a treasure map. You'll pour coffee on it, crumple it a little, and singe the edges with a lighter to make it look authentic. A pirate theme sounds like the ideal way to make everything cohesive, especially since it'll keep the kids entertained so no one goes home complaining to their parents.

"It could be like a scavenger hunt," River says. She's been steadily getting into the whole idea, pitching all sorts of ideas to make Jade's special day great. "Kills two birds with one stone. The map is something they actually use instead of a set piece and we'll know where they are when they run around. Make sure they stay where we can see 'em.

"Yeah, I like that! When I was a kid, I read these Skullduggery books and was like, damn, imagine digging something up. Me and my siblings buried this time capsule at the beach, but I'm pretty sure it just got swept away by the waves."

"You shoulda dug deeper," River teases, but pecks your lips when you pout at the memory. "OK, so that's settled for the main activity. What can we put in the chest that won't break the bank?"

Chocolate coins, obviously. The two of you take turns listing out treasures that you'd find for cheap, like candy necklaces and plastic swords that will be sturdier than the foam ones. Eyepatches are a must too. Plastic telescopes and octopus pop-its.

River writes down a note that Jade could make her friends a custom friendship bracelet to thank them for coming and commemorate the occasion. Plus, it would get that rainbow loom set you two bought her out of the storage. Jade went on a bracelet-making kick two months ago but got bored, so now you've got all these extra loom bands around.

The two of you get to throwing around food ideas (you, personally, wanna serve chicken nuggets but brand them as 'gold nuggets') when Jade comes out of her room.

"Ta-da!" the girl says, holding out her birthday invitations. All told, there are seven, with radically different drawings attached. There's a horse (which looks like a giraffe with the neck honestly), a robot, a ballet dancer... "I've got six best best friends, so they've all gotta come. Mackenzie's got a little brother that should probably come too since they're always together, so I made him a smaller one."

"It's very sweet of you to think of your friend's brother." River shoots you a look as she says this, since Jade has been very fixated on siblings ever since you moved in. You shrug. You're not opposed to the idea but babies are expensive so the conversation has never gone longer than "that'd be cool!"

"These are awesome, kiddo! Think you could add something to each of 'em? Me and your mama thought a theme would make your birthday even cooler," you say.

"A theme? Oh, what is it, what is it?" Jade's already got her crayons in hand, ready to add to her masterpieces depending on your next words.

"Mmm, let's just say that you could be a mermaid, or have a peg-leg, but you can't turn up as a land-lubber." You cringe as soon as you're done saying it (you had been writing clue ideas for the scavenger hunt for the last ten minutes, OK?), but it makes River laugh so it's worth it.

"Pirates?!" You think the windows might shatter, that's how loud Jade's shriek is.

"Hell yeah, baby girl!" River says. "You like it?"

"I love it! Thank you so so much!" Jade leaps between you two, her tiny arms trying their best to wrap around and hug you both at the same time.

Upon seeing River's excitement as she shows Jade the list of ideas you two came up with, you can't help but smile. Your two favourite girls in the world are so hyped now that they're not even thinking about the cost, which was what you've wanted from the start. Jade pores over the list, nodding and adding little notes to the margins. There needs to be vegetarian options for her friend, Priya, for example, and she doesn't want it soooo different from the other food that Priya feels like she's missing out.

The day ends with half-made paper flowers, hot glue on foam, and Jade's rainbow loom taking up space on the kitchen counter and dozens of tiny colourful rubber bands all over the floor. Not to mention the dinner you cooked, which has gone cold and forgotten still on the stove. But when you turn to see Jade passed out on the couch, River's eyes lock with yours. Tired and pissed off from watching too many DIY YouTube tutorials, your girlfriend mouths "thank you. Jade was so happy," and you wouldn't have it any other way.

[pardonmydelays]

i was in a really dark place before clancy came out in may... now i can genuinely say that i'm so fucking grateful for everything that happened ever since

[mymelodyisme]

Hello again hon it's me the christmas anon, I hope your doing well and your feeling okay, I saw your gum and tooth post and hope that's not anything serious you know? As for me I'm doing alright....theses last two days has been heavy on my mind but I think sooner or later I'll be okay.

*leans over and kisses your head*

Better be taking good care of yourself too lol

-❄️☕️

Hey hon!!!! 🥳 I’m doing as well as I usually do. I 🥺 have a blister or something on the gum that connects the teeth to the chin. You know that little spot directly at the front center of your mouth that feels like a thin web yeah it’s tucked there and eating is a nightmare 😭 if it doesn’t go away soon I mean I’m not gonna do anything special I have to just wait till my dental appointment. So boooooo but at least I’ll be okay eventually, as will you!!! Life is like a tooth infection, you ache, and you feel it everywhere, but then you consume a nice little pill and it’ll make you feel better. 🤔 hmm that’s a horrible analogy.

But no, actually I do hope you’re okay 🥺♥️🩷 life can suuuuuuck and days can be awful and heck even a week or more can be stressful a time but what’s cool about being alive is that??? It doesn’t have to be so bad! You can be nice to yourself! You can surround yourself with people who are nice to you!!! And you can just say fuck it!!!! And walks outside and make it different. Running away to disappear into the woods dropping all socials and becoming some towns local cryptid is a perfectly viable option. I think I’d like to live in the woods as a witch but I’m 😭 a BIG baby when it comes to bugs. I wouldn’t survive in the wilderness for even an hour. I’m a delicate plastic flower. But no really, I say for the third time, you’ll be okay eventually. When I think about life I think back to how when I was little girl playing games like Homer Simpson Hit and Run. I always wanted to walk around the map and enter every building. And I knew that wasn’t possible. There’s nothing in them because why would the developers make that when they don’t have to? Well we’re real!!!

We can enter any building, go to any location, dig into the very ground we stand on and I think that’s kind of cool. There’s so much to life that we don’t think about and maybe sometimes we should be a bit more curious about what’s inside 🥳 treat yourself like a video game building. What can you find inside of yourself that makes you excited to take a peek. Idk!!! I hope that made sense!!!! It’s so happy to see you ♥️🩷

[niuxita21]

(✿ ♥‿♥) Drunk!Mariana Edition

Bonus: The adorable way she looks at Ana while trying to comfort her as best she can in her sleepy drunk state