#I’m surprised I didn’t mention Cassie at all in this!

[oil-rigging]

I’m gonna talk some more because I really want to talk Psychonauts instead of doing meaningful work.

Why is it always when I’m not crunched for time that I can’t think of ideas? I find myself setting arbitrary time constraints for myself and instead of being productive with them I’m just panicking over whether or not I can complete a relatively simple task WELL in a time limit I set for myself.

And now, while you’re piecing together how the hell task-based anxiety relates to Psychonauts, I throw Compton Boole at you like a bowling ball.

STRIKE! Or, Spare? I don’t bowl often.

We all have a little Compton Boole in our heads, I think. Someone who lightly taps your cheek whenever you’re having a rest and reminds you that there are better things you could be doing with your time. Some people can just manage their little Compton better than others.

No shame in it, it’s not like you can control crippling anxiety. That’s your chemical imbalance and therefore your business. I was just putting myself on the spot because it’s more ✨ethically responsible✨.

Given that anxiety is primarily a fear disorder, it’s unsurprising that most studies on it are run on animal models —which is elaborated on in a 2009 research paper on neuro-circuitry of fear and stress disorders by Drs. Shin and Liberzon. Obviously, much more has been discovered since, seeing as sixteen years is a long time for developments. Regardless, this is about the rats.

The main difference between rodents (and most animals) and humans is that humans have a tendency to have fear responses to things that aren’t clear, unconditioned stimuli— as well as phenomena such as anticipatory anxiety, which is evidence (one piece of many) that animal models aren’t all that accurate in human study.

In other words: humans react anxiously to stimuli that (and I am not attempting to reduce the impact of anxiety, because it is very real) does not exist.

Here I raise you the Compton Boole-shaped bowling ball that I just threw at you.

Any of this sound familiar?

Compton is anxious, and we see that from the get-go. The way he speaks has a quavering quality to it, his voice seems to crack every other sentence. We learn what he’s anxious about, and it’s quite literally all in his head, and self-imposed on top of it.

Ram It Down is a prime example of setting oneself up to be anxious, even unwittingly. Compton has put himself in an environment that is:

1.) “Broadcasted, Timed, and Judged”, as it’s on TV. This is an environment in which judgment is not only expected, but encouraged. Tell me you haven’t watched a competitive cooking show and not judged a contestant for one thing or another. It’s not even a conscious effort, half the time. We even go so far as to face off against the entity: judgment. Not to mention the Actual Cooking Show Judges that are present and consistently heckling us. It’s clear that Compton fears judgment— he says it himself!

Also— the time limits. Nothing bad happens when you don’t complete the dish within the time limit. You can take your time, it’s fine. Again, with the arbitrary time limits he sets for himself when the task isn’t actually requiring a time crunch.

2.) The goats. In some contexts, goats mean creativity, and drawing back to Hinduism— the transformative powers of fire. Both of which seem to fit with Compton’s love of cooking.

However, there’s also the negative meanings. The obvious— relating to or of the Devil… though we don’t particularly see any religious references in the game or in Compton specifically. Another negative meaning that I feel has more prevalence is the concept of the scapegoat, in which a goat is burdened with sins and outcasted… perhaps, to a psycho-isolation chamber.

But a more likely and probable cause for the goats is that goats are rumored to eat anything, even things that are realistically inedible. While this isn’t necessarily true— I have experience with goats that prove that they’re rather picky— it’s still a way for Compton to put himself down, or perhaps give himself some hope. ��They’ll eat anything’ in a positive connotation vs. ‘They’ll eat anything’ bemoaning his situation.

3.) It’s taking a lot of the joy out of something he finds comfort in; cooking! Cooking is —from what I researched, at least. Correct me if I’m wrong— the less precise of the culinary arts, focusing more on flavor than the chemical reactions necessary to make baking work. Cooking shows and baking shows, at least to me, seem like they bring a lot of joy to the art, where I get to see how people from different backgrounds and contexts get creative with their food.

But not everyone wants to be on television. Not everyone wants to cook outside of their home kitchen, with the tools and ingredients they’re familiar with. Not everyone wants to be put on the spot, have their methods and ideas harshly judged by people you don’t know, and to seem so small in comparison to some hot-shot public chef’s giant ego… in a literal sense, for Compton.

All in all, this guy set himself up for anxiety and stress without even thinking of it. He’s coming in expecting failure, and some meddling kid goes and proves to him that he’s significantly more competent than he thinks, and that his friends love him dearly (and all blame themselves for their group’s collective shortcoming. Except Otto. Because Otto’s well adjusted).

Which means that if you feel too anxious to function, sometimes all it takes is a little help from someone you hardly know, and trusting them to help you work through it :]!

I don’t know when this turned into life advice, because I’m not a qualified therapist. I’m just a college kid who likes to write about psychology and see all of the cool studies that people have run solely in the interest of helping their loved ones and people around them. I feel like Compton Boole is a love letter from the Psychonauts Devs that reads: ‘if he can do it, so can you.’ I feel like the whole game echoes that in almost every aspect.

That got surprisingly deep. I have no important exams this week, so I’m getting anxious over nothing until I have something substantial to worry about. But for now? We can let ourselves relax. I implore whoever is reading this, also, to go relax.

[hazelfoureyes]

A boiling frog (Alastor x Reader smut)

saw someone talk about “boiling frog syndrome”, when a situation becomes dire so slowly you don’t realize how dangerous it is until it’s too late, like a frog slipping into death as the cold water comes to a boil, never trying to leap out. Made me think of Louisiana frog legs and, of course, our self obsessed deer demon. my longwinded ass used restraint and went for a PWP (I hope…. No, theres still plot. I’m a slut for plot. Sorry?)

Your companionship was peppered onto Alastor so gently and slowly he didn’t realize he was too far gone until he was hopelessly dependent on your attention. He decides the only remedy is to drown you in his.

tags/warnings/promises: Alastor x fem reader, cunnilingus, biting, work attire, realistic descriptions of yet another job I once had, fingering, mentions of my favorite alcoholic beverage, southern shit, filing, that asshole in room 127

Minors DNI

When you first arrived at the hotel, Alastor was pleased to have some help. Charlie informed him of your experience on earth managing apartments and how you would be taking on the role of ‘Resident Relations Manager’. Any issues, complaints, or room adjustments would go to you first. Marvelous. As his underling, you often came to him with your own gripes and stories of the latest drama around the hotel. It became a sort of ritual to meet at the bar after work, talking about the day’s trivial matters over two fingers of rye and a cassis orange. One morning you joined him for coffee in the sunroom he added shortly after your arrival, silently enjoying the view. Then you returned the next day. At some point you started filling his mug and bringing it to the chair he always used. Neither of you spoke, which he found refreshing.

The group dinners were never his scene, the familiarity they bore was uncomfortable and dangerous to his plans. But he overheard your laughter as you and Angel teased each other about what could or couldn’t be defined as a kink. When he joined the table, he was pleasantly surprised at the in-depth conversations you sparked among the band of hopeless fools he’d come to enjoy.

So when he entered the sunroom one morning to see his cup, but not you, it ruffled his fur, so to speak. At dinner, he heard from Charlie you were eating in your office. The bar was full of residents and yet empty all the same when you never arrived.

Three days was all it took. Three days of not seeing you. When he walked past the bar at 9pm to see just Angel and Husk, he continued onward until in the safety of the darkened hall. Licking his teeth, he found himself getting angry. Annoyed that he was promised, by your actions, interesting conversation and like-minded company. His fists curled out of frustration, lights strobing as he stalked down the hall.

But that melted into something even more upsetting, he felt… worried. Not that his smile showed it, passing Vaggie with a nod of his head.

When did you manage to creep into his mind? Like an overlord taking territory, you had taken space in his thoughts with ruthless speed. Never one to be passive in competition, he realized he needed to take drastic measures to catch up to you. He knew of many ways to get *ahead, but he found an ambush always worked like a charm.

Alastor’s shadows gathered before he rose from the floor of your office.

You were standing near a filing cabinet, looking intently at something, “Hello there Alastor, to what-“ you turned the page, not looking at him, “do I owe the pleasure?” You hadn’t actually lifted your head from the file until you felt a hand in the small of your back. You flinched and took a step away, turning around to ask what he was doing when you noticed you weren’t in your office anymore.

The large hole in the wall that led into an endless swamp of a forest hinted at whose room this was.

Closing the file with one hand, you gestured around the room, “Is there a reason I’m here?”

He motioned for you to sit on the bed, and when you laughed he used the microphone to corral you to the edge. “You’ve been busy, as of late.”

“Swamped.” Usually your puns would get atleast a chuckle from your boss, but this time he passed right over it.

“I realized today we haven’t had one of our usual chats in quite a while. What’s been keeping you oh-so-occupied?” He pushed down on your shoulders until you came to rest on the bed.

Nervously, you scooted back a little from him, “Well, so many new residents has meant so many petty little issues. This guy on the 34th floor is angry that the man who killed him is on 37– Alastor?!” He had knelt down and lifted your ankle, slipping your shoe off.

“And?”

“What are you doing?”

“Isn't it obvious?" He picked up the other ankle, "Listening. Continue.”

You laughed breathlessly, “wha-,” but the way he looked up at you seemed to catch your tongue, “uhm, so- yeah so he doesn’t think his killer deserves redemption-,” the other shoe was taken off, neatly set besides its twin. You took a deep breath to try and calm down, “and even if he does, he shouldn’t be—,”Alastor’s hand slipped up your right thigh, fingers taking your stocking and rolling it down. His gaze on your face never wavering.

“Keep going.” The look in his eyes told you he wasn’t just suggesting it.

“-be on a higher floor.” He peeled the left stocking down, delicately pulling it over your toes.

You forgot to breath for a second. Instinctively you brought your knees together.

“That is quite annoying! What ever will you do?” That toothy grin widened as he looked up at you. His hand began to massage the sole of your right foot.

“Huh? Do what?”

“About the man on 34’s complaint”, his hand then moved up to your calf, he hummed, “what supple flesh, my dear.”

“Thank you?” Should you be scared or horny? Was he tenderizing his dinner? He looked up at you expectantly. “I told him if the angels return, higher floors would be the most dangerous.”

"Ha! Quite a clever response! Did it placate him?" He raised your right knee to his mouth, placing his lips above the joint. You felt his breath over your inner thigh as he let out a soft huff of a laugh, a reaction to your confused face. You were absolutely panicked; frozen. That wild look you were giving him, if he could he would drown himself in those eyes. Alastor felt his own excitement build, a twitch pressing his cock against the zipper of his dress pants. What a delicious reaction. His long hands crawled under your work skirt, nails grazing your skin as he grabbed the sides of your panties, "It's rude to leave someone waiting, dear."

You shook your head, crawling backward on the bed, "Okay, I get it. Ha ha, you managed to frazzle me."

A darkness fell over his face, "I don't think you do get it." He opened his mouth and dragged his teeth over the skin of your inner thigh, "You've neglected me quite rudely! Most people wouldn't dare such a thing and yet you don't even seem slightly concerned about it."

Rude? "Alastor, oh my god. What did I do? I've been at work every morning on time, if not early. I have been staying up late to make sure the resident files are up to date. I've been meeting with Charlie like you wanted about-,” He brought the panties down your thighs.

"It is what you haven't been doing, mon cher.” He pulled them clear of one leg, leaving them to hang off the ankle of the other leg. "I've been drinking my coffee alone in the sunroom, do you think I had the set of rocking chairs delivered for my own amusement? Dinner has been monotonous without your conversation. And what about our nightly gossip at the bar?" When he lifted your leg and hooked your knee over his shoulder, you fell back on your elbows to keep from lying flat.

"Listen-- Alastor!" His name was squeaked out as a bite stung you, dangerously close to your now naked pussy.

"Sir." He chided.

"Sir?!" He pushed your skirt up, exposing you, "Sir. I don't really like people going down on me."

"That's odd.” His hands gripped your thighs and dragged your ass to the edge of the bed, your pussy now inches from his face. His eyes rolled from left to right, “I don’t remember asking.” Your other leg was pulled over his shoulder, causing you to finally fall onto your back.

A long, wide tongue licked from mid thigh to the place where your legs met your crotch. You felt the heat of his mouth before he finally made contact with your core, one long lick from entrance to clit.

You buried your face inside the file, inhaling the smell of ink and paper with each pant. Your heart was pounding, the rush of blood from your head to your lap left you dizzy and seeing spots.

“Ah ah! I need your full attention.” He took the file and tossed it to the side. He needed to see your face, this was pointless if he couldn’t watch you go dumb in his mouth.

He had started this wanting to ensure you would be thinking about him as much as he had been you, but the way you couldn’t even speak when he touched you shifted his mission. Now, he wanted to win. Maybe he would be bothered by the absence of your presence in the sunroom, but you’d lie awake at night pained by the absence of his tongue in your cunt.

“I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.” Your face was beet red.

“Good. I’ve never been very fond of sharing my toys.” His nose grazed your already throbbing clit as he sunk his tongue into you. Reflexively your thighs pressed against his ears, his head keeping you from closing them entirely. His tongue seemed to lick at your walls as if reaching for something, the sensation wet and warm. You whined, embarrassed at how you were twitching against his lips.

You could feel his smile widen, thumb pressing down on your clit. Gripping the sheets you tried to ease away, the pressure too rough. His nails dug into your left leg, keeping you from making any real difference.

As he dragged his tongue along your walls you felt something you normally didn’t when getting eaten out; the beginning tension of an orgasm slinking into your stomach.

When his mouth left your cunt you gasped, the air stinging at your wet hole and thighs.

“Starting from the morning, tell me exactly what you did today that was so important you didn’t feel the need to entertain me with your company. If your mouth stops moving, so will mine.” He brought his lips to your other thigh, nipping at the skin.

“I made your coffee but got a call about a resident.” His finger pressed against your entrance before breaching.

“Oh, it has been awhile. I thought you were just being modest”, he laughed, your embarrassed expression spurring him forward. He hadn’t expected you to be so tight on just a single digit.

“She feels unsafe, there’s a jackal demon on her floor who keeps”, his finger curled, hitting that bundle of nerves that made your eyes cross, “who is giving her really scary looks.” He bit down again, breaking the skin. You yelled, yanking your leg back but he didn’t release you. “Alastor- please. This is cruel enough.”

“You haven’t even begun to see me be cruel.” He lapped at the wound, finger in you slowly dragging out before entering again. Still bent, it would hit your spongey g-spot with every move. “After that?”

“I had a meeting with Charlie. About the different growth activities.” Eyes closed, you could feel your pleasure slowly inching up that peak. “I needed to organize the files first, so I ate at my desk again.”

His lips cupped your clit as he began to suck. Your hips rose off the bed and his mouth went with you.

“It’s a lot of paperwork, you won’t let me use a computer for it.” His hand pulled back as a second finger joined. The way your cunt was gripping his fingers, he couldn’t imagine how much you’d hiss around his cock. His hips rutted against the air beside the bed, out of your view.

You put your arm over your eyes to hide yourself in some way, breath hitching when his fingers began pumping in and out of you. The moans tumbling from your mouth made Alastor’s grip on you tighten further. His cock leaking into the front of his pants.

When his tongue stopped flitting over your clit you groaned a complaint.

“Ffuuuck, Alastor. D- Uh, Room 127 hates the view o-,” your jaw clenched around the words, “something something blah blah blah —nngh” your head went back, your hips now fully grinding into his mouth. You needed more friction, your orgasm rolling just to the precipice.

His tongue slowed.

“He- he uh, I said he could move,” his fingers curled, pressing over and over into your g-spot, “when he stops being such an asshole. fuck me, please don’t stop—,” you reached down for his head and took a fist full of hair, earning you a surprised moan from him.

Alastor removed his hand from your leg to palm his clothed erection. His nose buried into your bush as his own breathing picked up.

So close.

“-and now I’m here and you’re here,” your words breathy, “and I’m gonna cum—I’m so close, so close,” your lips tingled from the way you were panting.

You choked out a moan as your orgasm reached its climax and pleasure wracked your body. Your grip on his hair stinging, your pussy sucked his fingers in with so much need he closed his eyes and let himself cum against his palm at the thought of his cock in their place. He felt the warmth soak into his pants.

Both of your hands came to your face, too embarrassed to speak.

Alastor placed your shoes and tights beside you, and rested both of his elbows on either side of your head. His weight pressed into you, and you finally looked at him. He was resting his chin on his cradled hands, staring down at you.

With a smug grin and raised his eyebrows he said, “Apology accepted.” He pushed off of you, bringing both fingers to his mouth and sucking them clean with a wet ‘pop’. “See you in the sun room at 8am! Bring that cheery smile I’ve come to enjoy!” He sunk back into the shadows and was gone.

You looked around, you were back in your office. He’d transported you seamlessly from lying on his bed to lying on your desk.

“Yes, sir.”

*get it? He wanted to “get ahead”… head. The slang for cunnilingus ? I’ll see myself out

༻Masterlist༺

[marvelouslizzie]

You're My Desire - Co-written with @notafunkiller

Summary: Your best friend drags you out on a double date. You were supposed to be Steve Rogers' date, but plans change pretty quickly and you end up in Bucky Barnes' arms.

Pairing: 40s Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Warnings: 18+ NSFW MINORS DNI, first date, public sex, ripped clothing, teasing, rough sex, dirty talk, praise, pet names, no mention of y/n

Word Count: 5.5K

A/N: We really don't have an excuse for this one. We just wanted 40s Bucky to have a good time, you know? This is basically smut with little bit of plot.

Please give my lovely co-writer @notafunkiller a follow. She's also a Bucky Barnes writer and her stories are amazing.

All work is ours, please do not repost or translate without our permission.

Every like, comment, and reblog is highly appreciated. Don’t hesitate to message us. Unless it's hate. That's never welcome.

Read more tag starts after the first paragraph of the story.

Even though you really didn’t want to, you find yourself on a double date with your best friend. She literally begged you to come because she promised she would bring someone for her date’s best friend and apparently she really doesn’t wanna disappoint the handsome soldier.

You're shocked, though, when you arrive at the fair and see Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes in the flesh waiting for you two at the gate.

You were pretty sure she brought you here for Bucky Barnes but it turns out your date is actually Steve Rogers, aka Captain America himself.

You don't know what to do at first, awkwardly watching your friend hugging Bucky as if they knew each other for ages. Even though they met just a day ago. Steve extends his hand politely, which you immediately shake.

It doesn’t take long for you to go inside the fun fair together while chatting casually. Your friend, Cassie, starts asking questions about the war. She loves front-line stories, but Bucky doesn’t seem like he enjoys telling them.

Steve, on the other hand, is very excited to do it, answering all of Cassie's questions as you quietly watch them. You wonder why you said yes to this date. You've never been into soldiers and even less into war discussions. But you love your friend very much even when she ignores you.

You find yourself looking at Bucky while Cassie and Steve start to chat and exchange stories. He kinda seems amused by this development. You shrug looking in his direction, waiting for him to say something. After all, you are both already bored and your friends don't even seem to care or notice you anymore in the first place.

Bucky just smiles and then tries to change the subject. You think he actually handles that topic change pretty smoothly and it sticks for a while until Cassie gets bored of talking about books.

You remark Bucky's sad face, but you don't say anything. Instead, you subtly start to walk slower, hoping he'll do the same. As Cassie keeps talking to Steve, Bucky notices you are getting behind and just slows down a little.

"You're okay? Are your legs hurting?" Bucky asks concerned while looking at her shoes.

“No, no, I’m fine. Just got tired of the war stories, that’s all.” You keep walking slowly.

"Me, too." He sighs. "It's a never-ending subject at this point."

“Well, where there's life there's hope.” You quote the Hobbit instinctively. You hold on to the hope, one day you won’t have to talk about this war.

Bucky gasps, looking at you in a way you never experienced before. "What did you say?"

“I just said where there's life there's hope.” You repeat, surprised by the way he probably recognized the quote. People usually have no idea what you are referring to. Not him though.

"You're a fan? Oh god!"

That starts your actual conversation with Bucky Barnes. It turns out he’s a big bookworm himself. He reads as much as he can, always buying more books that he manages to read.

You didn't even realize how close you are until your shoulders slightly brush. You blush when he smiles, clearly not minding. Still, you feel very conscious about your closeness and quickly look toward your friend, feeling guilty that you are enjoying the company of her date, but she doesn’t seem to care one bit. On the contrary, she’s actually holding Steve Rogers’ arm while talking and laughing.

"You're very beautiful." You hear Bucky murmur shily.

His compliment catches you off guard. You were about to apologize on behalf of Cassie. Yet you find yourself blushing.

"And you love reading. I am a lucky man. I get to talk to you."

“I could say the same thing myself, Sergeant. I much rather talk about books instead of the war.”

"Then you got the right company." Bucky smiles and looks around. "Should we get some ice cream?"

“That would be amazing.” And that’s how you end up separated from Cassie and Steve. Bucky informs them about their plan and then leaves without waiting for them.

You spend the next hour talking and walking around the entire fair. James even won a teddy bear for you. Once in a while both of you act like you wanna find Steve and Cassie, but you definitely don’t care.

"I don't remember the last time I felt so comfortable and good with someone."

“I’m glad I’m not boring the shit out of you.” You know it’s not ladylike to speak this way, but you feel comfortable around him. It’s crazy when you consider you just met him maybe two hours ago.

Bucky smiles. "I can say the same. Steve says I'm quite boring."

“He’s quite boring himself.”

"Is he?" He snorts.

“Yeah. Who knew Captain America would be into war stories?”

"Doesn't the name say it?" He continues in the same joking tone.

“The name suggests he’s heroic and boring but he’s more boring and less heroic than expected. Stealing his best friend's date doesn’t scream honorable to me.”

Bucky is shocked to see her indirectly standing up for him. "Maybe I stole his date, though."

“His date was uninterested from the start and just being nice to her best friend.”

"Is she still uninterested?"

“In him? Yes.” You act like you don’t understand what he is actually asking.

"Well, the feelings are mutual. About the date and now…"

“You were uninterested in Cassie?” You say it in a way that shows you don’t believe him.

"Wasn't it obvious?"

“Nope.” It definitely wasn’t when they hugged each other the moment they arrived.

"I was trying to be polite. She insisted on this… meeting because I helped her out. I was relieved I could bring Steve."

“She sounded very interested in you until Captain Rogers started with war stories.”

"She was staring at his… back ever since we arrived."

You burst out laughing and he joins you right after. It sets the tone for the rest of the night and makes you notice you both don’t give a shit.

*

"I want to show you something," you say after a few seconds and quickly drag him after you until you reach a darker alley close to the last attraction. You drop the teddy bear carefully at your feet. "Hi."

“Hi.” He still seems a bit confused, but it’s so cute. He looks at the teddy bear and then his eyes turn back to your face. You can’t help but smile.

"You're so cute. Has anyone told you that?" You smile in return.

He acts like thinking for a second. “No, not really. Just cute?” He fishes for more.

"And smart." You touch his chest shily. "And kind."

“Hmm, those are not what people notice first.” He moves a little bit closer. “You have something…” He doesn’t finish his sentence, instead, his thumb brushes the corner of your lips. You wait for him to wipe off whatever you had on your face before opening your mouth and letting your tongue touch his finger shamelessly.

You watch Bucky’s eyes widen out of surprise. He didn't expect that at all. You grab his hand, bringing his finger inside your mouth, and notice how his breathing quickens. Yet he doesn’t stop you.

You let your tongue play for a few seconds until you let his finger go with a small bite. He lets out the lowest moan but not only do you hear it, but you also love it.

"Wow, I…" He doesn't know what to say, all red and excited.

“You what? Do you feel uncomfortable? Excited? I mean, I can stop if you want.”

In response, brave and happy, Bucky kisses you. His tongue is already on your bottom lip asking for permission, which you grant by opening your mouth without realizing it.

The kiss isn’t shy like you expected, and he definitely knows how to kiss. The way his lips and tongue move makes you want more, right then and there.

Your hands go to his neck as you let yourself enjoy the kiss even more. You keep kissing until you feel breathless. When Bucky breaks it, he doesn’t move away. His forehead touches yours as you try to catch your breath.

"This was…"

“I wanna do something if that’s okay…” You say while suddenly getting on your knees. You are wearing your favorite nylon stockings and you're sure they are gonna get ripped, but you don't care.

Bucky thinks he's daydreaming because how can this happen? How?

"What? What are you doing?"

“I think you know what I am doing, Sergeant. Just tell me to stop if you don’t want it, okay?” Your hands move to his belt but you wait for a reaction first.

"Stop. That's not… you don't have to do this. We are having a great time anyway."

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. Is that okay for you?”

He can only nod, totally shocked and excited at the same time.

You unbuckle him slowly. Even though you are in a public place, you're in no hurry. You unzip him while looking into his eyes. When you finally take him out of his pants, he seems speechless. He’s already hard, but as soon as you start to move your hand, he gets rock hard after maybe four pumps.

"Jesus, you're so pretty. You look like a doll on your knees."

You smile proudly. “Tell me what I look like when I do this,” you say before taking him inside your mouth.

He closes his eyes, groaning. Your mouth is so wet and warm. You take it slow at first. Your mouth moves gently while you swirl your tongue around the head.

"Please." You hear him whisper, his left hand resting against the wall behind him.

You move your mouth away from him just to ask “Please what?” Your lipstick is already a little smudged.

"Oh god, keep going. Please, you're such a pretty sight."

“Tell me how I look when you're inside my mouth and I'll continue, promise.” You wink and remind him he still hasn’t fulfilled your request.

"Like a dream. Like a goddess."

“Hmm…” You go back to taking him inside your mouth without making another comment. This time, you move a bit faster than before and start using your hand.

"Your mouth will be the death of me."

That makes you smile but you don’t stop, moving your hand and mouth at the same time, hoping for a good reaction. His hand finds its way to your hair, wrapping it enough to pull a little. That encourages you to go faster, in need for a tighter grip. And you get it: soon, he wraps more of your hair around his whole fist, moaning your name.

“I think I'm gonna…” He sounds so breathy. “You should pull away.”

You look at him, acknowledging his warning, but showing him you are ignoring it. You keep moving fast, making sure your tongue flicks around the right spot every time until he spills inside your mouth. It’s a lot more than you are used to, but you still keep going until he completely empties himself. You take your mouth off, looking into his eyes before swallowing.

"No." He covers his eyes while groaning. "You can't do this to me, doll. Jesus…"

“Do what?” You innocently ask.

He doesn't answer you, taking you by the back of the neck and kissing you sloppily. You don’t get a chance to warn him about the taste and he doesn’t seem to care one bit. He groans into your mouth when he feels your hands on his ass and breaks the kiss just to suck on your neck.

Then you feel his hands between your bodies, trying to pull up his pants again.

You break the kiss to ask: “What are you doing?”

"I'm putting on my pants," he sounds like a kid. "And I wanna get on my knees for you, too."

“Maybe I want something else that doesn’t require you to put your pants on.”

He nods, without understanding what you mean. "Alright. I'll just-" He drops his right hand until it reaches her skirt. "Is it okay?" You nod with a smile. Even though it’s not what you meant, it’s fine.

His fingers immediately go to your underwear and push it aside.

"Fuck me. Look at that." You are really wet and his curses don't help either. "Soaked. Is that for me, doll?"

“No, it’s for Captain Rogers, who bored the shit out of me.” You joke.

You feel his fingers stopping on your slit as he lifts his head. "What did you say?"

“I said it’s for Captain Rogers, who bored the shit out of me. You know that gets the girls wet.” You hope he won’t be offended by this. It’s just a silly joke.

In response, Bucky pushes a finger inside you quickly, his lips curling into a smirk. "Should I start talking about war, too? Bet that would get you even wetter."

You let out a deep breath, relieved. Thank God he isn’t offended. “That would get me dry as a desert, Sergeant Barnes.”

"Should I dye my hair then?" He snorts, moving his finger faster.

“Maybe you should get a shield. It would definitely look better on you.”

"A shield, huh?" Bucky adds another finger, trying to scissor them inside you a couple of times. "Is it too much?"

“Nope,” you say after a moan. “It’s not enough.”

"Fuck, you…" he closes his eyes. "You want another?"

“I want something else.” You smile, hoping him to understand this time.

"Yeah? Like what?"

You grab his cock and gently rub it without saying a word. You are not surprised he’s hard because his erection has been pressed on your leg for a while.

"Fuck. You want my cock, baby?"

“Yeah. Why do you think I didn’t let you pull your pants back up?”

"I don't-" He moans. "I didn't think."

“Come on. You are making me wait while I’m soaking your fingers.”

"Wanna make you…" Bucky interrupts himself by adding a third finger, his other hand going to your clit. "Happy."

“Fuck.” You throw your head back, that felt so good.

"You like this?" He rubs a little more, paying attention to your body. His fingers inside you keep the same pace, though. He isn't slowing down now even if it's the end of the world.

“Yeah, that.” You breathe out. You already feel your legs shaking and you're afraid your knees might give out, but it feels so good, you can’t seem to focus on the concerns.

"Hold on to me."

You put your hands on his shoulders and it helps you relax a bit more. After that, your orgasm comes crashing in like a big wave that leaves you breathless. He doesn't stop moving his fingers until you finish coming, then he slowly pulls them out, making sure to lick them before kissing you.

“You are such a dirty soldier, Sergeant Barnes,” you say with a smile.

"What is dirty about this?" He shrugs. "I'm a good soldier, of course."

“Doing this in a dark alley with me and licking your fingers clean like that. Very good soldier, indeed.”

"Ihm." He buries his head right onto your shoulder and breathes in. "Thank you."

“For what?” You find yourself kissing his hair while asking the question.

"For this evening and this. Thank you for trusting me."

“You are something else, Bucky,” you say while caressing his hair.

"Hmm?"

You kiss his hair and his ear, then move your lips to his neck. “You can thank me later. We are not done yet.”

"Changed your mind?" He smiles. "Want me on my knees after all?

“Maybe later.” You wink. “Now don’t act like you don’t know what I want because I know you want it, too.”

He freezes. "Wait, you're serious?"

“Of course I am serious. Just don’t finish inside, okay?”

He looks at you again all serious. "Are you sure? We don't have to, I can use my tongue."

“Don’t worry, it’s not my first time and yeah, I’m sure unless you don’t want to.”

Bucky looks at you with puppy eyes. "Uhm, it's my first time."

“Oh god.” Your eyes widen. “I… didn’t consider… that possibility. I’m sorry.”

Bucky starts laughing at your worried expression and kisses your cheek. "My first time with a bookworm doll."

You punch his shoulder. “You worried me!”

That makes him laugh even harder, and you can't help but smile. Because he's extra beautiful like this.

"Why? Do you have something against innocent boys, ma'am? Shame!"

“No, nothing against it. Absolutely would love to teach and corrupt but wouldn’t want that to be your first time.”

"You don't want to take advantage of me, huh? Such a good girl." He surprises you by suddenly lifting you and helping you wrap your legs around his torso.

“Would you like me to take advantage of you?” You kiss his jaw and cheeks.

"Fuck, yes. Yes."

“Then you have my permission to take advantage of me, too.”

He doesn't ask you again if you're sure. Instead, he lifts his right hand to your blouse and starts unbuttoning it as fast as he can. He's so impatient he even manages to rip a button. You just watch him work and smile, hoping the gentleman side of Bucky finally stops holding him back.

He groans at the sight of your hard nipples and quickly leans in to take one in his mouth.

“Oh fuck,” you whimper while he uses his tongue to play with your nipple. It feels so good you don't even notice when his hand drops under your skirt. Until you hear the ripping sound.

“What the fuck?” You can’t believe he's just ripped your nylon stockings. They are so hard to find and so expensive!

"Whha?" He doesn't even take his mouth off your nipple as he speaks.

“Do you know how expensive those stockings are?” Your surprise is so clear in your voice. “You owe me a pair of nylon stockings, Sargeant.”

"They were in the way, baby."

“Getting impatient?” You mock a little.

He pushes his hips a little more. "Can't you feel?"

“You still owe me a pair.”

"What about these?" His hands are now on her panties. "How many do I need to buy you so I can rip these off?"

“Just one pair, but if you wanna rip that one, too, this cycle might never end.”

He sighs, contemplating, but he finally decides not to, only pushing your underwear aside. "How do you want it?"

“What do you mean?”

Bucky takes another step until your back barely brushes against the wall. "How do you like this? The sex."

“Don’t try to act all kind and push aside what you actually want to do. That’s how I want it.”

"Do you uhm… like it fast or slow? The pace I mean." He's slowly pushing inside you while he asks, trying to be as gentle as possible.

“That’s exactly what I meant. Do it however you want and we will see how I like it. Don’t be too gentle like this.”

"Talk to me, okay?" He's halfway inside you now, staying still for a few seconds as he leaves small kisses on your neck.

“Oh, I will, don’t worry, handsome. No one can stop me from complaining if I don’t like something.”

"Good girl." He tries different types of thrusts and angles at first, wanting to see what you respond to the most.

“Fuck. Why do you keep saying that?” She moves her hips to make him thrust faster.

"Because you're my good girl. Dirty too." He moans when he feels you. "God, you want it faster, baby?"

“Yes, yes, I do. Please. Move faster.”

And he does, his grip on your ass tightening as he starts thrusting just the way you want. "Fuck, you're soaked. You feel so good around me."

“You feel good, too.” You moan in between words. “And you are strong. Really strong,” you remark because he doesn’t look tired while holding you.

But he doesn't seem to acknowledge that. "I'm so fucking lucky, Jesus." He groans when he feels your lips sucking on his collarbone.

“You didn’t think your double date would end this way, huh?”

"Deep inside you? Not a chance." He smiles, speeding up.

“Maybe deep inside someone else.” You tease on purpose.

Bucky immediately stops thrusting. "What?"

“I was just joking about how we were meant to be on a date with other people.” You hate that you can’t shut your mouth sometimes.

"Oh," he nods, restarting to move. "Well, I can assure you, he wouldn't have done this tonight." He jokes back.

“Fuck me against the wall like this?”

"Fuck you at all. But especially like this. And the language?" He laughs. "Never."

“Oh, so honorable of him.” You keep joking. “Poor Cassie.”

His right-hand flies behind your head to protect it as his thrusts become way too quick. "Fuck. You feel like heaven, I swear."

“God, how do you do that?” You are surprised that he can carry you with one hand. “Are you sure you aren’t a super soldier yourself?”

Bucky shakes his head amused. "That will go straight to my ego."

“You're carrying me with one hand while protecting my head with the other, and you keep fucking me at the same time. I think it should go straight to your ego.”

He groans. "Lower one of your hands now."

“Lower it where exactly?” You don’t understand what he wants.

His hand moves from the back of her head for a few seconds just to bring her fingers to her clitoris. "Right here. Can you rub this for me?"

“Ohh.” You finally understand what he’s trying to do, so you listen and start rubbing yourself while his hand goes back to your head.

"Good, good girl. Look at you." He doesn't even realize how deep his thrusts are because his focus is on your fingers.

“Oh god… It feels so good.” You have never done something like this before. No public sex, no touching yourself during sex, no good girl whispers next to your ear. They all make you feel dizzy.

"Yeah? Just good?" His mouth finds your breasts this time, and you just know he's leaving a few marks there by the way he sucks on your skin.

“You wanna hear how good it makes me feel?”

"Ihmm."

“Oh, you are even dirtier than you are showing, aren’t you, Sergeant Barnes?”

He looks up immediately. "Say that again." He demands.

“Sergeant Barnes?”

"Fuck, you need to rub faster."

“You need to fuck me harder.” You say while listening to his order.

"Harder?" He repeats, shocked, not expecting that in the slightest. But he does as you demand in a heartbeat, biting his tongue because it feels so good.

You have a hard time holding back your reaction because it feels just perfect. You can feel your orgasm approaching.

“Shit, you need to cover my mouth,” you say as quickly as possible.

"Just use me. Bite my shoulder," he suggests quickly, keeping the pace exactly the same.

You wanna say no, because you don’t wanna hurt him but there’s no other choice left. You sink your teeth in somewhere between his neck and shoulder and try to muffle yourself. The orgasm hits you so hard that you are afraid someone is gonna hear you even like this.

"Fuck," he groans, the pain feeling amazing as you keep coming, your legs wrapping even more tightly around his ass.

“Please, don’t stop,” you manage to say and go back to biting him, very aware of the hickey you are giving him, but that doesn’t stop you because you don’t want to get caught like this.

"Can't stop." At this point you wonder how no one noticed you by now. The sound of your skin touching and your groans are not quite silent. But even if they did, you know you wouldn't stop. How could you?

"Keep rubbing, I want you to find pleasure again."

“Again?” You sound shocked because you've literally just come.

"Again." He tries to lift one of your legs a little more. "Please."

“I don’t think I can, but keep going, okay?” You already came twice in a short amount of time. How much more can you do?

"Well, I think you can." He smiles. "Gonna mark me up, baby?"

“I think I already did.” You can see your teeth marks on his neck. You are sure it will turn into purple really soon.

"I'm your property now?" The hand he has on the back of your head quickly grabs your hair and wraps it around his fist.

“Are you?” You like the sound of that and how he’s pulling your hair.

"I am." He's frantically thrusting in and out of you. "Rub faster."

“Fuck,” you mumble while rubbing yourself. You aren’t sure if it’s gonna do anything, but it feels good. “Can I keep you then? You know, kidnap you and hide you in my apartment so you don’t have to go back to the war. We can just do this every day.”

"Fuck, do it." He smiles. "I dare you."

“Should I tie you up so it looks more realistic?” And suddenly all that rubbing starts to feel different, more pleasurable.

"On your bed? Go ahead."

You laugh at how easily he’s convinced, but your laugh is interrupted by a moan.

"Gonna come for me, dolly?"

“I am not sure.” You struggle to speak. “It feels like it.”

He pulls your hair hard. "Please, please."

“You beg so beautifully, how can I say no?” It’s not like your body is saying no, either.

When you finish coming again, you watch with your eyes semi-closed as James takes himself out without dropping you even a little and comes right on your thighs and ripped stockings. You feel the warmth of his come while you both are trying to catch your breath.

"This was… wow."

“This is a hell of a first date.” You find yourself giggling. Did all that really happen? The soreness between your legs says yes.

Bucky slowly puts you down. "You think?" He snorts.

“Oh yeah, very memorable.” You notice that your stockings are completely ruined so you have no other choice but to take them off.

"Fuck, you're dripping." He doesn't look like he's sorry and he can't say he is, either. He's actually very proud.

“Yeah, I am aware.” You laugh while taking them off and using them like a washcloth to clean yourself up.

"You have no idea how lovely the sight is." He winks at you while zipping up his pants.

You bite your bottom lip while looking at him. “Likewise. You look satisfied, Sargeant. Did something happen while you were gone?” You pull your skirt down.

"I got touched by an angel."

You laugh. “So cheesy. You are lucky that you are a bookworm. A really good-looking one, who is also good at bed even though we didn’t even need one.”

"Next time. Maybe we'll break it." He sounds so confident, but not demanding at all at the same time.

“When are you going back?” You find yourself asking. If he’s promising you a second time, you are gonna take it.

"In one week."

You make a sad face without realizing then take a deep breath to help yourself focus on the positive side. “That’s a lot of sex.”

He immediately lifts your chin and presses a kiss on your forehead. "I was joking. We got two months."

“You are such a liar.” You punch him in his shoulder.

Which only makes him laugh. "You like it hard."

But your attention is on his neck, on the spot you bit so hard. The purple spot looks really old and mostly faded already.

"No comment?" He snorts. "We're gonna have a lot of fun for sure."

“I have a question.” Your eyes are still on that same spot. “Does Steve heal quickly?”

"Why? You plan on kicking his ass?"

“Just answer the question, please.”

"Yeah, he does." Bucky shrugs. "One of the perks of the serum."

“Even the small scars or purple spots?”

"Yes." Bucky doesn't even think about it. "Which is great. Why? You think your friend will want to know?"

You don’t comment about his question, instead, touch the spot you bit down so hard. “You are nearly completely healed. My mark has vanished.”

"What?" He asks, confused.

“I bit down on your neck so hard, it was dark red. Now it’s gone.”

"I don't get purple easily. Never did. I guess you have to suck a little more." He smiles leaning in to kiss you again.

“I fully bit you,” you say before he does.

"I noticed." He giggled.

Since he doesn’t take it that seriously you let it go. “Fine. I will prove it to you later.”

"Prove what?" He gives you another kiss.

“That you heal quickly.” You try to fix yourself while you kiss him back.

"Oh, I feel healed every time I look at you."

“You are so cheesy.” Yet you can’t help but laugh. “How do I look?”

"Good boy version or?" He pauses dramatically.

“Both.”

"Good boy version first: you look like an angel." He smiles cheekily.

You snort. “I’m asking if I look decent, Bucky.”

"Angel,” he repeats before dropping his hands to your ass and squeezing. "They won't know you've got fucked against the wall if that's what you're afraid of. But you look strangely content and happy."

“That’s because I had a good date.” You scrunch your nose cheekily.

"Me too. The best date ever."

“Should we try to find our best friends?”

"Oh, sure." Bucky leans in to get the teddy bear before handing it to you.

"Ready for more war stories?"

“No, I’m not.” You hug the bear. “I gotta wash this.”

Bucky snorts. "Poor bear. Got traumatized."

“Traumatized and all dirty.” You don’t notice how close you are to Bucky until you feel him next to you. “Should we keep this a secret from our friends?”

"Do you want to?"

“I meant the having sex in a dark alley part. I don’t think my friend needs to know that.” She definitely shouldn’t know all this.

"We should totally keep that part to ourselves." He smiles.

“I could say that you kissed me or something. I don’t know. Is that too forward for the first date?”

"There's no such thing. You can say I kissed you."

“I was genuinely asking.” You smile. “I normally don’t even kiss on the first date.”

Bucky giggles, his hand squeezing your hip. "I am a lucky gal." You smile back at him until you notice a familiar face.

“Oh, is that Steve?” You point to the tall blonde guy.

"Yes, that's him. But where is your friend?"

“Right in front of him. I can see her dress.” It’s sticking on the side.

"Oh, yes. Gonna drive you home after that if that's alright with you." He sounds so casual like he already did that many times, but you notice something else.

“You have a car and you didn’t think of using it until now?”

"Oh." Redness takes over his cheeks. "I got… distracted."

"You are such an idiot." You start to giggle while walking toward your friends.

"Your idiot now. You got stuck with me for at least two months." He laughs.

"Just for two months?" You test his intentions.

"I can't assume you'd want to wait for me, can I?"

"I will tell your best friend to bring you back home in one piece. He's the hero after all. That should be easy, right?"

Bucky looks at her with a soft expression before kissing her hair. "Guess you really got stuck with me."

"Oh shit, Steve saw you kissing my hair." It’s going to be hard to keep this thing between you two.

"Does it bother you?"

“No, no, no.” You quickly try to explain. “It’s just I’m worried that they might think the worst of me. I mean… questioning our closeness.”

"I dare them." She is surprised by how serious and determined he is as he speaks.

“I would kiss you right now if I could.”

"I won't stop you." He giggles like a kid.

“Our friends are,” you whisper and look at your best friend, who is coming toward you. Cassie is holding Steve’s arm proudly.

"Oh, hello," Steve says. "Where have you been?"

"Here and there." Bucky shrugs. "Did you have fun?"

"Yes!" Cass immediately giggles, joining the conversation. "He has the best, best stories. What about-" She cuts herself off when she notices your appearance. "What happened to your stockings?"

“Oh.” You blush a little, thinking about how they got ruined. “I tripped and ruined them. They looked so horrible I had to take them off completely.”

"Yes, they got really dirty," Bucky confirms with the biggest grin Steve has seen in ages.

"Oh, really?" He lifts his eyebrow. "What a shame."

“Yeah. Sergeant Barnes promised me a new pair. What a gentleman he is.”

"A gentleman indeed." Steve shakes his head, well aware of what you two have done.

You bite your lip and give Bucky a look, hoping at least Cassie has no idea. You are sure the three of you can keep a secret. For now…

You may wanna read the next part: Trust In What Tomorrow Brings

[theemissuniverse]

DEAF! LESBIANFEM!READER WITH MK 11 CHARACTER INTROS

SUMMARY : You’re a deaf kombatant that can read lips extremely well. Your power is all knowing. You are half Earthrealmer and half Outworlder. (You mainly grew up in Earthrealm though) Everyone in Outworld knows sign language. Some Earthrealmers also know sign language or at least a little bit.

This is more an x reader with Cassie Cage, Kitana, Jacqui Briggs, Mileena, and Skarlet but with funny intros with other characters

Also love friendship between Kano and (Y/N) in this

WARNINGS : suggestive

MASTERLIST 1 , MASTERLIST 2

Italics mean the reader is signing. Not speaking

Cassie Cage : You know, I just got the perfect man for you

(Y/N) : If you say Kenshi I will strangle you

Cassie Cage : Sheesh. Nevermind

Cassie Cage : So tell me why you and Kenshi won’t work again?

(Y/N) : I am deaf…he is blind…how will he be able to see me sign to him?

Cassie Cage : Well now that you mention it…

(Y/N) : Why are you so persistent to set me up with someone?

Cassie Cage : Okay, I know the Kenshi thing was stupid but Takeda? He’s right for you

(Y/N) : His son?!

Cassie Cage : Um, why didn’t you tell me you liked girls?!

(Y/N) : You didn’t ask me

Cassie Cage : We’ll, guess I gotta call off the date I set up with you and Takeda

Cassie Cage : Wait. If you’re all knowing then does that mean you know-

(Y/N) : That you have a crush on me? Yes. Very much so

Cassie Cage : Goddamn it!

Cassie Cage : If you’re all knowing then does that mean you’ve seen me naked?

(Y/N) : It does not work like that but you can give me a demo if you want

Cassie Cage : *nervous laugh* Is it getting hot in here?

(Y/N) : I’ll whip you with your own pistol

Erron Black : If you’re doing it then I’m into it

(Y/N) : I gotta start off conversation saying ‘I like girls’ when I battle you people

Jacqui Briggs : If you’re all knowing then who’s gonna win the fight?

(Y/N) : Me. Obviously

Jacqui Briggs : Are you just saying that because you’re a bitch or are you serious?

Jacqui Briggs : Takeda is mine, (Y/N)

(Y/N) : I’m more interested in you

Jacqui Briggs : Oh shit-

Jacqui Briggs : I’m taking you out, (Y/N)

(Y/N) : I’m flattered but Cassie will be crushed

Jacqui Briggs : What? That’s not what I meant -

Jax : If you knew about other timelines, why didn’t you say anything?

(Y/N) : Nobody asked me

Jax : That’s the stupidest thing I ever heard

Johnny Cage : So why do you gotta be mute and deaf?

(Y/N) : You are a fucking idiot

Johnny Cage : I’m a fucking idiot? Well-can’t argue with you there

Johnny Cage : If you’re deaf then how come you can read my lips?

(Y/N) : I’m deaf. Not blind you idiot.

Johnny Cage : All I got from that is you calling me an idiot.

Johnny Cage : Okay, this sign language thing is hard

(Y/N) : How did your daughter pick up on it and you didn’t?

Johnny Cage : Yeah. I didn’t understand a word you just signed

Johnny Cage : Stop flirting with my daughter

(Y/N) : Trust me, a Cage is not my type

Johnny Cage : I don’t know if I should be offended by that

Kabal : Kano’s gotta soft spot for you

(Y/N) : Of course he does. Have you seen me?

Kabal : I don’t see the hype

(Y/N) : I am surprised you of all people know sign language.

Kano : You think I don’t do my work with deaf people? I’m not an ableist. Murderer yes but not that

(Y/N) : Dear God…

Kano : How can you tell I have an accent?

(Y/N) : Your mouth moves different than an American

Kano : That’s fucking cool

Kano : Come join the Black Dragaon, love

(Y/N) : So I can run from an ugly blonde with a gun? No thanks

Kano : She is ugly isn’t she?

Kitana : You know that I’m with Liu Kang, (Y/N)

(Y/N) : Ugh. Mr. Chosen one. Come be with a real woman

Kitana : Find her and I’ll be with her

(Y/N) : Liu Kang can’t handle all of that.

Kitana : *laughs* And you can?

(Y/N) : Very simple. Yes.

(Y/N) : I’m standing in front of the embodiment of beauty

Kitana : Flattery will not save you in this fight

(Y/N) : Well I tried

(Y/N) : He can’t give you what I can give you

Kitana : You know if you’d just asked me out before him then I would’ve been with you

(Y/N) : Wait…I actually had a chance??

Kitana : Skarlet is bad news, (Y/N)

(Y/N) : At least she actually likes me

Kitana : I did like you

(Y/N) : Your sister is obsessed with me

Kitana : She is hardly my sister

(Y/N) : Mileena was right. You are annoying

Kung Lao : You know you like me

(Y/N) : I tolerate you

Kung Lao : In my world, that’s the same thing

(Y/N) : I’m not interested, Kung Lao

Kung Lao : Kitana will never go for you

(Y/N) : I don’t need second rate monk to tell me that

Kung Lao : Why didn’t you just say you liked girls?!

(Y/N) : Even if I did like men-you would not be my type

Kung Lao : I’m everyone’s type

Kung Lao : So say if you did like men…who are you picking? Me or Liu Kang?

(Y/N) : You really want me to answer that?

Kung Lao : *sighs*

(Y/N) : Your friend may not pick up on my signing but tell him I am not interested

Liu Kang : Oh he knows but that won’t stop him

(Y/N) : Let’s see if a grave does

Liu Kang : I heard you have affections for Kitana

(Y/N) : Does that bother you, monk?

Liu Kang : I mean this in the humblest way possible, I am not threatened by you

(Y/N) : Mr. Chosen One

Liu Kang : You were always jealous of me, (Y/N)

(Y/N) : I wouldn’t be jealous of you if it bit me on the ass

Mileena : I can treat you better than my sister

(Y/N) : What are you gonna do? Eat me?

Mileena : Isn’t that what you’re interested in?

(Y/N) : Tell your father that I’m not joining his concubines

Mileena : None sense. You will be mine

(Y/N) : Holy shit

Mileena : My sister is missing out on you

(Y/N) : You’re implying that you have me

Mileena : Soon I will

Mileena : If I were Kitana, I would’ve picked you

(Y/N) : Smart and…a little freaky looking. I like it

Mileena : You will like more

Noob Saibot : We admire your skills in kombat

(Y/N) : Thanks dark shadow thing

Noob Saibot : But they will not save you from me

(Y/N) : People doubt me because I am deaf

Raiden : That is the advantage you have

(Y/N) : They won’t ever see me coming

(Y/N) : How come I wasn’t the chosen one?

Raiden : Are you prepared for-

(Y/N) : That sounds like too much work

Shao Kahn : You will join my concubines

(Y/N) : Read my hands. Hell no.

Shao Kahn : I wouldn’t be so convinced

Skarlet : You have infinite knowledge

(Y/N) : A blessing and a curse

Skarlet : Feed it to me

Skarlet : Your affections for Kitana are ridiculous

(Y/N) : Enlighten me

Skarlet : There are far better women in front of you

Skarlet : Your skills are far greater than a regular warrior

(Y/N) : Aw. You flirting with me, Skarlet?

Skarlet : I cannot resist

(Y/N) : Not gonna lie, you do look good in red

Skarlet : I am flattered, Psychic

(Y/N) : Baby, I can give you more than flattery

(Y/N) : Keep your boyfriend in check, Blade

Sonya : Keep your ego in check, deafie

(Y/N) : You did not just call me that

Sonya : Stay away from my daughter, (Y/N)

(Y/N) : She’s the one glued to me, moron

Sonya : I don’t know what you just said but I’m gonna kick your ass anyway

[in1-nutshell]

Helloo!! Can i request a young justice teenage Buddy? A teenager who happens to be from the future ( like Bart but from another future ) after stopping the Reach ( Wally lives, let's ignore the truth) after a couple of days another machine appears out of nowhere and a redhead kid appears, everyone is ready to attack in case it's something bad, but the kid just sees them and smiles. The others are dumbfounded, the kid tells them their full name and they get even more dumbfounded. THE KID IS A WEST, WHAT A SURPRISE. Dick calls Wally and Artemis instantly. Bart is talking to the new kid and talking about the future with them. The kid comes from another apocalyptic future that they have to stop. And they came here with a bow and arrow ready to prevent it. The kid is also fast, what a surprise. When the couple appears and sees them, the kid just goes over to them at superspeed and Wally freaks out. The kid smiles and hugs them both, saying that they are their grandparents, and that they have came to help all the team to stop the new threat. Artemis is ecstatic with this info, because she realizes that she will have a family with Wally in the future. She realizes that the kid has a bow and asks them wo taught them, even more happy when they say that she did. Wally is just standing there looking at this redhead thing that runs fast and has archery skills, he inmediatly sees himself and Artemis in them. Both of them will teach them new things and help them save the future. Buddy is happy that they can finally see their family again.

Wally lives!

Hope you enjoy!

Buddy the West from the Future

SFW, Platonic, Slight Familial, Speedster reader

YOUNG JUSTICE

Another time machine had made its way to the cave.

Unlike the time Bart came, this time machine was located in a separate room in the cave.

One of the rooms that barely anyone came into.

Not to mention the energy disturbances were much less than the previous users.

The only reason anyone figured out that there was a time machine and someone had been inside it was that Cassie and Tim found it while looking for Dick.

Tim goes on the lines. Jaime picks up. Tim: “We just found a time machine in the cave and—” Jaime: “A speedster was inside it.” Cassie: “How did you know?” Jaime looks over at his former bag of chips and a dizzy Bart. Jaime: “Lets just call it a hunch. Childish cackling is heard from the vents.

The cave is put on high alert after news gets around.

Seeing that they were dealing with an unknown speedster, Dick found it good to let Wally and Artemis know about it.

He did not expect them to actually come to the cave geared up.

Wally insisted on dealing with the speedster problem as soon as possible.

Bart was miffed after having got the drop on unexpectedly.

It didn’t take them long to find the speedster.

Mainly because they showed up on their own accord.

A blur passes in front of the team. The mystery speedster stops in front of them finishing the last of a bar of candy. They smile widely at the group. Buddy: “Hi there! I’m Buddy!” Everyone is a bit surprised. Jaime: “I think we found Bart’s long-lost cousin.” Buddy laughs. Buddy: “Nah, I’m not Grampie Bart’s cousin.” Bart and Wally: “Spoiler’s!” The kid waves their hand. Buddy: “I took care of the spoiler issue Gramps.” The speedster quickly brings Wally into a tight hug. Wally blinks before they zip over and hug Artemis. They had stars in their eyes as they gave her a final squeeze. Buddy: “Its great to see you grandma.” Artemis and Wally: “Grandpa/ Grandma!?” Somewhere in the Watchtower… Barry stops walking for a second, pausing, before going back to work.

Buddy takes not notice of the sudden bombshell they just dropped as they continue to smile and zip over to each team member, admiring them.

Thankfully Dick was able to calm them down to finally explain why they were doing here.

Buddy pulls their mask down letting their red hair and face show.

A somber look comes across their face as they retell that their timeline had been ravage for years, little survivors left around the world.

 Once they found blueprints for the time machine, they took that chance.

All they had to do was find what was the turning point that made the world go down and stop it.

The team agrees to help them.

Buddy starts vibrating in excitement while saying thank you literally a thousand times.

They insist on staying in the cave to keep an eye on their time machine.

The next few days Artemis and Wally are much more present in the cave while watching their grandkid from a far.

Artemis was beaming knowing that she would eventually have a life and kids with Wally.

Wally is happy too, but right now he is trying to figure out whether red hair was a dominant trait in speedsters.

Buddy pulls out a stick from their back pocket. They catch Artemis and Wally watching and smirk while pressing a hidden button showing a bow. Artemis’s attention was focused on the bow as Buddy pulls back an arrow. They close their eyes and using their speed they let out 7 arrows… all hitting the bullseye. Wally: “Woah…” Buddy salters over to the target to get their arrows. Buddy: “I was taught by the best archer.” Artemis: “Oliver was still around?” Buddy raises an eyebrow in confusion before masking it with a genuine smile. Buddy: “Well if you want to him to take your credit Gram’s you can do that.” Artemis: “Wait I taught you?” Buddy: “Yep! Taught by the best. You taught me everything I need to know.” Artemis had a warm smile on her face as she grabs her own bow. Artemis: “Is that so?” She lets go an arrow that lodges in Wally’s apple. Wally: “Artemis!” Buddy: “Really? I can do that with my eyes closed.” Artemis smirks at her grandkid. Artemis: “Is that a challenge?” Buddy matches her smirk. Buddy: “Maybe it is old timer.” Wally is in the background lamenting the lose of his apple. Meanwhile in the Watchtower meeting room… Barry suddenly sits up straight. Hal: “Bar?” Barry: “… Something happened…” The Green Lantern huffs. Hal: “Sure it did buddy. Maybe get some sleep before saying stuff like that.” Barry: “Yeah… maybe your right…”

[intoxicated-chan]

May I please request headcanons for Cassie, Hanzo, and Erron reacting to their artist S/O painting a badass portrait of them?

When Their S/O Draws a Painting of Them…

✿ฺ Characters ➳❥ Cassandra Cage, Hanzo Hasashi, and Erron Black…

✿ฺ (A/n) ➳❥ I swear I didn’t forget your request! I’m sorry it took me so long! But I’m back now but for now, I’m going slow. Anyways, take care everyone!!

✿ฺ Content Warnings ➳❥ Gender Neutral Reader, slight suggestive content, mentions of violence, mentions of guns, pet names (Darlin’) just fluffy fluff…

CASSANDRA CAGE

Cassie would definitely find many ways to promote/show off. Whether it be subtle ways or VERY obvious ways, she just likes talking about her partner’s skills and interest.

She likes watching you do the painting rather than being the person you draw.

But if you do, especially one that clearly shows off her strength, she will praise the most she can.

She might even cry that you took time out of your day to paint her and even add the perfect detail, almost like a photo was taken.

“I’ll be sure to take care of this one! I won’t let anything happen to it… Thank you, (Y/n).”

HANZO HASASHI

Hanzo always loved paintings. Whether they were works in progress or simply forgotten, he will love it all. He adores seeing works that were done with paint and loves the details in them.

Often when he meditates, he looses track of time. Yes, his senses are high but it’s always down when he’s with you.

He can hear how you quietly hum to yourself and hear shuffles around the room to get a better look of him.

Hanzo will hang up your painting, especially one if it’s him using his kunai, the added fire… He definitely loves being your model.

“I love everything about it, you really do keep on surprising me.”

ERRON BLACK

Honestly, I feel like he would prefer sketches over painting, mainly because he doesn’t want your paintings to get ruined if it was still wet.

He knows his strength and how much you love painting, so he tries to touch them with care, dry or not.

He doesn’t rant to ruin it. Even more when he sees that you painted him using his guns, he will say something cocky.

He likes to keep paintings that you gifted him in his small home, or cabin. He may suggest that he model in different ways, if you’re comfortable with it!

“Goddamn! Never thought I looked so good. Always keeping me on my toes, don’t you, Darlin’?”

© 2023 Intoxicated-Chan, I do not allow my work to be copied, translated, modified, adapted, or put on any other platform without permission.

[sc0tters]

Worth It | Nico Hischier

summary: who would have thought it would take another girl screwing him over for you two to get together?

request: yes/no

warnings: mild swearing.

word count: 1.61k

authors note: this idea has been staring at me forever so I’m glad we’ve gotten it out! Nobody tell Kei I’ve change the entire idea for this (I forgot how we planned it out) I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to give us the Nico x Hughes sister pairing too…

For the last three years it had been the same excuse from him.

Each time you tried to make a move on Nico he’d turn you down citing the fact that you were too young for him. But there was always more to that story, you were Jack sister.

Being twenty one and smart enough to be at Princeton you could have had anyone and your brother knew that as he made sure to tell all of his teammates to not cross that line with you.

What Nico didn’t realise though was that his attempts to lightly turn you down with a lie was that it would come back to bite him in the face when he made a move on a girl who was younger than you and just so happened to be in one of your classes.

You didn’t know if you were meant to feel like an idiot or if you wanted to feel bad for Nico. One of the girls in the year below you had gone on about how she wanted nothing more than to get to know your brother and was planning on using his captain to get to there. So of course you went to tell Nico at the next game you went to, never expecting that he would throw it back into your face.

You nervously rocked on your feet as you waited for him to come out of the locker room “nice to know I’m not important to my sister.” Jack teased seeing that you were clearly not focusing on him “sorry J,” you apologised trying to give him your attention.

Your brother sighed “what’s up with you?” He inquired quick to pick up on the fact that you seemed different tonight “I’ve gotta tell Neeks something and I don’t know how he’s gonna take it.” You confessed letting out a huff.

Nico stood behind you as he furrowed his eyebrows “tell me what?” He cocked his head with a smile as you looked up at him.

Despite the fact that Nico always turned you down it was always nice to know that you found him attractive “you know how you’ve been talking to Cassie?” You chewed at the inside of your cheek wanting to just melt into a puddle to avoid saying it all to him “yeah?” He nodded waiting for you to continue.

When you struggled to get your words out he gave your shoulder a squeeze “she wants to get to Jack.” The mention of your brothers name made his face drop “I’m so sorry-” you were no longer upset that he had gone for someone younger than you.

It was the fact that he had gone for someone who clearly didn’t want him.

Nico scoffed shaking his head “that’s a low blow even for you y/n.” He spat taking you by surprise “knew you liked me but at least thought that you would have the decency to want me to be happy.” Nico was hurt that you seemed to meddle in something that was meant to be secret.

You took a step back frowning at his response words you wanted to say couldn’t come out quick enough as you lower lip began to quiver “y/n c’mere mom wants a picture of us!” Jack lied motioning for you to come to his side before his captain could say anything more to hurt you.

That night you did go home upset and you drowned your sorrows in a tub of ice cream. That was how you spent every night for a week until Nico landed up at your door.

You stared at him as you sent him a glare “fuck off,” you grumbled trying to shove your door back in his face but his hockey player reactions were too quick for you “can we talk y/n?” Nico asked pushing the door open as you walked into your apartment.

The robe you once had wrapped around yourself was no longer suffice causing you to find one of Jacks shirts that you could put on instead.

Nico’s jaw went slack as he watched the robe drop to the floor revealing your matching bra and panties that were quickly covered by the grey shirt “you answered the door like that?” The hockey player felt his face clench at the idea of a stranger at your door like that.

You spun around to face him with a glare “look Nico what do you want?” You furrowed your eyebrows pulling your hair from your shirt “did you have plans tonight?” The boy mumbled realising that you had your hair all curled and your makeup was still on.

It was a reminder you didn’t want “I was meant to go on a date tonight if you must know.” You scowled not wanting to bring it up again “but he stood me up so-” Nico reached out to grab your hand as he frowned.

This time you were quicker as you moved away “he was an idiot,” the boy mumbled not believing that someone could have done that to you “why are you here tonight Nico?” You repeated your earlier words “you were right about Cassie.” His words made your once irritated expression quickly morph into a sorry one.

Of course you were right, but hearing Nico realise it meant that something had happened “she was over and I had gone to the bathroom to come back and see her scrolling through my phone.” The hockey player explained as he sat on your couch dropping his head to his hands.

You felt bad as you crouched in front of him “I’m sorry,” your voice was soft as you tried to pull his hands away from his face so that you could see him.

Nico locked eyes with you as you sent him a soft smile “I should be the one saying that to you.” The hockey player pointed out causing you to let out a laugh.

His hand reaching down to cup your face “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.” He mumbled wishing he could go back and not yell at you like he did.

You nodded as he rubbed his thumb on your cheek “‘s okay,” you shrugged bringing your hand on top of his “you liked her.” It was hard to admit it but if Nico didn’t want you then you wanted him happy with someone else.

The hockey player sighed staring at how you ran your tongue over your bottom lip “you’re too good to me Hughes.” Nico watched as you sat next to him as he was desperate to reach out and do something that Jack would have killed him off.

A laugh left your lips once more “don’t think I’m good enough.” Your comment was obviously directed at the fact that he didn’t like you “want you to look at me.” The hockey player pulled you into his arms as you settle on his lap.

It was a weird feeling for you as his hands settle on your waist “if I wasn’t scared of Jack-” his words made you slap your hand over your mouth “you’re scared of Jack?” A snort came out over your hand “don’t laugh at me!” Nico complained as you laughed even harder.

He pinched at your waist resulting in a squeal leaving your lips “I can even take Jack on,” you pointed out making him roll his eyes “yeah well I’m not exactly going to wrestle your brother on a couch now am I?” Nico shot back making you smile.

The moment between you two was soft as you stared at his features “you look beautiful tonight.” He blurted out causing your cheeks to grow warm “what are you getting at Nico?” You tried to remain calm as you cocked your head.

Nico licked his lips as he smiled “you want to do something with me sometime?” The hockey player proposed as he got all nervous “aww is Nico all nervous to ask me out?” You teased him as it was now his turn to grow red “what happened to being scared of Jack?” You added pushing your tease further making him roll his eyes.

The hockey player clicked his tongue “well when you said that you were going to deal with Jack but if not-” Nico was cut off as you placed your hands on either side of his face as you pulled him into a kiss.

It took Nico a second to process what was going on but as he did, the boy melted into the kiss wrapping his arms around your torso like you were going to leave him at one point or another “baby you’re gonna have to stop that if you want me leaving tonight.” The Swiss man groaned as you grinded your hips against his “ever thought that I want you here in the morning?” Your words made him smirk as the image of your underwear came into his mind.

But Nico didn’t want to be a fool “you better not be fucking with me y/n.” He warned as you smiled getting off of his lap.

You grabbed the sides of your shirt pulling it over your head “gonna have to come and find out captain.” You playfully threw your shirt at him as you began to retreat into the hallway where your bedroom sat.

A laugh echoed off of those walls as Nico got up and followed you “she’s gonna get me killed ain’t she?” Nico asked himself as he smiled seeing you sat on your bed.

Whatever trouble you were about to get him in was gonna be totally worth it.

[marvelfanfn2187a113]

Adoption Agency

Dean Winchester & Ben, Dean Winchester & Cassie Jr (OC), Dean Winchester & Charlie, Dean Winchester & Krissy, Sam and Dean Winchester & little sister!reader

Requested by Anonymous (x2)

Synopsis: Dean is forced to take care of a kid he hasn’t seen for a while—and one he didn’t know he had

A/N: finally another fic! This one’s pretty long. I have the reader and an oc in this one, this is the first (and possibly only, we’ll see) fic I’ve done with this headcannon character I’ve mentioned before; Cassie Jr. She’s the daughter of Cassie, Dean’s old girlfriend who was in (I think??) the first season. I’m usually not a fan of OCs, but Cassie Jr is kind of my exception. Hope you guys like it! (Btw if you guys want to see more of my Ben/Cassie Jr headcannons, let me know and I might hunt down my old stuff and put it in a Masterlist)

“Ben?” Dean lowered his machete faster than he ever had when he turned the corner and saw not a vampire, but a boy he considered his son. “Ben, what are you doing here?”

“Dean?” Blood drained from Ben’s face when he laid eyes on the only father figure he’d ever trusted. “I didn’t think you’d—I mean—“

“Ben look out!” Dean’s weapon was back up in an instant when he spotted a figure rounding the corner, but Ben jumped in the way.

“Dean, no! That—she’s not a vamp!”

Dean lowered his machete again, but he kept a firm grip on it as he glanced from Ben to the girl behind him.

“Ben, what is this?” Dean asked. “Why do you even remember me? Cas told me that he—“

“He did,” Ben interrupted. “But…but things have changed.”

“Dean?” Dean turned to look at the girl as she spoke. Something about her tugged at his mind, as if he knew her. “You can’t be Dean.” Her eyes turned to Ben. “Why is he—“

“We can talk about this later,” Ben interrupted. “But we’ve gotta finish looking before that vamp comes back.”

“Looking?” Dean asked, choosing for now to ignore the nagging question of why this girl seemed to know who he was. “Looking for what?”

“We took this job because a friend of ours had an uncle go missing in this area. We tracked the vampire kills nearby, and we’re thinking that maybe the vampire is keeping some of its victims alive as blood bags—that’s why only about half the missing people turned up dead.”

“Yeah, or they’re just good at hiding their tracks,” Dean argued. “The priority here has to be killing the monster.”

“That can be your priority,” the girl spoke up. “But we’re gonna find those victims.”

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Dean scoffed. He was surprised when the question stopped her short, and she looked to Ben for support.

“Later,” Ben insisted. “We can do this later. Look—“ he turned to Dean. “We’re going to check upstairs for any survivors. You can do what you want.”

“You’re not going up there alone,” Dean argued.

“Like I said; do what you want.” Ben turned, grabbing the girl by the arm and encouraging her along. Dean rolled his eyes and followed right behind them.

…

Dean wasn’t surprised at the first body they found at the top of the stairs—but the kids were.

“Just because one is dead doesn’t mean they all are,” the girl said. Dean grit his teeth at the sound of the shakiness in her voice; she was in for a rude awakening, he could feel it.

“Let’s keep looking.” Ben put his hand on the girl’s arm, and Dean wondered what the connection was between them.

“Watch out!” The girl spoke a split second before you rounded the corner and swung the machete. You froze mid-strike, yanking your arm back at the last second to avoid hitting Ben in the neck.

“Ben?!” You were slack-jawed before your eyes landed on your big brother. “Dean, what is going on?”

“I’ll explain later,” Dean huffed. “Right now we—“

“Oh no.” Dean’s senses heightened at the sound of Ben’s voice.

“What’s wrong?” He demanded, sidestepping his little sister to see what Ben was seeing. “Oh.” Dean couldn’t say he was surprised, but the sight of three more bodies in the entryway of the next room caused his heart to sink.

“They-they can’t…” the girl was gripping Ben’s arm, her voice quavering. “They can’t all be dead.”

Dean didn’t see why not, but he didn’t speak.

“I take it you’re looking for someone specific,” you spoke up.

“Yeah.” Ben’s voice was shaky too, but nowhere near as panicked as his friend’s. “We’re trying to help a friend find her uncle.”

“Then let’s keep looking.” Dean resisted the urge to glare at you for this statement—he wished you wouldn’t give these kids false hope, but he supposed you probably had plenty of false hope yourself; it was just a part of being a young hunter. You hadn’t seen everything that Dean had.

Dean trailed behind while Ben, his friend, and you forged ahead to look for any survivors. As he stared at the three kids, he couldn’t help the nagging feeling at the back of his mind…

The one that said that this was just the beginning—the one that said he’d be seeing a lot more of these kids, two of whom he considered his own.

…

Dean knew even before he entered the room that it was bad. He heard an intake of breath from Ben’s friend, he heard Ben’s quiet groan, and your “oh no.”

He rushed into the room just behind the three kids, cringing at the sight of half a dozen bodies strewn haphazardly around, all drained of blood.

“Cassie…” Dean whipped his head around to stare at Ben as he finally said the girl’s name. Ben was pulling Cassie into a hug as her eyes landed on a dead man near the center of the floor.

“Cassie,” Dean muttered under his breath, too awestruck to speak. That was why he recognized this kid—she was near identical to a woman Dean hadn’t seen for years.

“I take it that wasn’t a friend’s uncle,” you said quietly from beside Ben and Cassie.

“He was the only family I had,” Cassie whimpered. That sentence caught Dean’s attention.

“The only…” No. No way. He had to be thinking about this wrong, this couldn’t be Cassie’s daughter, because that would mean…

“Dean, look out!” At the sound of your warning, Dean didn’t hesitate. Without turning around, Dean ducked out of the way, stepping away from the doorway and lifting his machete simultaneously. It was good that he didn’t question you—not that he ever had—because the vamp missed him by mere inches.

You came forward swinging, but it was no use as the bigger and faster vampire dodged your attempted blow and grabbed onto your arm, twisting until the machete clattered to the ground.

“Dean!” You cried out as the vampire bared its fangs at you, but before he could spring into action Ben was there, ripping the vampire away from you and opening up Cassie for a shot; she took off the head in a single swing. “Thanks,” you breathed to the teens. “You guys are some decent hunters.”

“Which begs the question; why?” Dean demanded as he stepped closer to the three of you. “Ben, what is going on?”

“What, are you surprised that you actually have to take responsibility for your kids?” Cassie’s outburst surprised both you and Dean, but Ben just sighed exhaustedly.

“Cassie, you know that—“

“Yeah, you recognize that name? Cassie?” Cassie was ignoring Ben, keeping her eyes on Dean. “That old girlfriend you forgot about—my mother. After you left, she had me. And then she died—because she knew you.” Cassie was out the door before Dean could even begin to process her words. Ben was starting after her, but Dean grabbed onto his arm.

“Is…is she saying…she’s mine?” Dean didn’t look like he was breathing anymore.

“She is. And so am I.” Ben pulled his arm from Dean’s grasp and rushed after Cassie.

“Dean?” You grabbed onto your big brother’s arm, hoping to stabilize him.

“What’s going on up here?” The two of you turned at the sound of Sam’s voice. “There was a vamp downstairs, I took care of it…but it looks like I missed all the real action. I just saw Ben on the staircase.”

“It’s a long story,” you said. “Maybe we should bring those two to the bunker and have a talk with them.”

“Yeah.” Your words seemed to snap Dean out of his daze. “Yeah, I’ll go find them.”

“Let me,” you insisted. “I’m not so sure they like you right now.”

…

You found Ben and Cassie right outside the house—it looked like Ben was trying to convince her to go back inside.

“You guys should come with us,” you spoke up without waiting to hear what they were talking about. “We’ve got a bunker not far from here, it’s a good place to regroup.”

“With Dean?” Cassie scoffed. “I don’t think—“

“Cassie, hear him out,” Ben interrupted. “I told you, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to at least get to know him before you hate him.”

“It’s not like you’ve been searching him out to talk to him,” Cassie argued.

“Look, guys,” you butted into the argument. “I don’t know what you’ve got against my brother, but—“

“My mom is dead.” Ben’s word knocked the wind out of you, and you completely forgot what you were going to say. You’d stayed with Dean, Ben, and Lisa while Sam was in hell. You hadn’t formed a bond anywhere near as strong as Dean had with them, but Lisa was the closest thing you’d ever had to a mother, given that yours left you at John’s motel doorstep when you were a baby. When you and Dean got wiped from Ben and Lisa’s memories, it was one of the hardest things you’d ever done to walk away.

“L-Lisa’s…” you swallowed. “How?”

“Demons,” Ben deadpanned. “Of course, she didn’t know they were demons. She didn’t understand any of it, because she couldn’t remember.”

“Why do you remember?” The three of you turned at the sound of Dean’s voice—he’d come up behind you. You glared at him; he was supposed to let you handle this. But you softened when you saw the tenseness in his jaw and fists, and the pain in his eyes. He had heard Ben say Lisa was dead.

“Not long after you left us, I got into a car accident,” Ben explained. “Had a concussion. Whatever happened knocked those memories loose in my brain, and I started to remember everything that friend of yours made me forget. I didn’t tell mom—I knew she wouldn’t understand. But it didn’t matter, anyway, because she died not long after. You abandoning us didn’t protect us.”

“I wasn’t abandoning you,” Dean forced out through the lump in his throat. “I was trying to protect you.”

Ben’s expression didn’t change from a cold indifference.

“It didn’t work.”

…

Despite Cassie’s anger and Ben’s hesitance, the teens decided to follow you to the bunker. To your surprise, yet another teen was waiting for you when you got there.

“Hey guys,” Claire greeted before her eyes landed on the extra passengers. “Who are your friends?”

“Who’s she, another kid?” Cassie scoffed, and Ben shot her a look.

“Another kid?” Claire looked from the teens to Dean. “The heck are they talking about?”

“Claire, this is Ben and Cassie—they’re my kids.”

“Only biologically,” Cassie clarified.

“Cassie and Ben,” Dean continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “This is Claire—she’s a friend. What’s going on, Claire?”

“It’s Jody.” Claire must have decided her reason for being here was more important than Dean’s family drama. “She went on a hunt a few days ago, and now she’s not answering her phone.”

Dean was instantly stiff and alert.

“Tell us everything.”

“I will,” Claire promised. “But first—I recruited some help.”

…

“Charlie.” Dean grinned widely as he pulled the redhead in for a hug. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too,” Charlie said as she pulled away. “By the way, you have quite a good number of crazy kids in your corner.” Charlie eyed the troop of teens in the war room, including you, Ben, Claire, Cassie, and Krissy—who had come with Claire.

“Yeah, you’d think he’d be celibate by now just out of basic human decency,” Cassie scoffed, and Ben elbowed her.

“Hey, these aren’t mine,” Dean argued.

“That you know of,” Cassie muttered.

“Alright, that’s it,” Dean snapped. “Look, I know you’ve been through some crap, ok? But this chip on your shoulder attitude is getting old, especially considering I wasn’t even told of your existence until a few hours ago. That was your mom’s choice, not mine.”

“Oh yeah?” Cassie challenged. “And was it her choice to get killed by demons?”

“No.” Dean’s voice was solemn now. “No, it wasn’t. And I’m sorry, I’m…I’m so sorry.”

Dean’s tone surprised Cassie, and she went silent.

“I didn’t know she was in danger,” Dean said. “And I didn’t know about you. If I did, I would’ve—“

“What?” Ben cut in. “Would’ve made them forget?”

“Ben, you know why I did that,” Dean argued. “Your mom almost got killed—I didn’t want you to be in danger anymore.”

“Well it didn’t help,” Ben said. “They didn’t care if we remembered that we knew you, they only cared that you knew us.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” Dean confessed. “I put you in danger by being there, I put you in danger by staying away. I can’t bring your moms back—all I can say is I’m sorry.”

A tack hitting the floor would’ve sounded like a bomb going off in the war room as the two teens eyed their father.

“Prove it,” Cassie spoke up.

“Name what you want, I’ll do it,” Dean promised.

“This Jody chick. I wanna help you look for her.”

Dean was surprised.

“What? Why?”

Cassie looked from you, to Sam, then finally to Dean.

“Families hunt together, right? You wanna prove you’re sorry? Then let us be a family. If I think I can trust you, then maybe…maybe we can move on.”

“The last thing I want to do right now is put you in more danger,” Dean huffed.

“Tough,” Cassie argued. “Because that’s my only offer.”

Dean eyed Cassie, then Ben. The silence in his indecision reached awkward quickly.

“They saved my butt from a vamp back there,” you broke in. “They’ve got my vote.”

“Maybe a new start is a good idea,” Sam piped up.

“Didn’t realize this was a group discussion,” Dean muttered under his breath. “Alright,” he decided. “Let’s go. But you’d better not get yourselves killed.”

…

“You’ve been pretty quiet, old man.”

Dean let out a huff as he glanced back at Krissy—just his luck she’d ended up in the Impala when they were separating into cars.

“Yeah, finding out about a kid you didn’t know you had will do that.”

“Well, she can join the club,” Krissy said with a shrug.

“Club?” Dean questioned. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh just the half a dozen kids on this hunt that you’ve adopted,” Krissy said. Dean scoffed.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I don’t know Dean,” Sam piped up from his shotgun seat. “We seemed to have picked up a decent amount of wayward teens over the years.”

“Great, just what I need.” Dena rolled his eyes.

“C’mon—“ Dean had forgotten you were in the car until you reached up and patted his shoulder. “You know you love us.”

…

“So I hit a dead end trying to track her phone, but with her laptop I’ve managed to track her web usage over the past few days.” Charlie’s fingers were moving a mile a minute on her laptop keyboard as she spoke. She had a Winchester brother over each shoulder, watching her every move as she shuffled through page after page of Jody’s online research.

“Try the most recent search,” Sam offered. “Maybe she looked up a location.”

“Do we even know what she was hunting?” You questioned Claire.

“Werewolf, definitely.” Claire and Sam exchanged a glance—she was nervous. Her last encounter with werewolves hadn’t gone so well.

“Ok, she did look up a location,” Charlie cut in. “Looks like a passport office, except…it’s really sketchy.” Charlie spun around in her chair, and it gave you a view over her shoulder of a website.

“That’s a perfect cover,” Krissy said. “I mean, anyone going to a place that bad is probably looking to disappear—so no one notices when they do.”

“Sketchy is right,” you scoffed as you looked over Charlie’s shoulder. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Jody’s computer has half a dozen viruses now.”

“It did. I took care of them.” Charlie smirked. “She can thank me when we find her.”

…

“Dean?” You caught your big brother before he went outside.

“Yeah, what’s up?” He asked, glancing out towards the Impala before reluctantly looking back at you.

“Were—um—“ your voice caught, so you swallowed and tried again. “Werewolves…they don’t really keep hostages. What if Jody is—“

“Hey, no,” Dean snapped, but he softened when your lip started to quiver. “Ok, commere.” Dean pulled you into his arms. “We can’t do that, kid. We can’t lose hope.”

“I don’t want to lose her, too,” you whimpered. Dean’s arms tightened around you.

“We’re not losing anyone, ok? Jody’s gonna be just fine—we’re gonna bring her home. I promise.”

…

“I want to go in.”

“What?” Dean eyed Cassie suspiciously as he parked at the cracked pavement outside the passport office. “Why?”

“Why do you think I came here? Duh, I want to help.” Dean huffed at Cassie’s sarcasm, but he didn’t argue. “You can take me in—pretend you’re my dad getting me a passport.” Dean didn’t miss Cassie’s smirk at the implication. “Shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Fine,” Dean relented. “Sam, if we’re not out in half an hour—“

“I know what to do,” Sam assured him.

“Then let’s go.”

…

Dean had been in the office all of 2 minutes before he began to get nervous.

“I’ve gotta use the restroom,” Cassie had announced almost as soon as a man had come forward to help them.

“First door on the left,” the man told her; and she scampered off down a dark hallway.

Great, he thought to himself. I’m in werewolf territory with Nancy Drew.

Still, he let her go off to check the back while he kept the counter man distracted. He didn’t really have another choice.

…

“Do you think Jody’s ok?”

Claire’s question hit Sam hard—mostly because he’d been wondering that all day. Before he could speak, though, Krissy piped in.

“Look, I know I don’t know your friend—but from what you guys have been telling me, she seems awesome. I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.”

The tiny twitch of a smile on Claire’s face as she relaxed made Sam feel much better.

“They’ve been in there a while,” Ben interrupted. He hadn’t taken his eyes off the front door since Cassie disappeared behind it. Sam understood the feeling—the fear for your sibling, the helplessness when they went into danger without you. He didn’t know how Ben and Cassie got to be so close, but he couldn’t deny the obvious; they’d do anything for each other.

“Do you think we should go in after them?” Your eyes met Sam’s—you were waiting for his say-so.

“Dean said half an hour,” Krissy argued. “We should give them a chance to get some information.

“I’m not waiting any longer,” Ben insisted.

“Ben—“ Sam tried to reason with him, but Ben was already halfway out of the Impala.

You and Claire followed without a word.

“Hey!” Sam called to the two of you, but you ignored him.

“Ok.” Krissy shrugged, stepping out of the car.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Sam grumbled as he followed the teens. “These kids are gonna be the death of me.”

…

Dean was in the middle of pretending to fill out paperwork, and he was getting impatient. Cassie still hadn’t returned, and there had been no sounds of struggle either. He didn’t feel like he could go after her yet though—not with the desk worker hanging around; it would look too suspicious.

The moment the desk worker disappeared in the back, Dean dropped his pen and stepped into the hallway that Cassie had gone down.

“Cassie?” Dean hissed. “Cassie!”

A thud broke the silence from behind a door down the hall. Dean rushed towards it, his hand instinctively reaching behind him to pull out his gun. The door was locked, but it came open with a swift kick.

Dean held his gun out in front of him as he entered the room.

“Cassie!” Dean lowered his gun as he rushed towards his daughter, who was tied and gagged on the floor.

“She came outta nowhere,” Cassie gasped after Dean yanked her gag down.

“She?” Dean asked.

“Yeah. This isn’t a one-werewolf job, I guess.” Cassie shrugged.

“When is it ever?” Dean huffed as he started to untie Cassie.

“Dean look out!” Cassie’s warning came a split second too late as Dean felt a flash of pain as something hit the back of his head; then nothing.

…

“They’re not here,” you mumbled to Sam as the two of you trailed a step behind Ben into the passport office.

“They’re fine, we’re going to find them,” Sam promised.

“How can I help you?” A woman with an unnerving smile greeted as she stepped out from a dark hallway.

“That’s enough of that,” Ben huffed, reaching into his belt and pulling his gun on the woman. “The man and the teenage girl. Where are they?”

“Ben!” Sam glared at the teen. “Subtle much?”

“Subtle was Dean’s plan, and now he and Cassie are missing,” Ben argued. “It’s time for my plan.”

“Fine,” Sam grumbled, reaching for his own gun and directing his attention to the woman. “Answer his question.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” She insisted, doing a horrible job of looking aghast.

“Sam!” You we’re halfway down a dark hallway by the time you called out for your big brother. He looked to see what you were gesturing at—a door at the end of the corridor. “Hinge is broken—it looks like it got kicked in.”

“Dean,” Sam muttered under his breath. “Krissy, Claire, go with Y/N. Ben and I are gonna have a little chat with this one.” Sam instructed. He glanced at Ben to make sure he still had his gun up before putting his own away and pulling out a silver knife instead. “First things first—let’s see what you are.”

…

You slipped into the room with the broken door, Krissy trailing right behind you. You had your gun—the one full of silver bullets—up and ready.

“Dean!” You breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of your big brother, even though he was tied up and gagged. He started shaking his head the moment he saw you, which put you on instant alert. Despite this and Dean’s obvious protests, you stepped forward and pulled Dean’s gag down, keeping your gun ready.

“Two of them,” Dean gasped. “There’s two, and I don’t know where either of them are.”

“Krissy, wait.” You held your hand out to stop Krissy from untying Cassie. “One of us should be ready to fight.” She nodded, stepping away from Cassie and keeping her gun pointed at the door while you untied Dean and Claire freed Cassie.

“Where…where’s Jody?” Claire asked once they were both free.

“I don’t know,” Dean admitted. “I haven’t seen anyone except the werewolves. Hey,” Dean put a firm grip on her shoulder when he saw her countenance drop. “We don’t know anything yet. There’s gotta be more rooms in this place. Let’s keep looking.” Dean turned his attention to you. Where’s—“

Dean’s question was interrupted by the sound of gunshots.

…

Only about a minute earlier, Sam was questioning the female werewolf about Jody when a man came charging into the main room from a side hallway.

“Ben watch out!” Sam fired two shots at the advancing male werewolf. One missed, and the other buried itself in the man’s shoulder. It didn’t stop him, and Sam wasn’t able to fire off another shot at him because just then the woman pounced on him.

“Hey!” Dean’s voice—followed by the sound of his gun going off—came just in time, and Sam felt the werewolf on top of him collapse completely, three shots to her back finding their mark in her heart. It was only after Sam shoved the creature off of him that he realized it wasn’t Dean who saved him—Dean’s gun was pointed at the now dead male werewolf that had gone after Ben—it was Cassie who had saved Sam.

Sam watched as Cassie and Dean shared a look—a look that Sam didn’t have to be a mind reader to understand; they had earned each other’s trust in the deepest way. They had both saved the most important person in the other’s life—their brothers.

“Jody.” Your voice snapped the lot of them out of their moment.

“Right.” Dean holstered his gun and turned toward the dark hallway he’d just come from. “Come on, there’s gotta be more rooms down here. Let’s find Jody.”

…

“Hey.” Cassie’s voice got Dean’s attention, and he tilted his head towards her. “I guess you’re not so bad…you know, for an old guy.”

Dean scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“I swear, you teens and your jokes,” he grumbled under his breath. “You’re not so bad yourself,” he admitted. “You know, for a kid.”

Cassie’s lips twitched in a smirk.

“Hey, thanks,” Dean said. “For saving my brother.”

This time, Cassie’s smile was big and genuine.

“Right back at you.”

…

There were three doors at the back of the hallway. The first was a storage closet barely big enough to fit the ancient vacuum inside. The second, a bathroom. The third…

“Hey guys.” Jody’s grin matched that of everyone looking at her. “It took you long enough.”

…

Charlie, Krissy, Claire, and Jody all returned to their various homes after a quick reunion and goodbye.

“So what’s next for you two?” Dean’s eyes landed on his two children as they lingered in the bunkered war room.

“We have guest rooms,” you piped in, but at Dean’s glare you retreated to your room to give them some privacy, an action followed by Sam a moment later.

“She’s not wrong,” Dean said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, I don’t know where you guys are staying but, if you wanted to it wouldn’t be—“

“You’re babbling, old man,” Cassie interrupted her father with a cheeky grin.

“Ok, ok.” Dean held up his hands in surrender. “I’m no good at this, so I’ll get to the point—you guys have a place here if you want it; I know I wasn’t there for you for various reasons, but I’m here now. I don’t like that you guys are hunting, I think it’s too dangerous, but it’s not up to me. All I can do is let you know that you always have me to back you up.”

Ben and Cassie were quiet while Dean gave his speech, and when he was done they shared a long, near telepathic look.

“Hanging around a while couldn’t hurt,” Ben said finally.”

“Yeah, might even be fun,” Cassie admitted. “I hope you like teenagers, old man.”

Taglist:

@nyotamalfoy @mrvlxgrl @chocorade @aestheticdaisies @inlovewhithafairytale @that-wannabe-vangoghgurl @casmustdiee @987coley @deadlymistletoe @wayward-impala83 @whump-loverz

[bookishjules]

you made the owie situation so much worse because max 100% would have chosen izzy as his suggenes 😭 i’m reading qoaad right now and i miss sizzy so much. cassie really missed the mark by not having them be more involved in the plot and politics, especially because simon had his whole downworlder and shadowhunter equality advocate arc in tftsa. not that i’m saying they didn’t have any opinions on the cohort, i just wish simon and isabelle had more vocal moments in the book and it’s council meetings, especially considering that simon is jewish!!! and the registery hits very very close to home if you get what i mean. i’m surprise that simon didn’t have a moment during a council meeting or any scene where he mentioned how close the actions the cohort wanted were to nazis. izzy was kinda just a babysitter for most of the times she was mentioned, i miss her badassery BUT i do understand that this book is from emma and the blackthorns’ povs and they’re closer to clace and malec… let’s hope simon works more with the new academy and we see him and izzy be mentors to dru (izzy trainer era would be elite)

okay i'm so glad someone else saw my vision... even if it hurts. i just can't help but imagine that in the universe where max lives, he gets closer to izzy into his teen years. i think izzy would spend more time with him when she's trying not to think about simon, bc both of her other brothers are in happy committed relationships, and then after the events of tfsa, he would get closer with simon through her bc of comics and anime etcetc and that would pull them tighter. plus, izzy isn't protective older brother like alec, and she isn't idolized like jace. she's a lot more .. accessible i guess is what i'm saying. as a sibling. she also ends up having a lot less responsibility than jace and alec, as you said, so it makes sense for him to go to her when he needs someone to talk to, or to her and simon's place when he needs a comfortable place to relax. ... anyway i have a lot more thoughts on this but it is not the point of this ask at all lol

i am also reading qoaad rn!! and i know exactly what you mean. i've thought similarly with simon. like he blazed through the sa in a very political manner, and yet we don't see him speaking up against the wrongs being committed here? and with something of this magnitude, and with his perspective.. there's no way he wouldn't feel a responsibility to speak up, especially now that they're all adult shadowhunters and are able to sit in on those meetings and have the voice they didn't always have access to as teens.

so basically yes i fully agree with everything you said <3 and i also really really really hope for more sizzy involvement in twp. i may have my hopes up too high (i.e. they exist), but just the knowledge that there will be a scene with simon at the pandemonium feels like it could imply a tilt in that direction. and i really think it's only fair o7

plus i mean.. not to go back to the max thing. but IF all of what i said above did happen, there's a world where sizzy would be more familiar with ty and dru bc they bracket max's age and would likely have ended up being friends, just by the nature of how involved clary is with emma, and emma potentially expressing worry about the kids not having friends their age etcetc you see where i'm going. so it just feels.. right. yk?

[mochegato]

Maybe Lover

“Can you put your phone away, please?” Bruce chided Jason, his voice sounding slightly tinny over the coms.  “It’s rude.  At least pretend to pay attention to the gala and the people here.”

“There is absolutely nothing going on in the gala that’s worth paying attention to,” he grumbled without looking up to acknowledge him as he continued to type, not that there was anyone there to acknowledge anyway.

“Are you kidding me?” Stephanie trilled, excitement bursting through her tone and Jason’s ear drum.  “Selena and Vikki and Oliver are all here tonight.  And none of them are the one Bruce brought.”  Jason snorted and went back to typing with renewed vigor.

“I can hear you,” Bruce cut in.  His exasperation even this early in the evening came through clearly.

“She knows,” Tim answered for her.  “She just doesn’t care.”

“Ooohhh, is that Pixie?” she asked, trying to peek around Jason’s shoulder to see what he was typing.

He raised his elbow quickly, almost clocking her on the chin as he did.  She had to dodge hastily to avoid getting hit.  “Maybe,” he grunted.

Instead of scowling at him, her smile widened.  “Say ‘hi’ for me!”

“Fuck off,” he scowled.

“You didn’t invite her to the gala?” Bruce asked.

“No?” he scoffed.  He desperately wanted to flip him off, but there were far too many people between the two of them and Alfred would be disappointed when he found out.  And he would find out.  He always did.

“Why not?  I thought we were going to get to meet her tonight,” Dick pouted.  Jason could feel the hopeful look he’d worn at the mention of Pixie turn to a disheartened frown from across the room.

“Because then you’d meet her tonight,” he responded flatly, giving his brother the deadest of deadpan looks to go with it.

“So, when are we going to meet your girlfriend?” Dick asked.  The hopeful edge appearing back in his gaze.

“Never if I have my choice,” he scoffed.

“Probably better that way,” Tim teased with a playful smirk.  “Less likely to get attacked in our sleep by some insane assassin that way.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Jason growled.  He turned toward where he knew Tim was stationed with Kon and Cassie on the other side of the ballroom to glare at him.  “Maybe this is exactly why I don’t want you guys to meet her.”

“Okay, less chatter, more focus on the gala,” Bruce instructed sternly.  “Tim, stop antagonizing Jason.  Everyone, keep an eye out for anything suspicious and announce it on the coms if you find anything, but don’t forget this is for the Foundation.  If tonight goes well, we might be able to open a new clinic, so be charming… Jason,” he added at the end pointedly.

“Keep your shorts on,” he scoffed.  “I’m here aren’t I?  And not cursing out anyone… outside of the family.”

“And I’m proud of you for that,” Bruce agreed.  Jason almost flinched when his voice reached him in person instead of over the coms.  “Come greet guests with me.”

Jason threw his head back with a deep groan.  “Why am I being punished for behaving?”

Bruce rolled his eyes.  “You’re not.  You’re being rewarded.”

“This does not feel like a reward,” he scoffed, but followed behind him, plastering on a smile as he went.

“I think I see Marinette,” Bruce said consolingly.  “You like her well enough, don’t you?”

Jason studied him for a second before shrugging noncommittally.  “Maybe,” Jason huffed loudly, but his eyes darted around looking for her behind Bruce’s back, “she’s okay.”

He spotted her just before Bruce called out for her.  She looked stunning, which was no great surprise.  She stood out so strikingly, he was shocked he had missed her until then.  She was dressed in a floor-length red dress that skirted the line between sweet and sexy.  But, it wasn’t a bright, ladybug red.  No, it was a deeper, bloodier, Red Hood red.  Her silky hair cascaded down her exposed back, swaying slightly with each minute movement.  But it was when she turned around that truly took his breath away.  Her eyes glowed as reflections of the gala’s ambient lights flickered in them.  Her smile seemed to make the carefully calculated lighting significantly brighter.

“M. Wayne,” she greeted him cheerily, a markedly different greeting than the serious or fake or sultry greetings other attendees had used.  “Thank you for inviting me.”

Bruce raised his eyebrow almost imperceptibly.  To anyone not as familiar with him as Jason, or Marinette, they would have missed it and been taken in by the wide, fake smile.  He took her hand and bowed slightly.  “We couldn’t have a party without you.  You make all of our events that much brighter by your smile,” he crooned so over the top, Marinette almost choked out a laugh.  “Wouldn’t you agree, Jason?”

“Maybe,” Jason shrugged, but his eyes bored into Marinette.

Marinette raised an eyebrow at Jason but smiled for Bruce.  “Thank you, M. Wayne…”

“Bruce please,” he chided.  His charming persona on full blast.  Jason was just about ready to slap his overly familiar hands that were still holding Marinette’s hand like he might kiss her knuckles again, away from Marinette.

“Bruce,” Marinette responded obligingly.  “It really is a beautiful event.”

“Thank you,” he nodded slightly with an easy smile and finally let go of her hand.  “Nothing to do with me, I assure you.  But a great networking opportunity for you so…” he made a shooing motion toward the crowd.

Marinette chuckled and nodded back.  “M… Bruce.  Jason,” she acknowledged enchantingly and disappeared into the crowd.

Or at least she tried.  Jason’s eyes followed her around the room, never leaving her for too long.  She was easy enough to find, her red dress standing out against the rest of the attendees, but even if it hadn’t, he still would have been able to find her.  He always could.  He watched her walk from person to person, anxiety flickering in her eyes for a few moments before meeting each new person.  But she would invariably square her shoulders and march into battle.

He looked away before she could catch him staring like one of the lecherous old men who had been ogling her since she walked into the room.  It took several blinks and a shake of his head before he could focus.  It took longer than he would care to admit to tune back into the conversation he was supposed to be having with whoever Bruce had brought him to speak with.  His eyes found Marinette instead.  He sneered when he laid eyes on yet another lecher leering at Marinette.

His sneer eased into an appreciative gaze as he watched her chat animatedly with Kon and Cassie.  Her arms were flying out as she explained something, probably very simple, not remotely requiring so much expression, except that it was Marinette, so it would have been strange if she didn’t explain like that.  Cassie said something and Marinette threw her head back in a full body laugh that was so out of place in a high class, elegant gala, but was so very Marinette, that Jason’s resolve completely melted.

He stopped pretending to pay attention to the conversation he was supposed to be in when Marinette waved goodbye to Cassie and Kon and made her way in his direction, pointedly not looking at Jason.  Her hips swayed as she moved, not overtly, just enough to make his mind race, which, granted, didn’t require much… or anything really when it came to her.  Just seeing her eyes was enough.  Or her smile.  Or hearing her laugh.  Or… anything really.  And the occasional looks she would shoot him throughout the night, over her shoulder or under her lashes, only lasting a few milliseconds, nothing long enough for anyone else to notice, almost did him in.

He fought reacting when he felt a light touch brushing along his shoulder as a body passed behind him.  It was even harder when her breath tickled his ear.  “Not very subtle,” she cooed quietly enough only he could hear her words, but they hit him like a sledgehammer, driving the air out of his lungs.

A growl worked up from his chest and he spun quickly enough he was surprised his neck didn’t crack.  He shot his hand out to grab her arm before she could get away.  “Would you do me the honor of a dance, Ms. Dupain Cheng,” he prompted louder than strictly necessary.

She raised an amused eyebrow at him and had to purse her lips to keep from smirking.  “Of course.”

He wound through the crowd until they were in the middle of dance floor and pulled her closer than propriety allowed as the music started.  They moved in sync, as though they were one entity.  He relished the feeling of her against him; the heat against him, the way her soft body almost melded to his, the delicate tenderness of the bare skin of her back under his fingertips, the intoxicating fragrance of her perfume.  He brushed his face along her hairline, his lips lingering against her skin.

Marinette couldn’t help the small gasp that passed her lips.  “Careful, M. Todd.  We’re in public.”

He looked around as if only just seeing the people filling the ballroom.  His eyes widened in faux surprise.  “Oh!  That explains all the people.”

Her eyes were rolling before she even realized it, but quickly settled into a flat look.  “Your family is here.”

He made a show of looking around, without allowing his eyes to settle on anything.  “I don’t see them.”

She snorted inelegantly but covered it in his chest.  She glanced around quickly before returning her curious gaze to him.  “Jason?”  Her voice was soft, cautious.  He hummed in response.  “What are you doing?”

He traced the edge of her face lightly, his fingertips barely touching her skin, but still making enough contact to singe her, until his finger rested under her chin.  “I would have thought that was rather obvious.  I thought I was making it clear to the entire room.”

Her jaw dropped just enough for her lips to part slightly, drawing his eyes with so much force, he was incapable of looking away from her Red Hood colored lips.  “You sure about this?” she asked quietly.

He tightened his grip around her waist almost imperceptibly.  “Positive,” he whispered as he leaned down to finally connect their lips in front of witnesses for the first time.  They met in a soft kiss, that looked so intimate, so reverent, it felt like a sin to watch.

She stopped dancing to pull back and glance in his eyes.  “What made you change your mind?” She whispered.

“Maybe I’m tired of hiding,” he commented lightly and if she hadn’t known him better, she might have fallen for the offhanded delivery as he started them moving again.  “Maybe, I want to love you out in the open.  Freely.  In the light.  Maybe I’m done letting how other people will react affect how we love each other.  Maybe I realized you were right and I want this unconditionally too.”  He swept his hand over the back of her head and down her hair, letting the soft tendrils slip through his fingers.  “Maybe I’m done pretending and maybe you mean more to me.  Maybe,” he took a breath and met her eyes with a soft but determined look, “maybe I love you too much.”

He pushed her against himself so there was no space between them.  The soft look in his eyes turned deeper as he licked his lips.  “Maybe I want to kiss you anywhere, everywhere… public, private, on your body…”

“What the fuck am I hearing right now?” Tim whisper hissed, drawing the attention of the people around him, negating the purpose of whispering in the first place.  He offered them a tight smile and pulled Kon closer to him, trying to play it off as speaking to him.

“Oh my God, she’s Pixie!” Stephanie exclaimed excitedly, almost vibrating with excitement, not remotely caring about the stares she was garnering.

“First off, congratulations you two.  We’re very happy for you both,” Dick cut in loudly.  “Second, turn off your coms for conversations like this,” he begged.

“Ignore him, feel free to keep them on.  I’m invested now,” Stephanie cheered.  “I just need popcorn.”

Dick’s frustrated groan could be heard over the coms, even louder than Marinette’s embarrassed squeak.  “Third, how the fuck long has this been going on?”

“’She’s okay?’” Bruce asked, repeating Jason’s words from earlier, his voice mocking but light, an undertone of amusement clear.

“Maybe she’s a bit better than okay,” Jason conceded with a sigh.

“Maybe?” Marinette asked, her eyebrow and lips raised in bemusement.

Jason gently ran his fingers through her hair again as though he were smoothing it down, but in reality, using the feeling to ground him.  His touch was soft and light, almost reverent in his delicacy.  “Maybe every time I’ve said ‘maybe’ tonight I meant ‘definitely’,” he said softly.

Marinette’s smile brightened so much, she seemed to emit light.  Her eyes glimmered with unshed tears, almost incandescent in their beauty.  “Maybe I love you too,” she whispered.

His lips widened into a sappy smirk.  He leaned down until his lips were millimeters from hers.  “Maybe?”

“Definitely,” she amended, rising up to close the distance.

[mxnsxngie]

Meant For Me (P.S): Chapter 6

Warnings: little bit of language and mention of alcohol/drinking

Word Count: 1547

“You’re sure I look okay?” You asked Cassi and Mae as you’re all setting your stuff down one of the tables by the pool.

“Okay? Girl, look so fucking hot!” Cassi said as she started putting on sunscreen before handing it to you.

“Really?” You ask as you extend the bottle to Mae so she can help you put some on.

“Yes! Seonghwa hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you since we all met up” she says, ignoring the bottle you’re holding out to her.

“He hasn’t?!” You ask in surprise.

“Nope. I mean who can blame him? You’re hot, you’re in his colors, and I’m sure he can’t stop thinking about that almost kiss. In fact…” Mae says as she turns towards the guys. “Hey Seonghwa! Could you be a doll and come here? Y/n needs help with her sunscreen and Cassi and I have to get the drinks ready for everyone!” She asks with a smirk. But she was right, he had already been looking at you before she called his name.

“Mae!” You hissed at her. She just laughs as she walks past Seonghwa to go help Cassi while he walks towards you. Oh you were going to kill her. Well, maybe. He did look really good today. You knew he was decently in shape, but that definitely didn’t prepare you for seeing his perfect abs in all their glory like this. It made you think back to the almost kiss and it took everything in you to not throw yourself at him. Today was going to be hard.

“You need some help?” He asks with a smile as he takes the sunscreen bottle from you.

“Uh, yeah, I’d appreciate it. Especially since someone wouldn’t help me” you say with a slight blush as you turn your back to him, pulling your hair over your shoulder so it doesn’t get in the way.

“To be honest, that sounds like Mae” he chuckles as he puts some in his hands. “I’m sure it’s just her way of trying to get us time alone again. I can’t say I mind though” he whispers as he start rubbing the sunscreen into your back. The warmth of his hands on your bare skin send warmth throughout your body and shivers down your spine, and it takes everything in you not to let out a tiny moan at the feeling.

Why was his touch doing this to you? No one else’s did. You shake your head a little clearing the thought from your mind as you focus on the feeling of his hands on you as you respond.

“You don’t mind it?” You whisper as your cheeks heat up again, flicking your eyes up to his over your shoulder.

“No, I love it in fact. I like getting to be alone with you. Besides, I have a promise to keep one of these days” he says as he makes eye contact with you.

“You really meant that?” You ask, slightly in surprise, but hopeful he really did mean it.

“Of course I did. I said next time, and I plan to stick to that” he says as he looks at you and you can feel the heat from his gaze, giving you chills that you hope he can’t feel as his hands rest on your hips.

Just as you’re about to respond or lean forward, you’re not sure which to be honest, the moment is broke as Wooyoung runs from inside, yelling “LETS GOOOO” as he jumps into the pool.

You let out a small sigh as you look at Seonghwa before slowly pulling apart. “Thank you. For helping with the sunscreen” you say as you pull your hair back.

“Anytime” he whispers as he smiles at you.

You hear the other two couples come back outside, Cassi and Mae bickering with each other.

“I thought it was your turn to watch Woo!” Cassi said to Mae as they came over and handed you both a drink.

“Uh no, it was definitely your turn, you promised that after you sent Woo to her place and cockblocked them” Mae said as she rolled her eyes.

“Shit you’re right. Okay fine, Hongjoong and I will watch him today. But it’s you and Yeosang’s turn next time!” Cassi says as she sets her drink down so she can go join her boyfriend who had already made his way into the pool.

“I mean he already ruined their moment just now, but still a good idea!” She yells after Cassi. She turns to you both as she sets her own drink down. “Sorry about that. But come on, the fun is just starting!” She says before turning to join the others. You both laugh and shake your heads at your friends antics before joining them in the pool.

A few hours later, things are finally winding down some. You’re all still relaxing in the pool after swimming and playing multiple games in the pool (that you and Seonghwa “coincidentally” get paired up together for). Cassi and Hongjoong are talking with Woonyoung in one corner and Mae and Yeosang making out in another while you and Seonghwa are in another across the pool. You can’t help but shake your head and laugh at your friends.

A gentle touch on your arm from in front of you pulls you back and you find yourself looking up at Seonghwa. He moved in front of you while you weren’t paying attention, and now his body in front of yours is effectively trapping you between him and the wall of the pool.

“Hi” you whisper up at him with a slight blush on your cheeks as he moves closer.

“Hi” he whispers as he smiles at you. “I had a lot of fun with you today, and I’m really glad we can have this moment alone right now” he says as he tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear.

“You are? Why’s that?” You ask as your arms reach to rest behind his neck since he’s so close to you.

“So I can do this” he says as he leans in. That same warmth you felt on the movie night spreads in you as her gets closer and closer. And then it dissipates as soon as it spread when you both get sprayed with water before he can kiss you, causing you both to scream.

“Woo!” You both yell at him as you pull back and see him holding a water gun nearby.

“I had to!” He laughs while refilling it.

“Woo?! Where did you even get a water gun?? And how did you even get over there? I thought Cassi and Hongjoong were watching you. Cassi?” Mae asks as she turns to your friend, only to see her and Hongjoong now making out in the pool. “Cassi! You were supposed to be watching Woo!” She says, only to get no response from the couple.

“Ugh fine, I guess we’re watching the child now” she says as she walks over to Wooyoung and grabs him by the ear, dragging him out of the pool. “Yeosang, come on, let’s go” she says while dragging Wooyoung out, causing the two of you to laugh while you still have your arms around Seonghwa’s neck.

“Do we have to go?” Yeosang whines as they get out of the pool.

“Yes, because apparently now we’re on babysitting duty, and he’s already on strike two. At this point he needs a spanking” she says as she glares at Wooyoung.

“Did she just say spanking?” Woo asks, rubbing his neck as he gets a little red.

“Yes, that is in fact what she said” Yeosang says as he looks at Wooyoung.

“Oh so you got a freaky bitch” Woo says with a smirk.

“She’s freaky alright” Yeosang says, smirking at Mae.

“We are not having this conversation with him” Mae says as she glares at her boyfriend.

“Too late” Yeosang says as he continues to smirk at her.

“Ugh whatever. Either way we’re watching him now and it’s almost time to go anyway” Mae says with a huff.

“Umm I’m gonna go to the bathroom” Woo says, shifting awkwardly for a second before running off.

“That was weird, what was that about?” Mae asks.

“You’ve got about 10 minutes before he’s back” Yeosang says with a smirk.

“What do yo- ohhhh my god. I turned him on when I said I’d spank him” She says with a laugh

“Yes you did, and you’ve got that long before he’s back” Yeosang says with a laugh.

“How do you know that?” Mae asks in confusion.

“You’re not the only one that pays attention to the baby” he says nonchalantly.

“Okay, we’re revisiting this conversation later” she says, curious what her boyfriend means.

Just as she says this, you and the rest of the group get out to dry off so you can go home. The whole time, Seonghwa not daring to stray too far from you, the both of you smiling like idiots at each other.

“Next time, I promise” you hear him whisper to you as you’re both drying off and gathering your things to go.

“Next time” you smile, excited at the idea of finally getting to kiss him.

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[albionscastle]

I Will Carry You

One shot! Ray Levine from Stay Close x Reader

You are Ray’s best friend and have been in love with him for years. When Cassie comes back into his life you realize you can’t watch him destroy himself any longer.

I may have gotten a tad carried away.

*NSFW

Fic Masterlist

I Will Carry You by Ruelle

“So anyway, this arsehole had the gall to expect me to pay for his meal because I wasn't ‘what was advertised,’ you grumbled, taking a swig of your beer. What the fuck does that even mean?”

There was no reply from either of the men at the bar. Both Ray and Fester were completely in a world of their own, even though it was Ray who had suggested you go for a drink after your disastrous date.

"And then I thought that later, I might take off all my clothes and walk down to the boardwalk to go skinny-dipping.”

A chuckle from Fester, but nothing from Ray.

"What's wrong with him?' you whispered.

“Cassie's back.”

You felt a cold chill run down your spine, and your chest tightened like a vice. That was the absolute last thing you had been expecting. Just a few weeks ago Fester had told Ray that Cassie was dead, which ended with you half carrying Ray home, drunk as a skunk and sobbing into the cushions of his couch. The absolute devastation in his voice as he had called out her name had broken your heart. Thankfully he had passed out quickly and as you had laid a blanket over him and left his flat, you cursed the Bitch.

“The fuck do you mean, Cassie's back? I thought she was dead, you told us she was dead.” you hissed, looking over to Ray who was still off in his own little world.

You watched as he swallowed down a whole bottle, swaying on the barstool, barely keeping himself upright. He looked completely defeated, what little wind he’d had in his sails had left him and only a shell of a man was left. He signaled for another drink, the only clue that he still resided in the real world.

“Nah mate, you’re done.”

Ray narrowed his eyes at his friend, trying to intimidate him into giving in. You were honestly surprised he could even see straight, the state he was in.

“Fine then,” he growled. “I’m going home, at least I can get a fucking drink there.”

“You do you mate, I’ll call you an Uber.”

“Whatever.” Ray didn’t even bother to pay before he stumbled out the door.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” you asked, wondering if you should make sure he got home ok.

“Tonight? Yup, I called the ride thirty minutes ago, it's already waiting out there. Other than that I don’t know, I mean he hasn't been ok for a really long time.”

“And now she’s back to fuck him over some more?”

“She wants nothing to do with him, actually. She’s only come to light now because of Green and those other guys that went missing from Vipers.”

“Isn’t that where she used to dance?” you couldn’t disguise your derision at the mere mention of her.

“Yup, and apparently she’s some kind of soccer mum now, kids, house in the suburbs, fiance and all. Turns out she was only living two towns away all these years. She’s somehow involved with the disappearance of this Stewart fellow from way back, mainly because she was involved with the man.”

“At the same time she was involved with Ray?” you felt sick when Fester nodded.

“Why did you tell him she was dead?”

“Because I wanted him to move the fuck on, I mean look at him. He’s a fucking mess because of what that bitch did to him and he just can’t get past it.”

You couldn’t disagree with his logic, you had seen the mess that was Ray Levine many, many times for yourself.

“Listen love, I’m going to offer you some advice.”

You glared at Fester, knowing what was coming next. You had heard it all before, and you wouldn’t admit to it even now. Denial had been key for the past decade.

“He’s likely never going to see past Cassie, darlin. I know you’re just ‘friends’.” The air quotes pissed you off. “You deserve better than dating assholes while you wait for Ray to get a clue.”

For the first time you really couldn’t fault Fester’s words. While it was 100% true that you and Ray had never been more than friends, it wasn’t for a lack of hoping on your part. Fester had always known, but he was nice enough to never call you out on it, at least until now. Ray, of course, was completely oblivious. With a sigh you paid your tab and Ray’s and turned to leave.

“I’ll give it some serious thought.” you nodded and walked out into the night.

It was the first time you had admitted, in a way, that Fester’s suspicion might be true. You had gotten so good at hiding it that you were certain he had forgotten, but Fester noticed and remembered everything, he would have been brilliant working for MI5, if he wasn’t a self-admitted sloth. But what he really was, to you, was a good man and a true friend.

Deep down you also knew he was right. Ray was never going to move past Cassie, she was an obsession now. You wished she really had died, at least then he might be forced to at least accept that she was never coming back to him. In that situation, at least, you knew that you didn’t have to be the same. You could have a life where you didn’t have the weight of him on your shoulders. It wasn’t as though he would notice either way, you thought bitterly.

Opening the door to your flat you threw your keys on to the kitchen table and flopped down on your couch, screaming into the pillow in frustration. You were smarter than this, always swearing you would never be one of those women you lost themselves over an inaccessible man. It was pathetic, and yet here you were, all your good intentions flying out the window the day you met Ray Levine. Bastard. Even if it wasn’t his fault, you were still angry at him. Sipping on a coffee you thought back to that day when this whole shitshow had started for you.

It had been ten years ago and you had arranged a lesson for a couple of your art students who had expressed an interest in photography. You were familiar with his work then, even having his book on your coffee table, which you flipped through often. His work had been atmospheric and evocative. He was a brilliant photojournalist and when you had found out he was local and taught classes, you had jumped on it. You found him to be an engaging and hands on teacher, responding eagerly to your students and they to him. The shaggy hair, beanie and tattoos you had not been expecting, and they clashed with the images you had seen of him in Iraq. But by the end of the first class the whole grunge rock thing he had going on was growing on you. When he had taken your hand to shake, a tingle had run down your spine and when he flashed that smile you were a goner.

You should have walked away right then. Instead, you booked more classes and once a week you allowed yourself the luxury of watching him at work. He towered over all the students, his presence easily filling the entire space, but he was never really aware. The kids were his only focus during those times, and they ate him up. For your part, you just tried not to react every time he accidentally brushed past you. In those early days you had only seen him in the context of lessons, still seeing only the Pulitzer winning photographer. Glimpses of the man he used to be. You were starry-eyed, giddy as a teenager and half in love with just the idea of him within weeks. So, when you started to talk outside the lessons, it seemed like such a natural progression of things. If you only talked about you, you didn't really notice, at least not for a while. When school was out you simply sat on the boardwalk feeding the gulls and discussing shit like politics and global warming.

Your first glimpse of the real Ray Levine came after a few months of you waiting for him to make a move. Sitting at Festers bar, you and Ray were having a great time and you thought for sure it would be then. He'd had his hand on your knee half the night and kept leaning in to whisper nonsense in your ear. Then in a heartbeat it had all changed. Someone in the bar had called the name 'Cassie' to greet a friend and you had never seen Ray whip around that fast. The brief look of hope in his eyes had baffled you and when he turned back to the bar the Ray you thought you knew was gone. The apologetic look Fester had shot you had said it all.

That night was the first time you had taken drunk Ray home to his couch. When he grabbed your wrist and pulled you to sit beside him a tiny spark of hope had ignited. That spark died as it all spilled out of him, Cassie, Vipers, the missing man. How he had proposed and she had walked away without a word. It was as he put his head on your lap and wept that you realized it was too late. You were already in love with him.

As dawn broke through your kitchen window you decided Fester was right. This had to stop.

For a month you made sure to see Ray only during the weekly lessons. He was distracted and disheveled, barely even noticing you were there. Fester kept you appraised, he'd seen Cassie again, she still had the plastic ring, she had kissed him. You felt sick. Then he was questioned, a suspect. Arrested for murder. He only wanted to see Cassie, it was as if you had never existed. After that, it was easy to make your decision. You applied for a teaching job in Edinburgh, receiving a positive reply within a week.

Ray was innocent of murder, you'd never doubted that for a second, but what he had admitted to had shaken you to the core. The Ray you now knew was a drunk, yes, but he was also the most gentle person you had ever known. The kids over the years had never heard a negative word or a raised voice from him. He had been there with a shoulder to cry on after every bad date, when your sister had died. You called him your gentle giant and he laughed every time.  Not one time had he ever put his hands on you in anger, even when you were drunk and unreasonable. Not even when you slugged him after a particularly dickish dig at your lack of a love life.

You decided to go and see him, to tell him yourself that you were leaving. No way you would walk out on him the way Cassie had, that would be the cruelest thing you could ever do. Just as you wouldn't disappear from his life, you would stay in touch, you just needed space and time to get over him.

The moment he opened the door to his flat and looked at you with so much relief in his eyes, you knew this was going to be harder than you had hoped. He looked like shit, his hair unwashed and straggly, eyes red and swollen, face drawn and pale,  it was as though he had aged ten years since you last saw him. Glancing down at the coffee table, you saw the empty vodka bottle sitting among half empty take-out containers, beer bottles and dirty clothing.

"Are you drunk Ray?"

"Not as drunk as you think." He smiled that lopsided smile you loved so much and put his arms around you for a hug.

For just a moment you let yourself sink into him, taking a deep breath and...

“Christ Ray! You smell like a brewery. you pushed him away, moving to stand in front of the window.

“I'm sorry." he mumbled, looking at you like a puppy you'd just kicked. I'll go get cleaned up, don't go away.”

“I'm not going anywhere, we need to talk.”

You didn't acknowledge the way his shoulders slumped when you spoke, you had to be strong enough to get through this without feeling guilt. It wasn't his fault you felt the way you did, he had never encouraged you after that night. It was all on you and even though you knew you had to do this, you still felt like shit for leaving him. He was a broken man and you would be willing to spend the rest of your life fixing all those broken pieces. That was why you had to go.

Ray came back into the room, freshly showered by the looks of things, looking a little more human than he had. He still took your breath away when you looked at him, even after every way he'd hurt you. Taking a deep breath, you locked the part of you that wanted to stay and fixed him with a stern look.

“How much have you had to drink today?"

"Probably too much." he shrugged.

You stomped into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee, not willing to have a proper conversation until he was at least a little sober.

"Are you afraid of me now?? he asked softly, flopping onto the couch, watching you over the rim of his mug.

“Of course not.” You sighed, sitting down beside him.

He looked truly worried.

“Ray. Look me in the eyes.” You waited until he looked up, his blue eyes red, watery and full of uncertainty. “There is no scenario on this planet that could ever make me afraid of you. Understand?”

You cupped his cheeks in your hands, forcing him to look at you when he tried to look away.

“Understand?”

“Yeah.” He whispered.

His skin was rough under your hands, he desperately needed to shave, but then you had always liked him with the scruff. Mainly because you had never seen him any other way. He was still looking at you, almost strangely, his eyes flaring and he made no effort to pull away. In response you gazed at him, subconsciously committing every part of face to memory. You were going to miss him.

He moved before you even had a chance to react, his mouth pressing against yours firmly, hands coming up to tangle in your hair. Before you could tell yourself that this was a very bad idea you leaned in, opening for him with a sigh. Ray was ferocious in his response, hauling you over to straddle his lap, his lips bruising yours, tongue sliding over your teeth.

Electricity coursed through your body, and you ground against him as years of longing came down to this moment. You couldn’t get enough of him, couldn’t get close enough to him. You wanted every part of him, ached for his hands on your skin, for your hands on his. He obliged, his arm wrapping around your back so he could flip you beneath him on the couch. Alarm bells started ringing in your ears, but you ignored them, tugging his shirt out of his jeans and sliding your fingers beneath to touch the warm skin of his back.

Ray’s fingers were under your sweater, leaving you shivering as he traced patterns over your skin, wedging his hips between your thighs. Moaning into each other’s mouths you moved together. He was rock hard and you arched up to meet him for every grind of his hips, a low growl escaping his lips.

“Cassie.”

You went still for a moment, not believing what you had just heard. Then it hit you like a bucket of icy water and you shoved him off you with all the force you could muster, leaping from the couch.

“I don’t fucking believe this.” you muttered to yourself, pacing the room.

“What’s happening?” Ray honestly looked confused. “I thought we were having a…thing?”

He gulped as your eyes flashed with anger. You hoped that he couldn’t see past that to the hurt that was cutting you deeply.

“God, you really have no idea, do you?” Tears stung your eyes.

“I don’t, please tell me what’s wrong.”

He looked lost and for a split second you just wanted to hug him. Until his whisper replayed in your head.

“You said her name!” You couldn’t stop the tears now. “Her name, Ray, you were thinking of her when you were with me. I’m some fucking consolation prize that you can pretend is someone else.”

Understanding dawned and he looked horrified.

“It was just a reflex, with everything that’s happened recently, it just popped out. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it.”

“That’s horse shit Ray and you know it. You never stop thinking about her, that’s the problem.”

“I don’t! I swear I don’t.” He reached out to you.

“Don’t touch me Ray.” his hands drew back as if you had slapped them. It's bad enough you did it, don’t make it worse by denying it.

He put his hands in his lap, looking contrite.

“How could I have been so stupid?” You wiped at your eyes furiously. “I actually thought…”

Taking a long deep breath you forced yourself to calm down so you could say what you came here to say.

“For ten years Ray, I’ve watched you destroy yourself over that woman and for what? She left you, let you wonder for 17 years! And she didn’t spare you another thought, did she? She just fucked off and got herself a whole new life. You disposed of a human being for that bitch! Then she’s back, and you’re dancing like a puppet again, just the way she wants you to.”

Ray started to protest, but you shut him down with a look.

“You’re doing it now! You can’t see past your own misery to see how she’s manipulated you. She didn’t care about you enough to even check to make sure you were ok, did she? Who was it who dragged your drunk ass home? Night after night, who cleaned you up when you threw up on yourself, helped you to bed? I stayed every time you begged me to, listened while you sobbed for hours about how much you loved her, missed her. She was never here, Ray, never. She never cared. I did! You couldn't see past her, you never saw anyone but her. The woman destroyed your life and you just let her.”

You sucked in a breath, needing to get to the point. He was at least looking at you while you talked.

"Do you even know how I feel about you? Not even an inkling? I love you!

That made him pay attention.

“I never expected you to love me back, never asked anything of you. I realized, when she reappeared, that I would never compete. So I made a decision to leave."

“Wait, what? “

“I'm moving away, Ray. I took a job in Edinburgh, I leave tonight”

'You can't!"

"Yes I can Ray, and I will. I came over today to say goodbye, and so you knew I would never just up and leave you the way she did. Then, for a moment I thought that... But you said her name not mine, and that's broken my heart. So I won't change my mind.”

Taking a step toward him you leaned down, brushing his lips gently.

"I really hope you can let yourself be happy one day, Ray.” You whispered.

Without giving him a chance to respond you turned away and walked out the door.

Later that night and completely sober, Ray sat at the bar and told Fester everything that had happened. If he was expecting a sympathetic ear, he was sorely mistaken.

“I've known for weeks that she was leaving, Ray. You didn't even notice that she hasn't been around?"

"I was a little busy.' Ray muttered.

"Yeah, that's the problem mate. You were always a little busy.”

Ray didn't like the way he was feeling, after so many years of abject misery, guilt was an unwelcome new companion. He knew he'd fucked up, he never should have kissed you in the first place, but he wasn't in his right state of mind. The whole thing with Cassie finally unraveling, the whole fucked up mess had left him feeling vulnerable and more lost than ever. Now he had hurt his friend, and royally screwed up the only good thing he had in his life.

Rubbing his face with his hand, he tried to make sense of it all. He was so tired, fed up and ashamed. “ I honestly had no idea mate.' he sighed. "She never said anything."

“Why would she? You always made it perfectly clear that you only cared about Cassie, it's not like you returned the sentiment. Right?”

That was it there. He didn't know. Admittedly he liked having you around, you were always so comforting. But did he feel anything else? Was he even capable of it? Fuck, he was so confused. He did know that the moment you told him you were leaving, a cold stab of fear had run through his body. The one thing he hadn't thought of at that moment was Cassie. Why he had said her name when he was kissing you, he honestly didn't know.

“What the fuck is wrong with me?"

“That's a conversation that would take all night. But, in a nutshell, you're a self-loathing, obsessive drunk who didn't see what was good for him, even when it was right in front of him.”

"Tell me how you really feel, why don't you?”

"How about this, then? Tell me the first thing that comes to mind, yeah?”

Fester sounded suspiciously like a therapist, but the smile on his face showed just how much he was enjoying Ray's misery.

“What were you thinking when you kissed her?"

"Relief, I guess. I wasn't really thinking.”

“So your immediate subconscious reaction to her telling you she wasn't afraid of you, was to kiss her?"

“Ray shrugged.

“Ok then, your immediate gut reaction when she told you she was leaving? Go!”

Fear, betrayal, loss, agony. His chest had tightened, he'd felt like he couldn't breathe.

"And what about when she said she loved you."

Hope.

“I've really screwed things up, haven't I?” Ray's head was in his hands.

"You called the woman who loves you, by another woman's name while you were making out with her. A woman who, I might add, abandoned you, used you, tried to sell you out for murder, manipulated you and didn't think about you for 17 years.”

“Yeah.”

'Why?”

“I don't know, I feel sick about it.”

"You don't even love Cassie, you know.” Ray's head snapped up. "Think about it, you loved her back then, but for years it hasn't been that at all. You just couldn't separate what you'd had from what you did. Think about it Ray, you destroyed yourself for and because of this woman. Then you go and do this. You need help, mate, professional help.”

Ray wanted to be angry, wanted to defend his love for Cassie, but he couldn't. Deep down he knew Fester was right. It had stopped being love the moment he threw the body in the river. He equated his feelings for Cassie with betrayal, fear, self-loathing and obsession. They had overwhelmed him, especially when he dreamed. He had started drinking so he could sleep without dreaming and from there he had spiraled out of control. He couldn't believe he had missed his own true feelings. Now sober and coming to terms with all that had happened, things were a lot clearer. His feelings for you were so different than he had realized, affection, security, tenderness, warmth. With you there were moments that had been close to happiness. There was heat too, if that morning was anything to go by. He had been completely blind.

"How the hell am I going to fix this?” he sighed.

"Get yourself clean for starters and get some fucking therapy. And only when you are 100% sure that Cassie is cut out of your life forever do you go anywhere near that girl. If you can't do that, then leave her alone and let her get over you.”

Ray had a lot of soul-searching to do.

Six months later.

You unlocked the front door to your flat and managed to get in just before the sky opened up. With the rain came the damp cold and you shivered as you walked through to your bedroom to change. Edinburgh was a beautiful city, but it really did rain a lot. Still, the job made it worthwhile and you really did love it here. Checking your email, you saw a message from Fester and smiled. You made sure you kept him appraised of how you were doing, and he had agreed to never talk about Ray.

The process of getting over him had been a lot harder than you had anticipated. You thought about him every day and your heart didn't ache any less for it. Fester would have told you if there had been any trouble so you knew he was ok. But you missed him, so much it still hurt. You even missed the nights where you dragged him home. It had only mattered to you that you were with him. You guessed that made you pretty pathetic in the eyes of others.

It didn't matter anymore, anyway, you had to move on or you would end up just like Ray.

It was dark early, thunder booming as the rain poured and you started a fire in the fireplace, choosing not to turn on the main lights. Some nights you just needed to brood a bit and try to convince yourself that you would eventually get over Ray Levine.

A knock at the door startled you from your thoughts. Who on earth would be here at this time of the night? Shuffling to the door, you made sure the chain was on before opening the door a crack.

"What the hell?”

Ray stood there, looking nervous, his small umbrella barely keeping him dry.

Stunned at the sight of him you could only stand and gape for a few moments.

“Umm, would it be ok if I came in for a moment?”

His voice startled you back into reality.

“Oh my God! I'm sorry, Ray. Of course you can come in.” Stepping aside, you took off the chain, took his umbrella and closed the front door behind him.

He took off his shoes and coat and stood, silently, looking as awkward as you felt. Motioning him into the living room to sit, you stood in front of the fireplace, waiting. Your heart was hammering in your chest, your hands were shaking. Proof positive that after six months, you were not an iota less in love with him. It was taking everything in you not to jump over and wrap your arms around him.

“Why are you here, Ray?” You made your tone as flat as possible, not wanting him to hear the agitation you were feeling.

He swallowed hard and looked at you with eyes clearer than you had ever seen them.

“I wanted to say I'm sorry.”

You didn't say a word, waiting for him to continue.

“I'm sorry that I hurt you. I honestly didn't mean to, and I have no excuse for it.”

"Ok.” You sighed, sitting down on the coffee table to hide the way your knees were trembling. 'Is that all?”

'No.'" he took a deep breath. “I stopped drinking. Actually I stopped that day. Umm.”

You nodded to let him know you knew exactly what day he meant. Keeping your face an expressionless mask you felt your heart swell with pride that he had taken such a huge step.

“I was fucked up, love, I still am if you want the truth of it. Fester says I'm a work in progress.” he smiled wryly. “But, I've been going to therapy and AA meetings, I… It took you walking away to wake me up to the damage that Cassie had done, and the hurt I caused.”

His fingers were fidgeting with a fray in his jeans, you could see he was struggling with what to say next.

"I didn't realize how important you are to me until you left me. I know it's a fucking cliche and I sound just like any other asshole male.”

You smirked. He wasn't wrong.

He leaned forward, reaching for your hand and looking into your eyes intently.

"I was so caught up in myself that I was blind to everything going on around me, especially you. When I said her name, I wasn't thinking about her, for the first time in years I wasn't. It was a reflex and I'm not making excuses, but that's all it was. I was just so happy that you were still my friend despite everything I did. When I was in that room with Cassie, she looked at me as though I was nothing, she believed I had committed murder for her and she still looked at me like that. It was that moment that I started to realize how completely fucked up everything was. It took a pretty intense talking to from Fester to see what was really there in front of me.”

He paused, searching for the words he needed. You could feel your eyes filling and you blinked before he could see you cry.

“Once I removed my ridiculous obsession with Cassie out of the picture everything was so much clearer. I let it go, it was killing me, and then I started to rebuild. And there you were. You were always there and I was too blind to see it."

His thumb grazed over the back of your hand. You forced yourself to stay still and breathe, needing him to say everything, hope taking hold and blooming in your heart.

'I'm not stupid enough to expect you to forgive me after everything I've done. But I needed you to know, I'm clean and sober, in therapy, starting new work, and I love you. I knew it the moment I realized I was more upset about you leaving than I was about anything to do with Cassie. With her it was all about self-pity, I ruined myself over her. But with you, it felt like someone had taken a vice to my heart, I couldn't breathe and instead of wallowing, all I wanted to do was become the man you deserved.”

Tears spilled down your cheeks unchecked, you could see the truth of his words in his blue eyes. A wry, half smile appeared on his face.

´It's my own fault, I know, All of this. Even when I was at my worst, I never wanted to hurt you, and I'm so sorry that I was. I should have known, why else would you have stayed my friend all these years if you didn't love me? I destroyed all that, and I’ll regret that for the rest of my life, but I won't ever go back to the man I was, I promise you that..."

'Ray?' you interrupted him before he could go on.

You had already forgiven him everything a long time ago. The moment he had said he loved you, you knew you weren’t going to let him go.

"Shit, you're crying! Dammit I never wanted to make you cry.” he sounded angry at himself as he instinctively cupped your face, his thumbs wiping the tears away.

“Stop, Ray.” your fingers wrapped around his wrists. “Please, stop talking.”

Oh God his face was that of a rejected puppy. Pain was etched deeply in his features. You couldn't stand it.

"I need you to listen to me for a moment." you said softly.

His pulse sped up under your fingers and you watched him visibly prepare himself for your rejection.

"You did hurt me, Ray. You called me another woman's name while you were on top of me. I was angry, hurt and sad, when I left. I know that you never intentionally hurt me, I do. You need to know that I understood. I just couldn't watch you slowly kill yourself any longer, because I couldn't help you. And honestly Ray, that broke my heart. Nothing you could have would have stopped me from loving you, nothing. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?”

There was a spark of hope in his eyes when he looked at you and you saw the moment when realization dawned and you smiled softly.

"You love me?'

“Yes. Ray. I do love you, I never stopped. I tried, I really did, but I guess you're a little difficult to get over.” you said, reaching out to run your fingers along his jaw. With a sigh, he leaned into your touch, turning his head until he could press his lips against your palm. You shivered slightly, your breathing turning ragged. Time had only made your want of him stronger and more acute. He dropped to his knees in front of you, hands on either side of where you sat. Your breath caught us he leaned forward, eyes open to rest his forehead against yours. He rubbed his nose against yours, nuzzling your face, his mouth a whisper away from yours, his breath warm on your skin.

"Ray." you whispered his name in a quiet breath.

Time slowed down to a crawl and the rest of the world disappeared until there was nothing that existed but your heart pounding in your ears and the feather-light brush of his lips against yours. Your blood sang in your veins as he tilted his head, his mouth covering yours firmly, his large hands cupping your head to hold you against him. He growled deep in his throat, your name the sound that passed his lips. The sound of it sent a shiver from your scalp to your toes and he took advantage of your sigh to slide his tongue past your lips and against your own. Your arms wrapped tightly around his torso, pulling him closer, parting your legs to accommodate him. You didn't care about breathing, you just never wanted him to stop kissing you. He pulled away and you whimpered at the loss of him, sliding as close to his body as was physically possible.

His eyes, dark now with blown out pupils, took you in, from your heaving breaths, hooded, heavy eyes, to your flushed cheeks and swollen lips. Your fingers moved to tangle in his hair, pulling him back to you, his whispered ‘I love you’,  washing over you as you both dove in. His teeth worried your bottom lip, his tongue smoothing the sting before filling your mouth. Your legs wrapped around his waist, causing you both to hiss as your core pressed against his hardness.

Without taking his mouth off yours, Ray pulled you up to stand, palms sliding down your back to your rear to hold you against him. He carried you as though you were weightless, grunting as each step he took brushed you against his erection. You managed to pull off your jumper while he carried you, tossing it somewhere in the dark. Passing through your bedroom door you reached out to flip on the light, leaning back against the frame and giving him an eyeful of your breasts, covered in nothing, but thin delicate lace. He twitched against you, groaning as he steadied you against the wall. His eyes were fixed on your chest as his fingers traced the outline of your bra, your eyes watching him lick his lips as he slid the straps off your shoulders. Your hands went to the zipper of his red hoodie, opening it so you could slide it and his flannel shirt off his shoulders. Using his hips he pinned you to the wall, freeing his hands to shrug off his garments, pulling his t-shirt off over his head as well. You barely had a moment to take in the view of his broad, muscular chest before he clutched you against him, plundering your mouth with his tongue, his fingers deftly undoing your bra and sliding it off your body.

Gasping into his mouth as your nipples grazed the hair on his chest, you couldn't think straight. All you wanted now was his mouth and hands on you, his cock buried inside you, everything you had ached for, for ten long years. Desperation was rising in you both, his hips rolling between your thighs, your kisses now messy, rough and demanding, your hands touching every available inch of bare skin on one other that you could reach. Hefting you higher, he latched onto you, sucking your nipple into his mouth, flicking the tip of his tongue over it, smiling around you as you threw back your head, a cry escaping your throat, a hot sting of pleasure shooting from his mouth to between your thighs where it settled in a wet, throbbing ache. You needed him, now.

'Ray.' you were panting his name as he switched from side to side, alternating between licking, sucking and biting, each sending almost overwhelming pleasure coursing through your blood.

He hummed around you, his hands sliding under your upper thighs, fingers meeting in the middle, tracing over your core through your thin pants. Your fingers tugged on his hair, your body shuddering and jerking, your hips rolling against his touch, wanting more.

"Ray, please.” you gasped as his thumb found your clit and began a frustratingly slow rhythm.

He pulled his mouth off you with a pop, hissing as you tugged a little too hard on his hair. Your head fell forward, his face lifting up so he could kiss you again, his fingers still causing havoc between your legs. You unwrapped your legs from around him, forcing him to let you slide down his body to stand. Biting his lip, your hands moved to impatiently work at his belt buckle, slithering it through the loops of his jeans until it fell with a clunk onto the floor. He grinned against your lips as you made short work of his button and zipper, your palms sliding down his hips pushing his jeans down. Ray wiggled his legs and stepped out of them, kicking them to the side. He growled low in his throat as you reached between you to cup his erection through his boxer briefs. It was his turn to shudder as you stroked him through the cotton, dragging your tongue along his in unison. His hands furiously pulled down your pants and underwear to also be kicked aside, as well as his briefs, a pile of discarded clothing forgotten on the floor. Without breaking your kiss he hoisted you up again, pressing you against the wall, his fingers moving immediately to drag through your wet folds.

You whimpered against his tongue, your own fingers tracing featherlight over his balls feeling them twitch and draw up, his body shivering. He actually cried out, shaking when your hand wrapped around him, stroking his length with just enough speed and pressure to drive him mad. Your thumb dragged through the liquid leaking from the tip of him, the way he rocked his hips against you making you very much look forward to repeating your touches with your mouth later on.

Two long fingers sliding into you made you lose your train of thought as a wave of pure lust took you over. He hissed us your hand tightened around his shaft, making you repeat the gesture with each push of his fingers inside you. You were so close, you could feel your body tightening like a bowstring. He pulled his mouth from yours, pulling back to look down with a groan between your bodies. Doing the same you could see his cock sliding through your fingers, his fingers disappearing between your legs, his thumb sinking between your folds, stroking you.

Ray's breath was hot in your ear, his voice low and rough as he spoke.

"Tell me what you want, what you need right now."

“I want you.” you panted, your body trembling.

"You already have me.” he purred, twisting his fingers, stretching you open.

“God dammit Ray you know what I mean.” you moaned loudly, bearing down on his fingers as he found that magical spot inside you.

To think this man had been hiding  under all that drunken misery. The thought flew through your mind, leaving you wondering for a brief second how the fuck Cassie could have left this man behind.

You arched your back, letting go of him as you jerked, his hand going still.

"I want to hear it, I need to hear it.” he caught your eyes, and beneath the desire burning there you saw the vulnerable Ray, the one who was afraid that you wouldn't want him, just like Cassie hadn't.

You allowed all the love you had for him to shine in your eyes, looking at him as though you needed to memorize every line, every feature of his face, each more beautiful to you than the last. You had never been good about vocalizing during sex, always feeling ridiculously self conscious. But for Ray, you would push through it, even though your cheeks flamed and you found it hard to meet his eyes. You clasped your hands around the back of his neck, grunting in his ear as your muscles clenched around his fingers, his length twitching against your thigh as you whispered hoarsely.

“I've wanted to feel you inside me for ten years, Ray. Please don't make me wait any longer and just fuck me.”

You couldn't believe the words that had come out of your mouth, not that they weren't true, but they certainly had the desired effect. Ray's teeth were on your neck, his fingers sliding out of you, replaced by the heated, blunt head of his cock, bearing down minutely at your entrance.

“Open your eyes and look at me. Please.” he begged, circling his hips, enhancing the desperation you felt for him to just push into you.

You did as he asked, watched his face as his mouth moved around the shape of your name. A strangled whisper as he surged forward, impaling you on his length, the air pushed out your lungs, as his body pinned you against the wall. He was still for a moment, forehead resting against yours as you panted heavily into one another's mouths. He felt almost impossibly large as you stretched around him, your every nerve ending focused solely between your thighs. Your body trembled as you tentatively squeezed yourself around him, drawing a long moan from his lips. His body shook from the effort of holding himself back, one hand gripping your hip tightly, the other on the wall beside your head.

“Ray.” his name was barely a whisper on your lips, but it was enough. With a low, long growl he pulled back, leaving you aching at the loss of him, then with a grunt he filled you again. He felt incredible as he quickly set a ferocious rhythm, you saw stars every time he pounded into you. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders, nails scratching over his back as they grasped for purchase on his sweat- slickened skin. There was only hunger and desperate lust as his body slammed yours against the wall over and over. He grunted with each thrust, rutting like an animal and sending you closer and closer to the edge.

You cried out as he pounded harder, faster, every scrape of his length against your walls sending arrow shots of pleasure from your core, through your body and back again. You could feel your orgasm building, could hear only his grunts and the sound of wet skin slapping as he fucked your harder than anyone ever had before. It was almost too much to handle.

“So close.” you managed, barely able to breathe.

Ray groaned, pulling back far enough to slide his hand between your bodies, the rough pad of his thumb sliding your clit, your body jerking from the added sensation.

“Good girl, let me feel you come around me.”

He growled your name with every thrust of his hips, tilting you slightly so he could sink that little bit deeper inside you. That was all you needed, you felt yourself start to ripple around him as he stilled, your orgasm catching you off guard with its intensity. You felt as though your body had exploded into stardust as burning pleasure radiated through you. The feeling of him steel hard in you, as your muscles clenched, took your breath away. You writhed on him, hips rolling, fucking yourself on him, prolonging your pleasure, his name screamed into the air. There was no chance to come down, his thumb rubbing you kept you flying as he started pounding into you again.

His name was a litany chanted as your head rolled against the wall, pleasure bursting like fireworks  in your blood with every thrust.

“God! I'm almost there. You feel you fucking good, so tight.”  he grunted and groaned, his movements becoming more erratic the closer he got. 

Then with a roar he slammed hard into you, holding you still against him as he twitched and jerked, his whole body shaking as he spilled into you. The knowledge and sensation of him coming inside of you was enough to send you over the edge again, shuddering and gasping as your body clamped around him tightly, causing him to let out a strangled moan as he spurted one last time, your body milking him as you both tried to breathe.

His legs must have given out as you slid down the wall until you were sitting on his thighs, trembling and shaking. Ray's lips moved over your shoulder, gently kissing and nibbling your wet skin. Your arms were wrapped tightly around each other, neither of you wanting to pull away. He whispered endearments as his lips traveled up your neck, telling you he loved you, making sure to speak your name over and over so you knew you were the only one he was thinking of. Then he kissed you with the sweetest kiss you had ever experienced, his tongue barely touching the tip of yours before he pulled it back. Finally, he leaned back enough to look at you, your chest still heaving and red with a flush that traveled all the way to your scalp. He was red from exertion, his eyes full of satisfaction and affection. He looked proud of himself and you figured he had every right to, no man had ever made you come like that. In fact, until this moment and this man, you had been more content with toys than a real man. Ray had just changed all that, you were never going to stop wanting him and your heart soared as your fingers traced the planes of his face and love shone from his eyes.

"I love you, Ray Levine.”

He smiled sweetly, leaning in to kiss you, softly.

You knew you would never leave him again.

[pamsimmerstories]

avery came back with a surprise for his mom, i guess

previous || next

-

[cassie]: you pierced your ears? you didn’t even ask me?

[avery]: i look good, don’t i? :)

[cassie]: you let him pierce his ears? was it in a safe place?

[alexander]: of course, cassandra. i’m not irresponsible

[avery]: mom, i’m 16. i can decide this for myself. don’t blame uncle alex.

[cassie]: this is something he should have mentioned before. that’s all.

[alexander]: you’re overreacting, cassie. it’s just earrings. but i’ll ask next time, alright?

[cassandra]: thank you! but okay, i gotta admit, you look cute, avery.

[avery]: thanks mom!!

[avery]: was it so hard to just compliment me?

[kanerallels]

The final day of @kaneraweek is here, and with it, insane amounts of fluff!! I really liked today's prompt, and had a lot of fun with it (plus I got some AMAZING art to accompany it, check it out here!)

Read on AO3!!

Taglist: @laughingphoenixleader @heckin-music-dork @auroramagpie @accidental-spice @day-to-day-thots @firefoxtessa @cassie-fanfics @opalknight (DM me if you want to be removed or added from the list!)

It was always a toss up on whether Kanan woke before Hera did each morning. There were plenty of mornings when he woke up alone because she had an early morning mission, or because she’d never come to bed in the first place because she was too busy working on something for Sato or Ahsoka or one of the thousands of other people she was determined to help.

It wasn’t that Kanan disliked her helping people. She wouldn’t be the woman he loved if she didn’t do that. But that didn’t mean she should neglect herself, like when he found her awake at all hours of the night and early morning, studying a datapad or trying to find a new place to locate supplies for the Rebellion.

This happened far too often for Kanan’s liking, but he was already working on becoming an expert at convincing her to get some sleep.

Other mornings, he woke up first, finding Hera still asleep next to him. Some of the time, he slipped out of bed and did his morning meditations, readying himself for the day ahead of him. Other times, he let himself watch Hera sleep for a little while, just enjoying the fact that he was by her side.

But his favorite mornings were the ones where they got up at the same time, before everyone else— Sabine and Ezra generally slept in unless instructed otherwise, and Zeb had mastered the ability of getting up at exactly the right moment so they had at least an hour before he appeared. It was a routine they’d perfected over the past eight years, and Kanan loved it.

They made their way to the kitchen together— Kanan’s hair bundled out of the way messily, still yawning as he shuffled towards the cupboards. Hera looked a little more awake, other than the dark circles under her eyes that Kanan never mentioned but always worried about. 

She was the one that went to the caf maker and started it, filling it with the aromatic beans. No one made caf like Hera. Kanan had sworn up and down from the first time he’d tasted it that it was the best he’d ever drunk, and she would always laugh at him. But she kept making the caf, and he’d still take it over the fanciest brews from the moons of Rion and beyond.

While she worked on that, Kanan started on breakfast. What he made varied from day to day— most mornings it was something quick and easy, like oatmeal or frozen sausages or something they could make quickly. But there were times when he liked to go with something fancier, too. French toast, bacon and eggs when they could get them, waffles (Zeb and Ezra’s favorite), or the spicy sausage from Karlini that didn’t come pre-formed (Sabine’s favorite). 

This was one of those days, and he started digging through the cooling unit to see what he could come up with.

“What’s on the menu today?” Hera asked from her position by the caf maker, her voice still a little raspy with the sleep. Kanan felt the corner of his mouth turn up into a small smile at the sound. Even now her voice was the most beautiful thing he’d ever heard.

“Good question.” Frowning at the contents of the cooling supply unit, Kanan said, “Well, we’ve got a couple eggs left— not enough for breakfast burritos or anything like that. But I’m pretty sure we have enough flour left, and we’ve got butter— is there baking powder in the cupboard above you?”

Pulling open the cupboard, Hera pulled out an orange tin. “There is.”

“Good,” Kanan said with a grin. “Waffles it is.”

Hera snorted with amusement as she passed him the tin and started to open the cupboards next to her. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

“Because you know how much everyone, including you, loves my waffles?” Kanan suggested, pulling the waffle iron out of its specially assigned alcove in front of him and plugging it in. As he began to assemble the ingredients, he heard Hera laugh, and couldn’t resist a smile in response.

It had been a little over seven years since he’d met Hera and joined her crew, six since that relationship became something far stronger than just crew mates, or even friends, and closer to five since a series of near death experiences including being jumped by a bounty hunter, the Ghost getting stolen (along with Zeb and Chopper), and getting stranded on a tropical planet had led to their relationship becoming something permanent.

While Hera’s culture didn’t do wedding rings, the moon orbiting Rion where they’d made things official did, and Kanan hadn’t hesitated at the price. He’d been ready, ready to commit everything he had to this woman. And, by some miracle, she had been, too.

Neither of them still wore the rings— giving the Empire more leverage against either of them was the last thing they wanted to do, and that would make it too obvious— but Kanan still carried his with him everywhere. He knew Hera did the same. 

As he started mixing up the batter for the waffles, he sensed rather than heard her behind him, and glanced over his shoulder to see her approaching with two mugs of caf. “Thanks,” he said, turning and accepting the mug gratefully.

“Any time, love.” Settling against the counter next to him, Hera watched as he took the first sip, closing his eyes to savor the taste.

Opening his eyes, he grinned at her. “Incredible as always, Captain Hera. If this Rebellion thing doesn’t work out, you could set up shop.”

Though she rolled her eyes, Kanan could see she was pleased. “You’d better hope this Rebellion thing works out.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Kanan said, turning back to his work. Setting his caf mug to the side, he selected one of the few remaining eggs as he said, “I think it would be a pretty good job for us. You make the caf, I make the food.”

“And where does the Empire fit into this daydream of yours?” Hera quipped, and Kanan frowned.

Cracking the first egg, he said, “Forgot about them. Fine, we’ll do it after this whole Rebellion thing works out.” He cracked two more eggs, then started measuring out the milk as he continued. “Now, obviously, the kids can come with us. Zeb’s the busboy, Chopper and Ezra can be waiters, and Sabine’s my sous chef. Rex can even come if he wants— what?”

He caught Hera watching him, an odd expression on her face. “Nothing,” she said, glancing back down at her caf. “Just— it sounds nice, actually.”

“Of course it does,” Kanan told her. Pausing, he set aside the measuring cup and moved to stand in front of her. “Hey.”

She glanced up, and Kanan felt his heart flutter just a little when he met those green eyes of hers. It had been years, but words still failed him half the time. He thought they probably always would.

“Hey,” she said quietly, smiling at him. “What?”

“Once this is over, I’ll go anywhere you do,” he told her. “You know that, right? We’ll figure out what our future is together once we win this.”

“If we win this.” The words were quiet, and Kanan knew why. Hera was always the strong one, the one who had utter faith in the Rebellion. At least that was how she acted.

But everyone had doubts, even her. “When,” he told her firmly. “We’re gonna win this.” Leaning in, he kissed her gently, feeling her move away from the counter and towards him.

When he pulled away, he added, “And that’s a Kanan guarantee.”

As he moved back to work, he heard Hera laugh. “That’s not a thing.”

“It should be.”

“Hmm, I don’t know about that, dear.”

As Kanan poured the first dollop of batter into the waffle iron, he shot her a grin. “Then you’re just gonna have to trust me.”

The smile she sent back warmed him to the core. “You know I do.”

Kanan briefly contemplated stealing another kiss, but he could hear the sounds of doors opening and voices from deeper in the Ghost. The kids were up, which meant their limited private time was over for now.

But that was alright. He had the rest of his life to spend with Hera, and his family, and he intended to enjoy every minute of it.

[taxi-cab-to-slowtown]

Core Disaster Week-- Day 3

Mission Report: May 23, 20XX

Timothy Jackson Drake-Wayne, Robin

Mission Completed: Young Justice Mission XXX

Summary: First of all, I kind of hate the 90s now. Like, I really hate them. If I have to hear “Just a Girl” once more time I’m going to cut my ears out of my head. The mission that we went on– to recover some kind of glowing sphere that Captain Marvel was worried about– ended up transporting us to another dimension where not only was it the 90s, but we were all the same age. 

Notes: Never make fun of Impulse for his hair ever again, it could be so so much worse. I have no idea what 90s Bart was thinking with that horrendous mop of a hairstyle, Bart’s fluffy look is so much better. Also, convince Kon to go for the studded leather jacket, undercut, and one piercing look because it’s hot as hell. Also, that tight-belt? Yes please! 

Notes For B: I’m sorry for any “non mission important” details included in this report. Please don’t yell at me. It’s really had to keep on task when you have the image of your boyfriend in tight leggings and a studded leather jacket taking up most of your mind. 

Report: Captain Marvel sent the team to retrieve a small glowing gold sphere that he said would be dangerous in the wrong hands. He gave us a containment chamber to keep it in and clear directions on what we were supposed to do. Directions that Bart didn’t follow. Why am I not surprised? 

Bart grabbed the sphere with his bare hands, something he’d not supposed to do. When he realised he chucked the thing at Kon, who caught it before chucking it at Cassie who chucked it at me. I managed to catch it, forgetting that I’d removed one of my gloves to use a fingerprint recognition device a few minutes previous. I managed to contain it, but not before it was able to wreak havoc. 

The three of us were transported to another universe where it was the 90s. While there, we met our 90s selves. Cassie was… different. She had straight dark hair, big glasses, red skin-tight shorts, a wonder woman shirt, a leather jacket and white knee pads and gloves. Kon, as I’ve mentioned, had an undercut and a studded leather jacket, which was hot, like, so hot. I think I was drooling. Kon was giving me weird looks. Bart had the worst hairstyle known to man, it will haunt my nightmares, but other than that, he was pretty much the same. 

Anyway, out 90s counterparts helped us get back, though 90s Kon spent too much time showing Kon 90s music he didn’t know about and torturing my poor ears. I was praying for when we could get back home and I could play Alex Benjamin and get the horrible sounds out of my ears. The two Impulses at least kept each other busy talking, which meant that I didn’t have to worry about him bugging me the whole time while I was trying to plan. 90s Tim appreciated this too. Cassie and Cassie seemed pretty wary of each other. Also their Cassie hadn’t been working with their team as long as our Cassie has. 

We eventually found a way to reverse-engineer a way back to our world. 90s Tim helped me build it and get it running, and then returned home. So far I haven’t seen any further reactions to what happened now that we’re back, but I’m keeping an eye out since we still don’t know what Captain Marvel’s ball actually does.

[camaro-and-smokes]

Pretty (wo)man

Chapter 5: Dinner is served

Tags for this chapter: flirting, causing general mayhem. See rating, warnings and tags for the whole fic on AO3. General warning: This work as a whole includes themes related to and mentions of prostitution, sex work, and sexual abuse. I will add tags with every new chapter and notes when anything particularly nasty is being depicted, but if this kind of content isn't your cup of tea to begin with, please move on. Now, consider yourself warned. Please, proceed.

Other chapters on tumblr >>

Chapter summary: Causing mayhem was why Billy was with Steve on the Nero and, well, mission definitely got a good start.

::::::::::

Billy and Steve were the last to arrive at the dinner. Some guests turned to look, and Billy could feel the surprised gazes on him. He was wearing his hair in a high bun, one of the cocktail dresses he’d bought with Cassie - a black tight one that modestly covered most of his thighs - and a long earring dangling in his left ear. He knew he’d hear about the makeup later as well, and it made him smile.

An older, gray-haired man in great shape—and in a very expensive suit—got up to greet them, extending his hand for Steve for a shake. “Steve! Nice to see you!” “Nice to see you again too, sir.” “Nah, don’t call me that,” the man said, smiling and shaking his head. “It’s Charles. And this is...?” he asked, extending his hand to Billy, seemingly unphased of Billy’s unconventional appearance. “I’m Charles Hamlin, Amanda’s father.” Then he pointed at an older woman, who measured Billy from head to toe – and clearly didn’t fully approve. “This is Charlotte Hamlin, my wife and Amanda’s mother.” “Uh, this is William. William...” Steve started to introduce Billy and realized to his horror that they hadn’t agreed upon a last name. “William Harcove,” Billy said, smiling, and shook the older man’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” Steve glanced at Billy, surprised, but quickly returned the polite smile on his face. “Nice to meet you, William,” Charles said and pointed his hand at the end of the table, right across from Amanda and her husband-to-be. “Steve, William, please, have a seat.”

Charles clinked his knife to his champagne glass. “So, now that we’re all here, I’d like to welcome you all. Thank you for coming and taking part in this week long celebration for Amanda and Tom. We have familiar faces and some new ones here, but I hope to get to know you all over this week. It’s going to pass all too quickly, I’m know it, so let’s make every moment count. Now, a toast for Amanda and Tom.”

After toasting the room filled with chatter as the waiter poured wine and everyone was waiting for the first course to arrive. On one side of Billy, there was a heated discussion going on about the latest polo match and very well made ponies. Billy didn’t have any idea what they talked about except that it must’ve been about horses. On the other side of the table, two women were comparing their very expensive jewelry and how Bulgari was indeed better with Swarovski’s chrystals.

Billy had never felt so out of place before. He leaned on Steve’s shoulder. “So, who are all these people?” he whispered. “Well, you know Amanda. Next to her is her snobby boyfriend, Tom. He’s old money from England, and I’m sure Amanda is more than thrilled about it. I bet she is already dreaming of living in England.” “Not sour at all, are you?” “Not now that you’re here,” Steve smiled.

Billy chuckled. “So, what’s the thing with the old man? You two get along still?” “We do some business together. He’s a shark, though. Keep snark to a minimum when you talk with him. He smells the tiniest drop of blood from afar and bites hard.” “Duly noted. What about the mom?” “As you can see, she already has a glass of wine. Probably not the first one today, either. She’s a bored housewife. They really fit to each other though. Both equally unfaithful, and yet she’s unwilling to divorce him because she wouldn’t have anything if they’d split. How tragic.” “You really don’t sound sorry at all for not marrying to that family,” Billy chuckled.

“That’s because I’m not,” Steve smiled. “Ok, so then there’s Tom’s parents. I know nothing of them, which is probably a good thing. Then there’s Amanda’s best friends, Carol and Heather. Heather and I actually got along well when me and Amanda dated. I’m sure you two get along as well. Ok, so then there’s Amanda’s aunt and her husband, and these people around us I don’t know. Maybe they’re Tom’s friends.”

Billy shook his head. “Why on earth were you invited to this? I mean, I would’ve understood if it was a massive wedding, but there’s barely anyone here.” “To rub it in, remember? Ok, I know Charles was sorry about my and Amanda’s break-up, so maybe he wanted to invite me at least to get to have an enjoyable week on a very nice boat at his expense. When he told me that I was welcomed to join, he didn’t tell me why and I didn’t ask.”

“You could’ve just said no?” “Maybe,” Steve said, and took Billy’s hand in his. “But then you showed up and opened my eyes and...I just couldn’t pass the opportunity. You’ve already taken everyone by surprise, including Amanda.” Billy smiled. “Which was exactly what you wanted, wasn’t it?” Steve nodded. “Mission well on the way, then.”

The food was finally served. When the waiter set an odd looking plate with filled holes in front of Billy, he looked at it, frowning. “What is this?” he asked Steve, poking the filling in one hole. “Escargot,” Steve said. Billy was about to ask how he should eat them, but the man next to Steve asked something from him, and he got engrossed in the discussion.

Billy glanced around the room, trying to see if anyone else was eating already, but everyone was more interested in talking. He was hungry and looked back at the odd plate with holes filled with...some green herby stuff. From outside towards the plate, he reminded himself, taking a deep breath, and took the outermost tool, a funny-looking fork, in his hand.

He poked at one filling with the fork, and startled when it rolled around in the hole, revealing a shell. He froze as his first thought was that the food was still alive. But when the shell didn’t move, he poked another filling, and that remained in its place.

The shells seemed to be filled with something; the holes were over-poured, and he tried to catch the whatever was inside the shell with the fork, but then this shell too rolled around.

He cursed under his breath and looked around him again, making sure no one was paying attention. He pushed the fork between the shell and the hole in the plate and gently tried to pry it out. It worked, but the shell popped out of the hole with such force that it landed on the table, bouncing away from him like a ping-pong ball. He tried to grab it in mid-flight after the first bounce but missed, and he got up quickly, finally catching it on the third bounce. He sat down fast, frozen in place and squeezing the shell so tightly in his fist that it broke.

Steve turned to look at him. “Everything alright?” “Uh-huh,” Billy replied, nodding hastily, trying his best to hold back a laughter as he wiped his hand into his napkin. Steve looked at him curiously. “You sure?” “Yeah,” Billy replied, biting his tongue to force the laughter down his throat. “Sorry, I have to visit the bathroom.” “Alright,” Steve said, amused. “Ask the head waiter for directions. They’ll show you where it is.”

Billy got to the bathroom and had the door barely closed behind him when he started laughing uncontrollably until to the point of having tears in his eyes. When the laughter finally eased, he washed his hands and returned to the dinner table.

This time, Steve was paying attention. “You saw it, didn’t you?” Billy asked quietly as Steve showed him how to carve the meat out of the shell with the odd fork. “Yeah. It was a good catch though,” he chuckled, making Billy let out a laugh. “Don’t worry, it happens. They’re slippery sometimes.” Steve got the meat out of the shell and offered the fork to Billy.

Billy smirked and instead of taking the fork, he leaned in and sucked the meat slowly off of it, his eyes locked on Steve’s, enjoying the view of Steve’s mouth slowly opening ajar. Billy licked his lips with a lopsided grin when he let go of the fork. Steve raised his eyebrow, hunted another snail from its shell, and offered it again to Billy, who repeated the act with a smirk. “Oh, you’re such a bad boy,” Steve whispered, shaking his head slightly. Billy leaned into Steve’s shoulder. “Just the way you like it, don’t you?” he whispered directly at Steve’s ear, and placed his hand on Steve’s thigh, brushing the inner side slowly. Steve shivered at the hot breath of air in his ear and the hand on his crotch. He turned to look at Billy, whose face was barely an inch away. “If you keep doing that, I have no option but to take you away and punish you a little. And then you’ll end up going to bed hungry. Do you want that?”

Billy couldn’t hide his smile when he felt the tips of his ears heating. If it was anyone else saying him those words without previous agreement, he would’ve walked out the room on the spot. But because it was Steve, so out of character, it made his abdomen tingle pleasurably.

While Steve took the third snail in his fork and fed it, too, to Billy, he glanced over at Amanda. Not that her thoughts mattered to him at all not really—the pleasure he got from feeding Billy not at all subtly in front of her and the whole wedding party was enough as itself—but seeing her staring at them, outraged, it made it all even better.

Billy saw Steve look at Amanda, and turned to look at her too, licking his lips and wiping the corners of his mouth with his finger, finishing the job by sucking it unashamedly to get everything off of it. He smirked and winked at her as he sat up straight and took his own fork in his hand, fishing the snails out of his own plate.

The dinner lasted as long as only a three course meal could. While the rest of the dinner party continued the evening at the bar, Billy opted for a smoke.

Steve led them to the end deck of the ship. “After you,” he said as he opened the door to the deck, letting Billy walk through the doors first. “Wow!” Billy said as he stepped out onto the deck. The sun had just set, an angry slit of red between dark veils of clouds in the horizon as a last echo of its light before darkness would take over. There were no clouds above the ship, though, so when he looked up at the sky, he could see the North star. Steve walked to the railing, leaned his back on it, and looked at Billy. “Gorgeous.” Billy looked at him. “You can say that again.” “Well, the sky is pretty too, but I meant you. Gorgeous and sexy as hell.” Billy smiled a wide smile and walked to Steve. “Got my smokes?”

Steve took the pack from his jacket pocket and gave it to Billy. He held his lighter for Billy to light his smoke and when Billy gave the pack back; he lit one for himself, too. Billy leaned on the railing with his elbows and looked down at the darkening sea, shaking his head slightly. “This is fucking magical.” Steve turned around to lean his elbows on the railing too, taking a drag. “Yeah. It is.” He glanced at Billy. “So, what was that at the dinner table?” Billy smirked. “Don’t deny it. You liked it.” Steve leaned into Billy’s shoulder. “Yes. Very much.” “Amanda was outraged,” Billy laughed. “Mission accomplished.” Billy glanced at Steve. “Aren’t you afraid that she kicks us off the boat first thing tomorrow?” “She won’t. Charles invited me. It would be rude.” “Oh, and we’re not being rude?” Billy asked, raising his other eyebrow. “Now that’s different. We are going to do everything as rudely as possible.” “Don’t ask what you’re not willing to do, lover-boy.” Steve laughed. “I think I’m getting more and more willing to do bad things out in the open just to piss her off.” “I’ll keep that in mind.”

They stood in silence for a while, smoking. “So...” Billy started, “is this something that happens frequently in Steve Harrington’s life? Cruises in the Caribbean, fancy foods the names of which anyone else can’t pronounce but the French and wine that’s not available in every street corner?” “Food and wine, sometimes,” Steve shrugged. “But never cruises like this. I’m well off, but not this well.” “First time on the Nero then?” “Yes.” Steve leaned on Billy’s shoulder. “What do you think?” “About the ship?” “About everything.” “Why do you need my opinion?” “I don’t need it. But I’m curious about it. I want to know.” Billy could feel warm swelling in his chest. “Well, the food was great. Though the escargot didn’t taste like anything. “ Steve smirked. “They’re actually great. You were just so busy doing bad things that you didn’t pay attention.” Billy chuckled. “Well, okay, granted. But the steak was good, and the wine.” Steve took a drag of his smoke. “Anything else?” “The desert was good?” Steve chuckled. “I hope the company was at least half decent.” Billy leaned up, looking at Steve pursing his lips to hide a smile. “The company was more than okay.”

Steve looked at the burning amber at the end of the cigarette for a while and then took a drag. “So, Harcove?” Billy glanced at him. “What about it?” “Just a name?” Steve asked after a moment of silence. “Just a name.” Steve nodded and looked back at the horizon for a while. Then he leaned up and took a final drag of the smoke. “Want to go mingle a bit?”