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bamfdaddio · 4 years ago

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X-Men Abridged: 1976

The X-Men, those fiery mutants that have sworn to protect a world that hates and fears them, are a cultural juggernaut with a long, tangled history. Want to unravel this tapestry? Then read the Abridged X-Men!

(X-Men 97 - 102) - by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum

If I ever participate in Drag Race, this will be my entrance look. (“Hear me, bitches! No longer am I the woman you knew! I am fierce! I am fashion incarnate! Now and forever, the winner of season 27!” *mugs at camera* ) (X-Men 101)

It really amazes me how quickly Claremont shifts things into high gear. One year in and he absolutely does not calm down, giving us both the Shi’ar, more Sentinels and the (motherfucking) Phoenix. SO LET'S GOOOO

You’d think that, as a telepath, Charles would be used to dreaming absolutely twisted shit, surfing everybody else´s freaky dream waves, but apparently, vividly dreaming of space is so exhausting that he needs a vacation.

To be fair, I’d be exhausted too if I dreamt of schizo space bugs on detailed splash pages. Get into it, Mr. Cockrum. (X-Men 97)

Meanwhile, Alex and Lorna have absconded to the sizzling Rio Diablo to work on their doctorates. It’s unclear what they’re studying (archaeology?) and where this Rio Diablo is (Panama, Chili, Ecuador?), but considering that Rio means River, I’m unsure whether drawing a dry dry desert is the appropriate setting. But hey, this was the pre-Google era and you’re not here for topographical nitpicking, so.

Lorna is shot by an unknown assailant and continues the long, long history of Polaris being mentally overtaken by other entities. Together with the equally not-himself Havoc, they travel back to NYC and attack the plane Xavier is boarding. The X-Men battle them, until it is revealed that these former not-quite-X-Men are in league with… Eric the Red?

Scott is all: But I was Eric the Red! Also, Eric the Red does not exist!

Xavier escapes, apparently not giving a fuck that all kinds of X-Men are demolishing the JFK airport, but the still-evil Havok and Polaris also get away. The X-Men are shook!

Some time later, The X-Men celebrate X-Mas at Rockefeller Square, where Claremont skips some steps in favour of narrative expediency. Moira and Sean are apparently in a relationship, Jean and Storm are the best of friends. It’s some pretty rough telling, not showing, but we’ll allow it, but only because the Storm/Jean-friendship is one of my favourite things.

What, you think only the movies indulged in Lee/Kirby-cameos? (X-Men 98)

Anyway, Jean and Scott are attacked by the Sentinels, who continue their trend of being way too sneaky for supersized racist robots! Xavier is kidnapped on his boat trip with super-duper scientist Peter Corbeau (seriously, he has two Nobel Prizes), while they steal away Jean, Sean and Logan in NYC. When they come to, there’s some gloating from Stephen Lang.

Jean Grey being a literal pin-up while delivering nazi-burns is such a big middle finger to everything she was in the sixties and I am here for it. (X-Men 98)

When the three kidnapped X-Men make a break for it and escape the Sentinel’s clutches, they burst through a wall, only to be greeted by the cold vacuum of space! They’re not on Earth at all: they’re on a formerly SHIELD space station! GASP! (literally)

In secret, Peter Corbeau, inventor of sliced bread, helps the X-Men back on Earth board a space shuttle, where Colossus remembers his brother Mikhail (objectively the worst Rasputin), a kosmonaut who died at the launch of another spacecraft. It’s another Future Plotline Seed©.

The X-Men dodge solar storms which sounds like a made-up contrivance but aren’t, while the Sentinels try to destroy the shuttle. In what the kids these days call a pro-gamer move, the X-Men instead ram the space station and go through to these apparently sub-par Sentinels like Magma through butter. Kurt’s showmanship and Colossus’ loyalty are highlighted, while Cyclops becomes more robotic and repressed the more Jean is in danger.

Colossus’ secondary mutation is apparently BEING THE BIGGEST DORK. (X-Men 99)

Scott almost kills Stephen Lang, but then Stephen throws his ace in the hole at them: THE OLD X-MEN? This reveal throws us right in the hallmark one hundredth issue!

And, look. Stephen, this is just a terrible plan. Instead of using most of your budget on making more impressive Sentinels, you blow half of it on making janky X-Men clones to… what? Confuse the real X-Men?

It works for a hot minute, but Kurt and Ororo quickly figure out something is wrong. This Beast, for example, isn’t hairy and this Jean doesn’t remember being in Storm’s confidence. Wolverine is the first to snap: acting on instinct, he kills ‘Jean’, proving she’s an android.

Stephen Lang, foiled by the X-Men’s logical thinking skills (which, to be fair, are notoriously unreliable), spews some hatred and accidentally blows himself up. Nothing of value is lost.

Too bad the X-Men can’t return to Earth: their space shuttle is too damaged. I actually love this: going to space is kind of a big deal for most people and the fact that the X-Men have trouble because they’re stranded in space lends them a kind of vulnerability that has been lost over the recent years. Jean steps up to the plate, herds the other X-Men into the protected life cell and assumes the pilot seat of the shuttle. This is after zapping Cyclops into unconsciousness and telling the other X-Men to kindly fuck off when they try to stop her.

As the X-Men descend onto the Earth, Jean’s telekinesis isn’t enough to protect her as she’s engulfed by solar flares. OR IS SHE?

Nothing funny. All of these panels are just beautiful. Forget those robot copy X-Men, this is why this issue is worthy of being the hundredth one. (X-Men 100)

The space shuttle crashes, rolls over JFK airport before dunking in the water. The X-Men emerge, safe, sound and very lucky and then, defying all odds, Jean emerges as the Phoenix. Fire, life incarnate, etc.

After a brief but melodramatic burst of energy, Jean collapses into unconsciousness and is hospitalized. Wolverine intends to bring her flowers (aw!), before throwing them out when he realizes the gal’s taken, establishing the X-Men’s most famous love triangle. (You can fuck right off with your Scott/Jean/Warren-bullshit.)

I’m not sure what my favorite thing is here: the absolutely bonkers everybody’s-elated-panel (special mention to Kurt’s boots and his bounce) or the subtle character beat where Kurt goes all heart-of-the-team and checks on Scott, who turns out to be not so stoic. (X-Men 101)

Charles orders all the X-Men (except Scott) to go on vacation, so he can take care of Jean. Like, Charles, you’d think they could just go hang out at the X-Mansion. Instead, they go to Ireland because Sean has conveniently inherited the ancestral Cassidy Keep.

All the X-Men dress up fancy for a welcoming feast, and it seems Kurt and Ororo are flirting? But sometimes, it also seems like Ororo and Piotr are flirting? Listen, I’m not judging: I love these polycule vibes from the early X-Men. Especially because neither Kurt nor Ororo have had particularly satisfying romantic plotlines for the past 20 years.

I’m not here to insinuate nothing, but last time I said “I enjoy being with both of you”, it ended up in a spitroast. (X-Men 101)

The soiree is interrupted by… THE JUGGERNAUT, BITCH, and Black Tom, Sean Cassidy’s evil cousin. They are hired by an unknown someone to kill the X-Men! Since nobody subtle is involved, they quickly wreck the castle and everybody tumbles into the dungeons. (Local news paper reports: gay power couple harasses ill-dressed American tourists.)

This story is mostly a vehicle to tells Ororo’s backstory: Storm, one of the few who could conceivably put up a fight to Cain Marko, feels caged by the cold rocks of Cassidy Keep and is incapacitated by her claustrophobia.

Back in the USA, Charles, who’s heard Storm’s mental anguish, is furious with Scott because he doesn’t hop in a plane to save the other X-Men, even though Scott correctly points out that he’ll never get there in time if he leaves now. Meanwhile, Jean awakens, convinced she somehow brought herself back to life. Yeah, you go girl.

While the rest of the X-Men fight the evil duo in Ireland, Claremont tells Storm’s backstory in a few gorgeous spreads.

“I could write a novel about Storm’s backstory.” “You get two pages.” “Deal.” (X-Men 102)

Another classic comics trope appears here, where family members are immune to one another’s powers. I have no idea how Black Tom is immune to Banshee’s sonic scream - he has ears.

Does Black Tom just have a voice in his ears going NEENER NEENER NEENER when Sean screams? (X-Men 102)

When Storm finally pulls herself back together, it’s too late: the Juggernaut has pummeled the other X-Men into a paste and she also falls to his onslaught. IS THIS THE END OF THE X-MEN?!

Other things introduced this year:

Kurt’s image inducer, which he abuses to look like Errol Flynn. (I would abuse it to look like an amalgam of Milo Ventimiglia (ca. Gilmore Girls) and Timothée Chardonnay. OR like Emmy Raver-Lampman.)

The fastball special!

All kinds of name confusion: Lorna is Polaris, Havok is sometimes Havoc and Piotr becomes Peter.

Best new character: Phoenix. Hit me with that iconic shit.

What to read: The Stephen Lang arc is not fully necessary, just read issue 100 and 101. Don’t skip issue 102 if you want to know all about Storm’s past.

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hhhecates · 3 years ago

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Oh my gosh we're like best friends now /hj

I will give you some more albedo hc I thought of so mondstat is based of off Germany I'm pretty sure,,, German albedo time. Just thinking of him with an accent makes me laugh 💀

And mentioning him giving us a calcifer plushie. I love that. He wears alot of sweaters I'm pretty sure you mentioned so we'd totally steal them😍 on that note date ideas coffee dates, picnic dates, those strawberry picking dates I don't personally like strawberries but like it's super sweet.. OMG BIG BRAIN MOMENT botanical garden date. Libary dates tho

AND AND MATCHING EARRINGS YES PLS

Also Greek mythology and other mythologies I know more about Greek tho I know some Japanese and Egyptian but that's as far as my knowledge goes but one of my favorite stories is eros and psyche and he'd totally like it too new hc albedo is a hopeless romantic and will just often stare at you with heart eyes idk how to explain explain like when you look at someone and you just visibly relax and just zoneout staring at them

I'm hispanic and I'd totally see him wearing an evil eye bracelet pretty sure most people know about this and have them in their cultures not sure about Germany but yk..

Omg gifting him a customized guitar😍I would totally show pictures of the ones I've seen like I saw one with a golden Chinese dragon it's amazing

Albedo with a german accent yes please😔🤌🏻 you can hear it the most in the morning, when he’s still sleepy and he greets you good morning while cuddling closer to you,,, yes it’s the most precious thing ever, yes it makes you giggle cause albedo is so soft in the mornings, also yes he will tickle the living hell out of you because as I stated many times before, albedo can be quite a lil menace, with you involved? Even more so.

Albedo will gladly lend you his sweaters, he also deliberately buys them to be very oversized, so that no matter your size, his sweater are cuddly and soft and absolutely swamp you and give you the cutest sweater paws, albedo does in fact leave his sweaters around on purpose so that you will wear them. He thinks he is so sneaky, him and his little grin he hides behind his cup of coffee, but damn it’s so obvious even Kaeya teases him about how lovesick he looks.

Also! ! Anon,,, the botanical garden dates— I am legitimately in tears please— think he brings you often to botanical gardens or even just really big flower shops and he brings you around and recounts lil fun facts and stories about flowers and he will just point at one and go like “this you” like what the fuck albedo?? but albedo goes like “This is you cause azalea flower means love and gentleness. And the name azalea comes from greek and it means dry, because it can flourish even in the hardest of habitats.” this bitch will say it with the most straightforward face possible like he didn’t just say the cheesiest shit ever and he does it because he knows it gets you flustered, and he likes that. Also ALSO let’s consider,,, planetarium dates😔 and just dates at the astronomical observatory or or just him bringing you in a field at night with his trusty telescope, he sits you down in the truck of his car with fluffy blankets and pillows and points out all the constellations and recounts the myths behind them (because yes we are trash about greek and egyptian and any mythology here) and he will hold you close and talk about all the myths related to the stars in every culture and give you lil kisses when you’re about to fall asleep because albedo knows it wakes you up enough to whine and ask for just one more lil kith and yes that was his plan all along.

Also the matching earring anon— this is so sweet I skskskskwio— imagine matching earrings that you two made together with each other’s birthstones— I CANNOT DO THIS—

And while im not sure if in german culture there’s the evil eye there is in italian culture and it’s so funny cause we have a thing called cornetto, that’s basically a little chili, and that’s one of the objects we use for the evil eye lol but yeah, I think albedo would wear it, he’s by all means not a superstitious person, but damn boy knows it’s always safe to have one, he especially treasures it if you’re the one giving it to him,, he treasures anything you give him really👆🏻💕 if you give him a customized guitar, give also the man a few seconds cause no one ever really went that far for him, he usually receives those kind of impersonal gifts you give out of courtesy because no one ever knows what to get him, boy is a mystery, so you going out of your way to get something so special for him will have him almost in tears albedo will be in tears but he hugs you super close and buries your head in his shoulder to prevent you from seeing.^^

#hecate asks #i love you so much anon #this was gold #your headcanons got me so giggly and happy #Ughghffksoz #im very deep in my albedo feels rn #college albedo for everyone

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ohwereusingourmadeupnames · 5 years ago

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I'm sorry you've had a rotten day D:! If it's not too much to ask could you do Fireman Tony losing a bet and having to pose for a calendar set to raise money for a charity (perhaps Peter is the photographer and in charge of said charity)???

do the thing - send in all the prompts.

That’s very sweet of you, nonnie! This was the perfect way to cheer me up, so thank you for that, too! It got a little porny - I hope you don’t mind :P

warnings: NSFW blowies and firefighter Tony goodness

Around the firehouse, frat rules applied. Which meant that toilet seats were never safe and bets were ongoing and made frequently. As the Chief of the station, Tony got to be the facilitator of many of the things that went on around the firehouse. When he set up the calendar photo shoot to benefit the local children’s home, he never figured he’d be actively participating – but that’s what he got for being a hot head and betting on something he never should have.

It all started when Bucky brought UNO in during one of their lull shifts. It took a lot of convincing, because most guys hadn’t played the game in years – but once it got started, things got nasty very quickly. Give men the ability to get competitive and it’s fucking on. They were playing last man standing rules – so everyone with cards in their hands kept playing until there was an ultimate loser.

The round that Tony decided to sit in on was one of the biggest yet. They jammed together six decks of cards and let the game goes at it might. Steve had already bet Bucky that he wouldn’t give the crew a show on the pole, and Clint stood in his boxers for the rest of the night. Aside from all the laughs and the sore stomach muscles, Tony was starting to get a little worried. He’d been hit with three ‘draw four’ cards in a row, and the lack of organization of the cards in his hand made it hard to play quickly – or intelligently for that matter. He held so many cards, it was a wonder that most of them were total shit.

One by one, the guys checked out until it was Rhodey and Tony left – the two leaders of the station going head to head. There were shouts and cheers all over the place, both men starting to lose their cards quickly now that there were only two people and the deck was pretty small. “What’s the bet?” Tony heard when there were only four cards left between them. Looking up, Tony blushed when he saw the look in Rhodey’s eyes – the four years of college they spent together reminding him that his best friend could be ruthless when he wanted to.

Finally, Rhodey filled in the rest of the class – the room going quite when he lowered the deck and looked straight at Tony. “Loser poses for all twelve months of the charity calendar,” Rhodey said, a smirk on his lips. The two of them spent a couple hours planning out the poses just days ago – there were some a couple of very questionable ones that he all of the sudden regretted choosing. Sucking in a breath, Tony did the only thing he could and accepted, his head already hanging in defeat – he was sitting on two yellow 7’s.

It didn’t matter that Bucky slipped Rhodey a ‘draw four’ card in the end, Tony already figured he was doomed to his fate. The men broke into applause when Rhodey slammed down his last card – a triumphant look on his face. “I can’t wait to see this,” he exclaimed, his smile reaching the shit eating territory pretty fast.

Which is why, a week later, Tony found himself being fitted into the outfit and put into a chair that would inevitably lead to him being made up into a shiner, more glistening version of himself. Though he felt resigned to his fate, it would have been nice to be on the other side of this situation, laughing at the fool getting his picture taken – instead of being the one getting laughed at. Either way, he spent a little extra time in the gym over the last week, so he and his body were more than ready.

Walking out into the mostly cleared out station in just his suit and nothing else on underneath, Tony felt himself flush – there were less people in the room than he figured and the whole thing seemed way more natural than some of the other shoots that went down in the firehouse over the years. There weren’t any fancy lights or loud assistants bullying him into this position or that – simply a man, a camera, and the computer the images would manifest on.

For the first time, Tony noticed the younger man – and he was obviously younger, the shine of youth still diligently clinging to molten brown eyes. He was a bit on the shorter side and very lean – though he could immediately recognize the bulge of a bicep when he raised his hand in greeting.

His hands were big – like they were made to be wrapped around the priceless piece of equipment he was holding (or other things – but now wasn’t the time for those sorts of thoughts.) The most important thing for Tony was his smile, though – when it broke, his lips spread until they were practically touching his ears – and his cheeks colored, that fire engine red so beautiful; a swift reminder of the thing he loved the most.

“Hey, Chief Stark,” the photographer started, long legs carrying him over until they were standing face to face. “I’m Peter Parker – I’ll be doing your photos today.” He stuck a hand out between them, that smile on his face spreading a little bit more when Tony finally caught his eye. He carried an air of confidence that not a lot of people his age could even think to achieve, let alone project.

Taking his hand, Tony felt himself smile, too – his customary resting bitch face slipping for just a second. “Nice to meet you, Pete – I hope you’re planning on making me look pretty,” Tony replied, his brow quirking, the smile on his face shifting from soft to playful. He even let himself chuckle when Peter’s blush deepened – the red taking on more of a maroon tint to it now.

“I don’t think you need any help from me,” Peter remarked without thought, his own eyebrows raising in challenge. And who was he to fight with such a thought like that? Especially when it was being delivered from that of an beautiful individual. Nodding in answer, Tony let his thumbs slip under the suspenders of the fire suit, his eyes wide.

“Good answer, Peter Parker – good answer.” He shook his head, turning it after a second to give himself a visual break. It was going to be hard to focus on looking at the camera with anything other than hunger, this kid was too gorgeous for his own good. “So, where do you want me?”

The next hour flew by without Tony noticing much of anything other than the softly spoken cues and explanations of the poses that Peter wanted him to go through. He wet himself with the hose and leaned against the 141 engine, he climbed the ladder with one of the suspenders slid off his shoulder and his suit dragging down until it was almost too obscene – he even let Rhodey throw a bucket of sudsy water on him. Despite some of the humiliating catcalls he got from some of the guys, Tony enjoyed every single second of it.

At the end of it all, Peter finally came up for air, his eyes no longer seemingly like a secondary attachment to the camera in his hand. The kid was talented – there was no doubt about that. Tony didn’t need to see the photos to know just how good they were going to turn out. The natural way he took in the light and allowed Tony to be himself spoke of experience and understanding.

He caught a smile from the young photographer and saw his hand beckoning him over – the kid’s eyes wide with what seemed liked excitement. “You’ve got to check a couple of these out,” Peter proclaimed, his fingers already clicking through the digital roll on the computer. Tony watched them all pass across the screen in hyper speed – the poses moving from one to the next like a flip book. He settled on one and turned the computer so Tony could see it more fully.

Tony immediately recognized the moment – the water was just splashed on his face and he raised a hand to get it out of his eyes – his fingers were tangled in his hair and the water was flinging back off the strands, his face completely lit up from the shock and excitement of the moment. His jaw dropped a little – in all of his time participating in something like this, he never encountered a picture of himself he liked so much. His instincts were absolutely correct – Peter Parker was immensely talented.

“Damn, I look amazing,” Tony couldn’t stop himself from mumbling. Peter’s answering giggle had him turning his head, his cheeks on fire. Peter was looking at him funnily, a hand over his mouth to stop the further chuckles from falling out, probably.

“You’re the hottest person I’ve ever taken photos of, Chief,” Peter whispered. His hand moved from his mouth into his hair, the strands standing on their end after fingers were dragged through them. His bright eyes were mostly pupil and if Tony were reading the room right – it appeared that Peter Parker did in fact like what he saw.

Looking around, Tony noticed that most of the guys were occupied – half of the crew out on a call and the other outside in the gym or playing pick up on the court. He wet his lips and went for it – what could it hurt? “You’re smooth, I’ll give you that, Parker. Want to see the rest of the station? I can show you where the five-time fire station chili cooking championship winning chili was cooked, if you’re interested.”

Peter took the offer for what it was and followed Tony further into the station – the older man pointing out the couple things of interest on his way through the bunks into his office. There was no time for Tony to formulate his next move because his back was hitting the door – the force of impact closing it the rest of the way. Tony smirked when fingers gripped the still wet suspenders, Peter’s eyes totally taken over by the blown pupil now – the invitingly warm brown completely gone. He managed to drag in a chocked off breath before lips were descending upon his own.

How Tony ended up pressed against his office door with the photographer on his knees in front of him, he never would have guessed. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, he didn’t spend too much time worrying about it, either. His fingers were tangled in the thick curls of Peter’s hair, his hips doing their best not to give in and thrust into the delicious suction. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep the moans from slipping from his lips – Peter’s attention on him too damn good.

The younger man’s hand was wrapped around the base of his cock, his fingers tight in their grip. His mouth slid down until his lips were bumping against the fingers there, his cheeks hollowing out to smoothly suck as Peter pulled his head back up and lavished the tip of his cock with his tongue. He would pull off every couple of passes and let the flat of his tongue run from root to tip, Peter careful to spend several agonizing seconds lapping at the ridge right at the head.

There was drool dripping from his chin onto the floor below them – the whole sight absolutely indecent. Tony let his head rest against the heavy oak of the door, his eyes squeezing shut tightly. “Pete – you have the dirtiest little mouth,” Tony babbled, his hips finally giving in to the temptation to press forward into the last couple inches of Peter’s throat. The slight gag had a bead of precum dripping from his length – the feeling a glorious prelude to the lewd pulse of orgasm. Peter moaned around him, the vibrations adding to the deliciousness.

“You were meant to choke on a cock, weren’t you? You look pretty doing it – your eyes a little watery, drool dribbling down your chin. It’s fucking filthy – wonderfully salacious. And you like that, don’t you? Dropping to your knees like this, letting me gag you with my cock.” Tony emphasized the words with a change in the grip of Peter’s hair and a sharp thrust of his hips.

At that point, Tony could do nothing other than hold on for the ride, his body moving on autopilot – mind so strung out from the suddenness of having his brain sucked out through his cock and the severely pornographic sight of Peter unzipping his pants and fisting his own raging erection. A part of him wanted to draw away and spend a little time watching the scene – but he was too far gone, his balls already drawing up with his impending orgasm.

“Fuck, Pete- I’m close. So close,” Tony panted out, his hips coming to a stuttering stop when Peter took him all the way down his throat and swallowed around him. Pulse after pulse of warm cum slide down the boy’s throat – the tension of Peter’s constricting throat muscles pulling even more from him.

Through the haze of his afterglow, Tony watched Peter pull back and gasp, his hand flying over his cock. Watching him cum all over himself and the floor had Tony’s belly clenching with renewed arousal – everything about what was in front of him absolute perfection. Leaning heavily against the door, Tony loosened the grip of his hand in Peter’s hair – his fingers moving until they were resting lightly against the back of his head, instead. “Fuck,” he muttered again, his entire body on the verge of falling over from too much stimulus and a whole lot of fatigue.

After a few minutes, Peter looked up at him, eyes shining – “Will you fuck me against the truck next?”

Suddenly, thoughts of sleep were the furthest from his mind.

#starker #peter parker/tony stark #tony stark/peter parker #peter parker x tony stark #tony stark x peter parker #firefighter tony stark #photographer peter parker #ironspider #ask prompts #bobbie writes #nonnie #anonymous

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revchainsaw · 4 years ago

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Sonic: The Hedgehog (2020)

Greeting my flock of film freaks and welcome again to the Cult of Cult. Todays offering is a bit more of the mainstream blockbuster variety, but as films based on Video Games are still actually quite niche and vastly underestimated I think we should open our hearts to Sonic: The Hedgehog and hope that we find it a pleasing tithe to the cult. I am your beloved minster, The Reverend Chainsaw, and welcome to today’s service.

The Message

I must confess to the congregation that I was drinking mighty heavily of the lord’s Tennessee sour mash when I was taking in this movie. That said, I think that this is a great movie to have a drink with and I mean that in the best possible way.

Sonic: The Hedgehog is of course based on the Sega video game franchise and stars Ben Schwartz as the titular blue rat. Schwartz brings his brand of high energy enthusiastic comedy to the voice role. While Schwartz is particularly on brand for Schwartz, is he on brand for Sonic? I’m not entirely sure, but I’m also not entirely sure I was ever in love with the old ways. I am not an avid fan or consumer of Sonic media and perhaps that means I am in a poor position to say. I am most familiar with the Sega games and Sonic cartoons from the 90s, and from what I have grasped the more recent entries with their more anime centric and high lore plots still owe quite a bit to the attitude era of the 90s. Sonic was a hero but he was also a bit of a cross between Mickey Mouse, the Flash, and Bart Simpson. As an angsty 90s boy I wanted to eat chili dogs and go very fast that was very appealing to me, but I’m not so sure it would be appealing to a vast audience of older millennials, or even todays kids. And though I think it would be a fair criticism to say that Ben Schwartz is playing sonic as basically the superhero version of his Dewey Duck from the VERY VERY good DuckTales reboot, I don’t think that it’s necessarily a bad thing.

Dewey Duck the Hedgehog is a small mammal (also not a rodent, I wanted to say rodent and apparently hedgehogs are not rodents, just googled it) from an alien planet where his adoptive mother, an owl named Long Claw, fears that he will be hunted for his special powers, which I think is just super speed but it might be other things. In line with these concerns after an attack by pursuers Longclaw gives Sonic the Moses treatment and floats the special blue boy down the metaphorical river. Unlike Moses, however, Sonic is not found by ultra rich ultra powerful extra special people but is instead alone. Sonic lives alone in exile outside a small American town as a sort of local cryptid.

Thus begins a charming adventure. Through a poor decision to use his powers while working out some personal issues, Sonic inadvertantly draws the attention of the U.S Government and their nasty big brain baddy Dr. Robotnik. Sonic recruits a small town police officer with big city dreams to assist him in finding his magic rings so that he might flee from earth to an uninhabited mushroom kingdom.

Now about these two human characters. Officer Everyman is played by cyclops from the X-men franchise. The actors name escapes me and so does the characters, and while, yes, I just looked up if hedgehogs were rodents, I will not be looking up this information. I like the review better this way. It makes me laugh. And while I don’t remember his name, I do remember that he used to live In Mt. Juliet, TN. Anyway, what you should know about Officer Goodguy is that he drives a Toyota Tacoma!

That Toyota Tacoma is also continuously abused by the mad machinations of our films biggest draw: Jim Carey as Dr. Robotnik. If we were to pitch a Sonic movie, I don’t think anyone would jump to Jim Carey as the must have for the role, but after seeing this film, boy was it the best choice. The way he chews the scenery and plays off the rest of the cast and situations is just so much fun to watch. It’s fantastic to see Jim Carey back in a larger than life role. The Decision to play Jim Carey as the kind of condescending nerd who has taken their lack of social skills and leaned in as opposed to working on themselves was a brilliant choice. We’ve all known that kind of guy who tries to play the misanthrope just because they are too egotistical to recognize their flaws. Here Dr. Robotnik has given up on human connection in favor of subordination. His intellect is his only value, and thus he demands everyone around him acknowledge intellect as the only quality that matters as he has. It was a great choice.

From the point the chase begins the film becomes a road trip flick, and despite the fact that Sonic could supposedly cover the distance required in the blink of an eye we watch the ins and outs of our heroes relationship as they learn what home, and being a hero mean to them. By the climax it is pretty by the numbers, Sonic has come to feel at home on Earth and now that he has friends who care for him they can begin to make a world from which neither will have to flee; and of course, they beat the bad guy. FOR NOW. we are treated to an even crazier Dr. Robotnik stranded in the Fungus Dimension bent on revenge.

The Benediction

Now for all things Holy and Profane in this film, please rise for the Benediction.

Best Scandal: Sonic the Cosmic Horror

The original look of this film was mired in dread when the early footage and trailers dropped revealing a hideously uncanny hedgehog monster in the form of sonic. The memes are amazing, the toys are unsettling, there’s still plenty of Quasimodo Sonic stuff out there floating on the web and I suggest that you search it out, the laughter is good for your heart. Also if anyone wants to send me any creepy sonic merch I’ll take it.

Thanks to the work of online fans and internet harassments, the studio felt it was going to lose money on the project and reeled back the release allowing for the design department to give us a more cartoony but less frightening alien monster. I mean he’s a cartoon, it’s okay for him to look like a cartoon.

Best Scene: Noodle Dance

It’s hard to choose, and it feels a bit biased, but there are a few scenes with Dr. Robotnik that are just what make the movie more than a forgettable IP adaptation. Not that Ben Schwartz wasn’t doing great as the character but I feel Sonic as a whole would be lost in the milieu of CG spectacles and Super Hero Origin stories that we are bombarded with every year if not for Jim Carey’s performances; and even with them Sonic: The Hedgehog is not completely out of those woods. That said, I think Dr. Robotnik’s Alone Time Dance Party has to be the stand out sequence in my memory. I can’t really speak to what makes it so enjoyable, but damn if it isn’t just the best scene in the movie.

Best Character: Silicon Valley Dr. Robotnik

Do I even need to say it? It’s Dr. Robotnik. I’m not a fan of this villain from any other media. I always found Dr. Robotniks look unappealing, I’m not a huge fan of his powers, or using robot henchman. it always struck me as pretty boring how Sonic didn’t have a cool rogues gallery (i’m talking about 90s sonic) the way Mario did. However, they did something with the design, characterization, and performance that just made him such a fun villain. Also, my friend Jacksons mom said I looked like him and it didn’t hurt my feelings so.

Best Actor: Jim Carey

Jim Carey. It really seems like he’s all I’m talking about in this movie. Once again, I think Ben Schwartz did great and Sonic IS basically Dewey Duck in this movie. Dewey Duck is my favorite part of the rebooted DuckTales series, BUT he is just outmaneuvered by Jim Carey in this role. I think it’s a compliment enough to say that Ben Schwartz was even able to keep up with his energy, let alone play his quicker perkier foil.

Worst Scene: Toyota Tacoma Commercial

Sonic: the Hedgehog’s worst scene would probably have to be the forced friend fight between Sonic and Officer Wachowski during the car chase. It’s an overproduced weightless car chase scene with a contrived buddy cop controversy meant to force apart our heroes so that they can ultimately grow a little and come back together later in the movie. Not that I mind a movie like this to be so by the numbers, but it just felt like two of the blandest things on this movies plate being forced into one scene. I do like the idea of giving me the crap part of the dish in one flavorless generic bite, but that still doesn’t save it from being the worst scene in the movie.

That Toyota Tacoma took a beating though.

Worst Feature: Nothing Ventured/ Nothing Earned

I’m sure many fans would feel that the worst feature of the film is that it isn’t loyal to any previous lore laden version of the character, (probably the one they like the most). In the portrayals of both Sonic and Dr. Robotnik there were decisions made that drastically differed from the ways they have been portrayed before. Sonic is naïve and idealistic, a bit childish, Dr. Robotnik is driven by a lot of insecurity. Where are the Chaos Crystals and my original character Grindy the Wolf Cub?

But I think that these are over all positive choices in a film that otherwise chose to play it incredibly safe. In their cautious approach to appeal to the widest possible audience the film makers gave us a pleasant and appealing cartoon romp but we are left with little to hold on to. The worst feature of Sonic: The Hedgehog is it’s safety.

Summary:

Sonic: The Hedgehog is often touted as “the first good video game movie”. A label that I disagree with wholeheartedly. It is certainly a good video game movie, but it’s not the first, and it is not by leaps and bounds better than other video game movies as a whole. It’s a sub genre that gets a ton of disrespect, and in a world where the biggest criticism levied against the Super Mario Bros is that it’s not a faithful adaptation, I don’t understand how Sonic the Buddy Cop/ Road Trip comedy is escaping that attitude.

All that said, I had a good time with this movie. But it felt like playing on the playground as a toddler. You have fun and then you leave and you don’t really remember what you played or who with. I’ll think about Jim Carey and Dewey Duck, but I had a hard time hating or loving anything this movie did in any strong way. I usually feel that a movie that is “bad” or “corny” or “shlocky” is always better than a movie that is generic, or pointless, or boring. Sonics pleasantness and cheerful energy just barely save it from being another Transformers franchise. I get that origin stories are hard, so I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment, and hopefully it’s going to do something that sets it apart. Probably not.

Overall Grade: C

James Marsden! I just remembered!

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laylacooke · 4 years ago

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New Moon Rising || Ariana, Alcher, & Layla

timing: Friday, 9/20 parties: @letsbenditlikebennett, @zahneundklauen, & @laylacooke summary: Ariana, Alcher, and Layla bond over dinner. warnings: death mention tw by all three characters

Nothing felt right. It’d been nearly a week since she read that news article about Winn and Ariana still felt numb. At least she had since seen Ace, but how weary she was didn’t seem to fade. No amount of woodworking projects, new recipes, or distractions seemed to do the trick. Diving into solving who killed him with Blanche helped to an extent, but they’d yet to find Winn’s ghost. Since she’d stopped by Kaden’s, she had seen Celeste a few more times. She seemed like herself and somehow, it had her reeling even more so. It couldn’t really be Celeste, but this figure sounded like her, acted like her and even smelled like her. Right now, it was the only thing pushing her forward. She idly fidgeted with the little wooden bat she’d been carving. Both vegan and regular chili were already on the stove. She’d made two macaroni and cheeses as well. The potatoes and veggies would work for both of them. The table and chairs she’d made looked nice in her dining area and she wanted to be excited she was having guests over. She had been so before, especially since Alcher and Layla would get to meet, but she couldn’t muster it anymore. Her energy seemed to be getting lower and lower though she tried to perk up and turn it on when she heard a knock at the door.

Layla had been free from cat life for a little while, but the news she had come back to had sent her mood plummeting. The news of Winn’s death had been unexpected, and so badly she had contemplated going back to Cordy and seeing if the witch would turn her back into an animal. She hadn’t even had a chance to go apartment hunting with Winn, and now, she was lost on what to do. Thankfully, Ariana had given her an escape and offered up dinner. The trailer had been lonely without her, and while Ulf had given her the option to move into the house, it hadn’t felt right with Ari not being there. At least she had still had Indy with her. The one thing in her life that hadn’t moved on or away. With the small dog in tow, Layla found herself standing outside Ariana’s new place trying to decide if she had wanted to go in or not. Everything had felt off, since she had returned to werewolf life and laying low had just seemed to come naturally to her, “Should we go in, Indy? Or just grab some food from the grocery store and head back to the trailer?” She looked to the small dog in her arms hoping for an answer.

The first time Alcher had woken up in a place she didn’t recognize hadn’t been too much cause for alarm. The second and third times, however, were. She had always been extremely careful to make sure she did not lose track of time or herself, that she did not lose herself completely to the beast. Was this the work of the beast? Or was it coincidence that the full moon had just passed? She could not be sure, but she did know that she was going to try and get to the bottom of what was happening-- after this dinner with Ariana. It was important to gain her full trust, and the fact that she was bringing another wolf for her to meet. Layla was her name, and by the sounds of it, she, too, was a young wolf. This meeting tonight would be important. It would make or break Alcher’s ability to take these two into her fold. If she wanted to help them, she needed them to trust her and accept her first, and Alcher was nothing if not patient.

When she arrived at the address Ariana gave her, she smelled the other wolf before she even saw her. She stood up ahead, on the sidewalk, looking up to the apartment. There was a dog beside her. Her father had always warned her of the danger of keeping a dog as a wolf-- they would end up dead, eventually, and the bond between the two would be broken. Still, these poor children were so lonely, weren’t they? Without a true pack, they sought companionship in domesticized cousins. She came up beside the red head. “I think,” she spoke softly, “we shouldn’t leave our friend waiting.”

With the full moon having just passed, Ariana could hear the other wolves before they knocked on her door though it took them longer than she would have expected. She knew Layla walked up first when she smelled her and Indy arriving. Part of her reached for the door, but she’d give Layla a minute. It was hard to determine just what was holding her back though she did frown and gave both pots of chili another stir. A quick peek out her window told her the area was still foggy and the sky still darker than normal. Everything just seemed wrong which mirrored how she’d been feeling lately. People kept dying or getting hurt and it was hard to focus on what good could come of that when she felt like she was clawing away with nothing to hold on to. She shook the darker thoughts away, afraid of what they might bring. She hadn’t seen Celeste again since she’d left Kaden’s, but that was not a scene she could stomach happening in front of her again. When the knock finally did come, she threw on her most convincing smile and opened the door. “Come in,” she greeted warmly and gestured toward the living area, “I’ve got classic chili and mac and cheese going for me and Alcher. Got some vegan versions for you, Layla. Then some cast iron roasted vegetables for everyone because vitamins or something.” She gave them a quick little tour of the apartment and directed them to the barstools. “Did anyone want a drink? I’ve got water, White Claws, orange juice, milk, La Croix, and Sprite.”

Layla could smell the other wolf before she had even gotten close, so the words hadn’t come as a surprise. Looking over, the redhead nodded softly. It wasn’t long before she was being escorted inside with Indy in tow. Ariana’s new place was nice. And it was something she had hoped to find with Winn’s help, but all the cat bullshit had gotten in the way, and before she could go apartment hunting, or even just see her friend one last time, he was gone. Thankfully it was an evening being spent with her best friend and apparently a new friend. One whose name had sounded familiar, but she couldn’t quite place at the moment, “I know it’s a pain in the ass cooking two meals, but thanks, Ari. I’m more so just grateful for the company and not constantly hearing myself meow.” She laughed softly, “I’ll go with water.” Turning her attention back to the other person, she stuck out her hand, “I’m Layla, and this is Indy.” She showed Alcher the small dog, before sitting him down on the floor to go play with Luna.

Alcher’s smile was warm and soft when Ariana opened the door to greet them. Despite the ache in her shoulder from the silver knife, and the strangeness of waking in places she did not remember going to, the smile was genuine. She was happy to see Ariana, smiling and sweet, after everything she had told her over the past few weeks. Someone hunting wolves, full moons being taken from them, and now the passing of a wolf whom Ariana had known-- Alcher wished she could take Ariana’s pain and carry it with her, but in all her years, that was the one thing she’d never figured out how to do. So, instead, she would be here to support her. And now she was finally meeting the other young wolf, Layla. They’d talked once on the internet, and now Alcher’s suspicions were confirmed. Though her brow did furrow at the mention of vegan food. They would have to deal with that discrepancy later. She first needed to bond with the girl. “We’ve met, actually,” she said to Layla, taking the offered hand, “online. I may have told you a different name, however. I go by Ada in public.” A grin. “But for my friends and for those I can trust, it is Alcher.” She turned back to Ariana, enjoying the smell of the food wafting around them. “It all looks wonderful, Ariana,” she said, heading towards the kitchen. “Water will do for now,” she answered. “So, tell me-- how did you two meet? Have you both lived her long?”

Ariana was quick to grab water for both of her friends. Somehow, playing the perfect hostess was enough to keep her mind idly occupied. At least until she remembered everything that had happened. It was hard to swallow back the lump in her throat, but she did as she handed them both glasses of ice water. “Here you go,” she said as she slid over coasters for them to use, “And I’m definitely gonna be that person with the coasters. Countertop isn’t wood, but most of the other surfaces are and I made them myself so…” As she realized the pair had chatted online, she noted, “Funny, a conversation was what inspired Alcher and I meeting. I’ve dubbed myself White Crest’s official trail guide… although that sounds like a good way to get axe murdered so maybe not though I guess I do have a one up on most.” Unless they were a hunter which apparently, she was shit at realizing ahead of time. At least the hunters she knew in town seemed to care for her. At the question of how her and Layla met, she briefly paused her stirring, “Oh uh, that’s a funny story. I’ve lived here about six months, Layla a little less? I may or may not have sniffed her out.” She’d let Layla tell the rest. It wasn’t entirely necessary to advertise the other wolf had been dumpster diving.

That’s why this woman had seemed so familiar. Layla had talked to her already. Social media had a funny way of connecting people, “I don’t think I ever got your name actually, but it’s nice to meet you, Alcher. I’m Layla.” She turned her attention to Ariana, taking the glass of ice water, “Thanks, Ari, and coasters I can do. Everything looks amazing, by the way. I think Ulf would be proud.” She smiled before taking a sip of water and sitting her glass down on one of the recommended coasters. What the conversation had shifted to was something that Layla hadn’t let enter her mind in quite a while. She had gotten comfortable living in White Crest, and it had come to feel like home despite all the heartache it had brought, “Uh, yeah. Sniffed me out alright.” She laughed softly. Though her situation wasn’t funny, it was amusing to think how afraid of Ariana she had been, “I didn’t really have a home at the time, and Ariana found me rummaging for food behind one of the small restaurants in town. And the rest is history!” Layla wasn’t quite sure about Alcher yet, especially after the way she had been questioned by the other wolf when they had first started talking online. There were still lingering threats on her life from people in her past, and she was slowly learning that trust wasn’t just something to give out so easily anymore.

Alcher watched the two girls interact for a moment. They were familiar with each other, and they were obviously friendly, but there was just the slightest hesitation on Layla’s side, which meant Ariana was the wolf with more experience here. It made sense; Ariana had told Alcher she was born a wolf. From what she’d gathered, Layla was bitten. Which meant she could never be as much of a wolf as Ariana or Alcher. That wasn’t her fault, though, and as long as she wanted to try and be a better wolf, then she would have Alcher’s support. Smiling, she nodded between the two. “I’m glad you two met, then, and that you have each other,” she said. “I assume you’ve since found a place to live, like Ariana?” turned her gaze towards the young wolf she’d met earlier.

Ariana was glad Layla felt comfortable enough to share exactly how they found each other. She knew it could potentially be embarrassing but it was good her friend was embracing her previous struggle and hopefully learning, too. There was no reason for any wolf to be alone in the world and she held Layla very near and dear to her heart. She put the finishing touches on the meals before she started to serve them. “Thanks,” she replied with a soft smile, “I’m sure he will be when he gets a chance to stop by. It still feels a bit weird not having you guys right there, but it’s nice being close to school. Blanche lives right across the hall, too, and I made friends with one of my neighbors, Grace… which is actually a funny story.” The part about Layla being a cat wasn’t all that funny, but as she set the plates down on the table by the kitchen, she said, “When you were still a cat, I happened to win a cat whistle in the craft fair prize. Tried to use it to lure you, but well, turns out it was a whistle for fae cat. It’s since been destroyed, but Grace happened to run into me with well… entirely too many cats around. Putai--” She cut herself off realizing it was probably best to not mention Kaden to Alcher until she knew she wouldn’t seek him out to hurt him. “They eventually left seeing as this place isn’t currently cat central.”

Ariana gestured toward the table and joined them. “I’m glad we found each other, too,” she commented with a wider smile now. “Who else would ride shotgun in my Barbie car with me?” She did miss being able to just hang out with Layla, but she supposed they were due for a sleepover one of these days. She knew Layla wanted her own place and was in the works of finding one. She’d let her explain all that to Alcher though.

“I’m glad we met, too. Ari pretty much saved my life. What about you two? How did you meet?” She looked from Ariana to Alcher back to Ariana. Noticing it was dinner time, the young wolf found her seat and sat down. Everything had smelled good, including the non-vegan food. It had been hard to contend with cat and werewolf cravings as a cat, often snacking on mice or canned fish when she could. The Pièce de résistance was the cooked salmon Deirdre had served up, even though Anya had nearly made her cat life a living hell, “It smells amazing, by the way. Like I could seriously eat it all. I mean…Sorry, cat life still has its lingering effects…” She bit at her bottom lip embarrassed, but perked up at the mention of Ariana’s neighbors and a fae cat whistle, “A cat whistle? That’s a new thing. I swear the people who judge the town contests must be spying on us, because they always seem to put the most ridiculous, but relevant things in our lives.” Layla looked to Alcher. “Did you enter the craft fair?”

Alcher was enjoying watching the two interact. It was more than good that they were friends and seemed at ease with each other. It made her job easier. If one trusted her, the other would soon follow. Layla would be work, but Ariana was already warming up quickly. Either way, they were both worth it, and they were certainly in need of some guidance. Not eating meat, trying to turn people out of fear, turning into cats...yes, they certainly needed a guiding hand. That was what she was here for. She settled into her seat and smiled across at the two. “It’s wonderful to hear about how close you two are,” she commented, “though turning into a cat sounds...perilous. I’m glad you’re back to normal, now, and that we get to meet.” Gave a gentle smile at Layla before helping herself to the food Ariana had provided them. “I did not, and from what I’m hearing, I should thank the stars for that. Do all contests here give out strange prizes? I’ve heard other people complaining of them, as well,” she commented, glancing between the two.

There was a soft smile on her face as she took her seat and answered Layla’s question. “We actually started talking about hiking online,” Ariana explained, “And I offered to show her the trails since well, you know I know my way around the woods here. Obviously, we were pretty quick to sniff each other out.” From that point, Alcher had seemed to want to look out for her even if they didn’t necessarily see eye to eye on the Ace situation. She had almost regretted bringing it up, but she wouldn’t be swayed from protecting someone she cared for. Too much had been lost recently, she wasn’t about to lose someone else. She shook away that thought and took a few bites of her food. She laughed a bit about the cat whistle, “Yeah, apparently not a thing for real cats, but yeah, I’m glad you’re not a cat and have decided the prizes in this town are just sketchy. Plus, I’m pretty sure they ate the chair I made. Like I could have put that on my Etsy shop, so rude.” She shook her head and added, “Alcher, everything in this town is strange. Prizes included.”

“I’m glad I’m back to normal, too. I don’t recommend cat life at all, and if it’s something that happens, I suggest staying away from Deirdre’s house. Her cat, Anya, is a nightmare and like oddly, super smart.” She shrugged off the cat and the bad memories as she reached for some of the food Ari had made for them, “You know, as long as I’ve been here, I still don’t know my way around. Maybe we could all go for a hike one day?” She looked between the two wolves. If Ariana had trusted Alcher, then getting to know the other wolf was something she wanted to invest time into. “Maybe you could show me a thing or two, Alcher?” Layla looked to the woman with a smile as she scooped veggies onto her plate. The one thing the teenager was starting to long for was a pack out of the loneliness she was beginning to feel. It seemed like just a few months back, the wolves of White Crest were onto a great thing, but a thing that never came to fruition. However, with Alcher around there was a chance that maybe the three of them could make magic happen.

“Hmm,” Alcher sighed, “you’re right, Ariana. This place is strange.” She took a moment of silence to contemplate more words before adding on, “But that’s part of the charm, isn’t it?” Smiled toothily at the two of them before continuing her meal. As she expected from the smell, the food was wonderful, though the idea of the non-meat meal still made her insides burn. A problem for another day. “I would love nothing more than to go on a hike with the two of you,” she finally said, sitting back. “I’d like to think I know my way around the woods a little better now.” She looked over to Layla, giving a short nod. A thing or two was putting it lightly-- this wolf needed work. But that’s what she was here for, right? To get them back on track. And these two had lost so much and so much of their packs already, they would perhaps need Alcher for longer than she usually stayed. “I believe I can do that,” she answered simply, putting a gentle hand on Layla’s shoulder. “In fact, I’d love to.”

The thought of all of them hiking together brought Ariana a sense of content that she hadn’t felt in entirely too long. All her life, she’d longed to be part of a pack and while she’d found other wolves in White Crest, it had always felt like a struggle to bring them all together and now so many had left. Or worse. Winn’s death was still entirely too fresh. She shook it off and took a moment before she smiled. “A hike together sounds perfect,” she responded, “There are some really amazing trails here though I tend to avoid any that go near the lake after the whole Squidward thing.” After taking another bite of her food, she added, “I’m sure you do. I was pretty quick to learn them, too. I’ve always enjoyed hiking.” No matter where she and Celeste had gone while on the run, they always found some trails to enjoy. As much was a matter of necessity come a certain time of the month, but all the memories she had with Celeste and how delighted wildflowers made her was something she’d always cherish. The wistful feeling wasn’t entirely unfamiliar though she’d rather try to keep creating new memories to cherish. “I’m sure there’s a lot we could both learn from you,” she turned to Layla and explained, “Alcher travels a lot to help other wolves, so I’m sure she has lots of tricks up her sleeve.” She smiled brightly for what felt like the first time in too long. This was nice. They were building their own little wolf family though she couldn’t help but wish Ulfric and Winn were here, too.

Scooping some of the vegan dinner options onto her plate as well, Layla was set. All the food had smelled and looked amazing. Her stomach rumbled at the sight of it, and as she listened to Ariana and Alcher speak of hiking and learning how to wolf, she dug in. Eating with a fork and at a table, rather than just shoving her face in a bowl of food was something she had definitely missed, “A hike it is then. You guys just let me know when and where.” Speaking of the woods, maybe before she met up with them, she could slip off to visit Celeste. It had been far too long since she had gone to pay her respects, and she had a lot to talk about with the woman. Though there had been so much on the forefront of her mind, not a day went by that she didn’t think of her in some way. Whether it be big or small, the hunter with a soft spot for werewolves, had been one of the biggest reasons Layla had survived, but out of fear of upsetting Ariana, she rarely brought her up. Instead, she focused back on the conversation going on in front of her, “Really? Where all have you been, Alcher? I mean if you don’t mind me asking.” She took another bite of food.

Normalcy was relative, but as Alcher glanced around, she found that the only word she had for this moment was normal. How long had it been since she’d sat at a real table and shared a meal with other wolves? Even back in Canada, moments like these were rare. She’d taught that rather feral pack how to behave properly, but they were more wolf than human-- much like herself-- and they did not sit down at tables to eat meals. She looked fondly at the two wolves now sitting beside her. “Oh, many places,” she said, “though Maine was my first stop in the U.S. I lived in Poland most my life, it’s where I--” she paused, distinctly, allowing herself to remember these two were wolves. They were owed the truth, but trust was something Alcher held close to her heart. “It’s where I was raised after my family died.” She let the words come stiffly before moving on. “I was born in Germany. I’ve been to, let’s see now-- France, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Greece...Spain, Portugal, England and Ireland. And Scotland, in all technicalities.” She looked at the two. “Have either of you ever been out of the country?”

It was funny how realistically; this whole setup was all Ariana had longed for as she was growing up. As much as she loved Celeste, she longed for that sense of belonging with wolves, too, and it was her sister who had paid for that desire with her life. It felt wrong to enjoy this knowing what she sacrificed by refusing to leave this town. The deeper she found herself in the supernatural world, the more Ariana realized she had no clue what the hell she was doing, but she wanted this. Maybe it had been the question of the places she’d been that brought up the feeling of nostalgia. All those places she had gone had been with Celeste and she missed so many of those memories. “I’ve never been overseas, but I lived in Mexico and Canada both for a while,” she answered with a bit of wistfulness in her tone. She’d loved Canada and running through snow under the bright light of the full moon. “I did always want to go to Romania with my sister. Maybe I’ll still do that one of these days.” She realized she didn’t know if Layla had ever been out of the country and now, she was curious for the answer, so she watched her friend intently as she moved some food around on her plate with her fork.

Layla listened to the older of the two wolves explain her past. At the news of Alcher’s family, the redhead’s eyes fell, “I’m so sorry to hear about your family.” While she still had both of her parents, she had experienced death before of someone she was extremely close with; her grandmother. The one person that seemed to always be there for her growing up. Sitting silently, she took another bite of food, as she listened to Ariana talk about her travels to Canada and Mexico learning information she didn’t know, “Sounds like you both have been to some pretty cool places.” Traveling out of the country was something Layla had experienced, but it had been when she was small and could barely remember it. In her mind, it didn’t really count, “When I was like super little, I vaguely remember traveling out of the country, but I don’t really remember where we went or how long we were there.” Her parents, as hunters, had done a lot of suspicious stuff, and much of it, she struggled to remember, which had probably been for the best; especially since she didn’t quite trust Alcher to know about her hunter background yet. Instead, she would cherish this get together for what it was; new and old friends having a nice meal together.

As Alcher looked across the table at the two young wolves, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of hopefulness. They were young, malleable-- but they were also smart, and loyal. And they had already found each other. She could make this a good home for them, of that she was confident, and perhaps, along the way, she could make them good for this home. Teach them what she knew, how she lived. How to protect others, how to destroy those who might threaten them or their pack. So, it was with a small smile that Alcher lifted her glass to the two, a very human sentiment, and said a small cheers. “Here’s to hoping things only get better from here on out,” she said, “and at the very least, we can have each other.”

#para: new moon rising #letsbenditlikebennett #zahneundklauen #death mention tw #wickedswriting

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coffeestainsandcashmere · 4 years ago

Note

Everything you write is amazing Cashmere! so can I prompt Draco Theo and Hermione and movie night? Maybe a Sci fi or an animated movie? Because I would love to read your take in Draco and Theo involved in muggle activities

Movie night is here!! Thank you so much for this prompt. I hope you enjoy it!

___

“Godric,” she exhaled, lying with her head on Theo’s stomach on the lawns outside the castle, staring up at the sky above. “I can’t believe all our exams are over. It feels like a movie…”

“A what?” Theo murmured, his hand pausing as it raked gently through the wild curls that spilled over his torso and onto the grass on the other side.

“A movie,” she said and then went still. “Please don’t tell me you’re too ‘pureblood’ to know what a movie is… please…” she groaned.

“I’m too ‘pureblood’ to know what a movie is,” he deadpanned. “Draco?”

She shot a look over at Draco, who was sheltering under a nearby tree like a vampire with his back against the trunk, trying not to burn to a cinder while Theo and she lounged about like kneazles in the heat. Despite the shade, he was only mostly succeeding; a definite flush brightened his cheeks. With one knee bent and the other leg straight out, he looked like a reclining Norse god, and she nearly forgot to be amazed about the fact that neither boy had ever even heard of a movie, before Draco shrugged. “No idea.”

“Didn’t you take even one module of Muggle Studies?” she asked, sitting upright, fairly certain that the terms of Draco’s probation had included mandatory Muggle Studies classes. Her hair stuck out behind her in a mess of tangled curls, only adding to her look of dishevelled disbelief.

Theo chuckled. “Sure we did.”

She pursed her lips and folded her arms. “And you spent the entire time sitting at the back, feeling each other up under the desk, not listening to a word, correct?”

Draco at least had the grace to look abashed. “Enlighten us then, Granger. What, pray, is a ‘movie’.”

“Movie, from ‘moving pictures’,” she said, trying not to sound like a miffed professor and failing. “It’s a story told on a screen, like a play I suppose. It’s a bit like a wizarding photograph, but it’s much longer, has sound and music, and isn’t looped.”

“Oh,” Theo said, not quite understanding, clearly.

“Muggles make them for entertainment mostly,” she said. “They have all sorts of amazing computer graphics and effects, and even some that feature magic.”

Draco scowled. “But… the Official Magical Secrets Act…”

Hermione barked a laugh and he blushed and looked away. “It’s not real magic,” she said. “It’s based on muggle folklore usually, or it’s just someone making it up for the purposes of the story. We’ll have to watch one some time.” Then she grimaced. “The only person I know who has a TV and a DVD player is Harry at Grimmauld Place. I’d have to ask him if we could borrow it. I think he had electricity installed.”

Theo looked at Draco. “I only got half of that last bit…” he said, and Draco twitched his eyebrows in agreement.

A month later, Theo and Draco flooed into Grimmauld place and stared around. Draco had a particular look of foreboding in the set of his eyebrows and the jut of his jaw - so much so that when Hermione rushed into the room at the sound of their arrival, she ground to a halt.

“Draco? What’s wrong? It’s just a movie. And if you’re worried about making a fool of yourself, just imagine how many questions I had when I first learned about the wizarding world…” The lightness in her voice died as she watched him swallow thickly.

“It’s not that,” he said immediately. He was still clutching Theo’s hand so hard their knuckles had gone white. When he saw the way one eyebrow rose in confusion, he growled, “It’s been a long time since I was here, that’s all.”

“Oh,” she breathed and then repeated the sound as understanding dropped through her like a stone. “Oh. I didn’t know you’d ever been here…”

“It’s a Black Family house, Hermione,” he said gently. “And even if Potter’s godfather was only my first cousin once removed, we did visit Aunt —” as always, he choked on Bellatrix’ name. “Aunt Bellatrix here once or twice when I was very young.”

“Draco, I’m so sorry, I didn’t even think…” she began, but Draco cut her off by stepping close and putting his hands on her hips. He kissed her and she smiled. “Is it ok?”

“Yes, Hermione,” he said softly. “With you, anything’s ok.”

“Flirt,” she quipped, shifting back and glancing at the other boy. “Hey Theo.”

He smiled. “Hello love,” he grinned over Draco’s shoulder, joining them and kissing her in greeting. “All set?”

“Mmm,” she nodded. “Come on. We’ve got the full muggle experience tonight… Takeaway from down the road, muggle drinks…”

Draco and Theo shot each other matching, comedic looks of feigned wariness, and she smacked them both on the chest.

“Stop that,” she groused and they both laughed.

“Lead the way.”

“It’s literally just come out in the muggle world, but Harry got a copy from somewhere… Don’t ask. It was probably through a contact in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts office or something.”

As the opening text of The Phantom Menace rolled past and the space ship chugged into view, Hermione’s gaze flitted to the boys’ faces. As an entire planet filled the screen, with space ships dotted before it, their eyes went wide and Draco actually sat up a bit.

“You’re telling me muggles made all this up,” he breathed. “Without magic…?”

“Shh,” she giggled. “Yes. Just watch it.”

Before the alien chancellor had finished his first lines, Theo interrupted, nearly choking on the Thai food she’d ordered in for them; something spicy for Theo and something blander for Draco who couldn’t handle even the faintest hint of chili. Theo lowered his fork and blurted, “What the fuck is that? Do muggles have monsters like that? Is it from a zoo or something?”

“No, silly,” she snickered, clapping her hand over her mouth to stem the rising tide of laughter. “It’s a costume with animatronics.”

“Anima-what?”

“Animatronics. Robotics… it’s a whole field of study that includes puppetry, anatomy and mechatronics.”

He fell silent, obviously filing the questions away for afterwards, but under a minute later, Draco had another question. “The ones in the brown robes… are they… wizards?”

She shrugged. “After a fashion, I suppose. They’re called Jedi. Perhaps this wasn’t the best film to start you off on… Maybe I should have started with the original ones… I get the feeling that Draco would like Han Solo… Theo’s more of an Obi Wan I think…”

They had no response to that, but the boys sat there enraptured as the film got going. Yes, they asked questions, but more often than not, they just stared, slack jawed, as the movie unfurled.

Draco gripped Theo’s hand and commented that pod racing looked like a savage form of quidditch, and she had to agree with him. Hermione rested her head on Theo’s shoulder from the other side of the sofa and sighed as the film played out. She’d already cried at Qui Gon’s inevitable end, scoffed at the plot holes, and speculated excitedly about the next one with Harry, so she just sat back and enjoyed their enjoyment. It suddenly felt strange to see two men her own age who had never heard of Star Wars. She felt like a muggle for a heartbeat and her chest clenched oddly.

Draco looked sharply at her, his eyes leaving the screen. “You alright?”

She smiled. “The force is strong with you…” she grinned.

A tiny frown flickered on his face, but he looked away and she nuzzled against Theo’s side, letting her hand wander idly down over his thigh.

In the flickering light of the television, there were no separate worlds then. Muggle, wizarding, it made no difference. Wherever she was, she was at the heart of things.

___

If you enjoyed, please reblog and share! I’m new to the fandom on here and appreciate all the help I can get!

___

writing masterlist | Ao3

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iwantthedean · 5 years ago

Text

A New Fall

Graphic courtesy of @atc74.

Part Four: Jonagold. Honey-tart.

Summary: With Ms. Kitty’s encouragement, Y/N attempts to make peace with Jensen. Pairing: None … yet. (But I think we all know where this is going.) Word Count: 2303 Warnings: Set post-Season 15, which I know makes a lot of people sad to think about. Square Filled: This entire series will fill my proposal square for BTZ Bingo.

A/N: Thank you for the continued support! I am loving writing this series :)

Masterlist

The next time you brought baked goods to The Farmer’s Stand, Ms. Kitty greeted you with a big smile. She took the box from you and set it back, until it could be added into the inventory.

“Good thing you brought in more -- we’ve got a visitor in town who has been coming in regularly. It’s a wonder he hasn’t turned into an apple.” She chuckled at her own joke.

You gave a polite smile. “A visitor? Well, I’ll take whatever I can earn at this point.”

Ms. Kitty’s son, Stephen, came out from the office. “Y/N, good afternoon. I thought I heard your voice. Brought some more goods for us?”

“I did,” you sighed. “Thanks.”

He took the box from behind the counter and brought it into the office. The sooner it got into inventory, the sooner it would sell, so you didn’t mention much else about it. Instead, you stayed to visit a little longer with Ms. Kitty. Before you could leave, she asked how things were at the farm.

With a sigh, you shook your head. “I’m going to have to call Dad next week, I think -- I mean, I know. It’s time. The bank denied me, and I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know why I’m putting it off at this point, since there’s nothing else I can do, and they’ve already got someone visiting who wants to buy the place.”

For the first time in this visit, Ms. Kitty’s smile changed to a concerned frown. “A handsome young man? Jensen?”

The thing about living in a small town was that if there was a visitor, and he was showing interest in baked goods from a specific farm that was also up for sale, and there was also a visitor interested in buying the farm … chances were, it was the same visitor. In this case, that was absolutely true.

“That’s the one,” you nodded. “I know he feels bad, but it’s hard to like him. When he came to see the farm the first time, he didn’t tell me why he was there. Now he’s made an offer. He even brought me flowers at the school to apologize. But I can’t get past any of the rest of it enough to care.”

The older woman thought for a moment, then went to the office where her son was working. She came back with one of the foil pans of apple-cinnamon rolls you had brought in.

“I don’t think he’s had these yet,” Ms. Kitty said, handing the pan over to you. “Take him these -- as a peace offering. You may figure out something, yet.”

A peace offering hadn’t crossed your mind before, but once she mentioned it -- this woman who had known you and your family all your life -- it suddenly seemed like the thing to do. She knew where he was staying, so you took the cinnamon rolls, thanked her for everything, and went to make an apology.

* * * * *

The last thing Jensen expected was a visitor. Except for Ms. Kitty, maybe, he hadn’t really made any friends in this town, and he didn’t expect her to be knocking on his hotel room door. He checked around to make sure the room wasn’t disastrously messy, then went to answer the door.

“Hi. These are for you.” Y/N stood in the hallway, looking more nervous than he had ever seen anyone before. “Um, I was dropping stuff off to the The Farmer’s Stand and Kitty said you’ve been buying a lot of it. She said you hadn’t tried these yet, and I mentioned -- anyway. That’s all more than you need to know, I suppose. I’m bringing these as a peace offering.”

“Peace offering?”

Y/N nodded. Now that he was holding the cinnamon rolls, she couldn’t seem to figure out what to do with her hands. “I was a jerk. I mean, well, you were a jerk because you lied, but then you brought the flowers and you were honest. I could have been more appreciative of that. My problems are not your problems. So, I’m sorry.”

Jensen wasn’t sure what to say. Y/N waited for about thirty seconds before giving him one last look and turning on her heel. Quickly, he set the rolls down in his room and jogged after her. He slipped around her and into her path, causing her to take a startled step backwards.

“Sorry about that,” Jensen chuckled, “didn’t mean to spook you. I wasn’t expecting anyone, let alone you, so it took a second to process that you were actually here and saying stuff -- I figured you’d hate me forever. Maybe you still will.”

Y/N was the one who had to process this time. “Um, no, I don’t -- I don’t hate you. Like I said, my problems are not your problems. I know you made an offer on the place, but it’s only fair for me to tell you, I’m not done fighting to keep my home.”

“I wouldn’t want you to stop fighting. I could tell right away how much the place means to you. Just consider me a last resort.”

A look crossed her face that Jensen couldn’t quite identify. She shook her head and put her hands in her back pockets.

“I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but do you want to come by for dinner? I have a crockpot of chili on that I definitely won’t finish on my own, and maybe we can keep talking about this, or other stuff. I did enjoy your company last week.” She was quick to add, “Unless that’s too weird, or I’m coming off as interested, because I’m not. And I don’t want it to be weird.”

He almost couldn’t believe this was the same woman he had spent an afternoon in the orchard with just days before. Of course, their interactions since then hadn’t exactly been easy.

“No, dinner would be great.”

She nodded. “Great. See you around six?”

Jensen nodded, too. “Six is perfect. I’ll see you then.”

She gave a tight smile and sidestepped him, hurrying out of the elevator without even looking back. Jensen made way back to his hotel room, hoping that she would be more at ease by the time he arrived that evening.

* * * * *

You whined into the phone, hoping Taylor would give you some idea of how to get out of the dinner invitation you had extended before you could even think about what a horrible idea it was to have Jensen Ackles over for dinner.

“I mean, what in the hell was I thinking? That I’ll have him over for dinner and he’ll eat the chili I made and suddenly not want to buy the place and I’ll be able to buy it? It’s not going to fix anything. In fact, it will probably make it worse.”

Taylor took her time in replying. “You did say that you two got along really well before you found out why he’s really here. Maybe it won’t be so bad -- you know, if you can take a deep breath and act like yourself.”

“Taylor, whose side are you on?”

“Yours, obviously,” Taylor laughed, “but it seems like you’re overthinking all of this. You were interested before you knew that he was potentially buying your place, right?”

“Right. My place. My beloved, cherished, beautiful family home.”

“All right, all right. Freak out if you want to, but I’m not going to give you a reason not to have him over.”

You groaned. “Some friend you are. I’ll call you when he leaves.”

“Have fun,” Taylor replied in a singsong voice before disconnecting the call. You set the phone on the counter and sighed.

Everything was ready. The house was spotless, the chili and a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls had filled the place with the wonderful smell of spices and apples. It was only a few minutes before six, which meant you still have several minutes to --

Before you could finish the thought, the doorbell rang. He was early. Crap.

You smoothed out your clothes and your hair and went to answer the door. With your hand on the knob, you took a deep breath and decided Taylor was right. You just needed to calm down and act like yourself.

* * * * *

“It smells amazing in here.”

Jensen had practiced his opening line over and over, and that wasn’t it -- although that one was probably better than the lame ‘hello’ he had settled on during the drive over.

Y/N smiled and motioned for him to come into the house. “Thanks. Chili’s ready and I made another batch of cinnamon rolls to go with it.”

He stopped in his tracks for a moment, then continued on to the kitchen behind her. “The apple ones?”

She nodded, raising her brow. “Um, yes? Is that okay?”

“Yeah, it’s okay! I had one after you left earlier. I heard you’re a really good teacher, Y/N, but I think you might have missed a baking calling, too.”

She laughed as she pulled two glasses down from the cupboard. “My grandmother taught me a lot, and I’ve done these recipes about a hundred times, is all. What are you thirsty for? I’ve got water, lemonade, beer …”

“Apple ale?”

She laughed and shook her head. “Nope.”

“Hard cider?”

Her laugh grew in intensity, pulling a smile to Jensen’s lips. “Yes, I do a lot with apples around here but not in the way of hard beverages. No pumpkin beer, either, before you ask.”

“I’ll start with water, thanks.”

She pulled a filtered pitcher from the fridge and filled both glasses. After she put the pitcher back, she came back with two longnecks.

“Figured we’ll be into those sooner rather than later. Chili and water just … let’s be real.”

Jensen chuckled and helped her carry the drinks to the table. He noted the bouquet he had brought her settled in a goldenrod-colored vase in the middle of the table. He wanted to mention it, but maybe bringing attention to one of their negative interactions wasn’t the best idea.

Y/N told Jensen to have a seat. She went into the kitchen and came back with a tray of fixings, and two full bowls of chili. One more trip to the kitchen and back completed the array on the table with the cinnamon rolls.

She didn’t take long after starting her own bowl of chili to pop open her beer, so Jensen followed suit.

“So, I think you’ve really charmed Ms. Kitty,” she commented, biting into a roll.

Jensen chuckled. “She’s sweet. Probably the only person in this town who likes me at the moment.”

“I don’t know. Mr. Kemp says you’re all right.”

“I’m not sure he really believes that though, it might be more for your benefit. If he didn’t have to do business with me, he probably wouldn’t like me, either.”

She smiled big enough to show her dimples. “He’s a good man. You wanna know something?”

Jensen shrugged. “Sure.”

Y/N set her spoon in the bowl and sat back in her chair. “I think you’re probably a good man, too, but I haven’t given you a fair chance. This place means everything to me, but it’s just -- it’s just a place, right? It’s the memories that are important. Maybe it’s time for me to bow out, and more gracefully than I have up to now. Once I talk to my dad on Monday, make sure I really have run through all my options, then I’ll sign the offer and the place is yours. Will you just do me one favor?”

Jensen took swig from the bottle in front of him. “I’m sure whatever you can ask for, I owe you at least that.”

“Will you let me stay until after the New Year? So I can have one more Christmas here?”

He smiled. “Of course. That’s perfectly fine. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two about the farm in the meantime.”

She raised her brow. “You want to stick around?”

“I mean, I like it here,” he said, raising one shoulder. “And if I’m gonna buy this place, I’ll be around more. I should work on getting people to like me more.”

He was happy to see that her joke had succeeded in making her laugh, and chased away the glaze of potential tears that had formed when she asked him to extend the closing date into the new year.

They packaged up the leftovers and loaded the dishwasher together. While Y/N wiped down the counters, Jensen finished off his beer -- and another cinnamon roll. She took the plate he had practically licked clean, along with his fork, and loaded that into the dishwasher before starting the machine. She picked up her own beer and leaned across the counter from him.

“Can I show you something before you go?”

“Yeah, of course.”

They bundled up in jackets and scarves, and jensen pulled a beanie over his head. Y/N led him back out to the farm truck, and drove them over to the orchard.

Every row of trees was lit up with white twinkle lights. He looked over at Y/N, who was grinning from ear to ear, and looking between him and the trees, waiting for his response. Jensen realized it had been a long time since he had indulged himself on the more simple pleasures in life.

“This is really great,” he finally ceded.

“Isn’t it?” she sighed. “The foreman set them up the other day. After Thanksgiving, they’ll do every other row with multi-colored lights. It’s silly, but we’ve just always done it that way.”

Jensen mingled his fingers with hers. Her hands were just as cold as his, but all he felt was warmth.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Whole Shebang: @illisea @ashleymalfoy @busybee612 @mrswhozeewhatsis @sherlock44 @ravenesque @feelmyroarrrr @atc74 @theplaidshirtmadness @blacktithe7 @moonlessnight14 @kitchenwitchsuperwhovian @smoothdogsgirl @melbrandes @xtina2191 @spnbaby-67 @emoryhemsworth @goldenolaf25 @gabriels-trix @applesugar88 @rainflowermoon @deansgirl215 @thisismysecrethappyplace @calaofnoldor @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @sleepylunarwolf @chances-and-miracles

Jack Attack: @tiffanycaruso @girl-with-a-fandom-fettish @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk

Two for the Money: @jayankles @akshi8278 @jensensjaredsandmishaslover @supernatural-jackles @adoptdontshoppets

A New Fall: @marilynnlew @backseat-of-deans-67chevy @traceyaudette @ellen-reincarnated1967 @maddiepants @littlewhiterose @tftumblin @monkeymcpoopoo @pinknerdpanda @thatgirl1456 @deangirl7695 @foxyjwls007 @woodworthti666 @writtingrose

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moeruhoshi · 5 years ago

Text

kinda shitty but its for a school assignment and I think you’ll be into it tho tell me if there’s anything I should fix ~ 5k words

Lucy took deep and uneven breaths as she sat by herself in the bathroom, staring down at the third positive test she’d taken; she didn’t want to believe it. Her mind reeled uncomfortably and her stomach turned with nausea she had oddly been feeling the past couple of weeks.

“Cana…” She spoke shakily into her phone, “I need you to come over...right now,”

“What’s going on, Lu?” Cana groaned as she pulled herself through her window, stumbling onto the bed and next to the blonde who sat curled in her comforter. “It has to be serious if ya didn’t let me in through the front, you’re just lucky I’ve had experience scaling walls,” The brunette went on as she sat herself up, her chatter faltering at the sight of Lucy’s tears. “Hey, really…what’s going on?”

“I’m pregnant, Cana,” She pushed out, throat groaning with hoarseness as she shoved the evidence toward her.

“Oh geez…” She said slowly as she stared at the sticks, eyes filled with worry as they turned to her friend. “How late are you?”

“Eight weeks. I just thought my cycle was irregular, it’s happened before so I wasn’t worried,” She sighed and sniffled before going on. “But I’ve been getting sick more often, so I figured I should be safe and check…and now...what the hell am I going to do? My dad will throw me out as soon as he finds out, and we’re still in school! And what am I supposed to tell Natsu? I can’t give him news like this, he’ll be so upset with me...”

“Hey, hey, slow down! One worry at a time, okay? If anything, you know my dad wouldn’t let you end up on the street, so you’d come live with us. Not that I doubt Natsu wouldn’t take you home with him. You should know better, he’d be thrilled! And would do anything to take care of you two,” Cana began as she laid Lucy in her lap, threading her fingers calmly through her hair. “We’re two months away from graduating, you’ll barely be showing by then. You can always take your first year off and take care of your kid, get a scholarship with all your smarts, and make a living like you always planned to. Adapting to the situation is the best thing you can do for yourself, so stop freakin’ out. All of us’ll be there for you two, too; babysitting, hospital bills, groceries and diapers, the works. You’re stupid if you think you’re in this alone, don’t you think?”

“Entirely,” Lucy mumbled from her place pressed against Cana’s stomach. “You always know how to calm me down,”

“Well no shit, I know how amazing I am,” She scoffed and laughed as she folded over and hugged the blonde. “…so when are we telling everyone else?”

“Not sure, but I have to tell Natsu first, or well, second,”

“Hehe, yeah, I always knew you liked me more than that pyro. I get the honor of namin’ the lil’ squirt too, don’t I?”

“I’m sorry but you’re the stupid one if you think I’d let you do that,”

Lucy felt her stomach knotting into twists as she took the following weekend to go visit her boyfriend, his home two trains away from her neighborhood. It was a thirty-minute ride that whisked by in what felt like thirty seconds which did not help her calm down in the slightest.

There was time to think about how to approach the subject with Natsu, and Lucy planned to stop by his favorite bakery, getting some snacks that would act as a buffer for when he probably took the news as an unsettling shock.

Natsu loved her more than chili peppers, which was really saying something when it came to him and his spices. But his love for her was a fact that she knew well enough. She could practically see just how happy Cana was sure he would be, the image of her boyfriend jumping up and down and swinging her around playing through in its faux fantasy-style...She’d make sure to set down the things she bought in advance if such an occasion really occurred.

Even with all the worry concerning herself, Lucy could only think about Natsu’s situation. He worked late hours to provide for himself ever since the fateful day that suddenly ended the lives of his parents. Luckily enough he was left with their family home, otherwise, he’d surely be staying on Gray’s couch right about now.

He had school to pay for in the future and work always kept him so busy, she didn’t want to overload him with even more to worry about once she revealed the subject of her pregnancy.

Feeling the vibration of her phone in her pocket as she walked into his building, Lucy looked down at her screen to see a text pinging from Cana.

‘Quit stressing out and calm down already’

‘You’re not stalking me, are you? How’d you know?’

‘I know everything, remember. It’ll be okay, I promise, so just go for it!’

Yeah, everything was going to be okay…hopefully.

She continued to take deep breaths in attempts to steady her pulse as she rode the elevator higher and higher, feeling her legs near ready to give out as the door slid open to the floor of his condo. His door was soon staring down at her, the shadow of it overcasting her meek form and further intimidating her into panicked silence.

“Luce! Took ya long enough, I’ve been waiting all morning for you!” Natsu pulled open the door as her knuckle barely grazed the wooden surface, greeting her flinch with his wide grin. He wrapped his arms tightly around the girl before she could get even a single word out, practically dragging her indoors.

“I stopped by Clover Town to get us some cake,” She choked through his strong hold, heaving as he let her go, looking down at the bag in her hand.

“Nice! Nothin’ better than their chili chocolate cake, I’ll go make us some tea to go with it,” He said with a dramatic lick of his lips, taking the bag and walking deeper into his home as she was left at the door to slip off her shoes. Lucy made sure to greet the photos of his parents set on a bureau in the hall, waving to them as she passed by.

“You don’t have work later today do you?” Lucy asked as she took a seat on his couch, relieved as he shook his head from the kitchen adjacent of where she sat.

“Nope, not until tomorrow night. Wanna stay over?” She stifled a laugh as he wiggled a knowing brow at her, setting down the tea and plated cakes as he took a seat beside her.

“Sure, if you don’t mind,” Lucy giggled as he nuzzled his head into the crook of her neck, pecking light kisses against her cheek as he guffawed.

“‘Course I don’t mind! There’s nothin’ better I could ask for,” She sighed as he wrapped his arms around her midsection, suddenly feeling an onslaught of emotion that tore at her at the most random of times. “One of the old ladies next door gave me a bunch of vegetables so we can make somethin’ nice for dinner tonight.”

“…Natsu, we need to talk,” Lucy said as she sniffled and wiped away tears. The pink-haired boy was immediately not at all delighted to be hearing that phrase, feeling his stomach quickly begin to sink.

“It’s not your dad, is it? I know he doesn’t like me all that much but that’s no reason to—“

“Dumbass, I’m not breaking up with you,” She groaned and slapped his arm before he could continue to spiral. “I didn’t mean anything other than what I said, really, I just need to talk to you,”

“Geez, what is it, Luce? Don’t scare me with your cryin’ like that,” He pouted and wiped away the stray tears on her cheeks, settling a hand over hers for reassurance.

“I…I’m…Natsu, I’m…”

“Hey hey, calm down,” Natsu shifted himself to take her in his arms again as her chest stuttered with panic, able to feel her body shaking through his. “You’re okay, it’s okay, Luce...”

His heart dropped as he felt her begin to cry again, equally as overwhelmed by whatever the hell was going on to make her so upset.

“You don’t have to say it if it scares ya too much, I’m not gonna force you to say anything, just please tell me that you’re not sick,”

“I’m fine,” She hiccuped, tightening her arms around his waist. “I’m sorry...I didn’t think it’d be so hard to say. I feel like if I do, it’ll change everything and I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet,”

“Change is bound to happen, ya know that. It did when we started dating, when your mom and my parents…when I had to start working, things just happen, and we have to learn to live with the changes left behind, yeah? It might be hard at first or sometime in the future, but we’ll get through it together, we always do,”

“Yeah…yeah, you’re right,” Her teary eyes stared up into the ones showering her with love and reassurance, his lips tasting the saltiness of her tears as he pressed another kiss to her cheek. “I love you, Natsu.”

“I love ya too, Luce.”

“I’m pregnant,” She breathed out in quick words, pulling herself away from him to walk and grab a tissue from the kitchen. Natsu was virtually stone, as she entirely expected him to be, eyes wide and unmoving as he processed the news.

“...I’m about eight weeks late,” She began to explain the situation in further details, sitting next to him again as she reached over and carefully sipped her steaming cup of tea before setting it down. “I don’t have a bump yet, but I took a few tests and—“

“I love you so fucking much! Oh my god, so much! I’ll love you and our baby till the day I die, I promise!” Lucy squealed as Natsu glomped her with another monstrous hug, showering her cheeks with kiss upon kiss, refusing to let her go for even a moment.

“You’re crying, you know,” Lucy laughed as she could hear his quiet sobs through the onslaught of kisses.

“I’m so happy,” He mumbled against her cheek, voice watery as he spoke. “So happy, I mean it...I’m so happy.”

“I’m glad,” She smiled, thumbs wiping away his tears. “We’re about to start a family, how weird does that sound?”

“Not weird at all, you’ve been my family since the day I met you,” He confessed, kissing the center of her palm as his free hand wandered to lie against her belly.

“We’re gonna have a kid and you’re gonna be my wife, that’s pretty hot, don’t you think?” Lucy rolled her eyes and slapped his chest, Natsu snickering as he leaned against her collarbone. “Lucy Dragneel,”

“You mean Natsu Heartfilia,” She scoffed, wrapping her arms around his head softly. “I hope we have a girl.”

“A boy! A little Igneel, but Layla is a cute name,” He smiled at the thought of naming their kids after his father and her mother.

“I was thinking Nancy, or maybe Ryuu?”

“Ryuu! Definitely Ryuu. Ryuu works both ways, yeah? Dad would’ve liked that one,”

“Yeah, he would have,” She sighed with a delicate curve of her lips.

“Think we can invite the gang over for dinner tonight too? I don’t want to put off telling them,” Lucy asked, threading her fingers carefully through his hair.

“That sounds like a good idea.”

“...Aren’t you worried?” Lucy asked suddenly midst their calm embrace in an attempt to relieve her mind of the worry that still swarmed in murky purple waves.

“About what?” Natsu asked, his voice muttering as he spoke into the crook of her neck.

“School, money, what my dad will say,” She said, the pink-haired boy sighing as he lifted himself up.

“Oh yeah,” He frowned, tossing himself to her side, both of them staring up at the ceiling, sitting shoulder to shoulder. “Well, if he asks, or maybe before you tell him. Do you...want to get an abortion?”

“I couldn’t do that,” Lucy’s lips turned sour as she moved to hold her stomach. “I know that’s still an option for us and would be an easy resolution, but this isn’t a problem for me...it’s our child and I want our child, Natsu,”

“Me too,” He grinned, placing his hand over hers, leaning against the couch as he turned to face her once again.

“I’m sure he won’t be happy and Cana said she’d take me in if he throws me—“

“What?! You told Cana about this before you told me?!” He gasped and she rolled her eyes with an exhausted smile.

“Of course I did, who do you think told me to tell you? I was honestly scared that you’d be mad about this,��

“Mad? No way! We’re always safe when we...but you never know. If anything, I’d be mad at myself for knockin’ you up,” She giggled at his phrasing as he pouted. “You can tell me anything and I’d never be mad at you,”

“Even if I kissed—“

“Say Gray and I won’t let you name our baby,”

“Okay, okay, sorry,” Lucy chuckled as she positioned to face Natsu who steamed over the thought of his best friend even trying to get near her.

“But you could come live with me if anything like that happens,” Natsu shrugged. “I should start takin’ care of you as soon as I can,”

“I thought about that, but you still work a lot. Between cramming for finals and future college classes, you’ll barely get any sleep. I won’t tell my dad until after we graduate, but I’ll still need a lot of looking after. I don’t want to stress you out with my health.”

“Do I really need to go to school, then? If you need taking care of then I––“

“Don’t even think about it,” Lucy glared as she flicked the tip of Natsu’s nose. “Your parents left you money for school, you’re going. How else do you think you’re going to take care of us when we’re older?”

“I guess so…” He grumbled and rubbed his nose. “But what about you?”

“I don’t think I should start school until the baby is at least one, or maybe two...I’m not sure since I know we won’t have someone around to keep an eye on them. Maybe I’ll do online classes? ”

“I don’t mind ya bein’ a housewife, it’d be pretty awesome comin’ home to you makin’ dinner,” Natsu said with a satisfied nod, thinking of the enticing thought of the smell of her cooking filling the house with its warmth.

“I think you should start school whenever you’re ready, until then I know I can take care of us, I’ve been saving a lot and I can work and go to school, no problem.”

“But it’s college, I want you to have fun with everyone. It’d be a waste for you to worry about me when you could enjoy the time to go party and all that other college stuff,”

“Weirdo, don’t even joke about that kinda stuff. You’re my priority, I don’t care if I ever sleep again, I’m gonna do good by you and make sure you get everything you need.” Lucy found herself biting her bottom lip at the sight of Natsu’s serious gaze, she always loved that look in his eyes. Being able to speak freely about her worries with him put her mind at ease as well, Natsu really knew just what to say in any situation. Even if it was only a rough sketch of their future, Lucy was sure they’d do just fine. “There’s nothing more fun than us being together.”

“You’re what?!” Erza gasped as she and their friends sat around Natsu’s table. It was later in the day and about two hours since their all over the place conversation. Their friends had soon been called up for an invitation to join them for dinner, no one bothering to reject such an invitation when it came to Lucy’s culinary skills.

“Two months along,” Lucy grinned while Natsu laughed at everyone’s shocked faces. “I’m not showing yet but if you want to see the tes—“

“Lu-chan! Oh my goodness, Lu-chan, I’m so happy for you,” Levy said as she began to tear up, Juvia beside her and already in tears.

“J-Juvia has never been so happy for Lucy-san…” She blubbered, although Lucy was sure her happiness for them came from the true confirmation there was really no chance she felt anything for Gray. (Even though such a thing was obviously untrue, Juvia was just jealous of any other girl that happened to be close with the raven-haired boy.)

“I knew before the rest of y’all! I’m on a whole ‘nother tier!” Cana cackled at the sight of their blanched expressions, slapping her knee as she became hysterical with laughter.

“Happy? How are you guys not...scared?” Gray gulped, his skin suddenly clammy and pale as his spine shivered, unable to find the emotion that elated the two girls. “And how are you two not freaking out?”

“Luce and I talked it out, we’re alright,” Natsu said with a smile as he stared at the blonde currently squished between Levy and Juvia.

“Salamander as a dad…I can’t see something like that,” Gajeel shivered at the thought of his cousin holding a little bundle of joy. “His dumbass would drop it, I hope you know,”

“Oi! I would not!”

“Yeah, man,” Gray scoffed, the energy of a small scuffle subsiding the anxiety he felt toward the shocking news. “I’m pretty sure you would, you’ve got serious butterfingers.”

“I wouldn’t drop my own kid so shut it you freaks,” His throat rumbled with a growl as the two snickered and knocked fists together at the expense of pissing off their friend.

“Saying things like that will just bring bad luck, so quit it.” Lucy sighed as Natsu was ready to climb over the table and rip into the two teasing him.

“What...I mean what, what are you going to do? This is a big responsibility,” Erza asked, feeling genuine concern for the two who she thought were entirely underthinking what they supposed they were ready to take on.

“I’m going to tell my dad about it when we graduate, and we’ll take it from there for the most part,” Lucy began, her friends listening closely to the rough sketch of their prepared plans. “Natsu is going to go to school and work while I stay home to raise our baby,”

“Are you sure, Lu-chan? What about your plans to be a writer, and you already got into Magnolia U with the rest of us, can’t you still come?”

“I would if I could afford it, but I’m sure my dad’s going to cut me off as soon as I tell him,” THe group sighed with a bitter understanding, knowing the two were on pretty bad terms at the moment. “And I don’t mind having to put off my plans while we get things figured out,”

“I just, I don’t see how you can,” Erza frowned. “It feels like you two are going to be giving a lot up. I don’t want you to regret something like this if you’re not sure what you’re getting into.”

“I know we don’t know a lot,” Natsu began as he spoke up, looking to Lucy as he broke out a soft smile. “And I know it’s risky and we’ll have to grow up real quick if we’re gonna be doing this, but I want a family with Lucy. She’s giving me a family again, y’know? And I can’t say no to something I’ve been missin’ like crazy.”

“Hey, if you start crying, I just might and you know I never do,” Cana felt her bottom lip quivering as Natsu shed a couple of calm tears, the table of friends shyly crying together at the conclusion of his short speech.

“I’m sorry if I came off a bit harsh just now,” Erza mumbled as she dabbed her eyes with a napkin. “I’m worried is all, but I’ll respect your decision, one hundred percent. We all will.”

“I know,” Lucy smiled as she held the hand of the fiery redhead. “Thank you.”

“Welp, that decides it for the rest of us, doesn’t it?” Gray grinned as he leaned back in his seat. “We’ll be this kids family too, you guys can count on us if you need anything. I hear college parties are overrated anyway.”

“Can we eat already? I’m done with the sob fest, the center of attention should be that lasagna now,” Gajeel interjected, getting up from his seat to begin bringing in the plates and food still sitting idle on the kitchen counters.

The two months before the small group's graduation steadily came upon them, signifying the day that was marked in Lucy’s calendar with red marker, the day she resolved to speak with her father.

Everyone was worried and already planning for the results that were sure to reveal themselves as Lucy being tossed out of her family home. I mean, what other way was there for a father to react. Especially when it was her father.

Jude Heartfilia. A formerly warm-hearted man now colder than ice, having been this way ever since his wife died.

Layla Heartfilia. She was the light of his life and Lucy’s, a woman whose kindness radiated in replication to the sun itself. He had been sure that even her smile was able to bring wilted flowers back to life.

It was a tragic and unfortunate early end to her life when one day she became too ill and never got better. Since then, he behaved as though she had never existed, refusing to mention her name or even look at another picture of her. Nor did he want to look at Lucy, considering just how much of a resemblance to her mother she was. The spitting image of the older blonde, which only resulted to pain his heart even more.

His coldness created a boundary between him and his daughter, their relationship soon reduced to nothing but passing conversations and usual strict parent notions that insisted she stay at the top of her class and aim for perfection in every setting. The pain of his loss resulted in the pain of her life, and the rift between them had grown too wide to ever find a way to come back together; at least in Lucy’s mind.

But now, here she was, sitting in his den on an entirely too uncomfortable leather couch as he sat across from her in his armchair. Natsu was beside her for moral support and planned to take the majority of the blame for the argument was sure to implode between them.

Just as she was about to speak, his phone rang at the large desk settled in the opposite corner of the room, postponing their discussion a moment further as the two now had to wait for his call to end.

“Geez, I think I might puke,” Lucy groaned in a quiet whisper, Natsu immediate to turn his attention to the mention of any sickness.

“Really? You mean it? I’ll take you to the bathroom right now if you’re feeling morning si––”

“Oh my goodness, it’s because I’m nervous,” She spat at his over concern for her health. “You do this every time I barely mention feeling sick,”

“Hey, I’m allowed to be worried about you,” He shrugged, pouting as she rolled her eyes, but reluctantly gave up the topic before her annoyance with him built up and shot her into a mood. “I’m nervous too. Promise you’ll stop him if he tries to murder me?”

“Maybe,” She shrugged in a similar manner, hiding a smile as Natsu gasped dramatically, holding a hand over his heart at the shock of her words.

“I can’t believe you––”

“So? What is so important that you had to schedule a meeting with me?” Natsu snorted as he was interrupted a second time, finding it funny how Lucy had to schedule a legitimate meeting with her father for them to have this discussion. Sure, he was busy with running his business, but c’mon. Either way, he quickly zipped his lips as Jude gave him a sideways glance as he returned to his seat across from them.

“Well, dad…” Lucy started, subtly gripping Natsu’s hand as she took a deep breath. “I wanted to tell you that Natsu and I...well we’re...”

“Spit it out, hmm? I don’t have all day, the office just called and I have a meeting with some clients so if you could––”

“We’re having a baby,” Natsu said as he could see Lucy struggle to speak up against the natural glare her father cast upon them. “And we’re keeping it.”

“...What…?” Jude’s voice was a mixture of confusion and anger that escalated in vibrato and temperament, practically able to shake the books off the shelves behind them as he grew louder. “What is the meaning of this?! Pregnant?! When, what, why?! And you’re keeping it?!”

“Yes, we’re keeping it,” Lucy glared as her own voice began to rise against her father’s. “And nothing you can say is going to change that. We’re going to have a family, dad.”

“Do you even know what you’re talking about?! A family?” Jude groaned in aggravation, his body twitching, unsure if it should stand or stay seated, his fingernails pinching into the fabric of his armchair. “You’re a child, you’re both children, what––I cannot believe…!”

“I know we are, sir,” Natsu cleared his throat as he took Lucy’s hand in his. “But we’re ready to do what it takes to start a family either way.”

“How could you be so stupid, Lucy? I’m honestly...so disappointed,” Jude frowned, his face falling into his hand as he hid his eyes and shook his head. “With this boy, of all people…”

“I wasn’t looking for your acceptance,” Lucy bit back her anger and frustrated tears as she spoke. “Of Natsu or our child. Things happen...we were safe and did everything right, but things happen, dad! I’m sooo sorry I couldn’t be perfect for you. Anyways...that was all I wanted to say. We’ll get going now,”

“This conversation isn––”

“I don’t need to hear anything else, I already know you’re going to throw me out. I’ll be staying with Cana, you don't need to––”

“My goodness, Lucy!” Jude’s voice boomed as he stood up from his chair, stopping the two who were about to leave the room. “You give a man two minutes to process something like this...I swear you can be so stubborn sometimes,”

“U-Um, w-well, I-I...”

“Could you leave us to talk, Natsu?” Her father asked, the pink-haired boy uneasy and slightly unwilling to do so, but agreed to comply.

“I’ll wait downstairs,”

“I’m sorry,” He began as Lucy retook her seat, the frustrated frown upon her lips faltering her eyebrows rose to his words. “I shouldn’t have called you stupid,”

“I’m shocked,” He began, Lucy bringing her legs to rest under her chin as she listened to her father go on. “I don’t know how you could expect anyone to just take this kind of news as something anything other than immediately shocking,”

“Everyone else was pretty okay with it,” She mumbled as he let out a light laugh.

“You guys are kids,” He scoffed and shook his head, quickly finishing his sentence before she could interject again. “You may be having a kid and be willing to grow up for it, but you’re a kid, Lucy. Everything always seems easy in theory.”

“Mhm…” She sighed, twiddling her thumbs as she suddenly felt awkward with the calmness of the discussion, kind of confused as to why her father wasn’t throwing a massive tantrum.

“I’ve been too harsh,” Jude said, his voice becoming strained as he forced the words he’d been holding down for so long emerged. “When Layla...your mother...I should have been a better parent then. But she was the one who always knew what to do, and I didn’t after she died…”

“Why bring up mom now?” Lucy’s nose burned with a bitter blush as he went on.

“What happened afterward, with us…” His eyes drooped with a somber expression. “I know how terrible I’ve been, terrible enough to make you think that I would throw you out for getting pregnant.”

“You’re...not going to?”

“I said you were a child, didn’t I? I can’t let my child go out and act as though she were an adult any more than I’ve already let her do so. I neglected your time to be a child and now look at you. All ready to grow up and start a family without me. But I’ll have none of that.”

“This...this isn’t fair at all!” Lucy began to tear up as she gripped her fist tightly closed by her side. “You decide not to parent me until now? What is this?!”

“I can’t fix the past,” Jude let out a heavy breath as he stood up, walking around the coffee table that separated them to sit beside his daughter. “And nothing I can say now will ever fix what I’ve done, but...oh, how could I have not seen it before. My daughter who looks just like her mother...Layla would kill me if I didn’t take care of you now. Nor have I ever had any intention to leave you behind.”

Lucy boiled with anger as she looked to her father, looking at the face of a man who she hadn’t seen since she was ten. Her sharp look of disdain fell when she saw the face she remembered and missed when she felt relief wash over her when he declared she wouldn’t be forgotten from his life. Gosh, she really was just a kid.

#nalu #natsu dragneel #lucy heartfilia #natsu and lucy #natsu x lucy #nalu fanfiction #fairy tail #lucy and natsu #lucy x natsu #nalu pregnant au #nalu fluff

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saoirse7ilysi · 5 years ago

Text

The LadyBlogger Cafe’

Things you may need to know about this Fic:

-This an OT4, Coffee shop AU.

-This is also an Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics oriented fic with an extra +1.

-Everyone is somewhere in their twenties.

-This is about to get real Steamy!

Will add more warnings as they may apply.

Chapter 2

When the alarm on his phone started blaring through the bedroom, Nino buried his face into his pillow and groaned. After a moment of lamenting the existence of mornings, he blindly reached over to the nightstand to find the offending device and switched it off.

Once his room was plunged into silence again, he rolled over until he was lying on his back. He pressed both of his hands into his face to rub some of the sleepiness away and he took a deep, cleansing breath.

God, he hated waking up in the morning. Sleeping just felt too good. But once he was up, being awake felt great. It was just the process of getting there that sucked.

He reached over to his phone once again and hit his favorite music app, causing the sound system to come to life with his morning playlist. Satisfied with that, he set the phone aside to start getting ready for the day.

After getting through most of his morning routine, he stood in the bathroom, having just finished brushing and washing out his mouth. Nino placed his hands on the counter, leaning on them as he stared at himself in the mirror.

“You’ve got this, Lahiffe,” he said to his reflection. “They’re just two girls who just so happen to own the coffee shop that your best bud likes to get his daily fix from.”

… No big deal, right…

...Right…?

Two girls…

Two women…

Two incredibly sexy women… who just so happened to know exactly what to say or what to do to make him lose all sense of brain function…

Alya, with her auburn hair that lightened in color as it got closer to the tips. He could swear it would reach past her incredible ass if it wasn’t pulled up into a high ponytail. Her side swept bangs that framed her face just right and really brought out her eyes.

God, those eyes.

Those large, light brown eyes that were almost gold. They turned up in the corners giving her an almost constant air of mischief about her.

Although, That could just be her, and not her eyes…. Her eyes that seemed to practically invite him into her bedroom every time she looked at him…

And Marinette was no better…her eyes that would forever remind him of lapis lazuli. They were bright and round, giving her a sense of innocence that was clearly deceptive, all things considered.

She piled her midnight hair on top of her head in a messy bun, letting her long layered bangs frame her face beautifully, bringing attention to the almost invisible freckles across her nose.

However, while she didn’t seem near as mischievous, she was just as willing to look at him with the same intent as her counterpart.

And it killed him every time.

It was like they were daring him to ask them out…

Them…?

...As in both…?

Or just one…?

...But then, which one?

How was he supposed to choose?

And what would happen if he did? Would they go out, have a good time, then go about their lives as usual… or would they… she… they?... want more? And what, exactly, would ‘more’ mean?

Nino’s blood instantly rushed south at that thought, bringing him back to the present. His eyes locked on to the deep shade of red that covered his cheeks and even tinted his ears.

He then dropped his head, letting it hang between his shoulders as he still braced against the counter. That’s when he realized his heart rate had increased…and heat started to pool in his lower abdomen as he thought about why.

“Fuck it.”

His clothes fell to the floor as he stripped, stepping into the shower for the second time that morning. However this time, he turned the water to cold instead of hot.

*****

It didn't take him long to drive from his apartment to The LadyBlogger Café. Pulling into a parking spot, he took a deep breath to prepare himself. As nervous as these girls made him, he couldn't be happier that this had become Adrien’s favorite place for getting his coffee.

Even on his worst days, he would still be able to name at least two good things that happened. And no, those two things were not exclusively Alya and Marinette… it was them on one hand, and getting to hang out with Adrien on the other.

Satisfied that he wasn’t going to be any more prepared than he was now, he went ahead and left his car. Straightening his cap, he walked toward the door to wait for his turn in line.

Marinette spotted him immediately and smiled before calling over her shoulder in a musical tone, “Alya, don’t look now, but guess who just arrived.”

Alya grinned at her girlfriend.

“Hmmm.” She took a moment to pretend to think while taking care of another customer’s order. She hadn’t looked in Nino’s direction yet. “I don’t know…” she teased, “You’ll have to give me a hint.”

Marinette scrutinized Nino as he shifted nervously in the back of the line for a moment before answering. “He’s tall…”

“Girl,” Alya snorted, “Everyone’s tall compared to you.”

“Hey!” Marinette said indignantly, stuffing a straw in the other woman's cleavage as she walked by, “Fine then.” She glanced at Nino once again. And grinned wickedly. “He has the most amazing amber eyes you’ve ever seen.”

“Now, there’s a description that narrows it down,” Alya teased.

Nino blushed as the line moved up. Some of the other customers quieted down to listen to the banter. He scratched at the small hairs at the back of his neck, not really knowing what to say to stop them…. Or if he wanted to stop them…

Adrien would have a field day if he saw this...

“...a strong jaw…” Marinette continued.

Alya hummed, waiting for more. She still hadn't looked in his direction.

“Broad shoulders,” she practically purred, “I’m willing to bet, toned muscles.”

“Well, if it’s who I'm thinking, then those muscles would have to be toned… working in security and all.” There it was. It was quick, and if he hadn’t been paying attention, he would have missed it, but she finally glanced at him.

He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. He stepped forward as another customer had been helped.

“Indeed,” Marinette studied him again. “Have I mentioned his smile?”

“You know,” Alya said after taking the next order, “I don't believe you have.”

Marinette fetched some food for said order from the kitchen, making sure it was nice and warm before continuing.

“Absolutely captivating,” she said, winking at Nino.

He felt as if his face were about to burst into flame. These women were merciless. He may as well be a puddle on the floor for all the support his bones gave him.

How exactly does one react to this?

“Ooh,” Alya did purr as she pushed the last customer’s order across the counter, winking in her direction. Marinette turned to start his chili mocha while Alya pulled out two steaming croissants and placed them in a bag. “Tell me more…”

“Dazzling,” Marinette leaned into Alya as she passed her by. “Really, you should see for yourself.”

“Is that so?” Alya stopped short of the counter to turn toward her girlfriend, waiting for her to finish flavoring the coffee. “Before I do,” she teased once they were both ready to hand over Nino’s order, “Tell me, is he kissable?”

That was when both girls turned toward him to look at him through their lashes. He instantly felt his blood start rushing and he gulped as his heart rate increased exponentially. He suddenly felt illogically nervous. It should have been obvious where this was going, but a small part of him doubted he could be this lucky that these two incredibly attractive women would find him kissable.

They pushed his order to him before Marinette answered.

“Definitely.”

“Wow…” Nino breathed, reaching up to adjust his cap with both hands and leaving the one at the back of his head to rub at the small hairs there. “You ladies really know how to make a guy blush.”

They both smiled proudly at that, eyeing each other before turning their attention back to him.

He cleared his throat in an attempt to clear his thoughts as well. He pulled his hand away from his head and rested it on the bag of croissants, ready to pick it up.

“Ah- Listen, Ladies,” He began awkwardly, “I was wondering-”

It was in that moment that his phone began to ring a familiar tone, effectively interrupting him. His brows furrowed together and he looked down. When he had his phone out and he could see the very name he expected lighting up the screen, he tightened his grip on the paper bag in his hand and reached for the coffee waiting for him.

He quickly excused himself with an apology and a promise to be back tomorrow before heading outside and answering the call.

“Nathalie,” he greeted. “What’s up?” He walked at a brisk pace to his car, ready to unlock it.

“Is Adrien with you?” she said in her rather matter-of-fact tone.

Fuck.

Nino scowled at the implication of that seemingly innocent question. If Nathalie was asking that, then that meant that Adrien wasn’t home. And that he wasn’t out with his bodyguard. Something that was strictly forbidden for him.

Of course, Nino was aware of the very simple fact of that not stopping his best friend. And frankly, he was fine with that. However, now he was in for a far more stressful day than he had intended. Either he would have to lie to Nathalie and tell her that Adrien was with him then pray he find the man immediately because no doubt that they would be ordered to head back now, or he tell her the truth and therefore spend the entire day looking for him, and either way risk losing his job.

Not that he really cared about the job aspect of it. He was being paid to hang out with his best friend everyday. He could do with or without the money.

No.

Him getting fired would also mean him getting banned from the premises and Adrien’s dad hiring someone new to replace him. Someone who would be completely subservient to Gabriel Agreste, and that house would then be suffocatingly lonely for Nino’s best bud.

Either way, he needed to find him. And the more time he was given to do so, the better.

He sighed.

“No, he’s not with me. I was just on my way there,” he said, pulling his hat from his head so he could run his hand through his hair. “I’ll start looking for him now. Let me get back to you.”

“Keep me updated,” was her curt reply before the line was promptly cut.

Great. He placed his hat back on his head as he went through his phone to pull up Adrien’s number. He didn’t doubt that Nathalie had already tried calling him, however that didn’t stop him from trying. Adrien would be less likely to ignore a call from him, after all.

Nino turned to lean his back against his car as he pressed his phone to his ear once again. Just as he was taking a deep breath, it caught in his throat, hearing another familiar tune.

He immediately straightened up, looking around for what he knew was Adrien’s ringtone for Nino. His brows furrowed together in his search of the sound.

It didn’t seem to be coming from anyone nearby… in fact… was it?

His eyes slowly traced the building up, up, up until they finally landed on what looked to be the cuff of a pair of pants just hanging off the edge of the roof of the coffee shop.

He swore.

Ending the call and slipping his phone back into his pocket, Nino made his way around, looking for a way up to the rooftops. After a few more turns than he was expecting, he finally found a fire escape attached to one of the nearby businesses.

He stared at the little bag of pastries and the coffee cup in his hands for a moment before setting them aside in favor of pulling down the ladder that would allow him to climb up. The empty pile of clothes he found upon making it to the appropriate rooftop did not surprise Nino.

He sighed. This was going to be a long day.

*****

Adrien was resigned to his fate: Nino was going to kill him.

He’d realized that the instant he heard the tell tale ringtone that signaled Nathalie calling him. He also knew that, however Nino decided to handle it, he’d only be doing what he thought was best. So, no matter how this all turned out, things would ultimately be fine.

He had absolute faith in his best friend.

And while he was aware that it would make Nino’s life so much easier if he’d followed after him, Adrien just couldn’t bring himself to do so. He wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but something in his heart kept him here. There was something about this place that he couldn’t seem to resist. He wasn’t ready to leave yet.

The little black cat made its way around the café while keeping himself well aware of the owners and the patrons, alike. He didn't want to be discovered, lest he be thrown out. The sights, sounds and smells did wonders to hold his attention all day. Whether he was roaming around or perched in a temporary hiding spot, he had to admit to himself, he was enjoying his time here.

As he watched the two women go about their day, he couldn't help but notice the way they interacted with both each other and their customers. And what he found intrigued him.

They didn’t flirt with anyone else, really. There were the occasional winks or comments, mostly from the brunette. But nothing like what they unleashed as a pair on Nino.

The man had not been exaggerating when he said that they were merciless in their flirting with him. It had been a treat to witness and something that Adrien planned to tease him about for the rest of his life.

Another interesting thing was that it was also apparent that they acted the same way with each other, but it was even worse. They weren't exactly subtle with their casual touches and flirtatious whispers. In fact, it was rather entertaining to watch as the one he knew to be Alya repeatedly made her counterpart blush.

“That’s it,” he heard Marinette say with a stubborn note to her tone, her cheeks flushed for the tenth time that day, “You're going home.”

“Aww,” Alya teased, a smirk playing at her lips, “I was having fun.”

Marinette rolled her eyes as she walked around Alya in order to untie the bow that held the other woman’s apron in place, pulling it over her head once that was done.

“Please,” she said sarcastically, “You've been working me to send you home all day.”

Alya watched Marinette hang the apron on it’s appropriate hook with a sly grin. “True…” She all but closed the distance between her and Marinette.

These women didn't seem to have the concept of personal space. She waited for Marinette to face her, completely undisturbed by the proximity.

Adrien tilted his head in curiosity, his tail twitching beside him in his perch. A part of him felt guilty that he might be intruding on what felt like a very personal moment between the women, but he just couldn't bring himself to look away.

“But,” Alya continued, “I made sure to pace myself so you wouldn't send me home too early.”

Marinette snickered before pushing Alya away with a finger to her nose. “Go,” she said, “get set up for movie night. I expect dinner when I get home.”

Alya nipped at the offending appendage, smirking when answered with squeak. She then kissed Marinette's cheek before turning and gathering her coat and keys. As she made her way to the kitchen’s back door, she waved over her shoulder with a refusal to make any promises.

Adrien’s eyes widened as the whole day clicked into place. If he was being honest, he could smack himself with how obvious it all should have been. What was it that Nino had said about him and his dad…?

Wait… If they were in a relationship, why were they flirting with Nino as much as they did? Considering the display they put on this morning, and assuming that's how it was every morning, they had to know the effect they had on him… didn't they? But if they did know, then what did that mean?

He watched as Marinette stood there for a moment staring after the other woman. When she turned back with an amused shake of her head, there was a light dusting of pink across her nose.

Curious.

*****

A few hours later, the last of the customers left the little cafe and Marinette followed behind them to lock the front door, wishing them a wonderful evening and flipping the open sign to closed. Once she was alone, she paused to look around the empty space and started her cleaning routine for the night.

As she was finishing up, Adrien realized that now would probably be a good time to reveal his presence. He was aware that he might be able to sneak out as she left, but it was unlikely to not be caught, for one. For two, he still wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye yet.

He moved around the counter where she was just turning from to go to the kitchen. When she saw movement from the corner of her eye, she jumped, startled at the presence of another in her little cafe. She braced herself on the counter to keep from falling.

Adrien’s tail swished behind him as he couldn’t help the amusement combined with a little guilt for having scared her that rose in his chest. After a moment she sank to the floor, a hand held against her chest, taking a deep breath before turning to the little black cat waiting patiently for her to address him.

“Where did you come from, little guy?” she finally asked, holding her hand out to him.

With that invitation, he moved forward to sniff at her fingers. He knew her scent already, having spent all day following her and Alya around. It had taken some time to pick out their scents among all baked goods and the coffee, not to mention the customers.

However, when his nose bumped against her and he took in the smell that was purely her own, he could feel his heart swell.

This.

This was what had kept him here all day.

Adrien immediately started purring and rubbed his face against her knuckles. She obligingly closed her hand until he let up the pressure. Before she could do much else, he had moved to her lap and stood tall, using the front of her shoulder as a brace so he could reach her face.

“Oh my,” she giggled, “You’re a friendly one aren’t you?” Marinette lowered her head to give him better access as she reached up to pet his back and scratch at his neck.

In response, his purr increased in volume, allowing himself to get lost in her smell and her touch.

“How did you get in here?” Marinette pulled away just enough to look at him again.

He was just now opening his striking green eyes to watch her once again. She hadn’t realized that he had closed them. And looking into them now, a thought suddenly struck her.

When did he get in here?

She hooked her hands under his ribs and picked him up so she could stand. Once she was up, she held Adrien to her chest and resumed her original path before her little discovery. She pulled out an open bottle of cream and a small dish.

Adrien perked up in her arms, watching intently as she poured just a little of the heavenly substance into the dish and set it on the floor for him. The moment his feet touched the floor, he moved up and just before he dove in he stopped short to chirp his thanks at her.

She giggled again and ran a hand down his back.

“You’re welcome, little guy.”

Marinette stood, leaning her hip against the counter and tapped her chin. After a moment, she pulled out her phone to send a text. Then leaned back down to a squatting position, only for Adrien to race over and rub his side against her shins. She reached over to scratch behind his ear.

“Hey, how would you like to come home with me tonight?”

Hearing this, his head perked up. He jumped into her lap and chirped happily at her. Warmth spread through his chest at the giggle that escaped her once again.

He liked that sound.

Picking up the now empty dish, Marinette stood to wash it before turning to pull on her coat and grab her purse. Then she pulled on a set of earmuffs and gloves.

Looking at her all bundled up in winter gear, he found himself unable to tear his eyes away from her.

She. Was. Adorable.

The coat’s red wool stopped just above her knees, hugging in all the right places and flaring out slightly at her hips. A black belt was tied in the back instead of wrapping around the front. The lower hem, mandarin collar and cuffs were lined with what looked like black fur. The coat itself was very sleek in its design with no buttons or pockets to be seen. The zipper that held it closed was sturdy, but unassuming and well hidden among the fur collar.

The red earmuffs brought out the blue tint to her midnight hair, pulled up in a messy top bun. And her red gloves, black leggings and cute, fur lined boots completed the look perfectly.

When she finally turned to him and leaned down to invite him into her arms, it took him a second to bring himself to move. He was hypnotised.

Seeing him stare at her, she smiled and stood up.

“What do you think?” she asked, spinning around to model for him. “I made it myself.”

If a cat could blush, he definitely would have been doing just that. He was impressed to say the least.

He finally moved up to her and let her pick him up once again, they left the little cafe.

Marinette set him down in her car and after plugging her phone in to start charging, they set off to a nearby grocery store.

“I’ll be right back, Little Guy. I just need to pick up some ice cream and a few other things.” And with that, she was off.

Left alone in the car, Adrien reflected on his day. Eventually, his mind wandered to his best friend, and a bubble of guilt rose in him. That was when he noticed that Marinette had left her phone with him.

Quickly, he checked to make sure no one was nearby when he shifted to his human form and grabbed the phone.

It only rang once before the line picked up.

“Lahiffe.” Adrien flinched a little at the all-business tone his friend used. He was unused to it being used on him and he had to remind himself that he wasn’t using his own phone.

“Nino, I can explain.” He had to stop at the sound of a breath being released on the other end of the line.

“You went for a run this morning and ended up at The LadyBlogger Café and you just couldn’t help yourself, so you shifted into a cat and went in.”

There was a beat of silence before, “You found my clothes on the roof.”

“Yeah, man. I found your clothes on the roof.” Nino paused. Adrien could just picture him removing his hat to run a hand through his hair. “You do know I’m in real hot water here, right?”

“I’m sorry, Nino,” Adrien said, checking his surroundings once again to make sure Marinette wasn’t back yet. “Listen, I don’t have much time. I just wanted to let you know that I’m okay and I should be back tomorrow.”

“...Wait,” His best friend’s voice suddenly sounded much more alert. “Where are you now?”

“I’m… uh… currently sitting in Marinette’s car waiting for her to return from the grocery store.”

There was another pause.

“Does she know you’re anything besides a normal house cat?”

Adrien smirked as he checked the windows again. “You mean besides a super friendly house cat?”

The phone went so silent that Adrien had to check if the line had disconnected.

It had not.

When he placed the phone by his ear again, he could hear movement on the other side.

“Right,” came Nino’s tired voice, “We’ll talk more tomorrow.” He paused. “And Adrien.”

“Yeah?” The guilt Adrien had felt earlier tripled.

“Take care. And don’t reveal yourself. My job is hard enough right now without bringing Nonmagics into all this.”

“I won’t. And thanks Nino. Seriously, I really appreciate it.”

“You got it, Dude.” Nino laughed a little. “Just don’t make a habit of this. I can only handle so much Grumpy Gabe.”

Adrien laughed at that, asking, “Is there any other kind?”

He was rewarded with the sound of Nino’s chuckle. “Later, Man.”

“Later.” Adrien looked at the phone and tapped the red button, ending the call. Then he went in and deleted it from Marinette’s call history before setting the phone down where Marinette had left it.

With that done, He shifted back into the little black cat that Marinette was expecting.

When she got back, Adrien watched as she placed a couple of bags on the passenger side floor. She reached over to scratch his head in greeting before buckling herself in and starting the car.

Adrien found himself watching their path through the window, committing this journey to memory. Nino had asked him to not make a habit out of today, but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t still visit.

It didn’t take long for them to arrive at their destination. Once parked, Marinette got out and rounded the little car. She opened the passenger side door and grabbed the groceries in one hand. Adrien went to her, making it easy for her to pick him up, when she called for him.

As she straightened, he decided that it would be easiest for her if she had at least one hand free to open her front door. So, he climbed up to rest over her shoulder, causing her to giggle once more.

“I’m home,” Marinette called once she was inside. She set to pull three bowls from the cupboards: two for the ice cream she had bought and one small enough for a can of tuna.

“What took you so long, Girl? Movie night was about to start without you.” Adrien could hear Alya’s voice coming from the other room.

Marinette opened the can of tuna and as the scent hit him, he realized that he hadn’t had anything to eat all day. Having gone out to run long before anyone would think to send breakfast up to his room.

The smell of fish consumed him and he happily jumped down from Marinette’s shoulder, stopping just long enough to press against her leg and sound his thanks.

She reached down to pet him, giggling at his antics.

“You’re very welcome,” she muttered to him before turning to fill the larger bowls with ice cream.

He had stopped paying attention to the conversation between the two women the moment the concept of food had occurred to him, thought he was fairly certain that he had heard the word “surprise” mentioned somewhere.

It didn’t take long for him to eat the tuna that had been set out and once finished, he turned to find Marinette returning to the kitchen.

“Hold on. Don’t get up,” she was saying.

“Too late,” Alya stated, her voice moving closer, “I’m up!”

“Alya!” Marinette laughed, pushing her girlfriend out of sight. “Wait! You’re going to ruin it!”

Alya huffed and seemed to stop pushing.

“Close your eyes,” Marinette demanded, trying to stifle another giggle.

Alya let out a long and dramatic groan before she started almost whining, “Mari, hurry up!”

Adrien rounded the corner to join them just in time to see Alya drop her head back impatiently. As he approached them, he rubbed against Marinette’s now bare ankles to let her know that he was there.

“Okay, okay” she said, “One sec.” She reached down to pick him up again.

It was amusing to Adrien to see the suspicious expression on Alya’s face as Marinette took the other woman’s hand in her own and guided it to his neck, encouraging her to pet him. Her eyes snapped open and lit up at the sight of the little black cat. Then she looked up at her girlfriend.

“He’s adorable. It is a ‘he’ right?” She bent her head as if she wanted to check but decided against it at the last second.

“Yes, he’s a ‘he’.” Marinette laughed again. “I’d say ‘boy’ but that seems a little young to me.” She pressed her face to him, causing him to purr even louder than he had been before.

Alya chuckled. “I think he likes you. Where did you find him?”

“At the cafe. He revealed himself to me just as I was about to head out.” The two of them started moving to the living room to make themselves comfortable in the mountain of blankets on the couch. “I think he may have gotten in with one of the customers and, just,” she paused to adjust herself, “never left.”

Once settled, Alya had her feet propped up on the coffee table, Marinette was leaning on her right side with her legs curled under her and Adrien was placed between them, so they could both enjoy his company.

“Huh, I wonder if he belongs to someone…” Alya mused, scratching under his chin. She suddenly smiled, and, to Adrien’s surprise, booped his nose. “In the meantime, do I get to name him?”

Marinette glanced at her girlfriend sideways before saying, “I think that would depend on the name…”

Alya hummed thoughtfully for a moment, watching as Adrien blinked, then proceeded to clean his face. “What about… Plagg?”

Adrien paused to look at Alya. Judging by the look on her face, he couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. He couldn’t help but hope she was. He really didn’t want to be called ‘Plagg’.

“What?” came Marinette’s response, “That’s a terrible name for him. Maybe for, like, a grumpy cat or something. Not for someone as friendly as this little guy.”

Thank you.

Adrien resumed cleaning his face. If he were to choose a name for himself, it would have to be something like Ch-

“How about Chat Noir?” Marinette asked.

Adrien froze mid-lick to his paw and blinked.

Did she just…? Did I just…?

He slowly returned his paw to the blanket and started watching Marinette. She was looking up at Alya as the latter mulled over the suggested name.

Alya was watching him as she tested the name, before saying to Marinette, “Well, it's not very imaginative, but I guess it works. I think he likes it anyways. He hasn't stopped looking at you since you said it.” She reached over to rub his ear.

Adrien couldn't help but close his eyes contentedly at the gesture, causing Marinette to giggle at him before suggesting they start movie night.

It was then that both of the young women settled further into their mountain of blankets, hit play and began eating their ice cream. Adrien made himself more comfortable in the blankets and snuggling closer.

As the movie went on, Adrien paid little attention to it. The warmth and happiness in this room was intoxicating. He couldn’t resist letting himself be lost in it, lost in the heavenly scents that surrounded him, lost in the cuddles that he was so unaccustomed to receiving. He was content to just stay here, in this moment.

He didn't notice when he started squirming in his spot. He didn't notice when it was that he started feeling a little overheated. Or when Marinette’s attention had turned to him over the movie.

What he did notice was the note of curiosity in Marinette’s voice when she spoke.

“Hey, Alya?”

“Yeah?” Alya’s attention was still on the movie. When he opened his eyes to look at her, her cheeks were slightly flushed. It was then that he heard a seductive moan coming from the television. He vaguely wondered what movie was playing.

His eyes turned to Marinette when she spoke again.

“When do cats go into heat?” She was looking at him, her head just tilted to one side.

What? Why would she ask that?

“Beats the hell outta me,” Alya muttered, still entranced by the scene playing before her. “God, they’re so hot.” She absentmindedly moved to pet Adrien, curling her fingers to half massage his side.

Marinette pulled out her phone and started looking something up.

Distracted by the gentle petting, Adrien moved his head to better smell the hand that treated him so, licking it to show his approval, his purr almost deafening to his own ears.

It was a few minutes before Marinette spoke up again. When she did she sounded rather intrigued.

“Huh...” she said, still looking at her phone.

“What?” Alya asked, still gently massaging the squirming cat between them.

“Well, apparently male cats don't go into heat.”

Adrien’s attention snapped to Marinette once again. He narrowed his eyes at her, wondering why she needed to know this information. And what had gotten her so curious about it? Did she think there was something going on with him? That didn’t make any sense...

“What do you mean? Of course they do,” Alya responded, her attention still wrapped up in the movie they had been watching.

“No,” Marinette said, “Apparently, they respond to the scent of the females around them who are in heat.”

There was silence.

Adrien stilled as the implications of Marinette’s discovery occurred to him. It was in this moment that he noticed that his breathing had been heavier, and just what he may have been doing while he was squirming…

And if his behavior had made Marinette curious to look it up….

Oh…

Oh no...

Alya’s ministrations on his side stopped as she slowly turned to stare at her girlfriend, letting the information set in. When Marinette finally moved to look at her with a raised eyebrow, Alya locked eyes with her.

Before anyone knew what was happening, Alya was on her feet and moving around the couch, knocking Marinette off balance. Her shoulders were tense, raised up near her ears as she stated, “No.”

Marinette straightened herself on the couch where she’d fallen into the now empty seat beside her, catching Adrien before she accidentally shoved him off of the couch completely. The two of them looked at each other before turning toward Alya.

“No,” she said again, her voice raising in pitch. “No. No. No, no, no.” She narrowed her eyes, righteous fury burning behind the near-golden color.

Adrien’s heart steadily climbed into his throat.

“Absolutely not!” This time her voice raised an octave as she pointed an accusatory finger in his direction.

A small part of his mind hoped that he could be mistaken and that she was actually pointing a Marinette… but if he was honest with himself… He knew that was not the case. He was still trying to put all the pieces together through his shock when Alya finally just gave him the answer.

“I am not fucking the cat!”

____

If you like what I do, Buy me a Kofi

If you’d like to Commission me to write you a drabble, here are the details.

#ot4 #smut #fluff and humor #Merciless flirting #au #coffee shop au #supernatural world #Adrien Agreste #marinette dupain cheng #alya cesaire #Nino lahiffe #chat noir #saoirse7ilysi #saoirse ilysi #Saoirse Ilysi writes #The Ladyblogger Cafe #LadyBloggercafe AU

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thefirelordandtheambassador · 4 years ago

Text

close your eyes and i’ll close mine

Zutara Week 2020 Submission (“reunion”)

Rating: T for Teens

Length: 3,186 words @zutaraweek Cross-posted on AO3 under one work titled “all that i hoped would change within me stayed (god only knows which of them i'll become)” “Get off my shit, rabbit-squirrel-brains!” Toph hollers, and Katara whips around, away from the rapidly approaching horizon, away from the lure of the sea. She watches, non-plussed, as Toph dive-bombs a young soldier, who has tried to move some luggage to a more convenient spot on the boat. Ember Island, well, it doesn’t loom, but it approaches like a nervous servant--Katara will never get used to the servants that seem to appear like mist or ghosts, at the Earth Kingdom Palace, at General Iroh’s apartments in Ba Sing Se, at Toph’s parents’ house when she visited last year with her-- “for moral support and elbow-holding.”

“I’m sorry, miss! I just have to move things!” Katara bites at her lips, trying desperately to hide a snicker. Toph is wrestling him to the deck, clearly attempting to keep him away from her bag.

“I see you, mocking that poor boy,” jibes a soft, smoky voice to her side. She looks up--it’s Zuko.

“Not going play referee?” asks Sokka, following up behind him.

“Mmm, not today,” Katara muses, tossing her hair into the breeze. It is nice to be back on the ocean. She’s spent the last six months in a border town of the Si Wong Desert, negotiating with the sand-benders. Before that, she was in Ba Sing Se on official ambassadorial duties for the Southern Water Tribe for about a year, and then before that, she’d been providing aid for some of the rural interior Earth Kingdom towns for something like eighteen months. Most eighteen-year-olds she knows are either in school, or married with a kid on the way, but she’s single and doing the heavy diplomatic and charitable work of a woman twice her age.

“Oh, look, she’s going easy on him,” Zuko notes drily, as Toph shoves the poor kid into a door. “He’ll get off with just a concussion, instead of a broken arm like the last guy.”

The past few years have been good to Zuko--it’s been almost three years since she’s had a chance to visit. He’ll be twenty tomorrow, and he’s grown. Really grown. He’s easily over six feet tall, and his hair is so long now that what isn’t caught up in his topknot rolls over his shoulder. He has one of those formal shoulder pieces on that Katara desperately hopes will go out of style soon, but it doesn’t do much to the chest that has already grown broader and more muscular. And he was no lanky twig like Sokka during the war, either, she muses.

“Well, someone’s gotta get those boys in shape--she’s taken to teaching a little too well, in her old age,” Katara snarks back, smiling. Zuko smiles back, golden eyes softening. His face has thinned out too, cheekbones standing out elegantly, even under the scar. He looks real good.

“Well, at least you got out of being such a turbulent sixteen-year-old; can’t say I wasn’t beating people up at her age. So, uh, how are you and Aang, ah, doing these days?” There’s the awkward turtle-duck, out and about for a toddle around the pond.

Sokka barks a laugh, walks away, throws an arm around Toph.

She smiles ruefully, “You know, we’re taking a break. I think we both need it; we’re apart so often, you know? He’s flying here from the Western Air Temple and will meet us at the summer house. It’ll be good to see him again. It’s good to see all of you again, really. Ambassadorial life is pretty lonely.”

“Meanwhile, I feel like I can never get a moment alone these days. Always papers to sign, emissaries to greet, Fire Sages up my ass about everything. I’m glad you all could come to celebrate. I thought a little reunion would be nice. I’m just missing Uncle,” he says with a sigh. They turn, and lean against the railing.

“He misses you too--I stayed at his apartments in Ba Sing Se over the New Year. It was good to see a familiar face,” she says. The breeze whips around them, and Katara’s nose is overwhelmed with the smell of amber musk, something roast-y, and rich sandalwood. “Are...are you wearing cologne?!”

Zuko pinks.

“The Earth Kingdom ambassador got it for me for a birthday gift! She said it was indispensable for any young nobleman! Is it too much?” She softens. It is good to be back with friends--with him.

“No, no,” she says, and sticks her nose onto his sleeve, “I like it. It smells nice on you.” Underneath the cologne, she gets that warm man-smell. She misses that smell, from time to time, if she’s being honest with herself.

“Oh good. He said to go easy on it. Um, Katara?”

“Oh, sorry!” She’s lingered too long. But looking up into his eyes, they are still molten and soft. It’s her turn to pink, and she looks back to the sea. They are close to the docks. “I guess I’m just a little tired. I am so ready for this mini-vacation.”

“You deserve it. Uncle says you do the work of a woman twice your age.”

The beach house is just as she remembers it, but somehow, fuller, livelier. Zuko’s stocked it with paintings of the whole team, plants with bright summer blooms heavy with scent, curios from his travels. There’s only two servants, blessedly, a cook and a maid who greet them at the door.

“It looks nice in here! So bright and happy!” cheers Suki. “It was kinda sad when we stayed here last time.”

“Thanks. Uncle’s sent me enough tea and teapots to fill a whole bookshelf,” Zuko shrugs, “but I wanted it to be fun again, so Kiyi and Mom can come and enjoy themselves, you know? Get rid of the sad nostalgia, make room for new memories. Maybe we could have regular reunions here.”

“Heck yeah!” chimes Toph, hefting her bag. “I am so ready for some vacation time!” Things are dropped in rooms, and Katara is convinced to join the group at the beach, even though the things that sound the best right now are to sink into the fluffy white covers of the bed she’s been given and have a deep, sun-soaked nap, dreaming away the afternoon for the first time in years.

She pads out, yawning, in her swimsuit, and looks around, trying to remember where the towels were stored last time. She turns too quickly, and runs into something soft, clean, cottony-- a stack of towels?

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry, Rina...” Katara stammers, but it’s not the maid. It’s Zuko, who is shirtless and ready for the beach. Her heart thumps a few times and her blood seems to rush a little faster in her veins, because his trunks sling low on his sharp hipbones, and thank Tui and La that she managed to that chest scar to fade to something more dashing. A trail of hair follows his bellybutton down into those trunks...and she’s just gonna stop that thought-canoe and turn it right back upriver.

“Oh, Rina’s packing us some rice balls for snacks, do you have any requests? I know you like pickled ocean kumquats...” He trails off too, sticking a hand behind his head sheepishly. His mane of hair is knotted messily on the back of his head.

“Any flavor is fine!” she squeaks. “Let’s go! I can’t wait for dip! It’s so lovely out today!”

“It is,” he agrees, and scoops up the towels, flinging them over his shoulder. His hand brushes hers lightly as they take the path down to the black sand beach.

Aang arrives just in time for dinner. Rina brings out a sumptuous feast of all their favorites: hippo-cow braised in soy sauce and ginger, rooster-pig spare ribs deep fried and dusted with lime zest and chilis ground to a fine powder, crispy garlic arctic whale-shrimp, a sweet and sour sprouted bean curd, and a miraculous leg of caribou that is roasted and covered in a pearly sauce that is delicately scented and made Sokka cry when it was set down in front of him.

“I tried to make sure we all got something we liked,” Zuko admits, seated comfortably at the head of the table. He’s placed Katara on his right, Toph on his left, and Katara doesn’t mind this. The maid has served what seems like a hundred side dishes, which keeps her plenty occupied, instead of having to make awkward eye contact with Aang. Katara picks up spicy fermented cucumber-melon, braised potatoes and peppers, sautéed pea shoots, and takes a little bit of all the main dishes. “And, my father left one gift: that quite amazing selection of wines and spirits.”

Katara and Suki have been enjoying the plum wine, and Sokka and Toph have turned drinking shots of soju into some kind of game, and are easily drinking Aang under the table already. She hasn’t enjoyed herself, been so relaxed and at ease, in a long time.

“Here, Katara, have you ever had these? They’re a specialty of Ember Island,” Zuko says softly. She turns to him, his chopsticks clutching some noodles like glass threads, mixed with tomato-carrots and green onions. She shakes her head no, and he offers her a bite, guiding the chopsticks to her mouth. They slip in, yummy, and she slurps the last few over her lips.

“Sorry, country manners,” she says, covering her face and blushing.

“No, no, it’s...it’s cute,” he says. “I don’t mind!” He thinks that’s cute? She decides to take it, and tries to shift the subject, to side-step Zuko turning into the awkward turtle-duck.

“What’s your favorite side dish? We’ve never gotten to eat such a nice meal together so close to each other!” In fact, the last time Katara was at a dinner with Zuko, it was a very formal affair, she was seated halfway down the table from him, between two lords and across from Aang, and it was a plated meal, with a different servant bringing her soup, her salad, her braised pork that was truthfully far too spicy, and she nearly cried when yet another servant brought her some pineapple-lime shaved ice to finish with.

“Hmm,” he murmurs, and his mouth bunches and pouts to one side, “This one.” He proffers long ribbons of carrot in sticky red sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds. She slurps those off his chopsticks too.

“Ahh! So spicy! But good, really good!” She gulps some more plum wine, feeling warm all over. “Pick another you like.” She wants to know all his favorites tonight. Before dinner, he’d ditched his formal clothes, and has relaxed in a red silk shirt that leaves much of his chest open for her eyes to roam. Nice abs, she notes, for someone who claims to do paperwork all day long.

The wine is getting to her.

“Rina, don’t worry about us, please, head to bed. We’ll probably drink some more, talk, and definitely sleep in in the morning. Plenty of time for you and Lien to do dishes in the morning,” Zuko says to the maid, who is clearly yawning. She bows, murmurs a thank you, and heads off up the stairs. Katara loves how nice Zuko and Iroh are to their employees; the Earth King has several ministers who treat the servants like dirt. She’s brought it up to Kuei, but he only frowns and polishes his glasses.

“Alright! Now we can break out the good stuff!” Toph shouts, and punches the air. She is gone and back again in a flash.

“Good stuff? There’s so much good stuff here already!” Aang’s words come out a little soupy--he’s lost the soju drinking game. He takes a hearty spoonful of fruit tart. “This is so good, Zuko. I love fruit tarts!”

“I didn’t want to sailors to get ahold of this stuff; I confiscated it from one of my students. Ha!” Toph says, dropping back down on her cushion. She holds a long pipe in hand and pouch.

“So that’s why you were beating that poor guy up on the boat?” asks Sokka. Suki has migrated to mostly-in-Sokka’s-lap, but who is Katara to judge, because she is leaning full-body on Zuko--it’s certainly not the wine, she thinks, it’s the biceps for sure.

“Well, hell yeah, this stuff is wild!” crows Toph, dumping some clumps of dried green leaves on the table. She crumbles and stuffs, crumbles and stuff, and passes the pipe to Zuko. “Gimme a light, Master Sparky-pants? First puff is yours, host with the most!”

“What is it?” he asks, flicking two fingers and summoning a small flame. He lights the little leaves in the pipe bowl.

“Green dragon-weed!” Toph crows. “It’ll blow your mind!” Zuko tentatively puffs, coughs, and passes the pipe.

“That’s foul, Toph. Why?” Katara also passes, but Aang tries and Sokka tries, and Toph is clearly an expert, because she blows out perfect smoke rings.

Soon, they are a group of giggling kids again, lying on the floor, cackling at Sokka’s bad jokes as Suki regales stories of their stories, as she and Sokka work as prisoner escorts mostly these days. Aang and Toph keep passing that pipe back and forth, but Katara’s cup of plum wine never seems to empty, mostly because Zuko keeps giving her sips out of his--first a fiery ginger whiskey, next a herby, clear soju with lots of something citrusy squeezed in it, then a sweet melon liquor. He will nudge to offer, and every time, they make electric eye contact, and all the blood in her vein rushes down to the center of her hips.

“These are all really good,” she mumbles, feeling so relaxed and happy, warm against Zuko’s arm, full of food and drink, surrounded by friends.

“Good, I’m glad you’re having a good time,” he says lightly, nuzzling his nose to her ear. More of that, please, she thinks, his breath hot on her cheek, and she steals a look at the others. Sokka and Suki are halfway out the door to their room, Toph is half-asleep, and Aang lays on the floor, blowing smoke into creatures for Momo to chase after, mostly out of sight.

She turns, and steels herself. “Can I...?”

His eyebrow knits. “Whatever you like?” What a good host.

She cranes her neck a little, and sneaks a peck on his lips, firm and spicy. There’s a little jolt, like electricity, and he presses back, firm, maybe even a little desperate. He shifts angles, captures her more surely. She melts a little, but pulls back. Toph and Aang are still sprawled on the floor, blissfully unaware.

“Aang, I am just beat, aren’t you? Toph? I think we should all drink a glass of water and go to bed,” she says gently.

“Huh? Mmm, yeah, I am pooped!” Aang slurs, and tries to get up, loses his balance, slips. “Monkeyfeathers!”

Toph snores on. Zuko, who still has his bearings, swiftly helps Aang to his feet, and scoops Toph up in a cradle hold. Katara settles the completely toasted Avatar into bed, takes off his shoes and shirt, and forces a glass of water in him. She leaves another on the table, but he’s asleep before she slides the door shut.

“She is out cold!” Zuko says, sliding the door shut. The house is quiet, so quiet that Katara can hear her heart racing. He pads back over. The tie of his shirt has come undone over the course of the evening, and she decides to take yet another chance. She closes the gap between them in the hall, pressing her hand to his chest and reaching up for another kiss.

It’s almost like he knows, and his hands tangle in her hair before their lips meet again. She clutches at the sides of his shirt, thrilled to touch and feel and smell him. One of his hands drops from her hair, and his thumb traces deliciously down her neck, to cup her waist and pull her closer. She sighs as she relaxes into the touch of his lips, the tip of his tongue pushing experimentally. He breaks for a moment.

“C’mon, let’s...get more comfortable,” he rasps, and pulls her down the hall, sliding open the red paper door at the end of the hall. He flicks his hand, lighting many lamps softly, and the room glows a rich red. He pulls her to the bed, and she flops down. The bed cradles her, and she suddenly loses all desire to move.

“I want you to know that I want this, but I’m so tired, Zuko. Rain check?” she murmurs.

“I understand. Can I...can I help you get ready for bed?” he asks, almost shy. Her heart skips. She cranes her neck up, and presses her lips to his heatedly.

“Sure.”

He slips off the bed and shucks his silk shirt to a stool. Next, the gold sash and black trousers. She chuckles lightly, because the style of underwear Fire Nation men wear is so weird-looking, so tight-fitting and trim, but his is black and she’s not surprised by that.

He kneels, and pushes up the skirts of her summer dress. It’s light blue silk with a white surcoat so gossamer it might be made of cobwebs, a gift from the Earth King for her last birthday, and in this heat, she’s glad it’s sleeveless. His hot hands press into her thighs, and he leans in, takes a breath, trails kisses down her inner thighs, over her knees.

He tenderly unwraps the ties from her slippers--they lace up her legs with ribbons--and presses a kiss on her calf. Fingers trail down the back of her calves, over her heels as he tugs the slippers off, stashing them on the floor.

Shoes off, he unties the waistband of the surcoat, lays it on the stool. He takes issue with the buttons on the side of the dress, but gets them undone, and he tugs it over her head until it floats back to join the surcoat. He flips her over, gripping her hips, and pulls the tie of the petticoat, tugs that down too. Hot kisses feather up her spine, and she can’t help but let a noise that is half moan, half sigh.

“Feels so good, Zuko, but I am so ready for some sleep,” she drawls, eyes drooping.

Gently, he presses a heated kiss to her neck, and wow, Katara didn’t know she could sparkle internally. His hands trail to her waist and back up.

“Can I offer you a place to rest here?” he asks, a joke in his voice.

“Seems like just the right place to be,” she yawns. He pulls back the sheets, cool and crisp, and she settles in. He snuggles close to her, and she drifts off, hoping that every reunion can be like this.

#mine #zutara week 2020 #i love writing about food #sorry not sorry #i feel like every good couple 'takes a break' when necessary #so maybe canon-compliant?#reunion

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ladywinchester1967 · 6 years ago

Text

Baby

Links: AO3 & WattPad

Square Filled: Polyamory

Ship: Jensen Ackles x Reader (female) x Jared Padalecki

Rating: M for Mature

Tags: poly-relationship, oral (male and female receiving), threesome (no J2 action), dirty talk, fluff, smut, sweet surprise at the end, porn, almost no plot.

Being in the spotlight was a double edged sword. On one side, there was money to be made, free stuff to be had and vacations one could only imagine. On the other was a complete lack of privacy, unless one was clever.

As it so happened, I was.

First to arrive home after a long day's work was usually Jensen Ackles, my husband of more than five years.

“Hey baby.” he greeted me with a hug and a sweet kiss as I stirred the pot of chili I’d made to keep us warm on this cold winter’s night.

“Hello yourself handsome,” I said as I kissed him back “go get comfortable, dinner is almost ready.”

“Smells like it’s ready now.” He said as he practically drooled over the pot.

“GO!” I commanded; at twice my size he could easily get what he wanted, but he backed down, choosing to go change into his pajamas so he would be comfortable while we ate.

Second to arrive was my boyfriend of three years, Jared Padalecki.

“Hey gorgeous.” He greeted me with a smile and a kiss “it smells amazing in here.”

“Jensen beat you home,” I told him “he’s upstairs getting changed so I suggest you do the same so we can eat.”

“Yes ma’am.” he said with an exaggerated Texas drawl that always made me laugh.

Our relationship wasn’t conventional; that much anyone could say. Yes, I was married and yes, I had a boyfriend and both knew about it and were fine with it. Being a singer and model wasn’t easy, adding the fact that I was polyamorous too was a whole other can of worms I didn’t want to open. As far as anyone outside our immediate families knew, Jensen and I were happily married while Jared was our best friend and the eternal bachelor.

That night, the three of us sat on the couch, eating chili and cornbread while the boys watched TV. I sat in the middle as usual, Jensen on my left and Jared on my right. When we’d finished eating, Jared did the dishes while Jensen laid his head in my lap. I stroked his hair and rubbed on his temples, trying to get him to relax.

“You’re too tense.” I told him.

“If I get any more relaxed, I’ll go to sleep.” He said, he had his arms around my waist, holding me close.

“That’s the idea.” I said as Jared came back to the couch. Once he was settled, he opened his arms to me. I laid with my back against his chest, still scratching Jensen’s head.

“How are you even awake?” Jared asked Jensen “She does that to me and I’m dead as a door nail.”

“Just not tired I guess.” Jensen said and rolled so that he was on his back, looking up at me. “I could go for a snack.”

I laughed and said

“You just are two and half bowls of chili, there’s no WAY you’re still hungry.”

He fiddled with the strings on my pajama pants and said

“I’m hungry for something else.”

A blush crept up my cheeks as Jared held me closer.

“Perfect after dinner snack,” he cooed in my ear “nice and sweet.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as Jensen sat up.

“Lay your head in Jared’s lap.” he told me.

I did as I was told, my brown eyes meeting Jared’s hazel ones as he brushed the loose hairs from my ponytail behind my ear. Meanwhile, Jensen untied my pajama pants and eased them off of me along with my panties. Jared leaned down and kissed me, tasting like beer and corn bread as his tongue slid over mine. Jensen opened my legs and and groaned, I’d had the day off today and had taken the time to shave damn near everything while waiting for Jensen and Jared to come home.

“Fuck sweetheart,” Jensen said “you trying to kill me or something?”

Jared stopped kissing me and looked down, a wicked smile crossing his face.

“Someone wanted our attention, badly.” He said and I smiled innocently.

“I love the attention from you two,” I said “what can I say?”

Jensen laid on his stomach and placed sweet kisses on my inner thighs while Jared kissed my lips and took my breast into his hand. He kneaded it and worked the nipple until it was nice and tight, which was perfect for him to suck on. Meanwhile, Jensen licked and sucked his way down to my pussy where he gave it short, broad licks that made me moan loudly. My back arched as he kept this up while Jared sucked on my right nipple and took the left one in his fingers, rolling it between his thumb and pointer finger. I moaned louder, each sensation they were giving me went straight to my core where Jensen lapped up every thing I gave him. He hummed in approval as Jared kissed his way up my chest and to my lips where I tangled my fingers in his dark hair. I rolled my hips into Jensen’s face, his fingers digging into my thighs.

“Jesus fuck,” Jared said.

My eyes opened, he was watching me ride Jensen’s face while biting his lip.

“Mh, you have no clue how hot this is do you?” He purred in my ear “Look at you, all strung out for us.”

“Jare,” I moaned “god, I want you so bad.”

“Let me watch sweet girl,” he said as he kissed me “you know how much I like watching you get off.”

“Yes.” I moaned as I palmed him through his pants. I watched as his eyes rolled into the back of his head while I untied his pants and freed his erection, taking it into my mouth.

“Oh fuck,” Jared breathed, his fingers tangling in my hair “like that.”

I felt Jensen’s eyes on me, so I popped off Jared’s cock and sure enough, he was smirking up at me.

“That’s it,” Jensen told me “keep going.”

I nodded and took Jared back into my mouth, my hand making up what I couldn’t fit. I felt the knot in my lower belly tightening as Jensen used his fingers to play with my clit and heat rolled up my spine.

“Ah!” I cried out, pleasure coursing through my system. Jensen pushed his tongue inside me, the strong muscle pulsing inside me as he kept working my clit. I kept up with Jensen’s pace, sucking Jared off at the same pace that Jensen was playing with me.

“Babe,” Jared breathed “oh fuck, just like-fuck-yes!”

“You gonna come for me Jared?” I asked as I lapped my tongue over the head of his cock. He twisted and groaned, throwing his head back as his hips bucked. I captured him in my mouth, sucking hard on him as he let go in my mouth, his salty taste coating my tongue. I swallowed everything he had to give me as Jensen sucked on my clit, making me cry out loudly for him.

“Jensen!” I yelled as I arched my back, my cries filling our living room.

“Come for me baby.” he said as he buried his face in me.

His beard scratched my inner thigh, his nose bumped my clit and his perfect, plump mouth sealed around my pussy as I gave in, letting go so hard, I swear I saw spots. He worked me through the high as Jared smoothed my hair again, having regained his composure.

“Such a good girl.” He said and kissed my forehead. “Roll over.” He said

I did my best to comply as Jensen lined up his cock with my soaked hole. He easily slid inside me as Jared tilted my face up to his.

“You like being between us sweet girl?” He asked and I nodded

“I love it,” I moaned “both those cocks filling me up.”

Jensen bucked harder into me, his skin hitting mine.

“He’s fucking slamming you sweet girl,” Jared said “you’re taking him so good.”

“That’s our good girl,” Jensen said, his voice ragged from pleasure “fucking taking me like this.”

Jared slipped his hands down my body, one kneading my breast while his fingers from his other hand worked my clit, making me cry out both their names as Jensen fucked me harder. I couldn’t hold on, I screamed as I clenched around Jensen, soaking him while Jared murmured in my ear what a good girl I was.

Later that night, the three of us lay in our California King sized bed; Jensen was sleeping and spooning me while Jared and I held hands, talking.

“What’s a place you’ve always wanted to go?” He asked, his fingers tangled in mine.

“Lots of places,” I told him “why?”

“Come on, think a little harder than that, you mentioned it not too long ago.” He chided me.

I thought and then asked

“The U.K?”

He nodded and asked

“What would you think about going there in a few weeks?”

“I’d say it would be cruel to tease me like that.” I told him.

“I’m not teasing.” He said “I booked the plane tickets this morning.”

“Shut up,” I said, not believing him “you’re full of shit.”

“I am not.” He said and grabbed his phone. After a few taps on his screen, he showed me the tickets. “We’re going to Scotland, England and Ireland.”

“No fucking way.” I breathed and looked at him with tears in my eyes. “Jared, I can’t even!”

“Happy anniversary baby.” He said with a kiss.

~*~*~*~*~*~

So this is my first entry for SPN Kink Bingo, I hope you guys liked it!! I tried to put SOME plot in here but....let’s face it, this is porn. Call a spade a spade am I right?

Your kind feedback is always appreciated, please feel free to like and share!! maybe hit that follow button if you feel so inclined!! All my tag lists are open so send me an ask if you wanna be on any of them!

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@waywardbaby @waywardnerd67 @familybusinesswritingbro @ain-t-bovvered @mrswhozeewhatsis @girlborninstorms @dacleverfox @emoryhemsworth @bobasheebaby @deanscarlett @myinconnelly1 @mogaruke @imma-winchester-addict @purpleskiesandcherrypies @dean-winchesters-bacon @animerose96 @coffee-n-fanfiction @drakelover78 @curly-haired-disaster @roonyxx @snffbeebee @ezilyamuzed @mirandaaustin93 @srsllydunnodoncare @latetothewinchesterparty @emilyshurley @atc74 @midnightsilverafterdark @adoptdontshoppets @biawol @supernatural-teamfreewillpage @spaceystacey123 @bella-ca @clo-heda @closetspngirl @thekatherinewinchester @maddiepants @idreamofplaid @love-those-boys-in-flannel @flamencodiva @blueberrykushlovexoxo-blog

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@spnbaby-67 @akshi8278

#lady winchester writes #spnkinkbingo #Jensen Ackles #jared padalecki #single!jensen #single!jared #pwp #jensen ackles smut #jared padalecki smut

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irwintry · 6 years ago

Text

House of Pizza

Warnings: swearing

Author’s Note: this is based on a real place in cambridge, mass fyi but i haven’t been there in a year lol

Word Count: 3k

A slice of pizza should never, ever be fifty cents. At least, that was what Michael believed for the longest time. If the pizza were any good, it would be at least one dollar. But, the House of Pizza by Michael’s apartment had no sense of what qualified as ‘good pizza’; it was easy and cheap, and the perfect combination for a college student with a low budget. And, by senior year, he was a shift manager.

His apron had seven individual stains on it, and if anyone asked, he could tell them their origin. Stain number one was obviously grease from his first few shifts at the House of Pizza. It was a large splatter that coated nearly the entire bottom portion of the white cloth, and he later had to dispose of his jeans as well. The second stain came from Margot’s lipstick. She often ran the register, and he could not tell you how that lipstick stain came to be; he just knew it was hers. The third stain, tragically, was a dot of blood from the time Michael cut his hand with a pizza cutter. The fourth, fifth, and sixth were all grease stains again. Lastly, the seventh stain had the biggest name for itself, for it was the one that came from you.

He noticed you every time you walked into the tiny restaurant. Often, you had a coffee in one hand, your keys and wallet in the other, and the time always read 9:40 pm. Michael wondered why you drank coffee so late and how you always managed to show up at the same time every Monday and Wednesday. Nevertheless, he was fascinated by you. The fifth time you made an appearance, you ran headfirst into him as he was making his way out for a smoke break. Therefore, your coffee splattered against his hardly-white apron. You apologized profusely while Michael grinned, an expression he found himself doing more and more around you. So, he brushed it off and added it to the list of remarkable stains.

He never saw you on campus. Michael partially assumed it was because the majority of his classes were in the morning while yours were most likely at night. Sometimes, he sat on the steps of the library in hopes you’d casually walk by so he could casually stroll up to you for a casual conversation. He liked to think he was somewhat good at casual things. You never did walk by of course. Maybe you weren’t even a student. If you were, he imagined you majored in Art Therapy. The later the class, the more convincing it was.

Every Tuesday night, he’d close up with a great big smile on his face. Tuesday night meant that tomorrow was Wednesday, and with tomorrow being Wednesday, that meant he would see you again. Michael tried to convince himself to stop thinking about you as much, but he’d later attest of his crush the moment you walked through the door again.

His crush.

Michael hadn’t had one of those in three years. He assumed he would never find love until your sudden love for fifty cent pizzas came to be. Well, truthfully, he didn’t believe in love. He never felt it, so why should he? He believed in lust, and he had felt it before, too.

So, with Michael unable to believe in love, he had no way of understanding how hard he was falling for you.

“Care to explain this, Cliffo?” your voice sounded through the small space of the restaurant, and luckily, there were no current customers to be disturbed. It was you, him, and Margot. You made your way over to him, your paper plate pushed out in front of you as if the content on the dishware was repulsive. And, quite honestly, it was.

Michael raised an eyebrow at you, his arms coming unfolded from his chest as he stalked slowly to where you were standing in front of the register. “Something wrong, Chili Pepper?”

You returned his eyebrow gesture and handed your plate over to him. “Notice anything?”

He shook his head, taking the plate from your hands to examine the greasy, cardboard-esque pizza himself. He honestly saw nothing wrong with it except for the fact that it looked and tasted fucking disgusting.

“Seriously?” you chuckled. “There’s no chili peppers, Cliffo.”

“Why didn’t you put any on?” Michael was confused and concerned; you always put chili peppers on your pizza.

You rolled your eyes, clearly agitated with his bewildered expression. “I wanted to,” you stated, “but, unfortunately...”

Michael had no idea how to catch onto what you were saying. All he knew was that you were teasing him, but he was frustrated about it.

“You didn’t refill the shakers, Cliffo!” you exclaimed, letting out a loud laugh as your arms flew up beside you. “How can you call me Chili Pepper if there are no chili peppers? An honest travesty if you ask me.”

His eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed. Without another word, Michael handed your plate back over to you and ran to the back to find more chili peppers to refill the shakers with. He was, at the least, real damn embarrassed. Not embarrassed because he hadn’t refilled the shakers, but embarrassed because it took him that long to catch onto what you were saying. The last thing he wanted was to make a fool of himself, and boy, he sure did that. To be honest, every time you were around, Michael somehow managed the make a fool of himself. It all started because of the coffee incident.

“I-I’m so, so sorry,” he spurted as he rushed back into the dining room to your specific table. He felt your presence behind him as he fumbled with the lid. The heat in his chest and his cheeks had exceeded a healthy temperature.

“Cliffo,” you chuckled, reaching your hand out to rest on his.

Michael’s hand could catch fire. He truly thought he would combust right then and there all because you were close behind him, and you were touching him. He had never felt this good before in his life. Crushes were fucking terrible, but sometimes, they could be amazing all at once.

“Ya realize I’m messing with you, right?” you wondered. “I do not care that much.”

He let out a shaky breath and stood tall as he faced you. Man, he loved the height difference possibly too much. He struggled to contain himself as you watched him closely, your eyes peering up into his with a gentle smile tugging at your lips.

“Okay there, Cliffo?” you questioned, placing a hand on his bicep to steady him. “Take a breath, my friend. I’m sorry.”

Michael nodded, then swallowed thickly. “I’m- I’m good. You’re the devil, Peppers.”

“The devil?” You let out a huff. “Think again, sweetie. I’m your worst nightmare.”

Yeah, Michael thought after you left ten minutes later, but you’re also my best dreams.

Michael knew he would remember the following Monday for a while. His hands smelled of “fresh” dough and mozzarella cheese, and no amount of soap or hand sanitizer could fix that. By the time you were meant to arrive, he was having a conversation with Margot at the front counter. He kept his eyes glued to his watch while he tapped his foot, and as 9:40 came and went, Michael felt nauseous.

Relax, maybe you’re sick.

Since you had this pizza twice a week, you were bound to get sick every once in a while. In fact, Michael was quite worried about you and your health because of how often you came here. Luckily, fifty cents hardly made a dent financially.

At 9:56, Michael took his smoke break. The night was warm and stale, but the gentle breeze reminded him of your laugh. If you were here, he assumed he would enjoy it much more. He rounded the corner, pulling a cigarette from the box in his pocket then placed it between his lips. Michael didn’t even get the chance to light it before he looked up and noticed your familiar figure hurrying down the sidewalk. You looked upset, even though your eyes were locked on your shoes. His heart sped up anyway.

He tried to greet you as you neared, but the moment he opened his mouth, your body collided into his. For a second, he thought it was on accident, however, your arms wrapped around his torso soon after. Michael complied to your hug, his own arms reaching around your shoulders to pull you in tight. He tossed his unlit cigarette to the side.

“Missed you, baby,” you mumbled loudly as a bystander glanced over at the two of you. You held Michael for a long while, and he swore his head was going to tumble off because of how hard his brain was working to assess the situation. After you let go, you looked behind him and let out a long sigh. “Sorry. I got freaked out because a dude was hot on my ass for a few blocks.”

Michael frowned. “You’re safe now, Peppers,” he then smiled, hardly poking your shoulder. “Speaking of peppers, I refilled the– “

“Hey, Michael,” you said abruptly. “You give nice hugs.”

He gulped, then bit the inside of his cheek. Ohmygod. “Oh, thanks,” he muttered while trying not to smile as big as fucking possible. He failed.

You returned the smile, and its soft appearance made Michael wanted to run his thumb along the skin. “Did I interrupt your smoke break?” you asked, glancing down at the cigarette on the gum-stained concrete.

“Might’ve.” Michael shrugged. “But it’s a bad habit. If ya hug me every time I pull out a cigarette, I’ll never smoke again.” His chest felt heavy but in a good way. With the way you were gazing up at him tonight, Michael swore that he was in ecstasy.

You nodded. “That can be arranged,” you said. You began to bounce on the balls of your feet. “Ya smell like a weird mixture of cheese and cologne.”

He shuttered, pulling an odd face in reaction to your statement. A mixture of cheese and cologne? Sounded nasty.

You shook your head. “I like both cheese and your cologne, Cliffo.”

You had to be flirting with him. There was no way you were not flirting. Of course, Michael had a hard time acknowledging when people did flirt, but this was a little insane. His insides were catching flame. It took every ounce of him not to reply with “I like you”.

He bit his lip, grinning widely. “Come get your fuckin’ pizza, Chili Pepper,” he mumbled. Michael began to turn towards the restaurant again, but your hand caught his before he could walk any further. Ohmygodohmygodohmy–

You stood on your tiptoes to reach him. For a second, Michael had no idea what to prepare himself for, and then he felt your lips hit the scruff-free part of his cheek. You pulled back only after a second before you walked into the restaurant without another word. He could not stop smiling as he placed his hand on the spot your lips recently touched. Michael’s face felt numb. Oh my god.

He was so used to seeing you in his environment that the minute he stepped foot into yours, he had no idea how to function. A friend of his invited him to an exhibition on campus, and though Michael had been to the art buildings a few times, he got a little lost. As always, he was a good forty-five minutes early to the event, so wandering down endless halls only bought him some time. He never once thought about the possibility of you being here, too.

Somehow, red paint had found its way onto Michael’s grey converse. It wasn’t a big deal of course, but how it got there in the first place was a real bitch to figure out. After going in circles for a bit, he finally noticed the small puddle outside of a classroom along with hints of his footprints leading down the hall. Michael muttered a few curses under his breath and looked around, his eyes gazing into the windows of nearby classrooms. He nearly kept walking, but you were in one of those classrooms he had looked over, and you were alone.

Michael glanced down at his watch. Thirty-nine minutes until the exhibition, perfect. He knocked on the door, hopeful to catch your attention, though the headphones in your ears helped keep you in the moment. So, he walked on in with no intentions on spooking you. However, you jolted in your seat once you noticed his long figure beside you.

“Jesus!”

Michael burst out into a fit of hysterics. And, it was a good, genuine kind of laugh. The one many of his closest friends sometimes had trouble edging out of him. He could hardly stand up straight because of how hilarious your face was when you saw him.

“Cliffo!”

“Sorry, Peppers,” he said, holding his stomach, “that was fucking hysterical.”

“I’m never buying pizza from you ever again, you shit dick,” you mumbled. You brought your knees up to your chest, and he finally noticed how dressed down you were. Usually, you stopped by House of Pizza in at least jeans or leggings. Your outfit tonight consisted of zucchini socks, grey sweatpants, and a university sweatshirt.

Michael frowned. “I highly doubt that.” He looked down to the table in front of you. Papers were scattered, most of them notes while some were full-page sketches. “Whatcha doin’?”

“Could ask you the same thing,” you muttered.

“Friend’s exhibition.”

You nodded. “I’m, uh, putting together all of my notes. Big midterm tomorrow. Gotta get that last-minute studying in if ya know what I mean.” You shifted your chair to face him, and as you did so, Michael took a seat for himself.

“What’s your major?” he asked, trying his best to stay close but also keep a healthy distance. But, Michael didn’t want that. In all actuality, he’d prefer you sitting on his lap, and maybe even attempting to get yourself off on his thigh. “I didn’t even know for sure if you went here.”

“Art History, minor in Illustration,” you answered. You kicked your legs out and placed them on Michael’s lap, which, in a way, was sort of what he wanted. And, he was also sort of right when it came to your major. You did something with art. “I knew you went here, though. For a while, I thought you were Graphic Design, but then I figured I’d see you around more often. So, I heard from a friend of a friend that Michael Clifford was in her major, but I never heard what it was.”

Michael grinned. “History. I wanna be a teacher.”

“Wait, you’re also studying history?”

He nodded.

“Goodness me, we’re meant to be!” you exclaimed, clearly not caring how unimaginably sappy that sounded.

Michael didn’t care either, in fact, it was the last part that kept repeating over and over in his head until his temples ached. The feeling of your legs over his lap now suddenly tingled, and all he wanted to do was rest a hand on them or pull you in closer without it seeming weird. By now, he truly felt like his heart was about to burst.

“Hey, Peppers,” he murmured, poking your toes until a chirpy giggle left your lips. Michael could no longer feel the pain in his cheeks from smiling so much. “You might just be the cutest person I’ve ever seen.”

You shook your head, your own smile bright and evident. “That’s false. You look in the mirror every day.”

OhmygodohmygodohmygodohmygodohmyGOD. Michael was quite actually going to fall to pieces. His cheeks had never felt this hot before in his life, and now, there was no way to hide it. His hands were sweaty, and he tried not to put his palms down on your exposed calves.

“Peppers,” he chuckled and tilted his chin down into his chest. “You’re so fuckin’ precious.”

“Yeah?” You pressed your sweater paws against your cheeks, and Michael hoped it was to try to cover up your blush.

He nodded. “Yeah.”

For the next thirty-two minutes, Michael stayed with you until he had to join his friend upstairs for his exhibition. As much as he loved his friend, Michael did not want to leave you at all. The continuous flirting was a kick of adrenaline for him, and you were happy to flirt in return. He wondered if, after all of this time, you possibly liked him, too.

Once the exhibition was complete, he made his way to House of Pizza for the closing shift, though he knew not to expect you tonight as it was Thursday. He shimmied the newly washed apron (though still stained and yucky) over his head and fastened it around his waist. He was only there for a good ten minutes before the door chimed, and in you walked. Your lack of coffee disturbed him.

“Peppers,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s Thursday, you have no business here.”

You looked around the restaurant, quickly noticing the empty space along with the fact that Margot was nowhere to be seen. “Shut it, Cliffo,” you breathed. “You forgot something.”

He raised an eyebrow. “What did I– “

Before Michael could finish, you were leaning your body up over the counter and grabbing his cheeks to pull him closer to you. A moment later, your lips crashed onto his, and he easily melted into the kiss. He desperately wanted to reach out and grab your waist, but the glass counter separating you two kind of held him back. His fingers were itching to touch you, except he wanted to let the kiss play out before making any other moves. He felt every single nerve in his body spark with emotion at the feeling of your lips on his. Even then, he could hardly think.

The second his lips parted from yours, he’d reconnect them again, desperate to taste and touch you for as long as he could. You were so soft–– it was hard not to crave you.

You pulled away, breathless and still holding his cheeks with your hands as you settled back into your previous spot. Michael, however, was unable to move.

“Peppers I– “

The door chimed again, and a few teenagers walked in with film cameras dangling around their necks.

Michael glanced at you, chuckling at the spreading blush on your cheeks, then looked back over to the kids. “Hi, welcome to House of Pizza.”

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wroughtbetwixtfanfic · 5 years ago

Text

A Memory Of The Smell of Smoke, Ch 5.

Fandom: The Society.

Summary: Everyone liked to pretend that Campbell had been born bad. That their fear and hatred were logical, rational, justified, because Campbell was a monster incapable of making the choice between good and evil. Because he couldn’t feel the way they did. Well, fuck that. He was gonna prove them wrong. At least, that had been the plan.

Rating: Mature.

Tags: Canon Divergence, Pre-Canon, Emotional Baggage, Mental Health Issues, Child Abuse, Substance Abuse, Animal Death, Complicated Relationships, Pre-Slash, Denial of Feelings, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Implied Rape, Campbell has mild ASPD and is self aware enough to try and be better, the non-con is NOT Campbell, didn’t add an official warning because it is the aftermath only, yes it is the party becca mentioned and there will be a warning in the notes of that chapter, Campbell/Harry, Campbell/Elle.

Word Count: 4601 (chapter 5/5).

Ch 1 || Ch 2 || Ch 3 || Ch 4 || AO3

Then again, they do say that things get worse before they get better.

For whatever reason, Becca stopped talking to Campbell. He tried to text her to see if she was alright, but his number was blocked. He tried to talk to her, but she kept on walking. It would have been all too easy to get pissed off over it, but he shrugged and carried on with life. Perhaps she was embarrassed, or ashamed. Perhaps she wanted to pretend it never happened. Maybe it had been a really bad high. Who knew? But she wanted nothing to do with him, either way, and he didn't waste his time on people that obviously wanted him gone. Caring cost too much energy for that.

The end of the school year play was an adaptation of the film Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. Cassandra, of course, decided to try out. It was more surprising that Harry tried out, too. Naturally, they both got the lead roles. And why wouldn't they? Cassandra had always been an amazing actress, and now that Harry had cleaned up his image to make himself the cute goody-two-shoes co-captain of the debate team in order to be more appealing to Kelly, it made sense that he'd charm his way in.

Campbell didn't need to worry about that. He got recruited to help with the set, and that was fine. It was something to pass the time, as always, and Elle was often there to help with choreography. It was a nice, long distraction. By the time rehearsals were over, they had two weeks left until prom and three until graduation; it was so close to being over that Campbell could taste it, and damn it was good. The play itself would shave one week off, and everyone would be too busy going bananas over prom that they wouldn't have time for much idle gossip.

Perfect.

Or, at least, it would have been perfect. Just before the opening night of the play, something began to smell. Literally. Campbell was hanging out with a few of the drama club kids he'd met through the play, the five of them sharing a few orders of fries after a long day of getting the stage ready for the big event. They were on their way out when Campbell caught a whiff of what smelled like rotting flesh. He gagged, covering his nose with his sleeve, and soon the other teen were coughing as well.

"What the fuck is that?" demanded Elaine, a chunky girl with bright pink hair, ripped jeans, and an MCR shirt. "Jesus christ, Henry, I told you not to go for the chili fries."

Henry, a scrawny blond, made a noise of complaint. "It's not me!"

"The wind is coming from the northeast," Campbell interrupted as everyone began to blame each other. "It's probably in the wood somewhere. A sewer leak or something."

Everyone quieted down and agreed, but the smell only got worse and worse as the evening went on. The next morning, Campbell and Sam came downstairs to find their living room filled up with people. Their parents, Harry's mother, Aunt Amanda and Uncle Jim, a few other influential members of town... and in front of them all, their other uncle, Rogers. Frequently heard blustering on about some damn thing, usually something racist, he wasn't anyone Campbell had any desire to be around. But there he was, shouting about the smell and what to do about it.

Campbell tuned it all out and made breakfast for himself, slipping out the door and heading to school before he was noticed. The smell was, in fact, terrible. Students were whispering theories to each other all day. Campbell heard that the smell was a dead whale washed up on the coast and the wind was carrying the smell, that it was a terrorist attack, that it was ghosts coming to haunt the town for some misdeed, it was meth gone wrong... But in the end, there were no answers. Just a constant, unyielding reek that seemed to be coming from everywhere.

At the very least, the first night of the play went off without a hitch. Even if it smelled like a dead skunk basted with cow farts outside, Cassandra and Harry were beautiful, witty, and gave a flawless performance. No one really payed attention to the fact that there was a town meeting among the adults the next day; Campbell overheard his mother talking to his father about it, and how Uncle Rogers had contacted some guy named Pfeiffer to get rid of the smell.

Campbell flopped on Harry's bed as Harry dug around his closet for a suit to wear to prom. "Who the hell has a job in smell removal? Is that a thing?"

"Don't know, and who cares? As long as I can go back to eating without everything tasting faintly like septic tank, that's all I care about."

Whatever the Pfeiffer guy was about, the day after the town meeting, the smell did vanish as quickly as it had come. For short time, things went back to normal. Campbell stayed home-- you've seen one night in a play, you've seen them all, in his opinion-- to cook mushroom carbonara while everyone else was out. If nothing else, he knew how to make a good pan of noodles, and it gave him time to think about asking Elle to prom. A sort of asinine affair, something he and Cassandra agreed on, but it was the last big thing of high school. Maybe it was worth a shot.

On the last night of the play, the smell returned. It was even worse than before, so strong that it stung their eyes and made some of the younger kids choke; the adults called yet another emergency meeting, and this time, it was decided that the EPA would be contacted. Until then, all students 16 and over would be sent away on a camping trip until the smell was removed. An exciting prospect in Campbell's mind, considering his family had never been camping his whole life. A whole weekend in the middle of nowhere? Roasting marshmallows, hiking, swimming, freaking Allie out with spooky stories? Cool.

"Mom and dad wanted to know if you got your toothbrush," Sam signed as they stood on the school lawn, everyone waiting for the buses to pick them up. "Did you?"

"Tell them to get fucked."

Sam stared. Campbell forced a cheerful smile and headed off to go wait elsewhere. He was standing at the curb when he heard someone approaching; he turned his head, ready to tell Sam to leave him alone, when Campbell realized it was Grizz heading his way. He was pale, his gait fast and jaw tight as he glanced around. Huh. Weird. The football player never really seemed nervous about much.

"Hey Campbell," Grizz greeted. "I have a question for you."

"I'm flattered, but I'm already asking someone to prom."

Narrowing his eyes, Grizz glared at him. "Hey. No, it's... Did you tag the wall of the church last night?"

"What?" Campbell blinked. "I'm no fan of Christianity, but no. I didn't tag the church with anything. Why?"

"Just wondering. There's some creepy Bible quote on one of the outside walls. Just thought maybe you'd know something about it."

"Someone's probably just dicking with us, man."

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right."

There wasn't much time to debate it. Cassandra and her gaggle joined them at the curb, all of them eagerly chattering at Grizz, who seemed to be the group Boy Scout and everyone wanted camping advice. Five school buses pulled up soon after, and everyone began to pile on. One of the few places left on the bus was next to Elle; she had a look on her face that was positively icy, but he decided to take the chance anyways.

Campbell rested his hand on the seat and nodded to the empty space next to her. "Hey, I'm Campbell. Do you mind if I sit here?"

Elle glanced up at him. She didn't smile, didn't speak, but she shrugged a little and moved over enough to make room.

"Excited for the trip?"

"Not especially. I prefer indoor plumbing. You?"

"I don't know. It might be an adventure."

"An adventure, huh? From what I hear, you make plenty of your own excitement."

"Oh? Where'd you hear that?"

"I just pay attention."

Campbell leaned a little closer. She didn't flinch away, but she was watching him with a cautious intensity he hadn't seen from many others before. "It's too bad we've been going to school together all this time, and never really talked, don't you think?"

"What is there for us to talk about?"

"Dance, maybe. How many years did you do ballet before you moved here?"

"You know about that?"

"I pay attention, too."

That earned him the tiniest of smirks. "Okay, smartass. What else do you know about me?"

"Your family moved here from New York when you were about twelve. You tried to make friends with Lexie and her goon squad, but they ignored you and ever since then you've kinda just been alone. You spend most of your time reading, or playing the piano."

"Piano."

"Junior year, we had math together and Gelstein let us listen to music during tests." Campbell placed his fingers on the back of the seat in front of him, moving them along like he was tapping on invisible keys. "You'd move your fingers along to the music, but you thought no one noticed because you sat in the back."

"Ohh, you've got a good eye. Yeah, I can play the piano. But I feel like that's cheating a little. You sat right next to me."

"That's true. I also know that you eat all the green M&Ms first, and that is not something I found out sitting next to you."

Elle leaned back and arched her eyebrows. "You know, some people might considered that level of observation a little creepy."

"Do you think it is?"

"I don't know yet."

"Think you'll know in time for prom?"

"Well, how about this." She was smiling now, and the corners of her eyes crinkled a little. "Ask me when this trip is over."

A fair enough deal. They spent the rest of the morning discussing music, art, and entertainment; Campbell had to stop and let Elle ramble from time to time, though he noticed she did the same and wondered if it was for the same reason. He wasn't used to talking, to the point where he was getting winded. They had similar enough tastes, as far as modern music was concerned, and a similar view on politics. He liked modern dance, while she liked the more traditional forms, but it was still a shared interest.

They continued talking until the sun set and the bus fell silent, with students falling asleep as the bus ride continued well into the night. Elle slumped over near midnight, resting her head on his shoulder. She yawned, content. "This is fun. How come we've never talked before?"

"I don't know." Campbell allowed her to nestle close. He wanted to stroke her hair, but he kept his hands to himself. He didn't want to scare her by being too much, too fast. "I guess I was scared to approach you."

"Why?"

"Because you're pretty, and I'm trouble."

Ella closed her eyes, voice muffled as she drifted off to sleep. "Maybe I'm trouble, too."

Cute, but it was hard to imagine. Not because she was a girl or because she was small-- he'd seen a 4'11" girl take down a two hundred and fifty pound football player with one well aimed kick to the dick-- but because he'd never heard a single bad word about her from anyone who mattered. Well, who knew. Maybe she had a rap sheet from back home in New York. Campbell smiled a little, falling asleep himself soon after.

He had no clue how much time had passed when the school bus jerked to a halt. He stirred, blinking as the lights on the bus flickered back on. Everyone was murmuring, trying to figure out what was going on. Were they there? It was supposed to be a twelve hour ride, including breaks along the way, but they had left at three in the evening and the time on his phone said it was only a little past one in the morning.

"Change of plans," the bus driver said. His tone was flat. Bored. "Rock slides. The road is closed. You're back home."

The murmurs turned into sounds of disbelief. Campbell stood as the bus doors opened, making his way out along with everyone else. He stopped on the school lawn, and stared out into the darkness; there was no one there, no one besides the other students, and the weird smell was gone. It couldn't have been fixed that fast. The useless government never did anything fast, and it hadn't even been a full day yet.

"The fuck," he muttered as the buses all pulled away and left. "What is this?"

Ella stood next to him, frowning. "Strange. That's what."

Everyone began texting, calling. Campbell tried his father's number, knowing Sam was probably going to call their mother. It rang, and didn't stop ringing. No answer. No voicemail, even. He glanced around. He could see the worry and panic on everyone else as they seemed to be reaching similar results. No one was answering. Something was obviously wrong. With the smell gone, he wondered if it really had been a gas leak, and now everyone was fucking dead. Only one way to know for sure.

Plastering a smile on his face, Campbell looked to Sam and shrugged like it was no big deal. Make it seem like everything was fine. No need to freak out and start some kind of mass riot. "Well, I'm going home."

Sam grabbed his arm. His eyes were wide, and he was obviously at that freak out point already. "You're not going to wait for me?" he whispered, not bothering to even sign.

Campbell made a quick sign. "Hurry up, then."

He kept walking, and soon enough he heard footsteps trailing behind him. They walked in silence for a bit, before Sam signed to him. "Where do you think our parents are?"

"Home. Asleep."

"Do you think that's all?"

"Yeah." Campbell didn't believe it for a second, but Sam didn't need to know that right then. "Probably."

When they made it home, the cars were still there. All the lights were out inside. Campbell went in first, calling out to their parents, but there was no answer. Campbell and Sam exchanged a look; Sam's lips pursed, knowing without any words passing between them what the look meant. They were alone. Campbell searched downstairs, then headed upstairs. He didn't even care that Sam was right on his heels. It meant that they could both confirm at the same time that they were, in fact, alone in the house.

"No note," Sam said. "No message on the phone. Where could they be?"

Campbell frowned. He didn't have a damn clue what to tell his brother, but then their phones both began to blow up. Campbell looked at his, hoping for the first time in forever that it was their parents, but it was Harry. His mother was gone. Kelly's parents, too. No one could reach anyone, and their data was all knocked out.

Probably from the storm, Campbell texted back.

Yeah, Harry answered, and did the storm take all our parents too?

A good question. Suddenly he had texts from Elle and Cassandra, even Allie, asking where he and Sam were and could they find anyone. Cassandra finally texted for the two of them to meet her and everyone else back at the school. ASAP.

"Are you gonna go?" Sam asked.

It wasn't even really worth thinking about. Of course he was going to go, if only so he could get some idea of where things were heading. People were gonna start wigging out, and Campbell knew history well enough to know that a bunch of teenagers alone and afraid never meant anything good. And maybe someone, somewhere, had actually found something. Campbell nodded to Sam, and they both headed out to meet with Cassandra.

By the time they got to the school, a crowd had formed. Not everyone, and mostly seniors, but enough for Campbell to know it'd get ugly if the impromptu meeting didn't go well. Elle was there; she came over and stood at his side, one arm crossed in front of her chest and the other tangled up in her hair, her bottom lip pouting out a little. She opened her mouth to speak, but then someone else-- one of the football players, loud and brash-- yelled out.

"Who decided we needed a flash mob?"

Cassandra stepped out of the shadows. She stood on the other side of Campbell, pulling herself tall. "I did."

"What the fuck, Cassandra?"

"Better than 200 people sending texts. Has anyone been able to reach anyone?" she asked. The crowd was either silent, or mumbled a negative. "No one? Okay. Well, there's... there's definitely a simple explanation."

A voice Campbell didn't recognize yelled out. "Like what?"

"Um. They, uh." Cassandra glanced at Campbell. He said nothing, hell, he didn't even move; if anyone thought he was influencing her, they'd never listen. "They were evacuated, after we left. And there was a miscommunication, and we were brought back here by mistake."

"Someone would still answer a phone," Kelly pointed out.

"Maybe they're asleep. I don't know, maybe they some place with no reception. They're in a shelter with... with no reception, or something. In the morning, someone will answer a phone."

Goddamn it. Cassandra, cool and collected Cassandra, was losing it. Standing this close to her, Campbell could tell that she was shaking. Not much, but enough that Campbell felt a spark of worry. They were supposed to be the reasonable ones. Cassandra was valedictorian, disliked and unpopular but vocal and well-known in their senior class. If Cassandra lost it, the rest wouldn't be far behind.

"Maybe it's not safe for us to be here, if they all left."

"A couple hours isn't gonna make a difference. We'll figure this all out in the morning. Right now, we should just... uh, go home. Yeah, we should go home. And anyone who doesn't want to, uh, be alone can come back to our house. Right?"

Allie smiled when Cassandra looked to her. "Sure."

"Is that your advice, Cassandra?"

It had to be Harry that challenged her. Campbell cursed under his breath, and resisted the urge to strangle him. Cassandra and Harry always had been rivals, butting heads over everything and fighting for power at every turn, with Cassandra usually emerging victorious. But what about now, when people were scared and tensions were climbing?

"Yeah. Yeah, Harry, yeah, just go to sleep."

Harry rolled his eyes, but people began to disperse. Well, some people. The majority stayed put, hovering around closer to Harry and the jock brigade; they were whispering about the local liquor store, and Campbell took the moment to sidle over to Cassandra while everyone else seemed distracted.

"Do you honestly believe any of that?" he wondered, lowering his voice.

Cassandra shook her head. She took a breath, but it was already all too clear that she was out of her depth. "I have to, right now. It won't do any good tonight to think about it too much. We need to all go home, get some rest, and see what tomorrow brings."

"You know as well as I do that if we don't start preparing for the worst now, tomorrow it's gonna hit and this whole place is gonna go all Lord of the Flies."

"What the hell do you think happened?"

"Cassie, haven't you noticed anything else, besides our missing families?"

"The smell."

"Yeah, the smell. How are you gonna explain that to them? Or did the smell go to a shelter with no reception, too?"

Biting her lip, Cassandra looked at the crowd gathering around Harry. Before she could say anything else, Allie came prancing up, a cheeky smile on her face. "Cassandra. Campbell." His name was said like it was something disgusting, and her smile hardened just a bit. "I guess the guys are planning to raid the liquor store and have a party. Coming?"

"Really?" Cassandra sighed. "No way. I'm going to head home and try to figure this out. Please don't burn anything down."

Allie grinned and made her way back to her friends. Cassandra, Gordie, and their friend Bean headed off towards home. Campbell knew it'd be for the best to just leave, but he could see that Sam was staying, and Elle was watching him expectantly. Harry was waving them both over, and Campbell sighed. Might as well. Despite how bizarre it all was, the idea of not having to race home by ten and play Good And Normal Son with his parents was appealing.

"What was that about?" Elle asked. Her tone was light, but her eyes were sharp. "With you and Cassandra?"

"Oh, just cousin bickering. How about this party, huh?"

It started as just a bunch of them hanging out on the front yard of the church, with beers getting passed around. Campbell and Elle camped out in a quieter corner, each with their own drink. But within fifteen minutes, Clark had discovered that the church doors were open. It seemed wrong. So, so very wrong. That's what made it fun. Campbell smirked as people texted their friends, brought more liquor, and rigged up some music. The air was just vibrating with bass and the cheers of about a hundred drunk, high teenagers. It was blasphemous, and oh, they were all loving it.

"Can you imagine the looks on their faces?" Campbell laughed with Elle as he downed another cup of alcohol. "Those stuck up fucks would piss themselves."

Elle answered, but her voice was muffled. Far away. His vision was dimmer around the edges and he felt good; he grabbed Elle by the hand and led her out to where people were dancing. Harry's shitty little pity parties had never appealed to him much, and certainly not the stiff swaying back and forth of school dances with their parent-approved music, but this? This was something new, different. They could do anything and they weren't going to get caught. Not yet. The cats were away, and they were all a bunch of fucking rats ready to play.

At least, that's what Campbell thought, but after people started pouring beers off the second story, Elle retreated into an empty stairway. Campbell followed. A bad idea, in hindsight, but they'd been having a good time. Hadn't they? She had tucked herself into a corner, wiping beer off her skin and wringing it from her hair; Campbell stepped closer, smiling.

"I don't know, I think you look kinda hot this way."

Elle didn't look at him. "Yeah, well, I don't really care what anyone else thinks right now."

"Hey. Why are you spoiling all the fun?" Campbell asked. She didn't say anything, just giving him an irritated look. "Is it like a ballerina thing? Act all cold? Is that..."

Without a word, she tried to push past him. Campbell grabbed her arm, but she spun around and fixed him with a glare. "Seriously?"

Campbell blinked. He didn't know exactly what was happening, but she was angry, and he let go of her arm. She kept walking, heading towards the exit. He sighed, mumbling under his breath so she wouldn't hear. "Your loss."

Everything after that was mostly a very long blur, ending in a wall of black. Not something he'd done in a while, getting completely wasted, and not something he was eager to repeat when he woke up the next morning with a throbbing headache. Light hurt, sound hurt. The worst part was that he just barely remembered what happened with Elle.

"Shit," he groaned as his phone blasted him with full brightness. Still, he managed to tap out a text to her. I'm sorry about last night. I'm an asshole and I was drunk. Forgive me? "Send."

It was the best he could do at that second. Campbell dragged himself out of bed, stumbling downstairs where Sam was making breakfast. Sam glanced at him, flipping some bacon. Campbell wanted to gag at the smell, but there was a small stack of toasted Eggo waffles on the counter, and he snagged one of those.

"No parents," Sam signed. "No calls or anything."

Campbell just waved his hand and sunk his face into his arm. He figured. There hadn't been any furious screaming about the state of the church, after all. Sam sat down at the table, and Campbell raised his head enough to watch him for a moment. Now that he was sober, he was back to being able to read people. He could see on Sam's face that Sam was scared. He kept eyeing Campbell, then looking away, and shifting like his body just didn't want to sit still. His body was turned away. Closed off. Insecure. He didn't like being alone with Campbell.

Well, who did anymore, really?

His phone buzzed. He hoped it was Elle, but it was from Harry. Campbell tapped on the notification, and stared at the text. Get to the bridge. NOW.

Sam's phone went off next. "Becca wants me at the bridge outside of town."

Please, a second text read. I'm scared.

Harry had never said that, not in all the years they'd been friends. Campbell stuffed another waffle in his mouth, and threw on his flannel shirt. "Let's go."

It took almost twenty minutes to jog there. Sam kept up, thankfully. Campbell wasn't about to wait around when Harry was reduced to begging. Something was wrong, he could feel it in his stomach more than ever. The closer he got, the more he could see there was a small crowd formed. Cassandra, Allie, Becca, Will. Gordie, Bean, Kelly. Luke, Clark, Grizz, Harry. Helena. Sam went to his friends, who were sitting by the railing of the bridge; Campbell went to Harry, who was crowded around his far with the jocks and Helena.

"What's going on?" Campbell hissed, pulling Harry off to the side. "You look ready to pass the fuck out."

Harry just pointed. Campbell followed the line of sight. Trees. Trees had completely demolished the train tracks leading out of town. They just... ended. Campbell went to turn back to Harry, and noticed the same thing had happened to the road, too. He rubbed his eyes; maybe he was still drunk, or someone had slipped him something. But no. It was like a wall of forest.

Harry spoke, only just audible. "It's like that the whole way around." He was breathing faster, his voice trembling faintly. "We tried the internet, Bean tried to call 911. Nothing. There's no one out there. We're trapped."

Campbell reached out, resting his hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry leaned into the touch ever so slightly. Adults and the younger kids, gone. The smell, gone. A natural barrier, cutting them off from every escape route, and they were-- for the moment-- alone. How? He couldn't fathom, but how didn't exactly matter at the moment. What mattered was that this was reality. Somehow, some way, they were going to have to survive it.

They were worse than trapped.

They were completely, truly, screwed.

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