#*hints strongly at my favorite pairings*

[charliehoennam]

gentle giant

Summary: The Solomons enjoy quality family time with their young baby daughter as per request by @j23r23

Pairing: Alfie Solomons x F!reader

Warnings: fluff, language, mentions of pregnancy and natural childbirth, oc!daughter, hints at smut

SHARING IS CARING, SO REBLOG.

"She can't even play with that yet, Alf. She's too small" you told him when he brought home a large and lavish dollhouse, carried up to your daughter's nursery room by a couple of his men.

"Course she can't now. But, she will someday. Nothing but the best for my little Laura."

You chuckled and shook your head at his excitement, deciding to let him be happy because he genuinely was.

He has never been prouder of anything in his life.

It was needless to say that Alfie wasn't like most fathers of the time. Every day, you woke up feeling blessed and fortunate enough to be his wife.

Now, you are the mother of his child. Of his first born princess that he was already spoiling with all the finest little clothes and toys.

It's been a few months since you'd brought Laura into the world and Alfie's pride radiated as if he'd just learned he was going to be a father. Having expected the high of newfound fatherhood to fade away with late night nappy changes and early morning hungry cries, you were surprised to find that he was still so thrilled about being a father.

Not only was he proud of his little Laura, but he was still amazed beyond comprehension at your body.

During the pregnancy, he constantly marveled at the growing bump in your belly. Alfie was no fool; he understood perfectly well how a woman's body works, yet it was still the greatest miracle to him.

He never stopped calling you a Goddess for having the power to create life.

The birth of your daughter left him complete ecstasy.

Most men, especially in Jewish traditions, it was uncommon for the father to be present in the room for such a thing. But, then again, Alfie was no common man. He was always far from ordinary.

He insisted on being present to watch the miracle himself.

You'd talked about it before and assured him the midwives would take care of you. After all, he had hired the best staff to take care of you before, during and after the pregnancy.

He still continue to insist on being present - as long as you were comfortable with his presence - to watch his beloved daughter come into the world. He would've brought her out of you himself if only he knew how.

You wondered if it might have been instigated by the jealous thought of having a doctor between your legs.

You were more than grateful that he had insisted so strongly because you truly believe that, if it hadn't been for his motivating words and endearing support, you couldn't have done it by yourself.

Alfie had never cried so much in his entire life as he did when he first heard Laura's cries. You knew right away that Laura would have him wrapped around her wrinkly little finger.

And you were right.

It's late evening when Alfie comes home from an exhausting long day of work.

After hanging his hat and coat, he greets his favorite dog and heads off to search for you and his little Laura only to find you naked in the luxurious porcelain tub of your bathroom with your young 6-month-old daughter, sharing a warm bath.

"Well, ain't this a sight for sore eyes, eh?" he smirks from the doorway.

His heart warms as he sees your eyes light up.

"Baths always help her sleep better."

"Can't blame her," he nods unbuttoning his shirt. "Any room for me?"

"There's always room for you."

Of course there is. You hardly get much time to spend with your husband. The absence has him yearning for his family just the same.

He sinks into the opposite side of the tub with a tired groan, raising the water level to your swollen breasts.

"Give 'er here. Give 'er to poppa."

You carefully handed your daughter over to his hands.

Alfie holds her against his naked burly chest, kissing her head and cheeks as he informs her how much he's missed her in the softest tone.

"Daddy's missed you so much, princess. Yes, I have. Barely got see my little angel today. But that's alright, yeah? Poppa's here now, ain't he? You been good for your mother? Behaved yourself?" he questions as if she could respond, taking the small bowl to fill with water before gently pouring it over her back.

You watch leaning back against the porcelain, and admire the vulnerability of the big bad Alfie Solomons.

The word that spread around only spoke how cruel and cunning he was; of the horrors he was capable of and enjoyed inflicting upon those who betrayed him.

Yet, only you know how he could be the complete opposite. This version of him was for your eyes only and, for that, you felt blessed.

With his large hand cupped over Laura's little bare bum, he smiles as he relishes in the sounds of her giggles emitted every time he pours water over her back.

"Yeah, you like that, eh?" Alfie chuckles. "Want another go?"

She squeals happily as he repeats the action, excitedly pulling at his burly chest hair.

He yelps as he tries to unlatch her tiny fingers from his hairs.

"Got the grip of the Devil, don't she?"

"Tell that to my hair. Have to keep it up all the time so she doesn't turn me bald" you smile at him.

She giggles more enthusiastically as she pulls at them again.

"Ow! Laura, I am your father, young lady" he playfully chastises her.

"I think she takes after you."

"How so?"

"She enjoys hurting others."

"No, I enjoy hurting those who deserve it. I done nothing to deserve this" he chuckles at you.

"That's nothing compared to her biting my tits. If you think she's got hands of the Devil, try her teeth."

"They're starting to come in, innit?" he asks gently pulling her chin down to examine the two little white spots on her lower gums. "You never complained when I nibbled on them" he continues shooting a smirking glance at you.

"That was different" you chuckle back.

"I can be gentle" he replies with a wandering gaze at your chest.

"No. They're sore as fuck, Alf. They're off limits tonight."

"They're irresistible, they are. Fucking tripled in size, innit?" he chuckles. "Fucking 'ell, love. God is a cruel bloke, He is."

You laugh shaking your head. Alfie never fails to make you feel like a goddess, despite the worries you had about your changing body. It was exactly uncommon at the time for men to lose interest in their wives after pregnancy.

You'd seen many women go through it and you feared your fate would've been the same.

Thankfully, pregnancy had the opposite effect on Alfie. He was already eager to get started on the second child.

"All I'm saying is Laura will need a sibling when she's older."

Alfie's debating continued even after your shared bath. You're trying your cotton robe closed as he carries Laura into your bedroom where you had laid out her sleeping clothes beforehand.

"You say that all the time."

"Doesn't it make it less true. Besides, the fun part is trying."

Laying Laura down on the bed with a smirk, he stands upright and faces you.

The way he holds your waist has you melting under his touch. You take advantage of the moment to admire his details.

The wrinkles on his forehead, the disheveled light brown locks shining in the warm light of your room, the hairy tuffs that were peeking out from his robe.

You slide your palms up his strong arms until they rest on the back of his neck.

"Alright. I'll put her down for bed and we can have some fun time of our own" you smile sweetly at him.

His plush lips - hidden in his bushy brown beard - spread widely with mischief and excitement, infecting you with arousal as they made their way to press against your own.

You kiss him deliciously, letting his hand rest against your soft cheek. His tongue flicks against your bottom, already begging for entrance. You allow him it.

The kiss is more than enough to fuel the fire already sparked inside, in the depth of your cores. But you're both brought back to reality when Laura tiredly whines and rubs her sleepy eyes, kicking her chubby legs in the air out of frustration.

You part from Alfie's loving hold on you and bend down to scoop Laura up into your arms, assuring her everything is alright in gentle whispers.

Alfie watches how your loving nature is quick to soothe your fussy daugther in admiration. He loves watching you with her. His wife with his daughter in arms. His family.

All the words in every language would never be enough to describe the joy and pride you bring out in him.

Getting Laura to fall asleep is hardly a challenge. She was already tired from the long day and from staying up a bit past her bedtime.

Once you get her warmly dressed for the night, you sit in her nursery's rocking chair to give her one last feed.

She latches onto your nipple quickly, staring up at you with big doey eyes. The mixture of blue and gray remind you of Alfie. Her long lashes flutter as she slowly blinks, suckling for milk as she holds your index finger in her tiny hand.

You hum as you let her drink her fill, hoping to lull her sleep.

She can't resist the building sleep no matter how hard she tries. At this point, she's not even trying to drink anymore. Her eyelids grow heavier with every blink.

Gently tucking your breast back into your robe, you rest Laura's head against your shoulder as you gently pat her back to burp her.

She tries to fuss about having her favorite source of nutrition taken away, but her exhaustion dominates.

It doesn't her long to fall asleep.

Before setting Laura in her crib without stirring her too much, you kiss her head and thank the universe for blessing you such a precious little angel to care for and love.

Walking back to your room, you search Alfie but you find he's no longer there. So, you walk down the hall and the stairs in search of your husband, knowing exactly where to find him.

The office door is open as the light shines, providing the only light in the hallway. As you lean in the doorway, you smile and tap against the wooden door.

"She go down alright or put up a fuss?" Alfie smiles looking up at you from his paperwork.

"No fuss tonight. I think she was really tired." You walk into his office with a smile as you make your way towards him. "Now it's time for the grown-ups to have some fun."

Alfie smirks as his chair spins, watching you struct over to his side. His eyes scan over your frame, drinking in the sight of you as you untie your robe, letting the fabric part and shyly reveal your naked body.

"Unless you'd like to stay down here and work?"

He chuckles as he stands and kisses you tenderly, holding your face in his hands as if you're made of the most delicate and precious glass with his rough fingertips gently propping your chin up to make you face him.

"Love, the only work I've got to do is fucking you until you can't walk."

[winterarmyy]

Imagine a like avenger!Bucky x shape shifter! Reader.

It could be enemies to lovers smut too because why not?

The reader is the beast boy but a girl version...you can make them green

I don't see skin color 🙄(I'm joking,I'm black)

What if you make the reader green it could be like Bucky's in his room and he hears crying so he follows the sound to find y/n crying because she messed up on a mission and some agents said mean things idk and he is trying to comfort her and then they kiss and then more idk

Then, if she isn't green it could be .....sex pollen...she gets hit with sex pollen while on a mission and comes back...well you know worked up? She's in pain and even those Bucky "hates her" he also wants to help her so he..how do I say this.. he fucks her brains out.

I'm Not Like Her

Y/N had her heart broken when some agents made fun of how her body look and Bucky came in clutch with the rescue.

Note: I'm not even open for asks but your brilliant mind just spark something in me! Plus, i see you a lot in my comments so here you are... and the pic is hilarious btw 🤣

Pairing: avenger!bucky x shape shifter!reader

Words: 1.5k++

Warnings: mild enemies to lovers, hint fat shaming, angst, bucky likes to tease the reader but not too much, fluff, cause he secretly loves her, allusion to smut??? and sam just being himself.

Idea explanation: personally i don't think i'm qualified enough to write about being discriminate against for skin color. I need more research of it.

BUT, physically, i am on the curvy side. I don't have a flat stomach, my thighs are bigger than they supposed to. cause i'm fucking 4'11 (so i look fat for my height). And i know what it feels like when people comment abt that.

Soooooo instead of turning green, imagine that the reader doesn't have the fit and perfect model-like body like other agents. Her powers? She can shape shift into any living being (person/animals/aliens) for a short amount of time, like 3-7mins.

Bucky Barnes is a bully. He'd do anything to annoy the shit out of Y/N. Everything he does just ticked her off, you name it; hair pulling, cheeks pinching, mean little jokes about how Y/N would suffocate him to death if she ever sit on him.

Bucky Barnes acts exactly like a mean teenage boy who bullies the person he likes. But she doesn't know that, does she?

What she knew was he is a menace that loves to see her bright red, in embrassment and anger. What she knew was he likes to dig into her skin and ripped her heart out from how vexingly mean he is with her.

But, he was never cruel. No. He is the sweetest a man can be when he wants to. She still remembered those days he would drop off bunch of her favorite snacks and sweets during that week she was hospitalized from a rough mission.

Don't get her wrong though, he still teases her A LOT during those visits but it was sweet of him to come by and cheer her up.

But if he wasn't cruel. Then, why was she on the verge of tears?

Y/N stood alone in the kitchen, her hands strongly gripped onto the edges of the counter like she would shatter it with her bare hands. At time like this, she wished nothing more than just to shift into a bird and fly away.

Just so far away that no will able to catch her.

But those agents certainly did shot a bullet through the thickness of her gut when they said those words.

Y/N was just going to grab a cold drink after her sparring with Bucky, when she heard their vile whispers. She stopped at her tracks and hid behind the wall the moment she heard her name was mentioned.

"I don't understand why we keep her around. Did you see her panting for air from a quick sparring with Barnes? And doesn't she sound like a pig?" He sneered.

"We keep y/n around cause she has powers you, dumbass. Why are you being mean anyway, didn't you guys had a thing like 2 weeks ago?" The other voice said.

"It was a prank. Didn't think she'd believe it. Me dating her? Please. Not in any universe." He trailed, "Though if she shift into Natasha, then maybe I'll consider fucking her." Y/N could hear his smirk even from the block of the walls.

The other man laughed as if it was funny, "But it only lasts so long though? What if she turn back into herself when you have your cock inside her?"

The man gagged and said, "Ewww please stop. That's just fucking disgusting."

And when they left the kitchen, Y/N aimlessly went to the area. What was she gonna do just now? Oh, get some cold water. But why won't her hands move? They've been digging into the hard surface of the counter for how long now? If she goes any harder, her fingers would bleed. And why's her vision was blurry? Why there's wetness on her cheeks?

She didn't even notice that she was crying, beause she was so focused on fixing her own broken heart. And even if her pride was left to almost nothing, but she held on. She chose hold on to it for as long as could. Cause deep down she knew they were right.

No one's gonna love her for who she is, they will always be blinded by the flaw of her body and not see the pure of her heart. And if that is the ugly truth she had to face, then she chose to love herself. To be proud of herself.

But it is so hard does it? How can you love yourself when no one else is willing to love you?

"Doll?" Bucky's voice was soft when he called her that she didn't even heard him the first time around.

When Bucky heard sounds of someone sniffling, he knew that someone was crying. So he followed the hiccups of voice to the kitchen. But he didn't expect the culprit would be Y/N.

He almost rushed to her when she continued to sob, "Hey hey hey, what's wrong sweets? Did you hurt yourself?" He briefly cupped the softness of her cheeks before slightly holding up her hands to see if there's any cut from it.

When he noticed that there weren't any physical injuries, the tense of his muscles relaxed just a little bit. His big hands went to reach her face again, and gently wiped her tears away. He was so tender with his hold but his tone was far from it, "Who did this to you?"

And she told him exactly what happened. Even with hiccups in between her ranting breath. He listened. He listened to every single word she had to say, not cutting into her confession, not even once. And Y/N didn't know why she told him that. He supposed to be the last person she complained to about her look, about her weakness, about her flaws.

Bucky Barnes, the same one that loves to tease her about it all. He wasn't supposed to hear the dooms of her heart. But, he was. He was listening to her.

And he was seeing red.

Bucky had never felt rage this powerful in his life, he swore that if he let it consume him, the tower would be painted with blood. But, he held back. For her.

Because she needed someone to be there for her. And Bucky felt he was the luckiest to be that person.

"I'm not like her." She whispered tiredly. "I'm not like her, Bucky. I'm not attractive like Natasha or pretty like Zendaya or even Steve at that matter, like he has such tiny waist for his built, and he's a fucking man!!" She ranted every minor things that bothered her to him.

Bucky thought of his words for a while and simply said, "Yes, you're not like Natasha, or Zendaya, or Steve..." he chuckled at the end, "...But that's the best bits about you, doll." There was this flare in his eyes that Y/N couldn't wrap her finger around it.

"Are you making fun of me, right now?" She glared in between the tears in her eyes.

"No, I'm only telling you the truth." Bucky tucked her hair as he continued, "So what if you're not like her? There will always be someone that will see you more that just a piece of meat to fuck."

"Well, then I won't have that someone then."

"Oh, but I know one person though." Bucky grinned, "Me."

Y/N was rendered speechless when he confessed his true feelings.

"Doll, have you ever wonder why I love pinching your cheeks so much?" His fingers started to trail across her cheeks and his stare lingered in her eyes as his naughty hands find their way to her hips.

"It's because I was desperately trying to avoid grabbing these soft, thick thighs of yours." his eyes darkened the moment that he said, "And oh baby the things I'd do for you just to slide my cock between them."

It was like she was hypnotized by the way his hardened bulge grinding against her tummy. It felt good and his lust-filled gaze was doing nothing but making her wet, "Bucky..." she whispered.

Bucky lips was so gentle on her eyelids and her temple, until his teeth grazed along her neck and his groaning call reached her ears, "And do you know why I was pissed when we were sparring just now?" Asked before quickly clarifying, "It's not because I lost to you."

He grinded a particularly hard thrust against her that he accidentally moan in pleasure, "Oh babydoll, no. It's because I have this absolutely gorgeous girl on top of me, and her slutty body was just so close to me that I got so fucking hard. "

Bucky lifted her face towards his to watch how she was melted in his touch, "I was so pissed, because I can't fuck you the way I want to." His lips was so close, hovering over her own as he confessed.

But suddenly they felt a splash of water hitting side of their face, "Woah woah woah. Down, boy. Bad bucky. Bad!" Sam yelled. Imagine his surprise when he got into the kitchen to see Bucky literally humping on Y/N like a dog in heat.

They didn't even notice him approaching them with a glass of water in his hand.

Though Y/N was absolutely red in embrassement, but surely Bucky doesn't give a fuck. He didn't even acknowledge Sam's pleas to stop, especially when he crashed his lips on hers.

Y/N moaned lewdly as he effortlessly lifted her on the kitchen isle, feeling his clothed cock rubbing against her needy cunt. At that point, who cares if anyone's watching. She wanted him so bad. As bad as he wanted ruin her.

Sam scrambled backwards when Bucky started to unzip his pants, "Shit he's going feral." He dramatically ran across the halls leading to the kitchen as he announced, "Okay people, out. Get out. No one is allowed to the kitchen unless you want to be in debt cause I am not paying for your therapy."

Safe to say the kitchen was a fucking mess when Bucky was done with her and the cleaning crew was traumatized by the amount of wetness and cum they had to clean around the area.

End.

A/N: This was so random but I hope you enjoyed it! Drop some thoughts behind for me to pick up and squeal at, would you?

[ornii]

helloo

Could i request Cate Dunlap from the Gen V show x Male reader pls??

Finally finished Gen V so I can finally do this request and idk why but I think Cate could play a young Jean Grey really well if they decided to reboot the X-Men which in turn gave me an idea for this. (Also Jordan is my favorite character, please protect them.)

Stargazing

Cate Dunlap X Male Reader

It was the criminal investigation Class that set you on the path of Heroism, real heroism.

You were forced to wear a pair of high Destiny deep red glasses that thankfully halted your superpower; concussive beams can emit strongly though your eyes, thankfully you can somewhat control the intensity. From the strength of a slap in the face to a Freight train hitting your opponent at Lightspeed, you had more control than most, making you a potential shoe for the Seven, and into the Top 10.

Vought had their eyes on you and Luke, both of you were constant neck and neck in the eyes of The Uni and Vought. But it wasn’t much of a competition for you two, moreso of a friendly rivalry.. but you two did butt heads when it came to one person, Cate.

Cate had this personality that was abrasive at times but, so genuine and caring too. Made a tough combo for any guy luck or unlucky depending on how she was feeling. And man, she was gorgeous to boot, getting with the top kids you had to be around Luke, Andre, Cate and Jordan, the Big 5 as some would say.. but it’s just Big You.

It was dark, around 1 Am and on the rooftop of Godolkin. Cate, Andre and Luke were enjoying the company and cheap drugs. You, not so much. Keeping a clear head makes it easy for you to keep from taking your glasses off on accident. You sat in the edge of the building, Cate and Lucas on a large rectangular Box and Andre on an AC unit, Cate tilts her head at you.

“(Y/n), are you eyes red under those rose glasses?” She asked smugly, you looked over to her. “Fuck if I know.. dad has the same thing. Never got to see his.” You said, probably making it a bit awkward, and Andre turned to you, a hint of pain in his eyes.

“To Dads, right?” He said, offering a bag of mushrooms, you awkwardly laughed. “Nah I’m.. cool.” You replied. “Don’t think you can handle it?” Luke asked with a slight hint of teasing.

“Cmon, I mean I can make you… but we’re all about consent.” Cate walked over and sat next to you, the hint of vanilla on her perfume, Luke’s smirk slowly faded as cate leaned into your face. Her eyes getting scarily close to your glasses. “Man they’re like, Mars.” She whispered, “So you can only shoot lasers at people? I bet you can do so much more..” Cate leaned back to a normal sitting posture.

“Never considered doing more, just enough..” you replied, Andre nodded. “I get that, I can move metal around but.. can’t really think of much else.” Andre said, Luke nods.

“I can see myself on fire and fly, that’s about it.. I mean there’s a lot of fire and flying supes.” Luke explained, “But yours is.. super unique, we got heat and laser vision but. Concussive like super pressure.” He smiled, “You can go a long way.”

You smiled at that, you and Luke did have a lot of love and respect, even if you two were pitted against each other. You turned to Cate to thank her but saw she looked, drowsy.

“Cate? You okay?” She opened her mouth to speak but even you could see her Sclera was, red.. and her body flipped back, limp. You, Luke and Andre watched her body fly over the ledge, before any of you could mutter a word you leaped back as well.

“What—“

“Fuck!—“ you head Andre and Luke behind you as you plummet after her. They rushed over the ledge as you were able to grab Cate in your arm, you looked at the ground and thought, “Pressure.” You tore of your glasses and screamed, your red eyes flared a deep purple beam of energy, the concussive wave hits the ground with the force of a Racecar crashing into a wall at 100 miles, the sudden shift in force made your neck tense up, but you kept going, the beam slowed your decent with Cate until you could safely land, you hit the ground with both feet firm on the ground. You quickly closed your eyes as you held her.

“Cate? Cate?” You asked her, afraid of what’s going on, you heard the groggy grumbling and sighed with relief, she’s alive, Cate opened her eyes to yours closed. In a crater in the ground ironically. She looked around and back up to the roof, she pieced together what happened, an awkward smiled went along her face as she caressed your cheek.

“Knew you could do more..” she whispered, and you let her back on her feet. She looked up to Luke and Andre and gave a thumbs up, she’s fine. The sat back with relief and anxiety. You and Cate stood in the crater and looked up. “You had me worried there..” you admitted, Cate nodded. “Not my.. best moment… sorry about that. Stars are out tonight at least.” Cate looks around and finds your glasses thankfully you stopped your eye beams before you dropped them. You looked up to face the sky.

“It would be nice to see them, but they’d be rose tinted.” You said, and Cate stared at you and handed you back your glasses.

“Yeah.. but I’m looking at a real bright one right now..”

[st4r-bby]

soft!ethan and reader get into an argument, reader is upset and is ignoring Ethan. While Ethan is like a littte upset puppy trying to think of stuff to make it up to her - ⭐️ plssssss

Apologies .

movie : scream 6 character : ethan landry (my mann 😘) pairing : soft!ethan x dramatic!reader summary : you and ethan have an arguement and when you give him the cold shoulder, he immediately softens up. contains : fluff, small angst, jealousy, arguments, yelling, reader ignoring ethan, desperate ethan, cuddling, gifts, kisses, hugs, etc! a/n : HEYY ⭐ (im whipped over this idea)

♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.

"Come on, she's just a friend, y/n!" Ethan pleaded, his voice loud enough to overlap yours. You rolled your eyes and scoffed, your eyebrows angrily furrowed. "Then why was she staring at you like that?" You shouted back, your arms crossing in front of your chest. Ethan felt his sanity drift away to a dot, him trying to keep his composure right for his girlfriend. "She wasn't staring like anything!" He retorted, his own lips forming a frown. You'd be swooning if you weren't so angry. Ethan's girl best friend led to this argument. It was the way she stared longingly at Ethan, her lips forming a pretty smile that showed her dimples. The way she touched his arm as she laughed at his jokes. It drove you to insanity and you dragged Ethan away. "Friends don't look at friends that way, Eth!" You said, annoyance washing over you intensely and it was the same for Ethan. "God, you're being so dramatic!" He shouted finally, his composure snapping in an instant. When you stayed silent, that's when he realized he messed up and all of his annoyance drifted away. "I didn't-" Ethan started, you cut him off by rolling your eyes and walking past him to your shared bedroom. When you went inside, you slammed the door shut. "Baby, come on. I didn't mean it." He called out, walking towards the door and knocking softly. He hated when his girl was mad at him, or mad in general. He was angry at himself for letting himself get out of hand. There was no response at the door and he groaned in despair, his eyes searching around the hallway for a hint or an idea. A lightbulb went off in his head and he rushed to the kitchen. He opened the wood cabinents and desperately searched for all of your favorite snacks. He grabbed candies, chips, etc. He ran back to the door and opened it, finding yourself huddled together in your blanket. "Darling." He called out, climbing onto the bed and shaking you lightly. "Come on, I have something for you." You turned towards him, a annoyed gaze lingering in your eyes. He smiled brightly and shoved all of the food towards you, waiting for a positive reaction. You slipped the food under the blanket and your expression softened but not all the way. You were still glaring at him. "Come on, sweetheart." He pouted sweetly, slipping under the blanket himself and grabbing your waist to pull you closer. He buried his face in the crook of your neck, his arms wrapped around you strongly but not tightly. You finally cracked and wrapped your arms around the boy. "I hate you." You said softly, your eyes closing as you breathed in his scent. "No, you don't." He replied, his voice muffed against your neck as he did the same thing. ♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.｡♥*♡∞:｡.

I LOVE FLUFF Y'ALL. (it makes me feel lonely..)

[iwaoiness]

— omegaverse

The K-drama continues playing on the television until Iwaizumi picks up the remote from the table to turn it off. Now, only the soft hum of the ceiling fan can be heard as Hajime gazes at Tooru, fast asleep on the couch. His lips curve into a tender smile before he sets the remote back in place and crouches down beside the sofa. Lovingly, he watches his husband's peaceful face.

Tooru is lying on his back, head tilted slightly on the pillow. His bangs are pulled back by a headband, and his glasses sit slightly askew. Iwaizumi carefully removes them, folding the arms of the glasses before placing them on the table. His cheeks are gently flushed, and when Hajime softly brushes them with his knuckles, he feels the warmth. His lips are parted, his breathing calm, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. The room still carries the familiar blend of their scents: Tooru’s vanilla and peach intertwined with Hajime’s traces of sandalwood and pine.

But he knows that soon there will be a hint of baby powder in that mix.

Hajime’s gaze drops to Tooru’s stomach, peeking shamelessly from beneath his faded NASA shirt. One of Tooru’s hands rests there, over the five-month bump cradling new life—their little puppy.

With care, Hajime places his own hand over the rounded belly, his fingers brushing against Tooru’s. Gently, he rubs his thumb across the skin, feeling warmth coil tightly in his chest at the simple truth that they really, really, are going to be parents.

“Our little princess,” Hajime’s sweet smile widens as he leans down to press a soft kiss near Tooru’s navel. “Grow strong and healthy, okay? Thanks for letting papá sleep so much—maybe this will finally help him get a decent sleep schedule.” He whispers against the skin. “But don’t give him too much trouble, alright? It’s enough that he can’t wear his favorite shoes anymore because his feet swell too much.”

Then, just beneath his palm, Hajime feels a kick, as if their daughter is responding to him. He blinks in surprise before letting out a soft chuckle, planting another kiss right where the kick had been.

But, a moment later, Tooru’s hand twitches, and a soft whimper pulls Hajime’s eyes upward just in time to see his husband stir lazily, slowly blinking open his eyes with a delicate frown. Fucking endearing. Tooru’s sleepy gaze meets his, and his expression softens.

“Why is it that she always has to kick so hard when you talk to her?” He murmurs, his voice husky as he rubs his free hand over his eyes to wake up.

Hajime’s smile grows wider as he gently rests his cheek against Tooru’s pregnant belly.

“Because I’m her favorite dad.”

“You wish, Iwa-chan,” Tooru lets out a laugh, clear and beautiful, and Iwaizumi thinks (not for the first time) that if there is a limit to how much love one can hold for a person, he has long surpassed it with Tooru.

...

im not a big fan of the tradicional omegaverse cuz i strongly prefer alphaxalpha pairs but im so weak for o!oikawa and a!iwaizumi being girl dads tbh

u can find me on my ao3 🍉

[mytardisisparked]

Car Games

A look at the ways Mulder and Scully pass the time on road trips.

Read on AO3

-

“Do you like car games?”

She looked up from the file in her lap, brows raised. “I’m sorry?”

He glanced over at her. “I, uh, wondered if you like car games. Y’know. Like, I Spy, or the License Plate Game.”

Scully took a deep breath, feeling a bit surprised. Her new partner was kind of interesting, the way he was so restless; it seemed to her that he was constantly moving, as though he thought the world would stop if he did. 

And yet, here he was, asking her if she enjoyed car games. 

“Um, I suppose. I played some with my brothers and sister when I was younger.”

He nodded. “Which one was your favorite?”

She took a deep breath. “Probably the License Plate Game.”

For a moment, he was quiet. “I don’t believe you.”

She whipped her head around to look at him. “Excuse me?”

He looked back at her, eyes dancing. “Oh come on, Scully. You grew up with three siblings. I refuse to believe the License Plate Game is your favorite.”

“Why would having siblings change that?”

He shrugged. “Siblings come up with messed-up games to play together. Or, really creative, unique ones. I bet you four had a really good one.”

She tilted her head at him, setting her jaw for a moment.

He was right, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. “Fine. We didn’t have a name for it, but we played this game where we would count how many animals were on our side of the car – usually Missy and I were on a team and Bill and Charlie paired up – and then if we passed a cemetery you would have to “kill” all your animals, “bury” them, and start over from zero.”

He smiled, not in arrogant triumph, but in a way that almost seemed impressed. “That’s a good one. Wanna play it?”

She wet her lips. “We don’t have to–”

“There’s a farm outside your window. Better hurry.”

With a small smile, she turned and started counting cows.

—

“‘W!’ I SEE A ‘W!’”

Mulder couldn’t help but laugh as Scully crowed out her victory. She was a whole 7 letters ahead of him in the Alphabet Game and, to be honest, he wasn’t mad about it.

She was competitive. She played it off well, but 7 hours into a road trip her calm, reasonable front started to slip and a Scully that seemed to strongly dislike losing came out to play. 

He glanced over at her, cheeks flushed with excitement and her eyes bright with good humor. She was getting more comfortable around him, just as he was with her.

“Okay, okay, we get it.” He shook his head in mock shame. “No one likes a bragger.”

She flashed him a smile. “I’m not bragging. I’m stating a fact.”

“Sure.” He focused outside, looking for road signs. “Have you ever lost the Alphabet Game?”

She was quiet for a minute. “No.”

He glanced at her. She was looking studiously out the window. 

“You hesitated.”

“Did not.”

“Did too.”

She took a deep, irritated breath. “Fine. Charlie beat me once on a technicality.”

Mulder nodded diplomatically. “On a technicality?”

“He and I saw a letter and called it at the same time. Bill and Missy were tired of me winning the game, so they voted Charlie the winner.”

Mulder barked out a laugh. “That sounds like less of a technicality and more like the democratic overthrow of a dictator!”

She spun to look at him, mouth open. “Excuse me?!”

He put up a hand. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, harsh metaphor.”

Scully licked her lips, and he saw their corners curl. “It’s… not that inaccurate. I could be a bit…”

“Competitive?”

“A bit.”

“Like right now?”

She smiled at him. “Oh no, nothing like right now.” She chuckled with a hint of pride. “I could be so much worse.”

Before Mulder could reply, she pointed past him out the window. “There’s an ‘X.’”

—

“I spy something…. brown.”

Scully sighed deeply.

“C’mon, Scully. Something brown. You’re gonna miss it.”

She threw him a look. “This is Texas, Mulder. Everything is brown.”

He opened his mouth for a second – as if to retort – and then seemed to think better of it.

Good.

The car was silent for a few moments, the air conditioner running at top speed to combat the heat outside. Their radio had gone out 30 minutes ago, leaving the AC and the sound of the tires on the road as their only music. The steady hum might have provided Scully with a fairly restful sleep, were it not for her eternally restless companion. Every few moments he seemed to pop up with something new to say, to comment on, to point out; she envied, in a way, his immunity to the lethargy of the heat and the hum and the rolling desert.

“It was a tumbleweed.”

She looked at him, brow furrowed. “Huh?”

He glanced at her quickly, as though trying to see how close to a line he was stepping. “The brown object. It was a tumbleweed.”

She sighed and turned back to the window. “Which one?”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him smile and, despite herself, she bit back a smile of her own.

“It’s your turn, Scully.”

She wet her lips, feeling a crack in the bottom one; they had spent 2 full days in the dry heat and she had run out of chapstick before they had even left the airport to get their rental car. “Okay. I spy something brown.”

Even without looking at him directly, she could tell his face had just lit up.

“Is it that tumbleweed?” He pointed at a random one beside the road.

“No, it’s the one two to the left.”

“Rats. That was going to be my next guess.”

She finally allowed herself a small grin. “I’m sure it was.”

—

“It’s going to be really hard to find a ‘Hawaii’ license plate here in Ohio, I think.”

Mulder smiled. “You might be surprised, Scully. Ohio is a vacation destination.”

“Oh really?” She raised her brows. “Pray tell, what ‘destinations’ does the Buckeye State have to offer?”

He pointed out the window as she turned the car past a sign for Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. “Well, look right there; there’s a national park here.”

“Hm, alright. What else?”

“Lake Erie.”

“Does it have beaches?”

“Probably.”

“Hmm.”

“The water’s probably too cold to swim in, though.”

“Says the boy from New England.”

He chuckled. “Are you egging me on, Scully?”

She tilted her head. “Maybe.”

He tilted his head, too. “You want to swim in a frigid lake?” When she shrugged, he grinned and went on. “Oh, I see, this is an excuse to see me in a bathing suit, huh?”

She threw a glare at him as she turned another corner. “You wish.” He couldn’t help but notice the red coloring that was slowly sneaking into her cheeks.

He smiled and left it at that.

He looked around out the windows again. “Maybe a nice family from Hawaii has their car parked at that Cheesecake Factory.” He nodded at a sign for one just off the road.

“We could go look after our meeting with the local PD.”

He smiled at her. “Sounds good to me. Even if we don’t find our last license plate we can at least get some cheesecake out of the deal.”

She glanced over at him, eyes bright. “You read my mind.”

—

“Mulder if you don’t stop fiddling with the dial, I’m going to drive us off the next bridge I find.”

Mulder looked up from the radio, motioning theatrically at the windows and the empty, rolling sand beyond. “Well, considering the fact that we’re in BFE New Mexico, I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bridge.”

He went back to trying to find a radio station as she groaned out loud.

“There’s no radio signal out here. Give it a rest. Please .”

He leaned back with a sigh. “Next time we come to the American Southwest I’m making a mixtape. We can play ‘Name That Tune.’”

Despite her earlier irritation, she felt a spark of curiosity. “What would you put on a road trip mixtape for us, Mulder?” She tried to put a bit of sarcasm in her voice to cover up her genuine interest.

“Well, ‘Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog’, for one.”

She shook her head. “The song is actually called ‘Joy to the World’ by Three Dog Night, and I’m not giving an encore performance.”

“Well, I suppose I can’t put it on anyway, now that I know I had the title wrong. You would automatically win.” Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the massive grin on his face.

“Fair enough. What else?”

“Hmm, maybe some Van Halen. A little Fleetwood Mac.” He sat back in the seat so he was turned towards her. “What would you put on a mixtape?”

She thought for a moment, and then the corners of her mouth turned up a smidge. “The Shaft theme song.”

Satisfaction settled soundly in her chest as she watched his jaw drop. “Scully! I know I didn’t sing that on that case–”

“Yes you did!”

“I did not!”

“Prove it!”

He gaped at her for a moment, mouth opening and closing like a fish. “You know, someday I will. I’ll get some kind of…. memory reader to go back in your memories and see that you made that up.”

She grinned triumphantly. “I can’t wait to see your face when this ‘memory reader’ tells you it really happened.”

Before Mulder could respond, the radio crackled back to life, and a slow song began coming through their speakers.

Scully pointed at the radio. “‘That’s the Way Love Goes,’ by Janet Jackson.”

Mulder let out a low whistle and pulled a small notebook out of his pocket. He wrote an M and an S at the top of the page, and made a mark under the S.

 “Point for Dana Scully.”

—

"Come on, Scully; Mothman, Bigfoot, or the Flatwoods Monster?" He tried to hide his smile as Scully’s brow furrowed rather cutely, a playful look of disgust on her face.

"I don't wanna kiss any of them, Mulder! Moths are dusty, Bigfoot is probably biologically close enough to humans to carry human diseases, and the Flatwoods Monster is probably dirty from being in the woods all day!"

He bit back a laugh. "I was in the woods all day today, you know."

"Yes. And I'm not kissing you until you shower." She set her mouth in a line, but he could still see the faint curl at the edge of her lips and the sparkle in her eye.

"Promise?"

She wet her lips and raised an eyebrow, giving him a long look. After a moment, she tilted her head. “I’d marry Bigfoot, kiss Mothman, and kill the Flatwoods Monster.”

Mulder clicked his tongue. “Interesting choices!”

“Well fine! What would you do?” She stopped trying to hide her smile. She’d been doing that more lately – smiling freely, flirting, laughing. Mulder liked it a lot.

“I’d marry Bigfoot, kiss the Flatwoods Monster, and kill Mothman.”

Scully let out an exaggerated sigh. “Well, we can’t both marry Bigfoot.”

“Ah,” he smiled, “but Bigfoot could marry us. As the officiant.”

She looked at him again, this time her face was less readable. He could feel her studying him. He tried to keep his face neutral.

“Mulder, when I marry you there will be zero cryptids involved.”

He was surprised he didn’t pull a muscle, whipping his head around to look at her and see if she was serious.

When his eyes had stopped bugging out of his head enough to focus on her face, he saw that she was smiling mysteriously down at the sudoku puzzle book in her lap.

[tmwcs]

Silver and Gold *ONE SHOT* (18+MDNI) AU

Not requested just something i drafted real quick five minutes ago as i was taking a break from both HHP and MT. Hope you all enjoy it. *NOT PROOFREAD* so apologize in advance for mistakes or errors. again, the thought just came into mind as i was taking a break.

Pairings: Heeseung and Reader

Warnings: Strangers to lovers (or sexual partners), slight hint of non-con at first, but turns into consensual, unprotected (i dont encourage this, please practice safe sex) i just like to write it because writing about my characters wearing condoms is kind of a mood killer. This is for us to escape reality after all. I think that's it.

You were seated at your favorite spot by the window, reading your favorite book and sipping on your favorite coffee drink. The day was somewhat gloomy, despite as much as it looked to be of rainy weather, it hardly sprinkled. It was lukewarm in temperature, with the humidity being toned down by the oncoming winter months, a perfect time to wear a thin black long sleeve with a scoop neckline, paired with a leather asymmetrical black faux leather skirt, all coming together with short, heeled ankle boots. Dressed to impress with a flare of pretty and sexy mixed in one.

You left your hair down, since you had just recently added golden ombre highlights to the front portion that framed your face, as well as the ends of your lengthy hair. A decent contrast from your natural color that graced the rest of your strands. The golden hue of the recent dye job glistened and shimmered amidst the soft and warm light inside the café.

Walking in, he catches a glimpse of you from across the open area. You stuck out like a sore thumb, in a place filled with such fashionable and glamourous beauty such as Korea, you remained the zenith of every man’s dream as your appearance and features were abnormally attractive. Much different from the widespread of individuals that enhanced, altercate, or decorated themselves to meet the beauty standards.

You did more than meet them. You were all of it and so much more, with a flare of your own original features from your heritage, it was easy for him to spot you dead on.

He had on a pair of black skinny jeans, with a black fitted t-shirt and a white blazer. His hair was platinum silver.

Ordering his drink, he didn’t have any intentions originally to sit down, but the moment he saw you he couldn’t take his eyes off. He wanted to see more.

Once the barista brought his order, he remained seated at a table, quite a few feet away from you, yet it was close enough for him to take notice on the shade of lipstick you had on, which complimented your skin tone immensely. The fashionable outfit you had on that showed off every curve of your body yet was subtle to not come off too strongly in a lascivious nature. And finally, your beautiful long hair that was framed with the golden ombre highlights that framed your face and dazzled the ends of your hair. You were a mirage of ultimate rare beauty. He couldn’t help it, once he had his sights set, you needed to continue to admire your features.

You remained unaware as you were so in depth with your book. When finally, your alarm went off.

‘Time to go.’

Grabbing your book, and your clutch wallet, you head out. It was still rather warm outside, you noted as you walk out, making your way back to your office.

“Oh Miss Y/N, do you need anything else from us before we head out?” one of your coworkers asked. You declined politely.

“No thank you, I’m fine. Enjoy your evening.”

“Okay, don’t stay too late. We already shut all the blinds and turned off the front lights.”

“Okay thank you.”

You decided to catch up on some of your workload, opting to stay behind even after closing hours. The front doors remained unlocked, as you were the only one that had the key since you were staying behind.

Settling in for twenty minutes, you hear the bell of the doors as someone enters. You were about to address the individual to notify them that the office was closed, yet you stopped at the sight of the dashing young man who entered. Your breath hitches.

“I know you’re closed…” he began, his voice deep and calm. He spoke with a sense of authority and a commanding presence.

“Ye-yes we are. Is there something I could help you with?” you remarked back softly as you stood up from your desk and slightly cross your arms as you made your way to the front desk.

“You? Yeah…yeah you can.” He responds back.

Puzzled, you furrowed your eyebrows slightly as you looked at him with a look for an explanation. When suddenly he reaches behind his tall frame and locks the door before taking his steps towards you.

You started to retract your steps as you felt your chest deeply heaving from the slight anxiety and thrill you were beginning to feel. He wasn’t posing a threat…at least not one that had to deal with serious bodily harm. You could tell by the heavy lids he displayed as he looked you up and down, while biting on to his bottom lip that he was wanting you.

“D-do I know you?” you asked, taking notice that it seemed the young man had seen or met you before.

“Nah…but I would like for you to….” He responds back.

As he draws near to you, he wraps his arms around your waist and pushes you back up against the wall, enveloping you in a deep kiss.

Stunned, you tried to push him away. It didn’t matter that he was handsome, you had only just met this man for the first time. He was a stranger; someone you’ve never seen in your life up until this very moment.

“What are you doing? Stop…” you whimpered out as he ravishes his kisses along your neckline.

“No…I can’t. Come with me.” He begins to drag you over to a loveseat in the lounge area, where he sits as he pulls you atop his lap. Applying his strength to put you in a double wristlock from behind, you had no way to push him away. Your skit rises as he forces your legs to remain spread and lay on his sides, straddling him as he pulls you in and down deep. While shifting each hand to break free from his white blazer, he ensured that he had a grip on your wrists as they remained pinned on your back.

“Pl-please!” you whimpered out as you started to feel him lick the base of your neck and shoving his face into your subtle display of cleavage.

“I know baby, I know.” He remarks. You weren’t sure if he was just antagonizing you or if he clearly misunderstood your objection.

“N-no! That’s not-“ you were cut off as he harshly starts to suck on your neck.

“No! Pl-please! No marks!” you whimpered out as you feel his teeth slightly sink in and his tongue licking in circular motion.

His groin starts to thrust upwards; you feel the cloth of his jeans rubbing against the thin material of your panties.

“Let me fuck you…let me make us feel good.” He softly says back as he begins to undress you. Beginning with your blouse, he nearly tears it as he grabs hold of the material and snaps open every button on the front, allowing the material to remain on your arms and collecting around your elbows as it drapes behind you. Your bra, which was made of mesh, was transparent and completely see through. Placing his mouth over the mesh material, he flickers his tongue back and forth over your areola as you feel the netting become soaked and sticking to your nipple.

“N-no..mmmm…” you began to moan out…he was making you feel good.

His hands move down to your skirt, undoing the zipper that lined from top to bottom, he had you completely undone as he exposed your entire lower region. Scooting your panties off to the side, he rubs with his soft fingers, up and down your core in between your folds.

Moaning softly, your body began to roll and move in sensual motions at the sensation of his act.

“There….see?...thats my girl.” He softly whispers as he tenderly kisses your ear, your neck, and your jawline.

“Tell me you want more….tell me baby….i need to hear you say it.” He issues out in between his kisses.

“Mmmmm…no…” you moan out, trying to remain steadfast yet you were faltering real quick.

“Say it.” His deep and commanding voice calmly snaps back.

“I…want more…please…touch me.”

Reaching in and feeding his shaft out through his trousers, he begins to enter, your body had already started to produce the slick lubricant he needed to easily fuck you into oblivion.

“Yeeeeeah…that’s it…..move with me.” He whispers softly into your neck right below your neck.

You start to moan out loud, gasping and panting. You didn’t even know his name, yet he was administering pleasure you’ve never felt before. The material of your panties pushed off to the side start to become soaked with the exchange of fluids as he begins to increase the pace and fuck you harder.

“Yeah beautiful…just like that. Keep riding it, you’re doing soooooooo good.” His voice become low and creaky as he initiated the momentum, allowing your hands to roam freely as he wraps his arms around your waist.

You could see that with his fitted black tee, he was of lean stature with hard muscle. His pectorals were broad, as were his shoulders. His hands were strong, as they grabbed hold, you felt him lift and pull you at rapid pace as he caused your body to bounce up and down his length.

“Uh..right there my golden princess…is that the spot? Hmm? Right there?” he sweetly antagonizes as your moans become louder, and your pants were relentless, you nearly drooled as your mouth remained open from the amount of pleasure his extremely large shaft was catering.

It was so good….so pleasurable, that you came within minutes of him thrusting into you. That didn’t stop him.

“Mmm...let me fuck you some more beautiful.”

And he did, for who knows how long. All you knew was that he had you cumming over and over again. It had been a while since you last received the touch of a man, yet that didn’t deter from the fact that this man, this person that you don’t know was fucking you better than you had ever been fucked before.

“Oh! Mmm…I’m cumming!” you whimpered out in a high yelp.

“Yeah? Again for me baby? God…I fucking love it when you cum on me….do it some more.” He remarks as he increased his pace, yet again.

Your hair flies all around as you were ferociously bouncing on his length, engorging his impressive girth as he watches the foamy and creamy substance formulating from the skin on skin contact from the penetration, all collecting at the base of his shaft and decorating the nudeness of your folds.

“Look at you baby…you’re making a mess…..hmm? do you see it?” his hands release your waist only to wrap around you and pull you in so that he could plaster his face onto your neck, issuing the sweetest kisses under your chin as you tilt your head back, your hair dancing against his forearms and fingers along your backside.

He fucked…and fucked….and fucked into you. You must have came several times already as he relentlessly kept going.

Cradling your rear cheeks, he softly grabs a handful with both hands, and slightly lifts them as he propels the movement of your body by the hold. Each time he retracted, his hands lifted your cheeks upwards, only for him to push them down once he thrusted back in. The simultaneous movement was conducted so fluently and at fast pace, he was easily sliding in and out of you. His shaft looked as if it was melting into your cavity as the blurred tone of skin on his shaft mashes inside you, with a thick creamy ring around it from your body’s natural moisture.

“Come on baby….one more time…for me.” He started to gasp out, letting you know that he was close.

Your hands flinched as you grabbed on to his shoulders, his tongue gliding over your breasts as he harshly slams into you.

“Mmm fuck baby…you’re going to make me cum…” he moans out, his hands flinching his grasp on your rear as he remains his hold.

“Oh fuck baby!” he snaps as he slows down his thrust, yet they remained harsh and hard as he thrusts into you as if his life depended on it, cumming inside you.

Pushing you down to fully envelope his length, he grips onto your waist, kissing you in a passionate manner.  

Limp and weakened from the pleasure of cumming several times, you felt the overstimulation kicking in as the sting of your cavity became apparent. You leaned in, resting against his chest as he remained his embrace on you, kissing your ear and running his fingers through your hair.

He picks back up on the thrusting, yet it was slow and deep, just to make sure that all of his cum was out and inside of you.

His passion and desire for you had overwhelmed him, yet he didn’t care. Though he was curious as he propelled to ask you,

“Will you let me fuck you every day if I wanted to?”

Your vision becoming clearer, you remark the contrast of your golden highlights against his silver strands, they paired beautifully as they shimmered under the warm dimmed light. Still too weak to think properly let alone talk, you nodded your head slightly. The pleasure that you had felt was something you didn’t want to give up.

With his deep and calming voice, he speaks once more.

“Well then, sounds like you got a boyfriend now. I’m Heeseung by the way.”

Enjoyed this piece? Show love and treat your girl to a cup of coffee. ♥️  ☕ Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/reinbow

[sofasoap]

Am I full of sorrow, or filled with love.

Pairing: Simon “Ghost ” Riley x f!Reader ( OC aka Mini MacTavish )

Summary : Part II of " Love, Do not pass me by." Our emotionally constipated boy Simon is having a moment of self reflection. And realise the universe hates him.

Warning: Mature theme, swearing. Alcohol use ( be RESPONSIBLE drinker people.) Unplanned pregnancy ( safe sex pls!) . mention of abuse. Inaccurate medical facts etc.

Thank you to @saltofmercury ’s for lending me her character from “The Favorite MacTavish” , where the reader/OC is Soap’s little sister. PLEASE GO READ HER STORY first to make sense of this

“masterlist” for more stories to this Mini MacTavish expanded verse.

The tension within the task force 141 after the unexpected pregnancy news, to say, awkward was an understatement. Luckily, Soap and Ghost acted professional stay civil to each other during missions after a stern warning from Price, but off mission they stay far away from each other as they can.

Alejandro made the mistake of asking about the awkward tension once ( bless his poor soul, can't blame that man) and got death glare coming from both Ghost and Soap while Gaz was strongly hinting him to drop the subject.

Ghost stepped outside to have a moment to himself, away from the party noises which is happening back at Alejandro's base, celebrating another successful mission of reclaiming another town from the cartel.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, he thought back to the event from the last few months, leading right up to the event few weeks earlier on when you came to the base and drop the bombshell about the pregnancy.

First time you two met, he wondering what has he done to deserve this, he is pretty sure his enemies must have cursed him. Instead of cursing him to seven hell, they asked the universe to send him not one but TWO MacTavishes to be in his life and annoy the hell out of him.

He heard about you before, Soap couldn't shut up about his baby sister most time. My sister this, my sister that. She's the most precious thing in the world blah blah. Part of him was curious to meet you. Another part wondering you were just as annoying as his brother. You were.

You actually dare to challenge him to a drinking game. To be fair, a chance to shut Soap up for the entire night was the biggest factor that he accepted the challenge. and you NEARLY beat him. The cocky smile that you showed when you think you were on the cusp of victory, stirred part of his heart he never thought he had. He gets drawn to you, bit by bit with each of the meeting and interaction. The sibling bantering between you and Soap made him miss his brother Thomas. That normal family love that he only got to experience for a little while before the tragedy. He was slightly disappointed and got extremely jealous when he saw you flirting with König.

She's mine. Stay away from my woman. His heart screams.

 ” I am just as cuddly as König if you want to give it a try. And I will keep you nice and warm in the bed as well.“

"My offer still stands, if you are willing." He whispered after walking you back to the accommodation you staying for the weekend, visiting Soap at the barrack. Turning around ,the way you look at at him, confusion and also hint of lust and want just turned him on even more. Does he regret what happen that night? No and yes. No because he had been craving for that light, that little warmth that he has been searching for a long time. All the love and attention you were showing him. Not just some random flings and one night stands. He regrets it because he doesn't deserve any of this. Your gentleness, your laughter, the way you look at him.

The bombshell? His defence mechanism just kicked into gear. "And?" Nonono, don't say that. yes say it. Happiness isn't for you. “ I don’t care. Do whatever you want.” His heart flinches when he saw tears and anger in your eye. It's for the best. His brain tells him.

You will be just the same as your father. You will turn out to be exact same guy. Apple never falls far from the tree. You don't deserve her. Push her away. He can't subject the children to the same fate as him. .....wait.

All of a sudden he realised something.

"... Simon Riley, you are the father of the babies" Did you say BABIES? Are you expecting twins??? A dreaded feeling came to him.

Ding.

Price looking at his phone, email coming through from SAS UK, flagging needing urgent attention. Opening the email, all the smile drained from his face. Gaz noticed it first, bumping his shoulder, asking his Captain what the problem is. Price ignored him and stood up, walking up towards Soap instead who is having what seems to be a good time ( but Price can tell he isn't the usual happy rowdy Soap after a successful mission). "Soap." " Yes Captain? why all this seriousiness?" Soap raise his bottle of beer cheering his captain.

" Is your phone on at all?" Soap pulled out his phone from his side pocket, looked at it,frowning " Aw shites, think I broke it when the bloody asshite knocked me over earlier this morning. better get a new one issued once we get back to base." ".... Mini is in ICU. Your mother tried to contact you but the call couldn't get through, so SAS emailed me just now letting you know. We will get you back to London first flight tomorrow morning. They said there is a chance both her and the babies might not make it." The room just went silent. Ghost caught tail end of the conversation just as he came back into the building. He froze.

He knew it. Everytime he tries to grasp onto that little hope of light, or wanting to make a better man of himself, the universe has another plan for him. You don't deserve happiness We gonna take away everything you want. Make you suffer.

Now he is going to lose the only woman he might possibly dare to say to be the love of his life.

[lou-struck]

Your Beautiful Self

Asmodeus x Reader

Prompt: Spa Night

~This prompt is a part of my Comfort Milestone Event which you can find on my Welcome page

How is it possible to live in a house with seven other people and not see them for a whole week?

The answer to this question may have vexed you until this week when you have been up to your ears in work. 

You have run ragged through the Devildom doing not only your tasks but little things for others, barely having time to eat a sit-down meal or take a decent shower.

You feel bone tired and utterly disgusting. That along with the copious amount of stress you have felt this week makes you just want to break down.

Never before has shutting yourself in a dark room for a month sounded so appealing. 

Sitting makes you feel restless and moving about makes you feel exhausted. You need to find something to do with yourself that can make you feel less like a service and more like a person.

You hear a gentle knocking on your door followed by an airy voice calling to you through the wood. "MC Darling, it’s your favorite. May I come in?.”

"Come on in Asmo.” You call wondering what the Avatar of Lust is doing outside of your bedroom.

Dramatically he bursts through the doors sending you a radiant smile. It could just be your tired eyes, but he looks better than normal. Almost angelically so.

“There you are!” he says rushing towards you with outstretched arms, “I have missed you so much..”

He stops in his tracks and gets a good look at your neglected form.

“I know, I know.  I don’t look too pretty right now.” you sigh playfully. But still, you cast your eyes to the floor in shame.

“Darling, look at me,” he commands softly. His freshly shined shoes become visible in front of you. “To me, you are always beautiful, but you need to take care of yourself.”

Tears of shame well in your eyes as he speaks. “I’m just so tired Asmo,” you croak, hiding your face in your hands.

“Do you want me to take care of you?” he offers, gently pulling you into his embrace without a hint of hesitation. His sweater smells strongly of roses and expensive cologne but its familiarity puts you at ease.

“I don’t want to be a-”

“You are never a burden,” he interrupts as if reading your mind. “I’m gonna treat you to the most relaxing little spa day you have ever had,” he says.

Glancing up at him shyly you see that his peach-colored eyes hold only care in them, no disgust insight. With a nod you allow him to take your hand and walk you to his room so he can start pampering you in the way that you deserve.

~

The warm steam from the bathtub covers the many mirrors in Asmodeus' private bathroom. The heavy scent of the bubbles and flower petals you soak in washes over your overworks psyche.

At one point you believe you fell asleep. Your head resting safely against the bath pillow on the edge of the porcelain.

The Demon is not in the room with you. After drawing the bathtub he ducked away to give you a little privacy and grab some beauty products for your night of pampering.

Your fingers look like prunes by the time you get out of the tub but you feel clean and refreshed. You know you won’t feel at 100% until you’ve had a proper meal and a full night's sleep. But it’s a start.

Using one of Asmo’s plush towels, you dry off and slip on a new pair of silk pajamas he has laid out for you. The material feels cool against your skin as you pad into his bedroom to see what else he plans on doing for you.

“You look happy,” he coos, enveloping you and yet another bone-crushing hug. His contact fills another thing you have been lacking; physical touch.

“I feel much better; Thank you for the bath Asmodeus.” You mutter into his sleeve. 

“I hope next time the two of us can take a bath together,” he winks, pouring you a tall glass of fruit-infused water. “ Drink up Doll, you need to hydrate if you want your skin to glow like mine.”

You give him a playful eye roll and take a greedy gulp of the water its subtle sweetness dribbling down your chin.

“You spoil me,” you tell setting down the glass.

“Oh Darling,” he coos wiping your chin with a sweet-smelling tissue. “You have no idea what else I have planned for the two of us.”

~

When it comes to self-care, Asmodeus is a self-proclaimed god.

Every brush of face mask against your skin is feather-light and loving. It’s almost as if he is trying to seduce you with mud masks and pedicures.

You were so relaxed that if he asked you to marry him right then and there you would say yes on the spot.

Whenever you try to thank him, he smiles brightly and finds some untouched surface of your skin to kiss his eyes glassy with raw emotion. 

He always tells you that there’s no need to thank him and that you deserve to feel beautiful and pampered every day of your life.

The last thing you remember is the heavenly feeling of his fingers massaging your scalp before his humming puts you to sleep.

[snippychicke]

For the Sake of a Smile (V.2) Chapter Sixteen

Title: For the Sake of a Smile (Revised)

Overall Rating: Mature (18+)

Chapter Rating: M for Mature. We've begun the 18+ content

Trigger warnings: Nothing beyond the child abuse hinted in the series, though we do explore the consequences a bit more.

Main Pairing: Balam Shichiro/Reader

Summary: Hell on earth was your motto for your job. Granted, you were pretty sure earth really was hell, considering the shit you had seen in your life. And the fact your coworker was a child. 

A child named Suzuki Iruma, in fact. A kid who’s life was decidedly worse than yours, but yet he smiled despite everything. It wasn’t long after meeting him that you decided you’d do a lot for his smile. Including summoning a literal demon and signing your soul away.

But as it turns out, hell (The Netherworld, actually) was a lot better than living on earth. Demons were more humane than a lot of humans you knew.

And Iruma’s smile wasn’t the only one that would change your life.

Masterlist | Ao3| Mairimashitai! Simps Discord

"...and then Purson started talking, and he didn't quit," Iruma explained in between bites of food. "He went from not saying a word to talking more with one breath than I thought was possible."

You recalled the lavender-haired child that you frequently saw tagging along with the rest of the Misfit class; he was quiet with an unusual apathetic expression on his face. Yet every time you went to ask if he was okay, he'd disappear into literal thin air.

Now, hearing Iruma's story, it made far more sense than the 'apparition haunting the library' like you had been leaning to believe. 

"And then it turns out he's the Pixie! You know, the mysterious trumpet player?"

You, Sullivan, and even Opera nodded. Everyone at Babyls knew about the trumpet player that announced the end of the school day with their vibrant and usually quick-tempo pieces.

"He has to be part of our musical!" Iruma continued with firm conviction. "Not just because he and Elizabetta need to rank up two ranks, but because he deserves the recognition!" 

His determined expression and conviction was heartwarming and inspiring. However, it was also partially ruined by his cheeks puffed with food, reminding you strongly of a hamster hoarding its food.

Well, maybe not not ruined. But the adorable picture Iruma created definitely outshone his words. 

"Why don't you focus on eating now, and plan later," You offered, biting back a smile while Opera pushed the tray laden full of desserts closer to him. Iruma eagerly accepted the idea and helped himself to some of his favorite pudding.

"What about you?" Sullivan asked, turning towards with an innocent smile. "Anything interesting happened today?"

You stared at your food acutely aware of everyone's attention now focused on you, full of expectation. You had heard the rumors that had circulated when Shichiro was late for his class, which had been the Misfits of all classes. 

You knew that this confrontation was inevitable, but you had yet to figure out how to deal with it. Your instinct was to deny, deny, deny, but… you knew that wouldn't work.

Besides, Shichiro was nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, just thinking about him fills you with a sense of warmth and happiness.

You just… didn't want to share how far your relationship had progressed over the lunch hour. Even if you replayed it repeatedly in your head all afternoon. And had plans recalling every detail when you had time to yourself tonight.

"I mean, I already told you guys we started courting," You said as you stabbed at the eel-like meat. "So of course we're going to spend time together when we can. We just… kinda lost track of time."  

"My baby girl is growing up so fast!" Sullivan cried happily, as if completely oblivious to how not-so-innocent your words sounded. Or, perhaps, oddly delighted considering his next statement. "Soon, I'll be able to hear the little click-clack of tiny clawed feet running around! And my beloved grandson will be a big brother!"

"Dad!" You protested, feeling yourself turn red at the implication. 

You forced that thought away and glanced over to Iruma, a little worried about his reaction to Sullivan's words. After all, he finally had a family he deserved - and you could completely understand if the thought of having to share his family would cause some… issues. 

You could easily imagine being in his place, and the thought of having to share your newfound family would make you very jealous and even angry.��

Except the boy was grinning excitedly, obviously not at all bothered by the idea. Part of you relaxed as you realized he wasn't hiding any pain or anger at the thought.

But still… "We just started courting! Literally yesterday!" You protested as you turned back to your adoptive father. "It's far too soon to think about… about…" 

Children. Babies. With Shichiro.

Taking his huge girth in a different way. 

"Big brother?" Iruma asked, still obviously excited though there was a slight hint of confusion in his eyes. (And thankfully derailing your thoughts, preventing them from going much farther). 

"Look, Shichiro and I haven't had any kind of discussion about this," You stated softly yet firmly, hoping to end the conversation. "And I really think it's too early to start daydreaming about any kids."

Iruma was persistent as he slowly made his way to your side. "But, if you do… I'll be their big brother?"

You gave him a slight frown, confused by his question. Wasn't it obvious? "Well, yeah? Of course."

You soon ended up being tackled by Iruma as well as Sullivan. You squawked in an undignified manner, feeling rather squished between the two.

And then Opera draped themself over your shoulders; a picture in their hand to show you.

It was a photo of a young boy with white fluffy hair smiling at the camera while holding a small lizard creature towards the photographer. You could barely see long, large, too big for his body chick-feet - which made the picture even more adorable. It took you a moment to realize it was a very young Shichiro before whatever caused his scar.

A small squee escaped your throat despite your best efforts as your maternal instincts reared its head, temporarily overcoming your common sense.

He was just so cute!!! It causes your heart to squeeze unexpectedly, lost in those wide dark eyes both so similar and different from present-day Shichiro.

For a brief moment, you could easily see yourself mothering a few mini-Shichiros; those big feet and fluffy hair and that adorable smile, and then Iruma happily helping out and playing with his younger siblings - because he would be an amazing big brother. He'd be so kind and attentive as an older brother, showing interest in whatever they were playing with and carefully teaching them life lessons....

Oh. Devi. They had successfully corrupted you.

"Now dear, you need to cinch the deal and offer him something in return," Sullivan explained as he finally pulled back, a glint in his eye as if he knew your thoughts. "Show him you're just as serious about being in a committed relationship by giving him an Offering of your own." 

"Wait, what?!" 

--+--

Hours later found you no longer floating on cloud nine, but clutching to a plushie as you hid in a blanket fort that you and Iruma had built in your room.

Ever since Iruma's confession about missing the good part of the old days, you had made sure to set time aside at least a few nights a week for just you and him to spend time together. Which sometimes meant building a blanket fort in either his room or yours, and hiding away with plenty of tea, cookies, and occasionally one of the video game consoles to play.

Tonight though, it was just a flashlight keeping the fort lit and a small army of plushies as you brainstormed on the information Sullivan had dumped on you. 

"I have no idea what to get him!" You admitted with a whine as you buried your face in the pink monster plush, feeling less like a mother at the moment and more like a big sister. But, you didn't exactly have anyone else to talk to, and Iruma seemed unbothered by the topic of conversation.

In fact, he had a thoughtful expression on his face as he mulled over your words, squishing his own green frog-like plush. "I think he'll love whatever you get him, really."

"Maybe," You agreed reluctantly. "But… I really want to, you know, impress him." 

You looked at the bracelet on your wrist, which had mostly returned to its normal state. Shichiro had admitted that it had been an impulsive gift, but you loved the uniqueness of it.

You had to reciprocate. 

To your surprise, Iruma giggled. "Mom, I think you're stressing over nothing."

"They're customs are different!" You argued. "What if I fail some sort of standard? What if I do something that’ll make him hate me? Give him something that's rude, or inappropriate, or--"

"Mom, it's Balam," He calmed you, nudging you slightly and stopping your downward spiral. "He knows we're human. And really, it may be a bit different, but I hardly think it's that different. We've made it this far without any issues!"

You huffed, part of you admitting he had a valid point, but at the same time some intrinsic part of you was defiant and insisting that you were going to screw everything up.

"... have you ever dated before?" Iruma offered after a moment, striking at one of the core issues. You hadn't. You had never really been in a position where you felt comfortable to open yourself to another person like this. Sure there were one night stands and casual hook ups, but none that you had wanted to have a long, actual relationship with. 

Which was a big thing that still terrified you on some level. 

Your silence was proof enough for Iruma. The boy sighed, "And all I know are from books and manga…"

You smiled despite yourself. How have you been blessed with such a sweet boy? "Well, we've both had rather hellish lives until…"

"We were adopted by a demon lord and started living in the Netherworld?" Iruma finished with an amused tone.

"Exactly."

Iruma perked up, "Hey! Why don't you give him something from Earth?"

"How? We have no way of getting back." Though the idea was tempting. Knowing Shichiro, he would be elated with anything from Earth. Even if it was a handful of weeds or something like an ant farm.

"Did you bring anything with you?" Iruma asked, awakening an old memory. You did have your purse with you when Sullivan brought you here. So many months had passed since then, however, you honestly had no idea what might be in there.

You scrambled out of the blanket fort and made a bee-line for your closet. You dug to the back of the walk-in where your earth items were stored in a simple box, with your old shirt and pants lay on top. Opera initially wanted to burn them because of the blood and ink from your Summoning ritual - along with the other various stains - but you had protested enough that they had relented.

It… had been one of your best outfits before. Now, you could understand why Opera wanted to trash it as you looked at it. The outfits you wore when you helped with chores looked ten-times nicer. You wouldn't even want to wear the outfit to muck the nightmares' stable.

It was a stark reminder how much your life had improved.

Iruma reached you after you found your purse and was digging through it. But all that was in there were some cheap sunglasses, feminine supplies (which you no longer needed, thanks to the miracle of magic potions to quell your cycle), a few stray bills and coins (the remains of your savings, now absolutely useless), an old tattered book you had bought at a second hand store (well loved and showing the wear and tear of being shoved into your bag), a couple of rocks you had seen and thought they were neat, a thick keyring full of keys you needed for work, some very dried out bubblegum, and half-used lip balm.

Nothing that struck you as something worthy of a gift. In fact, they felt more like harsh reminders of a time when all of these items meant so much to you. So much so that you had to carry them everywhere. 

Now they seemed so utterly trivial and useless.

You sighed in defeat, slumping against the wall and allowing Iruma to sort through the items. What you wouldn't give for something like a biology book. Or a plant of any kind, even a dandelion or tuft of grass.

Would - could - Sullivan allow you to return just to grab something from your old home? Surely there would be something there Shichiro would love….

"I think the books and rocks would be good," Iruma said, holding the items up. "He would like those."

An argument sat on your tongue, looking at the book-- a cute romance story to be sure, but it certainly  wasn't anything really thrilling. And the three rocks were barely bigger than pebbles but caught the light and sparkled faintly, which is why they had caught your attention.

But, you really didn't have any better ideas. And they were from Earth. Would that be enough?

"...if I can't find anything else," You agreed with a sigh, and hoped Shichiro would feel like the meaning of the gesture meant more than the gifts themselves. 

--+--

By the next morning you hadn't thought of a better idea - let alone find something you thought would be more impressive to give to Shichiro as an offering.

So you tucked the book and stones in a small box, then hid them away in your bag as you waited for Shichiro's lunch period. While the morning was filled with helping various first-year classes prepare for the music festival, it still seemed to drag on as you kept worrying about his reaction.

Would he appreciate the gesture? Or would he find it anticlimactic?

Lunch approached, and you went to the cafeteria to pick-up a meal you knew Shichiro enjoyed before making your way to his Prep Room.

Despite your nerves, his office still felt like a safe and cozy space to you. You set down the tray on the coffee table before heading towards one of the many bookshelves to keep yourself distracted while you waited.

If there was a reason behind his own arrangement, it was beyond you. But to be fair, many of the books here were beyond those in the library as well, focusing on advanced subjects in biology--both for creatures as well as botany.

Though in the Netherworld, the line between the two was far more blurred than with earthly plants and animals.

A small chirp caught your attention. You looked up to the mass of vines covering the ceiling, and saw a pair of yellow spiraled eyes looking down at you. 

"Hey baby," You coo'd up at Nigyul, currently the size of a large housecat, smiling softly as you recalled Shichiro's words from the day before. "Are you standing guard up there while papa's out?"

Nigyul chirped again, and before you knew it; he jumped from the vines, apparently trusting you would catch him. Which you did - as well as have a heart attack while you instinctively clutched him to your chest, the breath knocked from your lungs at the sudden weight.

His wide yellow eyes peered up at you, quite calm and maybe happy as he settled in your arms. "You little devil," You sighed after a moment, letting out a breath you didn't realize you had been holding. "Giving me a heart attack. I am not your papa, I am not used to things like that, okay?"

He merely blinked at you, causing you to sigh once more as you shifted to scratch his head. "You're lucky you're so cute, you know? I would say something about looking like an overgrown weed, but you actually are, so…" He gave another chirp - as if he was agreeing with you, making you grin and give into the impulse to nuzzle your nose against his snout.

"Yes, you're a very adorable overgrown weed. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who's told you that. Knowing Shichiro, he's told you plenty of times as well." 

"I have, actually," Shichiro agreed, making you freeze. You slowly looked over your shoulder to where the demon was leaning against the bookcase; rather amused, judging by the crinkled corners of his eyes.

"How long have you been there?" You squeaked, almost sounding like Nigyul.

"I saw him jump down," He offered, making you blush.

"So… you heard all of that?"

"I did," He confirmed, sounding rather pleased. He shifted and walked towards you, easily wrapping his arms around you to look over your shoulder down at the dragon before he murmured quietly, "I…I really like hearing you call me Shichiro."

Your heart seemed to do a series of flips as he focused on the wooden-dragon. "And you need to behave. No giving our lady heart attacks, okay?"

Nigyul chirped again, leaning into Shichiro's hand when the demon stroked the long wild mane as you struggled with your heart pounding between his admission, the term 'our lady' along with his arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you close to him.

"I, uh, brought lunch?" You offered, your voice still a squeak. "I also kinda-got-you-a-gift." The words came out as a rush as you buried your face in Nigyul's mane, breathing in the musty scent of a forest after a heavy rain in an attempt to calm yourself.

"A gift?" He asked, tone full of surprised happiness.

"Mmhmm," You hummed without moving away from Nigyul. "Um, I guess it's customary from what Dad told me?"

His arm tightened fractionally around you, his voice dropping slightly in a way that sent pleasant shivers down your spine. "An offering?"

"Yeah?"

Nigyul moved suddenly, jumping out of your arms and onto the bookcase before climbing up to the thicket of vines. You had no time to react as Shichiro picked you up a split-second later, easily shifting you in his arms so your legs straddled his waist as you were suddenly eye-level with him.

"You have an offering. For me," He repeated, disbelieving as you automatically gripped his shoulders. 

"Was… I not supposed to?" You swore that was what Sullivan had said, but maybe you misunderstood him?

"No - I mean, yes, that is traditional, I just… I wasn't expecting anything," He explained, flustered. You could see pink creeping into his cheeks above his mask.

"It may not be as grand as you're thinking," You warned, fingers mindlessly striking the feathers covering his shoulders as you avoided his gaze. "I didn't know what to get, and well - Iruma convinced me that giving you something from Earth would be a good idea, but all I have was, well, you'll see…"

Shichiro said your name with such tenderness as his gloved fingers touched your cheek. "No matter what it is, I will cherish it. It's the fact that you are giving me something that means the most to me."

You could see the signs of a smile around his eyes, and hesitated only for a moment before reaching up to unlatch his mask; fingers easily finding the small clasps. You could feel him freeze, holding his breath as you pulled the metal away carefully.

"I-I like your smile," You admitted. "I wanted to be able to see it properly."

The surprised look on his face shifted into a smile you barely saw a hint of before he buried his face in the space between your neck and shoulder.

"Are you…embarrassed?" You said as he continued to hide his face.

"Maybe?" He mumbled against your skin, sending goosebumps traveling down your spine. "No one's said that before."

You softened and played with his hair, knowing he enjoyed that, though maybe not as much as during his molt. "I do," You confessed. "I love it when you smile, and I like being able to see it even more."

Shichiro looked up, his nose brushing yours as he rested his forehead against yours. "Devi, you're so perfect. And whatever you brought is perfect as well."

You rolled your eyes despite the smile on your face and the warmth in your chest, "Shichiro, open it first before calling it perfect. You don't even know what it is."

He shifted you in his arms to carry you instead of setting you down, causing giggles to erupt as he made his way to where the simple black box sat next to the food (that was growing cold, easily forgotten yet again). It was apparent that if you thought his skin-ship habit was intense before, you had been sorely mistaken. He made it obvious he wasn't letting go as he settled on the couch before the coffee table and perched you on his lap.

He handled the box gently, carefully opening the lid to reveal the book and three stones nestled inside. Seeing the simple objects made you feel even more awkward. He was going to realize how stupid and silly your offering was, and…

"Amazing," He breathed as he tenderly took the items out. "An actual human manuscript! And rocks! From earth!"

"It's a romance story," You supplied pessimistically, "And they're little more than pebbles."

"I forgot - you can read this, can't you?" He asked as he flipped through the yellowed pages, which surprised you before remembering Sullivan's spell when you first arrived.

"I forgot that you couldn't," You replied honestly, feeling foolish. Iruma had explained that was the basis of how his and Ameri's friendship started--her fascination with 'the forbidden texts' that she couldn't read.

Which was also a cute romance story, now that you thought about it.

Shichiro was quiet, his eyebrows furrowed as he thought. You enjoyed the serious expression, because it was rather cute and also tended to lead in interesting conversations. "Do humans have more than one language--and I don't mean different regional dialects, but a different language."

"Oh yeah," You answered off-handedly, rather thankful for the topic change. "There's easily hundreds - maybe thousands - of different languages. And there's different alphabets and such too, some of which look completely different from the others."

"But if your world is more peaceful, why use so many?"

You sighed, leaning into him a little more, "That… is a very heavy and philosophical question. But honestly, it's not as peaceful as you dream it to be. We may not have the same threats as the Netherworld does, but it's far from a utopia."

Shichiro was quiet as he rolled the stones in one hand, the clacks echoing through the room.

"Do you wish to return?"

You shifted in his lap, able to see the worried expression on his face so clearly with his mask missing. You remembered the conversation from before, of when you thought about how everything would be better if you did. Not for yourself, but for Iruma and everyone else. 

But now….

"No," You stated firmly, cupping his cheek. "I am so much happier here. My life… Iruma was my only joy back on Earth to the point I gave up everything to find him when he went missing. But here… he's not the only thing that makes me happy. Even if, for some impossible reason, he wanted to return to Earth, I would stay here."

His shoulders slumped with relief, and you realized he must have been worrying about that possibility. You leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips to try and reassure him more.

He accepted and returned the gesture with a surprising amount of desire. Your hands ran from his cheek, down his neck before bracing against his broad shoulders while his hands settled almost hesitantly - touch feather-light. You were a moment away from reaching his hand to press it more firmly to your curves - desperate for the heavy weight of his large hands - when the scream of the class bell broke the silence.

Ah. Right. You reluctantly pulled away from his lips, though remained close enough your breath mingled with his. "I suppose you have class…"

"I do," He sighed, playing with your hair. "Unfortunately. However, my class is just next door…"

"Shichiro!" You laughed, about to argue his implication before he silenced you with a kiss. His fingers gripping you firmly as you shifted, holding you in place.

"Five more minutes," He stated - or maybe plead - between kisses. And well, you really couldn't argue with that.

Although…. "If you end up late to class again, you know we're never going to hear the end of it." 

--+-- Su-Ki-Ma--+--

"Hey Clara, what's it like having younger siblings?"

The green-haired demon blinked at Iruma's question before grinning.

"It's super-duper fun! Granted, when they're itty-bitty they like to cry a lot, but when they get older you get to play all sorts of games with them! And you can teach them all sorts of things! Like when I taught my brothers how to do the Char-Char dance!" She jumped up to show the other two the dance, though it wasn't anything like the choreography that Kerori was trying to teach them. It was wild and chaotic such that would only befit a fast-pace tempo.

"Why are you wondering about younger siblings, Master Iruma?" Asmodeus asked after politely applauding Valac's dance (though he would refrain from ever calling it that.)

The boy flushed as he scratched his neck. "Just, uh, the conversation the other day at home. I realized that someday, I might become a big brother." His usual smile faded slightly as he looked up at the sky through the canopy of the tree they were lounging under. "I've never had siblings before, and I haven't spent a lot of time around little kids either. So, as exciting as the idea is, I'm kinda nervous about it."

"Oh! Iruma-kins can come over to my house!" Clara eagerly offered. "You know my baby sibs! You can have plenty of practice there!"

"I-I have younger cousins that live with me," Asmodeus quickly interjected, not wanting to miss out on the opportunity. "They would be great practice as well! Not that you would need much, Master Iruma! You've already proven that you'll be great with younger demons."

Iruma turned red as he smiled shyly. "Do you think so?"

"Absolutely!" Both demons exclaimed at the same time.

"No matter what, any demon that has you for an older brother will be highly honored," Asmodeus continued.

"Yeah! And they'll also have me and Az-Az!" Clara clapped. "And we can be their big sister and brother too!"

The thought made Iruma relax into a grin. He wouldn't have to figure out what it meant to be a big brother by himself; he'd have his friends by his side. He'd have you, too. After all - before you had officially adopted him, he had seen you as a big sister.

Along with Grandpa, Opera, and everyone else really. Both Sabnock and Kerori had younger siblings, while Jazz and Lied had older siblings. Surely - between them - he'd figure out how to be a good brother.

[aronlewes]

Diversity in my books

I've been reluctant to make this post, because I feel like my intentions could be easily misconstrued. People might think I'm trying to make myself look a certain way or support some kind of agenda, but no. I've just ALWAYS written diverse books. Simply put, I think there should be all types of characters, for all sorts of people to enjoy. So I feature ALL KINDS of characters -- white, black, abled, disabled, straight, LBGT, pretty, plain, old, young, etc, etc. Writing the same character over and over again just isn't fun to me! (I've also had people personally thank me for Asian and disability representation, which is another reason I'm compiling this list)

So, without further ado, here is a (mostly) comprehensive list of my stories that emphasize diversity (these are major characters and plotlines, btw, not unimportant side plots or characters)

(P.S. - this includes a few books written under my other pen name, Caylen McQueen)

Books with diverse lead characters:

The Darker Ages: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077HVG9YW (Alfred du Bois is black and I love him and I will take that love to the grave with me!!! He's my guy for life. I'm putting him first because I think he might be my favorite character of all time.)

School for Spirits: A Dead Girl and a Samurai https://www.amazon.com/School-Spirits-Dead-Samurai-Spirit-ebook/dp/B078YNFD4F/ (Taishi is Japanese)

School for Spirits: Rebel Archangel https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GCXT6WV (Chris Pho is Asian-American)

School for Spirits: Angel of Death https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K5ZF89N (Luciana is Hispanic)

A Crew of Criminals and Cutthroats: https://www.amazon.com/Crew-Criminals-Cutthroats-Aron-Lewes-ebook/dp/B0BTS5MJLW (Jean-Rene is black... also, I like that Davin is 70+ and kicking ass)

School for Spirits: Almost an Archangel https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SQW9NN4 (Kaylene is African-American)

The Fourth Dragon: https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Dragon-Aron-Lewes-ebook/dp/B096QB3MBP (Esmay is black)

An Elven Debutante: https://www.amazon.com/Elven-Debutante-Airships-Dragons-Book-ebook/dp/B0BGJLSMZP/ (Julian is Asian; so is Himiko in book 2)

School for Spirits: Pretty Dead Girl https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HN5ZYK2 (Vineet is Indian-American... I SUPER love Vineet, he's one of my favorites of all time)

Vixen's Chosen https://www.amazon.com/Vixens-Chosen-Fox-Assassin-Book-ebook/dp/B08ZD63ZXQ/ (Kylin is a kitsune, and it's strongly hinted that she is Japanese)

Angels & Outlaws: https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Outlaws-Aron-Lewes-ebook/dp/B0BDGBK95Y/ (Bo Lightfoot is Native American)

A Family of Wizards: https://www.amazon.com/Wizard-80s-Family-Wizards-Book-ebook/dp/B0B478DMNP/ (the titular magical family is Chinese)

Pride & Prejudice & Airships: https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Airships-Steampunk-Book-ebook/dp/B07G38N7FF/ (Bin Li is Asian)

Whispers of Steam: https://www.amazon.com/Caged-Princess-Whispers-Steam-Book-ebook/dp/B088PF6K36 (leads in this book are a pair of brown-skinned mercenaries, an Asian hero-turned-villain-turned-hero, and a bisexual woman)

Ghost of Redemption: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Redemption-School-Spirits-Story-ebook/dp/B096Q9Q5ZY/ (Johnny Wong is biracial)

Little Alien on the Prairie: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Alien-Prairie-First-Contact-ebook/dp/B08PDGS9PC/ (Rain is Native American)

The Wishing Princess: https://www.amazon.com/Wishing-Princess-Magic-Dreams-Book-ebook/dp/B09ZVL578X/ (the MC's eventual love interest, Nils, is a dark-skinned elf)

Palace of Maids: https://www.amazon.com/Palace-Maids-Weird-Portal-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B098TNW5K5 (Dustin is indigenous)

Books with disability representation:

School for Spirits: Rebel Archangel https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GCXT6WV (Anna uses a wheelchair)

The Darker Ages: https://www.amazon.com/Darker-Ages-Aron-Lewes-ebook/dp/B077HVG9YW/ (Alice has quadriplegia)

Vixen's Challenge: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZD26H6H (Sara uses a wheelchair)

A Sheriff's Redemption: https://www.amazon.com/Sheriffs-Redemption-Lady-Robin-Hood-ebook/dp/B0784QFSKX (the Sheriff of Nottingham's younger brother, Kinlay, is disabled)

Cinderella & Dragons: https://www.amazon.com/Cinderella-Dragons-Complete-Aron-Lewes-ebook/dp/B07D3GLSPW (Terra uses crutches)

Books with LBGT+ characters:

My Lady Robin Hood series https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Locksley-Robin-Hood-Book-ebook/dp/B077LJ9G8N/ (there are many diverse characters in this series, but my trans Little John is most prominent, imo)

The Darker Ages: https://www.amazon.com/Darker-Ages-Aron-Lewes-ebook/dp/B077HVG9YW/ (Jalen/Jai is trans)(Jonathan is bisexual and ends up in a relationship with a man)

The Darkest Knight: https://www.amazon.com/Darkest-Knight-Black-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07HFTSNDD (Daniul is asexual... and autistic, for that matter... he's another one of my all-time favorite characters)

The Barefoot Barmaid: https://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Barmaid-Belles-Bullets-Book-ebook (there are a ton of diverse characters throughout the series, but there is a gay couple, and Vee is a lesbian)

(I could have more LGBT+ characters, imo, but there are other authors do it better... actually, I'm thinking of one author friend in particular, and if she's reading this... DO write that gay historical, please! I want it!!)

I've probably forgotten some, but I'd say this is a pretty decent (and growing!) list. Also, many of my series starters are free, so they should be easy to get into!

Whoever you are out there, I hope you check out my work! <3

[acourtofthought]

I’m tempted to block everything about Gwyn + Azriel lately. It hasn’t even happened yet - we literally have no confirmation that it will happen and people have ruined it for me. I’ve seen people literally saying “my favorite part of their love story”… what story? The one that hasn’t even been written yet? I fear it’s becoming one of those horribly overhyped ships and if SJM decides to go a different way, Gwynriels are gonna turn into Elriels 2.0. I’m literally praying for Elucien’s book to be next because I already feel like I’ve read 10 books about Gwynriel. And I’m sort of starting to get sick of the warrior x warrior pairs. Authors, not just SJM, need to start shaking things up and think of something different.

I think it's very normal to experience shippers fatigue when a pairing is not your favorite because no matter how much people might be alright with your personal ship, there will be times when the discussion surrounding their favorite will (even unintentionally) make yours seem less important.

While I do think we're all guilty of imagining how good both Gwynriel and Elucien could be together (and will hopefully be), I agree that neither couple is currently in love. Someday if they end up there, maybe we can look back and say, "they were barely friends at that point but based on what the characters told us in their book, they sensed that the other was going to be someone important to them" and that technically will become part of their love story. But at this point I agree that we can't know for sure exactly where it will have begun for them. Because a love story that started when Az was canonically still in love with Mor and fixated on Elain for the wrong reasons is not a very good love story. Just like I wouldn't want Elucien to be falling for one another while she was still in love with Graysen.

While I do think Gwynriel will end up together and well matched, I agree that every female becoming a warrior is getting a little redundant at this point (especially within the same series). Which is why I am also really looking forward to Elain and Lucien's book. I want to see more of the politics side of things from them, more of their intelligence shining through in how they interact with other Courts, and less training, less "the Illyrians are brutes", less IC drama that has been the focus for so many books now. Elucien would be a nice break from all that.

I think my most controversial take on Gwynriel is not so much how a shipper imagines their story to go or headcannons because those are the things that keep us alive while we wait for the next book. My biggest issue is that just because Az and Gwyn were more heavily featured in SF, people have taken up the stance that Elucien is irrelevant so Gwynriel MUST be the focus of the next book.

Gwynriel was in SF, sure. But you know whose unresolved story was in ACOMAF? ACOWAR? ACOFAS? ACOSF? Elucien. It doesn't matter how often Az's name was in SF or that Gwyn had more development than Elain because Gwyn was there for Nesta (and Az is Cassian's best friend). I don't disagree that SJM is hinting at Gwynriel but the main point of Gwyn in SF was to be Nesta's found family which means she had to strongly feature in the book and Nesta needed to know who Gwyn was in order for their relationship to develop. However, when you consider how Elain's story has been building from book 2 and Lucien's from book 1, it's not about most mentions in a book (especially a book about Nesta and Cassian). It feels a little like "can't you wait your turn?" considering Gwynriel was just introduced. Eluciens deserve to be put out of their misery 😂. And yes, Chaol and Yrene got together in a single book but it wasn't at the expense of who Aelin was going to end up with after her romantic arc had been building for multiple books.

It wouldn't make any sense for Elain or Lucien to heavily feature in a Nessian's book when Lucien is not actually part of the IC (though SJM still found a way to make him relevant and set his future journey up) and Nesta and Elain are not meant to become extremely close. The point of Nesta's journey was learning to find a life outside of being Elain's protector and learning to let go of Elain. It was also a continuation of the narrative that Elain doesn't belong in the NC so she had to remain somewhat irrelevant to the IC in general.

Sure, we know Gwyn is going to have unknown powers, needs to discover her heritage, she may have a mating bond and we know she's going to need to decide what she wants to do about being a priestess and leaving the library but SJM literally told us, "Elain doesn't belong in the NC and has unknown powers, Elain will go to Spring and then the continent, Lucien is also going to be in Spring (Spring which the IC keeps mentioning they need up and running) and the continent, Lucien is displaying the markers of a High Lord, still doesn't know about his father, Koschei is about to call Vassa back and she's connected to Lucien and Vassa, and Elain and Lucien still need to decide what they'll do about their actual confirmed mating bond which has been an ongoing issue for multiple books. Everything with Elain and Lucien was laid out with actual locations. Not to mention the final page of the book has Nesta placing the wooden carving made for Elain (a carving which was repeatedly mentioned in SF) on their fathers gravestone as a "marker of the beauty and good he tried to bring into the world" and that (to me) is clearly symbolic of Elain and how she'll soon go on her journey.

That doesn't mean the Gwynriel book can't happen next, it absolutely can. But I do get somewhat frustrated by Gwynriel's who really don't think there is just as much suggesting Elucien could also be next. They're forgetting how long Elain and Lucien's journey's has been building and that it actually made sense for Elain not to heavily feature in the books if SJM is trying to sell the narrative that no one really knows her and her not belonging in the NC.

[juniperhillpatient]

The Serpent's Pass Re-watch

Ooh, I love this episode so much - the return of Jet & Suki, two characters with criminally low amounts of screen time! Also, I'll admit I'm a sucker for storylines about hope & what it means to regain it during a dark time in the characters' journeys. Call me corny, but I love it. The baby being named "Hope" in the end gets me every time.

Seeing Katara have fun at the start of this episode is so endearing. I love her water-bending bomb. I do wish that the Gaang could've taken a moment to thank Katara or acknowledge how brave she was in the last episode because she was kinda treated like crap despite being the hero & now everything is back to normal.

Suki popping up & pretending to harass Sokka as a guard is so cute. I love their dynamic in this episode & I love the complex layer added by Yue. I've been waiting for my favorite moon girl to haunt the narrative a little more & here she is. I'm obsessed with this shot.

'The Swamp' hinted that Sokka was struggling with guilt over Yue's death & I'm so glad that they went somewhere with that arc for Sokka in this episode. Sokka was tasked with protecting Yue & even though she chose to sacrifice herself, that's going to weigh heavy on Sokka. I loved that in the end, it was the knowledge that Suki had come along to protect him that allowed Sokka to move past his fear of getting close & his obsession with protecting Suki from harm & kiss her.

Suki is a character that I've always said I love on the surface, but I wish the writers had dived just a little deeper. She's a warrior, but she's also a girl. We see in this episode the way she teases Sokka & the entire dynamic between them that she's brave but she's also goofy. She's also vulnerable & deeply understanding & forgiving (a lot of people would have been more hurt by Sokka's brief rejection.) There's a layer of complexity to Suki that is scratched in episodes like this but she's simply not given enough screen time or background which is a shame. Oh well, I really enjoyed her in this episode. +1000 iconic behavior points for rescuing Toph & +100 to Suki & Sokka each for their goodbye kiss. (Sidenote - why isn't Suki/Toph a more popular ship after that accidental kiss?)

Katara & Aang's arc in this episode is great. It's funny I keep saying how much I love their dynamic & what they mean to each other because I think that most of my mutuals & followers know I dislike them as a romantic pairing. But, this re-watch is reminding me how much I love their friendship (the first time I watched, I never even knew they were meant to be a serious romantic pairing until toward the end of the show, I thought it was just a fleeting crush from Aang.) I shouldn't have let parts of the fandom / the comics ruin that for me for a bit, & I'll try not to from now on & instead just focus on what I like in the actual show. Aang feeling hopeless because of Appa's loss is just.... heartbreaking. This line especially got to me: "Hope is not going to get us into Ba Sing Se and it's not going to help find Appa. We need to focus on what we're doing right now and that's getting across this path." It's a reflection of Aang's character development, in my opinion, that he is continuing to try to be strong. This isn't the same goofy kid from Book 1, he's grown & accepted his responsibility as the Avatar, & he's trying so hard to be strong despite his own inner hurt. And for Katara, someone who believes so strongly in hope, to have to hear that...ouch. We saw it last episode & we see it again in this episode, Katara is completely motivated by hope & idealism against all odds. She can't just focus on the moment, she has to believe in a better future. So, of course, it's her, in the end, who brings that hope back to Aang. Also, +1000 Iconic Behavior Points for delivering a baby at 14 years old. She is now in the lead, even surpassing Azula.

Jet is back!!! And he's on his own journey to redemption. I gotta say, I feel like Sokka & Suki's scenes & Jet & Zuko's scenes kept happening back to back & like these two duos were sort of the a plot b plot romances of the episode, like I'm just saying -

I'm going to play devil's advocate & say that Iroh joking about being a tourist wasn't quite the dick move many fans say it is. I don't think Iroh actually thinks of himself as a tourist, I feel like he was just trying to cheer Zuko up because Zuko was feeling so upset about the idea of being a refugee. Which - I mean, understandable. Zuzu is used to being a pampered prince, of course, he's freaking out about eating grubby food but there's more to it too. He's being hunted by his own nation - his own sister. On his father's orders.

Then along comes Jet, & Zuko has his bisexual awakening & decides to help "liberate some food." Be gay do crime anyone? +1000 iconic behavior points each. Genuinely though, this episode gives us yet another look at Jet's more heroic traits. Even in Jet's titular episode where is an antagonist, we see a traumatized kid who is trying to take care of other traumatized kids, whether he goes about it the right way or not. Now we see that Jet still considers himself an outcast, & cares deeply about looking after other outcasts & victimized people - just now without quite such violent methods. What changed though? I would love to know more about what Jet & the Freedom Fighters were up to during the time between Book 1 & this episode. Jet seems to deeply regret his past -

Jet: I've done some things in my past that I'm not proud of, but that's why I'm going to Ba Sing Se: for a new beginning. A second chance.

Iroh: That's very noble of you. I believe people can change their lives if they want to. I believe in second chances.

Jet & Zuko's journeys parallel each other so strongly. They meet while they're both questioning everything & feeling lost & uncertain, both heading to Ba Sing Se because they hope for a better future - & "hope" as a theme makes itself known again! This episode hurts more upon re-watch because I know that Jet won't actually get to experience the hope for a better future or second chance that the narrative is hinting is possible. Also, I want to throw in that I think it's heavily hinted that Katara's anger was the catalyst for Jet's change of heart about his methods. What happened after the Gaang left? I guess the villagers now know that Jet & the Freedom Fighters were planning on flooding them out...Maybe Jet was confronted by some of the people that he planned to hurt, & he was forced to face his own intentions & consider why they were wrong?

Jet: You know, as soon as I saw your scar, I knew exactly who you were. You're an outcast, like me. And us outcasts have to stick together. We have to watch each other's backs. Because no one else will.

Zuko: I've realized lately that being on your own isn't always the best path.

I'm supposed to just move on with my life after this scene?

Also, sorry but - "In case you haven't noticed, I'm weird. I'm a weirdo. I don't fit in & I don't want to fit in. Have you ever seen me without this stupid wheat in my mouth? That's weird."

Legitimately though, the way that they set up Jet & Zuko as both on a similar path to redemption & the potential for Jet to face the idea that the Fire Nation prince isn't so different from him after all & that they work well together & for Zuko to bond with one of the people his country believes should be wiped out & crushed & to see himself in this other broken kid....I'm so normal & fine about them it's great 🙂

This is a great episode, possibly my favorite non-Azula Book 2 episode thus far. I loved the Sokka/Suki & Jet/Zuko scenes, I found Toph & her moment with Suki funny & cute, I loved Katara's perseverance & hope against all odds, & I loved Aang regaining his hope in the end - followed, of course, by a scary cliffhanger with the appearance of the drill!

[afreakingdork]

I got so excited when I saw you updated Weak Spot that I actually almost puked while in the middle of reading 👍👍. Sorry I cant express how much I adore your work but you make really really really good stuff. Thats 3 reallys cuz I mean it a lot. Legitimately life changing I think I might even use the reader character and donnie as a reference point on how to approach communication better in the future, like, in general, not just in romantic relationships.

I think you're one of the very few long fic writers who my frustratingly impatient and short-attentioned brain was actually willing go wait for on every chapter, I've never read a fic that gripped me by the neck this strongly since I've left the Undertale fandom. Weak spot is just that good and I think I'll crave everything you have to provide as long as you're willing to share them with us readers.

Oh yeah and also as young adult I really look up to you btw, in general because I like the bright yet tempered energy you show through your posts and also I think your work ethic is admirable and the fact that you're very literate in the way you respond to ask as well (kind of expected since you're a seasoned writer after all, of course youre very literate), and also, as someone who's attempting to actually down my fic ideas and day dreams, I've recently been trying to look just a bit closer on your work and how you approach descriptions and dialogue and learn better that way, kind of like how artists do master studies and observe and attempt to replicate experienced artist's techniques, quirks and art style to apply to their own work as well. Currently I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate that use of metaphors you do often to sort of indirectly and almost abstractly describe what someone is going through, like in this week's chapter 56 where Donnie's self exploration is described as a journey with Reader simply accompanying them to a certain point. This is my favorite part in each chapters you write and I know there's a term for this technique but that might distract me from my train of thought so uhm. Make of that as you will I suppose.

I especially love how maturity really shines through your work and I love how slow and almost inconsequential/very normal (yet tremendously intimate) their daily life as a couple and honestly, in a lot of romance books I see I dont think they highlight that part enough and I'm so glad you let the readers breathe between chapters while still being able to build up tension when something bigs about to happen. I'm assuming (though I am pretty sure) that this is probably born from years and years of writing considering this is a type of writing paired with that mature energy I was picking up is something I could rarely find in the fics (or books in general) made by teens and people my age, and thats pretty incredible. I've never seen characters treated so very clearly lovingly before and whenever I compare my current work as of now it feels like playing in a kiddie pool then being met with the experience of looking on into the deep blue waters from the white beach then deciding to run to the sea to see the near-immortal multi-colored corals and all the beautiful thriving life underneath the waves. Its exhilarating really. Theres a depth in your work that makes it feel alive and almost timeless which I'm extremely motivated to achieve basically. Considering you've never let on or at least hinted that you're a professional writer irl or anything like that at all, and the fact that you somewhat implied you write because of passion is incredible because that means (this is all assumption of course) that you've likely been doing this stuff for years for free out of love and (likely) for yourself which is. Actually crazy honestly, as someone whos very prone to giving up even if I'm passionate about my work.

Okay, wait, this is getting too long, whoopsie.

I kinda want to say more but unfortunately I dont have the energy to type everything down since my mushy emotions about the fic are hard to pin down enough to make a coherent description right now. Ah and sorry if this ask gets a bit incoherent at times, english is my 2nd language and I'm also not very good at spelling either 😅.

But yeah.

Thank you for taking the time to make each chapter a wonderful, awe inspiring experience Miss Dork, you're a fantastic writer and I'm hoping I'll be able to see more of your fics/works in the future, even if its not in the Rottmnt fandom.

-K.M

First off KM, you are SO FREAKING SWEET!!! WHAT A TREAT IT WAS TO READ ALL THIS!!! YOU ARE TRULY DARLING AND I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!!

Ah no puke!! Was this chapter nerve wracking?? When I write I get a little removed so I don't really know sometimes what emotions it might illicit...

Life changing? Ahhh! 💞 They always say communication is key to a relationship and sometimes when people harp on something it's absolutely because it's true! A big part of Weak Spot is I wanted to challenge myself that the relationship itself was never a point of contention. These two loved each other right off the bat and them being together was never going to be something contested. Now everything around them happens to be an on and off dumpster fire, but c'est fiction~

Wah!!! I'm truly so honored by everyone who seems to wait on pin and poodles for my writing! I am constantly in awe that you all want to read my silly indulgent story!

You look up to me? I'm going to cry for real. No like, no joke, reading this actually is making me a bit choked up! 😭💞 I'd love to dive into my experience if it might help. I would not shun being called an experienced writer as it's something I've done on and off for almost two decades, but I only began writing seriously (read hyperfixiating) since 2019. Since I have zero chill, I sort of speed ran the writing process, but that's not what I attribute to my media literacy. I don't know if I'd call myself a hypercritical person (some would call me that for sure), but I have always loved to examine the media I consume. I can absolutely turn my brain off and have a good time (I have a long love affair with 'bad movies'), but I also love thinking and love expanding. When it came to reading, I often trend toward fiction books that talk about peoples lives, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Eva Luna by Isabel Allende come to mind, in addition to autobiographies such as Just Kids by Patti Smith. For visual media, my friends often like to joke that no one can pin down my style because I happen to like such a broad range of films. I think all movies are good in different ways, whether they are indie, autobiographical, fictional, magical, poignant, bro comedies, ect and so forth. You mentioned the recent chapter (56) with the field metaphor. I watched Lamb (2021) this past October and was picturing the large estate pictured Iceland when writing it.

I think studying others writing styles is good and I often do it to my peers. I've surely geeked out to both TheKingPen and desceros about their own writing styles and metaphors, the like, as you described of mine! I asked them probing questions on how they work because I was/am endlessly fascinated by their prose! We're all sponges, humans I mean, and I believe that our lives are pinball machines where we bounced wildly off one another. Only we are malleable creatures and with each ping, we take a little bit of that other person with us. Whether that be actual people or media consume, I consider that the same. We're tapestries to be woven as the Greeks said about fate and this fact isn't just romanticized, it's science as indicated by epigenetics!

The technique you're searching for sounds like one under the house of metaphor, maybe extended? 🤔

It's funny you call me mature because as soon as you said "slow and almost inconsequential/very normal (yet tremendously intimate) their daily life" I literally screamed and bounced as if my tail was wagging! Hello, you've tapped something Dork is feral about so prepare for another tangent:

I am OBSESSED with what I call banal dialog!!!

Now this is a point of contention with many of my movie friends, but I will die on this hill any day of the week. For this example, I'm going to take one of my favorites: Reservoir Dogs (1992)! Now do I like Reservoir Dogs? Honestly? Meh. I'll never forget their use of Steeler's Wheel, but that's not what's important here. What's important is the opening scene! We open on a seemingly innocuous and, to many, boring scene with eight gangster at a diner who aren't even talking about the heist. They're talking about other things and interacting with their food and the wait staff at the diner. Some think this scene is useless and doesn't do anything for the film and I will punch every one of those people in the face with my ferocity alone. That scene does EVERYTHING for the film. In fact is does the most heavy lifting out of most scenes in Hollywood. Sure, a monologue can do wonders or a silent following of a character through say their morning routine reveals a lot, but you know what really fucking reveals the most about a person? How they act in public!! The fact that Mr Pink doesn't tip isn't some fucking pseudo speak on tipping in America (though it could be) it's a jumping off point for you to know EVERYTHING about his character in one tiny itty bitty seemingly nothing display! We know he's staunch. We know he's steadfast. We know EVERYTHING we need to know about his personality and BONUS? Because he pushed back against the norm, every other character at the table (if they wanted) got a chance to voice their opionions so we got reads on all their personalities too. We see one many get easily swayed, we see another show his intelligence, we see yet another show the level of sympathy he has. All these things end up dictating how the heist in the movie actually goes and why and it all came from a few paltry minutes at the beginning of the film where they ate breakfast!

UNF JUST TALKING ABOUT IT HAS MY HEART AFLUTTER!

Now the most lethal Reservoir Dogs for this purpose (btw fuck Quentin Tarantino) because it is WITH PURPOSE! You can't just be banal for nothing. You have to be banal for a reason. I've been pretty outspoken about it before, but I also don't believe films/movies/shows/ect should ever have scenes without purpose. Everything that's done should serve the plot! Banal moments SERVE PLOT and I think it's a very underutilized concept.

Honorable mention to Hayao Miyazaki and his art of silence. I mentioned it above in following a character, but Miyazaki (and typically other Japense directors) know when to let scenes 'breathe' so to speak which does what banal dialog does in a literary sense. The breathing gives perspective for both the characters and the audience and I think is very much worth throwing into this conversation.

Also hey, look! You did a metaphor right there with your deep waters comparison. I could see it though I would totally disagree with your kiddie pool reference to yourself. You will never be me and i will never be you. Your work has just a right to exist as any other and who knows, I might have read it if you've put it out! I might recommend it to other people! I'm a big fan of many works, whether they're 'good or not' (whatever that means) that doesn't mean they don't have place! There are fics I've read that story wise or say writing wise are a TOTAL MESS and I love them regardless because maybe their character portrayal was flawless or their idea was just so good I loved that they were creative enough to share it!

Plus and I don't mean this is a braggadocios kinda way, but no one and I mean NO ONE should compare themselves to me. This is written in a derogatory sense: I am not a normal human being. One of my best friends asks me all the time "how are you still alive?" and my answer is "I DON'T KNOW MAN!" I am not someone to look up to or someone to emulate. I am just feral and hungry and no one in the this world, not even me, can get a handle on this leash.

That being said, I am so blown away by how you describe my work! Consider me shifted from choked up to misty eyed! I am not a professional writer by any means, but I'd love to turn my work into books. I just have no idea how to break into the market! I definitely do this all out of love (READ HYPERFIXATION!) and yeah for free (not discounting my pateron folks, I love you endlessly forever, but it ain't a living though it is IMMENSELY appreciated! Ya'll pay for the patreons I sub to and like a fast food meal once a month XD)

No apologies for the length! It was such a blast to get this! Also you did AMAZING! I was never confused once and your thoughts had a clear through line without being confusing in the slightest! Your English is impeccable!

Thank you for taking the time to read and write to me!!! Def got more fics coming (Valentine's fic, a aroace Mikey fic that also happens to be a Donnie x reader, and more weak spot and her sequel!)!

Feel free to hit up my DMs if you want to talk more! Thank you again!!!!

[inknopewetrust]

Electric Music

Summary: Eddie kept his walls fortified strongly, but when he wants to know your favorite song, he makes concessions to get you there.

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Warnings: language, sexual situations (non-explicit), the title is a hint to the song I chose.

Quick Links: Masterlist

"Why do you hang it there?"

He slammed the door to his bedroom closed with his bare foot. Two hands occupied with beers and a bag of pretzels, a cigarette hanging loosely from his mouth as his pants were hastily thrown on and the belt buckle rattled lightly.

"Hang what where?"

“The guitar,” Eddie sat down at the edge of the bed, cracking open one of the beers—a much undesired Pabst Blue Ribbon—and handed it to you, “why is it on the mirror like that? So you can always see it?”

You hid your teasing smile behind the lip of the can.

“There’s nothin’ wrong with it if that’s the reason but… you do call the thing ‘sweetheart.’”

“Jealous or somethin’?” He asked as he ripped open the bag of pretzels and fell back against the wall that rested behind his mattress. Eddie was looking at the guitar when he offered you the bag, letting it tilt in your direction. The cigarette in his hand barely burning into the bag.

“Well I don’t know… does she get offered beer and pretzels too?”

Eddie shook his head, taking back the bag after you grabbed a handful. “Nah,” he shoved one into his mouth, “that’s just for my special girls.”

Girls. Plural. Did he mean that intentionally?

It always felt as though he was running. Even in the most intimate of situations.

“Oof,” you winced for the guitar, not letting the sting of his words get to you, “did you hear that Lady in Red?” He didn’t give a name to the guitar but you sure as hell weren’t going to call it sweetheart.

It had some red bolts that refracted off the light, so Lady in Red it was.

You took a drink of the beer and put it down on the floor. Eddie never bothered to have a headboard, he never bothered to buy a frame for the bed. The room was messy yet it was completely him. Records misplaced, random D&D object scattered around, unplugged amps, and a closet overflowing with things as the door hung off by its hinges.

Eddie took a drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke into the room before getting up again and walking toward the mirror.

There was one light on just beside the dresser. It illuminated the room in a yellow glimmer, shining off of the red lighting bolts and a fantastical shimmer reflected from it. He looked at it quizzically, as if he were studying it.

“What?“ You questioned as he continued to stand there letting the cigarette burn further and further down; the red butt glowing periodically. “Did she—“

“Shh,” Eddie nearly yelled but it came out as a loud whisper, “she’s talking.”

“Oh, fuck off,” You picked up your beer again, readjusting the sheet you covered up with as it slipped.

“What?” He repeated you purposefully, “don’t you hear what she’s saying?” He leaned over, pulling his hair to the side and putting his ear close to the guitar. “You’ll never believe what she said.”

“After all she’s seen? I don’t wanna know,” you rolled your eyes, watching him play into your initial joke with ease and a small smile quirked up on his lips.

“She said next time we have to turn off the lights. The sights have burned her eyes.”

“Well if her eyes are burned out maybe she just needs ear plugs then, huh?” You tipped your head to the side, watching him work out the logic.

“She said ‘agreed!’“ Then he plucked the guitar off its hook.

“I’ve never played for you, have I?”

He was sincere. Eddie had never played for you, no. But you had seen him perform before—every year actually. Corroded Coffin always performed at the annual Battle of the Bands and for three years they landed in third place when they truly should have won. All the guys in the band were great, brilliant even. But the people who had organized the event always grew skeptical when they strummed the first chord.

You shook your head, putting the beer back on the floor and pulling one of your legs toward your body while they other one stretched under the sheet. Eddie loved the way you looked wrapped up in his sheets, glistening with a sheen and now-lax position. The smell you left on there. Perfume, shampoo, a natural sweat—the resulting stains he never wanted to wash out.

You made concessions when it came to his cleanliness.

“I don’t think so, no.”

He considered the guitar for a moment as he held it in his hand. Feeling the tough strings beneath his fingers, the weight of it tugging on his arm. It was sacred yet personable; a familiar love and extension of comfort.

“What’s your favorite song?” He asked, looking at you with his big brown eyes and expecting a generic answer. Maybe something by Fleetwood Mac, Journey… he could see you finding a way to listen to ABBA even if the 70’s were part of the not-so-distant-past.

You chuckled nervously—different than what he had anticipated. You ran a hand over your neck and he caught a glimpse of the hickies he had just sucked onto it—still nice and red and not yet turned.

“I don’t have one,” you replied sheepishly.

“Come on… everyone’s got a favorite song,” Eddie lamented, watching as your eyes lingered on him; trailing and keeping a keen eye on every part of him.

The way his fingers gripped the guitar, the slight strain on the muscle in his forearm, the tattoos that had slowly grown in quantity over the last year, and the happy trail that was only partially blocked by the loose belt at his hips.

“Well not this girl. She doesn’t have one,” Your eyes flicked to his in an instant, catching him looking at you in a similar fashion. You could never get anything productive done when you went to his place.

“Lies, lies, lies…” he muttered.

Eddie finally moved from his standing position and sat down on the mattress once more. Instead of where he had been sitting previously, he sat on the edge, leaning back to tap on the leg that you had just raised.

“Put it down,” he laid the guitar in his lap and pulled the necklace off of his neck. He stored a safety pick there—just in case the moment ever rose where he was without one. It also served as a reminder of something he was good at when he thought he was good at nothing.

But you complied and put your head down, shuffling down the mattress slightly so you could rest your upper back on the wall. Eddie leaned all the way over to you, his head finding home in your lap and half of his body draped carelessly across the bed.

“Tell me,” he asked with anxiously curious eyes starring up at you, “what’s your favorite song?”

“I told you. I don’t have one.” He strummed three chords, nothing coherent that you could tell. Eddie narrowed his eyes. You took one of your hands and moved his shaggy bangs away from his eyes.

“I swear I don’t.”

“Then how am I supposed to play for you?”

He relished the feeling of your nails lightly scraping his forehead to the edge of his hair, the way his hair gently moved. It was relaxing and far more intimate than he'd previously let any girl be with him.

He made small concessions when his walls were down.

"Play me your favorite song," You suggested.

"That's not how this is supposed to work, sweetheart," he chuckled, closing his eyes as you continued to move your fingers languidly through his hair. “Besides, I asked you. Not the other way around.”

“Just think about it, alright?”

You hummed, closing your eyes too. And you thought about it—truly. Racking your brain from aisle to aisle in search of a song that made you feel… something. Eddie cracked an eye open, turning his head in your lap to look at your peaceful, content face and smiled. He took the fingers of your hand that you had wrapped around his upper chest, right below his neck and across to his opposite shoulder and kissed the tips of them lightly—never letting go of his guitar.

“I can see the gears turning,” he commented, his breath hot on your fingers.

“Because they are,” you replied, sighing and opening your eyes back up. He was already watching you and you weren’t surprised. Sometimes he thought he was being sly when he did, but you could always feel it when Eddie Munson was staring at you.

“So, did you think of one?”

“You gave me like a minute to think of it.”

“I think you know but won’t tell me,” his eyebrows shot up his forehead accusingly, dropping your hand back onto his chest.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because,” he thought about it for a moment. On occasion, when he really thought about something, Eddie’s tongue would stick out of his lips in concentration. It was the cutest goddamn thing you had ever seen. “Because you’re embarrassed I’ll make fun of you. I promise I won’t. It’s just music.”

It’s just music, he said. Like music didn’t command every part of his life or dreams. Eddie Munson was brought into this world to play music and while no, you didn’t believe he would necessarily make fun of you, it was the entire situation that had you hesitant.

Eddie wanted to play your favorite song. He would have that knowledge forever and then if anything went wrong, in your relationship together or your life beyond him, you’d always remember the song he played. It would always be associated with him.

You sighed, “Margaritaville.”

Eddie nearly died.

“No fucking way is that your favorite song.”

From his upside down position, he looked you dead in the eye. You held it for approximately three solid seconds before laughing. Of course there was no fucking way.

“I knew it!” Eddie pointed a finger at you accusingly. “Just tell me, baby. Come on, I won’t laugh.”

“Fine, fine,” you conceded as your laughter settled.

“Bennie and the Jets.”

“Elton John?” He questioned honestly but didn’t make fun of you. Was it his taste? No. But he couldn’t deny the genius of Elton John’s lyrics. Man could write a song.

“Yes,” you stopped brushing his hair back and covered your face with the hand. “Can you let it go now?”

“Oh hell no,” Eddie sat up quickly, giving himself a head rush doing so. “I gotta learn it.”

“Eddie!”

“I’m serious,” he laughed and sifted through a drawer for a piece of paper and a pencil. You covered your face in embarrassment—he thought it was cute. He wanted to do this, to show you a piece of him that was essential to who he was and relate it to something you enjoyed.

“I’m gonna learn it and it’s gonna be the best version of it that you’ve ever heard.”

His confidence in his talent was inspiring. If only everyone felt that way about the things they were good at.

You conceded with him that evening about the song.

And he did learn it. A week later he played an, albeit, more alternative version of Elton that you had ever heard, but he learned it for you.

And it’s the only version of the song that sticks out in your memory.

[comparativetarot]

The Star. Art by Kaysha Siemens, from the Woven Path Tarot.

The Star is one of my favorite tarot cards, and I’m so thrilled I got to paint her. Overall I stuck with fairly traditional imagery and symbolism: 8 stars in the sky, one of them prominently large; a scarlet ibis in the tree; flowering roses. The shore is of stones (one of the few hints of hardship in a card that generally has little but positive, or at least gentle, readings), and her outstretched foot is not in the water so much as on its surface. She pours water, one stream into the pool, and one onto the land beside it, splitting into five rivulets. The changes I made are that rather than fully kneeling, she is gracefully bending toward the water, and instead of the traditional pair of pitchers, her hair catches the starlight and pours from her hands as water. The piece is painted in an intentionally decorative and even slightly stiff manner, to evoke tapestries and early Renaissance artwork.⁠ ⁠ The Star is by and large a card of hope, renewal, and light after tragedy (as it follows immediately after the Tower in the major arcana); it can also indicate a loss or theft, but I do not believe this necessarily requires a reversal (I don’t think it necessary to read reversals in general, as all cards contain all their meanings already, and context is what makes the difference), as the Star is traditionally strongly associated with Persephone, and both theft and renewal are cyclically contained in her story.⁠