#I’m watching this all from the sidelines but like if it was me in charge of all this I would not be including them going forward!

[raeathnos]

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[bucky-barnes-diaries]

Day 3 — Christmas Tree Farm

Pairing || TFATWS!Bucky x Female!Reader

Word Count || Around 500

Contents & Warnings || Fluff — no warnings.

Disclaimer || English is not my first language so I apologise for any mistakes or misunderstandings!

Advent Calendar 2023

During the festive season, having a Christmas tree was a must for you and Bucky. It symbolized the essence of Christmas and brought joy to your shared home. Without the majestic presence of a beautifully decorated tree standing tall and proud in the living room, your house would feel empty and cold.

Hence, it had become an eager tradition for you and Bucky to visit a Christmas tree farm and cut a perfect tree for your home.

As you arrived at the tree farm, a picturesque scene unfolded before your eyes. A fresh blanket of snow had fallen the night before, gracefully covering the ground and adorning the array of trees that stretched far and wide. The air was brisk, and the sky a crystal-clear clarity.

Amidst other families and couples, all on their quest for their ideal Christmas tree, you and Bucky equipped a hand saw and other necessities from the farm employees.

Hand in hand, you strolled along the rows of fir, spruce, and pine trees, considering their size, shape, and variety. The aroma of them a pleasant smell.

“So, what kind of tree are we aiming for this year, doll?” Bucky questioned as you traversed the paths.

“Hmm, I’m not sure,” you responded, examining the diverse options before you. “How about we go all out this year? The biggest one we can fit in our living room? With our new house, we do have space for it.”

“I like that idea,” Bucky murmured against your temple, sealing his agreement with a gentle kiss on your cheek.

Upon reaching the outer edges of the farm, you found yourself torn between several larger trees. After careful consideration, you pointed to one with enthusiasm.

“I think this one,” you declared, running your gloved hand over the pine needles. “It’s a bit smaller than the others but much fuller and plumper.”

Bucky, deep in contemplation, tilted his head as he pictured the tree in your living room. Choosing the perfect Christmas tree was serious business for both of you.

“Yeah, this is the one,” Bucky nodded in agreement.

With Bucky taking charge of cutting the tree, you offered encouragement from the sidelines, occasionally lending a hand when needed.

“I think it’s about to come down, doll. Watch out!”

The tree fell with a soft thud; the snow beneath cushioned the impact. Together, you maneuvered it onto a blue tarp for easier transport back to the car.

After getting the tree wrapped in netting and completing the purchase, the staff assisted you in securing it on top of your car.

“I’m so happy, Bucky!” you exclaimed, embracing him tightly, bouncing lightly on your feet. “I can’t wait to decorate our tree, our house, our life.

“Hey, slow down,” he chuckled, hugging your waist and drawing you closer. “We’ve got the entire month of December for all those things and more, doll. But let’s start by taking this tree home and decorate our house.”

“Hmm, yes,” you murmured before sharing a kiss. “And then lots of Christmas goodies,” kiss, “Christmas movies,” kiss, “all the Christmas joy,” kiss, “and so much more.”

Feedback through a comment is highly appreciated! Or let me know through an anonymous ask if that feels more comfortable. As well as a reblog to share my work with other people!

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[sweetandscarlet]

a/n: hope this is okay for you anon! just a quick drabble i typed up before i go to sleep <3 ps, thank you for the kind words :)

ᗢ

behind closed doors

warnings: 18+, smut, mommy kink, breeding kink, dirty talk, intersex!stepmom wanda, bratty reader, degradation, cheating.

words: 1.9k

“oh honey, that is not how that story goes and you know it”

you roll your eyes at the sound of the group you’re apart of laughing in an ear piercing uproar, the sound grates your ears and you bite back a wince at the sheer volume.

“i swear that’s what happened.. unless my old age is getting to me”

it was your mothers turn to speak, her words are in response to your step mothers’ first comment, in regards to a story that in your opinion, no one really gave a fuck about; but they all laugh along, eager to appease your mother and her boring sense of humour.

you shifted slightly on your feet, your hands tugging downwards on the hem of your dress before something catches your eye.

a waiter, mere seconds away from passing by you holds a tray of flute glasses in one hand that is filled to the perfect point with expensive champagne. you quickly snatch away a single glass and raise it to your lips, the bubbles fizz at the brim, the smell of limestone invading your nostrils as you take a delicate sip.

it’s an acquired taste to say the least, but you ignore the aroma, letting it hit your palate as you gulp down the rest of the drink. you feel eyes on you and just as quickly as you obtain the glass, it’s just as swiftly taken away from you.

you gasp softly, looking up to see green eyes that beam with fury. “you’re not allowed to be drinking y/n, don’t do that again”

the voice is low and seething with anger, instantaneously it causes a smirk to twitch at your lips upon hearing it. “oh i’m sorry wanda, i needed something to wash down the bullshit, you can hardly blame me”

wanda’s eyes narrow, a snarl curling in her lips as she speaks. “you pathetic little girl, can’t you just keep your snide comments to yourself for one night? this is an important time for your mother, you know that. now shut your mouth and show some respect”

silence had quickly fallen on the group, all eyes focused on the intense scene unfolding before them. your mother watches from the sidelines, embarrassment evident in her face as she stands by idly.

your mother was never one to correct you, always too careful with her words and too afraid to grow a back-bone and put you in your place. wanda on the other hand was the complete opposite; she had quickly grown to be the one who stepped up, even in the short two years that you had known her.

it honestly wanted to make you laugh. your own flesh and blood, too scared to reprimand you, but someone you had known for over 24 months was brave enough to take matters into her own hands and portray some dominance.

“i don’t have to show you shit wanda, you’re not my mother. now if you’ll excuse me, i’d rather be anywhere else but here”

you turn your body to leave, your feet stepping forward to take you out of the banquet hall and away from the fake facades that radiate from everyone in the room like a bad smell.

a hand latches itself onto your wrist, the grip firm in its placement that quickly stops you in your tracks.

“carry on everyone, i think y/n just needs some fresh air” wanda steps past you, her feet moving with determination as she drags you along behind her.

you remain silent as wanda moves through the crowd of people, taking you out of the hall and into a corridor that’s home to multiple doors that lead to god knows where. it was quite excessive in your opinion but you don’t reflect on it for long as wanda flings open one of the wooden doors and pushes you inside before she steps inside after you, pulling the door shut behind her.

the room wanda had charged you both into seemed to be an office. bookcases rested on the outskirts of the room and picture frames that held famous quotes and paintings hung delicately on the walls. behind you situated a large oak desk and you shifted backwards until you leant against the hard wood.

“what is wrong with you today? you aren’t usually this.. bitchy” the redhead mutters, her voice much less sterner than it was previously. “the way you spoke in there, i have half a mind to wash your mouth out with soap”

you shrug your shoulders, not really having an answer for the woman before you. instead, you choose to direct the conversation to something you have more of an interest in. “or you could spank me? that’s usually your go to punishment, mommy”

a glint of amusement flashes in your eyes along with a smile that soon spreads across your lips.

wanda tilts her head and you watch as the gears turn in her mind while she reflects on your words. “oh” she elongates, “so that’s why you’re being such a brat, huh? your slutty little pussy is turning your brain to mush and all you can do is act out like a child”

wanda steps forward, her gaze never faltering as she approaches your smaller frame. even in high heels the redhead stood taller than you, making you gulp as she looks down at your strong demeanour that quickly starts to fade the closer she gets.

“if you wanted my cock darling, all you had to do was ask. this whole ‘i hate you’ illusion is getting old, especially when we both know how much you love being my little breeding whore”

your eyebrows knit together as you bite down on your bottom lip, not letting out the whimper that’s threatening to escape from the back of your throat. “but it’s hard to ask when everyone else has your attention but me! do you know how hard it is to see my mother fawn over you like a lapdog while others gather around you to hear that stupid wedding story for the umpteenth time?”

wanda juts out her bottom lip in a feigned pout as she steps closer once more until your hips soon connect and your breasts press flush together. you feel something hard protrude from the confines of her suit pants and you can’t help but gasp at the feeling.

“oh honey, you don’t have to be jealous. this is what you do to me,” wanda accents her words with a jut of her hips, her cock pressing harshly against the inside of one of your thighs. “not her.. you know i have to play the doted wife when it comes to these fancy parties, image and reputation is important”

a groan escapes your lips when wanda moves her hips again, you feel her grow harder behind the soft cotton and you instantly wrap your arms around the back of her neck, pulling her in for a hungry kiss; something you had been dying to do ever since you left the house hours prior.

wanda moans against your mouth, her hands moving to grasp the back of your thighs before promptly lifting you on top of the desk. you break the kiss, huffing at the impact before quickly collecting yourself to move your head forward, peppering sloppy kisses on the base of wanda’s neck. “it doesn’t make it any easier”

“i know, detka. but, you’re mine.. all mine. don’t let your dumb little brain forget that��

you nod with a breathy, “yes mommy” before continuing your work against wanda’s soft skin. you nibble and suck at her neck, careful not to leave any marks.

you had learned your lesson long ago when you got a little too rambunctious and left a hickey below wanda’s jawline, she loved how you wanted to mark what was yours, but she had to punish you on disobeying her orders.

never leave evidence, that’s how you get caught, she said. and wanda wouldn’t let anyone ruin what you two had together, especially not over something so simple as a love bite.

wanda’s hands thread through the length of your hair, grasping a handful before tugging backwards until your mouth detaches from the comfort of her skin. you look up at her, panting slightly and wanda can’t help the twitch in her cock at your doe-eyed expression.

“god.. you have no idea what you do to me. you’re so beautiful, detka. so beautiful and all mine”

wanda’s free hand moves down her stomach until it lands on the leather belt that wraps around her waist snugly. she quickly unbuckles it and then shifts to unzip her pants, the item of clothing swiftly falling down until it bunches around her ankles.

“i have to admit, you aren’t the only one who’s desperate tonight. the way you look in this dress is mesmerising, and all i wanted to do was rip it off you and stuff you full of my cum”

you moan out, not caring for the volume as her filthy words echo in your mind. “please, mommy. that’s all i want, i need your cock so bad”

wanda chuckles, releasing her grip from your hair so she can let her hands fall to the hem of your dress. “yeah?.. you want mommy to fuck her cum into you? get you all good and pregnant?”

you moan once more, your hips bucking at the question. “yes yes, i do,” you let a hand snake its way past wanda’s arms, searching for the one thing you crave right now. once you do, you cup her cock through the material of her boxer briefs, grinding your hand against the hard member slightly until you feel it pulse under your touch. “fuck me, please”

that’s all it takes for wanda to tug at the hem of your dress until it collects around your hips. the mouth watering sight of a red thong now on display has wanda groaning and thrusting her hips against the palm of your hand, her body desperate for friction.

“i love it when you wear these skimpy little things. you look delicious, my love”

as much as wanda loves the sight of them, her attention lies much deeper than that; behind the thin barrier that stops her from seeing your bare form.

you mutter an, “all for you” before wanda grows impatient and yanks down the material. the cold air hits your now uncovered pussy, pulling a sharp gasp from you as you watch her blindly throw them on the desk behind you.

the redhead trails a single digit through your slick folds, a soft moan leaving her lips at the feeling. “such a messy pussy, i’m betting i could easily slide right inside”

your head falls to rest on wanda’s shoulder, your mind reeling at the touch of wanda’s hand. “mommy, don’t tease.. please. we can’t be gone for too long”

wanda tuts at your avidity before promptly speaking. “hmm, you’re right malysh. we don’t have a lot of time, everyone will be wondering where we are.. and we wouldn’t want everyone to know the daughter of the esteemed ceo loves to be fucked stupid by her step mother, would we?”

[gothamite-rambler]

A Mother’s Voice (Batfamily Chronicles Microfiction Series)

A/N: Just a fun twist – I made Crystal an Irish Catholic woman. She’s not working for Cluemaster, and while she wasn’t always there for Stephanie growing up, she’s present now and knows her daughter is Spoiler. I haven’t included the part about Stephanie having a baby yet; sorry for that!

Spoiler stood before the hulking figure of Bane, surrounded by the chaos of her family battling Arkham’s notorious criminals. Fatigue weighed on her limbs, the pain radiating through her body palpable as blood trickled from her nose. Trembling, she felt the creeping edge of surrender.

Spoiler (weakly, muttering): Dang it... I can't keep going.

Just then, a voice broke through her comms—one that wasn’t Oracle.

Crystal: Stephanie, darling?

Spoiler: M-Ma?

Crystal (her Irish accent unmistakable): That’s me. No need to pretend. I figured out ye were Spoiler years ago. I worried about ye, until I remembered one thing. Ye're my daughter.

Spoiler (dodging a punch from Bane): Ma, leave! You don’t want to hear me lose.

Bane (mocking Spoiler and unaware she's alive): Talking to your mother in the sky won't save you.

Crystal (firmly): Stephanie Bridget Brown, I may not have raised ye as I should have, but I've seen the strength you've found. This isn't ye givin' up—ye fought to get here!

Spoiler (voice wavering): But I—

Batman: Oracle, why is there a civilian in there with you?

Crystal (shouting): Ah, pipe down, Batman, or I’ll give ye a one-two! I’m talkin’ to Spoiler, not ye!

Batman (not wanting to anger the woman): Okay, then. Continue on, person who shouldn’t be on the comms!

Taking a hesitant step back from Bane, Spoiler felt the warmth of her mother’s words wrap around her like a lifeline.

Spoiler (protesting): I can't do this!

Bane loomed menacingly, taunting her to surrender as he approached, his intent clear. Spoiler tried to block out what he was saying as she stood her ground, but her wavering confidence caused her knees to tremble with fear.

Crystal (urgently): Can’t? That’s not the Steph I know! Ye became a hero to spite yer father. Ye’ve donned that mask twice to prove yerself to Batman. Why should this limp-dicked man win?

Spoiler (whispering): He... won't win.

Crystal: Exactly! No man will beat you. An’ my apologies for usin’ the devil's tongue, but stand on yer feet, straighten yer back, prepare yer stance, and get ready to kick arse! Ye were born a fighter! Ye are God's child, gifted by me! I have not seen ya once give up, ya bloody gave me a reason to stay strong. Ye’ve fought worse men—this roided-out wrestler won’t be the one to put ye down!

With a surge of renewed strength, Spoiler stood tall, raising her fist and delivering a crushing blow to Bane, sending him reeling.

Spoiler (determination blazing in her eyes): He won’t win!

Bane (scratching his head): What is happening?

Crystal (encouraging): Aye! Stand on business, and ye will not let Cluemaster, Batman, or any man win! For God says so through me!

Spoiler (shouting): YEAH!

Crystal (proclaiming): AMEN! NOW GO KICK SOME ARSE!

The renewed energy coursed through her, and Spoiler charged into battle, handing Oracle her comm.

With a leap, she soared over Bane, wrapping her arms around his neck. As he tried to seize her, she bit his hand. He swatted her back, but she landed on her feet.

Spoiler (taunting): Come and get me, Nacho Libre!

Bane (angry): I resent that statement!

With a swift spin kick, Spoiler sent him crashing to the ground.

Spoiler: Now, who's the damsel?

She pressed her shoe down on the man’s neck.

Bane: I will not—

Spoiler: Oh, shut up!

With a strong kick, she knocked him unconscious.

Spoiler (ready to take on the next inmate): All right, who's next?!

Charging forward, she took down several foes, with Crystal watching proudly from the sidelines. The Robins observed in stunned silence, partially horrified by the ferocity of the scene unfolding before them.

Crystal (grin): Thanks for invitin’ me, Steph’s friend.

Oracle (unfazed): You snuck in, but it was worth it. I thought you were working for her father.

Crystal (smirk): Not in this canon, love.

With a wave, she stepped away, entered the elevator and left Oracle's secret office.

Oracle: Cool.

Babs placed the earpiece back in her ear and pressed a button.

Oracle: Hey, Batman, Crystal left, and Spoiler didn’t get her back broken like you thought she would.

A groan emanated from Batman, clearly annoyed.

[huntfeld]

In the Shadows of My Heart

Pairing: Enid Sinclair x Reader

Summary: The reader loves Enid Sinclair, who is dating Ajax. At the Rave’N, the reader confesses their feelings, leading to a turning point in their relationship.

———

The hallways of Nevermore Academy were always filled with a mix of creatures, each more peculiar than the last, but it was the same familiar sight that captured your attention day after day: Enid Sinclair. She was a whirlwind of color in a school that thrived on darker aesthetics. Her laughter danced in the air, brightening even the most dreary corners of the academy.

Yet today, your heart felt heavier than usual. Enid was walking hand in hand with Ajax, the laid-back guy with the sharp wit and an easy smile. The sight should’ve filled you with joy; they were cute together, after all. But the knot in your stomach twisted tighter with each passing moment.

“Hey, are you coming to the Rave’N tonight?” Enid called back to you, her voice bright and inviting.

You forced a smile, waving your hand dismissively. “I’m not sure. Maybe.”

“Come on! You’ll miss all the fun!” She bounced on her feet, and for a moment, you could see her colorful energy illuminating the entire hallway. But Ajax tugged at her hand, and she turned to him, her eyes sparkling with affection.

“Yeah, I’ll definitely be there,” Ajax said, leaning in to whisper something that made Enid giggle.

As they walked away, your heart sank deeper. You’d watched Enid from the sidelines, cherishing every moment shared in fleeting glances and laughter, all while keeping your feelings tightly locked away. It was hard not to feel the weight of your unspoken words; you loved her. But how could you compete with Ajax?

Days turned into weeks, and as Enid and Ajax’s relationship blossomed, your longing only intensified. She would sit beside you during classes, her shoulder brushing against yours as she whispered jokes and offered encouragement when you felt overwhelmed. There was an undeniable chemistry, a warmth that spread through you, but it always felt like a ghost lingering just out of reach.

One afternoon, while studying in the library, you watched her across the table. She was animated, sharing a funny story with Wednesday, but then she looked over at you, her gaze lingering just a second too long. Your breath hitched, and your heart raced, feeling an electric connection, but Ajax was nearby, flipping through a book with a lazy smile.

“Hey,” Enid said, leaning closer. “Do you think you could help me with my history project later? Ajax has plans with his buddies, and I could use a study partner.”

The invitation made your heart leap. “Of course! I’d love to.”

As the sun began to set, casting warm hues across the library, you packed your things, nerves fluttering in your stomach. Enid stayed behind, waiting for Ajax to finish chatting with some friends. You tried to focus on your work, but your mind was buzzing with thoughts of her.

When Enid finally joined you outside, her eyes sparkled. “Thanks for helping me! I always feel more confident when we study together.”

You both made your way to a quieter part of the campus, the soft rustle of leaves surrounding you like a cocoon. “You’re amazing, you know that?” you said, glancing at her, your heart racing. “You always brighten my day.”

Enid’s cheeks flushed a light pink. “Really? I thought you just put up with me.”

“Never,” you replied, feeling brave. “You make everything better, Enid.”

For a moment, the air felt charged between you, a stillness that seemed to pulse with unspoken words. But then, the distant sound of laughter echoed, and you both turned to see Ajax waving at her, calling her over. The moment shattered.

“I should go,” she said reluctantly, biting her lip. “But I’ll see you later, right?”

“Yeah,” you said, forcing a smile. “Of course.”

As she walked away, your heart sank again. You watched her go, feeling the familiar ache in your chest. But this time, you knew you had to act before it was too late.

That evening at the Rave’N, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Colorful lights flashed as students danced and laughed. You leaned against a wall, hoping to see Enid, but it was hard to shake off the gloom hanging over you.

Then, through the crowd, you spotted her. Enid was laughing with Ajax, but her eyes scanned the room, searching. When they landed on you, something shifted in her expression. She slipped away from Ajax’s side and made her way over, her energy infectious.

“Hey!” she said, eyes bright. “You came!”

“Yeah, I wanted to see you… and have some fun.” Your heart raced, knowing you had to speak up. “Enid, can we talk?”

“Of course! What’s up?” She looked genuinely curious.

You took a deep breath, the music pulsing around you. “I know you’re with Ajax, and I don’t want to ruin anything, but… I can’t hide how I feel anymore. I really like you, Enid. Like, really like you.”

Enid’s expression changed, surprise etched on her face, but there was something else—relief? “I… I like you too,” she whispered, glancing back at Ajax. “But I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“What?” Your heart leaped, a rush of hope flooding through you.

“I thought maybe if I acted normal, it would go away,” she admitted, her eyes shining. “But I can’t ignore how I feel, especially when I’m with you.”

You took a step closer, the space between you charged with tension. “So, what do we do?”

Enid’s gaze flickered to Ajax, who was chatting with some friends a few feet away. “I don’t want to hurt him, but… I can’t keep pretending I don’t care about you.”

“Then don’t,” you said, taking her hands in yours, feeling her warmth. “Tell him how you feel. We deserve to be happy too.”

With a determined nod, Enid squeezed your hands. “You’re right. I’ll talk to him. I just… I want you to be a part of my life.”

The music faded into the background as the world around you blurred. The only thing that mattered was this moment, the spark of possibility igniting between you.

“Then let’s start with this dance,” you said, leading her to the dance floor. As the music enveloped you, Enid’s laughter rang out, bright and free, and for the first time, you felt a sense of hope.

As the song shifted to a slower rhythm, Enid stepped closer, her heart racing in the same way yours was. You could feel her warmth radiating, and for a moment, you both lost yourselves in each other’s eyes.

“Enid, you’re the most incredible person,” you whispered, your voice barely audible above the music. “I don’t want to keep feeling like this without knowing how you feel.”

“I don’t want to either,” she replied, her voice earnest. “You make me feel so alive. I just… I didn’t know how to break it to Ajax.”

Before you could respond, Enid glanced toward Ajax, who was now surrounded by a group of friends, oblivious to the turmoil brewing between you two. “I need to do this,” she said, determination shining in her eyes.

“Okay. Just… just be honest with him,” you encouraged, your heart pounding with anticipation and anxiety.

Taking a deep breath, Enid turned and walked back toward Ajax. You watched as she approached him, your heart in your throat. Ajax smiled at her, but Enid’s expression was serious. She took a moment, speaking softly, and you could see the tension growing between them.

Ajax’s smile faded as he listened, and for a moment, the world felt still. You couldn’t hear their conversation over the music, but you could see the surprise in his eyes, then a flicker of sadness.

You felt a wave of empathy wash over you, knowing this wasn’t easy for her. But you also felt a spark of hope. Whatever Enid was saying, she was finally expressing herself.

After a tense moment, Ajax nodded, his expression resigned, and Enid stepped back. She looked slightly shaken but resolute, and when her gaze met yours, your heart soared.

“Enid!” you called, stepping through the crowd to reach her. “Did you—?”

“I broke up with him,” she said, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “It felt right, like I had to do it. But it was still hard.”

You stepped closer, the noise of the Rave’N fading into the background as you cupped her face with your hands, wiping away the lingering uncertainty. “I’m proud of you. That took a lot of courage.”

“Thank you,” she said, her eyes sparkling with relief and determination. “And now I want to focus on what we could be.”

In that moment, the world around you faded completely, leaving just the two of you. Enid stepped forward, closing the distance between you, and before you knew it, she kissed you—soft and tentative at first, but then deepening as the weight of all those unspoken feelings poured out between you.

The kiss felt electric, like a spark igniting a fire. You wrapped your arms around her, pulling her closer, as the warmth radiated between you. It was everything you had dreamed of and more. When you finally pulled away, both breathless, a smile broke out on Enid’s face, brighter.

———

[cod-dump]

Oh no now I'm having a lot of angsty feelings about Soap being "the least favourite" /and/ knowing it. It's all fun and jokes and everybody's laughing even when they go as far as leaving that little bothering feeling behind them and Soap might really believe it. It's all funny until they find themselves in critical situation and Soap is the fastest to make a hard decision and to make a sacrifice because he knows that if he would wait a little longer with making up his mind he might start thinking about it too hard. He has to be fast and let nobody get hurt (but he doesnt take himself under the equation).

Favorite

Soap centric fic

___

“Sometimes I just want to lock you in your room and throw away the key!”

“Does that mean I’m demoted to least favorite?”

It was a running joke that started a while back when Soap had first joined 141. Back then Soap was the outcast. Price, Ghost, and Gaz had known each other for quite some time and it felt strange when Soap joined. Soap had somewhat knew Price but not as well as Ghost or Gaz. As time went on and he became more welcomed into the fold, that joke still remained.

Gaz and Ghost always seemed to be competing for being favorite. And when Farah was around she automatically took first place and Ghost and Gaz were then fighting for second place. And Soap? Soap was always in last place no matter what. He always acted like it never bothered him. Always joked with everyone when someone brought it up or even was the one who made the joke first.

That’s all it was: A joke. Just a joke that they all laughed at together.

But some days it feels like it isn’t a joke. Some days Soap still didn’t feel like he was a part of a family, just a member of a team. He doesn’t have rank over anyone, isn’t that important either. He’s just a guy that’s good at blowing things up enough that he was recruited into 141. He’s no one special.

Soap watches Gaz get put in a headlock by Ghost, Price laughing at them before he separates them. He had a hand on each of their shoulders to keep them in place as they laughed. Soap knew if he walked over their attitudes would change, that the father/sons moment would be over. So he stayed put, watching from the sidelines as Gaz hides behind Price and taunts Ghost.

“Watch your tongue, Sergeant,” growled Ghost in a playful manner.

Gaz just grinned, “You may have rank over me but-!”

He wraps his arms around Price’s shoulders, “I’m the favorite~”

Price rolls his eyes dramatically, “Here we go-“

Soap left as Ghost managed to chase Gaz off of Price and grab him again.

He ended up in the training grounds. He just walked until he found a secluded spot and sat. It was later in the evening but the sun wasn’t that low in the sky yet. Birds were chirping still so Soap determined that he could probably stay out here for a good bit before he would be missed.

He would be missed… right? If something happened to him? Right?

_

They were cornered, unable to push forward without taking more causalities. Price was calling for support while Ghost and Soap were giving them as much cover as possible. Soap ducked down as a grenade is thrown, exploding far enough away that it wouldn’t rock their position. But still close enough where the shrapnel from the blast could hurt.

Ghost fell to the ground, a piece of twisted metal through the meat of his shoulder.

“Fuck-! GHOST!”

Soap felt panic set in as Gaz crawled over, desperately making sure Ghost wasn’t hit anywhere else. Soap could see Price, see him thinking. If there’s one thing that Soap knew about Price, it’s that his boys come first. He could see the man debating, his hand clutched over his radio in a tight grip. Soap knew he was thinking about doing something stupid so they could get out of there.

Soap acts without much more thought.

“SOAP!”

Soap charged out of cover, shooting at the enemy and drawing their attention on him. Somehow he managed to get two blocks away from where they were taking cover. Somehow he managed to get into a building and hold his ground and keep the enemy’s attention on him. Somehow he managed to stay alive. Eventually he ran out of bullets so he had to hide, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he waited. They were going to find him.

Soap sat there until the sun went down, still on edge and waiting for the enemy. But they never showed. Did he fail? Fail to get them off the others? Was all of this for nothing? Soap felt tears fall down his face. He could hear gunfire outside of the building. It sounded close. Who were they shooting at? Soap hears people moving through the halls of the building. He grips the knife he kept from the hell that was Las Almas (Ghost never made an effort to take it back) and waits.

He heard the door open to the room he was hiding in and he immediately held his breath and closed his eyes.

“Soap? Are you here?”

Soap opens his eyes, a shaky breath escaping him, “N-Nik?”

Soap stands from his hiding place to see Nik at the doorway. The man laughed out in relief and rushed over to Soap, pulling him into a fierce hug. Soap leans completely into the man, relief flooding him.

“We thought you were dead.”

Soap swallows back his emotions and tries to speak clearly, “Too stubborn to die in this hell hole.”

Nik laughs and pulls away, checking Soap for injuries as he makes a call through the radio.

“I found him. He’s alive.”

Nik motions Soap to follow him back through the building. Soap followed, one question plaguing them.

“The others… are they-?”

“They made it out. Thanks to you.”

Soap sobs out in relief, following Nik back to the ground. The trip back to base was the longer than the trip to the combat zone. Soap fell asleep after getting settled in his seat. It wasn’t a very pleasant nap, but it was better than nothing. He woke when they landed. When he got out of the helicopter, he could see Price. Soap nervously walked towards the stone faced man, unsure what was going to happen.

When he reached Price, he stood at attention.

“Captain Price, sir.”

Price said nothing. He looked him over, swallowed, then grabbed Soap and pulled him into a bone crushing hug. Soap couldn’t help but return it, tears in his eyes as Price held him.

“Don’t ever do something so fucking stupid like that again! I thought I lost you…”

Soap stopped trying to hold back the tears and starts to cry. He clings to Price and after a couple minutes he leads him inside. Soap was soon jumped by Gaz who was in tears.

“I thought you were dead!”

Soap was almost knocked to the floor by the force of Gaz’s hug. But damn, it was a good hug. It took some convincing from Price and Soap to get Gaz to let him go.

“Where’s Ghost?”

“Medical. That shrapnel did a number on him.”

“Can I see him?”

“Tomorrow. He just got out of surgery not too long ago and both him and you need to rest.”

Soap didn’t bother to argue. He took a long shower, changed into his softest sleeping clothes (they were Christmas themed but he didn’t care) and passed out. Soap came to find that he slept like a baby after all that hell he went through. He slept past his alarm and well into the afternoon. No one said anything to him about it when he finally emerged from his room. Gaz found him quickly and made sure he ate breakfast before they both went to Price’s office.

Soap couldn’t remember the last time he spent so much time in Price’s office to just hang out. Gaz was practically attached to his side as they sat on the floor and enjoyed listening to Price cuss at the reports he was looking over. When Soap finally went to see Ghost, he was lucky the man was bedridden.

“YOU FUCKER! I THOUGHT YOU WERE FUCKING DEAD YOU CUNT!”

Soap had to go to Ghost so the man could try to squeeze the life out of him with one arm.

[udretlnea]

The Interesting Inazumans

Prompt: Inspired by this post

A/N: I love writing shenanigans. Also, happy birthday to me AND I’m quite excited to play Honkai Star Rail; I meant to have this up earlier, but I lost motivation 75% of the way through and that was quite annoying to deal with. Furthermore, this is more or less set-up for what I have planned next. Nothing too exciting I’m afraid, but think of it this way: if I kept writing exciting action scenes, then it would slowly lose its charm. Thus, it’s better to space things apart to keep things interesting. (By the time of writing this, my birthday will have passed.)

Words: 1386

Part two to, “An Idealized Image”.

Tags: @iruiji , @kamiyadidi

Kamisato Ayaka stood on the sidelines watching Yoimiya and Itto with confusion and interest; Kuki Shinobu merely looked down in shame, a hand covering her eyes. Heizou was standing on the side as well, looking at the beetle battle with interest and a hint of amusement. Gorou and Kirara were barking and hissing at each other, respectively; Kokomi tried to calm him down to little effect. 

The scene was pure chaos. Truly, this was an embarrassment to your pride as the Divine Overseer; nothing could make you feel worse.

Two weeks since your arrival

It hasn’t even been a month, yet you are beginning to get accustomed to your new life as “Divine Overseer”. You were resting on your bed, recovering from your sword training with Ei.

Let’s recap: After waking up in Chinju Forest and observing your appearance, you walked all the way to Inazuma City; when your stomach growled, you grabbed the first edible thing you saw which just so happened to look like raspberry, but yellow. Nobody paid attention to you when you arrived; the ones that did notice usually stared for a little and then went about their day. That suited you just fine since you couldn’t come up with a backstory to save your life.

You wandered around the city, eventually making your way to the Statue of the Omnipresent God. You felt drawn towards it, like something was calling to you something deep inside of you.

Then, Kujou Sara appeared behind you before you could get a chance to examine it further. With how much you suspiciously resembled a divine being you were brought into Tenshukaku. After answering some rather fascinating questions thank goodness they spoke something similar to English because you were dead if they spoke Japanese about a being called the Primordial One and passing a blood test you still remember the awe you felt when you bled silver instead of dark red you automatically were given a room in Tenshukaku.

The news spread like wildfire until even those from Watatsumi came to profess their faith and wishes. At first you felt unworthy of such a title, and who could blame you? You were some no-name nobody who appeared out of nowhere; not that you weren’t ungrateful for this cover, but still, if they ever found out the truth they’d probably have your head. Best to keep it to yourself for now. 

According to your individual research, this “divine overseer” was charged with making preperations for the return of some being called the Primordial One; they sounded quite important from the title alone. You weren’t terribly worried, not when you had an entire nation to assist you in this endeavor.

You adjusted to this sudden schedule rather quickly, in no small part thanks to Kujou Kamaji being assigned to help ease you into this…fascinating position. You were given a routine to follow: Calligraphy in the morning, bow training with Sara in the afternoon, and learning how to wield a sword with Ei at night. You didn’t know why you had to wield a weapon, let alone know how to fight with one, but any knowledge is useful and who wouldn’t want to know how to wield two weapons?

Your eyes began to feel heavy, and before long you drifted off to sleep.

Okay, the domain’s ready. Dropping it in 3…2…1…now.

Hey, update. Apparently Honkai Star Rail’s releasing later today. We’re not gonna finish in time.

…Okay. That’s bad, but we do have a protocol for that.

Understood. I’ll execute it now.

/////

The next afternoon, you found yourself sipping tea with Ei. Normally, you would be practicing shooting a bow with Sara, but the entirety of the Shogunate seems to have been gaslit by the sudden appearance of a new domain. It just appeared near Tatarasuna in Kannazuka Island. With it being so close to Kujou Encampment, Sara was the first to be informed and quickly led an investigation of the area.

All of this, Ei told you as she poured another cup for you, was because all of Narukami had dreamt the same thing last night: A dream involving you.

“Oh…I see. Did they say if they remembered any details?” You press gently, but Ei shook her head.

“Nothing clear. However, Kujou Kamaji has stated that the only consistent thing each person remembers is of a person whom they recall has hair as white as snow and yellow pupils…”

“I see…” You finish your tea rather quickly, earning a mean look from Ei. You set your cup down and cross your arms. “Then…I suppose there’s only one thing left to do.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”

“To take control of the situation, gather members for an exploration team, and then plan for the exploration itself,” you casually stated. You stood up from the mat and walked towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Ei asked. You heard a mixture of concern and confusion in her voice, despite her attempt at hiding it. You turned your head to address her.

“Huh? I thought my plan would have informed you? I’m going to go find some willing volunteers to explore the domain.”

/////

It took an additional amount of time than you would’ve liked because Ei argued it, “wasn’t the Overseer’s duty to attend to such trivial matters when she could get a servant to do it”. Some back-and-forth banter later and a compromise was reached: gather some of Inazuma’s Vision holders plus some adventurers from the Guild to create an exploration team with.

A couple days later, the meeting was held inside Tenshukaku in the main room where the Shogun usually resided; Ei went to the Grand Narukami Shrine to speak with Miko, but she reassured you she wouldn’t take long.

Something you kept telling yourself even as Arataki “Numero Uno” Itto gave a come-at-me gesture to Naganohara Yoimiya; the two engaged in an Onikabuto battle then and there to decide who would accompany you, which begged the question why did they have Onikabuto with them?

Meanwhile, Kamisato Ayaka stood on the sidelines watching in confusion and interest; Kuki Shinobu merely looked down in shame, a hand covering her eyes. Heizou was standing some way off, looking at the beetle battle with interest and a hint of amusement. Gorou and Kirara were barking and hissing at each other, respectively; Kokomi tried to calm him down to little effect. 

The scene was pure chaos. Truly, this was an embarrassment to your pride as the Divine Overseer; nothing could make you feel more ashamed.

And then the doors opened. Almost comically, everybody paused to see who had arrived. They were basked in the light so only their silhouettes showed; then they casually strode forth, revealing a blonde female with a flower in her hair and a white haired…fairy(?).

“Uhh, Paimon’s confused. What’s going on here?” asked the white-haired fairy. She looked at each and every Vision holder. “Why are you all acting so out of character?”

“If you ask me, this bonehead over here is acting like himself.” Shinobu crossed her arms and glared at the oni. 

“Oh! Lu-Lumine! What an unexpected surprise!” Kamisato Ayaka put a hand on her chest. “It’s been so long since we’ve last seen each other…”

Lumine? You mean the same Lumine that managed to defeat a dragon, help stop a god that could command the ocean, and abolish the Vision Hunt Decree? You think to yourself with a growing sense of horror. Oh great, they’re definitely gonna judge me harshly. Somebody kill me now.

“Hello Ayaka. It’s nice to see you too,” she said plainly yet with a friendly tone. Then she put a hand to her chin. “But Paimon’s right. What happened here?”

“Well…you see, we all arrived here when the Divine Overseer put out a request to help with this Domain…” Yoimiya began.

By the time Yoimiya finished the explanation, everyone had cleaned up their act and was now kneeling on the tatami mats; they faced you with a neutral expression as if they hadn’t engaged in shenanigans earlier. The firework girl took a spot next to Kamisato Ayaka. Lumine stood in the back, and Paimon floated beside her. 

At last, you can get to building a team. You pray that nothing bad would happen.

Excellent. I think we can let it go here. Come on. It’s starting soon.

[unwanted-animal]

Fate Makes Fools - A FirstPrince Soulmate/Omegaverse AU

Tags: Canon Divergence, AU, Soulmates, Omegaverse, Fluff, Smut, FirstPrince, RWRB Movie, cunnilingus, fingering, blowjobs, oral sex, knotting, throat knotting, knotting, breeding, vaginal sex. Henry Fpx Has a Breeding Kink, Now Alex Claremont-diaz Does Too, Lingerie

Chapter Two: Becoming (3912 words)

Moving from the rewrite here, I still hope I captured the sweetness and softness of their first time - Because the next time is going to be debauched as all hell ✌️✌️

You looked incredible in your interview tonight.��

You were watching?

Of course. I miss you. 

I miss you too, Henry. 

There’s this charity polo match in Windsor next month that my mate Percy’s foundation organizes. I was wondering if you might want to be my guest?

Oh, uh.

I don’t know how to play polo.

Damn. 

Well, I suppose that will be alright, seeing as you won’t be playing. 

I will. 

You’ll be watching on the sidelines.

Great! That’s probably safer for everyone. 

Not that I wouldn’t mind seeing you in the uniform.

Or taking you out of it.

Alex grinned. He closed his laptop and made his way over to the bed. Dropping down onto his back, he considered how to answer. Flirting wasn’t new to him. The bond between Henry and him even made it a little easier - it gave him instincts, feelings on what Henry might enjoy. At the same time, however, an anxious little ache in his mind worried he’d push Henry away, or scare him off if he came on too strong. 

Dost thy Royal Highness attempt to sext?

You are the most infuriating person I’ve ever met. 

Hey, I like that you take charge. I’m not complaining. Just teasing a little. 

You do love to tease me. 

What are you wearing right now? It’s gotta be late there, right? You’re like five hours ahead of me.

A dressing gown and little else, other than my panties.

Are they anything like the pair you left with me?

Unfortunately not. These are plain. For comfort. 

You’re bad at this, you know that?

I’m trying. I promise. 

Okay. Let’s try something else. What would you do if I crawled into bed with you right now?

Fill my mouth with your throbbing cock again. I enjoyed feeling full of you.

“Okay, I can work with this,” Alex muttered to himself. He licked his lips and began to type. 

You’re so eager. I like that too. Did you like it when I pulled your hair?

I adored it. I wish you would have fucked my throat though. Used me properly.

Do you like being used?

I like the idea of being used by you. 

I’ll remember that for Windsor. 

My turn to ask a question. 

Shoot. 

If you could do anything to me, what would it be?

I’d wrap your thighs around my head and eat your ass. 

Really? Why?

It’s perfect, and firm, and I bet it’s soft too. I think I could make you squirm. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m good with my mouth.

Oh I’ve noticed. Most people I’ve been with couldn’t find my clit if I planted a flag on it. Your experience is very much my luck. 

Some time, I want to taste you without your hormones. Just Henry. I would love that. 

I want to test something. Tell me if you feel anything, okay? 

Yes, Alex. I will. 

Alex raised his arm and stared at the purple words that glowed against his skin. He leaned in and dragged his tongue over them, letting out a soft moan. A few moments later his phone chimed.

I felt something wet and soft on my mark. What did you do?

I licked it. Holy shit, Henry. We could do so much with this. 

Why do I have the feeling you’re going to make my life hell until the polo match?

Because I am, baby. 

------

The revelation that they could feel through their marks only made waiting harder. Henry would be in a meeting, or at the hospital visiting, or doing some dull ribbon-cutting, and he’d feel heated skin slide against his arm. Or the curve of a knot. Or a hot spatter of cum. Sometimes Alex would kiss it and Henry would melt, lost in the gentle touch of his lips.

But he gave as good as he got. 

Vibrations ran along Alex’s arm as he sat in class. The teasing flick of a tongue danced up his skin. Now and then he felt the caress of satin or cotton as Henry dragged pairs of panties over his mark. His slick was the hardest to deal with. Alex swore he could smell it, the lingering memories of the dinner party making his head swim. He always found a way to excuse himself, heading for the nearest bathroom or private area to ease the desire threatening to swallow him. A quick jack off always helped. It made Alex feel the perfect amount of filthy. The sex talk with his parents didn’t exactly cover the possibilities of soulmate connections - likely because it was too much for a teenager to handle. 

But he was an adult now, and fuck , it was the best discovery of his life. 

The day of the polo match, Alex behaved himself until Henry was finished playing. It was hard not to stare. He looked gorgeous in his uniform. Red really suited him, far more than the monochrome suits and tuxedos he wore to other events. After leaving the field, Henry invited him to the tack shed under the guise of showing off the equipment. He followed, eager to get his hands on him. Before he could, though, Henry shoved him against the wall and kissed him. Alex groaned and kissed him back, losing himself in the warmth of his mouth. He wrapped him in his arms, pulling Henry’s body against his. Breathless, he chased Henry’s lips and walked him back toward the table. As soon as they reached it he helped Henry hop onto its surface. Their lips were never apart for more than a second, both starved for the taste of the other. After all the teasing and the texts, they needed contact - even if they had precious little time to do much. 

Alex undid Henry’s pants and yanked them down his hips, bringing his panties with them. He dropped to his knees and Henry grabbed his dark curls, gripping him tight as he swung his thighs over Alex’s shoulders. With no ceremony whatsoever Alex buried his face between his cheeks. Henry gasped as his tongue slid over his muscle, squeezing his thighs against Alex’s head. He tilted his hips forward to give Alex better access, head falling back in pleasure. Henry fucked himself on Alex’s face, letting out breathless noises as he worked his tongue inside him. Alex loved the way he tasted; clean and coppery, with the faintest salt of his sweat from riding in the heat. He loosed a needy growl, sucking at his hole while his tongue curled inside him. 

“Mmn! Alex!”

Hearing him come undone was exhilarating, and Alex loved it. He focused on Henry’s pleasure, ignoring the heat that pooled in his stomach. He nuzzled against his cheek, breath hot against Henry’s skin. Alex ate his perfect ass until his jaw and tongue began to ache.

Henry tried to warn him, but he couldn’t speak fast enough. He came, squirting slick onto Alex’s hair and face as his thighs clenched against him. Alex kept eating him through his orgasm, until he was a wet, trembling mess begging him to stop. 

“We’ll get caught ,” Henry panted, pushing Alex away. “Come on! Let me get dressed!”

Alex grinned and bit his thigh as he finally pulled back. 

“Yes, your Royal Highness. I suppose I can let you rest…”

As they left the tack room, walking beside one another, Henry glanced over at Alex.

“Are you hungry?”

Alex smirked and continued walking. 

“I could eat,” he teased. 

Henry grinned and matched his pace. Alex was incorrigible - and he adored him.

------

Come to Paris with me.

Paris? What’s the occasion?

A vacation, of sorts. I saw you had no upcoming appearances, and I have a free week…

You know my schedule now?

Amy informed me. I asked very nicely.

I’m sure you did. 

Yes, I’ll come to Paris with you.

It wasn’t a request.

But good.

Oh? Was it an order , your royal highness?

Of course it was. Your mum may outrank mine, but I outrank you .

You pulling rank is pretty hot. 

I’ll see you tomorrow evening, Alex. Wear something without too many buttons.

Alex received an email from Henry with the hotel information, cc’d to Shaan and Amy so they could organize defenses. He chuckled and replied to the whole chain with a kissy face and an eggplant emoji. They already knew about his and Henry’s fling, after all - he could have some fun teasing them. 

Fling . It didn’t feel right to call it that. For soulmates bonding was all part of the process, but he felt pulled toward Henry with a constant, consistent force. He occupied Alex’s thoughts, his dreams, his fantasies. Every day apart from him was torture. They stole time where they could, but nothing as long as the week Henry had suggested. It would be their first time together without having to rush since the dinner. No prying eyes, no cameras, just privacy. Time to explore their connection. 

Time to explore each other . 

He wasted no time in packing his luggage and getting on a flight, eagerly awaiting meeting up with Henry.

Paris glittered like a jewel before him. Alex stared out the window with a drink in his hand, admiring the view. Their room was situated so the Eiffel Tower dominated the landscape, bright and golden against the dark sky. It was beautiful. Breathtaking. A sight he knew he’d never get used to. 

The door opened and closed quietly behind him. Henry, joining him at last. He could smell his cologne from across the room. His cologne, and something else. Henry smelled different . The usual hormones that dulled his scent and allowed him to pass as a Beta seemed less present. Before he could turn toward him, Henry was at his back, sliding a hand between his shoulder blades. 

“I think we should make love tonight,” Henry said gently, resting his chin on Alex’s shoulder. 

“… Oh,” Alex replied, brows raised. “I, I mean. Yeah.” Fuck, he sounded like an idiot. 

“I’m down.”

He chuckled softly, nerves getting the better of him. He wanted this, he wanted Henry , that was the whole point of their vacation. Still, it was uncharted territory for him. Would being soulmates make the sex different? Why did Henry smell different? 

Alex wasn’t a virgin. He slept around, everyone knew that. He always kept things casual, though, and this… What he shared with Henry ran far deeper than a casual tryst. He found himself anxious - and babbling. 

“I mean, who says ‘make love’ anymore? Are we gonna, like, listen to Lana Del Rey when we do it?”

“Alright, alright,” Henry laughed, letting him get it out of his system. He kissed Alex, cutting off the free-flowing thoughts with a show of tenderness. 

“Mmn, it’s just - this is different,” Alex said the moment their lips parted. “You’re different . If we do this… If we make love, you may never get rid of me.”

“… Maybe I don’t want to be rid of you.”

Henry took his hand, meeting his gaze. They stood there in silence, just looking at one another, letting their breaths fall into sync. 

“You smell different.”

“I’m not taking my hormones,” Henry replied, a small smirk spreading across his lips. “Surprise. In a few days’ time, I’ll have my first full heat in, oh, over a decade? And you, darling, can do whatever you want to me.”

“Oh my God,” Alex groaned. He dropped his head onto Henry’s shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist. “I’m so not playing this cool right now. That sounds incredible, Henry, holy shit.”

Henry rubbed his shoulders, still grinning. 

“I thought you might enjoy that. And that isn’t the only treat I’ve prepared for you.”

Alex turned his head into Henry’s neck to speak.

“It’s not?”

“Of course not. If I’m to win you over, I need to put in an effort, don’t I?”

“What about me?”

“I’ve been yours for years already. You should have noticed.”

“When did you start to…”

“Fancy you?” Henry asked. “Melbourne Climate Conference. First night party.”

“Really? I thought you hated me.”

“I hated how good you looked.”

Alex raised his head and smiled. 

“Wow. You had a lot going on that night.”

“Shut up and unwrap your present,” Henry teased, pushing him away. He took several steps back and waited for Alex to approach.

“Start with my jacket.”

Piece by piece, button by button, Alex stripped Henry of his layers. His broad hands slid along his skin at every opportunity. He laughed and kissed Henry, pulling him close by the waist. 

“How much do I need to unwrap?”

“All of it. Every piece, until… You’ll know where to stop,” Henry answered. 

Alex draped his jacket and shirt over the nearby chair and knelt down to undo his fly. He unbuttoned his pants and drew the zipper down, sliding the fabric down his thighs.

A surprised little grunt slipped from his throat at the sight that greeted him. 

Henry wore a harness of pearls that glimmered when he shifted. Connected to soft leather straps that hugged his hips, one strand ran between his lips and cheeks. Two other strands hung stylishly over his thighs. Alex growled and peered up at him, dark eyes blown black with lust. 

“What is this?” He whispered. 

“Your present, darling,” Henry purred in response. “Hand-made by the finest and most discreet jeweler in London, with the assistance of a hobbyist leatherworker I know. Do you like it?”

Alex took hold of one of the pearls and pulled , watching it rub against Henry’s clit. Henry grabbed him by the hair and yanked his head back. 

“Did I give you permission to touch me yet?”

He licked his lips and stared up at Henry.

“Do I need your permission? You said it was my treat.”

“Of course you do. Ask me nicely.”

“May I please touch you, your royal highness?”

Henry pretended to consider his request, scrunching up his nose. 

“Well… alright, darling. You may touch.”

He still gripped Alex’s hair, keeping him from using his wicked tongue on him - at least at that moment. Alex took hold of the pearls once more and pulled them up between his lips, rubbing the beads against his nerves again. They were already slick, Henry’s body wetter than usual without the hormones to hold it back. He was more sensitive, too, from the way his thighs trembled. He tilted his hips, rocking with the strands, rutting his pussy against them as Alex watched. The muscles in his stomach tensed and flexed as he moved, shadows catching the curves and giving them a deeper cast. His lips were parted as he stared down at Alex, plump and inviting. He’d never seen anyone so beautiful, not in his entire life.

“You are… incredible,” Alex breathed. “I want to taste you next. Please, Henry?”

“Mmn, not yet. You can, you can taste me after you fill me,” Henry chuckled, his cheeks flushed. “When the pearls are an absolute mess. I expect you to suck every single bead clean.”

“Oh, of course, sir,” Alex replied, grinning up at him. “I wouldn’t expect anything else.”

“Now, I want you naked too. We can leave these on, but I want to savor this. Promise me you’ll go slow?”

“Of course,” Alex assured him. “Yeah. Yeah, I can go slow.” 

He pressed a lingering kiss to Henry’s pelvis before standing. As Henry watched, dressed in only his pearls, he stripped his clothes and tossed them on the growing pile on the chair. Bare before him, he closed the distance between them. Henry reached out and guided his soft fingers along Alex’s strong arm, tracing the prominent veins that snaked beneath his skin. His eyes trailed along Alex’s body, and Alex couldn’t help the shiver that jolted down his spine. It was as if he was pinned in place, a specimen for Henry to inspect and study. The thought thrilled him to his very core. He looked at Henry through his long, thick lashes, smiling. Henry smiled back, his own eyes heavy-lidded with lust. 

Their gazes lingered for a moment before they couldn’t stand being apart any longer. Alex kissed him, guiding him back toward the bed. They fell onto the mattress laughing. He slid over Henry, his body hot and heavy. Henry’s smile shone up at him, his eyes glimmering. They kissed again, slow and deep and hungry . Neither was a blushing virgin, but this was a step they could not come back from. A soulmate’s bond was stronger than that of an Alpha and their mate. Would things change between them? Would the world see them differently? 

As they savored the lips of one another, Alex reached down and slipped the string of pearls to the side. Henry placed a hand on the small of his back and pushed , urging him forward. Henry’s control made Alex weak. He didn’t hesitate. Shifting his hips, Alex guided his aching cock to Henry’s cunt. He slipped inside slowly. Henry exhaled as his body adjusted to the size of Alex, stretched and swallowing him inch by inch. Alex let out a soft gasp as he buried his cock in him. He took him well, easier than expected, right to the very hilt. A small bulge on his pelvis hinted at just how full Henry really was. 

“Fuck…” Alex purred. “You… Mmn.”

“I what?”

“You feel exquisite . Like you were made for me.”

“… I was,” Henry whispered. “I’ve been yours since the day I was born.”

It was true; fate decided for them long ago that they were perfect together. 

“Tell me when to move, baby.”

Baby . Henry’s heart raced at the simple term.

“Now. Make love to me, Alex. Make me yours.”

Alex slid a hand up Henry’s thigh, pushing them forward and hooking them over his hips. He rolled his body, muscles taut and controlled as he drew back and filled Henry again. Steady. Slow. Nuzzling their noses together, Alex’s lips parted in pleasure as the wet heat of Henry’s pussy enveloped his length. Henry moaned and rocked with him, squeezing his hips tight with his thighs. Their breathing synced. Their hearts beat in the same rhythm. Ecstasy flowed between them; they could feel the other’s pleasure as easily as breathing. The sensation was nearly overwhelming. Sweat rolled down their skin. Alex fucked him slow and deep, gazing into Henry’s eyes. It felt right. They felt right. Their bodies and souls were becoming one, melting together with a blur. Every moment of their lives led them there, to fingers laced with each other, to the hushed breaths shared between them. Gasping, Henry placed a hand over his pelvis. Each thrust raised the bulge, and when he pressed against it his vision went white. His head swam, a strangled sob of pleasure slipping from his throat.

“Baby?” Alex asked, slowing his hips. “You okay?”

“Don’t. Don’t stop,” Henry managed to mumble. “Alex. Love. I need you to keep going.”

Alex claimed his mouth once more, nipping at his lips as he fucked him gently. Their bodies came together again and again, trembling as they released months of pent-up lust. Alex’s long lashes caressed Henry’s cheek as he dropped his head. His gaze was too intense, too open - Alex could get lost in Henry’s eyes and damn the world around them. Henry smiled and kissed his temple. Alex’s key dangled between them, swaying with the rhythm of their bodies. Light flashed off its surface, glimmering between them like a beacon. It was all too much, too perfect. Alex wouldn’t be able to hold back for too much longer. His hips stuttered in their rhythm as heat built in his gut. 

“Henry��”

Henry could sense Alex’s orgasm approaching. He carded his fingers through Alex’s dark hair, keeping his head close. With one careful adjustment he turned Alex’s head so his voice could reach his ear. 

“ Breed me, love,” he whispered. “Breed your mate like a good Alpha should.”

“F-Fuck,” Alex gasped. “Fuck, baby -“

Those words pushed him over the edge. He forced his cock into the hilt as his knot swelled, spilling thick seed inside of Henry’s cunt. He kept pumping, urged by some dark biological need, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Henry clenched and pulsed around him as he came, his slick blocked by the swollen knot stretched inside him.  Alex peppered his face with gentle kisses, smiling at him as if he were the sun itself. Henry was perfect, a mixture of demure and demanding that drove Alex wild. 

And he was his. All his.

They lay together beneath the sheets, limbs tangled, bodies pressed close together. Henry ran his fingers along Alex’s skin, tracing from freckle to freckle with lazy caresses. 

“Do you feel any different?” he asked. 

“Mmn. I feel… whole,” Alex replied. “Complete in a way I’ve never felt before.”

“I do as well. There’s a warmth in my heart that radiates outward, filling me with light, that I never experienced before I met you.”

“Like you said, baby - we were made for each other,” he chuckled, nuzzling Henry. “This is right. There’s no one for me who could compare to you.”

“… Promise?”

Alex cocked his head. 

“Yeah. Henry, I promise. I want to be with you. ”

“We may not be able to live together. You have your duties, I have mine… it will be difficult at times.”

“Anything worth having is.”

Henry smiled at Alex, and Alex pressed chaste kisses to the freckles framing his lips. 

“How long until your heat? You said a couple of days?”

Smirking, Henry grabbed a pillow and smacked it against Alex’s arm. 

“You are a horndog ,” he laughed. 

“Hey, you knew that coming into this,” Alex teased, trying to grab it away from him. “I’ve been very open about wanting to fuck you.”

“You just did!” 

“No, baby. That wasn’t fucking. You’ll get to enjoy that when your heat starts.”

“Oh, is there a difference with you?”

Alex pulled Henry on top of him, still grinning.

“You wanna know?”

“The anticipation is killing me, yes.”

“C’mere. Lean your ear in close.”

Henry did just that, turning his head so he could hear Alex better. 

“Making love is slow, and soft, and tender,” Alex whispered. “When I fuck you, dear Henry, you won’t be able to walk afterwards. Your pussy will ache, these sheets will be ruined, and you will beg me to do it again.”

Henry shivered and buried his face in Alex’s chest. 

“Oh my God.”

“What?”

“I won’t beg,” came the muffled reply. “Princes don’t beg . Besides,” Henry added, raising his head again. “I don’t think you can do it.”

“What, fuck you?”

“Mhm. You’re just going to have to prove it. Now. My darling. I believe you have a mess to clean up?”

Alex licked his lips. 

“I do. You’re absolutely right. Come here, baby. Why don’t you sit on my face and I’ll get to work?”

Henry scooted onto his knees and moved forward, slowly lowering himself over Alex’s head. He straddled his face and rolled his hips, teasing Alex for a few moments before finally pressing all the way down. 

“Mmn… this is the only throne I need,” he said with a smirk. “Get to work. I want the pearls to shine when you’re done.”

Alex began to lick them - and Henry - clean, half-hard and eager to coax those sweet little sounds from his prince. 

[upat4amwiththemoon]

The Amazing Race

Summary: First place is the only acceptable answer.

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x female!reader

Warnings: cursing, there’s probably many things wrong when it comes to the show

Word count: 2208

a/n: I was watching the amazing race a while back and all I could think during it was how dumb Nat would think it is, but at the same time she’d be so competitive if she was in it

Tags: @thought-of-you-and-me @strangegardentaco @rafecameronswhore @sayah13

“This is so idiotic Y/N, why would you do that?” Natasha groans as she waves around the paper on her hand. An invitation to the Amazing Race.

“I thought it’d be fun!” Y/N grins, completely ignoring the annoyed look on Natasha’s face. “We watch it together all the time, so I decided we should compete in it. You always say I could easily crush those idiots.” She mimics her voice. Natasha grumbles, quietly mumbling to herself how she doesn’t sound like that. “Come on, Natty, please.” Y/N pouts.

Sighing, Natasha rolls her eyes. “Fine, but-!” She exclaims before Y/N can celebrate for too long. “Only because I want to show you I’m right, not because I think it’s fun.”

“Sure thing, Natty.” Y/N smiles.

“Don’t try anything.” She points at her grinning girlfriend, fighting off her own smirk from appearing. “I wouldn’t want you to have a raw ass before the competition starts.”

Y/N’s cheeks flushe. She clears her throat and wiped her palms to her pants. “We should go pack, the plane leaves tomorrow morning.”

“Thought so.” Natasha lets the smirk take over her face as she wraps her arm around Y/N’s waist to lead her to their room.

Y/N giggles, jumping up and down on her spot. “This is so exciting.” She whispers excitedly while looking around all the other pairs with colorful shirts around them. Natasha and her are wearing pink t-shirts, which wasn’t the redheads preferred color, but she liked to see her girlfriend happy. “Do you think we’ll win?”

Natasha scoffs. “Obviously. We’re the best.”

“I know.” Y/N giggles, grabbing Natasha’s hand to her own. “You aren’t actually upset that we’re doing this, are you?”

Natasha frowns at the quiet voice of Y/N. She sounds genuinely worried. “Of course not.” Cupping her cheeks, she smiles at her. “I’d never actually be mad at you. I’m excited for this too, I promise.” She gives her a quick kiss.

“I knew it.” Y/N grins, making Natasha laugh.

“Get ready! Filming will start soon!” A man in the middle of crew and cameras yells from the sidelines. All the competitors start to warm up, getting ready for running. Soon they’ll run up to Phil Keoghan, the host of the show, where they’ll starts the first leg of the race.

Natasha looks through all the pairs. Some of them are dating as well, other are relatives or best friends. “This’ll be easy.” She mumbles.

“It’s not supposed to be easy, Natasha. It’s a reality show.” She bumps her hip to the redhead’s, nervously waiting for the call to start filming.

Natasha hums, not saying anything as the man in charge yells for their attention. “Camera’s are on! Start running in 3..” All the competitors go to a starting position. “2..” Natasha glances at Y/N and flashes her a grin. “1, run!” The eleven pairs take off.

The distance to their starting point to Phil isn’t long. And of course the first ones near him are Natasha and Y/N. They watch as the other pairs arrive next to them, Natasha quietly judging them.

Once everyone is standing on their places, Phil explains the rules and what the winners will get. A trip around the world, new cars for both of the winners, a quarter of a million dollars and the amazing race.

“Alright everyone, the world is waiting for you. Good luck, race safe. Go!” He shouts, making everyone run towards the cars they’ll be using during the first leg.

“I’ll drive!” Natasha hops in the driver’s seat, while Y/N gets in the passenger seat. They’re the first ones to take off. Laughing, Natasha presses the gas, quickly glancing behind them. The adrenaline is taking over both of them.

Y/N giggles, leaning the against the seat. “This is amazing.” The camera following them wasn’t bothering, both of them are used to the public eye following their every move. “Do you know where you’re going?”

“Obviously.” Natasha grins, she turns left arriving to their location, a botanical garden. They run inside, being as quick as possible, they know the next pair isn’t too far behind.

There’s multiple boxes inside the garden. All of them have some kind of insects or rodents inside, like butterflies, scorpions, rat, etc. They stop inside a box of tarantulas, there are two yellow in the back of the box.

“You grab one and I’ll take the other?” Y/N opens the small latch and sticks her hand inside, getting the envelope easily. Natasha does the same. Tarantulas don’t scare them.

Running outside, the pass two pairs that just arrived. They get back in the car and open the envelopes. “Holy shit.” Natasha reads the letter inside. “We’re going to Tokyo?”

Y/N laughs, excited. They are on the earliest flight. “Get going! We have three hours before the flight leaves.” She pushes her with a lot of enthusiasm.

“Okay, okay, I’m going.” Natasha chuckles.

Even though she didn’t think this’d be the best idea, the joy on Y/N’s face is worth it. Plus, she is starting to warm up to it.

After the long flight to Tokyo and a taxi ride to the far side of the city, Natasha and Y/N are the first ones at the clue box with another pair. They open the clue and read it through. They have to decide between two tasks.

“Strength or memory?” Y/N looks at Natasha, but she already knows the answer.

“Strength of course. Lets get going, baby.”

They flag down a taxi and tell the driver where to go, noticing the other pair is going to the opposite direction, they chose memory task.

The drive goes by quickly and soon they’re at the right location. After reading the rules, they starts working right away, as it is a two person task. It takes twenty minutes for the next pair to arrive and start doing the same task, and another pair comes after ten.

Y/N wipes sweat away from her forehead, taking a short breather. The task is tough, but the two definitely have an advantage of training every single day. They’re clearly over half way through.

“Just a bit longer, sweets.” Natasha gives her a quick smile. “We’re ahead of the others.”

“We aren’t sure how quick the teams at the memory task are.”

“They can’t have that good of a memory.”

With a short laugh, Y/N continues working on the task.

After another twenty minutes, they finish. With a short celebration, they go get the next clue from the person staying there.

Natasha grabs Y/N’s hand as they run out of the big building. “We have to get to a temple and that’ll be the end of the first leg.”

Looking up at the location from their map, Y/N notices it’s not too far away. “Do you think we’d get there faster by running rather than getting another taxi.”

“Yeah, good idea.” Natasha shoves the paper to her backpack. “Can you read the map.”

“Yes. Straight forward.” The start running as fast as their legs can carry them.

Very soon a temple starts peering around the corner. It’s the last stop of the first leg. Y/N and Natasha quicken their pace even more, using all of their energy at the last stretch to get to the opening of the temple.

At the door of the temple, they take off their shoes and cleanse their hands before entering. Inside, they walk straight to Phil and a worker of the temple, bowing as they step onto the mat.

“Welcome to Tokyo.”

“Thank you.” Y/N smiles.

“Are you liking it?”

“It’s beautiful.” Natasha mumbles, holding onto Y/N’s hand, waiting for him to say if they are the first pair to arrive.

“Natasha and Y/N, you are the first pair to finish.” They laugh and hug each other tightly. “As the winners of the first leg, you get a paid trip to Dublin, Ireland. Congratulations.”

The pair thanks Phil and leave the temple. “I told you we’d win.” Natasha bumps her shoulder to Y/N’s.

“Don’t get too excited, this is only the first leg.”

Natasha rolls her eyes. “We’ll win this whole damn thing.”

Y/N and Natasha become first on every single leg, except one, where they become third, because a pair decided to u-turn them.

The last leg is currently going on, they’re back in the USA after traveling through Asia and Europe. Natasha, Y/N and two other pairs are at the end of the race, doing the last task. The three pairs have been head to head the whole last leg.

“Yes!” Y/N shouts as they finish the last task. They run straight to the person giving them the last clue. As they are reading it through, one other pair finishes as well. “Come on, we gotta be quick.” They start running full speed, the other pair right after them and third one going to the clue.

The way to the final destination is around six kilometers, but they aren’t allowed to use any kind of transportation, only their legs.

The first four and a half kilometers go by without any problem, only taking short breaks so the other contestants don’t catch up. As Avengers, their stamina needs to be good, which is definitely an advantage.

After a sharp turn to a side road, the pavement turns into cobblestone. There’s a particularly rough patch, where Y/N falls down due to the fast speed.

“Shit!”

Natasha stops instantly. She turns around and helps Y/N up. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Uh, my ankle hurts a bit, but we can keep going.” She yelps as she puts weight onto the leg.

Making Y/N lean on her, Natasha shakes her head. “You can’t run like this.”

“Yes I can.” The pair in second place starts getting closer. “Come on, we have to go. We gotta win.”

“Y/N, winning doesn’t matter right now.”

With a groan, Y/N rummages through her back quickly. She grabs a bandage roll and quickly wraps it around her ankle, during which the other pair runs past them.

“I am not letting us lose, you hear me?” Y/N mumbles, grabbing Natasha’s hand and starting to run again with a slight limp. She winces every time the hurt leg touches the ground, but she doesn’t let it stop her. After all, she has learned to fight through the pain.

“Y/N! You better stop running right now or I swear to god you won’t like what happens.” Natasha tries to pull away, but Y/N keeps running.

“You can do whatever you want to me after we win!”

She glares at Y/N, but gives up and starts running properly, now pulling Y/N along. “Fine! Then we better win this thing.” They start to get closer and closer to the other pair, determined to pass them and get back their first spot.

With only 200 meters left to the destination, Natasha and Y/N run past them, which makes the other pair run faster, but they aren’t quick enough to catch up.

When it’s 50 meters left, Y/N’s pace starts slowing down. They can already see Paul and the already lost pairs clapping at the finish line, but the ankle is hurting too much.

Natasha notices the pain and struggle in Y/N’s face. “Hop on!” She helps Y/N to her back, carrying her straight to the finish line and letting her down there. They’re both laughing and a bit emotional as they are surrounded by everyone cheering.

“Nine countries, over 15 cities and 14 000 kilometers, Y/N and Natasha, I’m glad to tell you, you have won the Amazing Race!” Y/N and Natasha cheer with the others, hugging each other tightly. “Natasha, you’ve been confident throughout the whole competition. Were you sure you’d win?”

“Of course.” Natasha grins, helping Y/N hold her leg up. “I knew we could do it. We’re Avengers after all.”

Phil laughs. “Congratulations you two!” Once again all of them cheer and Natasha kisses Y/N with a fiery passion.

Y/N is laying on the couch, her hurt leg on Natasha’s lap as they watch the TV. Luckily there were no broken bones, but it did sprain quite badly, so she’s on bed rest and taking a break from missions. Natasha decided to take a break too so she could take care of her girlfriend.

“Aren’t you glad we did it?” Y/N grins. The winners adrenaline is still flowing through her veins.

“I’d be more glad if you weren’t hurt.” Natasha mumbles, rubbing her leg. “But yes, I’m glad we did it. I got to show them we’d beat them all.” Y/N rolls her eyes with a smile. “Don’t you roll your eyes with me, I’m going to deal with you after your ankle is all healed up.”

“Sure thing.”

Natasha shakes her head, tutting at the attitude, but lets it be, at least for now. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“I love you too.” Y/N grins, turning her attention back to the television.

[dragonflight203]

Mass Effect 2 replay, squad post Mordin:

Jacob

-Jacob gets the armor upgrade for the Normandy by pulling favors with the Alliance. And now we know why TIM recruited him.

-Talking to Jacob as femshep is hard. Any line can be a flirtation – paragon, renegade, neutral.

The worst part is that Jacob doesn’t seem interested. Any time you flirt, he shuts you down. At least in ME1 Ashley and Kaidan returned the interest.

-I find it interesting people dislike Jacob because he doesn’t open up. As someone who normally remains professional myself at work, that’s never bothered me.

That’s the same vibe I get from Jacob – friendly, attempting to be helpful, but maintaining boundaries to keep personal and professional life separate.

-I do disagree with Jacob’s stance on politics and bureaucracy. He seems convinced in every conversation for the Alliance to do good because it engages them.

Dude was a corsair working for the Alliance unofficially and still complained that there was too much red tape.

Meanwhile, I’m looking at Omega and remembering the “rogue cells” of Cerberus from ME1 and wondering how he can not see the value in oversight and power checks.

-Why was Jacob sidelined after Eden Prime? He says this like it’s an obvious fact and I can’t recall if he ever told me what he had to do with the colony.

-If you go renegade, one of Jacob’s line is that the “General public never knew you were dead”. What?

There are news announcements on the Citadel dead about how the deceased Commander Shepard has been seen on Omega. There’s a memorial on Akuze to Shepard.

I’m going to credit this as a left over line when the plot of ME2 was different, but it’s very weird.

-If you go paragon, one of Shepard’s lines is “Couldn’t hurt to keep some spare parts handy.”

Given that we learn Ceberus had a clone for that exact purpose in ME3… Oof.

Mordin

-Mordin tells you all about how he found bugs all over the labs. Another reminder that Shepard is constantly being watched.

-He tells you to find more collector data and tissue samples.

I think at one point there would be a main mission related to that.

As others have noted, an insect from a collector swarm miraculously appears on the ship when Mordin tells you he found a cure. This line was probably supposed to be foreshadowing of the mission that would have collected the insect.

-Mordin really enjoys a challenge. Describing the limitations he had to work with on Omega reminds me of devs describing the challenges they had in developing a program.

-At this point Mordin only speaks about krogans hypothetically overcoming the genophage, and that his work with the STG was just to prepare militarily for it. He doesn’t trust Shepard enough yet to describe his real work.

-He is very insistent that the genophage is not a sterility plague. It just restores the krogan growth rate to what it was pre industry.

Miranda

-As opposed to Jacob, as soon as Miranda gets the slightest hint of friendliness she opens up.

I think this has more to do with their backgrounds than their characters. Jacob’s spent time in the Alliance where professionalism is expected. He knows he’s working with a sketchy group and is accordingly wary.

Miranda’s accustomed to being treated poorly. She whole heartedly believes in Cerberus and its cause. She tells Shepard her past almost as if she feels the need to make sure Shepard knows what she really is before she can accept Shepard’s friendship. She wants Shepard’s respect, but doesn’t think she deserves it.

Ironically, I suppose the reason Jacob’s more closed off is because he has a higher sense of self worth than Miranda does. He doesn’t feel the need to be validated by Shepard.

-As others have said: One successful mission and Miranda is saying that this is the best Cerberus operation she’s been part of.

That does not speak well of Cerberus.

-Whether you go paragon or renegade, Miranda doesn’t hesitate to remind you that TIM’s in charge. She has quite a journey to go before she’ll be ready to tell him to fuck off.

-Why did Miranda’s father want a daughter for dynasty?

Usually that type specifically want sons.

Every reason I can think of makes the man worse and explains why Miranda is so careful in how she speaks about him and insistent on why she had to get her sister away.

[tabbycatplushy]

Big Questions: Prologue

Featuring: Joule, Mocha, Paprika, Natalia, Lizzie

2.9k words. Full story: 18k words

Joule has just moved to the city, and now she finds herself living with two friendly, pretty, gay, attractive... roommates. When she suddenly shrinks down to five inches tall, will she be able to deal with the consequences while navigating her budding poly relationship?

This prologue chapter is mostly a rewrite of my old story, First Meeting, with some extras leading up to this larger story. The actual shrinking doesn't happen until chapter one, sorry!

[disability, shrinking, lesbian romance, anxiety, polyamory, furries]

>> PROLOGUE (YOU ARE HERE) >> CHAPTER ONE >> CHAPTER TWO >> CHAPTER THREE

MARCH

Joule twisted the four screws that secured the side panel and lifted the dark glass pane, revealing the mismanaged guts of the customer’s computer.

“You said it just won’t turn on?”

“Yeah,” said the customer, a bearded human. “So what’s wrong with it?”

“Let’s find out.”

With deft paws she began excavating the actual components from the tangled mess of unused wires and connectors inside. She started pulling out these pieces, laying the useless things off to the side. As Joule worked she tried hard not to focus on her boss, who was observing the interaction from the sidelines.

Don’t fuck this up, please don’t fuck this up…

She tried to distract herself with small talk. “So… you built this yourself, huh?”

“Yep. Watched a few YouCube videos and followed those. I did everything right, so I think one of the components is busted.”

“Ah.”

She finished digging out the last of the superfluous stuff. “Well the first thing I’m seeing is… all this. Do you know what it is?”

“Those are just the extras, they don’t matter.”

“Extras?”

He made an exaggerated nodding motion. “The extra wires and stuff that came with everything else.”

“So… why are they in here?”

“Because I didn’t want to lose them?”

“Ah, of course.” Joule took a deep breath to regather her patience. Her tail snapped angrily behind her. “Well, now that I’ve cleaned it out a bit, let’s see what we can see.”

She began to pick through the wires and boards, feeling each with the tip of her claw before moving on to the next. She felt electricity thrumming within each one. And then…

“Here we go.”

She plucked up a group of small cables and moved them to another port on the motherboard. “The case’s power button wasn’t connected right. Should work now.”

“Really? I could’ve done that.”

“Well, you didn’t. Thank you for choosing TekRite. By the way,” she handed him the bundle of extra junk. “Keeping this stuff inside the case will cause problems over time.”

“Yeah, whatever. So like, how much are you going to charge me?”

“We don’t charge for quick fixes like this. Just remember us when it actually breaks.”

“Oh, nice.”

The bearded human collected his things and left without another word. Joule sighed as she pulled off the grounding wire attached to her arm, and turned to her boss. “How’d I do?”

Kurt, a balding human in his fifties, was the owner of TekRite: a local computer store tucked in the corner of a strip mall, and the place where Joule had worked for the past week.

“You were a bit snappy with him. But your advice was sound, and you diagnosed the problem quickly. That power of yours is real’ nifty.”

Kurt had already put her through several tests to make sure she could actually detect electrical current as she claimed. Then, for the past week, she had been shadowing him as he showed her the ropes of working at TekRite. This customer was the first real test of what she had learned.

“Sorry sir, I’ll try to be more patient with the customers.”

“See that you do. You’re doing great so far, though. Customer service is the one area you could stand to improve in.”

The rest of the shift was a mix of training and hands-on work with some other broken PCs. She spent most of it hunched over the counters, working on this or that. By the end, her feet and back ached from all the standing. She was glad to finally clock out at the end of her four hours. She enjoyed her job; if only she wasn't so tired at the end of it.

When she had landed this job, Joule had thought for a moment that things were finally going to get easier, at least for a little while. But while she had now secured a job, she hadn’t exactly figured out her housing situation yet.

For the last three weeks since she moved to San Orchidia, she had been sleeping on her cousin Alex’s couch. And while Alex kept saying she could stay as long as she needed, Joule could tell it was wearing on them more and more every day.

Despite all of that, Joule let herself relax just a bit; the next part of her day was bound to me far more pleasant. She checked her watch; eleven o’clock. Plenty of time to walk to the coffee shop.

Several months ago, Joule met Mocha and Paprika in an online gaming community. The three of them had hit it off instantly, and started messaging daily soon after. They had made plans to meet up in person as soon as Joule got into town; plans which had been continuously pushed back as Joule struggled to get her life started in the city.

Now they were finally, finally going to meet.

Joule’s tail flicked back and forth in anticipation; even the pain in her feet wasn’t enough to dampen her spirits. She crossed her fingers, hoping at least this one thing could go well. If it did, she would have at least two friends in the city. She didn’t want to think about the alternative.

Joule followed the directions on her phone as it led her further into downtown, skyscrapers rising higher and higher around her. She spotted the sign for the coffee shop they were to meet at. As she got closer, she checked her messages.

mocha: we are in a booth near the window. im wearing pink, and paprika has red hair <3

With that description in mind, Joule instantly spotted them through the glass, her eyes drawn by a flash of pink and orange: the brunette cowgirl with cream-colored fur was definitely Mocha, wearing a pink cropped blazer and a blouse which had clearly been modified to show a tasteful amount of cleavage. Leaning affectionately against her in the booth was a much shorter orange tabby catgirl who must have been Paprika, wearing a loose white tank emblazoned with the phrase 'THIS MACHINE KILLS FASCISTS.' Her tied-back hair was fiery, long and red and fading to blonde at the tips.

Mocha immediately spotted Joule as she entered through the double doors, and raised her hand in a friendly wave accompanied by a warm greeting smile.

Wow, she’s gorgeous, was Joule’s first thought. She waved back and pointed to the front counter, indicating she was getting a drink before she sat down.

***

“Pap, she’s here,” said Mocha, nudging her girlfriend out of the purring reverie she had sunk into. She gestured with her snout towards the catgirl that had just walked inside, and was now ordering a drink at the counter. Mocha watched her as Paprika stirred awake. As usual, the fashion side of her brain took over as she began critiquing Joule’s appearance.

She’s lanky, the cowgirl thought. That uniform isn’t doing her any favors. And her hair could use some work. Still, I suppose she’s cute in an awkward sort of way…

“Oh fuck, she is hot!” Paprika whispered through her teeth as she smiled. Joule was now approaching, steaming drink in hand. “I told you she would be! Look at that coat!”

Mocha had to agree; if the girl had a defining characteristic, it was her lustrous coat. Light gray, with darker stripes running down the back and patterning the face, and a near-white front-coat. Between the stripes, an undercoat of dark orange shone through in places, most prominently on her pink nose and the tips of her dark, wavy hair.

Mocha began to think her initial assessment of the girl had been a tad unfair. Pap’s right, with a little work she could actually be quite—

Mocha’s train of thought was cut short when the cat stubbed her foot on the wet floor sign and, as she was righting herself, slipped with her other foot in a puddle of coffee. Her feet flew upwards, and her head took their place on the floor.

***

Half a dozen people rushed towards Joule as she fell. It was all she could do to yell “Don’t touch me!”

It came out far more harshly than she had intended, but it worked. Her friends, as well as the barista and several other patrons, stopped in their tracks. Paprika knelt down a few feet away, giving her plenty of space. Joule’s hackles were already standing up from the stress, and her short hair was beginning to tingle and stand straight out.

Okay, now just calm down. You can do that. No need to zap anyone. Joule closed her eyes and began the breathing exercises to ground herself, but it was a paltry effort. Oh god, they think I’m stupid. And an asshole. That’s their first image of me in real life, shouting at everyone when they’re just trying to help me… fuck. She could feel the static buzzing around her now, building in a bubble that would shock anyone who entered.

She heard a voice, saying, “Hey, Joule, are you okay? Can we help at all?”

She opened her eyes. It was Paprika who was speaking. “No!” she replied. “I mean, thank you… I just need to calm down. Then it’ll go away.”

“Alright. I’m Paprika, by the way. It’s so cool to finally meet you!” The tabby gestured upward towards the cow, who was now standing at full height nearby. And—the poor, gay little catgirl couldn’t help but notice—her height was full indeed. She must be over six feet tall, and it’s curves all the way down!

“Anyway,” Paprika continued, “we just wanted to mention that we think your coat is gorgeous! Do you groom it yourself?”

In between her rhythmic in- and exhalations, Joule answered, “Ahh… yeah, I guess. I just… do whatever…” She wasn’t sure how to answer that, even if she wasn’t in the midst of a panic attack—it was taboo to ask a cat how she groomed, even from another cat.

“Interesting,” Paprika said, as if Joule had given an actual answer. “I mostly self-groom, but every once in a while Mocha and I like to go to this salon down the street. They specialize in felines, so they really know how to treat a girl. Which reminds me, today’s feeling like a she/her-kind-of-day for me. Remind me what your pronouns are again?”

“Uhm… yeah, thanks for telling me. She/her.”

“Right, I thought so. Hey, you just got off work, right? Is that your uniform?” The tabby gestured at the unflattering gray shirt and slacks.

“Mm hmm. I wouldn’t be wearing this by choice.”

“Ugh, tell me about it. I used to work at that burger chain, Meat Monarch? Their uniforms were the worst against my fur, so uncomfortable. And the colors did not match at all. Know what I’m talking about?”

“Yeah, for sure… I think your coat is very pretty too, by the way.”

“Aww, thanks! I try.”

Mocha brought down one elegant hand to touch Paprika’s shoulder. “Crisis averted, love. Joule, would you like to join us at the booth?”

Joule opened her mouth to say no, I can’t, I might hurt someone, but she stopped. The bubble of static around her, she felt, was dissipating into harmless background noise. She steadied her breathing and began to stand up once more. Paprika offered a paw, which Joule gladly took, and yanked her up into a tight hug.

“It’s so good to see you, friend!” she said. “Welcome to San Orchidia!”

Joule, confused and then relieved, hugged her back. When Paprika finally let her go, Mocha immediately pulled her into another, somehow even tighter, hug. The cow was every bit as strong as she looked, and even lifted Joule off the ground for a moment.

Joule couldn’t keep a smile from her face. My friends! I’ve finally met my friends!

Leaning over, she examined the dark coffee stain on her work pants with a sigh.

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” said Mocha. “Coffee stains usually aren’t permanent. If you want, I could send you some tips on how to clean it.”

“Would you? I think I’m going to need it.”

“Sure thing. But first, take a seat.” She turned to the barista. “Can you please make her another drink? Of course, just add it to my tab.”

Soon after, they were all seated in the booth.

“Sorry about… all that,” Joule said. She tentatively sipped her new coffee, then grimaced at the heat.

Paprika clearly had no such problems; her own drink was steaming hot as she downed a swig like one might a stein of beer. “It’s all good. There isn’t a single demihuman out there who hasn’t let their aura get out of hand before.”

“I know… doesn’t make it any less embarrassing, especially in a room full of humans.”

Both Mocha and Paprika nodded their understanding to that.

“So your aura is electric?” Paprika asked.

Joule sighed. “Yeah. When I get anxious it builds up around me. Other emotions, too, but that’s the big one. Most of the time it’s not much more than a static shock, but it can be dangerous if I don’t keep a handle on it.”

“Mine is similar—things around me start to heat up. I’ve started a few fires in my day. Burn through a lot of clothes, too.” Paprika rubbed the back of her neck.

Joule offered a commiserate expression, eyes locked on Paprika. After staring for just a moment too long, she collected herself and turned to Mocha. “And you?”

Mocha’s calm, collected demeanor up to now cracked just a little, as she tensed at the question. “Mine is empathetic.”

When Mocha didn’t continue, Joule considered for a moment. “So that’s how you knew when it was safe to approach me?”

“Mm hmm. I can generally read emotions pretty well.” Mocha seemed almost sheepish. “Sometimes my own emotions project onto others. I’m sorry if that makes you uncomfortable.”

“Not at all. Should it?”

With a small smile Mocha said, “absolutely not. I try not to use it, to respect others’ privacy. I’ve had some bad experiences with it, though. Times when I lost control, and accidentally hurt people.”

“Oh… that sounds kind of scary. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Usually I don’t like to talk about it, but since we were all sharing our auras…”

“Want to change the subject?”

“Very much, yes.”

“Okay. Well, I’ve got to say I’m pretty excited to actually have some demi friends! I’ve only ever met two others before you, and they were just my parents.”

“You came from a pretty small town then?”

“Yeah, a little place about two hours east of here. Something like twelve thousand people. All humans.”

“I know what that’s like,” Paprika said. “I used to live a couple states over, waaay out in bum-fuck nowhere. Luckily I had Bruma, though.”

“Bruma's another demi?”

“Yeah! He’s a wolf, my best friend since forever. He lives here in the city too, you’ll probably meet him at some point if you hang out with me long enough.”

“I hope I do!”

Their conversation spun on from there, shifting towards interests, hobbies, and eventually work. Joule launched into a tirade about her own job, shitty customers, her search for housing, and her undying hatred of all landlords. Both Mocha and Paprika jumped in with their own experiences, complaining about their own past jobs and apartments.

At one point during the conversation, Paprika tried to drink her tea only to find that her cup was empty. “Joule, could you do me a huge favor?”

“Want me to get you another?”

“You read my mind! It’s just that I don’t want to make Mocha get up, and your side of the booth is open…”

“Say no more. What was your order?”

“Hot chai latte with extra spice. Thank you so much! Hate to see you leave, love to watch you go!”

Joule stopped at that last line, utter confusion on her face.

“Just ignore her, Joule, she’s a habitual flirt,” said Mocha.

The tabby raised her hands. “Guilty as charged.”

“Oh… uh, okay.” Joule hoped they couldn’t see her blush through her fur as she returned once again to the counter.

She smiled at the barista, and relayed Paprika’s order. As the barista ran her card she made a silent prayer, hoping it would accept the charge.

The card reader beeped its acceptance, and Joule sighed in relief. She left a sizable tip, and moved to the pick-up counter.

As she waited, she glanced across the room to her friends in the booth. They seem to be talking quite a bit, she thought. About me? I hope not…

She caught Paprika’s eye. The tabby made an exaggerated smile and waved at her. Oh no, they’re definitely talking about me!

Anxiety crept over her. She began replaying every second of their conversation in her mind, searching for anything she might have done to make them dislike her. By the time she was carrying Paprika’s drink back to the table, she was certain they hated her guts over half-a-hundred imagined slights.

They stopped talking as she approached. Joule was unable to make eye contact with either of them as she sat down and slid Paprika her chai.

“H-here you go.”

“Thanks! You’re a real one.” She took a sip. No one spoke for several excruciating seconds.

“So, Joule…” said Mocha. “We had an idea while you were up.”

“An idea?”

Mocha and Paprika each grabbed one of her hands. What the…

“How would you like to move in with us?”

>> NEXT CHAPTER

[akehoshimystar]

Mao SR

High Score Life

Part 1

Mao: Then, I’ll leave this half to you. If it’s too high, use the stepping stool. Ito: Yes.

After the event. We started collecting the posters that were used to create the "Classroom of those days".

Ito: (…Most of the posters on the high places are on Mao-san’s side anyway.)

While working and appreciating the thoughtfulness of the job allocation, I noticed a "greeting slogan" poster in a place that I couldn't reach even if I stretched. Just as I was thinking of using the stepping stool.

Taiga: Excuse me.

Tsukimoto-san’s hand reached out from behind me and removed it without any difficulty.

Ito: Thank you. Taiga: Don’t mention it. I'm free now, so let me help out.

With Tsukimoto-san's help, the poster collecting work went smoothly. The printouts that were removed one after another, with titles such as "Annual Events Schedule" and "Community News," were so well made down to the last detail. Finally, I reached for the last display, the "timetable."

Ito: ………

Mao: Ito?

I was curious about something and stopped for a few seconds.

Ito: …It's nothing, I just saw that this schedule has PE in the 5th period. Then, I remembered how infamous it was because changing clothes cut the time off the lunch break… Mao: Yeah, that did happen. There were a lot of people who said they wished they didn’t have to do math in the next period (6th period) because it made them sleepy. Ito: Math right after PE is anything but a good idea. More and more people were dozing off than usual, so when the teacher looked at the timetable, they just couldn’t hide a disappointment on their face. Mao: I know right. It's a "school thing." Is there anything else?

Taiga: The thing that comes to mind is… a teacher who waits until the students are quiet during homeroom without scolding them. Mao: That too. And it comes with "how many seconds it took for them to quiet down". Ito: …I wonder what would happen if everyone kept talking forever. Mao: Someone should have quieted them down before it took that long. If no one was willing to take on that role, I wouldn’t mind being the one silencing them all. Taiga: As for me, I wasn't really a type to call someone out, so I just watched and remained quiet. I was very conscious of not wanting to cause them any trouble. Ito: …If I had both of you in my class, I'm sure I would have felt more relieved. Mao: Why suddenly the teacher's perspective? Ito: No, I mean… I would choose to wait, but I couldn't bear to imagine what would happen if things never got quiet… Mao: Don’t you have a better thing to imagine? Ito: However, if you think about it from a classmate's perspective, I think having someone like you two would definitely be a blessing. For example, I feel like preparations for the school festival would go smoothly with the both of you taking the lead.

Maybe it's because they're wearing uniforms, my imagination just keeps on running wild.

Part 2

Ito: Oh, sorry. I just be saying anything now. Mao: I see no problem, it's fun. Taiga: I second that. But I think you’re overestimating me… I wasn't really the type to stand on the center. I basically just worked quietly on the sidelines. Ito: (I think Tsukimoto-san would be the type to work hard in silence, and was probably secretly well-liked…) Mao: I wasn't the type to take charge either. If there was going to be a dispute, I would set up a meeting to discuss it, and I would keep everyone in touch to avoid any disagreement. I’m more of the supporting role. Ito: (…I often hear that there were classes where things got tense during event preparations, but Mao-san's class seemed to always maintain a harmonious atmosphere.) Taiga: I'm sure everyone was grateful. Mao: I don't know how much I was able to contribute, though Also, doing that means I get to interact with all kinds of people, so I often learned something new while talking with them. I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to play such a role. Ito: That's a very mature way of thinking… Mao: Of course I didn't think that far back then. Taiga: It may be a little different from my case, but I can understand. Mao: Tsukimoto-san too? Taiga: For example, during the school festival, I was often in charge of accounting because many people didn't want to do it. I thought it wasn't too bad, but now that I think about it, it might have been a good experience for me, not for anyone else… I guess it’s not the same case after all. Mao: I beg to differ. Now that I think about it, that really was the case. …..Oh, sorry. We got carried away and left you out. Ito: Not at all. I just thought it was really wonderful. It wasn't just "I did it for you". I believe there must have been a lot of people who were grateful for the atmosphere you two created

Mao & Taiga: ………

Mao: You too, Ito. I’m willing to bet your teacher would think something like “I wish my class was full of kids like you.” Ito: Oh, really…?

"Yes," Tsukimoto-san agreed with a smile, and gently removed the timetable I was looking at. The momentary glimpse into student life was carefully put away along with the timetable.

[mya-valentine]

The Weight of Progress

Synopsis: Months had passed since Juri began training Itadori. Under her brutal guidance, Itadori had transformed from a clumsy novice into a determined fighter capable of keeping up with her intense training regimen. Their sparring sessions had grown fiercer, with Itadori showcasing his newfound skill, though Juri remained ahead, still faster, still stronger. However, she couldn't ignore his progress—he was starting to become someone worthy of her respect, a dangerous notion for someone like her. Meanwhile, Gojo, watching from the sidelines, observed their dynamic with amusement, curious about how far Itadori could push Juri’s limits and whether she was secretly enjoying the challenge of shaping a potential rival.

Months had passed since Juri first began training Itadori, and the progress was undeniable. Where once he had stumbled and hesitated, now he moved with purpose and precision. The training sessions had grown fiercer, but instead of falling behind, Itadori was keeping up—sometimes even surprising Juri with how fast he adapted. 

Today was no different. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the training grounds as Juri and Itadori faced off once again. It was another sparring session, but there was something different about Itadori now. His footwork had improved, his strikes were more calculated, and he wasn’t afraid to take risks anymore. 

Juri circled him, eyes sharp as she assessed his movements. “Don’t get cocky just because you’ve gotten better,” she warned, her voice carrying that familiar edge. “I’m still faster than you. Stronger too.”

Itadori grinned, a drop of sweat rolling down the side of his face. “I know, but I’m not the same guy I was months ago, Juri. I’ve learned a thing or two.”

“Show me.”

Without missing a beat, Juri charged at him, her body a blur of speed. She was testing him, pushing him harder than before. She threw a high kick aimed at his head, but Itadori ducked just in time, countering with a quick jab aimed at her midsection. 

Juri blocked it with ease, her hand moving faster than he could follow, but the fact that he’d even managed to attempt a counter showed just how far he’d come. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she jumped back, creating distance between them.

“Not bad,” she said, her voice betraying a hint of approval. “But you’re still too slow.”

She disappeared from sight, moving so quickly that the air crackled with electricity. Itadori tensed, his eyes darting around as he tried to track her movements. He’d been through this before—Juri’s incredible speed always caught him off guard, but this time, he wasn’t going to panic.

He took a deep breath, focusing his cursed energy in his legs. The moment he felt the air shift behind him, he spun around, just barely catching Juri’s incoming kick with his forearm. The impact sent a shockwave through his body, but he gritted his teeth and held his ground.

“Nice reflexes,” Juri remarked, impressed despite herself. She twisted her body mid-air, sending a second kick aimed at his side. 

This time, Itadori wasn’t quick enough. The kick landed, sending him skidding across the ground. He winced, clutching his ribs, but he didn’t fall. He’d learned how to take a hit—and more importantly, how to get back up.

“Come on, kid,” Juri called out, her voice taunting. “You can’t just take a beating forever. What happened to all that confidence?”

Itadori wiped the sweat from his brow, his grin never faltering. “I’m just warming up.”

He charged at her, his fists glowing faintly with cursed energy. Juri met him head-on, and for the next few minutes, they exchanged blows in a flurry of movement. Punches and kicks collided, their cursed energy crackling in the air like static electricity. 

Itadori was holding his own now—each hit he took was returned with one of his own. He was faster, more controlled, and his instincts had sharpened. But Juri was still on a different level, her speed and strength overwhelming when she chose to unleash it fully.

At one point, Itadori managed to sweep Juri’s legs out from under her, but before he could capitalize on it, she flipped mid-air, landing gracefully on her feet like a cat. Without hesitation, she darted forward, landing a solid punch on his chest that knocked the wind out of him.

Itadori staggered back, gasping for breath, but he didn’t go down. He’d learned to take punishment, just like she’d taught him.

Juri stepped back, rolling her shoulders as if she hadn’t even broken a sweat. “Not bad, brat. You’re definitely better than you were before. But don’t let that go to your head.” 

Itadori stood up straight, clutching his side but grinning nonetheless. “I won’t.”

She watched him carefully, her usual cold exterior softening for just a second. “You’ve got potential, I’ll give you that. You don’t fight like an idiot anymore, and you actually listen now.”

Itadori raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Is that your way of saying I’ve earned your respect?”

Juri snorted, rolling her eyes. “Don’t push it.”

But deep down, she couldn’t deny that he was pretty damn close to earning it. He had come a long way from the inexperienced, overly eager kid who could barely keep up with her attacks. Now, he was something else—a fighter in his own right, with raw talent and the drive to get stronger.

It was annoying, in a way. She wasn’t used to having to put in this much effort to train someone. But she had to admit, there was something satisfying about seeing how much he’d grown. She wasn’t just molding a student—she was creating a rival, someone who could one day challenge her if he kept improving at this rate.

“Alright, enough for today,” Juri finally said, cracking her neck. “You’re not ready to take me on at full strength, but you’ve gotten good enough that I’m not bored anymore.”

Itadori’s eyes lit up at the backhanded compliment, his grin widening. “I’ll take that as a win.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Juri warned, though there was no malice in her voice. “You’ve still got a long way to go.”

Itadori nodded, his expression turning serious. “I know. But I’ll get there.”

Juri watched him for a moment longer, her arms crossed over her chest. He was a fast learner, faster than most, and she had to admit—it was starting to be fun training him. 

But she wasn’t going to tell him that. Let him work for it.

“Good. Now get lost,” she said, turning her back on him as she walked off the field. “You’ve got a lot more work to do before you can even think about beating me.” 

Itadori laughed, grabbing his bag. “Same time tomorrow?”

Juri didn’t bother answering, but she smirked as she heard him jog off, muttering to himself about how much stronger he’d get.

He wasn’t the same guy from a few months ago. He was starting to become someone she could actually respect. And that? That was dangerous.

— — —

Gojo had been watching Juri and Itadori's progress for a while now. He knew the two were working well together, but he also knew that asking them separately would yield more interesting results. He was especially curious to hear Juri’s brutally honest feedback and compare it with Itadori’s overly enthusiastic optimism.

First, he approached Itadori after their latest training session. Itadori was stretching his sore muscles near the gym, beads of sweat still trickling down his forehead. Gojo leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed, his ever-present grin on his face.

“So, how’s training with Juri going?” Gojo asked, his tone light but carrying genuine curiosity.

Itadori immediately perked up, his face lighting up with excitement. “Oh, it’s going amazing, Gojo-sensei! She’s tough—really tough—but I’ve learned so much from her! She’s been pushing me harder than anyone else, and I can feel myself getting stronger. I mean, she still kicks my ass most of the time, but I’m getting better at keeping up. Honestly, she’s kind of awesome… in a scary way.”

Gojo chuckled, amused by Itadori’s unrelenting positivity. “Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself. She’s not going too easy on you, is she?”

Itadori blinked, as if Gojo had asked the most ridiculous question imaginable. “Easy? Juri? I don’t think she even knows what that word means. She doesn’t hold back at all, but that’s what’s making me improve so fast.”

Gojo’s smile widened. “That’s what I like to hear. Just don’t let her scare you off.”

Itadori laughed nervously. “Oh, she’s terrifying, but in a good way. She pushes me to my limits every day. Sometimes I think she enjoys it a little too much…”

Gojo hummed, more than a little amused. “Yeah, that sounds like Juri.”

After giving Itadori a pat on the back, Gojo left the gym and headed up to the rooftop where he knew Juri would be. Sure enough, she was sitting in her usual spot, looking out over the school grounds with her back against the wall and her legs stretched out in front of her. She was eating lunch, and from the look on her face, she wasn’t exactly in the mood for company.

Still, that never stopped Gojo.

“Yo, Juri,” he called out as he approached, hands in his pockets and his trademark smile plastered on his face. “Mind if I interrupt your lunch for a quick chat?”

Juri sighed, not even bothering to look at him. “What do you want?”

Gojo plopped down beside her, ignoring the clear lack of invitation. “I wanted to know how the training’s going. How’s Itadori doing under your expert guidance?”

Juri paused, chewing her food slowly as she contemplated whether or not she even wanted to answer him. After a long silence, she finally spoke.

“He’s not completely useless anymore.”

Gojo’s grin widened. “That’s high praise coming from you.”

Juri rolled her eyes. “Don’t get too excited. He’s still got a long way to go, but at least he’s not tripping over his own feet anymore. He’s learning, but he’s still nowhere near ready to face real threats.”

Gojo tilted his head, amused by her bluntness. “But he’s improving, right?”

Juri shrugged. “Yeah, he’s got potential. More than I thought, actually. He’s tough, I’ll give him that. Most people would’ve quit by now, but he keeps getting back up. That’s something, I guess.”

Gojo’s eyes glinted behind his blindfold. “And? You’re not enjoying this at all, huh?”

Juri shot him a glare, but there was something in her expression that betrayed her. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to respect Itadori—though she would never admit it. 

“He’s better than most,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest. “But don’t think I’m going soft. I’m not here to babysit, and if he stops improving, I’m done wasting my time.”

Gojo chuckled. “Fair enough. But from what I’ve seen, he’s in good hands. You’ve pushed him further than anyone else could.”

Juri snorted. “Whatever. Just make sure he keeps his head in the game. I don’t have time for distractions.”

Gojo leaned back, satisfied with her response. “You know, you’re a lot nicer than you give yourself credit for.”

Juri narrowed her eyes at him. “Get lost, old man.”

He laughed, standing up and dusting off his pants. “Alright, alright. Keep up the good work, Juri. You’re doing great.”

As Gojo walked away, Juri watched him go with a scowl, though there was a small flicker of something else in her eyes. Maybe she was starting to see Itadori’s potential more clearly, or maybe she was just getting used to having someone to train. Either way, she wasn’t going to let Gojo—or anyone else—think she was going soft. 

Not yet, anyway.

.

.

.

The Burden of Strength Masterlist

[andydrysdalerogers]

Sideline Love ~ Chapter 13 ~ Fatherhood

Pairings - NFL! Chris Evans and OFC Rebecca Rooney

Series Summary: All football player Chris wants is to play football with his best friends in the NFL. But the night before he meets someone who could change his life... if she wasn't the bosses daughter. Can Chris change her mind with a little sideline love?

Word Count: 2.5K

General Warnings: smut! angst, cheating, parental interference, fluff, football Chris has beard ( 😏 ), injuries during the game, special appearance (don't @ me lol)

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Becca Rooney and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

I am trying out a taglist. Please let me knouw if you would like to be included.

Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

Sebastian, Chris and Charlie walk to the park the next week with Charlie swinging in between the men’s arms.  “Daddy you and Seba are so strong. Can you swing me to the moon?”

“The moon? Why do you want to go to the moon?”

“So I can eat it.  Mama says the moon is cheese and I love cheese!”  She giggled as she swinged back and was launched in the air.

“What is your girl teaching her?” Sebastian shook his head.  He turned and growled like a fake bear.  “I’m gonna get you, papusa mica!”

Charlie screech and took off running towards the playground. “Daddy help!”

Chris charged in the lifted his girl up and put her on his shoulders. He ran, holding her legs as Sebastian jumped up to reach for her, their laughter filling the air.  A phone rang and Sebastian stopped.  He checked his phone.  “I need to take it.  Be right back.”

Chris trotted with Charlie on shoulders.  “Daddy?”

“Yes, munchkin?”

“Does this other daddy love me?”

“I don’t know. You would have to ask him.”

“Is it wrong if I like him?”

Chris’s heart clenched.  “Of course not.  He’s your daddy.”

“You’re my daddy.  And I love you but I don’t want to hurt your feelings. Momma says we shouldn’t hurt people’s feelings.”

Chris stopped and pulled Charlie down and sat her next to him on the bench. “I want you listen very carefully, Charlotte. The minute you ran into my life I knew you were special.  I have loved you since our Oreo date. Nothing is going to change that.  Its ok to like Tom, love him even. But you are my munchkin. My feelings won’t be hurt.”

“I love you so much daddy.”  Charlie flung her arms around his neck and gripped him tight.

Tom came the long way around towards the playground and heard Chris and Charlie’s voices.  “I don’t know him but I will try if its ok.”

“Charlie, you do what you want to do ok?  Your momma and I will love you and support you in whatever you do.  If you want to spend more time with Tom and his kids, we’ll make it work, ok?  Don’t worry about this. Just worry about being a kid.”

Tom took a step back and decided to watch them from a distance. He sees Chris playing with Charlie in the park and sees that Chris is like himself with his boys.  He watches as Chris makes sure Charlie is secure in the swing before pushing her, listening to Charlie’s squeals of delight.  A wave of overwhelming sadness floods is chest. He missed it.  The opportunity to have his own little princess.  He decides to call his dad. “Hey pop.”

Thomas, everything ok son?

Did I blow this? Neglecting Charlie?

He could hear his father sigh and open and close a door.  Son, only you can decide if you want to pursue this.  She spent five years with just her mother. This is a huge change.

“Becca has a boyfriend, Chris, who loves her as much I should have. Charlie calls him daddy.”

Oh Tom.

“I missed it, didn’t I?”

Son…

Father and son stayed on the phone as Tom broke down.  “Why didn’t I just own it?”

I don’t know.  Your mother and I never understood why not.  Giselle was going to leave either way because of your actions.  And Rebecca has always said she just wanted her daughter to have a father.  Is continuing this fight worth it?

A few minutes later, Tom had hung up with this father and called his lawyers. As he hangs up, he walks over to Chris, who is watching Charlie play with some other children. “Evans, can I have a moment?”

“What do you want Brady? I’m not supposed to talk to you. I’m just a supervisor.”

Tom looked at his feet. “I know. I just have a question.” He took a breath. “Do you love her?”

“Excuse me?”

“Charlotte. Do you love her?”

“I love her as if she was my own.”

“Ok, good.  Please don’t tell Becca what I’m about to tell you. I want to tell her myself.”

 

*~**~*

 

The Steelers have a pretty good record coming in before Chris’s suspension.  They had already secured a playoff spot but were now aiming for clinching the division. This game against the Bengals were crucial. One win and they had their first division title in almost four years.  Chris arrived at the final practice before the game to observed as he had the last two weeks.  He made sure that Josh was prepared, going over game tapes and plays. As he pulled over his sweater, Coach Tomlin yelled through the locker room.  “EVANS! OFFICE! NOW!”

“Fuck me,” he mumbled as he shot a look at Sebastian and Anthony.

“Whatcha do now?” Anthony asked.

“Breathe? Who the fuck knows?  Maybe Rooney is offended that I changed body wash,” Chris deadpans.

“I wasn’t going to say anything Evans, but I have the new bodywash an improvement,” Sebastian quips.

“Ah fuck off Stan,” Chris says with a chuckle as he makes his way to the head coach’s office.  “You wanted to see me sir.” Chris notices that Coach Ben is also in the office.

“Take a seat.” Tomlin shuffles some papers on his desk.  “We got a call from San Francisco.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, they are interested in trading for you. They heard about your benching and want to bring you on next season.”

“Oh well, I mean, I don’t really have a future here anymore.”

“About that.” Tomlin stood up from his chair and moved to the front of his desk.  “I talked to Rooney and let him know that this needs to end.  You are one of the best rookie quarterbacks I have ever seen.  You were pro ready.  I haven’t seen talent like this since Ben here.”

“I’m honored sir, really.”

“You should be.  But the next time you are not dressed for practice. you will be fined.”

“Excuse me?”

“Go dress.  You will be playing on Sunday.  We have a championship to win. Dismissed.”

Chris walked out in a daze with Ben.  “Is this really happening?”

Ben clapped his back.  “The entire coaching staff basically threatened to quit if they traded you. You did nothing wrong except fall in love.  You have been punished enough. Get ready and get warmed up.  Need to shake that rust off of that arm.”

“Yes sir.”  Chris jogged back to his locker.

“Chris, what did they want?” Sebastian asked.

“I’m playing. San Francisco called to ask about a trade and the coaches lost it.  Rooney caved and I’m playing. So, I gotta change and get out there.”

“I knew it would work out in the end,” Anthony said. “Had faith the whole time.”

“Right, what was it you were saying a few days ago? Something about Chris being the biggest idiot of all time.”

Chris raised his eyebrow at Anthony.  “What? I mean you almost gave all of this up for a girl.”

“Not just a girl.  My soul mate.”

 

*~**~*

 

Rebecca came into Chris’s house later on that night, throwing her keys into the bowl by the door, shaking the cold rain off of her.  “Babe! Monkey! I’m home.”

“Momma!” Charlie ran over to her mom and Becca lifted her up for a hug.

“Hi Monkey! How was your day?”

“It was good.  We learned the numbers and I’m practicing in my workbook.  Daddy is making dinner.  He says we have a cell-bration tonight.”

“Oh do we? Well, let me see what I can do to help.”  She carried Charlie back to the kitchen where Chris was stirring something.  “Hey baby!”

“Hey Angel!”  He leaned down to give her a kiss.

“Whatever you are making smells amazing.”

“Short ribs and mashed potatoes.  Like 20 minutes.”

“Sounds good. Do I have time to change or…”

“Go, relax.  I’ll have a glass of wine for you when you’re done.”

“This is why you are my favorite boyfriend.”

“Excuse me? I believe I am your only boyfriend.”

“Yeah, in my mind, I am also mentally dating Sidney Crosby and the guy who plays Thor.”

Chris turned to Becca with a predatory glare.  She takes a step back.  “Oh really.”  He takes a few steps towards her. He cages her in.  “Can those guys do this?”  He leans down and kisses her right behind her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

“Chris, I…”

“Or this?”  He lets his fingers drift under her skirt.  He looks to see Charlie and grins to see the little girl preoccupied with Dodger.  He turns back to Becca as his fingers skate over her mound on top of her underwear.  She moans low. “So wet already love.”  He pulls back.

“Shit, Chris.” She grabs the countertop to steady herself, her knees ready to give out.

“That’s what I thought.”  He kisses her softly.  “Later love.  But go get relaxed.  I have some news I want to share, and dinner is almost ready.”

Becca left the kitchen in a daze, heading up to their shared bedroom.  With all the changes they were anticipating, Becca had put her house on the market.  She and Chris worked on getting Charlie’s room ready.  Becca had a lot of her clothes here since this was where she and Charlie now spent the most time.  She washed her face and changed into some leggings and one of Chris’s hoodies, the air now chilly and crisp in mid-December.

Heading downstairs, she watched as Chris got Charlie in her booster.  “Ok, I’m comfy.  Where is my wine?”

Chris chuckled and handed the large goblet with red wine.  He took his own beer.  “Cheers love.”

“Cheers.”  She sat in her place with Chris at the head of table.  He served and they started to eat.  “My god baby, this is amazing.”

“Its yummy daddy.”

“Thank you, ladies.”  Chris swallowed his mouthful.  “So, I got called into Tomlin’s office today.”

“Really? Good or bad?”

“Well San Francisco called about that trade we talked about.”

“Well, that’s out of the bag.” Becca took a sip of her wine.  “What did Tomlin say?”

“That I would get fined if I showed up at practice again not dressed.”  Chris smiled with a twinkle in his eye as he watched Becca let the words sink in.

“Does that… you mean… you’re playing?”

“One PM Sunday babe.  Was wondering if maybe my favorite girls will come out and watch me play?”

Becca leaped up and sat on Chris’s lap and hugged him.  “Baby I am so happy for you.”

“Thank you, Angel.” He sighed as he breathed in her scent. “Apparently, the entire coaching staff was pissed about the call, and they all went to talk to your dad.”

“I hadn’t heard a thing.  I’m so excited for you.”

“Me too Angel.”

They finished up dinner and cleaned up.  Chris took Charlie up to bed for a story and cuddles, with Dodger hot on his heels, while Becca washed the dishes.  Chris came down and wrapped his arms around Becca.  “I’m gonna splash and get all wet Chris.”

“I like it when you’re wet.”

“Chris!”

“What? Charlie is out for the count.  And there is a reason why we put her in the far bedroom Angel.”  He started to kiss her neck.  When he couldn’t reach the skin he wanted because of the hoodie, he grasped the bottom and lifted it over Becca’s head.  She just had a cotton camisole underneath, and he could see that her nipples were peaking.  “Cold or horny Angel?” he asked with a smirk.

“You better touch me Chris.”

“Or what?”

“Or I’ll give you blue balls.”

“That’s evil Angel.  Are you my fallen Angel now?”

“Fallen?  Not yet.”  She let her hands trail down his chest and under the elastic of his sweats. “But I could be.”  She dropped to her knees and pulled him free. She pumped him with a few strokes as she looked up at him.  His beautiful ocean blue eyes were blown dark, and he licked his lips in anticipation.  Becca smirked before taking just the tip in her mouth and suckled on it.

“Fuck, Angel, that’s so good.” Chris tried to restrain himself from grabbing her hair and pulling her in. He hands gripped the counter behind him as Becca continued to bob up and down on his length.  She pulled herself long enough to say, “Its ok baby. Take control.”

It was all he needed.  He gathered her hair into a ponytail in his fist and used his other hand to guide her.  “Just like that, Angel.” He wasn’t rough with her, just provided enough guidance to get her worked up as well.  When he felt that familiar tingle, he pulled her away.  She whined at the loss. “I don’t want to cum in your mouth Angel.  Need to feel you around me when I let go.”

Becca smiled as he lifted her onto the counter.  “But I gotta make you feel good first.”  He reached for the waistband of her leggings and swiftly pulled them off.  He got to his knees and kissed her legs, listening her to sigh in delight.  As he got closer, she started to run her fingers in his hair, “Chris please.”

“So impatient my love.  Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.”  He placed a kiss right over the apex of her thighs and then let his tongue taste his beloved.  She keened and mewled as he began to work her opened.   As she thought it couldn’t get better, Chris ran a finger up her slit to collect some of the moisture building. “All for me?”

“Always.  Its always for you,” she panted and then moaned as two fingers slipped into her.  He curled into her, finding her special spot.  He knew he had it when she jolted. He flicked his tongue back and forth on her clit as he continues to pump his fingers into her.

“Let go Angel.  Let me drink you in.”

God this man was dirty. But his words did the trick. The fire that has been building in her belly spilled over and she cummed hard around his fingers. “Chris! Fuck!” She moaned.

“You always taste so good Angel,” as Chris rose to his feet, licking his fingers and then his lips. “I need to feel you now.”

“Hmm, yes you do baby,” she purred just as a flash of lighting lite up the house followed by a crash of thunder that shook the house.  “Holy fuck! Where did that come from?”

“They predicted a storm,” Chris replied.  “Just wasn’t expecting that.”

Then an alarming screech was heard from upstairs along with a loud bark. “Daddy!”

Chris sighed and pulled his sweatpants up.  He grabbed a towel and cleaned his face as Becca laughed gently.  “Welcome to fatherhood, baby.”

“We are not done Angel.  See you upstairs and you better be ready.”

Becca let a mischievous smile cross her face.

“Yes daddy.”    

Taglist:

@patzammit @texmexdarling

[cienie-isengardu]

Atin - Scorch and the Keldabe handshake

Unless I misread the text, in Republic Commando: Targets short story Kal’s way to punish Rugeyan for calling commandos the “grunts” was to grab said man’s groin:

"Son," he said. "I couldn't help noticing that you called my boys grunts. Don't do that again, will you?"

Rugeyan looked down at Skirata as if he'd noticed him for the first time and lowered the comlink. "We want the Senator out now. Nothing else matters."

"I'm glad you pointed that out to me." Fi couldn't see what Skirata did next, but his arm dropped down and suddenly Rugeyan seemed to be taking a lot of notice of him. His eyes bulged visibly and a small uh noise forced its way past his lips. "Now that I have your attention, may I suggest that you remove yourself from the incident scene and let Captain Ordo and my boys do their jobs?"

Fi was mesmerized. Darman jogged up to the tableau of frozen pain. "Charges laid, Sarge. Ready to go."

And in the following text, Atin said that Vau had never taught his batch anything like that:

Skirata's arm fell back to his side again, and Rugeyan inhaled sharply before brushing down his tunic and striding away with somewhat splayed legs.

"I'll remember that move," said Atin approvingly. "Vau never taught us anything like that."

But Vau had certainly taught Atin the exacting procedures for storming a building, Fi knew.

But then in Republic Commando: Ordo 66, when Scorch was observing Vau training the future commandos (cross-trained common clones), Walon used either the same technique or something really similar:

Vau seemed to be in his element again. Scorch hesitated to use a word like radiant for a hard old chakaar like his sergeant, but the man looked like he had some blood in his cheeks for the first time in ages.

"You think that hurts?" Vau grunted. He had an unlucky trooper in an eye-wateringly painful grip on the floor. The di'kut should have known better than to volunteer for the demonstration, but he obviously didn't know Vau, and thought he was dealing with an old guy. He was. But Vau was an old guy who kept fit and knew plenty about pain. "No, this hurts."

The trooper squealed. It took a lot to get a reaction out of a man like that. They might have been meat-cans, but they were as hard as any ARC or commando. Scorch couldn't watch any longer. He called to Vau, more for his own peace of mind than the urgency of Zey's summons or to end the trooper's agony. Vau's technique was known as a Keldabe handshake, but hands didn't have a lot to do with it.

“Sarge!" he yelled. "Sarge, General Zey sends his compliments and wants to see you right now."

Vau let go of a delicate part of the trooper's anatomy and the guy rolled over onto his side, out of action for a few moments. Well, at least he knew how to stop a human adversary with one grip now. Mird watched from the sidelines, yawning occasionally, with the air of having seen it all before.

And Scorch was perfectly aware what Keldabe handshake was, so it makes sense to assume Vau taught it during Kamino too. 

The wookiepedia described Keldabe handshake as:

A "Keldabe handshake" was a euphemistic slang term for a Mandalorian unarmed combat technique that consisted of violently gripping a Humanoid opponent's groin. Debilitatingly painful for the victim, the technique was noted for its ability to neutralize a Human foe with one hand. The term derived its name from Keldabe, the capital city of the planet Mandalore, and a play on the handshake, a common gesture of greeting across the galaxy.

And sure this isn’t the first inconsistency within Republic Commando book series and not even that important like the difference between Hard Contact and Triple Zero’s take on Atin & Vau’s relationship [x][x] (and hey, even in Targets Atin is all okay with mentioning his former trainer!) but it does make me laugh at the implication that Atin didn’t pay attention during his classes since Vau presented the dirty move/combat technique to new generation of commandos while Scorch was familiar with Keldabe handshake, no question asked (and Mird who saw it all).

[asknarashikari]

Takumi is a True Neutral who gives no fucks, Neither a Bastion of Sanity nor an Agent of Chaos

Scene 1

Takumi: … *is just watching the chaos caused by certain kouhai and senpai ensue while blowing a hot drink*

Shinnosuke and Emu: *just arrived at the scene*

Shinnosuke: Yep…same old crap. *sighs* Let’s just wrangle them in as always… -_-

Emu: Yeah- wait, Takumi?! *notices Takumi, who is also there just watching the chaos ensue*

Takumi: *takes one look and Shinnosuke and Emu*

Takumi: Oh, well if it isn’t the parent friends?

Shinnosuke: Takumi…how long has chaos been going on? -_-

Takumi: …I don’t know. That’s none of my business, I have been watching those idiots going at it for a while now. -_- *shrugs*

Emu: …Wait wait wait, you were here the entire time and you just stood by and watch?! =_=

Takumi: …With all due respect, their bullshit is not really any of my concern. I mean, I’m not the one causing the chaos here…it’s those idiots. -_-

Shinnosuke: …Okay, fair enough but we’ll have talk to you later. -_-

Emu: Guess we’ll have to do everything by ourselves again…come on, Shinnosuke. -_-

Takumi: -_- *just watching at the parent friends charge in stop their allies’ chaos*

Scene 2

Takumi: *is sitting back and watching as Kaidou and Momotaros get into a fight, while the other taros are just egging them on and also Keitaro trying to stop the fight*

Ryoutaro: Uh…aren’t going to help stop this fight? ._.

Takumi: Huh? Go do it yourself! -_- *turns to Ryoutaro*

Ryoutaro: But your friend-

Takumi: Look, this isn’t really my problem… -_-

Takumi: Besides…Kaidou deserves to be brought down a few pegs. *looks back at the fight and just smirks*

Ryoutaro: Jeez, I hate being one of the only sane ones here… -_-’ *charges in to help Keitaro stop the fight between Momotaros and Kaidou*

Scene 3

Faiz: *is transformed, sitting in the sidelines watching his fellow main riders beat the hell out a new main rider’s significant other*

New Main Rider’s SO: You there…help me! They’ve gone crazy! O.o *sees faiz and runs over to him*

Faiz: … *says nothing as he detaches his faiz phone from his faiz driver, opens it and then setting it to gun mode and firing a shot at the SO at point blank range at the abdomen*

New Main Rider’s SO: AGH! O.o *is pushed back and falls over, as many of the other main riders dogpile on them*

Faiz: Take care of the rest!

Scene 4

Takumi: AHHH! IT BURNS! IT FUCKING BURNS O.o *has been forced to drink something really hot and his tongue got scalded*

Sento: HA! XD

Philip: So this is a nekojita…how interesting! ^_^

Takumi: Damn it you too! You captured me just for this?! =_= *oh yeah, he’s actually tied on in an excessive amount of chains to a chair*

Sento: Oh yeah? You can’t do anything about it! XD

Takumi: … -_-

Takumi: No…but those three can. Look behind you. -_-

Sento and Philip: Eh…? *turns around and sees shoutaro, akiko, and ryuuga*

Sento: Oh crap. Wait, we can explai-

Takumi: Heh… *is now just watching a battle ensue, despite being tied up*

Scene 5

Wataru: Wait, you’re just going to let Tsukasa wreak havoc among our kouhai?!

Takumi: Well yeah…I mean think about it, he’ll just get his ass handed to him anyways. Why take action if we just sit back and watch the idiot get fucked up for his troubles? -_-

Tendou: Well he’s got a point…

Kenzaki: That’s a good idea actually! Oh and let’s all take a bet on which one of our kouhai would deliver the final blow?

Shinji: Yeah!

Shouichi: I’ll bring in snacks for us while we watch!

Godai: Well…as much as I want to help my kouhai, I do want to them to make us proud. ^_^ *thumbs up like the proud semi-grandma friend he is*

Hibiki: Godai…you all can’t be serious…

Wataru: Relax Hibiki-san…Takumi actually has the right idea for once. I would definitely kill to watch the magenta menace get his ass kicked by our successors.

Takumi: Hmph…. *slight smirk*

Ryoutaro: Takumi…I think you just added more fuel to the fire… -_-’ *turns to takumi*

Takumi: …So what? Are you saying we should risk our necks just to stop our fellow world destroyer from causing problems that we have no part in and that he doesn’t deserve to get his ass kicked? -_-

Hibiki and Ryoutaro: …

Ryoutaro: I hate that you’re right about this sometimes…

(Eventually, all the Phase 1 Riders would watch Tsukasa get his ass kicked by their successors while taking bets and eating snacks… all while Takumi is further in the back, distant from the rest, just watching and laughing his ass off)

*cackles* Headcanon accepted, this is all golden