#I'd complain if he killed him but he didn't. And like. Torturing a God is not an unknown plot (Sisyphus).

[heliomanteia]

Do you have any examples of mortals or demigods beating any of the Greek gods in a fight or physical contest? I see a lot of complaints about the latest epic saga for the Odysseus and Poseidon song.

Mortals and demigods usually do not physically fight the immortals for various reasons but, I mean, the Iliad? Diomedes goes on a rampage fueled by Athena and wounds Aphrodite (and I think Ares too though I might misremember the details). She's escorted off the battlefield so we don't know if he'd end up beating her ass or not.

Herakles physically wrestles Thanatos for Alcestis' soul. He also physically fought Achelous, a God, and Antaeus — I don't recall what he's supposed to be but he's a son to two immortals, so, I presume, non-human too.

Most "fights" between mortals and immortals are non-physical (contests, competitions, challenges of skills) and the mortals usually are not treated well in rare cases they win as lessons against pride and hubris. So, the competition of some kind between mortals and immortals is not unheard of in myths. It's a bit more rare that it's physical but it happens, sometimes, too.

I personally don't have any issue with the Poseidon vs. Odysseus scene because I read it as a narrative decline of Odysseus into the ruthlessness he denied full responsibility for before. Plus, it's explicitly stated that Poseidon cannot die (I think "killing a God" narratives are boring) so, like, how is this "against" mythology in any way. I think it's just an ultimate visual showcase of Odysseus' cruelty.

Also, it's kind of wild that we accept that a mortal can fuck a God but the moment it's about a physical fight people are insane about it.

P. S. I think people whine too much and want Epic to be a copy of the Odyssey when Jorge explicitly stated he has a video game/anime fight vision for his "final bosses".

[ravioliage]

Rookanis Drabble. Two birds talk about a caged one. Eris context. Warning: Possible timeline discrepancies. Set during Fade Jail.

"Teia! I did not expect to see you here."

"I found the only place where I can't hear Vi's complaining." Teia made herself welcome, sitting down on one of the dining room chairs. "Some of the fledglings are wishing for the Antaam to invade again."

"You're looking at me like you want me to pretend that I have a leg to stand on." Lucanis himself was in the middle of sweeping up shards of broken glass from some days ago. He'll make the effort to buy new plates as he could use the fresh air. As fresh as it gets in Treviso. He wrote it down on the never-ending list of things he had to replace. He had to make himself useful.

"I cut the dried blood out of her hair the day we found her, you know." Teia told as she fetched a bottle of Antivan Red. "Even back then, Vi didn't fully trust me to not stab her with the knife. He did trust me to make her feel safe, though. Probably because the only person he hadn't annoyed out of his life happened to be a friendly face to her."

"How was she like?" He has heard Rook talk very little of her past, none of it good. Such was the life of a Crow.

"There was almost nothing she didn't already know. Vi was appointed to teach what she lacked." That said enough. That was Rook's story to tell. "He said that the training for her was as easy as breathing."

"Eris makes a lot of things seem that way." One of her worst qualities. He hasn't forgotten that she told him that her training was torture.

"It's why I'm a lot more worried about you than her." Straight to the point.

"I'm fine, Teia." Half a lie, as the never ending broken things in the kitchen told a different story. He tried again. "I am... better than I was a few days ago."

"Good. I told myself that I'd get more knives than usual involved would you follow Vi's way of expressing yourself."

Lucanis sat down on the other side of the table. The chair next to him was Rook's.

The void in his heart was excruciating still. It was difficult to stay in the kitchen once the food was done. There was no Rook who stayed behind and talked to him half the night.

"How much did Viago tell you?"

Teia poured herself some wine before answering.

"That you think you didn't tell her that you loved her before she disappeared, but you told her that you'd kill every blighted creature in Thedas to keep her safe."

He also told her that it's a small price to pay if every god has to die for her.

"That's not telling someone that you love them."

"Huh." She was stunned for a brief moment. "If that is what you believe, I am looking forward to hearing your wedding vows."

Lucanis sighed deeply: "Teia, forgive me if I have a difficult time taking relationship advice from you and Viago."

"So, did you just silently pine ever since she rescued you?"

He wasn't going to escape this conversation, was he?

"I'm not sure how to respond to that." He frowned, bitter at the lump in his throat making a triumphant return. "I owe her my life, Teia. Telling her that it's a small price to pay if every god has to die for her is not enough."

"For the love of..." She realized that wine was maybe not enough. With the recent events, she did not know which god to pray to for the strength to help him. "Did you never consider a simple gondola date?"

"I never even kissed her."

The entire list of all recorded Antivan curses was uttered under her breath all at once.

"Lucanis..."

"You can't tell me anything I haven't told myself." He had to shut it all off. The empty chair next to him was so horribly loud, a piercing shriek able to deafen any demon. Maybe if he'd reach out towards it and close his eyes, he could feel a brief spectre of Rook's gloved hand in his. "I still cherished her and more while she was here. I do not want to hear it."

"Eris will get out of there." Teia tried to get through to him, despite having figured out that the only person who had the ability to open his shut doors was gone. Lucanis hit the table with his palm in anger, he has heard that phrase enough times. From Emmrich. From Bellara. From Davrin. From Taash. Now from Teia.

When will the wretched platitudes end?

"Mierda, how do you get out of a prison built to hold gods?!"

But Teia was one of the two people alive and present who truly knew Eris de Riva. Not Rook.

"The same way a dalish elf mage from Ferelden survives the streets of Treviso for years as a child." She reminded him, and continued before he could protest: "All while an entire other House wants to kill her and Templars roam the streets."

"That... prison isn't Treviso 20 years ago, Teia." It hurt too much to believe in anything. Hope was painful.

"Debatably. But she is 20 years stronger than she was back then." Those words did it. Made the anger fade from his face, but unfortunately it was all replaced by something hollow. If not anger, what should he feel? "You want to know what Vi's biggest worry was the moment we got news about the Kirkwall chantry?"

"Having seen Eris in combat, I can gather a guess."

Lucanis didn't notice it until now. Or rather, finally could put a name to it. The heavy absence of magic. There was something always happening in the kitchen with it.

Emmrich's staff with the skull adornment breathing green flames, belonging to the one now busy scouring the deeper Fade in an attempt to find the prison. Lucanis added a few more things to the list for Emmrich. He was too busy drowning in his own grief to see the lengths the necromancer has been going to in order to find Rook.

Bellara has been going through the motions. While not a mage, all of her projects on how to utilize the harmonies of the fade to siphon it into an artifact to make things more efficient in the room have been left abandoned since Neve was taken.

A lot of the mugs lacked a distinct pattern of snowflakes to indicate that Neve was once there and tried to make - what she considered to be - coffee a drinkable temperature.

Then there was Rook. Eris. After half her life of having to hide her magic, she would rather die than let those years simply remain stolen. If a small inconvenience could be solved with magic, she had already done it. It ranged from making Harding's food edible, to playing for hours with a restless Assan when Davrin needed some sleep.

Spite seemed to love it, though. Love it in a sense where she was a fountain of inspiration, and then he for days kept pestering Lucanis to give him whatever element she was fixated on.

Fire was the worst, especially when Manfred gained the ability to cast it.

It was all gone now. He almost wished that she somehow had taught Spite magic so that there would be something.

"Vi blames himself. He'll never say it out loud, but I know he does." Teia broke the silence. As annoyed she got by the complaining, she was still worried. "He sent her away to protect her from the other Talons."

"Only Viago De Riva would get upset that he didn't consider the possibility of a god pulling his sister into a Fade prison." It was getting easier to joke, at least.

"He also didn't consider that there would be an adder in the wardrobe." Teia was glad to see a semblance of life return to Lucanis.

"He can't be happy about you not letting that go."

"You weren't the one who had to go through Vi's way of naming his poisons and antivenom."

Lucanis had to suffer some of that as well, because he grew close to someone who was raised by said poison master with an affinity for a horrible misuse of words.

"Very fair point."

[docheros]

Hmm and how about Antimagic or Antihero with 🌹 (a date gone wrong), ☁️ (enemies to lovers), and 🤠 (fake dating)?

the trope of the hero, the villain and their mutual citizen friend

===================

— Hey, Anti-

Anti screamed and his cats jumped off his lap. A knife magically appeared on his hands and he pointed at Jackie, who raised his hands.

— I come in peace, I swear.

— Why are you here?

The hero dropped his shoulders, sighing.

— You know Chase is planning to ask his girl in marriage this saturday?

— Yeah?

— He asked my help, said he wanted to do a double date. I said I'd go, but I didn't have anyone.

— Ok?

— He said I should bring you and ask you to date me after he asks Stacy — Anti's eyes widened.

— WHAT?

— Yeah, he's sure I'm deeply in love with you and that the feeling is mutual! — He lowered his head and crossed his arm — he said that if I didn't come here, he'd ask you to come himself. I'm just preventing misunderstandings.

The villain groaned, lowering his knife and pressing his nose bridge.

— Chase Brody must the the dumbest man alive, really.

— Look, Anti, it's not that bad — a look of disbelief met him — ok, fine, it is bad, but look: we'll just pretend, ok? He asks Stacy in marriage, I ask you to date me, we pretend we're a super happy couple for what, a week? And then a week after we tell Chase we broke up, he'll think we're bitter exes and will leave us alone! And then we go back to our old rivarly!

— That's... a good plan, actually — he nodded — I'm surprised you came up with that.

— Oh, it wasn't me. I told the problem to my doctor and he proposed this — Anti laughed, getting up.

— Yeah, that was too good to be yours — he smiled wider with Jackie's red face — don't even jump at me! You'll ask me out on saturday!

— Fine — he sighed, turning to the window he came — I'll pick you up here at 5pm, ok? Don't kill me in the meantime.

— Can't promise!

[=====]

— ...will you marry me, Stacy? — Chase ended his speech holding his girlfriend's hand, showing the ring.

— Chase! — she smiled, hugging him — of course!

Anti and Jackie congratulated them, but internally they were both relieved it finally ended. What a torture! Anti just wanted to go home, he didn't feel like he belonged in that fancy restaurant.

Chase glanced at Jackie with a warning look, who got confused. Until he remembered he was deeply madly in love with his arch-nemesis and needed to ask if he wanted to date. He forgot it for a second.

— Oh, yeah, while we're in here — the hero cleared his throat, turning to face Anti — I, um... I've feeling this... Since we met, I...

Fucking God, he really needed to create a story before trying to asking him out. That was horrible.

— I guess I... have feelings for you — he swallowed hard, controlling himself to not jump into his rival's neck. Why that mocking expression? He could at least pretend he was in love! — ...do you wanna date me?

— Oh, Jackie — he held their hands together, smiling wide at him. Ok, his smile was pretty, Jackie wasn't prepared to that — Yes! I can't believe you love me, too!

— I told you! — Chase clapped — you guys simply can't hide your...

Suddenly, an explosion nearby them. A group of villains had just invaded the restaurant, searching for something.

Automatically, Jackie hid under the table, pushing Anti with him and putting his arms around his body.

— Excuse me?

— Hm? — he looked at him and remembered who it was — oh, sorry. Instict.

— Well I suppose I can't really complain since we're boyfriends now — no, he couldn't complain at all: he kinda liked it. Being protected for the first time in years wasn't that bad.

— What are these guys doing here? — he peaked over, searching for the group or even Chase and Stacy, who disappeared — oh fucking God, I didn't push them too! Do you think they're in danger?

— Wait. Who are the villains there? — the hero peaked again, narrowing his eyes.

— Two mustachioed ones, but one mustache is pink, and a monochrome one in a suit — Anti eyes widened.

— Oh God. These are my friends.

— What are they doing here?

— I told them I'd be here... with you...

— WHAT? — he shouted-whispered — they think I kidnapped you? — the villain nodded; Jackie groaned — well, you better go there and explain yourself! I'm not dealing with your shit!

Anti fidgeted with his fingers, glancing at his rival.

— I'm sorry.

— For what?

— For ruining the date. Can we... have another, maybe? To compensate?

— Nah man, it's fine. Chase and Stacy are already...

— No, ruining our date. I didn't know they'd come — he scratched his neck — I feel kind of bad.

Jackie stared at him, in confusion. Was him trying... to be nice? That was new.

— ...to where?

— I could take you to a japanese restaurant near my apartment. Their sushi is really good.

— Only if you pay for it.

— Fine.

— ...fine — the hero only had one weakness: free food — is monday at 8pm ok for you?

===================

you can see both have some feelings behind the "i hate him" facade bc nobody proposed that anti could just reject him

[tal-yadin]

Ok as promised: an actual post about this rollercoaster of an episode!

Got long again (this is becoming a trend):

I'd like to preface this by saying that there was a lot of stupid shit that happened in this episode that i am fully aware was narratively required. Which doesn't mean i'm not going to complain about it (complaining about stupid shit is good for the soul i'll have you know), it just means that those complaints should be taken in the spirit that they were meant - i mean if you're not complaining about the stupid shit, are you really watching the show? :P

Now that that's out of the way, Onwards!

We pick up in this episode right where we left off - thank god - and while not it's not exactly a smart decision, porsche choosing to go with vegas is very in character for him. The fact is, vegas really hit the nail on its head, because porsche would have absolutely gone nuts having to sit in that cell and do nothing while shit was going down.

The next sequence is both one of my favorites in this ep and the one that's at the top of my stupid shit list.

Pete and porsche's fighting was so so good, like that was some grade A choreography and camerawork right there. I enjoyed the hell out of watching my best boys go tow to tow.

My main is issue is how exactly did vegas get out???! Kinn was RIGHT THERE!! did vegas run right past him?? Was ken waiting in the hallway with a convinient laundry basket for vegas to dive into?!?!? I just don't understand *sigh* at this point i'm about ready to accept that vegas is capable of straight up turning invisible. It's the only thing that makes sense.

Kinn and porsche facing off was a good tension moment. Porsche has made his choice and now kinn's gotta make his. Again, we later found out it wasn't a very smart choice (kinn could have just explained what was going on to porsche), but please refer back to the first paragraph because this definitely falls into the category of narratively required. It's also not entirely out of character, which helps a lot, kinn's braincells have a notoriously bad track record where porsche is concerned (put simply, my boy kinn is Whipped and i don't even blame him).

Smash cut to the absolute cutest pairing in this show! They are Cuddling on the Couch, this not a drill!! Hdbfjddnxb

Naturally, things goes to shit immediately, which is just par for the course. Kim kicking ass trying to save chay? Absolute gold. Strange men touching my BABY???! how fucking dare you?! 0/10 would not recommend! I can't believe we didn't even get to see porsche just absolutly whale on tawan for laying hands on chay, what a fucking letdown >:(

Meanwhile we have ken being the mole, i kinda figured as much from pretty early on cause he was important enough for us to know him but peripheral enough that he could have been getting up to all sorts of stuff off screen.

The warehouse scene was vegas' time to shine this episode and let it be known that they managed to actually throw me off with the way the plot went. Like i was thinking, vegas had a choice to make, reveal himself to keep tawan on his side or keep the game going for porsche's benefit. my boy chose neither, he was really like "i'm tired of being nice i just wanna go apeshit" and then HE DID. Give the man bonus points for the fucking performance, my poor little meow meow killed his villain reveal moment.

Now that flashback. That Flashback.

Let me tell you, vegas has never been so fucking chilling in all of his time on the screen as he was in that fucking flasback (No. Not even in his big torture scene, you'll see why, we'll get there). That motherfucker is so so good at playing sincere. He's such a fucking snake, i was quaking in my motherfucking boots ok?

There is one other thing that flashback did to me and that was hit me with bible's actual, physical size, like steel chair to the back. Look, i knew, in my brain, that bible is a little shorter than build (from interviews and stuff) but build has delicate features and often wears baggy clothes that make him look smaller, so it's easy to dismiss the difference as not big.

I also knew that bible is shorter than apo and less broad, because we have several shots in the show that show us as much, but here we run into the inescapable fact that apo is fucking built, like, my boy is a big dude. They try to disguise it a little in the show, with staging and camera angles, but the most helpful thing is the fact that mile (who he's on screen with the most) is about his size - slightly shorter but it's a very small difference - so bible being smaller is kind of a given.

And then there's na (tawan) who is about the same height as mile, and about as broad (again they resorted to clothing and staging tricks to make him look slimmer) but did you see the flasback??? He was Dwarfing bible.

When tawan was hugging vegas from behind?? Bible looked tiny.

Tinnie tiny bible.

What the FUCK? That realization killed me dead let me tell you. Ok now that i'm done freaking out over the size of these actors let's get back to the actual episode.

Kim coming to chay's rescue was so good, and that outfit? Mmmm top notch.

Big my baby no TAT i know the man was an incurable ass, but i liked him anyway. nodted my beloved was acting his little heart out in his final scene, and fuck if he didn't nail it.

Tawan losing his shit was well done, in general na really did an awesome job as a villian, like tawan was clearly having a blast and his infatuation with vegas was portrayed really well.

Interesting that this is the first time we've seen kinn smoking, in the aftermath of this clusterfuck of a day, which, you know, fair.

Kim my sweet emotionally constipated dumbass has dipped as soon as chay woke up - hope he gets better soon (he won't, he's in love and there's no getting away now).

Chay being angry at porsche is heart wrenching but reasonable (i'm not crying you're crying shut up).

And now to The Scene, that we have all been waiting for :D

Listen, build stole the fucking show in this scene in a major way. Like, i said earlier that vegas was at his most chilling in the flashback? it's because in this scene he's standing opposite pete, who was absolutely, balls to the wall terrifying ok?

Build just fucking killed it. the genuine amusement at vegas' temper about his plan failing, the eye contact, the screaming, like i'm sorry, but vegas paled in comparison.

Pete is now the freak king of this show and i would like to see someone try and take his throne.

(That entire scene was the definition of "mark me down as scared and horny". It did things to me ok? don't judge me)

Ken dying was unexpected, despite the bloodbath that this episode has been. Gun (pretty sure that's the spelling for his name?) was nice to see on screen, it's been a while. Perth did a really good job in that final scene as well.

I knew the head was coming as soon as they put the box on the table but props to tong for giving us an exteremely convincing reaction for tankhun, who might be getting more involved in the family business, but is still comperatively sheltered.

Also it's nice to know that vegas learned his snake tendencies from his dad.

Korn kinda disappointed me cause it would have been something to watch him shoot someone point blank in the head (the old lion has still got teeth), but i'm gonna go ahead and assume that they need gun to move the plot along.

The thing on the balcony was a nice back and forth, a little more realistic standpoint of the relationship than the honeymoon phase in episode 8, and we got the infamous bed scene *thunderous applause*

Kinn forgetting pete is also in the stupid shit category, but again, narratively required.

All in all i had lots of fun with this episode and i can't fucking wait for the next one.

[jbreenr]

Déjà Vu –Bucky Barnes.

Summary: You and Bucky keep having those kinds of encounters and none of you know how.

Warning: poorly written smut (if you're under 18 please, don't read), unprotected sex (don't do that, kids. be responsible), alcohol, a bit of swearing, i think that's it.

Word count: almost 4k.

A/N: so, this is the first imagine i post here and it also is the first one in english (not my first language) so don't be too hard on me, i tried my best. lack of vocabulary, grammatical and orthography mistakes are all my fault. corrections, feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

Inspired by Déjà Vu –Voilà.

ᴹʸ ᵍⁱᶠ

You weren't sure how it happened, let alone how it all started, but here you were, legs tangled in bed sheets that were not yours, head resting on a pillow that was not yours, the air smelling like a cologne that certainly was not yours, and a strong and now partially warm metal arm wrapped around your waist.

Trying to turn to face the owner of said arm seemed to be the most difficult mission you ever had due to the buzz in your head that made you stop for a second so the room would stop spinning before your eyes.

You knew the headache was going to be bad, except you did not think this bad.

The first clear memory of last night popping in your head: you asking Sam to hand you the fifty dollars of the bet. Of course you were able to drink all those shots and stay on your feet for the rest of the party.

It had started boring as usual. Not that the music was bad or too low, but the fact that you had to attend every single party Tony hosted should be considered torture. You only wanted to go to bed, for God's sake!

The dance floor was full of people, the sofas were all occupied and the bar was not the exception; two bartenders were not enough to keep everyone happy with a drink on their hand.

Still, you managed to have one the whole time you were there and by the time you were taking your ninth shot, you started to feel a little dizzy. Maybe, it was the way you sat up too fast and turned on your heels with a specific destination: the improvised dance floor.

If you were staying, at least you'd make sure it was worth it.

Taking Sam's hand (the one that was not filling your cup with tequila again) and putting the money inside your bra, you tried to guide him to the center of the dance floor but, considering the big amount of people trying to do the same, you decided you'd be dancing somewhere near the sofas where Steve and Nat were sitting, talking.

Your dance moves were all innocent, even ridiculous; arms and hips moving to the beat of the song in a synchronized rhythm, changing your weight from foot to foot slightly to give the illusion of a real choreography, Sam doing the same in front of you.

Laughing at your own movements, you jumped turning to the left, trying to recreate La Macarena –or your version of it– when you saw him.

Dark long hair tied up in a small ponytail brushing the back of his neck, a pair of shorter locks falling to the sides of his face, framing it perfectly; black suit trousers so tight on his legs that you were sure they were going to break at any moment; light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up his elbows, making him look thicker than usual; vibrant blue eyes sparking like reflectors from where he was sitting; flesh hand playing with a glass of what seemed to be whiskey; vibranium arm with thin golden lines caressing a blonde's tight…

You snapped out of your trance only to evaporate the sweat in your body with the rush of hot anger that ran all the way from your toes to your ears.

Why were you angry? You had no idea. You only knew that it was unacceptable. He could not do that. Not in front of you.

It was until you took a wrong step back almost falling on your ass that you noticed you had stopped dancing. Sam's hand wrapped around your arm to keep you from actually falling. Steadying yourself, you cursed yourself for listening to Nat when she said that you'd look amazing in those high heels. Who would pay attention to your shoes when you were wearing a freaking black strapless dress that did little to cover your body?

The answer was looking right at you, sitting in an armchair next to that beautiful woman, who was talking about something he had lost interest moments ago when his eyes finally met your figure from a far, now traveling down your legs to lock his gaze on your heels.

Even from where you were standing you could see his jaw clenching and his hand forming a fist, the hand that was not tapping the blonde's leg. His drink, now forgotten on the table in front of him.

“You alright?” Sam's question was followed by his hand leaving your arm. You turned to him.

That's when you had the idea. Probably, the worst and best idea you had ever had.

“Yeah,” you said nodding. “We were in the middle of something, right?” The innocent look you gave him made him follow the game.

“We were, indeed.”

“Let's keep doing it, then.” The smirk on your lips, making Sam raise his right eyebrow in confusion.

And it felt as if the universe wanted it to happen, as if the Gods wanted to know what was next because just as you turned again, softly slamming your back to Sam's chest and started swinging your hips against him, the electronic music changed to a song you knew would help you with what you had planned.

“(Y/n), what are you doing?” Sam's laughter rumbled in your ear as you swayed.

“Just dance, Falcon. Have some fun.”

Raising your arms, you gave him permission to place his hands on your hips, which he did hesitant at first. But when he understood (or at least, he thought) that you were only enjoying the music, his grip on you became stronger and more confident. After all, most people around you were dancing the same way.

Opening your eyes, you tried to find the super soldier but in vain. The sofa he and his friend had been sitting on was now occupied by other people and you could only imagine one reason.

The song was coming to an end and you turned again to face Sam, who was smiling at you.

“It was a pleasure to dance with you, but right now, I need to go dust my nose.” You said in a false cordial voice and bowed with exaggeration, placing your hand in the cleavage of your dress.

“Those drinks are making their work already? Ouch!” he complained when you hit him in the shoulder. “The pleasure was mine.” He bowed back and walked to the other side of the dance floor, easily finding another partner to spend the rest of the party with.

You didn't need to go to the bathroom. Not really. That was only the excuse you gave to finally head to your room and take off that dress and heels that were killing you.

You hadn't taken three steps out of the party when you felt a hand close on your arm and drag you up the stairs.

In all honesty, if his grip wasn't that firm, you could have fallen on your knees more than once on your way to where the bedrooms were.

Only when the door was closed behind you was when you noticed you were not in your room. The bed was perfectly done and the nightstand didn't have your current reading on it. You were in Bucky's room.

Blurry memories of previous visits filled your head like flashing lights: your hands tightly clutched around the headboard, your feet slipping from the edge of the bed, your back pressed against the wall, your knees and elbows buried in the mattress. It felt like you'd been there a thousand times before.

Bucky wandered around the room like a lion inside a jail, his steps heavy against the floor and his hands trying to pull back the hair tickling his cheeks.

With a loud sigh, he finally turned and almost ran in your direction. The look in his eyes was something you've seen somewhere before.

“Wha-- what the fuck you think you were doing back there?” His question took you by surprise, even though it shouldn't have. It had been your main goal all the time.

“'Doing' what? What do you mean?” You decided that playing dumb was the best way to get on his nerves and apparently, it was working.

The super soldier bit the inside of his cheek trying to keep his composure. He was not having any of it.

“Don't try and act all innocent, as if you didn't know you were practically offering yourself to Sam with that stupid dance of yours.”

“I'm surprised you even noticed,” Taking a step ahead, you shortened the distance between you two. You knew he wouldn't find you intimidating, but at least he'd know you weren't afraid of him. “when you were too busy lifting the little skirt of that girl up her legs.”

His eyes darkened and he took a step closer, his face staying only a few inches from yours.

“'Little skirt', uh? What about this pathetic attempt of a dress?” His hands traveled from the sides of your breasts to your hips and stopped at the hem of the dress (that was too short for your liking, but you weren't going to tell him so).

“Sam seemed to like it.”

Faster than you thought was possible, he gripped the hem and drew you towards him, making your smaller form crash against him, your lips barely touching his while he leaned to be at your height.

“Do I look like I care about what he likes? Not even you care about it.” His grip on the dress had softened unconsciously. “I know all you wanted to do was to make me all bothered, except you did not think I'd fix that with someone else, someone better.”

With all your strength, you pushed him back by his chest –which only caused him to take three steps back of pure shock– and your right hand landed on his face with a SMACK!

If his eyes were dark before, now they were on fire. Anger and something else that you couldn't decipher radiated from his pupils.

“Fuck you, Barnes.” Your voice, nothing but poison.

Bucky started to shorten the distance again and you didn't know what to expect: Him yelling at you? A punch? Both? Either way, you were prepared for anything.

Or so you thought.

His metal hand took you by the waist pressing your bodies together and his flesh hand traveled to the back of your head to push your face to his in a hungry kiss.

At first, you were surprised. That was not the kind of smack you were wanting for. Not that you were complaining.

His tongue wanted to make its way inside your mouth but you wouldn't open it, so he took a handful of your hair and pulled, making you whine at the feeling and finally parting your lips just enough for him to do as he pleased.

You tried to resist, how much you wanted to but oh, if it was impossible. So you let yourself get lost in the kiss.

The familiar sensation in your lower belly and the way your legs trembled told you that you were fucked and before you knew it, you were gasping for air. Seemingly, you had forgotten how to breathe while Bucky's lips devoured yours in such a feral way.

With a quick movement, Bucky let go of your hip and hair and his hands went directly to the back of your thighs, indicating you to jump and cross your feet on his lower back, which you did gracefully despite the amount of alcohol in your system.

At no point your lips separated, not that any of your wanted them to.

Your hands intertwined in the back of his neck and pulled his hair softly making him groan in your mouth. It was not difficult to get rid of the hair tie, and once it was gone, Bucky's hair fell to the sides, brushing your face.

Bucky moved to the bed and sat on it, keeping you on his lap, straddling him. His hands moved all along your legs, just the way you imagined he did with his friendly friend back in the party and your blood boiled.

Pulling his hair again, but with more strength this time, you separated his face from yours, looking into his eyes with what he interpreted as disgust.

“Really think that Barbie is better than me?” you asked, your heavy breathing causing your breast to rise ang go down rapidly.

Bucky smirked, clearly enjoying the view of you asking such a thing. “You know I don't, doll. Just gotta make sure you don't forget I'm better than him.”

Having said that, the sound of a zipper opening was audible and soon the cold air of the room hit your back.

You recognized the feeling of Bucky's hands traveling from your thighs to your waist under the dress, to end up pulling it off of your body and tossing it across the room. It, falling right in the same spot they always did. Your lips, only separated when you rose your arms to take off the dress.

It was Bucky's turn to pull away, eyes glued to your bra. Its intense red color was driving him crazy, but not as much as the thong, which was far from being a proper piece of underwear, covering your drenching cunt.

With a quick movement, Bucky undid your bra, letting it fall past the bed with the fifty dollars slipping right after. And as if you didn't feel too exposed already, his hands ripped the thin sides of your remaining clothing, dragging it from behind, causing the fabric to rub against your clit roughly. You closed your eyes when a moan escaped your lips.

The sound of the fabric tearing apart bringing a memory of that night you were feeling waisted.

“Hey! Those were my favorite!” you had said right after he ripped your baby pink lace panties.

“Not anymore.”

Bucky's lips traveled from your jaw to your neck, finding that spot that had you trembling in his lap.

Deciding he was wearing too much clothes, your hands found their way from his still covered shoulders to his chest, looking for the first button, willing to unfasten it but once you realized it was going to be a more difficult task than you had expected, you decided to give him a payback for what he did a few weeks before.

Grabbing the shirt tightly, you pulled it, causing the buttons to fly out in all directions, clacking against the walls and floor.

“Are you kidding?” Bucky's mouth was no longer on you. “It was really expensive!” His eyes, telling you he wasn't lying. You almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

“Not anymore.”

A knowing look took over his face. He also remembered.

“Nice one, doll. Let's see what else we can reprise from that day.”

Taking you by your ass and making you gasp, he stood up and turned to the bed, throwing you into the center of the soft mattress the second he was fully facing it. You felt small compared to him, his big frame taking off the now useless shirt obstructing the view of the rest of the room for you.

Watching him undo his belt and pushing down his pants and boxers at the same time was too much for you to witness. You closed your legs trying to relieve the sensation between them.

“No, doll. Don't do that, that's why I'm here.”

His palms massaged your ankles, both flesh and metal hands cold, taking off your heels.

His delicate touch was killing you, you wanted him to go higher, to go faster, to touch you where you needed him the most.

And it was as if he read your mind. His face lowered to rub his nose against your left leg, placing a kiss in your ankle and traveling up your thigh with his chin rubbing your skin. His facial hair tickled you but you didn't mind. You liked the feeling.

His face was at the height of your core and he knew by the way you buckled your hips that you were soaked. He didn't need to check to be sure, he could smell it.

Wet kisses and purple hickeys adorned your stomach by the time his mouth reached your breasts. One, he massaged with his metal hand, the coldness provoking goosebumps to run all over your body. The other was being attacked by his tongue and sucking lips.

When his teeth bit your nipple, your back arched and one of your legs slightly raised having minimal contact with Bucky's hard dick. The pressure of your chest against Bucky's mouth, muffled a groan coming from his throat.

With a soft pop he released your tit. “You know?” he asked, opening your legs and positioning himself between them. “As much as I'd love to take my sweet time with you, I can't wait to fuck you into oblivion.”

His tip was leaking precum already, you swore you saw his member twitch the second you bit your lower lip.

He started teasing you, rubbing his shaft from your entrance to your clit repeatedly, coating himself with your juices.

“For God's sake, Barnes, just do it!”

That was everything he needed to hear to finally enter you, stretching you out with his hardness without any warning.

A loud scream was swallowed by Bucky's lips when he leaned to kiss you. Tongues fighting for dominance in a heated battle.

His vibranium hand had yours pinned above your head, immobilizing them and keeping you from moving, from touching him. Flesh hand next to your head, preventing his full weight from crashing you.

Seconds passed until he felt your body adapting and accepting the new intruder, that's when he began to move, a slow pace at first, it felt like he wanted to make sure you were really there, too caught up in the painful pleasure he was feeling.

He separated from your face, enjoying the moment, you were just fascinated looking at his expression.

When a particular deep trust hit your g spot, the moan that left your mouth brought Bucky back to reality. His eyes opened in a snap and what you saw in them made you want to run away from that room and to stay under him forever at the same time.

Lust and hunger danced on his eyes, fire and need distilling from his pores.

The concentration look in Bucky's face gave you the second best idea of the night.

“C'mon, Barnes.” Containing a cry, you murmured. “I know you can do better.” Saying that you knew was more of an affirmation than a comment in the heat of the moment.

An arrogant smile drawn on Bucky's lips was followed by him quickening his pace. His now warm metal hand let go of yours to take control over your hips that were bucking up to meet his, accompanied with the hoarse sounds coming out of your mouth. He pinned you down with his fingers buried in your flesh, surely leaving some dark bruises to remember his excellent performance.

One of your hands flew back, trying to hold onto something for dear life while the other scratched, with black painted nails, Bucky's back. Meanwhile, he kept pounding you harder with each trust.

“You like it, baby girl? Bet Sam can't do it as good.” His words were dry, forcefully said along with one of his hands finding you where your bodies connected and pressing your clit roughly to prove a point.

It was talking all of you to find a coherent sentence to give as an answer. The way his body slammed yours, creating a delicious clapping sound, having your full attention.

“Wouldn't be so sure about that.” You almost whispered in a voice you didn't recognize as yours.

“Really?” One particular deep trust hit that sweet spot again making you arch your back and clench around him. A high pitched sound leaving your lips and a low groan leaving his. “Cause, from where I see it, it is me who's giving you the time of your life.”

He repeated the action again and again. Your breasts bounced up every time your bodies collided.

“Fuck.” Bucky's lips kissed your shoulder, his breath made you shiver and the feeling of his teeth grazing your hot skin causing a new memory to pop in your brain.

“God, you're perfect.” His hands squished your butt cheeks and moved you up and down to keep you riding him.

“Is that what you say to all the girls you get laid with?” You rolled your hips, challenging him to tell you.

“I've only said that to you, doll.” His words muffled in your neck followed by an assault of bites and dark marks.

He resumed the movement of his fingers against your clit, faster and applying more pressure this time.

“Ugh, just like that, yeeees!” A single tear of ecstasy fell from your eye, ruining the white pillowcase with the smallest stain of eyeliner.

As pleasure took over your body, you struggled to keep your eyes open. Your mouth parted and let a sinful groan fall from it when your orgasm finally hit you.

“Yes, baby girl, cum for me.”

Your clenching walls enveloped him so tight that his movements faltered for a second. He quickened the pace, riding you out of your release and spilling inside you, coating you with his seed.

An experimental trust before he pulled out of you made you cry out. Both your juices and his cum dripping in the now ruined bed.

Bucky rolled to his side and pulled you closer to him, embracing you in a hug. Your breathing, slowly returning to normal.

“Damn, we're gonna regret this in the morning.” You affirmed half asleep, resting your head on Bucky's chest.

Your head position didn't let you see Bucky's sad smile. “Yeah, we will.”

Once you turned your whole body to Bucky you couldn't hide the confused look that took over your face. You didn't remember how you got there, let alone why you were there. Why was it happening to you again?

Watching him like that, so peaceful, it almost made you feel bad for what you were about to do.

“My God, Barnes, let go of me!” you said loud enough to make him open a lazy eye trying to focus on you, the sound of your own voice increasing the pain in your head.

“What are you doing here?” His raspy voice did things to you in ways it shouldn't.

“That's an excellent question. I'd like to know the answer too.”

He sat, the sheet falling from his shoulders to where his public hair started. Immediately, you turned to the ceiling.

“Last thing I remember is you dancing that silly Friends routine with Sam and then… a smell of coconut.” That was the scent of your body wash.

You knew you were naked, except your brain didn't process what that meant until then.

“Ugh, not again.” You covered your face with your hands, trying to keep the sheets at the height of your chest with your arms to cover it as much as possible. “This can't keep happening.”

“Why not?” His question was followed by a yawning. “It is always good to wake up to your back pressed against me.”

[satrangee-ray]

The Snack of a Lifetime

Book: Open Heart 3 and beyond.

Pairing(s): Ethan × NB!MC {Dr Inara Hepburn (she/they)}.

Rating: Teen+

Summary: Inara barges into the DT room with some obnoxious snacks to force Ethan into taking a break. But is that all they have in mind, or will their brilliant plan saved for later take him by pleasant surprise?

Category: Fluff, banter, life decisions and celebrations 🎉😁✌.

Trope: Weddings and Proposals.

Warning(s): one or two swear words, mention of a sex act.

Writer's note: By the time this starts, Ethan and MC have already said their 'I love you's, are in a committed relationship, and more or less everyone knows about it. In my original HC for Inara and Ethan they don't get married this early, so this is kind of an AU cause I really wanted to write a proposal fic. Also the whole lawsuit drama didn't happen, cause I said so, and most sane people would agree.

Ethan wasn't used to receiving.

It was apparent in the way he interacted with the world, immediately getting suspicious of anyone who would remotely extend some sort of courtesy towards him. 

He knew if he ever wanted to have something for himself, no one but he would have to take initiative to go get it. And for two-way processes like relationships, he had no belief whatsoever on the legitimacy of such things.

That was until Inara waltzed into his life, and amazed him with the possibility that he could be on the receiving end of good things without having to worry about any strings attached. Be it love, or a blowjob, or "care", as he previously liked to call it– the best things life ever had to offer were simply falling into his lap, and he couldn't find himself complaining.

Inara cared, in the truest sense of the word.

She cared enough to take off his glasses and cover him up in warm blankets, whenever he would fall asleep with an open medical journal in his hands. She cared enough to know just how he liked his coffee, or to school his scotch habits whenever they would get a little out of hand. And presently, she cared enough to let him work overtime, by agreeing to grab lunch with Tobias instead.

Ethan couldn't afford to take breaks. These days, he had to work even in between shifts, to finish editing his second medical book decently before it's approaching release date.

.

.

(One month before Inara's board exams)

.

The diagnostics office sat deserted, except for one doctor. A wooden desk, with papers sprawled all around. Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose, as he kept his glasses aside.

Suddenly the office door swung open, and three figures strolled in. Two practically tumbled, giggling overenthusiastically. The third one was Harper, who calmly walked in holding a tray, and shook her head with an amused expression.

Ethan looked up, and saw Tobias and Inara, each triumphantly holding up all their 10 fingers at him.

"Ring Chips!" Inara squealed, running towards Ethan. "Si baked these last night, and brought them as extra snacks for her fourteen hour shift today, but of course, we managed to hog some. So dig in!"

Ethan cautiously eyed the bright yellow crisps looped through Inara's fingers, and said, "you're not expecting me to eat those atrocities, are you?"

"Did you just call Sienna's baked goods an atrocity? That's wrong on so many levels E, lemme just get her on the phone..."

"NO", Ethan replied on high alert.

"That's what I thought. Cause bold words for someone who struggles even with a pancake."

Tobias and Harper chuckled, struggling in vain to stifle it.

"Fine, give me one here", Ethan said, extending his hand towards Harper's tray which contained the particular baked snacks.

"Nope, that's not the way", Inara stopped him, slapping his hand. "If you're doing this, you gotta do it right."

A loud exhale escaped Ethan. "What now, Rookie?"

"E, you can't just pick one chip and eat it, okay? You gotta slip it through your finger, and try to grab it with your mouth, the childhood nostalgia way. Like this."

Inara brought their hand to their mouth, and swallowed one whole finger, sucking on it until the chip looped through it flew backwards into their mouth. They proceeded to chew on it, staring straight into Ethan's eyes. 

He was so screwed. 

Turning away from Inara's gaze with tremendous effort, he wordlessly picked up a chip loop from the tray and tried to slip it into his finger.

"Too small", Tobias remarked, and handed him another. "Try a bigger one."

This time the ring effortlessly slipped through his finger, sitting perfectly at it's base. Ethan stared at it, perplexed, for a few moments.

"Yes! Now consume it with your mouth", Inara's excited cheers continued.

Harper couldn't hold in a scoff, while the youngest doctor in the room remained blissfully unaware of the implications of their phrase.

Ethan's mouth opened in protest, but he realized it's futility immediately and decided to close it. Scrunching up his entire face, in disbelief that he was actually doing this, he lowered his head, and slowly raised his hand to his face.

When his finger holding the chip was well within his reach, he opened his mouth once again to grab it. But just when he was about to take the bite, Inara acted quickly and slipped the chip out of his finger, causing Ethan to bite into his own skin instead. 

"Aahh, Nars what the hell! Are you nuts?"

The three other doctors in the room unabashedly cracked up now, not bothering to hide their glee in Ethan being tortured like that.

Inara began stroking his beard softly, before leaving a quick kiss on his cheek.

Shades of light pink took over it in response.

"You should have acted faster, honey", Inara said, taking his hands into theirs. Another gentle peck landed on his lips.

"Now I'm already running late, there's this patient I have to check on, gotta yeet. But you better finish the rest of those snacks, along with the real food we brought you for lunch, and for God's sake, please look up from those damn papers for five minutes, and take a freakin' chill pill!" 

The last words were shouted as they rushed out the door.

Ethan and Tobias sighed.

"They're the best thing that has ever happened to you"

"Indeed", Ethan said in earnest. "I'll be very inclined to agree."

.

.

(Four months after Inara's board exams)

.

The gorgeous venue sparkled with chandeliers and boujee people in expensive suits. Small round tables, aesthetic chairs, congratulations in order everywhere. No, it wasn't the medical industry's 'it' couple getting married, it was the 'it' doctor, and the chief of medicine's second book getting launched instead. 

Ethan had walked into the Edenbrook atrium that morning like it was a war zone. His expression still spelt terror, as he uneasily shifted his glance between some of his guests, shooting small, forced smiles their way.

"Why do we always have to do this?", he had asked Naveen. "Why couldn't we just release the damn book in stores? Why host a useless social gathering with forty thousand rich snobs who are only any good at showing off and draining your energy?"

Naveen had shook his head and hit him with an assertive "it's necessary."

So currently, Ethan stood awkward to his bones, in the middle of this necessary evil. Until, a certain presence near the door cued him to look up.

It was them.

Pantsuit in a sinful vermillion, the colour glowing bright against their skin. Red bottom wedges, that only aided their boss status. Brunette locks framing their face, so impeccably contrasting the emerald eyes looking affectionately back at him. Those, which never failed to take his breath away.

Inara Hepburn.

His giver, his lover, his Rookie.

And Ethan couldn't be more mesmerized, or reassured.

"Need some help picking your jaw off the floor, Ramsey?" Inara quipped, as they strode towards Ethan, torturously slow.

"I– well…", he stammered, before clearing his throat. "Is that look the reason why you chose to arrive 'fashionably late', and drive separately to my book launch from our own apartment?"

"Yeah, definitely the look, but I daresay some other things as well", they said, placing a playful hand on Ethan's chest. "You'll soon find out."

He smiled warmly at them. "Is that a challenge?"

"Have you ever backed down from one?"

A reckless mistake of letting his eyes slip to their lips, and Ethan couldn't wait any longer. He wrapped his arms around their waist, kissing them hard and deep. Drinking in their mouth, their warmth, their sensations. Aching to draw as much energy as he could to power through this event, from his greatest source of confidence, his only constant supporter. 

"I love you so much, Rookie", he panted, after the kiss broke off.

"Some brand new information there", teased Inara, bumping their nose into his. "You know I love you too, E. Now tell me what's bothering you."

Ethan pulled back swiftly at that, and stared at them in astonishment.

"What?"

"What 'what'? It was all over your face when I entered, and you still don't look quite alright. What's wrong, love? I don't recall you being afraid of public speaking!"

"I'd address an audience in my dreams! I just don't understand what's up with these people who come up individually to congratulate me, and purposefully try to expand those two lines into a whole one-on-one conversation. Scandalous!"

Inara nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Such a mood, b*tch, such a mood."

Peels of laughter were shared again, at their effortless mutual understanding, and at the usage of Inara's all time favourite nickname.

"All the best", they wished, shaking him by the lapels of his coat. "Get out there, and kill it!"

.

.

.

About an hour later, applause sounded from every corner of the atrium. Ethan beamed, as he finished reading the last line of a snippet about his latest research from his book.

Clapping proudly from the crowds was Inara, a lover on a mission.

"Thank you everyone, for joining me here today", Ethan said, amongst cheers and buzzing words of encouragement from fellow doctors and other esteemed medical personalities. "I hope I will be able to add value to patient-care through my efforts behind this book. There are some people I would like to specifically thank for being of immense help on my journey till here, so let's begin. Dad, thank you so much for coming to support me. Means a lot. Maybe because of my personal outlook, I could never comprehend your brand of unconditional love, which you so freely offer without actively needing me to work for it. I know now how valuable and rare that is, and how it has helped me grow into the man I am today. For that I will always be grateful. Naveen, thank you so much. You know if I start listing 'what for', I won't finish."

A lighthearted chuckle spread among the crowd.

"You always keep saying my success is my own, but I firmly believe there was no way I would have been the doctor I am without your help and guidance. Thank you for being the excellent mentor and leader by example that you are, you still motivate me to become better everyday. And, last but not the least… Inara."

All eyes in the audience shifted towards one young attending, who was clutching her glass out of giddiness.

"I really want to say thank you, but those two words will never be able to express the amount of gratitude I hold towards you. Before you, my life was only ever about blacks and whites. Giving my everything into medicine, working late nights and coming back to an empty apartment with scotch in my hand, I thought I was doing it all right. But when I met you, got to know you, I… you left me in utter awe of who you are, both as a professional and as a person. I couldn't stop myself from falling in love, and in respect, with your brain, your mind, and your soul. I am so glad you were patient with me while I was busy trying to deny it. You continued to show that patience even until recently, when I was all cranky with writer's block. Now I know the great Dr. Inara Hepburn is also a published novel writer, so of course that bit might have come out of empathy, but nonetheless, I'm thankful for it. Today, I'm about to release a book I put my all into, the information in which might hopefully change the face of what I'm most passionate about – public healthcare, for the better. And I'd rather not share this moment with anyone else. So Inara, would you please honour me by coming up on stage to receive the first ever copy of 'Prognosis and Evaluation'?"

Inara couldn't speak, stunned into silence for a bit. They had no idea Ethan would be the one for emotional public speeches, and here they were, utterly moved, in for another surprise. So would he be, soon, they reasoned in their head, and gathered themselves. Keeping their drink aside on a table, they strode towards the stage, eyes shining with pride, love, and determination.

Determination to get this right.

Ethan took their hand as soon as they stepped on the first stair, and led them upstage. 

A copy of the book, new and shining, was lying, all theirs to hold.

'Prognosis and Evaluation: A comprehensive study.'

Their heart swelled at the words written on the first page of the book.

Typical Ethan's handwriting, somehow neat and gibberish at the same time.

'My love, my north star, I promise to never let you down' - Dr Ramsey Ethan <3.

Tears. Instantly, a whole lot of them rolled down their cheeks. They clutched the book hard and hugged it to their chest, holding on tight. Ethan held them in turn, locking their shaking frame in his embrace, as the crowd broke into a unanimous applause.

"E, I don't know what to say", Inara began, on being handed over the mic. "Si would have cried so much if she were present here, Naveen's already crying."

Their grandmentor smiled back at them through his tears.

"The thing is, I love success. I love standing in the spotlight, having my own life, and earning my own achievements. Despite that, there is always a deeper warmth in standing next to someone you love, when they accomplish great things, and shouting "my person!" Today, you've given me that opportunity, and I'm so grateful to you for it. I'm proud of you for believing in yourself, and speaking your voice not as a "mechanism of coping with the means of this corrupt world", but as a means to bring genuine change because you believe you can. I've always seen you try so hard to never let your loved ones down, and that effort is what I'm so here for. People like you are rare, and I'm glad I got one to myself, to constantly cheerlead for, now and as long as you'll have me. I'll never leave your side, Ethan. I'd love us to forever be each other's hype person. Not just in practice, but also… officially."

Three distinct gasps were heard in the room.

Alan, Naveen and Tobias let their pinkies lock into each other.

Ethan's eyes widened, as he took in the meaning behind their words, starting to sense what might be coming.

Doubt. Disbelief. Shock. Anticipation.

In the next moment, they were down on one knee.

"Ethan Jonah freaking Ramsey, will you marry me?"

Dead silence in the entire room, everyone taking in what just happened.

Ethan's hands flew to his mouth.

Minutes passed.

One… two… and five...

No one said a word.

Eventually, the entire audience burst into cheers and jubilation. Even in such a formal event as that, quite a few wayward whistles were heard.

And then there was the man of the hour, standing centre stage, shell shocked. Still trying to process everything.

"Inara... Rookie, I–"

He couldn't. Form words or coherent sentences. His entire focus was on the person and the tiny blue box in front of him.

"There's a ring in there for real?"

'Shit', he cursed internally. What a ridiculous question.

Of course this was real. Their love was real, they were real. He was to get married. What? Wow. Really?

Of course there would be a ring for real.

"Depends", Inara said with a wink. "On whether or not you say yes."

"Come on Ethan!" 

Encouragements burst from his acquaintances in the crowd, imploring him to say yes. His three musketeers, however, were heard the loudest.

'Yes', Ethan thought to himself. 'Yes.'

He had to say it.

"Yes", he tried whispering under his breath.

A first time, then a second.

"Yes. YES OF COURSE I’LL MARRY YOU!"

He exclaimed those words in ecstacy before dropping down on his knees as well, and pulled his lover in against him. He engulfed her in his arms, holding her so tight, it could knock the breath out of his chest. 

"Yes Inara, it would mean the world to me if I could marry you", he whispered again into her ear.

"Good thing I asked then, E", Inara whispered back, before squeezing him one last time and pulling away. 

"Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring!", the crowd chanted.

The widest smile ever was shot their way, as Inara once again took hold of the navy box. She waited for both of them to steady themselves, and Ethan found himself holding his breath. 

At last, the cover of the ring case slowly lifted, to reveal… 

A bright yellow ring chip sitting right into the slit of the fabric in the case. 

Confused noises of varying degrees filled the room. Only Naveen, Tobias and Alan watched the whole scene unfold with a twinkle in their eye.

Meanwhile, Ethan's expression progressed from utter cluelessness to gradual realization.

Oh! That ring.

"Wait, how did– how come that snack didn't rot in all these days?"

"Of course it did, love. Our original measuring tape probably decomposed long ago in some trash bin outside a gold shop, after having done its job. This is merely a replica, but you can call it a token."

"Nars… what do you mean?"

"I mean…", Inara said, inserting her hand into her suit pocket, to pull out a sparkling golden band, complete with five little diamonds on top. "May I have your hand?"

"Readily, Rookie… you already have my heart. Always, for as long as you'll have me."

Ethan placed his shivering palm on Inara's steady hand, and she took the opportunity to slip the golden band through his ring finger.

A perfect fit. 

With tears in his eyes, Ethan agreed.

"I'm getting married to you."

"I'm getting married to you!"

Inara squealed at the prospect, and Ethan decided on sealing their joyous sentiment by crashing his lips onto hers in a searing kiss.

The audience went wild, but they were all forgotten in the minds of the lovebirds.

"I can't believe I get to call you fiancé", Ethan wondered in amazement.

"Me neither", said Inara, joining their foreheads together. 

"Say what, we should ask Sienna to bake our wedding cake. Three tier, with a big old fondant ring chip on top."

"What? Ethan Ramsey wants a huge a** fondant snack on the top of his wedding cake! Are you sure he's okay?"

"Yes, he is, and he would do anything for his fiancé!"

With moist eyes and full hearts, they buried themselves again in each other's holds.

This time, with a mutual promise of a forever.

F I N.

Oukay so this happened. I kinda posted it. Shh, I need to breathe.

Thank you so much for reading, if you've made it this far. I hope I haven't damaged too many of your braincells.

Thank you @gaeipsstuff for naming Ethan's book. I would have never, seriously! Thanks for proofreading and giving a detailed analysis, it came extremely handy during the my edit sessions. Thank you @adiehardfan, @jeetushmannfeelz, you know if it wasn't for the both of you, this wouldn't be up on my Tumblr.

This is my first proper OH fic, with an actual story and shenanigans, so I've been super apprehensive about this. Hence, it would mean a real lot to me if you could tell me how you found it. Stay safe, do what you love, stan pixelated characters, and take hugs. Peace✌.

Tagging: @adiehardfan @irisofpurple @barbean

Others kindly let me know if you wanna be tagged!

[dsmadmin]

#MarkOfCain

Written By @DeanWinchester_ @KingOfHell_DSM & @AngelicOperator

The air cold around his lifeless body, encased in darkness. Silence and peace for one rare moment. He'd sought relief from the constant pain knowing he'd gave everything he had left to flee it. A red glow slowly lit the tomb his flesh burning as the demanded payment. Moments later he took a breath, eyes opened looking inhuman. Black and lifeless orbs had replaced the hazel irises. Lifting his right hand to peer at the burning mark. He was closed inside something, putting his hands against the stone cover he shoved hard to the left and sent the stone slab hurling off and hitting hard floor cracking down the middle. Sitting up he pulled the gauze away and climbed out of the coffin. Cracking his neck he looked around adjusting to this void of feeling. There was no pain just quiet. @KingOfHell_DSM

Crowley - •Crowley sat on his throne. Demon after demon complaining about something. Lucifer was out, doing hell knows what. But it played his favor. He could run Hell as he saw fit. It was what he wanted. To command and hold onto the power of the tortured souls of Hell. At this moment. He feared nothing, sure there were things that could kill him. But when his plan falls into place. It will be hard to take him out.

A smirk spread across his lips.* And there it is. What I was waiting for. *The mark of Cain had been a perfect plan. He just had to wait. And it looked like he didn’t have to wait long. With the power of his mind he called.* Come home.

Colt - -Instinctively he disappeared from the cavern and reappeared in hell's throne room. Black eyes focused on Crowley not even acknowledging the demons in the room.-

Crowley - Well..well...Colt Winchester. You surprise me. Already got yourself killed. •he chuckled and stood from his throne.• Leave us. •he ordered the other demons away. They bowed and left the room.• You have made my day I must say. •he walked down to him, standing before him. Oh his plan was falling into place. The key piece had always been Colt Winchester. And now he had him. And he wouldn’t let him go.• Follow me, I have something for you. •he walked around him and to the door. Opening it and stepping out.• I do believe you’ll love this gift. The mark is nothing without it. •hands placed behind his back. He walked through the halls of Hell. To the room where all relics are held. Stepping inside he looked through the mess of relics for the first blade.•

Colt- No speaking he turned and obediently followed, the demons they passed moved the fuck bad whispering to themselves. The torches flickered lighting the way of what seemed to be an endless corridor. Walking in behind Crowley he stood watching, recognizing a few items laying around from the many years of hunting. Lucifer came to mind for a split second but he didn't care anymore so he didn't ask if the angel had returned yet.

Crowley - The first blade laid in a box with magical ruins, that only Crowley could open. When he found it, he wasn’t about to let it just lay around. He whispered words of magic. The box, glowed a deathly black and purple. Lifting the lid, there nestled in a blood red cushion was the

first blade. Made from the bone of a donkey’s jaw. Cain had once held it. And now, now it was for the mark bearer. He gripped it, pulling it from the box. Turning he walked back to Colt.• This is what you will use. You will find it will suit you. •offering it to Colt.• Now, you will get to see some very dear people. •chuckling• Oh to see their faces. You, Colt Winchester, are you to bathe in blood. Even the blood of your family. Unless of course they play nicely.

Colt - Keen eyes never left the demon, taking hold of the gruesome looking blade he felt a surge of power. But more prevalent was the desire to kill. The mention of “family” made him look back up at Crowley his face stoic. A dead man has no family.

Crowley - It much of a talker are you? •chuckles, oh it would priceless to see the faces of his family. When the time came.• Let us first leave a little mark on the world. •motioning him to follow.• There is a prophet. That is highly guarded. He has been such a throne in my side. he lives in New Orleans. Care to have a little fun? •smirks• We will go and find him. You, •points to him.• Are going to kill him, in the bloodiest way possible.

Colt - Falling into step beside him.- I’d be happy to oblige. What makes him hard to find? Is he hidden with magic?

Crowley - •nods as the walk back to throne room.• Yes, strong magic that most demons can’t get through. But you, are different from all other demons. He has a family, they will have to be killed as well. Don’t need them running off and telling now do we? You have to brake the through the wards. I might suspect that hunters might be guarding him as well. Those are another pain in my ass. If there are any there. Take them out as well. It will get back to the other hunters in time.

Colt - No witnesses. Understood.

Crowley - nods, with a smirk. Oh this was going to perfect. Getting back to the throne room. He picked up a file, handing it to Colt.• Here is what was able to be gathered on him. •it was a small thin file.• James Conrad, 38. New Orleans, LA. I’ve explained what I know. He lives just outside the city. Once you’re caught up. We will leave.

Colt - Colt listened but didn’t really give a shit. He could finally breathe without some bullshit theatrics. When emotions aren’t a factor anymore life becomes crystal fucking clear. He’d been an idiot for looking for Jake all these years. He’d been an idiot holding on to hope their family would be fixed or atleast somewhat together. Never again would he bother with him or his bullshit. He was beyond done. Maybe a little guilt was left getting Qhuinn involved. Although Qhuinn hadn’t taken no for an answer either, so the guilt wasn’t just his to bear. He disappeared only to reappear with Crowley outside the “prophets” home. As he let go of the shit from his human life he concentrated on the job in front of him. Clutching the blade he looked at the property. Head tilting to the side as he listened and felt the power radiating off the angels on the property.- There’s three. I’ll be back. -With that he tried to materialize right inside the house but they’d put up wards. He tried to push through the invisible wall but it made little difference. So he put his blade away and disappeared, this time he reappeared and held a woman he’d grabbed from the sidewalk in town.- Here little piggy... come out, come out wherever you are! -Colt held the blade to the bitches throat.- Come on you chicken shit douchebags, I’m gonna cut her throat and continue to cut throats till you assholes come out and we handle this face to face... -The woman struggled against his grasp, whimpering and completely fucking pathetic. He wanted to tell her she was absolutely freaking ridiculous but theatrics...- Five! Four! -The woman screamed begging to be let go. - Three! -A high pitched sound rang in Colt’s ears and thrill went down his spine. The blade ran across her throat and blood sprayed from her carotid artery.- Whoops, my bad! You guys really should come on out! She looks like a fish out of water! God doesn’t care and the angels are dick bags... -The woman dropped to the ground trying to stop the blood but to late because her heart was pumping faster now and the crimson spray was relieving her of the vital fluid. Colt listened, to her last gasps.- To late! I can do this all week! -Poofs, this time the local pastor.- Pastor, do you believe in god? Angels? -His eyes black as midnight.- “I do. Let me pray for, God can help you.” -Colt laughed with no true emotion at all.- Sorry, that boat has sailed. You’re going to die by my hand if the angels don’t appear. If they appear I et you go, if they don’t I’m going to use your intestines for early Christmas decorations on this tree right here.

Ethan - -Ethan had heard rumors that Colt had now become a full fledged demon and now he knows it’s true.

With a soft fluttering of wings, he appears a few feet away from him and a man begging for his life. There is a small trip of blood running *trail down the mans neck where the first blade had made a nick in his skin.-

Colt! Put that down! What has happened to you?

-Ethans voice is commanding and firm, although he is falling apart inside.-

Colt - Ohhh fuckin' heaven does have a sense of humor. -Pat's the pastor on top of the head and shoves him away.- This isn't your fight big guy... and I'd -Starting to circle Ethan.- take a fuckin' vacation for awhile. Consider it some good advice from an old friend. -Jerks a thumb towards the house.- See some of your kin is inside and they're pissing me off. I have a job to do. So bug out or tell the rest of them to hand over the prophet... but either way I'm going to kill them all. If they cooperate I promise to make it fast and painless if not... I'm k ill em' -voice-changing to a more demonic tone.- slowly. I like the screams... I hope they fight back. -Smirks-

Ethan - -Ethan glances over at the pastor who is making a fast getaway, running down the street. Satisfied, he turns his attention back to the demon who has taken over Colt who is circling around him. Ethan crosses his arms across his chest-

Frankly, I’m not impressed. I don’t think You can get inside or you you’d already have done it.

How about you nix the badass routine and we sit down and figure shit out?

-Ethan knows he’s wasting his time, but he feels like he’s gotta try.-

Colt - -Laughs- Matter of time, the body count will rise or I'll bust through this magic. I bet I can drag a witch out here to help. It's cute you're trying to stop me. -Moves closer.- Are you hard? Cause I am. Reminds me of all those fights. I don't want to kill you, no I want you to live. -Throws the blade and buries the tip in the ground.- But the question is how far will you go? I have a lot of clarity nowadays. Not burdened with that fucking heart-wrenching love for your ass. It's amazing how liberating being a demon is. -In reach, he looks up at him.- I've not broken anymore, this is me free of all that bullshit. You'd look so fucking hot in chains... wouldn't have to deal with the bitch version of my whining. I can see why you left, no hard feelings. Hell, I'd have left me too.

Ethan - You sure are a mouthy motherfucker aren’t you? I bet you even like to talk to yourself just to hear yourself talk. -shakes his head, not letting the demon get into his head. Eyeing the knife in the ground knowing its part of his strength-

Colt - -Laughs- You like my mouth.... go ahead, try it. You fastest Ethan? I don't think you are and if you're not careful I'll have to cut your throat, drain your grace.... Now there's an idea, Ethan, human just like Andrew had been. -Shoves him back.- Remember that night on the beach all romantic, just us. Well an Andrew... did you feel betrayed your vessel wanted me too? Cause you my deal angel have always been one jealous fucker. His whimpers were softer than yours... I guess that's where we got our tastes for threesomes huh? Andrew watching and feeling what we did to eachother.

Ethan - -Ethan is usually pretty chilled, but the demon’s words cut deep. Without thinking, he balled his fist and hit him hard with a right hook.- Shut the fuck up. Andrew is not a topic you can speak of.

-He’s working on a plan and is buying some time.-

Colt - -The angel wasn't using everything he had yet and Colt's spit blood from his mouth as he picked himself up off the ground and cracked his neck.- Why? Jealous? I always did like the tender, needy fuckers. I mean look at Jake. But you, you Ethan where on a whole other level, under all that bravado is a broken angel... so fucking sweet I could mmmm savor that forever... -Using his abilities appears behind him and throws an arm around his neck tightening down his hold.- Should we go somewhere private? So you don't have to act this way for your kin inside? See, they know I'll fucking kill them so they're hiding like the bitches they are and they're not gonna shed a tear if I put you down. Join us. We can rule this mutherfucker together. Come on baby... you know you like the dark side. -Licks his earlobe.-

Ethan - You have no damn idea what you’re talking about. So...how about you shut the fuck up. -vanishes from his grasp to appear in front of him.-

I’m giving you one more chance to end this peacefully. I’m tired of talking. -He stands as a warrior. He is the angel of strength and he’s going to show him why very damn soon.-

Colt - Peacefully? You’re a prude Ethan, I don’t want to be saved. -Baring teeth he lunged at the angel tackling to the ground. Colt began whaling on him. He was out for blood, the power of the blade was so strong and he held so much pain inside. And this angel represented a life he