#Hope you don’t mind me using Riz

[starry-slithers]

here’s Cariad!!!! (I get that the text says Cariad Welt but SHHHHHHHH She’s Cariad Faiythe.)

Name: Cariad Faiythe

Birthday: 14th February

Height: 5”3

Besties: Avania, Natty, Poppy, sebastian, Ominis and Mildred @rene-hl-trashcan

Personality: literally sunshine? She’s the cutest lil baby girl. Self sacrificing, perfectionist, very forgiving, you wrong her? She doesn’t care- ‘it’s all fine, don’t worry’. But sebastian definitely cares (protective big brother) Never uses dark arts, like, ever, because it makes her feel less humane. Wants to be organised but cannot keep a routine to save her life, sweet as sugar, massive crush on RIZ but she’s my sweet baby and is (was) too scared to confess. VERY affectionate- hugs at all hours of the day. Childishly innocent and sweet. Passion for dancing.

Fun Fact: Before coming to hogwarts, she went to the Irish wizarding school but had to come to England because of a job her mother got in England. But she’s very good at English and occasionally flirts with RIZ in Irish.

I was just online and found this shit in my photo library and they’re closeups for once so here ya guys go. Pics I took that weren’t in cutscenes

[helix-enterprises117]

Halo Reloaded: Rogue

Under the harsh artificial lights of the Autumn 2.0’s hangar bay, an impromptu arena was set, charged with an electric anticipation. Arrayed in a loose semi-circle, Blue, Red, Cobalt, and Silver Teams stood in full battle regalia, their armor a kaleidoscope of war-torn stories. In their midst, almost deceptively calm, stood John-117. His stance was relaxed, but there was an undeniable tension in the air, the kind that precedes storms.

Fred-104, of Blue-Team, took a step forward, his voice echoing slightly off the metallic walls. "John, you’re making a mistake. We’ve bled together, faced down the impossible. You don’t have to walk this path alone."

John’s helmet tilted slightly, considering Fred’s words. "This isn’t about us," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of underlying conflict. "It’s about Cortana. I can’t, I won’t, leave her to face whatever’s out there on her own."

Jerome-092, the de facto leader of Red-Team, chimed in with a mix of frustration and understanding. "You taught us to value the chain of command, to trust in the system. Why can't you follow your own advice?"

"It's not that simple," John countered, his tone firm. "This goes beyond orders. If there's a chance Cortana needs me, I have to try."

Yaz-112, her voice as cool and measured as her tactical mind, added, "We get loyalty, John. But defying direct orders? This is bigger than any single Spartan. We have to think about the consequences."

"Maybe you’re right," John conceded, though his stance remained unyielded. "But if there’s even a sliver of hope that I can help her, then I have to act. Consequences be damned."

With those final words, the uneasy truce shattered...

As the first move was made, John launched himself into the fray with a burst of speed that blurred the lines between human capability and machine-like efficiency. He met Kelly-087's charge head-on, their collision a thunderclap of power. Kelly, renowned for her unmatched speed, darted around John in a dizzying display, striking from all sides. But John, ever the tactician, anticipated her patterns, catching her mid-lunge and using her momentum to hurl her into a nearby Warthog, the impact echoing like a struck gong.

No sooner had Kelly been dealt with than Linda-058 took her shot from afar, her sniper rounds singing through the air. John twisted and dodged with preternatural agility, closing the distance between them with a calculated rush. He vaulted over a crate, grabbed a discarded energy sword, and deflected a bullet at the last second, the round grazing his armor. In a fluid motion, he disarmed Linda, their faces inches apart, before gently pushing her back with a nudge that said, "Gotcha."

The spectacle drew the attention of Jerome-092, Douglas-042, and Alice-130 of Red Team, who advanced as a cohesive unit. Jerome, leading the charge, was a behemoth, his every step shaking the ground. John met his advance with a defiant roar, their fists clashing with the force of cannon fire. Meanwhile, Douglas and Alice attempted a pincer maneuver, but John, ever vigilant, released a smoke grenade, obscuring their vision. Amidst the confusion, he engaged them in close combat, delivering a series of precise, disabling blows that left them momentarily incapacitated.

With Red Team down, Cobalt and Silver Teams joined the fray, their movements a whirlwind of strategic precision. Yet, John, standing at the eye of the storm, was a force of nature unto himself. He intercepted Yaz-112 and Karim-002 mid-assault, their fists and feet a blur of motion. John ducked, weaved, and countered, his armor scoring with each contact yet never yielding. A swift, judicious kick sent Karim skidding across the floor, while Yaz found herself caught in a lock that required her to yield lest her arm be broken.

Riz-028 and Kai-125 of Silver Team, not to be outdone, launched a coordinated aerial assault, jet packs igniting as they descended upon John like avenging angels. But John, predicting their trajectory, rolled away at the last moment, causing them to collide with each other instead. As they untangled themselves, John saluted them mockingly before moving on.

The climax of the battle saw John facing Vannak-134, his size and strength rivaling that of Jerome. Their duel was a masterpiece of power and agility, each blow from Vannak met with a parry or dodge from John. The hangar rang with the sound of their conflict until John, seizing an opening, executed a stunning judo throw that sent Vannak crashing into a stack of supply crates.

Breathing heavily, John scanned the hangar, his opponents defeated but unharmed, their respect for him undiminished by the battle.

As John reached the Condor, ready to make his escape, Kai-125’s voice crackled over the comm. "You know this makes you a traitor, right? There’s no turning back from this."John paused, his hand on the Condor’s hatch. "I know," he admitted, the weight of his decision clear in his voice. "But if there's the slightest chance I can save her, then it's a risk I'm willing to take."

He didn’t wait for a response, sealing the hatch behind him and launching into the unknown, leaving a wake of mixed feelings among his fellow Spartans. They understood his motivations, even if they couldn’t agree with his methods. John had made his choice, driven by a loyalty that transcended orders, a dedication to a friend that could not be swayed by protocol or decree.In the aftermath, as the Spartans regrouped, there was an unspoken agreement. John had chosen his path, driven by a bond that, to him, was worth any sacrifice. And while they couldn’t follow him down that path, they couldn’t help but respect his resolve. In the end, John did what he believed was right, consequences be damned.

[authortobenamedlater]

Predictions, questions, good/bad/neutral about E3.

Why does this show make me so long-winded.

Predictions:

As I already mentioned, Jacob Keyes is not going to survive Reach. I don’t want this to happen, because death seems like too easy an out for him and the Spartans need their Dadmiral, but it’s close enough to canon. He can live on in my AUs.

Kai leads the Spartan-IIIs on Reach. In a couple of trailers we see her in a drop ship with what I’m now certain are SPI helmets behind her. Then she goes to Onyx and steps into the Kurt role. Or maybe she takes over for him. It’s probably too much to hope that we might see them working together. I’ll save that for headcanons and fanfic.

…Does this mean Kai will go out like Kurt at some point? Getting ahead of things.

Miranda is on Onyx doing artifact research and/or working on the science side of the S-IIIs. She did finally show up for two seconds in the “this season on” trailer.

The Covenant forces Cortana to reveal the location of Earth, which is why John is standing on a drop ship with Jupiter in the foreground in one of the trailers.

We will meet Noble Team in some form, especially if Kai is leading the S-IIIs into battle.

Reach is going down. There. At least one of these predictions is guaranteed.

Questions:

WHO is that S-III who looks an awful lot like Corporal Perez? Just a coincidental lookalike? If not Talia, maybe Kat or Lucy? I would love to see Tom and Lucy on screen.

Silver Team is, officially or otherwise, getting separated. Kai and Riz are both justifiably POed at John and Vannak isn’t too happy either, I imagine. Kai got pulled to the S-IIIs and Riz is wondering about “life without all this Spartan $#*!.” Are we going to see John as the one-man army we get in every Halo game except 5, and Silver will become recurring characters? Or, are we making room for John to get a new team? Maybe a team we know already? Like…Blue Team?

I am very curious what the Spartan-IIIs look like in this world. I get the impression they haven’t been around that long, but most of this is fan brain conjecture from trailers. Exhibit A: In one trailer Kai steps out in front of a formation of IIIs and we hear Ackerson saying “make them Spartans.” The IIIs already ARE Spartans. They’ve been around for 20 years by this point.

UNLESS. They’ve basically made the IIIs into the IVs. That could explain a Talia sighting and why Kai is getting tapped to train them. Maybe Reach is their first deployment.

If these are the IIIs who are more like IVs, maybe the Talia Perez lookalike is Sarah Palmer? I hope not, because Frankie Adams of The Expanse fame is live action Palmer in my mind’s eye and I want to keep that illusion as long as possible.

The suits look pretty similar.

Once again getting WAY ahead of myself.

How are they going to resolve the Cortana situation? In one trailer it looks like a Sangheili is putting her on a chip or disk of some kind. Is she going back in John’s head at some point? Who’s going to do this? If she stays on a chip do they have to retrofit his helmet and every other piece of UNSC tech?

Who’s this Var ‘Gatanai Talia names in the last scene? Did the show make an entirely new Arbiter? Is Var going to die and make room for Thel? Is Thel still leading the fleet and Var is on the ground? Does Thel not exist here? Last time we saw Makee she was about to touch the larger artifact. Did she ever touch it?What happened? Are we going to see her during the battle? Will she die again? Will she stay dead?

Good, bad, general commentary:

You all know what I want. I’m here for The Chief and Cortana Show. I want my Chief and Cortana Show. This is not the Chief and Cortana show. I want them back together.

I like how the show is giving us a peek into how the UNSC / ONI bureaucracy and agenda is as big an adversary as the Covenant. A good example of the show telling stories the games can’t. Not that shooting your way through ONI red tape wouldn’t be kind of a hilarious video game.

I currently don’t like how they just wiped Madrigal out of the picture, but I am reserving judgment for now to see how this plays out.

I love Ackerson. I hate Ackerson.

Kind of mad Cobalt Team turned up dead. They deserved better.

I still live in hope of one day meeting Avery Johnson.

Ackerson talks about John “interact[ing] with the Covenant agent” and says he read the report. So all that is common knowledge? And John is just walking around like nothing happened? Weird.

Laera being a boss lady and mama bear is awesome. She is truly the only woman for Soren.

I am SCREAMING and FLAILING and GEEKING OUT over the overt Christian references this season. Making me want to write my “what if a Spartan got religion” story. Gahhhhhh

[akeijies]

&love comes back around again.

pairing: armin arlert x reader

genre: fluff

wc: 2.8k

contents: reader pining over armin, they’re both a lil too dumb to realize that the other is also head over heels

note(s): thank you riz ( @odmlevis ) for letting me join your collab! i had so much fun writing this, it made me so soft because the idea of armin alone is just <33 congrats on 1000 followers my love, i adore you so much you deserve all the happiness and sunshine. this is also my first full length fic that i’m posting here please be gentle with me :’)

“I thought you said this ‘little spot’ was close,” Eren huffs as he shoves Jean, making him stumble before Jean regains his balance and loops his arm around Eren’s neck.

“I didn’t say shit,” Jean gets out through clenched teeth using his free hand to mess up Eren’s hair, significantly loosening his bun before dashing ahead of the group. “You’re the one who said ‘it better be close’,” Jean huffs, sounding so smug and you don’t need to see his face to know he’s got that little smirk tickling his lips. “—maybe if you walked as much as you talked yo—” Jean’s cut off by Eren rushing up behind him, making their bodies collide and tumble into the sand below them.

A small smile tugs at your lips as you stare at them. If you hadn’t known them you would have missed the little bubbles of laughter you could hear spilling from them, mistaking their roughhousing for genuine dislike— instead of it being their own weird, special, love language.

You feel a bump against your shoulder and you turn to look at Armin, a smile blooming across your face without you realizing it and you have to remember to pay attention to the unsteadiness of the sand under your feet. As if reading your mind— like you swear he can, he reaches a hand out to grab a hold of your arm, steadying you just in case you happen to lose your balance.

“Eren’s sort of right though, we have been walking for a bit,” his voice is soft as if he wants to keep this between the two of you. He glances down at your feet, pointedly looking at the shoes that you wore. “Your feet don’t hurt at all, right?” They were more appropriate for the graduation than trudging through the sand. Small heels that sink into the ground beneath you, that you honestly should have taken off and left in the car, but you sort of like the way it brings you just the tiniest bit closer to Armin’s pretty eyes.

You’re too busy thinking about the way his eyes darken with the night and how you can see the stars and the glow of the moon in them. Maybe this is why night time has always been one of your favorite times of day. But then again, the way his eyes shine with the sun, framed by long blond lashes is also something you could see so vividly- even if you lost your sight for the rest of your life.

You don’t see the dip in the ground and the way you step into it is more than a little awkward, and it hurts.

Armin tightens his grip on your arm out of instinct and part of you wants to curse Jean for not telling you that this would be happening right after graduation, but the other part of you is wishing Armin’s grip was just a little lower— maybe on your wrist, perhaps in your hand, fingers tangled together.

“No, no, it’s- I’m fine,” you rush, trying to be reassuring as you pray that Armin’s telepathic abilities aren’t a real thing. “I think we’re almost there anyway,” you step over another dip, voice trailing off as you watch the sand crowd around your shoe when you step back into the ground. “—or I hope we are, at least.”

“Well, you remember that if your feet start hurting too much or something I can always carry your shoes for you if you wanna take ‘em off.”

You open your mouth to tease him about how he’s ‘ever the gentleman’ and you want to ask what he would propose next— hold your hand?

You quickly decide against that when you feel your heart pick up speed at the thought. Thumping against your rib cage as butterflies flutter around in your stomach. You’re in so deep you can’t even see straight.

“How’d you even stumble across this spot?” Sasha’s voice cuts into your thoughts and you close the door to your little daydream to see her and Connie running around an unlit fire pit.

Pieck lazily smiles at their antics, ignoring Eren’s comment of “her and horse face probably fucked here—,” and slowly drops her bag to the ground before toeing her shoes off. “It’s a neat little spot, I thought it would be perfect for our scholar.”

Pieck’s voice is light and full of affection, and it makes your heart flutter, the way she dotes on Armin is always so soft and sweet. You actually think she might have teared up watching him walk across the stage at the ceremony. She’s always been the breath of fresh air in your friend group of loud mouths.

“I agree,” you chime, casting Armin a look as you walk towards one of the log seats, plopping your bag down and toeing your shoes off before sitting down and scanning your eyes across everyone’s faces as they’re all wrapped up in their conversations and stages of getting settled.

“Who’s taking the honors of getting the fire started?” Eren asks after everyone’s rested and calm, the excited buzz quieting to a comforting silence. Your eyes flit to him and you note how he’s showing absolutely no indication of it being him. His arm is wrapped around Mikasa as she digs her toes into the sand, snug into his side. It’s not cold by any means but you could imagine how warm it must be in their little bubble.

Sasha jumps up excitedly and raises her hand as if accepting an award. You laugh at the way she shoves the last two bit of chips in her mouth, licking the dust from her fingertips before rifling through the bag Jean provided. She makes a little animated show of getting everything together and started; always more than willing to help out in anything that involves showing off her abilities to survive if stranded on a deserted island.

The fire crackles and dances in the small gusts of wind as drinks are passed around out, cheap beers that are disgusting but all of you are far too used to the taste to venture out to anything better.

“This feels like some really cliche scene in a movie,” you sigh once your lips pop off the bottle, leaning back slightly, taking in the full view of everyone. Brushing your knees against Armin’s, you smile once he knocks his knee back against yours, the both of you going back and forth in your little game.

“I guess so,” he responds after he takes a swig of his own drink. His cheeks are reddened by the fire and the beer— but if you pointed that out he would most likely deny it, the fact that he’s a lightweight is always the butt of some joke in your group.

Armin mindlessly swipes at the ‘bottle sweat’ as Connie likes to call it before he sets it in the sand between his legs. “Eren, Connie and Jean always invited me out and if I couldn’t go they’d always send me some photos but it’s nice to actually be here, though, in person. ” Armin turns his head to you as he says that, his eyes slowly trailing over your face as if he were trying to remember what you looked like specifically in this light, with the fire casting it’s glow upon your face.

He catches himself and his lips slip into the softest smile. “I feel like I always miss it.” His voice was quiet as if you weren’t meant to hear it but he didn’t realize how quiescent the space between the two of you was. Like he didn’t know that your world became a hushed whisper whenever he opened his mouth to speak.

“Well enjoy it, Mr. Summa cum laude.” your voice is light as you bring your right hand up to run it through Armin’s hair. Your heart beats sporadically in your chest as you watch his eyes flutter shut while he leans into your touch. “You’re gonna grow up and forget all about us, now that you’re a big shot, huh?” You don’t mean to sound sad but even to your own ears your voice aches for some kind of validation that he won’t forget, that he wouldn’t let this— whatever level of comfortable pining you both have, dwindle.

Armin gives a sound of disagreement, a low protest in his throat, he doesn’t even look at you and he’s calm, like he’s heard this little confession before.

“Eren’s stumbled into my room, drunk, and said the same thing.” Armin chuckles, and it’s this airy little thing of disbelief. “As if I could ever forget the people who made sure I stayed alive long enough to graduate.” He finally pulls back from your touch to rest his cheek in his palm, blue eyes finally on display as he stares at Jean and Eren, now barking terrible jokes at each other from their seats.

“Those two basically made me eat and socialize every day. I swear I didn’t know what day it was half the time and I only thought in due dates— ” Armin points and drags his finger over to Connie and Sasha, beckoning your eyes to follow as he continues, “Connie actually started the groupchat between him, eren, jean and me in the first place, said he wanted to keep me in the know so that way if they ever talked about anything I wouldn’t be so lost or feel left out.”

You’re looking at Armin as he continues to talk, watching his lips shape words and the way his Adam's apple bobs when he takes a swing from his beer bottle- that’s probably more out of habit than thirst. You can just barely hear what he’s saying, and you’re a little sad that you can’t focus on his voice but you’re also so thankful because it gives you the chance to really just take him in.

His hair that you just ran your fingers through is so soft, and fluffy-- he just got it cut. You remember the picture he sent you of him and Mikasa in the bathroom. Blonde hair in a mess on his head and a big goofy smile splitting his face and Mikasa looking absolutely adorable, holding a pair of scissors in one hand and the other in a peace sign that’s just barely popping out behind Armin’s head.

Blond eyelashes that frame oceanic eyes. Eyes that cannot conceal their emotions or tell a lie. Beautiful blues that sweep over the words in a book and keep every star they come across in the sky, the same ones that become crescents when he laughs loud enough. The ones that make you feel like you’re the only person on the planet.

The ones that are focused on you.

“Then there was you.” Armin’s voice is too soft. He’s no longer pointing, his finger curling into his hand as he nervously fiddles with his thumb, rubbing at maybe a single grain of sand-- maybe nothing. It makes you want to hold his hand and interlace your fingers, tangle your legs and place little kisses in places only the other would be able to see.

“Me?”

“Of course you--” now he looks surprised, almost offended that you could think otherwise. “made so many snacks, ran mock exams with me-” He’s got one hand up and ticking his fingers off as he continues, going from pinky to thumb, another little quirk he’s got.” You snuck me into your dorm one night after I failed an exam and let me cry the whole night and you didn’t bring it up not once- even though you knew how hard I studied for it.”

You can feel your face heat up because these are things you just do because it’s him. You hated hearing his stomach grumble, hated seeing him completely ignore it, even more. The exam he failed wasn’t the only one but you know he had made so many guides and felt confident in himself enough to sleep at a reasonable time that night.

“You’d call me at some ungodly hour of the night to facetime and then you'd fall asleep which would make me feel like I had to be quiet and eventually I would pass out.” He looks at you and it’s a little playful, like he always knew that it was some weird way for you to make him fall asleep. “You’re there for me.” Armin brings his finger up to tap at the underside of your chin, like a little pick me up. “You make things so much more bearable.”

“You deserve that.” The words leave your mouth before your brain even processed them and you can’t bring yourself to regret them because Armin’s looks so stunning when he’s surprised, lips slightly parted and cheeks rosing. You try to rank the Armin that’s in front of you right now, face illuminated by the fire— gaze so soft, like you’re pressing sweet kisses to his heart.

Blue eyes dance around your face, connecting the dots between your nose, lips, ears-- they meet your eyes before zipping back down to your lips when you gently tug your bottom one between your teeth.

You don’t know what or who’s courage takes over you, causing you to act during this moment instead of letting it pass like you always do. But you set your beer bottle in the sand, not caring if it tumbles over, and bring your hand up to grab Armin’s, placing it in your lap and immediately playing with his fingers. It’s something you do when you’re “distracted”, a little excuse to just touch him, feel his soft hands in yours before something else grabs your attention and you let go.

You barely place your hand flat against Armin’s before he’s closing his fingers around yours. “It’s hard to grow out of something that’s grown with you.” He’s speaking to you and his voice is faint but he’s looking at your joined hands as if he’s in disbelief that this is actually happening right now.

His hand squeezes your softly and waits for you to squeeze it back, his name falling from your lips, just loud enough to catch his attention and as soon as he raises his eyes to meet yours, you lean forward just slightly, praying that he’ll pick up on what you’re asking— begging.

Armin’s breath catches in his throat before he gingerly closes the gap between you both, slotting your lips together.

He’s so careful, lips so gentle against yours as if he’s scared that if he presses too hard you might realize what you both are doing and back away.

It takes you rearranging the both of your hands so you’re interlocking fingers and squeezing for Armin’s to take the hint that this is what you want. That this is something you’re so scared of but so excited for, that you can hold his hand and kiss his lips and dote on him the way you’ve been trying to since you could remember.

You’ve been kissing for who knows how long and you both breathe through your noses, not wanting to pull apart. Making up for all this lost time that you both spent unknowingly pining for each other.

You don’t know who throws it but you and Armin are startled apart when you feel something hit your head. Whipping your head around when you hear an eruption of laughter, your eyes land on Jean who whoops and claps when you stick your tongue out at him.

“It’s about fucking time!” Connie sings and throws more marshmallows at you and Armin, declaring how he couldn’t take anymore of you both missing each other every single time.

Pieck is smiling, her comforting, quiet smile and tries her hardest to shush Jean because “this is probably why they haven’t done anything, all of you and your big mouths.”

Sasha’s cheeks are stuffed with what you believe could honestly be anything but she’s clapping, and she looks happy.

Eren and Mikasa are still huddled up together and Eren is rocking her slowly but Mikasa shoots you a smile and gives Armin a thumbs up while Eren looks smug, like he knew this was gonna happen. You know he’s more than happy for Armin, he’s most likely heard of all the annoying parts of Armin having a crush and handed out more advice than he’s probably ever received but he looks happy for his best friend.

Armin sucks you back into the little world of just you two when he presses his lips to your temple and his voice caresses your skin.

“I wouldn’t trade any of you, this— you,” ,he emphasizes with a glance to your lips, “for the world.”

tagging: @fiaficsxo, @tetsunormous, @sourstars, @sweet-todou, @onyxoverride, @kirsteiiins, @savantsoulfinder, @lazyezstudy + click here if you want to be added to my tag list!

[couldyouspeakmyname]

Hewwo

Thank you for doing my ask, about the female!reader who's a wolf in sheep's clothing (literally) for Bill and Pina! It was amazing and I loved it 💕 (especially the Pina one bc honestly,,, simp)

When you have time could you maybe do a part 2? Where the boys realise they maybe like the hybrid girl and how/if they try to ask her out? (I feel like Bill's initially thought process would consist of swearing exclusively bc how dare he like a half-herbivore lmao)

Keep being amazing! 💕

Part One

Thank you for waiting! I hope these are alright, and I sooo appreciate you messaging me again! You’re wonderful and I hope you have/had a great day.

Have some water, stretch your body, and have a smol snack

-Maeve

Ｐｉｎａ

Pina was never one for nerves. Only in a few, special, rare cases did they ever get the better of him. The one time they came close was his encounter with Riz, but even then? He overcame them like a small stone in the road, passing it by like it was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Pina was made of confidence. 

So that’s why it was so difficult for him to wrap his mind around the fact he was tongue tied when speaking with you.

You’d been friends for a while. Pina kept your secret close to his chest, until you’d be ready to tell the world about it. He knew once you did, you’d feel liberated, and that he’d be there routing for you. Even so, he felt special knowing he was the only one you had told about your species. He felt connected to you in that way. It made your friendship stronger.

While your friendship had been growing, Pina’s relationships had come and gone. He dated a big chunk of the herbivores in your school, and had even made his way through a small chunk of the females in a neighboring school. It was actually pretty impressive, especially considering his reputation was well known. He was a play boy, and didn’t even bothering knowing most of the girl’s names. You’d hear about the drama that came from his promiscuity, and he’d dramatically drape himself over you and lament about the difficulty of names and keeping track of all of his paramours. You’d laugh and tease him.

He loved your laugh. He liked that when you laughed when it was just the two of you that you didn’t try hiding your fangs from him. 

A few months ago Pina tried dating a few carnivores. They were all small breeds, so he was in no real danger. No one would be as dangerous as Riz, and Pina had no fear left for the bear. In fact, Pina and Riz became fast friends. So, dating carnivores wasn’t scary for him. At least it taught him how to kiss a carnivore properly. He had to admit, there was a thrill in being so close to an animal that had teeth that sharp.

He often thought of you when he reflected on such toothy kisses, and wondered if your teeth would be the same. He wondered if you’d have that same fire and heat when he kissed you, or if you’d be shy and meek like the herbivores he’d dated.

Dating quickly became boring for him, since everyone he kissed reminded him of you. It was like eating a low sugar cookie when you were expecting a real treat. It wasn’t satisfying. 

“Why don’t you ask her out?” Pina’s dramatic tale about drama club, and how cute you had looked in your outfit was interrupted. Pina looked up from his phone, and gave Riz a pointed look. Riz...didn’t seem to care all that much about it. Nothing much phased Riz. 

“What do you mean?” Pina brushed it off, and clicked to start his phone game again. Even through his muzzle, Pina could tell Riz was frowning at him. 

“Pina,” Riz didn’t talk often, and didn’t have to. Pina was sued to filling up the verbal atmosphere with his own voice, and honestly did like to hear himself talk. Pina was also very good at talking to Riz, allowing the bear to say a few words and reading the paragraph of meanings behind each  one. 

Pina pouted, and the silence was only broken by the bubble pops of the mobile game Pina was using to keep his mind busy. 

“I know, I know. You’re right,” Pina finally admitted, after a few more long moments of passing the game between himself and Riz. Riz just snorted, and in a swift set of moves, beat Pina’s highscore. 

“She wont say no. If what you’re telling me is true, she’s going to be excited. Plus you already know her name, so what could go wrong?” Riz tried to tease Pina, but Pina’s head was full of doubt for the first time since he could remember.

-

The next day Pina waited until after the club got out. It had been another day of practice for the same play the club had done for years. Pina memorized it the first year, now he’s pretty sure he could write the whole thing without thinking. 

“Hey! Wait a minute,” He slung his bag over his shoulder, trying to catch up with you. He didn’t take him long. Pina was pretty swift on his feet. 

“What’s up? Did you want to walk together?” Your joy was written all over your face. Pina wished he could take your picture without looking creepy.

“I wanted to ask you something,” Pina straightened his uniform, tossing his longer wool back with as much drama as a movie. If he could fake the confidence, things would work out. He was sure of it. 

“I was wondering if you’re free this weekend? There’s a new tea place, and I hear it’s good. I was hoping you and I could go there on a date?” His confidence didn’t waver, but he couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. 

“You’re not dating anyone else are you?” You deadpanned, not about to put yourself out there and be one of the who’s who of Pina’s dating partners. He must of not expected you to ask that, because he briefly began stumbling over his words. 

“I-, no! No. It’d just be you and I,” He tried to recover, but his blunder had cut his prince charming persona back, reverting Pina to just...Pina. You liked it better that way. 

“Then that sounds lovely,” Pina beamed, and seemed extra pleased with himself. He knew you’d say yes. What was he worried for?  You two walked back to the dorms together, Pina already trying to convince you to wear matching outfits for the date. 

Ｂｉｌｌ

“Pay attention!” A ruler slapped Bill’s desk, and he jumped, fur standing on end. 

“Yes Ma’am!” He responded quickly, gaining a few chuckles from the students around him. He’d been daydreaming again. Bill quickly opened his notebook and began scribbling the last ten minutes of notes from the board to his paper, handwriting deteriorating every word he wrote.

If he could focus on his lessons, maybe he would stop thinking about you. 

Bill didn’t even know when it happened. He’d just been spending time with you and the rest of the group during lunches. Then it turned to him just spending time with you and Els, making sure you two got to your dorms safely at night, and soon any other free time he had was feely given up to you when he had the chance. Bill didn’t even realize it, until Aoba made a comment on how Bill was missing his smarter half when you had to miss a day at drama club. Bill shot back a snarky remark but couldn’t say that he was mad about the idea that people saw you as his other half. 

That was his ‘oh’ moment. That was the moment he realized that yeah, it did feel weird that you weren’t with him that day. It felt weird anytime you went missing for more than a few hours. Even Els wasn’t able to fill that weird little space you occupied. 

Bill spent the next several weeks cursing himself. 

Bill was a tiger! Bill was a carnivore near the top of the food chain. He could date any female tiger he wanted, and was one of the drama clubs stars! Why would he ever consider dating a hybrid? It didn’t matter how shiny your eyes were, or how soft your paws were, or that you smelled so good. Yeah, it didn’t matter at all. You didn’t even have stripes! All good tigers had stripes, they were the best quality on any animal. 

He just had to focus on schoolwork and drama club. 

The next several weeks Bill threw himself into drama clubs work, and his studies. Sure his grades got better, but doing so much extra work left him almost no free time. He barely saw Els these days, let alone you. In fact, it seemed like Bill was trying his best to avoid you.

As a canine, even just part canine, it was extremely hurtful. 

“Bill!” Els stomped her tiny body in front of the tiger, and swiftly moved when he tried to avoid her. She was determined to block his path. 

“Yeah?” He looked tired, frustrated, and his voice was a whole lot more gruff that it had been in the past. 

“You look awful,” Bill just looked at Els, and it took more than a few moments for his brain to catch up to what she was saying.

“Hey! I look fine,” Els put his small hands on her hips. She didn’t break eye contact. “...Fine, I guess I do look a little rough. I could use a furcut,” He could also iron his pants and shirts. His uniform was wrinkly. Bill sighs and begins following Els, who had eyes filled with concern. 

“What’s been with you? Did you and Y/N have a fight?” Els clasped her hands in front of her, nervously playing with her thumbs. 

“What? No! No, we don’t fight...not seriously. She nags me a little, and I tease her, but we don’t fight,” Bill rubbed his face with his hand, and shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Nah, the worst fight you two had gotten in only lasted a day, and it was over Bill being arrogant and a ‘giant asshole’. Bill had been the first one to apologize, which was very unlike him. 

“Then why did you stop talking? Y/N seems really sad lately, and you look terrible too. It’s like you two broke up,” Did you look terrible? Maybe you did. Bill had been trying to avoid you, and any glances at you he took were brief. He felt guilty, sure, but it was for the best. The sooner he crushed these stupid feeling the sooner you two could pal around again. 

“We can’t break up if we’ve never dated,” Not that you two would break up once you got together. Bill was pretty sure you’re one only one who could really put up with him in the long run. Els didn’t stop walking, but she gave him a disappointed look. It was almost worse than when she yelled at him. 

“It’s not nice to play with a female’s feelings Bill,” He wasn’t trying to! He just, he didn’t know how to react to this. 

“I’m not trying to. I just,” He looks around the empty hall, and leaned down near Els. “I like her, a lot. She’s awesome, but, she’s not a tiger. I don’t know how that would even work. I mean,” Bill exhales through his nose. Would his carnivore brain try to eat you? Given you were part sheep? Could you two even get physical with the size difference? Sure it wasn’t a big one, but still-

“Oh...” Els takes a moment to mull that over. “Well, you don’t know if you don’t try, right?”

“I don’t know Els-”

“Then you’ll have no right to complain if she dates someone else,” That stopped Bill in his tracks. 

“What?” His voice got suddenly quite loud, and Els put her hands over her ears. 

“Who’s she dating? Who likes her?Who asked her out?” Bill was tripping over his words, and for the first time in weeks it was like he had life back in him. Bill felt this strange fear creep in. 

“No one, yet!” Els tried to use her big voice, and became flushed because of it. Why did Bill have to be so loud all the time? “But she will, eventually. She’s nice, and even if she is a hybrid that doesn’t mean she’ll stay single forever-!” Els looked up mid explanation, just to find Bill already halfway down the hall, having only half listened to what she was saying. 

“Oh boy..”

-

Bill came around the corridor sharply, and jumped down the stairs like only a feline could. His moves belonged in a circus, and not a school, and a flustered Legom yelled that at him as he ran. He was on a mission. He had to find you can ask you out before whoever-it-was did! 

“H-Hey!” He was out of breath, and caught you while you were walking back to your dorm. You turned, ears going flat against your head. You looked unsure of him, and part of Bill felt a little sick. He didn’t like when you looked at him like that. You were supposed to be excited to see him. 

“Yeah?” Your voice was soft, and Bill looked at you for the first time in a long time. Your uniform was neat, but your fur was dull. Even your pretty eyes had lost a bit of the sunshine they previously seemed to hold. 

“Do you wanna go out on a date with me?” Bill asked bluntly. You school bag slid partially off your shoulder in shock. 

“What?” 

“Will you go on a date with me? I know I’ve been avoiding you and stuff, but that’s only because I like you and I don’t know how to date hybrids but I was talking to Els and-,” He had to take a deep breath. “I wanted to ask you out before anyone else could.”

“...Bill...”

“Yeah?”

“You’re kind of an idiot. Do you know how counterproductive it is to avoid someone you want to ask out?” Your voice was stern, to the point. 

“Oh,” You were going to turn him down. 

“That being said, sure. If you start acting like yourself again. Being a reclusive nerd isn’t really your style and it’s kind of creepy,” Wait, what? You said yes? Well, you said sure but that was basically a yes!

“Y-yeah! I can do that,” Bill grinned, practically on cloud nine. You said sure, which was a yes! Bill may have reservations about dating hybrids, but he could date you. As long as it was you.

What was he so worried about again?

[legoshi-plz]

How about birthday prompts (Like how they celebrate your birthday and how you celebrate theirs)?

Warning: NSFW-ish themes (Riz and Bill’s part),

All Characters are adults, around mid-20s here. So basically a couple years after college. Except for Gouhin, Oguma, and Gosha who are their canon ages.

Reader is Gender Neutral

Louis:

Your Birthday:

- Mr. MoneyBags here is going to go all out as far as expenses go.

- Fancy Dinner at an elegant restaurant, picks you up in his ridiculous sports car which you’ve rode in a million times but it’s still exciting. (Also, Louis drives extremely fast. He’s a good driver but if he’s not going at least 30 miles over the speed limit, he feels like he might as well be parked in the street. Also has a bad habit of running red lights and stop signs just because he can.)

- Buys you a brand new outfit just to wear to dinner and has it delivered to you in the morning in a red velvet box with a silk bow. You’re a little uncomfortable with the whole high society scene but you go along with it anyway for Louis’ sake.

- At dinner, he orders for you. He has a bad habit of doing that, even though you’ve told him multiple times you’re capable of making your own decisions. At least he usually orders you something you end up liking.

- Night concludes back at his place, he pulls out another velvet box similar to one from this morning except this box is much smaller which only meant one thing: jewelry.

- “Louis... Are there diamonds in this?”

- “....”

-“Louis...”

-“.... Maybe...”

- You refuse to accept the overly expensive gift, refuse to even look at it. You give it back to him and you could see he’s a little hurt but you assure him you know he means well but everything was just a little too much and you felt out of place.

- He accepts your criticism gracefully even if he is a little frustrated you wouldn’t accept his gift he spent so much time picking out. He promises to tone it down next year.

His Birthday:

- You actually really hate Louis’ birthday because he almost never spends it with you.

- He always works on his birthday, not seeing it as important enough to halt business.

- You’ve tried everything from bribing his assistant to haggling his bodyguards but nobody can get Louis out of his office in his birthday.

- You’ve learned to let it go, and usually surprise him by doing something special the week before.

Legoshi:

Your Birthday:

- All about being sweet. Values time and effort over anything and hopes that you see it that way too.

- Makes you breakfast in bed, he’s a pretty good cook all things considering (it’s a skill he picked up while being a waiter.)

- Takes you out for lunch, the two of you spend the day doing pretty regular couple stuff but you’re just happy to be there with him.

- Your present is something that’s both useful and to your taste, like along the lines of a sweater or cardigan in your favorite color. He makes sure it’s oversized because he knows how much you love to wear his sweaters and he even has your name embroidered in small cursive letters above the heart.

- You love your gift and how the two of you spent the day.

His Birthday:

- You two spend it almost identically, just with he roles reversed.

-Legoshi is still a little uncomfortable with extra attention so if you want to incorporate his friends into anything then you’ll have to be really stealthy about it.

- No surprise parties please, he literally would melt into the floor with embarrassment. Best to take him somewhere and his friends slowly join in organically (or at least, you hoped it came off as organic but it really didn’t)

- “Hey Legoshi, fancy seeing you two here at this restaurant in this reserved section. Mind if I join ya?” By the tenth time that exact excuse was used, the cat was well out of the bag.

- Legoshi appreciates your efforts though, even if he’s not one for attention. He sort of clings to you the entire night, whether it be holding your hand, gripping your thigh, encircling your waist, etc. as long as he’s touching you, he feels calmer and it helps tone down his anxiety.

- Overall, Legoshi’s the type to be fine with almost any birthday celebration (or even none at all) as long as he can be with you.

Juno:

Your Birthday:

- Makes you do something spontaneous for once, even if you’re hesitant.

- Takes you somewhere like Skydiving, or Paragliding, or Bungee Jumping. If you’re adamant about making it to your next birthday not risking your life then she will settle for something a little more mild like Scuba Diving.

- Can not stop gushing about how hot you look in your wetsuit and flusters you in front of the Scuba instructor (he’s an older Walrus and finds it cute to see young animals in love).

- The two of you end up having a blast and you’re happy you went along with Juno’s plan, even if it tired you out completely.

- Once the two of you get home and shower, you collapse onto the bed and fall asleep almost immediately, the exhaustion from the deep diving really taking it’s toll.

- Juno enters the bedroom holding a cake with lit candles and wearing brand new sexy lingerie she purchased just for you to rip off of her. She’s a little disappointed to find you unconscious but she figures it is your birthday and you can sleep if you want to.

- She blows out the candles for you and puts the cake in the kitchen, then she throws on a robe and snuggles up next your slumbering figure.

Her Birthday:

- She wants to travel for her birthday and she can’t think of anyone she’d rather take a trip with more than you.

- You two go somewhere hot and tropical, probably somewhere near a beach (she loves any excuse to wear a bikini and sunbathe)

- You two probably find a bar near the beach and get drunk, her moreso then you because you start to sober up as the night goes on so you’re able to take care of her.

- You take her back to the hotel and tuck her in after helping her get ready for bed. She a giggling, flirty drunk mess the entire time but it still makes your heart soar because you know she had fun.

- Before she falls asleep, she whispers to you that this was her favorite birthday yet.

Riz:

Your Birthday:

- He’s waking you up with morning head, no way around it. You wake up to him kissing your neck, then your collarbone, down your stomach and he just keeps going down until he has you whimpering and falling apart beneath him.

- Then the two of you take a shower together and he’s making you cum for him in a totally different way.

- But once you finally pry his humongous paws off of you, you think you’ll be able to relax but he has other plans.

- He sends you off to the Spa. He’s not going in with you because he wouldn’t be caught dead in one but buys you the best top of the line experience . You enjoy the peace and relaxation but you’re kind of lonely and just want to be with him.

- When you get home, he presents your gift to you which is probably something big and wooden that he made himself because he’s great with his hands and actually an amazing craftsman. Probably something like a intricate Wooden Gazebo outside so you could sit and enjoy your garden.

- “Riz, how the hell did you get this back here without me knowing?” You ask, your arms still wrapped around his neck from where you squealed in excitement, lavishing him with kisses.

- “Built it off site, just needed a few hours to install it,” Riz winked, cupping your ass with both hands and lifting you up so your legs could wrap around his waist.

- “So that’s why you made me spend my birthday alone?” You pouted.

- “Yeah, m’sorry about that, baby. But I can make it up to you...” Riz growled, carrying you inside to the bedroom.

“Wait, I wasn’t done looking at my gift,” you giggled as he began nipping at the fur at the base of your neck.

“Trust me, it’s not going anywhere,”

His Birthday:

- Riz loves nature and outside in general. So for his birthday you plan a camping trip deep in the forest.

- You don’t tell him anything about it, you just make him request two days off of work, no questions asked.

- You two leave early in the morning, drive deep into the forest and then you spring it on him. You also let him know that if he doesn’t like the idea, theres still time to turn back and spend his birthday in the city.

- Not a chance if that happening though, this man LOVES the outdoors. He’s already halfway out the car before you could even put it in park.

- The two of you have a blast setting up the tent, making the campfire, cooking dinner over said campfire, and communing with nature.

- “There’s a river that runs north of here, it’s about a 15 minute walk from here, I figured we could go fishing there tomorrow morning,” You tell him as you sit in his lap, admiring the fire.

- However, the two of you don’t make it there until we’ll into the afternoon and it was a miracle you made it there at all. Riz had fucked you senseless last night, the atmosphere of nature giving him a newfound surge of energy. It’s a good thing no one was around because the two of you were almost embarrassingly loud.

- Anyways, Riz thoroughly enjoys his weekend of wilderness and fucking you like a wild animal all throughout the forest. You enjoy it as well despite the fact he has you almost limping by the end of the trip.

Bill:

Your Birthday:

- Honestly, he forgets. If you wait on him to remember or ‘surprise you’, then you’ll only end up ruining your own birthday.

- If you remind him on the day of, he takes you out to eat at a nice restaurant but it’s still very last minute.

- If you remind him the day before, he’ll at least get you a gift but it’s last minute.

- Overall, if you want to actually enjoy your birthday with him, you better plan it yourself

His Birthday:

- Plans an entire house party himself and invites everyone, it seems, but you. He wasn’t exactly aiming to exclude you, he just thought it’d be a given that you would be there. However, if you didn’t show up, he wouldn’t really notice either way.

- It’s wild and crazy. A ridiculously huge amount of people show up and there’s alcohol coming from every direction, and Bill is soaking up every ounce of the attention.

- Once you finally had enough of being ignored, you go home. You doubt that Bill will even notice you’ve left.

- You’re at home, showered, and about to head to bed when your phone starts ringing. It’s an unknown number so you let it ring out. But then they call back again, and again, and again. Disturbed, you accept it on the fourth call just in case it’s an emergency.

- “Finally they picked up! Y/N? You there?” It was one of Bill’s friends. Apparently in his drunken state, he went into a rage when he couldn’t find you and had been crying for you to come back for almost an hour. He was inconsolable and his friends knew there was only a matter of time before he started a fight at his own party. You were irritated but you still allowed them to drop him off at your place.

- The second you answered your front door, the giant tiger in question was all over you, squeezing you right and asking why you left him. You helped him inside and laid him in your bed.

- He cuddled with you for maybe 10 minutes tops before he was out like a light. You end up falling asleep next to him, finally enjoying a little peace for once tonight.

- That peace doesn’t last long though, Bill wakes up the next morning horny. Like extremely horny. You wake up to him grinding against your thighs, whimpering and begging to let him fuck you. You give in to the belated birthday boy and he proceeds to give you the sloppiest, most sensual, earth-shattering morning strokes of your life. You’re so mind blown by how good he fucked you, you forget about how angry you were with him.

- After a well needed shower, he takes you out for breakfast to apologize for how much of an ass he was on his birthday. You accept but tell him if he ever pulls something like that again, he can look for a new lover.

Collot:

Your Birthday:

- Surprisingly wants to spoil you on your birthday but unlike Riz, he actually minds being apart from you (he’s hella clingy, he just hates to admit it) so whatever activities he has planned, the two of you are doing it together.

- Takes you to a fancy resort, somewhere in the mountains where it’s cold and there’s snow on the ground even during the summer months.

- The two of you attempt skiing but you’re terrible at it and he ends up laughing at you falling majority of it.

- You two also enjoy the giant jacuzzi the lounge has to offer but Collot can not keep his hands off of you and eventually you two have to run back to your room for a midday quickie.

- His birthday gift to you is something simple, like a necklace with your birthstone in it. You love it and allow him to put it on you.

- The rest of the evening, it’s just you and your man, walking along the Snow filled grounds, sipping warm apple cider, and enjoying the break from the rest of the world.

Gouhin:

His Birthday:

- This man wants REST. No need to go all out, his life is crazy enough the other 365 days of the year. Just give him some peace and relaxation and he’s good to go.

- He also loves your cooking and wouldn’t be opposed to you cooking him a huge meal.

- Also loves your body and wouldn’t be opposed to you doing that thing that he really likes in bed ;)

- Your gift to him would be something he can use but also is a little unnecessary. Something like a ridiculously fancy, golden calligraphy pen for his office or a brand new crossbow with genuine leather straps. He’s pretty hard to shop for so it’s always best to go with something he already has, just a newer model.

- Honestly just wants to spend his birthday with his baby (you) as if it’s any other day.

Gosha:

Your Birthday:

- Gosha is so lovable, he’s probably more excited it’s your birthday than you are.

- He’s picked up quite a few skills over the years and baking is one of them. Bakes you a giant birthday cake in your favorite flavor. You’re grateful he was so thoughtful and made such an extravagant cake but there’s no way you’re going to finish this entire thing.

- You end up inviting over friends just to get rid of some of the cake, which they’re more than happy to do since it’s absolutely delicious.

- A few of your friends bring group dishes and fancy wine and soon it’s a whole party underway. The small gathering is actually a blast and you can’t think of a better way to spend your birthday other than surrounded by the people you love.

Oguma:

Your Birthday:

- Mr. Moneybags 2.0

- Gets you a crazy expensive gift like a brand new car and calls it a day.

- Not really much for spending time or celebrating traditionally. But to compensate, he’ll buy you the world (even after you’ve repeatedly told him you don’t need all that.)

- Probably won’t even see you on your birthday because his schedule is so overbooked but sends you plenty of gifts to remind you that he loves you.

- It stings not seeing him on your birthday but at this point in the relationship, you don’t really expect anything else from him.

[tazatouille]

this is how the story goes

word count: 4249

warnings: mentions of death, disassociation, alcoholism and small mention of toxic masculinity

ao3 link

summary: In which Fabian deals with the fact that he doesn't always have to be the hero.

“Let me read to you tonight, my darling.” Mama says to him, holding out her hand. Fabian, being the small boy he is, lets out a giggle and runs over to her, taking it excitedly. She smiles down at him and he sees his own dimples on her cheeks. Fabian can’t help but think that she must be the most beautiful lady to ever live, because of course that would be his Mama. Her silver hair falls like waves down her shoulders and he wonders if one day his hair will grow as long as hers. 

She leads him to their library, hoisting him up briefly so he can pick out a book. He can’t quite read all the titles yet, so he picks the one he can reach, which is a small picture book. Mama brings him close to her chest, holding him with one arm. “Ah, that’s a fine choice, Fabian.”

“What’s it about, Mama?” He asks her, letting her flip the book over in his hands. 

“Hmm… let’s see.” She says softly. “It looks like you’ve picked an Elven tale tonight, one about a handsome adventurer who sails the seas in search of a great sea monster.” 

“That sounds like Papa!” This earns a laugh from his mother, who kisses him on the cheek.

“It does, doesn’t it?” Mama lets go of the book, letting Fabian press it to his chest. Then she carries him out of the library and towards the stairs. “It’s time to get you to bed now, Fabian.”

---

Fabian recalls that day as one of the last days that his Mama ever read to him before bed.

But that was alright, because he’s been fine with that for a while now. He knew even then when little boys grow up, their mamas don’t read them to bed anymore. 

When Fabian gets up for school that morning, he sees her when he glances out his window. Cathilda is patiently watering the rose bushes as she always does in the mornings and Mama is sitting in one of her kimonos, beautiful as always, but carrying with her the heavy weight of time. Time that has caused bags to form under her eyes, her frame to grow thinner and dull her eyes each passing day. Time that has aged her, with every sip of wine she takes from the glass in her hand. 

He turns away from the window.

Fabian’s morning routine is easy. It’s about a half hour of dancing, then he takes a cold shower to wake himself up. Usually, he would go straight to training afterwards, but his Mama has allowed him this single day without morning training. He takes another hour to do his hair and then his makeup. It’s nothing too fancy, just a bit of eyeliner and the tiniest amount of concealer. If it was too heavy, he would sweat it off during practice and Fabian Aramais Seacaster does not let his makeup run.

By the time Fabian heads downstairs, Cathilda is now cooking in the kitchen. She’s humming an old sea shanty, one that she’s sung for him time and time again as a child. When he walks by, he hums along with her, dancing around her to grab his green smoothie.

“Good morning, Master Fabian!” Cathilda greets him, shaking the frying pan. “Do you mind taking this plate to yer mother? She’s waitin' in the dining room.” 

“Good morning, Cathilda!” Fabian says proudly, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Of course, I can.” He scoops the plate up off the counter, carrying it to the dining room. Mama sits at the head of the table, where Papa used to sit. To her right is none other than Gilear, thankfully not in his father's robes again. Fabian tries hard not to fling the dish right at his head and keeps his shoulders up.

"Oh Fabian, my baby boy, how are you this morning? Off to that little adventuring academy again are we?" Mama says, nurturing a glass in her hand. 

"Morning Mama," Fabian greets, setting her plate in front of her. Mama puts down her drink to lovingly pinch his cheeks. He laughs, hoping she doesn't notice when he slides it further away. "I believe me and the boys are going to meet at Basrar's this morning before school, since we aren't training today."

"We stop training for one day and you're already eating ice cream for breakfast? Whatever will we do with you?" Mama teases with a wave of her hand. He takes the seat to her left, purposely not making eye contact with Gilear.

Here's the thing about Gilear. He may be the Chosen One, something that Fabian is willing to admit and even defend, however, Gilear is still Gilear, and Gilear is a sad, pathetic little man who did not deserve his Mama.

Fabian could admit that his Mama and Gilear did have some similarities, as they seem to be both inept at the simplest of tasks. That being said, Hallariel Seacaster was an accomplished and renowned fencer, who dashingly took his father's own eye. Gilear Faeth was an ex-diplomat who couldn't get the yogurt stains out of his shirt even with the highest levels of magic money could provide.

This isn’t how the story is supposed to go. After Fabian heroically killed his own father, his mother was supposed to find another adventurous and even in some ways, more deserving man. In the story, Mama does not end up with a man like Gilear, but with a man far better than maybe even his father ever was. Or perhaps, she remains a widow, vowing never to remarry because her love for her deceased husband is so strong.

And in the story, Fabian is supposed to feel proud for killing his father, laying the final blow that his Papa craved so adamantly. But all Fabian is left with is a vacancy, the same vacancy that still rests in his mother's heart. 

At times, it almost feels hereditary.

He stares down at his smoothie and thinks he hears Gilear say something to him, but it goes unaddressed. 

Fabian thought it would get easier after sophomore year. Seeing his Papa was a treat, surely. Knowing his father is having such a good time in Hell helps him sleep a little easier, but it’s not enough to snuff out the flames of guilt that still burn in his chest.

Ever since his Papa died, his mother used the sensory deprivation egg less and less. To Fabian’s surprise, it was his mother’s decision, with Cathilda helping her steadily ease out of it. Cathilda told him that if they were able to get her out of the egg, they might be able to move onto her sobriety. He still holds onto that hope, even on the harder days when his mother can only greet him after school and then retire to her room soon after. 

“You know she loves you with all her heart, Master Fabian.” Cathilda said to him one night. “People are complicated, ya see… Just because she’s struggling doesn’t mean she loves you any less.” 

Fabian comes back to reality when he hears his mother’s laughter. He downs the rest of his smoothie, a little too warm now, to distract himself. He pulls out his crystal to check the Boyz’ group chat. “Well Mama, I think I’ll be off!” Fabian says, getting up from his chair. 

“Off already, darling?” Mama asks him, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. She’s barely touched her food. “Come here.” 

He leans down and lets her place a kiss on his cheek. “You have a good day, my boy.” She tells him. 

“Of course, Mama.” Fabian smiles at her, then nods his head. “Gilear.”

Gilear nods back. “I wish you a good day, Fabian.” 

He walks out of the dining room, giving Cathilda a wave before heading towards the front door.

“Hangman,” Fabian thinks. “Ready for the day?”

He hears the purr of the engine start up as soon as he closes his front door. “I am ready for anything, sire. Where shall we go?”

“Head to the Ball’s apartment. I’m picking him up this morning.”

“Hangman...” Fabian warns, watching him roll out of the garage in front of him. The Hangman revs in response. “We are picking up the Ball.” 

“Master, I remind you that the Ball no longer needs a ride to school.”

Fabian is sure if the Hangman could, it would sigh in disappointment. “Of course, sire.” He leans slightly to let him climb on. Then, Fabian revs the engine himself and tears down the street towards Strongtower Luxury Apartments. 

---

“Fabian, for the last time.” Riz starts, walking out of the apartment building. “I’m never gonna get enough driving hours if you keep giving me rides to school.”

Riz lost his hat after sophomore year, and thank goodness because Fabian didn’t have the heart to tell him it wasn’t going to work forever. He wouldn’t admit it to Riz, but he was quite fond of the way his hair fell. It seemed impossible to Fabian that Riz didn’t style it in any way, but one day while they were hanging out, Fabian spotted a bottle of all in one shampoo and conditioner and chucked it into the garbage can.  

Fabian laughs, putting a hand on his chest. “As if you would prefer to drive your mother’s car over a ride on the Hangman?” The Hangman revs underneath him for emphasis. He can see the smile creeping on Riz’s lips, so he keeps going. “Besides, everyone lies about their driving hours anyway. Who has the time to drive a whole forty hours both night and day? I certainly don’t.”

Riz looks like he’s about to protest, but instead his face spreads into a big smile. Fabian pats the Hangman’s seat victoriously. “Come on, The Ball. To Basrar’s.” 

With a roll of his eyes, Riz climbs onto the Hangman, situating his briefcase against his chest. Then, his arms wrap around Fabian’s torso tightly. “You aren’t always gonna be around to give me rides, you know. I should-- uh, probably learn how to drive at some point.” He says. It’s supposed to be casual, but in reality, Riz just dropped a whale sized weight on Fabian’s chest. It threatens to leave him breathless and not in a good way. 

Fabian revs the engine instead, letting the purr drown out his thoughts. “Don’t say stuff like that, Riz.” He says under his breath, before taking off down the road. He isn’t going to start thinking about this right now.

They are almost to Basrar’s when Riz shouts over the wind, “Oh hey, Fabian! Do you want to come over to the office after practice?” 

Fabian smiles. “Cracking another case, The Ball?” 

“You know it!” Fabian can practically hear the smile in his voice. “I always need someone to hold my string.”

Fabian feels the laughter bubble from his chest. “Yes, one of my many talents. Fabian Aramais Seacaster, holder of string!”

“It’s extremely crucial to my casework!” Riz adds. “I couldn’t solve them without it!”

Fabian feels Riz’s arms tighten around him and he lets out another laugh, pulling into Basrar’s. 

---

They walk into the cool air of the shop and see Gorgug sitting at a booth in the corner. He waves to them as they approach.

“Hey guys!” Gorgug greets, giving them a toothy grin. He’s hunching over, like always, with a pink milkshake in his hand. He always ordered strawberry with extra whipped cream.

“Hey Gorgug!” Riz greets, letting Fabian take the window seat. “Dude, I gotta tell you about this show I’ve been watching. It’s awesome.” 

“Oh yeah?” Gorgug says, sipping his milkshake. “Zelda’s been looking for more shows to watch, cause you know, all her parents watch is like those crazy reality TV shows.”

Fabian watches as Basrar floats over to their table. “Boys! Good to see you, and so early in the morning too. What can I get you?” 

Riz orders a weird concoction of chocolate mint, coffee, and pistachio ice cream topped with gummy bears and chocolate drizzle. Fabian never understood why the gummy bears had to be added to it, something that Riz no doubt picked up from Fig. The gummy bears become hard as rocks because the ice cream makes them too cold, but he’s been friends with Riz long enough to know he would eat almost anything. And so, Fabian orders a simple banana split with caramel sauce.   

By the time their ice cream gets here, Riz is already waist deep in the intricate world building of the tv show he’s been watching. The thing about Riz is that whenever he got really excited about something, he’d explain it so fast he’d have to keep back tracking and then return to his previous thought. It could get a bit confusing at times, but the Bad Kidz, at least Fabian, didn’t mind. They just made sure to ask a lot of questions. 

"Here's the real catch, though. It wasn't the butler, but it was actually--" Riz gets cut off by his crystal ringtone buzz loudly on the table. He grabs it immediately and presses it to his ear. A few moments pass before he says, "Mom? What's going on?"

Fabian immediately sits up straighter before Riz holds his hand out. "I'll be right back." He mouths to them, scooting out of the booth. Fabian watches as he walks out of Basrar's.

Gorgug plays with the straw of his milkshake for a moment."So… how are you and Aelwyn doing?" He asks innocently, because Gorgug would never ask a question he didn't want the answer to. Fabian suddenly feels a little sick, putting his spoon down.

"It-- uh, well--" Fabian is tripping over himself now. He hates when he gets like this. His thoughts race through his head and try to force themselves out his mouth all at once before he can even think of what to say.

"I--I get it, if that's like--" Gorgug stumbles a bit. "Too private or something, I just, you know, was wondering."

"No, no, it's fine, Gorgug. We just… broke up a few weeks ago."

"Oh." He says simply. "Why didn't you…"

"Say anything?" Fabian finishes for him. "I guess it was somewhat embarrassing."

"Embarrassing? Did she break up with you?" 

Fabian shrugs. "No, it was more mutual, if anything." He starts playing with his ice cream now, getting spoonfuls of caramel sauce and pouring it back into the bowl over and over again.

"Then why would you be embarrassed?" Gorgug presses. "I mean, my parents would say that's pretty mature."

"It just wasn't what I-- We? Expected it to be." Fabian admits. It feels weird to say it out loud after it's been rattling in his head for weeks. "I guess, maybe I expected it to be like you and Zelda. Two matches made in nerd heaven." 

"You know, not every relationship is gonna be perfect, Fabian." Gorgug reminds him. "Zelda and I get along great, sure, but that doesn't mean I don't fuck up every now and then or that I never get upset with her." He shrugs. "But that's a part of like, I don't know, loving someone. You guys kinda just get to figure stuff out together." 

"I guess Aelwyn and I never really tried figuring anything out together."

"Maybe you just expected too much from each other." Gorgug shrugs again. "Cause, you can't only love the best version of someone, you know?" 

Fabian opens his mouth to speak, but before he can, the front door jingles and Riz makes his way back to the booth.

"Sorry about that guys." Riz says, sitting back in the booth next to Fabian. "My mom needed to know where I put the law books I borrowed from her last weekend. Where was I?"

Gorgug responds, but not before casting a reassuring glance at Fabian. "Uh… I think you were about to tell us who the killer was, right?" 

Fabian can't tell if Riz notices and adds, "Oh yes, something about how it wasn't the butler?"

"Right, right!" He says excitedly. "Okay, so…"

He continues telling them about the tv show, which Fabian doesn’t mean to tune out of, but he can’t stop himself from thinking about Aelwyn. 

Their breakup had been mutual. They quickly realized that they simply weren’t compatible with one another. Fabian wishes he didn’t take it hard, but Aelwyn was technically the first girlfriend he ever had, and his first kiss.

Fabian was supposed to go straight to Fallinel, take on the Elven army and break Aelwyn out of imprisonment in a feat of gorgeous heroism. Which, if you left some parts out and moved a few things around, he did, technically. But then Aelwyn was supposed to be so impressed with his prowess that they would start dating, eventually get married out on the sea and then have beautiful children, born out of both Aelwyn and his exceptional talents. 

At least, that’s what he told himself. 

But when they actually got together, Fabian realized that he didn’t understand Aelwyn at all, and she didn’t understand him. They had both been through copious amounts of stress during sophomore year, with Aelwyn having to adjust to a new life without her parents, and Fabian having to grapple with the events of Leviathan and his own residual fears. It was just too much for them to sort out together, too many parts of themselves that they didn’t understand, so how could they ask the other to?

“You have this version of me built in your head, Fabian.” Aelwyn said to him. “Maybe, before all of this, I could have been that person for you. But, I’m not even sure who I am right now.” 

And he agreed with her, and that was that. 

Their crystals all buzz on their table, and Fabian reaches over to check the message.

figgy pudding: Hey losers, where you guys at? 

He types back. 

fabian: Basrar’s, be there soon.

“I guess that’s our cue, huh.” Gorgug says, gathering the dishes onto the table, like he always does. “Make sure to text me the name of that show, Riz, so I won't forget.”  

“Will do.” Riz replies, already sending the text to Gorgug. He gets up from the booth to let Fabian out and turns to him. “You ready to go?”

From the way Riz is looking at him, he can’t help but feel like he’s asking a different question, but he brushes past it. “Yeah, of course.” 

---

"Is something wrong?" Riz asks that night, because Riz is too perceptive for his own good and Fabian acknowledges that he hasn't said a word to him in over 10 minutes. “You were kinda acting weird today.” 

"Hm? Oh it's nothing, The Ball. Don't worry about it. What were you saying?" Fabian replies, sitting up a little straighter. 

They are sitting in Riz's office, with it's stale mugs of coffee and scattered evidence. If this was anyone else's office, Fabian would hate being here. Sometimes, Riz is so deep in a mystery it becomes cramped with case files and boxes, but it always feels good to be in a space that is truly lived in. It’s nothing like home, and maybe that’s why Fabian likes it. 

"You can talk to me, you know." Riz says, taking the red string Fabian's been playing with out of his hands. He pins a photo up on his corkboard.

Fabian doesn't respond. He knows he should, but at this moment, talking to his best friend seems like one of the hardest things he can do.

Riz notices this, and looks at him. "I know how you get. We don't have to talk about it." He runs a hand through his hair. "You, uh-- wanna watch a movie, maybe?"

Fabian blinks at him for a moment before replying, "You want to take a break?"

Riz laughs at that. "Come on, Fabian. I'm not that bad."

Fabian scoffs. "Please, you almost missed homecoming because you were here piecing together your clues." He gestures to the corkboard.

"And then I closed that case the same weekend." Riz says proudly, puffing up his chest a bit. 

Fabian smiles, then makes the mistake of looking down at the floor beneath them. He runs his fingers over the scratch marks carved into the wood. 

He tried to call and Riz didn’t pick up. Riz never ever misses his calls and his ringer is always on, so why wasn’t he--

Riz’s eyes go from soft to panicked almost immediately. “Hey, don’t do that.” He tells Fabian, pushing his hands away from the floor. “I, uh-- still need to get someone to fix those.”

“I could get someone to do it.” Fabian says immediately. Riz shakes his head.

“You know I wouldn’t let you.” 

“But I could.” 

“Fabian, it wasn’t your fault.” 

And when Riz says this, Fabian lets out a breath of air. 

Because he knows, deep down, the situation with Riz last year wasn’t his fault. But maybe if he had been a better friend and called more, or came around the office more, or had just been there when it happened... then Riz wouldn’t have to pay someone to replace his floorboards. Maybe, he wouldn’t have such a hard time looking at himself in the mirror.

“You aren’t the only one who fails, Fabian.” Riz continues, seemingly reading his thoughts. He sighs. “Y--You do this thing where you think you are the only person in the world who can do anything. The only person who can save the princess in the tower, the only person who can kill your father’s rival, like you are trying to hold the whole world up on your shoulders because you are Fabian Aramais Seacaster. And I get it, you know? I’ve had some pretty big shoes to fill myself.” He lets out a short laugh. “But, you don’t have to… prove yourself to me. Or to-- uh, anyone, really.”

“Riz, I--” Fabian’s words fail him, because figuring things out was always Riz’s job. He knows he will pay to get Riz’s floors done, because maybe Fabian didn’t have to prove himself to anyone, but as well as being a Seacaster, he was also Riz Gukgak’s best friend, and that he needed people to know. 

“It’s okay, Fabian, really it is.” Riz says, interrupting him. “I’m not gonna lie, you haven’t always been-- uh, a perfect friend. I know I haven’t either.” He shrugs. “But you always try to be, and that means more to me than you probably know.” 

Fabian reaches over and pulls Riz into the tightest hug he’s given since he got out of the Forest of the Nightmare King. He feels Riz tense up at first, but then his arms wrap around his neck. 

“You are my best friend.” Fabian says into Riz’s shirt, because if he doesn’t say this now the flames that stir inside his chest will burn the words to ash before they reach his mouth. It was easier to say when Riz wasn’t staring back at him, picking him apart. A habit that Riz could never shake, but sometimes, Fabian welcomed it. He didn’t have to say much, because Riz always just seemed to understand. 

Fabian has never had a best friend before. His family sailed so often when he was younger that it was hard to make friends with any of the kids. He was constantly being pulled out of school and thrown into the next. Every time he did so he would play his little charade of being Fabian Aramais Seacaster, impressing the children in his class, and then his family set sail once again.

Near the end of freshman year, Riz pulled Fabian aside to thank him for the briefcase and the business cards. Fabian had brushed it off, saying it wasn’t that big of a deal, but it took him hours to hand write all those business cards. Something that, to this day, Fabian still hasn’t told Riz. 

After that, Riz never stopped calling him his best friend, and Fabian quickly realized that Riz is one of the only people who had ever really tried to be his friend. He denied it at first, but eventually he came to accept it as a fact. 

And maybe it was the same for Riz too. Like Fabian, he didn’t like talking about personal issues. It wasn’t until sophomore year when Riz was finally able to talk about his dad in front of everyone. And much like Fabian and his own charade, he much preferred his role as a detective versus a teenage boy trying to figure the world out. 

But that was just it, wasn’t it? Because maybe, they could be two teenage boys trying to figure out the world together. 

And so, Fabian may not write his name upon the world. Every living being in Spyre may not know the name Fabian Aramais Seacaster, but he is okay with this. 

Because Fabian doesn’t always need to be the hero, the knight who saves the princess, or the son who kills his father’s rival. Because even when he’s not the hero, there are people who still love him. And to be a part of a story that continues to write itself, that is bigger than his own, with Riz and the rest of the Bad Kidz?

Fabian couldn’t think of anything else he would rather do. 

[lasquadranights]

Bad News

Christmas Countdown: Prosciutto x Reader

Content Warnings: References to Polygamy

***

You stumbled in through the front door with snow covering you from head to toe; your nose was a stinging red, your fingers stiff, and your hair damp with melted ice. Despite the discomfort it should have caused, you laughed along with the others, giddy with victory from being on the winning team for your snowball fight.

Formaggio made you yelp when a handful of snow ended up shoved down your shirt, dodging out of the way of your retaliating swipe. He darted away and you gave chase though you quickly grew too tired to follow him downstairs.

“You two are dripping mess all over the floor,” Prosciutto drawled, alerting you to his presence as he entered the sitting room.

“Oh, don’t worry, it’s more like five of us,” you laughed. “Riz is the only reason I won. His aim is perfect.”

“I would surely hope so.”

You rolled your eyes and ran a hand through your hair, knocking snow to the ground in a slight flurry. It was going to be a battle with knots for days but it was worth it.

“You should join us for the next round,” you said.

“Not unless you paid me.”

You followed Prosciutto as he ducked past you, walking along the side of the hall to avoid the majority of the water and snow that lay across it. You would probably end up cleaning a little later but for now you were tired and more than happy to relax with a quieter companion.

“I could pay you but that wouldn’t be as fun,” you said as he opened the door and stepped outside.

It was still cold outside, even if your body felt warm due to the exercise you’d been doing. You stuck close, if not quite in contact with, Prosciutto who pulled out a cigarette.

The smoke curled around him. There was an elegance to him that you couldn’t deny; enhanced by his unhealthy habit. An almost regal nature created by sharp blue eyes and a tight expression.

He trailed a disapproving glance across the decorations that had started appearing outside also. You’d gotten approval form Risotto to do so and you wasted absolutely no time.

“Are you trying to demand attention for us?” he asked.

“It’s to make the place look more festive,” you answered. He leaned against the wall and you joined him, shoulders pressed together.

You hadn’t expected Prosciutto to be the festive person. From what you’d seen though, you weren’t entirely right. He appreciated the decorations and he enjoyed being able to spend the time of year with people but it also made him nervous due to money and an increased risk that he perceived. There was a lovely contradiction to his opinion but it meant he came across as hating the season.

And he really didn’t mind keeping that perspective around.

“Don’t you have somebody else to bother?”

“Nope.”

If he honestly wanted you to leave, he would move away. His body language remained easy to read even when he was spending more time in his head.

“I was thinking we should go to the opera,” you mentioned. “There’s a special holiday performance.”

“You already know that’s not in my budget – especially with how ridiculous prices have climbed thanks to it being tourist season,” he scoffed.

“Pro, I’m offering to take you.”

He didn’t give you an answer, taking another drag from his cigarette. Without warning, he flicked it down, grinding it into the ground with the back of his heel. “I see nobody’s bothered telling you yet. The boss is increasing our workload.”

“Again?”

He shrugged. “I guess there’s far more work to do during the holiday season or he’s just making shit up. We’re probably not going to be able to spend most of that time with you and possibly not even with each other.”

You stared down at the snow, feeling all the joy from earlier slowly drain out your limbs. Risotto had told you they were being worked a little more than he thought was needed to keep them in line. To increase it even more… you hadn’t considered that much of their holiday season would be spent isolated.

Prosciutto looked down at you. He wanted to say something but he seemed unable to come up with the words and so he stayed quiet.

“This is ridiculous,” you muttered.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and turned his focus to the miserable grey sky. If he was better at comforting, it would be much easier. He’d hoped it wouldn’t be him breaking the news but many of the others feared upsetting you too much.

Though, he was quickly developing a sensitivity towards it also.

You rubbed at your eyes, chasing away the tears before they even had a chance to appear. “Well then, I’m just going to have to make the most out of the time I do have.”

“What do you mean?”

You gave up on the subtle contact and pulled his arm around your shoulders. “Your boss is an asshole –“

“Be careful.”

“- but that doesn’t mean he gets to ruin everything. We’re going to enjoy our holiday together whether I have to postpone it or move it closer.” You smiled, a true energy behind it. “This isn’t going to end up being a lonely season no matter what. Trust me, I’ll find a way.”

There was something to your determination, the rebellious anger behind your eyes, that had Prosciutto smiling. It scared him, true, because that kind of defiance often ended poorly, but he couldn’t help.

“What?”

He was staring, expression unreadable but an unfaultable affection shining behind his eyes. The world could have been burning and all he would see is you.

After a second, he snapped out of it and broke the gaze. “Just be careful. We don’t need the boss getting any kind of idea about your existence.”

You knew it was true but you still muttered something about wanting to get at least one opportunity to hit the guy. “Probably pushing it a bit on Santa’s part,” you muttered. “But I’ll put it on the list regardless.”

For the first time during the holiday season, Prosciutto laughed. It was a short and brash chuckle but it was a genuine laugh and all of your anger drained immediately.

“Do you believe in Santa, Pro? I mean, I don’t know why you wouldn’t.”

He shook his head. “I’m going inside.”

“No, wait, you didn’t answer my question.” You gave chase, laughing the entire time.

And perhaps your wish list was just a little bit magical because, though you would never find out about it, you got your present a few days later. A bit of ice caused you to slip while on an out-of-city shopping trip and you ended up elbowing a pink-haired man in the nose hard enough that it started bleeding.

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

come to bed.

© @sonsofeorl

MICHAEL ‘RIZ’ ARIZA.

MAYANS MC ┃ USEFUL LINKS

❝ request by anon: Hello beautiful ! How are you ? I hope you’re doing fine and I’m glad you’re feeling better. I wanted to request something for Riz if that’s ok with you? I really wanted to request an imagine but I’m out of ideas... maybe prompt 3 ? I love you and I hope you have a nice day 💕

❝ prompt: “come to bed”.

❝ words: about 600.

❝ a / n: as always, don’t forget to comment and reblog if you liked it!

You have lost track of time sunk into your notes and your books since you're on the final stretch of college. Your second degree of Medicine, the one that will let you work as a surgeon at the Imperial Hospital. The director is wishing with all his wants for you to finish and start your job there, so you're studying your fingers to the bone. Until Riz interrupts you by closing the screen of your laptop unannounced. Raising your head frowning at him, the glare he offers you makes you know he isn't going to allow you to continue.

“You have two options and you aren't gonna like one of them, so… come to bed and don't make me drag you to”.

Riz uses that harsh tone of voice that you hate with all your strengths, but the one he only uses when you need to obey him for your good. Heavily sighing and bowing your head down for an instant, you finally nod your chin. Closing the books and collecting all the notes spread over the table, you stand up stretching your arms to the ceiling. A moment where he takes the advantage to lift you in his arms and carry you over his right shoulder, clapping your ass funnily.

“I need to get up tomorrow fucking early, amor mío. And you know I can't sleep without you”. Riz literally sings, making you laugh inevitably.

Your boyfriend throws you over your shared bed between giggles. As you back down to make your way under the sheets, he waits anxiously to make his own way to you.

“I'm learning to live without your attention, but… mi amor, seriously, I need you right here”.

“Sorry”. You snort rolling your eyes, welcoming him between your legs so he can rest his head over your chest, smiling just like a child. Happy. Satisfied. “I'll be done next Monday, and I'll be totally yours again”.

You don't doubt turning off the lights and getting comfier under his weight, tangling your fingers in his long dark hair to roam them with your nails. He gasps more than pleased, leaving a tender kiss on the exposed skin of your clavicle.

“You will pass it, I know it”. Riz whispers in a soft thread of voice, getting more relaxed under your caresses. “There's nobody smarter than you. Sometimes I don' even know what the damn hell you're talking about, but… you speak to me with this… burning passion inside your brain that I can't stop hearing you”.

You can't help but bite your bottom lip about to cry. You're under all the pressure in this life right now, you have been literally ignoring him, focused on your job, and he is still there; encouraging you till the end. Knowing what to say at every single moment.

“Rizzy…”

“Uh-huh?”

“I haven't said it in a while but… don't forget I love you, please”.

Your crystal eyes play dirty with your mind, fucking up your voice and breaking it with a sob.

“You couldn't stop loving me even if you try”. Lying by your side and wrapping his left arm around you, your boyfriend grabs your chin to spread a bunch of sloppy kisses all over your face to calm you down. “You're mine. I'm yours. Forever, you hear me? You don't need to say I love you to make me feel loved”.

“Just wanted to let you know…”

“Yo te amo también. Por y para siempre. Don't forget it either”.

GENERAL TAG LIST: @mayans-sauce @peoniarose @destynelseclipsa @band-psycho @myakai13 @petlaufeyson @-im-fantastic- @horsesandwolvesaremyanimals @rocketqueen @rosieposie0624 @ellyseveronica @Jessprins13 @diaryofkali @ravenmoore14 @starrynite7114 @kenbechillin @miahelen @monkeyluver4546 @sheeshgivemeabreak @jadesamhart @rawrlittlepanda-95 @megapeacelovemusic-blog @katsav17 @skits90s @wildsould1221

MAYANS MC: @multiyfandomgirl40 @countryash345 @skyofficialxx @lovebennycolonmiguelgalindo @bellisperennis0 @chibsytelford @trulysuccubus @purrrrfect @witching-hour @leathercladmenfics @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead @queenbeered @sesamepancakes @gemini0410 @pinguinstudiert @oscars-wifeyyy @meteora-fc @lozaa94 @arveeee @joupym @hanster1998 @missswritings @arana-alpha @lucillewinchester @theocatkov @telfordlowmans @tclaerh @aurelie-celine @spideysimpossiblegirl @nocturnalherb16

[rb-sketches]

Kacchan,

You don't seem to remember anything that happened in the last 11 years.

It's been 4 months, kacchan, and everyday I hope you come home to me telling me you remember everything, telling me you still love me, and that everything is fine.

But it’s not.

It’s not how they show in my favourite film, and you don’t remember who we used to be. 

Kacchan, we were bound together by law. Now I’m freeing you kacchan, you’re no longer bound to me. You’re free to go live your life all over again, find someone to love. I won’t hold you back.

Because it’s futile, you don’t remember who I am, don’t remember our marriage and our life together. Hell you don’t even remember that you loved me.

So this is goodbye, kacchan. I already signed the papers so it won’t be a hassle. All you gotta do is produce these papers to the court. Everyone knows about your case, the other processes aren’t required.

I kept some of your things with me kacchan, I hope you don’t mind.

Yours,

Izuku.”

There are tear stains blotting the ink in several places, and Izuku’s handwriting is shaky. He’d been crying while writing it. 

He doesn’t really want this, does he?

And Katsuki doesn't remember anything, but he doesn't want this either. It's wrong, it's wrong, it's wrong. 

There's tears streaming down his face and he doesn't know why, but he doesn't want to let go. 

He doesn't remember, but it hurts. Like someone was tearing his heart apart.

The rings were made of gunmetal grey, with two thin bands of orange and green snaking through it, intertwining in the middle. 

The word "deku" engraved on the inside of one, and "kacchan" inside the other. 

They felt cold. 

Katsuki doesn't remember, but he does feel like his heart will burst, that's how much it hurts. 

Katsuki forgot everything, but he still loves izuku. 

That's why he ran. He doesn't know why he remembers the way, or how he does, but he's standing in front of Izuku's door, frantically ringing the doorbell like his life depends on it. 

Should I give happy ending or not?

HAPPY ENDING HAPPY ENDING HAPPY-

“Telling me you still love me” WHY, they deserve to be happy Riz Why

[happys-crazy-queen22]

Market Meeting

Gif credit @rebel-without-cause-x

Hope you all enjoy.

Happy reading dollies.

Taglist @nocturnalherb16. @jesseswartzwelder. @leaalfred. @creepers-baby-girl. @writerwithasoul @twistnet. @baylishh. @believinghurts. @ilovetaquitosmmmm. @mayans-mc

The perfect time to go to the market was early in the morning on a Tuesday, everyone else was either working, sleeping or at school so you didn't really have to talk to anybody and that was a weight off your shoulders. It wasn't that you didn't like talking to people it was just random people coming to talk, especially guys. They would hit on you non-stop and you were very uncomfortable with that so you made sure to dodge them if spotted. 

Going down the aisle you looked over your list, checking to see if you had missed anything which you skipped over eggs and cheese. So of course you have to walk all the way in the back to get. Getting the last thing in the aisle  you bumped carts with someone. Redness flushed your cheeks, you let out a shaky breathe and looked up. There were two men standing at the cart. They both had Mayan kutts on. What have you done, you thought. You were dead for sure. 

"My bad". One said with a smile, he looked up from his s'more pop tarts. The other was standing behind him with a basket of stuff, you'd guess waiting for the one with pop tarts to get done. 

"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention". You apologized, the men chuckled. 

"It's okay, no one was injured". He said patting his chest over to check for injures. 

You bashfully smiled, pushing a strand of hair out from your eyes. They starting talking to one another in Spanish, which you didn't know so you were clueless. 

So you went back to shopping and started to go past them but the one carrying the basket stopped you. "Hey". 

"Yes"? You connected with his eyes as they danced around your face. 

"Um, do you know where the first aid supplies is at, need to stock up". He said with a laugh. 

"Yeah, its on aisle nine". You looked at him oddly which you probably knew why he needed medical supplies with his line of work and all. 

"Do you mind showing me, I'm not good with shopping usually I have a prospect doing this but he's busy at the moment". He let a sigh. 

"Sure". Not really wanting to because you've had this done before you are nice to someone and they start hitting on you and that was the last thing you wanted today. 

He followed behind you checking out the stuff on the shelfs and not your ass which surprised you. What was he up too? 

"Here you go". You said pointing to aisle number nine.

"Thank you, I'm Riz by the way". He held out his hand for you to shake and you didn't hesitate to do so. You felt comfortable around him. 

"I'm Y/N and you're welcome". 

"The other guy is Coco". Riz nodded to Coco who was testing out a can of whip cream, squirting it into his mouth. You let out a giggle when Coco got choked, spiting the whipped cream across the floor. 

"He's an idiot sometimes". Riz shook his head with a laugh. 

"That's okay, some of the best people are".

"Then I'm the king of idiots". Riz laughed.

You couldn't help but giggle. Riz was sweet, nice and not stalkery at all and you couldn't help but see that he's really cute too.

"So I guess I should get the rest of my things before the crowd of school moms come in". You smile sweetly.

"Yeah we need to get going too, all those school moms will be hitting on us and I don't feel like fighting them off". He replied with a quiet chuckle looking at your eyes by now he probably knows your eye color by heart and knows that every time he says something your pulps dilate.

"Well it was nice meeting you Y/N, maybe we can do this again sometime"?

"It was nice meeting you too and Coco. You can find me here next Tuesday at eight". You said biting your lip.

"I'll see you then". Riz gave you a wink and went along with his shopping.

That Tuesday came and so did the next, Riz was there every time waiting for you. On the fourth Tuesday he asked you on a proper date not that he didn't like your market dates and all.

[justahopelessssromantic]

Barbecue

Imagine Request. Reader is new to the town and makes friends with Felipe who invites her to a barbecue being held t the club. She is weary but he insists saying that his two sons will also be there. The day of the barbecue arrives and they both head there together. She notices a lot of good looking bikers. The men all admire her as Filipe introduces her to everyone. They all try and seduce the pretty new girl much to Felipe's delight.

A/N: Thank you so much for the request nonnie! I'm sorry this took so long! I hope you enjoy 🥰 I really love your idea!

Word Count: 1322

*gif not mine*

Felipe handed over your package waving off your money for your steaks. "Please, this ones on me." Felipe smiled kindly at you. 

"You know if you keep giving away things for free you are going to go out of business." You pointed out putting your wallet away anyways. You knew there was no use in arguing with the older man. You'd find some way to pay him back. "If you won't let me pay for my meat then you at least have to let me cook for you one of these days." 

Your friendship with Felipe may seem odd to any onlookers but he was the first person you met and befriended after moving to Santo Padre for your new job just a few weeks ago. Unpacking and fixing up your new place had become more of a chore than you were expecting so you hadn't gotten around to meeting really any other residents of the charming small town. You were rather shy and not great at making friends so staying in and keeping to yourself mostly wasn't much of a problem. 

Felipe knew you didn't have any other friends besides him and your best friend back home. You were such a lovely girl he only wanted to help you out in any way that he could. "Alright I'll let you cook for me one of these days." You both knew he hadn't had a really good home cooked meal since his wife passed. 

"Great!" You beamed up at him excited to show off your skill in the kitchen. "How about Friday night?" 

Felipe nodded. "Sounds good. Oh and one more thing." He caught you just before you were about to leave. "There’s a barbecue on Saturday at the Mayans clubhouse. I would love it if you would come." 

You chewed on your bottom lip thinking of how you could turn him down. You weighed all the excuses in your mind. "I don't really know Felipe, I've got lots to do at home. I just don't know that I could." You tried to let him done gently but he was stubborn and saw right through you. 

"Come on you can take one day off," he insisted, "Just come with me for a little while. Do an old man a favor." He chuckled. Felipe took your hand in his, hoping to ease your nervousness. "My two sons will be there. I would love for you to meet them. Just come for a little while. If you hate it and want to leave I will take you home." 

"Fine, but I'm holding you to that." You teased. "I'll see you Friday, 8 o'clock." If he was going to insist on you going to this barbecue then you were going to hold him to your dinner plans. 

The day of the barbecue came and needless to say you were nervous. Your dinner with Felipe the night before helped a little as he told you about the club, the mayans, and mostly his two sons. 

You stepped out of Felipe's truck shutting the door behind you. You straightened your outfit out, smoothing out any wrinkles from the drive over. Felipe extended his arm out to you with a smile. If his sons were anything like him you knew you’d like them. He was quite the gentleman. 

The first person you met as you entered the part was a kind, although a little odd, man named Chucky. He was very friendly and offered to bring you back a beer which you thanked him for. 

The guys were hanging outside just fucking around when you walked in. Their attention immediately turned to you, the unfamiliar girl on Felipe’s arm. 

“Hey Angel, who’s that with your Pops?” Gilly asked, not taking his eyes off you. 

They all watched your interaction with Chucky. You smiled at Chucky saying something before he left. Shortly after Felipe turned to you and said something quietly in your ear which made you laugh. 

All the men were drawn to you as they watched on. You had their full attention without even knowing. 

Angel shook his head, “I have no fucking idea but I can promise you by the end of the night I will.” 

“Maybe she’s Felipe’s new woman.” Coco chuckled. “Careful Angel you don’t want to have the hots for your new step mommy.” 

"Fuck you." Angel tossed something at Coco chuckling. 

The guys erupted into laughter catching your attention. You felt a little nervous looking at all the handsome guys in front of you. Their laughter immediately died down as you approached their table with Felipe. 

Each guy was prepping for possibly the most important interaction they could have with you, the first impression. 

Bishop came down from the deck along with Hank and Taza to greet you first. “Felipe you must introduce us to your beautiful plus one.” Bishop gave you a charming smile. 

“This is (Y/N).” Felipe introduced you. “She just moved to town not long ago. I can already say that Santo Padre is a much better place with her in it.” 

You blushed at the compliment, your cheeks heating up. The smile that played on your lips stayed as the introductions continued. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you (Y/N).” The way Bishop said your name made you feel like he had known you forever. 

“Where did Felipe come across a beauty such as you?” Hank asked from behind Bishop. 

“I actually met Felipe at his shop. He has an excellent business.” You glance back at Felipe who had stepped back a bit with Chucky. 

“The best in town for fresh meat.” Taza agreed with you. 

"Besides in my pants of course." Creeper chuckled patting Taza on the shoulders. "If that's something you're interested in." 

"Don't be disgusting, Creep." Riz butted in. "Ignore him. I promise we're not all disgusting assholes like this jackass." He motioned over to Creeper. "I'm Riz. The only proper gentleman here." 

Coco nearly choked on his beer when he heard that. "Yeah a real fucking gentleman." Coco set his beer down. He looked you over giving you a smirk. "Nice to meet you." He gave you a nod before excusing himself going with the quiet and mysterious approach instead. Sometimes less was more.

EZ passed Coco as he came out of the clubhouse. He saw the guy all around you. You must be the new girl his father told him about, he thought. “Ezekiel Reyes. Felipe's son. Most people call me EZ.” EZ smiled. He shook your hand introducing himself. “Pops told me lots about you.”

Angel scoffed. Before EZ could say much more he got up from the table and butted in pushing his brother to the side. “Angel, the better way more experienced brother.” Angel said with a wink. 

You didn't have the chance to respond before EZ gave his brother a little shove back which quickly turned into the two having it out.

You giggled watching them. This was quite the introduction.

Felipe watched the guys and chuckled. He had a feeling this would be their reaction to meeting you. He sat back and enjoyed the show along with Chucky.

Gilly came up beside you watching on as Angel now had EZ in a playful headlock. “They’re all a bunch of idiots.” He commented chuckling as the men started coming in saying who they thought would give in first. “But they are rather loveable idiots. I'm Gilly by the way. How about we go inside the clubhouse for a drink and get away from the craziness for a while." He figured he could sneak you away to himself while everyone was engaged in the fight. "It's much quieter." He gave you a smile. "I'll tell you anything you want to know about the guys." He offered. He may not tell you all truths. He'd definitely paint himself better than the rest. 

It was every man for himself after all.

Tagging: @jad3djay @fairygardenss @carlaangel86 @starrynite7114 @gemini0410 @naytraydr @knowles-morgan @woahitslucyylu @everyhowlmarksthedead @ktiz90 @brothersofmayhem @brothersofmayhem @ifoundmyhappythought @vsfavs @scuzmunkie @chibsytelford @sadeyesgf @blessedboo @multiyfandomgirl40 @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead @toni9 @mayans-sauce @briana-mishell24

[dailybeastarsthings]

Chapter 40 – Memories As Sweet As Honey

After his confrontation with Legoshi and Pina, Riz was struggling to keep up the ‘Teddy bear’ act. A crack on his façade meant he was now vulnerable and was at the mercy of other, weaker beings than him. His frustration was only elevated when he thought about the water bottle, which had given him away after months.

‘I hope you don’t get too bad of a sleep tonight’ Pina’s words resonated in his head.

‘He should mind his own business. He has no idea how difficult it is for me to get a good night’s sleep’ Riz thought as he took a pill out of its box. It was a strength restrainer, ordered by the government. Due to a regulation, carnivorous bears over 2 meters must take supplementary medication in order to reduce their muscle mass. Bears are differentiated because of how threatening their overwhelming strength is to the surroundings. While some activists claim that this kind of differentiation is clearly specist, most of the society supports the government’s decision.

‘Hey, Riz! Taking your pills I see!’ Riz’s roommate said after entering the room. His name was Isamu and like Riz, he was a brown bear as well.

‘Yeah, I always take them before bed’ Riz said while getting up from the bed and going to the bathroom sink to wash his glass.

‘I never needed those pills up until this year. Man, I can’t believe I reached two meters’ Isamu said.

‘You’ve reached it, huh?’ Riz laughed. ‘Well, I’m already used to it.’

‘Do these pills give you side effects? I’ve not received them yet, but I’d like to know what I’m facing in advance.’

‘Yeah, a lot, actually. For me, it is hard to wake up and my voice is a bit weaker in the morning. Supposedly, these side effects should go away after you turn 20.’

‘Such a burden!’

‘It’s not too bad’ Riz smiled. ‘Well, off to bed I go. Goodnight!’

‘Goodnight!’

That night, Riz had a terrible nightmare about getting found out by other animals, too. In his dream, he ran through the school building while being followed by a growing number of students. Eventually, he ran into the park where he found Pina near the great cherry tree.

‘I told them Riz’ Pina said.

‘But- you promised!’

‘Did you really think I’d hide this from them? Their safety was at risk.’

‘But-‘

‘Just give up, brownie; the police are already on the way.’ Pina smiled.

At that moment, Riz felt such an incredible anger, he couldn’t hold back anymore. If he had to go down then so did Pina. He let out his large claws and swung towards the dall sheep. His torso immediately turned red from the blood spilling out but Pina only laughed.

‘Yet another incident that proves just how reckless and dangerous you are’ he said before falling to the ground lifeless.

Riz looked at his claws than broke down in tears, only to be woken up by a tearing sound. As he raised his head from his pillow, he was heaving, looking around frantically to find out where he really was. When he realized he was safe in his bed, he calmed down a little. He looked down on his pillow, only to see it torn apart by his claws.

‘Oh great…’ Riz sighed. ‘And it was supposed to be extra sturdy ones, too.’

The next morning, a splitting headache hit Riz. Paired with lethargy and fatigue, it made up the complex and more severe side effects of the strength restraining pills. Riz reached for the mini fridge next to his bed and took a bottle of sunflower honey from it. He opened the bottle and gulped down half of its content. The headache immediately became milder. He then got ready and headed for the cafeteria for breakfast.

‘Everyone around me thinks I’m just some friendly, honey-loving bear… Just the way it should be’ Riz thought while entering the cafeteria and standing in the line. ‘Nobody knows the real me… Well except for him…’

***

‘Riz, you’re kind of scary’ Tem said as he was getting dressed for the day’s rehearsal.

The bear’s eyes shot wide open in surprise as he turned around to look at his club mate.

‘What? Do you really mean it?’ Riz asked.

‘Well yeah…’ Tem replied. ‘I mean, you’re just so big! Sorry if I’m weirding you out’

‘No one has ever called me scary before…’

‘Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you!’

Tem stepped closer to close the gap between them. He sent a soft smile to Riz to show his support.

‘You know, I’ve been curious about the way you look at our club members when they’re having fun’ he said. ‘What do you think about always having to look down? Does it make you feel helpless?’ he asked with curious eyes.

Riz felt he had no need for filters or façades anymore. To him, Tem opened the lock on his heart, which held his emotions he kept bottled up over the years. Anger, suffering, misery, depression… With words sweeter than honey, Riz felt his pain vanish. He finally found someone he thought he could trust.

‘For some reason, my body feels a lot lighter now. Thank you.’

‘You’re welcome. But if you have any worries, I’ll lend you an ear any time. How about we have dinner together today? We could talk some more’ the alpaca suggested.

‘Sure, but didn’t you just call me scary?’

‘Yes, but I didn’t mean it as an insult.’

The two of them went to the cafeteria where they stood in line for their meals. Tem got steamed vegetables and carrot cake while Riz got himself omelets with pepper and honey-drizzled raspberry cream cake. Tem and Riz looked for a table and eventually found one in a bit more secluded corner of the cafeteria where they could talk in private.

‘So, what’s the problem, Riz?’ Tem asked.

‘Well, nothing really. It’s just that I had to start taking some pills due to government regulations…’

‘How come?’

‘Well, I’ve reached two meters last Rexmas and I must take supplementary pills to reduce my muscle mass… And the side effects are just terrible. Sometimes it feels like my head is splitting into tiny pieces.’

‘That seems harsh.’

‘It is. Ever since I had to start to take these, things have not been the same. I feel like I have to keep up an act to appear more approachable. I don’t want to scare others. But it’s so hard!’

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t know bears had to take these pills.’

‘I haven’t told anyone besides you and my family.’

‘But why?’ Tem asked in confusion. ‘I think it’d be better if you told the members about it. Some of them might be able to help you.’

‘No way!’ Riz shook his head. ‘If everyone finds out that I’m restraining my strength, they’ll distance themselves from me and I’ll become even more isolated.’

‘Will they though? They all know how much of a nice and reliable guy you are. I don’t think there would be any problems.’

Riz looked to his side in shame, lowering his head.

‘I wouldn’t call myself a nice guy… I don’t even know what it means to be nice.’

‘Look, I have an idea. When you were talking to me, you said your body felt lighter, remember? Why don’t we talk more often? Like, after the club meetings? Movies, dinner, just walking around the park… you name it! Who knows, maybe it would help with your side effects, too!’

From then on, the two guys were basically inseparable. They met after every rehearsal, sometimes even during weekends. They tried a lot of different activities together from visiting museums through enjoying cakes in cafés to escape rooms. In just a few weeks, Riz noticed that the side effects were reduced and sometimes, they didn’t even appear. Eventually, Tem and Riz became very good friends.

During the spring break, Tem travelled home to his family so Riz couldn’t meet him for a week and a half. One night, as he was about to take his medicine, he thought about how thankful he was to his friend for helping him and spending so much time with him. He reached for his pills and took one out of the box.

‘Do I really need these?’ he thought, taking a good look at the yellow orb between his fingers. I want to get closer to Tem. I want him to see the real me.’ With that, he threw the pill and then the entire box into a trashcan and went to sleep.

After spring break was over, Riz was ecstatic to meet his friend. Though there was no rehearsal that night, he called Tem. They agreed to meet on the rooftop after dinner. Riz got there super early, waiting for Tem all giddy like a child. Then finally, the door to the rooftop opened and through it arrived his alpaca friend with a wide smile. His smile, however, froze off once he saw Riz.

‘Hello…’ Tem said. ‘Umm… I don’t mean to say anything bad, but you seem a little off, Riz. Isn’t your body bigger than usual?’ he asked in worry.

‘Oh, so you could notice!’ Riz said, smiling. ‘I stopped taking my pills for the first time I reached two meters.’

‘What!?’ Why!?’ Tem asked in shock. Riz’s words were like cold water down his back. ‘You shouldn’t be doing that!’ he said as he took a few careful steps back. He liked Riz as his friend, but this reckless thinking of his scared him.

‘But, I don’t need it anymore… Why are you backing away from me?’ Riz reached after Tem and grabbed him by his lower arm. Even without any effort, Riz’s claws sunk into Tem’s arm, causing blood to spill out of it. Tem screamed in pain. Terrified he had hurt his friend, Riz immediately let go of his arm. Tem ran away, holding his wound.

‘Tem wait!’ Riz yelled after him. ‘I just wanted to show you the real me…’ But it was no use, Tem ran away from him, not even looking back once. Riz followed the drops of blood on the corridor, which eventually led him to a lecture hall.

The scent of Tem’s blood caused Riz to black out. With his primal instincts now out in the open, he broke into the lecture hall, causing Tem to roll down the stairs. He followed the scent until Tem stepped on the remote, which turned the projector on. Blinded by the sharp white light, he stopped momentarily.

‘We should be capable of understanding each other’ Riz said in a distorted voice.

‘I don’t believe you! You carnivores are nothing but monsters!’ Tem yelled in fear.

When Tem said that, Riz saw pure compassion in his friend’s eyes. It was the first time he had seen that expression on Tem’s face.

‘What?’ Riz asked.

‘Well, of course! Your monster strength is one of the many great things about you. I’ll accept every part of you, Riz. You don’t have to suffer anymore.’

Tem ran up to Riz and hugged him. Riz tried to restrain his arms from hugging back, but eventually he gave in. The warmth of Tem’s body spread across his torso. His eyes fogged up with tears at the relief that his friend would accept him even that way. Suddenly, he felt something wet on his body. As he looked down, he immediately snapped back to reality… He was lying above the lifeless body of his friend, a pool of blood under it, with pieces of meat in his mouth. He saw marks of desperate resistance on his uniform, causing his vest and shirt to become wrinkled.

‘I can’t let the time I spent with Tem become a mere illusion…’ he thought.

When his tongue touched a piece of meat stuck between his teeth, his carnivorous instincts surfaced again. Unconsciously, he went back to eating the remains of Tem’s body.

His texture, his color, his warmth, his flavor… they all make up my adolescence and complete the puzzle of my memory of him… I shall treasure them until the day I die…’

***

As Riz was walking towards the table to eat his breakfast, the sweet memory of his friend remedied his headache like sunflower honey.

‘That’s right! I’ll never let them take him from me. I won’t let them stain my memory!’ he thought, while applying his mask to continue the good bear act.

[supercantaloupe]

on Aelwyn Abernant, the Reformed Villain Squad, and redeeming teenage antagonists

an analysis on antagonist character development in Fantasy High. spoilers through sophomore year and (mildly so) the most recent roll20 oneshot. essay under the cut bc i am very long winded

the turnaround with Aelwyn in s2 is handled so well  i cant get over it. she was such a major antagonist in the first season and just. despicable. she had no pathos. we hated this bitchy older sister who tried to kill Adaine and her friends and raise an evil dragon, and when she gets knocked on her ass and thrown in jail, we cheer.

and then s2 fucking starts saying “hey she’s in jail still if you’d like to look into that” and pursuing that thread ends up being almost as comedic an idea as it is a reluctant one; it’s also quickly shunted to the background as soon as more pressing leads present themselves, to the point where we almost forget about her until Adaine is kidnapped and then the first time you see her it’s just. viscerally upsetting.

she’s bad. she did evil. she got what she deserved.

but she already got what she deserved. last season.

she got her ass handed to her by a bunch of 14 year olds including her little sister (how embarrassing!). her plans were thwarted. she got punched in the face and made fun of. she already got her punishment.

it just……immediately registers as over-the-top Wrong to be told “hey, remember that antagonist you beat last season? she’s still being punished for that, except it’s way worse than just going to mumple.”

and there’s that reminder that like…this is a teenager. a child. who has been manipulated and abused. which is a really fascinating look at this character we used to see pretty much unilaterally as a one dimensional bitchy villain.

i mean we got a more in depth look at Penelope’s and Biz’s motivations in s1 (Penelope being the popular rich girl sorceress obviously hungry for power and the alllure of the high school clout that is being prom queen, but also we know that her having to turn on her best friend Sam Nightingale as part of the scheme was something she was reluctant and not happy to do; and Biz being that predatory incel creeper type dude besides just a nerd with computers and a lack of social graces). and they were as much willingly active in the plot as Aelwyn was. yet in s1 they really never do bother to explore Aelwyn’s motivations. i remember after watching s1 but before s2 that was one of my biggest lingering questions: why tf was Aelwyn involved?

well. she was manipulated and abused. her terrible parents raised her in an awful environment that conditioned her to Listen and Obey and Behave and Be Perfect, and then Kalina helped cinch the noose around her neck with threats and coersion into the KVS Kaper and the NMK crown debacle. she doesn’t freely choose any of it; she’s coerced, manipulated, abused.

and she already got justifiably punished for her bad actions in s1. the torture is almost literal overkill. it’s just……there’s this immediate turnaround in sympathy and view of the character. on first watch, it’s viscerally upsetting to see her getting so brutally punished for actions she already faced consequences for, and on rewatch, it makes your skin crawl to know she’s being tortured for terrible things she had little choice in carrying out. and tortured by some of the very same people who coerced her to behave terribly in the first place, to add insult to injury.

and it’s still fucking frustrating when they rescue her and her memory gets reset and she goes back to her parents because it’s like “well shit, she’s evil again, and we just wasted all that effort for nothing” but it’s also sad cause we know she’s running back to her abusers and she isn’t happy about it but doesn’t feel like she has a choice. and it’s sadder still that what eventually inevitably gets her to turn to good for good (i.e. away from her parents) is just. a full dissociative mental breakdown.

(but then she survives and it’s gonna be good!!! until Adaine dies in her fucking arms. which is. almost funny. she’s been through so much shit and that isn’t something that Brennan would have just. preplanned. like a written in plot point. no, that was just an unpredictable consequence of the battle. what a juicy fucking moment. she’s been through All That Shit™️ and has finally turned to fight for good and her sister just fully dies in front of her. yeowch)

and she turns out okay in the end. she comes out the other side alive and whole and supported by her sister and her friends, with the hope of a future and recovery. there is an acknowledgement that A) she can and will grow from her mistakes and damage, B) it’s going to be really hard, and C) the post-s2 one shots both prove that she’s doing okay now. hell, she has a whole squad now of other former-teenage-villains-turned-good-guys. she has friends now, Ragh and Zayn, with common ground, and a secret handshake and everything. they’ve all grown from the mistakes of their past into better, happier, healthier people

and about Zayn and Ragh. we’ve seen a lot of characters, protagonist and antagonist, teenage and adult, PC and NPC do some really fucked up shit and get punished for it. but why do they get happy endings? why are Aelwyn, Ragh, and Zayn the only members of the RVS and not someone else like Biz or Penelope or Dayne? 

well, the latter two are dead by then; but then again, Biz and Ragh were also killed by the Bad Kids in s1, and subsequently resurrected. (Zayn died too, but was neither killed nor revived at the Bad Kids’ hands, so i’ll get to him in a sec.) and there are plenty of adult antagonists the Bad Kids face who are killed and left that way by the Bad Kids without second thought: Johnny Spells, Coach Daybreak, Captain Wicklaw, the Abernant parents (presuming Arianwen doesn’t survive in the forest for very long, which i doubt). why do some characters get second chances while others don’t?

in the case of Zayn, his death was pretty much out of the Bad Kids’ hands, and they later found out he was manipulated by Daybreak into being bad anyway because of his sad living situation. he was a pretty minor antagonist in the scheme of things, and when we re-meet him as a ghost in the s1 epilogue, he’s pretty obviously remorseful for his actions. and dying seems like a steep enough punishment to me for the shit he did to contribute to the KVX caper; returning as a ghost, free from the trappings of his unfortunate living life, he now has the room and freedom to grow into a better person.

in the cases of Daybreak, Spells, Wicklaw, and the Abernant parents: these are bad people who should know better. these are fully grown adults who actively choose to do evil. whether they think it’s the right thing to do or not (in Daybreak’s case), whether they think it will benefit them and don’t care about anyone else (in the Abernants’ case), or whether they don’t care much at all and are just doing shit because they feel like it (in the cases of Spells and Wicklaw), these are all adults who consciously make the decision to do terrible things and hurt other people. of course Johnny Spells, who is generally a punk thief and thug, is not on the same level of bad as Angwyn, who kidnaps and tortures his own daughters for political gain, but the point remains. these fuckers should know better. they’re grown ups. they had their chances to be good and they chose not to heed them. their minds are set on bad actions and they are a continued danger to other people as long as they are alive. when they die, the Bad Kids do their damndest to make sure it stays that way.

now, in the cases of Penelope and Dayne: these are teenagers who actively chose to participate in an evil plot. Penelope, Dayne, and Biz were all fully cognizant of what they were doing trying to raise KVX back to his former power. why? well, to some extent, we can only speculate. i suspect Penelope was just one of those Regina George bitches who is rich and popular and powerful and obsessed with power and popularity within high school as if that’s the end-all-be-all of existence (which, like, when you’re currently in high school, is a somewhat understandable worldview i think). Dayne being her boyfriend and a musclehead jock probably falls into a similar line of thinking. they are actively and willingly trying to cause harm, and teenager or not, must be stopped. they’re killed, anyway, during the Climactic Battle™️ anyhow; it’s not like the Bad Kids were going to gain anything at that point by keeping them alive.

now, Biz: Biz is the creepy Nice Guy incel type, sees woman as a prize he deserves to win, yadda yadda. he does, like Penelope and Dayne, actively choose to help KVX. there might be something to be said about his motivation the Bad Kids discover after the arcade battle by detecting his thoughts (that being to upload the captured maidens from the palimpsests to “call the shots” himself) is an altered memory; whether this was his original motivation from the start or not, i’m not sure. but the Bad Kids do kill him – and then resurrect him for important, time-sensitive information. and they beat it out of him – he gets two of his fucking fingers blown off. and Riz reattaches them once they have their info, and they realize his memory is altered. of course, the Bad Kids don’t know at this point that the altered memory was something he, Penelope, and Aelwyn had planned and agreed on and done to themselves, but this points to something important in my opinion: the Bad Kids, and the narrative/show as a whole by extension, acknowledge that external manipulation affects how guilty someone is in a crime.

which brings us to Ragh. Ragh, introduced from episode 1 as the meathead jock. Ragh the archetypical one-dimensional high school bully. Ragh who works with the harvestmen in effort to (ostensibly) end the world/provoke international war. Ragh, whose low intelligence but high loyalty and internalized homophobia led him to be fully swayed and blindly led by his coach and captain, who have actively chosen to do evil. Ragh who is killed in combat by the Bad Kids and resurrected for information, not Daybreak. Ragh, who the Bad Kids realize was probably not aware of exactly what he was being made to do and how bad it really was. Ragh, who by their kindness in sparing his life and directing him on a better path, becomes a well-rounded character and an active ally to the Bad Kids during and after prom, an invaluable companion during their quest in sophomore year, and overall a really good friend and person. 

(it might also be worth considering the case of Jawbone here, too, who started out a very minor antagonist in a fight but ended up becoming a major NPC because the Bad Kids talked to him, found out he came from an unfortunate situation and set of circumstances, and showed him kindness in offering the school guidance counselor position, a kindness that isn’t really owed but given anyway and ends up changing his entire life for good.)

and then, Aelwyn, whose case is already discussed above. so, why is the RVS what it is, why them but not others?

if you’re familiar with Avatar: the Last Airbender, you’re probably familiar with Zuko’s character arc, and how it’s often lauded as a masterful example of developing a villain into a hero over the course of a narrative. what makes Zuko’s arc so well done and exceptional is that he starts out as a kid in a bad situation under the influence of bad adults seeking to do bad deeds, but he later realizes the error of those ways, actively removes himself from that situation despite the difficulty and danger in doing so, goes through a lot of shit and reflects on his past mistakes and learns from them, and then actively chooses to fight for good in the end with the help of close, trusted friends, found family. 

this, i believe, is the same in the case of Fantasy High and its treatment of the RVS. its members, like Zuko, are all teenagers who came from shitty situations and were manipulated by evil adults to do bad. they are punished for their bad actions, and they learn from their errors and mistakes. with the kindness and help of good people, friends and chosen family, they are able to escape their abusers and bad situations and grow into their own people. and they actively choose to improve themselves with that help and fight for good.

Fantasy High, through the arcs of Jawbone, Zayn, Ragh, and especially Aelwyn, asserts that it is not your fault if you come from a bad situation and are forced to behave badly as a result. it does not pretend that you are absolved of any responsibility for those actions; quite the opposite, as even though they were externally manipulated into their evil actions, all of those mentioned characters face tangible consequences for their actions and later express remorse for their mistakes. but Fantasy High also asserts that even if you have made great mistakes in your past, even if you came from a bad situation beyond your control, even if you were manipulated and abused, with care and love and support and a hell of a lot of work and effort, you can improve your situation and find good, happiness, peace, you can thrive. evil adults who should know better don’t get redeemed. teenagers who aren’t coerced but actively choose evil don’t get redeemed. but abused kids deserve another shot at happiness. with enough work, and some love and help along the way, they can get there, even from the lowest imaginable point, from rock fucking buttom. it’s possible. 

[noladyme]

La Cuervo - Chapter 12

She is used to the biker-life, having grown into a woman in the familiar embrace of SAMCRO. A bad decision and a gun-shot later, she gets whisked off to Santo Padre, and put under the protection of another club. What is supposed to be a short stint in the Mayan headquarters just north of the border to Mexico, turns into something more; when la quervo begins to develop feelings for el angel - and he seems to return them in kind...

TW: violence, blood, drug use, alcohol, smut, fluff, angst

In the spirit of "The Crown Princess of Charming", this is a story about O.C. Nina and Angel Reyes. It is obviously non-canon, as characters who have passed on on Mayans M.C. are present in it, and others have been excluded completely. Nina is written as a cis-female, but I have tried to keep her race and looks as ambigous as possible. Should you find any of this story offensive, please let me know.

12.

She stepped out of the trailer the next morning, freshly showered and made up. The sun was blaring down from a cloudless sky, but in spite of her determination to make the best of a shitty situation, it was still difficult to enjoy the beauty of the day. She went in to the clubhouse, and was met Chucky; holding out a mug of coffee at her. “It’s good that you’re still here”, he smiled. “Yeah…”, Nina said quietly, before leaning forwards, and planting a chaste kiss to his cheek. Chucky immediately blushed, and rushed out of the door, to go open the office.

EZ had set up a couple of plates for them, with donuts and orange juice. “Gaby’s been busy with school…”, he said apologetically. “How very dares she?”, Nina gasped in jest. They sat down, and began their usual morning banter. It felt almost like a normal morning, save the murky cloud of gloom from Nina’s breakdown the night before hanging over them.

Coco and Gilly came in to the clubhouse, and the smaller biker immediately walked over to her, and put a hand on her cheek, before bending down to press a kiss to the top of her head. He didn’t say anything – he didn’t need to – but his gesture was welcome, and Nina gave him a half smile. “I’m good”, she replied to his unspoken question. Coco nodded, and Gilly squeezed her shoulder. “How is Camille?”. “Healing. But she’s not talking about what happened to her; probably too scared. Creep went down earlier this morning to check on her”. Nina’s smile widened. “Creeper’s in love…”, she said. “He’s probably just horny”, Gilly muttered.

“I hope that’s just it. That chula is too clingy…”, Coco said. “Coco! She just had her ass beat by a complete psycho…”, Nina said. “I can feel bad about that, and still think she’s annoying”, Coco shrugged. “She’s one of those girls whose so desperate to belong to an MC in one way or another, she’ll fuck anything in a cut, and do anything to be let into the family. Like she gets off on the patch in itself". “That’s harsh”, EZ said. “You didn’t hear her talk, boy scout”, Coco said. “I love your bike, Coco. I’ll do anything for the club, Coco. Don’t take off your cut when we fuck, Coco… Fucking loca”. Nina scowled at him for a moment, but Coco seemed steadfast in his opinion, and disregarded her chiding eyes. The four of them sat for a few moments, and talked about nothing and everything; before the men had to get to work around the yard. Nina went into the front office, and put on the oversized Romero Bros. shirt. She spent the rest of the morning taking calls, and filing paperwork.

In the afternoon she finally had a few moments to relax with a book, before she needed to restock the shelves and fridges of the clubhouse. It felt good to keep busy – it kept her mind of her shitty situation – but her foot seemed to be more busted from her kicking the barbell than she’d thought, so having some time to put her feet up in the trailer was a welcome break. She’d left the door ajar to let in some fresh air. The tiny fan she’d nabbed from templo – which Bishop hadn’t complained about her taking, probably feeling guilty about whoring out her old man – was not strong enough to work against the heat that would stream in, if she’d left it completely open. She’d taken the picture of Abel and Thomas, and set it next to the small framed picture of the Reyes family on the beach, that EZ had set up again; after he’d thought he had the trailer back.

She recognized the sound of Angel’s bike rolling onto the lot. He wasn’t alone, as she heard Daniella’s voice once he turned off the engine. “Baby, I’m just saying; don’t you think it’s weird that she just dropped out of nowhere from up north?”, the blonde said. “What are you saying?”, Angel asked. “Why is she here?”, Daniella replied. “Does it matter? I’m not with her anymore, Dani”. Nina peeked out between the blinds of the small window over the cot, and saw Angel putting an arm around Daniella, and placing a short peck on the corner of her lips. Daniella giggled, and tried to pull him in for a deeper kiss, but Angel seemed to get distracted by something else, and went to hang his helmet on the handlebar of his bike.

Unable to sit by quietly, Nina put down her book, and stepped out of the trailer. She shot a hard look at Angel, who managed to keep his cool demeanor; but she saw a ghost of something resembling pain in his eyes. “Hi, Nina”, Daniella smiled overbearingly. “I heard you felt under the weather last night. How are you doing?”. “Dani…”, Angel muttered. “I’m great. I finally got rid of that case of the clap Angel left me with”, Nina replied. “Just some friendly advice; you can get it in your throat as well…”. Daniella’s eyes widened. “Right… You probably knew that already. Was it a present from you?”. She walked by them, and onto the porch to go into the clubhouse. “Are you gonna let her talk to me like that?”, she heard Daniella snarl at Angel. “I’ll talk to her”, Angel muttered. “You better…”.

Less than a second after Nina had closed the door behind her, Angel slammed it open, grabbed her arm, and pulled her with him towards templo. His expression was angry, and Nina saw Daniella smile smugly at her as they went. She went to sit by the bar with Riz and Hank, who looked confused at the situation. Once inside the dim room, Angel pressed Nina against the wall next to the door; keeping them out of sight of the people in the bar-area. He pressed his body against her, and grabbed the back of her head; before devouring her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Nina tried her best to keep quiet from the pleasurable signals Angel’s lips were sending to her groin. She pressed her hands against his chest, and made him step back. “I’m sorry, cuervo”, he whispered, his eyes almost desperate. “Fuck. I hate this”, Nina whispered. “Me too…”, Angel replied. “I gotta set you right… She needs to think…”. Nina nodded. Angel frowned deeply, and pressed a short kiss to her lips, before his voice boomed at her. “You don’t talk to her like that! What the fuck is your problem?”. In spite of the plan, Nina was too proud to just stand by. “Fuck you, Angel…”, she roared. “Watch your mouth”, he growled in reply. He kissed her again, and Nina gasped against his lips. “What are you gonna do? Smack me around?”, she said. “Don’t fucking tempt me…”. He blew out a deep breath, and pressed a final kiss to her lips, before kicking the chair by the door, creating a ruckus. They nodded at each other, before Angel stomped out of the room, leaving her behind.

Nina took a long moment to calm down. She was flustered, as a strange mix of anger, pain – and if she was being honest to herself, horniness – rushed through her veins. Finally, somewhat settled, she went back into the bar-area, and got behind the counter; looking appropriately chastened. Angel was stood next to Daniella, looking every bit the returned champion, and without a word, Nina set down a beer in front of him. Daniella very obviously ignored her, and focused on running her hand up Angel’s chest. Nina wanted to barf at the sight, but managed to keep her lunch down this time. Hank raised a brow at her, and she shook her head slightly, before beginning to fill the fridge. Riz got behind the counter, and squeezed her hand covertly, before handing her a cigarette, and taking over her task. “Go take a break”, he said shortly. Nina gave him a thankful smile, and went back outside.

She sat down on the steps, and blew out a deep breath. “I deserve an Oscar…”, she muttered to herself, and lit her smoke.

---

Spending the evening serving beers and drinks to the club members, her “ex” and his date wasn’t the easiest task. EZ had apparently been told to keep his distance from her, while Daniella was around; to make it clear how unimportant, and last week’s news Nina was. This left her behind the bar alone, and the friendly banter she was used to from the Mayans was limited. Angel and Daniella left at around 10 pm, and Nina sighed in relief as she saw them close the door behind them. Having to look at Angel laying it on thick while flirting with Daniella, made her want to scream. It was beyond any kind of petty jealousy she’d felt in her life before. Daniella wasn’t just touching something she wanted; she was touching what was hers, and Nina couldn’t do anything to stop it.

Bishop came up behind her, as she was cleaning some glasses at the end of the night, and patted her shoulder. “Let the prospect do that. Come sit down”. She quietly followed him over to a table, where Taza and Hank were seated. Bishop sat down across from her. “Palo’s been in touch. He says the attack on Camille was all Sala”. Nina frowned in confusion. “I pressed him a bit”, Taza said. “He swears her attack had nothing to do with Gael’s death”. Nina scoffed, and chuckled sarcastically. “Sure. That’s why they left her in one of your tunnels”, she said. “We’re not saying we believe him”, Hank said. He pushed a packet of smokes towards her, and she took one, letting him light it for her.

Nina sat for a moment, going over everything that had happened the night of the party, and the day after. “Daniella was acting weird when she came by the other day”, she said. “She seemed surprised I was here”. “She probably was”, Taza said. “So far, everything points towards her being the snitch; but we still need to know how much she’s been sharing with the Vatos. That’s why Angel needs to…”. “Yeah, I got it… But that’s how he found out she wasn’t me…”, Nina sighed. “She called him after she saw me; and then all of a sudden, Camille gets dumped where they know you’ll find her… He was trying to send a message. He got the wrong woman; but he knows I’m here”. “Palo claims that he doesn’t suspect us of hiding you, and that we’re still at peace”, Bishop said. “But what about Camille?”, Nina asked. “She’s innocent in all this”. “Vatos Malditos are paying her recompense for the beating at the hands of one of their members, plus something on the side for us; as a show of good faith”, Taza said. “Because she’s part of the Mayan family”, Nina muttered. “And they aren’t supposed to touch family…”. “I don’t know if I’d call her family. She’s mostly been spending her time as a human condom for whoever she can get her hands on. I think even Riz tapped that, before she climbed on the Coco-train”, Hank said, a slight smile on his face. “And now it’s Creeper”. “Nina, you’re still safe here”, Taza tried, having figured out what she was actuallytrying to say; but Nina just shook her head in irritation.

She leaned back in her seat, and let out an exasperated sigh. “This is bullshit… We know they took her because they thought she was me. Why is Palo stalling?” “Possibly to get more info on Mayan business before he makes his move. If he can take out us and get you at the same time, that’s two birds with one stone”, Bishop said. “He wants our business with SAMCRO. He doesn’t suspect they have anything to do with his primo’s killing”, Hank said. Nina took a deep huff of the smoke. “Does SAMCRO know?”, she asked, and blew out the smoke. “I’m calling Chibs once we’re done here”, Bishop said. “But I think you know where their allegiances lie”. “With the Mayans”, Nina said. “With you, mija”, the president said. Nina looked down, feeling her cheeks burn. “SOA wouldn’t go back on their deal with you… They’re loyal”. “Yeah, they are… But us taking you in has only sealed that deal even more”, Bishop said.

Nina took a moment to let his words settle. “And Daniella? What’s gonna happen to her?”, she finally asked. “For now, nothing”, Bishop said. “Angel’s going to treat her like a queen; and hopefully she’ll slip up, and tell him about her deal with VM. We might even be able to use her to give them false leads”. “And me?”, Nina said. “You do what you’ve been doing up until now… Except Angel”, Bishop replied. Nina shot him a dirty look. “For now…”, Taza added. Bishop looked like he would have rolled his eyes, if he wasn’t too proud for gestures like that. “Look, I don’t care what you two do when this is all over, but we can’t let anyone outside the club know you haven’t split. That includes hangarounds who might talk to the bitch. Keep it in your pants”. “Yes, sir”, Nina muttered, and got to her feet. “Anything else I need to know? Or do I just go put on the chastity-belt you’ve probably had forged for me…?”. “Yeah”, Bishop said, almost in a growl. “We’re gonna have one of us here each night, to keep an eye on the place”. “And me, I’m guessing”, Nina said. “You make it sound like I grounded you”, he said. “Didn’t you?”. Bishop frowned at her, but Nina simply turned around, and left the clubhouse.

“I like that kid”, she heard Bishop mutter, just before she closed the door behind her.

---

There was a quiet knock to the trailer-door, just as Nina had finished getting ready for bed. Outside stood Angel, with a look on his face, which Nina recognized immediately. “Daddy says I’m not supposed to let you in”, she said, a smile ghosting her face. Angel stepped inside, pushing her backwards, and closing the door behind him. “Papi says he doesn’t give a fuck”, he growled, and attacked her lips. He turned her around, and pressed her against the door; leaving no room between their bodies. His presence invaded her senses, and as he moved his lips down her neck, Nina winced.

“You smell like her perfume…”, she said. Angel stepped back, and brushed his thumb across his lower lip. Nina’s eyes were hard, and her heart was beating a million miles an hour. She grabbed the collar of his flannel, and sniffed it. “It’s your shirt… Take it off”. Angel looked confused for a second, before a fire lit in his eyes, and he quickly shrugged off his cut, and opened his shirt, yanking it off, and leaving him in his beater and jeans. “What else do you want?”, he asked with a ragged voice. “I want to know what you did with her”, Nina said. “I didn’t do anything. I just took her home…”, Angel said. “No, before all this… what did you do with her that makes her want you so much, that she’s willing to sell out me and the club for you?”.

She pushed him backwards to sit on the cot, and straddled his lap. Not wearing anything other than panties and a top came in handy, as her core rubbed against his hardening bulge. It was all she could do to not moan, and grind against him. “I don’t know…”, Angel almost whispered. Nina took his hand, and placed it against her left breast. He stroked his thumb against her hardening nipple, over the fabric of her top. “Did you make her come?”, Nina asked. Angel looked almost offended at her words. “Ma’, I don’t fuck a woman without making her come…”. “No? Then; what did you do? Did you touch her like you do me?”, Nina said. She moved her and down between them, palming Angel's bulge; and he responded by letting out a short breath, and swallowing thickly. She leaned in to put her lips to his ear. “Did you have her on her knees in front of you, as you drank a beer, and let her suck your cock?”. Angel didn’t reply, and Nina sat back again. “Nina… I’m…”. “You did…”. “Mami, it’s a powermove… I was just trying to…”. Angel was flustered, and in spite of Nina’s angry expression – or perhaps because of it – he was growing harder by the second. “Did you eat cereal off her skin, before fucking her senseless?”. “No. That was only you”, Angel said. “And thanks for the compliment”. He tried for a sly smile, but Nina drew her lips back in a sneer. “Was she ever in your bed? In our bed?”. He shook his head, and cupped her face. “She was never in the house… ever”.

Nina pushed his hands away, and got on her feet. “Did you lick her pussy?”. “No”, Angel whispered. His eyes were earnest. “What? I can’t hear you”, Nina said. Angel stood up, and stepped over to her; towering over her, and placing a hand around her throat, to hold her in place. His face was less than an inch away, and his expression was hard. “No! I didn’t lick her pussy. I only do that with women I’m serious about!”. Nina nearly crumbled in front of him; all of her anger and need for control washing away. “But… You tried to, the first time we…”. “Yeah. I did”, Angel growled.

Suddenly, his lips were on hers again, and she melted in his arms. Angel put his arm around her, and turned her around, to make her lay down on the cot. He tugged her panties down, and threw them somewhere behind him; before he pushed her legs up, and instantly dove to the apex of her thighs. Angel’s tongue made a languid stroke between her labia, before he let it dip just inside her opening. He lapped at her wetness, while his fingers found her clit, and began rubbing circles on it. There was no gentleness. Angel was like a hungry beast, and Nina was like the first meal he’d had in weeks.

The smallness of the cot didn’t leave room for them to both lay on it, and Nina had to put one foot on the table to make room for Angel’s shoulders between her thighs. Nina felt herself beginning to shake. “Fuck… fuck, Angel!”, she gasped. “When I’m good and ready!”, he growled against her heat. He thrusted two fingers inside her, and moved his mouth’s focus to her clit. He suckled at it as if life itself came from that tiny spot, and his fingers curled back and forth inside her; drawing her closer to her undoing. The thumb on his free hand began probing at her back entrance; pressing and making her sphincter work. It was overwhelming and so, so good. Nina grabbed on to Angel’s head, simultaneously wanting to push him away and pull him closer. She began whimpering, and her abdomen began convulsing, as the most intense orgasm she’d ever had washed over her. Everything went white, and Nina cried out an almost pitiful yelp.

Before she had a chance to come down from her high, Angel got on his feet and undid his jeans to let himself spring free; and then – with no gentleness – moved Nina so he could sit down on the cot. He pulled her on top of him by her hips, and pressed her down onto his cock. “So… fucking… tight!”, he growled, as he finally bottomed out. “Move!”, he demanded. With shaking legs, Nina pressed her knees into the mattress, and began moving on top of him. Rutting to get as close to him as possible, Nina desperately searched Angel’s lips for a kiss, which he willingly gave.

Angel took a firm hold of her neck, and each time she lowered herself he let out an almost angry grunt. “I love you”, Nina gasped, as once again he entered her further than she’d ever felt anyone before. Angel instantly froze. His eyes were wide, and he looked at her like she’d just told him the most unbelievable thing in the world. “You… what?”. Nina felt her cheeks beginning to burn. “I… love you, Angel”. “Me?”. He laughed in disbelief, and Nina bit her lip to keep from grinning. “Te amo, querida... I fucking love you!”, Angel said, and grabbed the back of her head, to attack her lips in a passionate kiss.

Angel snuck out of the trailer a few hours later. All bikes save Angel’s and one more were gone, and as he kissed Nina goodbye in the doorway, Hank came out of the clubhouse. He looked at them, and shook his head. “Alright, Romeo. Get the fuck out of here, or I’m calling Bish”, he said. Angel pecked her lips one more time. “Say goodnight, Nina!”, Riz called out. “Goodnight, Nina”, Nina grinned, and went back inside the trailer, closing the door after her.

---

The next few days went much like that one had. During the day, Nina was quiet, and pretended not to feel sad about being ignored by both Angel and the rest of the Mayans, whenever any non-patch was around – which was pretty much always, as there was always some hangaround or other in the clubhouse. Daniella made an appearance each night, throwing herself into Angel’s arms; and shooting smug glances at Nina.

The first three nights – where first Coco, Creep and then Gilly had watch – Angel showed up at the trailer just after midnight, and they spent a few hours together. They didn’t just have sex; they’d also talk and share stories from their lives. The more Nina got to know Angel, the more the words; I love you, made sense. She was beginning to understand how he’d become the man she’d fallen for. His Mayan brothers knew he’d come by, but kept their mouths shut; up until the fourth night, where Riz caught Angel giving Nina a goodbye kiss in the doorway of the trailer. The next day, Bishop tore both Angel and Nina a new one; and in the evening, Riz found himself taking a beating from Angel in the cage. Daniella was there, cheering Angel on. He’d apparently told her he caught Riz checking her out, and needed to show him who she belonged to. After that, there were no more night-time visits.

The pda between Angel and Daniella – mostly coming from the latter – was painful beyond belief to watch. The blonde would crawl onto his lap whenever she could, and she had no shame in going in for a kiss, any chance she got. As far as Nina saw – and she couldn’t avoid seeing it – Angel didn’t respond in kind, but accepted the kisses with closed lips, and sly smiles.

One night, after Daniella had shown up in an outfit that resembled a bikini more than a top and shorts, and a bright, sequined purse – which, when she opened it, revealed a none too easy to hide pack of condoms – Angel managed to get her to take a ride home from EZ, by telling her he was needed at the table. It wasn’t a lie, as they had a run in a few days, but none the less, he looked relieved when she left. The rest of the Mayans left after about an hour’s meeting, but Angel and Bishop didn’t come out of the room with them. Nina was around the corner, out back; so, the two men didn’t see her, when they finally emerged from templo. It was the presidents turn to take watch on the lot that night. “I can’t keep this up, man”, Angel said. “I’ve been laying it on thick, but she’s more interested in my dick, than wanting to talk about what happened that night”. “Then fucking sleep with her!”, Bishop said. Nina almost dropped the tray of glasses she was carrying. “I’m not doing that!”, Angel said. “Why? You usually don’t have a problem with bedding pretty girls”, Bishop replied. Nina gently sat down the tray, and went to stand by the doorway, to better be able to listen. “Because of Nina… I can’t do that”, Angel said earnestly. “Angel…”, Bishop began. “I fucking love her, ok? I love her…”. There was a moment of silence before Bishop spoke again. “Good… That’s what I wanted to hear. God knows that girl could do better; but for some reason, she seems to care about you, and she deserves to be treated right”. Nina couldn’t stay hidden anymore, and walked out of the back room. “Then let me end it with Daniella”, Angel said.

“You can’t…”, Nina said. Both men turned to face her, looking surprised at her appearance. “Not until you have the information the club needs”. Angel stepped towards her. “Querida; treating you like I have… It’s killing me. You don’t think I see the look on your face when she…”. “It hurts…”, Nina said. “And it’s hard to keep reminding myself that it’s not real. But if Daniella is feeding Palo with information; if she gives me up… It’s not just me who goes down, it’s the entire MC. You said it yourself; it’ll be war”. Angel clenched his jaw, and his brows were deeply furrowed. “I’ve been taking three showers a day for the last four days, to wash that bitch of me. I don’t want to do it no more”.

Bishop sat down at a table, and gestured for them to join him. “What do you have so far?”, he asked. “Like I said in there… She talks about how it’s weird that Nina suddenly showed up. That I shouldn’t trust her”. He lit a cigarette, and took a huff from it, before handing it to Nina. She gave him a soft smile, and accepted the smoke. “That’s all? She’s not a rocket scientist. She must have let something else slip”, Bishop said. “What about that night with Sala?”. Angel rolled his eyes in annoyance. “She just said he lost interest, and spent an hour making me tell her how it was his loss; and that she was a hot piece of ass”. Nina chuckled slightly. “What about what you’ve been feeding her about us?”, Bishop said. This was news to Nina. “I told her about the run the day after tomorrow. We’ll know when we know”.

Nina coughed up some smoke. “Wait, what? You told her you’re meeting up with SAMCRO?”. She continued coughing, and Angel took the cigarette from her; and reached for her pocket, where he’d obviously noticed she’d been keeping her inhaler. Nina slapped his hand away. “I’m fine!”, she growled. “Are you trying to get SAMCRO in trouble?”. Bishop shook his head. “There’s no trouble, Nina. Reaper knows the VM might show up, and they’re ready for a fight if it comes to it. But most likely – if they do come – it’ll just be to check what kind of business we’ve been doing together. And we’ll be able to confirm that Daniella’s the snitch”. She blew out a deep breath. Bishop was right – again – but she still didn’t like it. Angel placed a hand at the back of her neck, and gently massaged it. He was trying to calm her, and succeeding slightly. “We got the Sons back, and they have ours. We’ll be fine”, he said.

Bishop looked between them, and sighed. “Look, I’ll close up here. No one’s around; so, go… Netflix and chill, or whatever it is you people do”. Angel looked at him confusedly, while Nina’s heart jumped in glee. “Bish…”. “Go! Before I change my mind”, Bishop said. “Don’t let outsiders catch you coming out of the trailer in the morning”. At this, Angel got on his feet, and more or less dragged Nina out of the door by her hand.

They hardly made it to the trailer, before Angel had his lips on hers. He pressed her against the side of it, and had his knee between her thighs. Nina was giggling at his frantic attempts to open the trailer door, while he simultaneously tried to open her bra under her top; when the sound of a trashcan falling over, made her jolt. “Racoons. There’s a shitload of them around here”, Angel said. He finally opened the door, and smacked her butt. “Get in there…”.

They spent the rest of the night in each other’s arms again; back in their own little bubble of bliss.

---

tags: @doloreschanal

[venactricisfics]

Malibu Desert

It hurts like hell.

Tags: @wonderlust75 @sickofbitches @lexiibishop @noz4a2 @just1bri @redwolfs-world @queenbeered

Master List

Twenty-One

I could feel the spinning of the lights in my head as we finally made it to the hospital. It hurt. I don’t know what I expected a gunshot to feel like. But imagining and knowing are so far apart. The pain let me know I was still living.

“How the fuck did this happen?” I could hear Bishop talking to someone in the room.

“It was an fucking ambush,” Hank’s voice answered. “How’s she doing?”

“Bullet went through. Lost a lot of blood,” Bishop answered, “but she’s strong. They said she should be coming around soon.”

I groan feeling the pain still shooting through my shoulder as I start to sit up, “It hurts like a son of a bitch.”

“You were fucking shot, Hermana,” Hank says, “I’ll get a nurse, then go check on Riz and Coco.” He stands and heads out of the room.

“What happened to Coco?” I ask weakly.

“The explosion,” Bishop answered, “his eyes got fucked up. Angel and Gilly are with him now.”

“And Riz?” my eyes search his.

“Just came out of surgery,” he replied. “Rest now.”

“I just want to go home,” I look past him at the nurse, “when can I go home?”

“Should be able to go home today,” she says, “Doctor will be in here soon to confirm.” She hands me a cup with pain pills and a cup of water, “Those should help. You can arrange physical therapy with the medical center in Santo Padre.”

An hour later, I’m fitted in a sling and sitting in a wheelchair. A clear plastic bag in my lap holding my bloody clothes and broken heels. “They were my favorite pair,” I looked back at Bishop who was pushing my chair to the lobby where the rest of the Mayans were waiting. I give a nod to Coco sitting in his own chair.

“I’m sitting down with the Kings in the morning,” Bishop says.

Coco looks up, “Why? This is a charter play.” I knew what that meant.

“The deal with Charming affects the whole MC,” Bishop responds.

“They fucking ambushed us,” Gilly’s voice getting louder behind Coco. “After a fucking sit down.”

“I know,” Bishop said. I could see the turmoil in his face as he looked from Coco to me and the rest of the Mayans. The right thing. The right thing for his guys, the club, for me wasn’t an easy thing.

“Let’s get home,” Hank stated, “Get some rest. Put this on the table tomorrow.”

“Creep and I will stay with Riz,” Taza says.

“Keep me in the loop,” I look up at him, “he saved me.”

“Of course,” he leans down and gives me a peck on the cheek, “Anyone of us would have done the same, cariño.” I knew it. Riz proved it.

“Let’s get the fuck outta here,” Bishop stated, then pushes my chair out the front door to the van waiting outside. I settled behind Gilly who was driving us back letting Coco ride shotgun. The ride back was silent. Anger clung to the air. It was raw and it was real. I couldn’t shake the image of El Palo’s eyes as they stared at me before he pulled the trigger. He never met me before that day and he hated me.

“Hey, we’re here,” Gilly called back to me. The van door slid open and EZ grabbed my bags and Angel took my hand and helped me down. I was groggy from the drugs but I could still feel the pain in my shoulder.

“I’ll drive you home tomorrow,” Bishop led me up the steps and down the hall to the dorm, “the Kings will be here early.” I take a seat on the bed. I tried not to think about how many cum stains were on the mattress. I was exhausted.

“I have to call the Irish,” I grumbled as Bishop helped me off with my shoes. “Whatever I tell them will change what goes on with Charming and with you.”

“I know, querida,” he kissed my forehead and pulled back the blanket, and tucked me under. “I can’t tell you how to land on that shit. We gotta figure out the best call for all of us.”

I woke the next morning to the piercing ring of my phone, I cried out in pain as I remembered my shoulder had a fucking whole-blown in it. Bishop had already gotten dressed and was likely at the table. Figuring out what to do about the VM.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Are ya alright, lass?” the thick Irish accent of Declan Brogan asked. “Chibs told us what happened at the meeting last night.”

“I’ll be ok,” I winced as I placed my arm back in the sling, then down the pills, Bishop left on the nightstand. “Is there any other way to keep the business going without that new partner?”

“I’ve put it to Chibs to find another way, but the fucking Mexicans fucked this up,” he responded, “never trusted them.”

“You never trust anyone that has a deeper tan than off-white,” I shuffle to my feet. “I can’t see the Mayans' answer to what happened being anything but retaliation.”

“Aye,” he replied, “if they don’t we will.”

“And that will cause everything to fall the fuck apart,” I wasn’t sure what to do. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

I never realized how hard it was doing things with one hand. I washed up in the bathroom and struggled to change my shirt and slide my pants up over my hips. Fortunately, I found yoga pants and one of Bishop’s black tanks stashed here. I look up as I hear a knock on the door.

“Yo, Malibu,” Angel saunters in, “Bish sent me to see if you needed any help.”

“I got the front bandage changed,” I said, “just need help with the back. My bra is hooked all wonky, can you fix that? And tying my shoes. How are your ponytail skills?”

“You’re asking for a lot,” he said, taking the sterile bandage from the table and then sat behind me on the bed.

“You saying you can’t handle it?” I flinch a little as his hand touches my back gently. Angel changed the bandage expertly. I was almost shocked.

“Na, just used to taking bras off not putting them on,” he fumbles, fixing the hooks, “I am a pro at that too.” Proud of himself he pulls the back of my shirt back down. He ties my sneakers and takes my hairbrush from me and brushes the tangles from my hair.

“I’m surprised,” I smooth my hair with my only available hand. “Thank you.”

“You scared us last night, Malibu,” Angel’s voice didn’t have the same tone as normal. “Can’t have you getting killed.”

“I’ll keep that in mind the next time someone shoots at me,” I offer a smile and walk with him down the hall. Gilly slides a chair out for me and sets a beer on the table in front of me. “Bishop?”

“The kings,” he points to the stained glass door.

“How are you feeling?” I asked Coco. He looked out of it. Wasn’t sure if it was the pain or the anger that gave him that look.

“Fucked,” he replied and took another drag from his cigarette. I nodded. I didn’t know his exact diagnosis but I did know that if his eyesight didn’t improve he couldn’t ride. If he couldn’t ride he couldn’t wear a patch. And for him the patch was everything. Coco’s family outside of the MC was beyond fucked up.

I turn, watching the kings and their crew file out of the stained glass door. I met Bishop’s troubled eyes with my own. The weight of things. Whatever decision either of us made would fuck things up for someone else.

“They heading out?” Gilly asked as the clubhouse door closed behind the other kings.

“They’re staying at Vicki’s until we sort this out,” Hank answered.

“What’s to sort out?” Coco inquired.

“You’re a smart man, Coco,” Bishop stated. “You know what’s at stake here.”

“Yeah,” he replied, “My fucking eyesight. It don’t get better I may never fucking ride again.”

Bishop looked at me then back to Coco, “We’re looking at millions of dollars in gun revenue for the entire Mayan organization.”

“So the CEOs of the Mayans Incorporated are deciding what’s best huh?” Coco’s one eye narrowed as he stood, “I hope y’all came up with a medical plan cause I’m gonna fucking need it.” Then storms out the front door.

“I’ll stay close,” Gilly followed after him. Bishop nodded and paced the floor. After asking Hank to reach out to Alverez, he looked at me. I could see the weariness in his eyes. He hadn’t slept since we got back. He carried it all with him. Coco, Riz, me. He bore that weight on his shoulders.

I stand following Bishop to a corner table. “I’m here, babe,” I tell him, my hand laying over his, “whatever you need.”

“I know, querida,” he kissed my temple, “I know.” I should have told him what Declan said but I couldn’t lay another burden on him. Not now. Not until they decided.

---

I sit at the table alone nursing a beer, watching the stained glass again. I lost count of the minutes that I’d waited for a club decision for anything. This time Bishop was getting council from Marcus. Bishop needed that guiding hand. That family connection to point him in the right direction. Or to encourage him to forge his own path. He was after all a king in his own right.

“I can take you to Vicki’s if you’d like,” Hank said when he exited the room.

“I’ll wait for Bishop,” I give him a smile, “has he eaten anything?”

“Have you?” he responded.

“I’m supposed to take care of you,” I tell him.

“And we’re supposed to take care of you, cariño,” he said, “if something worse than this,” he points to my sling, “had happened to you, it would break him.”

I nodded, “If anything happened to him,” I look at the big biker, “well I’m just hoping you don’t let me find out what would happen without him.”

I stood up when the stained glass slides open again and Marcus and Bishop walk out of Templo. “We’ll have to meet sometime when someone hasn’t just tried to kill me,” I give the former biker a peck on the cheek.

“When this is all settled,” he replied, “I’ll have my wife give you a call and we’ll have dinner or something.” He glances back at Bishop with a nod, “Primo.” Then left through the front door.

The Mayans dropped their phones in the basket outside the stained glass door, I watch as it closed behind them. The vote for payback. The pain in my shoulder wanted fucking vengeance, for myself, for Coco, and for Riz. But I knew that the deal with the VM was the one thing that kept the Irish guns in the hands of the Mayans.

I took a sip from my Diet Coke feeling every tick of the clock pulsing through my vein. The pain, stress of the wrong decision. I jump at the sound of the door being forcefully slung open and Coco storming out muttering curses in Spanish I didn’t understand. I didn’t know whether to be relieved or upset at the ‘No Vengeance’ vote.

I waited, watching as each man came out of Templo, none of them seemed fully satisfied with the vote but they knew it was the best thing for the club. Bishop slides the chair out beside mine and stuffs a cigarette between his lips. He doesn’t say a word for a long time. He doesn’t have to, I can feel how heavy the crown had become.

“If I didn’t have to think about the entire fucking club,” he said resting his hand on mine, “I’d kill every last one of those motherfuckers.”

“I know,” I replied. “It’ll work itself out.” I didn’t have a chance to tell him what Declan said to me this morning. The Vatos would be dead for what happened. By Mayan King or Irish.

I give his hand a gentle squeeze, preparing the words, to let him know that the deal would be dead no matter what. “Bishop…” I’m interrupted by the vibration of his phone.

“Shit,” Bishop said softly to his caller. “I’ll let them know.” His chair scrapes the floor as he stands. “Riz didn’t make it. Just spoke to Taza. He died about fifteen minutes ago. The vote is null and void,” he watches the faces of his men, “We’re going to war.”

---

Neither of us slept very well. How do you sleep when the person who saved your life lost his in the process?

“Can you stay with Vicki until we figure this shit out?” he asked as he helps me get dressed. “I won’t be able to help you. And she can use someone to be there with her.”

“Yeah,” I place my arm in the sling after smoothing my shirt down. “I can do that. Do you need help with anything else?”

“No, mi Amor,” he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, “just for this shit to be done.”

He carries my overnight bag and places it in the back seat of my SUV, then helps me in the passenger’s seat. We rode in silence across the desert road to Vicki’s. Bikes were lined up, the club had already arrived.

“You need anything,” Bishop told Vicki, “don’t hesitate…” Vicki sobbed her acknowledgment then buried her face again in Taza’s chest. I didn’t speak enough Spanish to make out exactly what she said, but I could feel Vicki’s pain. Her heart was crumbling in pieces.

“Riz was her only family this side of the border,” Gilly said. I nod looking for something to do someway to help but there was nothing. And every inch of the place had a biker standing in it.

“Sit down, Princesa irlandesa,” Oso Ramos said to me. “You’re trying to do too much.”

“And you’re not trying to do enough,” I said back. I saw them circling Bishop like vultures. I knew they were trying to convince him to change his decision. “How many casualties do you think would justify it? Would you have a different view if the dead Mayan had an Oakland flash?”

“This is not the fucking time or /your/ place,” Ramos responded.

“I guess it’s not,” I stormed off, running smack into Angel’s chest as I head into the kitchen.

“Watch where you’re going, Malibu,” he said.

“Get out of my fucking way,” I responded. I needed out and Angel was blocking my escape. After I had a clear head. I sat down at the kitchen table and pull a cigarette out of an abandoned pack, I place it between my lips and flick a lighter, leaning into the flame. The burn of the smoke as I inhaled was soothing. I was able to focus again.

“Thought you didn’t smoke,” Angel said behind me.

“I don’t,” I inhale again flicking the ash in the tray. I wanted to wipe the tears from my face but I had no free hands. “Sorry about before.” He nodded then pulled a chair out to sit beside me, lighting a cigarette of his own.

“I didn’t know Riz well,” I said, “I know he liked to sing softly to himself in Spanish when he was working on his bike in the garage. I know he kept an arrowhead in the pocket of his kutte with his cigarettes. And I know that even though he didn’t really know me,” I sniffed, “he dove in front of a bullet to save my life.” I could feel the tears start pouring down my face. I couldn’t hold back the sobs. Angel wrapped his arms around my shoulders and let me cry. I let out everything I’d been holding in over the last several days.

“You’re snotting all over my shirt, Malibu,” he said.

“It’s fucking ugly anyway,” I responded.