#I hope I get to fly again someday

[ang3lv3rm1n]

I know it probably isn't an odd thing per se, but something that I just connected the dots on was the correlation between me getting to fly on a plane and me realizing I'm a therian or other-kin or alter-human. But I didn't really know what the feeling was then. It was this...almost overwhelming feeling of peace and serenity and belonging. Like I was meant to be in the sky, soaring through the clouds. It was such a strong feeling that I wrote a note down on a phone I don't have anymore about how I never wanted to land. I'll continue with more details below the cut, I don't want to take up anyone's dash.

When this happened, was December 2020, I had been experiencing an awful lot of mental health crises and I was flying alone as my first time ever on a plane. I was 15 years old, I had teal hair and stupid looking chunky black glasses. I was tired because I had woken up so early, normally airports are kinda scary but at the time, the closest airport to me was incredibly small. The airport in Cody Wyoming. There weren't very many other people getting on the tiny plane with me, I do remember two of the people being a grandmother and her gran-daughter who was maybe 11? They were both sleepy as well. I think I only remember them because the grandma complimented my mask. It was a grayish periwinkle sort of color and had white silhouettes of bears as the pattern. My mom had gotten it for me earlier in the year from the local pharmacy where one of the employees liked to sew in her spare time and had been making masks with different patterns on them. I felt lonely, being the only one of my family going on the flight because my mom and dad had to work and my Nana was paying for my ticket so I could come see her back in Mississippi for the holiday.

Once the plane arrived, and I had boarded, the sun still hadn't come up yet, and I thought I would just sleep on the plane ride because I anticipated being anxious the entire time. It was the kind of flight where you get on in one place, land in another, and get on another plane, and repeat until you get to your destination. I forget what it's called, but anyways, I got the row all to myself because there were so few people even on the small plane. And after the pre-flight introduction to plane safety and all of that, I was still worried about how I would feel once the plane was off the ground. That was until we actually were flying, and then suddenly the feeling I described earlier hit me. If I remember correctly, I cried a little bit because of how overwhelmingly at peace and how happy I felt. It was something I don't think I had ever felt before, and If I had, I hadn't felt it in a very long time.

I miss it alot. Even running through the airports and sitting around waiting, It was strangely comforting to me. I wish I had the money to fly everywhere, If I had the chance I would just to be in the sky again. To get to see the sunrise perched in the clouds where I'm meant to be.

[moonvis]

IDIOTS IN LOVE

Steve Rogers x F! Reader

incl. Natasha, Wanda, Bucky and Tony

Summary: Being in love with Steve Rogers isn’t easy with all the dates Natasha sets him up with. One day you’ve had enough and ask her to set you up, something you’ve never let her before – and a certain blonde isn’t too pleased.

Warnings: Angst to fluff! Jealous! Steve and Jealous! Reader. Misunderstandings. Two blind idiots in love with each other. 4.3k words.

“Okay, I’m off to bed,” You said through a yawn and got up from the chair you’d been sitting in for the past hours, drinking and chatting with Natasha and Wanda.

Natasha took a sip from her glass, before asking, “See you in the morning for our run?”

“Count me in,” You nodded and walked towards the exit, your head facing Natasha, “Goodnight ladies.” The second you faced away, something tall crashed into you, making you trip on your own feet.

“Woah careful, doll!” A familiar voice said, as a hand grabbed you by your waist to steady you, “Are you okay, angel?”

“Steve! Oh- Thanks!” You felt a bit embarrassed as he was still holding onto you, his blue eyes looking down at you with what seemed like concern. His face was close, so very close, and his lips-

“Steve you’re back!” Natasha cheered from behind you, interrupting the moment, “How was your date?”

You immediately felt your heart drop at her question. Steve had been on a date. Again. You took a step away from the super soldier, looking down as he shifted his attention to Natasha, “It was good.”

You snuck out of the room in the blink of an eye, not wanting to hear about yet another one of Steves ‘good’ dates that never lead to a second one. Couldn’t he just choose one of the girls and make it official? That way you had no reason to hold onto the hope that he just might, someday, reciprocate your feelings.

You didn’t see the disappointment in Steve’s face when you suddenly disappeared out of sight.

You woke up in the morning with a burning headache. Partly because of the wine last night, but mostly because of Steve keeping you awake for hours. You always stayed to hear how his dates went, but it was always the same: “It was good, but there won’t be a second one, I’m afraid. Better luck next time Nat.”

Though what if it was different this time? What if he finally found the one? Your thoughts and feeling of regret were interrupted by a harsh knocking on your bedroom door.You knew it was Natasha and got out of bed. The floor felt extra cold this morning.

“I’ll be down in five!” You yelled trough the door and went to get dressed for your run. After swallowing some painkillers for your headache, you left your room to meet the redhead, desperately in need to get some fresh air.

You and Natasha jogged from the Avengers compound and ended up in the nearest park. As you felt the morning sun warming your skin, you felt a little relief lift off your shoulders. You needed this.

The two of you sat down at a bench, kind of like creeps, observing the civilians enjoying their own morning.

A dolled-up lady was walking her dog, or more like, the dog was walking her. You shared a laugh with Natasha at the sight. Your eyes followed her movements, watching as she passed a little girl blowing soap-bubbles. The little one let her tongue out to taste the bubbles, only for her nose to scrunch up in disgust.

“Cute.” Natasha commented from beside you. You smiled and let your eyes wander along with the bubbles flying away, which popped right next to an older couple holding hands. “Aww, look at them!” You commented.

The husband of the old couple, smacked his lady’s butt, growing a mischievous grin on his face. “Now, that’s cute.” Natasha commented this time.

“I know! Old people are the cutest.”

“I can only partly agree with you there. Buck and Steve are quite the old men,” Natasha laughed, “Wouldn’t call them cute.”

You chuckled lightly as your eyes left the old couple. To you, Steve was so much more than cute. He was the kindest, most caring man you’d ever met. He always listened to your small and bigger problems. He was always willing to drop everything to help you out. He was always by your side whenever you got hurt on a mission. You had no doubt he cared for you, and yet… he still went on all those dates like you weren’t even an option. He made you feel so special and loved, and you weren’t even each other’s. Oh, how lucky the one who wins his heart would be.

“Y/N? Earth to--”

“Oh, sorry!” You snapped out of your thoughts at Natasha trying to get your attention.

She gave you a concerned look as she spoke, “Are you okay? You seem down.”

“It’s just my head, it really hurts.” You excused, wiping away a tear you hadn’t noticed before.

“I’m sorry. Should we walk back? We can take it slow.” Natasha asked and got up from the bench, lending you a hand.

You accepted her hand and cracked a small smile, “Thank you kind lady.”

Once you started walking back towards the compound, a familiar figure caught your eye. Steve, with a girl beside him, was walking in your direction.

“Would you look at that! Steve’s on a second date,” Natasha cheered at the sight of Steve and Sharon Carter coming closer, “He said yesterday they wouldn’t go on a date again.”

Natasha was clearly trying to share her excitement with you, but all you felt was a knot tightening in your stomach. You liked Sharon, you really did, but of course she, a Carter,  would be the one to finally win Steve’s heart.

Natasha was waving at the pair, just to make sure they saw the two of you. The jealousy in your body didn’t help much with the headache, making you feel sick, “Nat, I’m just gonna go, okay?”

You weren’t in the mood to stand around and wait for Steve to arrive with his new love interest, you didn’t even bother to give Natasha a smile, “You can wait for them if you want. I’d like to have some alone time anyways.”

Natasha wasn’t sure how to react, starting to feel like it wasn’t just a headache bothering you, “You sure?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you later.” You left without taking another look back, leaving Natasha to start worry about you.

You didn’t see Steve’s expression go from excitement to concern as he watched you leave Natasha behind.

Back at the compound, you fall down onto your bed, soft sobs rocking your body. You’re tired of loving a man you’ll never have. You have his friendship, but your heart is still not satisfied. Now that Steve has found a beautiful woman like Sharon, maybe you can finally try to move on.

You roll onto your back, looking at the ceiling as your tears dry out. What are you going to do?

Then, it hits you. Natasha.

Just a soft knock on the door and a hug later, the redhead asks what she can do to make you feel better. You let out a sigh and ask away, “Could you help me, maybe… find a date?”

Natasha wasn’t sure she heard you correctly, but when you nodded, her face lit up in excitement, “Of course! It would be my absolute pleasure!” She didn’t even ask why you wanted a date all of a sudden, she was just happy you’d finally give her matchmaking a chance.  

“Oh my god! I have so many guys in mind. They would all be so lucky to have you Y/N. I have to pick one worth your time though!”

You chuckled as you listened to Natasha ramble on about who to pick for you, a feeling of excitement growing in your stomach. You were finally ready to give someone new a chance.

As the moon shone through your window, you thought about what tomorrow would bring. Natasha had already picked out a date whom you’d meet tomorrow night.

Busy in thought, you suddenly felt your stomach growl. Slipping out of bed, you put on a pair of slippers and wandered out your door towards the kitchen. Truth be told, you had been avoiding going around the compound in fear of meeting Steve, which also meant skipping dinner.

You fixed yourself a bowl of cereal and let your thoughts wander back to your upcoming date. What dress would you wear? Maybe the blue one? No. What about the white, the one you knew Steve loved so much?

“Hey.”

The sudden sound of a voice made you jump in your seat. As you choked on your cereal, you felt a hand patting your back.

“I’m sorry for scaring you. Are you okay, angel?”

You looked up to find Steve looking down at you. Damnit. You managed to embarrass  yourself in front of him again.

“I’m fine, thanks.” Your voice sounded hesitant, your eyes going back to your cereal. You listened as Steve made himself a cup of tea behind you, not a single word shared. You felt awkward.

You hoped he would just make his damn tea and leave - but of course not. The man sat down, right beside you, half facing you as he took a sip.

“So…” Steve began, and you felt yourself wanting to disappear. You were in the mindset of moving on a few minutes ago, but here he sat, the man you were so in love with, alone, giving you all of his attention. “How’re you doing? We haven’t talked much since, well, yesterday.”

Steve’s voice sounded hesitant, and you knew, that he knew, that something was up. The two of you hung out every single day, so not talking for 24 hours was unusual.

“I, uh… I’m okay. I’ve been a bit tired lately, that’s all.” You lied, and you didn’t sound very convincing either.

“Nat told me about your headache earlier today, at the park-”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” You interrupted him, a hint of annoyance in your voice. You really didn’t want to talk about it. Especially not think about the sight of Steve walking alongside his new girl.

You hear Steve let out a sigh at your answer. You were hoping he’d let it go, though you knew Steve too well. The blonde put down his cup and turned his body fully towards you this time, “Y/N,” His voice sounded serious, “I know something’s up, more than just a headache, and it worries me. So, please, what is going on? Did I do something?”

You didn’t know you had it in you to be angry with Steve Rogers, but when you felt your blood boil, there was no going back. You jumped out of your chair and looked at him with rage in your eyes, “Why do you care, huh?”

You saw the immediate hurt in Steve’s eyes, his expression shocked at your sudden outburst. You didn’t care though, “It’s been a fucking day, and you’re worried about me because I haven’t talked to you yet? You haven’t even been home! The last time I saw you, quoting Natasha, you were on a second date with Sharon! Shouldn’t you be with her now anyways?”

“Y/N-”  

“No! Why the fuck do you sit here and talk to me like I’m the only thing you care about, like it matters how I’m doing? It doesn’t make any sense! You’ve always been like this, yet I’m just a friend sitting around while you go out and fuck all the girls Natasha find for you!” Your breath is heavy, tears threaten to spill from your eyes,

Steve was reaching out a hand to you but retracted it as tears streamed down your cheeks. You pointed a finger at the man, your teeth gritted together as you spoke, “And lastly, I am under no obligation to tell you anything about my feelings! So please, stop treating me like I’m your fucking girlfriend!”

Without taking another look at him, you spun around and left the room. As you disappeared out of sight, you ran down the hallway to escape into your room, not wanting Steve to follow. It was when you shut your bedroom door, you realised what you just did.

You yelled at Steve, for the first time ever. Worst of all, he hadn’t done anything to deserve it. That night, never ending sobs were rocking you to sleep.

As you stormed out of the kitchen, you didn’t see the look of heartbreak in Steve’s eyes. They carried more worry than before, confusion and a load of regret as he started to catch on to what was going on with you. It was all a misunderstanding, and he felt like the biggest idiot in the world.

Getting ready for your date was supposed to be fun and exciting, but after you yelled at Steve last night, nothing seemed to cheer you up.

You regretted every single word you yelled at him. He came to check up on you, but all he got in return was your anger. Though maybe it was for the best, now he had no reason to care about you anymore. You were an asshole. The thought hurt like hell, but you chose to use it as an excuse to ease your feelings.

You dressed up in a white beautiful dress, paired with a pair of white heels. It was Steve’s favourite outfit of yours – he had told you so with words, but his eyes when he looked you, oh, they said so much more. That's were you got the nickname angel from.

It was time to give the outfit a new association, perhaps, the first outfit you wore out with your new potential love interest?

As you walked down the compound hallway to leave, familiar voices came from the kitchen. You knew snooping was wrong, but you couldn’t help listening as it was Steve talking.  

“I’ve been a fool Buck,” Steve sighed, “What am I gonna do?”

“It’s all a big misunderstanding, right? Just tell her everything and I’m sure she’ll understand. Y/N always understands.”

“Yeah, tell her I’ve been going on a new date every week for the past year so that I can forget about her?” Steve groaned, “It sounds awful.”

It did sound awful. He really wanted to get rid of you huh? You didn’t understand why but his words hurt. “-so that I can forget about her.”

You sniffled and was ready to sneak past them, not wanting to hear anymore, but of course, both men noticed your presence. Stupid super hearing.

“Y/N?” Steve asked and walked a little closer to where you were standing, “Wow, angel, you look-” Steve gave you the same look as he always did when you dressed up. He looked at you in awe, which you usually loved, but now, you hated it.

“Princess, you look beautiful!” Bucky commented and walked over to kiss the top of your head, “Where are you headed off to?”

“Oh, I-” You looked at Steve, then shifted your attention back to Bucky, giving him a shy smile, “I’m going on a date.”

The words felt relieving to get out in front of Steve. Now he would know not to treat you like a girlfriend, since you were trying to see someone else, right?

“Oh, really?” Bucky sounded surprised, but you ignored it, “Have uh-” You noticed as Bucky gave a quick look at Steve, before plastering on a big smile, “Have a nice one then! Can’t wait to hear about it!”

“Thanks Buck,” You smiled, “I gotta go.”  

As you rushed out of the room, you didn’t see Steve clenching his jaw and fists. He was irritated at himself for letting it come to this. The feeling of jealusy made him feel sick.

It was an hour into the date, and you were actually enjoying your time. The guy Natasha had set you up with was an agent you had met before during some mission, Christopher. He was cute and had such golden retriever energy - he made you genuinely smile for the first time that day. Apparently he had been smitten with you for a while now, and to no surprise, Natasha knew.

As time passed by, it was time to head home. Both of you had work in the morning anyways. Cristopher followed you all the way back to the Avengers Compound, giving you a kiss on the cheek, “Thank you for giving me a chance Y/N. I had a really wonderful time. Will I see you again?”

Busy with your date, you didn’t see Steve standing nearby, observing the whole thing. He was tense, saddened and growing more and more jealous as he watched you laugh with the other guy.

Steve had come out to get some fresh air, to clear his head, but was interrupted by your arrival. You looked so beautiful, and the sound of your sweet laughter made his knees weak. Oh, how he wished he was the one who caused it.

The morning after your date with Cristopher, you felt the best you had in the last few days. You hummed as you entered the kitchen, the smell of something delicious hitting your nose, “Oh, what’s that smell? It’s amazing.”

“’I made pancakes, so I hope you’re hungry!” Bucky cheered and handed you a plate. You accepted it gladly and sat down at the table next to Natasha and Wanda to your left, and Tony to your right.

“Hey girl, you seem happy. I’m guessing the date was a success?” Natasha asked as she took a bite of her breakfast.

“You finally went on a date with Steve? Rhodes owe me money-” Tony started at the information.

You almost chocked on your first bite of the pancake. Why would he even think that? Didn’t he know Steve was dating Sharon?

“No, Tones, wrong,” Natasha corrected him, “She went with that guy Cristopher. Remember that agent who wouldn’t shut up about her?”

“Oh yeah! The guy who was blabbering about Y/N almost as much as Steve does!”

Steve was blabbering on about you?    

“Anyways, tell us how it went? When’s the next date?” Wanda asked, eager to know.

You chuckled a little nervously, “Well, you see--” You stopped talking as soon as Steve entered the kitchen, shocked to see his fallen shoulders and saddened eyes.

You observed as he grabbed a plate of pankakes, before heading over to the counter to make his morning tea. It was weird not hearing a good morning, or getting greeted with his soft smile. You had no idea what was bothering him, and it killed you inside.

"Y/N? You were saying?" Natasha questioned, as you had left them all hanging.

Your eyes didn't leave Steve's figure, even though he was facing away, "It uh... The date was good."

You watched Steve's whole posture tense as you spoke. Oh, how much you wanted to ask if he was okay. You just didn't feel like you had the right to. The last time you spoke, you were yelling at his face.

"Come on! Give us the details!" Tony pushed.

You shook your head, suddenly not wanting to bother Steve with details of your date. You plasteted on a forced smirk, "You'll have to wait and see if we weet again."

"No come on!"

As Steve was facing away, you couldn't see the tears forming in his eyes. You couln't see the absolute heartbreak on his face from the thought of having lost you. He really felt like he had lost the most important person in his life - and you didn't even know he saw you as such.

Over the past few days, you hadn't shared a single word with Steve, and it was starting to drive you crazy. You didn’t even face each other while in the same room - it was a good thing you hadn't shared a mission yet.

All you wanted was for Steve to be happy, and to be his friend again, so with that, you decided it was time to apologize for your behaviour – even if he wouldn’t forgive you for being such an ass, you knew it was the right thing to do.

Your palms felt sweaty, and your mouth all dried out as you stepped outside his room, “Okay… here goes nothing.” You knocked on the door, feeling your heart thump rapidly against your chest.

When he didn’t answer you knocked twice, then again and again. Giving up, you asked Tony’s A.I. for help, “FRIDAY, where’s Steve?”

“In the gym ma’am.”

You let out a sigh, “Is he… okay?”

“From what I can tell, he seems distressed and angry.”

You felt a knot in your stomach. It was 8 pm, and Steve never worked out in the gym that late unless he was upset, “Fuck… Thanks FRIDAY.”

Earlier that day, Steve had been walking past the door to your room at least five times, with the intention to make up. Though the super solider was way too nervous to bother you and chickened out. It was killing him not having your company every day. He missed you. So, with his emotions changing from heartbreak to anger, and the heavy regret from not telling you the truth and let your relationship come to this, he escaped to the gym.

You entered the gym and carefully closed the door behind you. It took you seconds to see Steve by the six destroyed punching bags on the floor, the seventh about to face the same faith.

Steve’s back was tense, and you could see the anger he was feeling in every punch. You felt the knot in your stomach from before tightening, your palms even more sweaty. Taking a deep breath, you walked up to him; it was time to face the music.

Speaking of music, before you knew it your ears were singing a high-pitched tone, your head hurt and your whole back was facing the cold floor beneath you.

“Oh my god!” Steve rushed to your side, worry in his voice, “Are you okay? I’m so sorry Angel!”

You blinked a few times before looking up at the concerned man above you. Putting a hand to your head, you groaned out due to the pain. Releasing deep breath, you let Steve help you up, “I guess I deserved that.”

You had been so smart to come up behind the Captain and stand in front of the punching bag. Because of Steve’s quick and hard punches, he failed to notice you in time, and punced the bag into you, sending you flying to the floor.

“Seriously, are you okay, doll?”

The concern in Steve’s voice made you forget why you came her in the first place. You only nodded and let him lead you to sit down on a bench. He didn’t let go of your hand as you both sat down.

Steve let out a shaky breath. It was clear it had scared him when he saw you flying in the air, and it was all his fault too. You could see the guilt on his face. He still cared so damn much.

You had enough of Steve feeling so down because of you, he didn’t deserve a second of it, “Steve I’m okay. I’m the idiot for creeping up on you like that… Also, I kinda deserved it after how shitty I’ve been treating you.”

“What are you talking about?” There was confusion in the Captain’s eyes.

“Just… let me talk.” Suddenly you had the courage to just get it out. You took hold of both his hands and looked deeply into his blue eyes, “I’m so sorry Steve. I’ve been an absolute asshole towards you.”

Steve opened his mouth to say something, but closed it as you shook your head, “Let me continue. You’re my best friend and I have so much love for you. You’ve been nothing but good to me, and I was yelling at you for it. Thinking about how good you treat me, your friend, I can only imagine how good you treat Sharon. She’s very lucky and I wish you guys the best.”

Your gaze fell from Steve and down into your lap, “I… I’ve been jealous. With all those dates you’ve been on… Why couldn’t you just pick one the girls and get it over with? I…”

“Cause none of them were you.”

You looked up at him, shock in your eyes, unsure if you heard him correctly. Steve plastered on a small smile, his eyes so soft as he looked into yours, “Y/N, there’s nothing between Sharon and I. The other day, when you saw us at the park, we were walking back from visiting Peggy’s grave. It was only a coincidence we were there at the same time.”

“Oh… but what about your date the day before? You said it was good?” You asked, feeling almost ashamed.

“You left too soon to hear what I told Nat and Wanda. I had a good time, but I wasn’t interested. I’d have way more fun with someone else there with me…” Steve’s voice was low, his hand coming up to caress your cheek, “I can’t hold it back anymore Y/N. I love you; I always have. And those stupid dates?”

Tears were streaming down your cheeks at his confession. Never in a million years would you have thought he loved you back.

Steve chuckled lightly, a hint of sadness in his eyes, “I went on those to get you off my mind. I never belied you could love me back, you’re way too good for me, Angel. Though every damn date I went on, I just couldn’t get you off my mind. Every time they wanted me to come home with them, I only thought; No, I can’t do that to my best girl.”

“Steve…” You felt so stupid for not having confessed your feelings earlier. All this misunderstanding could’ve been avoided, “I love you too. I love you so damn much Stevie.”

Steve breath caught in his throat, not sure he was hearing you clearly, “What?” The word came out weak, like he was scared to wake up from a dream, “What about--”

“Cristopher?” You giggled, “Oh, I had a nice time with him, but you know, he wasn’t you.”

Steve laughed loudly and you joined in. Both of you realised how stupid and blind you had been. You loved each other.

Steve caressed your cheek again, his thumb stroking over your soft skin. The look in his eyes were different than before; you knew it was love. His features, his voice, all soft, “Can I… kiss you?”

You only nodded and let him lead you towards his lips. The kiss was gentle, but a firework erupted inside of you. It made tears fall from your eyes, his too. Pulling away, Steve kissed the top of your head before speaking, “My beautiful, Angel. I can’t believe I finally have you.”

You threw yourself forward and let him wrap his strong arms around you. His embrace felt like home.

It felt so right, and finally, your heart was satisfied.

You didn’t see the tears continue to stream down Steve’s cheeks. You didn’t see the huge weight being lifted off his shoulders. He was so damn in love with you, and he already knew that someday, he wanted to call you his wife.  

THE END! Thank you so much for reading, feedback is very much appreciated <3

[roosterforme]

Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw Part 2 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: The collection of letters that Bradley received from the fourth grade class provides him with entertainment while deployed. He takes the time to answer their questions and send a package back to the United States via air mail. But he has your email address. He also has a bit of a crush and some questions himself.

Warnings: Fluff, language

Length: 4100 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female teacher!Reader

Check out my masterlist for more! Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw masterlist

A few days later, when Bradley was done with his training protocols for the day, he returned to his bunk with a different mission in mind. While he unzipped his flight suit, he eyed the box which was taking up most of his nightstand, and a smile found its way to his lips. He managed to find a notebook that nobody wanted along with a thick, padded envelope, and he was going to take the time to respond to the fourth graders who wrote to him. 

He'd spent hours poring over the letters, laughing at some of the questions from the kids and frequently picking up that one photo. He couldn't stop going back for more. For another look at you. Just one more look. Okay, this really was the last one. He had to toss it across the small room toward his duffel so he could focus on something other than your smile and the fact that he might have a tiny crush on a fourth grade teacher who knew absolutely nothing about him. Yet.

The note from Jayden was on the top, and Bradley opened it up and started to jot down a response.

Jayden,

It was so nice to hear from you and the rest of your class. To answer your pertinent questions, I am currently stationed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The most disgusting food in the mess hall is easily the cabbage rolls (which taste nothing like cabbage... or rolls). The best food in the mess hall is surprisingly the meatloaf. And yes, I would love to see a photo of your Cocker Spaniel. Please send one next time. I hope you're studying and doing your best in school.

Lt Bradley Bradshaw

The next note he decided to tackle was the one from Violet who had the tiniest handwriting he'd ever seen. The page had at least fifteen questions written out, but he decided to answer just a few for her. He had to squint as he skimmed through them again.

Violet,

You seem very inquisitive. That's a great quality to have, especially if you want to be a pilot someday. No, I did not attend the Naval Academy. I went to the University of Virginia. Yes, the Navy is way better than the Air Force. Yes, I can hold my breath underwater for three minutes. Yes, they actually made me do it. No, I don't think I could make it as a Navy SEAL. Yes, I have been staying hydrated and getting enough sun, thanks so much for asking. Keep studying hard, because you have a lot of school ahead of you before officer training.

Lt Bradley Bradshaw

Okay, so this was actually a lot of fun. Up next was a response to the note from Oliver, which made Bradley laugh every time he looked at it. 

Oliver,

Thank you so much for drawing the different Naval aircrafts for me. I hate to break it to you, but I actually do not fly the F-35 Lightning II. Yes, I know they look 'sickeningly cool'. Yes, I know it would be like 'slam dunking off the back of a dragon'. I guess I never knew I was jealous of those pilots until right now.... But I fly the equally cool if not quite as sickening looking F/A-18 Super Hornet. And yes, I would be more than happy to draw my own version of one for you. See below.

Lt. Bradley Bradshaw

The ten minutes he spent replicating his own aircraft to the best of his ability for Oliver churned out a pretty damn good result. He fished his phone out of the nightstand and took a picture to email to Nat when he had time, because she would find this whole thing amusing. Then he reached for the letters from Harrison, Nia and Jackie. He wrote his responses, and after a bit, he had a decent sized stack of letters all ready to go back to the fourth graders.

After a few more days, he worked his way through the entire class, and each kid would soon have a handwritten response on the way. He just needed to figure out what he wanted to say to you. The pretty teacher from the class photo that he now kept tucked in with his personal items. He worked on that one last, writing your full name at the top of the page and wishing you didn't go by the very non-specific Ms. which gave him zero clue as to whether or not you were married.

The package you sent was the nicest piece of deployment mail I have ever received. Thank you. I'm lucky it ended up in my hands. I'm impressed by how much all of your students have learned about aviation this year. I just hope I did them justice in regards to the questions they had for me.

I also hope you don't mind that I replied to each kid individually. They had some very amusing stories and questions, and I wanted to acknowledge all of them. But there was one question in particular that I was asked so many times, I thought I'd answer it here instead. My call sign is kind of a silly one, so it's okay if you all laugh. I go by Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, and my helmet is mostly red, yellow and black.

Your kids seem like a fun bunch, but I bet they keep you on your toes. Feel free to let them know they can write back to me again, but please include my name on the package this time. I don't know that I'd be lucky enough to have it fall into my hands again by chance. I'll just be here somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for a few more months, ready to answer any questions you throw at me. Hope to hear back from you soon.

Yours Truly,

Lt Bradley Bradshaw

The following day, he packed everything up and dropped it off with the rest of the ship's outgoing mail. There was a rumor that a helicopter would be coming to pick it up in the next day or two, and he wanted to make sure it got back to California and those fourth graders as soon as possible. On his way back to his bunk, Bradley stopped by the lounge to see if there was an iPad free, hoping to send a quick email or two. He was in luck. He also happened to have your email address memorized.

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

You yawned at your desk and checked the time on your computer. Within the next ten minutes, your classroom would go from silent solitude to mass chaos, so you took a minute to clear out your email inbox. You had a few messages from some parents and a reminder about Spirit Week from the superintendent. And a random piece of junk mail that must have slipped through the spam filters. You didn't know anyone with a US Navy email address, and you didn't know anyone named Bradley Bradshaw.

As you closed your laptop, you gasped and tried to pry it back open again as quickly as you could. The Navy! The package you sent a few weeks ago! Maybe it was someone writing back to your class! Of course it could just be someone saying they were sorry that they didn't have time to engage with your students, but you figured even that was better than nothing. 

"Come on," you whispered, entering your credentials again before your inbox reappeared on your screen. The email was just a few lines long, but it was addressed to you by name. You were smiling immediately as you read it.

I just wanted to let you know that I got the mail you sent to a deployed Naval Aviator. There's a package on its way to your school for your class. It should arrive in about a week or two. Your fourth graders provided me with several hours of entertainment, and I hope they find my answers to their many (and amusing) questions useful. Thanks for the laughs, and thanks for the photos, too. Can't tell you how much I've been enjoying them. Hope to hear from all of you again.

Yours Truly,

Lt Bradley Bradshaw

You squealed and pumped your fists in the air. Someone actually got the box! And he actually responded! The other, older teachers thought you were just wasting your time when you deviated from the lesson plans a bit. Literally all of them said there was no way anyone would write back, even though you took the time to go through the proper channels at Top Gun on North Island. But now you could rub it in their faces, all thanks to Bradley Bradshaw who sounded like he'd had as much fun with this whole thing as your class had.

Then your day really started as Violet and Oliver burst into your classroom, calling out your name with excitement in their voices. The rest of your kids followed behind them, already asking about the plans for the day and what kind of adventure you'd be taking them on in each subject. 

When you clapped your hands twice and said, "Good morning," they all clapped and replied with their own greeting, and then they sat quietly with their gazes fixed on you. "Guess who I just got an email from!"

"The president!" 

"My grandma!"

"My Cocker Spaniel!"

"Oliver's grandma!"

You just shook your head and tried not to laugh as you said, "None of the above. But do you remember when we wrote and packed up those letters for a real aviator in the military to read?" Most of the kids nodded, so you added, "Well, he emailed us! And he sent us some mail that should arrive in about a week!"

And telling them that was a mistake. Because you didn't know a moment of peace after that. Every morning, you had kids rushing into the room to see if the promised piece of mail arrived yet. Every day you had to disappoint them, but you were finding yourself a little disappointed, too. You wanted to know what this Bradley Bradshaw guy sent back. 

You'd responded to his initial email letting him know you and the kids in your class were delighted to hear from him and that you would let him know when the mail he sent arrived at your school. He didn't respond, but you figured he was busy. Too busy to constantly muck about with your class while he was thousands of miles away on a deployment. 

And that was what left you standing at your desk with your mouth hanging open in awe when the padded envelope did finally arrive one morning. Because when you carefully cut it open, you found not just one letter to the class but individual handwritten notes, one for each child.

"Wow," you whispered, pulling the note with your name written on the top out of the stack. This man seemed humble and sweet, and his letter made you laugh in more than one spot as you read through it. Then you read it again. He sounded apologetic about responding to each individual kid, but you felt like your insides were melting. Who would do that? Who would take the time to give individual attention to a bunch of nine and ten year olds besides you? And you were technically getting paid to do it. 

Bradley Bradshaw seemed willing to continue to engage with your kids, and you weren't going to stop him. Because starting that morning, he became something of a legend to your class. A celebrity. A real lieutenant in the Navy replied to all of their silly questions, and their love of aviation just grew from there. You figured you were going to have to keep your lesson plans going a bit longer while their faces lit up as you walked around the room and handed them each their notes. You had taken the time to skim them beforehand, often laughing at his sense of humor which seemed to jump off the pages.

"Can we write back to him?" Jayden asked as everyone read their notes from Lieutenant Bradshaw. "I have more questions."

You smiled and nodded. "Yes, you may write back to him." Then you postponed your geology lesson until the next day and let them spend the next forty minutes writing some followup letters. You took some pictures of them diligently toiling away at their desks, excitement on their faces. Then you bit your lip and sat down at your own desk.

As you started to construct an email letting him know the envelope had arrived, your thoughts drifted to what he might be like. Humble and sweet, for sure. But he also made it a point to tell you that the box from your class was the best piece of mail he'd ever received while deployed. Maybe he was a little bit lonely. Maybe he was single. Maybe he was stationed on the west coast. Your thoughts started to get ahead of you, and it was hard to reel them in when you imagined him excited to see another email from you. Smiling when he was handed another box from your class during mail call.

Dear Lt Bradley Bradshaw,

We got the envelope from you today, and my kids are absolutely thrilled! I'm not sure if you know how hard it can be to wrangle eighteen fourth graders all at one time, but they are currently sitting quietly and working on new letters for you to read. Once again, please don't feel obligated to continue correspondence if you're too busy. I'm sure you have other people you could be writing to who want your attention as well. I just wanted you to know they are overjoyed that a Naval officer took the time to answer their questions about aviation.

I have attached some photos as proof that they are sitting still. Thanks again for making their day.

You signed your name at the bottom the way you always would from your work email account, and then you attached the photos. After a brief debate about adding the selfie you took with Violet where most of your face was visible, you decided to just go for it. Adding it to the mix wouldn't hurt anything. It wasn't like this semi mystery man would be up all night thinking about you. 

But you found that you were still thinking about him when you went home to your silent house and made dinner that evening. Maybe he was a little bit lonely, but maybe you were, too.

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

It was amazing how infrequently Bradley found himself thinking about Vanessa. He was busier now with his duties picking up a bit more as his deployment wore on, but even when he was tired and in his bunk at night, his thoughts seldom settled on her like he was afraid they might. He didn't miss her or her half-hearted emails, and he wasn't craving the connection of reunion sex with her. 

Instead, he was thinking about what a group of fourth graders were learning about this week and what their cute teacher was up to. It had been a few days since you emailed him, letting him know that his package was delivered to your school. You made it sound like the kids were excited that he sent it in the first place, and when he really thought about it, he supposed some officers would have just eaten the snacks and tossed the notes in the trash.

He didn't reply to the email yet, still thrown off a bit by the pictures you attached. Your classroom was vibrant, and the kids were absorbed as they worked on more notes for him to read whenever they happened to be delivered to the carrier. But the photo with you in it held his attention longer than it should have. The fact that you were working at a school that was just a handful of miles from his damn house made him feel warm.

But what would he do about it? What could he do about it? Nothing. He didn't want you to think he was creepy. He still knew essentially nothing else about you. The only thing he could do was keep it friendly if not professional. Unless of course you did something to push the boundaries of conversation into a more personal realm. God, if you did....he didn't think he would be able to handle it. 

The next day, when he was heading out on deck to talk to the mechanics who were doing regular maintenance on the aircrafts, he took his phone. "Hey, you mind if I take a few photos of some of the engine parts? I want to send them to a class of fourth graders who will think it's cool."

"Go ahead, Lieutenant," the head mechanic replied. Then he smiled and asked, "You dating a teacher?"

Well. Wouldn't that be something? Bradley would never run out of curious pen pals. He would always have some fourth graders to take interesting photos for and to send notes to. He'd always have a classroom to visit as soon as he got home from a deployment.

He couldn't help but picture you as the teacher.

"Nothing like that," he replied, his voice a little gravelly. "Just writing to some kids who are learning about aviation."

After dinner, when he had a chance to use an iPad in the lounge, he did his best to put together a response to your email that would at least hint at the curiosity he felt. 

If all it takes is mail from three thousand miles away to get your class to sit quietly, then I should probably be writing to you every day. But I'm sure you're a great teacher. That's a given considering how much your students learned and shared with me. And I can assure you that I'm more than happy to take the time to write to your class. And you. Please don't think I feel obligated, because I do not. I want to.

I have attached a few pictures of some F/A-18 engine components as well as some of my cockpit controls. Each photo is labeled, but please let me know if you have any questions.

It was nice hearing from you.

Yours Truly,

Lt Bradley Bradshaw 

As soon as he hit send, he wanted to kick himself. Should he have included a photo of his face like you had twice now? Or did he already sound too desperate to hear from you and your class again?

"Shit," he muttered, looking around the lounge as if there was going to be someone here proficient in the art of getting to know a fourth grade teacher without sounding stupid. But it was too late now. All he could do was wait for the next mail call or hope you decided to write back to his ramblings by the next time he checked his email. 

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

You were going to have to scrape your jaw off the floor. You had no idea what this man's face even looked like, but his hands were... something else. And his thighs... well, they were pretty great, too. It must have been too long since you got laid, because you were sitting at your desk in your classroom staring at the set of photos in your inbox, currently unable to look away from his right hand. It was wrapped around the throttle of his aircraft. It was elegant with attractive veins and rough calluses. You were sure that you were supposed to be focusing on the cockpit controls, but all you could see was that hand and his thick, muscular thighs below.

The next photo was no better for you. He was holding up his helmet with his call sign Rooster emblazoned across the front, and you were able to see his left ring finger. There was no wedding band. There was no evidence of an outline where a wedding band would belong. There was just his big, strong hand.

You whimpered softly while your students worked on their math tests. You couldn't help it as you took one last look before logging out of your email account. And now you needed to know if his face matched the very attractive image you had in your mind. 

When Jayden called your name, you rocketed to your feet like you'd been caught red handed. "Yes?" you squeaked, your voice sounding higher pitched than usual.

"I'm done with my test. May I have the hall pass and use the restroom?"

You handed it to him as the rest of your class finished working through the math problems. A few minutes later, when you collected the papers from them, Violet asked, "When is Lieutenant Bradshaw going to write back to us?"

It had only been a few days since you mailed him the second box of notes and some more snacks, but it made you happy that they were all so invested in learning more from him. 

"It will probably be a few weeks before we get anything in the mail. However... he did email me some pictures of engine and cockpit parts from the aircraft carrier for me to share with you guys." When you looked around the room, the kids were on the edges of their seats, excited expressions on their faces. With a laugh you added, "I was going to wait until tomorrow and use the projector to show them all to you, but if you're very well behaved for the rest of the afternoon, maybe I could pull them up on my computer for you to see them today."

Not two hours later, you were just as excited as the kids were to look at the photos... again. As they crowded around your desk, you opened up the first one of the cockpit to a barrage of questions. 

"Is that really his jet?"

"Is that the throttle?"

"What do all the buttons do?"

"Was this right before he flew it?"

Once again you were distracted, but you managed to click over to the next photo, and the kids gasped in delight. 

"His helmet is so cool!"

"It says Rooster!"

"That's his call sign!"

"Red is my favorite color!"

You just smiled softly and laughed. "Should we go ahead and start working on another list of questions for him?" you asked as you slowly scrolled through the rest of the pictures. "He said we can write back to him as much as we want to." When everyone cheered, you handed Oliver a marker and pointed to the board at the front of the classroom. "Let's start making a list."

You listened to all of your students call out questions for Bradley while Oliver wrote them down. Then Violet asked, "Can he send us a picture of his whole jet? From the outside of it?"

You cleared your throat and added, "Maybe he could get someone else to take the picture so he could stand in front of it. For size comparison."

Violet nodded, but you knew you were a fraud. Sure, it would be great for the kids to understand just how massive the F/A-18s were compared to an actual person, but you were the one who wanted to see all of Bradley. You were itching for it now. 

Later that night, you drank most of a bottle of wine and did something you promised yourself you'd never do. You logged into your work email account after nine o'clock. You skipped over the handful of unread emails from parents and clicked on the icon to compose a new message. With your liquid courage goading you on, you typed up a response to Lieutenant Bradley Bradshaw and hit send before you could think twice.

Thank you for the photos. They were very enlightening. We especially liked the ones where you were showing off your cockpit. Or I did, anyway. The kids liked all of them and started on another list of questions for you. Good luck getting rid of us now. 

We were wondering if you could have someone take a picture of you standing in front of your jet. For size comparison purposes. And also because my students would like to know what you look like. Hearing from you makes our day even better.

You couldn't believe how forward you were being with this man who you'd never even met in person, but you fell asleep thinking about his hands and what they might be capable of.

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

This Bradley makes me swoon. I've never wanted to be a fourth grade teacher so badly in my life. There is something that's starting to blossom between them even though they haven't even met in person. Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 3

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[mrshesh]

Omg hi!! So happy to see someone writing for mk. Is it alright to request (gender neutral) reader doing flirty intros with fujin and kung lao? Or maybe noob!

intros with fujin, kung lao & noob saibot - flirty edition!

overview: intros the reader could have with fujin, kung lao & noob saibot - flirty edition!

pairing: fujin, kung lao & noob saibot x gender neutral reader, romantic

genre: fluff, spice, slight angst

a/n: hey anon! of course! i had a blast writing this! thanks for the request. i hope you love it! (someone needs to catch the oppenheimer reference i snuck in here.)

x fujin

(Y/N): How’s the braid?

Fujin: You did a great job on it.

(Y/N): Can I become your braider from now on?

(Y/N): What’s it like being a demigod?

Fujin: Sometimes, I wish I could lead a simple life… with you. 

(Y/N): Your purpose is greater than that, Fujin. 

Fujin: I never thought I’d feel this way for anybody.

(Y/N): It hurts, doesn’t it?

Fujin: Like the wind, I must keep flying away, but I will always pass by you. 

(Y/N): You almost seem like a mortal to me. 

Fujin: How so?

(Y/N): Cause you’re bearable, unlike Raiden. 

Fujin: Your eyes are captivating, Y/N.

(Y/N): Have you seen yours?

Fujin: I guess they are pretty bright, aren’t they?

(Y/N): What’s it like to fly?

Fujin: A breath of fresh air. 

(Y/N): If I win this, you’re taking me flying. 

(Y/N): I can’t imagine the weight of the responsibilities you carry. 

Fujin: I certainly have a lot of people to protect. 

(Y/N): You protect them, and I’ll protect you.

Fujin: You’re strong and capable. 

(Y/N): Much like yourself. 

Fujin: Yet I’m not powerful enough to quit yearning for you. 

(Y/N): Could you blow a gust of wind my way? I’m sweating. 

Fujin: What’s got you so clammy?

(Y/N): Being around you. 

(Y/N): I wanna be as cool as you someday.

Fujin: You have a lot to learn, Y/N.

(Y/N): I bet you could teach me.

Fujin: You mean a lot to me. 

(Y/N): Not enough, by the looks of it. 

Fujin: You could learn something by doing this.

x kung lao

(Y/N): You’ve got an impressive physique. 

Kung Lao: Tell me something I don’t know.

(Y/N): Not even a ‘thank you’?

Kung Lao: Does this count as our first date?

(Y/N): Do you see me kicking your ass as a date?

Kung Lao: Bold of you to think you’re gonna win.

(This is based on an intro in the MK11 game!)

Kung Lao: Double date with Liu Kang and Kitana?

(Y/N): I’d rather just go with you. 

Kung Lao: You know I could never deny you that. 

(Y/N): Don’t get ahead of yourself, Kung Lao.

Kung Lao: I’m beating that prank, just wait!

(Y/N): Just admit that I’m the better prankster. 

(Y/N): C’mon, quit frowning so much!

Kung Lao: You like my smile that much?

(Y/N): And your dimples. 

Kung Lao: You need to know your worth.

(Y/N): That means a lot coming from Mr. Cocky himself. 

Kung Lao: My cockiness is justified. 

(Y/N): Don’t go easy on me!

Kung Lao: I won’t - I see what you’re made of.

(Y/N): So you’re admitting I’m winning?

Kung Lao: C’mon, sweetheart, you know you want me.

(Y/N): This is the fifth time you’ve asked this week. 

Kung Lao: Not one date?

Kung Lao: Well, you look stunning.

(Y/N): You don’t look so bad, yourself. 

Kung Lao: We are one good-looking duo. 

x noob saibot

(Y/N): I don’t think you’re all that evil. 

Noob Saibot: Think again, Y/N.

(Y/N): I see you, Bi-Han. 

Noob Saibot: Join me in the Netherrealm. 

(Y/N): You’re too weak to kill me.

Noob Saibot: You will be beside me eventually.

Noob Saibot: Death has no allies.

(Y/N): You don’t scare me.

Noob Saibot: You know I do, Y/N.

(Y/N): It’s painful to see you like this. 

Noob Saibot: Now that I’m more powerful than ever?

(Y/N): Now that you’re heartless.

(Y/N): You’ve become a vessel of yourself. 

Noob Saibot: I have become death himself. 

(Y/N): Bi-Han isn’t “death himself.”

Noob Saibot: I felt something for you.

(Y/N): Felt?

Noob Saibot: Death doesn’t feel. 

Noob Saibot: Your soul is the one I want the most. 

(Y/N): As long as you’re like this - you’re not getting it.

Noob Saibot: Dare deny your precious Bi-Han?

Noob Saibot: I used to feel.

(Y/N): I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.

Noob Saibot: You’re the only one I felt something for.

(Y/N): What is it you want, Bi-Han?

Noob Saibot: I want your soul.

(Y/N): Even when you’re dead, you want me.

[simp4pedropascal75]

"Everywhere." (dbf!joel x reader)

summary: Before beginning to work in your new job, you decided to visit your dad in Texas for the whole summer break. What you didn't know is, that you would meet your teenager's crush, your dad's best friend, again. Joel fucking Miller.

words: 5.4k

trigger warnings: dbf!Joel, age gap (reader is in her 20s, Joel is in his early 40s), no!outbreak!Joel, some mentions of y/n, a little bit angst, 18+, smut (f!nger!ng, praising, s3x, ect.)

a/n: well, it's been a while since I posted. I hope you're all doing well and I hope you'll enjoy this new ff. <3

(sorry for spelling mistakes, english is still not my first language)

-------------------♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡-------------------

It has been two months now since you have this special affair. Every time you sneak over to him, your breath quickens, and butterflies fly around in your stomach when you’re getting nearer to him.

Every time you lay in bed alone, you feel his hands and his kisses all over you.

Every time you think of him, thinking of every night you two had… you can't bear the ache between your legs.

But it is not just the sex…

Every time you’re with him, you forget all your worries and fears.

Every time you're with him, he makes you feel safe.

He makes you feel loved.

He makes you feel alive.

When you think of all this, it is just perfect.

But it's not.

No one can know.

No one can know that you sneak out mostly every night to go to him.

No one can know how you feel about him.

No one can see.

It has to be a secret.

When you’re not alone, you just have to act like your just neighbours…

Even if you are neighbours.

It’s not easy. It’s hard.

But even if the fear of having to end everything doesn’t let you go… it doesn’t keep you from doing it.

Maybe someday, you can let everybody see.

See that you love him.

But that’s all just in your head. You love him, you really do, but… it’s complicated.

You don’t know if he really feels the same way about you do.

But there’s one thing you really know.

You’re in love with Joel Miller.

Yes, the Joel Miller who’s nearly twenty years older than you.

The Joel Miller who’s you’re neighbour and has known you since you’re a teenager.

The Joel Miller you’ve watched doing work in his garden.

The Joel Miller with these beautiful eyes and strong arms.

And… the Joel Miller who’s unfortunately your dad’s best friend.

You were 14 when you moved to Texas with your dad. It was shortly after your mom and dad’s divorce. He got the legal custody of you. And you were kind of relieved that you didn’t have to live with your mother. Sometimes in the past, she got pretty impulsive towards you and your parents just kept fighting. But you still have some contact with her.

So, it was good to begin all over again. You went to a new school, made some friends and all kinds of that stuff. Your dad also found a new job and got along with the neighbors, especially Joel Miller.

They got along pretty well, since they were both a single dad with one daughter.

But all besides that, you never really knew him. You waved him when you saw him outside.

When he was over at, your dad's house you simply said hello. You never really wanted to talk to your dads' friends.

But everything changed when you became older. You remember how your dad asked you to look after Joel 8 years old daughter Sarah and you didn’t say no to that. It was a good way of earning some money of your own.

So, you’re started with 18 to babysit Joel's daughter. And that’s when you started getting a slight crush on him. You noticed over time that you feel different with him than with the two or three boys in your age, you dated in the past. Over the two years you’ve started getting an immense crush on him, but it was hopeless. It was just a dream fantasy of him and you getting together since he was that older than you. Just a teenager’s crush.

At the end of 19 you left for college in Louisiana and told yourself to grow up. You studied philosophy and even if it wasn’t always so easy, you finished from college and then even got a job as a professor in another university to teach philosophy.

But before you started working in your new job, there was a long summer break. And after all the learning and writing exams, you deserved it the most.

You decided to visit your dad in Texas and stay there for the whole break because you didn’t see him often for the past years. You also wanted to spend your 26th birthday with him and in your second hometown.

You pulled over your car in the driveway and parked. As you got out of the car, your dad already walked towards you. “Oh, there’s my girl!”, he smiled happily and hugged you tightly. “It’s so good to be back home!”, you said. Your dad and you small talked for a bit while he was getting out your luggage out of the car. Suddenly, you heard a very familiar voice.

“Hey buddy”, you heard, and you turned around. You saw them talking and then saw who he was.

“Hey, you still remember …?”, your dad says but you already finished the sentence in your thoughts.

Joel.

When he stands in front of you, you freeze. He looks even hotter than before…

How can someone look that good in his 40s?

You cleared your throat. “Yea- of course”, you responded. Your heart begins to race. ��Umm- How’s Sarah?”, you asked firmly. “She’s doing really well. She’s on a vacation with some of her school friends for the whole summer break. But she would be so happy to see you”, you remembered him replying with his texan accent.

And that’s how everything started. You saw him way more often and talked to him when he was at your dad’s house. He made you laugh and feel safe. Every time he was just near you, you couldn’t think rationally. The first weeks after your arrival, you spend a lot of time with Joel since there was a lot going on your dad’s work.

Every morning after breakfast you went over to his house and you two played UNO, chess or simple board games. He showed you around the neighbourhood and told you everything you’ve missed while your away. You noticed that during the time you spent together, he looked at you in a different way. You thought you’re just being delusional, but he acted differently towards you, but differently good.

You often caught him staring at you, every time he called you “darling” or “princess”, you got goosebumps and when you teased him, which you loved, he got so nervous.

There was just this tension between you two.

And one day, it just happened. You were at his house and put on your shoes to go home because it was already kind of late and you wanted to get home before your dad did.

Joel was sitting on the couch, watching football. “You’re sure you got everything?”, he asked you while looking at the TV. “Yea- I think so”, you replied and put on your jacket. You put your hands in your pockets and noticed that you forgot your keys. They were lying next to Joel on the other side of the couch.

You smirked, walked over to him and bend right over his lap to grab your keys. “ ‘just need to grab my keys…”, you mumbled and felt his whole body getting tense. “I know what you’re doing...”, you remember him mumbling under his breath.

“I’m not doing anything, old man”, you chuckled, grabbed your keys and walked towards the door. He stood up and you thought he would open the door for you, like he always did, like a gentleman. But now he was just standing there.

“Well, I wish you a good night, then”, you smiled and opened the door half way, until he closed it. He pushed you against it and the next second you felt his lips on yours. You froze and the butterflies in your belly got crazy. Your heart was racing but you immediately wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him back.

And that’s how this whole affair thing started.

Nearly every night you sneaked out to him, like today.

You’re in his bedroom and the only thing you can hear is heavy breathing, moans and skin clapping together. “Joel-“, you breath out while you’re lying on your stomach, and he’s fucking you from behind.

His one hand grabbing your waist and the other hand pulling your hair back, makes your eyes roll back. “Fuck, you’re so fucking tight-“, he groans and thrusting into you even deeper.

You squeeze your eyes together, slowly feeling that very familiar feeling in your lower stomach. “Joel, I’m gonna-“, he cuts you off.

“No, not now. I wanna look at you-“, he gasps, and you suddenly feel an emptiness in you, as he pulls out.

“Joel-“, you whine, and he flips you around on your back. “Shh, you can take it”, he breathes. He leans over you and kisses you passionately. His tongue explores your mouth, and you still can taste yourself in his mouth from him eating you out earlier.

His hand slides over your belly, grabbing your breast and squeezing them harshly while his other hand spreads your legs. He breaks the kiss, and you gasp for air. You look right into his eyes… his beautiful eyes.

He rubs his tip over your wet pussy, teasing you. “Fuck Joel- I cant-“, you whimper and bite your lower lip. “You can…”, he whispers and pushes his hard dick into you.

You moan satisfied as the emptiness fades away. He begins thrusting into you while his hand is slowly wrapping around your neck.

“You’re such a good girl…”, he groans and pushing your waist into the mattress. It doesn’t take you long for you to feel that familiar feeling again. Joel feels it too.

Between your loud moans and breaths, you want to say it, but he places his lips on yours. “I know, baby… me too”, he breaths. Everything gets tense in your body.

You chuckle slightly, but your chuckle fades quickly, by feeling him directly hitting your g-spot. Your moans get louder and you roll back your eyes.

“Look at me…”, he slightly growls by being just concentrated on you. You feel his dick twitching inside of you. You pull yourself together and look at him. His strong arms, six-pack shining in the moonlight that comes through the window.

“My beautiful girl…”, he moans, and that’s it

“Cum for me.”, and you do. You cum all over his dick which leaves you breathless. You look at him, while he continues thrusting into you two more times, until you see his mouth opening and feeling him filling you right up.

You come fresh out of the shower wearing comfy shorts and a white tank top. You put your towel dried hair up in a bun and walk downstairs to the kitchen. You hear the shower still running upstairs, since Joel is still in there.

You walk to the fridge and open it. You get out a beer for Joel and an ice cream for you. You close the fridge and walk to the living room, placing the cold beer on the table and take a quick look at the clock.

12pm

While eating your ice cream, you look at Joels house plants, which just nearly survived because of you. You chuckle sightly and begin watering them.

“they would already be dead if I didn’t had you“, you hear Joels voice say behind you.

“I know”, you reply quietly and concentrated on the plants. You hear Joel sit down on the couch and open his beer. As you keep watering the plants, you see Joel searching for the TV remote.

“it is literally right next to you”, you sigh and let out a chuckle. You put the watering can away and jump on the couch next to him. His stare is fixed on the TV while he drinks his beer. You rest your head on his shoulder and he puts his hand on your thigh, caressing it.

“Joel”, you mumble and keep watching TV.

“Hm..?”, he hums.

“Í have been thinking about… well, how this all will go on, when the summer break ends..”, you whisper cautious, watching his reaction directly.

All you hear is a sigh from him while he takes a sip from his beer. “go on?”, he replies focused on the TV. You gulp, moving away from him and sitting up.

“well yes- how will this thing go on?”, you ask more seriously, pointing on him and you. “or don’t you want it goes on?”, you mumble, feeling your heart getting heavier.

“‘never really thought about it-“´, he replies with a sound like he doesn’t really give a shit, he’s just concentrated on his TV. You scoff and get up. You grab your bag pack and walk to the entrance, slipping into your shoes.

“wait-“, Joel sighs and you hear him get up. “that’s not what I meant”, he mumbles and rubs his forehead while watching you.

“well, I think its really clear what you mean and think”, you scoff again and grab your jacket. “look- I never really thought about it”, he grabs your hand and pulls you towards him.

“I don’t know what you expect from me-“, he mumbles. Your heart gets heavier again, and you shake your hand, while you can't believe what’s really going on.

“what I expect you to-“, you stop and take a deep breath, “I’ll go, my dad will come back from work soon”, you whisper and get your hand out of his grip.

Opening the door. “good night, Joel”, you mumble and walk to your house. The last thing you hear from Joel was a loud sigh, and then the closing of the door.

——

You’re laying in your bed, staring at the ceiling. The bright sunlight was shining through the window. You think about last night and sigh.

‘Did he really never thought about it…?’, you think to yourself.

You stand up and walk over to your desk. You look in the mirror, noticing some hickeys on your neck.

Your mind plays back last night, his lips pressed on your neck, while his fingers are buried inside of you. How he- “y/n, would you come down please?”, you hear your dad calling from downstairs, ripping you out of your thoughts.

“Yes!”, you reply and sigh. You quickly grab your cute summer dress out of your closet and quickly make yourself ready in the bathroom, covering up all these hickeys. While you run downstairs, you put your hair up in a messy bun. “What is it, dad?”, you ask loudly and walk into the kitchen.

“You remember how I talked about these grill party’s, every neighbour does for the neighbourhood? Today its my turn”, you hear him talking out of the living room, while you grab yourself a coke. “yeah, what about it?”, you ask, making your way into the living room.

“well, I need your help in organising, Joel isn’t enough, you know”, he laughs, and you freeze in the doorway, looking at Joel who’s sitting next to your dad on the couch.

“Joel is helping us since we’ll help him next week when he has to do the grill party”, your dad says, looking with a smirk to Joel. You don’t answer.

“hey? Did you hear what I said, lazy head?”, your dad laughs while Joel looks at you. “yea- um sorry. I heard you”, you mumble as you pull yourself together and clear your throat. “I mean, yea, I can help you. What should I do?”, you ask, trying to ignore Joel and just looking at your dad.

“well, while I get everything prepared here, you and Joel can get groceries shopping”, he suggests and takes a look at Joel, looking for a reply.

“Sure”, Joel replies and gives him a pat on his back. “I mean-“, you get cut off. “We’re already on our way”, Joel says and gets up, grabbing his cars keys which are laying on the couch. You scoff, shaking your head. “Come on”, Joel calls and opens the door.

“bye dad”, you mumble quietly and grab your shoes, putting them on and walking through the door, towards his car.

“Thanks for asking me”, you whisper annoyed and open the car door and take a seat.

“You’re welcome, darling”, Joel replies and gets in the front seat and starts the engine. As he begins driving, you let the window down and close your eyes, relaxing under the warm breeze on your face.

“how did you sleep?”, Joel suddenly asks, trying to smalltalk and you chuckle. “you’re really bad at small talk, you know that? But I didn’t sleep well, no”, you reply and watch the kid's playing soccer as you pass by a house.

“look, because of yesterday-“, Joel begins talking but then stops. He rubs his forehead and takes a deep breath.

“I-“, he tries. “we’re there”, you cut him off and directly as he parks you get out of the car.

You have no nerves for this now.

You two arrive back at your home, and take out the whole groceries, placing them on the kitchen counter.

“thanks you two”, your dad says as he walks past you, kind of stressed. “I’ll be back in a minute, I need to go over to Veronica”, he shouts since he’s already out of the door. Veronica is one of your neighbours, she’s a really nice old lady.

You look over to Joel next to you, who just finished taking out all the groceries. You suddenly feel his hands on your waist, turning you around and pressing you against the kitchen counter.

You let out a sigh. “Joel-“, you mumble and try to get out of his grip. “Look at me”, he says clearly and stern.

“Come on, now-“, you whine and he pushes you against the counter even more. “I said, look at me”, he stated. You roll your eyes and look up to him. “what?”, you whisper annoyingly.

The next thing you feel are his lips pressed on yours. You try to resist, but your body replies to him by opening your mouth, allowing his tounge to explore yours. You wrap your arms around his neck and pull him down to you.

“I’m sorry…”, he breathes as you pause the kiss. “I’m sorry about yesterday.. of course I want all this to keep going, but- it’s just difficult”, he mumbles and presses his lips on yours again.

“I know…”, you murmur against his lips.

“we’ll figure something out…”, he whispers as he stops the kiss again and caresses your cheek.

You let out a slight smile and nod. You look right into his eyes and that’s when this desire kicks in again. You immediately slam your lips on his again, grabbing onto his shirt. You grab his hand, placing it on your clothed breast. He squeezes it harshly, rubbing with his fingers in circles around your nipple.

You whimper into the kiss, feeling this ache between your legs again. You grab his hand, leading it down your stomach, but he stops. “We can’t- your dad.”, he points out and stops.

“he’s not there yet- I need you…”, you whisper desperately into his ear.

Joel hesitates. “fuck…”, he hisses under his breath. That’s when his hand slips under your dress, pushing away your panties and sliding two fingers into your wet pussy. You let out a satisfied moan and let your head fall back.

“You need to be quick, baby”, he mumbles into your ear while he grabs your waist with his other hand, so he can support you in standing. His fingers slide in and out, searching after your soft spot. As he finds this spot, your moans get louder and your legs weaker.

“fuck, joel…”, you breath out, squeezing your eyes together as you feel your climax building up in your lower stomach. “come on, baby..”, he whispers into your ear while he hits this exact spot with his fingers. You hear the door unlock. As he feels you’re cumming, he covers your mouth with his hand.

“cum for me, sweetheart…”, he demands as he hits this spot one last time and you cum with a loud moan, which his hand muffles.

“I’m back”, you two hear your dad call and hear his steps getting nearer the kitchen. He pulls his fingers out of you, releases you out of his grip and licks off his fingers. You pull down your dress again and that’s when your dad comes in.

“everything okay?”, he asks with a smile and you nod, still out of breath.

“yea”, you reply and give him a forced smile back.

‘That was close’, you think to yourself.

“Well then, let’s make everything ready for tonight”, he chuckles and walks out of the kitchen. You take a glance at Joel, who’s still a little shocked since you two almost got caught. You go on tiptoes and place a kiss on his cheek. You take the groceries and carry them out to the garden, with Joel looking after you.

You hear so many laughters coming out of the garden while you’re in the kitchen to grab some drinks for outside. The whole garden was full, since almost the whole neighbourhood was there.

You go out, with all the drinks in your hand, placing them on the table. You take a glass of water and give it to Veronica, the old lady, which as your neighbour.

“thank you, sweetheart”, she says with a kind smile. You look around, and see everyone chatting, drinking or eating. Your stare falls on Joel, who was talking and laughing with your dad while they are standing at the grill.

‘He would never really approve of you and Joel, would he?’

You sigh.

But you remember Joel words…

“We’ll figure something out“

And that’s how the next following weeks kept going. You keep sneaking over to him at night. But your dad often noticed or saw you going out when he came home late from work, and then you always had to come up with some random excuse.

You slowly noticed that your dad has got quiet of sceptical and tried to talk about you once because you always go out late. But you’re a adult. And you really couldn’t care, all you could care about was him.

Joel Miller.

It was midnight and you and Joel are laying in his bed. You lay in his arms while he’s running his fingers through your hair. Your breath was still fast, 5 minutes ago he fucked the shit out of you.

You feel so safe and comfortable in his arms, but thinking about that you have to go back to Louisiana… You let out a sigh and hug him tightly.

“you’re okay?”, you hear Joel mumbling. You nod slowly, “yea”

Joel knows exactly what’s on your mind. “tell me, when you could go anywhere you want on this earth, where would it be?”, he asks and looks down at you.

You chuckle slightly. “I don’t know… I always wanted to see the northern lights”, you reply.

“why are you asking?”, you ask confused and sit up, pulling the blanket over your body.

“maybe I can take you there someday”, he mumbles and gives you a slight smirk.

You roll your eyes. “yea sure…”, you mumble.

“somewhere else too?”, he raises his eyebrows and sits up too.

“come on joel, don’t play with me”, you hit him playfully. “no, I mean it”, he grabs your waist and pulls you onto his lap.

“something else?”, he asks again.

“hmm… maybe- the maldives… I was never on the maldives”, you whisper.

“noted.”, he mumbles and pretends to write it down. You giggle. “somewhere else?”, he asks again with a smile.

God, how you love his smile.

“really? You don’t even have that much money, old man”, you chuckle as he grabs you by your waist again and pushes you in the mattress while leaning over you.

“i don’t care, i’ll take you wherever you wanna go.”, he whispers and looks right into your eyes. Your thoughts about you leaving immediately vanish and you give him a smile. He presses his lips on yours.

“everywhere?”, you mumble into his kiss while your heart was pounding like crazy.

He nods. “everywhere.”,

He replies and places kisses on your neck, while he slowly moves down your stomach. You bite your lip, looking at him how he disappears under the blanket between your legs. You let out a soft moan as you feel his lips pressed against your clit and give yourself totally to him.

You put on your shoes while the sun starts to come out slowly. “i’ll come back tonight, then”, you mumble tired and go on tiptoes to place a kiss on Joel’s lips. He hums against your lips in agreement.

“I thought about showing you how to play guitar…”, he whispers while his lips can’t leave yours. You let out a chuckle, “okay…”.

You grab your jacket and open the door. “see you then”, you smile and walk out the door.

You’re in town alone. You’re walking around the shopping centre to get some ingredients for your birthday cake. You’ll get 26 years old in 4 days.

Old, you think.

While you were grocery shopping, Joel was knocking at the door of your dads house.

Your dad opens the door. “Hey buddy, what do you need?”, he asks and leans against the doorframe.

“I need to borrow this toolkit of yours, ‘need to repair something”, Joel says and clears his throat. “Yea sure, come in”, your dad smiles and walks with him into the living room. “Wait here”, he says and after some minutes he comes back with the toolkit and hands it over to Joel.

“Thanks, buddy”, Joel replies and gives him a pat on your dads back.

Joel makes his way to the exit. “Hey um, I wanted to ask you something”, your dad stops Joel. He turns around and raises his eyebrows. “sure, what is it?”, Joel replies.

“well um- I noticed y/n sneaking around at night and coming home super tired- I mean, I know she’s a grown up, but she’s still my daughter. I’m just a little concerned , since we usually talk about almost everything“, your dad says and Joel gulps.

“do you know anything? You know, since you two spend some time together while I was working, I’m really grateful for that, buddy”, your dad continues, and Joel pulls himself together.

“sure- no thing, but I know nothing, sorry”, Joel mumbles and shrugs his shoulders. “okay… yea, I just don’t want her to get in trouble or anything, not that she sneaks around with some creep or something“, your dad laughs.

Joel let’s out a fake laugh too while a wave of guilt runs over his whole body.

“you’ll tell me, when you know something, right? Since we’re buddies?”, your dad asks and places his hand on Joel’s shoulder.

“Sure”, Joel replies and takes a deep breath.

“I’ll have to get going then”, he clears his throat again and your dad nods.

“sure, good luck with the toolkit”, your dad smiles and waves at him while Joel walks over the street to his house.

It was 10pm and you walk over Joel’s house with these butterflies in your stomach going crazy again and knock on the door. He opens it.

“Hey”, you say with a smile and go on tiptoes to give him a kiss, but he turns his head. You look at him confused.

“You’re okay?”, you chuckle and stand in front him, waiting for him to answer. He lets out a sigh and rubs his forehead.

“fuck…”, he mumbles under his breath while you raise one eyebrow.

“look- this can’t go on”, he finally speaks out and your heart literally drops.

“w-wait what?”, you stutter in shock and can’t believe this is real right now.

“this won’t and can’t work out.”, he points at you and him.

“what the fuck, joel. Yesterday, you talked with me that you would take me everywhere on this world- and now, you’re like- ending it?”, you repeat everything to make it yourself clear what’s happening right now.

“Look- this was a huge mistake. It’s just too complicated and-“, you cut him off.

“You said, we’ll figure something out“, you get louder and more upset while everything around you gets hotter and your eyes wetter.

“well- unfortunately we can’t. It can’t go on like this, y/n. you need to find someone else”, he mumbles stern.

“find someone else?!”, you repeat and can’t believe every word what’s coming out of his mouth.

“what the actual fuck… I thought you loved me-“, you nearly shout and a tear runs down your cheek.

“love you? I never loved you-“, he suddenly says out loud without thinking. And that’s when your whole world stands still. You stare at him with tears in your eyes.

“fuck you, joel.”, you hiss and slap him right into the face.

Then you just turn around and walk over to your house again, trying to control the emotions which are running through your whole body right now. You quickly wipe your tears away and go into your room, not looking back.

And just like that, everything ended.

It has been four days now since Joel ended this special affair.

You didn’t sneak over to him anymore, but your breath still quickens, and butterflies fly around in your stomach when you see him, but this time, with a sharp pain right into your stomach.

Every time you lay in bed alone, you feel his hands and his kisses all over you.

Every time you think of him, thinking of every night you two had… you can't bear the ache between your legs.

But it was not just the sex…

Every time you were with him, you forgot all your worries and fears.

Every time you were with him, he made you feel safe.

He made you feel loved.

He made you feel alive.

When you think of all this, it was just perfect.

But it wasn’t.

No one could’ve known.

No one could’ve known that you sneaked out mostly every night to go to him.

No one can know how you still feel about him.

No one can see.

It had to be a secret.

When you’re not alone, you just have to act like your just neighbours, what you now just are.

It’s still not easy. It’s hard.

But now that the fear of having to end everything came true… it keeps you from doing it.

Now it’s just a fantasy that maybe someday, you can let everybody see.

See that you love him.

But that’s all just in your head. You love him, you really do, but… it’s more than complicated.

You know that he doesn’t really feel the same way about you do.

But there’s one thing you really know.

You’re in love with Joel Miller.

Yes, the Joel Miller who’s nearly twenty years older than you.

The Joel Miller who’s you’re neighbour and has known you since you’re a teenager.

The Joel Miller you’ve watched doing work in his garden.

The Joel Miller with these beautiful eyes and strong arms.

The Joel Miller who’s unfortunately your dad’s best friend.

And… The Joel Miller who broke your heart in thousand pieces.

You sit in front your birthday cake. Your dad nearly invited the whole neighborhood and now everyone waits for you to blow out your candles. You know Joel’s here too and you feel his eyes on you. That’s when the sharp pain kicks in again.

You look up from your cake and see him leaned against the doorframe of the living room.

‘You’ll regret it, Joel’, you think to yourself.

Then you look on your candles again and blow them out.

“Happy fucking birthday to me”

[spectralreplica]

But do you think the plan will work?

Oumota: tarot reading edition! I had this idea during Oumota Week and just got around to finishing it now 😔. At first I thought about giving Sun to Kaito and Moon to Kokichi (a la Reversed Sun by grayimperia), but I think it works better to have them both in each card, to highlight the parallels. (If you want more explanation of my design thoughts, I'll put it under a cut at the end.)

General tarot meanings:

The Sun: happiness, confidence, success, optimism, innocence/childhood, inspiring others, internal motivation, truth

The Moon: illusion, imagination, uncertainty, secrets, confusion, intuition/the subconscious, fears influencing you, insecurity

The Star: hope, regaining inspiration, renewal, healing, moving on, new purpose, calm after the storm (Reversed Star: despair, lack of faith, pessimism, boredom, anxiety, being overwhelmed by past problems)

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I feel like while Kaito is naturally more Sun coded and Kokichi more Moon coded, they have some qualities of both cards. And Star vs Reversed Star is so temping to bring in for DR.

I was thinking of it as a past, present, future kind of reading, but also maybe situation, action, outcome. Starting out with high self confidence and some childish black and white thinking. (Maybe a little over confident and childish to the point of egotism and inflexibility, shades of reversed sun...). Covering for insecurities by projecting a fake persona to everyone around, doubling down on the lies and self-deception a la chapter 5. Finally, either coming through everything stronger, with renewed hope, or else crashing and burning, overwhelmed by unacknowledged issues that have built up.

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As for the specific imagery...

Sun: I stuck pretty close to the traditional imagery here. The flag/banner has their respective prints on it, and I put Kaito on Mars while Kokichi remains on Earth. It's also sundown or sunset for Kokichi; is he moving towards the Moon or away? The horse is obv. very chess piece inspired. Kokichi gets his King Horse a la the mask on his bed, and I gave Kaito a pegasus because flying.

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Moon: Moving a little bit away from traditional imagery as more of the canon situation seeps in, but still pretty close. The moon floats "outside" the cage, wearing their respective false faces. (We know from the ending that the skyline on those glass panels isn't real...) They both have an Exisal in the background in place of one of the towers, but Kaito has a bamboo grove a la Princess Kaguya; Kaguya came from the moon and she will go back, no matter how much people on Earth love her. Kokichi has one of the racks that sits beside shrines where you're supposed to tie bad/unlucky omikuji (paper fortunes) so that the bad luck doesn't follow you; living in purposeful denial of bad things, but they lurk there on the horizon.

They both still have at least one dog/wolf, but I gave Kokichi a fox because of their association with being tricksters. Also, wolves and foxes, as predators, are framed as villains in stories, but at the same time it's also not uncommon to see them as heroes (stereotype of predator/hunter vs stereotype of bravery/nobility and cleverness). Also, contrast of fox and hound, like the clash of Kokichi presenting himself as childish + annoying vs a genuine threat. Kaito has the dog, monkey, and pheasant that accompanied Momotaro, continuing his fairytale theme.

Everyone seems to argue over what the crawfish means in the original, but I went with the interpretation of moving from water to land, evolution, things coming to the surface. So, Kaito has a koi. I think most people know about the "koi climbs a waterfall and becomes a dragon" thing because of Magikarp, but here it is again just in case! Kaito's got an aquatic creature struggling against its nature in hopes of someday actually transforming into something grander. Kokichi has a poison dart frog. Already amphibious, so it can go between water and land freely, but visibly harmful to anyone who tries to get close.

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Star: The least traditional imagery and the most V3 canon imagery. There's still a tree, but it's a pine tree. ...I dunno, no explanation for that, it just looked nice 🤷‍♀️The two jugs are replaced with the poison and antidote bottles. Originally, they're supposed to represent the conscious and subconscious and pour in two different places, but here they're mixing together directly. V3 resolves the "truth vs lies" theme by arguing you have to accept ambiguity. Also, Kaito and Kokichi's whole plan rests on them managing to work together to obscure exactly who is in the Exisal in the end.

There's a figure in the foreground in Kaito's jacket, but they're just a silhouette (a la the culprit); it's not either of them, it's both, and they're reaching beyond the bounds of the game. The star in the sky is ringed by the trial podiums, since all of their hope for the future rests in derailing the next trial. Can they win? Well, Shuichi and Kiibo are at the top, the two people they (or at least Kokichi...) know can be problems, but Tsumugi is specifically blocked from view, always overlooked...

[vee-art-zone]

God i wish Igloos got the same structure love that 1.20 gave to ocean ruins, wells and desert temples. I hope I've made it clear that the snowy biomes are imo the least interesting biome in MC to explore and potentially my least favorite overall. When I'm flying around with my elytra exploring for new loot (as i often am) I find myself instinctively turning around when I hit a snowy biome because even my subconscious knows there's no unique loot to be found there.

Let's compare the Snowy Plains with a biome that is, in many ways, its counterpart - The Desert. One hot and one cold, but both barren, flat, devoid of most passive mobs to set up farms, and chock full of rabbits. The differences though, lie in the loot and structures tied to these 2 biomes.

The Desert:

Best source of Sand, one of the last major non-renewable resources that have endgame players returning to them to gather it up by the boxful

Cacti (also found in badlands, the desert's cousin) are the only source of Green dye.

Are the only biome whos representative village has a unique mob - the Camel. A reliable mount, players are encouraged to seek out 2 desert villages to breed up a population of camels.

Desert temples have, hands down, the best loot for their place in the game. 4 chests that regularly have diamonds, enchanted books, gunpowder, gold, and an exclusive Armor Trim? Also have an archaeology pit with 4 exclusive sherds

Even desert wells have 2 sherds to their name, making 6 of these collectable trinkets exclusive to deserts.

Ranking: A biome I make sure to scour every inch of when I find one to loot every structure there for the minerals, trims and sherds. and return to again and again to grab extra sand and eventually bring Camels home.

Now let's look at the Tundra:

You need 8 snowballs (which can be found far more plentifully in biomes far more interesting) to make a snow golem, giving you access to infinite snow and no reason to return here

Polar Bears are semi-exclusive to this biome, although can also be found in Frozen Oceans (which have more loot courtesy of the shipwrecks and ocean ruins). However, Polar Bears are imo one of the least interesting animals in MC, due to being unbreedable and not really. Doing anything. (As much as I preach not every mob needs a 'Use'™, they should still have interesting behaviors and Do Things. There's not a whole lot the player can do with polar bears to inspire the imagination. I'd love to see them get reworked and polished someday!)

Ice Spikes are interesting biomes with basically nothing in them other than the pretty scenery (which I'll admit is very pretty, it gets points for that). It used to be the only source of the highly-useful Packed Ice block, until 1.13 made it 100x more plentiful in the much more common Frozen Ocean biome, and made it craftable from regular ice.

Snowy Villages are like finding any other village, but notedly without Hay Bales, arguably making them Worse to the seasoned minecraft player than finding any other village, even if they look nice)

The only Real unique structure to snowy biomes is Igloos, which have an interesting mechanic with the secret basement (that only half of all igloos actually Have) showing the player how to cure zombie villagers. While interesting and good for new players, there's no reason for experienced players to bother exploring igloos when the best thing to find in them is a single Golden Apple. Igloos should've gotten a unique armor trim!

Ranking: A biome whos lack of interesting treasure or animals makes them not worth the firework rockets it takes to fly through them.

The Snowy Plains is an important biome. Or at least, should be. It's the Snow Biome! It should have unique things like the Desert has unique things.

Maybe add a unique animal to tundra villages, like a Yak or a Muskox or something, to encourage noobs and pros alike to farm in the winter wonderland. Add a unique armor trim to igloo basement chests for new players who spawn in the snow biome to find, as well as maybe some Suspicious Snow blocks around it. Maybe some new pottery sherds or, since whoever lived here liked to experiment so much with DNA, maybe they've been trying to bring back a long-extinct species like the Sniffer. Hell, add a Snow Temple the same way deserts & jungles have temples, with loot chests and traps and whatnot! Something to make flying through the snowfields as much of a rip-roaring treasure hunting expedition as flying through the sand dunes is.

[deadtired-highkeyenergetic]

No One Else

This idea came to me whilst I was lying on my bed so here you Bucky fans go! You're welcome! Reader has fire powers in this fic and it's set in an AU where Bucky lives in the Avengers Tower + goes on missions with them.

Summary: Your marriage proposal to Bucky doesn't quite go how you expected it to...

"Can't believe we're actually doing Operation: Rescue the Genius Billionaire." You twirl the knife in your hand, sliding it into its sheath as you stand up, stretching.

"You're the one who volunteered for it. And then proceeded to volunteer me," Bucky snorts, double checking his rifle. "You only have yourself to blame for this."

"Hey, this means we'll probably get to share his black card. Think of all the expensive things we could buy!" You laugh. "Or at least I hope we'll be able to."

"Did you just sign us up for a dangerous mission with no guaranteed reward?" Bucky shakes his head, ruffling your hair. "If either of us die on this mission I'm blaming you."

"Good thing we're both pretty hard to kill." You flash him a grin, moving to the door of the plane. It's almost at your destination and adrenaline is coursing through your veins. Blue flames flicker at your fingertips, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice. You can't recall the last time you felt this excited to go on a mission, maybe it's the fact that you've been partnered up with your favourite super soldier after what feels like forever, maybe it's the fact that Tony is going to owe you a big favour after this, or maybe it's the thrill of the fight to come.

"Fortunately." Bucky hums, walking over to stand next to you. "The amount of stupidity you bring along on missions would've killed a normal person at least a hundred times over."

"Hey I'm blaming the influence a certain idiot has on me. You know, the idiot currently standing in the same plane as me because he couldn't turn me down." You feel Bucky place his hand on your back, patting you a few times before adding a little more force as the door opens and sends you flying out of the plane. Thousands of feet in the air without a parachute. This bastard.

A long string of swear words flow from your lips, spoken in every language you can think of and you swear Bucky is laughing from up inside the plane. You can picture it clearly, his lips quirking upwards, the mirth in his ice blue eyes, the pat on the back he definitely gave himself before diving out of the plane.

Oh.

You twist your body so that you face upwards just in time to see a figure diving towards you. More curses spill forth as said figure wraps his arms around you, grinning as if the both of you aren't falling through the air with no parachute in sight.

"You know you're not that light, right?" You grunt, resisting the urge to bite him.

"Pure muscle and a metal arm, doll." He flashes you a smirk as you try to pry the super soldier off you to no avail.

"If we both go splat on the ground it's your fault."

"Then you're just going to have to ensure that doesn't happen, doll. I'm counting on you." You hate it when he says those four words. It always makes you fold and he knows it.

"You — You're going to be the death of me someday," you scowl. He only laughs, brown hair fluttering in the wind as you both plummet towards the ground and you feel your chest grow strangely warm. Your heart pounds against the ribs that cage it, stomach flipping when his eyes meet yours, his gaze soft and carefree. "Don't regret relying on me."

"Do I ever?" His thumb brushes over your skin, electricity crackling at the contact and you nearly lose concentration. You swallow, pushing his face away and he laughs again, the sound a beautiful melody to your ears. Shoving your bubbling feelings down, you focus on your descent towards the ground that is coming up to meet you rather fast.

"Hang on tight!" Gathering the flames within you, you push them outwards via your feet and shoot towards the warehouse where Tony is being kept, adrenaline causing your lips to curl upwards into a maniacal grin. Blue flames roar around the both of you, under your firm control and devour the roof of the warehouse before it can even touch either of you.

"Look who finally decided to show up." Tony smirks, watching you and Bucky land in a fiery blaze next to him. "And with such a fiery entrance too, what a show-off."

"You're welcome." You roll your eyes, meeting Bucky's gaze. He nods, and you conjure a ring of flames around the three of you, pushing it outwards as he lunges at the nearest kidnapper. A quick flick of the wrist from you burns through the ropes holding Tony hostage and you turn your attention to the fight happening in front of you.

Dodging the swing of an electrified baton, you slam your foot into your attacker's chest, sending him stumbling backwards. Fire daggers follow suit, flying in his direction and he slams into the wall, slumping to the floor. Whirling around, you fire a blast of flame at someone who was trying to ambush Bucky from behind and throw up a flame wall to give the super soldier a moment of respite. He shoots you a glance and gives a signal before jumping through the blue wall of fire, unloading his rifle's magazine into the unfortunate souls in front of him. A quick reload later he spins around, taking aim and fires another barrage but this time around his bullets are reinforced by your flames, piercing through the air at a startling speed and hitting their targets.

It doesn't take long for the kidnappers to fall to the combined might of you and the Winter Soldier. Before long there's only three beings left standing in the warehouse — you, Bucky and Tony.

"Go team," Tony cheers sarcastically, clapping as he makes his way over. "Didn't expect either of you, really."

"You're welcome. Now as for payment, I'll take your black card for at least one week with no spending limit —" You're cut off as Bucky shoves you aside.

"Ignore the idiot. A helicopter is on its way to pick us up, it'll be here in fifteen." Bucky ignores the punches you're landing on his right shoulder and ruffles your hair.

"I'm the idiot? When you jumped out of the plane without a parachute?" You yelp, dodging his attempts to further mess up your hair.

"I knew you'd catch me. That's called trust, not idiocy."

"It's called idiocy when you dive straight at me in midair!"

"I knew you'd be able to create an entrance into the warehouse, I simply tagged along so we'd get here faster."

"We could have died if I couldn't conjure enough flame to send us both flying here!"

"But we didn't."

"That doesn't mean you're not an idiot! It just means I'm powerful enough, you idiot!"

"Maybe the idiocy is contagious. I think you've spread it to me, doll." He laughs, leaning out of the way of your punch. "We can be idiots together!"

"I'm not an idiot!" You tackle him to the ground which only causes him to laugh harder. He effortlessly blocks your fists, ice blue eyes twinkling with mirth before flipping you over, trapping you underneath his bulk.

"Don't worry doll, being an idiot isn't always a bad thing —"

"Get off me you oaf!" You howl.

Tony sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "The two of you argue like a married couple, just get married already and spare the rest of us."

Bucky blinks, staring at Tony while you push him off you, climbing to your feet.

"Yeah so when are we getting married?" You run your fingers through your hair, stretching. He stares at you blankly, mouth opening and closing. You see his throat bob, his metal fist clenching and unclenching — his usual signs of nervousness and feel your heart plummet. He doesn't say anything, not a single word falls from his snarky tongue. Your attention quickly shifts to the helicopter that has arrived just in time to prevent a lengthy period of awkward silence but the ride back to the Avengers Tower is filled with tension that makes even Tony uncomfortable.

Once the helicopter lands, Bucky doesn't even try to help you down. He simple leaves, walking straight to his room and locks the door without speaking a single word to you. You watch as he leaves, barely hearing Tony's passing apology through the ringing in your ears and feel a pit growing in your stomach.

Is this it? After all that time spent cultivating this relationship with Bucky that you love and cherish, this is how it ends?

After taking a much needed shower, you collapse onto your bed, staring up at the ceiling. Did you overstep? Had you read your relationship wrong? Curling underneath your blanket, you swallow the tears that threaten to spill over, fingernails digging into the flesh of your palm. You want nothing more than to take it all back, to preserve your relationship with Bucky. It brought you so much joy, happiness, even if sometimes you didn't act like it did. You had cherished all the time spent with him, whether it was fooling around or going on missions, the only thing that mattered was the fact that you had someone to tease, banter with, be yourself with.

"Y/N?" A voice sounds from outside your room door. Bucky. "May I come in?"

You pause, gripping the sheets. Your heart thunders, anxiety gnawing away at you but your hand finds its way to the door handle and pulls the door open anyways. The brunette shifts anxiously then pulls out a box of your favourite snacks, offering it to you.

"A peace offering?" He bites his lip, gaze flicking to everywhere but you.

"Sure." The word clogs up your throat and you take the box, stepping to the side to let him in. Closing the door behind you, you gesture to the bed. "You can take a seat there."

He nods, taking his usual spot on your bed and you take your seat next to him. He plays with the hem of his shirt, Adam's apple bobbing and exhales sharply. "Did you mean it? When you asked when we were getting married?"

You blink, mouth opening and closing before giving a nod. "I did."

The words come out as a whisper, your chest constricting and tears begin to blur your vision. "I'm sorry I —"

"No, you didn't do anything wrong." Bucky reaches over, taking your hand in his. "It's just…are you sure about it? I'm not someone you should be stuck with for the rest of your life. You deserve someone better, someone who can give you the life you deserve, the family you seek. I can't give you any of that."

"So who do you think can?" You squeeze his hand, looking him in the eye. "Tony? Steve?"

"Tony would be a pretty good choice. He's handsome, rich, can take care of you —"

"Yeah sure Tony is handsome. But he's not the one I call handsome, is he?" You lean in. "You're the one I call handsome."

"That — that's because —" His cheeks redden and he looks away, embarrassed.

"You're the one I want, not Tony, not Steve, not anyone else. I know what I'm getting into, proposing to you but I want this. I've never been more sure of anything in my life, I know I want you in my life forever, to be by my side forever, to intertwine my fate with yours and be yours as much as you are mine. I know the burdens you carry, you know the burdens I carry, and I'm willing to help you shoulder yours, if you will let me." You gently turn his face towards you, earnestly looking into his ice blue eyes. He locks gazes with you and you see the tears that have started to form.

"Will you?"

He blinks and tears start to flow down his cheeks. You simply continue to hold onto his hand and feel him squeeze yours.

"If you will have me."

You beam, pulling him in for a kiss that he returns with a hungry desperation and feel his metal arm wrap around you.

"Of course I will," you whisper breathlessly, breaking the kiss for air. "I love you, James."

"I love you too, Y/N." He cups your cheek with both hands, metal and flesh thumb brushing over your skin then presses his forehead against yours, closing his eyes.

"This wasn't how I expected my proposal to go, really. I had something way better planned out but Tony had to just go and ruin it." You chuckle softly and he smiles.

"You can propose to me again, doll. I don't mind."

"I'd quite like to get married, thank you very much handsome." You boop him on the nose, laughing at the way he wrinkles it immediately.

"So, Tony's black card?" He queries, ruffling your hair.

"Of course. We're going to put the wedding tab on him, on top of a few other valuable items as payment for rescuing him. He can't say no, not after he told us to get married." You grin, swatting his hand away before your hair can get messed up even further. "I can't wait to choose all the most expensive options."

Bucky huffs in amusement, catching your hand and presses a kiss to your palm. "I can't wait to get married to you. You're the only one for me, no one else."

"You're the only one for me," you echo, smiling. "No one else."

[mcflymemes]

PROMPTS FROM THE MANDALORIAN SEASON 2 *  assorted dialogue from the tv show, adjust as necessary

enjoy the fights.

they say it lives here. they say it sleeps.

i know you're good at killing.

where did you get the armor?

i'm sure you call the shots where you come from, but 'round here, i'm the one who tells folks what to do.

take it off. or i will.

i'm prepared to pay you for the information.

i'm not leaving my fate up to chance.

thank you for coming to me.

give it to me now, or i will peel it off your corpse.

you must promise you won't kill me.

i promise that you will not die by my hand.

that wasn't part of the deal.

you don't understand what it was like.

i've got an idea. get its attention.

maybe we can work something out.

they might be open to some fresh ideas.

i hope someday our paths will cross again.

we've heard the stories.

what am i supposed to do with this?

am i under arrest?

you might be in luck.

oh, stop your crying. you'll rust.

i'm not a taxi service.

i paraphrased.

what can i say? i'm an excellent judge of character.

i'll let you know if i see any.

how much will it cost me?

thank you for letting me know. i'll get right on it.

what the hell are you doing?

this was not a part of the deal.

if you hadn't guessed, we're in a tight spot.

that old thing's gonna break apart in this atmosphere.

are you sure you won't join us?

there's something i need to do.

this is more than i signed up for.

that planet is cursed. anyone who goes there dies.

i can lead you to one of their kind.

do you copy?

put some tea on. we'll be up in a minute.

i'll let you live.

we've been hitting them pretty hard.

this was the best you could do?

were you able to eliminate them?

looks like we made it. get ready for landing.

according to records, you're quite a soldier. we could really use you.

that was some pretty impressive flying.

can i at least buy you a drink?

i believe you two have met.

i'm surprised to see this place is still standing.

i'll take my chances down here.

we'll watch the doors.

can we talk business?

i'm only here for repairs.

you wanna come back here and try this? be my guest!

i'm sure we can work something out.

i cannot train him.

you've seen what he can do.

i must get back to the village.

i've seen him do things i can't explain.

show yourself. i've been expecting you.

you will learn nothing from me.

surrender, or face the consequences.

we must find a way to free them.

my price is high.

i believe this is your payment.

you made me a promise, and i held up my end.

your bounty hunter failed.

if you want my armor, you'll have to peel it off my dead body.

i give my allegiance to no one.

nice shot.

you look like you've just seen a ghost.

you may think you have some idea of what you're in possession of, but you do not.

it's all the same to these people.

hey, i'm just a realist. i'm a survivor, just like you.

let's get one thing straight. you and i are nothing alike.

everybody's got their line they don't cross until things get messy.

you did what you had to do.

everybody thinks they want freedom, but what they really want is order.

we got company. hang on.

you get to the roof. i'll drop in and pull you out.

hey, if you want to accuse me of something, then just say it.

let's just say they might recognize my face.

you're not going alone. i'm coming with you.

that's not how this works.

that was some nice shooting back there.

wish i could say it looked good on you, but i'd be lying.

i can't go in there.

are you a jedi?

that's who you belong with.

may the force be with you.

you're a disgrace to your armor.

i've heard your voice thousands of times.

i thought you were dead.

don't be afraid.

drop your weapon.

don't worry about me. just be careful in there.

i need your help.

you're sparing my life?

open the doors.

i suggest you shut your mouth.

[aceyalonso]

sera's tracks - 1k celebration

AHHHHHH 1K!!!! thank you so much, i honestly can't believe that I've reached a milestone like this because this blog started out as a joke (I wanted to see how long it would take my friends to find my blog), but here we are 🥹 I am so grateful for every single one of you 💗

similar to my 500 followers event (i swear i'll actually do this one!!), I'll give a list of songs and you guys can request.

These songs are some of my personal faves so there will be a good mix of genres for requests! there's a total of 10 songs + lyrics that you can use as a guide for what the fic/story will be (2 are songs I already have planned, the rest are up for grabs)

a/n: to my wonderful moots who i absolutely love and feel like i’ve known my entire life, @nepobbylver @iamred-iamyellow @cleopatrick-123 @emchante, i just want to say i love you guys!!!! mwah mwah mwah (I love my other moots too I swear, I just haven't had the opportunity to interact with them 😖)

how can i request?  send an ask, pairing a driver with the available songs!

↳ example: “hi! can i request [driver] + [song]? also can it be [choose from smut, angst, fluff, or a combination of any of the 2]?”

can i be added to the taglist? of course, just fill out the form below :)

↳ click me!

guide!

smut - [s] fluff - [f] angst -[a]

fics i have planned!

piano man - billy joel [f] - charles leclerc x fem!reader

butterflies - denise julia [f, s] - lando norris x fem!reader

open for requests!

guilty as sin? - taylor swift [read here] taken - oscar piastri x fem!reader - [a, s]

i keep recalling things we never did, messy top lip kiss, how i long for our trysts

these fatal fantasies giving way to labored breath, taking all of me, we’ve already done it in my head

without ever touching his skin, how can i be guilty as sin?

be with you - the ridleys taken - fernando alonso x fem!reader - [a, f, s]

someday i’ll make a home with you, it may be big, it may be small

but if the dreams don’t happen right away, that’s okay, i just wanna be with you every single day, for the rest of our lives

I'm gonna work on my temper, while you learn to speak your mind some more, i'll be more of a shelter and less of a storm

best friends brother - victoria justice [read here] taken - daniel ricciardo x fem!reader - [s]

i don’t know what i’m thinking, but is it wrong if i see him this weekend?

i kinda think that i might be his type, 'cause when you're not around, he's not acting too shy

i really hope i can get him alone, i just don’t want her to know

bags - clairo taken - ollie bearman x fem!reader - [f]

can you see me usin’ everythin’ to hold back?

i’m not the type to run, i know that we’re havin’ fun, but what’s the rush? kiss and then my cheeks are so flushed

can you see me? i’m waitin’ for the right time, i can’t read you, but if you want, the pleasure’s all mine

mad - ne-yo taken - franco colapinto x fem!reader - [a, s, f]

so both of us are mad for nothing, fighting for nothing

but baby, can we make up now? cause i can’t sleep through the pain

we can fuss, we can fight, long as everything’s all right between us before we go to sleep, baby we’re gonna be happy

superman - taylor swift taken - max verstappen x fem!reader - [a, f]

he’s got his mother’s eyes, his father’s ambition. i wonder if he know how much that i miss him

i watch superman fly away, you got a busy day today, go save the world, i’ll be around

something in his deep brown eyes has me saying “he’s not all bad like his reputation”

if ever you’re in my arms again - peabo bryson taken - charles leclerc x fem!reader - [a, f]

now, i’m seeing clearly how i still need you near me, i still love you so

the best of romances, deserve second chances, i'll get to you some, 'cause i promise now, if ever you're in my arms again, this time i'll you much better

it all came so easy, the lovin' you gave me, the feelings we shared, and I can still remember how your touch was so tender

guy.exe - superfruit taken - lance stroll x fem!reader - [s]

where all the boys at with financial security? a doctor, a model, a man of possibilities

oh, he’d pick me up at eight, and not a minute late, ‘cause i don’t like to wait, no

i need a man who don’t get jealous ‘less i want him to, a gentleman to take care of me in the bedroom

[xoxoxkisses]

Hello, I don't know if you accept request but I have some ideas and I thought you might like to write about it. I hope you could make Fluff and angst story about Sanemi and fem reader. The plot is something like, while they were having hashira training they promised they'll retire and get married soon but unfortunately it was the same night that they were called out because Muzan just found the Ubuyashiki mansion.. So infinity castle happen annddd Fem reader died after protecting Genya from the attacks of the upper moon. Sanemi just just arrived and he get to hear her last breath... "Sanemi, do not mourn.. Because someday, in another life, we might have a family of our own.. But now, we still have score to settle... Do what you must..for everyone.... For us."

After that, Senemi give his best and fight. Until it was over. Peaceful at last, but he hope or wish that reincarnation thing happen in the future.. Because he would like to meet fem reader once again.

And it happen in the modern times, she became a wife with their three children and Sanemi was a police officer.

Sorry if it's long, hope the plot is to your liking or stuff and thank you for your time to read this

We’ll meet again

Sanemi x fem!Reader

warnings: angst-> fluff, cursing, injuries, death (reader, Sanemi) not proofread

————————————————————————

Sanemi waited outside your estate for your training to end. He planned to take you out to eat that night since it was your birthday. When he heard the door open, he leaned up from the wall and looked over at you. A smile crept onto his face when he saw you, you had let your hair down which was a rare sight. “Hey. Gosh you look beautiful.” You giggled as he held out his hand, waiting for you to take it. “Thank you.” “Of course. Are you ready to go?” You nodded enthusiastically.

The two of you were making your way to a nearby village to get food as your favorite restaurant was there. You both talked about retiring soon and starting a family as you were both getting to the age where you wanted to settle down permanently. As the two of you were about to reach it, Sanemi’s crow came flying in frantically. “Emergency, attack at Ubuyashiki Mansion!” You and Sanemi both looked up. “What the fuck?!” Sanemi yelled as he started off running, you behind him. The two of you were about an hour away, you wouldn’t make it in time. “Sanemi what do you think is going on?!” You cried out, looking for a sense of relief. “I don’t know, but it has to be bad.” The two of you continued to follow his crow till you came up onto the mansion. You looked over and saw the rest of the Hashira, even Tanjiro.

As Sanemi tried to run into the mansion, it blew up. He froze almost instantly. You held your hands over your mouth as tears started flowing down your face. “Oh my-!” You screamed. “What is going on Sanemi?!” He looked back at you with a shocked expression. “I-I don’t know.” It was rare that you saw Sanemi show any emotion except for anger, or even love, but this was different..he seemed distraught.

As the flames died down ever so slightly, you all ran up to see if anyone was alive. When you did, you saw a guy standing there in the middle with a woman standing before him, her arm in his stomach. He was being pierced with a bunch of giant thorns. You looked slightly behind him and saw Gyomei. You watched as he tried to behead the guy, but it didn’t work. Suddenly you heard him scream. “Everyone, it’s Muzan!” Another gasp left your mouth. “M-Muzan?!” You looked over at Sanemi and saw a face full of hatred. Suddenly, everyone charged at Muzan. You hesitated slightly, but joined. Multiple breathing forms were called out, but once you reached him, you fell. Everyone fell.

Sanemi had told you about a place that looked like this that him and Obanai fell into. You had unfortunately got separated from Sanemi as you fell. After falling for some time, you were put into a room. You looked around and saw Muichiro and Genya. “Where are we?” You heard genya speak up. “I-I don’t know-“ you cut yourself off as you looked up and saw Uppermoon 1. “Shit.” You quietly mumbled. You looked over at Muichiro who was staring at the Uppermoon. You could see he was trembling. You walked over to him and placed your hand on his shoulder. He looked up at you and saw you had a reassuring smile on your face. “It’ll be okay.” He seemed to calm down a little and nodded. ————————————————————————

The battle with uppermoon 1 was tiring. You and Muichiro were having difficulties fighting with him. You had been knocked back a bit and when you caught your breath and looked up, you saw he was going straight for genya. Being a Hashira meant you had to sacrifice yourself for others, even if it meant you’d be killed in the process. You ran and jumped infront of him, taking the blow that was meant for him. Your legs had been cut off in the process. “Y/n!” Genya kneeled down beside you. You pushed him away. “Genya, help Muichiro, not me.” He fumbled with his hands for a moment before he nodded and got up. You laid there, slowly going numb. That’s when you saw that familiar face: Sanemi. He saw you on the ground bleeding out and he ran over to you.

“Y/n! Oh my gosh, you’ll be okay right? No you will be okay.” He was crying as he lifted you up. “Sanemi, please don’t cry, I hate seeing you cry..” This however made him cry even more. You slowly felt yourself losing consciousness, body somehow becoming more numb. “Sanemi..maybe in another life we will have that family we wanted..but right now you need to leave me here and fight, help Muichiro, Gyomei, and Genya..do what you must. For everyone…for us.” Those were the last words he heard from you as you passed away in his arms. “Y/n? Y/n?!” He tried to shake you, but he was too late. He gently laid you back down and got up, rage filling his body. He joined the others fighting. ————————————————————————

Sanemi lost two people that night. You and his brother. And slowly, he was losing himself. He had heard of a thing called Reincarnation, and he prayed it was real, because it meant he had a chance on meeting you again. Slowly, Sanemi passed away from his injuries. Hoping to see you again. ————————————————————————

You had just finished making dinner when your husband walked in with his police uniform still on. “Hi sweetie, how was work?” He sighed as he took his hat off and put it on the hat stand. “Tiring, but it was good.” You smiled at him as you got the table set. “Well, dinner is ready, go ahead and sit down.” We walked over to you and tilted your head up and kissed you. “Thank you darling.” You smiled at him. You turned away and called for your three girls. “Girls, dinner is ready!” You both heard the slaps of feet on the ground as they ran to the dining room. “Daddy!” The youngest one has yelled. They all crowded him as he hugged them each.

The oldest looked over at the table and made a face. “Mom, you made broccoli casserole again?” You turned your head at her seeing the face she made. “Yes, I did.” You gave her a sweet smile and went back to what you were doing. Sanemi bent down towards them and whispered smth to them. “If you guys eat it, I’ll give you some candy.” Little did he know, you had heard him. “Sanemi, you know they don’t get sweets before bed.” He looked at the girls and saw the pouts on their faces and looked back at you and saw you weren’t paying attention. He turned back to the girl and winked at them. “Oh yeah, how could I forget? Sorry girls, no sweets tonight.” They all smiled at him as they took their seats.

That night was awful. The girls stayed up super late and you knew Sanemi gave them candy. He couldn’t help but laugh when you gave him a small slap on his arm once the girls finally passed out in the living room, 2 hours after their bedtime. ————————————————————————

Ty for the request! I’m sorry if this isn’t exactly what you wanted, but I hope you like it!

[greenwitchfromthewoods]

resignation letter. l Javi Gutierrez

💔 a few ways to break your heart 💔

Summary:  when he came home and he wasn't alone

Warnings:  angst, sad, ending a relationship, a glass of champagne

A/N: sorry for these scribbles. I hope that despite everything you will stay with me.

your feedback is very important to me and I thank you for all the reblogs, comments and likes. 🖤 sorry for all the mistakes

a few ways to break a heart [masterlist]

redemption : resignation letter. l Javi Gutierrez

The heavy mahogany door opened and you saw Lucas' slim figure coming out of the office. He walked confidently and stopped in front of the desk you were working at. His long fingers tapped gently on the counter.

"Everything okay?" he asked, smiling at you in a friendly way.

You nodded, "Yeah. Successful meeting?"

"Definitely." Lucas threw a quick glance at the ajar door, his eyes after a moment returned to you, "You're a real decoration of this office, darling. My cousin has very good taste."

"I think Mr. Gutiérrez didn't hire me because of my looks." You replied, smiling, "But thank you for the compliment."

Lucas smiled again, nodded goodbye and quickly headed towards the exit. You waited a few more minutes before getting up from the chair and heading towards Javi's office. 

He was sitting behind the desk, clearly lost in thought. Dark, curly hair fell over his forehead, and his linen shirt rose with every breath he took. 

Watching him was one of your favorite things to do. A soft knock tore him from his thoughts.

"A penny for your thoughts?" you asked as you entered.

"I don't know if they're worth that much." Javi replied, forcing a smile.

"Is something worrying you?" you asked, approaching the desk and looking at it with concern.

Javi scratched his nose as if he was thinking about something. "I'll have to leave tomorrow." he announced, getting up from his chair. "I have something to do in Madrid."

"Oh, I didn't know. Something urgent?"

"Very much."

You nodded. "Should I fly with you or..."

"Stay here." He finished for you and reached for his phone. "I'll be back in a few days."

"Sure."

Javi smiled a little nervously and left the office, leaving you with many questions in your head. You were his assistant and friend, you talked about a thousand different things and he didn't really have any secrets from you.

But now...

It had been a pretty boring three days without Javi, although you managed to sort out your documents, reply to a few overdue emails and do things you had been putting off until "someday." 

This place was empty without Javi, you felt empty too. You loved his charming and sweet personality, the way he treated you and how close you were. Because even though he was your boss, you felt that he treated you completely differently. And you also had a strange weakness for him.

You didn't see him when he came back because you were busy organizing his birthday party that was to take place at his residence. It was already late when you were heading towards his apartment carrying a bottle of good wine and popcorn. 

It was Thursday, or a little weekend as Javi called this day. You always watched a movie on Thursday evening, it was your tradition and you hoped that despite his departure Javi didn't forget about it.

However, when you knocked and the door was opened by a slim blonde with beautiful blue eyes, you lost your breath for a moment.

Your name slipped out of her mouth along with a charming smile "You have to be Javi's assistant, right?" she asked looking at you "Javi talked a lot about you. Is this for us?"

"I... Yes." you finally managed, "Today's Thursday so I thought..."

"Sweetie! Your lovely assistant brought us some snacks and wine." the woman called into the room.

"Thursday Movie Night!" Javi called back, and from the echo you guessed he was in the bathroom, "I'm almost ready."

"I don't think he'll need you anymore today. Thank you, have a nice night." she smiled at you once more, and you didn't even say a word as the door closed in your face.

Her name was Veronica and she was as beautiful as the models on the covers of glossy magazines. 

You have seen her almost everywhere since then and always with Javi. By the pool, in the garden, even in his office. You felt terrible when you had to go in there and she was giggling at some joke he told her.

It was easy to dislike her, but you didn't want to. Javi was a grown man, he could make decisions. And you were just his assistant. 

Maybe it was your own fault? Maybe your imagination gave more meaning to all those nice gestures, shared meals and hours of conversations that you shared with him? 

You wanted to learn to enjoy their happiness, but you felt more and more isolated.

It didn't surprise you when during Javi's birthday party, Veronica was by his side. Everything was perfect, and so was she. And Javi... Shit! You shouldn't think of him that way, he was your boss!

"You're hiding here." a sweet voice reached your ears as you moved away from the crowd of guests for a moment.

She was wearing a beautiful crimson dress that wonderfully emphasized her shapes. The champagne you had just drunk seemed like a weak choice for that moment.

"I wanted to take a breath." you replied. "Do you need anything?"

Veronica pouted and shook her head. "This is a wonderful party. You spent a lot of time organizing it for Javi."

"Everything was his idea, I was just following orders." you replied nervously, swirling the glass in your hands. "Can I help you in any other way?"

The girl looked at you almost with pity. Women like her dazzled everyone around them, and you were no exception.

"I wish you wouldn't delude yourself with the hope that Javi would ever see you as more than an employee." she said, and you felt a cold shiver run down your spine "Yes, he had a soft spot for you, he told me himself. But that was a long time ago... I'm not blind though, sweetie. I see how you look at him." a wave of heat flooded your neck, you tightened your fingers around the glass "Oh, don't hide it! Javi is a handsome man with a wonderful heart. And being infatuated with your boss is a normal thing."

"I don't..." you started, but the rest of the words couldn't get out of your throat.

You were so surprised that it was a miracle that you were even standing on your feet. Veronica smiled indulgently at you and tenderly stroked your arm.

"I have one piece of advice, sweetie." she said almost with concern "Leave him alone. Don't break your heart any more."

She left you on the terrace completely speechless. Emotions were coursing through your body along with the alcohol you had consumed, and you could hardly draw a breath. How on earth had Veronica guessed everything? Were you really that pathetic?

Javi was your boss, you shouldn't have...

"Fuck!" you hissed as the crystal glass slipped from your shaking hands and shattered on the stone floor.

Tears welled up in your eyes. You couldn't stay there any longer.

Your absence had been very obvious since morning, but Javi hadn't noticed it until he had entered his office for a moment and seen the white envelope lying on his desk. He recognized your handwriting immediately. 

That day, you had left your resignation letter on his desk. Very formal. Very dry. So not yours.

You didn't want to humiliate yourself even more. You did what you had to do, even if it hurt.

☆☆☆

Thank you for your time.

[buzzkillchainsaw]

Flying fish - Chapter 1

No matter which way you looked at it, Syulang and her siblings' lives were perfect. Two loving parents, an amazing community and Eywa's blessings shining down on them every single day. If only her younger sister Tsmi could see it that way, too.

Syulang had always wondered how someone could turn out like … that, despite being raised by the exact same parents, in the exact same clan, under the exact same sun in the exact same river. Syulang and her little brother Utu, the youngest of the sibling trio, were just like any other Syorkilvan: they loved swimming, cooking, relaxing in the mud, spending quiet hours napping or crafting and connecting with other members of the clan.

But Tsmi? Even as a little baby she had always recoiled from the mud whenever her parents tried to put her in it. She had no talent for cooking and she swam only if absolutely necessary, preferring to move around by balancing on the giant roots sticking out of the river instead.

But the biggest difference between Tsmi and her siblings reared its head whenever the clan congregated in the sacred underwater cave for ceremonies. While everyone sang and danced and tasted the glowing pink substance on the sacred roots, Tsmi would refuse - if she even showed up at all. She never managed to tame a Nìwankxa, after all, so she could only get to the underwater caves by asking someone else to give her a ride. Syulang would've never ever said no, if Tsmi just bothered to ask! But she never did, not tonight, not last month and not the months before that.

The Nìwankxa surfaced with a hiss and Syulang, planted firmly on the creature's back, caressed its rough skin with her slippery hands. "Mawey, Nunu", she hummed and scanned the river around her as the swampy water ran down her body in tiny rivers.

More Na'vi returned from the underwater caves on the backs of their mounts and headed back home, chatting, laughing, often in groups. Syulang held on to a shimmer of hope in her heart that she’d spot her sister somewhere with them, but as always, the stubborn young woman was nowhere to be seen.

"Give up, sister.", a deep voice beside her said. Utu and his Nìwankxa had silently surfaced a few moments after Syulang. Her brother's huge pupils had almost devoured the ring of color around them and pink flecks glimmered between his teeth as he smiled.

"You can't force a fish to love flying."

"Tsmi is not a fish!", Syulang protested, crossing her arms. "She is Syorkilvan, like you and I and everyone here." Her eyes lowered, watching the moonlight reflecting on the rippling water. "I just don't understand why she doesn't want to be one the people. One of us."

Utu shrugged and absentmindedly played with a line of beads in his hair. "Just leave her be. She'll find her joy someday, without you holding her hand along the way."

Syulang shook her head and hissed in disapproval. Her Nìwankxa turned away with a flip of its long tail, spraying Utu with water in the process. Syulang knew where to go, and so did Nunu. It wasn't that far.

Nunu jumped out of the river onto a large, curved root sticking out of the water's surface and used its strong limbs and claws to climb up high. Syulang severed the tsaheylu and continued on foot, jumping from root to root until she found it: a curved, low hanging branch, with a lone figure sitting on it.

Syulang pressed her lips together and approached her little sister. Tsmi didn't say anything as she silently sat down next to her. She simply hugged her legs tighter and buried her nose behind her knees.

"Alone again?", Syulang asked. Tsmi nodded.

"Why? Being with the others is much more fun."

"No, it's not. They think I'm weird.", Tsmi grumbled.

"Nobody thinks you're weird, Tsmi." Syulang scooted a little closer. "The clan would love to spend more time with you, and they're sad that you don't want to."

"'The clan', meaning you?", Tsmi scoffed, turning away from her sister. Her orange eyes fixated on the river below them.

Syulang sucked in the air through her teeth. "I just don't understand w-"

"Exactly", Tsmi interjected, "You don't understand. You'll never understand."

"Then help me understand!" Syulang grabbed her little sister's shoulders and gave her a light shake. "What is wrong? What's making you unhappy?"

"I don't know!", Tsmi shouted in sudden anger and bared her teeth at her sister. "I can't talk to people. I hate mud. I failed to tame a Nìwankxa. I don't want to sing or swim or dance with the others. I can't stand that nasty pink substance all of you praise so much. I think …" Her anger faded as fast as it arose. "...I think Eywa has forbidden me from feeling joy."

"Don't say that!", Syulang gasped and pulled her into a hug. Her little sister squirmed for a moment, then stopped. "Eywa wants all of her children to be happy. That's what the Tsahìk says."

"The Tsahìk told me to chew blackwood bark to make me feel happy.", Tsmi grunted with a sour face, remembering the nasty taste and very apparent lack of joy afterwards. "I think she doesn't know what she's talking about."

"Oìsss, silly girl!" Syulang shook her head and rolled her eyes, silently begging Eywa to bless Tsmi with the wisdom to understand and respect the Tsahìk's teachings.

"It is true. Eywa has something wonderful in store for all of us. Remember the story mother and father always told? How Eywa allowed them to meet and fall in love at the perfect moment? Joy is out there and it will come to us when it's time." Syulang looked down at the river and let her feet sway back and forth. Her cheeks briefly flushed with warmth. "I believe Eywa is saving someone special for me too. I will meet him at the perfect moment, just like mother met father."

"It's a nice thought.", Tsmi said, swaying her own feet in sync with her sister.

"It will be true. You just watch." Syulang smiled. "And you'll meet your special someone too."

'Maybe then you'll finally be happy', Tsmi added in her mind. After all, that's what Syulang wanted to tell her with that little story, didn't she?

The two sisters sat together on the branch, swayed their legs back and forth and just watched the river flow. The chirping, whistling, croaking and humming of various animals created a beautiful symphony around them, and for a moment, Tsmi could almost grasp the love Syulang and the other Syorkilvan felt for this river. Then her eyes followed the flow of the river and rested on the horizon, where it disappeared between the trees.

Some time later, the sisters silently headed home.

[johnwickb1tsch]

The Girl Next Door - XI

A Constantine x FemVampire!Reader (feat John Wick!) fic based on this imagine. all chapters warnings: NSFW, blood, biting, violence divider by animatedglittergraphics-n-more gif and pics from pinterest

11. those who rise and those who fall

Is it possible to have life affirming sex when you’re undead?

You think it is, after tonight with John Constantine inside you, the two of you kissing and wrestling for control because you don’t want him to over-exert himself–maybe you can throw a small car, but when that man holds you down?

You are done for.

He started out by setting you down on the bed, guiding you onto your back with his mouth on yours. His hands find their way down your thighs, under the oversized shirt, grabbing appreciative handfuls of your curves and squeezing until you moan. Soon his hooked fingers are pulling your panties down your thighs, and his mouth is between your legs, kneeling before you at the edge of the bed like he is taking communion.

“Oh god, John…”

You are warm all over, glowing, scintillating, the bond flung open between you, and you are not sure where you end and he begins. Is this overwhelming sense of love yours, or his? Or have you made it together? Is it possible, for two such people damned to darkness to manufacture so much light? 

You think it might be. 

You feel like anything is possible, in his arms. 

“Please? I need you?”

It is a race, who can undo buttons the fastest. You his belt, he his shirt. You have his fly down and his cock in your mouth before he is even half done. For a long few moments he abandons his task, his head thrown back in ecstasy.

“Fuck. Baby…” He guides you with a hand on the back of your head, and you would have sucked him to completion had he not tugged gently on your hair, laying you back again. His narrow hips fit between your thighs like he was made for you, and as his tip kisses your entrance you have never wanted anything more in your life, than his manhood inside you. 

He hovers, and you look to him through hooded eyes, expecting to find that trademark smirk, the evidence of him teasing you. But the expression on his face is almost pained, the look of a man drowning, and as your eyes meet his your heart somehow breaks, and fills to bursting. 

He’ll never say it out loud, but it doesn’t matter. You’ll never forget the way he looked at you tonight, and you are certain to the bottom of your soul that John Constantine cares about you, in the only way that this broken man can. 

“Please?”

In the end you cannot hold the eye contact, your head rocking back in ecstasy as he grants your wish and fills you slowly to the brim, the beautiful ache of his cock inside you the closest you think you’ll ever get to heaven.   

You know he is feeling his mortality keenly as he makes love to you, tasting every part of your skin he can reach like you are a delicacy he’ll never be able to eat again. He looks down at you with flashes of that vulnerability and tenderness, and you dare think that maybe he doesn’t regret that it’s you, doesn’t wish you were Angela instead. 

It’s all so beautiful and tragic and steeped with magic–you cum while he stares into your very soul, his manhood filing you like he was made for you and his heart pressed to yours. It’s not long before he follows, his body locking against yours, and you hold him with a desperation you know borders on madness.

Lazing together in the afterglow, you brush his hair from his sweat-dewed brow, your head in the divot of his shoulder that feels as though it was made for you.. You imagine what it would be like, if you had the courage to actually say what you’re thinking: John… I know…you don’t love yourself. I hope that changes someday, because you deserve it, but until then…I want you to know that I love you. You’re a grouchy asshole but you’re brave and funny and deep down I know you actually care about people. Well…some people. Maybe even me. Sometimes.

But you are a coward, and so you just lay with him, the connection between you thrumming contentedly. Maybe he can feel it.

Maybe that’s enough, between you.

 He surprises you, when suddenly he looks down like you had said something, turning to pull you closer into the shelter of his chest. “What the hell did I do to deserve you, baby vamp?” he marvels, his big hand on your head like a shield from the world. You snuggle into him with a contented sigh, tucking yourself beneath his chin, and the truth is that you could lay like this with him for days, even in this crumbling bolthole of a safe house, content.

Jesus, you are going to miss him.  

The thought of him not being in this world at all sends you spiraling into a tailspin of despair again, and you cling to him. Stranger yet, in his way, he clings right back, holding you tightly in his arms. It’s so precious, this place of vulnerability you’ve both finally arrived at, and you think to yourself that there is nothing you would not trade, would not pay, just to have him a little longer.

There has to be a way. 

♰♰♰

Back in your blood-flecked black dress, you watch John appoint himself with a fondness that makes you feel like your poor dead little heart might explode. It’s amusing to you, that it takes him longer to get ready than it does you. 

“This place is filled with half breeds. Angelic and demonic. They’re supposed to stick to the truce, no fighting, so in theory you should be safe. Stick close and follow my lead. There’s a test to get in. I’m sure you won’t have any problem passing, after what you pulled off tonight.” 

“Gee John, I hardly know what to do with myself, hearing you share all this crucial information,” you tease, twirling your hair around your finger, kicking your feet exaggeratedly. 

You really did mean to keep it light, but he pays you a serious look from across the room. “I should have told you more, before.” He could have pushed you over with a feather. You think it’s the closest he’s ever come to an apology. “I think…I was hoping if I didn’t tell you…you would stay innocent. You would stay…my girl next door.” 

You blink at this admission, floored. 

“That’s…actually kind of sweet. Stupid, but sweet.” 

He gives a deep sigh, adjusting the collar of his black coat with a bit more force than what is necessary. “Yeah. That’s me.”

“John,” you say gently, calling his attention back to you. 

He says nothing, just looks up at you like a kicked dog from beneath his dark hair, and it twists your heart up in knots. 

“I’ll always be your Girl Next Door.” 

The corner of his mouth twitches, his own version of a rueful smile. “Sure, y/n. Ready?”

As you’ll ever be. 

Chas is waiting for you both with the taxi outside. 

♰♰♰

“So…what exactly did you do to get your license revoked, John?” you ask coyly, sitting with him in the back seat. 

“Ohhhhhh,” chortles Chas up front. “Can I tell it?”

“No,” grumbles John. 

“Aw, come on, John. It’s funny. At least…it’s funny now.” 

“No it’s not.” 

You and Chas both have a laugh at John’s expense. Glaring at the both of you, he pulls you closer with an arm around your shoulders in the back of the cab. A warmth blooms inside you for it, and you rest your head on his shoulder, savoring this moment of relative peace before the two of you wade into what you suspect might become a fray. 

It usually does, when John is involved…although come to think of it, you’re no slouch lately either. 

You can’t stop yourself from thinking about Wick, wondering how his hunt is going. 

You hope he kills them all. 

You pull up in front of Midnite’s, an unassuming building but for the ornate Deco brass doors. As usual, John slams the door on Chas trying to communicate something. The way the boy clamors for his mentor’s attention is sweet–and heartbreaking. You feel a kinship with Chas in that. “You’ve got to start being kinder to that boy,” you admonish John as you walk towards the entrance. 

“What? I’m not mean to him.” 

You give him a look that wins you a begrudging sigh. “Ok fine. Later, I promise.” 

You hadn’t expected to get that far with him, that quickly. He really is feeling the sting of mortality and his shortcomings, you reckon, especially when he offers you his arm on the sidewalk. You think your poor black heart might burst as you loop your arm with his, giving his bicep a loving squeeze. 

Immediately through the doors, you head down, down, down to the subterranean club. True to John’s word, the doorman presents an entrance test in the form of a card. “Rat in a dress,” says Constantine, sounding bored. He tries to walk through with you, but the troll of a doorman growls for you to wait. 

He presents you with your card, and for a moment you’re at a loss. You can’t see through the paper, you’re not fucking Superwoman. But then it occurs to you that you don’t have to. You read the doorman’s mind, sifting through the boulder field of his shields to look through his eyes. “Death holding a flower,” you say, trying not to read into it too hard. Doorman nods you both through, and the real fun begins. 

You see the corner of John’s mouth tick with amusement, when you hold his hand just this side of too hard, as the two of you make your way through the dimly lit space below. Maybe he secretly likes it when you cling to him, or maybe he finds it amusing that the monsters down here scare you, when you clearly are one. 

But the weight of the magic emanating from these beings is staggering. Some feels intrinsically evil, and some so pure that it burns. Angels, demons, and everything in between, he’d told you. 

You have arrived in the big leagues. 

He makes his way to the back, where another guard stands casually before a well-hidden door. When Constantine makes to push past him he holds up a paw of a hand. “You can go. But no vampires allowed.” 

“What?” scoffs Constantine. 

“Midnite don’t allow them, after the incident.” 

“She’s cool,” the demon hunter attempts to vouch for you. “She’s with me.” 

“No matter, John. She waits out here.” 

Your heart feels like an icicle in your chest, plummeting fast for the ground. Maybe out on the street you feel pretty tough, but in here? You’re pretty sure you’re in way over your head, and you can’t help but marvel at the way John just walks in like he owns the place when probably more than half of the inhabitants of the room would like to see him dead. 

Gritting his teeth, John sighs. “Fine.” Lower, to you, he says, “I’ll be right back. Just have a seat, keep your head down. Think you can manage that?” 

You roll your eyes, even though your stomach has decided to embark on a new career as a tilt-a-whirl. “Fine. Make it quick, ok?”

He smiles, almost wide enough to flash teeth. “Sure thing, sweetheart.” There’s a long moment of eye contact between you, and you wish he’d kiss you, even if it would probably be a terrible idea here. But he just nods, and with a whirl of his black coat he ducks through the door. 

You sigh. He would deny it up and down, of course, but that man has a flair for dramatics. 

You have no idea, of course, that Midnite only barely tolerates John, and the thing your lover is about to ask for access to might spark a heated exchange. Oblivious, you go sit on a stool at the bar, and scan the room without settling too long on any one patron. The demons are gorgeous, of course, all of them resembling fashion models or A-list actors, the very stuff of temptation. But out the corner of your eye, you swear you can see horns, and tails, and maybe even detect a hint of sulfur as they pass by. 

It is the angels that fascinate you most. What are they doing here, you wonder, amidst these terrible creatures of the pit? They seem to be mingling genially, their magnificent wings folded neatly behind them on special low-backed chairs crafted with their unique anatomy in mind. As one passes by you practically have to sit on your hands, to prevent yourself from reaching out and touching one. The feathers look downy soft, like they were made of wisps of clouds. 

While you are scanning the crowd with your chin in your hand you happen upon something that makes you sit upright on your stool. There’s a vampire standing amidst the crowd, staring you down. You can feel his stare like someone poking you between the eyes. He’s nattily dressed–excepting a rather shabby newsboy’s cap. He tips it to you, flashing a fangy grin, before disappearing into the crowd. 

Chas’s cap, you realize. 

Oh no. 

Without thinking you rocket off your stool, searching for the vampire with inhuman speed. When you find no sign of him you race outside, flying up the stairs faster than the eye can see. You hope you can catch his spore from the taxi–and that’s your big mistake, of course. 

You have not taken three steps on the sidewalk outside before something slams into you, knocking you into the brick wall of the club. The combination of the physical blow and something far more malevolent overwhelms you, sending you into the spiraling dark of unconsciousness.

[allthingsfangirl101]

Baby Mav – Jake Seresin

SPIN OFF OF PREVIOUS NOVEL – BABY MAV (Masterlist to OG story here.)

Summary: This imagine is a slight twist on my Top Gun: Maverick fanfic, "Baby Mav". Maddlyn Mitchell is the daughter of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. After a horrible accident, Maddy went on medical leave. She only returned to the Top Gun program because her father needed help training the new recruits. While training, Maddy buts heads with Jake "Hangman" Seresin. After not following the rules and ignoring his team, Maddy forces Hangman to fly with her. He continues to ignore her instruction and it ends up causing Maddy to crash. In the crash, she severely broke her back and was paralyzed from the waist down. Maddy has to live her life in a wheelchair and Hangman has to live with the guilt of being the cause of her pain.

~ • ~

Hangman checked the infirmary lobby before quickly heading down the hallway toward Maddy's room.

Maybe it was how he's been treated. Maybe it was the fact that he knew he deserved everything they said to him. He finally forced himself to open her door.

But not before knocking of course.

He took a deep breath before forcing himself to knock.

"Come in."

Maddlyn's breath got caught in her throat when Hangman walked into her room. "What are you doing here?" She asked, making him freeze in the doorway.

"I just. . . I figured you'd. . . I thought maybe we could. . . If you. . ."

"Wow," she scoffed, cutting off his awkward stuttering. "If this is you trying to apologize, you're shit at it."

"I wasn't. . . I mean. . ."

"You can't even admit it," Maddlyn rolled her eyes. "You should just leave."

"Maddlyn, I was trying. . ."

"It's the why that annoys me."

"The why?" Hangman asked.

"Be honest," Maddy sighed, "you're not here because you actually want to apologize to me. You're here because you want to apologize for yourself. You're only apologizing for the sake of your reputation."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you don't care whether I forgive you," she clarified. "You only care that everyone hates you for what you did to me. You are only apologizing so they'll figure it out and become your friends again."

"That's not. . ."

"Don't," she cut him off. "Everyone knows you have an ego the size of Canada. Try shrinking it."

"Maddlyn," he started. Maddy waited for him to continue, but he didn't.

"Please," she sighed, "just go. And come back when you decide to apologize because the only person you want to know that you apologized to is the girl you apologized to."

~ • ~

That was a month ago. He's wanted to try to approach her again and apologize but whenever he gets close to the infirmary, Rooster stops him.

Maddlyn was released from the hospital early that week. Rumor was that she and Maverick moved into a one-story home close to Maddlyn's doctor and physical therapist. Hangman took a shaky breath before walking up to the front door and knocking.

"Hangman," Maverick stuttered when he opened the door. "Umm. . . What can I do for you?"

"Well I. . . I was. . . I wanted to. . . I wanted to see how Maddy was doing," he finally got out.

"Oh," Maverick said under his throat. "That's very. . . sweet of you, Hangman, but we just got back from Maddy's physical therapy. She's taking a nap."

"Okay," Hangman said, wiping his hands on his pants. "Maybe I can come back later?"

"I don't think that's a good idea, Lieutenant," Maverick sighed. "Maddy is struggling and the first few months are the most important for her. She needs time."

"I understand," Hangman said. He was about to walk away but stopped. He knew there was something he needed to say to Maverick. He turned back around before he could wimp out. "I'm really sorry about what happened, Captain Phillips. I should've listened to Maddy. If I had, she wouldn't have gotten hurt. I am so sorry, Maverick. I hope, someday, you'll be able to forgive me."

"I appreciate you saying that," Maverick nodded as he shook his hand. Hangman nodded before walking back down the walkway.

"Hangman," Maverick called out, stopping him at the end of the walkway. "Give Mads some time."

* * * * *

Another month later, Hangman tried to visit Maddy again. As he walked to the front door, someone caught his eye. Right at the edge where the pavement meets the sand was Maddy in her wheelchair. He walked over and hesitated for a minute.

"I know I was supposed to have you help me," Maddy sighed, "but I need to get used to moving around on my own, Dad."

"I'm not surprised," Hangman chuckled lightly. Maddy gasped as she looked over her shoulder. Hangman's heart sank when he saw that her gasp caused her pain. He jogged over to her and helped her turn around.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, trying to show she wasn't in any pain.

"I came to apologize to you," he said, kneeling in front of her. "Truly apologize to you. Not just because I want the team to stop being angry with me. I want to apologize to you for you. I'm truly sorry, Maddy. I should've listened to you and followed your orders. I was an idiot. Worse, I acted just like your old team. I never should've treated you like that, Maddlyn. I am so sorry."

"Hangman," she sighed.

"I want to make it up to you," he continued. "I mean it, Maddlyn. I will do anything to make it up to you. I'll help you and Maverick around the house. I'll run errands. Hell, if you wanted me benched from the upcoming mission, fine. Have Maverick bench me."

"I'm not going to do that," Maddy said with a small chuckle. "Thank you."

The two stared at each other for a second before Hangman decided to lighten the tension. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Shouldn't you be at the base?" She smirked.

"Not allowed. I've been suspended for a few weeks," he shrugged. Maddlyn's smirk fell. She was about to say something, but Hangman cut her off. "It's okay. I deserve to be benched for a while."

"I can talk to my dad," Maddy said quickly. "I can get them to lift your suspension. It was an accident."

"Maddy, it's okay," he tried to reassure.

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is," he chuckled.

"I can talk to. . ."

"I don't want you to talk to anyone," Hangman gently cut her off. "I am okay with my two-week suspension. I deserve it."

"Seresin," she stuttered. Her use of his last name and not his call sign made his throat tighten. "I can fix it."

"You don't need to," Hangman whispered. His eyes glanced down at her legs before returning to her eyes. "I can't fix what I did."

Maddy reached over and grabbed his hand. "Now that I think about it, I could use your help with something. Your offer still stands?"

"Of course," he smiled.

"I need to go to my physical therapy appointment, but my dad is stuck on base. Our neighbor was going to make his teenage grandson take me," she paused, Hangman seeing the insecurity in her eyes, "but he couldn't lift a pillow, let alone. . . me. Think you can carry me?"

Hangman tightened his hold on her hand and waited for her to look at him.

"I could easily carry you, Maddy."

* * * * *

After Maddy's physical therapy appointment, Hangman wheeled her out of the office. She got a little nervous as he stopped her wheelchair next to the new car her father bought. He unlocked the car and was about to pick her up but stopped when he saw the look on her face.

"You feeling okay?" Hangman asked her as he knelt beside her.

"I'm fine," she stuttered.

"Maddy," he whispered as he gently lifted her chin so she was looking at him. "Talk to me."

"I'm just worried," she admitted.

"About what?" He asked as he let go of her chin.

"That I'll be too heavy."

"Maddy," Hangman sighed. "I got you out of your wheelchair and into the car. Then I got you out of the car and into your wheelchair. I can get you back into the car."

"I held my weight before," she admitted, her focus on her hands. "But this time. . . I'm tired and can't. . ."

"Hey," he whispered when she let her sentence drop. "I've got you, Maddy. I promise."

He stood back up and opened the passenger side door. He turned back to Maddy to see her still messing with her hands. He walked over and gently grabbed one of her hands. He leaned down and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. He carefully slid his other arm under her knees. He froze when she gasped in pain.

"You okay?" He whispered.

"Yeah," she said shakily. "I'm always a little sore after PT."

"Let's get you home so you can get some sleep," he said as he picked her up from her chair. It felt like his heart skipped a beat when Maddy leaned her head against his chest. He gently put her in the passenger seat and buckled her in.

"I could've done that," she chuckled.

"I know," Hangman shrugged. Maddy laughed when he booped her nose before closing the door and walking to the driver's side.

They drove back to Maddy and Maverick's house with the radio softly playing. About halfway there, Hangman noticed Maddy had fallen asleep. He drove around a little extra to let her sleep. When he finally pulled into their driveway, he gently woke her up.

"Maddy," he whispered. "We're home."

Maddy's eyes fluttered open and the first thing she saw was Hangman's worried face.

"Can I ask you something a little extreme?" She asked, tiredness coming through her voice.

"You can ask me for anything."

Maddy ignored the feeling Hangman's statement gave her. "Instead of putting me in my wheelchair and taking me inside just to pick me back up and put me in bed, can you just carry me straight to my room?"

"Of course," he smiled. He got out, ran to open the front door, and quickly returned to the car. He opened Maddy's car door and she had already unbuckled her seatbelt.

Hangman didn't have to wrap her arm around his shoulders. She instantly did as he leaned down. He slowly and gently slid his arm under her knees and carefully picked her up.

As he carried her inside, he could see her hiding her pain. He walked faster, wanting to give her any kind of relief he could. When they got to her room, he gently laid her down. This time, she didn't bother hiding her pain. Or maybe she didn't have the energy to hide it from him. . .

His eyes constantly studied hers as he helped her get settled in bed. He reached over and moved some hair out of her face, his hand freezing on her cheek.

"Is there anything I can get you?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Some water? A snack? Some. . . pain medication?"

"No," she smiled weakly. "But thank you. I just need a nap."

"You sure?"

Maddy nodded as she whispered, "I'm sure."

"Okay," Hangman sighed, slightly clearing his throat before standing up. He knew he should leave so she could get some sleep, but he didn't want to leave her. "I think I should put my number in your phone."

"Hangman," she sighed.

"Not for that," Hangman said quickly. "I just think that you should have it in case something happens, you know? Your dad is all the way on base and I'm here in town. If something happens, I want you to call me."

Maddy smiled at him as she reached over and grabbed his hand. "Thank you."

"Of course," he smiled back at her. He was about to leave, but Maddy cut him off when he got to the doorway.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Anything."

"I only know you by Hangman," she said, her face slightly turning pink. "I mean, I know you're Lieutenant Seresin but. . . What's your first name?"

"Jake."

"Thank you, Jake."

Maddlyn using his first name made his heart skip a beat. He smiled at her before gently closing the door behind him. He felt weird as he walked through their house. His eyes stopped and landed on their photo wall. He scanned the pictures, all of Maddy throughout her life. He froze on a picture of Maddy and Maverick by her plane. The guilt suffocated him as he knew she'd never be able to fly again.

And all because of him.

Part 2

[sunflowerzyk]

DRAGON X READER

(drable)

Contiene: Dragon X Fem!Reader, Monster Romance, Slow Burn, SFW (por ahora) .

You travel through a portal, To a stereotypical Medieval to fantasy era with all kinds of magical creatures and different mythologies, just myths in your previous life. Wonderful monsters in your eyes.

But you must continue to work even here, as an assistant to an elf apothecary who offered you work, sending you in search of ingredients where you cross paths with your next opportunity to explore new places. A dragon.

Version en Español

— Just get these plants, the map is in your bag, and there's the usual transportation.

That grumpy goblin muttered with little patience, pointing to the faucet that was a few meters away from the two of you. Sometimes-you wonder how that tiny body of your 'boss' can contain so much anger and bitterness without exploding into streamers and brightly colored paper.

— Roger that, ....

You hummed, with your boss in the palm of your hand you gently set him down on the window frame of his store. Opening the bag that hung at your side, pulling out the piece of paper, drawings of the herbs you needed to find with their names written carelessly in a language you knew very little of even now, your pronunciation was horrible.

You looked at everything out of the corner of your eye without giving it much thought next to the map<<snowy mountains>> you managed to decipher, your brow furrowed slightly.

— Will Comet reach those heights?

you asked hesitantly, glancing sideways at the griffin that was easily twice your height, before returning to your boss, who was frowning at you.

-—He will if he has a good rider.

He hissed, before turning and leaping out of the frame and into the hut. You were definitely hoping he'd explode into rainbow sparkles someday.

You let out a snort flying between amused and frustrated. Stashing the map and list in the bag again, adjusting the strap so it wouldn't fly off.

— Well boy...I guess it's you and me against this world.

You whispered, making an awkward attempt to climb into his saddle. It would be just like any other day of collecting. Just coming and going, following directions with no incidentals. Pulling on the straps of the griffin unfurling its massive wings, flying off in a northerly direction.

— She's not coming back.

Murmured your boss's wife, a little golden-haired, pointy-nosed elf with worry in her voice.

— If she's worthy to live she will, if she doesn't, it's one less burden for us, winter is near.

He muttered coldly.

— You could have given the job to someone else more capable.

— No one accepted, they're smart.

— So is she.

— But she trusted us.

Yes, a mistake, or a little nudge to a different story...

— Oh Shit!

You hiss, falling to the side of the griffin mount as you try to turn as if you were going to run away.

Everything was fine, Except for the torturous autumn winds whipping through the snowy mountains (no snow hard.

It was almost noon, there was an embracing sun that could not penetrate the strong winds at all. Although you had adequate clothing, a fur sweater, boots and pants to withstand the cold, the wind almost blew you off the road more than once.

Thanks to Comer your huge scream that broke the path of the blizzards you recorded it to sneak under it and collect those herbs you needed, too impressed with how resistant they were, hidden among the stones not to fly away.

But. a gale much stronger than the rest flanked your moaning stance as you pulled it up to take off on your return.

You were on the ground, wide-eyed.... watching him, him a fucking Dragon over four meters tall, the whole package complete with scales, teeth wings claws and piercing eyes that seemed to gnaw at your soul.

Your griffin immediately lowered its head in the dragon's presence, like a scolded little puppy. You no..... could not move and bow.

Since you arrived in this world you first asked for dragons, receiving mocking or accusatory looks from others in your direction. Everyone said they never left their territories. Caves or whatever you call them. Being extremely territorial, for you, a small human it would be better to be far away.

And now? You understood why.

Just stretching your head back painfully just to look at him.... or look directly into his eyes was uncomfortable.

You observe her features...you always had a thing for dragons in particular, perhaps a reverence or fascination for such elegantly terrifying and lethal creatures.

The Dragon. He watched you from his full height, you didn't know what he thought, he was probably like the others and was debating whether you were a dwarf, a deformed offspring of a giant or a fairy without pointed ears.

And it wasn't incorrect your guess, Because in his head, He was genuinely debating to find out your race and whether you were too stupid to understand that you should lower your head in his presence. Or very very very stupid to know that you weren't intimidating with...those huge eyes.... Staring at him.

<<What kind of a creature are you?>>

You asked yourself barking your head, leaning closer.

Immediately Comete stepped between the two of you, placing his body smaller than the grafin but larger than yours on top of you, still with his head down. But unable to be at ease without trying to protect you, the only rider who had any regard for him.

— Get out of the way.

growled the huge Dragon. It moved its huge armored paw toward Comet, wrapping it firmly around him and ripping him off of you. Throwing it over the edge of the mountain.

— Comet!

You gasped. Finally aware of your situation, seeing your transport being tossed around like it was nothing turned your stomach.

And hearing the Dragon's growl sent its considerable amount of electric shocks into you.

He turned his gaze immediately to you when he heard you speak, completely intrigued by the softer, squeakier sound of your voice in comparison to his own.

You quickly became mute without knowing what to do. Returning your attention to the huge dragon with a dry throat.

The Dragon was as anxious as you, finding a different creature wandering in its territory would merit death by incineration, but you were bold and did not lower your gaze no matter how fixed it looked at you....es interesting.

Until you break the silence,

Beginning with a quick introduction of your name, making a small bow in the mother tongue of that kingdom.

-

— I come in peace

You added with a tense jaw. Raising your hands in surrender.

<<....., little one, Foreigner with a terrible accent>>

He hummed in his head, moving a little closer to you, just a few centimeters.

When Comet comes back flapping awkwardly against the wind current that doesn't affect you because of the dragon's huge body and its wind-repelling body heat. Making you feel vapor in place.

— You are with life..... Comet!

You whisper excitedly, almost comically, prancing in its direction.

The dragon instead lets out a cloud of steam in your direction so that you shut your mouth. Glaring at the gryphon again, who stood with a firm composure, ready to protect you (try).

You didn't know you could be eaten because if Haci were the dragon he would have done it from minute one.

A small shiver ran through you as you returned your gaze to him and he to you.

The growl that came from deep in his chest and made his scales vibrate and the ground filled you completely, leaving you unable to stop looking at him again.

You left him captivated with your menacing stare.