#I've never seen anything like this before

[tarantulasagna]

The Sea-Wolf

Scene: The Ocean, 1942. Somewhere off the coast of Norway. We see a bright full moon over the fjords. The view travels down to the surface of the sea. The calm water is broken by a periscope- our first sight of the HMS TREBUCHET, a T-Class submarine. The name is seen on the bow as the view swings around the vessel, and in to the interior, where we see CAPTAIN HARRY MCHOWL operating the periscope. There is currently nothing about him to indicate that he is a WEREWOLF, aside from the fact that he is enormous, and Scottish.

Cpt. McHowl completes his rotation, and relaxes a little.

LIEUTENANT HORROCKS (Offscreen)

All quiet tonight, sir?

The two men are a stark visual contrast. Horrocks is every inch the English public school boy rolled through Dartmouth and into a uniform, tall, though not quite as tall as McHowl, and of slender build. He oozes an easy confidence. McHowl is a hulk of a man, having to duck under equipment and doorways, and with muscles to match. Having completed a sweep of the sea, he is now more relaxed.

Cpt. McHowl

No sign of anything.

He glances over at the sonar readout, where a RATING is monitoring the output with a screen and a pair of headphones.

Cpt. McHowl

No sound either. And with a bright full moon, they're not likely to slip by us.

Lt. Horrocks

I say, can you actually see the moon from here through that?

Cpt. McHowl

(Laughs) No, not with this. What, forgetting your tide charts?

Lt. Horrocks

(Light chuckle) No sir, just the sight of the moon. Don't you miss it?

Cpt. McHowl

The moon? Never given it much though, lieutenant.

There is quiet for a moment, as they check various instruments, and operate various controls, clearly operating as a well-practiced team. Eventually McHowl loses an internal battle with his curiosity and asks:

Cpt. McHowl

Why the moon? Sun, fresh air, good food… of all the things to miss, why the moon?

Lt. Horrocks checks how close the ratings are, and drops his voice a little.

Lt. Horrocks

(Light chuckle) Well sir… nothing like a nice romantic full moon to get a young lady in the mood, is there?

Cpt. McHowl supresses a flash of irritation, and gives a wry smile instead.

Cpt. McHowl

I'll have to take your word for that, Lieutenant.

Lt. Horrocks

(Surprised) Really? But surely you've… ah… I mean… sir.

He trails off in the face of a hard look from McHowl.

Cpt. McHowl

I suppose I've just never been a romantic, lieutenant.

Cpt. McHowl checks his watch.

Cpt. McHowl

Right, I'll be back in 6 hours. You have the watch, lieutenant.

Lt. Horrocks

Thank you sir. (Salutes, then holds out a hand) Very generous of you.

McHowl rolls his eyes and gives a short laugh.

Cpt. McHowl

Let's hope it stays quiet, Horrocks. It'll give you time to think of a second joke.

Captain McHowl moves through the submarine, exchanging rank-appropriate pleasantries with crew. We see that he is well liked, with people cheered by his presence, and him happily lending his considerable strength to the occasional task as he passes through. We also see how much larger he is than most of the rest of the crew- not abnormally so, but noticeable.

After a little while, he returns to his cabin -which is directly connected to the control room where he started, and he has clearly taken this little jaunt around part of the vessel just to interact with the crew- and enters. There is a beat, before he visibly relaxes, shakes and stretches.

He crosses to a wall by his bunk to where there is a calendar on the wall, next to two photographs of an attractive young woman, one either side. In one she is a WREN uniform, in the other in civilian clothes in the Scottish style popular at the time.

Cpt. McHowl

(Whistful) I'll see you soon, Morag.

He looks at the calendar, where the full moon marker has been circled. He checks his watch, and a chart pinned to the other side of the calendar with moonrise and set times.

Cpt McHowl

Hm, they'd be mad to try anything tonight.

He crosses out the square for the day, sets an alarm clock for 4 hours time, and settles down with a book of Highland folklore.

The view pulls out from his cabin to the sea, the HMS Trebuchet cutting through the water, and up to the bright full moon.

Pan down again to a Type 39 Torpedo Boat. Zoom in to the Captain's captain

Scene: Captain's cabin, interior. A small room of utilitarian design, sparsely decorated with a few political posters. The COMMANDANT (if that's the right rank) sits at his desk, examining an object (out of shot or blocked from view) and making some notes.

There is a knock at the door.

Commandant

Enter

Enter an ENSIGN

Ensign

Heil Hitler! (Salutes enthusiastically)

Commandant

Heil Hitler. (Salutes perfunctorily) What news?

Ensign

Rendezvous with the convoy in an hour sir. Maintaining radio silence.

Commandant

Good. That damned Sea-Wolf is out there somewhere. Best he doesn't find us.

Ensign

You mean the Trebuchet?

Commandant

I do… More shipping lost to them than any other submarine that we know of. But with this-

He waves the object at the Ensign; it is a steel plate coated with a complex layer of perforated rubber

Commandant

-We might turn the tide.

Ensign

What is it sir?

Commandant

An anechoic tile. Greatly reduces sonar and audio signature. Developed for submarines, primarily, but through some connections, we are now the test ship for a surface version.

Ensign

So we're invisible?

Commandant

Ha! I wish. No, we can still be seen, and heard, but harder to detect and target. If we can at least force them to stay periscope down, we should be very hard to hit. If they surface, we have them at our mercy.

Ensign

Sounds like we could do with some more ships like this.

Commandant

We could… care to guess what's on the cargo ship we’re on our way to meet?

Ensign (confused)

You can't fit a destroyer on a single steamer…

The commandant rolls his eyes

Commandant

The plates! Enough to refit half the fleet at Trondheim. We'll have the North Sea to ourselves in a matter of months, and with the technology proven…

He gestures at a map to encompass the whole ocean.

Ensign

A brilliant plan sir.

The ensign hesitates for a moment, then decides to say nothing- but the Commandant has noticed.

Commandant

There is something you wish to say?

Ensign

No… well, it just seems a little odd, sir. Why test it like this, and ship it up to us, rather than refit the fleet at Kiel and then try and secure the channel?

Commandant

Are you suggesting that this decision is less to do with strategic planning, and more to do with my niece being a member of Hitler's tennis club?

Ensign

I… what? No, sir!

Commandant

(Laughs) Relax! I'm joking, Ensign. They're testing some different designs. We're the second batch- more experimental. And I don't have a niece at Hitler's tennis club. Right, dismissed. Tell me when the convoy is in sight.

Ensign

Yes sir. Heil Hitler! (salutes, as before)

Commandant

Heil Hitler (combines a salute with a wave of dismissal)

He waits for Ensign to leave, then leans back in his chair.

Commandant (to himself)

Niece at Hitler's tennis club… Ha! It's a nephew who works for Goering's dressmaker.

He gets up, and walks to the window. He lights his pipe as he goes, opening the window once it is lit and smoking well.

Commandant

Alright, Englishman. I know you're out there somewhere… and I have had enough of you harrying my flock. Well, tonight the shepherds have new tools. Let us see you escape this time.

The wind whips the smoke from his pipe and out toward the sea. He shivers, slightly, but tightens his coat rather than retreat inside- until a second gust drives him back in, as it starts to whip around the papers on his desk, and he is forced to close the windows and head in to tidy up.

The scene returns to the HMS Trebuchet. Captain McHowl is finishing a light breakfast of poached eggs on toast in his cabin, while reading a letter. He is interrupted by knock on his door.

Cpt. Mc. Howl

Enter.

The door is opened by a RATING.

Rating

(Salutes) Ships sighted, sir. Looks like a German cargo ship and escort.

Cpt McHowl

Alright. Maintain distance, sweep for other forces on instruments. I'll be there in a moment.

The Rating salutes, and withdraws, closing the door behind him. Capt. McHowl carefully refolds the letter, returns it to an envelope, and tucks it back behind the picture of Morag in uniform. He glances at the door, and then at his unfinished breakfast. After a beat, he succumbs to impulse, turns round, grabs the plate and tips the remaining food down his throat in one go, drops the plate back on his desk, grabs his hat off the back of the door, and heads out, buttoning up his uniform as he goes.

Cut to the command room, where Lt Horrocks is in command, surrounded by other officers and sailors. He is hovering behind the two operating the periscope and the ASDIC. He turns and salutes as the captain enters.

Lt Horrocks

One cargo ship, two escort ships, formation bearing 30 west, mile and a half away

OFFICER

Intercept course plotted, sir.

He hands a sheet of paper and an Is-Was to Lt Horrocks.

Lt Horrocks

Thank you, Smethwick

He reads it, then passes it to McHowl

Lt Horrocks

Looks good to me. Permission to engage?

McHowl makes a show of studying the plan and thinking about it.

McHowl

Hmm... If we had more torpedoes left after that last attack... If we engage, we'll need to make it count. It'll spoil our streak if we don't get this one. (he switches from thoughtful to commanding in an instant) Bring us 5,000 yards off their course by the shortest route, then go deep and silent with torpedoes ready to attack at 2,000 yards. Let them come to us, then we'll slip in behind the first escort. Play it safe tonight, stay off the surface, one full salvo from dive and head home for resupply.

Lt Horrocks

We've still got the extra 2 torpedoes in the external aft tubes.

McHowl

I hope you're not suggesting that we sit around on the surface moving them to the front while in sight of a target?

Lt Horrocks

Well, no… but it's a second salvo if we need it.

McHowl

I'll bear that in mind, lieutenant.

Horrocks looks a little disappointed at the plan, but pleased that his suggestions is appreciated- completely failing to pick up on the fact that McHowl is just being polite. He salutes and starts giving relevant orders (down periscope, 60 degrees to port, ahead flank, etc.) McHowl observes all of this, checking his watch with a careful nonchalance, and a flicker of concern crosses his face as he sees there are still 4 hours to go before moonset. The worry passes, and he returns to a state of calm focus, preparing for the imminent ambush.

The submarine manoeuvres to position, and the crew wait in tense silence, periscope down, passive sensors only. McHowl keeps time with his pocket watch, while Horrocks watches the readout on the instruments, the sound audible to the audience. They all speak in hushed voices.

Lt Horrocks

First ship should be coming in range any minute now.

Capt. McHowl nods, but says nothing.

There is a long, tense pause.

Lt Horrocks

Come on... Where are you?

The sound coming through on the sensors increases in volume

OPERATOR

Should be in range now

A ripple of excitement runs through the command room.

Capt McHowl

Sonar.

A second operator switches on the sonar, and the immediately get a return.

SONAR OPERATOR

Ship detected, bearing 30 degrees starboard, 1700 yards.

Capt. McHowl

(focused) Right. The target should be behind by about-

Operator

Second signal detected

The ripple around the room is consternation, this time. Capt. McHowl raises the combat periscope and scans the horizon.

Capt. McHowl

They've closed formation. Target ship is slipping behind the first escort.

A ripple of frustration, etc.

Lt Horrocks

Can we pull round and get them from behind?

Captain McHowl is visibly torn, weighing risks and opportunities.

Capt. McHowl

If they know we're here, it'll be suicidal. Where's the second escort?

Operator

Nothing on sonar

Capt. McHowl

Periscope depth, slowly!

He returns to the periscope as they rise, tense music in the background.

Operator

At depth, sir.

McHowl raises the periscope and swivels to the right direction

Capt. McHowl

They've fallen back... No, they've turned back!

Lt Horrocks

Turned back?

Capt. McHowl

First one is dropping back more...

Lt Horrocks

One having to go back for some reason, the other closing distance for a closer guard?

Capt. McHowl

Could be... Could be a trap. And this isn't the night for a risk...

Lt Horrocks

Pardon?

Capt. McHowl

(realising he's let something slip) Slow ahead. Let's not miss an opportunity if we get one...

The crew are diverted by the call to action, but Horrocks retains an air of suspicion, having noticed the captain is trying to hide something.

The submarine advances, slowly, quietly, the crew operating with a collective furtive energy. Scenes of torpedoes being prepared and loaded, repair equipment being made ready, etc. Capt. McHowl remains at the periscope.

McHowl

Lead ship turning toward us! Full stop, go silent!

Silence descends on the submarine and all activity comes to a halt, dark, tense, the crew holding their breath.

We see two crewmen who have been left holding a torpedo that they were in the midst of loading when the silence order was given. They try to communicate silently how to put it down, but with their arms full of torpedo, can only mouth words and gesture with their heads. One moves to try and load it, the other is slow, and they narrowly avoid dropping it; after some more head shaking and nodding, they try again, this time roles reversed, the second one trying to push it forward, the first trying to lower it. Eventually they co-ordinate just putting it down, but slip at the last moment, dropping it to the deck with a clang. Not hugely loud, but enough that it echoes through the silent submarine quite noticeably.

Horrocks

(Whispered) Shit

McHowl

Shh!

They wait. Then;

McHowl

They're still turning!

Horrocks

What?

McHowl

They're turning back as well… They still don't know we're here…

Horrocks

Then let's hit them now!

McHowl

Why would both escorts turn back? Something isn't right here…

He pans the periscope in a roughly 50 degree arc.

Horrocks (checking instrument)

No signals on sonar or hydrophone. Maybe a rendezvous failed to arrive?

McHowl

Or is arriving any minute now…

Horrocks

Then let's hit them both while we have the chance and get out of here!

McHowl checks his watch again… and decides

McHowl

Attack speed, full salvo at 1300 yards, target the cargo ship as a priority, lead corvette as a secondary

The sub bursts in to life, engines hum back in to action (running on electric power while submerged at periscope depth? Or would they surface, close, dive, and fire? Scout around for someone who knows about submarine warfare on Reddit, or somewhere. Maybe an excuse to talk to some nautical people at work), and the HMS Trebuchet surges towards the ships.

We briefly see the oncoming sub from their perspective, panic arising as they start taking defensive action.

Shots fall in the water near the Trebuchet, but not enough to cause damage. Depth charges are launched but they fall short. The Trebuchet lines itself up, and fires a full salvo of 6 torpedoes. They streak through the water towards the two German ships, catching the cargo ship with several, and the escort with two.

McHowl

Turn us round and let's get out of here! And get those last 3 torpedoes loaded in case we run in to something on the way home.

More frantic activity as the sub turns. McHowl walks in a small circle to keep the periscope facing back toward their targets.

McHowl

Other escort returning… aft tubes stand ready. Whether they chase us, or head to the others, we'd best be ready…

They continue their retreat at full submerged speed, periscope down, watching the readings on the ASDIC. Cut between action shots on the submarine, and on the two hit German ships to speed through the passage of time.

McHowl

Stand ready to target as soon as they're close enough for a good salvo

Horrocks nods, and moves to stand next to the ASDIC station, while McHowl monitors various other stations and activity.

Horrocks

Target at 1800 yards, sir!

McHowl

Good enough!

He raises the periscope for final targeting, takes a bearing and performs a calculation with an Is-Was

McHowl

Gyro 10 degrees starboard, 15 degree spread. Fire!

We see the action as the torpedoes are loaded and launched, and follow them as they streak through the water. About 3/4 of the way there, we see the prow of the 4th ship emerge from behind the stricken cargo ship.

McHowl

There's a 4th ship! There's a 4th damn ship!

Horrocks stares at the ASDIC, exchange looks with the operator who shakes his head and shrugs.

Horrocks

Where, sir? There's nothing on instruments!

McHowl

What do you mean there's nothing…

He trails off, seeing from the readout that they are correct

McHowl

(Growled) Then what the hell am I seeing out there?

He drags Horrocks over to the scope.

Horrocks

I don't… I don't see…

McHowl

Just rounding the bow of the cargo ship! They've been hidden behind her from this angle.

Horrocks

I'm sorry sir, I don't... Ah! There! Looks like they're heading straight for us. still don't… Ah! There! Found them!

McHowl

Damn... Can't outrun them submerged, won't get away surfaced... get us turned round!

Horrocks

How did they creep up on us?

McHowl

Masked by the sound of the other ships, I'll bet. Especially at that range.

Horrocks

What if it's some new stealth... Thing?

McHowl

(Grunts, pauses, thinking)

We'll soon see. (giving orders) Dive and drop to half speed. Keep watch for them on all instruments. As soon as we have them, surface enough for a salvo, then dive again.

He continues tracking the oncoming ship as they submerge until they pass per, performing more calculations with the Is-Was and a slide rule.

McHowl

20 minutes till they're in sonar range. Keep up passive listening in the meantime

The 20 minutes pass (accelerated, cutting between shots of preparations, repairing minor damage from the earlier) fight, and tense waiting. Tense background music throughout.

McHowl

Come on... Where are they?

Horrocks

Nothing on sonar yet... Have they turned back?

McHowl

No... With us that close? Maybe they're tacking in from a different angle...

He checks his course calculations from earlier.

McHowl

20 degrees to starboard.

The order is executed, indicated by sound and action in the background.

Horrocks

(looking at McHowls notes) Ah... Take us off the line of pursuit. What if they come in from that side?

McHowl

They'd have to be damn fast to cut round that way. No, if they're not here already, they must have -

He is interrupted by the boom of a depth charge rocking the submarine, albeit at a distance.

McHowl

Here already it is. Why the hell aren't they on the sonar!?

Operator

I don't know sir, all other returns normal!

McHowl

Damn thing must be damaged…

Horrocks goes to speak but is interrupted:

McHowl

Yes, or it’s some new stealth thing, thank you Horrocks. Dive as deep as you can, and go silent!

The bridge bursts into action

Horrocks

You think we can hide from them?

McHowl

I think we've got a better chance of that than fighting them on the surface. 3 torpedos and the deck guns against a Destroyer? Not impossible, but easier if we can catch them off guard.

Horrocks

Doesn't that make now our best chance? Take them by surprise?

McHowl considers for a moment.

McHowl

No... If they think we're still running, they might go past. Then we'll have them. If not... Well, that ends the same either way.

Horrocks

I'd... I'd rather go out fighting up top than hiding down here, if it's all the same to you, sir.

McHowl

Let's see to it that it doesn't come to either.

They all fall silent as the sub reaches maximum depth. McHowl checks his watch: still 2 hours to moonset (go back and adjust times in editing).

Various different booms at distance, steadily growing closer. Superficial damage, if any. Eventually one hits close enough, and substantial leaks begin, primarily in the upper hull.

Horrocks

Sir, we need to surface!

McHowl

(growl of frustration)

Surface! Ready to fire as soon as we see them!

He eyes an exit hatch.

McHowl

When we surface, I'm going to give you command and head up to operate the deck gun... Or find some other way to end this.

Horrocks

Sir, that's-

McHowl

Listen. I'm going up alone and it is essential that you do not follow me, you don't send anyone else to follow me, and you don't open the hatches for 2 hours. Or better yet, till dawn.

Horrocks

Sir... Harry, what are you talking about?

McHowl

Just do as I say! You wouldn't disobey my last order, would you?

Horrocks

But... Sir...

McHowl

No arguing! Get on that periscope and find that ship.

Horrocks

(confused, and torn with conflicting emotions)... Aye sir.

Horrocks salutes, grabs raises the periscope and starts scanning for the ship.

Horrocks

Target sighted, 12 degrees starboard... About 200m away!

A ripple of dismay; too close for torpedos. McHowl explodes in to action, up the ladder, out the hatch, on to the freshly surfaced deck, slamming the hatch shut behind him, despite the protests of the crew that can be heard behind hime, locking it just as the transformation begins. His limbs extend, fur bursts from his body, along with huge muscles, claws and teeth. His hat remains wedged between his ears. A light sweeps across him, then pauses and returns. He howls and leaps forward in to the sea, swimming toward the German ship.

He rapidly reaches the side, scales the gunwhales, and the shot pans up to the moon as the screaming begins.

Dawn the following morning. Horrocks opens the hatch and climbs on to the top of the submarine, followed by a couple of ratings, one of whom carries a tightly rolled white flag. He is carefully not waving it, but is poised to do so at the first sign of trouble. Nothing happens.

Horrocks

(cautiously) Ahoy?

No response.

In the absence of small boats, they carefully manoeuvre the submarine along side the eerily silent ship.

The party climbs aboard, lead by Horrocks, to find scenes of utter devastation, wrecked doorways and gun emplacements, and a lot of dead kriegsmarines.

Eventually they find McHowl fast asleep on the bridge, his hat on the floor under his head, otherwise naked, covered in blood, and clutching a chunk of bone (possibly a spine) in both hands and his teeth.

Horrocks

What the hell...?

Similar muttering and concern from the rest of the crew.

Horrocks

Grab blankets, get him back to his cabin. Round up a relief crew, take control of this ship, and let's get going.

RATING

But... Sir... What is he?

Horrocks

... He's our captain.

A flurry of activity as they take command of the now de-crewed ship, and get the still-comatose captain back to his cabin, carried by Horrocks. They reach the cabin

Horrocks

I've got him, I've got him.

He carries the captain in to his cabin alone (struggling), and lays him down on the bunk.

He turns to leave, and sees the various moon charts on the wall.

Horrocks

What the devil...

He sifts through the dates and times.

Horrocks

Full moon last night...

Horrocks turns to stare at the captain.

Horrocks

What are you?

He begins leaving the room

Horrocks

(to himself) and what the hell am I going to report about this?

[beneathsilverstars]

My @isat-secretsanta-2024 gift for @pillowspace!! They said they’re fascinated by secret research lab AUs, and, in a case of incredible serendipity, that’s been my favorite trope since I was like 8 years old. So I may have gotten possessed and spent three weeks straight worldbuilding a whole entire thing.

So! This comic is my gift for Pillow, but I’m planning to write a fic set in the same AU eventually, titled Desperate Measures. It will take place in a modern day Vaugarde and focus on Odile, Loop, and Siffrin, alongside other more-or-less-familiar faces. And by “eventually” I mean this is now my highest priority project, but it’s big enough that it may be a couple months till I have anything else to show!

Journal transcript under the cut:

wavelength of 690nm, which means it would activate L cones nearly exclusively. If we're correct in our mapping of wavelength combinations to color terms in historical documents, then this would be considered a shade of "red".

I still don't know if I believe it. It seems fantastical, like I've become a character in a children's story, chosen to leave behind the world of the mundane and enter a realm of magic. Or like this is all a dream, and as soon as I'm about to see the shade my brain will realize it doesn't actually know how to show me something I've never seen before, so it'll put me in front of a full auditorium instead; and then I'll forget how to speak Vaugardian, or realize I'm not wearing any pants, or both, and then I'll wake with a start back in Ka Bue.

But however strange it seems, I can't think of any reason they'd have to lie about it. Why else all the NDAs? Why else contact me? So I must assume that it's true. That after years of trying to solve humanity's loss of color vision — a project that began long before I joined it, and that I expected to continue long past my time — I am about to simply be shown a perceivable color. That's the strangest part, really; that this breakthrough isn't related to the mechanisms of sight, but rather, the thing seen.

14/1/29

I thought perhaps they'd synthesized it somehow. Stumbled upon the correct combination of chemicals by accident. Maybe even invented a new sort of craft.

I didn't expect their source of red to be alive.

[keehendrixx]

You’re Mines

Crazy Intruder!Terry x Black Reader

Warnings: Smut, Rough Sex, Bondage, Pure Filth, Stalking, Gagging, Dirty Talk, Kidnapping, Breeding Kink, Creampie, Stockholm Syndrome. P in V, Use of Pet Names, Degradation. Oral (Male & Female Receiving)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Terry watched your every move, from sunrise to sundown. His basement was full of pictures of you; eating out, shopping, at your job, out with friends, even in your shower at your house or you just changing clothes in your bedroom. He was OBSESSED with you and didn’t stop at anything until he got where he wanted you, in his arms, or you underneath him.

As you walked outside your house to check the mailbox, Terry sat in his truck looking at you. Terry's heart raced as he took in the sight of you, Dallas. The way the sunlight highlighted your curves, the sway of your hips as you walked. He couldn't tear his gaze away. After months of surveillance, he finally had you alone. He revved the engine, preparing to pull up beside you.

“Hey there, beautiful.” He called out, trying to sound casual despite the excitement coursing through him. “Fancy running into you here.”

You turned around, looking at him. His eyes captivated you in a trance.

“Oh, Hi. You are?” you asked, looking at him as you stood on your lawn.

“Terry.” Terry flashed you a charming smile, leaning across the passenger seat to get a better look at you. “I've seen you around town quite a bit lately. You're absolutely stunning, if I do say so myself.” His eyes roamed over your body appreciatively before meeting yours again. “So, what brings a gorgeous lady like yourself to this part of town?”

“Oh I moved here a couple months back. I have never seen you around here before.” You said not taking your eyes off of him.

Terry chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, that's because I've been keeping an eye on you from afar, darlin'.You caught my attention right off the bat.”

He winked playfully. “And now, fate seems to have brought us together. What a lovely coincidence, don't you think?”

Terry pulled up alongside you, rolling down the window further. “Say, would you mind hopping in for a quick chat? I promise I won't bite... unless you want me to.” He smirked, his tone dripping with innuendo.

“Uhh.. I don’t hop in the car with strangers.”

Terry's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, not wanting to scare you off just yet.

“Ah, fair enough, sweetheart. I understand your caution. But let me assure you, I'm no ordinary stranger. I've been watching you, getting to know you, for months now.”

Your eyes widened and your mouth opened wide.

“Excuse me? You’ve been what?!”

“You heard me babygirl, I’ve been watching you.”

He reached over on his side and pulled out a photo album, flipping it open to reveal numerous pictures of you going about your daily life.

Sweat began to form on your head and panic sat in, but you didn’t want to call the cops right away. Some kind of way this man had you intrigued.

“See? I've documented all of you. You're all I can think about, baby.” His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “And I need to be close to you. Very close.”

“You’re fucking crazy!” You shouted as you sprinted back into the house.

You rushed and locked all of your doors. You peeked out the window to find Terry’s truck gone, you sighed in relief but you wondered where he could have gone.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Later that night >

As you were getting ready for bed, you heard faint rustling from outside. Spooked that it might be Terry again, you quickly went into your closet and grabbed your loaded pistol from the top shelf. You looked outside of your windows but there was no one there, probably a small animal rummaging around your yard. You sat the gun on your dresser.

After putting on your night clothes, you engaged your security system. You then doubled checked all of your doors to make sure that they were secure and locked, you didn’t need this man to come into your house.

You climbed into bed, strolling on your phone until sleepiness took over.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Hours later, Terry pulled up around the corner of your house and sat there, contemplating his plan to get you to himself .

He grabbed a black ski mask and threw it on before grabbing a black duffel bag that was full of rope, tape, etc. He climbed out of his Dudley Truck, zipped up his jacket and walked towards your house.

Once he reached it, he saw that all of your lights were off. Being the skilled person he is, he disengaged the security system of yours from his own phone and picked the locks of your front door.

He walked in, scanning the house with predatory eyes.

Making his way up the stairs, he was careful not to make any loud noises. He quickly spotted your room, as you left your door open and walked in to find you spreaded out with your leg hitched up and your gown pooled around your waist. That sight of you alone made him silently groan.

The way the moonlight highlighted your beautiful face and skin was making it harder for him not to yank you up and force his dick into you.

He unzipped his bag and pulled out the rope and tape. He sat it on the floor next to your bed.

You heard noises and woke up to find him standing next to you. You shrieked, reaching for your gun but you couldn’t find it.

“Looking for this babygirl?” He smirked, holding up the gun that he unloaded. “So defenseless right now.”

You were in complete shock.

“If you make a sound, I’ll do more to you than I want to.” He took the rope and secured your arms behind your back, before duct taping your mouth shut.

Part of you wanted to kick and squirm, but the other was loving the way he handled you with such dominance. Terry snatched your body up out of your bed and threw you over his shoulders. He walked with you downstairs and to his truck.

It clicked to you that this man was fucking kidnapping you and you accepted it. He opened the door and put you in the passenger seat before going to his side of the truck.

Terry got in and snatched the tape off of you. You immediately screamed like a banshee. Terry’s hand came in contact with your throat and lightly gave it a squeeze.

“Let me go, you motherfuckin’ psycho!”

“I don’t think so, right now you belong to me & I always get what I want or else. You betta’ look me up, princess.” He said looking into your eyes with a look that made the thongs you were wearing moist.

“Fuck you bitch!” You spat in his face.

Terry chuckled and wiped it away with his hand, taking it into his mouth.

“Oh I plan too. In every way possible.”

“I got something for bratty bitches like you.”

With that he sped off to who knows where.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As the truck came to a halt, you looked out the window to see that you were at what looked like his house. It wasn’t big, maybe medium sized.

Terry hopped out, coming to your side and picking you up off the seat. He opened his front door and walked to a door that appeared to be the way to a basement, you were right.

He then unlocked a metal lock and opened the door to a cage and put you inside.

“What the fuck?! Let me out, Terry!”

“Nah.”

“You're gonna stay there until you can control that mouth of yours.”

He turned on the light and unsurprisingly, he had pictures of you EVERYWHERE, even some of them were of you naked. He left the basement to leave you sulking and thinking why did he want you.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

What seems like hours later, Terry came back. He leaned down to your level and smirked as he saw you tied up, looking helpless, eyes pleading to be let out.

“Terry please, I’ll be good. I won’t talk back anymore. Just let me out of here.” You begged him, but he just smiled at you.

“Oh I know you will. You’ll do everything I tell you.”

Terry opened the door and grabbed you. He took you upstairs to his bedroom and opened the door with his leg. He threw up on the bed, making your gown rise up showing your baby pink thongs.

“Mmm, that pussy looks so phat! She phat baby? Let Daddy see.” He pushed your legs wider and looked between your legs. His fingers ran long lines around the damp fabric, the sensation was too much for you.

“Hell yeah, she phat and wet, just how I like ‘em. Daddy needs to see all of you babygirl.”

Terry used his strong hands and tore your clothes, ripping them off your body leaving you completely naked, and tied. In the back of your mind, you were screaming for this maniac to stop but the whimpers that came out of your mouth said otherwise.

“Fuckin’ perfect. Look at these big ass titties. You tryna’ smother a nigga with em’?” He roughly groped your breast as his fingers began to rub your nipples, twisting and pulling on them.

“T-Terry.”

“Wassup Mamas? Huh? Tell Daddy.”

Your words were caught in the back of your throat. He continued to touch and toy with your body in ways you’ve never felt before.

Terry pulled your thongs off, taking a whiff of them, & stuffing them into your mouth.

He lowered his head, throwing your legs up to your chest. He took his two pointer fingers and spread your pussy lips. He took your scent in and instantly groaned.

“Such a pretty phat puss for me to suck on.” With that his tongue went to WORK!

He latched his lips around your clit and suckled until you were withering. You tried to move your body but he popped you on your ass cheeks.

“Stop fuckin’ movin’ while I’m tryna’ eat.”

While he was eating you like you were his last meal, he stuck two of his fingers inside your wet hole. “Tight ass pussy. Gotta loosen you up for this big ol’ dick, baby.”

At this point, you were moaning and slopping out of your mouth like crazy! You stopped trying to fight against him and just let him do whatever he wanted with you.

You felt your nut coming in the pit of your stomach.

“Cum in my mouth. I can feel that shit.” He said pushing down on your stomach more.

As on cue, you instantly flooded his mouth like a waterfall. When you came down from your high, Terry pulled you up and turned your body around to where your head was basically hanging off the bed.

He undressed and you could see that thick ass dick all in its glory, your mouth drooled at the sight. Terry gave himself a few small strokes, yanking the thong out of your mouth, before smearing his precum on your lips.

“Open ya’ mouth.”

You opened your mouth and he pushed his entire length down your throat, not giving you any time to adjust to the size. You gagged and almost threw up.

“You bet not, relax ya’ throat.”

You did what he said and began taking more and more of him in.

“Shit, that fuckin’ head lethal.”

Spit and tears ran down your face but Terry didn’t care.

“Just like that, just like that. Ugh, girl you gone make big daddy bust in this pretty throat.” His strokes got sloppier, balls smacking you in the face with every thrust.

“Ouuu, you such a good dick sucka’. You suckin’ that shit like my dick was made outta’ candy. FUCKKK! I’m nuttin’.”

His warm cum slid down your throat with such ease. He pulled out and slapped the remaining cum on your lips. Terry smiled and grabbed his camera, taking a picture of you in such a disgraceful manner.

“Picture perfect, baby.”

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Terry had you arched into the bed, ass up high in the air as he pounded you from the back. Your moans and screams were music to his ears as they echoed off the walls. He was giving you everything he had pent up inside of his soul seemed like.

“Yeah, that’s it. Take all this dick. Take. It.”

“F-F-Fuck, ouuu Daddy, just like that! Don’t stop fucking me!” You wailed.

“With a pussy this good, I could never stop fucking you. I would kill a mothafucka’ behind this shit.”

Terry grabbed the ropes that were holding your arms in place and pulled you against his body, continuing to give you sharp thrusts. One hand reached around to grab your throat and the other grabbed one of your titties.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Tears of ecstasy streamed down your face. The way you were being loud, you knew that you would be hoarse in the morning.

“Mhmm. This my pussy?”

You didn’t answer, only a moan came out.

Terry pulled out of your creamy hole, untied the ropes and flipped you over on your back. He then tied you legs to the bed rails and slid his dick between your folds, giving your clit light smacks with his mushroom tip.

He quickly filled you up again, stretching you deliciously.

“Oh! My! God!”

“Uhh Uht, cry out for me princess.”

He started hammering your poor cunt, pulling back to where only the tip remained before slamming back into you.

“Tell Daddy this his pussy.” He said while taking his thumb rubbing it on your clit.

“It’s yours, this pussy all yours! Take it from me Daddy!” You were just saying shit at this point, words coming up all together sounding like one big word.

“Ouu Daddy! I-I love you and this dick. I don’t ever want to leave you alone!”

Terry smirked, pleased with himself as you said those words.

“Daddy loves you too babygirl, I promise you ain’t going’ nowhere.”

“You stretching my pussy sooo good! I feel it all in my stomach!”

“There were I’m supposed to be, right fuckin’ there.”

You squirted and he pulled out, rubbing your pussy up and down, thrusting back in.

Your eyes rolled in the back of your head momentarily before focusing on his. They put you in a hypnotic state.

You soon uttered the words that would send Terry into a feral frenzy.

“Nut in your pussy Big Daddy. I want your baby inside my womb.”

You felt his dick twitch inside of you and he flashed that killer smile at you!

“Oh yeah? You want Daddy to put a baby inside this puss, yeah?”

You shook your head.

“I’ma’ give you exactly what you want.”

Terry planted his feet into the mattress and drove his dick damn near past your cervix. You felt him throbbing as his thrusts grew stronger.

“Oh fuck, I’m bouta’ nut in this sloppy little pussy, fill you up til you got my baby in there.”

“Shit, shit, SHIT! I’m cumming too!”

“AHHH FUCK!” His body shivered and collapsed on yours as you both rode out of your orgasms.

He pulled out and a trail of cum flowed out of you onto the sheets. He quickly scooped it up with his fingers, pushing it back into you as your cunt accepted it, greedily.

Terry laid down beside you, pulling you close and snuggling his head in your neck as the heaviness of your eyes reached its peak, making you fall asleep.

“L-Love you Terry.”

“Never losing or letting you go. I love you too. You’re Mines.”

@pocketsizedpanther @kimuzostar @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @nayaesworld @writingsbytee @theereina @planetblaque @dxddykenn

[corkinavoid]

The Tip Of The Iceberg · Owl City

Grumpy x sunshine

Winter wonderland

DPxDC Love at Frost Sight

Jason's favorite season of the year was fall. Early fall, to be exact, when the trees become red and golden, and the air smells of pumpkin spice because of all the coffeeshops simultaneously deciding it's the time to bring it back once again, and it's not yet cold enough to wear a coat, but just cool enough to put on a comfy sweater.

On the other hand, his least favorite season was winter. All of it, starting from late November and ending in early April. His bones ached in the cold that no coat could manage to keep out, the roads were always slippery, no matter how much salt was thrown over them, and he despised the amounts of hot tea he had to drink to keep himself from freezing to death.

Not to mention the lack of sunlight, the vitamins he had to take daily, the shiver that ran down his body when he stepped out of the shower and-

"You know, if you keep frowning like that, people are going to start thinking I've brought you here under the threat of a gun."

Jason blinks and tears his gaze away from the dimly lit, snowy scenery of Robinson Park and looks to Jazz, who is walking just beside him, a steaming cup of coffee in her fingers. She looks beautiful, even wearing a puffy purple jacket that makes her look like an off-color penguin and a knitted hat that hides all her red hair.

Jason huffs and rubs his forehead, smoothing the wrinkle between his eyebrows manually.

"You still hadn't told me why are we taking a walk in the park instead of doing literally anything else," he reminds her, and Jazz smiles, holding her chin higher.

"I have my reasons," she tells, her voice full of mischief. Jason rolls his eyes and hides his freezing palms deeper in his pockets. "We're almost there, don't roll your eyes at me," Jasmine shorts a short laugh and pokes him in the side.

Almost where, he wants to ask, because he is pretty sure she can't show him anything he hasn't seen before in here. He is a Gothamite, after all, and she just moved here two years ago, and Robinson Park couldn't have changed that much since his whole dying and coming back act.

But then, Jazz finishes her coffee in a few large gulps, tossing the empty cup into the nearest bin, and takes his elbow, all but dragging him forward, off the path and into the who knows where.

Jason stumbles over his feet but catches himself quickly enough to not faceplant the snow. Yet, that doesn't help in the slightest with figuring out where they are going because, well, it's half-past-six, which means it's already rather dark around them even with all of the street lights, and Jazz can be really fast when she wants to, and-

"Here," his impossible girlfriend suddenly stops, so abruptly like she's just ran into a wall. Jason, despite all his vigilante training, is not capable of canceling the laws of inertia on command, so he takes a few more steps forward to slow down.

"And what exactly is here?" He shakes his head, trying very hard not to snap, because he is cold, and he doesn't like surprises, and Jazz can be frustrating more than she likes to admit. But, before she can answer, and before Jason is able to put all that winter irritation into words, there's a snap.

Jason turns his head sharply, looking for the source of it just out of habit.

And halts, feeling his eyes go wide and his head completely empty.

The lights appear one by one, a slow, charming process of illuminating the small clearing they've run into. Warm and fuzzy, like tiny stars, or maybe fairy lights, but with no strings to hold them, they light up the trees and the sparkling, untouched snow under their feet. Jason blinks. The sight that he's grown to associate only with those decorative glass balls full of fake snow doesn't shatter.

And, to be fair, Jason knew winter could be beautiful - he's seen countless pictures and movies, and he understood the appeal it had on some people. But he's never really felt it, what with winters in Gotham, even at Christmas Eve, being more glum and gray than sparkling white and twinkling pretty.

But this is exactly that.

The tall trees covered in white snow, the gentle fall of snowflakes over them, the bright yellow lights that surround them.

"Close your mouth, love, you'll catch a cold," he hears Jazz say with a fond, soft laugh, and only then he realizes he is gaping.

His mouth closes back with a snap as he turns to face his girlfriend.

"How did you..." he trails off, not even sure what he's asking. How did she bring a fairytale into life? How did she find this place? How did she manage to bring him here?..

Jazz's teal eyes hold the reflections of countless warm lights around them, and she is grinning from ear to ear, her hand finding Jason's to intertwine their fingers.

"Danny helped," she admits, "But I just wanted you to see it. See why I love winter - not just because my brother is a living icicle, but because winter is magic, in a sense. It's only in winter that you can feel what's really warm and what's not."

Jason has half of a thought to ask her what she means, but he gets it just a moment before the words fall out of his mouth.

Because this, standing in the silent snowfall among the tiny lights of miniature stars, holding Jazz's hand in his, is warm. Not in a literal sense - his skin is still moments away from freezing - but something inside his chest feels like a tiny, flickering flame.

And that flame makes him smile.

"It's very pretty," he says, not taking his eyes off Jazz, and watches her cheeks become pink.

Somehow, he is certain it's not because of the cold.

~•~•~•~

This was written to not one but two Owl City songs. The first one was, as requested, 'The Tip of The Iceberg', and the second was 'Peppermint Winter', my all-time favorite winter song.

And here's the additional aesthetic!

Danny, who is responsible for the gently falling snowflakes and keeping the lights from going out, sitting invisible in a tree above them: what great lengths do I go for you, Jazz, you better get me something nice for Christmas or I swear to Ancients-

[chai-berries]

features a reader that is exclusively chubby/fat and femme. requested by anon. this is not the final version of said request. i just really love this and wanted to share 🎀

In this scenario, Abby is immediately head-over-heels for you right from the beginning but you keep turning her down because you think Abby is just playing around and doesn't actually mean anything by it. At one point, Abby gets annoyed and tired of you giving her half-assed excuses on why she can’t take you on a date. Eventually, she comes to your house and confesses her feelings and swears to you that they are true.

“And if you truly do not like me like that, I will stop asking and we can just be… friends.” The word looks quite painful for her to say.

You stand there in the pause after her confession, just overwhelmed in the best way possible. You can’t help but ask “Wait really? Do you truly like me? No joking?"

Abby's heart breaks at the sadness and disbelief in your voice. “Yeah! The moment I saw you I thought you were the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

Abby slowly gets closer to you as she says this until her hand is able to lay on your cheek. You don’t flinch like you were known to do, your body constantly preparing itself for rejection. She gently brushes her thumb over the apple of your cheek, feeling the soft skin. “I just want you to know that your weight means little to nothing to me. I am not bothered by that. I am bothered by the way you feel about your body. I don’t know how you don’t see it but you are so fucking gorgeous, like holy shit. And you’re so kind and funny and pretty, and your impression of stitch from lilo and stitch shouldn’t be as cute as you make it.” She’s trying to joke, to make you smile. You give her a small one. That’s enough for her, for now.

You feel your eyes get glossy and your nose starts to tingle. Abby catches this and takes her other hand to fully cup your face. She holds your gaze. “I really, really, really like you… So what do you say?”

You laugh wetly, your face still in Abby's hands. You move your own and use them to keep hers firm but soft against your face.

”I really, really, really like you too! I’m sorry I kept turning you down," Abby makes a face at your apology but doesn’t interrupt you. “I don’t have the best history with dating, in fact I've never really dated. I went out with two different people freshman year and they both somehow ended with me inhaling a pint of Ben and Jerry’s”. You both laugh at that, both of you favored the brand over any others. Another thing in common you’ve learned about each other. “It ruined the idea of dating for me.

“And then I met you, and you were so sweet and I wanted to say yes the first time you asked me. I wanted to assume that the first hang out was a date, but it felt too good to be true, I don't know." Abby's hands move from your face to hold your hands.

“You’re too good to be true,” she whispers and kisses the knuckles on each of your hands. You cannot stop the soft sigh you let out at the gesture. “I'm sorry you felt that way. But I promise you, I think you’re so beautiful and,” Abby’s face suddenly reddens. “I think you’re pretty fucking hot too!”

You laugh and go to hide your face in her body, but Abby catches your gaze. She intertwines your fingers with hers, swinging them between you both. “I'm being so serious, like holy shit you're so gorgeous! And for no reason, like what-”

You smile and tug your joined hands before her tangent of compliments really gets going. ”Okay, stop, I get it.”

”I’m not gonna stop telling you that. I’ll pause for now because I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable, but I plan on replacing every bad thought with good thoughts because you are worth it. Understand?”

You nod. “Yeah.”

Abby nods quickly. “Good. Now, will you please go on a date with me? A proper one, with romantic intentions and if I'm lucky, a kiss at the end.” You laugh at Abby's goofy grin and over-exaggerated wink.

You nod in affirmation, “Yes, I'll go on a date with you.”

Abby thrusts her fist in the air, letting out a quiet “yesss” which makes you laugh even more, which is exactly what Abby wanted to do. Your happiness is everything to her.

[bloomblood]

pitfighter/'emo' arc vi x piltover scientist reader (soulmate au)

(IVE HAD THIS IDEA FOR SO LONG IMMA SPEW RANDOM NONSENSE BC IM ASS AT WRITING LMAO)

•basically, reader is from piltover and has studied love and soulmates her entire life. she looks for vi, the name engraved on her wrist because she was desperate for answers.

•reader is reffered to as 'she,' or, 'the girl,' it gets a little confusing. also sorry for ooc!

it seemed like a sick joke. yeah, there were letters-a name-carved into her skin since birth. she would stare at them on lonely nights, thinking, wondering.

maybe this person would love her, even after everything. every person lost, every mistake. after caitlyn.

maybe she had hope after all.

vi scoffs in the girl's face. this random girl, vi had seen her before, but she was looking specifically for vi. they were soulmates. yeah, soulmates-like that meant anything to vi. she could care less; the ache in her chest suggested otherwise.

"you- you're serious?" the girl asks. vi rolls her eyes. "i don't need a soulmate. i don't need you, piltie. i've been on my own, and it's gonna stay that way." vi's lips twitch up into a sly smile. both of them knew it was forced.

"so do yourself a favor, sweetheart." vi steps closer, towering over her. "run away and forget about me. let's pretend this never happened."

she crosses her arms. this woman-the one she wore the name of-just told her to leave?

"then leave. im waiting." she snaps, glaring at vi. "but just know, we'll end up in this situation one way or another. i've chased this-the answer to this for my entire life, and i almost have it." she says. vi stands there for a moment, brows furrowed. she was definately going to leave, but she seemed a little crazy. or determinded, to put into better words.

"answer to what?" is all vi asks her. "the reason for soulmates." she replies with an eyeroll. "there's a scientific and logical reasoning for everything. this should be no exception."

vi rolls her eyes. yeah, totally crazy.

"right, well...you have fun with that, sweetheart." vi says casually before turning around. she pauses. a wave of panic crashes through her stomach. she thought vi would stay, ask her what she was looking for specifically, anything. but no, she was going to leave?

"wait!" she calls out as soon as vi starts walking. "what?" vi snaps out. she didn't have time for this. after everything, she couldn't. with a wound as fresh as caitlyn and pain from everything, from jinx...

"y-you're just going to leave? no questions, no nothing?" she questions, voice quiet. "you don't even know anything about me!"

there's silence. uncomfortable silence. it surrounds them, engulfs them.

"you aren't curious? about...who i am?" her voice grew even smaller. vi shakes her head as if it would shake her thoughts off.

she was really curious. after fights, on lonely nights, after a couple drinks (more like a couple bottles, with vi), after a loss, she was curious. who was she tied to? why them? why her? how would things be different if she met them? what would change? it was only the surface of questions that had swirled in her mind.

"i don't need a little soulmate to fix everything. stay away from me. go find someone that isn't me." vi replies, voice almost barely audible. "we've met before." she blurts out. "in- in piltover. you and these other kids blew up a-"

"don't." vi cuts her off. that was the beginning of everything falling apart. "it's a part of this cycle!" the girl's voice raises. "two people are born with the other's name on their skin." she starts. "then, it goes to passing. a singular moment in time the two people see each other." there's a pause. "from there, it's meeting, which develops into a bond. whether it's lovers, enemies, friends-it's all the same." she rambles.

vi's silent for a moment. this girl was...interesting, to say the least. a piltover women and a fighter from the undercity. perfect match.

"we're complete opposites, sweetheart. we aren't meant to be." vi mumbles. "w-well humans are attracted to contrasts. it's what we learn to go to or stray from." she says softly. vi sighs. maybe, in a sense, they were alike. they're both stubborn. this girl was fragile, shy, stubborn. but vi is a fighter. she's strong and stubborn.

some people aren't meant to be. they aren't destined to succeed. others...it's in their blood-on their skin. just how in black letters, it read 'violet,' on her wrist.

(i'll write a part 2 if y'all like this lmk please!!! i'll take requests too if anyone wants any because i need to write more-)

[littledreamer9211]

The bet.

A/N: Hi. This has been bugging me for weeks and I just needed to get it out. There will be a part two. Once I write it. This is barely edited or proof read but its getting late and I can barely see so I'm going to bed. Let me know what you think. If you hate it...lie to me. I'm fragile.

CW: Angst. I'm an angsty gal, what can I say. Swearing. I'm Scottish - it just comes naturally. I don't think i've missed anything but let me know if I have.

~~~~~

Frankie 'Catfish' Morales x female reader. No use of Y/N.

Word count: 3716. Sorry. I like to ramble.

~~~~~

Voices drifted in from the garden through the open kitchen window, full of joy and banter. It still blew your mind at how quickly you could identify his voice in a crowd. Listening to it now as it laughed and replied with a witty comment to Benny’s latest, good hearted insult. You couldn’t hear exactly what was being said but the laughs that came in reply, you knew were at Benny’s expense.

Walking out the join the gathering with your arms full of more beers for the cooler, they were quickly taken from you with a kiss on your cheek and a playful wink. Frankie. Ever the gentleman and the love of your life. You hadn’t even seen him move from his chair to meet you before you could struggle any further with the goods in your arms. “There she is and just in time.” Benny moved to help Frankie open the cooler and take a cold one out as you turned to smile at the small group sitting on your lawn around the fire. “Glad to know what you love more Benny.” You laughed as you joined the group, allowing Frankie to gently pull you down on to his lap as he sat back in his vacated seat. His arms wrapped around your waist and his face nuzzled into your neck as he placed a gentle kiss below your jaw. “Hey you know I love you and if it wasn’t for Frankie, I’d have been the one you married,” “Watch it.” Frankie growled playfully, his face not even leaving your neck to speak. “but alas I’m left to deal with my second favourite girl…beer.” Benny shot you a wink, not even phased by the growling man underneath you. “Easy there Catfish. We all know Benny never stood a chance after you waked into the bar that night.” Pope smiled as he remembered the look on his friends face that night. Will laughed and slapped his brothers shoulder as he walked by to grab another beer. Benny just huffed and mumbled incoherent words as he took another sip from the bottle in his hands, shooting his brother daggers before rolling his eyes. “Mine.” Was all Frankie mumbled into your ear as he squeezed your waist. You hummed in agreement and turned to place a soft kiss on his lips.

Your heart skipped and a small smile of amusement lit up your face when you thought about that night. Almost 4 years ago and it still felt like it was yesterday. You had been in a local dive bar your best friend had dragged you to after your latest tinder date couldn’t even be bothered to show up at the cafe you had agreed on. Crying to her down the phone about giving up on love and men altogether, you were ready to go home and drown your sorrows in strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Thankfully she had refused to let you wallow in self-pity and rerouted you to the dive bar that you must have drove past a million times before but never noticed. She promised that unless you wanted to go home with the town drunk or old Jesse-two-teeth then you would most definitely be having a girls night. Unbeknownst to you both, a certain group of men would be meeting in town that night to raise a glass on the anniversary of their friend Tom’s death. By the time they began to appear in the bar, you were 4 rounds of tequila in and singing your heart out to Lady GaGa that you had managed to sweet talk the bartender into playing. First to walk in were the Miller brothers. After ordering their first round and finding a table at the back of the bar, they watched the in-house entertainment that was you two, whilst they waited on the others.

By the time Pope and Frankie arrived, you had managed to talk Jesse-two-teeth into a slow dance whilst your best friend did her best Coyote Ugly impression on the bar top. The raised eyebrows and amused head shakes were all they gave up as they ordered the next round and met the brothers at their booth. It wasn’t too long after that that you were first approached. The Miller boys bought your next round and Will hit it off straight away with your friend. The two of them whispering and giggling for the rest of the night. You were happy to talk with Benny and while you could admit that he was a very attractive man, he just wasn’t your type. It didn’t stop him from trying though. But once you slurred out your awful date story and drank a glass of water at Benny’s insistence he realised it wouldn’t be going anywhere and was happy to keep you entertained whilst his brother got to know your friend…better. Once the two of them returned from their ‘bathroom break’ the boys took you over to their booth to meet their friends. As soon as Frankie raised his eyes to meet you, from the shadow of his cap, you were a goner. It was like all the air had been stolen from your lungs and all you could see where his beautiful, dark, sad eyes. Of course you played it cool - well when you tell the story thats how it comes out, Frankie’s version is of course very different. And although he managed to charm your number out of you, it took him 3 weeks to get you to agree to go out with him. That first date lasted almost 3 days. The two of you just clicked straight away and have pretty much been together ever since. It took Frankie a year to propose and the small courthouse wedding took place 2 weeks later. And here you are, sitting in your back garden with your favourite boys and the love of your life. The spark between Will and your best friend was quick to fizzle out but they remained friendly enough that it didn’t make gatherings uncomfortable.

With their jobs taking them all over the world, it wasn’t often that they could all be in the same place at the same time, so nights like tonight were precious. You snuggled into Frankie as the night went on, stealing his body heat as the warmth of the day disappeared with the setting of the sun.

As the beers continued to go down well, the conversations jumped from topic to topic. The current one being Benny’s latest dating drama. “…she was insane. Like sexy insane but not the keep around kind if you know what I mean.” Scoffs of laughter came from around the fire as we listened to his latest ‘sexcapades’ as Frankie would call them. “Damn Benny, how do you always manage to find the craziest woman in every town?” Pope shook his head as he laughed and downed the last of his beer. Benny shrugged his shoulders, a smile the size of the Cheshire cats took over his face. “We can’t all be Frankie and win the bet for the best girl in town, can we?” As Benny’s words left his mouth it was like someone poured ice water over the group. Will, who had been slouching in his chair almost asleep was now clearing his throat and shifting his eyes between his brother and you warily. Pope had choked on his beer and was thumping his chest to clear it as he growled at Benny under his breath. And Frankie…it was like he had stopped breathing. The grip he had on your waist was almost painful now as he whipped his head over to look at Benny. Benny looked at the group, confused by their reactions when nobody laughed and you watched in slow motion as he seemed to realise what he had said.

You? You burst out laughing. What a ridiculous but very Benny thing to say. It didn’t even make sense. When you realised that you were the only one laughing, something clicked in your head. What had Benny said? Something about a bet. What bet? “What are you waffling on about now Benny?” You tried to sit up to get a better look at his face but the vice grip Frankie had on you meant you were going nowhere. “Frankie. Baby, let go a bit. You’re cutting off the circulation to my legs!” But Frankie didn’t move. Turning your head to try and make eye contact with him, you noticed the absolute death glare he was shooting to the youngest in the group. “What did you mean Benny? What bet?” Your eyes flicked between them all as your brain started to click onto something being wrong. “What bet Frankie? What does he mean?” “Frankie, man. I’m sorry. I’ve had too much beer. I didn’t realise she didn’t know-” Benny moved to come closer to you and Frankie but was stopped by his brothers hand on his shoulder. Will shook his head and motioned towards the gate. “I’ll take him home.” Was all Will said as he made to steer his brother towards the trucks in the drive.

“What? No, don’t go Benny,” You managed to shake Frankie’s hands from you and made it stand in front of the blonde brothers before they could take anymore steps out of the garden. “Boy’s whats wrong? What bet?” “Let them go mi amor. Benny’s just had too much to drink, doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Frankie was standing on the other side of the fire pit, his hands flexing down by his side. Pope had moved to stand at his left side. The light from the fire highlighting the stress in both their faces. “If it’s nothing bad then tell me what it means Frankie.” Your hands flew up with frustration and landed on your hips. “Will? Pope? Someone tell me what the fuck just happened.” All four men couldn’t look at you. Benny’s head was so far down that you would have to get on your knees to make eye contact with him. Will’s never left Frankie, he’d moved into protective big brother mode. Pope’s eyes were closed, his fingers grasping at the bridge of his nose in frustration. And Frankie’s killer look had never left Benny. Like a predator waiting for the right moment to strike.

In the silence, your brain started to tick over what had just happened. What was it that Benny had said? Frankie had won a bet for the best girl in town? Me? Frankie had won some bet to get me? “What bet Frankie?” Nobody moved. Nobody said a word. If someone was to walk in on the scene right now it would be like something out of an old cowboy western, enemies waiting for the first twitch to snatch out their pistols and make sure they’re the ones to shoot first. Keeping your eyes on Frankie, “Boys…go home.” Came out of your mouth. The tone was deathly calm. Frankie knew that tone straight away and it was the only thing that was able to make him finally move his eyes from Benny and connect with yours. It was then that you saw the shift in his features. From livid to terrified. You didn’t break eye contact with your husband as you heard the other men as the muttered and moved towards the garden gate, towards their trucks. With a final, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to start anything,” from Benny, it was just you and Frankie left. Eventually you heard the start of their engines and the roaring as they took off out of the driveway.

You watched as Frankie made to move towards you but before he could take more than a step, you turned on your heels and headed into the house. Shivers raced throughout your body but you had a feeling it was more than just the cooling night air. As you crossed the threshold you heard a faint “fuck” from Frankie before his footsteps followed you.

You needed something to do with your hands whilst your mind was whirring so you grabbed the tea towel and started to dry the already dry dinner plates from the side of the sink. On your third plate you felt Frankie’s hands rest on your hips and his head rest between your shoulders. Your head drops forward, eyes closed as you gently discard the towel and plate in your hand. Your hands move to grip his, his black wedding band digging into your palm with the force of your grip. “Speak to me Frankie.” Your whisper breaks the air and you think he’s not going to answer until you hear him let out a long, defeated sigh. Twisting in his arms, your hands move to cup his face whilst your eyes search his. He looks so sad. “Please.” He moves one hand to push his cap up and run his fingers over his scalp before putting it back in place. “Fucking Benny.” He grumbled whilst moving to lean against the island counter opposite you. The move felt like he had put miles between you. Wrapping your own arms around yourself as a form of protection, from what you didn’t know, as you waited for him to say anything else.

“It’s stupid. Nothing really. I don’t know why he’s got to bring up such stupid shit when he starts drinking.” You remained silent, letting him work out what he needed to say. “I honestly forgot all about it. It means nothing.” He crossed his arms as he leant against the counter top but his foot tapped against the tiles in an angry/frustrated rhythm. Your silence only seemed to make his foot tapping worse. “Do you remember the night we met? In that grotty bar in town?” He waited for your nod of acknowledgment before continuing. “It was a pretty rough night for us. It was the first time we’d seen each other again since Tom…”

He’d never gone into too much detail of what went on during that mission but you knew enough to put the pieces together and come to the conclusion that it certainly didn’t go the way they had planned even before Tom was killed. “We thought going to that bar would be best, nobody goes there. We didn’t need anyone to see us drinking our sorrows away like that.” His hand moved to rub at the back of his neck as the sound of his phone ringing in his pocket distracted him. Pulling the device out with a sigh, he looked at the caller ID.

Without answering, he threw the device across the kitchen, not caring where it landed or the damage it would cause. As it soared through the air, you could just make out Benny’s face before it disappeared and became silent.

“Give it a rest man.” He grumbled before focussing back on you. His brow furrowed when he finally realised the closed off stance you were stood in. Eyes focussed on your crossed arms, he continued, “You were like the light at the end of the tunnel. A breeze of fresh air that I didn’t know I needed until I saw you dancing with that toothless, old goat at the bar.” A faint smile lifted his mouth as he reminisced. “I knew straight away that I needed you. As soon as I walked in I knew that I needed to make you mine some how. But Benny…” The smile wiped from his face as he thought about his ‘brother’. “Benny had his eye on you too. And you know what a little shit he can be. Especially when he can sense any hint of competition.”

He was right. Benny was so competitive that you had learned very quickly over the last couple of years to never go against him unless you knew for certain that you could win and even then he wasn’t against cheating in some way. It was all in good fun but not worth the hassle if you were being honest.

Benny having his eye on you was knew information though. You had been victim to his endless flirting more than once and you wont lie, you liked the flirty banter. It was never more than that though, after all you had Frankie. You never needed more than him.

“Well we weren’t much more sober than you were. And what started as a joking comment from Pope was blown into a Benny bet.” “A Benny bet?” Your voice came out much more fragile than you had wanted. You had a feeling you knew where this was going but prayed to anyone who would listen that you were wrong.

Frankie looked sheepish as he shrugged his shoulders, his hands sliding into the front pockets of his jeans. “Yeah. He wanted to make a bet about who could get the girl first. Get you first.” You nodded in understanding as you felt your heart freezing. This was going exactly where you didn’t want it to go. “Thats when he and Will made their way over to you. He was trying to woo you.” He shook his head with a soft snort. “When he realised that you weren’t interested he was going to forget about the bet but then he brought you over to the table.” He stopped for a moment and just stared at you, his throat bobbed as he thought about his next words. “When he saw I was smitten and you were too but were trying to play it cool as you would say, he wanted to change the bet. He knew he was going to lose and he couldn’t have that.”

“For fuck sake Frankie.” Your hands moved to run through your hair as you tipped your head back and whispered your words at the ceiling. You could feel your insecurities raising their heads. Insecurities that hadn’t been around for years, since Frankie had broke down your walls and taught you to trust again.

“I’m so sorry baby. I wanted to tell you from the beginning but I…I guess I got scared.” He moved to stand directly in front of you. His arms caging you in against the counter. He knew better than to touch you right now but he needed to be close to you.

“You know…if you had told me all of this from the beginning? I probably would have found it funny,” You shrugged your shoulders to seem indifferent but he knew you better than that and his close proximity allowed him to see your bottom lip quiver just slightly. “But now? It feels like our whole marriage is based on a lie. Was I just a joke to you Frankie?”

His head whipped back in shock. “No baby, never!” His words came out firm but you couldn’t hear them. Your head was being overrun by old demons. “Hey…” He tried to catch your eye but instead you moved his arm and slipped out. You moved to the other side of the island counter, needing the space between you so you could think. All he could do was watch, his mouth pursed and eyebrows crunched.

“What were the stakes?” Voice breaking, you cleared your throat and tried again. “How much did I win you in your precious bet?” “Don’t do that. You know you mean the world to me. You are my life-” He tried to lean across the counter and catch your hands but you were faster and took a step back. “-baby.” “What. Did. You. Win. Frankie.” You took a breath between each word to stop yourself from crying. It came out as more of a statement than a question.

“He - We changed the bet.” His hand rubbed across the stubble on his chin, his black wedding band almost mocking you. “He wanted to bet that…god I hate myself right now.” He was actually crying now. It must be bad. “It’s Benny. He wanted to bet that I couldn’t get you to sleep with me before the second date.”

A knife. There must be a knife that somehow ended up embedded in your chest as you suddenly couldn’t breathe. Your gasp must have been louder than you thought because before you could blink, he was around that counter with his hands on your face, his thumbs wiping away the tears you didn’t realise had started to fall.

“W-we slept together on the first date Frankie.” Your voice came out broken and it only made him cry harder. “I know baby. I know.” Your hands came up to wrap around his wrists. You squeezed them before slowly pulling them off. You knew he could stop you if he wanted to but thankfully he cooperated. “So did you win?” Running your hands under your eyes to dry the tears, you stared at him expectantly. “P-please don’t do this. It wasn’t like that. Our first time was-“ “A fucking joke apparently.” You burst out. You could feel the heartbreak being overtaken by pure rage. “Mi amor. Please.” He took a step towards you again but you put your hand up to stop him. Shaking your head.

“Damn you Fransisco Morales.” The finger you pointed in his face as you spat out the words stopped him dead in his tracks. “What did you fucking win? The least you can do right now is tell me what it is I’m apparently worth to you.” With his hands on his hips, he looked down at the floor before daring to look at you again. “Please listen to me for just a minute. It wasn’t like-“

“FRANKIE!” You had never shouted his name like that before. You don’t think you have ever shouted at anyone like that before.

Your breathing was ragged as you watched him. He looked over to the window, sniffing as he mumbled something under his breath. “Wha-“ “200.” It felt like he stared right into your soul as he spoke. “$200. Thats what I would have won.”

You nodded your head as if to say thank you, then without a word turned and walked calmly and silently to your bedroom and locked the door behind you.

You didn’t even flinch when you heard what you assume was your nice dinner plates smashing against the kitchen floor.

[blujayonthewing]

THEY ARE HERE!!!

WE'RE GETTING KITTENS 😭💕

[something-tofightfor]

A Wonderful, Awful Idea / 2

Pairing: Pero Tovar x Female Reader (Modern AU)

Word Count: 9,299

Summary: The first event's over, and Pero still wants to spend time with you - that's good, right?

Surprisingly, it's him that takes initiative to tell you a little more about himself - and what he wants.

But during the second event, it's you that can't keep your mouth shut, even though you know it's probably best to do so.

Rating: M: language.

Author's Note:

My last writing post of 2024, and it's Pero Tovar. I never would have guessed this would be the cast even a few weeks ago.

Thank you so much for your interest in the first part, and in this story in general. I've loved seeing your comments and reading your responses to it. It's been a lot of fun to write, and I've desperately needed the distraction, so it's helped.

Part 3 is well underway, so look for it early in the new year.

The title comes from Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Thank you for reading!

*dividers by @/strangergraphics

Part 1

The four of you chose a diner a few minutes from the venue, and that time, Lin slid onto the bench next to her husband, forcing you and Pero to sit beside each other. 

You knew exactly what she was doing, and while part of you appreciated her pushing the two of you to remain close, you were also worried that it was too much, too fast for Pero. We’ll see. 

After you’d placed your orders, the conversation turned back to the event you’d just left, and the men’s impressions of the client - including that she’d taken a liking to Pero. You stayed quiet for that, listening to the two of them talk, and you had to admit that the way they approached discussing work impressed you. 

They were clinical in their assessment of her and her team, and you weren’t surprised to hear that they were pleased with the lengths she’d gone to to ensure her safety. “She had a stalker last year,” William informed you as he took a bite of one of the appetizers that had been delivered. “Her team upped protection then. They caught him, but who knows if there’s anyone else just waiting.” 

“I wouldn’t know how to deal with that.” You reached for your water cup, taking a drink before you continued. “Especially if I had to do as much as she does around strangers? Yuck.” 

“You wouldn’t have to look far for protection, though.” Lin winked at you, gesturing at Pero and William. “Two built in bodyguards right here at this table.” 

“I couldn’t afford these two.” You laughed, looking over at Pero and catching his eye. “Hell, I probably couldn’t even swing the budget for one of them, so -”

“You think we would charge you?” Pero narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “No. Never.” You watched as his expression changed - eyes darkening, the set of his lips turning into a smirk. “That would be a job I took because I wanted to.” 

That stunned you; you’d gone from him speaking ten words to you over the course of your association to him offering to protect you if necessary - for nothing. He wasn’t lying when he said he was interested. But him saying this in front Lin and William is … “Luckily for all of us, I’m never going to be in that position. But it’s good to know I’ve got somewhere to turn.” 

“You could pay Tovar in food.” William took a large bite and then gestured at his friend with two fingers. “For just about anything, honestly.” 

“It is true.” Pero grinned, nodding his head. “We do not tell clients this, but…” He looked over at you, raising an eyebrow. “I would not turn it down.” 

You’d never seen him smile so broadly before, and the sight of it left you speechless. I want to see that more. It made him look younger; the smile showing off fully rounded cheeks and a deep dimple that you hadn’t known existed. But now I do. Now I’m going to dream about it. 

“Alright, I’ve got a triple jalapeño burger and seasoned fries for…” The moment was interrupted when your waitress came back, but you were almost thankful. You’d been staring at the man next to you, and even though you were certain Lin had filled William in on the situation between you and Pero, you didn’t want to make things awkward - for anyone.

As dishes were handed out, you focused on your food, taking a few deep breaths to steady yourself. It’s fine. It’s going to be fine. But a few seconds later, when Pero reached over and laid a hand on your knee, cautiously squeezing it, you weren’t so certain that that was the truth. 

As the four of you headed to the front counter to pay after the meal, you were wondering if you should ask to get a ride home from the Garins, since they had to drive past your house to get to theirs. It makes sense. “Would -”

“Oh, look. Mistletoe!” Lin pointed up, and the rest of you followed the motion, raising your gaze to the sprig of faux greenery hanging just above the cashier’s counter. Shit. “C’mere, William.” She giggled as she grabbed the lapels of his coat, tugging him closer for a brief kiss. You looked away and met Pero’s eyes, not surprised to see actual fear in them, but before you could say anything, Lin spoke again. “Your turn! It’s tradition.” 

“No.” Pero shook his head, stepping back. “I will not be following this tradition.” It hurt more than it should have, and you tried to keep the fact that his words hit you hard from showing by biting the inside of your cheek. You stepped back, too, looking away from Pero and at the front windows of the diner - but not before you saw him wince. 

“We’ll wait outside.” Lin stepped between the two of you, linking her arm through yours. “Come with me.” 

“I have to pay, I -” 

“No, you don’t.” She gestured to the two men. “One of them will get it.” William waved you off and you let her pull you through the glass doors and onto the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Once the door shut behind her, she unwound her arm and then hugged you tightly. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think he’d react like that, it was just a joke.” 

“It’s fine.” You mumbled the words, blinking back tears. “Things were going well, but I didn’t think … I didn’t expect him to want to kiss me, but him just saying no like that was a surprise.” It hadn’t even been the denial itself; it was Pero’s tone along with the look in his eyes that upset you the most. “It’ll be fine. We’ve only got two events left, and the next one will be so loud we won’t have to talk, I’ll just…” 

“Do you want us to take you home?” She backed away, giving you a sympathetic smile. “It’s on the way, and I feel like this is my fault, so -”

“Yes. Please. That would be a relief. And I’m sure he wants to go home right away.” You’d been looking forward to a few more minutes with Pero, and an opportunity to thank him for the night. But that’s changed now. “Lin, I -” 

The door opened then, William coming out first with a cheerful expression on his face and Pero behind him, the scowl back in place. Fuck. “Ready to go home, Lin Mae?” 

“We’re going to take -”

“I will take her home.” You looked back at Pero, watching as he steadied himself with a deep breath, his full attention on you. “Unless you do not want me to.” The fear in his eyes was gone, replaced with a weariness that you almost liked less. Oh, Pero. 

“You can take me home, Pero.” Pausing, you nodded. “Please.” 

The four of you separated in the parking lot, Lin hugging you and whispering that you needed to call her when you got a chance before she got into their car. 

It was silent between you and Pero while he busied himself with getting the heat and defroster going, but it wasn’t as uncomfortable a silence as you thought it would be. Say something. Speak up. “Is that how most of your jobs go?” You held your hands out, enjoying the way the warm air felt on your skin. “Where you leave as soon as it’s over? Or -”

“No.” He didn’t look at you when he spoke, concentrating on the rearview mirror as he backed up. “Usually we are the only security. This is a very different assignment than usual.” You looked over, watching as the light from another car’s headlights passed over his face. “This time, we will only step in if it is necessary.” He glanced over at you. “I hope it is not.” 

He didn’t say anything after that, and so you fell into silence too, staring out the window and at the decorated houses as you passed them. You wondered how the night would have ended without the mistletoe incident - if you and Pero would have hugged goodbye over the center console, or if he would have offered to walk you to the door. He held my hand multiple times tonight, so I don’t see why not. 

When he parked in your driveway, he didn’t turn the car off, but he did put both hands back onto the wheel, his fingers curled around it tightly. I guess that answers part of my question. “Thank you, Pero, for -”

“I did not want to kiss you under the mistletoe.” He stared straight ahead as he spoke, hands in place. “But that does not mean that … I do not want to kiss you.” Wait, what? Your mouth opened, but you didn’t speak. Instead you just stared at him in disbelief. “Please understand.” He turned his head toward you, Pero wetting his lips before he continued. “That should not be the first … it is not how I imagined kissing you for the first time, in front of Lin and William and the entire fucking diner staff in a room that smelled like old coffee and burned toast.”

That finally broke you out of your stupor, and you laughed, reaching up with both hands to cover your eyes. “Oh, Pero.” You kept laughing, the upset you’d felt since he’d said no disappearing and replaced with something that felt strangely like hope. He’s thought about kissing me. He wants to. “I do understand. I just thought …” Dropping your hands back onto your thighs, you exhaled. “I thought you didn’t want to at all.” 

“Of course I do.” He reached over, putting his hand on top of yours. “Even more now than yesterday.” Pero said your name, the sound of it barely loud enough for you to hear. “I am fucking this up. I -”

“You’re not.” You flipped your hand over, taking his. “Not at all. Fucking this up would have been not talking about it or lying to me about it. You just … it was a misunderstanding.” Tell him. Tell him the truth. “I want you to kiss me, Pero. That’s why I reacted the way I did. I’d rather it didn’t happen for the first time in public, too, but to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t have been mad if you’d done it in the diner.”

“I am not romantic. I’m not like William. I don’t … I don’t know how to be like him, saying sweet things or being nice to people all the time, or picking the right moment to -”

“Don’t do that.” Shaking your head, you lifted your joined hands, gesturing to them with your free one. “This is a good start. Earlier, when we were sitting and you casually touched me? That’s good, too. I’d tell you if it wasn’t, or if I didn’t like something you were doing.” You sighed. “It takes time to learn about someone, you’re not just going to know everything after one date.” 

“That is a good point.” He was still holding your hand, but he’d pulled them over to his side of the car, letting them rest against his thigh. “Maybe I should take your advice more.” 

“You should.” You squeezed his hand. “Definitely.” Under other circumstances, you would have invited him in, asking if he wanted to have a drink or sit and talk. But tonight’s been a lot already. “So the concert next week?” He agreed, humming as he nodded. “Are we just watching again?”

“We will be at the meet and greet.” He sighed. “And then during the show, we’re going to be in the crowd. So will Lin and William.” You groaned, head dropping. “Why is that your reaction?”

“I’m a fan of her acting. But the music is … not my thing.” Wrinkling your nose, you rolled your eyes as he smiled. “I’ll suck it up, though. It’s just one show.” 

“And you’ll be with me.” I sure will. Pero cleared his throat. “We have an assignment out of town for two days, so if you don’t hear from me until right before the concert, that is why.” You nodded, even as you felt disappointment growing in your chest. “Let me walk you to your door.” 

It meant the night was ending, but you figured it was for the best. You could only handle so much in one night, and figured Pero felt the same. “Sure, but it’s still cold out. You don’t have to.” 

“I want to.” He let go of your hand and turned the car off before he unbuckled his seatbelt. Pero followed you the short distance up your driveway, and you were surprised - and relieved - to feel his hand against your back the entire way.  When you reached for your keys, he stopped you, his hand moving from your back to your elbow. “Wait.” 

You turned your head to look at him, and watched as Pero shifted nervously from foot to foot. There’s something else. He’s too... “Pero, if this is out of line, please tell me, but …” You closed your eyes and tipped your head back, releasing your breath. “When’s the last time you dated someone? Like … gotten to know them, or… have you ever dated anyone before? ”

“I have gone on dates, yes.” He frowned, his head shaking back and forth. “But dating? Long term? Never. Not really. It is easier for me to know people for a short time, and …” He shrugged. “Setting expectations is important.” 

After the misunderstanding you’d had earlier, it was a risk to continue the conversation, but you knew that you only had one shot - and didn’t want to waste it. “Are … would you like to keep this short term? Are we going to hang out these three times and then just … go back to how it was? Or…” Crossing your arms protectively over your belly, you looked down and then back up at him through your lashes. “I assume when you say a short time you mean just for sex, and that’s alright, but I don’t … that isn’t all I’d want with you.” You paused, thinking. “Or at least right now, after one date, that isn’t…” 

You trailed off when he moved closer, his hands going to your arms and resting against your biceps. “It has already been hard enough for me to keep you at a distance since we first met. Why would I make things easy now?” That made you laugh, and before you realized what you were doing, you’d leaned in and wound your arms around Pero’s body, turning your head to press your cheek against him. Oh, shit. I shouldn’t have done that. 

It took a few seconds for him to respond, but Pero eventually put his arms around you, too, his touch comforting. You liked the way it felt to be held by him, and closed your eyes as you inhaled deeply, letting the scent of him fill you - cologne and clean sweat and the winter air, along with a lingering hint of the diner’s interior. 

He was breathing steadily, too, and for a few seconds, you focused on the way his chest rose and fell, one of Pero’s hands moving up and down your back, his skin whispering off of the thick material of your coat. 

It would have been the perfect moment to pull back slightly and tilt your head to kiss him, and if you hadn’t just had a conversation about it, you would have done it. He said he wants to kiss me. He knows I want to kiss him. It needs to be him that chooses. The last thing you wanted to do was spook Pero, and so you pulled away with some reluctance, a smile on your face when you met his eyes again.

Deciding to press your luck, you raised one hand and cupped his cheek with your palm. “Thank you for a good night, Pero Tovar.” He nodded, his eyes widening and his lips parting at your touch. “Please be safe while you’re out of town. You can call or text if you want, or -” 

You watched as his lower lip trembled, the look in his eyes going from surprised to steely as he stared at you. What’s that look for? “Fuck it.” 

He kissed you then, lips settling against yours and then pressing, his forward motion catching you by surprise. You didn’t pull back, though, instead keeping your hand in place on his cheek and using the other to pull him closer, fingers twisting into his coat. Your heartbeat raced, but before you could truly begin to enjoy the kiss, he broke it, sucking in a quiet breath as he pressed his forehead to yours. “Pero.”

“If you say my name like that again, I will have to kiss you again. And if I kiss you again, it would be hard to stop.”

“I’d be alright with that.” You huffed out a laugh, keeping your eyes closed. “I’m glad you did that. I’m glad you -”

“May I do it again?” You nodded instead of speaking, happy that he was going against his better judgement and letting his emotion win out. The second kiss was slower than the first - and gentler, too, Pero taking the time to slot his lips against yours, catching your lower one between them. Your hand slid back, moving from his skin and into his hair, the strands soft between your fingers.  

You couldn’t believe it was happening - that Pero was kissing you on your front porch, that his hands had moved from your arms to your hips, that he was letting you pull on his curls with one hand in the same moment that his lips parted enough that he could flick his tongue out between them and against yours. 

“Enough.” He backed away, though you felt his mouth move as he spoke. “Enough for tonight.” You understood the significance of him saying that - especially so soon after he’d admitted that typically his nights out with women ended in sex. “Go inside where it is warm.” He put more space between you, but didn’t let you go, and you left your hands where they were, too. “You’re welcome, but it should be me thanking you for tonight.” 

“We should do it again sometime.” You winked, heart still slamming against your ribs. “That sound good?”

“It does.” His smile widened, and Pero’s eyes dropped down to your lips again briefly. “And we should.” He removed his hands and stuck them in his pockets, taking another small step backward. “I will call you soon.” 

Agreeing, you turned away from him and reached for your keys again, pulling them from your bag and unlocking the door. He was still there when you stepped through it and turned around to say goodbye, and the sight of that was almost enough to push you back out the door and into his arms. No. It might freak him out. 

“Goodnight, Pero.” You bit your lip, one hand gripping the door frame.  “Drive safe.” 

You felt like you were a teenager again - not wanting to be the one to end the night or finish the conversation, but when Pero nodded and closed his eyes, murmuring that he would, you knew things were coming to an end. He gave you a final look and a nod before he turned his back to you, heading for the car. 

You stood in the doorway until you heard his car start and then finally closed it, stepping all the way into your house. His headlights flashed in the front window and you heard a single toot from his horn, and that’s what made you react. 

One hand rose to cover your mouth as your eyes widened, and when you backed up enough that you hit the wall, you actually squealed, your eyes squeezed shut. “He fucking kissed me.” You’d wanted it, but hadn’t expected it, especially after the back and forth between you throughout the night. But he did. Lowering your hands, you stepped away from the wall and took a deep, steadying breath. And I’m going to enjoy doing it again. 

You only heard from him a few times over the following few days, and the messages were short because he was busy. 

But Pero was the one that sent the first text, and that was another good sign. 

And even though you knew she expected to hear from you when it came to what had happened with you and Pero, you didn’t spill everything when you spoke to Lin. You didn’t think he would appreciate it, first of all, and you also didn’t want to talk up what had happened until you knew whether or not it was going to continue in a positive direction. I can’t set myself up for that disappointment. 

As the date of the concert got closer, you did let yourself focus on the night, and what you hoped would come from it. You tried to keep your expectations low, but the memory of Pero’s touch - and his kiss - and the way he’d smiled in the diner didn’t make it entirely possible. 

You spent a little more time on yourself when you got ready that night, putting on a new pair of boots with your jeans and adding an extra spritz of perfume before you put on your jacket. It would be dark for the majority of the time you were together, but you still wanted to look nice for the meet and greet portion - and for Pero to pick you up. 

It was silly, and you knew it, especially since he’d made his interest known. But in the time that you’d had to yourself since the fundraiser, you’d thought about what Pero had said - and what he hadn’t said. 

You had no way of knowing if your assumptions were correct, but you thought that he likely hadn’t had a lot of experience with people trying to impress him, or with wanting to be impressed by the women he dated. You wanted to be different. You wanted him to know that you were making an effort for him, and that it wasn’t because it was expected - it was because you wanted to. 

By the time he pulled into your driveway, you’d psyched yourself out. 

It was stupid, and you knew it; it was just Pero, just going to a concert so that he could work … but that didn’t matter. Get it together. 

It seemed that he’d taken your advice from the previous week and waited inside the car for you. When you slid in next to him, you were barely settled before he spoke, Pero’s voice even. “Hi. I am early, but -” 

“You’re right on time.” Smiling at him, you gave him a onceover and sucked in a breath at the sight of a bruise on his cheek, the skin there purpled and beginning to turn green at the edges. “What happened?” 

“Work.” He waved a hand in your direction. “Someone put up a fight but I handled it.” Cautiously, your hand moving as slowly as possible to give him a chance to ask you to stop, you let your fingers trail over the skin just beside his injury. “You do not need to worry about me.” 

“I know. But that doesn’t mean I won’t.” You bit the inside of your lip and sighed. “It looks like it hurt.” 

“You would…worry about me?” He sounded genuinely shocked, but you nodded again, replacing your fingertips with the pad of your thumb. “I think I like that.” 

“Good.” I’m going to kiss that bruise tonight. You made the promise to yourself as you withdrew your hand. “It’s nice to be able to dress down a little for this, hmm?”

“Yes but on Christmas Eve, we won’t be able to.” He wrinkled his nose and put the car into reverse. “Will that be a problem for you?” 

“Nope.” You leaned back in the seat and took a deep breath. “I already know what I’m wearing.” That made him chuckle, and the sound finally broke through the last of your nerves. Things are alright. It’s not weird after the kiss. He didn’t pull away when I touched him. “Do you?”

“No.” He groaned. “Clothes. Something with too many buttons, I’m sure.” You laughed at his words, picturing Pero standing in front of his closet and scowling at the assortment in front of him. 

“Whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll look handsome.” He scoffed, but when you looked over, you saw a faint pink tinge to his cheeks. I made him blush. “We can talk about something else, it’s fine.” You pressed your lips together to keep a broad smile from spreading across your face. “Do you know how many people are at this meet and greet tonight?” 

“About a hundred.” He switched lanes and then eased onto his freeway. “I’ll have the final number when we get there.” It was a lot more than you’d expected, and even though you knew more people would make it difficult to keep an eye on every one of them, the increased number would also make it simpler for William and Pero to blend in. 

“It’s going to take her a long time to meet a hundred people.” He agreed, keeping his eyes on the road. “What can you tell me about her? Just -”

“She is … forward.” He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “She treated William and I like she knew us even though we’d only met a few minutes earlier.” You figured that she’d had practice throughout her career, so it didn’t surprise you. “You will get to meet her tonight, just to make it look real.” You hadn’t planned for that, but it made sense. “They will explain everything when we get there.” 

He fell silent, but when he reached over with one hand a few seconds later, yours was waiting. And when his fingers slid between yours, you didn’t waste a moment in tightening your grip. 

The organization of the meet and greet made perfect sense to you once you were in the building and briefed. 

Everyone was gathering in one of the venue’s rentable spaces, which had been decorated festively to reflect the season. Round tables were placed throughout the room, each with a number sticking out of a Christmas-themed centerpiece and various holiday props scattered across each table’s surface - and more piled up on a longer table against the far wall. 

Their client would meet each table individually and in order, speaking with people and taking photos or signing autographs. Her personal security would be spread throughout the room and at tables themselves, with one person remaining by her side as she moved from table to table. 

There was plenty of food and drink to enjoy while you waited, and a playlist that included some of her music - along with that of other artists in her genre - was audible through the speakers. You and Pero were at table 11, and William and Lin were stationed at 3, which meant that you could see them, but weren’t close. 

You knew that Pero would treat the event like any other job, but you also knew that you’d need to sell the idea that you two were there because you wanted to be, and so after settling into place, you’d asked him to go and get you something to eat. While he was gone, you observed the others in the room. 

It was obvious that most of them were fans of the artist’s, and had either paid good money for the experience or were lucky enough to have won the opportunity. It felt sort of wrong to be among them, but since you weren’t actively taking up someone else’s spot, the feeling passed quickly. And it disappeared entirely when Pero returned with two plates of food balanced atop each other and two drinks carried with his other hand. “Impressive, Mr. Tovar.” He ducked his head, but you caught the brief smile on his lips. “Will you be able to eat, or do you have to -”

“There is always time for food.” He stared at you, dark eyes bright. “And if I’m going to work all night, I need to eat.” You do. 

It only took a few minutes for you to finish most of it, and to your surprise, Pero wanted to talk while you ate. It wasn’t anything in depth, but it was still conversation, and it felt nice to have him speaking to you in the same way you’d seen - and heard - him speak to William and Lin throughout the years. 

He was more relaxed than you’d ever seen him, which made his shift back into business mode much more noticeable. You didn’t mind, though, when he moved to your side of the table and stood next to you, leaning his elbows on the brightly patterned tablecloth. It was so that he had a clearer line of sight, and you knew it, but that didn’t change the fact that it meant he was so close that he was nearly touching you. 

“Am I allowed to speak to you? Or do you need to focus?” 

“Please.” He looked over at you, giving you a lopsided smile. “I can do two things at once.” 

You took that as an invitation and reached toward the center of the table, picking up one of the Santa hats there. 

“You should put a hat on.” Running your fingers over the fur trim, you nodded. “Get into the spirit.” 

“I will if you will.” He took the hat from you and put it on his head, pulling it into place. “How’s it look?” The truth was that it looked ridiculous - but that didn’t mean you didn’t like it. 

“You’re the most handsome Santa I’ve ever seen.” Reaching over, you adjusted the pom-pom at the tip, folding it over so that it hung just right. “Let me take a picture.” You pulled out your phone and snapped a few, barely holding back your laugh at his frown - and then widening your eyes in surprise as it switched into a broad smile that was directed at you. “Perfect.” 

“Are you finished?” He cocked his head to the side. “Because it is your turn.” You hoped he picked out something good for you, and when Pero reached forward, you held your breath. There was no reason to, though, because he chose a headband that had a shiny tinsel tree atop it, complete with tiny, glittery beads in place of ornaments scattered throughout the branches. 

“Pero, it -” You took it from him and settled it in place, keeping your eyes on him. “There. How’s that?” 

“I would have chosen a mistletoe.” He smiled again, reaching for his phone. “But there was not one on either of the tables. I checked the other one when I was getting food.” Oh. Really? You… You were speechless as he started to take pictures, capturing a few before setting his phone back down on the table. Should I ask to take one with him? 

You didn’t need to, because an event photographer stepped up then, raising his camera and telling you to smile. Without even thinking about it, you leaned against Pero, tipping your head in his direction. When he put his arm around you, settling it across your shoulders, you breathed out a sigh of relief. Good thing we practiced.

Even when the photographer stepped away, he kept his arm around you though he moved it so that he could tighten his fingers against your side. “Do you want to keep them on?” He pointed at his hat with another finger. “At least until we go out into the crowd?” 

“You don’t have to.” You licked your lips, giving yourself a few seconds to think. “But I think it looks good on you.” He was going to reply but didn’t get a chance to. A loud cheer and some clapping signaled the singer’s presence in the room, and once again, playful Pero was gone, replaced with a man that was laser focused on the task at hand. 

She wasted no time, greeting the crowd and thanking everyone for coming before immediately moving to table 1 and interacting with the people there. 

The conversion in the room stayed at a lower level than you expected, but everyone was respectful. They stayed at their tables for the most part, with the exception being people at the higher numbered ones leaving to go and get snacks and drinks while they waited their turn. 

She was pretty in person, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she spoke with each individual. You noticed that she was personable, but didn’t get too close to anyone until it was time to take photos. “I don’t blame her.” You pointed across the room. “She’s taking good pictures, but she’s not really letting anyone crowd her space. 

“She was told not to.” He leaned closer, dropping his voice - and his hand. “By us and her own team. It’s important she meet people and be herself, but her safety…” He hummed. “It is not worth the risk.” 

You didn’t say anything in return, instead watching as she made her way to Lin and William’s table. It was more of the same, both of them being polite to her, followed by her taking a few minutes to have an actual conversation with them before she took photos and moved on. 

“We’ll be on the lower level for the show.” He cleared his throat, picking up his cup to take a drink. “We get to watch from the mixing booth, because it is elevated.” 

“Yeah?” He nodded, his eyes following her as she moved to a new table. “So you have a better view of everyone?”

“Yes. I need to watch the crowd.” He gestured around you. “All of these people times a hundred.” That made you laugh, and when you reached over, settling your hand on his forearm, you were pleased to find that Pero didn’t shy away from your touch. 

“Are we going to talk about it, Pero?” He turned his head to look at you, and even though his face was impassive, you saw the slight widening of his eyes as they met yours. “The kiss, or the things you said, or -”

“Yes.” He wet his lips. “If you want to, we can.” Of course I want to. “When?”

“I’d say now, but we’re about to have company.” You squeezed his arm and then sighed, pulling your hand away “She’s only got a few tables left, and I don’t want to get interrupted in the middle of that conversation.” 

“You’re right.” Pero nodded, taking another drink. “Not a good thing to get stopped while talking about.” Not at all. “What will you say to her?” 

“I have no idea.” You reached for your cup, too, spinning it on the tabletop. “Maybe I’ll just tell her I liked her last movie. Or that I’m excited to see the next one.” You looked down at your hands and then back over at him. “You?”

“I was hoping you’d lead the conversation.” He smiled at you, shrugging his shoulders. “That way I don’t have to.” That made you laugh, and when you lowered your chin to catch your breath, you were still smiling. 

“Typical. We’ve been out two times and I’m already picking up your slack.” He snorted at that, but when he leaned in, putting his mouth close to your ear to speak, neither of you were laughing. 

“There are other times where you will never have to worry about that.” He paused and then leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against your ear when they moved. “And that is a promise.” You backed away from him, turning to look into his eyes and finding that his pupils were enlarged, Pero’s lips parted as he waited for you to reply. 

How do I even respond to that? What do I say? “Pero, I -”

“Well hello, you two.” You were interrupted by the appearance of Pero’s client at your table, the woman’s voice high and bright. “Nice to meet you, I’m Christina.” She stuck her hand out, and you reached for it, greeting her and telling her your name, too. “And I already know you.” She winked at Pero, leaning closer and putting her palm flat on the table. “It’s good to see you again, Tovar.” 

You thought back to the conversation in the diner - to William and Pero’s assessment of Christina and then jumped to him saying she was forward. I didn’t think he meant flirty, though. “Yes. You too.” He cleared his throat. “Are you having fun?” Oh, shit I was supposed to… 

“You were fantastic in End of the Night, Christina.” Cutting in, you tried to draw her attention back to you. “I loved your character’s arc, and -”

“We had a lot of fun making it.” She nodded once at you and then looked back over at Pero. “I’m trying to get this one to come work for me on the next shoot.” She looked back at you and lifted a brow. “You can never be too careful with security, and he’s supposed to be one of the best.” What? “Maybe you can convince him to help me out.” She bit her lip and then reached over, moving to put her hand atop Pero’s. “Hmm?” 

He pulled his hand back at the last second, sliding it off the table and lowering it to his side. Interesting. “Christina, I’m not sure I have that kind of -”

“I like my job.” He cleared his throat and then reached over, sliding his hand along your lower back until it settled in place on your hip. “I’m not interested in a new one.” She looked shocked for a few seconds but recovered, straightening up and putting both hands on her hips. 

“There’s still time.” She nodded. “Now how about we take some pictures?” She gestured for you and Pero to move toward her - so you did, reaching over to push him forward with one hand. “Tovar and me first.” Part of you was irritated with how obvious she was being, but another part of you was intrigued. Because she’s going for it. She’s probably not used to people turning her down, and … “Smile!” She stood next to him, tilting her head in and toward his shoulder. 

You watched as he stood stiffly next to her, his arms hanging by his sides as she put one of her hands on his back, between his shoulders. And you bit back a laugh when she moved even closer, asking him to take a funny picture and then mirroring his scowl as she faced the camera again, one hand rising so that she could touch the pom pom on the point of his hat. 

As soon as the photographer lowered the camera, Pero stepped away and waved you forward. You didn’t really want the photo with her, but Christina moved into place, putting one hand on her hip and actually posing. Fuck it. You posed, too, getting closer than Pero had but still not touching her, and when the images were snapped, you backed off. I’m ready to be done with this. “How about the three of us?” She turned to look between you, her eyes glinting in the glow of the Christmas lights. “We can pretend to kiss his cheeks or something, if that’s alright with him.”

You knew it then - that instead of pretending, she was likely going to actually kiss him. You wondered if it would cause rumors. You wondered if Pero would get angry when it happened. I wonder if I should warn him. But it wasn’t your place to step in, and if Christina wanted to flirt with him in the open, letting it play out was the only thing you could do, because it had to be him that chose how to react.  

“Sure.” You reached out, touching his arm. “But only if you actually smile in this one, Pero.” He grumbled out his agreement but moved into place between you, and that time, you didn’t wait to put your arm around his waist, turning your head toward him and tilting it to get the best angle. 

You didn’t worry about what Christina was doing, and when the photographer began to count down, you leaned in closer, letting your eyes droop partially shut. It was hard for you to keep from actually kissing him in the picture - especially since the cheek you’d chosen was the one with the bruise, but you managed. You also caught the way he swore under his breath in Spanish, Pero staying in place but stiffening. “You actually… why did you…”

“I thought we’d both…” Christina groaned, leaning forward so that she could look past him and at you. “Thought you’d take the opportunity to -”

“Nah. Not for a picture.” You grinned, holding her gaze. “I’ll just actually do it later.” Her mouth dropped open, and you heard Pero disguise a surprised snort with a cough. I said what I said. “It was nice meeting you, Christina.” Her surprise turned into a smile, and to her credit, she leaned forward, still watching you, but with her eyes slightly narrowed. 

“I’ll give you this one.” Standing back up, she switched her attention to Pero. “She’s good.”

“She’s the best.” He cleared his throat. “You should go to the next table. There are more people to meet.” She wanted to say something - you could see it in her face. But Christina didn’t speak again before she moved on, leaving you and Pero standing beside each other next to the table again. 

You wondered if you’d overstepped. You had no right to make a claim like the one you’d made, and though it had felt good in the moment, you weren’t sure if it was the right thing to have done. He’ll tell me. “Pero, I -”

He turned, so that he could once again keep his eyes on the woman as she continued to make her way through the tables, but Pero also reached over, taking your hand again and squeezing. “I think we have something else to talk about later.”

For most of the concert, you and Pero stood next to each other and didn’t speak. You weren’t in the mixing booth; there was a space beside it that was separated from the rest of the crowd, and that’s where the two of you ended up. He’d handed you a pair of earplugs before the music started, and you’d watched as he slipped a single one into his ear, too. He must have the earpiece in again. 

It was strange to stand beside him without talking, but as time passed and the music played, you got more comfortable. He touched you often, though, his arm brushing against yours, or his hand resting on your back, and those moments gave you the courage to touch him in return. When he put his hands on the railing in front of you, you covered one with your own, letting it linger for a few seconds as you turned your head enough to give him a smile. And when he leaned forward, eyeing the crowd, you rested your hand on his upper back, moving it in a slow circle.

They were simple things - things that wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to occur between two friends - but with Pero, they were significant escalations in the behavior between the two of you. Because a week and a half ago, we didn’t even speak. It was especially encouraging because of his reaction to Christina attempting to touch his hand. Even though you didn’t know whether or not he’d pulled away because she was a client or because he just wasn’t interested, you didn’t think it mattered much. 

He left you briefly to head into the crowd, Pero giving your hand a squeeze before hopping over the low railing and then heading down the two stairs into the general admission area. You immediately looked away from the stage and followed him instead, heart rate elevated. 

You had no idea what he’d seen, but it must have been something that also caught the attention of Christina’s team, because as he moved through the crowd, he was joined by one of the men you’d seen in the briefing room. They beelined it through the sea of bodies and approached a man that was by himself - and had his phone out and pointed at the stage, a hood covering the back of his head. 

They spoke to him for a few seconds and then the trio moved toward the edge of the crowd, leaving the floor area and going out of sight as they stepped out and into the aisleway. You frowned, staring for a few seconds longer at where they’d been before turning your attention back to the stage - and to the woman on it. 

She was a good performer, and even if her music wasn’t what you typically listened to, you had to admit that it was the truth. You could understand why so many people were fans, and were happy that she was able to utilize multiple talents in her career. As she finished one song and started to talk to the crowd, the lights came up a little and let you see more of the people in it. 

There were just as many men as there were women, and you knew - without a doubt - that many of them would jump at the chance to interact with her in the way she’d tried to with Pero earlier. But he didn’t take the bait. And she said she’s been trying to get him to agree to work for her, so he knew she was interested in … 

Your fingers curled around the railing as you closed your eyes, taking a deep breath. It wasn’t a surprise to you that she was interested in Pero, even on just a physical level. He was an attractive man, and his demeanor only made him more alluring. She’d likely only seen the professional side of him, but there was no doubt in your mind that even if she’d only seen moments of his actual personality coming through, it was enough. Because it was enough for me. 

You felt a presence at your back, and were stunned when you felt an arm wrap around you, the scent of Pero’s cologne filling your nose. Is he seriously… wow. He didn’t speak, but when you turned so that you could look at him, he gave you a single nod - and a brief twitch of his lips. He wouldn’t have come back if things were bad. 

Settling back into place, you leaned against him, content  to watch the rest of the show that way - unless he needed go to back into the crowd. 

When the music ended, he moved his arm and you reached up, taking your earplugs out and slipping them into your pocket. As you turned to face him, you heard Pero speaking and realized that he was likely updating William about what had happened during the show. 

“Come on.” He held a hand out when he was done, waiting for you to take it. “Gotta go and debrief and then we can leave.” You followed him backstage, and when you made it to the room you’d first entered earlier that afternoon, he let go of your hand and pointed. “There’s coffee over there. Will you make me a cup while I talk to them? The same way I ordered it before is fine.” 

You knew it was to keep you busy, but you didn’t mind and agreed. It only took you a few seconds to fill his cup, and by the time you’d moved to the smaller table where the sugar and creamer was, Lin had joined you. “Tell me all about it. We saw her take the pictures with -”

“She wants him to work for her.” You stirred his drink, staring down at it. “She was flirting, and then she actually kissed his cheek.” Lin’s gasp made you pause. “I know, right? I’m sure it’s a great picture, but it was …” Putting the lid onto his cup, you fully faced your friend. “She made it very clear that she’s interested in him. And she’d probably pay really well, so it would be stupid for him to -”

“What was his reaction? He didn’t seem…” She frowned, thinking. “He didn’t seem too excited. And what did you say? You were right there. You must have said something.”

“She played it off like she expected me to kiss his other cheek.” You bit your lip. “I didn’t. And when she asked why, I just said I’d actually kiss him later.” Lin’s eyes widened - and so did her smile, before one hand rose to cover it. “I don’t know where it came from. I just … I’ve waited so long for him to actually…” You closed your eyes. “I couldn’t help myself.”

“And you shouldn’t.” She reached over, the look in her eyes kind. “It was a genuine reaction, and he’ll know that. He’ll appreciate that.” You hoped she was right, and as the two of you looked over at where Pero and William were talking to Christina’s team, you sighed. “He told William he kissed you. He said it just happened, and he hopes that it didn’t ruin anything.”

“It didn’t.” You touched her shoulder. “And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I wanted to keep it between us for now, because it was just a kiss. That’s all it might ever be, Lin. I just didn’t want to get too excited.” 

“I understand.” She smiled at you. “I’ll always listen if you want to talk, but you don’t have to tell me anything.” She gestured over at a set of couches in the middle of the room. “We should sit, they might be a -” You heard William calling her name, and both of you looked over in time to see him waving her over. “OK, nevermind. I guess we’re going over there.” 

Pero was still talking to the other security guards when you got to where they were all standing, and their voices were low enough that you couldn’t make much out. I hope everything’s alright. “As soon as Tovar finishes, we can head out.” His attention shifted to you. “I don’t want to leave you here, because it might be a second before he’s done.” 

“It’s alright.” You waved a hand at them. “I can sit and wait. You don’t have to stick around.” William looked like he wanted to argue, but Lin didn’t let him, grabbing his arm and launching into conversation about how hungry she was, and how they could stop and pick something up to eat at home. When she met your gaze, you mouthed a thank you at her, Lin’s only answer a wink followed by a sideways glance at where Pero stood. Got it. 

When they headed for the door, you took Pero’s coffee and sat down on one of the chairs, pulling out your phone. You didn’t expect to hear a woman saying your name moments later, and you expected to see Christina even less when you looked up. Shit. She’d changed out of her show clothes into a pair of sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt, and had removed all of her makeup and put her hair up and into a high ponytail. She looks like a regular person. 

“Oh. Hi. I wasn’t… it was a great show. You -”

“I wanted to apologize.” She sat across from you, putting her hands into her lap. “To you and to Tovar. It was … inappropriate. I shouldn’t have kissed him without his permission, even if it was only on the cheek. And I shouldn’t have … you’re clearly here together, and I knew it. But I still…”

“We aren’t together, though.” You smiled, shrugging your shoulders. “We came here together, yeah, and we were at the fundraiser together and are coming to the Christmas Eve party together, too, but we aren’t…” You paused, wondering why you were being honest with her. “Pero and I are just friends. I was as much out of line with what I said as you were.” 

“I’m not sure about that.” She smiled at you, looking past where you sat and at where Pero and the others were. “I was serious about wanting him to work for me, though. I feel safer knowing he’s around.” She laughed. “And my guys are already good, so that’s saying a lot.” You understood completely; there was just something about Pero that put you at ease, and you imagined that in her position, feeling that way would be a comfort. “I think they’re done. I should go and talk to my team before we leave. I hear they pulled someone out of the crowd?”

“Yeah. Middle of the set, but he didn’t fight or anything, he just went with one of your guys and Tovar. I didn’t see anything else.” She nodded and moved to stand, but before she could, you felt Pero behind you again, followed by the brush of his fingers against your shoulder as he gripped the back of the chair. 

“I see you found someone to talk to.” You looked up, finding Pero’s eyes on you. “I’m sorry it took so long.” Waving the apology off, you reached forward and picked up the cup, handing it to him. Once he was holding it, you watched as he looked from you to Christina, Pero’s chest rising and falling as he took a few breaths. “Everything is good. The man we spoke to tonight was just …” He frowned, narrowing his eyes. “He was not dangerous, just behaving a little oddly.”

“That’s good to know.” She smiled up at him and then stood. “Tovar, I’m sorry about earlier. I’ve already apologized to your friend here, but …” She tapped her lips with one finger. “I wanted to do the same to you.” Pero’s lips parted, but he didn’t speak. “I should have asked before I kissed you, especially in front of someone else.” Christina’s smile widened. “I’m sorry. I hope that I didn’t fuck anything up for the rest of the time we’re working together, or …” She pressed her lips together. “Or for more potential to work together in the future.” 

So she still wants him to work for her, and she wants him to know it. “Thank you.” Pero cleared his throat. “Everything is fine.” He moved his hand from the back of the chair to your shoulder, his thumb sweeping slowly over the outside of it. “But like I said, I am more than happy with my current job.” Christina blinked a few times but only nodded in reply, her eyes moving to your face and then back to Pero’s before she excused herself. “Are you ready to go? I’m done.” 

You were and told him as much, standing and then turning to face him. “Is everything alright? That guy -”

“We’ll talk about it.” He pressed his lips together. “My house is closer than yours. And it is not too late, so I thought …” Pero looked down and then back up at you. “Maybe we could order a pizza before I take you home?”

Your stomach rumbled at the suggestion, and even though you didn’t know what to expect from actual private time with Pero, you wanted to find out. “I can order it on my phone while you drive. Sounds perfect.” 

[5targh0st]

NUMBER ONE GIRL

40. loyal and kind (written)

prev // m.list // next

TW: implied sexual activity (I mean it's definitely not smut and is more of a mention of sorts but yeah)

Everything is ready. You've been waiting for this day to come for ages and today you're finally surprising Yeonjun. Up until now, he's always been the one planning everything and making sure you're always having a great time. He even made you a song. So, after all the mess and drama, you think it's only fair to reciprocate his actions.

It was rather awkward, talking about your feelings for him with his friends, but it was also easy and natural. Going on about all of the things you like about him when they also knew that side of him was refreshing. You didn't have to explain your feelings or try to convince them about anything; they understood.

You have to admit how grateful you are for all of the help and support Beomgyu gave you in the last few days. He's an amazing being but that's not something you're gonna tell him anytime soon.

Bringing Yeonjun to the festival without disclosing your true intentions was harder than you initially thought. He wanted to get dinner at a nice place and maybe go to the movies, he just wanted a date night. It took some convincing but he gave in and agreed to come with you to the festival.

Heesung smiles at you and gives you a thumbs up. Part of you wishes that Hyunjin was there, he is great at making you feel at ease, but wouldn't change Heesung does the world. He's been so supportive and caring that you've come to appreciate him in a way you didn't think possible before.

You hear your name being called and you walk up to the center on the stage with Heesung following you closely. You scan the crowd and see your friends cheering you on and, a few steps to the side, you catch a glimpse of Yeonjun's stunned expression. Beomgyu puts his arm around Yeonjun's shoulder and says something in between his laughter.

You feel the heat rush to your face but force yourself to speak. "Hey, everyone!"

Some people cheer but you don't seem to notice, your ahead are sizes on someone else...

"I'm YN and you probably don't know me but I've been here before. I'm part of a nameless band and sometimes I sing alone, although my friends are always here to show their support. Anyway, I'm not a musician by any means but I sing because it's fun and I'm not exactly bad at it.

I'm a photographer. Being the center of attention has been quite the experience, but I don't hate it. And I'm probably talking too much, but I promise it's important.

I take pictures of people and places to express something, I like to capture feelings in a way that everyone can get to catch a glimpse of the world through my eyes. I think I'm the most honest I can be through my photos. Today, however, I want to reach someone in their own language.

There are so many things I wanna say to you, but the most important of all is that I want you, all of you. The good and bad parts, your laugh and tears; I want all of it. I don't care about your past, the only thing that matters is that you're with me now. So, this is for you..."

You turn to Heesung so he starts with the piano and then you close your eyes. "When you think of all the late nights..."

Yeonjun can take his eyes off of you. His smile is so bright and can't even speak. Beomgyu wants to mock him, he really does, but there's this warm and fuzzy feeling in his chest that doesn't allow him to. He's never seen Yeonjun so happy before, not even with Yuna. He's happy for both of you.

"Your mother brought you up loyal and kind

Teenage love taught you there's good in goodbye

Every woman that you knew brought you here

I wanna teach you how forever feels..."

You meet his eyes and you notice this sparkle that wasn't there before. He's glowing and you realize this is what love is supposed to be.

"... but I love you more." People might be cheering but you can't quite hear them. Your eyes just follow Yeonjun and his clumsy attempt to get through the crown and reach you.

"What are you waiting for, dumbass?" Heesung's voice brings you back. And, as if you were set free after a long time being kept in the dark, you run towards that bright light.

You're not sure who catches who, but you're finally in each other's arms. One of his arms secures you close to his body by holding your waist while the other cradles the back of your head. You can feel his heartbeat, as soothing as ever, and you realize it's in perfect sync with yours.

"No one ever made a song about me." He says trying to stop himself from smiling but failing miserably. He just can't hide his happiness.

"I wanted to surprise you." Your hands reach for his face and stroke his cheeks lovingly. How could anyone ever say he's not made for love?

"You did!" His eyes trail down your lips as if asking for permission. Such a sweet guy, but you don't wanna wait so you take the lead.

It's perfect. Maybe a little too good to be true, but you're both happy and that's all that matters right now.

After the festival, some of your friends go clubbing while others just disappear without explanation. You don't exactly care right now. You just go back to Yeonjun's apartment so you can talk.

"So Heesung and Beomgyu helped you?" He's amused at the implications. Of course he knew his friends liked you but them going out of their way to help someone is completely new.

"They did!" You then tell him every detail about the creative process and how good of a teacher Heesung actually is.

"You really mean all those things?" He asks shyly. "You actually wanna be with me?"

"We all have a past; even I've done some things I'm not very proud of. But the thing is that you're not what you did or the people you've been with. And people talk and say mena things but they don't know you. And you don't have to explain anything to me, Jun." You reach for his hand. "We've all hurt others, and we've been hurt. We make mistakes, it's a part of growing up. Of course, people told me some weird things about you, but they haven't seen the way you care for the people you love. They don't notice the way you're always willing to help your friends, or how you always make sure to bring snacks cause you know Beomgyu forgets to buy his own. The way you talk so highly of Heesung and Soobin. That's the Yeonjun I know, that's the Yeonjun I care about."

His eyes fill with tears and you can tell his making a huge effort to not hide from you. "I love you." His voice is so low you almost think he didn't say it.

"I love you too."

Waking up next to him is kind of your favorite thing to do lately. His eyes fluttering and his nose scrunching are one of the most adorable things you've seen.

His arms remain locked around you and you feel his skin against yours. The memories of what happened last night make you blush. You clearly remember his lips against yours and the sight of his bare chest.You're not sure of what happened next but the feel of his hands caressing your skin and exploring your body still lingers and makes you feel at peace. It's kinda weird how you've never felt like this with anyone before. Yeonjun is intense and abrasive but, when you're with him, there's this soft and soothing feeling that engulfs you and you can't help but bask in his harmonious presence.

"Good morning, baby" His sleepy voice is so endearing.

"We're on a pet name basis now?"

"I'm your boyfriend now, so I get to call you baby."

His declaration almost makes you chuckle. You've been someone's girlfriend before and, by extension, you've had boyfriends before. However, no one's ever been so proud of being yours; he's not claiming you, he's devoting himself to you.

"Well then, since I'm your girlfriend now, I get to call you Jun or Junnie."

"Fine, but I get to call you angel and love on special occasions." He rolls his eyes playfully.

"You're so demanding!"

"I never said I was a low maintenance partner."

"Can I still change my mind?" Your teasing tone doesn't go unnoticed.

"Absolutely not! You were the one who said forever first," he tightens his grip on your waist, "so no take backs!"

After a shower and looking through his closet for something that doesn't make you look like a hobbit, he takes you out to get breakfast. If you thought he was unbearable when it comes to paying back when you were dating and even just friends, he's the worst with this whole boyfriend status.

He is your boyfriend after all, of course you're not paying for anything as long as he's here. For him, this is just the bare minimum. He's well aware that you're more than capable of paying, and he's ready to back down if it becomes an issue, but this is like basic boyfriend shit so he's just doing his best.

Seeing you laugh and having fun is enough to make his heart dance in his chest. Truth be told, he still feels like you deserve way more but he's gonna do everything in his power to be more for you.

"What are we doing tonight?" He asks with those adorable eyes that you've come to love so much.

"How about game night with the girls?" You suggest.

"Karina hates me!" He groans.

"She can't hate my boyfriend."

"Fine, but invite Hyunjin."

"Deal."

He's never been only hostile to Minho's friends but after spending some time with them, while respecting their limits, he's come to like Hyunjin. Maybe, under different circumstances, they could've been great friends.

notes:

imma be honest here, I'm hurting myself with all this fluff

finishing this here did cross my mind but we die like men here so pls have fun with the next few wholesome chapters

yeonjun is SO happy

basically everyone is rooting for them and I love it

I'm really happy about this development but yeah let me know what you guys think

taglist: (29/50)

@estella-novella @poetryforthesad @lisaswifey @angelzforu @ihrtlix @gloriousqueenking @domfikeluva @circus-of-thoughts @conwunder @miniature-tragedy @jeonginplsholdmyhand @sh0dor1 @yourenzoo @tkshairband @realrintaro @castingjinx @amara-mars @hwangrfrnd @nujeskz @jisungs-iced-americano @zeizeisjy

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Chapter 6 His Side Story

Chapter 6

Thank you @passthechloroform for providing the video for this chapter!

♡———♡

I tied that woman down with debt as a warning to the Rhodolite Knights, but that "God's infatuation" bit was just something I said in the heat of the moment. It wasn't part of the plan.

If I play my cards right, I can use the current political instability as an excuse to keep sending the woman to that old geezer and drive him crazy.

I never thought I'd instantly regret such a simple whim.

Azel: Hey...didn't I tell you not to betray me?

Emma: ...Yes.

Azel: You also said, "Consider it done," didn't you?

Emma: ... ... ...Yes.

Azel: Then let me ask you...

Azel: ...what is the meaning of this?

Emma: That's what I want to ask!

The woman before me is kneeling on the ground, desperately trying to catch her breath.

The faintly sweet scent that reaches my nostrils makes my discomfort grow. Even though I know she's a victim, my gaze involuntarily turns cold.

(...I can't believe she was drugged with an aphrodisiac so soon.)

*flashback*

High Priest: Emma, please pray sincerely for peace in the heart of our Living God.

High Priest: And that his body may be blessed by the moon.

*flashback over*

(Damn...I should have finished her off back then.)

(I thought it would be fine since Izzet was watching her, but I guess I was naive.)

My downfall was not paying enough attention to the woman.

I didn't care what happened to her, but—now that she's here in front of me, my conscience is stinging.

Azel: Any idea what happened?

(First, I need to find out how the aphrodisiac was administered. Everyone involved will be punished.)

Emma: Come to think of it...

Emma: Before I left...the maids prepared some perfume oil for me. Maybe that was it?

(Such a classic trick...)

Azel: Perfume oil is aphrodisiac 101. How could you fall for such an obvious trap?

Emma: ...! I never thought it would be in the perfume oil!

Emma: To begin with, I've never even seen an aphrodisiac, so I don't know what it's like...

Azel: Huh? You've never seen one in your life?

Emma: Of course not!

Azel: There are people like that?

(I always thought they were commonplace...)

Judging by the woman's reaction, it seems there's a difference in our understanding.

Gods possess vast knowledge, but they don't live amongst us mortals. So, sometimes they're not aware of common sense.

(Isn't it normal for women who've taken aphrodisiacs to appear before you at every opportunity?)

(...That geezer...)

Perhaps sensing something from my expression, the woman seemed to forget about the aphrodisiac and lowered her eyebrows with a look of pity.

Azel: Don't look at me like that, don't pity me. It makes me want to cry.

Emma: I-I'm sorry...

Emma: Um, is there, like, an antidote for this?

Azel: No. We just have to wait for it to wear off.

Azel: But luckily, it doesn't seem to be that strong.

(Compared to the women I've seen before, her symptoms are mild.)

(...Actually, it's too mild.)

Unlike the women who readily succumb and shamelessly flaunt their lust, this foreign girl seemed to be desperately resisting the effects of the aphrodisiac.

Azel: It's rare to find a woman who remains so unalluring even after being drugged.

Emma: That's just unnecessary commentary.

Azel: How straightforward.

(There are actually women who don't cling to me.)

(...My guilt is growing.)

The woman's misfortune is not only being slathered in aphrodisiac but also being dressed in harem clothing.

Her breasts and stomach are exposed, her flushed skin practically screaming with desire.

(...)

(Why isn't she saying anything?)

She has every right to curse me, to blame it all on me, to demand I do something.

But the woman just clutches at her flimsy clothes, furrowing her brow as if trying to tighten her loosened tear ducts.

(Even under the influence of an aphrodisiac, how can you be so...)

Belle of Rhodolite is said to be the most beautiful woman in the small country.

I was skeptical until I actually met her, but seeing her now, shouldering everything herself without blaming others, it all makes sense.

(I underestimated her, thinking she was just a strong-willed woman.)

(...You're actually an exceptionally kind person.)

Azel: ––...I feel bad about this.

Emma: ...? Did you just say––

(I can't just leave her like this, can I?)

As I roughly lift the woman who seems unable to stand, my ears are suddenly filled with noise.

Emma: W-wait...what are you doing!?

Azel: You're going to be attacked if we stay here. I'll...

Emma: Huh!?

Azel: I'll teach you how to deal with being drugged with an aphrodisiac...for a fee.

Ignoring the woman's blushing face, I begin to coldly calculate in my head.

(She said the aphrodisiac was administered through a maid, right?)

(The maid is obviously guilty, but so is the merchant who supplied her with the oil.)

(I'll have to make an example of them... It's time for a thorough purge, the likes of which they haven't seen in a long time. It's the only way to ensure they never lay a finger on God's favorite again.)

As I enter the temple, I glance to the side and my eyes meet Kamal's, who was melting into the shadows.

With a single glance, she vanishes, acknowledging my silent command.

(I had a change of clothes prepared for emergencies, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to use them.)

(...It's been a while since I've felt this guilty.)

.

.

.

Chapter 7

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[writerfromshikahr]

My first male Rook piece. This is slightly inspired by my Grey Warden Rook, named Sethius (but no names are used in this, just generic Rook). Pre-relationship moment (because I freaking love those).

------------------------------------------------------------------

A Sketch to the Heart - Lucanis X Rook

------------------------------------------------------------------

The smell of roasted meat and herbs lingered in the air, the warm glow of the kitchen fireplace casting dancing shadows across the walls. Rook sat at the long wooden table, one elbow resting on its worn surface, the other hand guiding a piece of charcoal over the thick paper of his sketchbook. Around him, the others were finishing their meals or quietly preparing to retire for the night.

The room hummed with the soft murmur of voices and the occasional scrape of a chair, but no one paid much attention to him as he worked. That was just as well. The flickering firelight played across his freckled face, deepening the thoughtful crease between his brows as the wyvern on the page came to life.

It wasn’t the first time he’d drawn a one, but this time it was different. He’d noticed the way Lucanis spoke about them a few days earlier—quietly, with a rare note of admiration. It wasn’t much, just a passing comment in the markets in Treviso, but it had stuck with Rook. That’s just who he was. He remembered little things and acted on them without a second thought.

He added the final details to the wings—thin veins branching out like rivers—then leaned back, studying the creature. It looked alive, ready to spring from the page, its jagged tail curled in menace, its angular head tilted as if in thought. Satisfied, he gently dusted the excess charcoal from the paper with the edge of his sleeve and set the stick of charcoal down.

The faint rustle of movement drew his attention, he glanced up to find Lucanis approaching. As always, he moved with an assassin’s precision, quiet and measured. He stopped beside Rook and glanced down at the sketchbook.

“What are you drawing?” Lucanis asked, his tone low and even, but there was a note of curiosity beneath it.

Rook smiled faintly. “Something for you, actually,” he said, reaching for the small dirk sheathed at his belt.

Lucanis raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Rook slid the blade carefully along the edge of the page, severing it cleanly from the sketchbook. He set the knife aside, then held the page to him.

“Here,” Rook said.

Lucanis hesitated before taking it, his fingers brushing the edge of the paper as he lifted it to get a better look. The firelight illuminated every detail—the wyvern’s powerful wings, its coiled tail, the glint of intelligence in its eyes. He stared at the drawing for a long moment, his dark eyes tracing every detail. His expression softened, a rare vulnerability slipping through, “You remembered.” The words were quiet, almost as though they were meant only for himself.

Rook shrugged, his tone casual. “Of course I did. I’m good at listening, or so I've been told.”

“It’s incredible, thank you.” he smiled softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s nothing,” Rook replied, waving him off. “Just figured you’d appreciate it.”

The assassin sat down beside him, holding the sketch carefully, as though it were something fragile. The fire crackled softly, filling the space between them as the rest of the kitchen slowly emptied.

“I meant it,” Lucanis said after a while. “The drawing means a lot to me.”

Rook glanced at him, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. “You really like wyverns, huh?”

Lucanis nodded, his gaze still on the drawing. “When I was a child, I wanted one—more than anything. I read every book I could find about them. Caterina thought it was a distraction, but I couldn’t help myself.” He let out a soft, almost self-conscious chuckle. “I suppose I never stopped admiring them.”

Rook leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “Ever seen one up close?”

Lucanis shook his head. “No. I’ve only read about them. Their wildness, their strength… they fascinate me.”

Rook smiled, sliding his sketchbook closer to Lucanis. “You’re in luck. I’ve seen plenty of them—and drawn just as many. Caught sight of some in the Korcari Wilds a few years back. Mean little bastards. This one here nearly took my arm off… but, damn, was it beautiful.”

Lucanis leaned closer, studying the page intently. “I didn’t know they came in so many forms.”

He turned the page to another sketch of a massive wyvern with jagged horns and a thick, scaled tail. “Spotted it in the Frostbacks during a supply run. It didn’t try to eat me, so I consider that a win.“

Lucanis chuckled softly, the sound rare but warm. “You’ve seen all of these?”

“Over the last ten years, yeah. Wyverns and Wardens go hand in hand, or so it seems. Always where you don't want them to be and usually where you've got to go.”

Lucanis studied him for a moment, “I envy you,” he said quietly. “To see them in person… it must be incredible.”

“It is,” Rook admitted, his voice softening. “But you probably see them differently than I do. I mostly see creatures that are trying to eat me. You, on the other hand, see them for what they really are—wild, dangerous, and kind of amazing.”

Lucanis’s gaze returned to the drawing he had given him, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you, again. For this. For remembering.”

“Anytime" Rook met his eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint smile.

[dramaticallytotal]

Noah Mudaliar: The High IQ

Here is my design of Noah for my TDWT Rewrite: I've Been Around The World! (Which is being written)

If you've seen my headcanons, you will see some of the information from those here! Like the monogrammed sweater vest that has DP on it that stands for Drama Productions since that is the network that Chris works for and as Noah was his assistant Chris got him the vest so he would stand out from the "lame interns."

He has a pair of sunglasses that he "stole" from Chris. Really, Chris shoved them on his face one day, and Noah just never gave them back. They are Gucci UwU

He is wearing cargo pants that unzip at the knees to make shorts! I don't know who on here had that idea originally, but I loved it and was so inspired by it that I had to give them to my boy!

He is still wearing hiking boots. I just made them look like actual hiking boots. XD Specifically, NORTIV brand hiking boots. And I kept the three shirts because, honestly, how iconic of him to be a fashion disaster???

He also has a utility belt that he started wearing once he started working for Chris because, honestly, he had to be prepared for anything and with the utility belt he could be prepared for a lot of it. No one truly knows all he holds in the belt, but it seems like Mary Poppin's bag given how many things he pulls out of the pockets.

You may have noticed the three bracelets and those were given to him by either friends or family. He wears them every day. The first bracelet is a friendship bracelet given to him by Izzy that has his "signature colors" on it according to said redhead. It has his, Owen's, Izzy's, and Eva's names on it along with a long part that reads 'TeamEscope' and Izzy carved '+O' into two beads.

Then there is the red cord bracelet that his mother gave to him and all his sisters that has their family name on it in gold. 'Mudaliar' His cord is red because he wears it the most out of all his family members.

The last bracelet is one his sister Nadia made for him when he first got onto Total Drama Island. It's made from his golden retriever, Nana's old dog tag, since she knew he would miss her while he was away. He bought Nana a new one before he left.

Yes, his dog is named Nana, and even though they are not the same breed, she was named after the dog in Peter Pan. Her middle name is Ark because he thought it was funny.

[emwritesstuff]

as the world caves in | ch. 11 | bucky barnes x reader

synopsis: You are a ghost story. A former Air Force pilot who had her plane shot down by Germany in 1945, but here you were in 2023, alive and frozen in your 25-year-old body.

You haven’t seen Bucky since the 1940’s, before his fall, before you went on a suicide mission only to come back alive. You aren’t sure reliving those memories – and being a living memory of everything the man has lost – is the best for him.

But you and Bucky won’t be apart for long.

masterlist | AO3

notes: :') We've come to the final chapter. Short and sweet. I still want to write an epilogue (yes I've seen the Thunderbolts* trailer) but this is the official ending of the fic! Thank you for riding this ride with me. (warnings: fluff, angst, mentions of death, depressive states, wwii) (word count: 1.9K)

eleven: sunrise

The most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

His best friend, in a sundress, his jacket around her shoulders.

Bucky had dutifully ignored all of Sam’s quips and eyebrow wiggling as much as he could, but he couldn’t ignore this. As a familiar, melodic tune filled the summer air, his feet carried him half against his will to where she was sitting, his hand offering something he wasn’t sure he could deliver.

He hadn’t taken a girl to dance in seventy-some years.

But alas, a song was playing and he could feel the warmth of her body as they began swaying along the dancefloor, danger and elation wrestling for the main spot in his chest but finding no room. She’d taken all of it.

While they were like this, muscle memory kicking in as Bucky led them as a pair across the dance floor, it was like 1945 and beyond had never happened. He wasn’t the Winter Soldier, or the ghost of it. She wasn’t a WASP WWII hero with too much baggage and responsibilities. Just a boy and a girl, how it should’ve been if things were simple and fate wasn’t cruel.

He could’ve found the courage to ask her to dance, again and again, and ruin their friendship with a romance. They’d have a little house by the coast to go for the summer, and she’d laugh at how much sand he’d gotten in his shoes. Jimmy Barnes would’ve given her his last name, and by 2023 they’d both be not much but memories in their grandchildren’s heads.

“Buck.”

Her voice brought him back to a reality where two people who should be memories from the past were still alive and kicking. And what a blessing it was, to have her be more than just a memory or a photograph.

What a curse, to want to kiss her so badly and spoil the one good thing he’d gotten out of all of this bullshit.

He took Sam’s interruption and ran with it, literally, leaving her standing alone on the dancefloor as shame and self-consciousness creeped in. Because he could handle losing everything else, but not this. Not her.

Seventy-something years and Bucky was still a damned coward.

He reflected again on this many hours later, staring at the rising sun as if it was mocking him. A new day so he could do exactly what he’d been doing: eat around the edges, careful not to take too much but never really savoring anything.

He’d almost done it back at her house, her having the grace of smoothing over the awkwardness like the good diplomat she was. It was like he never learned; here we was again, being pulled in her direction like a magnet, his body aching and his insides burning for her in a way he didn’t remember ever feeling.

What used to be a sweet teenaged infatuation evolved into a ground-splintering love, not for the girl she used to be, but for the woman she was now.

It’s what drove Bucky up the stairs, leaving the laughing sunrise behind him, as if a new day wasn’t to come and the chance of his world being shattered wasn’t imminent.

He should be content with the bickering and the gentle, lingering touches; he should be fine with meeting once in a while to catch up on each other’s lives, admiring her from afar as if she was a star he could only wish upon. He wasn’t.

Bucky wasn’t content with much, lately.

Any doubt was vanished when he stepped into the corridor of rooms 302-316 and found her still standing there, wide eyes mirroring his, wet with longing and desperation.

In the spam of seconds, he took her face in his hands and did something he should’ve done seventy-something years ago: he kissed her.

Your fingers found his wrists, seeking leverage from them as a lifetime of fantasizing turned into reality and threatened to make you float away. Your name fell from his lips in a shaky whisper and he almost dared to pull away, but you didn’t let him. You should’ve kissed him that day in English soil, before you both died to the world and the time you belonged to. You kissed him in the present for your younger self, as if you were running out of time.

You weren’t. You knew you weren’t. But rational thinking could not reach you, not there in between his arms. You kissed him for your present self, who loved him so quietly for so long you forgot how loud your heart could be. He took it in stride, tangling his fingers in your hair and making you sigh.

He whispered your name again, pleading, but you shook your head, unsure what you’re denying him of; you tasted the salty tears before you could feel them on his face, or yours, it’s all the same at this point.

“Sugar, please look at me.” He said, still holding your face and planting kisses over your closed eyes. “Please,”

You looked up at him and his silver-rimmed eyes, your own spilling over despite his effort in wiping the emotion off your cheeks. “Bucky—”

You needed to tell him that you could not bear to have him explain himself; that you understood, that you would never hold this moment against him, but he didn’t let you. He ran his thumb over your trembling bottom lip, and you quietened.

“I should’ve done this such a long time ago. I’ve been so afraid to lose you I couldn’t bring myself to tell you how much I love you. I love you like crazy, because that’s what I am,” You’d be ready to disagree but sobs filled your throat, your hands fisted on his shirt the only thing tethering you to earth. “So much has changed but not this— never this. If anything this only grew. I’ve loved you for a lifetime, so please, please, be mine.”

Your hand reached up, tracing the line of his brow, his nose, his lips. He leaned into it, free from any previous inhibition. You’d been so blind in your fear. In your denial. Bucky Barnes now laid open on your palm, crying like the boy he once was and asking you to do the very thing you’ve been doing all of these years.

“There hasn’t been a single minute in this in this life where I haven’t been completely yours, James Barnes. I’ve loved you for a lifetime,” His shoulders sagged in relief, and he smiled brighter than the rising sun. Brighter than two suns, even.

Early morning bled into afternoon. The heat of the New Orleans air made your bare skin feverish and sticky, but neither you nor Bucky could bring yourselves to untangle your tangled limbs or move. His metal arm was the only solace against the heatwave, running up and down your back and making you shiver.

“This feels like a dream,”

 “I don’t think we’d be so sweaty if it was, Sugar.” He tightened his arm around you. “This is real. ’Sides, it’s so much better than any dream my fucked-up head could have concocted.”

You hummed a protest, raising your torso to look at him. “Don’t say that.”

“Mean it,” He cupped your face with his human hand, and you sighed. “I’ve got permanent damage. There is going to be bad days. This is why it took me so long. I just don’t wanna be more trouble than I’m worth,”

“Bucky…”

He insisted.  “I know you’re stubborn enough to stick around, I just—”

“I spent two weeks in bed when you resurfaced as the soldier.” You blurted out, sitting up fully. There was concern in Bucky’s eyes, and he kept you in place as you searched for a piece of clothing to cover up. Your eyes burned with the promise of more crying. “I’ve worked for S.H.I.E.L.D for decades and you were right under my nose,”

Your voice broke, then you finally found the shirt Bucky discarded early on the floor. “I took orders from the people making you a slave. I couldn’t find you because they kept you from me. Peggy, Howard, everyone. If I’d known—”

“None of that was your fault.” He said, urgent hands reaching for you to get back in bed with him. “You were just as much a weapon as I was. I never held that against you and I never will,”

“I felt like a fraud. Steve had to come and help me bathe, eat, brush my hair.” You mumbled, wiping the stray tears with the back of your hand. “I felt like I didn’t deserve the privilege of having you in my life again. And I was terrified that you wouldn’t want to be. I’m so sorry, Bucky.” He shook his head, sitting up with you. Leaned close so he could rest his forehead against yours. “And I was a coward for not saying I loved you before you went on that fuckin’ mission in ’42. Acting like a prick because I was too scared to lose you.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m glad I didn’t listen.”

If you had, you wouldn’t be here. You’d never take the serum, and both Bucky and Steve, your boys, would be too further in time for you to catch. You���d be nothing but a face in each other’s memories.

“You never listen…”

You both chuckled, a pathetic, half-drowned thing on your end. “Exactly. So quit saying I’m too good for you. We’re exactly the same,”

Bucky shook his head again but gave in, kissing you sweetly then placing a kiss on your shoulder. You doubted he’d truly let that go, and you were ready to argue with him about it for the rest of time. He wrapped his arms around you and you did the same, staying like that for a while. Doing nothing but breathing in one another and allowing the past and the guilt to dissolve away.

“That’s why I’ll still complain about your terrible coffee.” Bucky scoffed at that, tightening his hold on you as if it was a punishment and not the best thing ever. “And make fun of you for being terrible with technology. Help you through the bad days and enjoy every minute of the good,”

“My coffee’s not that bad,” He grumbled, not addressing anything else and knowing you’d read between the lines. You both laughed.

“Just because this is going to be a long, winding road, doesn’t mean I don’t want to walk it with you, James.”

“’Till there’s two suns in the horizon?”

You hummed.  “I don’t think this world is caving in anytime soon. You know it, people’ve tried.”

He grimaced. “Yeah.”

“Then let’s live, Bucky Barnes. You and me. Just… live.”

Bucky’s eyes were warm under the dim lights of your motel room. This moment wasn’t the world wasn’t at its end. It probably never would.

This… this was just the beginning.

He smiled. The crooked, perfect show of teeth Bucky brought from the past just for you. “We ain’t getting any younger, Sugar.”

[staybabblingbaby]

Project: Stack The Deck CH. 1 (a3d1)

-

Concept: Reader is a long-time trainee at JYP Entertainment, on the verge of being dropped completely due to her age. In her first stroke of luck in ages, she's presented with an opportunity: JYPE is producing a brand new type of audition show - 9 lucky trainees will be 'interning' with 6 of JYPE's active groups for a year in hopes of forming the first ever mixed gender AND mixed subgender group in k-pop. The catch? The trainees are only interning with their exact opposite groups, in an effort to appease ongoing protests.

Or - Babble gives in and writes Omegaverse. But this time, there's ~lore~

-

Word Count: 1,893

Notes: I started this instead of working on SG I'm so sorry ^^;; My brain just doesn't wanna take anything serious rn I've been having a Time lmao I have, perhaps, thought about an inordinate amount of lore for this ^^;; It's ok I just tried to apply logic to Omegaverse nbd. I never liked the 'inner wolf' rhetoric so this is my attempt to fix that while keeping the instinct drivel i adore lol. While also keeping a more human level of 'intinct'. Also this isn't very edited, so keep that in mind. Also also this is super slow-burn and focused on pack-bonds first, so while we may get to romance and maybe smut eventually, it won't be for a really very long time Heavily inspired by To The 9th Degree by azaluvx7 on Ao3.

Warnings: Mention of house-fire, discussion of medical misinformation that leads to protests (also mentioned)

-

Sitting across from the director is always a nerve wracking experience, no matter how many times I’ve experienced it.

Kim Jae-Hwa was a severe omegan woman with dark hair and a fair complexion. As the director of Training and Development at JYPE she held the future of all of JYPE’s unrealized talent in her hands.

That did, of course, include my own.

Having been picked up and dropped from several line-ups over the years, none of those groups having come to fruition at all, she was someone I’d seen probably more than I’d have liked to. Seeing her face always filled me with a potent mixture of hope and dread, something she was uniquely positioned to tip the scales of.

Today we were, oddly enough, sat in the company’s cafeteria instead of the director’s office or the conference room she favored. Seeing as how the last time I'd been in one of those rooms it’d been to have a very honest and pragmatic conversation with several of the older trainees about our future within the company and our options outside of it, I couldn’t be mad at the change of scenery.

Several of my classes had become one-on-one tutoring sessions after that conversation.

So yeah, sitting in front of her was always more than enough to make you break out into a cold sweat and send my scent spiking along with my thundering heartbeat beneath carefully-applied scent blockers, no matter how nice she was.

And she was nice, pushing a steaming coffee across the table to me, warm smile gentling her features. She cared about the trainees here, truly. It’s why she organized meeting like the one that chased away a majority of your remaining friends in the first place. Always looking out for us, whether we liked it or not.

“I heard you’ve been skipping a few classes lately, that’s not like you.” She says after a moment, allowing me to sip the warm comfort of the familiar beverage before her interrogation.

“Ah,” I flinch a bit, curling into myself, “I had to get another job. My apartment burned down recently, so it’s just been a bit hard to make everything work out.”

She knows this already, of course. All of my trainers were aware, as well as the manager who oversaw the older trainees. Well, older trainee, now, really. Reports about the trainees crossed her desk regularly, and since I was the only one in my class right now there weren’t many for my details to get lost between.

As expected, she just nods along, tilting her head at me, not surprised in the least.

“Where are you staying now, may I ask?”

I shrink further into myself at her query, embarrassment flooding me. “Just a hotel right now, director.” I admit, head low, “The building wasn’t really salvageable, and I haven’t been able to find anything I can afford near enough to the company yet.”

Jae-Hwa just nods her elegant head, not rendering judgment. In fact, as I glance up at the older woman, there’s something almost calculating in her eyes.

“Why didn’t you apply for the trainee dorms? It sounds like you qualify for them.”

Squirming uncomfortably in my seat, I cast around for a reasonable answer. It wasn’t like I could tell her that I was intimidated by a bunch of teenagers. I mean, in turn they were also intimidated by my seniority and sway with the more sympathetic trainers, but, well. A few bad apples could spoil a bunch, and I’d always been an easy target for bullies.

Even if they couldn’t hurt me physically or professionally, words often had a way of getting under skin. Especially from people I’d rather be able to mentor and pamper.

“The kids get a bit uncomfortable with me already,” I settle on, letting my shoulders shrug sheepishly, body pulled along by the half-truth, “I don’t want to make it worse by intruding on their space.”

Jae-Hwa simply hums, considering me. She probably knew this too, honestly. The truth of it, even. There wasn’t much that went on in the practice rooms that she didn’t know about.

There also wasn’t much she could do if I didn’t stand up for myself, so I just offer her a strained smile, silently begging for this conversation to move forward.

Stars above, if this was a new way of gently encouraging me to pursue other career paths it might have been the most effective one yet. Fleeing the building sounded great right about now.

“Alright, I won’t push it, you know very well what resources we offer by now. Better than some of my staff even, I’d bet.” She says it in a lighthearted tone, clearly only meant to tease, but hot shame rips through me again anyways.

Seven years was a long time to train, and while it did come with some perks (like knowing the training program than some of the managers), it still meant that I hadn’t been good enough to debut. That despite the extra experience and training, I still wasn’t good enough.

“I actually had something of a proposal for you,” the director continues, unbothered by my bowed head, “You may not have heard since you’ve been out lately, but the board has proposed a project in hopes of appeasing those protests that have been happening.”

I grimace at the mention of the ongoing protests, the loud chanting of the crowd in front of the building ringing in my ears at just the mention of them.

“The ones about co-ed groups?” I clarify, as if there are any others.

She shares a tight-lipped commiserating smile with me and nods, “Yes, those protests,” she sighs.

Honestly, the whole movement was stupid, in your opinion. On the surface it was progressive, inclusive even. After all, encouraging more co-ed groups could lead to a great many positive changes for idols. Less scrutiny on interactions between male and female idols, or alphas and omegas. More leeway with the very intense media attention, a chance to be more care-free when hanging out with their friends.

Hell, it could even be good for society at large, showing progressive ideals in a very visible way. That is, if the goal of the movement had been so pure or noble.

No, the current rhetoric was an archaic bunch of bologna ripped from an out of context statistic from a very old and very biased study about Pack dynamics and their impact on one’s health.

To brush past the bullshit and flowery words of concern, they believed that a pack needed at least one person of every sub-gender present to keep a balance of hormones and instincts and remain healthy.

Never mind that the same study claimed that omegas needed to be locked up in their dens and nests like birds in a cage or that betas were only really good for filling in negative space despite their very intensively studied and very important roles in a pack.

Unfortunately, despite making about as much sense as a flat-earther, one viral post had made it into k-pop circles and triggered a cascade of hysterically ‘worried’ fans, who really just wanted a chance to join the packs of their favorite celebrities.

It was common knowledge that many idol groups ended up as pack, especially those that enjoyed success. JYPE as a company very specifically encouraged this, boasting an incredible matchmaking record with 10 out of 11 of groups they’d tried this with becoming pack, a further 3 of those packs even being romantic.

The issue was that, in direct contrast with this nonsensical ideal, most idol groups comprised themselves of only one primary and two sub genders, due to the marketability and fanservice of it all. An alpha group would only have alphas and betas, and vice versa for omega groups.

Hence the very loud protests outside the building, mostly comprised of delusional fans baying for a chance to meet their idols for said idol’s ‘health’.

Normally the company wouldn’t cave to something like this, simply issuing statements of good health or waiting for it to blow over, but even I had heard of the large-scale boycotts and blackouts among various fandoms. Loss of profit or image was something the company could not, unfortunately, ignore.

Still, I frown at the director.

“Is it really a good idea to give into them?” I ask, worried, “Won’t they just get bolder, then?”

The director grimaces in agreement, but shrugs her shoulders, “Your guess is as good as mine, kid. In the end, it’s up to the investors.”

I give my own grimace at this. Despite actively wanting and trying to participate in the industry, I was old enough for the rose-tinted glasses to have come off. I could be disgusted by how the industry operated while still wanting to be a part of it. I’m talented that way.

“Just hear me out about it before we start picking it apart,” Jae-Hwa gently pleads, “This could be a good opportunity for you.” something heavy and sorrowful clouds her eyes, her voice lowering as she admits, “This could be the last opportunity I can get for you.”

My heart lodges in my throat at her words, nausea swirling in my gut.

Jae-Hwa really did care for her trainees. A bit too much, even. Enough to be blunt with us about our chances to debut. It had been a few years since she’d looked at me with bright eyes and a cheerful, “This could be it! You’ve got the talent, kid, we’ve just gotta show it to the world!”

She might take the older trainees aside to gently break their hearts, but she never forced them out. I was just the last one stupid enough to stay.

“You’re 23 this year, y/n.” She says gently, grimly, softly taking my hands into hers across the table, “I can’t protect you forever. There’s no telling when we’ll get to put together another girl group. You’ve got the talent, kid, but this might be your last chance to show it.”

She’s right, of course. 23 is old for a trainee. Hell, younger idols should be hitting the peak of their careers at 23. Even if I left JYPE, there’s only a very infinitesimal chance I’d be picked up by another agency. There’s an even smaller chance that theoretical company could debut me.

I swallow uneasily and tighten my grip on the director’s hands. I give her a tiny nod to continue, fighting off the urge to cry.

“They’re putting together a reality show,” Jae-Hwa begins to explain, holding my gaze, “Where they’re going to have our top trainees ‘intern’” she releases one hand to air-quote the word, her eyes rolling despite herself. It makes me giggle, and by her small smile, that was her goal, “with one of our active groups for the duration of a comeback.”

I tilt my head questioningly at her, “What does that have to do with the protests?” I ask. So far it seemed like just an innovative audition show to me.

the director’s eyes reveal her unease, even as her face stays resolute. “The trainees will be put in a pool for the groups to choose from.” She continues to explain, seemingly ignoring my question, “But,” She hesitates, “They’re only going to allow the groups to choose completely opposite- gender trainees.

[italeean]

Truth or Dare?

A game of truth or dare takes an unexpected turn~

A/N: Hello hello everyone! Merry belated Christmas and Happy New Year!! 🥂✨️ I hope everyone is doing well, and if someone isn't, I hope that 2025 will be kinder to you ❤️ Today I'm here to deliver my gift for @duckymcdoorknob because I'm the one and only squealing santa for this amazing person anf super talented writer!! It's a honor to write something for you, especially because I've been reading your fics ever since before I created an account here! You're a source of inspiration for everyone, dear... stay amazing and Buon Natale 💚🤍❤️

PS. A huge thanks to @cantsaythetword for hosting this amazing @squealing-santa !! You did an amazing job, thank you for giving us the possibility to partake in this beautiful event 🥹🩵

DISCLAIMER: This is a tickle fic. If it's not to your taste, I don't suggest you read it.

It wasn't meant to go like this... it wasn't meant to go like this at all.

Tighnari kept staring at his friend, not knowing what to say next. The situation wasn't that complicated, he just had to complete a dare...

[FLASHBACK TO 30 MINUTES PRIOR]

"Cyno, I'm absolutely exhausted... I yield, please show some mercy!" The fennec fox pleaded, his tail thumping nervously on the floor. It was the 10th match of Genius Invokation TCG he played with Cyno, and the 10th match he lost. He really needed a change.

It was in that moment that Cyno proposed a few rounds of truth or dare, just to get to know each other even better and have a good laugh together. Tighnari wasn't too fond of the idea, but he was desperate to stop playing TCG enough to accept without hesitation.

Things seemed to go pretty smoothly for a while... until the fox picked "truth" and a much-dreaded question came.

"Are you ticklish?"

The poor Amurta graduate tried to change topic by immediately switching to a dare, but Cyno was too cunning, too curious and most importantly too mischievous to let go such a fundamental topic that easily, which is why he chose a very specific dare for his friend: "I dare you to raise your arms for five minutes straight, so that I can get the answer to thw question I asked you by myself."

[END OF THE FLASHBACK]

And there Tighnari was, undecided about what to do. Stop playing? Cyno would ambush him. Answer the question? Cyno would use that info immediately, just to verify, obviously... Raise his arms? A literal death sentence, unless he managed to hold back his laughter.

He decided to risk it all and go with the third option, hoping that his friend would get bored by the lack of reaction, so he raised his arms all the way above his head, exposing his torso. There was no way that a forest ranger like him wouldn't be able to handle a little tickle, right?

Oh how wrong he was...

The moment Cyno's hands came in contact with his sides, he wanted to crawl out of his skin and screech. He'd never realized that those fingers were so nimble, strong and gracefully merciless.

"Hm- hmpfff-!" A few sounds came out and didn't go unnoticed by the General Mahamatra, who somehow seemed to know how to make this whole ordeal as unbearable as possible.

"Come on... laugh a little more, I don't understand if you're ticklish or not" Cyno purred, clearly in his element whenever it came to annoy Tighnari. "Am I hurting you? Do you need me to stop..?"

The black-haired guy felt the immediate  need to reassure his friend, so he muttered a quick "N-no..."

If only he could've seen Cyno's ominous smirk when he gave that answer...

"Oh well, if you don't  need me to stop, I don't see why I should~"

"Nononono Cyno be reasonable, d-don't do anything dumb you'll regr- AAAAAEEHHH-!" The unlucky fennec fox didn't even have the time to protest when ten mischievous fingers reached his lower back, right at the base of his tail.

"HAHAHAHAHA CYNO PLEASEEE MOVE ALREHEHEHEADYYY!" He scream-laughed on top of his lungs, trying to crawl away... only to have the General Mahamatra sit on the back of his knees to keep him pinned to the ground.

"I am already moving, Nari." The white-haired guy stated as if it was obvious, "Don't you feel my fingers move right here?" He poked the area he was targeting just to enjoy the squeals of his friend, "Should I move a little faster?" He didn't even wait for an answer, he started scribbling all over the sensitive area at full speed, hoping that no one would come after hearing the glass-piercing screech made by the forest ranger.

After a while, he decided to show some "mercy" and change spots, targeting Tighnari's palms, where he had smooth, soft pads like foxes have. Is it really mercy if the second spot is worse than the first one, though? It was no secret that Tighnari never let anyone touch his pads, due to their sensitivity, and he was right to do so, because the lightest, softest caress had him in tears, to the point that Cyno decided to have actual mercy and stop the assault.

The Spantamad graduate gave his friend a minute to recover, then he scooped him up in his arms and gave him some needed ear and scalp scritches, which never failed to make the dark-haired guy melt.

"I guess my question has found a certain answer," Cyno stated after a few minutes, "you are deadly ticklish... too much for your own good." He concluded, chuckling at the irritated thump that Tighnari's tail made.

Another five minutes passed, and both friends were absolutely relaxed when the fennec fox's eyes fluttered open, gazing at his friend's peaceful features.

"Hey Cyno, can I ask you something?" Tighnari asked while wrapping his arms around the General Mahamatra. "Sure, go ahead." The white-haired guy replied without even bothering to open his eyes, feeling completely safe where he was.

"Are you ticklish?"