#OTP: Brothers in Arms

[theoriginalladya]

WIP Whenever

I haven't had much going on with any of my boys of late as my brain has been hijacked by a couple of original fic ideas, but I went to sleep last night with the following snippet in mind and I managed to get it down on a page more or less how I imagined it. Proof that Caleb and Kaidan are still kicking around inside my head, despite work, Real Life, and original fic ideas! <3

Setting: 2168/9-ish, post Reaper War, on their honeymoon, Santorini, Greece, Earth

~~~

A mug in each hand, Caleb slips out onto the back patio and pads his way barefoot across the space.  Even now, and despite still recovering from his injuries, he manages to keep silent, and though he isn’t looking at Caleb, a smile of welcome slides across Kaidan’s face. 

Caleb laughs to himself. There are some benefits to having biotics, after all.

As he nears, Kaidan inhales deeply and sets aside the pad of paper and pencil he’d been using, but not before Caleb catches a glimpse of lines and shape.  Another smile, this time his own, as he recognizes the scene beginning to form on the page; a lone figure (himself) staring intently at some ancient Greek ruins. 

Kaidan’s brow rises.  “Something amusing you, mo shearc?”

Shivering in appreciation, Caleb hands over one of the mugs. Mo shearc.  Caleb knows Kaidan loves him – he shows it all the time and in so many ways – but hearing him say it and in Irish no less… 

Caleb’s smile broadens into a full-fledged grin.  “Let’s just call it art appreciation, mo ghrá, and leave it at that.”

Kaidan's laughter - deep and rumbly and warm - fills the air around them as he shifts on the chaise lounge to make room. Caleb straddles the chair to sit behind him.  “You didn’t have to stop, you know.”

Kaidan huffs softly as he takes a sip of his coffee.  The smile that spreads across his lips assures Caleb he got it just the way Kaidan likes it, and that's a relief.  This isn't like back in their Alliance days together, sharing a quick cup of liquid tar to keep awake during a watch shift or to help ground themselves after a rough mission. This...is something more meaningful, more important.

After so much of his life spent actively avoiding the kind of closeness that leads to long-term relationships, Caleb is still learning how to express himself through little things like this. 

Kaidan exchanges his mug for the pencil and pad, leaning back against Caleb’s chest to keep them close.  “Didn’t want to mess it up,” he replies as he flips back open to the page he'd been working on.

The cream colored page is a mass of lines and shapes, just hints of features starting to clarify. Hints of shadow to define the blocks of stone and a few seemingly stray lines barely darkening the paper that are blades of grass. With one arm wrapped around Kaidan's waist, Caleb rests his chin on his husband's shoulder and watches the magic unfold.

He still remembers the day, purely by accident, that he discovered Kaidan's talent for capturing the world around him. The shock at not only realizing Kaidan had kept it such a secret from even his closest friends, but that he was so skilled. Amazement. Astonishment. Utter delight. In those early years after they first met, Caleb had thought of Kaidan's biotics as 'magic' - space magic, Kaidan had joked - but his ability to take a scene and use precise strokes of a pencil to make it real, well, that was magic in its own right.

As he watches now, their visit to the ancient Greek ruins earlier that afternoon takes shape right before Caleb's eyes. Down to the squirrel scampering along the stone rubble. He can almost hear it chittering in his ear...

With a soft sigh, Caleb squeezes just enough to share the emotion, yet careful not to jar Kaidan's arm. “You never cease to amaze me, mo ghrá.”

Kaidan snorts, but his grin returns. “Isn’t that my line?”

“Not tonight.”  Caleb brushes his lips along the side of Kaidan’s neck. "Tonight it's my turn."

[cherrynflowergarden]

જ⁀➴ we listen and we don't judge || matt sturniolo

sturniolo masterlist taglist

it started with an innocent suggestion. “babe, let’s try this tiktok trend,” she said, holding up her phone as she settled onto the couch.

matt raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “what trend?”

“you know, the ‘we listen and we don’t judge’ one. people tell their unhinged stories, and we just… don’t judge.”

he smirked, leaning back with his arm lazily draped around her shoulders. “you’re gonna judge them. you’re the queen of side-eye.” “i will not,” she said indignantly, though the hint of a smile gave her away. “come on, it’ll be fun!” “fine.” he adjusted his hoodie and nodded. “but if this gets outta pocket, don’t look at me like it’s my fault.”

she clicked record, grinning at the camera. “okay, so we’re doing the ‘we listen, we don’t judge’ challenge. i have a bunch of these to say. ready?”

“born ready,” he replied, though the confused glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.

she took a deep breath and said aloud “‘i used to fake passing out during pe class so i didn’t have to run laps. one time, they called an ambulance, and i had to pretend to wake up ‘confused’ just to keep the lie going.’”

he blinked at her, then let out a sharp laugh. “nah, that’s crazy. you’re telling me they had the whole ambulance rolling up, lights flashing, for fake fainting?!”

“babeeeeee! we’re not judging!” she scolded, though she was giggling too.

“i’m not judging—i’m… i’m admiring. yeah. that’s commitment. but also, imagine having to keep that up for the rest of the semester.” he mimicked a dazed expression. “‘oh no, i can’t run laps. what if i pass out again?’”

she shoved his shoulder playfully. “stop. your turn”

“okay so one time in high school this girl won’t stop asking me out, so to avoid her i pretended to be nick.” she blinked, shocked at this revealed fact. “…woah?” matt laughed at her stated and gestured her to continue.

“fine so you remember your favourite hoodie that ‘got lost’? yeah well it’s lying in my cupboard right now and i use it whenever i miss you.” she said innocently. matt gasped loudly, “you thief! but it’s kinda sweet actually.”

“moving forward, i became obsessed with your skincare products after you did my skincare once.” he confessed. she let out a huge dramatic gasp hearing this. “so this is the reason i keep running out of the products!”

“hey no judgement.”

“urg so i keep on raiding your secret chocolate sash and blame it on chris every time you ask me” before he could even react and loud “what” was heard behind the camera from the youngest brother. the video cut to next scene where matt sided eyed his girlfriend before he said the last confession of the challenge.

“i download your voicemails and listen to them when i—”

before he could finish the sentence, a flying pillow was thrown his way cutting off the inappropriate thing he was about to say.

“mattew there are children on the app” she gasped. “you said no judging” matt said, faking confusion.

“that was before you broke the rules of decency.” was the last thing the camera could capture.

view comments

user1

HELLOOO THE LAST PART????????

→ user2 RIGHT LIKE MATT EXPLAINNN🌝

user5

mama y papa

user6

user7 could be us but you playing me😔

→ user7 i'm just playing video games?

→ user6 still playing me😔

→ user7 i'm so confused babe?

yourusername

user6 n user7 are my otp😇

chrissturniolo

dada

→ yourusername ...woah?

→ chrissturniolo 😹

user13

faking fainting is insane

→ user12 so is faking identity

user4

they're so 😕😕😕😕💔💔💔💔

user8

do you need a dog i can bark WOOF WOOF

→ user9 dude?

→ user8 grETA GET OUT

mattsturniolo

🫶🫶

user3

i hate happy couples 🤗🤗🤗

an; it's 5 am rn and i had the sudden motivation to write just now :D

tags: @eirianna @thebasicbiatch @katamcauley @wxnyzie @lilmear-blog @vrlixlia @star-fuck-off @embonbon @idkversace @annawilk @r0nnsblog @weluvwbb @c1ydessturniolo @vintagebishx @maddie-bell @timmdmdm @happydiplomatshepherdspy-blog @crispycitrus @faith-f1 @escapentropy @florscons @carlossainzwho @luckylampzonkland @lewisroscoelove @mudryklover @rageshots @dontworryaboutit007 @chair-things @myangelbaby555 @sheesh1311 @f1lovely @silia1raf @blahbel668 @my-dinos-life-is-good @ssturniolo92 @lilly6110 @lou-larcher5 @arminluvrr @mxryxmfooty @gabri3la-sturns @bellsboops @f1-and-shiz @emely9274 @starstrucktyrantinfluencer @kayla-hearts4sturniolo @unx100to @strnlslut

@mattslovergirlie @sarakpalsd @sweetobservationface @shadowthesim @mattslolita @cupiidk1lls @urloveanaa @t1llysblog @meatball10 @fiowerbeds

[lordofdestructionm]

Viktor and Elsa

A secret passion?

Viktor Vasko and Elsa Bastion (formerly Arbogast) clearly share a connection. This has been clear since the Defiance flashback

This perhaps shouldn't be that much of a surprise. They are both veterans of the Great War, they have both experienced and still bear the inner scars that come with the tragedy and brutality of war and the suffering it brings.

Elsa in her capacity as a nurse, who no doubt saw all manner of mangled and broken men, and Viktor the muddy, bloody, living hell that was the front line of the trenches. It only makes sense that such people would be able to understand each other in ways others wouldn't.

Elsa has no doubt spent plenty of time treating wounded soldiers and seen the emotional anguish, and so would be able to see through that sour intimidating facade that keeps most people at arms length. While Viktor could find reassurance in the company of a kind and compasionate woman like Elsa

But many fans have found themselves wondering if there could be more to it than that.

Viktor spent some time staying at the arbogast household, and it seems in that time Elsa got to know Viktor very well, learning more about his life than even Ivy, someone that can approach Viktor much easier than most as a stand in daughter to him, and even to the extent she knows Viktor would never have agreed to let her put herself in danger

Viktor for his part may also feel more than just friendly towards her, if the face he makes when she is finally able to get through to him by phone to inform him about Ivy putting herself in danger is anything to go by.

Having been in a pit of deep despair over the memory of his far away daughter, plus the poor state of his health with compromised knees and a hole in his chest, hearing from her seems to make that normally scowling face soften

But before we all jump on that bandwagon and "Viktor x Elsa" become our new Lackadaisy otp, we have to consider the jolly British elephant in the room.

Bobby Bastion

Bobby is another war veteran and it was though their service that they met just after the war and later married.

He appears to be a very jolly and affable chap (relative to most bootleggers anyway), which may well be what drew Elsa to him in the first place. Someone who could counter her melancholy from the dark times they went through

He seems to be very aware and considerate of his wife's relative melancholy, by Elsa's own admission leaving a very lucrative funeral trade in the big city to move too a small quiet community that offered little business but gave Elsa the peace and quiet she needed (like Viktor it seems she hates "noise, noise, noise" thanks to the war).

Their involvement in bootlegging in the first place it seems was to compensate for this and provide the income to sustain this relative isolation

But despite this, perhaps their diffent mindset has become more of a barrier between them rather than something that compliments each other?

As the family illustration suggests, Bobby is relatively content and able to smell the flowers, while Elsa remains haunted. Bobby's humour also seems to have little effect on Elas's mood

Could it be that Elsa would be drawn to someone like Viktor, someone who suffers from the same trauma as her and may be more willing to admit to the pain, than a husband who despite the best of intentions is trying to just smooth over the problem? Quite possible

But even with that strong connection and bond between them, even if there is a mutual spark, does that suggest an actual affair? That's the big question here.

While arguably not handling his wife's troubles in the best way, Bobby seems to be a loving husband doing his best for his wife who he cares for deeply. Is Elsa the type of person who would cheat on her kind husband for helping in the "wrong way"?

Plus Bobby not only shows no sign of concern about Viktor staying with them and being around his wife, but, (despite his brother in laws interuption) mentions that he was very grateful for Viktor's help and actually saw him as almost "part of the family"

Is this a case of "ignorance is bliss"? Does he simply blindly trust his wife so much that the possibility doesn't even occur to him, or does he know her well enough to be certain that infidelity is something she simply would not do?

But this is all speculation at this point. What do you think?

Is poor Bobby blind to what happened under his own roof? Is it a matter of two people feeling an attraction but tragically unable to act on it due to circumstances? Or is it just an innocent matter of two wounded souls with shells and screams still ringing in their ears recognizing the scars on each other and offering some understanding?

Thanks to @ursiday whose Viktor and Elsa art got my over analysing brain juices flowing again ;)

[respectthepetty]

Before I do whatever it is I do for episode twenty of Perfect 10 Liners, I want to state that Junior is entering into the Fluke Gawin territory of babygirl.

And every week, I get more excited for Junior and Mark to give me more of their special brand of chemistry in My Romance Scammer.

It wasn't in my Top 5 GMMTV picks for nothin'!

So I am delighted that Junior and Mark get to play Lapis Lads in love with each other because they are easily my favorite couple in this eighteen-year-long show.

I think the only ones more happy than me are Green Guy Gun and his bestie Yellow Yal Arm.

Who is actually wearing yellow! Unlike his Red Rascal boyfriend who is wearing black.

But I'm not upset about it because I have bigger issues to focus on like Yotha constantly being true to his color and embodying his Negative Ned persona as he continues to doubt Faifa's ability to love while his sunshine boyfriend resides in Optimistic City with the rest of us.

So I loved the fact that Gun kindly reminded his man that Yotha once made him cry . . . a lot. People need time to learn to love, and thankfully, Gun gave Yotha plenty of time, so now it's time for Yotha to support his brother who was there when Gun needed him and quit being the nail in my clown car's tire!

Because Faifa is in love with Wine even if he can't say exactly that! But, to my surprise, he has been owning up to his big emotions every chance he gets. He told Wine that he purposefully bumped into him in the park. He tells Wine he is cute, and that he is trying to change his ways for him. HE REJECTS PEOPLE!

Faifa likes this dark Blue Boy!

And the whole world knows it!

Sidenote: I'm in love with the translation since it uses this idiom which also includes their color!

And even though Wine isn't 100% sure of his feelings, the colors and his actions are telling me he likes Faifa just as much as he agrees to stay on the phone with his light Blue Boy while they sleep with the light blue backing him up.

So even though these two color-coded boys in love are still trying to confirm if they need to make another plate for Wine at the family dinners,

Arm is already in his Jane Austen Emma mode and matchmaking like a true Regency era socialite. Only Arc could rein him in, and even then, Arm is prepared to pull out the final boss next week when he suggests his OTP visit the love guru known as Tawan.

And considering how everyone, including Yotha during an actual physical fight to support his brother and bestie Blue Boy Phuri, keeps telling Faifa he needs to be a bit more selfish when it comes to love and quit being so dang nice to everyone and their mom, I'm excited to see what advice Tawan will offer the boys.

Like they can't keep hiding from what is right in front of them.

And they can't keep ignoring the way they feel about each other.

They are in love with each other, and they are helping each other in all the best ways.

So if these two toxicitos could make each other better and communicate how much they love each other, then I have hope for the best Blue Boys.

But these perfectly color-coded boys have to get over a few humps first, and, unfortunately, they aren't the sexual kind.

So thank goodness Wine is there to help light Blue Boy Faifa learn how to reject people since it physically pains Faifa to not be of help at all times.

And it's even better that Faifa is turning darker for his dark Blue Boy and becoming more possessive about Wine as he slowly realizes he wants to be the only one to be his special someone.

Thank God.

And thank (Blue Boy?) Jay for asking the questions that need answers!

Because our boy deserves someone to make sure he drinks milk alternatives, changes his shattered phone cover, and gets home safely.

I love these Lapis Lads.

And soon they will realize they love each other.

But . . . will that be before or after Tor makes an appearance?

[yarafic]

Imagine 》  being in love with Jeremy but he's not in love with you

I've  been friends with Jeremy Gilbert since we were in Kindergarten. As the years past, I grew feelings for him, but  what a idiotic mistake I've made.

But I had to learn and deal with the pain that I felt whenever I saw him with Vicki and Anna. The only people that knows about my feelings for Jeremy are Stefan and Matt, I'm very greatful they never said a word to no one. 

~~~

"Come on, y/n, tell me whose the guy your in love."Caroline kept pestering.

"Care, I don't want to say so please stop pestering me." I said annoyed.

"Y/n, we're best friends and best friends tell eachother everything. I've told you all my secrets, please tell me. And its not fair that you told Matt and Stefan " She said with her puppy eyes.

"Urh, fine but I swear if you tell anybody, I'll  fucking kill you got it."

"Yes got it . "

" It's Jeremy." I blurted out.

"Oh my god, no way Elena ' s baby brother." She said giggly.

"Can you shut up?" I asked her.

"Your secret is safe with me." She said.

" What secret?" Elena snd Bonnie questioned

"Uhhhmmm.....it's nothing important...right Caroline."

"Really isn't, it's just an issue that she have."

"What type of issue?"Bonnie raised a brow.

I  began to panic and I turn to look at Caroline who is also panicking with me.

" Y/n has a crush on Stefan."Caroline blurted out quickly.

I gave her a "What the Fuck " look.

"Really, why didn't  you say anything."Elena said.

"What did you wanted her to say, "Oh Elena, I'm have a crush on your ex. I hope you don't mind."Bonnie said.

"Do you guys think I'll get mad if she asked Stefan out?" Elena asked.

No one said a word, as my prayers were answered Jeremy came to my rescue.

"You guys won't mind if I take y/n, right." He grab a hold of my wrist amd yank me out of my seat without an answer he took me out of The Grill.

"Hey, what's going on?" I questioned.

"I just wanted to ask you a question." He says while sitting on a bench not that far from The Grill.

"What is it?" Hoping that he was going to say the words that I always want to hear come out of his mouth.

"What do you think about Bonnie? " He asked.

"What do you mean I think about Bonnie. You have to be more specific on me, as a sister, best friend, or a lover." I said the last part quietly but loud enough for him to hear.

" As my girlfriend."he says.

"I think you guys would be amazing couple. My new OTP." I said with a fake smile.

"Really, you think so."

"I know so, Jer."I said while patting his back.

"Thank you for being my best friend."He says as he wraps his arms around my waist.

A pang of pain and jealously rush through my body, yet again I have to get use to it.

[roverjamball]

year of the OTP 2025

March - "what are you doing with that"

March • fresh starts • "what are you doing with that" • florist/tattoo artist • phone sex • major character death • Take Care

Gotham Wayne Manor BatCave

“Who’s that?” Damian asked. 

Deep with in a cave, on the most decked out, ergonomic chair, silhouetted by the BatComputer, sat Tim Drake. 

The famed Red Robin. 

World renowned for his detective skills. 

He hadn’t noticed Damian standing behind him, leaning over his shoulder, nearly sniffing Drake’s hair, until Domain’d spoken in his ear that is. 

“Raven.” Blurted Tim. He jumped three feet high in supprise, nearly clipping Damian on his chin. 

“um .. of the Teen Titans.”

“Yeah?”  I put the right amount of curiosity in my voice. 

Damian moved a safe distance from the jumpy Tim. It wasn’t every day you can sneak up on him, even distracted. As he moved closer to a window showing an obviously stressed Raven, Damian felt something. His heart squeezed uncomfortably. 

Raven, dressed in a coverall jumpsuit of deep blue, raw silk by the way it reflected light and hugged her body, walked and laughed with what Damian could only describe as a wanna be gangster.

As she silently dominaded the screen, Damien noticed the tension in her shoulders and neck. Her hands moved animatedly as she talked, but there was something a little manic about it. A paranoia of not being sure, whether the next hit would come from. Or what kind of hit it would be.

Tim pulled up a Teen Titans member card. It covered the screen, blocking the video of Raven. Dominating the left side was a profile of the girl who appeared on his lap not an hour ago.

“Oh yeah. And she’s brought back so much data. About six months worth. Days of intel to sort through.”

The girl on the screen, her hair was longer now. She looked more healthy in her front picture than she had in the video or even on his lap. She’d been through some stuff, he could tell. Damian wouldn’t have said it this afternoon, but looking at her photo, her eyes held a sadness that wasn’t there in the before pictures on screen. 

“Shit!” Tim suddenly exclaimed. Scrambling to get up, remove his head phones from around his neck, the keyboard off his lap and right himself while only managing to tangle it all up and as a bonus, even managed to spill a bit of coffee.

Watching the struggle go on for a few more minutes, Damian decided to let Drake out of his misery. 

It cost him nothing he thought. And was again surprised that he really had let it go. The animosity he left towards Drake was no longer a dull ache. Not even a phantom pain.  

Without even thinking, Damian moved deeper into the cave, and helped untangle his brother, and Tim Drake was that. His brother in arms, which was worth any amount of loyalty. 

He grabbed the mug of coffee before it broke. He set it on the table, way back, and then reached for the keyboard. As I untangled the wires from Tim, he tried to set it on the table and slipped on a wrapper of junk food on the floor and fell back, the chair breaking his fall. 

“Shit, shit, shit!” Drake recited. 

Tripping and falling, trying to in his haste not destroy delicate machinery. Some of the data drives were prototypes. 

The guy was tripping to get to Raven. Of course that was after he forgot to meet upon teleport. And forgot to keep what seemed to be ‘her’ teleport chair clear. 

He glanced back at screen several times, but was completely silent about Raven being in his kitchen, happily chatting with Todd and Cass while Pennyworth got her stuffed.

Drake’s expression was a mixture of frustration and disappointment. 

Damian took pity on him. 

With my right hand grasping the chair and the left pulling the detritus from under it, Damian spilled. 

I watched Tim’s eyes light up at the mention of Raven, and get animated once her heard Raven was HERE. Tim rushed out, in earnest. Almost tripping, in his hast.

I  stood there, my heart pounding so hard my chest hurt.

[killerblueeyesxprettybluedude]

au where kate and derek are the world's dream couple. couple goals! that’s what real love looks like.

and it is. half the time, the chaos lies dormant like an appendix, harmless, not worth the effort of taking out, until it explodes and your chest is barely holding the wreckage. 

derek writes sometimes. kate finds a poem and laughs. 

to be fair, she was probably right about that one. 

and sometimes love is easy: in interviews, in the back of his mind. and anything that doesn’t fit that just gets shoved back down again. under a wide wide smile, all his teeth. 

and for stiles, it’s his third time in rehab. he’s been done sugarcoating since a long time ago, his old publicist blaming exhaustion. what a cute euphemism that always is. not that it’s a lie, exactly. if anything, it’s only gotten truer. the old stiles was so full of energy, movement, jokes. 

now, he's just tired. 

he bumps into derek hale at some club he's not supposed to go to. it's just that he doesn’t have anything else. what else is there? can’t stay in, stay up alone with your thoughts, can’t sleep with this insomnia, so you go out. and then there's some club, there's people stiles knows, or people he wants to, and that's the only way. huddled in a bathroom, getting deep, or deceptively shallow. and stiles never used to have a problem saying no, but the one time he did, he went from soon-to-be name-in-lights somebody to scott's sponging-off loser brother. makes you think: maybe it wouldn't have even been so bad. it's just touch, it's just this fleeting, momentary...

na, fuck that. 

he’s at Jungle when he bumps into derek hale. like, literally bumps into. he's never been master of coordination at his best. and clubs do something to him, give him like, a placebo buzz, even if he hasnt done anything yet. 

derek hale, the OG scott. his girlfriend discovered him, told her father, trust me. next thing, argent management has its first superstar. he's like taylor swift to big machine records, he's the first and last reason anyone knows the name. kate is never letting go of him. 

aww. OTP, right? 

maybe there was something, for less than a minute. maybe derek thought stiles was worth a minute of his time, back when scott and stiles were the dereks 2.0, back when touch didnt make stiles’ skin crawl right off his body. not since stiles became nothing but a tricky trivia question, not since derek's amazing, perfect, other-half soulmate glued herself to derek's side, and derek really didn’t seem to mind. 

whatever, whatever. ancient fuckin' history. 

stiles bumps into him, backs up and up, apologizing before he even sees the face he's apologizing to. 

the face says, “stiles.” steadying him with a hand on his arm, and stiles yanks away so hard he stumbles.

and then he sees him.

“sorry,” stiles mutters, but there's no good way to explain what the fuck is wrong with him without sounding like a total headcase, and then he decides he doesn’t care. “i'm not good with touch,” he says. “that i'm not expecting. just, like, screwed up instincts, i guess. yeah. i'm gonna... go away now.”

“don't,” derek says, a little too urgently. softer, “please, don't.”

stiles doesn't. 

derek gets swarmed almost immediately after that, and just before the crush closes in, his bodyguards redirect the flow. almost send stiles away too, but derek says, “no. he's with me.”

“big spender,” stiles says, in derek's car, eyebrows raised. the whole setup is like, garishly expensive looking. just ridiculous amounts of money everywhere, in the form of these totally unnecessary features and accoutrements. scott's still trying to keep it real somehow, loading up on the value menu, never really going in on, like, a boat, or an insanely pimped out sports car. it's a little grotesque, comparatively. instantly turns derek into even more of a stranger. he used to mock this shit. 

“it's not mine,” derek says. “gerard. it's—the whole rockstar image, you know.”

he actually looks kind of embarrassed.

“yeah, i do know,” stiles says, but that’s too close to dangerous territory. “you sold out, man,” he adds. “no, i’m joking.”

“not you, though,” derek says. 

“yeah, okay,” stiles says. “i said i was joking, but no, sure. great comeback.”

anyone else, it would slide right off his back, one dumb comment, but… this is derek. for a second a million years ago, stiles could’ve sworn he’d never be like this. but things change! obviously. and fame changes things, and hey, guess what’s different?

“i just mean,” derek says, and stiles says, “no, it's cool. i thought i knew you for like ten seconds, but that was a long fuckin' time ago.” 

he trips out of the car in the middle of nowhere, and derek says, “where are you going? there's nothing here.”

“i can afford a fucking uber,” stiles says. “i don’t need all this extravagant bullshit. my god.”

“i didn't mean,” derek says, and stiles says, “yeah, i'm all torn up. about to go cry myself to sleep about it, actually. man, if only my life was this freakin' hollow. gerard suck your dick too, or is it more of a one-way street? oh, sorry,” he amends. “that's kate's job, isn't it.”

“you know what’s funny?” derek says. “you keep saying i've changed, like you ever—when was it you thought you knew me, exactly? you met me about three times! and i never thought i knew you.” 

it’s a lie. but derek’s nothing if not good at lying, sometimes. 

he can feel the smile starting, his lips tearing open to show his teeth. 

“there is something seriously fucking wrong with you,” stiles says. “like, clinically.” 

and derek says, “move in with me.”

it’s not that stiles thinks this is in any way a good idea. he’s just desperate, that’s all. 

back in the car, only now derek’s driving him to get his stuff from the apartment scott’s been renting for him. helping him shove his shit into bags, glancing around.

“it’s nice, isn’t it,” stiles says. “like a high class crack den.”

“you don’t…” derek says, and stiles laughs. 

“so someone really does buy the excuse, huh? that’s so sweet. what are you getting paid in? no, no, lemme guess. chocolate coins? no, wait. even better. points on the back end.” 

derek’s face has no reaction, even when stiles says, “get it? the back end.” 

“you wanna tell me what you’re obviously dying for me to know?” derek says. “because i have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

“that must be why you’re so warm and approachable,” stiles says, and derek says nothing at all. 

[slow-burn-sally]

Random rantings about Perfect (not-quite canon) Ships!

In my fandoms, there are several examples of what I see as perfect, near-canon ships. Ships that canon strongly supports, where both characters have a deep bond and connection that feels distinctly romantic in nature, but that are not technically canon. None of this is fact of course. It's all just my opinion, and no disrespect meant.

In no particular order:

Fitzier - Francis Crozier/James Fitzjames - AMC's The Terror - Seriously ya'll this ship is the peak of perfection. Enemies to lovers. Doomed by the narrative, unrequited longing, (even if in canon it might only be Fitzjames' longing to be recognized by Crozier as a man of worth). Fitzjames and Crozier slowly grow to tolerate, then respect, then love one another in canon as "brothers" but it's very easy to see the romantic potential. The Hand Holding scene. The James-Dies-In-Francis'-Arms scene. It's a fantastic ship. They are clearly in love.

Lawrenitez - Thomas Lawrence-Jacopo Lomeli/Vincent Benitez - Conclave 2016/Conclave 2024 - The fact that Lomeli from the book seems unduly preoccupied with Benitez's handsomeness, kindness, intelligence and bravery, and the fact that Benitez, in both book and film, votes for Lawrence/Lomeli and only Lawrence/Lomeli for pope like, five or six times, lends this ship a very real feel. Very quasi-canon. Lots of soft looks from both characters, and they both instantly and very clearly love and respect one another. A+ ship!

Johnlock - Sherlock Holmes/John Watson - BBC Sherlock - Look, I know this ship being so ridiculously close to canon has a lot to do with relentless and disrespectful queer baiting from the show runners, but that doesn't change the fact that this ship is solid gold, and really, ACD canon ships it too. John and Sherlock's simmering chemistry on screen made this one of the most popular fandoms in AO3 history. The way these two slowly grow to know and trust each other until they are ride or die (I don't acknowledge the show past Series 3, sorry), is addictive. Amazing ship! It still has my soul.

Bagginshield - Thorin Oakenshield/Bilbo Baggins - The Hobbit - I mean, COME ON! This ship is so close to canon it makes you wonder if Richard Armitage had an actual crush on Martin Freeman IRL. There are so so many amazingly shippy scenes of these two like... dating and preparing to get married? Idk, the Acorn Scene, the Hug Scene, the Mithril Shirt scene. The way Thorin looks at Bilbo as if he wants to eat him. The way Bilbo's entire heart is broken when Thorin dies. So much good, shippy content. Thank you for your service, Peter Jackson. I love my 9 hour Bagginshield Fanvid so much.

Sherlock Holmes/John Watson - Granada Holmes/The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett Holmes) -Dare I include two Sherlock Holmes ships in one post? I think I darest! The fact that this ship was so very gay, even back in the mid 1980s - early 1990s is saying something. The way Holmes tenderly strokes Watson's face when he's coming to after literally fainting when he finds out Holmes didn't die in the Reichenbach falls. The way they are such absolute married husbands who spend all their possible time together. This ship is much softer and kinder and full of much more mutual appreciation than BBC Sherlock, simply because Granada Holmes is a less acerbic, cutting sort of character. I love them so much!

Honorable Mentions! (ships that imo, lack the near-unanimous fandom support of the above ships, or where their connection is less clearly romantic)

Goodsilna - Harry Goodsir/Silna - AMC's The Terror - Lots of folks see them as having sibling or friend energy, and it could be seen a somewhat one-sided (on Goodsir's side of course), but it's so sweet and deserves a mention.

Jopzier - Francis Crozier/Thomas Jopson - AMC's The Terror - My OTP lacks the mutual romantic chemistry that would put them on the near-perfect ship list, but they are still on FIRE. Jopzier nation to me!

Tedependent - Ted Lasso/Trent Crimm - Ted Lasso - This ship has a lot of support from James Lance, and is so, so addictive, but I'm afraid canon support is pretty low by comparison. There are some lovely shippy moments when Ted and Trent go out for spicy food. Some very nice sustained eye contact and hand holding shaking of hands, and as a bonus, Trent Crimm is probably one of the most lovable characters ever. Unfortunately, they don't have a lot of air time, and aren't put together often enough for me to see this as a perfect, near-canon ship. I still love them dearly.

[my-insanity-is-an-artform]

More Silly Times au wherein Wukong tells MK all about Macaque, assumptions are made, and nobody is beating the allegations, your honour. Bullet Point edition.

It's important to me that you all know that Shadowpeach were not dating. At all. Much to the dismay, begging, and outright bribery of basically everyone who knew them.

Were they in love? Yes. Did either of them know that? Absolutely not. A neutron star would've been less dense than either of them. Many tried to get them to admit their feelings for each other. All failed.

The betting pool odds, though, are legendary.

Mk tries to ask DBK about Macaque and Wukong and inadvertently opens a whole container of worms.

Mk goes to ask DBK about Wukong's time with the Brotherhood in the aftermath of Season 3 since Wukong also told him about that, hoping that he might be able to give some advice or even help about "getting Monkey King back together with Macaque. Or at least talking properly to each other! It's really obvious that they miss each other and-"

Cue DBK tucking MK under his arm and busting into Waterfall Cave on Flower Fruit Mountain, Kool-Aid Man style.

"XIANDI! WHEN DID YOU AND YOUR WARRIOR GET MARRIED!? AND WHY WAS I NOT INVITED?! DO YOU NOT KNOW HOW MANY YEARS I SPENT DEFENDING YOUR HONOUR?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH OUR FORMER BROTHERS NOW OWE ME?! WHO COURTNAPPED WHO?!"

It takes twenty minutes for the yelling to stop before Wukong can explain, no he and Macaque have never courted, let alone married! MK, stop calling him my ex!... Guys, stop looking at me like that.

DBK and MK now share am inexplicable and unbreakable bond built entirely on exasperation.

Wukong once told MK a very similar story to The Hero and The Warrior, called The King and The Hero which is how he started opening up to MK about Macaque. Mk is having war flashbacks during the Shadowplay incident.

Either Mk calls Macaque out for telling the story wrong and Macaque gets told that version. Which makes him feel all wibbly which also just makes him mad.

Or MK tells Wukong and he impulsively hunts Macaque down causing a two hour long argument complete with powerpoint slides, multiple shadow puppets, poking and a very passionate monologue over who's version is right.

Or more specifically, who was the hero.

MK and Mei are there as well. MK is this close to locking them both in a closet. Mei is livestreaming and making bank.

It ends in a stalemate.

And the internet goes fucking feral over their new OTP.

MK and Mei spend a good couple of minutes asking Azure for advice on how to get Macaque and Wukong 'back together'.

However you want to imagine Azure's Brotherhood era's feelings for Wukong, whether one-sided romantic or pure admiration or intensely brotherly, Azure still has an ABSOLUTE crisis while processing what MK and Mei asked him.

He also tells Yellowtusk and Peng while capturing DBK. DBK just fans the flames however he can to try to buy time for PIF and Red Son to potentially escape. (He also demands all the money and favours they owe him now.) (I think the chaos this causes does allow at least Red Son to escape so he's now in on the Season 4 adventures.)

Yellowtusk is all like "Oh finally. Good for them." while Peng reacts like the salty bitter ass they are.

They bring it up during the fight against Macaque and Mei and Macaque just flatly stares at Mei.

Way back in the day, Wukong and Macaque pretended to be a married couple for Shenanigan purposes. Present day people find out.

In the OG JTTW, Wukong spends a lot of time glamoured as other people and at least a few times as a woman and in LMK, Macaque is almost canonically a theatre nerd and a drama queen. So I feel this is absolutely in character for both of them.

So they pull this stunt to steal some stuff from a noble family or some demons and at some point they got like a miniature portrait of their glamoured forms done for giggles.

The gang finds the picture centuries down the track because it is in a position of pride in Wukong's hut, spelled within an inch of it's life for protection against general wear and tear, any sort of damage and dust.

Wukong doesn't understand why they are all looking at him like that. He just misses those days some times!

For everyone's sanity, Wukong had his 'Oh. Oh No.' moment right in the aftermath of Season 5 while they're watching the fireworks. Macaque has his when Wukong holds out his hand.

I like to think Wukong looks back at Macaque and sees him all lit up prettily in the fireworks and quietly looses his mind as he realises just how long he's always thought Macaque looked handsome, and just how Macaque has always been there and now he's back and sure things aren't the same as they were, but they can make it better than it was. Mk has already shown him that anything is possible by just believing in himself so maybe they can be friends again and maybe, just maybe!

(MK sees this playout across Wukong's face and is subtly and frantically texting the Group Chat.)

Macaque has his during the hand holding scene (you absolutely know the one) and just sees Wukong, for once, looking back and choosing to face the end with him. Wukong isn't racing off to fight it, or avoid it or anything else. He's choosing to stay and that's all Macaque ever wanted and he nearly lost him to something beyond death and reincarnation. He Heard everything that went down between MK and Wukong and while it makes him guilty that MK had to sacrifice himself, he's just so grateful that he still has a chance to rebuild his bond with Wukong and he can't blow it not when- oh.

And honestly, it just makes them both even more pathetically down-bad for each other. There just more blushing involved now.

The day Shadowpeach is cannon, the internet breaks, MK weeps tears of joy and DBK breaks into Yellowtusk's hold cell to share a drink for old time's sake and to demand his money.

[olderthannetfic]

Who wants to play a quick round of my favourite game, "IS IT INCEST?"

Let's ask the studio audience and everyone watching at home - which of these two relationships sound like incest? Is it:

1) An immortal being watches his sister die in his arms. His dead sister is then brought back to life as a human, and gets to live out a normal human life. She has children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, etc. The current main character of the story is one of these great-great-great grandchildren. The current main character (the dead-but-revived sister's direct descendant) then gets SUPER romantically involved with the immortal brother who watched said sister die in his arms. And also gets super romantically involved with all the dead sister's other immortal brothers, effectively dating/fucking all of their great-great uncles.

OR!

2) The group of immortal beings are all referred to as brothers, all consider each other to be brothers, are called brothers by everyone in the story, all live together as brothers, all act like typical brothers, etc. Only they aren't *technically* blood related the way that humans are related, since they are immortal creatures. However, there's PLENTY of canon interactions where one brother is openly hitting on their other brothers, one brother wanting to fuck their other brothers, and so on. Which obviously invites lots of fan shipping. But they aren't technically related by blood!

Which do YOU think is considered incestuous by the fandom? The answer might shock you!

--

The one that gets in the way of my OTP, duh!

[alwayswriting101]

Can you recommend some Florelia fanfics please?

So this is actually a terrible question to ask me because I think all Florelia fics are amazing just by the nature of having my OTP 😅.

But here are my general recommendations:

Literally anything and everything by @florelia12. All of her work is fantastic x1000, But Moonlight & Monsters has literally changed my life. I love this fic (and all her fics) soooo much. She is also a (obviously) a massive Florelia stan. AO3 page

The Florelia chapters in Winx Club One Shots by SeaEmerald (chapters 2, 5, and 6). Oh my God is their writing incredible. Very highly recommend all of their fics, if you're interested in other couples/fandoms.

A Natural Fit: Soulmates AU. Also anything by QueenofHufflepuff. I love their writing style to the point where it's inspired my own fics!) They also go under Matrices and Vectors on ffn.

All the Petals Fall by @lynpheas. I swear to God this fic made me quit writing because like what point is there in writing when a fic this good exists 😭😭😭. Also recommend all of @lynpheas works but not all of them are Florelia. AO3 page

Black Sky by SilverSongstress. I cannot emphasize how epic this story is. There's lots of Florelia conflict (that doesn't really get resolved by the end (at least to my memory)) and I was okay with that! There are some issues re: formatting but it's truly a very strong story.

Lunar Rainbow and Under the Cherry Blossoms by Roxy Fan 4 Ever. Literally love these fics so much. So romantic!

The Neighbor by libra986. Now I actually don't remember shit from fuck from this fic, but I remember being OBESSED with it...do with that what you will...

High Temperatures . I like this one.

Six Years, This one is just so nostalgic for me, I think it was one of the OG Florelia fics 😭. I can't tell you how much it PAINS me the sequel is unfinished.

I Promise, Courage from the Heart, Save Me, My Turn to Save You, and Remember Me by Lill2350. Again very nostalgic fics! I think they have a few more Florelia fics as well.

Living a Dream. Very Cute fic.

Chastity Slightly NSFW so don't open if you're at work or underage. But I thought this was a really cute/romantic fic.

Style by KinkyWings. I think this fic is really, really cute. The author has other fics based on more...untraditional pairings (and fics that are definitely NSFW), but I really like this one.

Waned Worries. Why did this person orphan this account 😭? Really good oneshot.

Kamilia has written a bunch of Florelia stories, too many to list and many of them NSFW in one way or another, but check them out if you'd like!

Flora's Christmas. Just a cute Christmas Time Oneshot

As an aside: here are some fics that I tend to really enjoy that focus on Flora or (mostly) Helia as individuals and not as a couple.

Retired, Falling, and The Moonlight Project by @redemptionarcsucker. Their characterizations of Helia are unmatched. And their writing is impeccable! AO3 page

Also @floralovebot has really great Flora/Helia/Florelia headcanons/characterizations on their page.

A Conversation Between... Literally, love this fic with every beat of my heart since I read it years ago. This fic actually focuses mostly on Stormy but Flora has a lot of characterization through her.

The Meaning of the Color Black and Inspired by Kikurukina Bal Des'cagel. Fantastic Helia centric stories by a fantastic author. They have also written on other pairings.

Names. A random, unromantic one shot but I really like the concept.

Never Have I Ever and A Specialist's Journey by QueenofHufflepuff. I've already raved about them in the rec above. Really amazing work. The former is Flora based and the latter mostly Helia based (from what I can remember).

The Shimmering Sunflowers. I am a big fan of fics where Flora is a big sister to Miele.

And finally, I always recommend The Great Witch Rebellion, Brothers at Arms, Band of Brothers, and Bonds of Brotherhood by tearsinrain These fics are focused on the group as a whole and are basically rewrites of the main storyline, but these fics are fantastic. I would bind them into a book if I could. The characterization of Helia (who unfortunately is not really featured in Brothers at Arms), is amazing. And the Florelia scenes that are available are really amazing.

I am a big, big fan of Florelia. If I could fit every fic featuring them onto this ask, I would, but unfortunately, I can't! But if anyone has any additional recommendations please feel free to add! I'm sure there are some stories/authors whom I loved but might have missed, but this is a very general list.

[theoriginalladya]

WIP-it Snippet

Gotta love Discord servers that can take something aggravating - autocorrect 'correcting' the word nudge to nude - and turn it into something ridiculous and, in the end, useful...

~~~

“Nudge it,” Shepard suggests as he pitches his voice down to where Kaidan is kneeling. Kaidan nods, reaching out to do so but not before Coats sputters, “What did you just say?” Three pairs of eyes shift from the body to him.  Shepard’s brows crease in confusion.  “What?” Abby walks over to Coats and snaps her fingers in front of his face.  “You okay there, soldier?” He swats her arm away and she laughs, but then he says, “I swear I thought you said ‘nude’.” Shepard fights back a strangled laugh and Kaidan glances away.  Even Abby looks as if she’s struggling not to choke.  Eventually, she manages to rasp out, “Soldier, you need to get your ears checked.  This isn’t 007: Tits To Die For.” Coats mutters something unintelligible and heads back over to keep an eye outside the door.

[tessa-liam]

Smoke & Mirrors Series

Smoke & Mirrors -13

'A Queen’s Trial'

Book: The Royal Romance Finale, AU

Series Premise: Hidden in the shadows, poised to challenge the status quo are enemies of the state. The loyalties and honesty of family and friends will be tested. ‘Keep your friends close, your enemies closer’.

Smoke and Mirrors Masterlist

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP ‘LiRi’

2nd Pairings: Leo Rys x Amalas, Drake Walker x F! OC Delaney Leigh, Olivia Nevrakis x M! OC Alex Cossoy

*Most characters belong to Pixelberry Studios

*Not Beta’d, please excuse all errors

*Rating: M🔞*Series Warnings: NSFW material, sexual innuendo, adult language/swearing/drinking/gun violence. Not recommended for anyone under 18 years of age.

*Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff

Words: ~1500

Chapter summary: It’s the night of the Harvest Ball at the Applewood estate. Cordonian nobility, along with the elite from neighboring kingdoms, attend to celebrate the season's bounty. Hidden in plain sight, are enemies of the state. In attendance are members of the Via Imperii - a secret society of powerful people based in Europe.

A/N: My submission for the Choices April Challenge 2025, prompt, “I’m not who I used to be.” @choicesapril2025 @liaromancewriter

🍎The lavish grandeur of the Applewood Estate ballroom shimmered beneath a cascade of glittering chandeliers, their crystal facets scattering golden light like stardust across the polished marble floor. Noblemen and women, adorned in opulent gowns and distinguished tailoring, glided through the ballroom with effortless grace. Laughter mingled with the soft strains of the orchestra as the Harvest Ball began—a cherished annual tradition meant to honor the year’s abundance and reaffirm delicate political alliances.

King Liam Rys of Cordonia positioned casually on a velvet-cushioned barstool, flanked by his older brother, Prince Leo, and his ever-loyal confidant, Sir Drake Walker. The three men shared a casual moment of levity along with their personal libation of choice amidst the stately atmosphere. Around them, the room swelled with nobles in glittering attire, each one more dazzling than the next while other guests began to relax at the bar.

Riley stood near the edge of the crowd, her heart fluttering with unease. The sparkle of the celebration couldn't mask the anxious knot twisting in her stomach. She didn’t understand why, but she felt an urgent pull toward Liam—her anchor in a whirlwind of royal obligations and public scrutiny. His mere presence had always calmed the storm inside her.

Across the ballroom, the towering double doors sprang open, drawing every eye toward the entrance. Gabriella Midsommar, King Eirik's younger sister and Princess of Moldova, made her entrance like a beauty queen on the arm of her brother. She was radiant—tall, curvaceous, with cascading waves of mohagony brown hair and piercing blue eyes. Her midnight-blue gown clung to her hourglass frame, the thigh-high slit revealing long, toned legs with every stride. The fabric shimmered like liquid sapphire under the ballroom lights.

With a feline elegance, Gabriella approached the bar, her gaze locked on Liam. She leaned in, her sultry laugh carrying just far enough to draw Riley’s attention. Normally, Riley was level-headed—pragmatic about Liam’s responsibilities as king. But something about Gabriella’s forwardness, her eyes lingering too long on Liam’s lips, ignited a flare of jealousy Riley couldn not suppress.

What she didn’t yet know was that the tension burning in her chest wasn’t just from envy—it was the first sign of a secret growing within her. A new life, fragile and unexpected, had already begun to stir inside her.

Liam, ever the diplomat, offered Gabriella a courteous smile. Still, when his gaze found Riley across the room, his expression softened instantly. Their eyes met, and the invisible tether between them pulled taut. He murmured a quick excuse to the nobles around him and strode toward her.

Leaning in close, his voice brushed her ear like silk. “Hey, you,” he whispered, his breath warm on her skin. Riley’s cheeks flushed with heat as a small, involuntary smile spread across her lips.

Liam marveled at his wife's hourglass figure unabashedly, taking her hand gently. He looked into her eyes, “Dance with me?”

She nodded, and together they stepped onto the dance floor. As the orchestra swelled, Liam drew her close, his hand splayed firmly against the small of her back. They moved in perfect sync, their bodies pressed together, spinning in rhythm beneath the chandeliers.

“You are breathtaking,” he murmured again, his lips brushing her temple.

“Thank you,” she replied, her voice barely audible, as she stretched up to place a lingering kiss on his lips.

As the music faded, he kissed her cheek and pulled away with a bittersweet smile. “Duty calls. I’ll come find you soon.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Riley said softly, watching him melt back into the crowd.

She turned, trying to shake the heaviness building in her chest, only to spot Olivia standing alone by the champagne tower, her expression unreadable.

“Olivia,” Riley greeted, approaching with cautious warmth.

“Riley,” Olivia replied coolly, her tone clipped.

“You okay? You seem… tense.”

“Oh, just living the dream,” Olivia replied dryly, her gaze fixed across the ballroom.

Riley followed it—and there she was again. Gabriella, laughing delicately, surrounded by fawning nobles, her hand fluttering to Liam’s shoulder with deliberate intimacy.

“Who is she?” Riley asked.

“Gabriella. Eirik's little sister,” Olivia replied, her tone brittle. “She’s been batting her lashes at Alex since the moment we arrived.”

Riley turned just in time to see Gabriella offering Liam an exaggerated curtsy, her bodice dipping dangerously low. Liam bowed politely, but his eyes flicked up to Riley with a fleeting, apologetic grin.

It wasn’t enough.

A surge of hot jealousy tore through Riley’s chest, irrational yet unstoppable. She knew she was being unfair—knew Liam’s heart belonged to her—but still, the image of Gabriella’s hand on his arm branded itself into her mind.

“You okay?” Olivia asked gently.

“I’m fine,” Riley replied, her voice too tight, her smile too practiced.

“You don’t look fine.”

“I just… feel a little off. Maybe I’ll lie down.”

Riley excused herself and made her way up the grand staircase, her heels clicking softly on the marble steps. In the east wing’s royal chambers, she collapsed onto the edge of her bed, trying to still her racing thoughts. The moon cast a silvery glow over the palace gardens below, painting a tranquil scene that stood in stark contrast to the chaos inside her.

Then—a voice outside her chamber doors. Strange. Ellie, William, and Stefan were with their grandmother for the weekend, and Mara rarely spoke aloud while standing guard. These thoughts ran through her mind as she realized that the royal guards were not at their posts.

“Your Majesty, may I have a moment of your time?”

The door creaked open.

That wasn’t Mara’s voice.

Riley turned slowly, her pulse quickening.

“Riley, I need you to come with me.”

Lena.

Time seemed to slow.

Lena, who was supposed to be imprisoned in a high-security facility in France, stood in the doorway—unharmed, unbothered, and holding a gun.

Riley glanced quickly at the door, praying that Liam would be there.

"It's for your own good," she sneered.

Riley stumbled backward, her heart hammering in her chest. “Lena… how are you here?”

A sinister smirk curled across Lena’s lips. “That’s not important. I am not who I used to be.”

“What do you want?”

“Revenge,” she hissed, stepping closer. “For the life you stole from me.”

“I never stole anything,” Riley whispered, tears threatening to spill. “I love him.”

“SHUT UP!” Lena screamed, her fury unhinged. “You should never have been queen. That crown was mine!”

She raised the gun and fired.

The bullet shattered into the wall behind Riley. Dust and splinters rained down. Her ears rang. She couldn’t breathe.

A second shot exploded, this time striking the wall just inches above her head.

“Please,” Riley begged, trembling. “Let me go.”

“No,” Lena spat. “We’re going on a trip, you and I.”

She seized Riley’s arm, her grip iron-tight, dragging her down the staircase with terrifying force.

The gala music drifted from the ballroom—delicate piano chords, the clink of glasses, oblivious laughter.

No one knew.

No one saw.

Riley struggled, kicking against the marble steps, but Lena only tightened her grip. “Move!”

In the foyer, Riley’s breath hitched as they neared the main doors.

“Where are we going?” she asked, voice cracking.

“Far away. Where no one will ever find you. And when we get there, you’ll regret ever being born.”

As the ornate doors opened into the moonlit night, Riley turned her eyes skyward and whispered a prayer. For Liam.

For her children.

For her unborn child.

... And for a miracle.

◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicesmonthlychallenge

◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇ ♦️◇◇◇

Perma tags: @beau1811 @bascmve01 @twinkleallnight @dutifullynuttywitch @lovingchoices14 @alj4890 @busywoman @bardic-tales @kingliam2019 @malblk21 @selina012 @differenttyphoonwerewolf

Liam & Riley: @ladylamrian @snoopdogcone @jared2612 @queenwalton @rafasgirl23415 @walkerdrakewalker @loreofyore @fadingreveries

[problematic-maleslash-polls]

Do you ship it?

Problematic Reasons: Age gap

Propaganda: Lloyd is the chosen one but struggles with fear and self worth, Kai’s entire True Potential is based around protecting and serving Lloyd… Lloyd looks up to Kai a lot as a mentor and brother in arms, and Kai is the arguably the person Lloyd is closest with following the passing of his father. In season five when Lloyd is possessed by Morro, Kai is the one most driven to rescue him, even lashing out at his teammates when they fail to realize the gravity of the situation. He goes to great lengths to keep Lloyd safe, even if it means endangering himself. Overall, their relationship is very strong— there’s a reason this ship was so popular back in the early seasons!

[respectthepetty]

The seventh episode of Perfect 10 Liners made me realize that every Green Guy will wear the green -river- shirt in a Director New series, so I can recognize they are a Green Guy.

Or at the very least, Director New will use the backpacks to guide me to their color.

But, luckily, in Perfect 10 Liners, he has offered me shirts to reinforce the colors, so I instantly know that Yotha is a Black Brooder who is always two seconds away from fighting his own brother in front of the entire school and God.

His brother is a light Blue Boy who Wine can't tell when he is flirting or just being his usual self, and Arm is a Yellow Yal.

His boyfriend is a Red Rascal.

And it's clear that Arm loves Arc even if he hasn't said it because Arm wears Arc's color, which could be because he is wearing Arc's clothing since he didn't have his own when spending the night.

But they have been wearing each other's colors!

So to have a mysterious Black Brooder come along to shake Arc's confidence was a great way to get them moving along to solidify their feelings.

And I know Tongfah is a Black Brooder because the backpack told me so. (Sidenote: A Yellow Yal and a Black Brooder are my OTP. I want this so badly that it's making me sick even thinking of the potential of this pair)

The backpacks always tell me colors.

So Arc tries to change his color and be someone he isn't because he thinks that's what Arm wants.

But not just anyone can be a Black Brooder. It takes a specific guy.

Ask Yotha.

And Arc is no Black Brooder. He is a Red Rascal all the way.

And he is in love with this beautiful but cautious idiot.

So he has to lean into his redness and be assertive. He has to spell it out for Arm that he wants to be more than just a mentor.

And whoever decided to put that highlighter on Book's face deserves a raise because when Arm finally decided to go for it, that kiss was visually pleasing from all angles.

Someone give me Force and Book in A Midsummer Night's Dream IMMEDIATELY!

*sign of the cross* Amen

And for my final sidenote, as Arm and Arc's portion wraps up, I don't need confirmation that Warm and Cop are a couple.

They are canon to me!

While Arc was having an entire crisis, these two were showering together and sharing soap, so I don't need the story to confirm what I know is true in my heart.

Because unlike Arm, I can read colors, and I know that they signal the love is real, so the simple fact is that Cop is a Purple Person.

Who just happens to be wearing a shirt that goes from blue to purple next week.

And since Warm is the Blue Boy whose phone case goes from blue to purple to pink, my heart already knows they are in love.

But it'd be super nice if the show decided to let them kiss a little. *sign of the cross* Amen

[uceyliyahh]

SOMETHING BOUT’ US

Summary: "I want you more than anything in my life." After being in a difficult relationship with Carmelo Yasmine decided to move on from him and become the next big thing while getting drafted on the smackdown roster she always thought she would never find love again due to her commitment issues until she met him.

This fanfic is 18+! NO MINORS ALLOWED

word count: 3533

smut warning; it’ll come in the story randomly so PLEASE PLEASE look out for it I’m not really good at writing ✍🏽 smuts but I’m improving at the moment.

Jey Uso x Yasmine

AWFUL GRAMMAR IM GETTING BETTER I SWEAR LOL.

comments, likes, repost are appreciated I would love the constructive feedback in what area I need to approve in. 🤍

ALSO! I don’t not want nobody stealing my fanfics or take it as theirs that will be an issue fasho so keep it cute respectfully.

I only own my OC along with the make up scenarios

But I’ll be writing along the way since this story is in my drafts on Wattpad right now so yuh. 💁🏽‍♀️

TAGS ⬇️ lmk if you wanna be tag 🏷️@pinkwithhearts @420days @jstarr86 @empressdede @angiedawn02 @biancasreign

@bebesobrielo @skyesthebomb @aikosilo @papireigns-05 @punksyeet @paigereeder @magnificentbouquetmusic

@hunnidmilly @celesteheartsjey @charmed-dreamssss @fearlesschimera @partypoison00 @mselenalovebug @bloodlinesbabe93 @justazzi @xbriexx

11.

YASMINE  At ten in the morning, the sun streamed through the curtains, gently waking me. As I opened my eyes, I found myself nestled on his chest. I looked up to see him sleeping soundly, the soft sound of his snores filling the air.

I carefully slipped out of his hold, rising from the bed and making my way to the bathroom for a refreshing shower.

 A wave of relief washed over me as the warm water enveloped my body. Memories of the events from last night with Jey flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but notice how much he had transformed since our last encounter.

A refreshing breeze swept through, breaking my train of thought as I suddenly felt two powerful arms encircle my waist.

"Morning Beautiful, I figured you'd be in here," Jey said as I turned my body around to face him.

I smiled at him pecking him on the lips before speaking, "well where else would I be?" I said.

"I see you got jokes little girl," He joked while he pecked my lips.

As we shared a laugh in the shower, I felt a sense of joy wash over me. Once we finished, I headed downstairs to whip up something delicious for us. I started preparing our favorite dish, a special treat I always made when he stayed over during my time with Bianca and Montez.

As I was doing that I heard footsteps coming down the steps when I turned my head there he was coming down the steps looking all good without no shirt on only in his previous clothes that he had on.

As our eyes met, he flashed her a playful wink before stepping into the living room. At that moment, her phone buzzed, revealing a call from Bianca.

OTP Breezy🫶🏽: Good morning girlfriend! How you feeling? Minnie🧃: I'm doing well actually B hbu? Breezy🫶🏽: I'm just trying to get through this damn hangover idk how your head isn't banging right now Minnie🧃: girl I drank some green tea and called it a day honestly Breezy🫶🏽: really? Or Is it because Jey spent the night? Minnie🧃: girl no it's not because of that but he is here though Breezy🫶🏽: so what's the deal between you two now? Minnie🧃: we are taking things slow this time around Breezy🫶🏽: I hope because you now how your brother is after everything that happened Minnie🧃: yeah I know B I know

While I prepared our breakfast, I felt his gentle kisses on my neck, even as he chatted with Bianca on the phone, making me giggle with delight.

"Joshhh knocked it off," I whined out of annoyance.

Breezy🫶🏽: I think that's my cue to hang up the phone don't wanna hear talk two fucking Minnie🧃: bitch whatever we ain't finna be doing allat Breezy🫶🏽: yeah, yeah I'll see yall at work then.

CALLED ENDED.

I spun around and playfully jabbed Jey in the chest. "Wow, I almost forgot just how irritating you can be," I remarked as I switched off the stove.

"But, yo' ass love it though don't wanna hear no complaints mama," He retorted while grabbing our plates as I followed him into the living room.

We gathered around the table to enjoy our breakfast together, indulging in a delightful spread of scrambled eggs, cinnamon toast, and crispy bacon—one of our all-time favorites.

He appeared to be savoring every bite of the food, as if it were the final meal he would ever enjoy, completely lost in the moment.

"You know how to throw it down girl,"

"Just wait until I cook you dinner one day you'll want to marry me at that point," I joked as I continued to eat my breakfast.

✧˚° While preparing for my interview with Cathy, I found myself at work, sitting in the makeup chair. It was a moment of anticipation, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for everyone here during my brief absence.

I couldn't help but smile when I heard Tiffany calling my name; she truly is my girl.

"Minnie! Girl I've missed you so much!" She exclaimed as she gave me hugged.

"I missed you too girly, what's been happening since I've been gone?" I asked her as she gave me the run down of what's been happening lately.

It seems that Liv has been acting as if she's in charge, claiming to everyone that she and Jey are still happily together, all while she's currently involved with Dominick.

Last night, when Jey shared the message he exchanged with Liv, it was clear he was standing up for me in a way that no one else ever has.

I couldn't believe that she would be this delusional after using him for some money is crazy at that.

"What? She was using him for money? He should've been with you then instead of her," She said.

"Yeah, but things happened but me and him are taking things slow now because I felt we were moving way too quickly with it then shit it the fan afterwards so," I replied as Ms Kim was almost done with my makeup.

"I totally understand hundred percent, how do you feel about your interview with Cathy?"

If I was being honest with myself I am nervous about it since it's been a minute since I've done one of these things before my accident.

"I feel a bit nervous not even going to hold you, but I know I'll push through it," I said as she nodded her head.

"Well I'm going to go now girly I'll see you later!" Tiffany said as she left.

Once she departed, my makeup was complete, and Kim handed me the mirror. I couldn't believe how great I looked! I expressed my gratitude with a heartfelt hug.

Ms. Kim has been my personal makeup artist and stylist, consistently delivering outstanding results. Every time, she enhances my look perfectly. As I made my way to Montez's locker room, I unexpectedly ran into Melo.

I expressed my apologies, but before I could take a step back, he seized my arm and forcefully pressed me against the wall.

"The fuck Melo! Let go of me!" I shouted as he clamped his hand around my mouth.

"You're trying to cost me my fucking job! over something that happened months ago!" Carmelo shouted as he gave me a stern look on his face.

"I heard you and ol' boy are back together again didn't you call him yo' bestie? And then he went off to cheat on you with Liv Morgan?"

"When I should've been had you in my arms again princess," I bit him in his hand while slapping him in the face.

 "That's behind us now, Melo. I can see the changes in him, and I know he's eager to show me he's different. But as for you, yes, I'm the reason you're losing your job. You should have considered the consequences before you violated me, you monster!" I spat, shoving him forcefully, making him stagger backward.

I was caught off guard, feeling vulnerable, when a deep, raspy voice broke the tension behind us. Turning around, I was relieved to see Jey standing there, arms crossed over his chest, ready to intervene.

"Do we have a problem here?" He questioned.

Carmelo glanced at me before turning his gaze back to Jey, his expression filled with disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the scene unfolding before him.

"His dick can't be that good Minks for you to be this stupid for him he literally cheated on you! And I know as a man he'll do it again," Carmelo remarked as Jey walked up on him grabbing him by the neck.

"Yeah, my dick be all in her shit, screaming my name unlike yo' ass harassing her and I'm standing on what I said I've changed," I stood there watching what was unfolding right now and damn he looked so fine defending me in his honor.

I approached him, gripping his strong arms and urging him to stop, insisting that Melo wasn't worth the trouble. Jey glanced at me, then shifted his gaze back to him, ultimately deciding to release his hold.

Carmelo gasped for breath, clutching his neck as he realized Jey had nearly strangled him.

"Our conversation isn't over Yasmine I promise you that," that's all he said before walking away from us.

Jey stood in front of me, his hands gripping my hips as he gently massaged the sides of my waist with his thumbs.

"You good baby?" Jey asked as he looked into my eyes with concern written all over his face.

"Yeah, I'm good hon I just fucking hate him honestly," I said as Jey nodded his head.

"Is he always like this whenever you're by yourself?" I acknowledged with a nod, indicating that Carmelo had been acting this way ever since our breakup, particularly after the way he treated me.

I shared with him all the intricate details of my past relationship with Melo, including the moments we cherished and the painful truth of his infidelity with a girl who was on the same roster as us while I was in NXT.

Jey clearly felt remorse for cheating on me with Liv, even though we weren't officially together.

"Fix your face nigga, it was in the past let's just worry about now okay?" I said as he raised an eyebrow at my remark.

"You might wanna fix that tone of yours little girl, telling me to fix my face and shit," He retorted as his hand smack my ass cheek causing me to hiss.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him as I turned to walk away, his laughter following me. Honestly, he was just so infuriating.

As I made my way toward Cathy, I noticed the bright smile lighting up her face as she spotted me. When I reached her, we embraced warmly, sharing a moment of joy together.

"Oh my gosh it's been so long girl, how are you doing?" She said softly.

"I'm doing well better than I was before I tell you that honestly," I said.

"How are things going between you and...Jey?"

"We are doing fine, taking things slow but this time it's different," Cathy nodded her head as the camera man was coming towards us as we prepared for this interview that I had.

✧˚° Following my conversation with Cathy, I informed Jey that I would be in his locker room to support him during his match against Carmelo for the IC championship. While I was there, I suddenly heard someone calling my name.

I spun around and spotted Liv standing behind me with her new boyfriend, Dominick, which made me let out a frustrated groan.

"I guess you aren't dead after all Yasmine," She said while holding the title that I had to let go after my car accident.

"Girl, what yo' ass want?" I questioned her while folding my arms.

"I just wanted to see what you and Jey been doing together that's all," she was weird as fuck for thinking something like that I'll say.

I scoffed while placing my hands on my hips, "girl you have a whole man right there and you're worried about what me and Jey have going on right now?" I retorted.

Her laugh, which I found incredibly irritating, was completely ruining the atmosphere. I just couldn't grasp what was so amusing.

"I was just trying to figure out why is with a girl that was so broken and mentally unstable? Right daddy Dom?" She remarked which didn't get to me.

"It's hard to believe that you're still playing the gold digger game. I can't fathom how Dom is managing to date both you and Tiffany simultaneously—maybe it's some sort of polyamorous situation? Regardless, if you're finished with your chatter, I need to head over to my man's locker room to catch his match."  With that, I playfully stuck my tongue out at them and made my way to Jey's locker room.

I stepped into his locker room, carefully closing the door behind me. Taking a seat on the couch, I directed my focus to the television.

I spotted him dressed to impress, sporting his Yeet glasses and looking sharp with the IC belt cinched around his waist. It was clear to me that he would soon need to defend that title against Melo.

While I was engrossed in the match, I felt my phone buzz. When I checked it, I discovered a message from Trinity.

Trin🤭🫶🏽 sent a message.

IMESSAGE 💬 Trin🤭🫶🏽: Hey baby girl! Minnie🧃: Heyyy Trin boo what's up? Trin🤭🫶🏽: I was checking in on you a little birdie told me that you and Jey got back together? Minnie🧃: girl you knew that we were getting back together Trin🤭🫶🏽: I mean did I? Minnie🧃: girl bye whatever Trin🤭🫶🏽: lol 😭😭 but how are yall honestly Minnie🧃: honestly we are taking things differently this time unlike last time. Trin🤭🫶🏽: oh yeah? Is he still talking to that hoe Liv Minnie🧃: no he told me that he broke up with her because she was using him for his money and fuck around with Dom, I thought Jon told you this? Trin🤭🫶🏽: oh wait I think he did shi ion remember but wya? Minnie🧃: in Jey's locker room watching his match Trin🤭🫶🏽: when is Paul going to let you get your title back from that hoe Liv? Minnie🧃: I don't know Trin honestly he still wants me to recover until it's time. Trin🤭🫶🏽: that's understandable Minnie🧃: yeah so I'll be doing that while your brother in law is in Trin🤭🫶🏽: if you finish that sentence i will block yo' ass Yasmine 😭😭😭 Minnie🧃: my fault my fault but I'll ttyl aight? Trin🤭🫶🏽: okay girlfriend ttyl

I set my phone down beside me on the couch and turned my attention to the TV, where Jey was executing a powerful Samoan drop on Carmelo. Watching him dominate the match was absolutely thrilling; I couldn't get enough of seeing him take control and deliver such an impressive performance.

Jey eventually held onto his title as the crowd joyfully sang along to his song, and I couldn't help but feel genuinely happy for him.

While I waited for him to arrive at his locker room, I started watching some YouTube videos to pass the time and keep myself entertained until he showed up.

I received a text message from Carmelo while I was engaged in that activity.

Bum🙄 sent a message.

IMESSAGE 💬 Bum🙄: I fucking hate you Yasmine🩵: yeah, I hate you too now leave me alone Bum🙄: remember what I said about our conversation not being over? Yasmine🩵: to bad I got things to do Bum🙄: YASMINE!

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his message as I heard the door creak open, revealing a strikingly fit Samoan man stepping into the locker room, glistening with sweat.

He hadn't noticed me until his gaze caught my purse, prompting him to turn his head and flash a smile in my direction.

He approached me, standing directly in front of me with his belt draped over his shoulders.

"Are you really just going to stay there, or are you going to come over and give me a kiss, little girl?" he inquired, prompting me to roll my eyes in response.

 "By calling me that, you've definitely lost your chance for any kisses from me," I remarked, crossing my arms defiantly.

He arched an eyebrow at me, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Oh, you think you can wager on that?" Confusion washed over me as he quickly pulled me onto his lap, securing me in place while facing him.

I instinctively draped my arms around his neck as his hands glided down to my hips, drawing me in even tighter.

"Are you really going to give me a kiss?" he inquired. I laughed softly, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on his lips before gently pulling back.

He didn't appear to be pleased with my kiss, so I instinctively understood what he desired. I took hold of his face with my delicate hands and drew him in for a fervent kiss, even though he was all sweaty.

Our tongues intertwined playfully, and my fingers glided through his mullet, making me forget everything else.

We momentarily separated, taking a breath as we gazed deeply into one another's eyes.

"Damn, mamas you be making me go crazy for you baby,"

"Yeah? I know I do that's why you can't let me go,"

"You ain't slipping away from me this time little mama you mine forever," that made me smile as me and him went back to making out with each other.

✧˚° OMNISCIENT Yasmine finally arrived home after a tiring day at work. She set her bag down on the floor and kicked off her shoes, placing them neatly on the shoe rack beside her.

 She made the choice to go upstairs for a quick shower, eager to settle in and enjoy her show on Netflix. As the warm water cascaded over her, Yasmine experienced a wave of relief, her thoughts drifting to what Carmelo had done to her.

She hoped fervently that Paul would dismiss him from his position, allowing her to escape his presence for good. It wasn't that she wished for a court battle; she simply wanted him out of her life entirely.

After finishing her shower, she wrapped a towel around herself and stepped out of the bathroom. Noticing that Jey had called her, she opted to FaceTime him instead.

FACETIME Joshua🤍: there yo' ass is I was literally calling you Yasmine🩵: a nigga can't take a shower? Without yo' ass panicking? Joshua🤍: sometimes I can't stand yo' smart ass remarks Yasmine🩵: yeah, yeah whatever nigga you know you love it.

Yasmine set the phone on the dresser, ensuring he had a clear view of her. As she slowly unwrapped the towel from her body, she noticed his breath hitching, a sign of his growing unease at the sight before him.

He found himself captivated by her figure from head to toe, completely lost in the moment until his brother's shout snapped him back to reality, redirecting his attention to the game.

Joshua🤍: my fault Uce I got distracted let's get back on track Yasmine🩵: I wonder who did that hm?

Jey cast a sharp look in her direction, a silent warning in his eyes, while she responded with an innocent smile, casually slipping into her cozy nightwear.

As he immersed himself in the game, Yasmine took the opportunity to snatch her phone. She positioned it on a nearby pillow, ensuring that Jey had a clear view of her screen.

Yasmine🩵: do you wanna sleep on the phone? Joshua🤍: why don't I just come over and spend the night instead? Yasmine🩵: you already did that Joshh and I'm about to watch my show Joshua🤍: aight mama we can stay on the phone Yasmine🩵: yay now hush so I can watch my show. Joshua🤍: mmcht mane whatever shawty.

Yasmine settled in with a snack, eagerly tuning into the new season of Bridgerton. She was completely captivated by the show, finding herself utterly enchanted by its charm and drama.

As she went about her task, Yasmine couldn't help but hear Jey shouting and swearing at his brother, urging him to lend a hand. The commotion made her chuckle at his frustration.

Joshua🤍: girl whats so funny huh? Yasmine🩵: you, your funny being upset about dying Joshua🤍: oh so that's funny to you? Would it be funny if I just came over there and blow that back out?

She fell silent for a moment while Jey chuckled at her.

Joshua🤍: that's what I thought Yasmine🩵: nigga fuck you respectfully I hope yo' ass keep dying. Joshua🤍: oh yeah? Bet Yasmine🩵: bet

He abruptly ended the FaceTime call, causing a moment of concern as she attempted to reach him again, but he didn't answer. She found herself hoping fervently that he wasn't on his way to her apartment.

She had reached a point where she felt indifferent, fully engrossed in her show and enjoying the tranquility it brought her.

After two hours into the show, Yasmine was startled by the booming music from outside, which abruptly ceased when she heard a knock at the door. Curiously, she peered out her window and spotted Jey waiting at her doorstep.

She couldn't shake the thought, 'Did he really just show up like this?' As she approached the door and swung it open, she found him standing there, engrossed in his phone, only to look up and meet her gaze.

"Nigga what you doing here?" She questioned him.

"Don't stand there and question me little girl, take them fucking clothes off since you wanna talk hella shit," Jey demanded as Yasmine gave him a stern look like he was crazy.

"If this is over about the game and what I said you can miss me with that bullshit Josh," She rolled her eyes at him while walking away from the door going upstairs.

He swiftly grabbed her before she could reach her bedroom door, lifting her effortlessly and carrying her inside, where he gently pinned her down on the bed.

Jey positioned himself between her legs, securing them around his waist.

"You thought I was playing?" Jey said.

"I wasn't expecting you to come over Josh,"

"Well here I am in the flesh, now take this off for me baby so I can wore that ass out hm?" She did what she was told to do and he got to work blowing her back out.

 As she cried out his name at the top of her lungs, it was likely that her neighbors could hear her being consumed by this man.

It was going to be a long night for Yasmine.

SomeThing Bout' Us.

A/n: I cannot stand them two honestly but I have been so weak today bro I hate being on damn cycle it's annoying 🥲

But I hope yall enjoyed this chapter lmk in the comments below.

STAY UCEY