#JUST POINTING OUT: DAVE IS ALRIGHT IN THIS AU!

[fayes-fics]

Right In Front Of You

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, modern AU

Summary: Sometimes, the thing you most need is right in front of you...

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI, vaginal fingering, smidge of dirty talk, orgasm. Friends to lovers, only one bed.

Word Count: 3.5k

Author's Note: Request fill for @eecummingsandgoings, who asked for only one bed trope with Benedict. Thanks to the awesome @colettebronte for beta reading and for the title suggestion! This is a seasonal-ish fic set in early December. Enjoy! <3

“You guys are so late!” 

Melanie draws you into a bear hug after her fond chastisement.

“Blame this one,” you roll your eyes and signal a thumb over your shoulder to Benedict as he wanders up the path behind you. “He was supposed to be on map-reading duty after we ran out of phone signal.”

With a big smile, he mimes being stabbed in the chest before he receives a welcoming embrace as well.

“He’s been shit at directions since uni; why the hell did you have him navigate?” she chimes, taking your coats as you peel them off and hanging them in the hallway cupboard. 

“Because you have experienced his driving,” you shoot back, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, good point,” Melanie guffaws.

“Starting to take this personally now,” Benedict pipes up with a good-natured chuckle as she ushers you both further into the cottage.

“This is nice!” you comment as you survey the place.

Its snug warmth is like an enveloping embrace on this cold, early December day. It's an Airbnb rental in the Lake District and looks suitably rustic but modernised with an open-plan layout—a perfect venue for a uni friends reunion. 

“Well, I'm afraid you two are so late that everyone has already nabbed the good bedrooms,” she announces. “You will have to share the other attic room, two floors up.”

“I'm sure we will be fine,” Benedict blithely responds. 

“It's only got one bed,” she cackles.

“Bagsy the bed!” you crow, turning to look at him triumphantly.

“Fine, I’ll take the floor,” he grumbles, rolling his eyes.

While chivalrous, it also seems fair payback, given that he got you so horrendously lost on a single-track country lane, going miles in the wrong direction. Sharing the drive up from London was supposed to take about five hours, not the almost seven that it ended up being by the time you eventually got back on the right road. 

Leaving your bags in the hallways, you greet and join the gaggle of friends in the living room area, crowding onto the sectional sofa and beanbags. Melanie, always the mother hen of the group, stands across the room at the kitchen island, stirring a huge casserole dish that smells delicious.

“Alright, you bastards, come and get it,” she calls not long after you settle.

So, all twelve of you decamp to the long table, and drinks flow as you tuck into a hearty, tasty stew. The group have come without their spouses or other halves, except Dave and Andrea have been together since the second year and are still going strong more than ten years later—well, and one other exception.

“Matt brought Vanessa?” you comment into Melanie’s shoulder while conversation flows in little groups.

“Yeah, I know,” she winces. “Sorry…”

“No, it's not that. I just think it’s a bit odd. She’ll have to endure so many old uni tales and in-jokes all weekend. She’ll have little idea what we are all on about…” 

Matt is your ex, yes, but you broke up almost a year ago now. You didn't get together until five years after uni, and in hindsight, you wish you never had. Vanessa is his first girlfriend since your breakup. You've been alone since—the only singleton left in the group.

“Drink up,” Melanie advises sagely, refilling your wineglass almost to the brim. “They have the other attic bedroom that backs onto yours, and even though the stone walls here are thick, I've heard rumours she is a loud one.”

“Urgh…” you take a large gulp, not savouring the idea of hearing your ex and his new woman having sex through an adjoining wall.

The rest of the evening passes pleasantly: wine flowing, a lovely time as you all catch up and trade stories. Jon recounts a hilariously disastrous holiday in Portugal that ended happily with him meeting his current partner Simon on the plane home, which earns him a round of applause. 

The first to turn in is Matt and Vanessa, and not long after, others start to yawn and make their excuses, the drive from various corners of the country taking its toll on everyone. 

Benedict grabs your bag as well as his, you trailing behind, making your way slightly gingerly up the second, narrower, steeper staircase to the attic rooms.

“I guess this is us,” he notes, nodding to the only door without a faint lamp glow leaking underneath.

You follow him into the room as he dumps the bags and flicks on a sidelight. It's not big but it’s homely, if a little chilly compared to downstairs, heated by the fireplace as it was.

“Ben, you can’t sleep on the floor; there's a draught,” you remark as you sit on the bed and pull off your fuzzy socks, a coolness wafting over your toes.                                        

“I’ll be alright,” he assures genially, opening the wardrobe to gather a pile of blankets.

“And there's not much room,” you assess, realising the floor space is minimal unless he lays near the chimney, likely the source of the problem. “Seriously, we can share.”

An odd expression clouds his face briefly before he agrees and quickly excuses himself to the bathroom. You do the same after he returns. He is already under the covers, peering at his phone through reading glasses when you shuffle back into the room in your PJs.

“Are you sure about sharing?” he checks as you round the bed to climb into the other side.

“Yes, you idiot,” you chuckle, playfully swatting his leg through the duvet. “Nothing for Paul to worry about,” you add in jest, referring to his boyfriend of over two years now.

He goes so still that you twist to look at him. He is biting his lip with an almost sheepish mein. 

“We, umm, broke up about a month ago,” he elucidates quietly.

“God, I'm so sorry; why didn't you say before??!” 

It strikes you as odd that he never even mentioned it in the hours you were stuck in the car together. He had just sat dutifully, supplying supportive words as you lamented the dating scene. 

“Well, you’ve been away travelling…” 

“I meant today.”

“Oh, well, I guess I didn't really see the point, seeing as everyone has left their plus-ones at home,” he shrugs, then tilts his head back. “Well, apart from that idiot,” he adds, referencing Matt through the wall.

“Yeah, I thought that a bit odd he brought her… but anyway, do you want to talk about it? Paul?” you offer, wanting to give your good friend the opportunity to vent.

“Very kind,” he smiles briefly. “But no. I'm sick of talking about it, to be honest. Daph has been non-stop trying to agony aunt the situation, and Eloise has been plying me with alcohol and barbs about all of my terrible life choices, not just Paul,” he grimaces mildly.

You chuckle, knowing exactly how that has likely been going.

“You know he just brought Vanessa to make you jealous, don't you?” Benedict changes tack, keeping his voice soft even though it's unlikely to carry through the thick stone wall.

“Maybe,” you hesitate, then sigh: “I'm over him and his nonsense, to be honest.”

“You were always far too good for him.”

“Hah!”

“I mean it,” he insists, an abrupt intensity to his gaze that causes butterflies.

There’s no point denying your attraction to Benedict; he's a very handsome man. But it's always felt like a harmless crush; you doubt you are his type, and he’s not been single for many years. 

“You are just trying to butter me up before you take over the whole bed like an octopus and snore in my face,” you deflect with humour.

“You never could take a compliment, could you?” he chastises gently, taking off his reading glasses and setting aside his phone.

“Please, I would never take any compliment from you seriously,” you riposte dryly. “I knew of your charmer reputation from the very first day of uni. Everyone did. Your Bridgerton reputation preceded you.”

“Entirely unfair to be tarred with the same brush as my lothario of a brother,” he sighs with mock burden. “I mean, yes, okay, at uni, I was a little…”

“Slutty?” you interject

“... adventurous..” he corrects with a narrowing of his hazy eyes, “but nothing like the rumours suggest. I just got with a couple of raconteurs early on who vastly overstated my abilities and skills,” he demures.

You know the truth is somewhere in between the polyamorous, bisexual playboy reputation and the modest version he is claiming.

“Besides, that was years ago,” he points out with a dismissive gesture. “I've had a total of five lovers in the last ten years.” 

It is indeed true. Before Paul was Tilly, Tessa, Gen and Henry. He’s been surprisingly monogamous since his earlier, sluttier years.

“Ready to sow your wild oats again?” you ask, bumping him lightly with your shoulder.

“Hah!” it's his turn to scoff.

Just then, a distinct female moan filters through the wall. When it happens again, your eyes dart to each other.

“Oh god, Mel warned me this might happen,” you grumble, burying your head in your hands.

“Told you,” Benedict clucks. “This is definitely designed to make you jealous.”

“Pfft, please. Believe me, he's not that good; she's just a really vocal one, apparently.” 

For some reason, you are keen for Benedict to know Matt is not the best you've had. Not bad, but not exactly worthy of the decidedly rousing review Vanessa is now giving through the wall.

“Want to beat him at his own game?” 

His face is all permission and danger, making your pulse race, uncertain about what that could mean. But then he breaks into a goofy grin and throws back the covers, athletically jumping to his feet on the bed next to you, looking equal parts adorable and attractive in navy tartan pyjama bottoms and a dark grey t-shirt. He takes a few test bounces, the metal springs of the bedframe under the mattress squeaking mildly in protest as he does so.

“C'mon!” he coaxes, grabbing your arms and hauling you upwards onto your feet. “I think with a few bounces and choice noises, we can make our point.”

Perhaps it's mostly the three glasses of wine, but it seems like a funny idea. You both start to bounce, grasping each other's hands and giggling, the bed beginning to rattle against the adjoining wall as you work up a jumping pace.

“Make it sound like you are having the time of your life,” he proposes, laughing.

Your attempted noise of pleasure has you flushing with embarrassment at the feeble result.

“Oh, I know you can do better than that!” Benedict incites, eyes glittering with mischief. 

“I really can't,” you protest.

“Follow my lead. I’m not above a touch of theatrics,” he winks.

Benedict groans loudly, and despite the absurdity of the situation, it makes something run hot and electric through your body. He peers at you expectantly, awaiting your rejoinder. 

You cringe as, once again, your second attempt is lacking.

“Loosen up,” he rags lightly before repeating his very distracting noise. “C’mon, just imagine I am the best sex of your life.”

Your traitorous mind finds it remarkably easy to settle on that idea. Supplying a vivid picture of Benedict looming over you, a beguiling lopsided grin on his face as he takes you apart with long fingers buried between your legs. Just the thought has you biting your lip, but not before a feral noise escapes entirely without you meaning it to.

“Oh yes, that's much more like it,” he looks slightly taken aback but entirely approving. He leans in close as he requests: “Just a little louder.” 

Then with a grin, he turns to face the wall and pounds his fists onto the thick, rough stone. 

“Yeah baby!!”  His decidedly Austin Powers-like call echoes up along the ceiling as he tilts his head back, going fully theatrical.

“WE GET THE FUCKING HINT, BRIDGERTON!!”

Matt’s muffled, annoyed yell through the wall has you exchanging looks before collapsing back down onto the bed and rolling around in fits of quiet giggles.

“Well, it worked… I don’t think you were much help at all, though, if I’m honest,” Benedict opines breezily. “I definitely did the heavy lifting.”

“Perhaps I’m just not a loud sex noises person,” you posit.

“Then you haven’t been having the right sex. Which, given you were dating Matt, is sort of a foregone conclusion,” he needles genially.

“Not all of us are Vanessas… or apparently Benedicts.” 

He laughs heartily before countering: “I bet you could be. I’d happily try to have you screaming the roof down if I thought you’d ever bloody let me…”

It's a record-scratch moment that has your stomach flipping even as outwardly, all you do is scoff at the patently ridiculous idea. He must be kidding. He has never given you any vibes of being remotely interested in you in that way.

“Let you?! Bitch, please. As if you’d want to!” you rebut, wine stealing your filter. 

He turns towards you, seemingly in slow motion, breathing slightly heavy from the recent exertion, his cadence dropping low with words that sound like a warning. 

“Don't play that game.”

“I’m not playing any game,” you frown even as your heart speeds up at the challenging glint in his eye. “Ben, honestly, I… I'm not,” you stutter, all your assumptions about him scattering. “I… I didn't think you saw me that way…”

He twists up to hover over you. It appears he reads the honesty behind your stilted words, surprise rippling across his features before a breathtaking, troublesome look takes its place.

“You never could see what was right in front of you, either, could you?” 

Although rhetorical, you have no response anyway. Buffering as his lip quirks appealingly, a burst of heat behind your ribs as he leans down closer.

“Will you let me?” 

“Let you what?” 

Your whispered response is entirely too breathy and wanton. A delicious crackle in the air as Benedict stares down at you, inches apart, lips and cheeks flushed dark, likely a mirror of your own.

“Test your theory.”

The slow sweep of his glistening tongue over his lower lip breaks your resistance.

“Yes…” 

Your shaky exhale of permission may be barely audible but seems so loud to your own ears. 

And suddenly, his mouth is on yours.

The kiss starts soft and almost hesitant, but alcohol and desire coursing through your veins make you impatient, wrapping a hand around the back of his neck to tug him closer, craving his weight and heat to engulf you. And that is what he does as his lips part yours, his tongue seeking permission you readily give as he presses you into the mattress. It’s a blur as you take from each other greedily, open-mouthed, demanding kisses that never seem to end.

“I need to hear you make that sound again,” he rumbles, kissing over your cheek, snagging your earlobe between his teeth, breath gusting hot into your neck.

Boldly, you grab his wrist and, throwing all caution to the wind, guide it lower between your legs. His fingers curl into the cotton, sinking into the heat, knowing you are seeping through the thin material.

“Are you always so wet?” He whispers, impressed, kissing a line over your throat.

You don’t answer, not wanting to say that it’s all him, instead pulling him in for another searing kiss, hoping he will get the hint. Sure enough, as you suck greedily on his questing tongue, he slowly swipes, locating your swollen clit with just one move. Just that slight nudge has your body alight, stuttering into his mouth, spine arching up off the bed, pushing your breasts into him. 

“I want to make you come,” he admits breathily, dilated pupils trained on you as you squirm under his touch.

“Please do.”

His groan is poetic, an insistent mass nudging your hip promisingly as he leans into you. You glance down, mesmerised by the veins on his hand as he moves to pluck at the bow at your waistband until it relents. His touch spiders under the material, trailing through your trimmed hair and then between your legs, a delicious noise in the back of his throat as his bare fingertips slide into your wetness. 

You want to ride his digits until you are screaming, want them buried in you so far you see stars. Want him to make you suck your juices from between his knuckles, him calling you all the filthy words under the sun as you do so.

“Whatever you are thinking of, tell me,” he pleads, his other hand sweeping into your hair, cradling the back of your head, a slight pull on your scalp that just heightens everything. “I just want you to use me. Take what you need from me; just please make that perfect noise again.”

“God Ben….” You stumble, never having had someone make such an offer before. So much pent-up desire you are quaking as you answer without artifice: “I was thinking of your fingers inside me.”

You don’t even have to ask him for it, he twists his wrist, and you moan as two fingers breach your weeping pussy, a slick noise filling the air as your body suctions onto his invasion. He utters a curse, perhaps taken aback by just how soaked you are. You inhale sharply, grasping the corded muscle of his forearm as he slides deep, his knuckles grazing your walls, reaching places you cannot.

He begins to softly stroke you, massaging in a rhythm that has your mouth slack, staring at him wide-eyed; then his thumb nudges your clit at the same time, and you are unable to prevent the loud staccato groan it elicits.

“Yessss, there it is..” he hisses triumphantly, kissing your temple. 

You nuzzle his cheek until he takes your hint, kissing you again, plundering, you making the noise again, open-mouthed, against his teeth and tongue, dripping onto his palm as he takes you higher, an electric hum racing under your skin. His thumbnail catches deliciously under your clitoral hood as he strums your swollen nub. Somehow it feels illicit, both of you still clothed in your nightwear, a tented outline in his pyjamas nudging your hip as you shamelessly ride now, a dewyness gathering inside your tank top at the flush of desire enveloping your skin.. 

“Come on, sweet girl,” he goads, “ride my hand properly. Use me.”

That term of affection would usually make you bark a laugh, but right now, it’s just blisteringly hot, him wringing the most filthy sodden noises from your body as he rocks in and out of your pussy. 

So you do. 

Scrunch your grip into the duvet beneath you and undulate on him, baring down as he surges inwards, moving like a wave together as he makes noises of encouragement, his lips warm on your cheek. His eyes don't leave your face except occasionally to glance down your writhing body, gaze lingering on your nipples pebbled against your vest. 

His feet entwine around your ankle, holding you down just a little bit, giving you just a little fight that you need, reading you like a book. With a nod and lopsided smirk, he silently bids you to keep going. And you do, getting overheated, chasing that high he is aiding and abetting.

“Don’t hold back,” he tutors silkily into your damp temple, intuiting that you are swallowing back some of the noises you want to make. 

So you follow his bidding. Stop modulating yourself, letting go, leaning into the simmering in your body, each perfect glide of his fingers spiralling you so high it's almost dizzying, your desire running down between your cheeks now. Something daring in you wants to be louder than Vanessa. To make the whole house jealous. Hell, for the entire world to know how good this feels.

He angles to catch your g-spot as well, and it hurtles you rapidly over into the blissful abyss; unable to stop yourself from spasming almost violently, screaming out, him fighting against your convulsions as you fracture apart and reassemble, breath stolen, blood pounding in your ears. You float both high above yourself and grounded in your body as that wondrous quake spreads to every corner of your being.

“That was bloody perfect,” he exhales, a thread of pride etched into his tone as you collapse down, heaving breaths as he withdraws from inside you.

“WE GOT THE FUCKING HINT EARLIER!!” 

Matt’s yell through the wall makes you both still, eyes going comically wide before you both start giggling. Benedict lands a kiss on the tip of your nose as he rolls on top of you, his rigid cock nestled against your inner thigh.

“Well, that just sounds like a challenge to me,” he quirks a seductive eyebrow. “Let’s give them something to really complain about…”

Then, without warning, his soaked fingers yank down the neckline of your vest, his warm lips suctioning onto your nipple, and you are calling out loudly once more. 

masterlist • wips • taglist (must follow this blog to be tagged)

Benedict taglist pt 1 : @makaylan @longingintheuniverse @iboopedyournose @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @m-rae23 @last-sheep @kmc1989 @ferns-fics @corpseoftrees-queen @magical-spit @bunnyweasley23 @how-many-stars-in-the-sky @hanji-emo-blog @sya-skies @urfavnoirette

[haleswallows]

I’ve Been the Forest and the Fire (and the Witness Watching It) DC x DP Dead on Main (Jason Todd/Danny Fenton) Teen Soulmates AU

Chapter 2!

Teaser:

"This is bullshit."

His soulmate turns around at the sound of his voice. Freezes. He looks tired and scrungly and of course. Because the universe hates Jason, so of course the asshole is also in the class he's taking for his Maths Gen-Ed credit.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Jason stands over him. "Aren't you supposed to be really good at math, or something? Why are you in an intro level class?"

His eyes are huge. "I don't test well and did bad on the placement exam."

"Great," Jason seethes. A twisting in his gut makes him feel like he's about to throw up. The soul bond demands proximity with his 'other half'. Chronically contrarian, Jason fights the instinct and the rising nausea before giving in. He slides into the desk next to his soulmate. The discomfort immediately eases. "Fucking fantastic."

There's attempts at a conversation. Jason ignores it in favor of getting himself settled. Pulls a copy of the list of accommodations he'll need that the Student Affairs Office helped him put together. Subtly scopes the room - for exits, and the best desk for when he brings Ace.

Ignores the put-out expression, the longing looks coming from his right.

Thankfully, the professor focuses on reviewing the syllabus only. And assigns a set of problems. What sort of jerk assigns homework on the first day?

Students scramble for the exit as soon as the dismissal comes. Asshole looks like he has something to say, but Jason just… he can't. Refuses. Before he gets subjected to what the fuck ever the asshole thinks he needs to say, Jason snags the professor.

He's vaguely aware of his soulmate lingering, and then eventually leaving. His gut clenches and his hands shake.

•○●○•

Jason stops in his tracks. The asshole looks at him. Jason glares back.

He's in Jason's literature course too.

"Whoa, 'scuse me," another student mumbles, side-stepping around Jason and his cane where he's standing stock-still in the doorway. Fuck.

OK. Fine. He has two classes with the piece of shit. Jason's dealt with worse.

He doesn't sit next to him, finding a seat in the second row and near the door. It's strategic. Less walking, a better view of the board. There'll be more room in the aisle for Ace when he starts bringing him. Jason stakes his claim - this'll be his desk for the semester.

The asshole can sit in the back like a delinquent. Jason doesn't care. He can't see him from here anyway.

The professor - mid-30s, bearded, Southern accent - makes them do an ice-breaker game. Jason wants to die.

Professor 'Just call me Justin' holds up a bag of Jolly Ranchers, directs them to take one and pass the bag down the line. Jason fiddles with the wrapper of his 'cherry' (it doesn't taste like cherry, he can't be convinced otherwise) while the bag makes its journey, and Justin makes an odd list on the board.

Grape for a favorite poem, Blue Raspberry for a pet's name, Lime for best vacation, Watermelon for 'what you wanted to be when you grew up', and Cherry for favorite food.

"Alright, everyone got a candy?" Justin claps the chalk dust from his hands. "Great, I'll start. I'm Justin," the class titters. Yes, they know. "Lime! So, I taught English in Japan for four years. My favorite vacation was to some traditional hot springs in Osaka. Next…. you!"

The random student pointed to blushes. "Oh! Uh, Karmine. Blue, my family's dog is named Cesar."

"Hi, Karmine! Pick your victim."

She shrinks a little, points randomly. It goes on like that - name, flavor, stupid random fact. It's dumb. There's cringing and some laughs at the stupid pet names. Then someone - Samir, Jason now knows - points to him.

As if he isn't a local celebrity that's had his photo in every newspaper multiple times since he was 12. And that tabloids theorize about his relationship with Bruce, or why Bruce is 'ashamed of him' as a cripple.

"Jason, chili dogs from Dave's stand." In between the pitying looks, a few nod knowingly. Locals, then. He ignores the smattering of whispers, no doubt picking up on theory crafting about him where Vicki Vale left off.

He taps the desk of the guy next to him. And away it goes, another name, flavor, and answer.

Jason's tapped out, vaguely listening but mostly only keeping track of who hasn't gone. It's background noise, all he wants is to talk to the professor and go the fuck home. When —.

"Danny. Uh, watermelon. I wanted to be an astronaut." The asshole smiles shyly, then ducks his head and rubs the back of his head.

Gross. Jason knows his name now. He frowns and the asshole — Danny — sees it, the smile dropping off his face.

Gross. He turns forward, Danny pointing to one of the few remaining people. It's hard to breathe and the wrapper of the Jolly Rancher is sticky when he unwraps it. Pops it in it his mouth.

Gross. Fake cherry.

[psiroller]

Self indulgent chilaios gamer au drabble. This takes place during Laios' first visit out to Chilchuck. They're in a long distance relationship.

tw: combat ptsd, sexual references, child abuse, the author's vaguely disguised attempt to cope

---

Chil had claimed he'd wanted to keep things loose and relaxed on Laios' first trip out, but after a lazy afternoon spent rolling around on the couch on landing day Laios had shaken off the jet lag and seemed a little nervous. Happy, definitely, hopefully, but restless, bouncing his leg when Chil didn't have a hand on his thigh. Laios crept around the house like he was terrified to break something, even with frequent assurances that he could treat the place like his own. Chilchuck knew it would be weird for a day or two while they both adjusted, and maybe Laios needed something else to focus on other than Being A Boyfriend In Real Life.

"How's this, huh?" Chilchuck beamed, gesturing grandly to the rows and rows of overpriced, booze-stained game cabinets. "Everything's expensive as shit out here, but we have great arcades."

"We have Dave & Buster's on the east coast, Chil," Laios said. He held a blank expression for as long as it took for Chilchuck to frown at him.

"But I've never been," Laios laughed. Chil softened. "And I don't think we have them this... large."

"It's a little intense, right?" Chilchuck looked up at Laios, bumped his side with his elbow. "There's, uh, some shooters in here. Just so you know. It's all goofy alien and zombie shit, but if it's too much, we can hit the restaurant and leave."

"I figured," Laios shrugged. "I can kinda hear 'em already. It's alright. The sounds aren't realistic enough to set me off."

"Really? Even with the--the fake guns and stuff?"

"Those things look like Super Soakers to me," Laios chuckled. "And most games use, like, cannon sounds. Same with movies. They don't sound like the real thing. I'm kinda desensitized to it now, it's hard to avoid."

"Makes sense. But say something if it's too much, okay?" Chilchuck elbowed him more intensely, making Laios flinch to protect his tender kidneys. "I'm serious! I want you to say something. Don't sit on it."

"I will," Laios said. "Thank you, Chil."

Chilchuck fit his hand into Laios', who squeezed it, and led him around the machines so he could have a look. He wanted Laios to pick something out, but he had a feeling he'd have to pull the trigger first. All he could think of right now, though, was the opportunity to stand next to him. They had until midnight, the games could wait.

"So you've never been to an arcade? Not even, like, Chuck E. Cheese?" Chil asked. "I find that hard to believe."

"Nah. I've played cabinets before; there was a dinky little game section in the pizzeria we got to go to if our grades were good. It had, uh... House of the Dead and some dinosaur racing game where you smack the buttons really fast. I think we ended up breaking it, actually. We really liked that one."

Chilchuck grinned. "Yeah, I bet."

"Oh! And DDR!" Laios exclaimed, pointing out the flashing rave lights and scuffed metal dance pads. "My dad never let us play it, though. Too fruity."

"Too fruity?" Chilchuck asked, aghast. "What, like, dancing?"

"The dancing, the music, the everything," Laios sighed. He watched balefully as two skinny teenagers gripped the guide rails, their sneakers squeaking and stomping on the arrow inputs as their legs flailed to the frenetic beat of Love Shine. "But you know how it is with kids. Falin saved up her allowance and snuck out to Wal-Mart and got one of those shitty fold-up plastic mats so we could play it on the PS2." He smiled, rubbing a thumb over Chilchuck's knuckles. "When Dad would go out fishing on the weekends we'd pull it out from between her mattress and the box spring and we'd fight over whose turn it was to play. I was trying to save up to get one of my own so we could compete, but, uh. Dad caught on."

"Oh, Jesus," Chilchuck groaned. "I'm sure he was very reasonable about that."

"So reasonable," Laios laughed. "He cut it up with scissors while we watched."

"Huh!?" Chilchuck's eyes boggled out of his head.

"Hey, he told us not to do it," Laios shrugged. "We went against him. We knew it could've happened."

Chilchuck's eyebrows furrowed. "I get that, but... it's a toy. Falin bought the damn thing... it's not gonna make you... even if it did why would it..."

Laios looked down at Chilchuck, stewing in his righteous rage. "Hey, it's okay. It happened a long time ago, it's nothing worth--"

The moment the teens stepped down from the pad, jelly-kneed and sweaty, Chilchuck tugged Laios towards it hard enough that it nearly dislocated his shoulder.

"We're playing it."

"Chil!" Laios laughed. Chilchuck swiped his points card through the slot like he was trying to pull rent money out of it.

"Pick a song," Chil insisted. "Pick your favorite."

"I don't even remember the name!"

"Then we're going through the list."

Given that he'd only ever watched his girls play it, Chilchuck fared surprisingly well, but by the time they'd found the song Laios liked in his youth (some obnoxious Eurobeat song about cartoons that Puckpatti had also liked) Chilchuck's emphysema was starting to act up and Laios had sweat in his eyelashes.

"I would've dressed lighter if I'd known they had DDR," Laios said, fanning himself with a brochure and pulling off his flannel overshirt. "We gotta come back here before I head home..." He blinked down at Chilchuck, doubled over and wheezing. "... or maybe not."

"Nope," Chilchuck gasped. "We're coming back."

Laios hummed, stroking Chilchuck's back until his breathing evened out.

"You don't have to do that for me, Chil. You've done so much already."

"I want to. You're a guest, I want you to have fun, and... and I'm never gonna get the opportunity to kick your dad's ass, so I just have to undermine all of his hard work in raising you wrong."

Laios snorted. "It's for the best. I don't think you would win. That guy used to bench 300 before he slipped a disc."

"You've never seen me when I got something to be real mad about," Chilchuck insisted. He straightened himself out and pulled the sweaty backs of his pants out of the fold of his knee to dry. "And I have lower center of gravity. I could suplex him."

"Chil."

"Don't Chil me. You'd love to see it."

"I would," Laios admitted. "Do you wanna get something to eat? It'll give you a chance to sit down."

"That... that would be nice, yeah," Chilchuck breathed.

They took their time walking towards the glass panes that served as a partition between the arcade floor and the sit-down eatery. On the way, they passed a claw machine, the classic Sega UFO Catcher filled with knockoff plushies. Laios paused at the window, smeared with sticky beer fingerprints and cracked from a few heated gamer moments.

"Aw, they have a Winged Lion in there," Laios chuckled.

"Oh, really?" Chilchuck stepped back to look. Poking out between a lumpy Kirby beanbag and some wall-eyed Sonic the Hedgehogs was a horned lion with little felted wings, sporting a Dungeon Delvers tag on one floppy ear. Each of its many eyes was closed in a serene smile, little fangs poking out of rounded whisker pads. "Damn, that's crazy. Looks legitimate, too, judging by the tag."

"I didn't even know they made those," Laios said.

"They were really popular back in the game's heyday," Chilchuck said. "I think they're starting to churn out merch again now that the game's been updated." Chilchuck looked between Laios and the plush. "Do you want it?"

"Oh, that's okay!" Laios said, waving his hands. "I-I could just look for one on eBay or something if I really..."

Chilchuck squinted. "Laios. Do you want the plushie?"

"I don't want to waste your credits! And I'm a grown man!"

"That's not a 'no'."

Laios bit his lip and looked away. Chilchuck waited for him to crack, but all he got was terse silence.

"Well, if you're worried I'm gonna blow all our credits trying to get it, don't," Chilchuck said as he whipped out his card. "I'm the best there has ever been at claw games."

"C'mon, Chil, they're all rigged," Laios said, hopeless.

"Sounds like bad sportsmanship to me," Chilchuck sniffed. The UFO catcher sang a cheery tune as the credits processed, coming to life. The joystick clicked as the lock came off and Chilchuck twirled it around, trying to get a feel for the responsiveness. "Also, I have three girls," he said, more seriously. "If you want to get away from one of these without some kind of nuclear-grade tantrum, you learn how to get good at 'em."

Chilchuck maneuvered the claw arm directly above the lion plush, patiently waiting for it to swing to a stop.

"The UFO catchers are a bit tricky because they only have the two tongs on the grabber," Chilchuck continued, "I prefer the smaller three-prong claws, they're more reliable, but the general strategy is the same. You want to look for a pinch point. On the Winged Lion, obviously, it's his fat head."

Laios came in close to Chilchuck's shoulder to watch. Chilchuck wiggled the arm back and forth in minute adjustments until he was satisfied.

"He's got those horns... they look flimsy so I don't think it'll be much of a problem, but since he's sitting at a crooked angle I think I gotta put a little English on it anyway."

Chilchuck swung the claw back and forth and hit the button. The tether continued to swing pendulously as the claw lowered. Laios held his breath, his mental calculations all pointing to failure, only to gasp as the grabber snatched the lion around the throat. The tether briefly went slack and the claw threatened to slip, but as it rose, the Winged Lion came with it. The claw ferried the lion to the chute; as it crossed the threshold, the plush slipped. The two grown men cried out in anguish, startling a few families around them; luckily, the lion landed halfway over the rim of the plastic chute, and the plushie's fat head was enough to tip it into the hopper.

"No way," Laios gushed. Chilchuck smugly retrieved the plushie from the door, having to tug a little bit, and held it out to Laios. "On the first try? You're going to get us kicked out for cheating the house!" Do you count cards too?"

"Just take the damn thing. Now you can't turn it down without being an asshole. You're welcome."

"Thank you," Laios said, hushed and reverent as the lion was pushed into his hands. The minky fur felt cloudlike under his rough fingers. The mane was fluffy like the hair on the plastic horses Falin always wanted but never dared ask for, and would likely need care to stay soft. The wings had wires in them to allow for posing. It even had an extra set of oversized paws behind the first.

Chilchuck turned the tag in his fingers, looking at the front and back. "Oh, wow. This might be a first edition."

"Wait, like this is part of the original run?"

"The copyright says 1999," Chilchuck said. "The new ones have serial codes on 'em to verify."

"How'd it end up in a SoCal arcade, then?"

"Beats me. You'd have to take it to an appraiser, but you could probably get some good money for that thing if it's real. I saw a mint condition Red Dragon going for around two grand."

"Two grand!?"

"That was after a few months of bidding," Chilchuck shrugged. "It would be worth a shot."

Laios looked down at the plushie's stitched eyes, curled in a cat smile.

"Nah," Laios said, hugging it to his chest. "This guy's staying with me."

[bellezaycafe]

Get Your Shit Together - Chapter 3

genre: 2024 Season AU

pairing: there will be romance but I haven't finalised who yet. platonic! oc x literally the whole grid.

warnings: swearing

context: Sadie, a 20 year old university student from Melbourne, decided to take a gap year and volunteer at 2 Formula One races in different countries.

Sadie's Faceclaim: Maia Mitchell (but you can visualise her howver you want :) )

comments: I guess this is a series now. I'm keeping the title Get Your Shit Together because I think Sadie is the kind of person who pretends to have her shit together but doesn't, so she helps everyone else get theirs together.

Part 1 | Masterlist

----$----

Max Verstappen was in a paddock interview when someone caught his eye. Dark brown hair, round face, sharp nose and a confident aura that compared to no others.

“Wait- hang on. Lewis, Lewis.” The older man looked over and his gaze followed Max’s pointed finger. “Mate, is that who I think it is?”

“Yeah mate, I think so.” Lewis’ smile only grew as he agreed.

“Who are you pointing too?” the interviewer asked.

Max hoped that she was just out of view of the cameras as he said, “the volunteer from Australia. The good one.”

He didn’t know how else to explain his respect for her in English; to him, she was good.

“It’ll be good to finally learn her name,” Lewis mused, scratching at his neat stubble.

“None of you know her name?” The reporter asked.

“No,” Lewis said into Max’s microphone. “I never had the chance to find her after the interviews.”

“I saw her the next day, I apologised for my behaviour to her,” Max commented. “But I forgot to ask her for her name.”

The reporter shook his head. “Alright well, thank you both for your time.”

Max nodded respectfully while Lewis said, “thank you.”

Then they both charged through the crowd towards the last place they saw the woman.

“Bets on her name?” Lewis asked.

“I don’t know. Something very Australian?”

“I feel like she’s a Layla or a Nira.”

"I think it's Sadie," came Lando's voice as he squished himself between the champions. "I asked Dave, one of the McLaren staff."

But when they reached the spot she had been, she'd vanished.

Max frowned and tried to use his height to see her but it was hopeless. Lewis pulled his phone out of nowhere and dialed a number. Lando just sat on the edge of a nearby pot plant.

"Heya," Lewis said into his phone. "I'm gonna need a paddock pass for our garage."

A pause.

"No, ass. I haven't found someone for the weekend and I don't intend to. It's for the girl from Melbourne, the volunteer George told you about... Yes, I know Carmen wants to meet her, that's why I'm asking you for a paddock pass."

Lando laughed from his seat, something boisterous and loud that had surrounding staff glancing over. Max was glad to hear his laugh again, it had been too long since they had hung out.

"No, I don't know her last name. I haven't even confirmed her first name... I can't ask her, she's not in front of me... I don't know where she is, we saw her from a distance... Max and Lando... Alright, fine. We'll find her."

Lewis hung up and sighed with a glance to the sky.

"They won't give you a pass?" Max guessed.

"They need her name first."

"Did you see who she was with?" Lando asked.

"Yeah," Lewis said. "Some paramedics. I recognised Mark, he's been the on call medic for years."

Max mulled over the fact he hadn't noticed anyone around her. He also mulled over the excitement little Lando Norris was trying to squash.

"I know where the medic tent is." He almost leapt up from his perch.

Lewis gave Max a knowing smirk as they disappeared into the crowd.

——$——

Sadie had no idea they had seen her. She was hoping that none of the drivers would remember her. She still hadn't seen their interviews from Melbourne and was clueless about the actions the FIA had taken to hand out penalties directly after the race.

"Hungry?" Mark, a middle-aged paramedic with greying blonde hair and smile lines besides his eyes, asked.

"I am starving, please tell me there is somewhere I can get a decent sanga."

Mark frowned. "Sanga?"

"Sandwich," Sadie corrected. She was almost bouncing as she spotted the food trucks.

"You Australian's are weird," Mark commented but he couldn't hide his smile.

"And you English are uncultured," she returned.

She liked Mark, they'd met yesterday during practices and clicked. He was her supervisor during the free practice sessions and qualifying but she'd stuck by his side off track too. He didn't mind, he knew she was there, on the other side of the world, alone, to work for a sport she loved.

He'd told her at the volunteer's group dinner last night that she was living the dream he had wanted to at 20. He'd had a couple wines and would not shut up about how much his wife would love to meet her.

"Mark, what do you want?" she called over her shoulder as the reached the sandwich truck. When he didn't reply, she glanced behind her.

He was 100 metres back, talking to none other than Sir Lewis Hamilton. Sadie turned back around, remembering their interaction in Melbourne.

Another body stepped up beside her, swathed in bright orange.

Correction: Papaya.

Sadie didn't turn, assuming it was a McLaren employee looking fro some early lunch.

"It's a surprise to see you here." Lando offered the icebreaker.

She turned at his voice and fought to keep her composure. His brown curls swished as he turned his head towards her.

"I didn't think you'd remember me," she said truthfully. Sadie focused her eyes on the bridge of his nose as she spoke, she didn't want to meet those ever-changing eyes. She'd already noted that they matched the day's grey sky.

"Most of us did." The driver shrugged. "Carmen, George's partner, wants to meet you. Lewis is trying to get you Mercedes paddock passes."

Sadie groaned at that, stepping closer to the food truck as the line moved forwards. "I'm not stepping near any of your garages unless I'm doing my job. Too many cameras, too many people."

Lando laughed. "Understandable, but Lewis is determined."

Sadie paused for a moment as the line moved again. "How about, I will come and meet George and Carmen after the race? I'll meet Carmen while Lewis and George do their interviews and debriefs?"

The same brown curls swayed as Lando nodded. "I think they'll agree to that. All the cameras will be focused on the interviews and top three."

Sadie made an 'exactly' gesture and stepped up to the food truck with a goodbye wave.

By the time she had ordered her sandwich and Mark's signature wrap, the drivers had finished speaking with the paramedic.

He joined her while they waited.

"You never told me it was you who scolded Max in Melbourne," Mark noted.

Sadie muttered a curse. "I was hoping that everyone had forgotten about that. I lost my temper and I'm not proud of it."

"Lewis said that you stood up for yourself."

"I scolded him like a school teacher."

"You did call him a child."

"Angry, remember?"

"Sandwich and wrap for Sadie!" the food vendor shouted.

She stepped up, collected their food and handed her wrap to Mark.

"I didn't tell anyone about it because don't like media attention," she told him. "I hate how how the media follow the drivers. They have to fight for a private life, and I hate that. Max was angry, I was angry, and that interaction was something between the drivers and I. It had nothing to do with the fan's consumption of the race."

Mark hummed his agreement around his wrap.

"The media circus doesn't know what happened, and they don't need to. His reaction was fair, and they don't need to be involved."

Sadie watched something pass over Mark's face but she couldn't place what it was. She devoured her sandwich instead.

----$----

Please let me know about how you feel about the direction this thing is going!!

[faghetfield]

EVERYTHING IS ROMANTIC - PT1

no one really asked, but i'm trying to get acquainted to mr. mustaine (& megadeth) so i wrote a little something. really OOC as for james (and dave, but i'm not so sure? bf said hes kinda dominant so here we are), because i simply want him to get fucked as hard as he can, so if you don't like that, just leave lmao.

tags: age gap (J47/D32) / toxic relationship / mlm / nsfw / mutual manipulation & gaslighting / size kink / top dave mustaine / bottom james hetfield / mentions of alcohol/drugs / kind of an au ? / twoshot!! / masturbation / oral sex / dom/sub undertones / DUMB hetfield / bit of dubcon because het is drunk.

"It's been two months now, Hetfield." The strawberry blonde said through the phone, he could see the way the older man was pouting. "You think you can kick me out, say all the shit you said to the press and then ask to be dicked down while pretending that nothing happened?" He huffed, annoyed. "You have been doing this for months, years even!" Mustaine said annoyed. "And i still go and fuck you, so maybe i'm the wrong…" Mustaine mumbled and sighed. "Whatever though, it's not happening tonight. I'm sick and tired of your shit. I really am."

"Please" The older whined, tears in his eyes, hearing that harsh tone did nothing but embarass and arouse him. "I'm sorry, alright? I-It's just that, you know how i am, Dave… I'm an asshole, I have a massive ego and I just couldn't let you steal my spotlight, but I have nothing against you, Dave, I promise, just come, please…" He cried, and Dave just chuckled, turning off his phone.

Despite everything, Dave did go, travelling for an hour just to see James stumble at his own property's steps, it was fun in a way, Dave would never admit, not in a million years, but he liked James, he was shy, quiet, but had a massive ego, ego that sparked constant fights between the two, Dave couldn't be a hypocrite, he too had a massive ego, one of the reasons why they could never share the stage. It would never work.

"Oh, thank fuck…" Mustaine heard the man mumble, opening the door to his home and embracing him in a tight hug. "I'm sorry, Dave, fuck, so sorry, please forgive me." He was drunk, Dave laughed as he saw the man getting on his knees and hugging his legs.

"Get up, man, it's not that serious, let's go inside before anyone sees us." He said, looking around, 'kicking' the man until he got up. He swiftly closed the door and sighed, guiding the older man to the kitchen, like he was the owner of the house. At this point, he could be, spending more time there than at his own home, anyway. he thought. "I don't understand you, not even a little." He laughed, giving him some cold water, trying to get the man back to his senses.

James drank some of it, and got steady on his feet again, looking at the blonde's eyes, Dave wasn't naive, he knew that look, drunk, desperate, a light tint to the man's cheeks, barely noticeable to anyone else, but not Dave, everything about James was noticeable, he learned a lot in 5 years of touring with the man, learned all his weak spots, learned all the things that made him angry, learned that he did not like Dave as a guitarist simply because he was good, and that made James jealous, he wanted to be the only one, Kirk was good, but James didn't think he was better than himself, he did not see Hammett as a threat. But Dave was. Maybe it was the sexual tension between the two, maybe James was just insecure. Maybe it was both, because Kirk was and is better than James, the man just didn't see that.

"Do you think that's how things should have been from the start?" James asked, hugging the man's neck, acting like a teenager. A simple no was the answer Dave gave him.

"It wouldn't have worked, because we don't work, Hetfield." Dave continued.

James sighed, giving him a sad look. "I regret things, I really do, I shouldn't have said what I said, i shouldn't have done what I did." He looked away, letting go of Mustaine's neck. "I'm an idiot, and I know it, it's been like three years years since you left, and its been three years since i regret all the shit i said to the media… I don't know what has gotten into my head to say all that shit." James whined, walking to his living room. Dave followed along, listening, and sincerely, getting bored of all that drama, it happened almost every time they had a public fight. Kerrang! would publish an "EXCLUSIVE!" interview where Hetfield says something horrible, then Dave would answer and would talk shit about each other, accuse each other and then say they were never friends.

Then they would spend a week or two without talking to each other and after all that, James would call, saying he misses Dave, and that he was sorry. It was the second time in like, three months, that they had gone through that, Dave wasn't fazed about it.

They sat on the big couch, James lamenting the past, and Dave rolling his eyes. He eventually got tired of it and pressed his lips against the older man's, he heard a small whine and had to hold back a laugh. Such a manly-man on stage and interviews, now look at you... Dave thought to himself. The other couldn't do anyhting but allow the kiss to happen, so foreign but so familiar at the same time, they have done it at least a thousand times and he still reacts the same way as he did the first time. James was simply melting, hands grasping at his couch's leather.

The kiss got deeper, Dave's tongue invading him, full of control and dominance, James was a goner for it. "Now just shut the fuck up forever, please." Dave sighed, unbuttoning the man's shirt. "You always fuck up, I can't trust you to not say anything, I've known you for years now, I don't buy this I won't say anything else talk." He mocked, pinching one of the man's nipples, seeing him squirm under him, hot and flushed all over. "You always go to fucking, kerrang, rolling stone, all those magazines that think you're so much better than me and say shit that was supposed to be private." Dave changed his tone, starting to get a bit angry. "You know how many times you fucked up? You know how many times you almost fucked this up?" He sighed, cupping one of the man's tits, putting his face close to it, giving Hetfield's nipple a lick. The man moaned, closing his eyes and stuttering a sad sorry. "People are actually starting to wonder if we hate-fuck each other, all because big mouth Hetfield can't shut the fuck up, and can't just get fucked like a regular person, you need me to mark you up." He whispered, leaving a hickey on the man's big chest.

"I think I should stop, seriously, you always come back crying and asking for more, asking for forgiveness that I should have never given you in the first place." Mustaine said, now biting the man's nipple, smirking at his reaction, he loved this. "You are simply too dumb for your own good." He sucked on the nipple, pressing his palm on his own crotch, he lowered his body on top of James' and started humping him lightly, liking the sounds he was hearing. It was a bittersweet melody on his ears, the other almost crying, overwhelmed and embarassed, but so, so aroused.

Dave then got up, suddenly, taking his shirt off and tossing somewhere near, laying on top of the man again, he was smaller than the well built frame of James, but he felt like the biggest man on earth when he made such a big, macho man, cry and whine for his cock. It was fun.

"What do you want, James?" Dave asked, close to his ear, licking at his earlobe and smirking, he tried something, holding James' hands on top of his head, pining him to the couch. He knew James could get out of there in a second if he wanted, but he didn't want that. They both knew how much James liked to submit, be a good boy, or some perverted shit like that. Dave wouldn't complain, they clashed on stage because both were too dominant there. And that was it, because in bed they were perfect for each other, complimented each other so well, James being his submissive counterpart, always needing Dave to think for him, make decisions for him, but it never lasted long though. After a few days of being close they would look at each other weird, start bickering and just hate each other again and then Dave would go home. It was fun while it lasted though.

"I want you to fuck me." Was the answer James gave him, blue eyes staring all watery and sweet, like he was some teenager who never got fucked in his life and needed it now.

[c1rcus-of-silliness]

Quick segment from a BIIIG alphalore au writing project I'm working on <3 [CW: MENTIONS OF PET DEATH (1)!!!]

"I remember that day, so.. vividly. I had walked into Billy's room, and there he was with Bartholomew, dead in his hands. He killed his own pet. Then, he just.. looked up at me with glaring, pink eyes. God-- how could this have happened-? Could this have been…" He trailed off, trying to figure out what he’d say next.

 “...Nevermind.”

Dave nodded in what seemed to be understanding. “You said he attacked you, right?”

“Yes– he literally tried to kill me-!” 

“..right. Did you notice anything else that seemed off?”

“Well, when I tried to push him away from me, I noticed his arm was.. how do I explain this..” he paused again. “Dave, do you know how the ancient species - humans - had bones? I think Billy might’ve formed bones somehow-? This is the first time I’ve been actually perplexed by something-!”

“Wait. Didn’t Ei- uhm- Alpha say something about Billy saving the world at one point? Do you know anything about that?” 

“Oh? Well, I thought that was all just some lie to make me respect Billy more,  that is, until he told me more about it somewhat recently.. Apparently it was some fight against a giant bear? It still seems pretty unbelievable, but even if it is true, you should probably know about it..”

“A.. bear? Wait. I think I have an idea on what could’ve happened. Just- focus on taking care of yourself and your injury for now, while I figure this out. Make sure you take it as easy as you can, we still don't know if whatever he had is in your system, or how it could be activated.”

“But- Well.. Alright.” Ink knew there was no point in trying to convince Dave to let him help with anything. As much as he wanted to know about what happened to his brother, he’d probably have to wait.

^ /nf!!

[Divider credits: @/cafekitsune]

[dirkselbows]

I was tying to make a little post that Somehow ended up with more then 30 tags that got sadly cut out cuz tumblr only let's 30 (tumblr didn't let me know before it cut them off when saving a draft) but the whole point is that in those tags I ended up coming up a whole fucking tiny no sburb au that basically ends up as "Everybody thinks bro is dating lil cal."

He adamantly rejects that idea tho. he doesn't 'Love' lil cal. cal is one of the most important things/people to him and he couldn't live without him but he doesn't Love him. Just thinking about love makes him uncomfortable and lowkey want to vomit cuz he doesn't GET this thing called love.

Everything started cuz dave got a girl/boyfriend (no clue who) and bro get to see somebody act all in love and he gets hit with the fact that he doesn't get what the fuck love is and just how violently ill the whole thing makes him feel. But then somewhere dave who his entire life here was convinced that bro and cal and basically married and kinda are his parents, says something that very much says that bro and cal and dating and bro is just whay the fuck inside. and dave takes the freeze as like bro being embarrassed or soemthinf and he's all like Chill dude I'm not judging- and gets to feel a side of a shitty blade on his skin (no damage) just so he SHUTS UP cuz bro can't hear about it rn. Generally dave and his date are arguing about if bro is dating cal or not and his date when getting to see bro more and more concludes that Oh right dave is into something. Also thinking about adding dennis somehwre in there.

"My kid thing im dating lil cal" and denis just looks at him. takes of his shades and out them on his had and is like

"Dont you?"

"No?"

"Well fuck here goes my 20 bucks"

And bro just looks at him unamused

"what? we had a bet with the boys if you're fucking that creepy puppet or not" (bro mumbles not creepy under his nose) " and I was so sure you did! Like you do have a 'puppet porn empire' and everything."

And bro is just like Im surrounded by idiots but also after a second he's like

"Cal hates being dirty" and dennis is here making a pog face cuz whats he's understanding is that bro would be up for fucking cal.

"Shut it"

"Alright alright" say dennis with the biggest grin cuz he knows hes actually kinda right

Ok I have no clue where I'm going with this. but a mix of aro bro with a level of distaste for the concept of "love" (oh he totally discouraged dave from saying that word as a kid. or at least rarely said it back cuz it feels vail on his tongue. Like a lie. He doesn't Love. He doesn't even understand what the word means. how the fuck is he supposed to use it) and everybody being convinced that bro is basically married to the creepy puppet. bro is Not having fun with those Baseless accusations. the fact that everytime he seed dave and his date being all overly romantic, his insides just twist inside.

Bro is Not having fun here. Cal is here for the ride and to be an emotionally support puppet

[totentnz]

GOOD MORNING (now evening)

today i awoke and chose violence. i wanna talk a bit about the AU @bishicat and I have. ~inspired~ by the 5 songs, 3 outfits taggame!

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

Welcome to your life There's no turning back Even while we sleep [...] We will find you It's my own design It's my own remorse Help me to decide Help me make the Most of freedom and of pleasure Nothing ever lasts forever Everybody wants to rule the world [...] There's a room where the light won't find you Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down When they do, I'll be right behind you I'm so glad we've almost made it So sad they had to fade it Everybody wants to rule the world [...] I can't stand this indecision Married with a lack of vision Everybody wants to rule the— Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it

name of the AU, basically it's about change, within oneself, within a friend group, within the world. and about accepting that change - or fighting against it. each member of the trio (or V³ as we like to call em) thinks their way of living is the right one. V(alerie) is hellbent on not backing down and staying right where she is V(incent) thinks getting away from the city and the people who hurt him is the best choice V(ivienne) wants more from life, money, fancy clothes and power

TOWNIE

There's a party and we're all going And we're all growing up Somebody's driving and he will be drinking And no one's going back 'Cause we've tried hungry and we've tried full and Nothing seems enough [...] I'm holding my breath with a baseball bat Though I don't know what I'm waiting for I am not gonna be what my daddy wants me to be

name of the pairing for V³ - the song is about growing up and changing. (AGAIN) bishi actually picked that one and i was on board right away, it was important to me that we pick a song we both like (the more rock-y feel of that song also helped lmao)

RYAN & DAVE

Ryan and Dave are rabble rousin', teenage cousins Difference is Dave has an off switch, and Ryan doesn't 20 years later now Dave behaves rank and file And Ryan's a burnt out adult, last gasp, wild child

guess what this one is about! CHANGE! (are you tired of it yet?) mostly it is about viv picking a different path than v though - one stayed exactly where she has always been while the other chose to change. ALSO in the music video they are DOGS and we love a dog motif

6:26 in the morning, didn't need alarm I couldn't sleep a wink, I'm betting my whole farm Left Dave's place at eight, just drove, didn't really talk I shook his hand and popped the door to make the walk Applied for admission at the detox shop Got to the door it said open, ten o'clock It's freezing out, no way that I can make it to ten Look back at my truck at my only real friend

some time ago we talked about viv helping v on her healing journey (girlie cannot catch a break from being a babysitter even after she got johnny a body LMAO) and even though v never ends up at rehab (maybe that will change) it still fits pretty well.

NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN

I'm taking a ride with my best friend I hope he never lets me down again He knows where he's taking me Taking me where I want to be I'm taking a ride with my best friend [...] We're flying high We're watching the world pass us by Never want to come down Never want to put my feet back down on the ground [...] See the stars, they're shining bright (never let me down) Everything's alright tonight (never let me down)

V³ had a pretty big fight at one point. viv was always going to leave for arasaka but v never understood or accepted it. they argued for hours and when vincent didn't chose her side, v stormed off to go on a weeklong bender. when she returned the flat was empty, both her siblings had left -and betrayed her. naturally, viv also felt betrayed by her childhood friend, all she asked for was support but instead she got called a traitor. i like to imagine this song plays on the radio one day after their reunion

THE KIDS AREN'T ALRIGHT

When we were young, the future was so bright The old neighborhood was so alive And every kid on the whole damn street Was gonna make it big and not be beat

Now the neighborhood's cracked and torn The kids are grown up, but their lives are worn How can one little street swallow so many lives?

TO ME this is THE streetkid song but it hits hard especially in this universe. as i mentioned before V³ thinks they picked the right path, they aren't gonna be beat (and honestly vincent is the only one who succeeded). viv had a good run but then she got kicked from the corp, lost her newest best friend, DIED and now has a whole other person stuck in her skull. v was stubborn, was homeless for a bit and is overall in a bad way (but then again, that's the only way she knows how to live so it's not as bad TO HER)

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW

THIS IS A BIG ONE SO BUCKLE IN FOLKS bishi and i had been talking about a personal quest for v and we ended up on this: one day they are driving somewhere while listening to the radio when a host teases a special treat! they have exclusive rights to the music of NC born and bred band Rotten! (yeah you guessed it! V's band) naturally this fills her with pure rage and viv knows this isn't going to end well (babysitting time!) v knows exactly who did this and is hellbent on rectifying this (there is more but yall are gonna have to wait for the day i decide to write it lmao) As Above, So Below is the name of the job! it is a song that v wrote but only she knows about it. while viv wasn't a band member she was there for it's founding and a few first concerts, she filmed a lot of it and even ran the merch stand a bit

I won't lie, it's quite temptin' Your handouts and your bones I won't lie, they're quite empty Your promises and your stones

If you sell, they'll buy Don't feel, just sign If you sell, they'll buy Don't think, stay blind

Give me the control Just sign on the dotted line Give me the control He whispered softly Give me the control You're crawling inside my mind Give me the control Don't you fight me?

As above, so below What you reap is what you sow What you give comes back three fold As above, so below

YES the song is about v not wanting to sign with a label and it is her final fuck you to the world of music. in reality that song is incredibly underproduced since by the time it was recorded the band had already broken up. v did ALL of it: singing, instruments, songwriting. editing magic made it come to life. depending on how it ends (yes there are multiple outcomes) viv will receive a shard with ALL of rotten's music, including THIS unreleased song and even some backstage footage from way back in the day when viv was still around.

See I've danced with the enemy We have secrets, no one knows Yeah, I've danced with my enemy I wore her skin and her clothes

honourable mention because this part is very viv coded

instead of outfits i present you! some soul crushing quotes! i hope you enjoy! :3c

[jessilynallendilla]

HOMESTUCK FIC REC

TITLE/LINK RATING COMPLETED-WORD-COUNT SERIES

let me know if the links aren't working and feel free to suggest any

HUMANS AND TROLLS COEXIST 

That Ain't Me  M 10,982 SERIES 

A Homestuck AU where everyone is the same but they're trailer trash. Also Davekat happens and it's somehow the future. 

Ten Little Fingers And Ten Little Toes  G 94,536 SERIES 

A human child is adopted and raised by a high blooded alien who attempts to insinuate himself into human politics, having been farsighted enough to see which way the wind was blowing. He intends to raise the thing as a pawn to push pro alternian ideals but he ends up actually loving his brilliant, alien son. Also because aliens do not know how to infant he gets a nanny. 

Safe With You  T 2,772 SERIES 

Tavros takes Gamzee shopping for new clothes. They go to a petting zoo and Gamzee asks why people keep looking at Tavros like he's some kind of monster. 

Awake At Night  M 10,755 SERIES 

There are certain expectations in troll society about taking in a freeloader with no place to go, as Dad Egbert finds out when he offers to host two of his son's stranded friends post-game. 

Domestic Diplomacy (And Other Minefields)  T 6,832 SERIES 

Karkat's moirail meets his matesprit. It goes alright. Nothing's exploding yet, anyway. Karkat just has to translate, and mediate, and fix Dave, and keep Gamzee in line, and not flip his shit. Fucking easy. It's all under control. Gamzee's moirail introduces him to his little alien flushcrush. It goes alright. Just the human's freaking out, and then Karkat's freaking out, and then when Gamzee goes to fix it it gets worse for some reason. It's not like the little squishy motherfuckers count as quadrants. So who knows what the big motherfucking deal is. Dave's boyfriend brings around his other boyfriend, and Dave has an educational experience on the subject of quadrants. It goes alright. Except the guy's a handsy dick who doesn't speak basically any English and wears clown makeup. And Karkat seems to be making some kind of romance power-move at him to prove a point. And Dave's dripping blood all over his favorite pair of sweatpants. 

Suburbia: Gore, Grubs, & Parenting In A House With A White Picket Fence  EX 23,284 

Cronus is a good cop. Kankri teaches at the local community college. They're a typical young married troll couple in a small town in Illinois. They're expecting their first grub(s), which is the most exceptional thing about them, considering that it's not impossible to adopt and troll grubs are born live and chew their way out. Carrying your own is still a new frontier and modern medicine has little to contribute. Surviving is one thing. Parenting is entirely another. Welcome to the glory and heartbreak therein 

THE TROLLS INVADE 

Battlefield Terra  M SERIES 

John is one of eight mech pilots heroically protecting Earth from an alien invasion. Pretty easy on the moral choices. See evil monster from space, kill evil monster from space. Only then he actually meets one of them face to face. 

Battlefield Mentis  G 2,247 

A scene from Chapter 5 of Asuka Kureru's "Battlefield Terra" from Karkat's point of view. John does not know how to censor his mind. 

Warbound Widow  M 472,357 

So the kids win Sburb and they are placed on a restored Earth (both Alphas and Betas) all injuries healed and even some nifty God Tier powers left over; however there is one thing very wrong- the trolls didn't come with them. Everyone is confused and upset, but no matter how hard they try they just cannot locate the trolls anywhere so they become resigned to never meeting them again. As such, they just carry on with their lives and try to put Sburb behind them. Then, a decade later the Alternian Empire attacks Earth. 

In Which Humanity Is Considered As Lusii By A Conquering Troll Empire  T 14,512 SERIES 

In an earth being conquered by Trolls, one scienterrorist considers the idea that humans once properly enslaved would make excellent lusii. This is her original experiment for lususing capabilities as conducted on a human male. light-hearted for the most part despite the fact that Earth is being conquered, will probably be pretty short. Really its just an excuse for grubs 

It's Science Time  T 

A cobalt-blooded scienterrorist studies the behavioral habits of humans so that they can enslave them better. A can of beans sits in the corner and is of no relevance to the plot at all. Suddenly, vive la revolution. 

In Plain Sight  T 

It’s been this way as long as John can remember; as long as his dad can remember. Jade’s grandfather remembered though. He used to tell stories as they fell asleep under the stars. He’s gone now- lost to the world. Much like the rest of their race will be soon enough. They’ve taken over and soon the human race will be entirely eradicated. 

Never An Easy Path  NR 

John Egbert thought he knew how the world worked. He grew up on stories of the horrible trolls, who constantly invaded the borderlands and never showed mercy to a human. He knew he would become a great warrior who protected humans from these terrifying monsters. But what will he do when he actually meets a troll and learns that the stories he had known all his life weren't entirely truthful? 

NON HUMAN 

Mistaken  G 2,567 

Grandpa Harley guiltily adopts the orphaned Strider boys. 

And Let This Cold Night's Wind Be My Witness  T 17,476 

Hunters look for the demons who murder the hunters who kill the demons. … Or is it the other way around? 

The Start (Original)  T 1,381 

Here is the original if you'd like to read it, though I think the updated version is more interesting in a way.... 

Night At The Zoo  G 1,323 

You are John Egbert and you work at the zoo. 

Broken Reality  M 

Dirk, one of the most known hunter's at a supernatural level, ran into a panicked man after seeing his first demon. This man just so happened to be Jake English, a demon more known for his damage then his name. When Dirk get's caught up in Jake's human form, three years have already past and now he needs his help. Will Jake turn against his own kind and help his lover? Or kill Dirk's entire family as previously planned? And what will John do when he realizes that his best friend, and target, is in danger? 

Eight Days A Week  T 7,766 

The creature straightens up and settles in the sunlight, wrapping its long, glittering tail around itself in thick coils. The scales run up to its waist, where you can see hints of human skin against the smooth hide. It has a thin, cunning face, softened by a strangely mild smile that stretches its too-wide mouth, and its hair is in a wiry braid over its shoulder. “Nnn,” you say, and point with a hand that shakes so badly you’re barely pointing at the creature at all. “—nuh. Nah. *Naga*—” 

Zombiestuck  T 

When a cure for cannibalism goes horribly wrong, the world is thrusted into something it was never prepared for: the Zombie Apocalypse. As the Beta kids, the Alpha kids, and the trolls try to come together in order to better their chances of survival, tensions will be high, secrets and feelings will be revealed, and lives will be lost, all in time for the end of the world. Will our heroes emerge victorious? Or will they suffer a fate worse than death? 

Common Misconceptions  EX 

When Jake notices the company John has been keeping, he immediately becomes fearful for his cousin's safety. Demons are selfish. Demons are violent. Demons are quick to take advantage of humans, and he'll be damned if he let's his cousin fall prey to their whims. He's content to believe that they're all up to no good, but when Dirk shows up and throws a wrench in his plans, he might have to reevaluate his opinion on them. And maybe, just maybe, realize some other important things along the way. 

An Invincible Summer  G 

He’s something wild and strange—his blood and his eyes are the color of the bacchanalian wine and filled with the same banked frenzy…but none of the joy. Well you’re supposed to be a free spirit of nature and your wings are useless, blood-colored abominations. Who are you to judge him for not being happy? 

PET/SLAVE!STUCK 

Unwanted Free Ugly Troll  T 71,873 SERIES 

The first time you pass by the troll in the box you kind of try not to see it. It's gross as fuck when people do this. You guess maybe it's better than driving them out into the country and dumping them to make it on their own, or those stories you've heard about people dumping unwanted wrigglers in sacks into rivers--those you try not to think about because fuck, that is not okay on any level but it's not like you can do shit about it. 

Before I Sleep  T 36,565 

Your name is Rosa Maryam and you grew up dreaming of a perfect family, being the perfect wife, the perfect mother. After the miscarriage at eighteen, you were lost. After the divorce a year later, you were broken. When hope arrives in the strangest possible form, a well-intended but tasteless gift, you don't recognize it. Not at first. You did not give birth to your son but he is yours, and he saved your life, and you will never let anyone hurt him. 

Jade Harley: Adopt A Troll  G 13,773 SERIES 

It wasn't fair. With how badly he’d been treated, the least he deserved was a chance to live a happy, safe life. Not to get put on a death row. But what if nobody adopted him? Against her firm morals and better judgment, Jade decided to adopt a troll as a pet 

Chains  EX 

After the Great War between Alternia and Earth the trolls have been kept and enslaved by the human race. Karkat Vantas is one of these trolls that has been enslaved. He is like any other troll, except that he is a mutant. Even though the trolls have given up their cultural ways one thing from their old world remains and that is the hemospectrum. The humans have taking the bloodcaste and have based the worth of a troll after it. The higher the blood of a troll is the higher the price for that troll is. Being a mutant in this society makes him not only worthless to other trolls but to humans as well. Dave Strider is in search of a troll after turning 16 which is the age when a human can buy a troll. He goes to the market and buys Karkat. After they bond his feelings grow more red for the nubby horned troll but he isn't sure how to fix the scars left on the outside and inside of Karkat from his past to get the troll to see that Dave isn't going to hurt him. 

Broken  T 3,481 SERIES 

Sometimes you're too tired to fight. Sometimes you just don't want to. This was a quick piece I did last night, It's about John buying a new troll companion after his dad dies 

Those Who Do Not Learn From History  M 

Alternate universe. In this world, there was no Sgrub session, and a few events from the human space age have happened earlier, but these are only minorly related to the plot. After a failed Alternian invasion of Earth, humans managed to turn the tide and end up winning the war, and enslaved the entirety of the Alternian people. John decides to purchase a troll without being fully aware of the reality of the situation, instead believing much of "common knowledge" instead, and realizes the reality of what humanity has really done and tries his best to cope with a language and cultural barrier and create an environment for his new troll to live in. 

MISC 

A Heavy Heart  T 12,886 SERIES 

You haven't ever felt bad to pail a brother or sister before, but for some reason you look down on his strange, angry, nubby-horned little face and it hurts inside you. Hurts like a motherfucker. In a universe where the hemospectrum is long-abolished but never forgotten and the descendants of ancient rebels are looked to as the leaders, a tired purple-blood drowning in his drugs find a lonely mutant on the run from his bloodline, in the wrong place, for all the wrong reasons. 

Haven From The Summer Storm  T 3,371 

Not many people understand what being best friends with Gamzee means. Even less seem to understand that there's more to him than schizophrenia. 

Last Days Of Rain  T 4,896 

He keeps calling you his best friend, and honestly you're inclined to agree. 

The First Days Of Sun  T 4,411 

He is your best motherfucking friend, and you love him like you ain't loved no one before. 

Endangered  EX 126,078 SERIES 

Androids have all but won the war against humanity, and the remnants of the once-great human civilization are reduced to miles of wastelands and hidden communities struggling to survive. Dirk and his friends are sent out to scavenge for supplies, while AR is sent to hunt down and exterminate the dwindling human population. Their fated meeting is the beginning of a union between species that was once thought impossible. 

A Spark, A Flame, A Fire  EX 56,156 SERIES 

Deep in Derse's shadowy core languishes the stolen second-in-line to the Prospitian throne. He plays the part of reluctant Ambassador, though rather than politics he finds himself juggling the heavy heart of Derse's Prince, which he regrets ever asking for, and charting out his new life far from the Sunburst Court. Jake is grimly sure he'll never be warm again. 

The Back Of A Truck  EX 76,029 SERIES 

The twelve trolls find themselves in the back of a truck, transported there by a sudden burst of energy from somewhere unknown. They have no knowledge of the humans or of their race, all they know is that they need to find a way back home, a way to fit in. But there are eyes watching them. Eyes that will catch them one way or another. 

Wondrous Adventures Of Harley, English, And Strider  T 264,333 

Jake English has a pretty straightforward life: he is an amateur writer who travels around the world with his twin sister Jade Harley and their dog Becquerel, thinking this is the best a life could be. Meeting Dirk Strider is only the beginning of the journey of changing his worldview, as well as an epic quest of saving the world, when spirits from an ancient legend come to life.  

Never Let You Cry Again  T 7,776 

You didn't mean to do it. Yeah, you consider John your kismesis, no matter how unrequited. But he's still your friend, in some sense of the word...right? You really didn't mean to do it... 

Indisposed  T 1,197 

Culture shock is hard. It's hard and nobody understands. 

Alternative Alternia  M 136,922 SERIES 

A story in which a young mutant is given as tribute to the Grand Highblood and struggles to find his place in the world, ultimately coming to the conclusion that social reform is required. Involves over six separate duels (including two for quadrants), many scenes of violence, episode of traumatic flashbacks, multiple scenarios involving mind control, sexual encounters (both consensual and not), the destruction of no less than five fine seagoing vessels, blatant hemocaste desecration, even more blatant hemodiscrimination, two cases of mild quadrant vacillitation, one instance of quadrant fuckupery, and an inordinate amount of swearing. May not be appropriate for grubs and young trolls. 

Out Of Orbit  T 

The Princess of Prospit is supposed to marry the Prince of Derse. Though she does not like the idea, she must do it for her people. Derse and Prospit are at an all out war due to their great great grandfathers. the war has been going on for ages though, Prospit is coming to their downfall. The royals have never met, and they do not know each others names because they never bothered telling each other at all. They agreed to the marriage for their kingdoms to stop the war. But some plans have changed, how will they resolve?   

No Happily Ever Afters  EX  

Karkat is a breeder troll, a fate to those who were previously seen as freaks and culled. Now, being born with bright red blood makes him destined to give birth to grubs in place of the extinct Mother Grub. He resents and rebels against his fate. He finds an old decrepit castle which he makes his home and eventually turns it into an orphanage. But trolls were never one to take differences lightly and are determined to put Karkat in his place. They won't take change lightly, especially in times of desperation

[reinabeestudio]

2, 3, 9 para la señora quedadaencasa? 🥺🙏

CEE MISS HOMESTUCK‼‼‼ Hell yeah let's go. Under read more because it's kinda long

2. when in canon does your self insert come in? do you have a scene in mind for your entrance?

This depends. My HS s/i is from an AU (Cinnamon AU)—which mostly focuses on Cee (the Cinnamon), Dave (the Apple) and Bro (the Orange). And this AU has different routes depending on where I go with it.

Route A: Cee and Bro are Dave's biological parents, they met years ago. The game does not happen. The nicest route, no doubt! And the closest to my regular s/i content. Bro still struggles to How To Parent but he's trying lol (just fanon Bro at this point)

Route B: Closest to canon?? Cee moves into the same apartment building some time before the whole thing starts. She survives and eventually reunites back with the kid after everything is over. Mostly about the mother/son relationship between them! However, their normalcy is broken when a new ultimate challenger appears to confront her....

There are other variations/routes I'm gorgetting at the moment, but these are the main ones I remember💭 I'm not really sticking 100% to rules or whatever to be honest, I'm just having fun LMAO

3. how do the other characters generally feel about your self insert?

Depends on the route.

Dave tends to grow attached to her and with time sees a mother figure in her (he also ends up finding comfort on the cinnamon scent that seems to be coming from her. If there is cinnamon in the air, part of him feels at ease). It takes him the world literally ending to finally call her 'mom' in the routes where they aren't related SDKLJFDS. He doesn't show it, but trut is that he's afraid of losing her. One of the few things that link him to his 'normal' past. Finds her presence grounding.

Bro isn't a fan of her constantly hanging out and doting on the young knight (on Route B). But eventually tolerates her if only because makes his parenting job easier lmao. Needless to say, the man gets used to her presence no matter the route.

And when it comes to that Challenger and Cee... well, they are a complicated thing alright lol (aka Dave has to see his mom being somehow flirted at in front of his fucking eyes and he's like dude what the f-)

9. who are your self insert’s closest friends?

Well she doesn't really have many relationships in this case. If any.

Excluding their little Apple, both the Cinnamon and the Orange share the common trait of being rather lonely people. And here is where I will mention the Mountains/Moon symbolism for them and not explain ∋( :] (<- evil /j)

[androidcharles]

Awww, does Charles have a little bit of a 'forbidden lover' crush?

"HEY, Dave deserves it you know! Why don't you shut up!? Ugh, anyways... we'd capture him by force, but he's under protections under Toppat regulations. Like the Dex sisters, he's apparently important to the clan... but I can't imagine why..."

"Yeah, dad doesn't approve of the fact that I have a crush on him but... he's been trying to pull strings to get us to meet. So far... nothing... it really sucks... siiiiiiigggggh...."

[writeforfandoms]

Andante, Andante

Find my masterlist

Here it is, the Mamma Mia au that absolutely nobody asked for!

First off, thank you my darling @green-socks​ for plotting with me and letting me squeak at you. 

A couple quick notes before we begin:

Although as always I try to make my readers as blank as possible, this one does specify that she was here ten years ago. To my younger readers... idk. Sorry. But I needed the ten years. (Be glad I didn’t make it twenty.) 

There are sections in italics, and in case it is not apparent, these are memories/flashbacks. 

Warnings: Swearing, allusions to sex, brief non-descriptive sex scene, Feelings, some hurt/comfort. 

Word count: 7.3k

Dave York x reader, Jack Daniels x reader, Javi Gutierrez x reader, f!reader

“How did I let you talk me into this?” you groaned as you flopped face-down onto one of the beds in the apartment.

“I talked over all your complaints,” Sam answered blithely, actually setting her things down like a civilized person. And then flopping down next to you on the bed. 

“Evil person,” you groaned, words a little muffled. You pushed yourself up to sit instead with a huff. “Alright. Two weeks. This’ll be fine.”

“It’s a vacation, not a death sentence,” Sam reminded you, rolling her eyes. “Which we both need, might I point out. Two weeks of no work, exploring this beautiful place, good food, and having fun.”

“I know.” You lifted one hand to rub your temples. “I know.”

Sam softened a little, sitting up as well and bumping her shoulder into yours. “It’ll be fun,” she said softly. “And if you hate it here, we can change our reservations and go somewhere else.” 

You mustered up a smile. “I know. I’m just tired and grumpy. It was a long flight.”

“It was.” Sam stood, grabbing her bags again. “We’ve got some time before dinner, so relax a bit. Do not sleep or the jetlag will be worse.”

“I’m not a total newbie!” you protested at her retreating back. Then you pouted and shook yourself, getting to your feet. Well. Might as well get changed and ready for dinner. 

But you stalled next to the window, the gentle breeze wafting in the familiar scent of the ocean and seafood and citrus…

The view from your room was beautiful, straight out to the ocean. You stood and watched the sunlight dance on the gentle waves until you were almost late to dinner, finally throwing the curtains closed over the window in your mad dash to get ready.

Not this time, though. There would be none of that. Not for you. 

Taking a deep breath, you turned away from the window and the scent and the sunlight on the water, and changed your clothes. 

Dinner was a calmer affair tonight. Simple food, in a quiet restaurant away from the waterfront. It really had been a long trip, and you were both tired. 

Tomorrow would be a better day. 

You paused at a corner, about a block away from the apartment you two were renting. A man had just stepped into the villa, probably renting one of the lower apartments. You'd only seen him for a moment, no more than a glimpse of dark hair, but… 

"You okay?" Sam asked you softly. 

You blinked and then smiled. "Yeah, I'm okay. I'm gonna shower and get settled for bed, I hope." 

"Sounds good." Sam groaned softly at the number of stairs up to your temporary apartment, and both of you were grumbling by the time you went inside. "See you in the morning."

"Sleep well." You walked to your room to grab sleep clothes for after your shower. 

The water pounding against the tiles of the shower was almost louder than the music coming from the bedroom. You still weren't sure how exactly you'd convinced him to leave Dancing Queen on… but you were pretty sure the pouty look had helped. 

"Waiting for an invitation?" He drawled, stepping past you and into the shower, the spray wetting his hair immediately. 

"Just making sure I didn't wear you out too much," you teased, grinning as you gave him a blatant once-over. 

He didn't give you a chance to do more. One hand grabbed your wrist, pulling you into the shower and straight into his chest, where he kissed the laughter from your lips. 

You sighed and hung your head, turning off the shower and standing there for a few long moments. 

You knew this island was full of ghosts, but you'd hoped you'd have a little time before they came for you. 

Finally, you flopped down into bed, ready to sleep for the night. You had your alarm set so you'd get up on time. And you needed the sleep. 

So naturally you laid there and stared up at the dark ceiling for several long minutes as ghosts danced in your memory, soft voices calling you. Finally, you rolled over, buried your face in your pillow, and cried yourself to sleep. 

The next day you were determined to have fun. You would make new memories here, do new things with Sam. You didn't need anyone else. You certainly didn't need a dark-haired man. Nope. Not a one. 

That plan lasted a full two and a half days, as you and Sam had fun and explored and found delicious food. (So much delicious food, seriously.) 

And then a storm hit. 

Mallorca had storms. Generally they weren't too intense, with little damage done. You remembered two from your last visit here, and both had passed uneventfully, though you did remember passing the time. 

Rain pounded against the windows as you writhed under your companion, gasping out your pleasure to the steamy room. 

"Much better than sightseeing," he groaned softly, appreciatively, damp fingers spreading over your thigh. "So much better." 

But this storm knocked out power to your building, which you discovered when the two of you went back to take a little nap, and none of the lights would turn on. 

"So… what do we do?" You asked, flicking the light switch one more time. Just in case. Once again, nothing happened. 

"I guess we have to call the owner of the villa," Sam mused, hands on her hips. "I still have his number with the booking information, I'll call."

"Cool." You sighed and collapsed onto your bed again to wait. 

Well, this was a first. You'd never had the power get knocked out before, not on vacation. You snorted softly. 

"Guess we're not cooking tonight," you muttered, thinking of the ingredients still in the bags you'd left in the kitchen area. 

"Good news is the owner already knows," Sam called, footsteps approaching your room. "Bad news is we just have to hang out here to wait for him." 

"Oh that's not so bad." You grinned. "We can do some reading, be cats together for a bit."

Sam snickered at your phrasing but nodded. "Reading is always good." 

The two of you settled to read for a while. That was one nice thing about Sam - you could just hang out in quiet and read together, and all was good. 

A knock on the door interrupted you, and Sam hopped to her feet to get it. You stood as well, straightening your top to be somewhat more presentable. 

"...for the inconvenience," a soft male voice was saying. The speaker was still just out of sight, but you paused. That voice was familiar. But why? "But I do have somewhere you can stay until the power here is repaired!" 

"That would be great," Sam answered. "Let me get my–oh good, you're here." She smiled at you, looking excited. "Javi offered us a place to stay while the electricity here is being repaired."

"Javi?" It couldn't be. There wasn't any possible way. But the voice, the name… 

You stepped around Sam, looking out the door, and Javi smiled shyly. His hair was every bit as wild now as it had been ten years ago, his eyes just as warm. But he seemed settled in a way he hadn't back then. 

You, on the other hand, felt a bit like you'd been whacked over the head with a frying pan. "Javi." 

"I know you," he whispered, eyes growing wide. "You–it has been so long! Do you remember me?"

He looked so hopeful, so much like a puppy, that you couldn't contain your smile if you tried. "I could never forget you, Javi." 

Javi positively beamed, bouncing forward to engulf you in a hug. "How are you? You must tell me everything! Over dinner, we can sit and catch up!" 

"Sure," you agreed, a little weakly, one hand patting his back before you stepped back. "Sam will love getting to know you too." 

He blinked, momentarily surprised, and then smiled. "Of course! Any friend of yours is welcome at my table! Oh, I nearly forgot! Please, wait for me downstairs, I have a car and will take you to my home. But first I must tell the others! I will see you downstairs." He left with one last squeeze to your hand, turning and nearly running down the stairs. 

You stood there, blinking after him, completely off balance. 

"Was that the Javi?" Sam asked from behind you. 

"Yeah," you whispered. "The one I met here, ten years ago." And he still looked good. Every bit as good as when you had met him, really. It was unfair. 

"Wow. What are the odds?" Sam stood next to you. "You gonna be okay? To stay with him? We can find another villa, it's not peak season." 

You shook yourself and turned to smile at her. "It'll be fine," you assured her. "Javi and I parted on good terms, there's no issue there. I was just… surprised. That's all." 

"If you say so." Sam turned and started walking to her room. "Let's get packed up, we might be away for a few days." 

It didn't take long to throw everything back in your suitcase and haul it down the stairs, with Sam right behind you. 

"Do you think he'll offer for the other people to stay with him, too?" Sam asked. 

"Probably, he's got the space," you mused with a shrug. "From what I remember, he had rooms he hadn't even used." 

"Wow." Sam grinned at you. "You should have stayed with him, let him take care of you." 

You snorted. But didn't have a chance to reply. Footsteps echoed down the stairwell, and you and Sam both looked in time to see Javi descend the stairs, two dark-haired men behind him. The first wore a signature gray jacket with brown patches at the shoulders, tie loosened around his neck, hat held in one hand and a suitcase in the other. The second man wore a plain gray t-shirt stretched tight across his shoulders and black athletic shorts, hair still mussed as if he'd just been finishing working out. Instead of a suitcase, he carried a duffel bag. 

You felt all the blood drain from your face, the world tilting and swaying under you. There was no way. No possible way. It was just… not possible. They couldn't be here, not all three of them. 

"I apologize for the wait!" Javi said, hurrying over to you and Sam again. "But this is everybody. Would you two care to drive with me? I have another car for the two gentlemen."

Sam agreed for the two of you, as your brain had yet to restart. The man playing with his hat hadn't yet noticed you, but the other one… 

Brown eyes locked onto yours from across the room, and his lips twitched. The game was up, then. Of course he had spotted you first. Dave was very good at spotting you, no matter how you tried to hide or play.

Dave looked almost as shocked as you felt, though it was shallow consolation. He hadn't moved, hadn't looked away from you, barely even seemed to be breathing. 

And then Sam tugged your arm and you turned, blindly following her out the door and to the car. 

You had no idea how you got from the car to Javi's villa, or anything that was said on the drive. Sam, bless her, took over talking. Giving you time to get over your shock, at least enough to be functional. 

You started actually paying attention again when Javi led the two of you into the villa. “Dinner is being prepared,” he told the two of you. “So you won’t have to worry about food. Of course help yourself to anything! My home is your home. I want you to be happy here.” He half-turned, big puppy eyes looking at you with more meaning than you could decipher right at that moment. 

You did manage a smile, at least. “Thank you, Javi. I know we will be comfortable here. You really saved our butts with this, I hope you know how much we appreciate it.” 

His smile turned shy, and he ducked his head, curls flopping over his forehead. “Is nothing,” he dismissed, waving a hand. “Ah! Here! Your rooms!” He opened two doors, right next to each other, and motioned you inside. “I will let you get comfortable and give you the tour later.” 

With one last beaming smile, he turned and left, presumably to go get the other two men.

"Go put your things down," Sam ordered in her best no-nonsense voice. "Then you're going to tell me everything." She picked a room and strode inside. 

A little numbly, you went into your new room and put your things down as well. Then you sat heavily on the bed, putting your face down in your hands, overwhelmed. 

How the hell were you going to manage this? 

Sam dropped down next to you on the bed. "Tell me everything." 

You took a deep breath and looked up finally. "You remember I told you about the three guys from my last trip here?" You asked, a little hoarse. "Javi you met. Jack and Dave are both here. They're the other two men. They're here. In the villa." 

"Oh shit." Sam blinked at you, eyes wide. "You're sure?"

You smiled grimly. "It's been ten years, sure, but I absolutely recognized them. They both look more or less the same. Same hair style, same clothing choices, all of it." 

"Okay." Sam sucked in a breath. "Okay. So. What are you going to do?"

"Avoid them like the plague," was your immediate knee-jerk reaction. 

"What? No!" Sam nudged your shoulder with hers. "You have a golden opportunity here." 

"...I don't follow."

"You told me that Dave was one of the best men you'd ever known and you were thinking of running away with him," Sam reminded you absolutely ruthlessly. "And Jack was the best sex you'd had and he was fun."

You groaned, covering your face again. "I regret ever telling you anything," you mumbled. 

"And now you have a chance with one of them again," she forged on, ignoring your distress. "This is unheard of! You can decide who you wanna pursue!"

"None of them," you grumbled at her, uselessly. You knew it would be no good. 

"Let's go over when you saw them last." Sam patted your leg, trying to get your attention. 

"Let's not." You hopped to your feet, shaking out your hands. "I'm hungry, I'm gonna find the kitchen and see if I can beg a snack from someone."

You ignored Sam when she called your name, striding swiftly from the room. You had a vague memory of this place, but only vague. You honestly wouldn't be surprised if you ended up getting lost here. 

Oh well.

You took a few turns and ended up outside. How, you weren't exactly sure, and you would absolutely need help getting back to your room later. But that was a later problem. 

You turned a corner without looking and ran straight into someone, letting out an oof and stumbling back a step. 

"Careful, sugar." A hand caught your arm, keeping you upright, and close to the person. Man. 

Close to Jack. 

You looked up into still-familiar brown eyes and swallowed hard. "Sorry," you squeaked. 

Jack blinked at you, and his lips parted. (You knew how that mustache felt when you kissed him, when he smiled against your skin, the scratch and tease of it against your thighs–) "Well, I'll be damned," he murmured, his other hand rising to cup your waist. "Is it really you?"

"It is." You swallowed again, licking your lips. 

"How long has it been?" Jack asked, slowly pulling you in closer. "Too long, 'course." 

"Ten years." You took a step back, more or less successfully. His hands were still on you, but you did put a little distance between you again. 

"And you're every bit as gorgeous." Jack grinned, giving you a blatant once-over. "What luck for us, huh? You staying here too?"

"I am, yeah." You shrugged. "You here on vacation?"

"Eh, sorta. Bit of work, bit of fun. You know how I like to do it." He winked at you, shuffling closer to you. "I could always give you a little refresher course, sugar." 

You smiled tightly. "I'm actually here with my friend, we're on vacation. Sightseeing. All of that fun stuff." 

"Oh yeah? You want some company? I can take some time for you." Jack slid his hand from your waist to your back. "And we can go back to my room at the end of the day, have some fun, like last time." 

"We'll see," you hedged. "I was actually just on my way to the kitchen, so–" 

"I just came from there," Jack interrupted you, grinning and turning so he was next to you instead of in front of you, hand still on your lower back to guide you forward. "I'll show you the way."

"Thanks, Jack." You fell into step next to him, letting him guide you. 

Jack made an excellent guide, clearing a path through the crowded waterfront and never letting go of your hand, keeping you close to him. Once the crowd had thinned out some, he tugged you up to walk next to him, his arm around your waist. 

"What do you say, sugar?" He asked, wiggling his eyebrows at you. "Still trust me to find us a good spot?"

"You know I do," you said with a smile. "Impress me, Jack."

"Oh I plan on it." Jack squeezed your hip. 

"Here we are," Jack announced, hand squeezing your hip. "The kitchen."

You blinked rapidly to get back out of your own head. "Thanks."

"No problem." Jack didn't release you just yet, still looking down at you, something soft in his eyes. "It really is good to see you again, sugar." 

You warmed, smiling a little. "You too," you murmured. "I'll let you know, about the rest of it." You finally stepped away from him, making your way into the kitchen. 

The cook was a very nice woman who let you have your pick of snacks. You escaped with your snack and found a spot to sit outside, enjoying the late sunshine and the soft sounds of the ocean. 

You had no idea how you were going to survive this, especially if Sam was serious about you going after one of them. 

None of them had ever made you any kind of promise… and perhaps that's where you had problems. Because your traitorous heart hadn't waited for permission to get attached. 

Sighing, you tipped your head back to look up at the sky. You had no idea what you were going to do. 

A soft call of your name made you blink and refocus, and you looked at Sam and Javi. 

"Ready for the tour?" Sam asked, grinning teasingly at you. "We heard you already got lost."

You huffed as you stood. "I only got a little lost," you grumbled. "But yes, tour time. Sounds good." 

Javi beamed at you. "This way," he told the two of you. You were sure the three of you looked like a funny party - Javi in the middle with you on one side and Sam on the other. 

(You absolutely caught Sam eyeing him once or twice and you couldn't blame her. Javi was good looking, with his wild curls and unrestrained smiles.) 

The tour was fun and easy and you were vividly reminded of why you had been so happy to spend the last days of your vacation ten years ago with Javi. He was cute and funny and sweet and a generally good man. 

Which made the fact that you were barely physically attracted to him honestly a shame. 

Dinner was nicer than you'd expected. Mostly because both Jack and Dave had apparently not been invited, something that made you hide a grin behind your drink. 

"What do you have planned still?" Javi asked, looking between you and Sam. 

Sam took over, and you let her. The interest in her eyes was clear to you, though you rather doubted Javi saw it. 

The entire day the two of you were out, women looked at Javi. Mostly they were tourists, but you noticed more than one local with lust in her eyes. And Javi… didn't seem to notice at all. Or if he did, he ignored them all with aplomb. He didn't even look at them. 

He only had eyes for you. 

You took another bite of food, looking away from those two. Javi deserved the best in the world, you knew that. 

"Are you alright?" 

The soft question from the man made you blink and look at him. He looked concerned, big puppy dog eyes only for you. 

"I'm okay," you assured him. "Just thinking how crazy this all is. I had no idea you owned that villa in town." 

"I own two properties in town," Javi said with a nod. "I still have the olive groves, too! We could go see those." 

You smiled at his enthusiasm. "Sure, Javi. Your property is beautiful." 

"The whole place is beautiful," Sam agreed. "That pool is tempting me." 

"You are more than welcome to swim," Javi said, turning his sweet smile to her. "I want you to be happy here. You're welcome to anything." 

"In that case, I will." Sam grinned. 

You smiled watching her. She definitely needed this vacation. Especially since she was now having to put up with your bullshit. 

Not that you'd planned on this either, but still. Sam deserved to have a wonderful time, and you would do whatever you could to make that happen. 

Javi escorted the two of you back to your rooms after dinner. Sam broke off ahead of you two, saying she was going to catch up with some friends and update them on the vacation. 

You and Javi paused in the hallway. You didn't want to just go sit in your room, but you didn't have the energy to actually go explore and find a good place to sit, or find something else to do. 

"Come with me," Javi offered, holding out one hand to you. "I want to show you something."

You hesitated a bare moment before taking his hand. 

Javi held out his hand to you with a smile, a little shy, a little sweet. "Can I show you around? Is not much, I know, but–"

"Not much?" You laughed a little as you took his hand. "This place is beautiful, I love it. Please show me around."

His smile was nearly blinding and he squeezed your hand before he started walking. 

Javi led you outside, to a quiet spot that overlooked the ocean. He sat on a bench, and you sat next to him, looking at the moonlight on the water. It was beautiful. 

Maybe even more beautiful this time around. 

"Something weighs heavy on you," Javi said, soft and genuine. Guileless, as was his way. 

You sighed, leaning back and looking up at the sky instead. "It's just… a lot," you told him softly. It was easier to talk this way, not looking at him, not paying attention to his reactions. "I, um. I know the other two men. And. It's just." You sighed, short and sharp. 

"A lot," Javi offered softly, non judgemental. 

"Exactly." You finally looked at him to gauge his reaction. 

He just looked patient, a little sympathetic. "If you want to talk about it…" He trailed off carefully. 

You mulled over the offer, watching him. But he didn't waver. So you nodded slowly. "It's not the prettiest picture," you warned him. 

Javi snorted, amused, though you hadn't the foggiest idea of why. "Do not worry about that," he said, waving off your concern. "You cannot frighten me off." 

So you took a deep breath. "When I was here the first time, I met Dave. We… had a lot of fun together, and I…" You swallowed hard, blinking. This had not gotten any easier than the last time you'd talked about this. "Well, I really liked him. Then he left without a proper goodbye, just a note. That was… hard. Jack came into my life unexpectedly, and we had a few wonderful nights together. Never promised more than just some fun. And then he was gone, too." You paused there. "I don't really know how I feel about seeing them again now. But the feelings are definitely strong." 

Javi was quiet for a few long moments, and you worried you had gone too far. Then he smiled a little, holding out one hand to you. When you took it, he squeezed your hand. "You need space," he said softly. "And friends."

Relief washed through you, nearly overpowering. "Yes."

"I will give you whatever I can," Javi told you, squeezing your hand again. "Just ask and it is yours."

Unexpected tears spring to your eyes, and you leaned in to hug him instead as tight as you could. There was barely a moment of hesitation before he hugged you back, crooning soft Spanish into your ear as you tried hard not to cry. 

“You will feel better tomorrow,” Javi murmured, patting your back. You leaned back, wiping briefly under your eyes. 

“I will,” you agreed. “I’ll ask Sam, but maybe tomorrow we can go out to the olive grove.”

“An excellent idea!” Javi grinned, standing and offering you a hand up. “I will arrange a, hm, picnic for us!” 

“Sounds good to me.” You smiled. “Thank you, Javi. You’re a good man.”

Javi flushed and waved you off. “Go, rest. I will see you in the morning.”

Feeling better than you had all day, you turned and headed back inside, towards your room. 

Movement caught your eye and you stopped in the hallway outside your room. Turning slowly, you were somehow unsurprised to find Dave standing there. Hair neat and tidy. Eyes dark and intense. Hands loose at his sides. 

Miles seemed to stretch between you and Dave, despite the fact that you were in the same room. You could barely hear past the rushing of your blood in your ears, but Dave wasn’t speaking anyway. He was just… standing. Just standing. Watching you. 

After all, he’d had his chance to say what he wanted, and left the floor open for you. As if you’d be able to talk, be coherent at all, after the bombshell he’d just dropped on you.

The silence stretched, tight and uncomfortable. Dave opened his mouth to say something, and you turned away. No sound came from behind you as you opened the door to your room, stepped inside, and locked it behind you. 

You didn’t move until you heard light footsteps, walking away, growing fainter until they were gone. 

It took you a long time to fall asleep.

Javi was as good as his word, allowing you and Sam both to sleep in and then abducting you after breakfast. It wasn’t a long drive out to the olive grove, but it was a pleasant one. You sat in the backseat with the basket full of food, giving Sam the benefit of the nicer views. 

The picnic, of course, was lovely. The food was delicious. Everyone behaved themselves. 

It was just a really nice day, and you needed that. 

"I've been invited out to a friend's party," Javi told the two of you as you all worked together to pack up the remains of lunch. "Do you want to come with me?" He looked at you hopefully. 

You shrugged. "Sure," you said easily, putting the cap back on your drink. "If Sam wants to go."

"Definitely." Sam grinned, mischief in her eyes, which made you a little nervous. "What time do we need to leave?"

Javi shrugged, picking up the basket. "Any time this evening. I believe the invite said 8, but nobody will mind if we show up late." 

"Perfect." Sam looked at you, still mischievous. "Gives us plenty of time to get ready."

You had a feeling she meant more than just changing clothes.

As soon as the two of you were back at the villa, Sam dragged you back to her room, shutting the door and pushing you towards the bed. 

"Updates. Now." 

You sighed. "What do you want to know?"

"We've been with Javi all day and I saw no flirting!"

You snorted, you couldn't help it. "Sam. Babe. Javi and I are friends. We had a good talk last night and decided we're just friends. Which I am honestly grateful for." 

Sam nodded, looking contemplative. "So that's Javi. What about the other two?"

And there you paused. Because. You really did have a lot of conflicting emotions about them. "Sam… I don't know. I had a brief conversation with Jack, he seemed to want to pick up where we left off last time. And Dave…" You faltered there, throat closing. 

"Did you see him?" At your silent nod, Sam pursed her lips. "Has he apologized to you? For leaving?"

"Not yet." You sucked in a deep breath. "But it's fine." 

"Hm." Sam fortunately relented then. "So, party tonight. You did bring the dress with you, right?"

You rolled your eyes. "I did. I will wear it tonight." 

"Good." Sam looked pleased, going to rummage through her suitcase. "I'm gonna read for a bit before we have to get ready."

"Sounds good," you agreed, standing. "I'll be in my room." 

You did go ahead and get out your dress once you were in your room, examining it to make sure it didn't need to be ironed or anything. And then you sat on the bed to read and relax for a while. 

Sam knocking on your door prompted you to get up and change, putting in pretty earrings as well. A quick once-over to make sure you looked presentable, and you joined Sam in the hallway. 

"I will be the envy of the party," Javi declared on seeing you both. "Arriving with two lovely ladies on my arm." He winked, and you laughed. 

"How far is it?" You asked curiously as Javi led you both to the car again. 

"Not far," Javi answered. "In truth we could walk, but I am lazy and I hate this hill." 

That startled you into giggles again, and you were still grinning as you slid into the backseat. 

The drive was short, as promised, and you followed Javi and Sam into the party. There were lots of people around, but it didn't feel too crowded. At least not yet. 

And for a while things were fun. You danced with Sam, and you two dragged Javi out onto the dance floor with you. 

And then someone slid into your space behind you, hands light on your hips. You tensed, just about ready to turn and tell the person off, when a soft voice spoke right next to your ear. 

"Relax, sweetheart. I've got you." 

Almost against your will, you relaxed. You'd never been able to tell Dave no. 

"Easy, sweetheart," Dave whispered in the dark of the room, both hands on your hips, his chest flush with your back. "I've got you."

"Dave," you whined, biting your lip. 

"I've got you," Dave repeated, hands squeezing you before he started to move, so slowly it was torture. 

"Why are you here?" You tipped your head back, trying to look at him. All you caught was a glimpse of dark hair before he spun the two of you, keeping you upright but off-balance enough that you needed the help. 

"I wanted to see you. To apologize." He spoke right into your ear over the music. 

You grit your teeth, partly at his timing and scheming, and partly at his gall. "Not here," you ground out. 

"Outside?"

"Fine." 

Dave took your hand, pulling you into a spin before leading you out of the room. You'd lost track of Sam and Javi, and just hoped that they were still having fun. 

He led you outside and away from the party, ending up on a paved walkway between buildings. You stepped away from him, heart racing. 

"I want to apologize," he started, softly, hands out at his sides. Trying to show he was no threat. 

"Now?" You laughed a little, the sound cracking halfway through. "Dave, there's nothing for us to talk about. You dropped all that on me and left, and you couldn't even look me in the eye to say goodbye." 

Dave shook his head, taking a step towards you. "Sweetheart, no–"

"It's fine," you cut him off, stepping back. "I understand. You had things to go back to. I know. I saw you got married, had your own life. I’m glad. If you feel you have to make things right, don't worry about it." 

"Carol is gone."

The quiet words stopped you cold. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Dave shook his head, frustrated. "Sweetheart, she was never you."

"Don't," you whispered, pleading. "Don't do this to me." 

"I swear to you, I thought of you every day." He started towards you slowly, carefully stalking you, eyes intent on your every move. "She was never you. Do you have any idea how many times I almost tracked you down?"

"Dave," you whispered, wide eyed, pulse pounding. "What are you doing?"

His jaw clenched, eyes flashing. "What I should have done ten years ago." He boxed you in against the building behind you, one big hand cupping the back of your head and tipping your head up. But he didn't kiss you, keeping a bare distance between you. "I should have brought you home with me. I wanted to. I won't make that mistake again." 

"It's been ten years," you pointed out, entirely reasonably. "We're not the same people we were then." 

"Then tell me to go." He dipped his head, nudging his nose against yours with aching tenderness. "Tell me to leave you alone."

And you… couldn't say the words. You swallowed, mouth opening. But you couldn't speak. 

With a triumphant noise, Dave closed the space between you, kissing you with all the pent up passion of ten years. You moaned softly into his mouth, hands raising to helplessly grasp his shirt. Somehow, he felt every bit as good as you remembered. 

Someone knocked over something loud behind Dave, and you pulled back with a gasp. Dave's eyes narrowed and he turned to look, giving you a chance to look as well. 

Jack stood there, watching the two of you, lips parted just a little. Silence stretched, tension pulling tight against your skin. 

You broke first, ducking under Dave's arm and away from the wall. You fled. 

You did remember, on the walk back, to pull out your phone and text Sam that you were walking back and to have fun. 

And then you had time and quiet to think over what had just happened. 

Those feelings you still had for Dave were getting a whole lot clearer. 

But the question remained if you could move past the last time you saw him.

"I haven't told you everything." Dave stood a few feet away from you, his twitching fingers giving away his anxiety. 

"What, are you not really here for work?" You asked, half-joking. "Actually have a wife back in the States?" 

"No." Dave made a face. "I am here for work, but my work is… not as harmless as I led you to think." 

You were quiet for a minute, nerves simmering in your gut. "Just tell me. I don't like this guessing game shit."

Dave blew out a slow breath. "I was sent here for a contract," he said slowly. "My team and I eliminated a threat. I asked for extra time here after we completed our mission."

"Eliminated?" You asked faintly. 

"Killed." 

Miles seemed to stretch between you and Dave, despite the fact that you were in the same room. You could barely hear past the rushing of your blood in your ears, but Dave wasn’t speaking anyway. He was just… standing. Just standing. Watching you. 

After all, he’d had his chance to say what he wanted, and left the floor open for you. As if you’d be able to talk, be coherent at all, after the bombshell he’d just dropped on you.

You blinked at him, mouth opening and closing a few times uselessly. "Aren't there rules against telling people that kind of shit?" is what you managed to get out. 

Dave shrugged, unconcerned. "Usually, yes. I trust you." 

You gaped at him. "You… What is this, Dave? Why are you telling me?"

"So you have the whole picture." Dave still didn't move towards you. 

"The whole picture," you repeated, a little numbly. "I don't know what to do with this. I really don't. I just…" You trailed off, staring at him. "Why now?"

Finally, his lips twisted in displeasure, eyes dark as he looked away from you. "I have to go soon."

"How soon?" Your heart dropped somewhere in your stomach. 

"I don't know exactly. Soon." 

You let out a slow breath. Okay. So he'd given you some honestly terrifying information about himself… but nothing to actually send you running. "Okay."

"Okay?" He looked back at you, fingers curling and uncurling. 

"Okay. At least for right now, let's shelve that and have dinner like we planned." 

He relaxed, shoulders lowering, and smiled at you. Finally, he stepped in closer, both hands rising to cup your cheeks. 

"You are something else, sweetheart." He kissed you then, too many emotions for you to parse between you. "Let's go to dinner."

You blinked back to yourself at the bottom of the hill. Javi was right, it looked like an absolute bitch to walk. You groaned softly but started up the hill. 

"Hey! Sugar!" 

You sighed and hung your head but you stopped to let Jack catch up with you. "Yeah?"

Jack didn't smile for once, instead searching your expression closely. "If you're in any trouble…"

"What?" You blinked at him, honestly caught off guard. "You mean Dave?"

His lips thinned. "Sugar, he's not a good man." 

Several things occurred to you at once. The first was that Jack knew what Dave did. The second was that Jack had some kind of job that meant he knew what Dave did. The third was… you really didn't care. 

"Maybe," you admitted. "But you know what? He's been good to me. You both have, in your own ways. So thanks for trying to warn me, or whatever, but I'm good." 

Jack blinked, momentarily flabbergasted. "You know?"

You smiled grimly. "He told me right before he left," you said. "Now. I'm going up the hill to go to bed."

Jack was quiet for a moment. "Mind if I walk with you?"

"Sure." You shrugged. Both of you were quiet on the walk back up to the villa.

Javi had definitely been right about the hill. 

"Sugar." Jack turned to face you, putting his hands on his hips, even as you were still recovering from the walk. "Just so you know… you can call me if you need anything. Get into trouble, need a lift, anything." He held your gaze, frowning just a little. 

You smiled, touched by the unexpected offer. "Thank you. I appreciate it." 

Jack nodded. "Well, I'm gonna go check in before bed. Night, darlin'." 

You murmured your own good night and trudged inside and up to your room. You moved slowly through your bedtime routine, too distracted to pay much attention to what you were doing. 

Dave had made his intentions pretty clear earlier. He still wanted you. Had never stopped wanting you, if he had been telling the truth. You were still mad at him for leaving you ten years ago without even a proper goodbye, but… but you had missed him. You'd missed being with him. 

Sam was right. You had a second chance here. All you had to do was take it, reach past the hurt and the questions. 

If that was indeed what you wanted. 

You laid there for a long time, staring at the dark ceiling, the quiet less soothing than you wanted for the background of your churning thoughts. 

You heard Sam and Javi returning from the party, and only smiled. You were glad they'd had fun. 

And that? Well. Guess you had your answer. 

So, naturally, you didn't see Dave the next day at all. But the following day he found you. 

You looked up from your book, somehow unsurprised to find Dave standing in front of you. You shifted to make room and patted the bench next to you in silent invitation. Dave sat quietly, posture rigid. 

He'd come for your final answer, then. 

"Let me ask you one thing." You looked straight at him, setting your book down in your lap. 

"Anything." He swallowed, lifting his chin subtly. 

"Why did you leave without saying goodbye?" You didn't succeed at keeping the hurt from your voice. Really, everything else you had already dealt with, but this? This had plagued you for ten years. 

Dave grimaced, like he'd expected the question but it still hurt. "It wasn't my choice," he answered slowly. "I was informed we had to bug out immediately. One of my guys came and got me, or I would have ignored orders." 

You sat quietly, letting that sink in. He would have stayed. He would have waited. For you.  

Taking a deep breath, ignoring the rabbit-quick beating of your heart, you turned to face him fully. Shoulders back, chin up, eyes narrowed just the slightest bit. "If you ever do anything like that again, you will never see me again. Understood?"

Dave blinked, lips parting a little in surprise, before ever so slowly he started to smile. "Yes ma'am." 

You swallowed, licking your lips. "Good." 

He lifted one hand, cupping your cheek, thumb rubbing over your skin. "Does that mean you'll come back with me?" 

"Yes." You didn't even think about it. At this point, there really was only one answer you could give. "I will." 

Dave grinned, sharp and triumphant and a little bit adoring, and kissed you. It was messy and passionate and there was more than a little bit of teeth involved, but it was perfect. When he finally pulled back, you had one hand in his hair, and you were panting. Faintly, you could hear him whispering against your skin as he pressed kisses against your throat. 

"Thank you." Kiss. "Never leave you again." A more or less gentle nip. "Never again." Teeth scraped over your collarbone. 

"Inside," you growled at him, tugging his hair. 

The two of you somehow got to your feet, a tangle of limbs and lips and only one incident where you nearly fell. 

Logically, you knew it wasn't this easy. You'd have to talk logistics and jobs and all that. You'd have to check in with Sam (although she was getting pretty cozy with Javi). 

But you were going to give this a chance. You were going to fight for this. For the two of you. 

And judging by the grasp he had on your hips and the way clothes were falling as soon as your bedroom door closed, Dave was going to do the same. 

That would be enough. You would make it work. You smiled, took a deep breath, and fell one last time, trusting he would catch you. 

[jojotier]

The spy x family au may be about political subterfuge and the interpersonal drama of a dangerous lot who at many points have to try and kill each other in a bunch of configurations, but also its about June becoming increasingly desperate to let her friends know that their kids have SUPERPOWERS and absolutely NONE of them taking it seriously bc they're too busy thinking that they're the best at being normal

Roxy straight up makes her veggies disappear into the void and June is desperately pointing at the plate going "???? You daughter just sent her veggies into the ether?????" meanwhile Rose has 100% missed it bc her boss slipped a secret code into that evening's newspaper that only she can decipher that says she has to take on an extra mission investigating a chocolate factory being a front for a Prospitian smuggling operation, while dressed as a theme park mascot, and Rose is now congratulating Roxy on finishing her least favorite food, my, isnt she just so mature?

Jake pulls a fully functional sonic screwdriver out of his toy chest bc he saw an episode of Doctor Who and hoped so hard that it was on Amazon that it just Was, for 19.99, and June points it out to Jade but Jade is the foremost nuclear scientist and just has no gauge for how much normal people know about space-time mechanics, so she just is going oh haha you know kids! They find the darnedest things online!! Wild that they're making these now huh? Then again, she's sure that the average person has a pretty alright basis of the quark phenomenon, so it makes sense! June is like what the fuck are you talking about and Jade is like wait do you not know about the paradox of atomic movement? And June's like why? Would I know that?? And Jade's like but everyone learns that dont they????

Dirk though. He's the worst offender. Because he hears June's thoughts about the superpower thing and waits until Dave leaves the room and then he looks June dead in the eye and repeats June's exact thoughts back to her. And then tells her that Dave will never believe her. And it all sounds very ominous but actually this is Dirk's version of a prank. And Dave doesn't believe her! Even as June is going "Dirk is LITERALLY REPEATING YOUR THOUGHTS," as Dirk repeats Dave's thoughts Dave is like oh haha isnt he smart? Kid's a natural at catching subliminals, which is good because of the propaganda. and June is like what and Dave is like what. And June's like you said it was because of the propaganda? And Dave's like whoa did I say that? sounds too fancy for my blood as hes like kicking the script to his latest anti-imperial dadaist SBAHJ fueled mockumentary-expose under the couch

At least June has Jane there to nudge her with a stick and ask about dinner when June inevitably sprawls over the floor at home in a defeated heap. That usually helps take her mind off things.

[doctorstethoscope]

Yes, Mr. President || The Clock (18+)

art by @multiverse-mxdness

happy Saturday besties!

story summary: Scandal! AU– your mentor, David Rossi, has recruited you to make Senator Aaron Hotchner the next President of the United States. Once described as a political nun, the Senator helps you see that maybe you can mix business and pleasure.

Read previous chapters of this fic here!

contains: SMUT 18+ CONTENT MINORS DNI, d/s dynamic, sir kink thigh riding, oral (f receiving) penetrative sex, discussion of adultery, food consumption

wordcount: 2.6k

Aaron is used to Fridays feeling untenably long. Working at Camp David all day, waiting for it all to be over so you could show up— the minutes felt like hours, but at least it was an anxious excitement. The day feels even longer today, with nothing to show for it. No trip to Camp David, no secret hideaway, no stolen time, no you. The world was in a stalemate— Haley was waiting for him to budge. You and Rossi were waiting for Haley to attack. No one was yielding— and he didn’t know how much more of it he could take.

Fridays have felt unbearably long for a few months now— but that tension used to break, each night around 7pm. Today, it’s 6:45 and there’s no end in sight— just tension and anticipation as far as the eye can see. Rossi bustles in a few moments later, and while it’s not exactly welcome, it’s at least a distraction.

“The dam’s about to break,” Rossi says as he shuts the door behind him. “Mr. President, it’s game over. Time to call it a draw.”

“I’m sorry?” Aaron says, not following Rossi’s explanation.

“There’s a news truck parked outside of Blair House. Haley’s ready to show her hand, and it’s a good one. A presidency-ending one. It’s time to fold,” he explains more clearly. “You’ve got to give her what she wants— give her whatever she wants. Because you love this job— you love being President, and you have to sacrifice for what you love. It’s time to go to her. Give her the damn moon, for Christ’s sake. Go to her, and save your Presidency, Hotch,” Dave practically begs. “Time is running out— we ran the clock as far as it would take us, and now it’s time to act, to do something.”

Aaron takes a long moment to consider his next move— Rossi’s right. There’s no more time to wait it out, and Haley isn’t going to fold. He needs to make his choice. He takes a deep breath, and nods. “Alright,” Aaron says, giving Rossi a decisive nod. “Edie!” He calls out. “Can you please let Tom and Hal know that we’re on the move?”

Rossi lets out a sigh of relief.

++++++++

You’ve been an anxious mess all day– it’s the kind of worry that a night in Aaron’s arms could usually fix, but that is frustratingly not an option. Aaron’s made his position on you “working” this crisis very clear– but you can’t help but keep an eye on things. There are rumblings, whispers that the First Lady is going to be making an announcement tonight, that it’s going to be major. People think she may be announcing a pregnancy. If you weren’t so upset by the whole situation, you might laugh.

Derek, for his part, can tell that something is off, but has the good grace not to ask you about it in front of JJ and Emily. You’re too distracted to get any meaningful amount of work done– you stay later than all the others, but end up calling it quits around 6 o clock. You lock up, and your bodyman, Jake, is waiting for you in the lobby.

“Well, I lived,” you say with a sigh, not fully up to the joke. “How do you keep yourself entertained?”

“You’re assuming I haven’t been out here doing jiu jitsu on would-be assailants all day,” Jake points out as the two of you make your way into the parking garage.

“In that case, you must be exhausted,” you buy in.

“It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it,” he agrees.

“In all seriousness, I take it nothing’s come up?” You ask.

“That’s difficult to say. There are plenty of leads we could investigate— like, for example, the man who walks past the office 8 minutes before you each morning and tosses his empty coffee cup in the garbage outside your lobby. We could investigate all of these people who cross your path regularly— most, if not all, would turn out to be completely normal people who only cross your path by coincidence. But if you’re asking if I think you should be worried about a threat to your life—”

“That’s exactly what I’m asking,” you clarify.

“Then I would say no, you seem to be safe. We haven’t intercepted anything that would be determined a threat.”

“So you aren’t going to follow me home, then?” You ask.

“Unfortunately, ma’am, those orders will have to come from the President.”

“I figured as much,” you groaned. “I guess I’ll see you at home, then” you say as you climb into your car.

The agent follows you home, and you allow him to clear your apartment before you enter– he takes his place in the hall. You flick the television on, finding the news and discovering they’re reporting on Haley’s suspected announcement. You sigh— you should call Rossi, you think, but would your help be welcome?

You pick up the phone to call— you should at least offer, you think, when there’s a knock at the door.

The door swings open and reveals the President. You’re too shocked to speak for a moment, but then a thought occurs to you, comes out on top of all of the thousands of questions swirling through your head.

“Where’s Jake?” you ask.

Aaron chuckles a little at your seemingly out-of-place question. “I sent him home,” he explains as he slips by you and into your apartment, shucking off his suitcoat and tossing it over your loveseat as if it has always belonged there.

“What is happening?” You continue, following him into the living room.

“What do you mean, Angel?” He asks, as if all of this is normal. He opens the coat closet, hangs his trench coat next to yours. It looks really beautiful there.

“Why are you here?” You clarify, a mix between incredulity and anxiety.

“It’s Friday night. We’re spending the evening together. Maybe the whole weekend, if you don’t kick me out,” he explains simply, flashing you a lazy, boyish grin to punctuate his sentence.

“You can’t be here,” You say, your first statement since he walked in.

“Someone told me something very wise today,” Aaron says, completely ignoring your assertion. “They said ‘give the person you love whatever they want.’ So I’m here, asking you– am I still what you want?”

“Aaron. Haley’s clock runs out in 22 minutes–” you start, but he cuts you off.

“I know. She’s going public on prime time,” he says.

“She’s going to go nuclear. You shouldn’t be here, you should be in your car heading down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Blair House, and you should be begging for her forgiveness. You need to do something, Aaron, because if you don’t, your chances for re-election—”

“Are very slim. And that’s my problem, not yours.” he finishes the sentence he interrupted. “Quite frankly, I don’t give a damn.”

“You don’t care that the clock is running out— that she’s going to tear your legacy apart with one interview?”

“I’m gonna sit here with you and watch while she does it,” Aaron answers.

“Does Rossi know where you are? Maybe he can talk to Haley and get you an extension,” you strategize, slipping into your fixer personality in an instant as you reach for your cell.

“Hang up the phone,” he tells you, settling in on your couch as if he belongs there. Maybe he does. ‘Hang up the damn phone,” he repeats, and this time you listen. “You can’t fix this one. You can’t fix the fact that I’m in love with you. I love you more than I love being President,” he confesses, and it stirs something inside of you— you’d always wondered. Even if you had a suspicion that you knew the answer, it was staring you in the face now. “I’ve told you that I’d give it all up for you, and I’ve meant it, every single time. But I don’t think you believe me,” he says, and it’s in no way an accusation, but it still draws feelings of guilt out of you. “I think you really believe that I will never choose you— and that you have to choose me. So this time, I’m fixing things, Angel. You and I are going to sit here for the next twenty minutes, and the clock is going to run out on my marriage, and you are going to watch me choose you. I’m choosing you, sweet girl. I always have.”

“You wouldn’t,” you whisper.

“I would,” he disagrees. “I will. I’m going to. Sit. Sit with me and watch me choose you,” he requests. “Unless you don’t want me.”

There’s a beat, and Aaron nearly regrets putting the thought in your mind at all. His stomach clenches and his fingernails dig into the cushions of the sofa— he’s just about to sprint out the door when he looks up and sees your face, nearly split in two with the force of your grin.

“Silly, stupid man,” you chastise him, launching yourself into his lap and taking his head in both of your hands, kissing him deeply.

He wraps his arms around your waist to secure you on the couch, tilting his jaw up towards you to grant you more access to his mouth.

“It’s always been you,” He murmurs into the soft skin of your neck before kissing you there.

It takes basically no time at all for your kisses to grow more intense and desperate. Aaron fingers the hem of your blouse and you help him pull it off, tossing it somewhere in the kitchen. He grips the tops of your thighs, hoisting you up and bringing you to the bedroom, where he places you against the mattress with reverence.

“It’s always been you, my love. Always,” he whispers as he kisses from your lips, down your chest and your stomach until he reaches the waistband of your pants, which he removes deftly.

You whine a little, and he chuckles, coming back to kiss your lips as you’d requested wordlessly. He snakes a hand between your bodies as he does so, drags his fingers down the planes of your stomach and slides them underneath the elastic of your panties. You buck towards him, and he smiles against your lips.

“You’ll get yours, angel,” he teases, dipping two fingers in between your folds. You’re undoubtedly aroused, but not quite ready yet. Aaron doesn’t mind. Getting you there is half the fun. He sits on the edge of the bed and pulls you into his lap, straddling one of his thighs. You wrap your arms around his neck and he unhooks your bra. Once that’s discarded, he places his hands on both of your hips, helps you rock back and forth– you’re pressing into the silk of your panties and the fabric of his slacks, and it feels absolutely intoxicating. You moan out, throwing your head back.

Your eyes are closed, so you’re caught off guard when you feel Aaron’s mouth close around your nipple. You gasp, and you can feel Aaron’s smug grin against you. “Fuck, Aaron,” you whimper.

“Go ahead, baby, get after it,” he encourages you, beginning to lift his thigh in time with your thrusts against it. You increase your speed, and he grunts a little to keep pace with you. “So fucking sexy. Are you gonna come like this?”

“Close,” you gasp out.

“Good,” he says. “That’s my naughty girl. Say it,” he commands you.

“I’m a naughty girl, Sir,” you repeat, throwing your head back.

“My naughty girl,” he corrects.

“Your naughty girl,” you agree, smiling. He sucks at the pulse point on your neck and you come undone with a cry.

He helps you off of his thigh and onto the mattress gently, crawling down to the end of the bed and removing your now-soaked panties and his own slacks and dress shirt. “How are you doing?” He asks, his voice gravelly— it shoots right to your core.

“I’m good,” you tell him.

“You sure? We can take a break,” he says.

You’re a little suspicious, now— two rounds in quick succession is relatively standard for you. “I’m sure,” you tell him.

He nods, taking your ankle in his hand and kissing his way up your calf and thigh, stopping only for a moment before you can feel his breath against you.

“What about you?” You ask.

“Tonight’s not about me. I’ll get mine,” he winks at you before sucking your clit in between his lips.

“Oh, Christ! Aaron,” you cry out, and he releases you from his mouth with an obscene pop before drinking from your entrance. . It’s always harder for you to get the second orgasm than it is the first, but Aaron doesn’t shy away from working at it— lapping from you and teasing you in all the right ways like it’s a full time job.

“Aaron, Aaron—” you warn him, reaching your arm down and tugging at his hair, but he’s undeterred. He leads you over the edge again, the pleasure peaking higher and for longer than it had the time before.

“Oh, shit,” you say as you come down, and Aaron smiles. He gives you a moment to collect yourself, pouring you a glass of water from the decanter on your bedside table.

“Drink,” he tells you, bringing the glass to your lips and tipping it ever so slightly. You level him with a glance, and he answers your wordless question. “I think I can get four out of you,” he says.

“You think so, huh?” You smirk. “And what about you?”

“I’m good with just the one,” he says. “I’m not high maintenance. Besides, watching is just as much fun for me,” he teases you, and you roll your eyes.

“Go ahead and do your worst, then,” you invite him, laying back against the mattress.

You’re already good and wet, so he doesn’t waste any time in sinking into you. Even as prepared as you were, he still finds his way into the deepest parts of you, and the feeling of it is addictive. He does his best at being gentle, but he’s painfully hard by now, and the two of you were never really the slow and sweet type. You’ll be sore in the morning, if you’re even able to move to begin with. Four orgasms, you let out a little laugh. Was he trying to kill you?

“Something funny?” He asked, leaning in to kiss your jaw.

“Not exactly,” you tell him as he brings his fingers to your clit, applying the perfect amount of pressure to get you to number three.

He comes as you squeeze him in the throes of your orgasm, but doesn’t slow down— he continues to pump and work at you, and as soon as your third orgasm stops, the fourth begins. It’s good– insanely good. Mind numbingly good. You literally feel your brain turning into puzzle pieces, shaken around in their box.

“Did I get you good and fucked out, angel?” Aaron asks as he slips out of you.

“Yes sir,” you say dreamily. “Thank you.”

He chuckles. “It was my pleasure,” he tells you, kissing your forehead. “Stay right here. I’m going to get a washcloth and a snack for you.”

“I couldn’t move if I wanted to,” you call after him as he heads into the bathroom, and he smirks.

He comes back a few moments later with the promised washcloth and some cut fruit from your fridge.

“Aaron,” you mumble as he cleans you up.

“Yeah, angel. You okay?” He asks tenderly.

“M’okay,” you assure him. “I think we missed Haley’s thing, though,” you say, and he laughs.

“We’ll catch it on the eleven o’clock news.”

tagging: @call-me-mrsreid @dadbodhotch11 @arsonhotchner @shyhotch @the-modernmary @ssamorganhotchner @angelfxllcm @rousethemouse @skyler666 @mintphoenix @gspenc

@g-l-pierce @wheelsupkels @chelseagirl77 @ashhotchner

[starvine]

first date headcanons

attack on titan (modern au)

summary: some first date headcanons with some of the attack on titan characters. 

warnings: none, just fluff :)

eren jaeger: movie 

a little basic but it’s all eren could come up with

besides, it was between a movie and dinner and dinner felt too formal so y’all decided on a movie

he’d let you pick the movie tho

he might argue with you if it’s something stupid and claim that it’s horribly written (as if he knows a thing) but that’s it

eren would make sure to get the BEST snacks. spicy food? check. candy? check. popcorn? check. fruits? check.

he just wants to impress you (even if he did have to confide in his friends for some advice)

he just really likes you

during the movie, you guys would start shifting closer to each other, both a little too timid to move all the way all at once

but you guys would make commentary throughout the movie, laughing when things seem too cliché or when a character says something funny

half way throughout the movie, you guys aren’t even really paying attention it it

you’re too busy throwing popcorn at each other and trying to catch it in your mouths, feeding each other candy, and giggling at each other

it’s intimate in its own relaxed way, which makes eren realize how perfect you are

you both could make the most out of a pretty average first date situation and make it into a beyond amazing first date

and that was all he needed to ask you on a second date before he dropped you off at your car, walking with you to make sure you got there safely

and ngl you’d be a bit of a fool to say no to eren

armin arlert: aquarium 

sweetheart is so nervous 

before he came to your apartment to pick you up for your date, he was a little nervous wreck 

he was fidgeting with his fingers, playing with the buttons on his shirt--he probably accidentally opened one by accident 

but once he saw you, he felt fine 

it was as if he physically melted, you just make everything okay 

once you guys got to the aquarium, he would NOT shut up

he was probably pointing things out, telling you fun facts, asking you what is your favorite marine life 

“oh, you like pufferfish? that’s cool! i like them too. they’re very... puffy.” 

he’s like a child in a candy store 

but while he’s rambling about how the digestive system of a sea cucumber basically cleans the ocean, he’s wondering how he should make a move 

he doesn’t want to scare you off or anything, but he doesn’t want you to be disappointed 

but while you guys are looking at one of those large fish tanks, the ones where you walk through a tunnel, you guys just sort of stand there and watch in awe

or rather armin watches in awe while you look at him, a soft smile gracing his pink lips as his eyes dart across the illustriously blue colored glass

and when he feels your pinky latch onto his, he’s a little shocked that you had made the first move

he didn’t not expect it per say, he just thought that he would be the one to make the first move 

but his overthinking got in the way

and when he turns to look down at your intertwined pinkies, he caught you sending him a delicate smile that made his heart squeeze until he felt as if every part of him was on fire

but it was him who finally held your hand fully 

he just needed you to give him the extra push

mikasa ackerman: book store 

it’s a very calming atmosphere, which is something you’d both need for this first date

mikasa is probably pretty anxious for the first date, and wants to make sure you’re okay and enjoying yourself while also making sure she’s okay and enjoying herself

so the calming scent of the book store and the quietness is perfect for her to multitask between mediating the two

you’d both be tasked with picking each other books and then buying them for each other

so initially mikasa was nervous because she wasn’t sure what to get you but then you asked what she liked to read and so that allowed her to ask the same, making the situation less stressful

and all while you two are walking from isle to isle, eyes scanning the various book titles and covers, she sneaks glances at you and how pretty you look

and the fact that you seem very deep in thought, heavily concentrated on getting her the right book, makes her feel less concerned on whether or not you’d rather be with her or not

the answer is obviously a yes but mikasa has a hard time understanding that sometimes

so when you give her the book you bought for her, making sure to lightly touch her fingers while you hand it to her, she already knows that another date is what she wants you both to have or else she’ll probably explode

and based off of how flushed she looks, the possibility of her exploding is not highly unlikely

you guys will sit at this little table in the corner of the store, reading your books

i can picture mikasa annotating certain lines that remind her of you, making mental notes to show you later

overall, the date is pretty lowkey and very sweet

connie springer: dave + busters/bowling

ok there’s not much of an explanation for this one besides the point that if feels right

like connie is pretty energetic and i feel like you can learn a lot about a person based off of the games they’re drawn to 

hence the arcade

i think connie really likes those racing games or the zombie shooting games

he also claims he’s really good at ski ball (he’s not, he’s trash)

so a good portion of the date consists of you just laughing at him the whole time cuz in all honestly he’s not the best at games but he enjoys them for the fun of them

he’d definitely cheer you on when you were playing or try to mess you up if it was you two against each other

but either way he’d give you a hug or a pat on the head after every game

even if u beat him

he’d probably try to sneak a kiss when you guys were in one of those shooting games that requires a booth and the curtains drawn (does that make sense?)

it’s not really romantic like at all, especially since it smells like a million different people in there, but it’s very low stress so in all honesty that’s what makes the kiss nice

and after you guys had used up all your tokens, you’d combine your tickets and pick something together

your prizes would mostly consist of candy and him insisting he get you a plastic gem ring so you can always remember your first date together

it was also his little, strange way of asking you for a second date

levi ackerman: art museum 

unlike connie, he’s not super energetic

so a museum is right up his alley

levi’s a bit awkward, he doesn’t really know how to talk to you

and especially since you’re lovely, his words jumble together and he gets all flustered

so a nice, quiet museum exhibit is perfect for him

it’s a nice balance between casual and formal, so you both dress nice but aren’t restricted by the need to be super polite and stuff

he’d probably like it when you try to imitate the poses that are shown in the paintings or sculptures

just imagine the soft chuckle he’d be unable to prevent from escaping his lips which then melts into a soft smirk

beautiful, beautiful lad

he probably wouldn’t join you though, he doesn’t want to embarrass himself

he just smiles at you and stares at the art, reading the background info they give on those little plates near them

but he would notice when you stare at him

he could be looking at some art made during the dutch golden age, but as soon as your head slightly tilted in his direction, his cheeks would HEAT up

you almost asked him if he was feeling alright he was so red

but as the date went on, levi really just thought about how much he enjoyed your presence

and he’s not a wicked talkative guy so being able to feel comfortable with someone even if you aren’t talking or doing much is pretty important to him

as the date concludes, levi finally works up the courage to place his hand on your shoulder, asking if there was anything else you wanted to see before the museum closes for the day

his face might be bright red, but the smile you give him makes him feel a little less embarrassed

what can you say, you’ve got charm 💅

hange: the fucking zoo

ok i won’t lie when i got the idea of hange taking you to the zoo for your first date i thought it was so funny and idk why

like they’d be so excited that they’d nearly forget that they’re on a date with you

they’d drag you around from exhibit to exhibit, pointing out the exact breed of tortoise or some really strange fact about the zebras without looking at the little description panel in front of the exhibit

it’s pretty comical

but then randomly, when you guys are sitting down and eating some fries from one of the concession stands, they start going on a rant about animal cruelty and how a lot of zoos don’t treat the animals properly

and you’re just sitting there like “what 🧍‍♀️” cuz they’re mood changed so quickly LMAO

and as soon as their rant started, it finishes and they’re rushing you to the reptile exhibit

they’d probably try to figure out if they could hold one of the snakes

you’d have to drag them out of there before they start harassing one of the workers into letting them hold a snake

they’d also give all of the animals names only to forget them in 2 seconds

“hey, robert, it’s good to see you again!” “hange, i thought you named them dante?” “oh... did i? 😁”

however there’s probably like one animal they absolutely despise and idk why but i feel like it’s parrots

y’all would be walking through this rainforest exhibit, birds flying from tree to tree and the whole time they’re cursing the birds under their breath for no reason at all

just an angry person walking through a rainforest exhibit, cursing out birds

pretty normal if you ask me

however, the date itself is pretty casual and almost feels like you guys are just hanging out

or it would if they didn’t ask you out on another date before dropping you off at home, kissing your cheek as their farewell

pieck finger: café

very simple and quaint

i feel like pieck has a coffee addiction and always puts her in a better mood

so what better place to go on a date then a café?

she’s definitely an iced coffee drinker, and will occasionally go for a hot drink but usually iced coffee is her go-to

and if you get a coffee or tea that she also happens to like, you’re already practically golden in her eyes

since pieck has a very soothing and lowkey nature, i can see the date being much more just like a conversation with someone you’ve known for forever instead of interview-y which is something i’ve found coffee/lunch/dinner dates to be a bit like

but pieck knows how to keep things interesting and she’s a pretty calming person to be around so all is well

i also can’t see her getting super nervous before the date

she seems pretty calm unless in high-stress situations, but even then, she’s pretty level-headed

but since she’s so calm, it makes you wonder if she really cares for the date

and of COURSE she does, she’s so excited about it

it’s just the way pieck is

but as the date continues, she’d probably start to tease you by playing footsies under the table

you gotta keep the date interesting, you know?

you guys would talk about your interests, family, friends, shows you’re watching

literally just anything and everything that’ll allow you guys to get a feel for each other

and if all goes well she’ll definitely suggest another date ;)

also don’t expect to leave without her either writing something cute on your cup, pressing a lip-stick stained kiss to your cheek that matches the one surrounding the rim of her cup, or a promise that your game of footsies will continue next time you see each other