#I will boop once the mood returns

[detective-piplup]

Dude you claimed to out-boop god yet didn't boop me ONCE? Not cool man

(this is a JOKE, I repeat, A JOKE, I'm pretty sure I account as a torture device with the booping, do not feel pressured, I have enough booping wars going on as is 👍)

YOU’VE BOOPED ME LIKE 300 TIMES OVER SEVERAL SIDEBLOGS also am tired and have gameplay to watch

[emelinstriker]

Predaking ♡ Fetch

First TFP X Reader one-shot of the few I've saved up since like 2021. Will be posting the others later, but I gotta go to the dentist in a bit. So have your big mecha dragon boi. c:

[TL;DR] Predaking acts like a wholesome, oversized puppy towards you. And only you.

♡ ~ Fluff ~ ♡

"Alright, go fetch!" You yelled up at him before throwing a softball across the flight deck. You specifically chose this type of ball due to how easily the predacon could see its bright red color, and because it's big enough for the two of you, as well as soft and squishy. It was also cheap, so you could just buy a new one if Predaking ended up destroying it on accident. But he was still using the first ball you gave him, so that in of itself was impressive.

The giant mech dragon wagged his tail a bit with some small side to side jumps, before happily zooming after the ball. Due to your size and lack of strength, the ball didn't land too far, but it began to bounce and roll away really quickly due to the wind. Yet another reason that ball was a good choice.

He gently picked up the ball before practically bouncing back over to you. You beckoned for him to lower his helm. He did as you commanded and you proceeded to take the ball and pet his helm before leaning your upper body against him in an attempted hug. "Good boy! Great job, Predaking! Who's a good boy! Yes you are!" You cooed, gently stroking one of his mandibles while nuzzling his helm with your forehead.

He purred loudly at your praise. His mood would instantly change whenever you were with him. Your mere presence alone made his spark throb with love and joy. Honestly, he didn't mind being treated like a lesser being, even a pet. But only if it was you. He would not allow this sort of belittlement from anyone else. Not from Shockwave, not even from Megatron. And especially not from a piece of scrap like Starscream.

Speaking of the devil, Predaking spotted him behind you near the entrance. He released a dangerously low growl to warn the seeker to stay away. Especially from you, knowing Starscream's distaste towards humans. You thought the growl was aimed towards you, so you backed away from him with an apologetic look, believing you weren't supposed to hug him like that. "Oh- Sorry..."

However, Predaking felt your warmth leave him, and he didn't like it. His aggressively stiff posture turned calm again. He then nudged his helm back towards you with a purr, rubbing his rather flat snout against your tummy, begging you to hang onto him once more.

Your smile returned as you plopped your weight against him once more. Just to make the moment funnier, you even said a little "Boop!" as you landed on him. His tail wagged a little, happy to make you smile. Yet he still kept an optic on the seeker, just in case he tried anything.

Meanwhile, the seeker was not amused as he was on the flight deck for a reason.

"Human! Megatron and Shockwave are awaiting the predacon! Megatron commands you to go back to your habsuite until further notice!" Starscream's voice startled you as you didn't notice him before. So you got off Predaking's maw and looked at the other mech. But one hand was still on the giant predacon as a form of comfort for both of you.

You slightly looked downwards in disappointment. "Oh... Okay then..." You turned back towards the mech dragon giving him a sad smile before leaning down to put a light kiss on his snoot, rubbing the side of it.

"We'll play more later, okay? Be a good boy when you leave. Love you, King!" You said before starting to walk towards the entrance, turning one last time to give him a little wave.

You didn't notice it this time, but the mech dragon's tail swooshed from side to side faster than before. If you had listened closely, you could've also heard his cooling fans turn on when you gave him a kiss. His optics also turned from giving the seeker half the attention to putting his whole attention onto you as your tiny frame walked away.

His gaze on you was soft. There could have possibly been hearts floating around his helm if this were a cartoon. He could've even had hearts in his optics, that's how far gone he was. That's when he heard the seeker approach him with his usual unnerving voice. The predacon's mood instantly changed. His loving gaze towards your direction halted as he turned to face Starscream with a look of pure hatred.

"Well, well, well... You appear to be having fun, being treated like a servant animal by a tiny rat. Doing everything they want. Why can't you simply follow my orders then!?" He yelled out in anger. If he hadn't known about the predacon's transformation, he would've hit the dragon.

Predaking let out a loud screech before standing up and spreading his wings- Towering over the shorter mech. Having his pride take a hit was one thing, having to listen to the SIC call you 'rat' was another. You were so much more than a rat. You were a divine soul. And your tiny frame only made his primal instincts want to protect and love you even more.

"Whatever your relationship with the fleshy may be, it doesn't matter. Now, move to Shockwave's lab." Starscream scoffed. If looks could kill, the seeker may have already died back in the pits of Kaon. It felt like Predaking's hatred for him could time travel.

Suddenly, the mech dragon transformed into his bi-pedal cybertronian form.

"I'll be there for the meeting. However..." The taller mech stomped over to the now intimidated seeker. His shadow was now looming over the SIC. "If you call them a 'rat' one more time, I'll make sure to rip your spark out the 'primal beast way'."

Starscream trembled beneath the predacon's fierce gaze, then the king made his way past the seeker and towards the lab.

The meeting itself was quite uneventful. It was simply seen as a progress report. Predaking was just there for show, in a way. It was mostly Shockwave who talked to Megatron.

After the meeting, the predacon was dismissed. And the first thing he did was visit your bedroom.

Due to your relationship with Predaking, and you being basically the only one able to tame the beast with questionable ease, Megatron assigned Shockwave to be your guardian and for you to stay in a smaller room connected to the lab. However, with how much disinterest the scientist had in you, he basically abandoned you just for you to be taken care of by Predaking. So technically speaking, Predaking was your guardian and you were his charge. The only thing Shockwave did to take care of you was to get Knockout to get you stuff you needed. Because it seemed illogical for him to go get necessities for you himself.

The predacon slowly approached your little home, transforming into the beast on the way. You knew about his bi-pedal form, but you didn't treat him with as much affection as you did when he approached you as a mech dragon. He enjoyed your company regardless, but it was more enjoyable for him personally to see you laugh and smile a lot more when you were simply allowed to pet his helm.

You had fallen asleep in your bed, assuming the meeting would take a while. So when Predaking gazed upon your sleeping body, he couldn't help but purr. And of course, his purring didn't go unnoticed by you as you slowly woke up from your nap. And the first thing you saw right in front of your face was a pair of yellow glowing optics staring right at you in admiration. You weren't startled or anything as this wasn't the first time the predacon (unintentionally) woke you up like this. You yawned as you sat up to look at him with a little smile.

"Hey, King... How did the meeting go?" You asked, still tired. The predacon closed his optics and tilted his head towards the side, ex-venting some warm air like a heater. This movement roughly translated to either "Boring" or "Meh", and it never failed to make you laugh. It simply looked ridiculous to see a giant beast do such a motion.

The predacon then suddenly got an idea. He gently picked you up by the back of your shirt like a kitten and walked off. You two bypassed Shockwave as he just stared at you helplessly dangling from the giant beast's maw.

You didn't say anything, waving at the purple mech. This wasn't the first time Shockwave's creation did this, so neither of you were concerned about being in danger around him. However, you were a little curious as to where he was taking you.

Turns out he was taking you back to his kennel. You still didn't understand why, however. Maybe he wanted to play more?

Your questions quickly were answered however, when he gently lowered you into the middle of his nest and started to circle around you before eventually dropping down, having you sitting against his body. One wing was spread out a bit to give you a roof and contain more of the warmth Predaking's frame produced.

He let out a whirring noise that seemed to resemble a yawn as he tried to comfortably cuddle up closer against you. He curled his body around you more and you couldn't help but coo at how adorable he was acting. Like an overgrown puppy wanting love and attention. And if you couldn't give it to him all the time, he would simply not let you leave. But to be honest, you didn't want to leave him at the moment anyway.

So you simply let yourself fall back asleep, this time in your king's embrace.

[ Masterlist ]

[chericherixo]

+ 'Blueberry Muffins' +

Poly! Mattheo x Fem!Reader x Theo

- [fluff] - modern au! - Mattheo and y/n are baking in the kitchen when Theo comes home from work. He joins in and they end up having a flour fight. Fluff fluff fluff and ends in cuddling <3

You and Mattheo were in the kitchen, trying to decide what to have for dinner. Any nutritional food didn't sound good, and all he was craving was something sweet.

"Brownies?"

"We're out of chocolate and I'm not in the mood to get high right now." You argued,

"Hmm... Strawberry danish?" He suggested,

"I don't even know where to begin to make that."

Then, Theo walked in the door, coming home from work. You both smiled as he kissed you, then Mattheo. "Hello gli amori. What are you two up to?"

"We're trying to decide what to make for dinner." You said,

"And let me guess.. you two don't want real food." You both shook your heads. "How about, blueberry muffins?"

Mattheo smirked, "That sounds amazing.. you're amazing." Mattheo kissed him again, expressing his gratitude for bringing up the solution.

You all started gathering ingredients and Theo brought up a recipe. "So how was work babe?" You asked,

"It was fine, I just missed you guys all day and couldn't wait to come home." He walked up and wrapped his arms around you from behind. "Mi amore." He began kissing down your neck lovingly and Mattheo smiled and came over to kiss you. You giggled and tried to break free from their grip.

"Come on, let's start on things." They smirked and started mixing ingredients together. Needless to say, baking with three people, (as long as they cooperate), makes things a lot more efficient.

Unfortunately, the peace didn't last long. Mattheo, feeling particularly playful, got some flour on his finger and booped Theo. Theo shook his head in shock trying to process what happened. "Excuse me?" Mattheo's face suddenly turned cold, realizing his fate. "I'm sorry- I-" Theo laughed and in an instant he threw a small handful of flour at Mattheo's face. "Guys!"

In response, Theo threw a handful at you as well, leaving you covered in flour. "Oh no you did not-" You grabbed a handful of flour and shoved it in Theo's hair.

"Not my hair!" Theo cried, and you and Mattheo laughed. At least, until Mattheo threw flour at you while you were laughing. You coughed for a minute, but once you regained your senses, you attacked Mattheo back. "You guys can't team up on me. I'm just a girl!"

"Oh tesoro, we know what you're capable of." Theo smirked, "Don't play innocent." You blushed heavily and tried to put your focus on the muffins. The boys fooled around for a few while you poured the mixture into the muffin tray. "Ok, put some blueberries in."

Mattheo and Theo both sprinkled some blueberries in and looked at the muffins proudly. "We make a pretty good team." Mattheo said happily,

"You're figuring that out now?" You laughed and moved to put the muffins in the oven. "Well we have 30 mins.. do you guys want to start a movie?"

"Sounds perfect principessa." Theo picked you up and carried you to the bathroom and Mattheo followed, "let's get cleaned up first."

You all put on fresh pajamas, and you helped Theo and Mattheo get all the flour off their faces. They returned the favor. "What about Theo's hair?" Mattheo asked, and you pulled out a shower cap.

"No." Said Theo, and you giggled.

"Come on, you're not getting flour on our couch. So, until we shower later, shower cap." You held it out to him proudly. He reluctantly took it from you and put it over his hair. "Pretty :)" He sighed and kissed you, "Only because I love you."

You all walked out to the living room and turned on a movie you three had been wanting to watch. Mattheo happily snuggled in and rested his head on your chest, whereas Theo laid against you, his head resting on yours.

"I love you guys so much."

"I love you to y/n."

"I love you too, gli amori."

(The muffins were delicious.)

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Villain's Coffee Shop part 8

Warnings: aftermath of gravely injured Villain, corrupt Superhero

He felt slightly more chipper as he returned to the front of the store to resume taking orders. Purr therapy did wonders for the mood.

The work day seemed to stretch on forever, until the flow of customers began to thin and fade, the tables growing emptier as closing time neared.

Once the last customer had finally left, Villain walked to the front of his shop and switched the ‘open’ sign to ‘closed’, before heading to the back and letting Mocha out – his cat was allowed to roam free after-hours.

He wasn't looking forward to speaking with the only guest that remained, who had lingered through the entire day. But it was an unfortunate necessity. He eventually trudged over to the table Hero was seated at and slid into the chair across from hers.

“All right. Let's talk,” he sighed un-enthusiastically. Getting straight to the point and skipping all pleasantries.

“Indeed.” Hero smiled far-too-sweetly at him, which made his mood even more sour. Mocha seemed to sense his agitation, as he immediately approached and hopped onto the table with a meow, tail held high.

Villain steepled his fingers with a stern look aimed at Hero, ignoring the cat booping his arm with a furry head seeking attention. “So, firstly. What do I get if I join your side? I don't like to waste my time on unproductive things.”

Hero rested her elbows on the table and leaned forward, all business-like. “The Agency for heroes pays well – well enough you wouldn't have to worry about retirement funds, and you wouldn't have to rob places and do crime to stay off the streets or keep running this shop. The Agency would provide for all your necessary financial needs.

“Oh?” Villain arched an eyebrow, mulling it over. It was a good deal, a suspiciously good one, but he wasn't so easy to sway. “And what are the work hours? What kind of criminals are you fighting?”

“Mostly villains less powerful than you,” Hero replied, “shouldn't be too hard for you to start taking them down once you're on a hero team. You could be a valuable ally to us.”

“I'm truly flattered,” Villain said dryly, “but what makes you think I'm so powerful? You don't even know what my superpower is.”

⏪️ Back Next ⏩️

Masterlist

@scoundrelwithboba @lumpofsand @isikedmyself878 @iamheretohurt @fleur-a-whump

@ay5ksal @otterfrost @sausages-things @togzy @floral-comet-whump

@whump-till-ya-jump @cravesunconditionallove @whumpwritinglover222

@federthenotsogreat @everynameistakencarrots

[the-kr8tor]

MY FAVORITE TEACHER GOT ELOPED AND IM GOING TO THROW THE WEDDING PARTY THINGY The best parties are always thrown by unhinged minors trust me I dibs being the ringbearer and the rings will be made of paperclips

Daily Hobie HC! Week three, day one

Hobie stood outside on his boathouse once more the next night, looking up at the moonless sky, the stars twinkling much more brighter now.

He called out to the night sky, wanting to call out to you the best he knew how to. After a few seconds, he was beginning to be convinced that everything that happened was simply just a bad trip, until you appeared in front of him all of a sudden.

You were in a more smaller, human-like form as you stood in front of him, your lips curling into a small smile. Hobie's eyes widened as he slowly processed that you were a real being, His eyes roamed your body shamelessly, blinking uselessly at you like you'll disappear the moment he closed his eyes.

But you simply chuckled at his shock and stood there, waiting for him to wrap his head around the fact he managed to successfully summon you.

Unsurprisingly, just like the first encounter, you thought he was adorable. Once he seemed to get his act together, Hobie watched you approach and playfully boop his nose, circling him a few times as you admire his handiwork with his clothing.

He couldn't help but slightly puff out his chest in pride at a literal immortal being complimenting his DIY skills on his clothes, even if they were just pajamas currently. He had added patches to the bottoms and had some fun with sewing patterns into his shirt.

Shockingly to him, your admiration of his skills seemed to easily strike up a conversation between the two of you, with Hobie feeling a little bashful for the first time in a while at the knowledge of you having heard his practice sessions more than once.

That night, you managed to convince him to play for you, his company lifting your mood and temporarily curing your loneliness. There was no other deity for a while, leaving you to yourself in the vast expanse of the Earth's solar system.

After that night, you found yourself being called by Hobie often, which you always appreciated. Hobie could tell you appreciated the company whenever he called you at night by the way you started to hug him after a few more first times of calling you.

You gifted Hobie a small pendant, which he could use to summon you instead of screaming at the sky each night. Hobie summoned you one late night, after you had wished him sweet dreams and left to let him sleep, to gift you something back. He had managed to make a spiked cuff out of denim and piercing in spare spikes, as well as button clips.

He couldn't help his heart from melting as you rubbed his back warmly the moment you were summoned, trying to help him sleep easier. Before he fully relaxed in your embrace, he tiredly clipped the cuff around your wrist, watching as you pause to admire his work. He smiled at the sight of your own smile, his gaze softening as you thanked him, saying that you loved it.

One thing that could him off-guard, was your little peck to his cheek. Before Hobie was able to fully process what happened, his mind gave up on him, shutting down and making him sleep, his head resting in your lap.

It was safe that you kept watch over him the entire night, as you didn't feel the need to sleep or rest your body like the mortals do.

After that night, it seemed as if dynamics had shifted between Hobie and you. You two were definitely more closer within the confines of Hobie's houseboat, with him somehow convincing you to stay a little longer on Earth.

He knew that sometimes you'll have to return to your original, celestial form to make sure everything is running smoothly, but you could wait to enjoy some icecream with him.

Hobie found it adorable how, even though you didn't need it for survival, you still did 'mortal things', in your words, with him. You ate, let him cuddle you for comfort, and even 'fall asleep' with him on the nights when he needed it the most.

While you were 'napping', meaning you had slowed down your human form's breathing to a calm pace, with your eyes shut, you had laid yourself on top of Hobie on the couch, letting him gently run his hands through your hair and braid it absent-mindedly.

Hobie leaned down and kissed your forehead, listening to the small chuckle escaping your lips. You opened one eye to look at him, your gaze full of affection and fondness for him. Even if it would be short-lived due to immortality and mortality, Hobie never let you think about it, making sure you focused on the time you had with him now. -🐦‍⬛

Ngl I've always thought that eloping with your partner is the most badass thing you could do with them! Like "I love you so much that I want to marry you ASAP even though our loved ones won't be there but you'll be there and that's all that matters" kind of deal 😍 oh hell yeah add some party hats to the mix and ice cream cake!!

Daily Hobie HC ❤️❤️❤️

Awww he's waiting for r!! And he's ogling them ayo?!

At first I thought this was death! R for a sec but it's deity! R!!!!!! Love it!

R is having so much fun with him lol the lil boop 😂

They're curing each other's loneliness 🥹🥹🥹

BAHHAHHAHAHHA not him screaming in the night to get their attention!!!!! Don't do that you'll get noise complaints, Hobie!!!

R gave him a pendant and hobie gave them a personalised bracelet 🥹🥹😍😍😍

R sleeping and eating with him even though they don't need to makes my heart ache 😭😭😭😍😍 that's the sweetest thing ever 🥰

NOOOOOO R HAS TO MAKE HIM IMMORTAL OR I'LL RIOT! (Looking at you 🐦‍⬛anon 😤)

[moseslikellamas]

♱𖣂 Redfork Menace ♱𖣂 pt.22

Benjicot Blackwood x Bracken!OC

Summary - The Blackwoods and Brackens plan to disrupt the upcoming marriages.

Warnings - fem!reader, suspense, adult language, period typical misogyny, condescension, adult language, feelings of shame, feelings of guilt, manipulation, benjicot brainrot, Kieran Burton fancast.

Word count - 2.2k

Okay, am I dragging this out? Maybe a little. But I am a sucker for shenanigans. Sorry its late!! I was too tired last night.

Benjicot came into her room that night victorious, with a smile so big it was like to break his face. He’d picked her up and spun her around laughing. To say her mood was less jubilant was an understatement. She’d spent the better part of an hour consoling Martyn who was utterly baffled that he might be used as a political pawn as an eleventh son. Royce had been pleasantly surprised and amiable towards his match once he saw his betrothed. For that she was thankful, one less headache to deal with. It was clear Benjicot had not spent that same time trying to reassure his aunt. If anything he had probably avoided her, afraid of showing his hand and gloating too loudly.

But he would hear none of her complaints when she tried to voice them over his joyous celebration which included laughing himself silly and booping her on the nose when she grew irritated. It was maddening but she’d eventually dissolved into laughter herself at his antics. He was a man grown acting worse than someone half his age, running around her room like a chicken with its head cut off.

“Stop it! Have some self respect would you?” The sting was taken out of her words by the giggles still escaping her.

“We’ll be married on the morrow. We’re the only ones using the godswood. Gives us the best time slot.”

He winked at her but all of the laughter had died inside her throat. Noting her sudden frown he inquired about her sudden change in mood. His own excitement dwindled down to smolders. He approached her slowly before grabbing both of her hands.

“Surely you’re not still shocked at this?” He smoothed out her wrinkled collar before laying a hand on her cheek. Delicately rubbing the skin beneath her eye with his thumb. “I couldn’t have spelled out my intentions any plainer than this. What troubles you?”

What wasn’t troubling her? She was not so sure that mass forced marriage would absolve the riverlands of generations of grudges. What guarantees did they have that upon returning home the same attitudes wouldn’t start back up? How was she supposed to respect a marriage sanctified by gods she didn’t recognize? How could they make a successful family together if his guardsmen made nasty jabs about her children's cousins or uncles? It seemed to her this issue was more nuanced and complicated than the solutions proposed. Sure it would take time but it would also require a conscious effort on their part to ensure change was made.

As she contemplated this the answer came to her quite simply. If she wanted to ensure a change in the values of the people around her, she had to embrace that same change within herself. Now was not the time to rock the boat. The marriage would happen all the same regardless of her behavior. She knew it would be best to raise her complaints once they were gone from RiverRun. She did not intend to sit idly by and allow Benjicot to rule her life for her. She would insist on a sept at Raventree. And that was all there was to be done about it. Compromises were going to have to be made to bring this new chapter to life in the riverlands but Shanda knew when to push and when to pull.

“I’m just lamenting my last hours as a free lady. I should check on Alysanne, as I’m sure she’s experiencing a similar feeling. And you were no help, no doubt.” She huffed pulling his hand from her face and walking away from him.

He caught her hand and pulled her back, grabbing her shoulder when she turned back to face him. She hadn’t expected to leave that easily and it was nice if nothing else that he was predictable to her now.

“I did check on her, I’m not an animal. But believe me you don’t want to be around her right now. She’s been giving Lord Elmo an earful for hours by now.” He rolled his eyes and poked her in the side, unhappy with the scowl plastered on her face. “I’m not worried for her, you should visit your brother if anyone.”

That was probably true but she knew Alysanne was actually plotting a revenge attack against the Lord Elmo. Nothing too crazy but a tad dangerous and definitely something Shanda wanted to get in on. If the Lord wanted them all to spend more time together, to get on like a proper family, then a prank was the perfect way to cement the bond. Shanda was not going to let Benjicot in on that or any other man if she could help it. She’d already clued Bellena in and was assured that meant the rest of the women would follow shortly after.

“Perhaps you're right but either way, you should be on your way. I’m sure there’s a large barrel of summer wine being tapped right now. You wouldn’t want to miss out.”

He only grinned at her and took a step forward, crowding in around her.

“You’re plotting something.”

“I most certainly am not.”

“You’ve got that look in your eyes, like a rabbit right before it bolts.” He leaned in closer as if he could hear her heart thudding in her chest.

She tried edging around him but he continued walking her backwards, his hands shooting out to cup her face as her legs hit the back of the bed frame. She stopped in her movements and stubbornly stared up at him, crossing her arms. Her mind was a steel trap and there was no way she was going to spoil the surprise by letting him in on it.

“Tell me.”

Predictably he went for the direct approach first, bloody brute.

“I don’t know what you mean, ser. But I’ll thank you to unhand me.”

He paused, his eyes gauging her reaction. Testing her to see if this was really how she intended to play this. When she held her head high and did not buckle, he smirked.

“You know, a lady shouldn’t wander the halls unaccompanied. Just isn’t proper, especially in strange walls unfamiliar to her. What if you got lost? The guards around here are just never on duty are they?”

He was looking down at her with an arrogant expression that made her blood start to simmer. She knew what he was getting at.

“I’m afraid I must insist on accompanying you to your destination. So, where are we going? To see your brother I presume?”

His voice was nothing short of cordial and proper, an insult when contrasted against the way his hands held onto her, making sure she couldn’t leave.

Her face was flushed and she was working hard not to let her breathing pattern increase with her frustration. She knew there was no shot he would let her walk out of the door without him.

“You truly are fucking insufferable.”

The hand holding her waist came up to rest on her neck, feeling her pulse beneath his fingers.

“A lady should watch her language.”

“Better I wasn't a lady then, incorrigible prick.”

In a blur of shifting colors she was suddenly flipped over, disoriented; it took her a second to realize he’d shoved her face first into the bed. She could feel his body heat against her as he ripped her arms back behind her before laying on top of her, where she was bent over the bed. His breath was hot on her neck when he spoke.

“You don’t mean that baby. If you weren’t a lady, I’d have ripped your dress off an fucked you that first night.”

The hand that wasn’t gripping her hands snaked up to pull her head back by her hair and her back arched with the pressure.

“Don’t you remember? You would’ve been so cute, gasping for air in the pouring rain, half covered in mud.”

She couldn’t think straight anymore. She knew in the back of her head he meant to throw her off. Get her to tell him about Alysanne’s plan but in the moment she thought only of his words. Her mind flashing back to that night, his blade pressed firmly against her neck.

“And you’re still a spineless brute.” She huffed back trying to keep her mind focused, then she stamped her heel into his foot as hard as she possibly could.

The only sign she had that he felt it at all was the sharp little exhale he did and that was enough for her.

“Don’t you ever think of anyone else besides yourself?”

She was annoyed by his continued presence and lack of respect for her plans.

“I think about you day and night. I wake up at your altar and linger there late into twilight. I look at the moon and see your face.”

He pulled them both up off of the bed, his arms wrapped lovingly around hers. She was so warm and held securely but she couldn’t care as long as he keep talking.

“I won’t spoil your fun, I promise.”

He rocked them from side to side, his lips brushing against her neck feather light.

“Just let me come with you.”

She prickled at that. “We’ll have the rest of our lives together. Can’t you give me one last night?”

As much as she verbally protested, she didn’t mind him wanting to tag along. She had enough of being alone for a lifetime. It would be sad to leave RiverRun after seeing so many people and embracing long lost cousins. Despite the problems that seemed to needle her mind constantly, it was a relief to see Benji cared to be around. Enemy husband or not, she didn’t want a cold, touchless home.

“Do you really want me to go?”

She felt the rumble of his words through her chest and closed her eyes. Maybe it was time to start making this union work for her.

“Let’s find Alysanne.”

***

“Oh you spineless cunt.”

Benjicot was smirking at his aunt while she berated Shanda, who looked rightfully abashed. But felt unashamed in her heart. Alysanne shook a finger at her and grabbed her by the shoulder, walking her away from Benjicot.

“You’ve really got to get a grip on him, you know. And you need to find a way too soon or else he’ll never leave your side. You’ll be packed up and taken on the road with him everywhere he goes.”

Alysanne had turned back to make an obscene gesture at her nephew then before continuing. She snapped at Shanda who had also looked back and became ensnared in golden eyes.

“Listen, I know you aren’t thinking with your head right now but this is important! Benjicot doesn’t give up easily, he does everything with all of his energy. That includes winning arguments, so figure it out!”

It was honestly good advice but she wasn’t of a mind to listen currently.

“Anyway, just be glad I gathered the girls elsewhere.”

Had Alysanne anticipated that Shanda would give their position up to Benjicot? That thought was amusing to her and annoying. The Blackwood brood was too observant by half. That was a problem for a girl who liked to move in the shadows.

“I’ll worry about Ben, you need to sneak into Lord Elmo’s study. On the top shelf of the bookcase behind his desk he keeps a little blue book. It has gold filigree on the outside of a jumping trout. You’ll know it's the right one because it has finger indents in it from use over the years.”

Shanda nodded listening as she laid out their plans. The book was full of riverland secrets and she was practically salivating as Alysanne explained the plan to her. It didn’t matter if the prank worked at all now, looking inside that book for a second would solve all of her curiosity for many moons. What did Elmo have on the Brackens? Once she knew what was at stake there was no question about doing it.

“What’s the distraction?”

It would be hard to draw the lord's attention away. He was wise to their shady ways. You don’t become next in line for Lord Paramount without being able to read people and Lord Elmo was the best at it in a generation.

Alysanne snorted. “You should be familiar enough with it, you used the same tactic many times before.”

Momentary confusion settled over Shanda but then she remembered Martyn and Alysanne would be spending a lot of time together now.

“You talked Martyn into it?”

She shrugged, not meeting her eyes. “I handled it, now get out of here before Ben comes over.”

Shanda snaked through the hidden hatch Alysanne had led her over to as they talked. It was no more than a fancy hole in the floor but there was a torch waiting inside. Alysanne looked down at her, handing her a slip of paper. It was a fantastically drawn map of Riverrun, outlining her trip to the study. She knew Alysanne had done the map in Raventree Hall’s library but here was the proof. It was incredibly detailed and she wondered how long the lady had been working on this.

The door above her closed and she was alone in the cool, dark place. They had a short window of time to pull this off and Shanda didn’t intend to miss it. Picking up the torch she began the long walk towards the Lord’s study.

[ameonds-dragonn]

Sock hater Tom Bennett x Fem!reader

Your daughter loves to test her limits with Tom, she knows she’s a daddy’s girl. He won’t get mad at her no matter how many times she pushes his buttons.

Warnings: child, childcare, a hint of jealousy, kissing, sharing a shower with spouse, dad! Tom, cussing, name calling

Charlie has been home for 6months now, she slept like a log, cried once a night, she was the perfect little baby. You could see she was starting to get a personality. She definitely took after her father, she loves to test him.

Tom had been at his dads, Lois needed help with some stuff around the flat. Charlie was in her bouncer, giggling at her stuffed teddy.

“Is your bear funny, Charlie? Mhm?” I giggled at her.

She returned a gummy smile and drooled some spit, babbling to her friend.

“Come on. You can watch me not burn your daddy’s dinner” I pushed her bouncer to the kitchen.

“Dada” Charlie giggled

“Hey not dada. I’m mama. Mammaah” I smiled at her.

She giggled and threw her bear at me

“That’s not nice, Charlotte” I gave her a look

Dinner was made, I was waiting for Tom to return before I served it. I turned the radio up some, grabbing Charlie. “I know you dance with daddy, but can you please your mom at least” I booped her nose and spun around. Charlie giggled from her belly as I bounced her on my hip. “I love you, sweetling.. yes I do”, I kissed her chubby cheek.

I was too busy blowing raspberries on her cheek and ear to notice Tom had returned. Charlie squealed and kicked my hip as she saw Tom. “Hey that hurt, tiny ass” I groaned.

“Dada! Dada!” Charlie squealed.

“No not that bullshit. Mama” I grinned as I turned around. Tom was grinning from the doorway, slowly walking over to us. Charlie practically jumped from my arms to get to Tom. “Dada” “Hi, my little princess. Have you been giving your mum hell?” Tom patted her back gently. I smiled, getting plates down for dinner as Tom held Charlie to his chest.

Tom sat Charlie in her play area as he came

behind me. “How’s my favorite girl?” Tom wrapped his arms around my waist and snuggled into my neck.

“You just sat her down, you should know”, I scoffed. Yes it is stupid to be jealous over your kid! But Tom has been so busy with work and his father, he comes home to sleep. I’ve been lonely and miss my husband.

“Y/n! She’s a baby” Tom tightens his grip on my hips

“Let me go or your dinner will be cold”, I took his hands off of me.

After dinner, I took Charlie to the tub for her nightly bath. Tom sat in the living room reading a book that his father gave him. Charlie was smiling as I put her in her crib.

“Good night, my love. Daddy will come tell you good night. I love you” I kissed her cheek.

“Dada! Dada!” Charlie cheered as she saw Tom walking in her room. He smiled big as he picked her up, “Good night my princess”

Charlie stuck her foot out, showing Tom she discovered she has feet.

“Yes, you have a foot. Where’s your other?” Tom laughed.

Charlie accidentally kicked his chest

“Found it. Go sleep, sweetheart, daddy loves you” He sat her back down. I smiled like I was gonna cry. He was so gentle and sweet with her, petting her and spoiling her.

I walked towards our bathroom, to get my bath for the night. Opening the door, “Hey, care if I join you?” Tom asked. “Come on before she wakes up again” I sighed.

Tom had backed me against the wall as he nipped my neck with kisses. “She’s fine, love I promise. Let me take care of you”

“Tommy, I’m not in the mood” I gently pushed him off of me

Tom had came to bed after getting dressed and checking on Charlie.

“Did I do something?” Tom asked shutting the door

“What? No, I’m just exhausted” I threw my towel in the laundry basket.

Tom laid on his back on his side, looking at me as I climbed into bed. Grabbing me to lay in his side, I laid my head on his bare chest.

“Promise, you’re not pissed because I said hi to Charlie tonight” Tom asked

“I promise. She was just a lot today and I didn’t sleep well last night” I looked up at him. He was looking at me, finding any lies or excuses on my face.

“Sleep in tomorrow, I’m off. I’ll get her ready and fed while you sleep” Tom rubbed my back.

“Wake me up before ten am”, I sighed

Tom didn’t wake up at ten like I asked him to, I woke up in fear. The house was quiet and Tom was out of bed, I put my robe on and went to find my mischievous pair.

Tom was in the living room, trying to put something on Charlie. Charlie smirked and babbled. “Cut the attitude back, missy” Tom grumbled.

“No keep it on, Princess” Tom groaned

Charlie’s new thing was to take her socks off and look at you to put it back on. She was to take it off again as soon as you put it on. Tom was gone by the time she was dressed, it was his first time since she had grown.

Charlie raised her foot at Tom

“Yes keep that sock on that foot”

“Gaaaa” Charlie babbled as she tried to take her sock off

“Don’t you do it, shit head” Tom smirked

“Tom!” I gasped, breaking my hiding spot

Tom turned around and smiled, “She is a turd, does she do this with you?”

“Yeah but I eventually give up and let her play with her blocks” I smirked

“She’s stubborn” Tom sighed in defeat as Charlie threw her sock in his lap. I snorted as the tiny black fabric sat on Tom’s thigh

“She takes after her daddy” I smirked

“I suppose this is my payback for being a brat with my father” Tom sighed, getting up from his place.

“And she isn’t even talking or walking yet, we’re in for it, my love” I kissed him

“Ackkku” Charlie stuck her tongue out. She was trying to tell us to quit kissing.

Tom shook his head at his daughter, “Charlie Mae, what am I gonna do with you?”

Charlie cut her eyes at Tom as she threw her other sock off

“Alright, shedevil. Quit torturing your daddy I’m up now” I bent down and got her in my arms

“Eggs” Charlie smirked

“Daddy forgot breakfast huh? Let’s go, sweetling” I kissed her cheek

“Sweetling, my ass” Tom grumbled behind us

[morphine-is-dreaming]

Aww hell yeah first day of ageretober!

🎃 Pumpkins 🎃

Shovel always loved fall. The pumpkins, the leaves, the cool weather, and the general autumnal aesthetic always put Shovel in a goid mood. But she loved fall even more so when she was regressed.

That morning she awoke in her big girl bed right beside Elevator but today, she felt like being little. Shovel stretched and turned to her sleeping mama, shaking Elevator awake.

"Psst, mama wake up!!!" Shovel giggled as she poked Elevator.

"Hmmm? What is it, love?" Elevator stirred slightly and murmured in her half asleep state.

"Mama, pumpkin patch today! Can go? Pleeeease? Please Mama?!" Shovel begged as she loomed over Elevator, waiting for her to wake up.

"Hm? Mama-oh! You're little today. Well let mama get up and ready then we can go to the pumpkin patch." Elevator pushed Shovel aside slightly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She sat up and looked over to Shovel, booping Shovel's nose. Shovel erupted into giggles and Elevator smiled at her.

Shovel yipped happily and ran to the closet to pick out her outfit. She emerged wearing shorts and a tanktop despite the cool weather. Elevator looked over as she was putting on her coat and tisked.

"Little, you may not think it but you'll get cold like that. Here, let me pick out your outfit and help you get ready." Elevator said, patting Shovel on the head. She rummaged through Shovel's bin for little space clothes and found Shovel's puppy sweater, some warm fuzzy pants, and a scarf with little paw prints on it. Shovel got dressed and rushed to the door but Elevator pulled her back.

"Ah ah! Little one, we still need to brush your teeth and comb your hair." Elevator said. Shovel let out a disappointed whine.

"Now now little lady, you need to look presentable for your fun day at the pumpkin patch. What kinda mama would I be if I let you run amuck with matted hair and dirty teeth?" Elevator told Shovel as she sat Shovel down in front of the mirror. She brushed Shovel's teeth then pulled out the hair brush. Elevator hummed a soft tune as she brushed out Shovel's hair and sighed once she finished.

"There! All cute and ready to go to the pumpkin patch with your mama! Cmon cmon! Mama's going to go get your leash so you don't wander off and then we'll be good to go! Shovel sat by the bedroom door wearing her warm and cozy clothes and her little black boots. Elevator returned with what looked like a toddler leash and harness but meant for adults and she strapped it onto Shovel.

After about 30 minutes of driving with Shovel in the passenger seat, the two arrived at the annual Mulhoven pumpkin patch. It was early in the season so there was almost no one there besides the ticket salesperson. Elevator helped Shovel out of her seat and they both walked towards the ticket both until Shovel realized something that caused her immense distress. The pumpkin patch required a ticket and that meant that Elevator would would be spending money on her.

Shovel stopped in her tracks and started pulling on her leash, trying to go back to the car.

"Oh what's wrong, little?" Elevator turned to see what Shovel was getting so worked up about.

"No! No no no! No waste money on me!" Shovel stomped, upset. Elevator walked towards Shovel and hugged her tight.

"Oh, sweetheart, I like spending money on you! I like making you happy and spoiling you. Don't feel bad!" Elevator stroked Shovel's head.

"But! But!" Shovel tried to protest but Elevator shushed her.

"But nothing. Mama works hard and doesn't need to worry about money and neither do you. Cmon little, let's go pick out a pumpkin!" Elevator said, dragging Shovel along. She walked up to the tired and dejected looking ticket worker. Elevator pulled out a couple of notes from her pocket. Shovel looked uncomfortable but went along with Elevator, not allowing herself to be dragged by the harness.

The two entered the pumpkin patch and Shovel immediately lit up. She tugged at her leash as she tried to run and frolic through the pumpkins.

"Now now little, pick a pumpkin. Any one that you like! Oh, and just for fun mama will pick out a pumpkin too! That way we can have one for you to carve and one for a pie!" Elevator said, ruffling Shovel's hair. Shovel led Elevator along as she searched for the perfect pumpkin. Alas, she found one! It was a bright shade of orange and nearly perfectly round. There was no dents or bug holes or anything on the surface, just smooth pumpkin. Shovel pointed at the pumpkin and yipped to Elevator.

"Oh, you want that one?" Shovel nodded vigorously in response to her question. Elevator picked up the pumpkin and handed it off to Shovel who squealed happily. Elevator decided to pick a pumpkin right by her feet as her pie pumpkin.

"Well little one, we've picked out our pumpkins! Cmon, let's go home, I'm sure you're quite tired from the adventure we've had today!" Elevator said as she led Shovel back to the car. They got in and drove home.  Shovel dutifully held her pumpkin in the passenger seat.

30 minutes of driving later, they were home. Elevator took off Shovel's harness and Shovel plopped herself down on the couch for a nice nap. Elevator sat down next to Shovel with an tired huff and Shovel curled up beside Elevator. Shovel was safe, she was loved, she was with her favorite person, and she had a pumpkin that she would carve later. She was happy and content as she drifted off to sleep in Elevator's lap.

[m-feline]

To adapt, to survive, to live - ch 24

Silco x Freader

Tags: mention of tattoos, business, rumors, magic powers, snakes;

Masterlist

Previous ->

The next day I woke up alone in bed. Silco had gone early to work as he had to make a few inspections of the factories and go up from there. For one part I was happy he wasn't there when I woke up. I knew my day was going to be a busy one. Besides visiting three houses for the children, I also had a meeting with no other than Councilwoman Medarda. She had expressed very enthusiastic interest in some of my products that weren't on sale yet. Her plans for them were different from what I had intended. Though, I was still wondering how she heard of those products before I was going to launch them, this was an opportunity that I wasn't going to let pass. 

The snake in me wanted to remain in the warm and soft bed. But I knew that I had to get up and get dressed before Jolynn would come and get me. However, someone else beat Jolynn on coming to get me.

“Hello,” Jinx sang as she opened the door to Silco's and my room without knocking. There was a time when I used to give her a lecture about knocking first, but I had dropped that topic a long time ago. I didn't even bother with the “I’m-still-changing” excuse.

“Morning, PJ,” I said as I slipped the long frock dress over me that left my back open. When it was just Jinx and me and I wasn't in a bad mood, I always called her by a nickname.

“Where are you going?” Jinx asked, trying not to sound probing yet failed at it.

“I have a few errands today, mostly checking the businesses,” I said.

“Will it take long?” She asked.

“What do you need, Jinx?” I asked as I did my makeup. She was obviously wanting me to come with her. The question was, was it for food, a new gadget, or she wanted something from my stock. Please let it not be the last one.

“I finished something,” Jinx said.

“Oh, does it say boom?” I asked teasingly as I put shadow to my eyes.

“No. But once I don't need it I could make it say boom,” Jinx joked.

“Is it a new gun?” I asked as I added mascara.

“No. I said it won't go boom,” Jinx said as she walked a bit closer.

“Guns don't go boom. They go bang, bang, bang,” I said and shot with my fingers at the mirror.

“Okay, fine. It won't go bang, boom, ka-boom, or…” Jinx said as she got right next to me.

“Ra-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta,” I half shouted and began to tickle her. We both laughed and sat on the bed to calm down.

“You always do that,” Jinx said giggling.

“Cause you love it,” I said.

“When I was a kid, I'm a big girl now,” Jinx said.

“Oh, well I guess you are too old for my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches then,” I said as I got up.

“Nooo! Never,” Jinx said dramatically and clang to me. “I'm never old enough to let go of you or any food with jelly.”

“And that's why you will always be my PJ,” I said as I booped her nose.

“Madam, are you ready to leave?” Jolynn asked as she slowly peeked inside the room.

“Okayloveyoubyebye,” Jinx said hurriedly, kissed my cheek, and rushed out of the room. But returned to peek behind the door. “But really, come later to check my design.” And then she was gone.

“If she wants another tattoo I refuse to take any sides this time,” Jolynn said sourly.

I laughed at her comment. Yes, it was quite a scene when Jinx wanted to get a tattoo.

***

Silco and I both were sitting on the couch in his office drinking coffee when Jinx dropped down from the roof behind the coffee table and simply dropped the “bomb”.

“Can I get a tattoo?” She asked as innocently as she could. Silco just glanced at her and resumed drinking his coffee, expecting me to handle this.

“You know what I say about tattoos,” I said sipping my coffee.

“Yes,” Jinx said, pouting.

“Good. Now, will I like it?” I asked.

“Hmmm, yes,” Jinx said after considering it a bit.

“Will you be able to hide it if I don't like it?” I asked. Jinx seemed to ponder again and look around herself before she gave an answer.

“Yes.” 

“Is it your own design?”

“In a way.”

“Will you get it done in a proper tattoo parlor and not some cheap joint?”

“I hoped you could recommend one that uses your ink.”

“Will you pay for it and stand still enough till it is done?” I asked.

“Yes.” That answer came fast.

“Sure. Go right ahead.”

Silco almost choked as he spat his coffee when he heard my answer. Fortunately, he managed to keep the couch clean.

“Yesss!” Jinx cheered and before Silco managed to catch his breath the girl was already at the door. “Loveyoubyebye.”

“Wait Jinx…”Silco tried to shout after her but his coughing made it difficult. Jinx however didn't get out of the door, when she crashed with Sevika. 

“Hey, where are you running?” Sevika asked.

“I'm going to get a tattoo,” Jinx said happily.

“Oh hell no, not another freaking moving tat,” Sevika sighed.

“It will be a regular one, but she gets to use my new inks,” I said while I patted Silco on the back as he tried to clear his throat.

“Oh well, in that case, go crazy,” Sevika said and was about to leave it at that, but she saw the face Silco had, so she corrected herself. “But nothing big, okay.”

“Oh come on,” I let out. “It’s a tattoo, not a signia. And everyone in the Lanes has one. Or hopes to have one.”

“Are you serious?” Sevika asked.

“Yup. Go ahead, honey. Jolynn has a list of parlors that are responsible enough to use my stuff,” I said and waved at Jinx.

“Got it,” Jinx said happily and left.

“You really don’t care if she gets a tattoo?” Silco asked.

“I had this rule with kids before, if they answer even one no to my questions, they won't get any tattoos. She said yes to every question so she is free to do so,” I said as I set down my coffee cup.

“She didn't say yes to one of your questions,” Silco said.

“Even better, she asked for me to recommend a place, meaning she isn't going to some shady unhealthy joint but a proper place to get her tattoo. And it is partly her design so I know there is a fifty percent chance that it will turn out nice,” I said.

“But you are cool with the whole concept of tattoos on your kid?” Sevika asked.

“Again, we live in the Lanes. Besides, even if I say no, they do it any way but make it in haste and secret, and it turns out horrible,” I said. “And for someone who already has a snake on her back, I can't say anything against her getting her own.”

“You could have at least tried,” Silco sighed.

“Oh please, are you telling me you don't have a Tattoo?” I asked him.

“No, not even one,” He said.

“Sevika?” I asked.

“Okay, I see where this is going, and I'm going to stop it here,” Sevika said. “If the girl wants a tat and you are fine with it then all should be fine.”

“Is that so?” Silco asked, sounding a bit irritated.

“If she has had this thought before then she knows best,” Sevika said and turned to leave the room. When she opened the door she almost bumped into Jolynn. Both women avoided each other just fine and soon Sevika was gone and Jolynn entered the room.

“Jolynn, I need a list of the best tattoo parlors that use my inks,” I said.

“Why do you need that?” Jolynn asked curiously. 

“Jinx is getting a tattoo,” I said and immediately Silco gave me the most sour look.

“Good for her,” Jolynn said.

Yeah, she regretted that choice of words for a long while. In the end, Jinx got a cool tattoo of smoke clouds on her right arm and side with the blue ink I made for tattoo parlors. And I have to admit, in a way, it did look nice. As for the rest of Jinx's look, she had this loose and wild appearance. I had to modify her favorite pants a couple of times and get her new shoes, but she always wanted to have her vibe on them. And she now had this long two braided hair look with modified weights as bands. Completely erratic look compared to Silco and me. Since we both were leading figures in our own companies, we had to keep up with certain decorum. Me especially since I had caught the eye of a very influential person.

***

“By the way, ma'am, we received an invitation for lunch,” Jolynn said as I finished my makeup.

“From who?” I asked.

“From her,” Jolynn said. She knew not to mention any names in the Last Drop. Even if I lived here, and I still owned the place, this was still Silco's workplace. In order to keep his people away from my businesses I told Jolynn and my other workers to avoid using names here. Silco just needs one misunderstanding and if he knows their name, I could lose a client, a worker, or in worse cases a protégé. That almost happened already and it took a lot of convincing to get Silco to release the boy alive. But I had no problem knowing who Jolynn referred to when she said “her”.

“See I told you she will contact us first,” I said.

“Still, I don't trust her. She invited us to a restaurant at the top,” Jolynn said.

“A little power play. She simply tries to test our metal,” I said. “Let's bring some samples, shall we?”

--

“I'm sorry, madam, but I can't find you on the reservation list,” The butler said. I mentally rolled my eyes, his voice and manner of speaking didn't show it but he was clearly looking down on me and Jolynn. The very few people that went in and out of this restaurant weren't wearing anything flashy or something that my own outfit lacked, but sadly the same couldn't be said for Jolynn. Her outfit was neat and decent, but she always had that air that she was from the sumps. And no matter how nice I dressed up they would use her as an excuse. Which is why I decided not to even try to please these people.

“There isn’t any reservation, I'm expected there,” I said calmly. “You don't believe me then send someone to inquire about it.”

“Ma'am, I cannot send someone to bother our customers while they enjoy their afternoon tea, that would be so disrespectful,” Butler said, still trying to sound polite about it.

“Then get us a table then,” I said, still calm and polite.

“We are full,” Butler said. That was a fat ass lie, I saw at least three tables free from the doorway. I was sure Jolynn was now either feeling guilty for causing me trouble, or she was getting angry, and she was now perhaps considering using her pens as something to stab the guy. From what I saw from the side, Jolynn was about to simply use words to stab the Butler. However, I was better than that. I knew who I was going to meet and I knew how to make this man regret his words.

“Fine then,” I said as if I was giving up. The Butler looked surprised but not as surprised as Jolynn.

“Madam?” Jolynn asked.

“Let’s go, Jolynn. Why should we stay in a place where we clearly aren’t welcome?” I said as I turned to leave and said my next words just loud enough for the certain someone to hear. “I’m sure we can offer someone else our products. It's a good thing I brought samples with me. Maybe we will find someone who is ready to start something entirely new.”

“Wait.”

That was too easy. I expected to reach the door before we were stopped but instead, I simply needed to take one step. The one to call us to stop was a woman I had met a couple of times already. Elora, assistant of the council, especially assisting Mel Medarda.

“Please, do come in, we have been expecting you,” Elora said courteously.

“Oh, really?” I asked as I turned to face her. “And here I thought we were not wanted here.” I enjoyed seeing the Butler going pale as he saw Elora asking me to come with her. He was even more worried when he saw me glance at him with cold eyes.

Elora guided me and Jolynn to the dining hall full of tables. Some had patrons sitting and enjoying their afternoon tea. At the end of the hall, where there were fewer tables and no patrons at all, only one table was occupied. And a woman with a dark skin tone sat enjoying her drink. By the look of the cup, it wasn’t tea but a Turkish coffee. When she saw us coming, she set down her drink and rose to greet me.

“Madam Industrialist,” Mel Medarda greeted me.

“Oh, please, do not call me that way. My husband is the Industrialist, not me,” I said. “Just Madam will do.”

“I meet many madams, it will be awkward if one day I get you mixed with someone else,” Mel said.

“Madam Snake then. Or do they perhaps have an astonishing snake on their body like me?” I said proudly. For this meeting, I wore my favorite green backless, long-sleeved frock and nice leather pants. I liked the frock because it showed so well my snake on my back without making me look too indecent.

“No, I haven’t seen anyone with that sort of mark, even the style is entirely different,” Mel said. “Where is the design from?”

“I’m afraid I can’t say,” I said smiling. “Are we going to keep standing or shall we sit?”

“Let’s sit. Your companion can wait at the side,” Mel said. Ah, we’re doing this again.

“But of course, she can wait with your assistant,” I said smiling.

“Elora stays with me,” Mel said.

“So will Jolynn with me then,” I said. There was a moment of silence. If anyone would have seen this they’d say a cold war would erupt between us. But the only thing that erupted from Merdarda was a delicate and genuine laugh.

“Oh, how refreshing it is to talk to you,” Mel said as she wiped a nonexistent tear from her eye. “Anyone else would try their best to flatter me or feign being interested. But you, you barely greet me, and you already make sure you aren’t looked down upon.”

“If I do that, then my products aren’t that good,” I said. 

“Please, do sit,” Mel invited. “Elora and Jolynn can share the next table.”

We all sat down, Jolynn kept the bag where my samples were. So she made sure she chose a place where she could see when I needed anything. Once we were all seated the Butler came to our table, trying to look as if he had done nothing wrong. Yet, I could smell his discomfort.

“Ah, Jefferson. Right on time. I would like a refill for my coffee, and…” Mel said and left her words hanging to offer me something.

“Just plain water from the tap,” I said without even looking at the man.

“Really? Did you already have something before coming here?” Mel asked curiously.

“No, I just lack the pallet that you Piltoverians have for tea and coffee,” I said as if I was apologizing. 

“Oh, come now. No need to be modest,” Mel said. “This place also has a good collection of liquors.”

“Do they now?” I said as if I was pleasantly surprised and turned to the Butler. “Then a Bilgy whiskey between years 13 and 15, would be easy to find.”

“I-I will check what we have,” Butler said nervously. I detected a flitch of discomfort when I said “whiskey”. They mustn’t have it then. Good. It would embarrass them even more. The man left, while another waiter asked Elora and Jolynn for their orders. I didn’t pick what Elora ordered but I knew what Jolynn always asked when we got to this side of the bridge. A Cappuccino, size large, if they had it. I’m sure they have at least that. If they can’t bring that then… they were screwed. 

“Now, what can I offer you, miss Medarda?” I asked after both the Butler and the waiter were gone.

“Right, to the point,” Mel sighed, smiling. “Aren’t you going to wait for the order?”

“If they can’t get Jolynn her Cappuccino then I will never come here again,” I said. “As for the whiskey, well… I know my husband already bought all of it from years 14 and up.”

“Poor Jefferson,  he is going to have a hard time finding one,” Mel pitied him.

“That’s what he gets for looking down on paying patrons,” I said proudly.

“Come now, he didn’t know you were invited here by me,” Mel said.

“Oh, so it is normal for other kinds of people to come here for tea?” I asked sarcastically. “Or then I’m right when I say he is stupid to think I would come here by my own choice.”

“Where else would you have liked to meet?” Mel asked, smiling.

"Well, that nice place a block from the bridge is nice. Not much great coffee, but they have delicious treats. Especially the sweets,” I said reminiscing. 

“Alright, we can meet there next time,” Mel said.

“You tell me. Will there be a next time?” I asked.

"You think I asked you here just to freshen up the conversation?” Mel laughed. “No, I want to invest in your products.”

“Oh, I think you misunderstood me,” I said. “I’m not looking for investors. I’m looking for buyers.”

“Don’t you need more money to mass-produce your products?” Mel asked curiously. “Especially that oil many use here at Piltover.”

“Two notes, one, my husband is my primary investor. If there were others, he would have their heads. And nuts,” I said, and Mel had no problem understanding what I meant. “And two, I don’t need to mass-produce anything. The oils are sold now because of the Progress Day. Time after that, no one buys it. Except for someone who wants to make something even bigger for the next year.”

“Well, I’m that someone,” Mel said confidently. 

“I didn’t take you for a tinker, miss Medarda,” I said surprisingly. 

“Not me precisely, but I know people who are going to take the progress to the next level,” Mel said.

“Some competition to the Talis boy?” I asked.

“No, he will be in it as well,” Mel said.

“Is that so?” I asked sarcastically. “And what are you going to do? Shoot my products to a faraway land faster? I can just pay the cargo fee, and my inks get to the Bilgewaters.”

“That’s not all Hextech can do,” Mel said.

“What else has it done except shoot an airship to the distance?” I asked. 

“Talis is still studying it. Whatever comes next will be big,” Mel said.

“And we at the Undercity have already made our own big thing,” I said proudly. “Our people can now get augmentations to fix whatever they have lost. We have fresh air even at the bottom of the sumps. We have discovered new types of flora and fauna that can be used either to heal us or to feed us. And we have used that, to make fuel that powers your machines, and pigments to your decorations. Do tell me, what is it that you want from me? And most crucially, what can you give me in exchange?”

“Let's start with the second topic. You talk as if Undercity doesn’t need us anymore, but that isn’t true. You still need us to look after you,” Mel said with her diplomatic voice.

“You mean looking after us while sending enforcers to our streets and abusing defenseless kids, women, and the sick? Or do you mean looking after us by sending us to mine and taking all the labor’s work, while we choke on gas that eventually kills us?” I asked. Mel was silent for a moment. She didn’t look offended, or that she felt bad. She simply looked as if she was bracing herself for even more accusations. “You said, that we act like we don’t need you anymore. That is exactly what me and my husband are doing. We are becoming self-sufficient. We don’t need the support that never comes to the Undercity. We don’t need your pity. And maybe one day, we shall no longer even be attached to you. To prevent such a day from coming too soon, you just need to show us other kinds of benefits in exchange for our products and services.”

Mel gave a sigh, and I saw her fumbled her ring. By the looks of it, it was some mark of family, group, or other affiliation. Whatever it was she stared at it for a moment while fumbling it before she turned to face me.

“How does it sound if I can give you special protection? Not just from criminals but from Enforcers as well?” Mel asked.

“Why would I want that?” I asked surprisingly. “All my guys need is a drop of deluded Shimmer, and they can even throw gorillas out of my premises.”

“Not necessarily to you but to your…other project,” Mel said. “Most of your product’s income goes to support houses for children in the sumps, correct?”

“True,” I said.

“But besides ‘your guys’ what other protection do those children have?” Mel asked.

"They are looked after by some selected individuals, who see that children are fed, clothed, and have a warm bed to sleep in. Once at a certain age and if the children want to they even arrange work for them,” I said.

“But besides that?” Mel asked. “What other protection do they have?” I quirked my eyebrow at her question. I was truly getting interested in her offer.

“What exactly are you offering?” I asked.

“Your guys, as you said, can only protect the children to a certain level. But what about their rights? What if someone comes and starts to abuse them? Someone… dare I say this… from Piltover?”

I was now genuinely surprised. It takes a lot of guts to even admit that, even for a Pilty. But for a Councilwoman? She was aware of what the Undercity was going through. And she knew one day we could become strong enough to rebel again. But this time, it wouldn’t be an attack on the bridge. It would be simply growing apart from them. Only by keeping us happy could they prevent such things from happening.

“You do realize it’s not just any Pilty who would dare to go after these children,” I said, lowering my voice. “I know because I saw four of them at this very side of the bridge when I still lived here with my mother.” Mel knew my past. She had made her investigations before we met the first time. And she knew about the four Enforcer officers who murdered my mother. She knew that it was thanks to me and my husband, Silco the Industrialist, who made sure Enforcers never came across the bridge again in groups. Maybe one or two, but never in groups. The Shimmer had done its job. Now, we have become free of their leash. If they wanted us to behave and not bite them, they had to be smart and careful. 

“With my power, no one can touch them,” Mel said seriously.

“Not even a council member?” I asked. “I doubt any of them indulge such vile desires but some of their relatives or acquaintances might.”

“Yes, if I were to give you my protection, no one, not even a council member, can touch them without first facing me,” Mel said. That sounded very good. Ever since I made the houses, no child has faced trouble with Enforcers. There were some squirming with some Shimmer junkies, gang fights, and a couple of incidents with the workplaces, but nothing serious. But once Silco starts his independence campaign for the Nation of Zaun, things will be different. There will be war. And my resources might not be enough. Having the protection of a Councilwoman will become handy.

“How much oil do you need?” I asked. “In exchange for your protection.”

“For now all you have left,” Mel said. “After that, I can give the certificate that you are under my protection.”

“Is there anything else you wish to get from me?” I asked.

“I heard that you had something new coming up,” Mel said.

“Indeed I do,” I said. I motioned to Jolynn, and she quickly passed me the bag with my samples. “These little beauties are meant for massages.”

--

Mel didn’t show much interest in massage oils and aromatherapy oils that I had. But she had a small glint in her eyes as I explained the properties of the oils. What really had her attention were the two bottles of oils used for lubing augmentations and other machinery. With that as a clue and her previous words regarding the Hextech, I believe she has plans to be part of something else. Is the Hextech going to be expanding its uses? Then, the reason she wants my oils is to help produce them. Already, my oils were well used in many inventions about to be presented on Progress Day. She wanted more of it. Well, then, in that case, I better show something new.

“And to finish with a cherry top, I have a new product to show,” I said. “You are first to see it but I also do hope you will keep quiet about this till we launch the production.” Mel didn't show it but she was curious about what I was about to show. I brought out a bottle that was slightly bigger than other bottles. The liquid inside didn't look much different from my oils for augmentations.

“The oils I made before were meant to lubricate the gears of augmentations and make them easy to handle and fix when they… wear out. But later as new type of augmentations were made and new type of tech came to market the same oil needed to adapt to that. So after several attempts I have managed to make an oil that not only lubricates the gears, it also cools off the machinery, making it less probable to catch on fire. With this sort of oil, the machines can work faster without the risk of overheating too fast. For this to even catch on fire it requires a very high temperature,” I explained.

“What uses could this have?” Mel asked, looking at the bottle.

“We already tested with the automobile of a friend of my husband's. The car worked normally, on foul smell, no overheating even if we made the car go several laps with unthinkable rounds. The engine was still working, and the car made no unsafe sounds, indicating that it was damaged. I made this mostly for the machines my husband uses in his factories to avoid any accidents happening for the workers.”

“Any other uses besides that?” Mel asked.

“Let me say it this way, if there is any machine that has trouble overheating or is dangerous for excess use of power, this thing will make it safe again,” I said. “Or at least the other one under work will.”

“The other one? You are already making another?” Mel asked.

“Similar to this one, but it also can be used as fuel for certain types of machines,” I said. 

“What? The same thing can be used as fuel and lubricant?” Mel asked with shock.

“Why yes. But I would recommend not trying it at the same time. If you use it as lubricant you have to make sure that the machine or a certain part of the machine never gets heated to a certain point. Because then the substance evaporates and creates energy needed as fuel. If you use it as fuel you need to keep the machine at a certain temperature for the fuel to activate and create the energy that is needed to keep the machine moving.”

“But otherwise, the same thing works for both uses?” Mel asked.

“Only if the machine is right,” I said.

“So if there is a different source of fuel for the machine, this can be used as a lubricant,” Mel said looking at the bottle.

“And the best kind of that,” I said smiling. “This will only keep the gears moving, it will also cool off the part exposed to air, and it does not catch fire easily. Unless you force it, of course.”

“Do you have it ready?” Mel asked.

“We still need to determine the correct temperature for the fuel properties. But as a lubricant it is already confirmed to work as good as the one in your hands,” I said.

“When will it be ready?” Mel asked.

“Not too long, in a week maybe,” I said. “If we get the right resources to expand our tests, then we could get it done faster.”

“Then what about this, is this for sale?” Mel asked. I smiled internally as I knew she was hooked.

“Oh, that? That is a sample. I'm not going to sell anything for now. As I said, it is for my husband. He needs it more now,” I said as if I had no better to offer.

“Aren't you interested in selling it?” Mel asked.

“I am tempted, but as I said, my husband needs it more. For now, everyone in Piltover isn’t even building anything that truly needs it,” I said. 

“What could be something that needs it?” Mel asked.

“Something small yet very powerful. Something like…”

“The Hextech?”

“Your Hextech is very big for needing my products,” I said and glanced outside the windows where the big tower stood. “But if the Hextech is the fuel source I believe my substance will make a great lubricant as it keeps everything going on and cooled down. But who am I kidding, we don't know what else we could do with Hextech yet.”

“We don't, but I know someone who does,” Mel said. She looked calm, but I sensed that she was excited.

“Something else than shooting an airship to the distance?” I asked as if I didn't believe her.

“That was just the beginning. I'm sure you too are curious as to what else we can do with it,” Mel said.

“Curious, yes I am. But I'm also a realist. For now, Piltover doesn't need my newest products but styles for my usual offers,” I said as I slowly gathered the sample bottles into the bag. “I apologize for taking your time, Councilwoman Medarda. I had hoped that maybe you too would wish to buy my products. But I'm afraid I go now with the demand, which is my husband and the Undercity. But once we get news of Hextech's new inventions, I will happily meet you again. Maybe by then, we will have something better to offer you.”

“Hold on, there is no rush,” Mel said. “You still haven't received your order.”

“Which is to blame for the poor catering of this establishment. At least, they brought the Cappuccino to Jolynn. But I rather remain thirsty than drink some cheap wannabe whiskeys,” I said and got up. “And now, if you excuse me, I need to head back. I need to make sure my husband has a meal when he gets back home.”

“Just a moment,” Mel said as she got up from her seat. “If there will be new inventions and other uses for Hextech, will you join me and others to sponsor them?”

“Only if they actually invent something,” I said. “Otherwise, I keep selling my products the same way as before. But I will keep bringing my best and newest products to you for early picking.”

“Could I have that sample?” Mel asked.

“But of course,” I said, using my sweetest tone as I finished the bottle from the bag. “Do pass it to your 'someone who knows about Hextech' person. And remember, this is only for lubricant. I'll bring you a sample of the other one once we confirm it passes all tests.”

--

Soon, Jolynn and I were out of the establishment, escorted with heavy apologies from the butler for failing to bring me anything. I knew my order was outrageous but I wanted to make that butler squirm after offending us. But I knew Silco had a bottle of good quality whiskey in his office for me to indulge. He did tell me that now I should only drink the best kind of drinks and nothing cheap to ruin my palette.

Once Jolynn and I were in the Undercity, I was feeling more at home and content with my visit to the top. Medarda had ambitions, no doubt about it. And she knew how to use all sorts of resources. When she first contacted me, I was surprised but also doubtful of her intentions. It took five meetings to learn that she was genuinely interested in my products.

“So are we selling her our new product?” Jolynn asked curiously. She had heard most parts of the conversation, but she still wasn't sure if I was playing all the cards.

“Of course, we sell it to her,” I said happily.

“But you said you made it for…” Jolynn hesitated.

“She doesn't know what Silco does in his factories. And unless she comes down here herself, she will never know,” I said.

“Is it faulty? The new product, I mean,” Jolynn asked.

“Of course not,” I fake gasped as if I was offended. “I never sell anything faulty. But if she believes there is competition  for the product she wants it more, and she pays more.”

Jolynn finally caught on to what I meant as she made a silent “Aah” and followed me. We went to stop in a couple of parlors that used my products to see and hear comments about it. Nothing to report regarding the products only if we could make inks of other colors. We were visiting the last shop for tattoos when something very disturbing happened. 

“Ugh, it's those guys again,” Jolynn said quietly while we sat and waited for the manager to appear. This was a tattoo and piercing shop that used my inks. So surely eccentric people visited this place. But it also meant the loudmouths from the café of yesterday were here. Well, unlike then this was not a place to calm and relax. So if they want to make noise of their hookups then go right ahead.

“You lie, dude,” One of the guys said.

“No, I tell ya, I totally did it,” Other said.

“You say that you fucked the Snakewife?”

Instantly, I felt a vein pop in my forehead. And I saw Jolynn almost rise up but she remained seated as she felt how tense I went. People of the Undercity always had a way to put nicknames for people who were somehow famous or infamous. For example, Vander, when he was alive, was called the Hound. Silco had now gotten his own names such as the Industrialist but in the Undercity, he was also known as the Eye. And of course, after becoming the second most productive business in Undercity, and the only one not affiliated with the Chem Barons, I too got myself a name. The Snakewife. The name hit off as I began to wear the green frock and the eye-catching snake at my back drew attention. And when they saw it move, oh, then they lost it. But I wasn't as big name as the Eye, since my dealings were limited for certain types of people, and I rarely made appearances. Which made it more disturbing for some loudmouth to use my name as a hookup story.

“Hey, she got the snake on her, what does that make her?” The second guy spoke. 

“You could get killed if the Eye hears that you are fucking his wife,” The third one said. “Actually, if anyone hears of this…”

“Ma'am, just say the word, and I will silence them for good,” Jolynn whispered to me. As tempting as that sounded, I needed to remain calm. I could feel the snake on my face as it came towards my eye. But as it did, so did my sense. These guys had to be some wannabes who thought about getting a score while bragging about their hookups. Many people knew Silco from his reputation, but I wasn't that well known. They thought using my name would make them become big leagues. They needed a lesson. And Silco also had to make an example of them. He would never believe that I would do something like that, right? But how to make these pigs scream? Then, an idea came to me.

“Jolynn, give me a knife,” I said quietly.

“Here. If you want I can go and block the entrance,” Jolynn said.

“No need,” I said. I had wondered when to test this trick. When I got the book from Zain, I learned through it that I could do more with my signia. Many signias gave abilities to the one wearing it. But legendary signias, such as mine, could do so much more. Not only did I gain resistance to poisons, a young look, a healing factor, and other snake-like abilities, but I could do something entirely different. But to do the thing I was about to do, I needed to learn two things. One, my snake may move depending on my mood, but it remains on the left side of my body. I can move it consciously but only to the right side. Two, my snake is also connected to me more ways than the one. If focused enough, I can actually see behind my back, as if I was seeing through the eyes of the snake itself. Once I learned to control these two aspects, I could do something else.

I focused on moving my snake to my right wrist. Once there, I slowly moved it to the palm, and as it moved, I cut my palm with the knife. Right as it came closer to the wound, a smaller snake came out of my cut. Since it was my palm, the cut wasn't too wide, but wide enough for a snake to come out of my wound and curl around my wrist. Jolynn looked at my hand with a mixture of horror, shock, and surprise. I made a quick sign for her to be silent as I gave her the knife back. My hand hurt like hell, but I ignored it as I watched the small living snake coiled around my wrist. If someone were to see the snake, they would mistake it as a bracelet. I closed my eyes and focused to sense the little snake. It felt weird, I felt my body numb, but mostly, it was weird to look at myself through the eyes of the little snake. I didn't have more time to test these new sensations when I opened my eyes and faced the snake.

“Follow them,” I whispered. I don't know if the snake understood me or not. But since it was now part of me one way or another understood its mission. The snake slithered away from my wrist, and after I set it down, it went quietly, and unnoticed by others to the three guys who were still talking. I focused to make sure the snake followed the fool who had claimed to fuck me. The snake was so small that it easily slipped into the bootstrap of the person and remained there while looking like a little ring hanging there. I didn't get to check anything else as the manager came to see me. He saw my bleeding hand and immediately asked if I was okay. I dismissed his worries and left for his office to talk about businesses. 

--

After my visit, I went back to the Last Drop and made meals for everyone. I had to apologize to Jinx as I didn’t have time to visit and see her newest project. But she quickly forgave me when I gave her favorite meal with a promise of desert. Once everyone was fed, including me, I went to my room and laid on the bed. For me to follow the snake, I had to close my eyes and focus on locating my snake. According to the book, this will be easiest when I have only one snake out there. If I have made more it gets more difficult to follow everyone. When I closed my eyes, I had no trouble connecting to my snake’s eyes. Even less, did I have trouble recognizing where I was. That disgusting pig had gone to a brothel, once again. It took me a good while to learn which one it was from all the places in the lanes. Once I focused more I could get the hearing and smells from the snake. The sounds I wish I could block, but it did give a clue that this was the place where the pig came to fuck the Snakewife. But it was the smell that gave me the clue where it was. Many places use different musk and perfumes to elevate their services. I know because I made a couple of them. But this wasn’t mine, yet it was familiar. It was familiar because I always smelled it on Sevika. And there is one place she frequents regularly. Babette’s. Hers is the most secluded and only lets in certain types of people. But now I had to make the visit and make a couple of things clear before something catches on fire. 

I was about to try and get a sniff from who was this fake Snakewife when the door to my room opened, and Silco walked in. I opened my eyes, and the connection was lost to the snake. I turned to look at him and saw a very annoyed frown on his face.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Nothing,” Silco said, sounding vexed. It can't be nothing with that tone. I got up from the bed and walked to him as he pulled the cravat off. I helped with the vest, and he just stood but faced away from me. He was mad.

“Tell me, what happened?” I said calmly.

“I don't want to talk about it,” Silco said with a low voice. Wow, somebody screwed up big time. Hopefully, not someone I know.

“Bad day?” I asked. Silco didn’t answer, so it has to be it. “Is someone going to die?”

“Maybe,” Silco growled.

“Well, make sure they know why they are going to die. And make sure others who will see it know why as well,” I said as I removed the vest.

“Oh, I will make sure they know,” Silco said. “I will do so personally.”

Poor fellow, whoever they are. Silco can be cruel when he is angry. And he rarely is. He can be annoyed and vexed, but when he gets angry it is something to be reckoned with. I set the vest away and turned back to place my arms around his neck before I kissed his cheek.

“Anything I can do to make things better?” I asked sweetly. Only then did he face me and chuckled before he put his arms around me.

“You can do a lot of things to make things better,” He said, smiling his charming smile. “One would be you joining me in the shower.”

“Good,” I said and kissed him on the lips. “Just remember to shower again once you actually kill them. I would rather not smell their nasty blood on you.”

“Deal,” He said and kissed me again. Tomorrow proved to be a long one for both of us. I didn't know that it was going to be a complicated one as well. 

Next ->

[spacecadet-ticklesinspace]

prompt idea??

Peter 3 rarely gets in moods! But when he does he chooses the best way to cheer himself up is by tickling someone! I feel like Gwen is usually the lee in these scenarios and Peter 3 has a very specific "im in a mood, i need to hear you laugh" look, so she sees him come in and immediately starts giggling and curling her legs, etc...in all honesty just that alone already perks him up but he always takes it a step further!

Ler!Peter3 lee!gwen

One of Those Moods

Summary: See prompt above :)

(Peter 3 gets into a Ler mood super easily and loves tickling those he loves ❤️ Gwen is usually on the receiving end of her boyfriend's Ler moods, but she doesn't mind 😉 The roles get reversed often enough 😁)

"Gwen?"

The smaller blond turned to the doorway of the bedroom. When her eyes landed on her boyfriend's face, she instantly curled into a ball. She knew that look.

Peter smiled and stepped into the room. "Are you busy?"

"N-noho."

Three stepped closer to the bed. "Can I come hang out with you?"

"Whyhy?"

Peter stepped even closer. "Because I'm bored."

The smaller blond pulled her knees up even closer. "Wh-what doho you want toho doho?"

Three sat down on the edge of the bed. "Tickle you."

Gwen's cheeks turned bright pink. "Ihi mehean . . ."

"Please? Just for a little bit?"

Gwen was so flustered. It was rare that her boyfriend directly asked to tickle her and she never knew quite how to respond when he did.

So instead of verbally responding, Gwen rolled onto her back and rolled her shirt out of the way. She then took her arms and crossed them above her head.

The grin on her boyfriend's face made her blush even more.

Peter 3 sat on his girlfriend's waist then leaned forward to pepper kisses into her tummy. The light tickling made Gwen instantly burst into airy giggles.

The kisses began to travel up her sides to her ribs and made her giggles increase in volume.

"Aww, yowre juwst sow tickwish." Peter moved from her ribs to her neck.

"Shuhut ihIIIT!"

"Such a tickwish wittwe bean."

"Yohou're wohorse!"

A finger booped Gwen's nose. "Miss Stacey, this is not about your boyfriend, this is about you."

"Wehell my boyfriend ihis beheing mean to mehe!"

"By giving you what you wanted?"

"Yehehes!"

Three made the biggest pout he could. "Oh how awful of me."

While Gwen giggled, Peter returned to peppering kisses into her neck.

"EEEE!" Gwen snorted. "Thehe abhabsoluhute woHOORST!"

"Just a big bully," Peter teased as he moved to the other side of her neck.

A squeak left Gwen's mouth as she turtled into her shoulders. "Yehes!"

Peter 3 continued kissing along Gwen's neck as he gently tipped her chin up so he could reach her jaw line. "Poowr baby."

"Nohoho!"

One of Peter's hands moved to lightly skitter across Gwen's side. "Noho you're not aha bahaby?"

The combined tickles made Gwen squirm. She couldn't curl up with her boyfriend on her waist and she couldn't really turtle away now with his face peppering kisses into her neck and jaw. "Meheanihie!"

The fingers on her side moved across her tummy while Three's kisses traveled up to her ears. Once there, he whispered. "Ticklish?"

"Yohou dohon't have toho keheep sahaying ihit!"

"Oh, buhut I doho," Three cooed in her ear. "I'll always remind you how ticklish you are."

Gwen turtled. "EEEK!"

Peter's hand on her stomach began to spider across her ribs. "That way you'll always remember just how ticklish you are."

"WhyhyhYYY!"

"Because you're adorable when I do so."

Gwen's face was a solid mass of red. The teasing fingers began to move up her ribs and into her armpit, making it extremely difficult to keep her arms above her head.

"Poor tickwish wittwe Gwen," Three teased as his other hand pinched along her hip.

"EEE!" Gwen snorted twice.

Peter 3 paused his tickles long enough to kiss her temple. "How are you holding up?"

"Ihim tinglyhy."

"Oho? Need a breather?"

The smaller blond shook her head. "Yohou cahan keep goihing."

Peter grinned at his girlfriend. "Ihi think yohoure enjoyihing your tickles."

Gwen grinned and shook her head.

"No? Aww." Peter moved to trace the outer portion of her ear with his fingernail. "Then why awre youw awl giggwy?"

"Squee! Yohoure sihillyhy!"

"So you're laughing at me?"

"Nohoho!"

"Awww, poowr Gwenie." That same finger moved down to her neck. "Stuck with a case of the unknown giggwes."

The smaller blond turtled again as the blush on her face darkened. However, while she was distracted by the tickles on her neck, Peter slipped his head back down to lightly nibble her sides.

The loudest squeal yet erupted out of Gwen's mouth as her sides and tummy were attacked by nibbles. "SQUEEE! PETER!"

"Awww, your poor tummy is so ticklish." Three nipped at her hip.

"AHH!"

The nibbles traveled up her side. "Do you love tickles?"

"Yehes!"

A nibble was given to her ribs. "So much?"

"EEP! Yohou alreheady knohoOOOW!"

Now down across her belly. "I want you to tell me."

"Eehehe! Ihi love ihit! Ihi lohove ticklehels!"

Three switched to lightly rubbing his nose against her side. "You're not lying to me?"

"Nooho!" Her hand started to push against Peter's head. "Ihi prohomise! I promihise!"

Peter gave Gwen's tummy a final kiss before laying down beside her. "I believe you."

The smaller blond rubbed the phantom tickles away from her upper torso. "Thahank yohou. That wahas fuhun."

Three rubbed some circles into her tummy to help get the tingles away. "Did you have aha good time?"

Gwen giggled at the first touch, but soon melted into a content puddle. "Yehes."

Peter 3 kept up the relaxing circles as his other arm pulled his girlfriend closer to him. "Cuddle with me?"

The smaller blond cuddled closer. "I would lohove to."

For the rest of the night, the two of them stayed curled up next to each other, enjoying each other's company.

[lovelypuppetmax]

Hades yawned as he rose from bed, a smile on his face as he heard the sound of chattering and laughing downstairs. He was ready to start the day, with the only thing bringing down his mood being that he couldn't spend more time with his lovely wife. He sadly couldn't take time off from being a king, nor could she take time off from being a queen. He sighed at this thought. "maybe .. just for today, I could just spend time with her..."

He really wanted to. But he had the weight of the underworld on his shoulders. What would happen if he took one day off?? He wasn't sure. But considering who was down below, he didn't want to find out. His smile faded. He started to feel uneasy. Was he already wasting his time? What if he escaped while he was resting? What if- "Hades! Are you alright??" He snapped out of his thoughts, and looked over. It was Leuce. She had come upstairs to check on him, noticing he hasn't come downstairs yet. The smile that faded once again returned.

"I'm alright dear, I was just lost in thought." He said as he looked off to the side. Leuce reached out to him, placing her hand on his cheek. Although Hades appreciated the gesture, he noticed something was odd. Her hands. . . They were cold. Before he could really question it, she spoke again.

"Aideoneus... He isn't escaping. Even if you just spent one whole day away from your duties as king, he couldn't escape. He may as well just grab an egg and shave it." She said with a smirk. Hades chuckled a little bit. She was right. Escape from Tartarus was impossible. The only way he would escape is if he was released by Zeus, or if someone helped him... But who would do that?

"Now, let's go downstairs. I made some Spanakopita, and I don't want it getting cold." She said as she booped his nose, and went back downstairs. Once again, he noticed her hands were cold. "why... Why are they so cold?" Hades said, touching his cheek.

"I think you know why." A familiar voice said. He whirled around, pain and fear started to rise. It was Morpheus.

This was all I could right for now, I might make a part two. Mostly did this for fun, hope you enjoy!

[queen-of-writing-bad-things]

Henry Danger Reader Insert | Captain Man x Reader: SEASON 5

Episode 35: Escape Room

Season 5 Masterlist

"You look gorgeous today..."

If (y/n) had a dollar for every time her fiancé said that...she'd have a lot of dollars. Across the room, Charlotte met her gaze with a smirk, peering over a grindstone as the woman became flustered and shy. 

They had a job to do - nothing serious or dangerous. Merely opening a new shop or something mundane like that where all the heroes had to do was go in, smile, wave, cut a ribbon, say a few words, and leave. Not exactly the stuff of legends, but it was part of the job, so when the call came in from some schmuck businessman, Ray couldn't say no. 

The couple was ready to go, in uniform, with the Man Van keys in Ray's pocket, but they were still one sidekick short. Henry had yet to arrive, so as Charlotte sharpened the man's favourite ribbon-cutting scissors and Schwoz polished a trumpet, he filled the spare time with his sweet girl. Mainly, he held, kissed, and whispered sweet, mushy words in her ear to make her blush - the usual stuff. 

"You've said that three times this morning, doofus. And it's only ten," the heroine replied, giggling as she booped his nose and ran her fingertip over his lips, wondering at their softness when he leaned forward to catch another gentle kiss. 

"That's 'cause it's true, darlin'. Have I ever told you how hot this uniform is on you?"

"You may have mentioned it once or twice," (y/n) hummed, smiling softly and tilting her head back when he trailed butterfly kisses down her neck, pulling more giggles from his precious girl. It didn't matter if it was the same costume she wore every day, the exact outfit she'd had for years; Ray thought she was singularly the most beautiful girl in the universe, eclipsing anyone else in his view. The centre of his world. 

Charlotte watched them from under her face shield, shaking her head whenever she could spare a moment from her work - one wrong move and she'd shave her finer off, but those two...when would they put everyone out of their misery and just get hitched?

"Yo, yo, yiggity yo!" And the morning got better. Jasper stepped out of the elevator in a cheery mood that ground Ray down, irritating him to the point where (y/n) had to kiss his cheek to bring him back to her. 

"Yo!"

"Yo!"

"Yiggity!"

"Yo!" They replied happily, some happy to see the kid as he swung a bundle of books around by its leather tether. Ray returned to kissing his sweet girl, mumbling in her ear about how she looked better out of uniform as he caught her lips, but Jasper wanted some advice. Namely, from one smarter than him. 

"Hey, Charlotte, you don't look busy. Can you help me with my ho-ho-higgity homework?"

"I would love to, but I have to sharpen Ray's giant sci-sci-sciggidity...his scissors. His giant scissors. I'm sorry. I couldn't keep going," the girl replied, showing the boy her handiwork - perfectly sharpened red and blue scissors for snipping Swellview City Hall's best ribbons.

"Ooooh, you got another grand opening today? You love those," Jasper asked, glancing over at the couple near the tubes, pulling them from their...personal time. Putting his fiancée down, Ray walked over to the kids, grinning because Jasper was correct; he loved everything about the fancy occasions. 

"Sure do. Love all the fanfare, love that new store smell..."

"You love making every grand opening about yourself..." (y/n) joked, poking the man's pec because she knew she was right. All she had to do was walk around, shake a few hands, and let him do all the hard work - her doofus lapped it up. She shunned the limelight, yet he dived in headfirst, parting crowds and signing autographs whilst she and Henry stood back and shook their heads. 

"Shhhhh..." Ray beat down a smile, smushing his finger to her lips before swiftly cupping her cheeks, silencing his girl with a soft kiss. She knew him too well; every grand opening always ended in Captain Man on magazines and not the new venture, something Miss Danger loved to tease him about. 

"Don't worry, doof. I still love you, even with your ginormous head," (y/n) giggled, which turned into a shriek when he tickled her sides, saying he'd show no mercy for such cheek, but everyone knew he loved nothing more than seeing her like this. Safe, happy, his name on her tongue...

"Yo, yo, yiggity, yo!" Someone called from the elevator, breaking up the tickle attack before the woman died of laughter. She'd later thank Henry for his unknown mercy, but he'd committed a serious faux pas. 

"That was my line, big dog!"

"What?" The boy asked as he stepped into the room, wondering what he'd done so wrong to warrant such a strong reaction. All he wanted was to sound friendly, jovial, and lively, but Jasper had beat him to it. 

"Jasper already used that entrance line," Ray told him as (y/n) tucked herself under his arm, content to rest her head against his chest and wrap her arms around his lithe waist. If she was gorgeous today, he was too handsome for his own good as she tried not to jump him. 

"Oh, uh...howdy, doody...my little...cuties?" The boy tried, piecing together the tiny ditty in his head, but whilst it rhymed, the words felt clunky and stupid when he spoke them. The second they left his mouth, he regretted them, especially when his friends groaned and wrinkled their noses. 

"Don't do that again," Ray ordered his sidekick after feeling his pretty girl shudder against him, no doubt cringing from being called a cutie. He, her devoted lover, didn't call her that, but they quickly moved on when Henry noticed what Charlotte was doing. 

"Nooooo! It's the grand opening scissors!" Henry whined, watching the girl press the blade's edge to the spinning stone, sparks flying as she worked the metal to a deadly sharpness. 

"That's right!"

"We have another grand opening?!"

"You bet your butt we do!" The hero told him confidently, practically preening himself, and Henry knew that look. Nothing was more boring to him than following Ray around whilst he shook hands with slimy so-and-so's, posed for the camera, and sipped champagne. 

"I hate grand openings! I hate the fanfare, I hate that weird new store smell...I hate Ray making it all about himself..."

"Right?" (y/n) smiled cheekily at the boy, chuckling to herself for her hilarious little joke as Ray huffed. A hand slid down her back, pinching her butt and making her squeal as he leaned down to kiss her again. He swallowed her gasps, smirking at the small victory of having the last word as he took the scissors from Charlotte over her shoulder. 

"Bad girl..." he growled, helpless to stop himself from kissing her cheek, even when she kept giggling. His naughty girl...although he couldn't help but break and smile with her as he sheathed the giant scissors in his belt and took her hand. 

"Let's go. Swellview's newest escape room isn't going to grandly open itself," Ray told Henry, the only one of their trio who wasn't ready. 

"What is an hehescaaaaaapeye rhoooooom?" Schwoz asked, stretching his mouth wide as he tried to wrap his tongue around all those complicated syllables, but he sounded crazy. However, it wasn't that difficult compared to some scientific stuff he worked with, like otorhinolaryngologists or deoxyribonucleic acid. 

"Oh, come on. You know how to say the word, room," (y/n) sighed, leaning into her doofus as the genius' wore her out. And they hadn't even made it to the place yet. 

"An escape room is where they pretend to lock you and your friends inside."

"And the only way to get out is to solve a series of clues and riddles and things." 

"If you solve enough clues in time, you escape," Henry and Charlotte explained, having played a lot of escape rooms in their time. Whilst the boy wasn't the best, Charlotte, with her big brain, bossed them every time, figuring out every trick and having tons of fun along the way. 

"Yeah, and just saying, I'm, like, really good at them, so... It's the only reason why I agreed to go to this grand opening thing," (y/n) piped up, proudly folding her arms since she could say she'd never failed a room yet. Even when she had Ray to contend with, they still made it out, and it earned her the adoring, besotted, puppy-like gaze he gave her now, eyes eating her up as the hero drooled over his clever girl.

"Ohhhh, that's how you hehscapppeyyppee from the..." Schwoz nodded, understanding the general concept, even if it sounded a little strange with all that about being locked up. But when he glanced at Ray as his words slipped and slid into one long noise, the man pulled the scissors from his belt a little as a warning. 

"Room!" And it worked. Schwoz punched out the final word in a perfect American accent. He was too scared to say it in his Schwozian accent for fear of getting sliced and diced and only settled down when Ray contently left the blades alone...for now. 

"Bubble up, buttercup! Your sister's gonna meet us there," (y/n) told Henry, throwing him a gum tube so they could get going already, but the added guest was news to Jasper. He, too, was a Captain Man super fan, always had been, but he never got invited to fancy events, unlike that brat...

"Why does Piper get to go to grand openings with you guys, but we never do?"

"'Cause she's the President of The Man Fans, right?" Henry replied, thinking it was obvious, and besides, the kid got to work for Captain Man and his precious fiancée. Wasn't that enough, knowing how private and protective the guy was?

"Yeah, it makes sense she would be there. Miss Danger, Kid Danger, and I can't show up to an official event with Jasper Dunlop and Charlotte...uh...uh..." Ray chuckled, doing so well until he reached Charlotte's name, and that's when he stumbled. No one could blame him; after all, the girl was usually content to get on with her work with no attention or fuss, but for once, he'd offended her. 

"Do you not know my last name?" She questioned indignantly, gawping at the man, never bothering to ask. All the years he'd known her and never found out? Was it her? Was she the problem?

"Uh...no...it's...uh..."

"I've worked with you for five years!" The girl exclaimed, bringing a tear to (y/n)'s eye because had it really been that long? Her little baby...so grown up, but she couldn't help but chuckle at the interaction, knowing her doofus was terrible with stuff like that. 

"Come on, doofus. Tell us what Charlotte's last name is..."

"Yeah, I know, I know. It's...Swebb," Ray said awkwardly, plucking the name out of thin air before slowly creeping away. He tugged (y/n) behind him, aiming for the tubes in case the girl tried to strangle him because he had no clue what her surname was. Who remembered stuff like that?

"You think my name is Charlotte Swebb?"

"Is it not?" Jasper frowned, earning another mortified glare from the girl, who was suddenly aware of the morons around her. She'd known Jasper all her life; they went to school together; she'd had sleepovers at his house; they'd worked together for five years, and he didn't know either? 

"Don't worry, Char. It took this doofus a few months to remember my last name. Until then, I was just (y/n), the girl who does my laundry," the woman laughed from the back of the Man Cave, hugging Ray tightly in preparation for blasting upwards - and it felt nice. Her lover huffed at that, squeezing her tightly because he never saw her as a mere maid to do his dirty work. He'd been hers from the moment they met; it just took him a few years to grow some balls and ask her out. 

"That's 'cause I always wanted to give you my last name, sweet girl. (y/n) Manchester--it has a ring to it, right?"

"Mhmm, most definitely, Raymond," the heroine smirked, feeling his fingertips brush over her left hand, where her engagement ring would be if they weren't in uniform. Whilst Henry was busy popping a gumball, Ray kissed her again, feeling extra touchy for some reason--maybe it was from how his head spun at the thought of finally calling her his wife. Soon. 

"Let's get this over with," Henry sighed, dashing over to the tubes, where the couple separated and straightened out. Ray would've preferred a little longer, but (y/n) hummed and told him to focus; the sooner they snipped the ribbon, the sooner they could go home. 

"My last name is--"

"And I've already stopped listening!" The hero interrupted Charlotte as she made a last-ditch attempt to tell them the truth, but one mention of going home and cuddling in his ear, and Ray was a goner. Slapping their belt buckles, the boys stood straight as the tubes descended around them, (y/n) holding her fiancé close. 

"Play us out, Schwoz!" She called over her shoulder, making the genius immediately hop to his feet. Placing his fingers over the polished valves, Schwoz blew hard into the brass, playing soft, slow jazz for the heroes to leave by--a running joke between them. 

"Up the tuuuuuuuube..." they sang together, causing (y/n) to giggle as the powerful air blew them upwards, leaving Charlotte alone with Jasper and Schwoz to see if they knew who she was. After so long, they should've known her full name, but also, she should've realised how dumb they were. 

After all, everyone knew who Charlotte Page was--or at least (y/n) learned from the first day she signed her paycheck. Five very short years ago...

~The Escape Room~

"Y'know, we've been to a lot of grand openings, but I don't remember any of them being as quiet as this," (y/n) said as she followed Ray into the building, Henry close behind her. 

She made a good point, one the boys quickly agreed with. It was strange; the minute they parked the Man Van, a foreboding feeling settled in her stomach, telling her something was wrong. Where was the fanfare? The screaming fans? The paparazzi? 

She didn't need her gut when they saw how deserted the building was, with no one outside or in reception to greet them. They listened to her worries, thinking the same as Ray put away his giant scissor, no ribbon to cut, but he kept an open mind. 

"Yeah, it's weird, sweet girl," the hero nodded, going in first with his sidekicks behind him in case something was wrong. He trusted her judgement but tried not to let it dampen his spirits as they explored the mysterious establishment, observing the fancy decor in the dimmed lights. 

"Anyone here?"

"Knock, knock, it's us!"

"Helloooo?" They shouted as they entered what they assumed was the main room where people played to escape. Twirling the enormous blades in his spare hand, Ray's face fell when he saw no one, not even Piper. He only did these things to boost his ego; what was the point if no one took his picture?

"Superhero and two sidekicks! Looking to murder a grand opening ribbon!"

"So said superhero can inflate his head..." (y/n) joked, ducking when her lover threatened to tickle her again. Ray couldn't help himself, silencing her sassy mouth with his own, and she didn't mind because there was nowhere safer in the universe than in his arms. 

Pecking his lips with a soft smile, (y/n) pulled away. She glanced around the room, observing how the furniture was perfectly polished. Still, some large objects had dust sheets spread over them for some unknown reason, which struck her as strange because the place was meant to open today. Why were they still covered up? 

"Maybe it's the wrong escape room," Henry suggested as he watched the woman pace back and forth, wondering what was going through her head. 

"I don't think so... We've got the correct address and date..." (y/n) Replied, thinking out loud as she racked her brains for a solution that didn't involve her nerve-filled tummy. However, as she tried to remain levelheaded, Ray was thinking too, taking two and two out of nowhere and putting them together. 

Wait... An empty room. A fake call-out. His friends mysteriously nowhere to be seen. Dimmed lights. Oh, those darlings - they shouldn't have...

"Is this a surprise party for me?!" He gasped, eyes sparkling as he looked at his sidekicks, who instantly melted and sighed at his assumption. His very wrong assumption from a tendency he'd picked up after his sweet girl's surprise birthday party. He'd loved organising the day for her, and the pure joy on her face enamoured him with the notion. And her. It made him fall just a little bit more. 

"Oh, no, Raymond. Don't do this again..." (y/n) begged him, trying to placate him before his imagination run wild, but it was too late. She and Henry were too busy to plan an unnecessary party, but Ray was already grinning and lacing his fingers through hers. 

"This is a surprise party, isn't it? Oh, you perfect little sweetheart..."

"No. It wasn't a surprise party at that empty gas station, it wasn't a surprise party at the bathroom store, and it certainly wasn't a surprise party at my grandmother's funeral," Henry replied sharply, shuddering at the memory. 

A few months ago, in summer, on a sweltering day to be wearing black, Henry looked sombre and mournful as the coffin lay before his entire family. The vicar said some sad, respectful words about her long life as his sister updated her story - lol funeral tings rip tfw ur grandma dies fml xD - when Ray burst into the service, dragging a karaoke machine behind him after catching wind of his sidekick taking a few hours off work. 

"Yeah, that was the saddest surprise party ever," the man remarked, remembering how no one was laughing when he kicked the doors in and started singing. Some people even cried - sobbing harder when he asked who'd died after seeing their glum faces, only to realise someone had died. 

"That's 'cause it wasn't a surprise party, you big doofus! It was embarrassing! You sang Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go at a wake!" (y/n) exclaimed, the same burning heat returning to her cheeks at the memory of how she had to drag him off a buffet table before he moved on to Stayin' Alive. 

And the worst bit was how he laughed. Ray thought the irony was hilarious, pulling her close and chuckling at that tiny mistake, disregarding how she had to grovel to Mrs Hart for her fiancé's behaviour. Nothing could compare to the humiliation, but someone finally emerged before she could whack the smirk off his face - luckily for him. 

"Hello?" A soft, feminine voice called out, bringing the grin back to Ray's face since it cemented the idea in his head that they'd finally made his wishes come true. 

"Ooooh, first guest! I won't tell them you told me!" He promised, patting Henry on the shoulder as he moved to stand beside him, pulling (y/n) along too. His surprised face was ready to go, having practised in the mirror when he was shaving, much to (y/n)'s exasperation. 

"What are you--doofus, I swear to god--"

"Surprise!" Ray shouted as Piper entered the room, sporting her newly cut hair and an outfit worthy of the President of The Man Fans. She'd tired of her long hair, so now it was sitting just above her shoulders, which (y/n) thought suited her, but then, two others followed behind her. 

"What?" Piper frowned, wondering what he was talking about, but the heroine was more concerned about the kids following her. One was a girl, younger than Piper by a couple years, with a bright grin and big, pretty, brown eyes. She wore a trendy outfit and looked a little lost as a boy tailed behind, who (y/n) assumed was her relation, given how similar they looked - the same big, expressive eyes. 

He was the same age, his hair tied back in braids that fell past his shoulders and soft cheeks that looked like any grandma would love to pinch. They looked like lovely kids, but Miss Danger couldn't understand why they followed Piper to an escape room. 

"Oh my god, is this a surprise party?" The girl asked in a high-pitched, enthusiastic voice. 

"Yes!"

"No!" Henry and (y/n) quickly shut down Ray's answer, but then, the boy spoke, almost as eager as his companion as Captain Man struggled to stay still from his excitement. 

"For you?"

"Yes!"

"No!" The woman said firmly, squeezing the man's bicep to try and get it through his thick skull. He wasn't getting a surprise party, not until his birthday or an occasion that deserved the time, effort and money, and she didn't care how much he whined when she was reading, working, or trying to sleep. 

"This is Gammy's funeral all over again," Piper murmured to her brother, who agreed with a solemn nod. It was still talked about at the dinner table - how his boss was the weirdo who interrupted an elderly woman's sendoff - and (y/n) didn't show her face near his house for weeks after. 

"We didn't bring you anything, but give me five minutes, and I'll bring you a better present than Becky could ever even think of!" The girl insisted, appearing a little scary with her intense confidence, but the sentiment was there. 

"Who's Becky?" (y/n) asked, frowning at the mention of the unknown girl, but she got the feeling that the girl was just like that - keen, passionate, and ambitious. She was like that when she was younger, before a few years at high school and college knocked her confidence. 

"Exactly!" She grinned, feeling her tummy flutter when Miss Danger giggled at her antics. It took all her strength not to fangirl, having idolised her for years - the woman who not only tamed the untamable Captain Man but could build a rocket ship and kick butt. She was awesome and definitely not pinned up on her bedroom wall. 

"Hello!" Suddenly, a chipper voice called out from nowhere, making (y/n) jump into Ray's side as her heart beat faster. She wasn't expecting it, looking around for the source as Ray draped an arm around her shoulders, knowing it comforted her. 

"And welcome to Swellview's newest escape room! Please put all your phones and weapons in the box labelled phones and weapons."

"Weapons?" Henry echoed, looking nervously at the adults, one of whom seemed to share his concerns. (y/n) rubbed her forehead as she glanced at Ray, expecting him to get all broody and serious because her tummy was bubbling with fright. 

"Doofus, I don't think we should--" she muttered, not wanting to spook the children, but she wanted to hide in his chest and leg it, taking the kids away before something terrible happened, but the large man didn't seem phased. Whilst she resented the thought of giving up the tools they used to defend themselves, Ray's head was still spinning with the idea of a surprise party. What harm could it do to a unit like him?

"EVERYBODY, DO IT!" He announced, instantly taking the scissors from his belt as a starter. With Captain Man's approval, the two kids and Piper copied his actions, thinking he was the experienced hero, so he should know what's best. In went the scissors, their phones, lasers, blasters, radios--anything that classed as defensive or cellular went into a brown, sturdy chest, wrapped in flattened, golden metal to lock it tight. 

"Captain Man, I don't like this..." (y/n) whispered as she held her PearPhone, gazing longingly at the device since it was her only way of calling for help. And there was her laser controller, smooth and small yet so deadly - her preferred method of taking down enemies because it meant she didn't have to get too close. 

"Sweet girl..." Ray smiled at her gently, his hand finding the small of her back when he saw her hesitate, wondering if relinquishing her stuff was right. He was there by her side, kissing the edge of her shoulder, bringing a watery smile to her shoulder because he could be a real sweetheart sometimes. A massive doofus, but so very gentle with her. 

"I'm here, and nothing's gonna get through me. It's perfectly safe," he reassured her, carefully taking the items from her when she gave permission. The phone and weapon slipped from her fingertips and tumbled into the box, joining the others as everyone worked until their pockets were empty. Sort of. 

"Come on. I said, all phones and weapons," the mysterious voice said teasingly, making Henry, (y/n) and the two unknown children frown because they'd been truthful and sincere when cleaning out their pockets. But they saw Ray and Piper, who looked too sneaky and bashful to be deemed innocent, and then, they cracked. 

"You got me..."

"Okay..." they conceded with cheeky smiles, pulling countless phones and assorted weapons from various stashes on their bodies. Piper had four phones tucked into her socks, which were backups in case she got grounded or lost her main one, but Ray took the biscuit. 

He had smaller, hidden lasers, knives and bombs tucked under his belt, some still in their respective pouches, a machete stuffed down the side of his boot, and even ball and chain mace stashed down his pants. How he kept that hidden without showing any discomfort was beyond (y/n), who stared at his ass far too often not to notice he'd shoved it down there. 

"That's better. Now, move the box outside the escape room," the voice ordered, making (y/n) and Henry pause again because that did not sound like a good idea. More like downright suspicious. 

"Uh, this doesn't seem right..."

"I vote we keep the box in here."

"Yeah, I don't have a good feeling about--" the boy agreed with them, proving to have as good instincts as they did, but Ray didn't want to listen to reason, not when he was still in a dream world. 

"Shut up! It's for my surprise party!" He snapped at the startled kid before dragging the chest out the door by its lid. (y/n) sighed, knowing she'd come to regret letting him do that. 

"I apologise for...him. Unfortunately, he's a massive child," she told the children with a slightly sour smile, folding her arms as Ray pushed the chest away from the doorway, skipping back inside for the next phase of his "party". However, just as he passed the threshold, a ping sounded outside the room, and Piper knew that tingle-tingle anywhere. 

"One of my many phones!" She gasped, a wave of despair washing over her at the thought of someone texting her or something happening and she not knowing about it. There was only one thing for it; she had to go and check the notification. Despite the door slowly rolling down, the girl made a dash for it, ducking under the metal before it locked them in the room, much to the shock of her friends inside. 

"Uh, can you--can you let that girl back in?" Henry asked as the heavy door touched the ground, locking it in place. He hated to make a fuss, but he hated the idea of doing the escape room without his sister more - she'd whined for days. 

"No!" The chipper voice said, which the boy accepted, but he visibly deflated, looking upset when he realised Piper had missed out on a fun afternoon for a mere message. 

"Don't worry, kid. I'll open the door. I've got a key!" Ray told him, and it was like all of Henry's worries disappeared as he turned and booted the door. In fairness, Ray was a bulky, heavy guy, capable of bringing down any wooden panelling he came across with one mighty kick, but this was reinforced, well-welded iron. Even as he laid his sole flat against the door, it wouldn't budge; too sturdy to come down from just one bang, not even from Captain Man. 

"That's not how escape rooms work," the girl with the rainbow turtleneck said, seeming like a bit of a know-it-all as she set him straight, but she was correct. 

"Yeah, doofus. You have to solve a bunch of riddles to open the door. You can't just kick it down, no matter how big and strong you think you are," (y/n) added, moving to his side to squeeze his arm--to emphasise her words, definitely not because she wanted to cop a feel of his bulging muscles. She and this girl would get on very well - try-hards together, always there with the answer. 

"That's right!" The voice announced, still bright and cheery as he went on. "And the theme of this escape room is...REVENGE!"

Suddenly, all the happiness and pleasantness disappeared from their tone as one of the dust sheets fell to the ground. Underneath, a gigantic boxy device stood in the middle of the room, complete with flashing buttons, levers, wires, and gauges, making Miss Danger gulp when she recognised what it was. An engineering degree could be a real burden. 

"And that is a boomsday device..."

"Doofus, this thing looks real. Like, really real. It's got subatomic boron rods and fixirium wiring and everything," (y/n) muttered to her fiancé, gulping thickly as she pointed out several features that would be hard to fake, either from their complexity or rarity. She'd stake her future marriage on it being the real deal, not because she was a gambler but because she felt in her tummy. The tummy she wished she'd listened to. 

"That's because it is really real! Boomsday devices go boom, and you go bye-bye!" The voice said sinisterly, making the kids shiver at what they'd landed themselves in, which didn't escape Ry's notice. He wasn't outwardly the caring sort, preferring to play his cards close to his chest for fear of getting hurt down the line, but he had to think about them, his sidekick-turned-brother and, of course, his precious fiancée. 

"If that were real, my new boom-detecting boots would be glowing," he spat, trying to call the bastard's bluff, and he was a bastard. He could cope with someone hating his guts, but anyone who would forsake three innocent children and a genuinely divine woman was a psycho, and he wouldn't stand for it. 

"Are those your new boom-detecting boots?" 

"Yeah..." Ray nodded when the young boy asked, not knowing why everyone was suddenly staring at his feet. He'd requested Schwoz to give him the upgrade weeks ago, fearing getting caught with his trousers down, so to speak, and it made sense to be prepared, no matter how minuscule the threat was. But he'd never imagined needing them. 

"Because they're glowing," the kid said candidly, making Ray glance at his feet, where he saw he was correct. He had to hand it to Schwoz; the warning wasn't subtle, coming in the form of his boots flashing red from the rubber bottoms to the zippers up the sides. 

"Oh, would you look at that?" He remarked in shock, hopping around the room at how cool it looked, his marvelled face grinning at his sweet girl as she bemusedly sighed. Only he would play next to a boomsday device. 

"I think this escape room is real," Henry said, beginning to regret not listening to his instincts when they were giving away their weapons and phones. 

"Me too."

"Yeah..."

"See? This is why you listen to my tummy! I keep telling you--you listen to my tummy, and you'll live longer!" (y/n) exclaimed, pointing her finger at the boys, but mainly Ray since he'd charmed her with his sweet words and even sweeter lips--like he always did. Maybe it was her fault for being too soft, but he couldn't say he hadn't been warned, and now, they had two children to think about. Speaking of...

"Also, who are you?" She asked, trying to seem calm and friendly, but whilst she excelled at the latter, her nerves bled through her voice when she faced them. 

"I'm the smart one," the girl replied with a confident smile, making the boy gasp in hurt. 

"Oh, I know that feeling," (y/n) replied with a grin, the girls sharing a knowing look that only came from having intimate knowledge of being the cleverest person in the room, and for once, there was no shame in that. 

"Awkward..." Ray remarked, feeling for the kid who'd been marked down as dumb. He knew that feeling too, but luckily, he had the honour of being the smart one's lover, staring after her longingly as he marvelled at how brilliant his sweet girl was. 

"Seriously, though. What are you doing here?" His fiancée asked, oblivious to the enamoured man behind her, who looked away coughing when the children caught him staring, busying himself by returning to the impenetrable door. That was the moment they realised the extent of Captain Man's devotion to his loveliest sidekick and how he was very much the brawn of the couple. 

"Well, my mom and Aunt Didi have gone on a staycation, and there was no one else to look after us, so Aunt Didi said she knew a girl who'd not completed her community service, and she'd look after us. So, our aunt dropped us off with that loud girl, and she brought us here," the girl explained, skipping over the boring details, but all Henry heard was that his sister had tried to evade the law. Again. 

"Oh, God. Piper..." he sighed, closing his eyes and trying to quell any migraines surfacing, but it was hard for him and (y/n) to think when Ray was making such a racket. He kept bashing his foot against the door, pounding the metal every time he grunted and strained, and it was really starting to get to his sidekicks. 

"Doofus? Doofus? Doofus!" (y/n) called out, trying to keep her voice calm and sweet, despite having already told him that he wouldn't move the door in a month of Sundays. 

"Yeah?" Ray turned around instantly, having his listening ears on for his sweet girl only, eager to please her in any way he could. He looked like a meerkat, standing to attention the second she flashed him a winning smile and tenderly took his hand. 

"How about one more kick, and then you're done?" She suggested, treating him like the child he was right now - a man-child, one she happened to love very much. He'd only end up frustrating himself, leading to a tantrum, and she didn't want to see him like that, so she gave him a choice. 

"Two more?" Ray pouted, squeezing her hands as he tried to use his best puppy-dog eyes and push his luck, pleading to the side that loved him. Very much. 

"One...and a kiss," she said firmly before breaking out into a grin. Those terms sounded fair to him, and he happily took the sweeter part of the deal, gently pulling her close for his promised kiss. He hummed contently at her honey-like taste, lingering for a couple - or dozens - of seconds until he'd had his fill for now before pulling away for his kick--but not until he'd sneakily dived in for one last peck. 

"Heeee-yah!" He exclaimed, landing his foot flat against the door, but like all his other attempts, he was unsuccessful, and they still had no way out. 

"Better?"

"Mmm, much better..." Ray replied in a gravelly voice, abandoning the door to slink an arm around her waist, finding her lips again. He preferred this side of the deal, cupping her cheek as he delved deeper, wanting to drown in her sweetness, knowing he'd die a happy man. Until she pulled away with a tap on his cheek. 

"Done."

"Anyway...I'm Mika. This is Miles," the girl - Mika - butted in, not wanting to ruin Captain Man's fun, but they deserved a proper introduction. 

"And I'm not dying today. Just so you know," Miles added, coming across as quite a philosophical type, and (y/n) just knew they were brother and sister. She felt it in her tummy, which she was happily listening to now she'd been reminded how useful it was. 

"Oh, yes, you are!" However, the mysterious voice begged to differ, sounding eerily familiar with its irritating chirpiness and sing-song intonation. 

"Okay, who are you?" Ray asked, thumb stroking his sweet girl's hip as he kept her close. He didn't like whoever this jackass was, ready to claw his throat for thinking he could hurt a hair on her pretty head--and the kids', for that matter. 

"Why don't I just show you?" He suggested, clearly too eager to wait any longer. Suddenly, the second white sheet was pulled upwards from behind Miles and Mika, making them jump away for fear of being snuck up by the bad guy. 

However, when the heroes finally laid eyes on him, (y/n) realised he wasn't the bastard they'd shaped him up to be. Standing in a strange, box-shaped contraption was Jack Frittleman - an old face that hadn't been seen in a while due to a few incidents. However, the heroine couldn't forget him after the events that transpired many months ago. 

"Oh. My. God..." they said together, seemingly recognising his neatly groomed hair, glasses, and sharp suit, but apparently, his uncharacteristic frown put Ray and Henry off. 

"Sorry, no idea who you are."

"Yeah, you're not lookin' too familiar," the boys mumbled, trying to place the face, but it wouldn't come to them. (y/n) stared at them in shock, much like the stunned businessman, wondering how they could forget when they'd had so much trouble with him. Should she remind her doofus of when he placed a chaste kiss on her hand and took it as a threat? 

"He's Jack Frittleman, doofus. Kid, do you seriously not remember?" 

"Uh...does not..."

"...Ring a bell," they shrugged. Anything that happened before last week didn't matter anymore; Henry had bigger things to think about - girls, school, hero work, and stuff - whilst Ray just had to kiss her and forget the world around him. He was more concerned about the future - getting married, having children, and a cute 'lil house in the country. The whole works. 

"You blew up my factory!" Mr Frittleman exclaimed, disgruntled by their forgetfulness when they'd ruined his life. Although he didn't know the extent of it, making (y/n) blow out her cheeks and avoid his gaze. 

"Gonna need ya to be a little more specific!" 

"Yeah, we've blown up a couple factories," Henry giggled with his boss, recalling all the antics they'd gotten up to over the years. All the explosions blended into one; once you've seen one disaster, you've seen them all, but Jack didn't see it that way. 

"The Frittle Chip Factory!" He clarified, spitting from frustration, but it finally came flooding back to the boys, who remembered something along those lines. That was back before Henry's final growth spurt, making (y/n) feel broody and teary at how quickly her boy had grown until Miles piped up. 

"Wait--didn't that happen a few seasons ago?" He asked, having watched the news footage when it happened. It seemed so long ago...

"Yes! It was fall. And on that crisp, autumnal morning, there was a contest to find your favourite Frittle. My beautiful factory was making Frittle and money at an astronomical rate..." the man said, casting their minds back to when Ray and Henry fell out over which Frittle flavour was superior. Red or blue - it came down to the wire, and that's when they accidentally overloaded the production line. The explosion tore the place apart, leaving nothing more than a husk and a furious Miss Danger behind. 

"You blew up this guy's factory?" Miles gasped as Mr Frittleman sobbed, the memory too painful, still imprinted on his wallet after his share prices plummeted. 

"Yes...um, well...two, actually. No thanks to these doofuseseses!" (y/n) exclaimed, glaring at the boys as they chuckled sheepishly. Now that she mentioned it, Henry remembered the second incident--and how her current fury matched that of then. 

"That's right!"

"You were the ones who blew up the second factory too?!" Jack asked angrily, lips curling up in a snarl because he'd always thought he had terrible luck, shoddy workmen, or had befallen a genuine accident. But, apparently, he was cursed with three superheroes with nothing super about them. 

"Uh... In our defence, we accidentally did it for the best of reasons," (y/n) replied bashfully, recalling how they'd nearly lost Henry to Bordertown after his dad landed a new job. They never meant to cause such damage, but Captain Man couldn't lose a sidekick or brother, so unfortunately, the newly rebuilt factory had to go. That's just how it went. 

Looking back on it, the incident was funny, making Ray and Henry snigger amongst themselves like two hyenas. It wasn't the most graceful impression they could've given, leaving the resentful man seething and bitter at how they took his livelihood from him - twice - and never faced any justice or guilt. 

"Oh, that's it! I'm definitely blowing both of you up now! And Miss Danger! She was there too!" Frittleman hissed as the woman tried to hush her companions in vain. They couldn't contain their bemusement, making him want to take his revenge twice over, and he'd start by taking the prettiest of three and making the others watch as he tore her to pieces. Like Ray would ever let him get that far. 

"Watch it, buddy..." he growled, curling around his sweet girl protectively after hearing the man's threat. He'd tear him limb from limb before that happened, not that (y/n) felt afraid. Jack Frittleman was rather short, and she was so very tall in her sharply heeled, metal boots. 

"Wait, wait, wait, hang on a second! If you do that, won't you blow yourself up too?" Henry asked, holding his boss off before he tried to grab the man and snap him in two. That didn't sound very revengeful to him, more like suicidal. 

"Sorry, losers! This is a boom-proof box. While you go boom, ol' Jacky Frittle is gonna be just fine!" Frittleman sneered, firmly planting himself as their newest enemy when he rapped his knuckles against the glass box around him and smirked. 

"So, what? We just wait around here 'til the boomsday device goes off? Not very sporting, Jack," (y/n) remarked, folding her arms and leaning into her doofus, showing the man how unimpressed she was. She'd done this job for a long time and encountered many villains, and Jack Frittleman wasn't one of them. He was scorned, but hardly The Toddler, Doctor Minyak, or Dr--him. 

"Oh, no! I'm willing to give you a chance!"

"Thank you!" Mika smiled at his offer whilst (y/n) snorted, seeing it as a sham - a malice trap disguised as kindness. It was hardly generous of him, and Jack had an ulterior anyway. 

"But I want to see you squirm!"

"No, thank you..." Miles retorted flatly, refusing to squirm or give in to the psycho's demands. He wouldn't dream of giving their captor the satisfaction, but what choice did they have? The door was locked, and there was only one way out.

"Follow the clues, and you'll find the exit. But! You only have twenty minutes. After that, I press this button, and you go boom!" Mr Frittleman said heinously, reaching above his head to grab a whacky, chunky remote control with a big red button. It was connected to a load of wires trailing above his head, but the 'Smart Ones' didn't want to wait any longer. Taking the initiative, (y/n) and Mika began searching the room to find the first clue before they went boom. 

"All right. So, what's the first clue?" Ray growled, finding his smug threats irritating the more he smiled and snickered. He hated being toyed with, rejecting any villain's stupid games, but he had no choice. Play along, or lose his pretty girl - those were his options. 

"Well, the first clue's a real humdinger! But you won't find it--"

"It's this kazoo with a bell on it!" Mika quickly announced, picking up the small purple toy and making the silver bell tied to it jingle. The villain, heroes, and her brother looked over in shock because that was fast, but after a brief scour across the room, the girls quickly found it on the antique desk. 

"Yeah, hum...ding. Pretty easy, really," (y/n) shrugged, pointing out the pun hidden within the angle. It didn't test her brain very much - a mere warm-up - but Ray had to take a minute to work it out before swallowing thickly. Was he drooling? Quite possibly over his clever girl, making his heart clench with her omniscient smile. 

"Well, the next clue is--"

"It's inside this!" Mika interrupted, not needing Frittleman to spell it out. Blowing gently into the kazoo, she not only played a funny noise, but a small roll of paper shot out the end, landing on the carpet for her and Miss Danger to read. Honestly, this was like a dream come true--working with the best superhero in the city. 

"Okay, well, you got lucky on that one! But the clues just get harder," the man snapped from inside his box, not that the girls were listening. Mika picked up the tiny note from the floor, unfolded it, and glanced over the words, wondering what they meant.

"It's time for you to see the dentist..."

"...Oh, I get it!" (y/n) gasped, snapping her fingers as a thought shot into her mind, inspiration bursting to life in many colours. She instantly turned around, searching for something she'd seen during her hasty hunt moments before because it was the perfect place to hide a clue.

"Dentist! I never have to see the dentist 'cause my teeth are perfect! Riddle solved--let's get outta here!" Ray exclaimed, his vanity deluding any accurate deductions he made. It was true; he had a killer smile that wooed his fiancée the first time she saw it, but that wouldn't help them open the door--neither would his poor attempts to bust it down. 

"No, no, no, no more kicking! No more kicking, please. Kicking time is over. Remember what Miss Danger said, 'kay?" Henry told him, practically begging as he stepped between the man and the door. 

He didn't want to hear him try and fail to knock it down, having only just recovered from his last near-headache. He couldn't offer a sweet alternative like (y/n) did, but he hoped it would be enough to dissuade the man, who thankfully gave it a final halfhearted attempt before trudging away. 

Speaking of (y/n), she was so very clever. Walking over to a grandfather clock in the corner of the room, with Mika following closely behind, she opened the protective glass case. She wound the hands around the clock face until they were set to a specific time, knowing she was correct--she'd stake her job on it. 

"The answer is two-thirty!"

"Because it's time to see the dentist when your tooth-hurty," Henry realised, sharing an amazed glance with the woman as she nodded and applauded him. Even Ray couldn't pout anymore, his eyes softening at how she'd figured it out when his answer always came down to muscle and brute force. 

"Good one! You're so clever, sweet girl..."

"I know the theme of this escape room. Dad jokes..." Miles retorted dryly as Captain Man chuckled with his lover, nuzzling his nose against hers before capturing her lips. How he could be so affectionate at such a critical time was beyond the kids, but when Kid Danger shrugged, they assumed it was normal. That's what the gossip columns always said...

Having been told the answer - and with Miss Danger busy - Mika opened the clock's tower, the hinges creaking as she reached inside and found the next clue taped to the back panel. These were too easy. 

"We got this, Jack," Henry smirked at the grumpy baddie, who sneered at their rapid progress. 

"Yeah! Especially since he forgot to start the clock," Ray scoffed, chuckling as Henry turned pale and (y/n) dropped her forehead on his chest. He just had to open his mouth and stare at the timer above the door, which was still stuck on twenty minutes and would've remained like that if he hadn't tipped Frittleman off. 

"Oh! Thanks for reminding me!"

"Yeah..."

"Thanks for reminding him."

"Good job!"

"Oh, you doofus..." (y/n) sighed as the others scolded him, cupping his cheeks with a sad smile as he looked guilty. Frittleman pressed a white, glowing button on his remote and away the timer went, ticking down second by second. It wasn't his fault; it was his brain. He didn't think sometimes, and when he grovelled for her forgiveness, the woman couldn't help but feel no anger. Maybe it was just her...but he was adorable. 

"Okay, okay...this is bad, but not terrible," she told the kids, who narrowed their eyes at the clumsy hero, but they listened to her--silently agreeing that the added pressure was great motivation. 

"We still have twenty-ish minutes to go. Let's find the other clues before they hose us off the walls..."

~

Ten minutes later, the gang were doing well, much to Mr Frittleman's disgust and annoyance. He was helpless to distract or dissuade them, trying everything to point them in the wrong direction, but with Mika and Miss Danger doing the donkey work, his game was nearly over. 

They still had plenty of time, finding fun in the challenge as they moved on to the final clue, which involved four ducks. Four, very alive, very unruly ducks. The minute the birds fell out of the cupboard, (y/n) noticed that they had numbers taped to their white, feathery backs, instantly assuming they had to get them in a line, so that's what they did. 

She never thought she'd become a duck herder, but here they were. And it was more complicated than it looked. 

"Come on, little quackers. Keep waddling..." the heroine cooed as they ushered them into the middle of the room. It was challenging to get them to stay together, with one always wandering off to explore before they formed a line, and Frittleman wasn't helping. 

"No, no! Fly! Fly away! Like this!" He exclaimed, trying to get the ducks to misbehave, but with five people surrounding them, the birds were surprisingly compliant after a few soothing words. 

"Here we go..."

"Quack! Quack! Fly like Daddy! Like--no! No!" The villain groaned in defeat as the feathered creatures ignored him and settled down, sitting in a perfect string of yellow beaks and webbed feet. The sequence was revealed, lining up perfectly on their backs, much to his annoyance and the group's delight. 

"Okay, we got all our ducks in a row."

"No! Fly away, pretty ducks!" Jack yelled at them, but they didn't budge. Perhaps they were tired, or maybe, they were ducks - not the brightest creatures in existence, so they didn't pay attention, which Ray found hilarious. 

"Pfffft! Ducks can't fly! This guy's an idiot..." He scoffed, smirking at his sweet girl as she bemusedly shook her head, giggling at how certain he sounded. Frittleman rolled his eyes, refusing to be called stupid by someone as thick as him, who thought ducks had as much ability as a penguin. 

"Yes, he is, doofus..." she replied in an adoring voice, leaning up to kiss his cheek. Admittedly, Ray wasn't the brightest guy she'd ever met, but he had one thing Frittleman didn't; he was lovely, charming and sweet, whilst that bastard was no more than a creep. 

"It said seventeen-oh-one! That could be the code that opens the door!" Mika exclaimed, cutting through the couple's tender moment because they still needed to escape. Captain Man could do the kissy-kissy stuff later - when they hadn't been turned into jelly. 

Grinning at his sister's intuition, Miles scrambled to the door, facing the illuminated panel with several glowing buttons. He punched in the numbers - one, seven, zero, one - and like magic, the door slowly rolled up. Success. 

"We did it!" Ray announced with a pleased smirk, looking at Henry, who wasn't as happy. Of course, he was relieved they could finally go home, having beaten Mr Frittleman at his own game, but what had he and Ray done? Herd some ducks - that was about it. 

"Yes, but in a more accurate way, Mika and Miss Danger did it," Miles corrected him as he waited for the door to open fully. 

"We did it!" Ray growled, his tone adamant as he glared at the young boy. It was a team effort, right? The girls rolled their eyes together but said nothing, not wanting to start an argument when they had a clear exit--and Ray knew the truth deep down. However, when the door finally clanked open, there was a problem. A huge problem that made their smiles disappear. 

To their shock, there wasn't a room beyond the doorway, no reception or front entrance. Some miscreant had built a brick wall whilst the door had been bolted, leaving them trapped again. It was solid and sturdy, with hardened concrete, so there was no way to break through or go around, making the gang feel cheated. 

"Hey, man! What up with the brick wall?" Henry angrily asked Frittleman after tapping his hand against the stonework to ensure it wasn't a cruel mind trick. 

"Wow, well, I didn't expect you to solve all the clues, but just in case you did...I planned ahead and had my weapons guy, Dimitri, build a second wall out of bricks!" Jack cackled evilly, causing (y/n) to growl and storm towards his stupid boom box, wanting to give him a piece of her mind. 

"That's not fair!" She hissed, smashing her fist against the glass, but it was too strong and thick to break through. It could withstand a mighty explosion, so her strength was useless, much to the bastard's satisfaction.

"Well, neither is your little boyfriend blowing up my Frittle Factory!" 

"It was actually two factories, and everyone knows Captain Man proposed to Miss Danger on a yacht in the Mediterranean!" Miles corrected him in a smug voice, making Ray smirk at the guy in the box. It wasn't the truth, but he still loved hearing that others knew she was his and he was hers, even if people thought they had time to live la dolce vita in the Med. 

"Not helping...and I've never been on a yacht in my life," (y/n) told the boy quietly, seeing how it infuriated the villain, and she didn't want him to remember how they ruined his life twice. Not that it helped...

"Sorry, boys, lady...and the two innocent children caught in my evil plan. Time to say goodbye!" Frittleman announced as he grinned crazily and signed his soul to evil. There was still time to salvage his dignity and reputation, but his revenge came above everything, so, to their horror, he returned to his big, red button. 

"No, no, no, no, no, no!" Ray and (y/n) bellowed, unable to believe he'd push it with the kids in the room. Mika and Miles thought he was bluffing until the couple screamed and ran to the younglings in the room. 

The woman wrapped herself around Henry, praying her super-regeneration would be enough to save him from the blast, whilst Ray gathered the brother and sister in his arms, knowing his indestructibility would save them, no matter what. He wished he could've sacrificed himself to save everyone - his sweet girl.

"Nooooooooooo...what?" However, death never came. The couple held the children until the end, bracing themselves for heat, a shockwave, debris--anything, but the boomsday device didn't explode, much to everyone's confusion. 

Instead, a second timer emerged from behind the control panel, highlighting that whoever made it gave them five minutes to live before their impending doom. How generous. 

"Gosh darn it to heck! I told Dimitri I didn't want a timer!" Frittleman exclaimed frustratedly, having readied himself for destroying his enemies and whatever goodness remained in his heart. He snatched the phone out of his pocket and pressed it to his ear, ready to give his minion a stern word for ruining his big moment. 

"Hello, Dimitri? Yeah, I'm calling about the boomsday device...I'm sorry. How are you, Dimitri? How's Michigan?" Apparently, he'd hired a very touchy guy, making his enemies glance at each other awkwardly as the businessman was forced to exchange pleasantries whilst they waited to go boom. 

"Yeah, I'm calling about the--No, I don't want to talk to the dog. I'm in the middle of a revenge plot!... Hi, Nibbles. Yeah, I miss you too..." he said through gritted teeth, visibly annoyed that his weapons guy wouldn't listen to what he was saying. But the longer he took, the better the heroes would be, meaning they could work something out. 

"I vote we don't wait for him and Nibbles to finish their Mensa meeting. There has to be another way out!" (y/n) exclaimed to her huddled friends, who nodded confidently as the boomsday device timer ticked down. They'd lost nearly a minute already - those seconds were precious - so without another thought, they split up. 

The team practically tore the room apart, pushing antiquities and doohickeys out of their way to check for a secret door, vent, air duct, mouse hole--anything that could help them escape. (y/n) and Mika even tried to hot wire the door mechanism, fiddling with the wiring whilst Ray reverted to type - brute force and kicking down the brick wall. And everyone knew how well that worked. 

"So, when the timer reaches zero, it'll blow up?" Frittleman asked his henchman once he'd finally returned to the phone. Meanwhile, Henry examined some knickknacks, discarding them when he realised they were useless. 

The only person relaxed and calm was Miles, who'd found a deliciously comfortable armchair in the corner, which he deemed the perfect place to sit and solve his Rubik's Cube. He wasn't phased at all, much to their confusion.

"Okay, well, have a great time in Michigan, Dimitri. I love you too, boo. Okay! Good news, bad news. The good news is Nibbles is loving his vacation. The bad news is they won't be back from Michigan until Tuesday. Unfortunately, you won't be around to meet them."

"Wrong, Frittleman! I'm indestructible, and my incredibly hot fiancée has super-regeneration. And we can't wait to meet Nibbles!" Ray snapped in reply, glaring at the man as he cowered in his box. (y/n) squeezed his hand, glad to stand by his side, but their superpowers wouldn't be much of a blessing if they ended up with survivor's guilt. And she didn't want to see some asshole's crusty dog, either. 

"What about us?!" Henry asked indignantly, feeling quite vulnerable and squishy at the thought of being blown to bits, something his boss had seemed to forget was possible. 

"Well, I'm sure you can meet Nibbles, too. He sounds like a good doggie--"

"Captain Man, don't be a doofus all your life! He's talking about how they're not indestructible, and they sure as hell don't have my superpower, either. Okay? These kids are really freaking out!" (y/n) hissed, trying not to worsen the situation by making things look hopeless, but poor Mika looked so worried. And their past mistakes were going to get her and her brother killed.

"I'm good!" Miles argued, though, calling out cheerfully from the shiny, silver armchair as he fiddled with the cubed puzzle at his fingertips. 

"Yeah, why aren't you freaking out?" Henry asked, watching as the boy relaxed into the plump cushion, more bothered by a particularly stubborn red tile than anything Jack Frittleman was doing. 

"Because I'm on the path to greatness."

"What?"

"Yeah, what?" Ray and Henry frowned whilst (y/n) looked at Mika for answers, wondering if he was always like that. He sounded like a mystic nutjob, but just looking at him, you wouldn't think he was into that stuff, making the boys feel like he'd been hit on the head. 

"He read it in a cookie."

"A fortune cookie!" Miles argued with his sister, hearing the tiredness in her voice. It was always like this with her; she just didn't understand. "It said you are destined for greatness. So, that's my destiny."

"So? I once read a fortune cookie that said your hair will fall out, and your love life is about to change! I mean..." Ray asserted, writing the fortunes off as mumbo-jumbo because he had thick, luscious locks and was determined to stick with his sweet girl for the rest of his life. No two-bit cookie and a shitty strip of paper would tell him otherwise. Miles, on the other hand...

"And that's your destiny!"

"You wanna step outside, buddy?" He growled at the boy's words, rushing to pin him against the wall for saying such blasphemous words. No one got to judge his perfect hair or girl; both would stay with him for the rest of eternity, and some boy wouldn't change that. His precious fiancée - what would he do without her?

"Hey, hey, hey, doofus! He's just a kid--it doesn't mean anything! A cookie isn't going to take your hair. And I'm certainly not going anywhere, okay?" (y/n) exclaimed, dashing in to push him back before he laid hands on the kid. With her in his arms, Ray couldn't do anything, too focused on how she held his cheeks and pulled him in for a kiss - her promise that she wanted forever with him too. 

"I refuse to let a cheap, shitty cookie dictate my love life, doof..."

"I know I'm on the path to greatness. Just like I know that if I fall, someone will catch me," Miles said, refusing to agree with Miss Danger. Whilst she relied on science and logic to guide her, he believed in all that astral shit, spirit guides and the stars - all the stuff that decided his horoscope. 

"What? What?--You're falling right now!" Henry frowned, wondering what he meant by that when the boy's body started to drift. It was like he was about to faint, but he wasn't ill, simply ready to hit the floor as his centre of gravity shifted, tipping him off his feet. It would've been a painful landing without Kid Danger, who grasped his shoulders and steadied him before he properly fell over. 

"See? I don't worry about anything. Ever," Miles smiled coyly as Henry realised how he'd tricked him. 

Of course, he couldn't just let the kid fall, but that's precisely what he wanted him to do - to catch him. Well, he'd see about that. Unimpressed, the sidekick tossed the boy to the floor, refusing to hold his body any longer, meaning Miles hit the rug with a bump. Not something he expected on his so-called path. 

"Uh...still on my path..."

"So, what are we gonna do about this boomsday device?" Ray asked, tired of the fooling around as Mika giggled and her bother got to his feet. Need he remind them that the timer was still active and getting closer to zero? Maybe the boy wasn't worried, but he was - he fancied making it home that night. 

"Nothing! Ha-ha..." Mr Frittleman laughed maniacally, taunting Ray, making his and Henry's jaws clench because, currently, that was what it looked like. They had no ideas, weapons, or way out, and a kid who was intent on lying back and waiting for the universe to sort it out. 

"Someone will figure something out... Probably Mika and Miss Danger..." Miles shrugged, returning to his comfy chair as he watched the girls fiddle with the boomsday device. The heroine had the technical knowledge, and the younger girl had her youthful innovation, so they made a good team. 

"Guys! I think we just figured something out!" 

"My goodness, what a surprise!" The boy gasped as he solved the cube, and Mika grinned, bouncing on the spot next to Miss Danger at what they'd found. It wasn't much, but she thought it would work, not that they could let Frittleman know. He had eyes and ears on everything they did. 

"Everyone, come over here. Huddle up," (y/n) ordered, gesturing for the group to gather around the explosive device, much to Jack's suspicion. 

"No huddling up! And no whispering!" The villain shouted at them, not that he could order them about. The heroes and kids whispered away anyway, forming their plan so quietly he couldn't hear them, and he didn't want to leave his box's safety to find out what they were up to. 

"Oh, if you guys start agreeing with each other..."

"Okay, yeah, yeah!"

"No! Stop! Stop right now!" Frittleman whined when they nodded together, clearly forming some plan, and he wasn't any wiser about what it was. Still, it surely wouldn't work, not when they had less than a minute on the clock, but he underestimated who he'd trapped. 

Using everything she'd ever studied and all her years of experience, (y/n) poured over the machine, inspecting every nook and cranny of the boomsday device so she'd know what they were dealing with. It was pretty simple - as simple as weapons of mass destruction get - but if they wanted to stop the timer, she'd have to work quickly. 

As the numbers fell to fifty seconds, the heroine spotted a solution hidden behind a metal panel, but when she tried to get close to it, a magnetic field zapped her poor pinky. 

"We need something to cut this gold wire!" Mika exclaimed, seeing the problem when Miss Danger tried to touch the cable. She'd be all right - Miss Danger always was - but that wasn't true for everyone. 

"Just pull it out..." Henry shrugged, reaching to grab the wire and end the explosive thing once and for all--until a hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him back to safety. 

"No! It's electrified. You'll be fried--" (y/n) warned him, not wanting him to get electrocuted, but she forgot the invincible doofus beside her. Ray scoffed at the idea of electricity beating him, believing himself stronger than anything nature could create, especially with his indestructibility. Anything to impress his sweet girl, even though she preferred if he kept himself safe. 

"Nothin' the old Man Mouth can't fix. Step aside, darlin'--fire in mah hole!" The hero exclaimed, pushing his darling fiancée behind him so she was away from any danger.

Before (y/n) could scold him for being so reckless or for using his annoying habit of calling everything "Man", Ray bent over the boomsday device, biting down on the wire with his pearly whites. His fingers would've worked just as well, but there was no fun in that, even as it zapped and sparked through his face, making it tingle. 

But Ray's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Despite the minor, fleeting pain, he managed to terminate the box's signal, ending the timer as the screen flickered and flashed red. 

"I'm okay!" He exclaimed through gritted teeth, clutching the wire between his jaw as (y/n) cupped his face. She pouted at how stupid a move it was, hating how the lightning tickled his cheeks, but he didn't let her scowl for long, spitting out the small piece of metal to share a sweet, brief, victorious kiss. 

"Oh my geez, it worked!"

"Oh, yes!" The kids grinned brightly as the device powered down, much to Jack Frittleman's disappointment. 

"Nooooo! How did this happen?!" He whined in disbelief, wondering how such lowly, unintelligent peasants managed to outsmart him. The villain was so disgusted that he unlocked the boom-proof box, pushing the door open to inspect their ingenuity. He wasn't thinking, sneaking over to bend over the console, but that was just part of their plan. 

"Wait a minute..." Jack mumbled, frowning as he turned his back on the group and took a closer look at the wiring because now that he had inspected it, there wasn't much damage. If anything, the wire they'd pulled was obsolete, essential to the timer's screen, but not the actual boomsday device.

"You didn't disarm it. You just cut the wire into the timer display," he said, grabbing the wire ends Ray bit through and holding them together. The electricity jumped the gap, meaning the timer flickered to life again, showing they only had twenty seconds until the detonation. 

"Ha! You idiots did nothing! This device is still live!"

"Yeah, we know..." Henry replied smugly, feeling quite cosy, if a little squished, as he, Ray, (y/n), Mika, Miles, and four ducks packed into the boom-proof box like sardines in a tin. Frittleman slowly looked over his shoulder, terrified of where the sidekick's voice was coming from, and he felt his heart sink like a stone when he saw them in the only safe spot in the room. 

"But now we're in the boom-proof box!"

"And you're out there with the boomsday device!"

"Who's the idiot now?" (y/n) smirked with the brother-sister duo, feeling quite smug as she pressed back into her doofus. Having his hard, muscular body behind her was more delicious than she cared to admit, practically purring when he growled contently in her ear, even if they had to put up with the smell of duck. 

"We'll see you again, Frittleman--when ducks fly!" Ray exclaimed, cradling one of the white birds in his arms as they all laughed at the villain, the timer quickly plummeting to zero. He'd prefer to hold his sweet girl, the feathers tickling his nose, but he had her small form against his, her hips pushing back into his, so he'd managed. Maybe. 

"Oh, Frittles!" The villain spat, feeling like every other bad guy who crossed Captain Man and his sidekicks - useless, stupid, and a failure. As the timer reached zero, he rued the day he swore revenge, but his hate only worsened; too deep now to go back to the chirpy, cheerful, legitimate businessman he used to be. 

Frittleman was powerless as the boomsday device exploded, blowing out the windows, doors, and some walls in an intense inferno. He'd be put together again once they scraped him off the floor like Humpty Dumpty, but inside the glass cage, the couple held the kids safely. 

The fire raged around them, dust settling from the ceiling as the rubble settled, but they were okay, shaking from adrenaline. They'd live to see another day, unlike Frittleman, who'd secured himself an extended stay in Swellview Prison for such a heinous crime. 

Something told (y/n) that Frittle Chips were about to plummet in the stock market. 

~The Man Cave~

After such a long afternoon, the bright, buzzing main room of the Man Cave had never seemed so inviting. 

Mika and Miles were safely returned home once they made it out of the building, retelling the tale to their Aunt Didi with boundless energy. The sceptical cop frowned upon hearing the news, warning Captain Man not to bend the law too much, not with her niece and nephew--something about too much paperwork. 

Ray didn't push it, telling the kids to eat their greens, stay in school, and forget what had happened. It would be better for everyone if they returned to everyday lives, as one brush with death was more than enough for one lifetime. Mika didn't seem convinced, excited after helping save the day, but what could she do?

She and Miles were just two ordinary children, not superheroes, something (y/n) firmly reminded them of. 

"Hey, good news. The hospital just texted me," Henry mentioned as the trio landed back in the main room. He got the feeling the lovey-dovey couple wasn't listening, too distracted by the duck Ray cradled, but he continued anyway. He wouldn't let a bird beat him. 

"They were able to reattach Jack Frittleman's face."

"Yeah, good thinking on your part to put that face on ice, sweet girl," Ray said, rocking the duck so it wasn't spooked. He watched as his fiancée cooed over the critter, tenderly stroking its curved head and soft, snowy back as a wave of broodiness came over her. Her doofus was so good at caring for it; the creature perfectly safe in his arms - who wouldn't imagine another scenario?

"Uh, doofus, that was actually Miles and Mika's idea. I was prepared to let Frittleman turn into pâté," the woman replied with a soft smile, not for Frittleman. She firmly hated his rotten guts now, but the kids' bravery made her strangely proud, knowing they might not have made it if it wasn't for their clever ideas. And the duck was cute. Really cute. 

"Who?" However, Ray wasn't so sentimental. He stared at her blankly, wondering what she was talking about as she stood there, looking all pretty and sweet whilst tittering over the animal against his chest. 

"Seriously, doof? The kids who helped us escape from Frittleman's trap?"

"Frittle, who?" He frowned, thinking hard as he tried to remember, but between leaving the so-called escape room and kissing her without any children watching, it was difficult. 

"Are you serious? Are you serious right now?" Henry gasped, eyes fluttering in shock at how moronic his boss was, but it was the end of the day. He honestly didn't have the energy or patience for any more shit.

"You know what? Whatever. Your brain's broken, but I gotta wazz."

"Yeah, me too," Ray agreed, having spent all day without bathroom breaks. What was a guy to do? He moved to follow the kid, wanting to make it to the bathroom first, but surely, it was first dibs. 

"I'm gonna go first. (y/n), tell him!"

"Well, I'm in charge here! Don't tug me! I'm holding a duck! (y/n), tell him!"

"Are you guys seriously fighting over a toilet?" The heroine sighed tiredly, raking a sluggish hand over her tired eyes as she trudged after them. She'd had enough of looking after children for one day, but it seemed they couldn't behave. 

"He started it!" The boys whined, pointing at each other to shift the blame. 

Ray tucked his feathered friend under one arm and swiped at Henry, who dodged and shoved him back, creating a mini skirmish between the hero and sidekick. They had to know who'd go first, even though it would be easier if they just took turns. Seriously, it would be over by now if they were patient. 

"I don't care who started it, I'll finish it!" (y/n) growled, whacking their arms as she strutted off to take a bath--anything to soothe her poor, aching body. The boys watched as she retreated, murmuring that it was the other's fault for upsetting her, even as the woman glared over her shoulder. 

"Honestly, if you two can't behave, I'll call Miles and Mika again and get them to help me. Who knows? After today, I'd say they'd make two perfect sidekicks..." 

[sneezelover76]

I have recently learned that noses share the same erectile tissue as penises and clitorises, and at first I was pretty doubtful about it until I noticed that whenever I would get aroused, my nose would get warm and feel dry.

This also made me think of a scenario. Character A has a cold, B has the kink. B hasn't told A about the kink yet and is just taking care of A while silently obsessing at how cute their partner is right now.

----

"Thanks for the tissues."

B, sitting on the disheveled blankets, handed A their life saving tissues. A's face was flushed, and their nose was running.

"Try not to touch my hands, ok?" Since A had used up all the tissues that were in the room, B had to look to find more, but it took a while, so A had to resort to using their hands to wipe the mess that was leaking from their nose. Snot covered A's hands, and large wet spots covered A's sleeves.

B wished they were those hands.

"Not a problem. That's the last box, so I'll have to go to the store to get more. Need anything else while I'm gone?"

A blowed, and B could hear every bit of mucous that was stuck in A's nose, it squelched, and squished as A moved their nose around in the tissue. A's sneezes have always been wet and big, but B noticed that they were messier when A got sick, which was excellent for B. B loved A, and this was just another reason why A was so perfect.

"Ugh... nothing that I c-can-can t-thi-Heh-HAAASCHOO! HUUUSCHOO! ehhHHHH-EHHHSHIEWW!" A sneezed so unexpectedly, that there was no time to cover, and spray got all over B's arm and half of their face.

B gasped, frozen in surprise.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, B. Those just came out of nowhere!" apologized A, now with a stuffed up voice. "At least when you get sick, which you will, I'll be able to take care of you, you know, to return the favor."

B was concentrating on not kissing A right at this moment, and didn't even hear the apology. They had always daydreamed about getting sneezed on and imagined what it would feel like. It felt amazing, feeling those contagious droplets hit their skin. B tightened their thighs, and tried to even their breathing.

B caught a glimpse of A's nose before they covered it with their tissue. The rims of A's beautiful nose was shiny, wet with snot and mucous. The nostrils flared slightly with every sniff that A made. Even with a new box of tissues, A, out of habit, wiped their nose with their right hand and grabbed a tissue with the other. Gently covering their nose with care, A blew their nose, making the tissue soaked in seconds. Contagious, cold-filled snot filled up the tissue and it wasn't long before A had to grab another dry one. B almost started drooling at the sight, and stared as A blew their nose once again.

"You good?"

"........H-Huh?"

"Are you good? You were staring at me for a while there."

"Wha?.....I.....Oh! Oh, sorry about that." B blinked, breaking their aroused trance.

"Well, I'm gonna wash my hands, they're like, really gross right now."

After washing their hands, A slowly walked back into their bedroom to find B putting all their used tissues, that were crumbled and spread on the bed, into a wastebasket and saw that the bed was neatly made.

"You're back soon. While you were gone, I just cleaned up a little."

"Thanks. How long did you think I was gonna be gone. All I had to do was wash my hands?" A shared a little smile and lightly booped B's nose. B laughed and waved A's hand away from their face.

"I thought it would take at least an hour with how slow you're walking." A's expression turned serious, and B stopped laughing as the mood suddenly changed.

"What's wrong?"

"Your nose felt kind of warm."

"My nose?"

"Yeah, it's usually cool to the touch. I hope you're not getting sick already because of me." A felt around B's cheeks and forehead to feel a temperature. "You don't seem to be hot..."

B was touched. A having concern for them, even though they were the one that was sick.

"I'm fine."

"But your nose feels warm." A began to lightly touch B's nose curiously, and B started to chuckle looking at how A was taking their nose so seriously like this.

"C'mon, I'm fine. When I catch your cold, I'll let you know, ok? Now get into bed so that I can go to the store to get more tissues."

----

I guess later in this relationship when B is brave enough to tell A about their kink or maybe even before that, A could figure out that B's nose gets warm when they are aroused.

[avastyetwats]

"Hm, I seem to remember having a knife pressed to your cheek, right here.." He raises on hand from the water to gently poke at his cheek. "And I made demands, if you'll remember. Demands that you had no choice but to accept. We had the upper hand, after all. My men, and the haunted forest, had you completely surrounded." Which was very much a lie, but not the part where they had the upper hand. But that brought up a question. "Actually, I've been wanting to ask you this for sometime, Izzy." He slid his hand back down his arm and returned both arms around him. "Why did you cut open my shirt the way you did? I can't remember seeing you do that to anyone." He hums in thought. "It was because you found me charming and attractive, wasn't it?" Why else would he slice open his shirt for a full view of his chest? Nothing else would make sense!

But the mood became a little less playful and a tad more serious when Stede began to talk about his past and how he'd never been truly loved. Not by his father, nor his friends. Friends which he really didn't even had. Not by his wife and there were times - used to be times - where he wondered if his children loved him. He swallowed hard at the thought, starting to become emotional, starting to spiral at the painful memories of his childhood, but then he felt Izzy move, followed by his voice that never failed to pull him from the darkness and stop him from spiraling. Though, he did feel bad that Izzy had to move from the position he'd been comfortable in, all because Stede needed comforting. He scolded himself for it, but met Izzy's eyes with his own - the look in them apologetic.

His hands rested on Izzy's hips, his thumbs caressing his wet skin underneath the water. Warmth spread through his body, and not because of the water, but because of his husband's words. They brought more tears to his eyes, but for the right reasons this time, accompanied with a soft, appreciative smile. His heart fluttered - it soared high above the clouds within the night sky - and he nipped at his finger after it booped his nose. "And you call me romantic and poetic." He giggled, quickly stealing a kiss... and then another. He'd never tire of hearing Izzy tell him he loved him, nor saying it in return. "You've already more than made up for those days." He told him. And he meant it. "You, too, have always been worthy, Israel. And I swear to love you every single day. In life and in death." He kisses him again with a soft moan, running his hands up his chest and stopping over those beautiful tits of his, his hand placed over his heart. "You better not. But if you do," he grinned. "I'll annoy you into taking me back." He giggled, kissing him once again. "I love you more than the ocean loves the moon, Israel Hands-Bonnet."

Stede could be a handful, but it was moments like this that made it all worth it. He pampered Izzy, loved him so much it was almost frightening. He gave him love every way he could, and Izzy had never felt more whole in his life.

He sighed happily and did as instructed, shutting his eyes. He wasn’t expecting the water, he had to spit some out from his mouth, but as soon as those hands went into his hair, his chest rumbled with a loud purring moan. “ You’re spoiling me.. “ He mumbled dazily with a blissful sigh. He knew what those hands in his hair did to him. Izzy just became goo, completely relaxing into the waters of the tub, and against his husband.

He laughed softly though at his comment. “ Better make it lunch at this rate.. “ Because after this relaxing bath, he was going to pat him back for this kindness with making love to him. He opened his eyes about halfway, turning his head so he could nuzzle into his neck. “ How the fook did I ever get so lucky.. “

[marieisaghost]

BUTTER HANDS

Summary: You always insist on making him do things he's not cut out for. Yet, Shigaraki finds himself unable to refuse when you ask him to help you bake some cookies.

Genre: Fluff (?)

______________________

"Here, hold this for a second."

You tossed a butter bar towards Tomura, who caught it awkwardly before looking at you, bemused. You turned to take the missing ingredients from the fridge.

"Okay, let's see…" you glanced at them once over the table. "Yes, we have everything!"

Why was he indulging you in this? Shigaraki didn't have a clue. Perhaps it was an eagerness to repay all the favors you'd done him since the league ran out of headquarters.

"Butter cockies, you said?" Shigaraki inquired as if asking for confirmation while examining the bar in his hand like it was the first time he saw one.

You smiled fondly. Tomura was cute when he allowed himself to be just a young man. You nodded. "Alright, the first thing is mixing the butter and sugar in this bowl."

You passed it to him as you instructed the proper way to do it. Shigaraki peeled the butter from its wrapper and plopped it into the bowl. He then took the sugar. The butter on his fingertips made the jar slip from his grasp.

Shigaraki barely had time to process. You were suddenly there, standing two palms away, holding the dam sugar pot while staring right into his eyes, smiling.

"Careful there, butter hands," you teased. "That's my only sugar bowl."

If he leaned, his nose would surely boop yours. His breath hitched. Shigaraki tore himself away, overwhelmed by the swirling tickles in his tummy. That was too close.

"Yeah, I know," he said before turning back.

You quirked a brow. There was no cocky comeback this time. Weird. You shrugged. Perhaps Tomura wasn't in the best mood.

"How am I supposed to know when to stop?" Shigaraki asked after some time of mixing.

"Let me see," you slanted beside him to look at the mix. It was soft, but you could still see big chunks of granulated sugar. You grimaced.

"You have to mix until it's soft and smooth," you said as you grasped his hand over the whisk. "fast and steady, like this."

Shigaraki tensed. You were so stupidly soft. Always there for him, never asking anything in return. Damn, these ridiculous unwanted feelings were about to give him tachycardia.

When did things with You get so out of hand? Shigaraki sighed. It didn't matter now. Tomura had cleared his mind and accepted he felt so strongly for you a while ago. The issue now was that Shigaraki didn't have a fucking clue how to proceed.

So, for now, Shigaraki resolved he'd enjoy your diligent attention to him and the league (for whom these cookies were supposed to be).

[twistedtavern]

How would the twisted! boys react to their small human friend giving them a kiss on the cheek?

ohsdjfnek omg fluff moment

Twisted!Crowley: Happiest bird papa, he is loved by his baby ^w^ Be ready for lots of snuggles and affection, very little could sour his mood for the rest of the day after that

Twisted!Grim: Oh lord his ego. His (adopted) henchman likes him best! He is parading around with Yuu on his back all day being proud of himself.

Twisted!Riddle: At first he's surprised, then he goes full bloom mode. Yuu thought they made him mad, but he is desperately trying to keep his composure and not just devolve into verbal keysmash from being flustered. May very lightly scold Yuu for making him embarrassed, but it's definitely not a serious reprimand. Yuu could tell from how vibrant his petals were for a while that he was actually very happy.

Twisted!Ace: Ah, yes, a kiss between homies. Will tease Yuu a little bit before giving them a little kiss on the head like a kitten in return

Twisted!Deuce: He will cry. Yknow those edits where someone is crying and there's hearts with motion blur on them all over the screen? That's him rn. SHAMBLES. No chance at recovery. Kiss attack at Night Raven College, 1 dead.

Twisted!Trey: Just goes "aww <3" before also giving kisses, a little bit embarrassed by it, but is still a happy boi

Twisted!Cater: Will definitely ask Yuu to do it again for a selfie, but is very happy about it. Definitely becoming his screen saver #LoveIsStoredInTheYuu❤️❤️❤️

Twisted!Leona: Yuu has awakened him, and now he shall make them pay for it by being his plushie. It's just to hide the way he smiled, but he certainly couldn't hide his big rumbly purr.

Twisted!Ruggie: Shishishishi!! He'd definitely tease Yuu for being soft or just trying to bribe him for snacks, but that smile is genuine. Maybe try the other cheek if they're trying to ask him for something? >;3c

Twisted!Jack: Hurricane Jack's Tail is entering your vicinity, take shelter immediately. All he can do against the kisses is hide behind his hands and grumble about how it wasn't fair of Yuu to do that. Poor doggo, too much cute for him.

Twisted!Azul: One-way trip to the octopus pot for this poor boy, he is returning never. Yuu will be signing a non-disclosure agreement about this very soon. Also, please don't use this to get out of shifts, he wouldn't be able to say no.

Twisted!Jade: You feel no fear and I am deeply afraid of you. He is surprised at first, but his smile is much less dark and menacing afterwards. More teasing, but will also try to coax Yuu into giving him more kisses.

Twisted!Floyd: You fool. Yuu is getting kissed all over now, there is no escaping it. Floyd is now aware that kisses are on the table, and will often chase Yuu down to not only squeeze them, but completely smother them in kisses from here on out.

Twisted!Jamil: You get exactly one (1) shy noise out of him before he hides in his hood. Will definitely ask Yuu what it was for, but he isn't complaining. He's too shy to ask for more kisses, even though he really wants them. Give him a kiss when he does something well or as a thank you for a good hypno-sleep ^w^ he deserves it

Twisted!Kalim: Once again, you fool. The boy essentially becomes a flashbang and there's rainbows and sparkles everywhere good lord Yuu will go BLIND. He is literally so bright help

Twisted!Vil: Oop there's a dent in his face- but still he's quite happy. Yuu gets headpats from potato dad, maybe a boop as well? 😳

Twisted!Rook: Do you have no sense of self preservation sir/ma'am/m'theydy?? HELLO? You have seconds to start running, please commence immediately. But Yuu does receive kisses of their own once they're caught.

Twisted!Epel: how could you. There's flowers blooming everywhere on him and his leaves are super green and oh lord there's bees all over the place, this is far from a sturdy, manly look. What in tarnation, sugar pea. This is not darn tootin. Yeehaw.

Twisted!Idia: Samurai.EXE has stopped working. Complete verbal keysmash, head in hands, it's a complete critical hit. He will never ever live it down. You have broken the poor boy, and he will stay in his room until this error code is sorted out.

Twisted!Ortho: Definitely surprised, but oh my god he's so happy look at him. Just pure, absolute sunshine from this little machine. This memory is going into his most secure file, it's precious to him.

Twisted!Malleus: ahem, BE NOT AFRAI- Im not making that joke again lmao. He applauds your bravery, little one ^w^ Malleus was definitely stunned for a while. He's so happy to have Yuu around, and he wishes he could give his own kisses. He only has his one eye, sadly. No mouth.

Twisted!Lilia: Awww, little baby bat is such a sweetheart! Many nuzzles and some fawning is in order, and maybe a story as well? Ole peepaw bat hasn't felt this much love in his heart since Silver was little.

Twisted!Silver: A kiss of true baby has woken him up. He'll ask Yuu if they wanted anything from him, and if they say they just wanted to say hi he'll give them the softest older brother smile they've ever seen. Will definitely be open to snuggling.

Twisted!Sebek: AH! AFFECTION FROM THE TINY CREATURE! HOW UNBEFITTING OF A GUARD! In all seriousness, he looks downright scandalized, but he looks downright scandalized about everything. Croco boi is just loud and embarrassed.