#I press on only to be pressed so damn hard like I'm an olive at the olive oil factory or somethin

[scum-belina]

I'm filed down to the marrow. This year is almost halfway over and it has ripped me apart.

[serendertothesquad]

The Ultimate Serendipity-Odd Squad Lore Post

Because you people keep asking for my entire story.

No, no, not my life story. Christ sakes, we'd be here until Gen Z'ers died off if I had to reiterate my whole life story.

No, I'm talking about my entire Odd Squad story. You know, how I got here to begin with, how I rose to fame, and how I am objectively still a god without a religion, a cult, or a religious cult. That story. You all want to hear that story.

If you're an oldie, you've probably already heard my tale at least once. If you're new here to the funny kids STEM show fandom, then damn boy howdy are you in for a wild ride.

Get a snack and a drink, pop below the break, and let's begin.

Allow me to take you back to the year 2014. I was the ripe young age of 15, finishing up my sophomore year of high school, and suffering from undiagnosed depression of the "I'm trapped in my own home" variety. We didn't have cable, and so stuff like PBS Kids, NBC Kids, and 4Kids were the only things I watched on a regular basis. In the online space, I was largely chronline to the tenth degree (and note the "largely", because, y'know...school). The Internet, and spaces like Tumblr, served as escapism, and I spent a lot of time particularly in the Wild Kratts side of things.

I had first heard of Odd Squad through PBS's own upfront, the PBS Annual Meeting, that was held in May (though the show was, as I would find out much later, officially announced back in January at that year's TCA Winter Press Tour). It was the network's first live-action show since The Electric Company reboot in 2009 that got swiftly cancelled, which was already enough to get me interested because PBS hadn't taken a chance on live-action stuff since. The premise, as well, was charming and incredibly interesting -- a secret organization that solves problems using math sounded a little saccharine and thus perfect for PBS Kids, but since it was live-action, I figured it could bring a little spice to the network in a way that not other kids shows of the modern network era (read: 2013 onwards, past the network redesign) did. The fact that PBS was willing to go all-in on the show, up to teasers, previews, even having two new games available for fans to play before its premiere, was practically the cherry on top.

Fast-forward to around September. By this point, teasers and promos were already coming out for the show that showcased Olive, Otto, Oprah and Oscar in action. And by this point, I was absolutely invested. On a whim, I decided to take my Sony camera and record a reaction video of me watching it. Was it weird? Yes, but I had no money for a laptop that wasn't a decade old and didn't run about as well as a computer from the days of yore. You make do with what you have.

Needless to say, when the first episode "Zero Effect" premiered, I was having a whale of a time. That's...pretty much all I remember. Aside from the swearing. Lots and lots of swearing.

(...Look, it was 10 years ago. My brain can only go on a decline after being fully developed. And the depression has been eating away at me for that long. When astrophysicists perfect the art of the time machine, call me.)

I uploaded it to my YouTube channel the day after the show premiered. No editing, just a straight-cut video of my reactions laid on the table. I figured, "Okay, so this would be nice to look back on and laugh, maybe."

And then, a month later, I got a PM from Joshua Kilimnik, the actor who plays Season 1's big bad Odd Todd.

Before I get into that, though, a bit of backstory for my channel is necessary.

I had made my channel in 2011, when Wild Kratts premiered. At the time, it was mostly hosting Wild Kratts content, mainly Top 10 countdowns of fan videos I stumbled across on Tumblr or elsewhere as well as Sparta Remix-related stuff. (Yeah, remember that old meme? That isn't as dead as you think it is? Yeeeeeeah.) Around the middle of 2015, it unfortunately got struck down pretty hard when PBS began to go Nintendo on it, viewed fanworks as threats to their IPs, and decided to rip down my videos from the 'Net in three easy strikes -- and with it, my entire channel. It stung, to see my relatively hard work go down the drain. I'd be lying if I said I had wanted the channel to stay up just so I can look back on it in 5 years and cringe at how juvenile it was. Christ sakes, I even had MLP stuff up there at one point. Why? Don't ask me. I wasn't even watching the show at the time. I truly got into it when Season 5 began airing.

But back to the PM. You know, back when YouTube gave you the option to PM people.

Getting the PM from Joshua, I was, naturally, suspect. Celebrity impersonators are all too common, and as I would later come to find out, Odd Squad was not exempt. I had to laugh, because an autistic nobody like me getting a PM from a child actor who was in the industry long before Odd Squad was like Ariana Grande up and inviting me to have dinner with her because I made a few comments about her diction. It's a miracle, people. Miracles that only happen to those with life-threatening illnesses or those who have done good for the community. I had neither of those. Unless you count me going to high school as doing the community a service, in which case I have one of those things.

I read the PM again. And again. And again. And something in me thought, "Maybe...just maybe...this guy is actually legitimate. Maybe he's telling the truth about the entire Season 1 cast and the show's crew members, creators included, seeing my video. I mean it's 2014, what creator wouldn't look to the Internet for first reactions on their show?"

Fuck it. iBalled. I went for it. I reached out to Joshua.

And by God's oddness-laden utopia, am I so happy I did.

We immediately hit it off, taking our conversation from YouTube DMs to Twitter DMs (no, my current Twitter is not that ancient -- my time on birdsite-now-saltyman-hellhole is a whole different story) and discussing our hobbies and what we did. Joshua confided in me that he helped disabled kids, which, honestly, is a green flag in my book off the bat as someone who is, in fact, disabled. I told him about my animal shelter work and how I loved the show.

At the same time, I had posted on Tumblr about the show. Don't ask me what the post was about -- I honestly couldn't tell you, and combing through the tag is something I'd need a hell of a lot of motivation for -- but it somehow, by some astronomical means, took off. People came in like a small trickle. It was small, but over time, we built a strong community. I didn't exactly know how big my impact on people was until I read "how I got into Odd Squad" stories and saw my name pop up enough times to the point where I could safely say I was an inspiration to more than one person.

At some point in 2015, I had created a Wiki for the show. Fandom -- or Wikia, as it was called back then -- wasn't exactly new territory for me, as I had visited other show Wikis before. However, my Odd Squad Wiki didn't take off, and someone else ended up making another one that became far more successful.

...Yeah, you're surprised, aren't you? Figures. But not even I can lay claim to everything.

When the other Wiki took off, Joshua decided to dive right into the fire and engage with the fandom directly. Now, for any big-name fandom, this is everyday normalcy. The My Little Pony fandom has fans directly engage with cast and crew members who answer their questions, for example. But for small fandoms of niche IPs -- and oh believe you me, Odd Squad was incredibly niche back then -- a cast member interacting with fans was a huge deal. The hype only increased when Joshua was named an administrator, along with a few others, myself included.

Needless to say, Joshua being involved boosted the fandom's activity exponentially, and not just due to his spectacular acting on the show. Fanfics, fanart, fan videos...it was a bustling time of fan content. I can recall some of the most notable works just off the top of my head. The fandom got to be so busy that I made a news blog just to cover every bit of news, shifting away from my Wild Kratts news coverage to focus on a different show instead. I enlisted a few old friends to help me out, converted them to be oddballs (which, I will say, was a stroke of luck), and put them on the "staff team". My aim was to create something akin to Equestria Daily, but on a smaller scale. We did editorials, episode followups, and scoured the Internet for any and every bit of Odd Squad news we could find. It became a reliable source for many, especially considering PBS's horrible track record with even the most basic of news -- cancellations, renewals, and other such announcements. Not to brag, but I like to think I did a better job than them at actually giving news to fans who deserve it. (Hell, I still do. My hunger for even small crumbs of news is very strong indeed.)

I can easily recall when Season 2 was announced. Me and my friends were ecstatic. For me, I never thought Odd Squad would get a Season 2, and the Season 1 finale -- affectionately named OINFO (don't confuse it with "O is Not For Old", that's a different rodeo; this is "O is Not For Over") -- made sure of that. Originally, it was set to air in May, before it got shifted to June to coincide with Season 2's premiere.

And even long before that, the movie being announced blew our minds. I genuinely couldn't believe this niche little IP, birthed only several months ago, was getting a movie. And not even one of those specials that PBS markets as a movie as a ratings stunt. No, no, this was a full-blown theatrical movie. With A-listers to boot! And it was a damn good movie!

(...Okay, unrelated, but man, I'm reading through all my old posts and comments on the Wiki and cringing. God, did I really type like a 10-year-old back then when I was in high school? Egh gross cringe. The "let her say fuck" was strong with me back then.)

Of course, as most actors do, Joshua largely moved on from the show as the years went on. Most long-timer fans stuck around until the end of Season 2 before either other interests caught their eye or real life just got in the way too much. A majority of these fans dropped off the face of the Earth like an introvert who suddenly disappears mid-conversation, though they still popped into the Discord server a few times and I reconnected with one or two on Twitter. Hell, some of them even made a "hey, I'm back, and here's what's up" post on Fandom that made me ask if their accounts got hacked.

As a result, when Season 3 premiered, the fandom had slowed down to a crawl. Anyone who's bore witness to it, whether an episode or a nugget of criticism, can probably guess why. (And anyone who hasn't can feel the wrath of my "trust me bro" card, thank you.) It was like I willingly leapt off of the boat, it sped away without me, and I was trapped in the middle of fuck-all nowhere with sharks. So, you know, like Open Water if it was actually good. But the point stands in that I was pretty much all alone. I couldn't crawl to anyone for the sweet release of death after seeing just how hard S&P tried to avoid The Shadow's very obvious murder attempt by way of hacking into a car to make it fall into a lake of green goo. All I could do was scream and cry into a mic, edit, upload to YouTube, and let all the unsupervised kids looking for free episodes come to me in droves.

Oh, and post to Odd News. Until I accidentally deleted the account.

By that point in time, my old friends had all left due to real life commitments, and only one, Angelica, remained. But even she drifted away, and I was stuck running it all alone. So, I made the difficult decision to let it rot, and frankly...I haven't touched it since. Largely because I left Tumblr entirely and only just now came back. On the news front, I expanded my coverage to PBS Kids as a whole network, just as I do on Twitter.

It wasn't until the back half of Season 3 premiered that the fandom slowly but surely began to grow from planted roots, and I could connect with people again. Seeing people flood the Discord server and Tumblr, sharing art and news and theories, was amazing. Not for Season 3, though -- it was because of the past two seasons. Honestly, to say there's been more talk about Otis and Odd Todd than about any other character in the entire franchise is a hell of an understatement, because it dominated pretty much 98% of the fandom.

From there, new fanworks, fanart, and other pieces of fan-created media were created, and many still continue to be created to this day. Though hyperfixations can be yoted off the cliff and die in an instant (with deepest apologies to Shroom), it's great to see a burst of activity in such a small fandom. Hell, it even got big enough to where we had a Secret Valentine's exchange a couple months back, which was a real joy because it gave me a chance to flex my writing chops even if it did leave me on the verge of a third panic attack. And...the fandom being revived did land me a solid interview for a college assignment. Which, to me, is my own equivalent of getting a dedicated panel at a convention.

But this isn't a whole entire story about fandom lore. It's a story about me.

And honestly...I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little tired with Odd Squad myself.

Between the choking responsibilities of adult life (yay work), the state of my mental and physical health (yay depression and anxiety), and the franchise being fucked over sideways to Pluto and back by numerous entities (yay TV industry), I really can't just focus on Odd Squad anymore. Now, I'll give a fair warning to you and tell you to make no mistake -- my enjoyment of the franchise will die with me and my entire bloodline if the franchise itself doesn't die first. But I've found other special interests and hyperfixations that have grabbed me more than the funny kid agent franchise has. I derive more joy from binging the 90s Frasier series, Pretty Cure, and Neighborhood Wars than I do with the funny kid agent franchise.

Now, does this mean I'm leaving the fandom? God no. To do it on the verge of the franchise's 10th anniversary would be utter blasphemy. And I do plan on weaponizing this blog for more Seren's Studies, including episode reviews and character analyses I can't do with the limited resources I have. But the drive for Odd Squad is just...no longer there for me. I did not, unfortunately, get the "Odd Squad forever" autism. I got the "childhood is hell, but okay, sure, I'll make you a functioning competent adult to a certain degree" autism.

Maybe one of these days, amidst the countless new pieces of media that keep releasing, I'll be able to rewatch Odd Squad. It's worn out its welcome nostalgia-wise, but I find it to be a pretty enjoyable view when I take off those glasses and put on the "my God is an awesome God and that's why I try to attend church every Sunday" ones. I'm still making crossover fan projects to other IPs like MLP, Super Monkey Ball, and Precure. And of course, I'll be seated for Odd Squad UK to see if it's good or not -- I'm more than happy to take the bullet for people who don't want to see it for whatever reason, just as I did for the back half of Season 3. But for now, the drive is pretty much gone.

I will admit, I'm likely missing some stuff. My memory is absolutely terrible, and I had to go fishing for a lot of stuff to refresh it (one of the reasons why this took so long to release in the first place). But this is what I can dredge up.

I'm honestly proud of the little fandom I birthed. I could work a hundred jobs in my lifetime and still say that founding the Odd Squad fandom is by far my greatest accomplishment. I've met so many amazing people, seen so many amazing things, and really, I'm hoping to see more people in the years to come. If the aim is to introduce Odd Squad to new generations of kids, teens, young adults, and adults alike, then I'm all for it. Expose them to goodness. None of that Cocomelon shit.

Thank you for reading, and to all of the people in the fandom both old and new, thank you for touching my life in ways I never thought of. If you've got any further questions about my story, send 'em my way; I'll be glad to answer 'em.

See you all in the next Seren's Studies, whenever that may be.

[rhaegang]

So, this is going anonymous because I'm a pussy. But I have a very huge size difference kink, I don't know, I love it, and Cattonquick makes it even worse, but something I haven't seen much in fics is exploring Oliver with a size kink. AUHGGG IT'S JUST, Félix is a giant, Oliver looks so tiny next to him, just his hands are huge, now imagine the size of his cock. Idk, it bothers me to think about that and not see people doing something with it

Sorry, I'm cringe

I do think this features in most cattonquick stories. Their size difference is such a main aspect of the pairing!

But as far as it being like, THE central focus of a fic or a scene in one, I don’t know of many. So…

It’s fun to imagine what Oliver is daydreaming about all those times he’s staring at Felix. Longing for Felix. Thinking of Felix (forever thinking of Felix).

So let’s imagine, Oliver is staring at Felix. He’s inching up every last inch of Felix with his eyes. And there are so many. His arms and legs go for miles. His chest and back are broad, even if he’s a bit bony and slim. His neck is long. His fingers are too. His hands — on the fretboard of the guitar, or holding a plastic cup and a beer bottle together in just one hand, or resting on Oliver’s knee and completely covering it — damn. Felix has such big hands.

Oliver absolutely would think about Felix’s hands and consider, okay. Proportionately, that means his cock has to be…

He takes the bus to Reading, which has the closest adult shop outside of Oxford. He has, folded in his pocket, an outline he made of Felix’s hand on a piece of notebook paper by tracing it while Felix slept.

He becomes someone new when he goes into the shop, someone who has no shame, someone who does shit like this all the time. Oliver becomes this someone because that’s the only way he’s going to get what he wants.

He asks one of the shop clerks, “what have you got that’s big enough this hand would barely fit around it?”

The clerk doesn’t give a fuck that it’s a strange question. She’s heard far stranger. And since this guy looks harmless (he’s barely bigger than herself, which, aw) she plays along.

“Did you want something that takes batteries, darling?”

She opens boxes for Oliver so he can feel each one. The weight, the length, the almost anxiety-inducing girth of some of them. The one he chooses is as realistic looking as the come. In fact, it’s apparently molded from a real man’s cock; the little racy blurb on the back of the box has a few sentences about him, including his height and how much he bench presses.

The front of the box doesn’t have sentences. It’s just one word: goliath.

It costs a fortune, wiping out Oliver’s pocket money so he’s actually as broke as he’s been pretending to be, at least for the next two weeks.

Oliver is half hard in his trousers the entire bus ride back to Oxford, clutching his backpack with its passenger on his lap to hide it.

The curtains get closed, the door locked; and fuck it, Oliver sticks his chair under the doorknob for good measure, too. He can’t take any chances. He needs to focus.

There’s a few less than sexy steps between barricading the door and when Oliver finally hovers over the massive silicone cock he’s got stuck to the centuries-old hardwood floor, but they’re done and now he’s here.

He’s here, and he’s going to fit this massive thing inside him (and imagine that it’s bloodwarm, imagine that it’s pulsing, imagine that it’s Felix that he’s straddling because if they did missionary, Felix might crush him—) even if it fucking kills him.

It winds up taking Oliver a lot more work to take the whole thing than he expected. It’s hours later, and he’s sore and swollen and overstimulated, but he gets there in the end. His thighs burn from all the careful squatting and shifting, and when he finally can get down near the base of it, his legs give. It drops him a bit harder down onto Felix, rams Felix’s dick up into his guts in a way that makes him hiccup.

“So big.” It’s a whimper. “God, Felix.”

His hole feels so stretched he worries it’ll never go back to normal. But then, for Felix, Oliver doesn’t care if he has to be broken. He doesn’t care if he’ll feel loose to anyone else, anyone smaller. Oliver knows anyone less than Felix would never satisfy him in any way, so, no. He doesn’t care if he becomes a sloppy, fucked out, loose-holed little slut from how much Felix uses him.

Curious, Oliver presses his fingers against his belly until he thinks he can feel the head. There. He looks down. He flails an arm for his backpack, drags it closer with desperate fingers because he can’t shuffle closer to it to grab the strap properly. He’s fucking impaled where he sits, Felix filling him up and nailing him down.

He uncaps a permanent marker and draws a line on his stomach where the head must be. Permanent marker isn’t permanent enough though. It’ll wash eventually. Maybe he’ll have it tattooed, he thinks.

Yeah. He’ll get a line branded in ink on his skin, a straight line with a few hashmarks, sort of like on a ruler. But more like an F.

He wants to see it every time he looks down at himself. He wants to look at it and think, look how far inside me Felix goes. Look how much of me he fills up.

Felix fills all of Oliver, really. All of his thoughts. All of his dreams. All of his heart. It’s only fitting that he’d be big enough to fill Oliver’s body beyond reason, beyond comfort, the same way he fills up the rest of him.

And when the day comes that Oliver can do this for real, can get Felix’s fucking massive hands holding him down while he fills him up, Oliver will be ready. He won’t have to pant and struggle and bleed and curse, because his body will have already made room for every fucking inch of the man, will have reformed to hold him perfectly, cling to him like a fitted glove.

For now, Oliver can barely rock himself on Felix, just a little careful rolling of his hips, but even that pulverizes his prostate and leaves his cock dribbling precum in semi-clear, stretchy drips. He folds over, bracing himself on his elbows, and works his hips until he’s close to bouncing, until he punches his own orgasm out of himself with Felix buried as far as he can go.

Oliver passes out like that, his puffy hole twitching around Felix like it would pull him in deeper, were there more of him to take.

Which — Oliver hasn’t actually seen Felix’s dick while it’s hard.

What if this goliath isn’t big enough, after all?

[stubblesandwich]

MORE of your house of colour ted talk please, that was really interesting to read!!

Oh my gosh, I'm so happy you enjoyed my mini TED Talk/crazy person rant in your tags. 

For those who don't know what the HECK I'm talking about, I reblogged this fantastic little gif set and went off in the tags about how lucky we all are that Colin O'Donoghue happens to be a winter. 

So for those unfamiliar, everyone fits into a color palette or season, according to House of Color, which came about in the eighties and is based on color theory. The idea is that based on your skin's undertone, hair color, and eye color, you fit into a "season" of color. You're a spring, autumn, summer, or winter. Spring and autumn are on the warm end of the color palettes, and summer and winter are the cooler seasons. Think warm oranges in fall and bright, sunny greens in spring. Bright blues and berry pinks for summer, harsher whites, blacks, blues for winter. Makes sense, doesn't it? (Honestly, it took me a long time to understand it all, but once I did, it kind of broke my brain and I can't unsee these things. 🙃)

Well, I make the case that sir Colin O'Donoghue, our dear Captain, is a winter. And we are so damn lucky that he is. Do you know why? Because winters are the only season who can truly pull off black. 😎 And true red, actually! Because of the high contrast between their features and their cool undertones, winters look amazing in high contrast, vibrant cool colors. Those colors don't wash them out like they would other seasons.

Let's get down to the photo evidence, shall we?

Here we see Colin in all his smirky glory.

Now, we all know what this man looks like, but let me point out the obvious. Dark hair, light eyes. The contrast between the two is high, allowing him to pull off a more high contrast color, such as black, white, and that vibrant blue at his collar. His skin has a cool undertone (which is a whole other thing but just trust me there for now). You can see a more pink look to his skin, instead of a warmer yellow undertone. It's easier to see on people with lighter skin, but you can also determine undertone on folks with darker skin. So, there you have all the makings of a true winter.

What does that mean, in terms of clothing and picking out colors that will complement your features? Let's look at some pictures of Colin NOT wearing colors in his winter palette and maybe you'll see what I'm talking about.

Now, you'll never see me on this website saying this man looks bad in these photos. Obviously you'd be hard pressed to make Colin look unhandsome in anything you put him in. But just take a look at him wearing this muted wine colored shirt. His features don't pop at all, like they normally do. It's doing nothing for him. He'd actually be better off just wearing that white undershirt, in terms of making his features pop. And then the photo with the beige on the right is just... I mean, we can all see that's not good, right? We can all see those colors are doing nothing for him? Winters and beige don't mix. Beige is on a winter's no-no list.

It was actually difficult to find photos of Colin not wearing colors in his season. He actually does pretty well for himself, in that regard. He generally wears cooler colors and a lot of black. Here's another photo example though of him in a warm, olive green. Does he look ugly? Absolutely not. Would this sweater look better on him in black, or almost any shade of cool blue? Absolutely.

The olive color washes him out, actually. Let's compare this to Colin in a bright white and dark blue, below.

See how his eyes pop, and his skin doesn't look so washed out? The olive green sweater seen above is a warm green, which would look fantastic on someone in the autumn season. On a winter, though, it just doesn't work as well. And because I love Colin in blue, here are some more examples of him wearing his colors well.

Now, you might be saying to yourself, "Tori, you silly goose. You're forgetting about the magic of lighting benefits, and also the magic of facial hair, which is basically makeup for men." Sure, I'll give you that. Most men look better with stubble or a light beard, and lighting helps. I take you now to my next example of Colin not in his best colors.

The white undershirt and the blue tie are great for Colin! The rust brown suit, however, makes me feel yucky inside. I keep using this phrase, but you can see how this color is just not doing the man any favors. It doesn't help bring any vibrancy to his features in any way. Let's compare these now to (the moment we've all been waiting for) Colin wearing black and see if we can tell a difference.

Do you see how his eyes look brighter, and his skin tone doesn't look so muted and washed out? The skin beneath his eyes isn't as shadowed, either. People generally look healthier when wearing the colors that suit them best. Now, add in Hook's eyeliner to make those blue eyes pop, and you've got some real magic.

Winters also look great in red. (Think of Monica Gellar, also a winter, in her signature red from Friends.) Let us not forget Killian's fan favorite "red vest of sex", as seen below. Someone in the costume department really knew what they were doing with Colin, it must be said.

It's also important that they had him wear silver jewelry, instead of gold, as silver goes better with cool undertones. And how fortunate are we that they cast a man who naturally looks so good in black? The whole "little black dress" as a closet staple for women simply doesn't work for so many of us who just don't look good in black. The only season that truly shines in black is the true winter. ✊🏻 More power to them.

TL;DR Colin looks fantastic in black, and there's a scientific reason for it. Emma didn't stand a chance against not falling for Killian Jones, and neither did we.

Thank you for attending my TED Talk.

[leahnardo-da-veggie]

Snippets, pt 8

I watched as the auxiliaries hunted for my mystery woman, and braced myself to deliver another lie when they couldn't find her. It turned out I didn't need to after all, because the thief pulled himself out of the vent and shot them both.

He had a bamboo dart blower, designed to be snuck in through the metal detectors. I fell flat as he shot a third dart at me. Hey, what the hell? I thought we'd had an agreement! The one bloody time I decided to respect someone's privacy was the time they turned on me. I swore I'd never make that mistake again, and grabbed his mind tightly.

He paused in mid attack and met my gaze with brilliant green eyes. The analysts had gotten one thing right- He was a spirit, and in the classic spirit of spirits, had a distinct childishness to his features. His clothes were loose, a dark shift and slacks, distinctive against his translucent skin. “Let go,” he said, or tried to. I'd overridden his body's free will and functionally turned him into a statue. 

“T-traitor,” Baker hissed, glaring at me. The auxiliaries nearest to me turned around, and I saw my life flash before my eyes. I felt the incredible rage rise in his body, but his consciousness was ebbing rapidly. Those darts were laced with neurotoxin, I realised. It gave me a brief burst of vindication to know the thief had used their own weapon against them.

That satisfaction soured as the first man raised his stunner. “Well, crap,” I said. I was surrounded and deeply outnumbered, and my teammates were either out cold or convinced I had turned. So I did what any sane woman would do. I ran.

Throwing up an illusion, I scrambled for the door. Around me, shots flew wildly as the confused auxiliaries discharged their stunners at random. Pausing at the door, I gathered my wits enough to release the spirit from my grip. Come on, I thought at him. Or would you rather these guys caught you?

He paused, then followed me, launching himself like a squirrel across the room. “Thank you,” he said, in a heavy accent. “I apol-”

“Save it for when we're out of here,” I told him, grabbing him by the wrist and yanking out into the evening light. He was light, and felt more like a gust of wind than a person. 

We ran out to the van and I paused at the door. “You wouldn't happen to know how to drive, would you?”

The spirit gave me a confused look. “My people do not use these vehicles,” he said. “It is all knobs and buttons to me.”

“Me too,” I said dejectedly. “Guess you wouldn't know anything about undoing the stupid anklet either, then?” I tried the door handle. Nope, it was locked.

“I do not trifle with tech-nol-og-ey,” he clarified. “However, I can do this-” He stuck his hand through the car door and opened it from the inside.

“That's a nice trick,” I said, offering an olive branch of camaraderie. Hopping in the driver seat, I gestured for him to settle down in the car next to me. “Come on, let's see if I can avoid dying from the damn auxiliaries or from crashing the car.”

The spirit nodded apprehensively. This scepticism only deepened as I pressed my foot to the pedal and we shot forward. I twisted the wheel hard, and we narrowly missed a tree, skidding onto the lawn.

“You are going to kill us,” the spirit snapped, eyes wide. Terror radiated off him like a chunk of steel in a desert. “I decide to be brave and take risks for once, and for what? To get killed by a stupid mind mage who cannot so much as pilot her own people's vehicle!”

“Right back at you, you stupid ball of ectoplasm,” I snarled. “I be kind and spare you, and what have I gotten in return? Trouble and sass. Give me one good reason not to boot you put the window right now.”

“You couldn't even open the door to this bedamnable thing. If I had not been there, you'd be dead,” he said. Regrettably, he had a point. 

“Look,” I said, subdued. “Let's start over, ‘kay? I'm Luna, and I'm a mind mage. Who are you?”

The spirit gave me a cautious glance, but sensed that I was genuine. “Kristavla Ko-clan, but you may call me Chris. I have heard that that is a common human name,” he said. “And I am a ghostwalker.”

[danceworshipper]

@hphm-ship-week Prompt 6: First Kiss

Scene originally created by @autisticarachnid - hope I did our kids justice!!!

Ship: Oliver/Isla ❤️⭐️

Date: June 4, 1988 (fourth year)

"Gryffindor wins the match, and the Quidditch Cup!"

The chaos was instant. Before Oliver even landed his broom, he could see the swarm forming as people rushed out of the stands to congratulate the team. His ears would be ringing for hours after this the screams were so loud, and he thought for maybe half a second about casting a charm to save himself the trouble before dispelling the notion. He'd take the pain as it came - he wanted to bask in this. Oliver summoned his glasses from the changing rooms to shove them onto his face, the vision charm having worn off a little while ago. Basking did require being able to see properly.

It hadn't been an easy match, but that only made the victory even more exhilarating. Slytherin had been determined to win. The overall scores had been close enough that it was anybody's game, with Gryffindor only behind by 30 points after their last match with Hufflepuff. Oliver had nearly lost his eye blocking shots from Skye, and he almost wasn't exaggerating about it. He bet that bruise was going to look great in the morning. A glance toward the other side of the field showed that he may still be in danger, actually. Skye looked pissed.

"We did it!" Vera screamed, tackling her nearest teammate with a hug - thankfully, Oliver was closest to Charlie, who merely held up his hand for a high five. As excited as he was, he didn't need more bruises. The high five did sting though.

"Any last words before the swarm hits?" Charlie joked.

Oliver laughed, shaking his head. "I think I'm good, you?"

"Tell my parents I love them."

"Will do."

Someone tapped on his shoulder, and Oliver turned around to see Isla staring at him with an odd look on her face. He wondered why she hadn't gone to her sister, who was still busy running around like a crazy person, and he was too caught off guard to do anything other than let her yank him down to her level, completely confused at what was happening -

- and then he couldn't really hear the crowd anymore. He couldn't really think, either, or see. He couldn't feel his broom in his hand, so he must have dropped it. He wasn't sure when. But he could feel Isla: her hand twisted in his sweater, her hair brushing his cheeks, and her lips pressed firmly to his. If Oliver could think... well, he wasn't sure what he would be thinking, because he couldn't.

A loud, "Finally!" made them jump apart, though not too far with Isla's hand still holding tight. Oliver blinked rapidly, staring down at her with his jaw dropped open.

Oh, he thought. He'd closed his eyes. That was why he couldn't see.

Isla's jaw was also hanging, like she was shocked at what she'd just done, and Oliver could sympathize because he was also pretty shocked. The cold air had turned her cheeks pink. His were burning too, damn wind. Also, his hands were shaking. Also also, it wasn't cold at all, so Oliver was having a hard time processing what was going on right now. Isla definitely hadn't just kissed him, and she wasn't blushing. That wasn't possible.

He was definitely blushing though. It tended to happen around her.

"Uh," he said.

Isla gave a shy smile, and Oliver nearly melted on the spot.

"Thanks for beating Slytherin for me," Isla said, as though that explained everything.

It took a second for his brain to catch up, but oh, right, Slytherin had knocked Ravenclaw out of the running, and Isla had told him to win for her. Damn, if he'd known what the prize would be for winning, he'd probably have completely fumbled and lost. Good thing she hadn't mentioned it.

"Coming through, photographer, move out of the way!"

Isla nearly jumped a mile as the team crowded in. "Oh, I'll just - "

"Nuh uh," Vera said, having snuck up behind them at some point, "you're staying right there!"

Oliver thanked his lucky stars he was photogenic, because Vera shoved Isla back into his arms a mere two seconds before the camera flashed and he wasn't sure what his face was doing. The crowd's cheers went up another notch as a banner was magically raised behind the team:

Quidditch Cup Champions, 1988

"Oof!"

Oliver was tackled from the side, landing painfully on the ground.

"Vera," he whined, "I'm already sore."

"Too bad," Vera said, smiling widely as she helped him stand. "You're officially my brother-in-law now, which means I can legally hurt you."

"Definitely not how that works," Oliver said, rolling his shoulder, but then her words sank in and he felt faint again. "Brother-in-law?"

"Vera," Isla whined, burying her face in her hands.

Vera merely cackled.

[careless-with-your-heart]

WIP SNIP SUNDAY! I'm Found in the Water//Fringe AU (Chapter 17)

Working on new stuff for IFitW! Here's a little snippet of the next chapter.

Chapter Seventeen – Swimming with Sharks

“Who the fuck are you?” Peter asks, his gun arm steady as he holds the Glock center mass on the slight, shorter man who stands on the other side of the hedge.

Though the man is dressed in a reasonable facsimile of a Ground Force foot patrolman uniform, Peter has had enough run-ins with law enforcement—and even an instance or two of impersonating them—that he recognizes that the cut of the cloth is about a decade old. And it only takes Peter a moment to discern that the man isn’t carrying a gun. The kid can’t be older than his mid-twenties, and there is fear in his eyes.

Astrid’s shoulder brushes Peter’s arm as she raises her own gun. “I think my friend asked you a question,” she says evenly.

“I-I-”

The kid tenses. Peter knows what’s about to happen. “Don’t. Look, we just got here, and I’m not in the mood to run. So don’t you, okay?”

“You don’t run, and we don’t have to shoot out your kneecaps from behind,” Astrid adds, deadpan.

Peter looks over at her, his eyes flaring. “Damn.”

She shrugs. “His choice.”

The other man swallows audibly and puts his hands up, his eyes darting. “My name is Oliver. I, uh, work for someone who is surveying the area. We’re, uh, private security.”

Liar, Peter thinks.

“For who?”

Astrid takes a step closer and lowers her gun to line up with Oliver’s right knee. “And be quicker answering, this time.”

Oliver stammers out, “I can’t tell you. My employer—”

Peter reaches out a hand to stop Astrid from taking another step. “Chill. Please. You’re scaring me.” At her annoyed sidelong glance, he grins, reaching up with his free hand to tap at his temple. “Let me handle this.”

***

Twenty minutes later, poor Oliver has not only spilled his guts to Peter and a very astounded Astrid, but he’s also completely forgotten that he’d caught them lurking and ousted them from their hiding place—all courtesy of one of the abilities that even Peter finds questionably moral in his own bag of mental tricks.

Now, Peter and his temporary partner are standing outside a nondescript brick building on the bad side of Red Boston. Peter had found Astrid’s moniker for his father’s home city amusing, and his laugh when she’d said it in the cab in the way over had earned him another hard glance, one in a string that she had given him when he’d refused to explain just how he’d pushed Oliver into such honesty.

“Have you done that to any of us?” Astrid whispers dramatically as they creep toward a roll-up metal door with a regular door beside it.

“No,” Peter whispers back.

She pokes him in the ribs from behind. “Did you make Lincoln ask me what my favorite color was yesterday?”

Peter shakes his head, pressing his lips together as they stop and listen outside the normal door. “No, I did not. He probably just wanted to know.”

“He wanted to know that I like blue?” she scoffs.

Peter turns to frown at her. “Astrid, that dude is back in Blue Boston right now of his own volition repainting his living room in stripes of every fucking shade of cerulean he can find. He’s going to sit in the middle of the empty fucking floor, rocking and crying until you come back and say you love him as much as he loves you. He’s hoping for a real airport-run moment where you show up at his front door, assure him that you and I haven’t had hot, adrenaline-inspired sex over here, and that he’s the only nerd for you. You’ll see his blue living room, he’ll explain that it kept you in his heart for the whole time you were apart, and you will feel so moved that you will bestow that naked time on him. Now will you please be quiet while we break into this lovely resistance headquarters?”

Astrid stares at him for a long moment.

“You’re still avoiding explaining how you can do that to people’s brains," she says, one eyebrow cocked.

(More to come!)

[halflingkima]

feeling slumpish, so a first chapter test

The Room by Jonas Karlsson: Bored of his office job, Björn discovers a small private room at work, but his coworkers find his behavior off-putting.

The concept of this satire was initially intriguing, but after the first couple chapters, I'm not so sure. The chapters are quick, the prose is clear-cut and snappy, but the tone of the narrator puts me off a little. I presume it's a typical satire of the drone-like office worker, but I had assumed it would start with an already-miserable man. Instead, it appears this guy is staunchly supportive of Work Hard Upward Mobility Etc. (at a properly nameless and vague Company, no less) and idk if I have the bandwidth to follow that kind of character. ⭐️⭐️

Destroy All Monsters: My Dark Ages by Jeff Jackson: Across the country, musicians are being murdered mid-set by members of their audiences. A young woman becomes involved in planning a tribute concert for the victims of a shooting and befriends the only band willing to perform.

As it's written more to mirror an album, there aren't necessarily 'chapters' to break it down by. After the first few sections, I'm absolutely intrigued. Not so much by the story (no more than before I read it) but by the format (even more so after looking further into it). There's different typefaces and layouts for (presumably) different perspectives/voices and it's absolutely fascinating so far. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Destroy All Monsters: Kill City by Jeff Jackson: Across the country, musicians are being murdered mid-set by members of their audiences. A singer's memorial service devolves into revelry.

Presumably these stories are meant to be read in either order, but after taking a glimpse at them both, I think I'll start with Side A. It seems to have more straightforward context (and is novel-length) while it seems Side B may be more of a (novella-length) commentary on Side A. Still the same cool formatting on both ends. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren: When her sister can't cash in on her honeymoon, Olive must team up with her nemesis (and her brother-in-law's best man) Ethan to pretend to be a couple and make use of the vacation.

I've not read a Christina Lauren before, so I figured I'd give them a shot. Nothing remarkable so far. Seems readable in a lighthearted romcom way, but not irresistably so. ⭐️⭐️

Freeman's Best New Writing On: California, ed. John Freeman: A collection of short form fiction about the realities of modern California from prominent authors of the region.

"Piece by piece, these writers reassert what is possible to see clearly when you press down on language with enough care and force." Damn okay. The introduction focused a lot on immigration, unsurprisingly, but in an engaging way. As any good introduction, it made me very interested in the pieces to come, but was a well-written piece itself. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[shugojima]

Ushiwaka taking your virginity

-𝖿𝖾𝗆, 𝗈𝗋𝖺𝗅 𝖻𝗈𝗍𝗁 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝖾𝗂𝗏𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝗌𝗈𝖿𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗀𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗅𝖾

ꨄ︎

I thought it was really sweet of him that he wanted to wait, but I could literally jump at him and accidentally land directly on his cock ... I've really never seen anything like that with me; Yes, I was horny before, but THAT was on a different level, in no way to be compared with the feeling that so often haunted my virgin ass.

We weren't even dating... and yet all I wanted was to feel him completely. All of him, how it devours me, this feeling.

I couldn't think of anything else, it was just impossible to have a clear thought as we sat on his bed with our arms around each other, my head buried in the crook of his neck.

I listened to his heart pumping rapidly in his muscular chest, slowly released myself from the pleasantly warm embrace and looked at him slightly pleading.

He only understood when I ran my hand slowly along his white shirt, over his broad shoulders, his slightly protruding collarbone, his chest, where I lightly brushed his bud ... Over his hard, defined abs; my god he's so damn hot.

Down to his belt-

Eyes wide open and breathing heavier, his strong hand grabbed my wrist and held me in place.

He pressed his forehead against mine and breathed against my lips

"What are you doing, Y / n?"

I closed my eyes for a moment and frowned before I opened my eyelids again and looked at him intensely, whimpering a little too desperately

"P-Please ... Please, Toshi."

"... Fuck it." He hissed sharply through his gritted teeth as he pressed his lips on mine, his tongue more greedy than an hour earlier on the way home. Moaning slightly into the wet kiss, my hand found his strong biceps and I sank my fingers lightly in his skin before he pulled away and grabbed my hips to sit on his lap.

Again we kissed passionately when I noticed below me how he was slowly getting hard and my eyes widened only to look into his olive ones.

"Are you sure?" he breathed hot into the kiss as I rubbed myself against his growing cock to somehow exert some much needed pressure.

"Mhm."

I moved against him for a while, his rough hands on my hips, he now took control. Again and again he rubbed my middle, which was only covered by the thin fabric of my wet panties, against its now completely hardened length.

Lifting me from him, laying me gently on the bed, he leaned over me and kissed me gently on the forehead before he began to unbutton his shirt. I meticulously watched his every move as his slightly trembling fingers struggled with the buttons before the fabric slid off his shoulders, revealing his stunning, muscular body.

"Oh my God." I let out drooling, my face more than red, when a deep, rich laugh left his throat, he put my palms on his abs and looked deep into my eyes.

"Touch me, little one. All of this .."

He slowly led my hand to the huge bulge in his pants."... belongs to you."

"T-To me?"

"To you only." He nodded.

Does that mean....???

He moved my trembling hand over his cock. I swallowed hard when I realized it has to fit inside me. That was impossible, wasn't it? I always thought they were somehow... smaller?

He noticed my worried expression and leaned down to me before starting to calm me a little.

"Hey, don't worry, ok? I'm very careful, I promise."

"It-It's... so ... too big, Toshi."

He smiled warmly, some pride in his bright eyes as he put his lips lovingly on mine.

"It'll hurt a little in the beginning, Y / n. But I'll try to make it as comfortable as possible for you. Unless you want-"

"No! I really want this." I said firmly and he just nodded before he watched me slowly unbutton my blouse and put his hand on my chest. He looked at me for a moment, searching for more certainty. For the> Go! <

"And this ..." I squeezed his hand slightly and closed his fingers around my chest.

"... belongs only to you."

We hadn't really said it out loud, but we both knew what that meant. He was mine. I was his. And never in my young life have I been so happy as I was at this moment, with him.

He smiled from ear to ear and began to open my bra, which was thrown carelessly from the bed, looked at me for a moment and I escaped his gaze a little embarrassed.

"You are ... beautiful, Y / n."

His hands found my breasts again and kneaded them slightly, before he leaned down a little and spread feather-light kisses over my sensitive skin.

My fingers brushed his green-brown hair, holding him exactly where I wanted to feel him most. He slowly licked around my bud, wrapped his lips around and sucked slightly on it.

Quiet whimpers left my mouth as he ran his teeth along my hardened skin. I felt his smile on my skin before he went further down on me, his hot breath against my body, he took off my blouse completely and kissed my stomach, right down to the waistband of the skirt of my Karasuno uniform.

His greedy eyes searched for mine and I only nodded as his big hands slowly pulled down my skirt.

He spread my legs a little, placed them at an angle on the bed, ran a finger gently over my soaked fabric.

"You're so wet already, Y / n ..."

"T-Toshi ... nghhh .."

He slid his finger up and down, looking at me in love and breathing heavily.

"More.. please!"

"Mmm."

The loud ripping noise as he tore the thin fabric echoed in my ears as he didn't waste a second and let his warm, wet tongue parted my lips. I moaned way too loudly, pressed my head into the sheets, arched my back and enjoyed every second. It felt incredible and I never wanted him to stop.

"Aaahhhh fuck!!!"

"Shhh not that loud, Y / n." he admonished me as he took a moment to breathe before his face disappeared between my thighs again.

"But- it feels so nghhh ... good."

His tongue slowly circled around my clit, flicking up and down, his hot breath and the warmth of my drenched center blurred into one another, made me go completely crazy and my mental strength was only tested even more when he slowly put a finger into me and slid it slowly in and out.

"W-Wakatoshi!!"

"I'm right here, little one."

Wet squelching noises and my moans filled the room as he slowly pulled out his finger and licked my sweet juice off them in relish.

"I ... want to do that too."

"Hm?"

"Taste you ..."

I sat up, began to open his belt a little awkwardly and let him get out of his pants, his hard cock pressed against his dark gray boxers and desperately looked for a way to get out of them.

I pulled the fabric down slowly and froze for a moment, examined his best piece with fascination.

"I've never done that .. so don't know how-"

"I'll help you." he said gently and put my hand around his length.

It was really thick and slightly curved, a dominant vein on the underside. If I were to paint the perfect cock ... that's what it would look like.

Slowly he moved my hand up and down, suddenly all the air left his lungs and he briefly closed his eyes.

"If you like... you can play a little with your tongue here." he said, running his thumb over its slippery tip.

I didn't think about it for long and leaned down further, running the tip of my tongue around his tip, his hand running gently through my hair. "J-just like that ... Ahhh.." I took him inside my mouth, if only a bit, it was just too big ... and let my wet muscle slide around him. He tastes so good...

"Y / n ... suck it a little .. please." I did how I was told and began to suck him, his hand now gripped my hair tightly and heavy, deep moans, almost bawls, left his throat.

With a loud plop he pulled me off his cock and pushed me back onto the sheets. Now kneeling between my legs, he kissed me passionately and pressed his pelvis against me. Its length slid up and down between my wet lips, making naughty noises and now really driving me completely fucking insane. Pressing my hips against him, I begged

"W-wakatoshi .... please ... I can't take it anymore!"

Caressing my cheek, he grabbed his cock with the other hand, positioned it at my entrance and his next words shot endorphins through my whole body. A huge swarm of those damn butterflies ...

"I think ... this is love, Y / n."

And with that he slowly slipped into me, just a few inches before he stopped and looked at me carefully. "Does it hurt?"

I shook my head and hid my face under my hands.

Another few inches ... "Ahhh! Fuck."

Again he stopped immediately and kissed the hands on my bright red face.

"It'll be over in a moment .. The pain won't be there for long, Y / n."

"Mhm ..."

"Can I continue? I'm almost halfway there."

"HALFWAY THE-" His hand stopped the screaming me and he giggled slightly.

"You shouldn't scream like that."

I looked at him apologetically and he pulled a little out of me, put his lips on mine, before he pushed a little deeper inside. My screams muffled by his mouth as he soothed my hair and pulled away.

Our tongues, lightly connected by a thin string of our mixed saliva, he whispered gently

"Are you ready?"

I nodded slowly and he slowly ran his thumb along my bottom lip.

"Thanks, Y / n. That means a lot to me."

With a slow but firm thrust into me, it happened. I bit my lip to keep me from screaming and unconsciously dug my nails into his back as he slowly moved inside me. A moment later the pain slowly subsided and I felt ...

I felt.

"Ahhhh .... T-toshi! Ohh my.. god!"

He smirked and was visibly happy that I was starting to enjoy it.

"Does it feel ... nghh good like that?"

"S-so ahhh .. so good!"

I was in heaven. That had to be it.

His cock kept rubbing against my sensitive walls, thrusting more and more energetically and faster into me, deeper and deeper ... He layed my head in his big hand, the other on my chest and closed his eyes to savor the moment to the fullest.

"You are so .. beautiful .." I said between the slamming of his hips and he smiled softly, opening his eyes again. His green-brown hair stuck lightly to his forehead, small drops of sweat ran down his angular features and gently dripped onto my skin. His cheeks shone in a soft pink and his perfect muscles glistered slightly.

"You feel so amazing, Y / n ..."

When he put my leg over his shoulder, he hit a sensitive point, that was unknown to me. My body rose higher from the sheets and once again I screamed way too loud. But this time, he didn't seem to care, because the hand on my mouth that had previously shut me up, didn't appear.

"T-Toshi what .. right there ... Ahhhhh!!! Fuck!!"

"Mmm there we go..."

Confused but groaning loudly I looked at him and he just smiled and fucked me into oblivion. Shit.. what is he doing to me?

His heavy balls repeadetly slapped against my ass with every hard thrust, I even felt his dominant vein that I saw earlier on his cock. Again and again he hit this one point when a warm tear ran down my temple.

Love...

I was sure now.

He felt me tightening around him and a deep grunt of gratitude left him, before he fucked me harder and faster, my soaked pussy gripped his length and made it almost impossible for him to move, if he didn't have such an almost infinite strength.

"Cream all over my cock and get it all messy, ok little one?"

And these words from his usually so innocent mouth put me over the edge when I finally lost all control over my body and put it in his hands. I came screaming and moaning loudly as Wakatoshi basically tore me in two, before he quickly pulled out and breathed heavily as he spilled his white liquid all over me.

We just stared at each other for a while and slowly we calmed down a bit.

"I'm sorry ... I'll get something to ... clean up quickly." He said, still breathing heavily, as he was about to get up when I wiped something off with my finger and then slowly licked it.

"Y / n ..."

"Hm?"

"Oh nothing."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he gently wiped the sin off me with a warm, damp washcloth and then patted my skin dry with a small towel. Not forgetting the little virgins blood on my thighs before kissing me.

"I hope .. it was as good you imagined it would be."

"Better ... way better."

[thefreakydeaky]

"Another?" Simon made to pour you a shot of rum.

You covered your glass and shook your head.

Dwight's hand landed heavy on your shoulder.

"Come on, Y/l/n. You gotta be able to hold your liquor if ya wanna run with this crowd." His thin lips were pulled up in an uncharacteristic smile.

You chuckled lightly and held your cup out to Simon.

"I get the feeling, I'm being tested."

Simon only smirked.

"Well y'all sons of bitches are in for a surprise. My blood used to be 90 proof."

Dwight snickered.

You couldn't help but turn your gaze in the direction of the man who's approval you needed the most.

Negan watched on, not the barest hint of a smile on his lips. You sat up straight as you held up your glass.

You gave Negan a nod of respect, "To the good health and prosperity of El rey del sur, Our King of The South."

His dark eyes narrowed at your words.

The men around you remained half frozen, unsure how the enigmatic man would take your speech.

The corner of his mouth twitched. It was the closest you'd ever gotten to a smile from him. He nodded and the celebration resumed.

Your eyes followed the movement of his body as he stretched out his long legs, crossing them at the ankle.

There was only one thing Negan had that you truly envied, the luxury of being his authentic self.

Hazel eyes glared right at you. You looked away.

As the night wore on, the saviors began to trickle out of Negan's sitting room and into the adjacent rooms with some of the wives.

Crude sounds and lusty moans pervaded the air.

And then there were three. You thought sharing an awkward laugh with Dwight.

"Welp," He said standing. "It's getting late. I better turn in."

Your gaze strayed to Negan and found that somehow you were only the width of a sofa cushion away from him.

Your shoulders tensed.

His olive and honey eyes met yours, a dare in their depths.

"I'll walk you." You offered to Dwight and started to stand.

You swayed and would have lost your balance if Negan's hands hadn't suddenly been there to steady you.

"He can walk himself. Can't you, D?" His husky voice interrupted. His hands on your hips eased you back into your seat.

"Uh, Yeah. Thanks, Y/l/n, but I'm good."

You frowned, but didn't protest.

"Night." Dwight said again and left you alone with Negan.

Although he was no longer touching you, you could feel him staring.

You uncrossed and recrossed your arms over your chest.

"You are so tense right now, I bet if I stuck a lump of coal up your ass, I'd have a big fucking diamond by sunrise."

"What're you gettin into the jewelry business?" You huffed.

"Your little comedy act might work on my saviors, but it ain't getting you anywhere with me. So you might as well cut that shit out."

Your mouth opened in surprise.

"Why the fuck do you try so hard? What do you get out of being a fucking clown?"

You pursed your lips.

"I want to be liked."

Negan snorted in derision. "Being liked is of absofuckinglutely no value."

"Well, it was valuable enough to get you to the top." You replied morosely.

"Are you serious? You mean to tell me that after everything you've fucking seen, you think being liked is what got me this gig?"

You couldn't bring yourself to look at him.

"From what I've seen, it's a balance. You are feared, because you aren't afraid to get violent." You fixed your eyes on the empty glasses scattered across the coffee table.

"You are respected because you take the responsibility of protecting the weak. You charm people with your joking and teasing."

Negan scoffed.

"Not everyone can be naturally attractive and charming. Respect, I can earn by doing my share and having their backs when we're out there doing pick ups. Will they fear me? Probably not, but I am smart and I know how to be funny. God willing making people laugh will make me well liked enough to bring me opportunity."

He became quiet.

You groaned internally.

Had you been too honest?

"Opportunity for what?" He gazed at you intently.

"Opportunity for advancement of course." You said evenly.

“Are you fucking flirting with me?”

Your eyes widened.

" You are aren't ya? You're fuckin flirting with me." He grinned.

"I was just being honest with you. How is that flirting?"

Negan smirked.

"Well let me fuckin see here, you called me naturally charming and attractive. Add to that the many times I have caught you eyefucking me."

Your face became hot with embarrassment.

"Unless you're looking to challenge my leadership, the only opportunity you've got is filling the recently vacant position of wife number seven."

You looked over your shoulder at the door and cursed yourself for letting Dwight leave without you.

Negan stretched his arm over the back of the couch and leaned in close.

Your pulse quickened.

"Look at me." He commanded.

You wondered not for the first time, why his husky voice had such an effect on you.

Regardless of what he was saying, the sound of him always made you think of sex. It also made you want to do everything he asked.

You turned toward him, slowly.

Negan cupped the side of your face, stroking your cheekbone lightly.

You gasped at the unexpected gentleness of his touch.

He leaned in. You felt his warm breath on your skin. He smelled like a combination of aftershave, sweat, and the whisky he'd been drinking. Unfortunately for you, you found the scent alluring.

He tipped your face up toward his.

You half wondered if you had passed out on the sofa. Perhaps this was a bizarre alcohol induced wet dream.

He licked his lips.

You swallowed nervously. He seemed like he kissed well. You hadn't been kissed in such a long time. You worried that you had forgotten how-

"You implied it."

"I-what?"

"Your reaction to me invading your personal space is proof that you meant it."

Your gaze slid from his olive and honey eyes to his lips and back again.

"You find me attractive and charming."

You could see by the smug smile already forming on his ruggedly handsome face that he wasn't going to let you live this down.

This could not stand. You made the first counter move you could think of. You slapped him.

Negan's eyes widened in surprise as your palm hit his cheek.

"ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod I'm so sorry!" You covered your mouth with your hands.

A smile that was as dazzling as it was dangerous spread on his face.

Your breathing excelerated at the thought of what he might do to you as punishment.

Your mind flipped through the horrors you had witnessed at his hands, the iron, the smell of burnt hair and burnt flesh, His fists pounding relentlessly into a guys face, the sharp smell of blood, lucille coming down on some poor sonofabitch's skull, making it rain skull fragments, blood, and brains.

"I am going to make you pay." His tone was filled with promise as he yanked you to him by the collar of your jean jacket.

Your hands went to his shoulders with the intent of pushing him away.

Negan was on you in a heartbeat stealing your next breath with a brutal kiss.

He left you no choice but to mold your mouth to his. He slipped his tongue into your mouth and found yours.

You attempted to take control of the embrace.

He nipped at your lower lip in warning. His tongue delved once more tangling with yours in a battle for dominance.

You refused to submit.

His fingers hooked their way into your belt loops. Strong hands pulled you by the waist, propelling you forward, effectively forcing you to straddle the erection straining against his pants.

Your hips ground against his. He sucked at your lower lip and rocked up against the apex of your thighs.

Your breath hitched.

"I knew you were into me."

You turned your head to prevent him from kissing you again and rolled your hips.

He groaned.

"I am not into you."

Negan held onto your hips, threw his head back and laughed.

"Well I'll be damned. You finally said something funny."

He ran his hands over your ass, kneading your ample cheeks.

"I think we should fuck. Are you interested in the full experience or are you gonna settle for just a taste?"

"I wish you would stop saying shit like that. It makes my pussy go dry."

His jaw clenched in annoyance.

"You are a much better listener than I thought you were."

Rather than fly into an angry rant riddled with 'fuckyous' his hand shot out, pressing at your throat.

"Why is it you think you can get away with saying whatever you fucking want?" His fingers applied pressure to the side of your neck.

Your pussy clenched, dampening your panties in anticipation.

"Answer me." He demanded, pressing harder still.

A dulcet moan passed through your lips.

Negan's eyes narrowed.

He brought his other hand up to encircle your neck and squeezed experimentally.

You couldn't help the needy whine you emitted. The tension in your shoulders began to melt away as his thumb stroked along the curve of your neck.

"Ho-o-ly shit, You're really fucked up aren't ya?"

"You have no fucking idea." You purred.

[imagines-to-quench-thirst]

No nut November

Imagine: in the glory of No Nut November, you make a bet with your lover saying if they fail you cuff them and use them to your liking but if you lose they get to fulfill one of their fantasies. And you are keen on it to make them lose, by any means.

Victor Creed

Accepting the challenge that is No Nut November, it's a walk in the park, after all, he did have a wager with you. So you were prepared to make him lose.

Walking into your living room dressed in a maid outfit so small enough that the skirt perfectly (barely) covers your ass when you bend over. And you use it wisely, in front of him.

-Excuse me, Mr. Creed. Just a second.

He watches your form in front of him seeing the black thong between your cheeks that peaked between getting the sensation he started to miss already.

-You want me to lose, dove?

He asks as he grins feeling his palm on his hard length trying to massage the hard-on away.

-Me, no. I'm just wearing this costume since I didn't go to the Halloween party. So this is my chance. It's not my fault you have a dirty mind.

-It's not that hard with a beautiful girl like you.

Damn!

He knew how to rile you up.

-So you forfeit? You do remember your punishment.

Victor stands up walking to you slapping your check roughly as he smirks down at you.

-Being handcuffed while you ride me isn't that much as a punishment.

Steve Rogers

For Steve, it's somewhat easy. He is always on a mission kilometers away from you. That also means when he comes back to you he is a beast... Until he accepted the bet. After a day passed since he came home he wanted to devour you.

-Ready to relinquish, captain?

You asked as you sat next to him on the couch dressed in your pajamas. You knew you didn't have to do much, he will crumble himself eventually.

-No...

He trailed off but you saw how hard he was, partially begging to take you.

-When you think about it if you lose it isn't that bad. Sure you would be handcuffed and you don't like to be submissive...

With that Steve grabs your hand yanking you to him so you sit comfortably on his dick.

-Who said I don't like to be submissive?

You kiss happily knowing that there is indeed something like a 'Submissive Captian'.

Bucky Barnes

-Doll, I have been known in my days as 'James the Champ', which meant I NEVER lost.

You turn your gaze to him watching him through the glass as you applied your red lipstick as he leaned in the door frame.

-Well, of course, but you never went head to head with me.

Bucky rolls his eyes at your testimony as you walked towards him letting your steps be slow and seductive as your hands land on his shoulders.

-That means I'll just have to go to the girl's night out without my departure gift.

Bucky licks his lips finding it hard not to fuck you before you go, your usual tradition before you or him went. Always marking each other up to know how just lucky you are that the rest of the population.

-Looks like it.

He said slowly as he felt your fingers dance along his neck waiting for your kisses just below his ears. He closes his eyes focusing his hands trying to control his animalistic behavior from jumping out and losing the bet.

-I'll be home in a few hours.

You kissed his cheek and left your shared home for the first time ever since he came back from the mission. Closing the door Bucky jumps onto the bed discarding his pants and mixer and quickly getting to work.

Ding

Bucky stops for a second as he looks at his phone a new text message form you.

A photo.

Opening the photo it's a picture of him jerking off with the title being

'When I come home you prepare for your self for the punishment.'

Loki Laufeyson

After spending almost an hour explaining Loki the No Nut November he was rather excited to try his limits. And the bet was just as sweet. He did always say that his mind is the strongest of anyone but you knew how to crack him. And now was the time.

Cooking.

Loki loved to help you cook especially when you bake a cake just for the fun of it. Taking the freshly whipped cream covered cake you dip your finger onto your slice of the cake totally forgetting the fork beside you and putting the whipped cream covered finger into your mouth letting the delicious moans be loud for Loki to hear.

Loki watched you torture him as he felt drool exiting from his open mouth.

The bet.

He needed to be strong, he is royalty they never give their power to others. Especially if they are his amazing and sexy lover.

-Delicious.

You moaned as you looked at Loki as he shakes his groaned approval.

-Yes... You are.

Giggling at his blurb you walk to him pressing your body on his.

-Ready to forfeit, my King?

Loki sighs and for a split second he nods.

-Yes. I'm yours, my love.

Thor Odinson

He loved challenges, he loved the pressure to succeed and prevail amongst other mortals that failed. And he was furthermore ready for the challenge. You were in it to make him beg for you. And you knew just about how.

-My darling, how about a kiss?

Thor asked as held you by your waist.

-I'm sorry, Thor. The bet is limited only to hugs other than that it's losing.

Thor sighs as he watched you walk away hoping that this will end soon.

-Y/n, my light, my moon... Can you bestow me kiss onto my aching lips?

Looking down at your kneeling boyfriend you laugh as you watch Tony enter.

-For fucks sakes. Thor just forfeit and get a room!

Tony screamed clearly irritated at the muscular God.

-But fellow Tony much is at stake.

-Just kiss her and get it over with. I'm tired of hearing your pending across the HQ.

-Forfeit Thor and I'm all yours.

Thor looks back at you and he nods to your words as he lands his lips on yours softly.

-Please, do go get a room!

Thor continued to kiss you as he carried you out of the living room leaving Tony to wash his eyes with soap.

Bruce Wayne

He is the man, the detective, the toughest of tough. He can endure every pain and still make it on time to a date with you. But when a wager is in he is 10 times tougher. He is in it for the end line. But you were also stubborn as him, even more. This will be fun.

-Come on, Bruce. You possibly can't endure a whole month without feeling me. And my body.

Bruce looked at you as you swayed in your dress next to him watching the crowd of shallow rich species.

-Believe me, It's hard. But knowing I beat you in a bet is all the worthwhile. Plus, I have spent years in isolation so this will be easy.

Rolling your eyes at his ruling you walk away grabbing Olivers Queen and going to the center of the ballroom, in the perfect position in front of paparazzi, rich folk and Bruce.

-Ready to waltz, Oliver?

-Yeah, let's make some magic.

The dance was magical. You and Oliver moved in unions even better with Bruce but your eyes never left Bruce's figure. As the dance ended you pull out your leg from your high slit dress placing on Oliver's hip and giving a kiss on the cheek.

-Thank you.

-Always, temptress.

Walking back to Bruce you see his eyes locking onto your body and stoic expression he wastes no time in yanking you out of the room.

-Get ready to be punished, baby girl.

-Yes, sir.

Clark Kent

Clark is a cinnamon roll, you can't deny that, but he is rough when he wants to so pulling an invisible brake on his libido is pure torture.

-You know that you can always forfeit.

You say softly hoping from him to give up since you are feeling frisky.

-I don't know. I want to but I also want to win this bet.

Kissing his cheek, almost near his lips you see the twitch in his neck as he tries to kiss you on the lips. You know just what he needs. Fuel this small fire.

-If you want to complete this bet you can do that. I'm not gonna stop you. I can always ask Bruce for some meaningless fun.

Clark sharply runs to you on his face shock.

-Or maybe Arthur, or maybe even Diana. I am feeling very much frisky.

Clark shakes his head as his hands grip your waist and pulling you on his lap as his hands roughly grip your boobs.

-You are going to regret saying Bruce's name. I'll make you forget it.

-Prove it.

Arthur Curry

Arthur is filled with happiness and he very much finds joy in making you feel amazing. So proposing the bet he was against it. He himself knew that he won't last even 3 days without touching you.

-Maybe I'll accept the bet if you add something more.

-What do you propose?

-You being in a sexy costume of my choosing for 2 days.

Arthur grins at the idea.

-Fine. But if you lose. You'll fulfill my fantasy of choosing.

Arthur nods feeling excited as he shakes your hand, starting the challenge. A days pass and you knew how much he wanted to win even going so far to sleeping on the couch. He wanted to win so bad but seeing you exit the shower as he entered he just could not look away from your marvelous body, wanting to pinch your booty and massage your tense muscles.

He started to lose his cool. It was apparent. You saw it and somehow enjoyed seeing him squirm.

-You alright, Art?

He looked at you like a hurry and horny wolf (mostly horny)

-No. Want. To. Touch. So. Bad.

He slurped like a zombie as he watched your lips wind up in a smile. So kissable.

-You can. But there are consequences.

You walk to him at an arm's length not touching him just torturing him by the small insignificance distance.

-Come on, Arthur. You can't go on like this.

He huffs like a bear as he steps closer kissing your lips with so much need you almost fell on the floor he wasn't holding you tightly.

-Fine, you win but now I get my way.

-Deal.

Orm Marius

Orm wanted to touch you it was a fact but having a challenge for him as a prince was tantalizing. He wanted to try it and he was wrong he didn't understand the power you had on him and made his task a nightmare in his words at least.

-Y/n can you not be so sensual, beloved? I'm trying my hardest.

He pleaded hoping for you to change out of his shirt into your pajamas.

-I don't see the problem. I always wear it and you love it.

-I do! That's the issue. You are enticing me.

Snickering at him you walk to him standing in front of him as he sat on his chair.

-Well, then how about you get on your knees and worship me.

Orm gulps feeling his dick hardening at your command. He loved it when you took control and he lived when he submitted to you. It was like a drug. He doesn't answer as he drops to his knees in front of you looking up hopeless.

-Yes, my goddess.

Joker

-You want to chain me?! Chain the sex machine?! Are you crazy?

-It's not an order. Just a bet. You can decline it. It thought it would be fun.

-It's on.

After that J was focused and loaded as he focused on his 'gangster' work. After countless tries of seducing him in his office in his favorite lingerie. You took a break. To gather yourself and think of a new plan.

Got it.

As the night enrolled you walked into J's club dressed in a small red dress and walking past J's private club section. Only winking at him as he discussed business with another gangster. Going straight to the bar and sitting pretty it doesn't take long from the moths to come to the flame.

-Can I buy you a drink?

Many men ask as you lean on the bar table and seeing the bartender behind you butting in.

-Gentlemen, Y/n is...

-Its okay Mark. Let them be.

Mark nods obediently handing you your drink. After a while, you see Joker walking to you pushing away the men from you.

-Scarm before I kill you here.

The men run away and you smile at your man.

-You are very clever, luring me in with other men so I get jealous and fuck you hard.

-Did it work?

-Yes, princess. Prepare for the punishment of your life.

-And you too.

Duncan Vizla

-Y/n you should know that I am trained to be tougher than the average person. This puny bet won't affect me in the slightest.

Smiling at Duncan you counter his statement.

-I know but when people are told something they tend to the opposite. Something like the apple in the Garden.

-Are you pulling Biblical reference to get me on board with the bet?

-Maybe?

-Deal.

After that deal, you made sure he saw you every second. If he was in the kitchen you were there to help, if he was in the bathroom you needed an 'urgent bath'. When he sat in his leather chair you purposefully bend down to pick up anything that fell, accidentally. Even when sleeping. You were purposefully sleep talking small words that he wanted to hear.

-More Duncan... Faster... I'm yours... Mark me...

He was a tough nut to crack but it will be worthwhile. Just a little more. A few days passed being completely impressed by Duncan's steel will. As you walked into the house you see Duncan cooking his eyes looking solely one the scrambled eggs.

-You good, Duncan?

You ask as you watch Duncan turn to you pulling himself to you like on a string.

-In a way. A HARD way.

Moving your gaze down you see Duncan hard-on poking out of his pants.

-Need help with that?

You ask hoping for Duncan to nod and fuck you right here in the kitchen. Of course, as you tried to seduce Duncan and being left empty-handed was also hard on you leaving you wet and wanting more of his distant touch.

-Time is passing Mr. Vizla and your problem is still here. You know how it can be solved.

Duncan smiles viciously as he pushes you against the fridge. His rough lips smacking against yours as your ears pick up the calling of his belt.

-You are in a ride, prepare yourself Y/n.

[settersprouts]

꠵ look at me : chapter four ꠵

パニック 。

"How in the hell did we manage to get in this situation?"

Iwaizumi's and Matsukawa's shared thoughts explained the worst possible situation they would be in : they lost Oikawa and Hanamaki.

"Damn, this is bad." Iwaizumi reached for his phone, dialing Oikawa's number for the seventeenth time. Of course, just like the other sixteen times, there was no answer : the call just went straight to voicemail. "He put his goddamn phone on silent, what the hell was he thinking?"

Matsukawa rubbed Iwaizumi's back, supporting his teammate. "I'm sure they're fine. Maybe they went to get food or something." He checked his own phone to see if Hanamaki had read his texts, but his results were the same as Iwaizumi's. "I got no answer from Makki. He probably turned his phone off as well."

Iwaizumi grabbed his own hair, practically tearing it out of his scalp. "Crap, they're really starting to worry the living shit out of me." Matsukawa snorted a little bit, taking Iwaizumi's hands in his own to force him to stop making himself go bald.

"Look, you need to calm down. If they were in actual danger, the last thing they need is you not thinking straight." Matsukawa flicked Iwaizumi's forehead. "So, just take a deep breath. Breathe with me. In for four, hold for four, and out for four." Iwaizumi matched his breathing with Matsukawa's, and after a couple minutes his mini panic-attack had gone down, and the veins that were popping out of his forehead earlier weren't visible anymore. Muttering a small thanks, he checked his phone again just to see if Oikawa had texted. It was the same as earlier; no answer.

"Hey!" Hanamaki's bright voice rang through both boys' ears. They turned to greet the huge smile plastered on the boy's face. "Sorry about leaving you guys, I got you some food!"

Matsukawa and Iwaizumi both let out a breath they didn't know they were holding. "About time," Matsukawa muttered, opening his arms to give Hanamaki a little hug. "Was 'boutta call the cops on your dumb ass."

Hanamaki scoffed, shoving two paper bags into his friend's arms. "Well, screw you. I even got yours and Iwa's favorite too."

Iwaizumi peaked over Matsukawa's shoulder as the latter opened the crinkled bag. Inside were two foil-wrapped packages, the smell emitting from the wrapping suggesting Hanamaki had bought some food. Iwaizumi reached inside and pulled out one of the packages, opening the foil just a little bit to reveal Matsukawa's favorite food, cheese-filled hamburg steak.

Matsukawa gasped, taking the food from Iwaizumi's hand and looking at it like it was his lifeline. "Makki, you are a literal angel. God bless. I love you." He took a bite out of the steak, closing his eyes and smiling. "No homo though." He added on in between bites, finishing the meat in under fifteen seconds.

He gave the other bag to Iwaizumi, which held little plastic containers with some agedashi tofu. He inhaled the food's scent, wrinkling his nose a little bit at the sudden waft. It smelled normal, but it wasn't like the tofu Oikawa and his okāsan⭒ used to make. Even though Toorū was a brat about making food for Iwaizumi sometimes, he still managed to cook something up that tasted absolutely fantastic. It kind of scared him.

Iwaizumi pulled out the container, popping the lid open and stabbing a toothpick into one of the tofu pieces, popping it into his mouth. "So, where's Crappykawa?"

Hanamaki shrugged. "Dunno. I think he chickened out." An unamused expression made its way onto Makki's face. "He's probably still pissed about Karasuno beating us, that he didn't want to watch them go against Shiratorizawa."

Matsukawa and Iwaizumi both glanced at each other as Hanamaki stalked off, hands in his pockets and everything. "Sometimes, I really wonder what goes on inside his head."

"Honestly." Matsukawa replied, as they both speed-walked to keep up with Hanamaki. "I've been meaning to ask you, how's 'Kawa doing?"

Iwaizumi stiffened a little at the mention of his friend. A thousand things flew through his head. Should he tell him? Would Oikawa get mad? How would Matsukawa take it? Would he call the cops? Would he believe him? Would he tell Makki?

"You know, if you don't want to answer, you don't have to. Just don't glare at me, you're giving me chills." Iwaizumi snapped back to reality at Matsukawa's words, realizing he was glaring daggers at his friend. He mumbled an 'oh, gomen'nasai ⭒ ,' feeling relieved when Mattsun waved it off like it was nothing. "If it's personal, I get it. I'd be pretty 'pressed too, if I was in his situation."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

Matsukawa sighed, looking up towards the cloudy sky. "Well, Oikawa is an amazing captain, and setter. He tried for three years to make it to Nationals at Seijoh, worked his knee into a brace, and his chances were all swiped out from underneath him." Iwaizumi noticed his fist clenched a little bit, but decided not to mention it. "You know, I don't blame him for hating Kageyama. He was just born gifted, while Oikawa worked his ass off to get to where he is right now."

Iwaizumi nodded, remembering Oikawa's semi-hatred for the first-year Karasuno setter. "But, even so, that doesn't explain why he tried hitting him. You remember that, right?"

"Seriously?" Matsukawa turned his head to stare into Iwaizumi's olive-colored eyes. "I mean, sure, but he was having a panic-attack, if the things you told me and Makki were true."

"A panic-attack?" Iwaizumi looked at Matsukawa in shock. "Shittykawa? Having a panic-attack?"

Hanamaki slowed his pace so that he was walking alongside Iwaizumi and Matsukawa. "Yeah. From what you told us, he was breathing really fast and his pupils were small," he pointed to his own eyes while saying this part. "And he was sweating a lot more than he should have been, since he didn't practice all that much yet. Seeing Kageyama probably triggered his flight or fight response, and made him freak out even more."

Iwaizumi's eyebrows furrowed as the facts dawned on him. It all made sense now, why Oikawa had distanced himself so much more from Kageyama than he did before the incident. He'd avoid him at all costs, making sure he never came too close in contact with his underclassman : probably in fear of coming close to hitting him again. What if Kageyama triggered another panic-attack, and Iwaizumi wasn't there to stop him from doing something he'd regret?

Hanamaki looked at Iwaizumi's expression, clapping him on the back. "Oikawa's come a long way since then. That was what, three years ago?" He intertwined his fingers, flipping his hands and holding his palms to the sky. "He's doing a lot better now, and I'm really proud of him." He flashed a bright smile at them, which nearly blinded Iwaizumi and Matsukawa.

"Aw, man. I should've brought sunglasses." Matsukawa muttered, rubbing his eyes. Hanamaki laughed, slinging his arms around the latter's and Iwaizumi's shoulders.

"Let's just find some seats. Maybe we'll find Oikawa!"

⊱─ ‧̥̥͙⋅. ♔ .⋅‧̥̥͙ ─ ⊰

Iwaizumi muttered incoherent curse words as he climbed the fourth set of stairs, looking for Oikawa on the right side of the stadium now. "I know he's here. Why the hell is he so hard to find?" He, Hanamaki, and Matsukawa had split up, deciding that it would be easier that way to find the setter quicker and easier if he even decided to watch the match. Iwaizumi was about to give up when he noticed the familiar chestnut-brown tufts of hair that peeked over one of the chairs in the stadium. There he is, Iwaizumi thought, walking up behind his friend.

"Ah. So you're here too."

Oikawa stiffened, turning around abruptly at Iwaizumi's voice, probably expecting his childhood best-friend to yell at him. Fortunately for him, he didn't get that reaction, and he relaxed his shoulders a bit, but was obviously still a little tense. "I thought you said you didn't want to come, since it'll piss you off no matter who won," Iwaizumi said, as he hopped over the back of the chairs to stand next to his friend.

Oikawa smiled slyly, taking his arms off his knees and leaning back into the chair he sat in. "No matter who wins, I'm going to be able to see the faces of whoever loses."

"Man. You really are a piece of crap." Iwaizumi glanced at Oikawa, who's face now held his "oh so famous" setter pout. It really confused the latter how every setter he saw seemed to make that same face whenever something pissed them off. It was kind of freaky. Pushing his thoughts aside, he sat down just one seat from Oikawa, knowing that he would want a little bit of personal space while dealing with all the crazy emotions going on inside his head.

Oikawa leaned forward in his seat a little bit, his eyes dead set on the so-called "Chibi-Chan." Iwaizumi could've have sworn he saw stars in his eyes, like Oikawa was just taken aback by every move the middle blocker made. Hell, maybe even every breath he took. Iwaizumi watched as the orange-haired ball of energy scored a point, yelling out in triumph. Oikawa seemed to smile with his eyes a little bit, his complexion brightening by the second. It was obvious what team he was mentally rooting for, even if he didn't say so himself.

Oikawa turned to Iwaizumi, probably to say some snotty remark about Ushiwaka, before noticing the latter was staring at him already. Chocolate-colored eyes met olive-colored ones, a blush rising on the setter's face. Oikawa quickly turned his head, his ears noticeably flushed.

Fuck. He's cute.

⊱ ─ ‧̥̥͙⋅. ♔ .⋅‧̥̥͙ ─ ⊰

⭒ dictionary !! ⭒

¶-12 : okāsan, お母さん : an honorific form of address; used to call someone else's mother.

¶-18 : gomen'nasai, ごめんなさい : i'm sorry

** some of the dialogue in this chapter is paraphrased or taken from the actual scene in [ haikyu!! ] . this was not with the intention to pass it off as my own original work : it was only put there to fit the timeline and script of the anime/manga. all rights reserved to haruichi furudate. **

chapter 5 !

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Riding High Ch 9: I Must Be Doing Something Right

Chapter Summary: Frank surrenders Mary to Foster care, but soon realises he’s made a big mistake. Can Fliss help him set it right?

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words. A very rude and offensive game of Cards Against Humanity...so...be warned.

Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: Contains SPOILERS for the film!!!!! If you haven’t seen it please be aware of that before you read on. This is a REALLY long update so apologies, but I couldn’t see a way to cut it without losing the key narrative.

As always I’m a ho for a REBLOG and COMMENT! 

Series Masterlist  Main Masterlist

Chapter Song: Stop Crying Your Heart Out by Oasis

'Cause all of the stars, are fading away, just try not to worry, you'll see them some day. Take what you need,and be on your way, and stop crying your heart out

7 days. 7 days is all it had taken.

He’d met the Foster Family on Sunday after Cullen had tabled the suggestion and agreed to the proposal that evening, ignoring Fliss and Roberta’s pleas to think about it for a few days at least. He didn’t want time to think, he was NOT going to surrender Mary to Evelyn, and if that meant she had to live with this nice family, in a posh house in Tampa, with a pool and a piano, then so be it.

The details were thrashed out between all attorneys and the state departments on the Monday and Tuesday, being finalised on the Thursday. Both he and his mother were given weekly visiting rights and once a month Mary was to come stay with him for a weekend, with longer visits during the holidays. Frank was offered his choice of date to surrender Mary into care. He chose the following Monday. When Greg asked him if he wanted more time, convinced he could get Frank at least a fortnight, he shook his head. The longer this dragged out the worst it was gonna be…like pulling of a band aid. Better to rip it fast and suffer a short, period of pain than drag it out.

His mother had been unable to resist one last shot as she left him on the steps of the court yard and her words were rattling around in his head as he stood watching Mary with Fliss as she hugged the woman tightly.

“I've been thinking a lot about the word called ‘compromise’. On one hand, good challenging school…on the other foster people. They can watch sitcoms with her. Take her to Olive Garden. Teach her to say ‘irregardless’ The only saving grace is, I suppose, is that she is better off than she was. Goodbye, Frank.”

He was clinging onto that. That she WAS better off with a family than his mother. And probably him if he was honest. Mary would understand that soon. He hoped. At the moment she was still in denial, insisting that Frank was going to change his mind. He had explained to her time and time again this was a court decision, not his. Greg had explained it to her, the foster parents had explained it to when she had met them during the week, hell Fliss had even explained it to her but nope, she wasn’t having it. Even before when he told her to go and say ‘see you later’ to Roberta, not goodbye- because it wasn’t goodbye- Mary had laughed and told the woman this entire thing was stupid and that she would be back with Frank later that evening.

And she was doing the same to Fliss now.

“You’ll be back for a visit before you know it…” Fliss said, brushing Mary’s hair off her face, blinking back her tears as she knelt in front of the girl “And Monty will be waiting for you.” Mary shook her head “Look, we all know this is ridiculous, Frank isn’t gonna leave me there. He promised I wasn’t going anywhere and he’s never broken a promise to me yet.” “And he still hasn’t.” Fliss said “This is a court order, not Frank’s. Now you promise me that when you get there you show all these new people you’re gonna meet what a wonderfully funny, smart and incredible person you are. And then, when you come back I want you to tell me all about it.”

Mary shrugged “I’ll see you at the weekend I expect.”

She moved back and looked at Frank like he was an utter idiot before she headed for the car. Fliss stood up and wiped her eyes, looking at Frank. “You gonna be ok?” she asked him.

“No.” he said honesty “Nothing about this is ok. At all. When she finally realises this isn’t some huge big joke or that I’m not gonna change my mind, she’s gonna flip.”

She stepped forwards to give him a hug, but he kept it brief, knowing that if he stayed he’d break. And he couldn’t. Not yet.

Fliss watched them drive away, before she turned back to her office, shut the door and curled up on the chair, arms hugging her knees as the tears coursed down her face.

***** “Hey… come on.” Frank said, kneeling in from of Mary, his large hands gently on her waist “I'm only 25 minutes away.”

He watched as the tears filled her eyes, the realisation that this was happening had sunk in finally, and he watched her heart break as she stood there, begging him.

“Please don't leave me here. Please.”

“No.” Frank sighed, bowing his head. “You're going to a brand new school. A better school.”

“I don't want to. I want my crummy school.” she sobbed.

“And you got Fred…” Frank carried on, fighting back his own tears.

“Please.”

“And once a month you can come back and stay with me and Fliss and Roberta…”

“I want you and Fliss and Roberta now!” she said loudly.

“And in a few years, if you want...you can come back. You can live with me.” he looked at her, smiling encouragingly.

“I wanna stay with you. Frank, you promised me.” Mary stomped her foot, angry tears pouring down her face.

“Come on. Don't do this.” Frank said softly, rubbing the tops of her arms and shoulders.

“You promised me.”

“I know.” he said, bowing his head blinking back tears. He had, and he’d broken that promise. And he felt like shit. “I know.” he repeated lamely, his left hand gently resting on the side of her face, brushing away her tears.

“Please, Frank. Why are you leaving me?” she sobbed as he took her face in both his hands and looked at her.

“Because the court said I have to. You know this. We've discussed this ad naus...” he stopped himself and looked down, swallowing thickly. “We've discussed this.” he looked at her, taking a deep breath.

“Come on. Come on. Please.” he said, gently moving to sweep her into a hug but she shoved him hard.

“No!”

Frank could do nothing but kneel there as she hit him again in his chest, then once on the side of his face, screaming at him. At that point her foster mother, Emma, stepped forward and Mary continued to lash out, screaming at Frank.

“Sweetheart, you know what?” she continued to talk to Mary as her foster Father, Kevin, looked down at Frank sympathetically.

“There's no easy way to do this.” he said. At that Frank jumped up and walked to the door.

“Not gonna be as long as you think, honey.” Emma was soothing her, but Mary was having none of it.

“Frank….”

“You're gonna see.”

“Frank!” Frank opened the door and paused, looking back as Mary was fighting against her foster mother who was gently holding her arms, screaming at him “Don't leave me!”

And that was the moment his heart broke into a million pieces. He had to go. Had to get out of there. He quickly stepped through the door and pulled it closed behind him, heading quickly for his truck, trying to block her screams and yells out as they still hit his ear from inside the house.

“Don't go! I need you! Fred needs you! You promised me!”

Sniffing back his tears he climbed into the truck, started it up, and then sat, both hands on the steering wheel, head bowed for a moment whilst he composed himself, before he put the truck in gear and drove off, leaving Mary behind.

**** Fliss had half expected Frank to show up at the yard again later that day, but he didn’t. Instead he messaged her telling her he needed some head space so was heading down to the Marina to do some work. Which was where she found him later that evening, working on the same boat he had been on all week.

“Hey, down there.” she said gently as she climbed the ladders up the side of the boat “The Serenity” Frank looked up at her, gave her a faint smile, before he turned back to what he was doing as Fliss stepped onto the deck of the boat, watching him carefully.

“I don't know which mistake is worst. Designing a water pump that leaks or putting it somewhere no human being can reach” he ranted as he leaned further into the uncovered pump. As Fliss took a seat on one of the raised benches at the back of the boat he stood up, part in his hand and sighed “How you design something you know is gonna fail? Gotta be devious or clueless, right?”

He dropped what he had been reaching for onto the table in front of him and glanced at Fiss who was sat watching him, her hands pressed between the knees of her denim-short clad legs as she shot him another small smile. He picked up an small wrench and returned to his previous position, crouching over the machinery of the boat.

“After the first few weeks, I knew I had to find a real family for her. I was in way over my head.” he reached for a bolt that was in the box he had resting on the side and continued his work “And every day I'd say today's the day I'm taking her to child services and every day she'd do something just…” he paused, his hands still working as a soft, yet heartbreakingly sad smile flickered across his face. “…so unbelievably cool.” he swallowed, still not looking at Fliss “Her little personality was exploding. She was funny and she was angry, and she was happy, and she was sad and was cute.” he reached for something else, his voice groaning slightly with the strain of stretching “Just so damn entertaining. And so I kept her.” his voice started to rise in tone, revealing the anger he felt at himself “Not that that's in her best interest. Not that I'm capable of raising a child.”

“Frank that’s not true…”  Fliss spoke softly, butting in but he continued his rant.

“A child that might still have a mother if I'd taken the time to notice she needed me.”

“Ok, now stop it…” Fliss’ voice was a little sterner now “Frank, we’ve been through this…”

“And now…” he stood up, reaching for a towel to wipe the oil off his hands “six and a half years later I finally got her to a foster family and you know what? It was great.” he said sarcastically “She loved it.” he tossed the towel onto the side. “I thought it would be a nightmare of abandonment and betrayal.” he hopped up onto the level of the boat Fliss was sat on and threw his hands out to the side “And it turns out it was a huge success….” he bent back down to pick up the broken part he had retrieved from the pump “I'm a fuckin’ hero.” on that he angrily launched the part out of the side of the boat where it hit something with a crash.

“Hey…” Fliss stood up and moved to gently run her hand down his arm. He was dirty, sweaty, covered in grease and he was conscious of this so went to pull away but she stopped him, her grip firm before she moved her hands to his face, her palms gently pressing against the scratch of his beard, sweat beading on his brow as he looked at her.

“Listen to me.” Fliss said, her eyes locking onto his “Mary will be ok. It’s gonna take time but…”

“You didn’t see her..” he said, stepping back out of her touch, his hand flying to his hair “She fucking hates me. She was screaming and…I just left her.” he finished, somewhat lamely “After I promised her…I promised her she could stay with me.”

With that he went to the stairs at the side of the boat, climbing them and heading down the ladder at the side.

“Frank...” Fliss moved to the side of the boat to try and talk to him again but he shook his head.

“No, Lissy…” he trailed off, holding his hand up. He sighed and took a deep breath “I appreciate everything you've done. Just...” he shook his head again and continued own the steps.

Fliss watched him go where he headed back into the little garage area, swallowing slightly. She looked up at the starry sky and took a deep breath, blinking back her tears. She knew she shouldn’t take it personally. He was hurting. He needed time. She licked her lips before she climbed off the boat and turned in the opposite direction he’d gone, deciding to take the long route around to her car so as not to pass the garage.

Frank walked into his workshop area and launched an angry kick at a box of engine propellers scattering it all over the floor. He stood up, both hands on his hips as he took a deep breath and turned half expecting Fliss to be behind him. But she wasn’t. With a sigh he made to go back outside and apologise but when he looked up she wasn’t on the boat anymore.

“Fuck…” he cursed, turning to look to his right where he saw her walking a hundred yards or so away down the side of the marina.

“Liss!” he called, and she stopped, turning towards him as he set off towards her in a jog. “Lissy, I’m sorry.” he sighed as he stopped in front of her.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for.” she replied “I understand.”

“No there is. You came her to check on me and…” he took a deep breathe “Believe me, if there’s one person in all of this that I have no right to be mad around it’s you. I didn’t mean to snap. I just…well, I guess I need some space.”

“I get it, honestly I do.” she said gently, stepping towards him and rubbing his arm “Today must have been so hard, I can’t imagine how you felt.” He fell silent. “But I meant what I said Frank, none of this is your fault.”

“I should never have let her go to that school…” his azure blue eyes misted over again, and he looked down at his feet, shaking his head. “Shoulda, woulda coulda…” Fliss said gently as he pulled his head back up to look at her “You can’t keep beating yourself up about things you can’t change, trust me, I know.”

Frank sniffed slightly before she sighed and carried on

“It’s done, Mary is with a good family, she’s going to get a good education and, yeah, it might take a while but she’ll come round and soon realise that you did what you did, not because you didn’t want her, but because you wanted what was best for her.” “I hope you’re right.” he said, his voice cracking as she stepped forward and pulled him back into her arms “Because I don’t know what I’m gonna do if she won’t forgive me…”

*****

Fliss was worried Frank was going to go off the rails, but he didn’t. He simply threw himself into his work. Night and day he was at the boat yard. They talked daily and she invited him to dinner on the Friday, in an attempt to keep him away from Ferg’s for fear of him getting himself absolutely trashed and doing something stupid like picking a fight. She hadn’t expected him to accept, however, so was pleasantly surprised when he took her up on her offer.

He was a little more subdued than normal, but they talked over the Bolognese she had made and then, Bill had popped his head in and invited them through to the house for a few drinks and a game of Cards Against Humanity

Frank’s face twisted into a grin. “You know I’ve never played it?”

“You’re kidding?” Bill looked at him. Frank shook his head.

“Oh Frankie, it’s great fun.” Fliss grinned “You get to learn a lot about people, and how twisted and sick their minds actually are.”

“Verity is the worst.” Bill said, seriously “I been with her now for almost 31 years, married to her for…” “28.” Fliss supplied.

“28…and I had no idea how warped she was until we played this a few years ago.”

Frank chuckled and Fliss looked at him and he shrugged, “ok I’m in.”

Fliss nodded and together they made their way out of the annex and over to the main house. Frank had been in it once before, and despite the fact that it was ridiculous large and fancy, he felt at home. Verity greeted her with the usual warmth, wrapping him up in a motherly hug as she looked at him and scalded him for losing weight. He sighed, he knew he hadn’t been eating properly but he didn’t look that different.

“Leave the lad alone.” Bill looked at his wife, thrusting a chilled San Miguel into Frank’s hand “He’s come here to relax not have you nagging on at him.”

Verity rolled her eyes and began to quibble with her husband whilst Fliss shook her head, grinning at Frank before she led him through to the dining room where the cards were placed in the middle of the table.

It didn’t take long for Frank to get the hang of the game, and it also didn’t take him long to realise Bill was right. Verity had an extremely warped sense of humour, that said, so did Fliss, and the more alcohol she consumed, the worse it got. He declined another beer from Bill, stating that he had to head home, but Fliss frowned at him.

“Take the spare room.” she shrugged but he shook his head.

“I’m working tomorrow, got a few things to finish so…”

She didn’t push it, and that was another thing Frank loved about her. The fact that she would take no for an answer without questioning him.

“Ok…so…” Frank leaned over, taking the cards that were face down, shuffling them so he didn’t know whose were whose “Do not fuck with me I am literally blank right now…” he turned the top card over and gave a snort “Seeing things from Hitler’s perspective…” then he turned the next card and arched an eyebrow “dying…oh god that’s bad…” and the final one “pretending to care…it’s gotta be the Hitler one!”

“Yess…” Fliss said, grinning as she took the card from him “Catching you up mum.” After a few more rounds which contained winning combinations such as “This is your Captain speaking. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for September 11th, 2001 “ and “In the beginning there was the mixing of the races and then the Lord said 'Let there be Nazis’” the cards were finished and they all counted. Bill was bottom, Fliss and Frank had tied, and Verity was the runaway winner. After a little more chat they called it a night and Frank walked back to the annex and his truck with Fliss.

“Thank you.” he said, looking at her “Not just for tonight, which was real fun but…”

Fliss smiled and gave him a hug “Any time.”

He dropped a kiss to her cheek “Ya know, I’ll hold you to that.”

He gave her a cheeky grin as he got in his truck and Fliss watched him go, pleased to see that for the first time since Mary had left on the Monday, he seemed to be getting some of that Frank spark back.

*****

Frank parked the truck and grabbed the wrapped box of lego, the ping pong balls for Fred and the next Harry Potter book in the series (the third one) from Fliss off the passenger seat and headed up the steps. He knocked politely on the door and smiled as Kevin looked through the glass window to the left

“Hey” he smiled as Kevin opened the door

“Hi, Frank. We're errr…” Kevin stepped outside and closed the door “… having a little bit of a problem in there.”

“What?”

“Mary's fine but she's having a little bit of a meltdown.”

“Right.” Frank sighed, nodding “Let me talk to her” he made to enter the house but Kevin stopped him

“No, hang on. That's not a good idea.” he said gently as Frank looked at him, a slight frown on his face “Your visit here is the reason for the meltdown.”

“What?” Frank’s brows furrowed together

“She don't wanna see you.” Kevin said, apologetically.

Frank felt like his chest was being crushed. He took a deep breath and visibly slumped. Kevin continued sympathetically. “I'm sorry, man. This is predictable. You know, she needs time.”

Frank fought to keep himself composed. This was his first visit, it had been agreed that the first one would be the Monday, a week after she had left, then moving to Saturday afternoons, and they’d done that for a reason, to give her a full week to settle in. He hadn’t expected it to be plain sailing but he had been hoping she would calm down. He needed to see her, whenever they argued, they always talked, always sorted things out. And this wasn’t any different.

“Just give me 5 minutes with her.” he said, looking at Kevin

“I let you inside and then we're gonna betray her trust and have even bigger problem.” the man shook his head.

Frank got that, he did, but it didn’t make it any easier. He nodded, still keeping himself composed, before wordlessly he thrust the items he was holding into Kevin’s hand and turned and headed back to his truck. He got drunk that night. And as he lay on the sofa, with his tumbler of cheap scotch, he realised that the ache he was feeling was the same ache as when he lost Diane. He was grieving. Grieving for the loss of his wonderful, beautiful, annoying, smart-ass niece. Only she wasn’t dead, just gone. Gone from her home. Gone from him.

This mood continued through the week. On Tuesday morning he woke on the sofa, still clothed, with a mouth like sand paper and a banging headache. After a shower and litre of orange juice he went down to get his mail and found himself sitting on the bench near the mail boxes, simply staring into space. He was vaguely aware of someone sitting next to him, and when Roberta reached out and worked his right hand free from where it was joined tightly with his left, he let out a sigh as she simply squeezed his fingers.

Wednesday morning, after Fliss had stopped by with breakfast from the bakery not far down the road, he was sweeping up the kitchen, which didn’t seem to be half as messy anymore now there were no cat biscuits lying around after Fred wasn’t there to deposit the ones he didn’t want under the table. He opened the broom closet and his eyes fell onto the basket full of shells that Mary had collected over the last god knows how long. He stared at it for a moment before he threw the broom in the closet, slammed the door and went to get changed into his work clothes.

Thursday morning he woke to a message from Fliss asking if he fancied meeting her for lunch. He accepted her invite and headed down to the Marina. He’d there for a few hours, putting the water pump that he’d finally managed to strip out of that damned boat back together when his phone rang. He glanced at the number, it was Bonnie. Sighing he dropped it back to the desk next to him. She’d called a few times since Mary had left, Fliss had reasoned with him that he should answer as she probably just wanted to know how she was. But seeing as he didn’t actually fucking know, what on Earth was he going to tell her? He let it ring out as usual and then a little while later it beeped, signalling he had a message. He ignored that too, he’d deal with it later.

But Bonnie wasn’t giving up that easily.

*****

“Fliss?” Joanne called “There’s a call for you."

“Ok, hang on…” Fliss put down the bridle she had been piecing together in the tack room and headed through, taking the phone off Joanne “Fliss Gallagher…” “Hi Flss, it’s Bonnie, Bonnie Stevenson.” “Hi.” she said, surprised to hear the woman on the other end of the phone.

“I’m sorry to call you it’s just Frank is ignoring my calls and my messages and I was kind of worried about him…” “Oh…” Fliss took a deep breath, scratching at her head.  “He’s been a bit up and down so…don’t take it personally.”

“Look, don’t want to step on your toes because I know you two are kinda, well, anyway, I was just in the library at school today and well I saw a photo of Fred on the adoption board for the Pinellas County Animal Shelter and was a little-.”

“Hang on…” Fliss said, cutting her off, not quite believing what she was hearing  “Fred is in the Animal Shelter?” “Yeah…” Bonnie sighed “I know Mary loved that cat and I’m concerned Frank is making a mistake giving him away, Mary would-”

“Bonnie, the cat went with Mary…” Fliss said, her mind whirring

“What?” Bonnie whispered

“She took the cat with her to the foster home. Frank hasn’t turned him in, he’ll be devastated when he finds out.” she sighed, “Leave it with me…I’ll call him.” “Ok, erm…good luck.” Bonnie offered. “Thanks. And thank you for calling and telling us…I mean me…him…whatever” Bonnie gave a chuckle “I hope you get there in time…”

“In time?” Fliss frowned.

“Yeah, Fliss, it’s a kill shelter. They only keep the animals between 5 and 7 days depending on their hopes and chances of being adopted…”

Fliss felt her heart sink. Suddenly her thoughts went back to Frank and how he had told her Mary refused to see him on Monday as she was having a meltdown about him going…what if the melt down had been about Frank being taken away from her.

“Fuck…” she mumbled, “Bonnie, I’m sorry I gotta…” And at that she put the phone down. She grabbed her keys, purse and mobile and sprinted for her jeep, yelling to Joanne that she had an emergency. She dived in her car, sped off down the drive and called Frank as she went.

“Hey…” he said

“Oh you’ll answer to me, ass hat” She said, turning left onto the freeway, keying in the location on her GPS.

“Of course…” he said, his tone a little puzzled “What’s…”

“Bonnies’ been trying to call you…”

“I know, I just…” “Shut up a minute.” Fliss cut him off “She was calling because she saw a poster, an adoption photo for the Pinellas County Animal Shelter. It was Fred.”

There was a pause before Frank breathed out “What?”

“They gave her cat away Frank…”

There was a loud clatter at the other end and then she could tell Frank was running from the sounds and the way his voice sounded.

“I can’t…oh god Fliss, Mary’s gonna be devastated.” “I know, just…look I’m on my way now. I’ll meet you there…”

“Ok…” he said, and with that he hung up. *******

Frank didn’t think he’d ever driven that fast before in his life. He literally dumped the truck on the car park, haphazardly parked in a disabled bay, and ran into the shelter, straight to the reception desk.

“Hi!” he said, resting his hands on the desk.

“Hi! Can I help you?”

“Yeah. Do you have a one-eyed orange cat named Fred?”

At that he heard someone else crashing through the door and a second later there was a gentle touch his arm and he turned to see Fliss, dressed in her riding gear besides him, having taken slightly longer to get there due to being a few miles further away.

“We have a one-eyed cat.” the receptionist said after a pause “But I don't know what his name is.”

“Where?” Fliss demanded impatiently.

The receptionist turned to the woman behind her who was digging in the drawers. She turned and pulled a sympathetic face “I don't know. Today was his last day.”

Fliss groaned as Frank hung his head. Then, as a dog gave a loud bark from somewhere in the rear of the shelter, there was a violent tug on his hand and he was being dragged down the side of the desk, the receptionist shouting objections as Fliss pulled him through the door at the end. They past the rows of dogs in kennels and then Frank spotted another door to their right.

“This way…” he said, this time he was pulling her along as they headed into the cattery, but there was no sign of Fred. They continued through, and then headed into the veterinary area, trying each door one by one and the final one they entered was occupied.

“What are you doing back here?” the vet looked at him as Frank saw 3 needles on the table and let out a soft groan.

“I told him he couldn't.” he heard the receptionist say but his attention was taken by Fliss

“Thank God…” she breathed out, moving to her left and Frank heard a familiar meow. He turned to see Fred in a cat cage on the side.

The relief that flooded his system was insurmountable. He joined Fliss who was now stroking Fred through the bars as the cat tilted his head and looked up at Frank.

“Hey Fred…” he sighed, his hands falling to the top of the cage as he kissed Fliss’s head in relief and thanks…and then the anger came back.

“Who brought this cat?” he turned round to look at the helpers who were stood in the room.

“Some guy.” the one from the reception shrugged. “He said it was an allergy issue.”

He let out an angry snort and looked at Fliss “Evelyn. She’s allergic to cats.”

Fliss face slid into an expression of understanding as she turned to look at him. “Seems like Mr Perfect Foster Father fed you a load of bullshit on Monday, Frank.”

It took them half an hour to iron out the paper work which allowed Frank to bring Fred home…and because the two other cats in there, Chili and Toby, were on death row they came too, well, with Fliss that is back to the stables.

They carried the cats out between them and Frank turned to Fliss as he passed her the cage containing the black and white one, Chili.

“I’m going to get Mary back…this…this is wrong. She needs to be with me. I mean, she’s a good kid, right?”

"Of course Frank, I’ve told you before, she’s an amazing little girl.” Fliss looked at him as she shut the rear door to the car.

“Well then, I can’t be that bad a substitute parent can I?” he urged.

Fliss beamed at him before she asked “So how we gonna play it?”

He noted her use of the word we, and smiled “I’m gonna give my mother exactly what she wants”

Huh?” Fliss frowned “I’m not…”

“I’m going to give her another way to achieve her dream without using Mary…” he said, biting his lip as he turned to face her “Once you’ve dropped those two off meet me at mine as fast as you can. I need to pick up some stuff…and Roberta.”

*****

Frank jumped out of Fliss’ jeep before it had even stopped, running up the steps to the large house. He pounded his fist on the doorway and it swung open.

“Frank?” Kevin greeted him

“Where's Evelyn?” Frank demanded.

“Evelyn? You mean your mother?”

“Yes.”

“Kevin…” they were joined by Emma who grabbed his arm. ”Evelyn is in the guest house.”

Frank turned and headed back down the steps, jumping the last 3.

“Yeah, listen. I'm sorry, man.” Kevin followed “Frank, let me tell you. She was so helpful with the tutors. Mary was so distant and she-“

“Hey!” Fliss stepped out to block Kevin’s way “Look, we know what you’re up against."

She looked at Kevin who sighed, nodding “She’s tenacious…”

“Do you want your life back? “ Roberta looked at him, her gaze steady as Kevin watched Frank heading up the steps to the guest house “Go back inside.”

Frank reached the top of the stairs and wrenched open the door to see his mother sat at a desk with Mary, whilst another man was stood pointing at a book, another sat in the corner on a computer. All 4 looked up and Frank took a deep breath, shaking his head at his mother.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

Frank ignored her as Fliss and Roberta stepped into the room, Roberta carrying the box he had brought with him.

“Come on, Mary. We're going home.” he said as Roberta placed the box on the desk and folded her arms.

“No.” Mary said gently, shaking her head, eyes locked on Frank.

“You're trespassing!” Evelyn started but Frank ignored her, flipping the lid off the box, pulling out a ring bound file “You need to look at this.” he tossed it on the desk and walked towards Mary. “Let's go, Mary. Let's move. Come on.” he beckoned with his hand.

“No!” she said, sliding off her chair. She pushed the man next to her out of the way and dodged round the desk. There was a cacophony of people moving and shouting her name but Frank gently stopped Fliss as she stepped towards her.

“It's okay. I got her.”  he said, flying after Mary.

Evelyn made to follow but Fliss stepped right in her path, blocking the way, her nose inches from Evelyn’s as she stared the woman down.

“Think again, lady…”  Roberta said from behind her, her hand laying on Fliss’ shoulder, giving a squeeze of support.

Evelyn looked at the two of them for a second before she jerked her head to flick the piece of hair that had fallen forwards into her eyes before she tuned and picked up her phone. She looked at Fliss again, who arched an eyebrow, and then turned back to her phone before she stopped dead and her eyes fell on the ring bound file Frank had thrown onto the desk.

Fliss exchanged a look with Roberta, neither of them understanding what was in the file, but clearly Evelyn did. Fliss had a feeling it was something to do with the Navier-Stokes equation Frank had told her that Diane had been working on, maybe some research. Evelyn glanced over Fliss’ shoulder to the door, her breathing deep as she looked back to the file.

“This…” she said, looking at it “It can’t…”

Then she snapped out of whatever moment she has been in, going for the door but Fliss once more stepped into her path.

“You’re not going out there, not until Frank has a chance to speak to Mary…”

“You have no right…”

“And neither do you.” Fliss said loudly

“I have visitation rights…I’m her grandmother!” “Oh please!” Fliss snorted “Up until a few months ago you had never seen her. And what kind of grandmother rips a little girl away from the person who has shown her nothing but love all her life, and cared for and provided for her for over 6 and a half years? Huh?”

Evelyn raised her chin defiantly.

“And all for what? Some fucking dream about a stupid maths problem that no one bar a gang of stuck up Oxbridge middle aged tossers gives a shit about!" "How dare you?" Evelyn glared at Fliss "I'm not having some jumped up, dressage riding tart speak to me like this! I did this for Mary... to give her the life she deserves… " "No you did this for yourself." Fliss shot back. "And you know what? Maybe Frank doesn’t have poshest house, or the most prestigious career in the world but kids don't need money, or laptops or huge fucking homes with a pool and a summer house! They need love and care, to know they're safe and wanted...and she gets all of that with Frank, with us..." She gestured to Roberta as she continued. "And if you stopped to listen and look at her as a person and not your ticket to fame for just one second you'd see what an amazing, wonderful little girl she is and that's down to your son." Fliss took a deep breath and wiped at her eyes as Evelyn looked away from her to Roberta almost as if she was expecting a verbal tirade from her too. Roberta simply shrugged "I got notin' to add...she said it all for me" "Frank is one of the kindest, most gentle men I know." Fliss said, her voice softer. "He has a heart of gold and everything he does is for that little girl. Maybe he doesn't always get it right but who does? He tries his best, and I'd love to congratulate you on bringing up such an amazing person but I literally have no idea how he turned out the way he did with a cold hearted bitch like you as a mother."

****

“Mary!” Frank called, sprinting after her as she ran down the drive “Mary!”

He gently grabbed her arm and dropped to the floor as she spun round “No, let me go!” she yelled at him, lashing out again with her arms the same way she had done when he had left her. Frank turned his head holding his hands up to deflect the blows.

“Stop, Mary.” he said gently as she continued “Stop, stop!”

“No!”

“Come here.” he said, his voice still soft as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him as he stood up, holding her tight.

“You lied to me.” she said accusingly

“I know.” he scrunched his eyes up, ducking his head as she continued to rain blows on him.

“No, no!”

“Stop, stop, stop!” he said softly as her blows grew weaker until she collapsed against him, crying, her head buried into his shoulder. He closed his eyes and pressed his face against her cheek. “ I'm sorry. I made a mistake. I'm so sorry.”

“You promised me.”

“I know.” he agreed, taking a deep breath, looking upwards.

“You promised.” Mary’s voice was quiet as her small arms moved around his shoulders.

“I know. I'm sorry. I’m so sorry…” his voice cracked as he gently walked them towards the house a little.

“You said you wouldn't leave me.” she cried, as his hand moved up to hold between her shoulder blades and he pressed his cheek to the side of her head.

“I made a mistake. I'm sorry.”  he stressed, rubbing her back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly and he closed his eyes, swaying her softly on the spot.

“I was so sad!” she sobbed as Frank simply stood, breathing heavily, eyes still closed as he desperately fought for composure “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.”  he whispered into her hair as he pressed a kiss to the side of her head, blinking back the tears that were filling his eyes. God he should never have agreed to this, ever.

“They took Fred.” Mary wailed.

“No. It's okay.” Frank sniffed, bending down to place her on the floor so she could look at him “We got him. He's home.”

“What? “she asked softly, her cries stopping as she looked at him, her eyes so like her mother’s bored into his.

“He's at the apartment right now. Me and Fliss went and we got him”

“For real?”

“Yeah” Frank assured her, his right hand reaching up to wipe away her tears as he cupped her cheek softly  “he's home kicking around his ping pong ball.”

“Why did you leave me there?” she said, her sobs starting again. And that was the moment he broke. He couldn’t hold it in anymore and he too began to cry.

“Because I thought I was bad for you.” his voice was croaky as he struggled to speak as a tear fell down his cheek  “And then it dawned on me. If Mary is this amazing... smart, sweet human being... then I must be doing something right.”

She looked at him, her face contorting as her cries grew shallower and she reached out with her small hands rubbing at his beard before her thumbs crept into the side of his mouth, and she curled his lips upwards and he swallowed again, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.

Her hands fell to his shoulders and she looked at him “You're smiling”

He nodded and bowed his heads, his chest heaving with unshed sobs before Mary wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He closed his eyes again, holding her close, his hand rubbing her back.

“I’m never gonna let anyone take you away from me again Short Stack.” he said, as she pulled back, her hands fiddling with the collar of his grey T-shirt.

She paused for a moment before she looked at him. “Can we go home now?”

“You’re damned right.” he nodded, as he stood, picking her up in his arms. “They made their way back up the steps pausing slightly to look at one another as Fliss’ angry yells hit their ears.

“Fliss is mad” Mary’s eyes grew wide and she looked at Frank.

“Yeah well she’s missed you too, so has Roberta.” Frank smiled as they carried on up the steps. They reached the door just in time to catch Fliss basically calling Evelyn a “cold hearted bitch” and as Frank opened the door,  Roberta and Fliss turned to face them and beamed as Mary yelled their names

“Roberta! Lissy!”

“Hey baby!” Roberta said, as she hugged the girl tightly before Mary released her and threw herself at Fliss.

“Oh kiddo…” Fliss sighed, dropping a kiss to her head. She looked up at Frank and he gave her a wink, before nodding gently to the door.

“Of all the stunts you could pull” Evelyn looked at him and he glared straight back as besides him he heard Fliss say something to Mary as her and Roberta ushered her out of the door.

“Where are they going?” Evelyn demanded

“Nowhere. Not yet.” Frank said, looking at her before he turned his attention to the two tutors in the room “You two, out!”

Once they left, Frank and his mother began to argue about the file he had given her, Evelyn refusing to believe it was real, that Diane had solved the Millennium Problem. Eventually, Frank had enough and shook his head.

“Evelyn, stop!” he said firmly. “I'm taking Mary and I'm raising her how I believe Diane would have wanted”

“We'll see about this…”

“I realize she's not normal.” he continued, his voice steady and definitive “but if Einstein can ride a bike so can she.”

“Let’s just say Diane didn't tell me, which is nonsense. It's a Millennium Problem!” his mother blazed “She would have shared it with the world. That's where your charade falls apart.”

Frank sighed and looked down, one hand resting on the surface of the table between him and his mother, the other shoved into his pocket.

“If she had completed the proof, she would have published it!” Evelyn finished.

With a deep breath he looked back up at his mother before he looked down at the file and spoke a little softer this time “Diane instructed me very clearly….” he swallowed and looked down at his left hand, his fingers tapping lightly on the table “…that I was only to publish it post mortem.”

“She died six years ago.” Evelyn demanded and he looked back at her.

“It wasn't her death she was talking about.”

He watched as his mother’s mouth fell open slightly in understanding and shock before she looked down, swallowing. Despite everything, Frank felt a pang of sympathy for her, he was taking no pleasure in any of this. His mother sank into a chair, her eyes closing as her head bowed slightly

“I tried to talk her out of it.” Frank said gently “But you know how Diane could be when she made her mind up about something.”

Evelyn didn’t say a word, she simply stared at a spot on the desk, her eyes darting from side to side and Frank could see she was suddenly coming to terms with the fact that, really, she hadn’t known his sister at all

“I called MIT.” he continued “Shankland's out of his mind about the possibility of publishing it with you.” At that Evelyn glanced up at him “He's waiting for your call. Frank nodded “You're gonna spend the next few years of your life defending it. You won't have time for her.”

Evelyn swallowed again, before she floundered to speak, struggling slightly to form the first word. “What If I say no?”  she said, taking a breath and looking back up at Frank.

He looked to the side slightly “well..” his eyes flicked back to hers, the nerve in his jaw twitching slightly “Back to Plan A”

“Wait for me to die?” Evelyn said, her voice almost amused as she fixed Frank with a look.

“I know Diane was hard.” he said after a moment’s pause, his voice remaining calm. “I know she was angry. But something really good came out of this, Evelyn. She needs you now. You're the best woman for the job. Take it”

Evelyn looked down at the file again, her brows raising slightly “It doesn't seem like Diane wanted me to have it.”

“Well, Diane didn't always think things through.” He smiled softly as Evelyn looked up at him, the fact she had spoken those exact words to Frank weeks before had clearly not passed her by. “I'll be outside. Let me know what you wanna do.”

With that he left the room but seconds later Evelyn shot out after him. He turned from his vantage point of the stairs and glanced back up at her, questioningly

“I’m not going to fight you, not anymore. Diane... she deserves for her work to be published.”

He nodded and turned to go again but she stopped him a second time.

“Frank, will you let me give you one piece of advice before you go?” 

He looked at her expectantly.

“Fliss…” “What about her?” Frank asked.

“The way she was fighting your corner before, the things she was saying, well, it almost made me proud to be your mother.” Evelyn said with a soft smile “Don’t let that girl go.”

“I don’t intend to.” Frank shook his head, one corner of his mouth twitching upwards slightly “Goodbye Evelyn.”

***** Cullen wasn’t overly impressed with Frank’s display of recklessness, calling him a “dumbass” loud enough for Fliss, Mary and Roberta to hear. Frank headed out of the house and explained what had happened and he listened, before promising set the ball rolling right away. Two hours later he called back having spoken the woman from the Welfare Department who had been managing the fostering arrangements.

“The Welfare Department are happy, given Evelyn’s lack of contention, for Mary to stay in your care and not be dragged back.”

“So…” Frank held his breath, not daring to believe what his friend was saying “She’s gonna be able to stay?”

“We’ll need to go back to court to obtain formal Guardian status so the process isn’t over just yet but with Evelyn’s seeming U-Turn, and the Foster Parents being surprisingly supportive of you, there’s no way this is going anywhere but in your favour.” Cullen’s voice was full of warmth “I’ll organise the paper work and we’ll file for a hearing as soon as possible but it could be after thanksgiving. I got another big custody case going on now so…” “But there’s no way she’s gonna be taken?” Frank pressed.

“I’d bet my house on it.” Cullen said, making Frank smile “The only potential bump in the road here now is if your mother requests formal access or visitation rights.” “Well if she does…I’m not opposed to her having a relationship with Mary, but it’s done on Mary’s terms, not hers.” Frank said softly. “And being reasonable like that will go even more in your favour.” Cullen chuckled “I’ll get the paper work sorted on Monday. So in the mean-time enjoy your weekend and take Fliss on a date will ya?”

With a laugh and assurances that he was going to try at least, he headed back inside to be hit with a barrage of noise as the 3 women were dancing in the living room to Journey “Don’t Stop Believing”. which was blaring out of the stereo. Mary was on the sofa, bouncing up and down as she sang whilst Fliss had hold of her hands, moving them back and forth as they danced. Frank leaned against the doorframe and simply watched them until Roberta moved over and dragged him into the middle of their group. Mary threw herself at him and he caught her with a loud huff which was followed by a laugh as she reached up and ruffled his hair.

A few hours and Chinese takeout later, Mary was fast asleep and both Fliss and Roberta decided it was time to go. Gently lifting Mary from where she was led with her head in Fliss’ lap, Frank tucked her in bed fully clothed (like it mattered for one night) and then headed outside. He said goodnight to Roberta, the woman hugging the pair of them before he walked Fliss back down to the jeep.

“Thank you for today” he said “I never knew you had such a fierce side…”

“Well, I spent so long being trampled and stepped on…sometimes I like it when my inner lioness makes an appearance.” she smirked at him.

“You certainly made an impression on my Mother.”

“Oh, yeah…” Fliss winced “I kinda..well not kinda, I…err…I shouted at her. Called her a cold hearted bitch…” “Yeah I heard that bit” Frank raised an eyebrow and Fliss snorted.

“In my defence, she started it, she called me a jumped up dressage tart, I mean…” “Well that’s just fuckin' rude.” Frank agreed “You show-jump.” Fliss looked at him before she burst out laughing and Frank grinned. There was a pause before Frank looked down at the floor and then back at Fliss “You know, she give me one final piece of advice as I left…” “Oh yeah? What was that? Buy a mosquito net? A Bug zapper? No, wait, she told you to get a string vest and a banjo didn’t she?”

Frank shook his head laughing before he looked at Fliss. “She told me not to let you go.” he said, holding Fliss gaze before she looked down, tucking her hair behind her ears. “Although the banjo does sound fun.” “Piss off.” she said gently with a grin, shoving him in his chest. He caught her wrist softly and then moved his hand to tangle their fingers together, looking down at her small palm against his before he looked back at her.

“You know, if this was a movie I’d use some really shit cliché here like oh, you came into my world and turned my life inside out…” he shrugged, “ but my life was already upside down and inside out, and you…” he let out a breath “you just help put it back to where it should be. You make everything better Lissy and these last few months without you in my corner..." he trailed off as her brown eyes locked onto his, shining in the dim light, his thumb gently skating the back of her hand. "Look, I know you said I wasn’t in a position to know what I want but..." He trailed off as he spotted the twinkle in her eye as she smiled at him, her hand squeezing his.

“I think it's about time you took me sailing don’t you?" she grinned.

He gave smile and nodded “Yeah, yeah I do. Does tomorrow work?”

“Works just fine sailor.” she said, standing on her toes. She placed a soft kiss to the side of his mouth and it took every inch of self-control Frank had not to grab her and kiss the life out of her but he knew now wasn’t the moment. Instead he smiled as she stepped back, and headed towards her car.

TAGS: @the-omni-princess  @momobaby227 @geekofmanythings16 @angelofhell-666 @thewackywriter @marvelfansworld  @cobalt-gear  @asgardlover75 @jennmurawski13  @jtargaryen18 @saiyanprincessswanie  @navispalace @patzammit  @joannaliceevans-fanficblog  @icanfeelastormbrewing @djeniiscorner  @ayamenimthiriel  @coldmuffinbanditshoe  @disneylovingal @madzmilllz  @sgtjaamesbaarnes @sweater-daddiesdumbdork @southerngracela  @goldenfightergir @kellymat @official-and-unstable-satan @pagesoflauren 

[bbrandy2002]

The Fall Of Cordonia

Chapter 1-There is a Season

Summary: The beginning of the aftermath of the attack.

Word Count:2208

Warning: Gun violence, death of major character and profanity.

Everyone who requested tags, This is going to be somewhat dark for a bit and if you read and decide its not for you, just let me know to remove you...I promise there will be no hurt feelings at all: @khakie4 @jemrmax2love @princess-geek @rainbowsinthestorm @annekebbphotography @ao719 @carabeth @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @lodberg @romanticatheart-posts @duchessemersynwalker @cordoniansqueen @burnsoslow @riseandshinelittleblossom @kimmiedoo5 @innerpostmentality @sirbeepsalot @emceesynonymroll @janezillow @cordoniantrash @jovialyouthmusic @dcbbw @moonlightgem7

Drake remembered the first time he saw her at a dive bar in New York. A charming waitress with a smile that instantly lit up the dark and dreary atmosphere. Her olive skin was so smooth, not a blemish to be seen and her eyes bounced with luring energy when she laughed.

Riley was the life of their group of friends, with an uncanny ability to bring out the best in everyone. She gave hope to a country and its people after decades wrought with mistrust in its nobility. When she loved, she did it with her whole heart, it was genuine and sincere, with fervent passion. Her adventurous spirit annoyed him to no end and captivated him at the same time. She could do anything, be anything and inspire anyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Drake had fallen in love with her shortly after she arrived in Cordonia, yet, Riley's heart always belonged to one man, possibly from the very second they first laid eyes on one another. The love story of Liam and his Queen; is ardent and poetic, Shakespeare himself couldn't have written it better.

Drake stared in disbelief at the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, his friend, her gentle face stained in crimson and ash. Even in her condition, she still took his breath away. The sudden sense of tremendous loss struck every nerve in his body, yet, it paled in comparison to the shattering of his heart. A single tear fell as he recalled the derby during Liam's social season; he was hand picked to be her protector when Liam couldn't. Drake swallowed hard, his body trembling, realizing that, on this particular day,  he had failed them both.

He carefully inched closer in an effort to remove her from the debris....he would be damned if he was going to leave her there alone.

Just as he was reaching for Riley's hand, Auvernal militants, started a second wave of attacks. Gunshots blared throughout the dark city that was only lit by residual fires from the first attack.

Drake darted up and scanned the perimeter; there were atleast a dozen soldiers, seemingly unhinged, shooting at anything that moved. Drake immediatly yelled back for an injured Maxwell to hide in the debris, however, the words barely left his lips, when he saw Maxwell struck down. A split second later, a familiar feeling, almost like deja-vu, ripped through him, tearing through skin and bone, flinging him backwards. Landing on remnants of broken wood and insulation, the burning in his shoulder was unbearable, though, agonizing over it, would most likely result in sudden death. He clung on, hoping they would soon leave, desperate to scream out curses of pain and consternation.

Two armed soldiers approach the patron that had previously assisted Drake in rescuing Maxwell earlier. With his arms above his head and identification gripped to one hand, they recognized him as an Auvernal official. Drake feigned being dead, as he peaked at the man who was now pointing at the rubble he rested on. The eyes of the soldiers widened in astonishment as they walked and maneuvered their way through the carnage, being led by the same man.

Drake laid as still as possible, making an exerted effort to cautiously not lose sight of their whereabouts. They hovered over Riley's body for a moment, examining her remains, before both men reached down, each grabbing one of her arms and pulling her out.

The first soldier, lifted her up and held her frail body in his arms as the other reached for the radio device attached to his collar, "Sir, this is Sargent Rosman with very good news...we have just found the Cordonian queen, she is alive, but, barely".

"No Shit, Sargent?..... Bring her back to the meeting point, Bradshaw is going to fucking love this."

Drake listened intently as the soldiers called on the rest to stand down and reconvene back to their post. He had thought for sure she was dead when he saw her and now, he just wanted more than anything to fight like hell to rescue her. If these soldiers successfully take her back, he shuttered to think of the evil that would be done to her....they had in their prized possession, the Queen of Cordonia. Drake, however, knew they would slaughter him for even making an attempt, if he actually lives through the gunshot wound. I have to get word to Liam.

When the last soldier was out of sight and the only noise that could be heard was the wails of sorrows and turmoil that echoed all around him, Drake eased himself up.

Clutching his shoulder in an attempt to stop his heavy bleeding, he gritted his teeth and removed his shirt, wadded it up and placed it on his wound.

Out of the corner of his vision, there laid Maxwell, motionless and void of life. Drake scrambled as much as his weakened body would allow to his long time friend. Of all of the fucking things in life he had witnessed, seeing the highly spirited Maxwell, gone, was too much. Maxwell was life, and yet, he no longer had it.

Drake crouched down beside him, emotionally numb and completely stricken with profound grief. His breath hitched loudly and hot tears rolled in steady streams down his face until forced from his chin and caught by the earth below. He shook his head, sobbing uncontrollably, trying to find the right words to express himself. With a muffled breath, full of anguish, "I'm so sorry Maxwell".

He fell back onto his backside, sitting next to his friend and rested a hand on Maxwell's face, pausing briefly, before slowly closing his wide open lids, shut. "You go and dance with your momma now, buddy".

A light drizzle began that enhanced the nip in the air and poured over Drake like stinging needles. The pain in his shoulder was immense, and the strong taste of bile and lonliness lodged in his throat. His pulse was weakening and his resolve was quickly fleeting. Drake's vision became blurry until suddenly, he could no longer go on. His body soon gave out and he crashed; his face resting soundly on the bloodied chest of Maxwell.

*****************

Sleeping on the sofa in his office, Bradshaw woke to his phone buzzing wildly on the end table beside him. He reached over his head, still laying flat on his back. He need a moment for his eyes to adjust to the glare of the screen before answering.

Somewhat hazy in tone, "This better be important General".

Bradshaw listened intently before bolting into a upright position, "This is marvelous news....no, no....this changes things in a most delightful way.....have your medics treat her and then bring her to me....I have new plans for the queen.....".

Bradshaw rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stood from the sofa. He stretched his aching body then walked to his desk, before taking his seat.

To himself, he wasn't an evil person, just finishing something his father started over 35 years ago. Its too bad, the sins of the father must haunt the son.

Proud of his accomplishment in defeating Constantine's child, he sat back in his chair contemplating his next move. His military was stronger, however, Cordonia had many, reliable allies that were sure to be displeased with his decision. He only hoped the funds would last long enough until a complete takeover of the neighboring country could be completed.

"Queen Riley...my newest pawn", he spoke to himself, "the plans I have for you my dear".

Bradshawn eagerly picked up his phone and called his General back.

"General Phillips, your majesty"

"Any word on King Liam's status?"

"My men did not find him in the palace and are searching the underground tunnels for a bunker, sir".

"Call them off, I want him left alive"

"But sir...."

"That's an order General, return all forces back to Auvernal and set up bases along the border at once".

"Yes sir".

Bradshaw paced the room for a moment in deep thought and an amused look on his face, "Let the games begin".

****************

"Daddy!....Daddy!"

"Liam!.......help us please".

"Riley, Nikolas, I'm trying but I can't see you".

"LIAM......they're hurting us....LIAM!!"

"DADDY....make them stop!!!"

He could hear the screams and gnashing, but, couldn't find them. Once the silence began, they suddenly appeared before him, draped in death. He held their lifeless bodies against him before pulling a pistol from his pocket. He placed the cold hard steel to his temple and pressed the trigger with ease. The gunshot had no effect on him, he was still very much alive, so he tried again.....nothing.

"NO!", Liam jerked up from his bed in the bunker, sweat clinging with fervor to his face. His heart and breathing were so fast, he leaned over to a nearby waste basket and vomited heavily.

Bastien moved from his chair and stood at Liam's bedside with concern.

When Liam finished, he flopped back onto the bed and slung an arm over his eyes, still reeling from his nightmare.

Bastien hastily walked to a supply closet and grabbed a bottle of water, offering it to his King. "Your majesty, drink this".

Liam shook his head and wiped a fresh set of tears from his eyes and with a cracked voice, "Bastien, give me your side arm".

Bastien stood still, knowing what Liam's intentions were. He placed the water bottle on the bed beside him and turned to walk away.

"Bastien, I said to give me your fucking gun", he commanded loudly.

Bastien turned back around to face him, with a sympathetic look, " I'm sorry, your majesty.....I will give you protection....I will give you my loyalty and I would gladly give you my life....but....I will never give you my gun".

Liam lunged from the bed with anger and spite, attacking Bastien with one blow to his body after another. Liam was suffering from grief and a major hangover that diminished his strength considerably.

Like lightning, Bastien flipped him around so that Liam's back was facing him now and he held his arms around him tightly, keeping him in check.

Liam struggled to get away, kicking and screaming obsenities at him. The other two guards began to approach, however, Bastien's steely eyes pierced through them and they understood their place.

After nearly a minute of attempting to fight Bastien off, the adrenaline reached its peak and his clouded judgement slowly lifted from his mind.

Liam fell limp in Bastien's arms; still clinging tightly to him, Bas lowered himself with Liam to the floor. Liam's head rested on Bastien's chest and he began to sob.

"Bastien....I can't do this.....my wife and my baby are gone....my country, my people are destroyed....I just want to die with them".

For the first time since he was a child, Bastien could no longer keep his emotions in. He continued to hold onto Liam, comfortingly, and cried with him.

"If I may, your majesty...Liam...I don't know all the answers and I don't know how in the hell you can possibly move on from this. All I know is that right now you have got to find a way to look deep inside of yourself and find your father. He never let his enemy win and you can't either. I'll be damned if I let MY king and MY country end in defeat....You ARE Cordonia, Liam and your people need you."

"I can't do it Bas, I don't even want to live without Riley and Nik", he cried out.

Bastien clung on to him tighter and leaned down to his ear, "We don't know for certain they are gone and if there is even the smallest chance they are out there, you have to do everything in your power to bring them home and fight for your people".

Liam sat up from Bastien's grip and slumped over, wiping the wetness from his face, "Do you really think there is a chance they survived?"

Bastien took a deep breath, he didn't want to give him false hope, but, he needed to give him something to hold onto, "Drake and Mara was with them, she may very well be hidden somewhere also. We don't know, but, we have to do everything we can to find out".

Liam slowly pulled himself up, his mind starting to settle down. He pulled the picture of himself, Riley and the baby from his pocket and glarred at it lovingly, allowing the words to take over his heart. Finding a new found hope and mission; I'll never let you go Riley.

"Bastien....we have to find my family.....and kill that son of a bitch".

****************

Leo stumbled from the bed, naked and feeling like shit. He licked his dry lips, still tasting like the pussy he ate from the two strange women passed out in his bed.

He ran his hands over his face and made his way to the bathroom to piss and brush his teeth.

When he finished, Leo sat back on the bed and grabbed his cell from the nightstand.  His stunned eyes focused on the alerts that had flashed from various news sources. Frozen, he read and reread one story after the other. He frantically called and texted Liam, Riley and Bastien with no a response. He called Liam's direct line to his office and the call couldn't be connected.

He became bloodthirsty for revenge as he searched for another number and dialed it.

"This is Leo Rhys...I want the first flight you have to Auvernal".

[finderskeepersff]

26. Part 3

Sofia stretching her jaw, Sofia watched as I stood with my back pressed against the wall. We just stared at each other not saying a word, the seductive grin on her swollen lips pulled me back towards her. Clasping my hand around her arm I yanked Sofia up, and she stood with her nipples pressed against my chest. Pressing my lips against hers, I lifted her chin and placed my hands around her neck. Pressing my lips against her skin underneath her jawline, running my tongue up the side of her neck, I teased her ear with my teeth. Gnawing on her lobe before taking her completely by surprise and grasping my fingers around her waist, flipping her upside down. Sofia yelped as I held her midair and buried my face between her legs. With my arms wrapped tightly around her midsection I slowly walked towards the bed, licking her from one end of her centre to the other. Careful not to fall or trip over an object on the floor, I slowed my steps down while teasing her opening with my tongue before setting her down on her stomach in the middle of the bed. I jerked her waist towards me so that her ass was now pointed and arched up in the air. Sofia rested her head on the comforter. I stood behind her and grabbed her neck and pushed her forward, pressing her face deeper into the mattress. Running my fingers down the curve of her spine, I grazed her cheeks with my fingernails once I got to her ass.

Spreading her ass cheeks apart, I moaned blissfully at the sight in front of me. Her pussy is purring for attention and the way her sex glistened from behind, waiting for my length to pound inside of her made my knees buckle. Running my fingers across her ass I brought my hand up and smacked her left cheek before repeating the same action with her right. A slight whimpered slipped from Sofia’ lips and her core twitched, I roughly pressed my hands over her sex, rubbing my fingers against her sensitive centre. Sofia’ whole body curved towards me when I slid three fingers inside of her tight, wet tunnel, and flicked my thumb against her core, stroking in and out of her at a sluggish speed “Cass..” Sofia moaned, rotating her sex on my fingers. Her walls clenched around me and her juices spilled down my hand. I plunged my fingers in deeper, she thrust her ass back against me and I groaned at how wet she was. Her heat completely engulfed my fingers.

Using my hand to stroke my dick a few times, I angled myself above her and sunk deep into her. I almost came right then and there as I felt her walls grip and snug my tightly. She squeezed her warmth around my dick and I forcefully bucked inside her “so good” I thrusted into her, Sofia screams urging me on. I began pounding into her like a jack-hammer, running my hands all across her body. My right hand found it's place around the back of her neck, my fingers forming around her nape, while my other hand smacked her cheeks, making her ass jiggle. I rammed into her at full speed. One powerful toe curling, lip biting, eye rolling stoke after another. My balls slapped against her sex and Sofia was now experiencing the kind of pleasure she didn't know existed and I know she doesn’t. Her yells and moans were beginning to lose strength, her voice slipping away from her as I rocketed into her. Slowing down my strokes almost completely, I tiredly thrust into her at a snails pace. I spread her ass apart and watched my glistening dick move in and out of her hole. I picked up a little speed with one final stoke before catching her off guard and pounded into her fast and hard.

One, two three slow strokes then one long hard thrust, I continued to fuck her like this until her muscles clenched and she let out an ear piercing scream, creaming around me. I jolted into her one last time before quickly pulling out of her and stroking my dick, watching as I came on her ass. With a loud grunt I fell at the side of Sofia and pulled Sofia into me “don’t…” before I could even stop myself, it was too late “you idiot” she rested her head back on my shoulders, heavily breathing “now there is cum on the sheets” I just realised that “why didn’t you just do it inside of me” she got a point “maybe but I wanted to be messy, I wanted to mark you” I am tired now “like a dog?” she panted out “could say” I laughed “annoying ass” wrapping my arms around Sofia’ waist “I think I'm just going to lay right here for now” she is tired and I love it “I think I will lay next to you” I said sprawling my body out at the side of her “hmm you smell like sex” she said while cuddling her face against my chest “you smell like sex too” I said back “I smell like you" I chuckled “you really do” I love her so much “if I wasn’t pregnant already I would be right now” Sofia mumbled, pressing a kiss to Sofia’ forehead.

“wake up, wake up. It’s the first of the month” Sofia half shouted, my eyes slowly dragging themselves open, I am tired “I don’t care” turning away from Sofia “you can’t move, I was awake a while ago” seeing Sofia is sat on my chest all dressed “oh god” I groaned out “I am tired, let me sleep please. Why are you so hyper” Sofia pulled my arms back just above my head and stared down at me, opening my eyes “can I have your black card?” she is really doing this “it’s downstairs, go and get it. I don’t care” Sofia gasped “seriously? Can I? I have never seen a black card Cassius can I?” nodding my head “yeah, I will sleep here. Just don’t do too much” closing my eyes again “no, you’re coming with me. Cassius, I can’t be alone. Please!” opening my eyes again “I have to go to Brooklyn, I got some things to do there babe, I can’t” Sofia mean mugged me “you are coming with me Cassius, I am not playing. You are coming with me shopping, you never come with me. I have to shop alone, I want my man with me!” I rolled my eyes “why do you have to be so difficult? I can do my thing and then come and see you, it’s not that bad right?” Sofia slapped my chest as she got off from me, why do I need to go shopping.

Drying off my face “why are you crying?” I am so confused “leave me alone” Sofia sobbed out, this can’t be real “who hurt you?” I asked, I have to ask because nobody is fucking here to upset her “I want you to come shopping with me but you won’t, I only want to be with you. I have never had a man that does those things with me, it may be weird to you but to me it means a lot. I just want you there and then you said no, I didn’t ever get any man to take me shopping, not even my own father. I just have to accept I will be alone doing it when I go shopping, just like my mom when I was younger” I am guilt tripped into going now, how can I not just say no. This is not fair “fine, I will come. Please stop crying for me, please? And it will not be like that Sofia, shit is different. I will be there, just at times like now I can’t but I will, just don’t cry” women are just so annoying, why did she have to cry “I just want different, that is all” she hiccuped “I will go with you ok? Just please don’t cry” change of plans now thanks to my bub.

“Cassius!!” Sofia screamed at me “Sofia!? What is it?” I am stood right next to her too “Cassius! Don't shout!” she said, walking away from where I was stood “but you were shouting at me?” I pointed at myself “don’t make excuses now I need your help” she needs help, she has already bought me to this pink filled store, I want to scream “what is it? Sofia just pick the damn panties so we can move on? It’s really not hard right?” I don’t see the issue “excuse me” someone said behind me, moving back so the ladies could walk by “thank you” I smiled at her, I can look behind these shades “you could have stepped forward to me right?” stepping forward “I could but I didn’t so what is it?” seeing Sofia holding the same three panties just a minute ago said she didn’t want “what colour? I am confused” blowing out air “get them all, there we go. Issue is sorted out right?” I just want to sleep, that is all I want.

I love waiting in queues, it’s my favourite “I love that you’re wearing the bracelet I got you” lifting my arm up “I love it bub” I grinned “I love you, hold these for me. My phone is ringing” rolling my eyes grabbing the bras and panties from Sofia “it’s Mia, I will call her back later” Sofia put her phone back in her bag but didn’t take these things from me, she stood looking ahead “I am happy now, you finally come shopping with me. I love it” nodding my head “I have only taken Jasmine shopping, but I hate it” looking around the store “and I thank you for coming” wrapping her arms around my body, licking my lips waiting for this queue to go down “do you love me Cassius?” Sofia is asking this question while stood in Victoria Secrets “you being real right now? Like real? Who the hell am I to just be stood here with just anyone?” Sofia is funny, even she had to laugh “ok you right” Sofia giggled to herself, the queue finally moved and we should be next “I am tired now myself, the short burst of energy I had is now gone” furrowing my eyebrows “that means you need to eat, you got to keep your energy up” the store assistant waved us over “go on” letting Sofia walk ahead of me “hi” she said, placing the things on the counter. Grabbing my black card from my pocket, this is all she wants me to do is spend.

Removing my shades as I sat down, we came to Olive Garden. I want my young don to be fed of course “I will be right back to take your orders” the server said before she walked off “what else you want to buy next?” I had to ask “mhmm I don’t know” Sofia just smiled, it’s like she wants to just spend just because “anything?” Sofia said “anything?” I said again “I want a Rolex” I blinked at Sofia several times “hold the hell up, you wish the hell you could get that” I pointed at her “I was just testing you, you do watch your money don’t you?” nodding my head “you know, at this funeral. Speaking to Myles, I think it will be too much for you to go. Niggas are disrespectful, there is not many things I have done right but you I have, I can’t have you there. I have told my family no. I just want to bury him and that is it” Sofia shook her head “I don’t want to be here without you, I am coming Cassius. I would hope they didn’t but I am coming with you. I cannot be without you Cassius, who’s going to look after me huh?” watching Sofia get all teary eyed “my little don, he or she will. You would be fine, I have a seed now. Sofia things come full circle and it is” Sofia waved me off not wanting to hear it.

Sofia placed her fork down “what makes you think that I wouldn’t want to be with you in Brooklyn? Cassius I have nobody but you, my friends have their life, I only got you. You need to think about that, I have nothing. You do everything for me. If you leave then what? Who will look after us, I don’t want to be a single parent Cassius. I rather I get hurt then you” I swallowed hard “I don’t want that, I am trying to protect you Sofia. That is what I am trying to do for you. I don’t want you to get hurt, Amira and Isabella will be there I guess. Just stay close to me, it’s something I didn’t want to be doing and you know” I shrugged, I want to get revenge but Sofia is not going to let me do anything so I can say goodbye to that “my mother will be there, she is hard headed so there is that. Just keep clear, I am worried. If anything goes off, Ethan, you know him. The driver right, if anything goes off you go with him. I mean you will have no choice, Sofia it’s not a game for you to say no. People can die, if I am busy watching you then I don’t have time to protect me” Sofia thinks this shit is a game “Ethan is the driver? Why would he do anything” she is slow, bless her “he works for Zed, he is not a driver he is protection. The Range we sit in is bulletproof to an extent. It’s not a game Sofia and I need to say this to you again, people can die. We are going to all be in one place, that is perfect for them and yes you will be wearing a vest, point ended” Sofia didn’t say a word, I am glad she remained silent.

Grabbing the Jordan Spizike “also these, I want them in the same sizes too. I will let you know if there is anything else” I thought I might as well come to the sneaker store while out, walking down the line of sneakers “what about these for you” holding the retro 12 Jordans “it’s like a rose gold colour” turning to Sofia, I laughed moving the sneaker “what you doing?” she been recording me “what you doing?” moving the phone away “nothing” Sofia grabbed my arm “no, what were you doing? You picking sneakers out for me baby?” putting the sneaker down “you ain’t getting shit” walking around her, she out here recording me. Walking over to the counter, there is two towers of sneakers. One for me and one for Sofia, we got matching sneakers “why you got two sets of sneakers Cassius?” Sofia asked “one is yours, we matching” seeing the baby Jordans “you seen this?” holding up the box “you mad annoying with this camera” I side eyed Sofia “you act all camera shy” this is so cute though, like baby Jordans “I am the same, my girl be recording everything. I could get her a burger and she be like he got me a burger” the store assistant said “a man that knows, it’s annoying. Y’all just love showing off” I know her game.

“Lee, I am meeting him” I am just enjoying my frozen yoghurt, ain’t nobody care about no Lee “now?” I hope the hell not “erm yeah, it’s just a little quick meet. He’s got a break from work and look he’s here!!” Sofia jumped up from her seat, I am just enjoying this like screw anything else “oh my god! I miss you so much Lee. I am getting emotional now, god I miss you” looking up from my frozen yoghurt, Ethan is like me just loving this. He is around but doesn’t get in the way, I can take that “Cassius, Lee. Oh my god, my beautiful friend” I am not rude, shaking his hand “beautiful? I am far from that, I came straight away when I found out. That sounds so wrong but I mean if I could I would” Sofia sat down next to me “how is everything? Has a car run over Ivy yet?” Lee laughed out “not yet, she is off sick. You know, you want to push out a whole human for what? Lloyd doesn’t even want you, oh my god! They had a fight in the middle of work it was so good, I mean bad but good. The latest is that Lloyd likes his booty tickled by the D” placing my spoon down, I think I have finished “no way? You’re lying to me, he is gay?” Lee sat back in his seat and shrugged “I wouldn’t lie Sofia, when have I been wrong. Anyways your home looks so pretty, when can I come and see?” hopefully never “as soon as the house is done, there is a room waiting but no sex” Sofia pointed at him “I will do it outside, I don’t care but we have so much to do and say. How long are you here for? Cassius it’s nice to see you, I enjoy the eggplant through the sweatpants” my eyebrows knitted together “that was one time! Lee!” she screamed at him “I mean what can I say, big dick gang and all that, Sofia airing that. When was this?” I don’t remember this “you was arguing with me and I just took the picture, it was before you went Brooklyn. How sexy is he angry Lee?” he nodded in agreement, these two are bad together “I don’t agree with this friendship at all” they bad together “Sofia, we need to see each other for a big gossip, before you go” Ethan is laughing at me, he been laughing at me all this time. This isn’t me, I am not that guy but she pregnant so I have to be.

[dewitty1]

Excerpt:

"How many times have you been to Iceland?" I ask after a moment. My curiosity gets the better of my irritation.

Harry shrugs. "Four, I think." He lifts his beer to his mouth and takes a long drink. I look away, suddenly unsettled. "I like it here. It's quiet and pretty, to begin with." He sets the bottle on the bar and rubs his thumb across the gilded wheat on the label. "Easier to pull as well. Not as many people who give a damn that I'm Harry bloody Potter." He says the last bitterly.

I press my lips together. "You never told me that."

"You never asked." Harry takes another sip of beer.

There's really nothing to say to that. I shrug and drink my martini. It's dry and sour.

Harry leans on the bar, his arms folded. "I could have also told you that bloke you were dancing with? His name's Óðinn. Quite nice. Brilliant dancer. Rather good at cocksucking too. But, when it comes to fucking, he's a bit of a problem with actually hanging on long enough to get you off properly before...well." Harry raises one shoulder expressively.

To my shame, I'm appalled. "You've..." I trail off.

"More than once." Harry gives me an even look. "Does that bother you?"

It does. I have no damned intention of telling him. "Don't be an idiot." I finish off my martini and motion for another. Harry just watches me, his face curiously blank.

"I think it does," he says finally.

"In your dreams, Potter," I snap. I pop the olive from my martini glass in my mouth and chew. It's filled with too-sharp cheese and I grimace, swallowing quickly. I take Harry's beer from his hand, desperate to rinse the taste from my mouth somehow. "Besides, Lovegood claims you followed me here." I smirk. "So perhaps you're..." I search for the phrase Pansy always throws at me. "...transferring your own feelings onto me."

Harry grabs the beer bottle back. "Shut up." Lights from the dance floor arc over us, flashing pink and gold across Harry's face.

"Such an effective rejoinder," I say dryly. I take the martini the bartender sets in front of me. "Bravo."

Carefully, Harry sets the bottle down again. It thunks softly against the sticky bar. God only knows how many drinks have been spilled across it this evening. I eye him over the rim of my glass. "What?" I ask, suddenly uneasy at his determined expression. A purposeful Potter never bodes well, I've learned to my chagrin.

"This more effective?" he murmurs, far too close to my ear for my comfort, and then his palm presses hard and rough against the fly of my trousers.

My martini slides from my fingers, the glass titling just enough to send a splash of gin across the bar, as Harry's mouth finds mine.

I should move. I should pull away. I know I should, but I can't. Harry's lips are soft and warm and just the slightest bit chapped as they move across mine. Kissing him has always been like this. Inexorable. Slow, breathless, his mouth pressing lightly until mine opens beneath him and his tongue sweeps across my teeth as he pushes me backwards. The edge of the bar hits my waist, digging into my spine. I don't care. Harry's teeth scrape over my bottom lip, and I groan. Without thought, I clench one hand on his hip to steady myself, and his fingers push harder against the wool of my trousers. My cock swells against him, and Harry laughs, a soft warm huff against my jaw. I can smell the alcohol on his breath.

"How many pints have you had?" I whisper.

"Enough."

With his left hand, Harry takes my glass from my numb fingers and sets it aside. My breath catches. He's always been ridiculously dexterous, even two sheets to the wind like this. Bloody Seeker.

"Do you really think," Harry says against my ear, his hand smoothing over my prick again, "that I would stand by and watch some other bloke get you off?" His teeth nip my earlobe. I breathe in sharply, my thumb hooking through a belt loop in his jeans.

"I thought you liked that sort of thing." My brain tells me to push him away. I don't listen. I can smell him, smell his sweat and his skin and the faintest trace of the horrid cologne Granger had given him last Christmas. "Stop," I say, the word catching in the back of my throat, but it's a weak protest, and we both know it.

Harry snorts and his fingers twist around my cock, hard and fast, wrinkling my trousers. "You have no damned idea what you look like, do you?" His lips brush my jaw, and my eyes flutter closed for a moment. "When you take that first sip of a drink?" I lick my lip, just looking at him. His eyes are shadowed behind his glasses, and he leans in as his hand presses hard against me, making me grab his hip again with a rough gasp. "All the way across the room tonight," he says, voice raw, "watching you drink, and Christ, that face you make--" He breaks off for a moment, drawing in a deep breath. His fingers still work at my prick, smoothing and twisting, and I don't stop him.

I couldn't even if I wanted to.

⁽(◍˃̵͈̑ᴗ˂̵͈̑)⁽⁎*✲ﾟ*｡⋆♡ོ

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy Characters: Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Romance, Harry/Draco - Freeform, HP: EWE, Public Sex Summary:

After a difficult breakup, Draco finds himself dragged to the land of magic, law, and natural wonders where, of course, nothing goes as planned.

Excerpt:

You utter fucking wanker.”

Harry just leans back in his chair with a sigh and a nervous, sideways glance past me and out the half-open door of his office. I’m fully aware that his assistant is trying to eavesdrop at his desk just outside. “Draco–”

I kick the door shut, not caring that the glass rattles in its frame. “Don’t Draco me.”

His eyes narrow behind those stupid glasses of his. “Malfoy, then–”

“Fuck off.” I lean over his desk, both fists planted firmly on the stacks of parchment lining one edge. He swipes a miniature Firebolt replica out of the way before I knock it from its stand. It’s one the Weasley girl had given him before they broke up two years ago. She’d had it custom-made for him from fragments of the broom his godfather had given him. I almost hate myself for knowing that. “Can I be any clearer, Potter? The case is mine.”

Harry sets the Firebolt on the side of his desk blotter. Notes and Floo points are scrawled in his atrocious handwriting on it, some nearly obscured by smeared ink. “You don’t particularly want to work with me either,” he says without looking at me.

“That doesn’t mean I want to be taken off the one bloody case that didn’t bore me to tears.”

Harry lifts his chin. “It’s my case, Malfoy.”

“Is it?” I reach over the parchment piles and pick up the Firebolt. The scrap of wood and neatly trimmed twigs is smooth and polished against my palm.

Harry grabs my wrist. “Put it down.” His fingers dig into my skin, hot and tight, and his eyes hold mine. I can see the clench of muscle as he tightens his jaw and all I can think of is Terry and the way his jaw tensed as he shuddered over me, his body spasming against mine.

I’m angry. Furious. Bitter. I want to hurt someone, and Harry’s the closest at hand. It just takes the slight pressure of my thumb, and the tiny broom snaps, scattering across Harry’s desk.

He drops his hand. My wrist feels sore and oddly bereft. “Leave,” he says softly, not looking at me. I hesitate, and Harry’s wand is pressed against my forehead. “Now.” He doesn’t raise his voice.

This time I don’t bother to hide my temper. The door crashes shut behind me.

***

It’s an @femmequixotic fic y'all. This is the cream of the crop. You never not read one of these. 💗💗💗💗