#P.s. I am not tall by any means

[annakirk23]

Dipper- my former classmates

Bill- me

(Casual)

Yapper

They're both easily frightened

More casual stuff

[bitchface24-7]

Hi, im truly sorry to bother you, I apologise. But I admire your work and I have drank all of it attentively these days to escape from reality, you are truly a gem <33333. Which I don't know how to express my gratitude for it. I have been struggling my entire life to see myself worthy of gaining or receiving love, I have been insecure about my body. And after I read your fic plus size girls x jayvik I swear I cried in admiration. I just want to know if you could write a fanfic with jayvik in love with a curvy tall girl (I'm 1.78cm, I know it's not much, but I have been feeling like absolute fucking garbage lately). I truly hope all your dream come true, your pets live longer and a fucking raise. I love you, mon cherie <333 0w0

HATERS GONNA HATE - JAYVIK X READER

synopsis: your whole life you've held insecurities, as most women do. You've always been too tall, too “large”, too much. It's weighed you down for too damn long. Your two boys make you realize your beauty, the beauty you've always had. They just took the wool off of your eyes.

warnings: negative self talk, talk of insecurities, childhood bullying, comfort, compliments, fluff, suggestiveness, pre-established relationship, Grammarly is my beta

genre: m/m/f

p.s. You're so sweet omfg 🥺🥺 I love you too!! I hope this fic comforts any and all who need it. I'm not tall (160cm/5’3) but I am thicker/curvy/fat (whatever term you want to use) like I've cried in changerooms since I hated how something looked on me/how I looked. Its peaks and valleys of self-love; and if my stories make y'all feel beautiful, I've done my part. Its also cathartic to me as well.

You've always been the odd one out. You were taller than all your classmates, you went through puberty first and got breasts before all your peers, you filled out and got curves much sooner than expected. Some may call this a blessing, to you it's a curse.

Now as an adult, you're taller than most men around you. You have a curvy figure yes, but it's not like the surgical, edited versions seen magazines and billboards.

You have nice breasts, but they're not defying gravity levels of perky, you have a smaller waist compared to your hips and shoulders, but you have rolls when you sit and twist your body, you have long legs, but they're not sculpted to perfection. You're just a woman.

A woman who hates what she sees in the mirror sometimes.

You nitpick insecurities others wouldn't even see, especially the people who love and care about you.

Jayce and Viktor think you're a goddess amongst men. That you're perfect, both inside and out. They love everything about you.

They love that you’re close in height to them, so they're not bending over to love on you (especially Viktor with his bad back), Jayce is obsessed with your hips and waist, and Viktor would like to die suffocated between your breasts.

So when they see you at your vanity after waking up and nitpicking yourself, well… that just won't do.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Here you are, sitting at your vanity in a large t-shirt and undies, nitpicking away at yourself. Your hair is tossled from sleep, your eyes glittering as you look over yourself. Your hands drag across your face, into your hair, and over your body. Your mind repeating awful statements said about you over the years.

You're so engrossed in being mean to yourself, you don't see Viktor come up behind you and place your morning coffee onto your vanity.

“What’re you doing?” He asks his voice thick due to just waking up. His accent is heavy and heady. You feel your face heat up at his question, not expecting to be caught and the tone of his voice makes your heart flutter.

You freeze slightly, before looking at the handsome man in the mirror, “Just… looking at myself. Nothing to worry about.”

“In appreciation, I hope. Your furrowed brow and pout give you away my love. What’s on your mind?”

A sigh escapes your lungs as you grab your coffee and take a small sip, contemplating your words, “Am I— too much for you two?”

Viktor guffaws at that, his eyes wide when he looks at you, “What on earth are you talking about?”

“Y’know… too much. Too tall, too curvy, too chubby. Just— too much.”

“Who on earth put that ridiculous idea into your head?!”

A light incredulous laugh leaves you at the sight of an enraged Viktor. He looks like a mad cat.

“Society, classmates, magazines, and ads. I'm not… the picturesque standard of beauty.”

Viktor's lips narrow at your dejected tone, “You are the most beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. You're personality is sparkling, and your physical beauty makes me question how a goddess like you could love a man like me.”

You whip around at that last statement, anger clear on your face, “A man like you? What do you mean.”

“A cripple. A poor man from the Undercity. A man who is weak, and ill, and not good enough for you.”

A snarl is what he gets in return for his statement, “Who told you that?! I’ll rip their tongue out for such disgusting comments! You’re wonderful Viktor, I wouldn’t change a damn thing about you!”

A knowing look is what you get and your anger immediately quells. Oh that sneaky, smart son of a bitch.

“So— now you know how Jayce and I feel about you. People, society in general are cruel. Our minds our biggest enemy. Jayce will agree with me.”

“Agree with you on what?” Said man asks as he enters the bedroom, a sleepy look on his face as he scratches his toned stomach and sips on his coffee, “What’s taking you two so long? We need to decide on breakfast and I’m getting hungry.”

You look away as Viktor cocks an eyebrow, “Our darling thinks she’s “too much” for us. She’s been ruthlessly nitpicking herself in the mirror.”

A loud gasp is all you hear before Jayce goes into a tangent, “Who told you that?! Give me their names and I’ll black list them from the council! What on earth are you talking about?! Too much? Too much! I’d say there’s not enough!”

“That’s cause you’re greedy sweetheart.”

“Shut up Viktor, my point still stands! You’re perfect babe. Ignore the haters, they hate because they’re miserable in their own lives and we all know the saying. Misery loves company.”

Jayce walks over to you and places his mug next to yours, his frame towering over you as he brackets your back and puts his hands on your thighs, “I’d die if you changed anything about yourself, your legs especially. Don’t take away my earmuffs. I’ll cry.”

You laugh as Viktor joins in and cups your breasts, you gasp at the feeling of his cold hands breaching underneath your shirt. “And don’t take my pillows away. I’ll be devastated and my sleep schedule will be shit again.”

The snort you let out is anything but lady-like, but they got their point across. They love you no matter what, even if they have favourite body parts of yours.

You smile at the two of them through the mirror and their eyes lock onto yours, before looking at each other; having a silent conversation.

“Y’know what… breakfast can wait. I’m hungry for something else.” Jayce states as he looks at you, his eyes big and pleading. His hands travelling up your thighs, over your undies, and he grips your exposed waist.

Viktor chuckles when he squeezes your breasts harshly and you gasp at the sensation, “I agree Jayce. What do you say my love, are you willing to indulge your two boys?”

You nod and before you know it, Jayce has tossed you onto the bed. Your coffee and breakfast completely forgotten as Jayce lowers himself in between your legs as Viktor sits behind you; his hands removing your top as he fondles your breasts and kisses your cheek and neck.

You’re their goddess, and they’ll worship you like one as well. They’ll continue to worship you until the end of time. Your devotees… How lucky you are.

Society sucks. Beauty standards suck. We’re all beautiful, expect we don’t see it. It’s time we pull the wool off of our eyes and see ourselves as we truly are. We’re perfect. No need to change anything. I hope y’all liked this, it made me feel quite a bit better. Love ya ❤️

[wisteriagoesvroom]

in the center of this room

📃 1.4k words, rated T ⚢ a lesbian!charles x lewis ficlet (with a short girl!landoscar cameo) 🏎️ for @supercollide who sent sports car as a mini song prompt 🤓 now on ao3!

p.s. so i heard y'all going crazy about the new promo pics... p.p.s. this is an AU where lewis drinks ok, just roll with it

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

“It’s not as if I don’t like her. I am just becoming… accustomed. Like many other things,” Charlie says, over the music. She tucks her bangs behind her ear, hoping it looks as nonchalant as she admittedly doesn’t feel.

“Yeah?” Lando’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. And technically Charlie has lied, as Lewis was unlike many other things. No other person has won almost eight driver championships, for that matter.

“I mean, it is not really an easy thing, you know? Changing teammates.” 

“Oh, believe me mate, I know.” 

“Well.” Charlie casts her eyes towards another corner of the room, where Oscar, with her barely touched drink and her very practical bootcut jeans, is trying very hard not to stare at them both. “It seems yours is rather…”

“Socially awkward?” Lando offers.

“I was going to say enamoured. But I don’t really think that will be an issue with Lewis.”

“What– doesn’t bat for the team?”

“Please! In this house, darling, we all bat for one thing only. And that’s Ferrari.”

Lando doesn’t look like she believes her, but then she's distracted from the topic of Lewis, because she looks over at Oscar again. Charlie’s eyes follow. For all of the Australian driver’s F1 reaction times, she is basically rendered useless in any social setting by Lando’s mere presence. Case in point, she almost drops her entire drink down her front. 

“Maybe you should go rescue her?” Charlie says. 

Lando sighs, but she doesn’t seem that cut up about it. “Be back in a bit.” 

Charlie gives a courteous nod, and watches her go – watches as Lando’s curly hair mop of hair beelines through the crowd, and Oscar perking up as Lando heads towards her. 

Just as Charlie wonders if it is written in a motorsport manual somewhere to have strange psychosexual relations with your teammate, she turns to the bartender and orders herself another apple martini. When she turns around–

“Buonasera,” Lewis says, with a downward tilt of her chin. That voice, like rich velvet. It’s Lewis, who is dressed in bright yellow, in what might be described as street couture construction chic, in the kind of clothing that Charlie could only ever aspire to wear, without being the butt of a joke. (She now feels very underdressed and uncool, even in her finest next-season Jacquemus.)

Now, Charlie is no spring chicken. People throw themselves at her all the time, the predestined child of Ferrari. And she's well aware of how the temperature changes when she walks into a room. The value of her technical skill and social capital and that gnashing, unwieldy thing that is the rosso corsa brand, bleeding and beating and alive in her palms. She is well aware of her status as a patron saint, the vaunted subject of the tifosi's hopes and dreams and hymns. She loves it, even.

And yet. To walk with Lewis is to understand anew what it is to be anointed.

Because it’s Lewis. Multiple time world champion, multi hyphenate, philanthropist, game-changer – Lewis who has herself struck down other giants to stand tall in the pantheon of greats, the same one that Charlies dreams of being one day. And knows herself to be capable of, even if the results don't show it yet.

It seems Lewis however has no such concerns about their difference in status. Instead, she smiles. “That what you’re drinking?” 

“It’s my usual!” Charlie exclaims.

“Nah. We’re doing shots. Celebrating the pre-season in style.” 

“Aren’t we supposed to be good before the season starts?”

Lewis tilts her head, and her microbraids jangle slightly with the motion. She’s had them woven through with silver and yellow stars. Charlie had tried not to stare at how beautiful she’d looked at the photoshoot they did last week. 

“I think you’ve been plenty good,” Lewis says. "Haven’t you?”

“Are you joking with me, or trying to butter me up?”

“Can’t it be both?” Lewis demurs. So maybe she has a point there.

Charlie opts to smile back cordially, instead of having a meltdown about what this all means, in the middle of a Monaco nightclub. At any rate, Lewis doesn’t wait for a response. She just flattens both palms on the bar and kind of, poses radiantly, in that Lewis-like way, one stiletto heel crossed behind an ankle, not calling for service per se but with the utter confidence that the gravity in the room will eventually tilt towards her in some way. To Lewis’s credit, this pose also makes her ass look pretty incredible. Charlie diplomatically opts not to say this part aloud.  

Meanwhile the bartender, who has made themselves scarce, materialises like a bee zooming towards a puddle of sugar water. Perfectly timed. Lewis and the bartender exchange a couple of words, and the bartender disappears, ostensibly to find the most outrageously priced organic and ethically produced liquor bottles in the entire +377 area code. 

Charlie's throat suddenly feels dry. Music shimmers in the back, switching to something with a growling bass. Lewis doesn’t shimmy, but does drum her fingers on the bar to the beat. 

“This sounds like a song I knew before,” Lewis says. “Maybe Nico played it for me.”

“I don’t think they do 2000s music here. That’s for Thursdays,” Charles says.

Lewis pins her with a stare. “Charlie. Did you just call me old?”

Charlie puts one hand on her chest. “I would never, Ms. Hamilton.”

Lewis shakes her head, and the earlier tension eases a little. 

“Do you dance?” Charlie feels the need to ask. She’s not entirely sure why she’s asking. Lewis might as well be a god. She somehow can’t picture a god dancing. Gods are meant to be observed in ancient pictures, static and unmoving, or their likeness protected behind museum glass. She is not sure which category she considers Lewis to be in right now. She is equally surprised at her own rapacious curiosity, to find out if there’s a beating heart in there after all. Some flesh and blood for her to sink her teeth into. 

(It’s not the first time she’s felled a god. But at least Seb still takes her calls.) 

For her part, Lewis laughs. “‘Course I dance. Right song, right person.”

“And am I I the right person?” Charles asks.

Lewis holds Charlie’s gaze, and the music builds again. So much Charlie feels its pulse, from the tips of her toes to the back of her calves, the gentle quake up her spine– lust and hunger notching its way into the soft and vulnerable places where she hadn’t allowed it before. Not with Lewis, at least. 

And for a moment, so quick she almost notices, Lewis’s expression changes. Mouth curling at the corners in surprise, eyes lighting up with interest, as if she has been waiting for Charlie to drive on the limit with her, too.

But quick as the moment arrives, it passes. The shots appear on a tray, and Lewis’s attention is elsewhere. Always pulled in many directions, a woman with many ambitions, and short on time. 

She picks up the pair of shot glasses, and passes one to Charlie. When she leans on the bar again, the muscles in her arms flex, and Charlie tries again not to stare.

Charlie isn’t quite sure how to proceed. So she says the first thing that comes to mind. 

“What is it that we are drinking to, then?”

“Life. Love.” Lewis shouts. She leans closer to Charlie. Lewis smells like water and cocoa butter and something oudsy. It makes Charlie a bit dizzy, but maybe it’s just the lights and her harder-than-usual run this morning. It’s not like she was getting competitive about the season already. Of course not.

“And to winning, again.” Lewis says, low and conspiratorial. “Forza Ferrari.”

Charlie says nothing. She’s heard the words before of course, a million times. But not from Lewis. Not like this. In her mouth, it takes on a new shape, a whole new meaning. It becomes a secret, and Charlie doesn't want anyone else to know it.

So Charlie nods. Gives her assent. She clinks her glass into Lewis’s, and they both tip their heads back. The music throbs in her ears now, and the alcohol burns all the way down, settling uneasily in her stomach.

Lewis wipes her mouth with a napkin that’s materialised out of nowhere. Charlie is conscious that there are people all around the periphery who are staring at them both, but strangely, Lewis is staring just at…her. As if waiting for her to say something. Make the first move, initiate the dance.  

And in the cavernous space, the neon lights, it feels like the moment before an honest conversation. Of camaraderie. Of wonderment.

It feels like the moment before a bruise. 

[spidermans-l-o-v-e-r]

Yeti Point

Pairing: Eddie Diaz x Reader

Word count: 4.4k

Notes: I deleted my previous note on this lmao it turns out the only funny part is Bruno Mars face in that skit and like MAYBE two other parts

P.S: So I just kind of feel like i've really been putting nothing out you know? Like i'm just really sick rn and its stressing me out but I am definitely working on all the requests in my inbox and doing my best to get things done because like all I want to do is right but you know no apparently all my body wants to do is die so I mean

Eddie pulls up to the ski chalet, the snow falling softly as you get out of the truck and squeal

“We’re here!! Finally!!!” You spin around in the snow, your arms spread wide as Eddie trudges back to the trunk. He’s a Texas boy, grown and raised, in California, warmth, and heat, run through his Mexican soul. 

How you managed to convince him to go skiing he’ll never fucking know, but that sweet smile, and those big round eyes… and the way you went down on him had him booking the trip faster than you could finish him. 

He had to be thinking with his dick. 

He puts his hands on his hips, watching you standing there and he wants to sass you… but you just look so pretty, the snow falling in your hair, those really…really tight pants that were insulated and made your ass look so damn good 

“Eddie?” You wave your little glove paws at him and he flinches, blinking rapidly 

“Huh??” 

“I said do you want any help? What are you staring at?” You giggle as you come over, hooking your fingers into his belt loops and pulling him against you. The proximity alone makes his head spin, he cups the back of your head, pulling you in and giving you a little kiss on the forehead 

“Be a good girl for me and go check us in” He instructs you lowly, his voice deeper than normal. You look at him through your sunglasses, because you know that look, you know that tone. 

“O-okay. Yeah, sure…” 

It’s nice and cozy when you get into the building, with a large fireplace supplying a thick heat. You wander over to the desk, tap the little bell, and turn toward the large windows, looking out over the slopes 

“Hey! Welcome to Aerial Alps, how can I help you?” 

You spin around, a little smile on your face as you look at the man in front of you. He’s pretty, he’s blonde, he’s tall. You can’t tell if he’s actually hot or just conventionally attractive 

“Hi I’m just checking in, um it should be under Diaz?” 

“Oh yeah sure okay” He smiles at you, flashing those pearly whites 

Okay yeah, he’s kinda hot. 

He scrolls through the computer a bit bored, a bit distracted as his eyes keep trailing over your figure 

“So? Honeymoon?” He asks as he types a few things in and you blush a little 

“No… just here with my boyfriend for a few days” You sigh dreamily, your eyes have little hearts in them and he nods, going back to the computer 

“So like… just a boyfriend huh?

You shrug, starting to tap your nails on the counter 

“I mean, we’re pretty serious.” 

Never-mind. Not hot 

Eddie comes in with your bags on his shoulders, he walks over and sets them down at your feet, wrapping his arms around your waist and burying his face in your neck 

“Did you get our room key, little one?” 

“Trying,” You say, turning in his arms and burying your face in his chest, he kisses your head, giving you a look before looking at the man behind the counter, his expression darkening 

“Do you need my ID or something?” 

He looks at Eddie, Eddie is taller, stronger, and a hell of a lot less nice right now. He straightens up a little, clearing his throat and handing over your room key

“Uh- you requested our more private cabin? Lovers lane?” 

“That would be the one yes” 

“Okay it’s just out the door and to your left, it’s uh, got a giant heart on the door” 

You look up at him, giggling and standing on your toes to kiss his jaw 

“That’s sooo romantic Daddy” 

You empathize the word “daddy” and he smirks down at you, squeezing your ass in his hands 

“Anything for you baby girl” He nuzzles his nose against yours, giving you a sweet peck on the lips, and swipes the key from the counter 

“To the left?” He asks the man again, who’s staring, wide-eyed, with pink cheeks 

“Uh huh t-to the left”

Eddie places the key in your pocket and thanks him as another guy comes over to take your bags for you. 

“Lead the way, sweet girl” 

Eddie watches you. Ever since the snow had started falling soon after you guys had settled in, you had gotten increasingly worried it seemed. It wasn’t even that bad… at first. And then four hours later when things just weren’t letting up he realized that maybe he should also be just a teeny bit worried. The door was fully blocked at this point, but the front desk had called, making sure they had enough food and enough logs to last a few days and they did, honestly. But he’s watching you stare out the window and it's starting to make him worry about you. 

“Hey, baby girl? Hey, why don’t you come over here little one?” Eddie gets your attention now, using his soft voice, the one he uses when he’s fucked you senseless and wants to bring you back down to earth. You come over to his open arms and collapse down into them. You snuggle up in front of the fire and he smiles, stroking your hair softly. He smiles, stroking your hair gently.

“What’s on your mind, pretty girl?”

You sigh into his arms, relaxing a little, and shrug “Oh you know, how this is my fault I got us into this stupid mess”

“Right. Right. You made a snowstorm happen, thus trapping us all alone together in the middle of the woods. Yeah, you’re so right baby this is definitely your fault!” 

You swat his thigh and he snickers, holding you tighter as you sit in front of the blazing fire, the flames flickering proudly. 

“Well, when you put it like that…”

He gets up with you in his arms, walking back to the cozy bedroom

“You need a nap” 

“Your mom needs a nap” You stick your tongue out at him and he rolls his eyes. Tossing the covers over your head. 

“Shut up and nap, I want to set up a little surprise for you okay? Daddy needs some time.”

You perk up, and he eases your head back down “What do you mean a surprise?”

“You’re not gonna get it if you don’t nap. I know you’re exhausted baby from being up all this time, worrying. Just take a nap for me okay? Be a good girl for Daddy and take a nap. I promise when you wake up it’ll totally be worth it okay?”

Now that he keeps freaking mentioning it, a nap does seem like a really good idea. Now that he’s got you all tucked in you can feel the exhaustion in your muscles from worrying so much. It was snowing this morning, it was snowing this afternoon and it’s probably going to keep snowing this evening, there’s only so much worry a body can take. 

And okay maybe being trapped with someone as absolutely sexy as Eddie isn’t so bad. You pull the covers over your shoulder and he leans forward, kissing your forehead gently

“I’ll be here when you wake up baby, goodnight”

“Hmm goodnight” You smile sleepily. 

You awake a couple hours later to soft music playing in the living room. There’s a little note and a single rose on the pillow next to you, Eddie had apparently packed you a little surprise and he wanted you to put it on before you came out of the room. You get up from bed, stretch your muscles out, and look around the room, there’s a small box on the chair next to the bed. Huh, that must been where he put whatever this little surprise was. 

You walk over to the box and take off the top slowly. There’s a nicely folded, red. silky, baby doll and matching g-string. You grin as you slip off the oversized t-shirt you’d been wearing and get into the baby doll. It cups your breasts together so perfectly, it’s almost like he’s holding them himself. You check out the full-length mirror, admiring your figure and the way the little nighty highlights your curves perfectly. 

God, he really did know every inch of your body perfectly. 

You stick your head out of the door, looking around for him 

“Hey, baby?” You say quietly “I’m um- awake now. But I want to freshen up a little, can I come out?”

You hear some shuffling and Eddies hand comes out from the other side of the door, a blindfold in his hand 

“Yeah you can freshen up Princess, just wear this for me huh?”

You blush as you take the silk blindfold and tie it around your eyes 

“Okay, ready”

Eddie opens the door, bumping into you and you let out a soft oof. He rolls his eyes and snorts, grabbing your arm and pulling you from the bedroom 

“Next time back up, dumbass” 

“Next time back up, dumbass” You repeat in a nasally voice and he swats your ass

“Oh, you think you’re so funny huh?” 

You squeak as he pushes you through the bathroom door and shuts it behind you. 

“Let me know when you’re coming out!”

“Okay!!” You look in the mirror again, taking your time to fix your hair, making sure it matches the feel of your sexy outfit. You make sure your legs are perfectly smooth (that’s more so for you) and that your body is nice and soft and hydrated. You put on your favorite lotion, rub it in, and let it dry as you do your makeup, it’s nothing elaborate because something tells you Eddie is just going to smear it all off… but he likes it when your mascara runs… so you put some on anyway, a little light foundation and some lipgloss. Honestly, you really did want to contour a bit… but again he’s literally just going to fuck it right off and this was too expensive to waste 

You take the blindfold in one hand and stick your other hand out like a little beak 

“Hey, Eddie? I'm done! But I put on makeup… I’m not putting that blindfold on yet” 

You hear his deep chuckle from over in the living room area and you know he’s shaking his head 

“Come on out Princess”

You’re not sure what to be expecting… but Eddie laid out on the floor, on the bearskin rug, a fire roaring behind him as he twirls another rose in his fingers. He looks up at you, his eyes dark and lustful 

“Fuck you’re beautiful” 

He’s acting like he’s not the picture of the most perfect porno. He reaches behind the sofa next to his head and holds out one more box 

“For me” 

You look at him skeptically, stepping over and grabbing the pink box. You pull out the most gorgeous red heels you’ve ever seen, coated in little diamonds and sparkling in the light of the fire 

“These are-“

“Way too high, I know. But I like to watch you struggle like a slut in them. If you don’t wanna put them on baby I don’t mind… seeing you like this? Is more than enough” 

He looks like those hungry wolves in the old cartoons, drooling over your body. You decide just this once, you’ll humor him. You stand up, step into the beautiful shoes, and wobble a little, they’re higher than anything you’re really used to and you know he likes it that way 

“What do you say?” He asks as he gets up, his thick cock bouncing off his thighs as he walks toward you. Your eyes are practically glued between his legs and he smirks, cupping your chin and lifting your head to look into his eyes. He squeezes your chin and you hiss a little, his grip firm

“Don’t make me repeat myself, Princess” 

“T-thank you d-daddy. They’re so beautiful” 

“Walk for me?” He does ask, because he doesn’t want you breaking your neck in those. You nod slowly, turning around with your arms slightly raised at your sides for balance. You walk a ways away, looking just a bit like Bambi as you stumble a little. You hear him groan softly, knowing exactly what he’s doing before you even turn around. You do a little spin, nearly toppling over but keeping upright as you walk back toward him, watching the way he strokes his cock slowly, his precum dripping onto the floor  

“Jesus, you’re gonna be the death of me. Look at you” He pats your head lovingly “My sweet little bimbo is almost as tall as I am in those” 

Your cheeks flush as you look away from him, his words so sweetly degrading. He tilts his head, taking your figure in for a moment before grinning devilishly 

“You’re so good at listening… maybe there is something in there” He taps your forehead, leaning in and giving you a little kiss on it.

“On your knees” 

He holds your hands, helping you down. You settle on your legs, looking up at him so sweetly, so innocently. He knows exactly what you’re doing as he holds your cheeks in his hands 

“Oh, you think you’re so perfect huh? You think you can just bat those little eyelashes… and I’ll be easy on you” 

You gulp as he pulls your head closer to his cock, you wrap your lips around the tip, sucking softly as you keep your eyes on him 

“You remember your safe signal?” He looks at you seriously for a moment and you nod, pulling off of him 

“Mhm, I bite… Gently!!” 

“Which is not to be confused with?” He asks, rubbing his cock on your lips, painting them with the real lipgloss he likes on you 

“If I accidentally use teeth” you blush “It needs to be a real bite” 

“That’s my good girl” He pats your cheek “and you’re supposed to remember?” 

“Daddy can handle a little pain if it means stopping when I’m very serious about it” 

“Alright sweet girl” He taps your lips and you scoot forward, opening your mouth and sticking your tongue out. He groans softly as he slides his cock in, taking a moment to enjoy the wet warmth surrounding him. He bobs your head back and forth slowly before pulling you closer, making you take more of him 

“Oh, fuck” He draws out the word as he fucks your face, He can't help but buck his hips, thrusting deeper into your warm mouth, his eyes half-lidded in pleasure. 

"That's it, baby," he encourages, his voice thick with arousal. "Show me how much you want it."

You take him in more, bobbing your head faster as your tongue wraps around his cock, dragging the tip of it along that thick vein. Your eyes roll back as you suck his cock, the sounds of your choking slightly are music to his ears 

Eddie's back arches, his entire body tensing as you take him even deeper, your tongue teasing him in all the right places. He can feel the heat building up inside him, threatening to spill over.

"Fuck, you're so good at this," he pants, his voice hoarse with need. "You're gonna make me lose control, baby."

He can't help but thrust harder into your mouth, his hips moving in a primal rhythm. Eddie's eyes flutter shut, his hands tightening in your hair, guiding your movements as he nears the edge.

"I'm gonna cum, baby," he warns you, his voice a low growl. "I'm gonna fill your pretty little mouth."

 You moan around his cock, making eye contact with him like you’re begging him to do it, begging him to explode in your mouth so you can swallow every last drop

Eddie's body shudders, his release overwhelming as he erupts into your mouth. He groans loudly, his hips jerking as he fills you with his seed. He holds your head in place, giving you time to swallow every drop before he finally pulls back, his breathing ragged.

"Fuck, that was amazing," he pants, his eyes still locked on yours. "You're a natural at this."

He bends down to press a kiss to your forehead, his hand smoothing your hair. "Now, let's see what else you can do, hmm?" he grins, already hardening again in anticipation. He doesn’t hesitate to yank your babydoll over your head, just ripping your thong right off your body. He makes you leave the heels on, he loves fucking you in heels 

 You crawl over to the bearskin rug, in front of the roaring fire and lay down, still panting and wiping your lips with the tip of your finger to make sure you’ve gotten every last drop. You look over at him, biting the tip of your finger, and slowly spread your legs for him 

“Like this daddy?” 

Eddie watches your every move, arousal still burning hot within him. He follows you to the rug, crawling over to you as you lie down. He hovers over you, his hand reaching out to brush your hair back from your face.

"You're driving me crazy, you know that?" he murmurs, his lips brushing your ear. "I want to make you feel as good as you've made me." He takes a moment, kissing your body, savoring the sweet taste of your skin, the soft feeling against his lips. 

Eddie settles between your legs, his hands gripping your thighs as he positions himself at your entrance. He looks into your eyes, his own dark with desire as he slowly pushes into you, groaning at the tight, wet heat that surrounds him.

"You ready for me, baby girl?" he asks, his voice a low rumble. "I'm going to take you so hard, I don't think you'll ever want it to end."

Your thighs tremble as you nod at him, delighting in the tight grip he has on you

“Fuck me, Daddy, god fuck I need you so badly”

He loves when you get like this, whiny and hot and needy, senseless for his cock 

Eddie smirks at you, his eyes filled with lust. He takes your eagerness as a cue to thrust into you harder, his hips rocking in a fierce rhythm. He feels your tightness, your wetness, and it's enough to push him over the edge again.

"Fuck, you're so tight," he groans, his grip on your thighs tightening. "You feel so good, baby."

He leans down to capture your lips in a searing kiss, his tongue invading your mouth as his hips continue to pound into you. Your body is slick with sweat, and his muscles tense as he loses himself in the heat of the moment.

As he picks up the pace, Eddie's thrusts become harder, more aggressive, his breaths coming in ragged pants. He reaches down, his thumb brushing against your clit with each thrust, watching as your eyes roll back in pleasure.

"You feel so fucking good, baby," he growls, his voice thick with lust. "I'm not gonna last much longer."

He can feel the heat building up again, the edge of release beckoning. Eddie's movements become more frenzied, his grip on your thighs tightening as he drives into you.

"Come for me, baby," he demands, his voice low and commanding. "Let me feel you shake around me."

His own orgasm crashes over him, his body shuddering as he spills himself inside you. He holds himself deep within you, his breaths coming in short, panting gasps as he rides out the waves of pleasure.

You cum with him, gripping the fake fur of the rug beneath you, sobbing his name over and over, as he shoves his cock in you, grinding it in and stuffing his cum deep inside 

Eventually, he pulls out, collapsing beside you, his arm draped over your waist. "God, that was incredible," he whispers, his heart pounding in his chest. "You're incredible."

You shake your head deliriously, slowly, side to side “No, you’re incredible” you giggle, rolling into his chest as he wraps his arm around you 

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so in love” He whispers in your ear as he nuzzles against your neck, your bodies sticking together, your breathing starting to level out. 

“I don’t think I have either” You smile sleepily, snuggling back into him. The warmth of the fire and his strong arms starting to pull you down into a peaceful sleep 

“You know, I don’t think I mind being snowed in with you… maybe we should come on vacation here more often” 

“You mean it??” You blink up at him and he kisses your nose 

“Oh hell yes, especially if it means doing this over and over and over again, snowed in or not”

After a while, you pass out in his arms as he hums softly to you, rubbing your bare side slowly, enjoying your naked body pressed into him. He nuzzles his nose into your neck, enjoying the soft scent of sex clinging to you that he knows you hate to wake up to. So he pulls himself away from you, smirking at the way you frown a little, and goes to the bathroom. 

It’s pretty romantic in there already, he pulls out some candles from the vanity and sets those up around the large jetted tub. He sits on the edge, turning on the hot water and adding your favorite soap to it. As he waits for the water to fill he sets up a nice fluffy towel for you and your favorite pink silk robe with your name embroidered in the corner

He turns off the water, swishing his hand through it to make sure it’s the right temperature before heading out to come grab you. You’ve managed to curl up into a little ball closer to the fire like you were searching for warmth. He easily picks you up, smiling when you cuddle into his chest, and walks into the bathroom 

“Y/N? Baby girl, it’s time to wake up…” He bounces you a little as he sets you down on the toilet first, waking you up just enough to pee. You lean heavily on him, still half asleep as you clean yourself up and he walks you over to the sink and helps you wash your hands. 

“Come on cutie, it’s bath time” You’re a bit more awake now, stumbling toward the tub as he holds onto your hands, guiding you 

“You drew me a bath?” You ask sweetly and he smiles, stepping into the tub backward and helping you in 

“Mhm, and I’m going to wash your hair and help clean you up too” He gets you into the tub before sitting down and reaching out for you. You straddle his lap, putting your chest against his and nuzzling into his neck, your body automatically relaxing in the warm water. 

He trails his fingers up and down your spine, making you squirm a bit and he smiles as he starts to rub your shoulders 

“You like that hm? You like daddy’s hands on you?” 

You nod slowly, adjusting yourself a bit, your hips tilting forward and he kisses your neck, cupping the back of your head and pulling you closer to his lips. He continues to massage you, his fingers working their way down your arms, his thumb brushing over your pulse.

“You feel so good in my lap,” he tells you, his voice a low rumble “Right where my pretty little girl belongs”

Eddie's hand moves to your chest, gently cupping your breast, his thumb teasing your nipple. "I want to make love to you all night, baby," he promises, his eyes dark with desire. "Are you ready for round two?" 

“Nice and slow?” You breathe against his lips, tilting your head as you kiss him passionately

Slow and gentle it is," he agrees, his hand moving from your breast to your thigh, spreading your legs.

He positions himself at your entrance once more, his eyes locked on yours. "You're so beautiful, and I'm so lucky to have you," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

Eddie slides into you, his movements slow and deliberate, his eyes never leaving yours. He can feel your tightness, your wetness, and it's all he can do not to rush.

"This is for you, baby," he whispers, his voice low and intimate. "I want to give you everything you want and more."

He begins to move, his thrusts slow and measured, his hands gripping your hips. The water laps at your skin, the candles flickering in the dim light.

Eddie's gaze is fixed on your face, watching your reactions as he takes you, his own pleasure building with each passing second. He can feel the tension coiling within him, but he refuses to rush, wanting to savor every moment.

"You feel so good, baby," he breathes, his voice thick with desire. "So tight and wet around me."

He continues to move, his pace increasing ever so slightly, his body pressing against yours, their skin slick with water. The room is filled with the sound of their heavy breathing and the wet slapping of their bodies.

Eddie's hands move to your breasts, his thumbs teasing your nipples as he continues to thrust. The water splashes around you, staying in the tub as you lay your head back, your hands planted firmly on his shoulders 

“Cum in me, please Daddy cum in me” you gasp, breathless as he dicks you down slowly. His thrusts slow, hips snapping into yours harshly as you finish around him, your body shaking as you bite down on his shoulder, your hips grinding down onto him, taking him as deep as you possibly can 

Eddie's body shudders, his release imminent as you beg for him to fill you. He groans, his hips jerking as he spills himself inside you once more. He leans down to press a kiss to your neck, his breathing ragged as he collapses onto you, spent.

"Fuck, you're amazing," he whispers, his hand holding your hair. "I could do this all night."

He holds you close, your bodies still joined, the water lapping at your skin. The candles flicker, casting a soft, romantic glow over the room.

“You wanna stay like this for a bit?” He murmurs, kissing your cheek gently. You lay your head on his shoulder, pull your arms into your chest, and adjust yourself on his cock 

“Yes please” Your hand comes up, cupping his neck and snuggling into his chest and he smiles, stroking your hair softly 

“Alright baby girl we can stay like this as long as you want” 

[mint-yooxgi]

{2} - Fight or Flight - Yandere!Redcap!Mingi X Tall!Chubby!Reader

Fae!AU & Yandere!AU - Part of the CoDN Thrill of the Hunt Collab

Genre: Fantasy, Mature, Horror, Angst, Fluff, Smut

Pairing: Mingi X Reader

Words: 9,105

Rating: Mature - 18+ MDNI

Warnings: Please read the warnings carefully, as this is a very heavy story dealing with many dark topics. This is also all of the warnings for this fic as it is one long one shot that I had to split into multiple parts, and I'm too tired right now to individually categorize all of these warnings to their respective parts. 8 ft tall Mingi. Slow burn. Violence: depiction of a massacre, a deer being slaughtered, as well as physical, verbal, sexual, and emotional, both alluded to and not. Blood and gore. Abuse: physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual, both alluded to and implied. Assault: physical, and sexual, both alluded to, implied, and attempted. OC has a really rough past, really this isn't for the faint of heart. Whipping, both alluded to, and done. Mentions of branding. Heavy themes of possession and ownership. Deception. Arson. Really, there's a lot of dark subject matter. Mingi falls hard and fast, thus, he simps a lot for the OC, but it's not a story written by me if Mingi doesn't simp for the OC. The reader is mentioned to be both tall and chubby, but it is not mentioned often, so it shouldn't disrupt the flow of the story when ready if you are not tall and/or chubby. I think that's everything, but if I missed something, please let me know! Smut: Biting/marking, outdoor sex, fingering (fem. rec), oral (fem. rec), hand job (male rec), come eating, overstimulation, Mingi has a dig bick, sex in a spring, really, it's very soft in comparison to the subject matter. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

P.S. If there are any spelling or grammatical errors, please ignore them. I did my best through many rounds of editing, but some are liable to still slip through.

A/n: I am SO sorry this took me LITERALLY forever to complete. I meant to have this out so much earlier, and actually posted on time, but it turned out much, much longer than I ever anticipated it being. I'm really proud of how this story turned out, and I didn't want to split it into multiple parts because I felt it would take away from the story as a whole. I'm super excited for you all to read this one, as I had a tremendous amount of fun writing it, and I really hope you all love Mingi's and OC's journey as much as I do. Huge shoutout and thanks to @anyamaris and @kwanisms for listening to me ramble and rave about this story both before and during the writing process, and for always encouraging me while writing! Also, huge thank you to @sanjoongie for being so patient and understanding with me as I write this all out in full. I hope you all enjoy! As always feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy!~

Summary: Out of one horrible situation and into another, the cycle of abuse never stops. You've lived with monsters your whole life. So, what's one more?

P.P.S. Please don't let this flop guys. If you enjoyed it, please reblog!!!

Mini Masterlist - Part One

It’s early one morning when the redcap encampment explodes in an uproar. The sun has barely crested over the hills when a cry rings out, echoed by another, and then another until Mingi can no longer hear himself think.

“Quiet!” His voice booms out over the encampment as he steps out of his tent, silencing everyone in their path. “What is the meaning of this?”

“General!” A gleeful voice cuts through the silence. “General, it’s the human!”

Mingi’s eyebrows raise, eyes widening slightly in exasperation as he watches both Darius and Lias approach with grins wide enough to showcase their sharp teeth.

“She’s gone.” Darius snickers, his tongue darting out to trace over his top row of teeth.

“Speak clearly.” Mingi commands, his brow furrowing as he stares down at the two redcaps before him.

“We don’t know exactly what or when it happened, General,” Lias is quick to say, his eyes shining in glee. “All we do know is that she’s gone.”

“What do you mean gone?” Mingi looks between the two fae, lips pulling back in a snarl. The last thing he needs is to be carting around a dead human until they can properly dispose of the body. That, or his men tearing into your flesh because they got ‘hungry’.

“She ran away.” Another voice cuts through the looming silence, and all heads turn to see Windfel holding the tattered remains of your clothing.

This… this is somehow worse.

“The human tricked us?” A voice of disbelief rises in the crowd.

“She couldn’t have gotten far.” Another says, many beginning to stir as some already begin to look around the area in search of you.

“Who was the last to see her?” Mingi sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Great. Just what he needs. Another setback to keep him from returning home to his keep, where he so badly wants to be. He knew this human would be trouble, and now he has to worry about going to find her.

All eyes turn to Windfel as he tosses your worn clothes to the ground. “She stunk so badly, I told her to change.”

“She must have slipped away at that point!” Lias growls, his teeth snapping together in ire.

“When was this?” Mingi rounds on Windfel.

“Not three days passed.” Comes Windfel’s reply.

Silence so deadly settles over the encampment that no one dares to breathe.

“She’s been missing for three days?” The loud timbre of Mingi’s shout causes a flock of birds to take off in the distance.

Windfel cowers back, taking note of the snarls now sent his way by both Lias and Darius. “I told her to wash herself in the stream and change. I returned with her clothes, but they must have been enough to overpower the senses.”

“She never returned?” A voice from the gathered redcaps shouts.

“I wasn’t about to watch her bathe!” Windfel shouts in defence of himself.

“You trusted a human to go off on their own?” Another calls out in disbelief.

More and more cries of outrage rise through the crowd. Seeing as the human was their responsibility and you’ve now escaped, each and every single one of them knows what this means. Yet, none want to waste their time taking a detour to find you, even if they would get the immense satisfaction of ending your pathetic excuse of a life. None, except for one.

“I’ll go.” Windfel drops to his knees before his general, bowing his head to the ground. “Let me amend my mistake and rid us of this pest once and for all.”

“No.” Mingi’s voice is firm, and his response garners a few shocked exclamations from the gathered redcaps. “Since I can’t seem to trust any of you to watch over one measly little human, I’ll go.”

“But General-“

“Return to the keep.” Mingi cuts Windfel off, his tone leaving no room for arguments. “I’ll be back soon.”

Without another word, or even waiting to hear an ounce of protest, Mingi takes off into the woods, back in the direction in which they came. He’ll travel faster alone, especially if he travels light. The sooner he gets this done, the sooner he can put this all behind him. Perhaps he’ll even dispose of you while he has the chance.

Stomping his way through the bush, Mingi curses his subordinates. The only reason he agreed to take you in in the first place was so that they could have fun. They wanted you to do who knows what to, and he allowed it.

That was his first mistake.

As Mingi soon disappears from sight, all that follow after him are the sounds of his encampment bursting back into action, and a wicked grin pulling over blood red lips.

***

Seonghwa is infuriating.

Nothing gets Mingi’s blood boiling as much as that smug faerie and his ‘holier than thou’ attitude. Talking with him is like pulling teeth. Though, in actuality, Mingi quite prefers that. At least pulling out someone else’s teeth can be enjoyable!

A full day and a half has passed since Mingi set off on this hunt, and so far, all he’s learned is that you passed through this town, and took a dip in the wild stream. If his guess is to be correct, it shouldn’t take him that much longer to find you. Being both injured and human, you can’t have gotten far. Besides, this is the direction your scent lingers in, and though it’s faint, he knows that this is most likely the way to go.

What’s even more irritating is that you smell faintly of Windfel. The two scents mix together in an unnatural aroma, guiding Mingi through the bush as he stomps his was through the forest and towards where you must be hiding. 

In the back of his mind, he wonders if you know he’s coming after you. Are you scared? Do you think you have any chance of escape? Will your panic cause you to make a mistake? Is he already too late?

Stupid Seonghwa wasting his time with games. Yet, what surprises him most is the fact that the faerie even involved himself. Ever since the incident, the elder fae has changed significantly. At least, that’s what Mingi has been told. He never knew Seonghwa before meeting him how he is now, and currently, that’s the least of Mingi’s worries.

Perhaps he’ll take a page out of the faerie’s notebook and stop outwardly caring about those around him. Only involving oneself to their own benefit does have its perks. He could simply stick to hunting and ravaging, both of which he’s quite good at.

Mingi has always prided himself on his tracking skills. Not only is he a fast hunter, but he’s thorough. Not a trace will be left of you once he finishes, and he’ll finally be rid of this irritating side quest once he catches up to you. If you’re still alive, that is. It really all depends on the state in which he finds you in. There’s no telling what could happen to an unaccompanied human in this realm. Maybe he’ll get lucky and find you already torn to shreds, saving him both the time and energy of having to bring you back.

Yes, Mingi could just kill you, but where’s the fun in that? He much rather prefers when his prey fights back, and against a human, there’s no fight at all. Mingi easily overpowers you, and bathing the band currently tied around his upper arm in your blood would be a waste.

No real general prides themselves on an easy kill, least of all him.

Taking a deep breath in, Mingi calms his nerves. Though he’s irritated, he knows he’ll think better with a clear mind. You’re close, he can almost taste it. It won’t be long now, and soon, he’ll be able to finally determine your fate.

After another full day and a half of travel, Mingi finally spots you through a thicket of trees. You seem to be sitting on the ground, your back resting against the trunk as your sleep. Your hands are clasped over your stomach, legs outstretched in front of you as if you have not a care in the world. In your hands, a lone flower stem rests.

Furrowing his brow, Mingi picks up his pace. Like hell is he going to let you get away from him now. Not when he’s spent the last five days hunting you down. It’s been a parade of none stop walking, tracking your every movement until all paths lead him here. Oddly enough, it looks as if you’ve been placed on display, as if someone has set a trap…

Mingi freezes in his spot, using the thicket of trees as cover. His lips pull back over his fangs in a snarl, nearly letting out a low growl.

That’s when the smell hits him.

He freezes, his eyes widening ever so slightly as he gazes upon your seemingly peaceful figure laying against that one tree. Now that he’s closer, he can see that the flower held in your clasped hands is a sprig of red spider lilies, and he scowls.

You reek of decay. Of infection.

Of death.

Were it not for the faint beating of your heart he can still hear echoing throughout the empty woods as he focusses in on you, he would have believed you have already died. Not that you aren’t already inches from death’s door at this very moment.

Taking a deep breath in, Mingi crinkles his nose. He doesn’t try to mask his approaching footsteps now, each stomp crashing through the bush as his sharp gaze zeroes in on you.

He watches you crack an eye open, hearing you hum softly.

“Oh,” your voice is hoarse. Weak. “It’s you.”

Mingi’s eyes flash, a low growl permeating the air.

“Are you here to finally kill me?” Your voice crackles from lack of use, taking in a harsh breath in attempts to fill your aching lungs. 

It’s as if it’s getting harder and harder for you to breathe, your chest rising and falling much slower than what Mingi is used to. He’s surprised you’ve lasted this long on your own, being both human and severely injured from the looks of things. The fact that you reek of infection is an obvious side effect from the wild stream. No being escapes those waters unharmed. You should be shrivelled up, gasping for water and air by now, but there seems to be some fight left in you still.

“Hurry up and get it over with,” you continue to fill the silence stretching on around you, settling slightly further back into the tree you rest upon as you close your eyes.

“I’m not here to kill you.” Mingi replies gruffly, that frown still pulling at his features as he glares down at you.

You hum lowly. “Shame.”

“Do you wish to die, human?” Mingi’s nose scrunches, the stench even worse the closer he stands to you. “You stink of death.”

“I feel like death,” you agree, eyes still shut. “Or maybe I’m already dead. Hell’s not so bad after all.”

“Why didn’t you run?” Mingi counters, eyes narrowing warily at you. He keeps a little bit of distance between the two of you still, unsure if this is a trick or not. Though, he doubts you could overpower him in the slightest. “Surely you knew you were being hunted.”

“Whispers,” you wheeze, chest heaving as you begin to hack out a cough. Your whole body violently jerks, eyes squeezing further shut as your face contorts in pain. “Always whispers.”

Mingi crouches down, observing you carefully. “You should be dead.”

Weakly, you shake your head. “Never dead. Always dying.”

Another cough wracks your whole body, and Mingi sighs. “Frail little human, can barely handle the wind.”

“You’d be surprised what I’ve survived.” Your eyes are suddenly sharp, lips parted as each breath escapes you as a wheeze.

He can’t help it. Mingi laughs. A loud, boisterous laugh that causes him to toss his head back, his eyes crinkling at the sides.

“If this is your attempt to make yourself sound tough, all it’s doing is amusing me, mortal.” Mingi grins, his fangs flashing beneath the eerie glow of the moon. 

The canopy you both reside under is abnormally bright, letting you see the redcap general in all his glory. Claws rest on the tips of his fingers, filed and polished to perfection. Teeth as sharp as razors line the inside of his lips, of which are now pulled back in amusement as his dark eyes glint in the moonlight. His ears, which taper off into points, are slightly hidden behind bright blond locks, the faintest of hues of red splattered throughout the strands.

“Get up. We’re returning to the keep.” Mingi stands back to his full height, looming over you as he lets out a sigh through his nose. “I’m not making another detour for you again.”

You don’t respond.

“Get up. Before I make you.” He snarls, kicking your left foot with the tip of his own.

Still, you don’t respond. You don’t even flinch when he touches you.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake-“ Mingi goes to haul you upwards and onto your feet, only to stop cold in his tracks.

Slowly, the hands you had resting on your stomach begin to slide to either side of you. The single stem of red spider lilies falls from your one hand as both hit the ground beside you. Your head lolls to the side, as if suddenly too heavy for you to hold up, and your shoulders droop.

The smell of decay fills his senses, and Mingi curses lowly. He crouches near you once more, studying you carefully. Faintly, he can see your chest rising and falling in laboured breaths, and he exhales a long breath through his nose. At least you’re not dead.

Shaking his head, Mingi soon moves to crack his neck. The past five days have been spent non-stop travelling to find you, only for him to greet you as you sit at death’s door. Some hunt this has turned out to be; not even worthwhile.

Well, it’s not like Mingi expected much. He was so annoyed at his subordinates, he didn’t realize just what he was getting into. You’re probably both severely dehydrated and starved. Not to mention the blood red hue that graces your right leg, the smell of infection wafting from beneath your clothing, originating from that very thigh. You’re going to need some tending to before Mingi can even think of beginning his trek back to the keep. If he’s lucky, you’ll be back on your feet by tomorrow afternoon.

Letting out a sigh through his nose, Mingi scouts the area. At least he can gather some resources while you sleep. Who knows. Maybe by the time he returns you’ll be dead and he can just leave you to the crows. Either way, he knows that even he needs to rest, and you shouldn’t be left on your own for too long. Who knows what’s wandering around the dark depths of the forest at this time of night.

At least you won’t be able to run away while he hunts for some supplies.

The next morning, as the sunlight is streaming through the branches and casting a warm glow on your surroundings, you finally begin to stir. It’s slow, and your breathing is still laboured, but you manage to blink open your eyes, vision blurred as your body feels the weakest it’s ever been in your life.

Shifting your head, your brow furrows. To your left rests three new things that weren’t previously there the night before. One seems to be some berries on a large leaf. They’re small and red in colour, the juice already staining the green. Another appears to be a canteen, with what you can only hope to be water residing inside it. The third and final thing is another leaf, a dark green paste of sorts residing on the light green plant. The paste is a little grainy from what you can tell, but there’s an almost sweet aroma rising around you which you can only assume comes from the dark green substance beside you.

Cautiously, your gaze darts from the items beside you to the redcap sitting across from you. He hasn’t taken his eyes off of you since you opened your own, and you can just tell that he’s watching your every move carefully.

You stomach twists in hunger, throat burning with thirst. You try to swallow the dryness in your mouth, but every movement is a challenge, and your limbs feel as if they are made of lead. Your wound on your right leg stings, and if you weren’t severely dehydrated, you’re sure tears would be springing to your eyes at the way you can physically feel your body shutting down.

Your fingers on your left hand stretch open, twitching as you attempt to reach for the canteen of water first. If you could only take a sip, you’re sure more strength would return to you…

“Fragile little human,” the redcap tuts, shaking his head in disappointment. “Should have saved your strength for now instead of wasting it picking flowers.”

The most you can muster is a glance in his direction, vision blurring at the edges as you attempt to reach for the canteen of water once more. You hardly notice the fae standing to his feet across from you, approaching you slowly. It’s only when you hear the crunching of grass right beside you that you spare a glance upwards at the shadow now looming overhead.

“Do I have to do everything for you?” He rolls his eyes in annoyance, taking a knee and snatching the canteen from the ground.

Harshly, he undoes the cap, irritation marring his brow. A moment later, he leans in, fisting the back of your head in his hand, his nails pricking at your skin. He doesn’t even flinch when you attempt to pull away from him, your eyes wide as you look between him and the canteen he shoves against your lips.

As he tilts the container against your lips, your eyes fall closed, finally accepting your fate.

The moment water touches your lips, cold and refreshing, your eyes are flinging open. A small gasp escapes you, greedily drinking from the canteen as liquid spills over your chin and onto your shirt. Only, you don’t care, drinking your fill of this addicting nectar that floods your senses as he holds the canteen to your lips.

“What?” He scoffs, his grip tightening ever so slightly on the back of your head. “Did you think it was poisoned or something?”

You can only muster a glare at him, your mouth occupied with taking in as much water as you can for as long as he’s offering it. It doesn’t taste like anything in particular, so you assume it’s the same as you’re used to. Hopefully, no major, or magical, side effects.

“If I was going to kill you, I wouldn’t poison you.” The redcap shakes his head as if it should be obvious. “I’d have torn out your throat a lot earlier if I had wanted you dead.”

Your eyes dull, looking forward as you focus in on the water filling your throat. Sounds begin to muffle, taking note of the low timbre of his voice droning on in the background as the flow of water from the canister begins to slow. Then, and only then, do you focus back in on your surroundings, noticing how quiet it’s gotten within a few seconds.

“I asked you a question, mortal.” He pulls the canteen away from your lips, his gaze harsh and unforgiving.

You blink, swallowing lightly as you attempt to catch your breath. You can feel some strength returning to your limbs. Enough so, that you are able to lift the back of your hand to your mouth to wipe at the remaining water that clings to your skin.

“You did?” Your brow furrows slightly in confusion, blinking up at the redcap beside you.

You watch as his eyes close, hearing him let out a long, exasperated breath through his nose.

“I did.” He confirms, blinking his sharp gaze back open to meet your own. “What is your name?”

You purse your lips, a small spark igniting behind your eyes. You’re not going to fall for that.

“Would you rather me refer to you as ‘human’ this whole time?” He asks, cocking his head in irritation.

Again, you stay silent. Pulling your hands into your lap, you clutch that flower stem for dear life.

“Suit yourself,” He sighs, standing back to his full height and casting your figure in shadows once more.

“Why are you doing this?” Your voice comes out low, strained from the lack of use. A clear sign that you’ve been passed out for much longer than you thought.

He pauses, clearly caught off guard by your question.

“I told you,” he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We need to return to the keep.”

“Why not just let me die?” You whisper, staring down at your hands.

“You’re less use to me dead, than alive.” He states bluntly, walking back over to his original spot across from you. “Now, hurry up and eat. We haven’t got all day, and I’ve already wasted enough time looking after you.”

You purse your lips, pain slowly creeping throughout your entire body. “Why won’t you just let me die?”

Your question clearly catches him off guard, for he’s blinking at you in mild shock before schooling his features. He lets out a small huff, latching the canister back onto his belt.

“I just told you, you’re more use to me alive, than dead.” He rolls his eyes. “None of my other underlings can carry what you can over such distances without complaining. Well, for the most part. You’re useful, and you’re mine. Or did you forget your parents practically gave you away?”

The sharp sting of tears prick at the back of your eyes, but you hold them off. After all, this isn’t anything you’re not used to; you’ve heard it all before.

Opting to remain quiet, you avert your gaze to the side. Your eyes land on those berries, and without wasting another moment, you begin to eat. He said he wouldn’t poison you, but now you’re wishing he could lie. In the back of your mind, you begin to hope the water mixed with these berries you’re eating forms a toxin within your stomach to claim your life so you don’t have to go through this all over again.

Just when you had thought you had finally broken the cycle, and escaped…

“Eat slowly, fuck!” The fae shoots you a pointed look. “I don’t need you getting sick on the way home. You’re already fighting off a damn near toxic infection. What even happened to you?”

“Why do you care?” You snap, almost instantly regretting the words once they escape your lips.

You watch as the fae before you closes his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself before responding.

“I don’t care about you.” He snaps, his dark eyes flashing open. “I do care about the trouble you’ve cause me since you were thrust upon me by those stupid mortal parents of yours.”

“Then, leave me here to die!” You retort, a fire blazing now behind your irises.

Perhaps you can irritate him enough to give you what you want: peace from this godforsaken earth. A place you don’t want to live for one moment longer than you have to. Not after what you’ve been through.

“I’ve already told you,” he lets out a long sigh through his nose, “you’re more use to me alive than dead. Simply because you want something, doesn’t mean you’re going to get it.”

“You should learn to take your own advice, General.” You spit, eyes narrowing at the fae towering over you.

“Watch your tongue before you lose it.” His tone is sharp, gaze deadly as he leers down at you.

Your whole body shakes as you continue to glare up at him. You take note of his hands clenched in fists at his sides, and you decide right then and there that if he’s not going to kill you of his own volition, you’ll make him kill you. He doesn’t seem to have the most patience in the world, and of the few times you’ve observed him on your travels, his fuse is quite short. You’re not going to subject yourself to a life of servitude under another egotistical male who doesn’t know how to care for anyone other than himself. Not anymore. Not again.

Thus, you remain quiet. Your one hand clenches so hard around that flower stem, you’re surprised it doesn’t snap in half. Yet, for all of your own irritation, you cannot bring yourself to push him any further right now. The pain in your leg is far too great, and it’s taking all of your mental capacity not to start crying at the searing sting that stabs you with every shift of your thigh.

“Hurry up, and finish eating,” he turns his back to you, crossing his arms over his chest. “We leave at noon.”

“How do you expect me to travel with a leg like mine?” You quip, your own sharp gaze boring a hole into his back.

“It’s not broken, is it?” He replies smartly.

“I can’t put pressure on it-“

“What do you think that is for?” He cuts you off, turning to point at the leaf with the dark green paste on it. “I’m aware of how to treat injuries, mortal. I can do more than just cause them.”

“I’ve had worse,” you mumble, wincing as you shift your leg the wrong way.

Whether he hears you or not, you do not know. Instead, he chooses to blatantly ignore your statement, turning his back to you while keeping his arms crossed over his chest.

“Hurry up, and put that ointment on the infected area.” He commands, voice firm. “I will not be carrying you just because you can’t walk.”

A sharp huff of air escapes your nose, scowling openly at the general’s back. Almost reluctantly, you bring another berry to your lips, chewing angrily on that piece of fruit as you grab the leaf with the paste on it in your hand. Just as you open your mouth to say something, he cuts you off once more.

“Believe me, I have the same desire to gaze upon you as I do a gnat.” He begins walking back over to stand beside the tree he had been resting against when you first woke up. “You also stink, so the sooner you finish, the sooner I can find you something better to wear. Those clothes are awful on you.”

Again, you say nothing. Instead, you opt to do as told, and quickly as that. The sooner you get out of this place, the sooner you can put your plan into action. He doesn’t seem too keen on listening to you right now, anyways, so you’d rather not waste your time trying to rile him up when he looks as if he’s about to take off running into the woods. You doubt he’d let you get too far behind, anyways.

The process of tugging off your pants and unwrapping those now soiled bandages is long. The linen clings to your skin, and peeling back the now discoloured cloth is painful, a grimace resting on your features as you reveal the cut on your thigh. 

The wound looks even worse than it did before you cleaned it at that stream almost a week ago, the jagged edges crusted over with dried blood and pus. It’s angry, irritated and swollen, and you fear touching it as every time you move, it feels as if thousands of pieces of glass are shredding into your skin.

You bite your lip, nearly hissing down at the wound. Hesitantly, you dip a finger into the paste, figuring you have nothing more to lose. Trusting one redcap led your this far. What’s one more?

The second the dark green paste touches your wound, you nearly breathe out a sigh of relief. Instantly, a cooling sensation spreads over the cut, and the more you add, the more you find your shoulders relaxing. Finally, after what feels like months, you’re experiencing some kind of relief.

Slowly, you watch as the paste begins to bubble, but the wound doesn’t sting at all. You can smell a faint aroma of pine and earth drifting from your thigh, and with every breath you take, the throbbing that you had been experiencing begins to ebb away slowly into a dull ache.

“Any longer and that infection would have spread to your heart.” A voice from across the way draws your attention.

Lifting your head, you stare at the broad back of the redcap general.

You purse your lips.

“I’ve never smelt an infection like yours in all my years.” He states bluntly. “You’re lucky to even be alive.”

You can’t help it. You snort. “I’ve heard that one too many times before.”

This time, it’s his turn to say nothing in response. Instead, all you receive is a grunt in acknowledgement as you continue to gently apply that paste over your wound.

A few minutes later, nothing remains of the paste on the leaf. However, just as you go to discard it, the redcap speaking draws your attention once more.

“Press the leaf over the wound. It’ll act as an adhesive until you can bandage it properly again.” He instructs, not even turning to look at you.

You nod, despite the fact that he cannot see you, and do as he says. The relief you feel as you press the large leaf over your wound is as instant as it was with the paste. A pleasant feeling travels up your thigh, causing tingles to erupt in its wake, and you find yourself breathing out a sigh of relief.

A small silence settles around you, nothing but the wind filling the space between you.

You swallow lightly, averting your gaze to the side. Keeping your voice low, you speak. “Thanks.”

You fail to see the way the redcap’s brow furrows in confusion. “Why are you thanking me?”

You hesitate, not wanting to tell him how grateful you actually are in this moment. Especially not wanting to imply that you’re grateful that he even cared enough to help you treat your wound, even like this.

“I don’t like to be indebted to others.” You reply, beginning to push yourself up after tugging your pants back on.

A grunt is all you receive in response, failing to see the way he spares a glance back at you from over his shoulder.

“Come on,” His reply is gruff as he begins the long trek back through the woods and towards the keep. “Let’s go.”

Silently, you follow after him, hobbling along with your injured leg. At the very least, your wound doesn’t throb with every step, but your ankle is another story. You just hope it doesn’t give out on you at any point. You honestly don’t know what will happen to you then.

About a day passes without rest, and by the time the sun is setting in the distance, you find yourself collapsing against the nearest tree. Despite quite a modified pace on your part, your chest still heaves, and your lungs burn with every breath you take. Your body still hasn’t recovered from the aftereffects of the wild stream, nor has it been properly able to fight off the infection from the wound festering on your right thigh. You’re surprised you’ve made it this far at all.

“Tired already?” 

Looking towards the taller fae reveals him to be standing with a quirked brow. His arms are crossed over his chest, and you can just feel his gaze scrutinizing every inch of your body.

You nearly shudder.

“Not all of us are made of energy, you know.” You snap, leaning heavily against the tree as your legs begin to give out beneath you.

Not even ten seconds later, you’ve managed to turn yourself so your back is against the trunk. Another few seconds, and you’ve slid yourself to the ground, wincing as your ankle twinges uncomfortably. You can feel the wound on your thigh beginning to throb beneath the leaf you have adhered to it as a makeshift bandage. You should have collapsed from exhaustion by now, considering how badly your muscles ache.

The redcap lets out a long sigh. “Wait here.”

Without waiting for a response, the fae takes off into the woods. If it weren’t for the fact that he storms off in a different direction than that which you are headed, you’d think he might be abandoning you. Though, that wouldn’t really be a bad thing at this point. Maybe then you could pass on in peace. It’s not like you have anything waiting for you when you get back to the keep except another life of servitude.

Another life you don’t want. A life you have never wanted.

About ten minutes later, you hear rustling from the bush. Thinking it’s simply the redcap returning from wherever he went off to, you opt to ignore it for now. Only, the more rustling occurs, followed by no snarky comments about you having passed out, you realize it’s not actually him.

Cracking an eye open in the direction you register the noise coming from reveals a deer to be stepping out of the shrubs. From the spots on her back, you can tell the doe is young, or at least, you believe her to be. Time works very differently in this realm than your own, or so you’ve been told.

Cautiously, the doe approaches you. Each step she takes is light, her ears perked and listening for any abnormal sounds around you. Sounds even you won’t be able to hear, despite straining your ears. Her eyes are brown, and wide, and you can’t help but admire the almost innocent gleam that shines within them as she creeps closer.

You steady your breathing. This is the closest you’ve ever been to a doe before - hell, any wild animal - and seeing one like this only makes a tightness form in your throat.

So, there is beauty in this world, after all. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Ever so slowly, you begin to lift your hand towards her snout. She rests mere inches from you, treading carefully beside your left leg. You can see her nostrils flaring as she scents you, probably more interested in that stem of spider lilies you still have tucked within your pocket than anything.

You’re so close, and if you reach out a little further, you can touch her. However, before you even get the chance, a high pitched squeal fills the air. Something warm and wet lands on your face, and you blink in shock, the doe no longer standing before you. A blink and you hear movement as if there is a struggle happening right behind the very tree you rest upon.

A loud crack echoes through the forest, and all goes still.

Reaching the hand you had extended out to the doe to your face, your fingertips drag through the wet substance coating your cheek. You can feel the warm liquid smear against your skin as you pull your hand away to see red, and you cannot help the tears that spring to your eyes.

She was so young. She had her whole life ahead of her, and now she’ll never get to live it. Ever.

Turning your head towards the sound of approaching footsteps, you hear the familiar slide of a limp body upon the ground. A body which has given up. A body which has stopped struggling and accepted her fate, awaiting the familiar pain that is sure to come next. 

With shaking hands, you shift your gaze upwards to see that redcap walk into view, dragging the bloodied corpse of that doe back into your line of sight.

“Perhaps you have more than one use, after all.” He says with a slight hum, completely ignoring how you avert your gaze to your lap.

Staring intently at your palms, you attempt to stop your hands from shaking. “Why did you do that?”

“What do you mean?” He frowns, and the dull thud of the deer’s entire dead weight falling upon the earth makes you flinch. “We have to eat, don’t we?”

No response escapes your lips. Instead, a feeling of both disgust and nausea builds in your stomach, creeping up your chest and into your throat. You can feel your jaw twitching as you hold your tears at bay, mourning for the life you never knew. The life lost once the first drop of blood had been spilt upon your skin.

Silence surrounds you. Something you’ve learned to be quite good at. You had to. It was the only way to survive. Long since has the loud, boisterous girl you used to be been forced into the shadows. She still slips through from time to time - an old habit, really - but you’ve learned that each slip of the tongue has never been worth anything in the end. Or at least, so you thought.

An advantage you’ll use once you have enough strength to think again. Once you have enough strength to fight back.

The muffled stillness around you is soon drowned out by the pounding of blood in your ears. 

No, wait. 

That’s the sound of flesh tearing. Of bones breaking.

Shifting your gaze back into focus, your eyes catch on the horrifying sight before you. A shriek of terror leaves your lips as you see the corpse of the doe, or rather, what’s left of it, completely eviscerated before you. Entrails cover the ground, staining the once vibrant green flora red. Jagged bones stick up in odd ends, pieces of flesh tossed upon the dirt as meat is torn from her hide.

You nearly lose what little contents you still have in your stomach as you see the redcap crouched over the carcass. Slowly, he tears the meat into strips, feasting on the raw flesh of the doe as blood drips down his chin.

Your response in involuntary. Almost immediately, you begin pushing yourself away from him, eyes wide as panic seizes your entire body. Your breathing quickens, and despite the sharp sudden pain that shoots through your thigh, you do not stop attempting to push yourself through the tree you’re resting against.

Slowly, the fae turns his head, staring at you with cold, dark eyes. His chewing slows, and all you can see is the monster that haunts your every living nightmare.

Before you have a chance to think, before you even realize what you’re doing, you push yourself to your feet. The moment you turn, you end up tripping over the roots of the tree you had just been leaning against.

The sound of your body colliding with the cold, hard ground echoes throughout the area. All that can be heard are your whimpers and choked breaths as you begin to crawl away from the terror bathed in blood behind you.

Blood. Blood… Always so much blood.

Your nails crack as they dig into the harsh earth, the brittle keratin no match for the sharp rocks and ruthless splinters that pierce your flesh with each desperate impact on the ground. The wound in your thigh burns, and you can’t tell if the warmth you feel spreading along your upper legs is blood or not.

“What are you-“

“Stay away!” Your shrill voice, terrified and desperate, rings out through the woods.

You fail to see the way his brow furrows as he stands back to his full height, his looming figure towering over you as you continue to claw your way through the dirt.

Sparing a glance over your shoulder, you see him take a menacing step towards you.

“No! Don’t touch me!” Your frantic plea falls on deaf ears as he begins to stalk towards you. “Not again! I can’t take anymore!”

Mingi freezes in his spot, cocking his head at your frantic wailing. He can smell more than just the deer’s blood in the air, and he lets out a sigh in exasperation.

Only, his reaction seems to set you off even more.

“No!” The word is but a shrill chant upon your lips as you grab another root to drag yourself further away from him. Your arms shake, legs completely limp behind you as your whole body begins to go numb. “I can’t- I can’t-“ You hiccup on a sob, choking violently. “I don’t want to die!”

Your breathing comes in ragged pants as you begin to hyperventilate. You just manage to turn yourself back around to face him when your vision starts to fade around the edges.

The last thing you see before your world fades to black is a large man looming over you, covered head to toe in blood.

***

There are sounds: a bird chirping faintly in the distance, the rustling of leaves above your head, and the crackling of a fire nearby. The smoke lightly fills your lungs, but not enough to sting, giving rise to the other scents hidden beneath the crisp burning of wood. Earth, damp and heavy rests just beneath the smell of the fire, an undertone of pine and sandalwood. Comfort during a long awaited rest.

Sensations begin to return, and you can feel the dirt beneath your fingertips. Softly, you scrape them against the ground, the soil giving way with each movement you use to steady yourself. Small jolts of pain shoot up your arms from the tips of your fingers, and you vaguely recall cracking your nails as you scrambled away from something, or rather, someone.

Air fills your lungs, and with each breath, your head clears, body feeling the lightest it has in weeks. There’s something small, and soft, supporting your head as you rest on the ground, your skin tingling as your eyes shift beneath your still closed lids.

You take a deep breath in, and slowly, you begin to wake.

A soft groan escapes you as you stir, blinking your eyes open to stare up at the canopy of trees above you. Stars twinkle in the sky above, and you can just make out the faintest hues of light stretching across the vast expanse of black, turning all that was once night to day.

“Good.” A voice cutting through the calm of the night has your eyes darting to the side to see that redcap standing amongst the trees. “You’re up.”

You say nothing, opting to finally gather your full surroundings properly. To your surprise, you appear to be in the exact same spot in the woods where you initially passed out. What’s even more shocking is that the eviscerated doe is nowhere to be seen, nor are any signs that there had even been a mutilated corpse at all.

Turning your gaze back to the redcap standing within the trees, you take note of his appearance. Just like the surrounding area, he is clean of any evidence that would suggest of his previous violent actions. Not a spec of dirt seems to be on him, and he even appears to be wearing fresh clothing. Most surprising of all, his claws are no longer visible as his hands rest at his sides. Almost as if they’ve retracted somehow.

He seems… different. Calmer, almost. As if he’s suddenly become cautious around you. If you could even call it that.

“Do you remember what happened?” He keeps his stare fixed on you, but for some reason, it doesn’t feel as sharp as before.

A blink, and you swallow, opting to remain quiet for now.

He purses his lips slightly, but doesn’t comment on whether or not he believes in your silence.

“You managed to tear your wound open again.” He states, glancing from your face down to your injured thigh.

This causes you to panic, immediately moving to sit up only for your head to begin spinning as soon as you do.

In the blink of an eye, he’s crouching beside you. “Careful. You don’t want to aggravate it more than you already have. The last thing you need is for the wound to split again.”

Your eyes widen at his proximity, and before you can think, you’re shoving him away. The sudden movement only causes your vision to blur, losing your balance on the one hand you had been using to support yourself on the ground.

Of course, he barely budges, his brow furrowing as he lets out a sigh.

“You’re only going to hurt yourself more.” He states gruffly. 

Reaching out his hands, he grasps you by the shoulders. Roughly, he pulls you upwards into a proper sitting position, practically shoving you against the trunk of the tree. He moves so fast, that you feel your head jerk forward, only for it to be pushed backwards with that same softness now resting behind it.

It’s then that you realize he’s folded his old shirt into a makeshift pillow for you to use.

“I don’t need your pity.” You spit harshly, averting your gaze to the side as both anger and embarrassment culminate as the heat beneath your skin.

“It will truly be a sad day if I come to pity you.”

A tense look pulls at your features, but still, you refuse to look at him.

“You’re unfit for travel.” He states bluntly. “We’ll rest here for the day to gather our bearings, then continue the journey back to the keep in the evening. As much as I despise the delay, I am not carrying you.”

“Why won’t you just let me die?” You sigh, turning to look at him in exasperation.

An image flashes in your mind of a familiar monster tearing into a mutilated corpse, covered in blood. You flinch, quickly averting your gaze once more.

“I already told you,” this time, it’s his turn to sigh. “You’re more use to me alive than dead.”

“Then, treat my wound.” Your voice is bitter, demanding. “It’s the only way the both of us get out of this faster.”

“I already have.” His response has your head whipping in his direction, eyes wide in shock. “Why do you think I’m making you rest here for the day?”

Your lips part slightly, heart thundering away inside your chest as your veins flood with terror. You are quite literally at his mercy. You have been at his mercy for who knows how long. Given the way your body feels in its current state, you fear chancing a look downwards to see just what kind of damage he’s done. Not to mention the fact that you’ve been unconscious this whole time. Who knows just what exactly he’s done to you.

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the first time…

“Don’t give me that look, it’s not like I wanted to touch you. Believe it or not, I’m quite respectful when it comes to that.” He clicks his tongue, rolling his eyes. Not even a moment later, he points at your thigh, a sharp claw suddenly adorning his finger. “I even kept your pants on, and everything. You humans are so fickle about nudity, I swear…”

Pushing himself back to his feet, he stares down at you expectantly.

Sure enough, when you spare a glance downwards, you see your pants still on. The right leg of your pants is completely torn off, the fabric resting about an inch from the top of your wound. It seems as if he’s cleaned it properly and added more of that paste he made for you the other day, for when you remove the leaf from your skin, the cut is much cleaner than before. There’s also the familiar scent of pine and earth lingering in the air, originating at your thigh. The swelling seems to have gone down significantly, and there’s no more dried blood or pus around the affected area. The cut even appears smaller than before, as if your flesh is starting to mend itself properly the more you rest.

“You are to spend the entirety of today sitting. No pressure is to be put on that leg until this evening when I lead you to the pond nearby for you to bathe. Then, you’ll change into a fresh pair of clothes which I’ve scavenged for you after I’ve wrapped that wound up properly with bandages.” He instructs, voice firm and leaving no room for arguments. “We continue on foot from there.”

You purse your lips, fisting the dirt beneath your hands. “Yes, General.”

He takes a moment to study your features, the corner of his lips twitching upwards faintly.

“Good.” He huffs out dryly. “You do know how to listen.”

The glare you send him is harsh, but it only serves to make him chuckle.

“You’re about as intimidating as a rabbit, mortal.” He shakes his head in amusement. “Keep trying. Perhaps one day you’ll scare someone who cares.”

“Then, why help me?” Your mouth moves before you have time to think. Your voice is harsh, hands balled into fists at your sides. “Since you don’t care, why waste your time waiting for me to heal?”

The redcap pauses, as if considering his answer carefully.

“You are aware that I cannot lie, correct?”

“Yes.” You blink, brow furrowing in confusion as to where this is going.

“I have stated multiple times as to why I have kept you alive.” He replies bluntly, moving to sit himself across the fire from you, leaning himself against another tree.

“I’m just a means to an end for you.” You spit, bitterness residing within your tone.

“I may not like your kind, human, but I don’t necessarily kill without reason.” His sharp eyes narrow at you from over the fire. The light from the rising sun combined with the dancing flames cast an eerie shadow over his features, and it only serves to make him appear more intimidating that he already is. One of his hands comes up to cover his right bicep, resting directly over that red sash tied around his upper arm. “There is a meaning behind each time this has been bathed in blood. I do not like tainting it with those unworthy of death.”

“Great.” You huff. “So, now I’m not even worth killing.”

“Everything is worth killing, human.” The redcap blinks at you, as if stating the obvious. “What matters is when and how it dies. It’s less fun when your prey doesn’t put up a fight. Against me, you’d have no chance. Therefore, you’re not worth the effort it would take to kill you.”

Not even you can refute that. You know how strong the fae are. Hell, even other humans have always proven themselves much stronger than you. You wouldn’t last a second against a creature physically capable of splitting you in two.

A phantom crack echoes through your ears, and you are once again reminded of the image of the monster before you bathed in blood.

“Is that why you killed that deer?” You snap, tone low and resentful.

“To use your own words, it was a means to an end.” He hums, tilting his head back against the trunk of the tree to gaze upwards at the sky. “I’m sure you’re aware of what a food chain is. Just because I won’t bother to kill you now, doesn’t mean I won’t if it would serve me a purpose.”

“So, you’re saying you will still kill me.” You do your best not to sound too hopeful, tugging the spider lily out of your pocket to pick at its wilting flowers.

He shrugs, humming lightly. “Sometimes we do things to prove we can. Others, because we already know the outcome. You obviously knew that flower would die if you picked it, yet you still chose to snap its stem. All for what? A fleeting moment of happiness? What good will that last you?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Your reply is barely above a whisper as you stare down at your lap, twirling that dying stem between your fingers gently.

He quirks a brow. “Try me.”

“Sometimes it’s those fleeting moments that are all it takes to survive another day.” The flower stills in your hand, and you look up to meet his gaze. “You hold meaning in bathing a strip of cloth in the blood of your enemies. It might seem trivial, but that same meaning for you is what this flower is to me.”

“You… use that flower to celebrate death?” His brow furrows in confusion, shifting to rest his one arm on his now bent knee.

“I suppose you could say that.” For the first time in what feels like years, the corners of your mouth twitch upwards faintly. “It’s more of a symbol, or a representation. It’s the things you associate with it that matter most.”

“I suppose it’s very human to find symbolism in the most mundane of things,” he hums, his eyes falling shut as he rests against the tree.

“Don’t count yourself out, General,” your gaze narrows at the thinly veiled insult. “You find symbolism in bathing fabric in blood.”

Instead of annoyance, which you thought he would have at your comment, a snort of amusement escapes him. 

“I suppose I do. Remind me to tear your tongue out if you ever compare me to a human again.”

“Then, who would you have to host such wonderful, and thought provoking conversations with?” You grin, only to catch yourself immediately afterwards.

Your heart skips a beat, staring intently at the redcap across from you. You half expect him to lunge at you for what you’ve just said, but instead, he simply lets out a low chuckle.

“Perhaps you have more than just one use after all.” He hums, remaining perfectly relaxed against that tree. “Maybe I’ll even let you keep your tongue.”

A chill runs down your spine, but you say nothing in response. Reality creeps in around you that you’ve just been conversing, somewhat casually, with a highly dangerous fae general. What’s worse is that it’s the first conversation in months that you’ve actually somewhat enjoyed.

Maybe, just maybe, this won’t turn out to be so bad after all.

[missedmilemarkers]

Hi again!! Figured that since you were technically open to any question, I want to hear your thoughts or views on this. I'm not sure if I could message you (because I'm very awkward and I can't exactly hold a conversation based on small topics) But, how do you feel about choosing something practically over passion? This question has always plagued me ever since it was brought up during class, and it provoked to me how practically was always chosen over passion as it would technically "help" them more than pursuing their passion.

Was choosing tech for you a more practical choice or were you passionate about it? I don't want to sound rude over this question, but it only occurred to me when you mentioned that you were working in a field that is quite more on the technical side. Do you see it as something similar to an art form as you develop products that could help improve lives tremendously? Or is it just a job that you expect to pay good?

(P.S Sharing these photos I took some time ago, I believe it was last year and it was submitted for a class. Hope you enjoy them as well! Not as much sun as the last one though)

First off. Before going into any of the content of this post. THAT GIANT SNAIL IS SOO COOL! I just recently found out that they exist and was just amazed by the size of them. GREAT PICTURE!!!

Alright lets unpack the content of this ask.

TLDR:

You got this I believe in you. Stand tall and proud and go for whatever your heart and head want. If they disagree pick one and evaluate later. Even if your heart and head dont know that is OK as the story of your life unfolds the path will become clear. If you are honest you can always move with confidence and never lose a moment of sleep.

I am choosing to dive deep into this again for a few different reasons. The reason I am doing this you are at a moment in time which you perceive to be important (final exams, deciding about life etc etc etc). The unfortunate thing is this moment is no more important then any other you will experience. All it is would nothing more then a "MileMarker" which you will use for evaluation later in life. That does not mean its not important. All that means is every decision you made every action you took got you to the moment you are in RIGHT NOW. So dont worry no matter your choice you will always make the right decision. Even if its wrong you will always gain insight and that insight will always lead to success if passion is applied.

how do you feel about choosing something practically over passion?

I am not sure if there is exactly a correct answer for this one. If there is I think the best one would be do whatever makes you happy, and the only way to find out what makes you happy is to try. One thing I have learned is sometimes money or love is not enough. One can have all the money in the world and be miserable. Same goes for love. One could be loved by the world and be empty inside. That answer is kind of B.S. for someone that is seeking input. With that being said I will go over some of my experiences. My very first job was at an auto mechanic shop. I used to love working on cars. I would spend my weekends doing it. I would hang out with my friends and all have a great time. So i figured it would be a good choice to work as a mechanic. So I went and got that job. I worked it for about 5 years. At the end of it I never wanted to work on cars again. To this day I will not even change my own oil because I hate it so much. Am I upset it turned out that way? Not at all. Life is all about the experience nothing more nothing less. That lesson for me was finding out what I did not like in life and was just as important in my journey as knowing what I liked. At the end of my mechanic experience I figured I should just go be a garbage man. I would get the same blue jump suit but instead of the trash coming to me I would go to the trash. Really all we can do is to try. There is no wrong answer. Even if one makes a choice and find out its wrong for you that is OK.

Was choosing tech for you a more practical choice or were you passionate about it? "Neither and both"

The reason I brought up the above being a mechanic. If i did not want the same thing to happen on my outlook of computers as it did for mechanics. It was because of this I did not get into tech. I loved it so much I did not want to risk ever hating it. So that is passion but born of practicality based on what is important to me and only me. This is was dictated by my previous experiences and not wanting to have any regret in life. More on this: I have always been interested in computers and tech. I grew up in a very poor household. We only ever had exactly what we needed and nothing more. My childhood was amazing. Yea at the time I wanted more but after I got older and realized how the world was I landed on the outlook of "I could not have asked for more and it was amazing even though it was viewed bad at the time". One of my best friends growing up his family was very rich. It was through him that I was able to get access to technology. From that my obsession was born. I loved tech so much I avoided it professionally because i did not want the same thing to happen as did with mechanics. Then one day just purely by happenstance a neighbor offered me a job. I decided at that moment you know what try it. Why not, I now knew the signs of when i might start to hate it. so why not. We can never have any form of regret. So at that first job I literally ran around a call center unplugging and plugging back in headsets. Was this something that made a difference in this world. No, was it something that I found great internal satisfaction. No. At this point did it provide me financial security. NO IT SURE DID NOT! It was until many years went by to get a chance to shine. When that moment came I was ready and I crushed it. From that moment it was all different. I gained both functional and passion in my career with huge paychecks. But you know what, none of that matters now. The only thing it provides is a story for others of my personal experience. None of it means anything right now and clearly I cannot seem to pay the bills. That is ok. I would not change my situation, the outcomes, my choices or or any aspect of how i got to this moment right now. As long as I continue to try, learn and adapt I will find my way. However none of that will happen if I never take steps on my own and try with every fiber of my being each day.

how practically was always chosen over passion as it would technically "help" them more than pursuing their passion.

Based on that statement I feel how you are looking at this in the wrong context. That statement is taken from the third person. You need to have it worded something more like this. how practically was always chosen over passion as it would technically "help" me more than pursuing my passion. The context of that change is huge. Lets take a moment and reflect on that. I bring special attention to this because 1. We can never know what is best for any other person. Its hard enough knowing what is best for ourselves. Its ok to use other peoples stories and experiences as guidance in our own actions and decisions. It should never be our place to dictate what is best for another. We can never know that persons experiences, thoughts, emotions or context. We can offer guidance and feel happy we had an opportunity to share. 2. This now forces an action from the third person to a first person. This logic dictates something must happen. Even non action is an action and should be evaluated later and potentially adjusted. Sometimes non action is the best action. Often times its not though. Its all about that re-evaluation. 3. Experience is the most important thing in life. If you are struck in any form of "I wish I could...", "I always wanted to...", "Why cant i just...", "I don't know what ...". The only way to fix that is to do anything different. If you are frozen in a conversation start with one single word "Hello". If you are struck with any form of indecision just make one that is easier and more open ended. Instead of "I will make a final decision by", change it to "I try to evaluate my choices on", then take some time do a proper evaluation. Ok i wanted to try but i was unable to do that. Its ok that happened what can I do differently to "try anything else" and step with confidence in whatever choice you make. Even if its wrong there is never any regret because you made the best decision for you at the moment. Changing the view from "Observer" to "Doer" is what this context change provides. When an honest action is taken you can always do it with confidence no matter what it is. to Your final question. Money is a sign of a job well done. If you enjoy what you do you never work a day in your life.

In final thoughts: Tomorrow will never come and yesterday is just a story that only you care about. People might want specific things for you but none of that matters. Anyone who truly cares will want your happiness above all else. If that person cant understand that then they are probably not the best person to spend your time with. If you are living in the past you are depressed. If you are living in the future you are anxious. Its all about right now nothing more nothing less. Just smile, be confident and just do what is best for you and no one else. No decisions are final, you are free to change your mind at any time. Its ok not to know. We can never know the story of life through any other way then just living it how we choose. If future you is worried (anxious). Then present you should do something to set that person which don't know but implicitly care about up for whatever that success is defined as such by you. If past you is upset (depressed) about something then future you (currently present) can do something about it and make a change. Even if that change is wrong you can tell past you (depressed) that you tried and ask that person for advise and make adjustments accordingly. As long as you try you will always get exactly what you need. Survival is a very strange thing like that. It always is right up until it is not. The moments of survival in most cases outnumber the moments of conclusion. So dont ever worry the statistics are on your side.

Time is the only thing we never get back. I choose to spend my time happy. My personal definition of happiness has changed many times throughout life (story). Money will come for me as a result of that. So far it has worked out for me. To date I have survived (lived) far more moments then i have concluded (died). The same thing can be said about anyone reading this.

Conclusion: Each time i chose based on passion, One time I lost a passion. The other time I did not. Each time I was able to survive. Each time i gained valuable experience and understanding of who I was. I always succeed because I will always try hard and hopefully learn from my mistakes just enough to be good. I want to be happy in life and If at any moment I am not that is my measuring stick to make some kind of change.

Much like the seasons change is forced.

But we will always find the beauty of tomorrow. Even though we might have suffered a broken arm.

[babydollmarauders]

MEDIA MANAGEMENT — JACK HUGHES (23-24 SZN PART 6)

au masterlist

y/ndevils00

liked by jackhughes, dougieham, and 237,029 others

y/ndevils00 HAPPY REGULAR SEASON!!!

WELCOME BACK TO THE SPECIAL EDITION: JACK HUGHES SHOW!

OUR MIGHTY FINE DEVILS WON 4-3 AGAINST THE MICHIGAN BIRDS!

tonight, my beloved, apparent bad boy, got TWO goals, but more importantly TWO penalties!! i love when he does good things, but i love when he does bad things even more!! even if the first penalty WAS a bit of a chintzy call, i still loved seeing him locked up 🥰

my favorite autumn tree got his first goal of the season tonight, and i couldn’t be prouder! you go, ginger snap!

my sweet bratt also got a penalty for interference, which makes no sense to me, and obviously not to him either- but alas, we persevered!

and last, but certainly not least, UNCLE HAULA-HOOP GOT AN EMPTY NET GOAL, WHICH SECURED OUR WIN!! THANK YOU, HAULA BACK GAL!

p.s. i’m sorry to Ellen, who i accidentally ditched to get a picture of her son in the bad boy box, and who also might’ve heard me call him a naughty slut— she laughed, but i think i saw a part of her die inside

tagged jackhughes, dougieham, jesperbratt, and ehaula

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jackhughes did you seriously post a photo of me COMMITTING MY PENALTY?

y/ndevils00 you chose violence. i love it. 👁️🫦👁️

trevorzegras hey those emojis look exactly like you

y/ndevils00 @/trevorzegras I WAS HAVING A GOOD NIGHT AND THEN YOU SHOWED UP

dougieham autumn tree?

dougieham wait, hold on, i got this….

dougieham trees are tall and their leaves turn red and orange in autumn. i am tall and a ginger (red/orange)! therefore, me = autumn tree

y/ndevils00 YOU DID IT!! 🥹 i think i’m even prouder now than for your goal!

john.marino97 no me? no dawson?

dawson1417 yeah, no us?

y/ndevils00 @/dawson1417 i have two words, eight letters.

dawson1417 “love y’all” ?

john.marino97 forgive him, he’s new to this

y/ndevils00 @/dawson1417 DO BETTER

dawson1417 oh :( but you DO love us, right?

y/ndevils00 @/dawson1417 duh, obviously

user26 DEVILS ARE SO BACK

jesperbratt i didn’t do anything 🙁

y/ndevils00 i know you didn’t, my little swedish meatball! I’LL FIX THIS!

jackhughes no you won’t

y/ndevils00 no i won’t :(

ehaula i’ve missed you, niece!! and unfortunately your puns too

y/ndevils00 IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME!! MWAHAHAHA

ehaula was that your evil laugh?

y/ndevils00 yeh

ehaula it was adorable

y/ndevils00 😠

ehaula @/kristen.haula isn’t she cute?!

kristen.haula our niece 🥹

user83 I WANNA BE HIS MOUTHGUARD

y/ndevils00 me first!

jackhughes why

elblue6 i promise, i didn’t die inside! call him a slut all you want!

jackhughes MOM?

y/ndevils00 you are my only true supporter, Ellen 🫶

nicohischier you didn’t call me any names! i used to pray for times like these

y/ndevils00 only because i didn’t get a picture fast enough of you bent over like me in the bedroom

jackhughes why do you say these things

nicohischier please stop talking

y/ndevils00 never. 🗣️ SLUT 🗣️

lhughes_06 i made it out unscathed 🙏

y/ndevils00 you wish

lhughes_06 wait, what?

y/ndevils00

liked by john.marino97, lhughes_06, and 234,641 others

y/ndevils00 i was so happy to meet so many of your wonderful faces on the red carpet!

i was just there to do my job (taking pictures of my boyfriend! god i love my job!) but so many of you asked for pictures with ME and it made my heart feel so full!

i never thought that accepting this job would mean finding a boyfriend, a brother (two! actually!), two amazing best friends, and apparently a family of supporters! i’m so grateful to have the opportunity to make a lifetime of memories with this amazing team!

go devils! but most importantly, go devils fans! this wouldn’t be possible without y’all!

tagged jackhughes, john.marino97, lhughes_06, and dawson1417

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user19 i’m gonna go out on a limb and assume you’re the one to thank for Jack’s new hair, in which case THANK YOU 🙏🫶

y/ndevils00 you’d be correct 😈 YOU’RE SO WELCOME

jackhughes ya know, I’M the one who went and got my haircut

y/ndevils00 yeah, after i played subliminal messages in your ears at night, telling you that you should go and get it cut

jackhughes you what?

y/ndevils00 you look so handsome, babygirl!

lhughes_06 my squishy!

y/ndevils00 MY SMUSH!

lhughes_06 you looked radiant tonight

y/ndevils00 aww, well you looked quite dashing, yourself!

lhughes_06 my sister ❤️

jackhughes she’s in the closet

trevorzegras she came out?

y/ndevils00 @/trevorzegras I’M CRYING, YOU IDIOT! i’m in the physical closet, not the metaphorical one!

trevorzegras oh! my b, bro

dawson1417 THAT’S ME!

y/ndevils00 that’s you!!

dawson1417 i’m also grateful you have this opportunity and that you took this job btw

y/ndevils00 THIS POST WAS NEVER MEANT TO MAKE *ME* CRY

dawson1417 please don’t cry, i’ll bring you a churro tomorrow?

y/ndevils00 suddenly my tears are gone

jackhughes no they’re not

dawson1417 @/jackhughes i’ll bring her a churro anyways

user73 I MET YOU!!! you’re so sweet, and gorgeous! i think i was even more excited to meet you than Jack!

y/ndevils00 ME? LOOK AT YOU, BEAUTIFUL GIRL!

jackhughes i feel like i should feel offended, but somehow i’m not because i’d be excited to meet dove too

y/ndevils00 @/jackhughes you’re so obsessed with me

user39 JOHN PICS 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️ THANK YOU, Y/N!!

jackhughes my beautiful, crazy girl ♥️ i’m thankful everyday that you accepted this job and that you accepted the title of my girlfriend

y/ndevils00 aw, i love you to pluto, my sweet boy ♥️

y/ndevils00 p.s. if you’re so thankful, you should think about changing my title 🥰

jackhughes moments over

y/ndevils00 I’M JUST SAYING

_quinnhughes you didn’t hear it from me…. but he’s definitely thought about changing it

y/ndevils00 @_quinnhughes you’re my new favorite hughes

_quinnhughes i wasn’t already?

y/ndevils00 well, you were, and then luke bought me pizza

_quinnhughes pizza? PIZZA is all it takes?!

y/ndevils00 please captain huggy, have mercy on me, i was starving and your middle brother was trying to feed me chicken that wasn’t tenders or nuggets

john.marino97 grateful for you and the way you push me to d* b*tter ❤️

y/ndevils00 did you just censor “do better” ?

john.marino97 it’s given me ptdbs

y/ndevils00 ?

y/ndevils00 wait— “post traumatic do better syndrome”

y/ndevils00 i’m so smart 🥰

john.marino97 yes, you are! such a smart girl!

y/ndevils00 that feels like sarcasm but i’m gonna ignore it

[electrozeistyking]

I am so incredibly curious about N and Uzi before…. N had to kill her…

What was life like as a married drone couple? How did they do their wedding? How awkward was the conversation about having a kid?

I’m also curious about V in this AU, what are her thoughts on all that’s going on… N killing Uzi, N having a kid, N being fricken’ depressed… She was a broken individual in the canon, is she still just as broken here? Has she healed from all that the solver’s but her through?

sorry for the many questions, but as an obsessive individual you have crafted the perfect thing for me to obsess over and i am dying for more content lol.

p.s. are there more fics to come? Ik ya only have the one prologue rn, are more chapters on their way?

Hey, no need to apologize for being curious! I quite like the amount of questions! Tells me you're interested in the AU, y'know? Anyway, let me dig up some old notes!

These aren't the full notes, though. A lot was cut, especially if they involved spoilers and/or if they made this go on for too long.

Everything was as fine as it could possibly be on this frozen, toxic exoplanet. Hell, this stretch of fine-ness went on long enough that one of them decided to propose to the other.

And by one of them, I mean Uzi. 

This is based on some observations (aka the hand holding thing in Episode 6), but N was a major fucking dork when V asked him if he was thinking about proposing to Uzi — y’know, saying things like “I don’t know if I should” and “maybe she doesn’t want to go that far” and “maybe we’re fine as is?”

Then meanwhile Uzi’s been drawing up plans on how the hell she’s going to propose to this tall ass robot.

In the end, she kinda threw it all to the wind and decided to do so with no big events or plans or anything. She kinda panicked, though, so she said “Do you wanna marry me?” instead of “Will you marry me?”

N nearly short-circuited trying to say yes. He was kind of having a “Oh my goodness, this is happening????” moment and a “OH SHE DOES WANT TO GO THAT FAR” moment at the exact same time, so something may have literally sparked.

[...] there was a funny period of time where the duo kept very suddenly realizing they’re married, like it didn’t actually sink in until that moment. 

In fact, N exclaimed “oh my goodness” and leaned against something every time it occurred to him.

Unfortunately, the good fluffy times couldn’t last forever. 

You see, one way or another, our beloved robotic dorks somehow found themselves on the topic of having a kid. The conversation itself was fine, if slightly awkward at first (what with N being unsure he’d be good at parenting, anyway). However, just as they reached the peak of “hey, would they be more disassembler or more worker” jokes, Uzi started coughing. 

Which is not normal for any kind of drone. Unless they accidentally swallow something wrong, or if the air’s a bit too thick for whatever reason, drones don’t cough for seemingly no reason. And yet, despite how odd it was, both of them tried to brush it off.

In a brilliant moment of jumping to conclusions (even if they’re the right ones), Uzi realized that The Solver was trying to take over her body.

In a panic, N tried to help any way he could, but felt like he was doing nothing in the process. Uzi just kept getting worse, and every time they landed up empty-handed, the thought he was failing her stung even more. 

V tried to help as well, out of fear over what that thing would do if It took over (and because she did think of Uzi as a friend, even if she’d never admit it to her face).

When The Solver started hijacking her body during one such search to find a way to stop It, Uzi realized it was all over for her. 

Whatever this thing was — whatever It wanted — wasn’t good. And so, in a moment of desperation and panic, she came up with a plan to destroy It. Hopefully, if everything worked in their favour, It’d be gone once and for all.

Of course, its success banked on N’s cooperation. Since V split off from the duo this time, he was the only disassembly drone who could possibly carry it out. Predictably, he tried to decline at first, seeing as the plan was to kill Uzi and destroy her core.

However, when Uzi explained that this was the only way to get rid of this fucking thing, N reluctantly agreed. Despite being incredibly painful, he brought out his laser gun (which is what I think it is, shut up) and the couple had one last heartfelt goodbye.

But then, just as N went to shoot her, the laser turned an awful shade red he’s never seen before and started malfunctioning — something that’s supposed to rarely ever happen. N panicked, calling out Uzi’s name... right before the weapon exploded.

V felt the vibrations of the explosion from where she stood and immediately rushed to N and Uzi’s location. She assumed that something went wrong, but what she saw was not what she expected.

Uzi was dead. 

There was a Fatal Error message on her visor, as clear as day. She was in multiple pieces, with a hole in her chest right where her core was supposed to be — having most likely imploded, thanks in part to The AbsoluteSolver’s weirdness.

While N was alive, his body was in rough shape. He’d been split in two due to the blast, and his chest had been cracked wide open. Judging from how dark smoke billowed from where one of his hands should’ve been, something had gone completely wrong. 

But how? There was a very small chance their weapons could malfunction, and yet... what the fuck happened?

V chose not to dwell on it too long. N’s body wasn’t regenerating on its own fast enough for some reason, and he was losing a shit ton of oil at an alarming rate. 

Fuelled by pure adrenaline, V somehow managed to carry both of N’s halves and all of Uzi’s pieces back to the Outpost.

[iluvchick3nz]

cubs date night??? (like finn & leo, finn & logan, logan & leo, and all 3)

Yaaaaaaay date night! I LOVE the idea of dating your partner(s) forever- time together that is outside of the daily routine is so important!

Have a series of them (they are in no particular order, but LeLo's takes place right around the latest chapter of Vaincre!)!

P.S. Please do go listened to the John Denver songs listed they are beautiful, especially the first one- it really reminds me of how the Cubs love one another.

All credits to @lumosinlove <3

Logan and Finn

“What is this?”

Logan smiled at Finn's confusion. “A surprise, rouge.”

“I'm so confused,” Finn said. His brow was furrowed as he took in the store front. “What are we doing here?”

Logan tugged him by the hand through the door of the studio. “We're painting.”

“Huh?”

Logan rolled his eyes and kissed Finn's cheek. “Allez.” He smiled at the curly haired receptionist. Her smock was covered in paint, and there was even some in her bandana. “Hi. I booked a couple hours.”

She smiled back and opened a book in front of her. “Last name?”

“Tremblay.”

“Ah, gotcha,” she said, then penciled something in. She waved them along with a bright grin. “This way.” 

They passed by display cases of completed work, and a couple of classrooms where there were sculpting lessons. Finn's hand was warm on Logan's lower back as they eventually made their way to a large room. There were other couples and groups there, immersed in their work. The girl spun on her heel and gestured to a shelf.

“Blank pieces are here for you to choose from, and I set the glazes by your station. There are smocks, too. When you're done, find one of us, and we will put them in the kiln for you to pick up next week.” She led them to a table laden with small plastic pots of glazes and paints. “Make sure you don't go too thick or too thin. We'll be around if you have any questions.” She rapped her hands on the table then took a step back. “Have fun!”

“Merci,” Logan said softly. He turned to look at Finn. “So?”

Finn just grinned and kissed him hard. “You're such a sweetheart.” He looked to the shelves with the various blank clay pieces. “What do you think? Bowl? Plate?”

Logan hummed and scanned them with his eyes, Finn doing the same beside him. They both reached for a different item, and turned to look at each other at the same time. Finn had a large plate with a raised bowl in the middle.

“For Leo,” he said, blushing a little. “He's been making a lot of dips this summer. He'd like this, I think.”

Logan felt his heart skip a beat. “Yeah. He will.”

“What'd you choose?”

Logan held up the mug with a smile. It had a perfect thumb hold, and was tall enough to hold a lot of tea. Engraved on the side was a raised sun design. Finn clocked it immediately and bit around a grin. His eyes were warm when they looked into Logan's own. 

“We're hopeless, huh?” he sighed. “Leo leaves for one fishing weekend with Reg and we are barely surviving without him.”

“Ouais,” Logan said. He brushed one hand up and down Finn's waist. “But that means we get to greet him when he walks through the door.”

Finn's expression turned excited. “Yeah. Yeah, you're right. I can't wait.” He jerked his head towards the table. “Let's get to work, ten.”

They attempted to make them a matching set- kind of. Logan had thought it was a weird suggestion when Finn brought it up, but he was sure Leo would appreciate it anyhow. His piece was admittedly neater than Finn's. The sun was perfectly yellow, with a gradient blue sky starting from its outline and working outwards around the mug. Finn had attempted the same, starting in the middle with the dip bowl and working towards the edges of the plate, but he'd been a bit heavy handed with the glaze and now the colors were starting to blur together.

He let out a frustrated groan. “I am absolutely butchering this.”

Logan laughed and leaned into his shoulder. Their ankles were crossed underneath the table. “Non, it'll look fine. Leo will love it anyway.”

“I know he will,” Finn said. “He will because he's Leo and he appreciates the littlest things, even if they are ugly.” He huffed. “But I want this to be perfect. He deserves perfection.”

“Ouais, he does,” Logan said softly. He considered Finn's work. “Maybe- maybe you try mixing them. Like tie-dye, or- what's the word? When you randomly mix a bunch of paint together?”

“Splatter paint?”

“Ouais, splatter paint.” He gestured to his own mug. “That way they'll be matching, but not exactly the same.” He pointed to the outside rim of the bowl. “You could put green there, oui? To make it transition?”

Finn laughed. “Since when did you become an expert in pottery?”

Logan blushed. “Non. It's just ‘cause it's Leo.”

Finn looked wistful. “Yeah.” He sighed and tilted his temple against Logan's. “I miss him.”

“Ouais,” Logan whispered. “Me too. But Reg is leaving for school soon. He won't see him for a while.”

“But you’re leaving soon. For New York.”

Finn's dejected voice tugged at Logan's heartstrings. “Ouais. Ouais, I know.” He kissed Finn's temple. “But we are people outside of us being together, too, rouge. And Reg means a lot to Leo.”

Finn sighed again. “I know. I know, I'm being silly. I just really miss him.” He turned to push his nose into Logan's neck. “I like doing stuff with friends during the day. But I like when we're all in bed together at night.” He pulled back to cup Logan's jaw and kiss him softly. “Don't like going to sleep without you two.”

Logan breathed out heavily. “Je sais. I know, it's hard.” He turned back to his mug. “Let's make these for Leo and surprise him with them next week. Then I'll take you out for dinner, then to bed, ouais?”

Finn smiled. “You bet you can take me to bed.”

Logan rolled his eyes but hooked his ankle more firmly around Finn's. “Allez. Soleil deserves perfection, so let's paint.”

***

Leo and Logan

“Mm, smells good, soleil.”

Leo smiled at Logan from where he was finishing up their cutlets. “Thanks honey. How was practice? Feel good about tomorrow?”

“Ouais,” Logan said, slipping off his shoes. He took Leo in, then noticed the dining room table, near his balcony doors, set with candles and a bottle of sparkling cider. He smiled. “You did this for me?”

Leo nodded, then turned back to the stove. “I thought we could have a date night while Fish is out for dinner with Alex. And you've been tired with the playoffs, so I figured staying in might be the best option.” When he didn't get a response, he looked up at Logan, brow furrowed. “Is that okay?”

But Logan was already walking towards him, smile bright and loving. “Oui. C'est bien.” He fell against Leo's chest to kiss him. “Je t'aime, soleil. Merci.”

Leo kissed him again. “Love you. Now go get changed, sweetheart. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Logan squeezed against his waist once more before going to their bedroom. Leo hummed along to the music playing through the speakers, his soft, old country playlist reverberating around the room. He had just finished placing the pans on the table when Logan appeared from their bedroom, making Leo stop in his tracks.

“You look… Lo, you look gorgeous.”

Logan smiled sheepishly. “So do you.”

Leo looked down at himself, in his navy jeans and dark salmon waffle shirt, then at Logan in his black pants and plum button down and was lost for words. Logan’s hair was curlier, too, now that it was longer, and framed his face in a middle part. His eyes were jewel-like as they roved over the table setting, and Leo was so, so in love with him. He said as much.

“I'm so, so in love with you.” He walked forward to cup Logan's face. “God, Lo. You’re just… you’re so gorgeous. You're so gorgeous.”

Logan scrunched his nose around his Finn impression. “Look who's talking.”

Leo laughed, but rubbed his thumbs over Logan's sharp cheekbones, holding his gentle gaze. “I know, I know, but you… Logan, sometimes Finn and I don't know what to do, you're so gorgeous. You're so beautiful, sweetheart, all the time.” He leaned down to kiss Logan softly. “But especially in person.”

That seemed to rile Logan up, and he sighed heavily through his nose and kissed Leo deeper. He was gripping Leo's shirt in his hands, pulling Leo down to where he was, and it made Leo dizzy.

“Honey,” Leo gasped out between kisses. “Honey, the food's getting cold.”

“Mm,” Logan groaned. “One more.”

Leo complied, smiling against Logan's mouth before drawing them apart. Logan's face fit perfectly in between his palms and he kissed his forehead before nodding towards the table. “Let's eat, sweetheart.”

Logan laughed as Leo pulled out his chair. “I really like the sparkling cider.”

Leo blushed. “Well, no alcohol because of the playoffs. I just wanted it to still be special.”

Logan took his hand and kissed it. “I love it, soleil. I love you.”

Leo smiled and placed a cutlet on Logan's plate, topped with arugula and tomatoes marinated in their own juices with garlic and basil, a lemon on the side to squirt the juice over the dish. “Love you, sweetheart. Eat, before it gets cold.”

Logan complied, tangling his ankles with Leo's when he sat across from him. His New York apartment would never be home, not like in Gryffindor, but Leo did like having a dining room table to sit at instead of just sitting at the bar stools by the counter. He especially loved to watch Logan enjoy the table, laden with perfectly assembled food and place settings, like at a fancy restaurant. He looked happy, content, and more relaxed than Leo had seen him in a long time.

Their chatter was gentle, as it so often tended to be. Finn was the main conversationalist, and Logan never felt like he had to say anything, but also never felt like he couldn't. Leo usually made himself to be whatever the other person needed him to be in the moment. He sat with Logan in silence or quiet conversation, or made him laugh loudly with his sharp wit. He could read Logan like an open book, and Logan had once said to him that he wondered what he ever felt like he had to hide anyway.

“Merci, Le,” he said after they’d finished. He was playing with Leo’s fingers. “That was delicious, mon coeur.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” Leo replied, standing to clear their plates.

“Non, non,” Logan protested, batting his hands away. “Let me clean, mon chou, you cooked.”

Leo raised his eyebrows teasingly. “Am I going to have to rewash dishes?”

Logan rolled his eyes and stacked their plates. “Fish only has to do that sometimes. I’ve gotten better since living on my own.”

Leo’s smile was a bit joking, and a bit sad. “Well, whatever it takes, I guess.” He kissed Logan briefly. “I’ll dry, then.”

They worked quietly side by side, and Logan triple checked to make sure each plate was clean. He was focused, his tongue poking out in the way that made Finn and Leo laugh. Leo smiled and kissed the side of his head. 

“I've got some dessert,” Leo said, breaking their silence. “If you want something sweet.”

“According to Fish, I am something sweet.”

Leo bumped him with his hip. “And he's right.” Leo sorted the utensils into their drawer. “And then I was thinking we'd have to just go to sleep, even before Finn gets home. Want you rested for the game tomorrow.” 

Logan sighed. “I'm sorry.”

Leo shook his head hard. “No, no, Lo, don't be sorry. We're so proud of you.” He kissed Logan’s forehead. “We'll finish this, eat, then bed. Okay?”

Logan was placing the last pan on the drying rack when Leo moved to the fridge. He furrowed his brow quizzically, then made an ah! sound when he found what he’d been looking for. 

“Not necessarily on the diet plan, but I figured an exception could be made for date night,” he said, holding up a plate with a large piece of cake. “The New York Blackout Cake from that place Finn brought us to.”

Logan bit his lip and looked Leo up and down. Leo looked him up and down, too, everything from his soft curls falling over his face to the eager way he was looking at Leo holding the cake. Leo watched as a conflicted feeling made its way across Logan’s expression. Logan watched Leo's face as Leo caught on, too. 

Leo set the plate down on the counter. “What's wrong, sweetheart?”

“I just…” Logan sighed, closing his eyes and hanging his head back. He didn’t quite know how to find the English words, sometimes. “I just want to rest with you.”

Leo moved into his space and cupped his hips gently. Logan reached up to play with his hair, looking into Leo’s eyes as he tried to understand. “What do you mean, Lo?” He ducked down. “Dites-moi.”

Logan sighed, then continued in French. “I want to go to bed with you and not have to get up and do anything. I want to- I want to go to bed early to stay up late with you, not because I have to sleep enough for a game. And I-” He took a deep breath and pulled Leo close, brushing their noses together. “I want you, Le. It’s been so long, and I want you, but we have to be careful because of the playoffs, and I-” He made a low groan in the back of his throat. His breath was hot against Leo’s cheek. “I just want to rest with you. To be with you.” He kissed Leo hard. “I missed you, mon soleil.”

Leo shuddered, breathing quick and shaky. “I’m sorry, Lo. I’m sorry I said anything about- about going to sleep early, I-”

“Sh, sh,” Logan hushed. He tucked himself under Leo’s chin. “It’s because you care. I love that about you.” He looked up at him. “Let’s eat our cake, oui? Then we go to bed.” Logan sighed and pushed himself further into Leo’s chest. “I want some rest more than none at all.”

“Soon, sweetheart,” Leo said, pulling back to rub up and down Logan’s arms. He jerked his head to the table. “C’mere, you can sit on my lap and I can feed you.”

Logan laughed and took the hand Leo offered, his other holding the cake. Leo did insist on feeding him, taking a bite for himself every now and then. Mostly, he just smiled at Logan, laughing softly as Logan told him about Percy putting shaving cream in Saint and Alex’s gloves, which had them chasing him around the arena with bottles of their own cream provided by Will. Apparently, he was invested in putting a stop to Percy’s practical pranking streak- Percy spent way too much time buying shaving cream, he said. 

With every laugh, Leo wrapped Logan up tighter with his free arm until there was no space between them. After Leo took the final bite of cake, Logan kissed him just to taste it off his tongue. Leo obliged for a minute, then insisted that they get ready for bed.

“I want you to be comfy, sweetheart,” Leo said softly. “Then we can spend some more time together, but I want you ready for bed so you can just fall asleep when you need to.”

Logan told him didn’t know how he’d gotten so lucky.

Later, after brushing their teeth and Leo forcing him through a skincare routine, Logan sat straddled in Leo’s lap, kissing him languidly with his arms thrown across Leo’s shoulders, Leo’s hands running up and down his back. It felt good, to kiss just to kiss when they hadn’t had the time to in so long. Logan’s body was warm against his own, skin against skin now that they were just in their boxers. Logan let his head fall back with a slightly wanton sound as Leo moved down to kiss at his neck, scraping his teeth against the hinge of Logan’s jaw like he liked. Leo couldn’t help the pool of arousal working its way up his spine.

“Fuck,” he gasped suddenly, pulling back. His cheeks were flushed and his hair was a mess from Logan’s hands. “Fuck, we have to stop. We have to stop, we have to go to bed.” He blinked hard. “You need to sleep, oh God.”

Logan kissed him softly. “I want you.”

Leo sucked in a breath. “Logan, you can’t say that, not when we can’t-”

“Ouais, we can,” Logan whispered. He settled himself more firmly in the cradle of Leo’s hips. “We can go slow. I’ll be okay, mon coeur, I’m asking you to.” He sighed. “I missed you, Le.”

Leo bit the inside of his cheek, thinking. It didn’t take him long to decide, but he hoped his eyes conveyed he was still a bit worried. “Okay. Okay, but we have to go so slow-”

“Ouais,” Logan interrupted, suddenly urgent. “Ouais, yes, yes.” He bent to suck at Leo’s neck. “Leo.”

“I love you,” Leo gasped. “I love you so much.”

Then, in the dim light of their bedside lamp, Leo let Logan’s everything fill him up and held tightly to his body as he kissed Leo gently back against the pillows. 

***

Finn and Leo

“How’s this, Le?”

Leo nodded, smiling at the way Finn patted the cushioned chair beside his own at the high top table. Finn smiled back, enjoying the way Leo looked golden under the dim cafe lights. He had seen the local band advertised a few days ago, coincidentally playing in his favorite cafe, and had immediately texted Leo demanding a date night.

Besides, he didn't want to be in their apartment any longer than he had to. Not when the winter nights left him cold on one side because Logan wasn't there to warm him up. 

They had just played their last game before the All Star break, a matinee, and he could feel that excitement that preceded a vacation, even a stay at home one. He could tell that Leo did, too, with the way he'd been laughing freely that afternoon as he had cooked them an early dinner, the way he’d kissed Finn happily after Finn had held the door open for him to get out of the car. He looked sweet tonight, in his white wool sweater and jeans, golden chain peeking out when it caught the light. Finn took his hand and kissed it. “What do you want, sunshine? I’ll go to the bar and order.”

Leo smiled brightly. “You know what I want.” He leaned across the table and nudged their noses. “And a couple of those blueberry scones, if they still have them, please.”

“You got it,” Finn said, then kissed him briefly and walked to the bar. 

The bartender smiled at him when he approached. “Finn,” he said. “The usual?”

“You know it, Marius,” Finn replied with a grin. “And a Dark ‘n Stormy for Le. Oh, and two of those blueberry scones, if they're still around, please?”

Marius nodded, already grabbing a shaker. “We always have them for our favorite food critic. Usual table?”

“Yep, thank you.” Finn slapped some bills on the bar. “Keep the change.”

“This is why you’re my favorite, O’Hara!” Marius called as Finn walked away.

Finn spun and gave him a thumbs up before turning back to walk towards their high top. Leo smiled and reached out his arms, Finn swaying into the cradle of his legs and rubbing his hands up and down Leo’s thighs. “Howdy, nutter butter.”

“Hi,” Leo said softly. “Usual?”

“Always, baby.” Finn kissed his cheek. “Got a couple scones for you. You’re their favorite food critic.”

Leo blushed happily. “That’s sweet.”

“Here we are,” a voice said behind them. A young woman about Leo’s age with long, dark hair placed a tray on their table. “One Manhattan, one Dark ‘n Stormy, and two blueberry scones for you.”

“Thanks, Isha,” Leo said, rubbing a thumb on Finn’s hip. “How’re classes?”

Isha scoffed. “Way harder than whatever hockey you're playing.”

Finn laughed. “I’ll drink to that. Hey, if you do well in fashion school, we’ll commission your first pieces, how does that sound?”

Isha rolled her eyes, but smiled. “Fine. But I hope you like colorful suits, because I make nothing short of fabulous.”

“Amen,” Leo said, reaching to take a sip of his drink. “I’m tired of black and navy.”

She knocked on their table. “I’ll leave you to it, guys. Enjoy!”

They waved her off, then Finn pulled away to sit on his own stool. “I’m kind of excited for the band. Haven’t seen them before.”

Leo hummed and picked up a scone. “Reg went out with Sirius and Remus to see them at the park the other week. Said they’re pretty acoustic.” He took a bite. “Fuck, these are good. Want some?”

Finn smiled and hooked their ankles together. “Nah, baby. I’m fine just sitting here looking at you.”

Leo rolled his eyes. His cheeks were red. “You’re so funny about that.”

“Uh, there’s nothing funny about it. I’ll sit and stare at you and Lo for hours. We’ll test it sometime.”

“You sure you can sit still for that long?” Leo’s eyes were playful.

Finn leaned in. “Sure, if there’s a reward.”

Leo laughed. “If that’s the case, I’m not sure Logan will sit still that long, either.” He straightened. “Hey, look, they’re starting.”

The band was small. A vocalist, guitarist, bassist. A keyboard player. The percussionist had a kit, but also a lot of small instruments Finn didn’t know the name of. They introduced themselves briefly, the vocalist swinging their long hair over their shoulder, then the drummer counted them off. They were a bit folk, almost country.

“Your taste in music, huh, Le?”

“Yeah.” Leo nodded, watching intently. He turned to look at Finn with a smile and reached out his hand. “Thanks for taking me.”

Finn tugged him. “C’mere.”

He led Leo over to stand back to chest with him. Sat on the high stool, Finn was the perfect height to rest his chin on Leo’s shoulder and watch. The skin of Leo’s neck was warm against his cheek, and he wrapped his arms tightly around Leo’s waist. Leo sighed and relaxed back into him, covering Finn’s hands with his own.

“I’m ready for a vacation,” Leo said softly. “Feels like that last roadie went on for ages.”

“Hm,” Finn agreed. He kissed Leo’s skin. “Can’t wait to have you to myself for a few days.”

He could feel Leo smile. “All for you? What if Logan wants me?”

“You’re both all for me,” Finn countered. He buried his nose into Leo’s soft sweater. “All mine.”

Leo leaned back to look at him. “All yours.” He twisted slightly, bringing one hand up to cup Finn’s jaw. “What’s wrong?”

Finn bent to tuck his nose behind Leo’s neck, out of view from the rest of the people. “Miss him.”

“I know,” Leo said, scratching his scalp. “But he’ll be driving home tomorrow after his game. Early, too, it’s at one ‘o clock.”

“I know,” Finn sighed. “And I can’t wait to have a week with both of you, but- it’s just a week.”

This part of the season was always the most difficult. Time spent with Logan was finite and few and far between. They missed him constantly, like a bruise, and trying to fit everything in was impossible. They’d gotten better at not doing that after it made Leo have an anxiety-fused meltdown trying to make all of Logan’s favorite foods during the last All Star break. Now, they mostly enjoyed being in each other’s presence wherever they were: going out to dinner, going for a walk, helping Leo in the kitchen, even cleaning their apartment. But it still didn’t make them hold Logan any less tight when they bid him goodbye.

Leo saw right through him. He kissed the side of Finn’s head. “Look at me, sweetheart.”

Finn lifted his head. Leo’s eyes were soft, his hand gentle as he cupped Finn’s cheek. Finn kissed his engagement ring. “I love you.”

Leo smiled and nudged their noses together. “I love you.” He kissed Finn lightly. “How about this? Tomorrow, we get up and go for a run, then stop by the bakery on the way back and the indoor farmer’s market at the church. I’ll make some nice BLTs and potato wedges for lunch while we watch Logan play, then we sit and cuddle and read until he gets home.”

Finn smiled. “Yeah, okay.” He pressed their temples together. “And tonight?”

Leo’s grin was sly. “We’ll finish here, then you’ll take me to bed. Then tomorrow you take us both to bed.”

Finn laughed softly. “I love that.” He kissed Leo again. “Thank you.”

Leo nodded, then turned back towards the band. “You’re forever for us, sweetheart. After all this hockey is done, we’ll still want you.”

Finn nodded and pressed his lips to Leo’s neck. “Yeah. Yeah, I like forever.”

Leo snorted. “You love forever.” He wiggled further into Finn’s arms. “Now hold me close, O’Hara, the band’s not done.”

Finn squeezed him tighter, settling into Leo’s body as the band wrapped up another song. There was light applause, then the lead singer was smiling at them from the small, raised stage.

“This next one’s a cover,” they said. “An oldie, but a goodie. It’s, in my opinion, one of the most romantic songs to have ever been written, and we love playing it for folks.”

The percussionist picked up a couple shaker eggs, and the keyboardist and bassist a couple violins. Finn raised his eyebrows, intrigued.

“Alright, here we go.”

When the first notes played, Finn gasped out a laugh.

Leo patted his thigh. “What?”

“Nothing,” Finn said with a smile, voice a little tight. Leo turned to look at him fully, eyebrows furrowed. Finn shook his head. “Nothing, it’s just- Lo and I were reading together, this summer, when you were calling your parents to tell them we were engaged.” He bit his lip at the memory. “We were listening to the John Denver vinyl, and this song came on. Lo said it always reminded him of you.”

Leo smiled. “Yeah? Annie’s Song?”

Finn nodded. “Yeah. He said this one, and the other one. About the sun.”

“Sunshine On My Shoulders.”

“Yes, that one.” Finn took a shaky breath. “And he said he wants to dance to them with you at our wedding.”

Leo’s smile was so wide both dimples appeared. “He does?”

Finn used a finger to turn Leo to face him more directly. His eyes were watering. “Mm hm.”

“And what’d you say?”

Finn kissed him. “I said that if he gets two first dances with you, then I get two with each of you, too. Then we get two to dance all together.”

Leo laughed. “People are going to get sick of watching us.”

“I don’t care,” Finn said. “They don’t even have to be there.”

“My mama would be so mad.”

“Well, she can come and watch if she wants, but when you two are dancing, I won’t be a good conversationalist.” He nosed at Leo’s neck. “I’ll be too busy watching my husbands.”

Leo sucked in a breath. “Your husbands.”

“My husbands.”

“All yours.”

“All mine.”

Leo gripped his hair to draw him into a deep kiss, too needy for a public setting. When he pulled back, his face was flushed and his voice a little high. “Take me home. Please, Finn.”

Finn sighed happily. The sound of the violins carried over the crowd. “After this song,” he whispered. He settled back against the chair and closed his eyes with a smile, tucking Leo’s face into his neck, hand in his curls. “I’m imagining my husbands dancing.”

***

The Cubs

“You want to take them where?”

“To the spa, Layla,” Leo said. “The one Lily gave you vouchers for for your birthday. The really good new one, owned by the lesbian couple?”

“Oh, that place is fantastic.”

Leo and Layla looked over to Thomas, who was contentedly sitting in his ice bath. 

Layla looked amused. “You been, Talky?”

“Have I? Fuck, Kasey, James, and I got our relaxation on with the girls one day. Best day of my life.” He snorted. “And I know Kasey went back with Alex and Natalie. Apparently Alex fell asleep in the massage chair.”

That made Leo and Layla laugh. She turned back to massage out his tight quad. “I can give you the phone number, Nut. You going during Christmas?”

Lep nodded. “Yeah, I said I wanted to take them out on a date when Logan’s home for a couple days. Figured this would be relaxing.” He shrugged. “Plus, I figured it’d be a bit… safer for us, you know? They’ve got a three or more persons relationship package.”

She raised her eyebrows. “You think Finn can sit still that long?”

“If he’s in a comfy chair, sure. He loves a good chair.”

Thomas snorted. “I swear, he’s an old man. When he reads he slides his glasses down his nose.”

Leo smiled. “I know. He’ll be such a sexy old man.”

“And that’s enough for today, I think,” Layla said, looking at him pointedly. “Up you get, go shower. I’ll text you the number.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Leo said brightly. “I’ll bake you a pie as a thank you.”

“Pecan, please!” she called out after him.

“You got it!”

***

Logan looked confusedly at the building in front of them. “You are taking us…”

“...to a spa?” Finn finished. “What for?”

Leo smiled. “You’ll see.”

“This better be worth leaving our bed,” Logan grumbled.

Leo took his hand and kissed his cheek. “Promise, honey. It’s to get you to relax.”

Logan cocked an eyebrow. “You already know how to get me relaxed.”

“Tremblay,” Finn scolded gently. “Public indecency is not how I want to go to jail!”

Leo left them to their quiet bickering and approached the desk attendant. She had brown hair that faded into purple waves at the ends and a pronoun pin that said Izzy she/her on it. “Hi, ma’am. Reservation for three people at 2 o’clock for Leo Knut?”

She smiled back. “Hi there, Leo. You can follow me!”

They were led back to a changing room, where they were instructed to dress themselves in the robes folded on the benches. The room smelled like eucalyptus. 

Finn looked around at the space. “Wowzers. This place is nice.” He looked up at the wall, where there were various Pride flags hung up, as there were all over the building. “Cute.”

“How’d you find it, Le?” Logan asked.

Leo reached down to play with his fingers, poking out of the robe sleeves. It was a little big on him. “Layla. She gave me the number. We got a package.”

Finn raised his eyebrows. “Like a couple’s package?”

Leo nodded. “Yeah, but they do relationship packages for more than two people.” He blushed a little, biting his cheek. “I know we want to spend as much time together as possible, but I thought it’d be relaxing. We don’t always get to do this stuff, you know? At least not like other people.” He shrugged, ducking down a little. “I thought it’d be romantic.”

Logan smiled brightly at him, looping his arms around Leo’s waist and falling onto his chest with a sigh. “It is romantic, soleil.” He stood on his toes to kiss Leo gently. “You’re just so…”

“Sweet?” Finn supplied.

“Oui. The sweetest.” He bit Leo’s jaw. “Like candy.”

Finn made an eager little sound and pressed a burst of kisses to Leo’s cheek. “Does that mean we get to eat you, sunshine? Because I’m so game for that.”

Leo shook his head, but was grinning. “Later. First it’s massage time.”

Three people knocked on the door and led them to three massage tables, lined up side by side. Leo’s masseuse, Leanna, instructed him to take his robe off and lay down with a towel around his hips. He did as told, and sighed deeply when she began rubbing lotion on him and working on his upper back.

“Jesus Christ,” a voice came. It was Logan’s masseuse, Iris. “I’m going to break my hands, you’ve got so many knots. What is it you said you did again?”

“Professional hockey players,” Finn replied. He sounded halfway asleep. “He also frequently gets into fights.”

“Fish.”

Iris sighed. “That’ll do it.” Leo laughed as he heard their knuckles crack. “Let’s get to work then, Logan. I’m going to have you so unwound, it’ll be like magic.”

***

About an hour later, when they were declared done, Logan and Leo sat up, Logan rolling his shoulders and neck. Their masseuses turned away politely to let them put their robes back on, then Logan let out a satisfied groan. He looked at Iris with wide eyes. “Merde. You really did work magic.”

Iris smiled. “You gave me a run for my money. My elbow could only dig so far into those big muscles of yours.”

A knock on the door interrupted their laughter, and Izzy poked her head in. “We all good here? The next room is ready for you.”

“Hi, baby,” Iris said. “We’re all done.” They jerked their head at Logan. “This one had knots the size of a baseball.”

Izzy winced. “Yikes. Leanna, Felicity, any trouble?”

Felicity shook her head. “No.” She looked to Finn. “But I think he’s asleep.”

Indeed, Finn had fallen asleep. His breathing was even, and there were soft snores coming from where his face was poking through the head rest.

They all laughed softly, and Logan hopped off his bed to crouch beside Finn. “Rouge,” he whispered. “Rouge, wake up. Gotta get dressed.” When Finn still didn’t stir he kissed his back. “Finn.”

Finn jerked awake at his name, almost letting the towel slide down. Leo acted quickly and held it for him. “No nudity here, O’Hara.”

The masseuses laughed, and Finn pushed up onto his elbows in surprise. He blinked hard. “Oh man.” He tilted his head up to look at Logan, who gazed at him adoringly. “I took a nap.”

“That you did,” Felicity said with a grin. She clapped her hands. “Robe on, let’s go. You get face masks next.”

***

“You boys want anything to drink?” Isaiah, one of their estheticians, said. He was mixing Leo’s face mask. The other esthetician, Marcy, was washing up from doing Finn’s. “We got iced tea, fruity iced tea, lemonade, green juice.”

Leo looked to Logan, who was relaxed against his chair, a ridiculous blue mask on his face and cucumbers on his eyes. Finn’s brown eyes were peeking out from his white mask, his own cucumber slices in his hand as he considered.

“You have sweet tea?” Leo asked.

Isaiah smiled and nodded “I thought I detected a southern accent. Where are you from?”

“New Orleans, sir.”

“Savannah.”

Leo laughed. “I’m in good company, then.”

Isaiah winked and turned to Finn. “Anything for you?”

Finn nodded. “Unsweetened iced tea with lemon for me, thanks.” He jerked his head at Logan. “He’ll take the sweetest drink you got in your largest glass, please.”

“Ouais, s'il vous plaît,” Logan sighed happily.

Marcy laughed. “I’ll go grab them for you. You finish with Leo, Isaiah, I’ll be right back.”

She slipped out the door, then Isaiah turned to Leo. “Alright, let’s get to work.” He peered at Leo’s face. “I can’t believe how good your skin already is.”

Leo blushed. He thought about his acne scars on his cheek and jaw. “Really?” 

“Yeah,” Isaiah said. “You moisturize really well, which is the most important thing.” He brushed his fingers on Leo’s jaw. “I know you’ve got blemishes here, but considering you spend your days with a mask over your sweaty face, your skin is fantastic. Your scars don’t seem irritated- they should heal, and your pores are still pretty clear.” He raised his eyebrows at Logan. “Unlike Mr. Blackheads over there.”

That made Leo laugh. “I’m working on it. They were both frat boys; skin care isn’t their forte.”

Isaiah looked amused. “Frat boys? Didn’t know they came in the polyamorous variety.”

Leo shrugged. “Me neither.” He roved his eyes over Finn and Logan’s bodies. “Got lucky I guess.”

Isaiah smiled. “Alright, loverboy. Close your eyes.”

The mask was cool against his face as Isaiah applied it in smooth strokes with his plastic spatula. It relaxed him against the seat, along with the cool air and the soft music of the room. If he listened close enough, he could hear Logan and Finn breathing beside him.

A knock sounded at the door, then Marcy walked in carrying a tray. “Order up.”

Leo watched amusedly as Logan straightened and held out his hand when Marcy instructed him to. His drink was indeed in a tall glass and looked like a sunset, yellow liquid fading into orange, then pink. There were bits of fruit floating in it. He took a sip, nodding approvingly. “Ouais,” he sighed. He then relaxed back into the chair, cucumber eyes and all, straw resting in his mouth. “Ouais. Merci.”

They all laughed, Finn and Leo saying a polite thanks when they were given their tea. Leo took a sip, letting the thick, sugary taste settle over his tongue before leaning back to let Isaiah place cucumbers over his eyes.

“Twenty for the mask and the cukes, okay? We’ll leave you for a bit.”

“Thank you,” Leo said, then the click of the door left them just with each other.

They laid in silence for a while, each basking in the relaxation. Every now and then Logan would let out a happy little sound as he sipped his tea. After a few minutes, Leo felt Finn’s long, dexterous fingers take his own. 

“Thanks for taking us, Le, baby,” he said softly with a squeeze to Leo’s hand. “You’re so sweet.”

Leo squeezed back. “Thanks for going along with it.” He fiddled with Finn’s fingers some more. “I didn’t know if you’d like it or not.”

“Non,” Logan sighed. “I love it.”

Finn scoffed. “Of course you would, you absolutely pampered baby. You get massages at home, too!”

Leo could imagine Logan’s smirk. “Ouais. I bat my eyelashes and you give me anything I want.”

Finn scoffed again, but didn’t protest. 

Leo tugged at him gently. “I love you, sweethearts.”

“Je t’aime.”

“Love you, lovers.” There was the thud of Finn’s head falling against his seat. “You know, this skincare thing isn’t so bad. Might have to do face mask date nights at home.”

That got a laugh out of Leo. “Whatever you want, honey.”

They were interrupted by another knock on the door and it creaking open. “We all set here, boys?”

“Come in!” Leo called. 

Two pairs of footsteps sounded, then some running water. There was a deep sigh from Isaiah. “Alright, Mr. Blackheads. Let’s see how we did.”

Leo took the cucumbers off his eyes to watch Marcy and Isaiah wash off his boys’ masks and apply some moisturizer, Isaiah with a pointed look at Logan and some containers.

“A sample of the mask and the cream,” he said. “My parting gift to you.”

Logan smiled sheepishly. “Merci.”

Finally, Marcy washed off Leo’s own mask and applied some moisturizer, peering at his skin. “You want a sample of the mask, too? I think it’ll help the scarring reduce quicker, especially since you’ve already taken such good care of your skin.”

Leo nodded and accepted the small container with a blush. “Thank you.”

Finn leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Pretty baby.” He flopped dramatically against his chair. “I don’t wanna leave.” He pouted. “Can we come back?”

Marcy laughed. “We’ll happily let you blow your NHL salary on us.” She walked towards the door. “You can change into your clothes and then pay at reception on the way out!”

They thanked them both, then went to the changing room to put their clothes on. Finn took one look at them and whistled lowly. “You two are glowing. Got my own shiny Greek god statues.” 

Leo looked down at himself. He supposed the massage lotion had made him pretty shiny. When he caught Finn's eye again, he was staring. “Harz,” Leo laughed.

“Mm?” Finn was not really paying attention.

“Eyes up here, sweetheart.”

“But I don't want to look at your eyes.”

Logan laughed, shucking off his robe completely. “Rouge. Time to change.”

When Finn turned to Logan, he raised his eyebrows higher. He focused in on Logan's pecs. “Would you be open to public indecency?”

Leo scoffed. “No way. I'm not sweating or washing all this moisturizer off. Gotta let it sit on the skin for a bit.”

Finn groaned, reaching for his shirt. “But how long?”

“Probably a good few hours, honey.”

That did not seem to help the situation. “No,” Finn whined. “I did not sign up for this. Peanut.”

Leo laughed as he pulled his jeans up, leaning to press a lingering kiss to the side of Finn's head. “You'll be okay, sweetheart. Just until, like, ten o'clock tonight, okay?”

Finn bonked his head against Leo's shoulder. “I'm setting an alarm,” he grunted  “You can't get out of Christmas break sex.”

“Wouldn't dream of it, mon coeur “ Logan said with a brief kiss to Finn's cheek. “D'accord, let's go. Want to go to the Sunstone for dinner?”

“Hey, this is my date I'm taking you on,” Leo pouted.

Logan looked over his shoulder with a smirk as he opened the door. “I didn't say I would be paying. Allez.”

They walked out to the reception desk, Leo pulling out his credit card. Izzy smiled at him and she pulled his charge up on the computer. “Did you have fun?”

Leo nodded. “Absolutely. Y'all might have tricked them into skincare.”

She laughed. “Yeah, that tends to be a theme with most men.” She took his card and swiped it, handing it back with a flourish. “You're all set!”

“Thank you,” Leo said, placing some bills on the counter. “Seriously, it was really good. I'll leave these for you guys.”

Izzy smiled. “You're a real gentleman, Mr. Knut.”

He smiled back. “It's my southern disposition. Now,” he sighed, turning back to Logan and Finn, who were thumb wrestling. “I think my two knuckleheads are hungry.”

“Have a good night, boys!”

“Thank you!” Logan and Finn called back, jostling each other on the way to the car, attempting to continue thumb wrestling while they walked. A particularly hard movement from Logan sent Finn slipping on the ice. 

“Woah!”

Leo caught him around the waist and hauled him to the passenger side. “Jesus, you two are walking hazards wherever you go.”

“Hey, that's not me. That's my loser brother.”

Leo just kissed him briefly. “In the car, please. I'm hungry for steak.”

“Ouais,” Logan said, opening the back door on Finn's side. He took Leo's hand. “Merci, soleil. I had a lot of fun.”

Logan's smile was so lovely that Leo had to kiss him, too. “I really love you.” He looked between them. “I love to date you, too.”

Finn's gaze was soft. “Good,” he whispered. “I think I want to date you a long time.”

Leo bit his lip around his own smile. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Finn looked to Logan. “How's that sound, Lo, baby?”

Logan fell against Leo's chest, arms around his waist. “C'est bien.” He sighed, nuzzling into Leo's jacket. “C'est bien.”

Leo kissed his head. “Let's go, sweethearts.” He walked around the car to climb in the driver's side. “Dinner awaits us.”

“Make sure you eat up,” Finn said. Leo saw his smirk out of the corner of his eye as he backed the car up. “You'll need lots of energy starting at ten o'clock. Perfect end to a date, in my opinion. Perfect end to a day.”

Leo caught Logan's eye in the rearview mirror. Logan was looking back, eyes soft and lovingly exasperated in the way Finn could only make him.

 “Yeah,” Leo said, smiling. “Perfect end to a day.”

[loony-lupus]

Jean won over Eddie's love life. Again. Bwahaha

Thank you, @beauty-4-thebeast for good advise and help!

TW: DARK THEMES, MENTION OF S.A. AND PREDATORS.

Amber Starling: (here) and (here)

Jean Van Burren. Just a gothamite boy who grew up to an abusive mother, he was a victim of sexual abuse from the "friends" of this same mother. Deprived of a childhood and any healthy relationships, Jean grew up a very aggressive and angry teenager. His alienation, rudeness and open hostility towards others scared his classmates and made him an outsider at school.

His only friend was a tall, awkward and very gloomy girl named Amber Starling. They were both considered freaks and bullied by a whole group of bullies. Jean stole candy for Amber when the bullies took money from her and she had nothing to eat and defended her from attacks, was not afraid of a serious fight even despite the obviously losing situation, after which he was beaten and exhausted, laying on the ground.

One day, Amber got tired of watching him suffer and endure pain and humiliation from a group of bullies. Then she lured the main bully into the hands of a predator. After that, being a victim of such violence, Jean broke all ties with her.

Gradually, he got involved with a bad crowd and soon became a hired assassin, known for his brutality and bloodthirstiness. However, over the years, his desire to lead such life faded and, having made many useful connections and lots of blood money, he settled down and opened his own restaurant-cafe called "Guesting at Jonas". He jealously guards the restaurant's reputation as "the safest place in Gotham" and works there with several friends who also have a dark past, which makes the bond between Jean and his comrades even deeper and stronger.

... The building of his restaurant is stuffed with traps, sometimes deadly, so that any hostile or random element that gets there (especially in the depths) without an invitation risks staying there forever...

Jean and his company take their business seriously. And those who know the truth about GaJ's "security system" try to leave them alone.

Edward and Jean have a funny relationship. In addition to the fact that Eddie's crush shares a past with Jean that seriously affected her and she never let Jean go after their separation, periodically secretly stalking him, he is everything that Ed hates. A violent thug, NOT A GENIUS!!! Unable to say a single sentence without inserting a swear word into it. And in general, he behaves like some kind of animal (Jean feels more empathy for animals than for people because he was often equated with a beast). What's even more infuriating is that Van Burren has incredible intuition and defies logic, so Edward has not yet managed to lure him into a deadly trap. Jean is infuriated by such attention from the super-villain, but Amber will eventually receive more rage when the truth about Ed's feelings is revealed. "You scorned the guy. Why am I getting shiet?!" Which will make the situation between Jean and Amber even more awkward...

Ed and Jean kind of remind me of Izaya Orihara and Heiwajima Shizuo from Durarara!! a little bit. For those who don't know, these two characters have been feuding since school. Izaya doesn't consider Shizuo a human, and Shizuo considers Izaya an annoying flea. Shizuo doesn't succumb to Izaya's logic, and Izaya considers him a monster/beast.

...The most offensive thing is that you give out a witty and sharp insult, and this asshole did not understand half of it, did not listened to the other half and blurted out stupidity that successfully got on your nerves...

P.S.: If you wanna know what Eddie says:

"Ha! I can't believe that my informant was once friends with you! What's wrong with her? You're just an aggressive, brainless, dumb monkey! Why aren't you in a cage at all? I mean, you are in a cage now, BUT WHY ONLY NOW? What an irony of fate - to sit across from an underdeveloped animal. Me! Edward Nigma! The genius of our time is forced to look at your dumb mug devoid of any human thought!"

[yupyor]

White roses And Red lilies

Summary- It was Valentine's Day. Robb hated Valentine's Day. The excessive amounts of pink and red decoration that would litter the streets were just a sore reminder of his lack of control on his life—particularly in the love department. A result of his mother's endless critiques and demanding criteria pertaining to his spouse. That was 2 years ago, before he tripped over you and so graciously ruined his mother's bouquet of flowers.

I didn't proofread this, so sorry for any errors or anything off. I was binge listening to Laufey and Taylor while writing this so if one second thing go from sad to happy, or them being normal to suddenly flirting that's why, LOL

P.S - This was originally planned for Male readers, but I think I forgot to bring up any pronouns whatsoever, so GN...?

Your steps were fast, the gesture of love Lord Stark had sent you from the fields with for his Lady nestled precariously between your pricked fingers and your upper-chest. One wrong move, and you swear that the thick bouquet of flowers would go splattering against the castle grounds along with you. It was a mixture between freshly picked white roses and bloodred lilies.

It felt honorable at first, being bestowed upon the task to deliver something filled with so much love. Though that was before your legs were threatening to give out beneath you. Now, you couldn't help looking at the copious amount of flowers as a burden, especially since the trek down the hill your group had scavenge over in search for the flowers had worn you out considerably. It didn't help that you could hardly see where you were going either, relying entirely on muscle memory and taking in stuff from the peripheral of your vision.

You take note of the bend in your path up ahead and tighten your hold on the base of the bouquet, motioning into the curve on your right only to go stumbling back into the one on the left, tripping over your unsteady feet and sending more than a dozen pricked flowers soaring through the air.

You groan. You were on the ground—the only one on the ground. The person before you had managed to keep themselves upright despite the abrupt collision.

You see a cheeky smile and quickly after hear several rushed apologies. Though, that all goes to the back of your mind at the realization of who you bumped into.

Standing tall at a staggering height of 5'10 is the first heir of Eddard Stark, his charming blue eyes surveying the mess he had a direct hand in causing before him.

You rush to your knees, spluttering a string of more than likely incomprehensible condolences as you recklessly grabbed at the laying roses. "I am terribly sorry! I was not watching where I was going!"

He chuckled, stooping down to your level before resting beside you, reaching for a few of his own. "Can't say either was I."

"Still i-"

"It's okay," He drawled, "truly."

It was then that you acknowledged the resting distance between the two of you, your pulse elevating at the revelation.

He was close.

So close that you could feel his body's dispelling heat.

Robb smiled. "A lot of admirers, I assume? Can't's say they'll be happy with what I've done to their gestures of affection."

You cringe. "No, actually." You could never. "It is your mother's."

The grimace that had befallen him was more than just sudden, the rate his soft smile dropped sending you reeling. "Is that so... I'm going to get chewed out for this then."

"Only if I tell."

....

You didn't mean that. The words had ripped themselves out of you before you could even comprehend what your mouth had planned to say—and once again, before you could thoroughly think of it, you abruptly turn to your left, facing him directly as you blaringly clarified, "I didn't mean that!"

Though all you got in return was a smirk. "A joke. I know"

That had you smiling, your eyes unconsciously interlocking with his. It hadn't dawned on you that what you were doing was highly incorporate, swallowed whole by the moment.

Robb blinks, and you can't help the flutter within you at the bat of his lashes, only daring to rip your eyes away when he stands up with a handful of flowers and reaches the other out to you.

"I am- I have to..." He pauses, the charged silence between you no doubt having to do with it. "Do you maybe want some help carrying this to my her?"

🖤----------------------------- The End -----------------------------🖤

Robb was kneeling before you, his right hand bent behind his back with a wide, proud grin on his face. "It's Valentine's Day."

"... I know."

"And I got something for you." He outstretched his hand.

"... Yes?" You were laughing now, both the nerves and absurdity of the moment getting to you

"It's your flowers!"

Silence. "... Mines?"

"Yours."

It was a bouquet, but it was not the size that had you marveling at it, giddily smiling to yourself. It was a mix—and there were only two kinds of flowers in it.

White roses and Red lilies.

His mothers. The same set you were struggling to navigate the castle halls with when he had practically trampled over you.

"I know, I know," He rolled his eyes. "It only took 2 years... Best gift?"

".... Best gift." You replied, not missing the way his shoulders sagged in relief.

"I'd hope so, because now I'm all bloody." He paused, hugging you from behind as you continue to marvel at the blooms. "Did you know my father had trekked well beyond 2 hills looking for those. Of course, I upstaged him, but still. The things people do for love."

You turn in his grasp, setting the bouquet of flowers aside before leaning into his hold.

"I ought to think I deserve a gift."

You note the way his left brow quirks at the mention of the gift part. "...A kiss, maybe?"

🖤----------------------------- The End -----------------------------🖤

I'll leave what they do after that up to you guys.

[dystopianam]

Headcanons about VV's ADULTS premades!

⚠️ Since these are my personal headcanons, I don't take responsibility if someone gets offended by the way I interpret the characters or if you don't like certain couples. I don't like perfect life stories, I like DRAMA, not all characters are good people, there are even villains among them!

If you like these let me know if you would also like to know my headcanons on the elders, teenagers and children of Veronaville!

P.S: In the post I refer very often to "historical times". By historical times I mean an AU where the characters live in a very ancient year instead of modern times. In this case I am referring to the year 1300+, because these were the years where the real Romeo & Juliet is set. (For those who say no, the years where the story is set are conflicting in many versions of the story, but here in Italy they say it is 1300+ because the real Romeo and Juliet lived in that period)

To start without do favoritism, let's start with the Summerdreams!

Titania Summerdream

She's a fairy (obvs). Very tall, chaotic, lover of alcohol and umh...something else that Lazlo loves too. Very extroverted, loves to party and watch real life dramas but doesn't like it if happen in her family. For a long time she tried to make a baby with Oberon but never succeeded. After a while she understood that one of the two was sterile, but not knowing human medicine they never knew how to find out which of the two, and that's why they adopted Puck and Bottom.

She loves her adopted children immeasurably, but without wanting to, she often finds herself favoring Puck, making Bottom jealous.

She is the kind of mother who treats you like you are a child even if you are 54 years old, hugs and cuddles you in front of anyone and embarrasses you in front of anyone, expecially in front of your friends.

Being of a mischievous and perverse nature, she often finds herself saying embarrassing things in any situation, often risking killing Puck of embarrassment.

She thinks that anyone the same age as her kids are their boyfriends/girlfriends and torments they by asking if they are. In front of them.

She constantly smiles mischievously, calls everyone "dear" and "darling", and often speaks vaguely, as if doing riddles.

She calls Puck with lots of embarrassing lovely nicknames. She does the same with Bottom.

She often finds herself feeling neglected by Oberon because of his work, but they both love each other a lot.

Not knowing technology, being a fairy, she began to learn about it recently. Her favorite things about that are 10 year old boomer memes and taking boomer photo montages with the sunset behind her.

Often she texts her kids and replies to her own messages thinking they were the ones who responded, thus creating an entire conversation with herself.

Her movements are slow and elegant. But she burp a lot, and loud, when drunk.

She often behaves inappropriately with everyone and everywhere.

Oberon Gossamer

Oberon is also a fairy. Like Titania, he's very tall. He is the serious person of the couple. He loves theatre, writing scenes for films that only exist in his head, the sea and... he has a small, dangerous, attraction to black magic. He is calm and of few words, often speaking only if asked, but being the serious parent of the couple, he is also the one who listens to his kids's problems, try to help them and attends school meetings (Titania is not reliable).

He drinks, but a little, he is not a lover of alcohol like Titania, but he likes it. And...as for the hobby that Titania shares with Lazlo... let's say he likes it but with moderation.

Oberon learned to use technology much faster than Titania and therefore loves do video editing. Once he even tried to be a Youtuber but he had to close the channel because people in the comments told him that he was hot and Titania didn't like that.

Unfortunately he often gets lost in overworking and neglects Titania a bit.

Also, since he learned youth slang he uses it a little too often and inappropriately.

Now let's move on to the Montys!

Bianca Monty

Bianca has an average height. She is neither tall nor short, and has a decisive, stubborn, intelligent personality. She is honest, direct, she always says what she thinks, she doesn't want to please anyone, but she's also very very closed emotionally. She often hides that she has negative emotions and memories created by the family situation and pretends that nothing harms her. Often, this inability to let off her sad thoughts and show weakness makes her appear grumpy or unpleasant, but that is not her intention.

Bianca left home as soon as she turned 18, tired of hearing about the feud with the Capps, but that's no secret. She has a good relationship with her mother, her brother and her nephews, but is on bad terms with her father.

Once she started living on her own, Bianca tried to figure out what she wanted from her independence: did she want to study? Work? start a family?

Having always had a difficult situation in the family, as she had no use as a daughter, that couldn't be the heir, Bianca has always wanted to have a family of her own but...noticing that taking care of her brother Antonio's twins created difficulties for her, discouraged her very much.

"Maybe I'm not ready yet." Bianca thought, and then she decided to concentrate on her studies. She often frequented a library and there she met Kent.

The two immediately became friends, but Kent was afraid to tell Bianca that he was a Capp. But when Bianca found out, their relationship became even closer, because both were against the feud.

At one point, Bianca had a crush on Kent, but when he came out to her as gay, she felt the world fall on her. Disappointment hit her in the chest and when she finally thought she had found her place in the world, her man, the father of her future childrens, her dreams became illusions.

Bianca never confessed to Kent, so she silently accepted it, once again hiding another pain of which she could never talk about.

However, after that discovery, Bianca, appreciating the trust that Kent had felt towards her, finally began to open up and tell him all the bad things that she had always kept inside. Kent was the only one who could listen to her. No one before him had ever been willing to listen to her.

From that even more intimate approach, Bianca also began to become very interested in the LGBT+ community, after listening to Kent talk about it, and sincerely tried to explore herself a little. But noticing... how the crush for Kent doesn't seem to want to pass, leaves little doubt to herself.

Antonio Monty

Antonio, as a man, is short, like his father's height, when Patrizio was young.

Like his sister Bianca, he also moved away from his parents' house, but this happened after his wife Hero's disappearance, following a big verbal fight with his father.

Antonio has always endured his father's hatred for the Capps in silence, but when the feud led to his brother Claudio and his sister-in-law Olivia losing their lives, and the disappearance of his wife Hero, the limit was reached.

Antonio loved Claudio very much, and after his death, his relationship with his father ended to a point of no return, accusing him of being the cause of his death.

He decides to earn a living without his father's monetary support and starts working as a cook (in my headcanons, in modern times he and Claudio had a restaurant, in "historical" times, instead they have an inn).

Antonio loves cooking, food is literally his whole life and he hopes that one day his passion will allow him to leave a good legacy to his twins, so that he doesn't have to worry about leaving them with nothing.

Antonio is a perfect father, he always puts his children as priority over everything and would prefer to starve to feed them. He is sweet, patient, tries to treat both twins the same but often forgets that Benedick is also a child and entrusts him with too many responsibilities such as checking on Beatrice while he is at work or helping him at the restaurant/inn after school.

He is often very strict regarding education and good manners and this is why his children are so polite, but the stress of being a single father often leads him to become excessively angry. The twins know that their father isn't really as angry with them as he seems, but other people might think of him as an exaggerated father.

After Claudio's death, Antonio also tried to be a father to Mercutio and Romeo, loving his nephews very much, but living away from them is a bit problematic, even though he himself had proposed to them to live with him.

In any case, Antonio made a promise to Claudio that he would protect Mercutio and Romeo at all costs, and for this reason he still does not lose sight of them, with one excuse or another.

From time to time Mercutio helps Antonio at the restaurant/inn as a waiter or cook, but Antonio doesn't let Romeo into the kitchen because Romeo doesn't know how to cook and would make everything catch fire.

Hero Monty

Hero is of average height, has a strong, determined, stubborn and courageous personality but unfortunately she comes from a very, very poor family.

She doesn't know how to cook, she is very clumsy in doing everything (but in historical times she would have known how to use a sword even if she is a woman) and Antonio is often the one who has to cook her food and help her around the house, but... it is precisely her defects that have made him fall in love with her despite their very different social statuses.

Patrizio never accepted Hero, he never accepted Antonio marrying a woman who was so poor, but Antonio decided to disobey his father and married her anyway.

After their marriage, despite the tensions in the family, the two were happy, but unfortunately, as often happens, not everything can be perfect, and Hero also ended up falling in love with her husband Antonio's younger brother, Claudio.

The two had a secret relationship even though Claudio was also married to another woman, Olivia, and Hero only decided to tell him to stop when... she discovered she was pregnant.

She never told Claudio about the pregnancy, but pretended that the child was Antonio's. And so Antonio also believed that it was his own.

Hero gave birth to Viola, but full of shame for the daughter who was the result of her love affair wich Claudio, she decided to pretend that the baby had died during childbirth and gave her to the care of a maid.

Antonio was devastated, Viola grew up with that maid and ended up working as a maid herself but without ever knowing who her real parents were.

Hero never spoke to Claudio again for fear that she might fall back into temptation, and after a few years, she had the twins Benedick and Beatrice with Antonio.

Hero loved Antonio very much, and what had happened with Claudio had only been a huge mistake, but somehow, Patrizio had discovered the truth about Viola, perhaps thanks to some maid present at the birth who had acted as a spy.

Patrizio threatened Hero that he would tell Antonio everything if she didn't start respecting and obeying him, doing as he wanted. Hero was very stubborn, she hesitated, she didn't want to lose her pride in the face of a threat and... it was there that she was killed by a man paid by Patrizio himself. And Benedick, peering through the half-open door, saw everything.

Patrizio blamed the Capps for Hero's death and made his entire family believe that they were the ones who killed her. A short time later, Viola mysteriously disappeared.

Claudio Monty

Claudio is on average tall, taller than Antonio but shorter than Olivia. He is the choosen heir after Patrizio and before Romeo.

He is what can be called a good son par excellence. Respectful of his parents, he has never disobeyed his father's orders. He always studied what Patrizio had forced him to study and in his free time he practiced his passion for cooking by working in the restaurant/inn with his brother Antonio.

Claudio and Antonio bought the restaurant together and are both the owners, but in historical times, the two of them bought the inn secretly from Patrizio who did not accept that his sons worked like any other commoners, to the detriment of their high social status.

Claudio doesn't want to disappoint his parents and in front of them he is the perfect son, but when they don't see him, he...shows his slightly more libertine personality. In fact, he loves to appear youthful, and (according to my headcanons) he has Romance as his second aspiration, and for this reason, unfortunately, despite everything, he is not very faithful to Olivia, and this is why he ends up cheating on her with Hero.

Antonio often finds himself scolding him and blaming him for everything, arguing just like any pair of brothers, and unfortunately, that "libertine" side of Claudio's personality was also inherited by his sons: Mercutio and Romeo. Mercutio is in fact very rebellious, while Romeo is studious but a womanizer.

Despite everything, he is a good father, and although he is very serious when he wants, most of the time he is also the most permissive and the one who allows his sons to do stupid things while covering them up from their mother Olivia. He's also the kind of father who gives his sons advice about girls and then wants to know every detail and gossip about the girls they've dated.

Often ending up, however, "punished" together with his sons by his wife herself, with flying slippers.

After the fire at the Capp mansion, he and Olivia were kidnapped by the Capps, locked in a secret room in the mansion and left to starve to death despite Olivia also being heavily pregnant.

Olivia Monty

Olivia is tall, and there's not much I can say about her. Like Claudio she is also quite serious and a good daughter and daughter-in-law, but unlike Claudio, she behaves much more seriously and with maturity.

Coming from a family of doctors, she could have become a doctor, but she abandoned her studies to pursue a more homely life.

In her husband's family she doesn't have much freedom of speech. Patrizio is very tough, he feels like the master of everyone, so, in order not to argue she prefers to remain silent, unlike her sister-in-law Hero who instead responded badly to her father-in-law when she sees things that are not right.

She's a good wife and a good mother, but she is much stricter with her sons unlike Claudio who lets them do a bit of everything, even what they shouldn't.

She doesn't know that Claudio cheated on her with Hero, and that's why Olivia sees Hero as a good friend and is on good terms with her. (In historical times, I imagine that Olivia knew that Claudio had cheated on her with Hero, but that she couldn't say anything because at the time wives couldn't really have the right to speak. Men had the right to have as many women as they wanted, but since Hero was a married woman, she could have been accused of adultery if Olivia had wanted to be vindictive.)

While Mercutio got his rebellious spirit from his father and Romeo his studious, womanizing attitude from his father, both brothers got their vivacity and sloppiness from their mother. Claudio on the other hand is quite clean.

If she had been alive, she would most likely have helped Romeo to be with his Juliette and... she would have accepted Mercutio's relationship with Tybalt (I ship them) as a very open minded person. While, maybe, Claudio would have been a little more reluctant.

Now let's move on to the Capps!

Goneril Capp

Goneril is very tall, first of the four children of Consort and Contessa Capp.

As the first daughter, she has always been convinced that the role of heir would be given to her by right, but the decision of her mother Contesaa to make her younger sister, Cordelia, the future heir of the family, created envy and jealousy between the sisters.

Goneril is serious, ambitious, elegant, clever. She tries to be perfect in everything but that doesn't seem enough to please her parents.

Although she was the first daughter to get married, the fact that her younger sister, Cordelia, had become pregnant before her created great anxiety for her. The anxiety faded when she saw with great satisfaction and malice that her sister's firstborn was a boy, Tybalt, and therefore that he would never enter the line of succession, and the relief was stronger when she gave birth to her firstborn, Miranda, but...even so, her parents didn't seem to change their minds. The heir was and continued to remain Cordelia.

Relations with her family are very tense. She is resentful towards her parents for not choosing her, with her second sister, Regan, the relationship is very "at convenience", sometimes they hate each other, sometimes they love each other, it depends on what the plans are. She can't stand her third sibling, Kent, finding him too strange and disrespectful to the family's honor, and hates her fourth sister Cordelia's entire family, especially Cordelia herself and her nieces (Cordelia's children) Tybalt and Juliette. With Hermia she is indifferent, as Hermia doesn't seem like a threat to the role of heir as she doesn't seem interested

It's no secret, at least to us players, that she often feels paranoid about her husband Albany and believes that Albany only married her for her money. But another of her problems is that although she loves her family very much, she is incapable of expressing affection, due to her harsh personality which leads her children to disobey. Especially with Miranda the relationship is very tense, but losing her trust is not what she wants. Goneril isn't a bad mother, even if her moral isn't exactly good.

Albany Capp

Albany is very tall, but not so much taller than his wife Goneril.

Even though Goneril is paranoid that he only loves her for her money, the truth is that Albany has been madly in love with Goneril since they were teenagers. He immediately saw in her the mother of his future children, and it's also true that he likes money very much, but his love for Goneril is sincere. He's basically a simp for Goneril. He doesn't mind at all that she has control over everything, even his person.

Although his canonical personality indicates that he is a very serious and grumpy person, for my personal headcanon I instead think that he is serious regarding the rigidity that his wife Goneril herself requires for his family (in short, he obeys her like a dog) and for the grumpiness...he just doesn't really hate anyone, but growls at people his wife doesn't like.

Albany actually has no interest in the feud, to tell the truth he doesn't even know why it started and often tries not to make enemies of any member of his wife's family.

He loves his children madly and is able to demonstrate it very well, unlike his wife. Being a father has always been his greatest desire! He often finds himself crying alone at the thought that sooner or later all his daughters will get married and leave home and this is why he always walks with an enormous handkerchief in one pocket, ready in case he feels like crying thinking about it.

Although he has a goofy face and seems calm, he would be capable of beating you very badly if you dared to harm his children.

But isn't the same for Goneril. Goneril is capable of defending herself, in truth Albany is a little afraid of his wife.

Regan Capp

Regan is tall, but shorter than her big sister Goneril. Second of the four children of Consort and Contessa Capp, she also aspires to the role of heir but like Goneril she found herself usurped first by her younger sister Cordelia and then by her niece Juliette.

Ambitious, clever and stubborn, she too would do anything to get that role (in historic years she would even have tried to kill the competition by poisoning the food, drinks or who knows what else!) but she has two big problems: she is much more emotional, more impulsive than her older sister Goneril, who is instead more thoughtful, cold-blooded, and...has a great inferiority complex due to the fact that she is the the only one of the sisters not to have children yet.

She doesn't even know if she wants a child that much, but the fact that after many years she still hasn't been able to have one worries her enough.

The marriage to her husband Cornwall is an arranged marriage, a marriage of convenience. The two never liked each other but...they're trying to like each other now.

The relationships with her family are very similar to those of Goneril, but with the difference that Regan feels much more resentment towards Cordelia and that... she doesn't know how to feel towards her brother Kent. She is sorry that he doesn't have a family of his own, that he is lonely, but at the same time he is... so intrusive into her married life with Cornwall that she can't stand this situation so much anymore.

Cornwall Capp

Cornwall is on average tall but shorter (slightly) than Regan.

He is greedy, has a bad temper and his world revolves solely around money. He married Regan for social convenience but despite seeing her efforts to try to be a couple in love he can't really like her. He pretends to like her.

He is envious, he is envious that a woman has so much more power and control over her life than he does. Envious because he doesn't even have a job.

And, he also hate very much his brother in law. Not only because he is intrusive and doesn't want him around, but also because... let's say I have always seen Cornwall as a very homophobic person? Male chauvinistic and homophobic, a perfect picture! ✨👌🏻 (I apologize to Cornwall fans (do they exist?) and to those who really like the Regan-Cornwall couple, I know they love each other very much in game but this is my personal headcanon, I ask for forgiveness 🥺)

Although it was clear to him from the beginning that in the Capp family it was the women who were in charge and had the power, Cornwall NEVER accepted this. For this reason he argued very often with Regan, ending in mutual agreement that they would both have the same right of ""command"" at home.

Kent Capp

Kent is VERY TALL, taller than his father Consort and his sisters. As a man, his role in a matriarchal family has always been very complicated and for this reason he has always been isolated from many things.

He is the favorite uncle of his nephews because he is the only one in the family to bring a bit of joy and madness among many long faces, his personality is both chaotic and very calm and lovely depends the situation, but both for this and for his hatred for the feud, he is called the black sheep of the family.

He misses his younger sister Cordelia very much, and has a lot of resentment against Patrizio Monty for it, but that doesn't mean he has to hate all the Montys for just one bad apple. Right?

Kent loves reading and studying and it's precisely his passion for studying, his ambition to become a teacher, that made him meet his now best friend Bianca Monty, in that library. The first person he came out to about his homosexuality.

His relationship with his family is very tense. He would like to remain on good terms with everyone, but it's difficult when his father doesn't know how to approach him without arguing over their very different views on the feud. Consort loves him but... it's just complicated, also because he knows that Kent is gay, but he doesn't know how to deal with him about it.

Goneril snubs him, so Albany does, Regan isn't sure how to feel, and Cornwall hates him with all his heart.

As I said, his nephews love him. When they were little, he babysat each of them at least once, but the children he babysat most frequently were Tybalt, Miranda, Juliette, and Hermia. Now he loves to babysit little Ariel (and that's why Ariel is bisexual, he spends too much time with uncle Kent)

For a short time, Kent helped Tybalt, Juliette, Miranda and Hermia study, but as I mentioned in anothet post, Tybalt was very stubborn, hard to understand the things he studied and the stress of tutoring him led Kent to lose all his hair (partly I think this is also the cause of the early hair loss of Caliban, Tybalt's father).

Among all his nephews, there is one in particular with whom he has a very particular relationship: Tybalt.

Tybalt initially hated his uncle Kent. He loved him as a child, but started to hate him after the fire, when he learned that his uncle was not against the Montys despite what they had done to their family. The two later became closer when Kent realized that there was something between Tybalt and Mercutio that was apparently not the hatred shown. He helped Tybalt understand why he felt so strange, opening him up to the possibility of thinking that perhaps he was homosexual and that he actually liked Mercutio.

Obviously Tybalt denied everything and reacted angrily and embarassed like a perfect tsundere but from that moment... it also gave him a lot to think about.

Kent realized he was gay when he lived in Roaring Heights. As a teenager he fell in love with a boy but their love story ended in fear that his family might find out. He only had the courage to come out to his family as an adult, returning to Veronaville.

In historical years, however, he hides it, for obvious reasons.

Cordelia Capp

Cordelia is short, the shortest among her tree big siblings. She is sweet, naive and couldn't stand the feud, she would have wanted peace instead of seeing all that hatred between the two families. Having been chosen as heir by her mother herself, this brought upon her the hatred of her sisters and to lose their affection for a horrible question of power.

She had a wonderful relationship with her parents and her older brother Kent, but unfortunately she never managed to regain the affection of her sisters Goneril and Regan, no matter how hard she tried.

Cordelia was...even quite friendly with Olivia Monty when Tybalt and Mercutio were children, but the feud then prohibited them from seeing each other.

Cordelia never wanted to use her authority as the future heir, she had never taken a stand on anything, she was a bit cowardly in some ways. She rather let her husband Caliban speak for her, let him manage everything alone, but she couldn't stand it when he scolded Tybalt without sufficient reason to make her son deserve that reproach.

Cordelia loved art, music, she played the piano, and she taught Tybalt to play that. She often lost herself thinking about things that people thought were banal, that they never stopped to observe because certain things had always existed: she loved the sea, she loved the night sky, its stars. She loved the color white, because it was purity, calm, tranquility, a blank canvas to paint on.

She was very young when she had Tybalt, but despite her young age she was a wonderful mother to her three children and wife to her husband.

And it was until the end. Because that night, when the fire had taken her husband's life, she could have easily escaped, there was time. But she didn't. Instead she took Juliette and Hermia and with her last strength she left them in the arms of their older brother Tybalt, and then returned to her husband's side, deprived of strength and oxygen, dying with him but reassured by seeing all three his children run out of that house. Away from the fire. But close to the man she loved.

Caliban Capp

Caliban is tall, but not taller than any Capp, in fact his son Tybalt, now that he has grown up, is much taller than him, having taken after his maternal grandfather Consort.

Caliban literally has two faces, and one of them is false. (And corrupted *badumtss*}

Lover of money, good at business, he immediately persuaded his father-in-law, obtaining his trust and thus the hand of his daughter, Cordelia. Cordelia was the heir, she studied to understand how business was managed, but the truth was that it was Caliban who helped his in-laws manage business. Cordelia had never lifted a finger, she didn't even know how things were going.

He comes from a... particular family. In fact, Caliban is actually a sorcerer and has often used his magic to manipulate things in the family to his liking.

As I have already said, Caliban is liked by Consort for his good business skills, but all his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law can't stand him, they are envious of the flattery that Consort gives him. Cordelia loved him a lot, and he...he...who know. He was once jealous, thinking that Claudio had tried to charm Cordelia.

Juliette loved him, Hermia was too young to express herself and Tybalt...he had a mixed relationship with his father. Because Caliban was gentle with his daughters, but harsh and more authoritative with Tybalt. Tybalt never dared to answer him badly or disobey him, however, but he often ended up getting so nervous that he ran away nervously so as not to insult him. Tybalt loved his mother far more than his father.

Caliban showed himself as a gentleman always ready to help everyone, but his nature was much more evil, much more manipulative than... anyone could have ever imagined. And perhaps, if he hadn't died in the flames, this would have been discovered sooner or later. Perhaps, sooner or later his mask would finally fall, showing the monster he really was.

He had so many secrets.

[mixed-theater-faisty-tings]

Infinitely Jealous

Conrad Request

A/N:HIII!!! I KNOW I HAVEN'T POSTED IN AGES I'VE REALLY MISSED IT. WITH THE NEW SEASON OF THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY I FELT A SMALL SPARK OF INSPIRATION AND GOT THIS REQUEST FROM @shqtteredcrystql1. NOW BEAR WITH ME MY WRITING SKILLS HAVE DETERIORATED A BIT SINCE I LAST POSTED AND I'M STILL WORKING ON MY SMUT WRITING SPOILER ALERT. I AM OPEN TO FEEDBACK OR EVEN ADVICE. I AM TYRING TO WRITE MORE WHEN I CAN I JSUT NEVER WANNA GIVE HALF BAKED IDEAS. OKAY I WILL STOP BABBLING ENJOY!

P.S please don't hurt me for using Conrad and Belly's infinity for this I just love the concept. okay thank you.

Warnings: Explicit language, smut, cheesy lol, Teen Drinking, Protected sex.

word count: 3.2k roughly

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Masterlist

Requests

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Y/N POV 

The stench of alcohol fills my nose as drunken teenagers dance the night away with whatever is in their system. I came to this stupid beach party with Conrad and Jeremiah who both ran off to do god knows what not that this was a new occurrence.

Jere has always attracted girls like moths to light meanwhile Conrad ventures off to do whatever he does and if someone happens to join them he won't push them off so long as they don't try to actually get to know him least that is how he has been the last few summers. 

They started bringing me here with them 7 years ago when we met. I've always been closer with Conrad. Jeremiah had Belly and Conrad had me though you never want to go to boardwalk with the four of us unless you're wanting some quality entertainment.

The Fisher boys always know how to have fun the Conklin's and I can never say no even if it means coming to a dumb beach bonfire. I'd go anywhere with Conrad it's been that way since we met this includes an impromptu trip to the other side of the country to attend a Universal Studios Horrors night as my birthday present. 

We were grounded for 2 months after that one but it was worth any time with him was. He'll only ever see me as his best friend though he has made that crystal clear he's been in touch with this Deb he met last summer "Nicole", they've just been talking but it seems like they could be more this summer or just a casual summer fling of convenience. Maybe this summer I'll find my fling.

"Hey don't think I've ever seen you around here?", a voice pulls me out of my thoughts. "Huh?",  I connect with brown eyes belonging to someone tall, dark skinned, curly dark hair and muscular. "I said I've never seen you around here.", he repeats himself. "Funny because I've come here every summer for the last 7 years." a laugh decorates my words with a hint of sarcasm.

"Oh yeah?  Which house is yours?", he plays along. "First of all creepy and second I'm a guest with the Fisher's.", I giggle. "Ah great guys always fun at a party." his attitude changes from interested to standoffish. "We are just friends all of us.", I smile kindly. "Good to know..care for a drink?", he extends his hand to me with a kind smile. 

"Sure why not.", I take his hand. "I'm Lucas.". "Y/N.". "And I'm Conrad glad we got the introductions out of the way now let's get beer.", my best friend pops up out of nowhere. "Uh okay sure I'll be right back.", Lucas runs off wearing a confused expression. "What are you doing?", I hiss at the brown-haired boy. 

"Hanging with my best bud what do you mean.", he slings his arm around my shoulder with a smirk planted on his lips...his lips..focus. "No why you're doing is ruining a potential new friend.", a stern tone clutches onto my words. "Friend huh? Yeah sure whatever.", he scoffs. "Go makeup with Red Sox girl some more.", I roll my eyes pushing his arm off of me. I knew it was Nicole but saying her name out loud stung.

"Jealous?", I don't have to look at him to know a sly look sits on his face. "As if. Have I ever been jealous of the girls you've dated?", my arms sit crossed just beneath my chest. "I'm sure you have been.". "Check your ego bro.", I turn to walk away when he says, "I have you to keep me humble don't I?", a chuckle follows. 

"Whatever I'll see you later.", the sand envelops my feet treading to find Lucas. "Y/N over here!", a voice calls me over belonging to Lucas over by the fire. "Your bodyguard still with you?", he asks when I finally make it over to him. "Funny uh no I gave him the night off.", I smile. "Good to know.", he playfully bumps my shoulder handing me a beer can unopened. 

"So do you come here just for summer or do you experience Cousins in all four seasons?", I ask. He takes a seat in the sand waiting for me to join him before answering. "I actually go to boarding school so I experience a little bit of all four seasons on holiday assuming I don't run off to Mexico for Christmas or spring break.", he laughs. "You don't seem the other spoiled boarding school brats we run into here.", confusion swirls in my head. 

"I mean would you prefer for me to? Ugh my parents shipping me off to some lame ass boarding school with their credit card knowing I have a trust fund to carry me for the rest of my life even though I'll probably blow it on some stupid shit as soon as I'm 25.", his tone becomes snarky, and attitude narcissistic quickly replaced by the charming side once more. 

"Entertaining I will say but not my vibe.", a laugh escapes my lips. "Good cause that's not who I am.", he chuckles joins the air. We spend the time talking soon leaving the fire to walk along the beach taking about just how different our lives are. He was good company, but I kept thinking about Conrad and what he was doing, who he was with, why he wasn't with me. 

Yes, I know I basically told him fuck off but it's not like he ever listens he's my best friend and he knows y/n speak by now. Conrad maybe smart enough to get into Brown but sometimes he needs a little push in the right direction. "Y/N are you listening?", Lucas jumps in front of me. My face drops into a frown feeling bad i hadn’t been pay attention.

"Y/N quick it's Conrad!", Steven yells. My feet carry me as fast as they can without getting caught in the sand back to the group of teens surrounding a fight with none other than my stupid best friend in the middle of it.

"Con! Quit being stupid!", I push my way through the crowd and try to pull him off the random dude. My attempt was moot until Jere finally stepped in and broke up the fight around the same time as sirens began sounding. 

"Cops!". The teens that once covered the beach dropped their drinks and scattered like cockroaches. "Y/N let's go grab some ice cream and I'll take you home.", Lucas grabs ahold of my hand gently tugging me away from the guys.

"Like hell you will.", Conrad pulls me towards him. "You don't own her man. She can come with me if she wants to.", the alluring guy I was talking to all night disappears taken over with frustration and anger.

"We brought her, we will take her home besides she just met you like I'd ever let her endanger herself like that. Besides your place isn’t her home. Mine is.”the brown hair boy mocks the curly haired boys statement. "I never said anything about my place quit putting words in my mouth".

 "Would both of you just shut up!.", my outburst took both of them aback. "Lucas I'll see you around. Conrad let's get your stupid ass home.", annoyance prominent in my voice as I drag them away from each other. "Give me the keys Conrad.", I hold out my hand. "Not a chance.", he pushes past me and gets in the drivers side of his sedan. 

"I can't fucking believe you.", his tone accusatory. "Believe me about what?". "That boarding school trust fund fuck boys are your type.", his hands grip the wheel tighter than normal meanwhile I completely lose it.

"And how the fuck would you know what my type is huh! You have never cared nor taken an interest in the guys I have talked to. God acting like my dad I don't need your protection okay I can take care of myself.", I can feel my cheeks turning hot with anger. 

"You are so wrapped up in your own world you don't even notice that I do care about who you are with. You deserve more than that jackass.", tension settles in the air, suddenly this car feels like a tiny box."All that guy wanted to do was hook up with you.",his voice was filled with a know it all tone.

"So what if that is what I wanted!", he is surprised by my response. "You don't wanna lose it to some random one night stand.". "And if I do?", I didn't but he didn't need to know that.

"I know you Y/N you want to lose it to someone you care about and you know cares about you.", his grips loosens. "Maybe it's just not meant for me.", I can't let my guard down. 

My eyes follow his hand as it leaves the wheel and lays flat against the skin between my thigh and knee. "Don't say that.", we finally pull into the driveway of the beach house quietly making our way in the house careful not to wake Laurel or Susannah. I make my way to the kitchen grabbing some powdered donuts from the pantry. 

"I wasn't trying to upset you..honestly. You're my best friend and I never want to hurt you but lately I just keep fucking up.", he follows me after Jere, Belly and Steven trot upstairs to their rooms. "It's fine Connie you were right I don't wanna lose my virginity to some dude I met on the beach at a lame party.", I avoid looking at him. 

"I wouldn't want that for you either.", a gentle tone takes over his voice. "You're not fucking up anything by the way I mean I'm still here aren't I?", I attempt to lighten the mood. "Surprisingly so.", he chuckles. "What's going on in that brilliant head of yours?", I finally bathe the strength to look at him without melting. 

The way the front pieces of his hair kind of flop in front of his eyes, he's constantly pushing them behind his ear mainly when he's nervous but he also refuses to cut it Susannah loves it. His brown eyes seep into mine without even trying encapsulating me in a daydream. 

"You...me...y/n you think I don't care who you date but I do.", a nervous Conrad is not something I don't see often or ever really. "Let's not have this conversation again please.", I beg. "I have feelings for you.", he blurts not looking me in the eye. "What?", I'm taken aback praying he said what I heard.

"I like you Y/N and I have since we met I'm just so screwed up and I didn't wanna drag you down with me especially with my mom. You're the only other person besides me who knows about my parents and they don't even know that I know.", the sound of the stool screeching against the floor as he stands up out of the chair echos string us both. 

"Con you're not screwed up..", I gently take his hands in mine connecting our eyes. "You just need to develop better communication skills.". "How's this for practice?", his body leans over mine slowly coming down to bring his lips to mine. 

Is this really happening? Am I about to kiss Conrad Fisher, I've only ever dreamed of this moment never anticipating the reality god don't let me mess this up please. The soft skin of his lips gently connect with him, his hands disconnecting from mine caressing my cheeks instead leaving my hand to go to his shoulders pulling him closer afraid to lose the moment. 

I've always felt safe around him but, here in this moment it was cloud nine times a million. I didn't want it to end but we had to breathe eventually. "So?". 

"Well ahem.. a kiss isn't communicating however you can take that as an I feel the same way..", I anxiously pull my bottom lip between my teeth. "I love how you do that when you're nervous.", a nervous laugh escapes his lips. "We should head up to bed it's getting late.", as much as I don't want to I pull away from his body, his warmth knowing he'll be different in the morning. 

"Stay with me tonight.", it comes off as a statement rather than a question making my heart jump with excitement. "Your mom would flip if she caught us in your room.", I raise a brow. "Not if she doesn't find out or I come up with a really good excuse as to why you were in my room, and my bed.", he keeps me close.

"I don't know Con.". "Please.". "Okay fine.". 

Pleased with my appliance to his wishes he leads us upstairs to his room carefully closing the door. After removing our shoes we lay in his bed facing each other, the light of the moon casting a light so bright I could see his whole face in the dark.

The soft touch of his hands push some hair behind my ear before pulling me into our second kiss of the evening. 

Without thinking I immediately kiss him back, our bodies manage to close any gap left between us in a matter of seconds the moment enclosing us in a world of our own. I pull back slightly we are still nose to nose but rarely any space is between us. 

With as much confidence as I could muster I whisper the words I've wanted to say for months, "I want it to be you.". He is slightly surprised by my statement but doesn't break our contact, a small smile daring to turn up the corner of his mouth. "Are you sure? That wasn't what I was trying to do not now.", the words are soft spoken. 

"I'm sure unless you don't want to?", my eyes search his for an ounce of rejection. "Believe me I want to I just don't want you to feel rushed or pressured.". Without another word my hand takes a hold of his guiding it from the softness of my legs up to rest on my hips slowly and ever so gently. "Please Connie." with that I connect our lips once more. 

He takes this as his green light deepening the kiss turning me onto my back so he can be onto careful not to crush me under him. My fingers dance under his shirt against his stomach and chest, he smiles into the kiss before moving to my neck tenderly nipping at the skin a gasp escaping my lips. 

"We have to be quiet baby.", he whispers into my ear sending shivers down my spine in the best way possible. We both sit up swiftly removing our shirts, he gently pecks my lips allowing himself to kiss down my jawline, neck and along my shoulders till his hands reach the clasp of my bra. 

"May I?", his breathe tickles my neck and I nod. The white lace is soon gone leaving my top half completely bare and exposed, to my own surprise I'm not as nervous as I'd thought I'd be but how can I be when it's him.

He begins to kiss from my shoulder back down my chest gently laying me back down before reaching my jeans. I can feel his fingers undo the button and zipper tugging the denim off my hips and down my legs. 

A cold breeze hit my sensitiveness causing me to shudder. One step further and my panties have fond the rest of the clothes on my the floor. His eyes meet mine again a smile plastered on his face before speaking in a hushed tone. "Okay I'm gonna be honest it does hurt the first time but I promise I'm gonna do everything I can to make sure that you are ready before then. Do you trust me baby?". 

"Of course I do.", I smile. 

Our lips attach themselves once more as his thumb begins to rub my bud an action responsible for my hips bucking up. "It's okay.Relax", he reassures me against my lips.

My mind goes foggy overcome by his touch, of course I've touch myself but his hands against my most sensitive part was a whole new feeling of pleasure I've had yet to explore. 

When he feels I'm ready he slides a finger inside pumping in and out slowly, our moans mix together in the air trying to remain quiet. "I'm going to add another okay?". "Okay.". I feel his index and and middle fingers sliding in and out of me a wave of pleasure washing over me. I kiss him to try and cover my moans a futile action as I end up moaning against his lips instead. 

"Fuck yes just like that.", my hips begin to grind against his fingers giving him confidence to speed up slightly. My stomach begins to tighten as my climax winds up, he plants soft kisses along my chest continuing his motions only heightening my moans. "You are so beautiful y/n.", his whisper causes butterflies to let loose in my stomach. 

"I think I'm ready Connie.", I couldn't hold back anymore. I wanted him, all of him more than anything in this moment. "I think so too.", all contact is taken away so he could remove his jeans but I can't help the whimper that leaves my lips at the loss. 

The moment stand still our eyes locked on one another taking in this sight of each others exposed state, emotionally and physically bare. I prayed he couldn't hear how loud my heart was beating I've wanted him for so long to be more than my best friend and here he is, here I am giving him my first an I wouldn't change a thing. 

"Do you have protection?", I ask. He nods before reaching into his drawer and pulling out a shiny gold foil, putting on the condom and hovering over me once more. "I want you to be mine.", the words fall graciously from his now swollen lips. "I am yours.", I'm quick to answer.

"No I mean I want us, you and me. Boyfriend and girlfriend. This isn't just a one time thing. Be mine? Please.", a vulnerable Conrad is a side we rarely see and only in his most emotional state thought I've always been his soft spot. "I've always been yours whether you knew it or not my love.", I don't blush at the statement instead I smile and plant a small kiss on his nose. 

"This may still hurt I'm gonna go slow and let me know when I can move okay?", his lips lower to mine. His tip rubbing against my clit earning a small moan. "Okay.", I force the one worded answer out. As he kisses me slowly his member enters me...holy shit...a stint of pain swells inside my body, "Please move Con.", I manage. 

The thrusts replace pain with bliss, his minty scent fills my olfactory nerves, the soft touch of his lips and hands dance along my skin with sweat glistening on us both.

"Fuck you feel good baby.", he's as breathless as I am. His hands grip my hips imprinting small marks on them while my nails dig into his shoulders and back my entire body buried in ecstasy. 

"More.", I beg. I can feel him smirk into my neck picking up his pace and pushing deeper into me causing my back to arch off the bed our chests colliding. "Oh god." I moan gripping his shoulders so tight my knuckles are white.

"You're okay we're almost there.",his words soothe me and I allow myself to fall back against the mattress. As if they have a mind of their own my hips being to move meeting his hurts with equal enthusiasm and energy. "Just like that.", he groans into my skin. 

The knot in my stomach grows and grows I'm toe curling close to my end as is he. His speed picks up, ours moans mix praying we don't wake anyone. Mass amounts of Conrads groans fill the air when I begin to clench around him neither of us could hold on any longer.

 A white haze clouds all my senses as my entire body shakes with my orgasm. I feel him finish with me both of us panting and completely gone for each other and the moment we just shared.

A few minutes pass allowing us to collect ourselves before he quickly jumps grabbing an old t-shirt to clean us up. His care is gently and appreciated as some soreness begins to settle between my legs. 

"So how was I?', my cheeks turn red as I ask. I grab his shirt off the floor and pull it over my head covering myself.  "Perfect.", his arms wrap around my body spooning me, comforting me in a way I've never known a person could.

"Thank you for being my first.", the words are spoken just above a whisper. "Just hope you don't regret it.", his body tenses nervously against my back a sadness coating his words. "I could never regret you Conrad not about this, and not about us...we're infinite.". 

"Infinite.". he repests. "I should probably go to mine and Belly's room before anyone gets suspicious.", I try to get up only to be pulled back by Conrad. "You aren't going anywhere. I told you I will find a great excuse as to why you were in here.", I giggle at his statement.

"And what about the clothes that covering the floor?", I cock an eyebrow at him. "I've been meaning to do laundry.", he answers. 

"That includes my panties?", I can't help but laugh. "They got mixed up?", he shrugs. "My boyfriend ladies and gentlemen the best liar.", we both erupt in a fit of laughter though it is short lived as my eyelids begin to droop closed.

"Goodnight Connie.", my whole body relaxes into his chest sleep taking over. 

"Goodnight my infinity.", him kissing my head is the last thing I remember before being swept away in sleep. 

Infinity.  

[paladindansewaifu]

As you may have seen on my blog I had a lovely request from someone looking for more Paladin Danse fics. I’m always interested in more Fallout 4! I’m very flattered to have received those prompts! This is actually my first request! I’m looking forward to many more. To the person that requested this, I hope you find it and I may even write out more of your prompts soon!

P.S: I’m hoping to post fics more frequently. XD Hit me with those requests! I’m always more motivated if I know someone is waiting for them!

Paladin Danse X-Reader: Flowers

It was the first spring since Danse had found out that he was a synth. The dark grey days of winter had taken a toll on him. Everyday he tried to get up and find meaning, but that’s hard to do when everything you know has been ripped away from you. The short, dreary days didn’t help. The cold and the snow helped to convince him that there was nothing worth hoping for. When the days started to get longer and warmer you could have sworn that something in him changed. It wasn’t significant enough that any of the other officers would notice. But it was enough for you, his boyfriend, to notice. Maybe it was something in his voice, maybe it was something in his face, but you noticed. He seemed lighter somehow, like maybe he’d be able to hope again. You guys had been dating since just after he found out the truth about himself. You had been the one person that comforted him, the one person that believed in him. He had told you many times over the last few months that you were the reason he found the strength to keep going. You never felt worthy of his affection, but you decided that you would earn it someday. One warm, early spring day was that day.

You asked Danse to accompany you on a walk through the park. As always he was mopey and hesitant. He didn’t see the point. You pouted and put on your best doe eyes.

“You know I can’t resist those eyes,” Danse says.

You squeal in delight and lead the way. Even after a nuclear apocalypse some of the flowers that grew before are still around. They all have new names now. You’re the only person that knows what they used to be called. You take Danse’s hand and intertwine his fingers through yours. You point out some flowers and ask him what they’re called. He tells you the new names. You laugh because they’re so silly compared to what you called them. Danse thinks you’re laughing at him and gets offended. He lets go of your hand and walks ahead. You sprint to talk up to him and take his hand again.

“I wasn’t laughing at you,” you say. “The names of the flowers still sound so strange to me.”

“Then tell me what you call them,” he says.

You start to find flowers that you recognize, flowers that remind you of life before the vault.

“That’s a Calla Lily, they represent beauty,” you say. Danse stares intensely at the flower while you stare at his strong, stubbled jaw. “Daisy’s represent innocence.”

“I wish I was innocent.” Danse’s face falls.

“You are.” You rub small, comforting circles on the back of his hand. You lead him underneath a tall, towering tree. “This is an Oak. It’s strong, like you.” He wraps his arms around you and pulls you close. You can feel his heart beating in his warm chest. You place your hand over his heart, and place his hand over yours. “Do you feel my heart beating?” You ask him.

“Yes. Why is it beating so fast?”

“Because, that’s how you make me feel.” You we’re going to tell him it’s beating fast because you love him, but it’s too soon and you don’t want to scare him off. “You’re just as human as I am.”

He pulls you even closer, until your face is only inches from his. Then he leans in and kisses you firmly on the lips. You close your eyes and let his presence intoxicate you. When he pulls away you wish it wouldn’t end.

“What’s that flower?” He asks, pointing to a red flower.

“That’s a rose.”

“It’s beautiful. What do they mean?” He asks.

You blush and look down. “They mean love.”

“Oh.” He blushes too. He doesn’t say another word the entire walk back. Then he retreats to his room. He doesn’t talk to you for the next few days. Whenever you try to make eye contact he looks away. You know that you went too far. You know that when you told him red roses mean love that you were telling him you loved him. He knows you told him too. You scared him away for good.

A few days later you’re sitting alone on a bench in the park where you showed Danse the flowers. Everywhere you look you see him, until you realize that what you’re seeing is actually him. He sits down beside you without saying a word. He’s hiding something behind his back.

“I’m sorry if I upset you. I didn’t mean to move so fast, but I can’t help how I feel about you,” you say.

“You’re not moving too fast,” he replies.

“Then why have you been distant?”

“Because I’ve been working up the nerve to give you these.” Danse pulls a fragrant bouquet of red roses out from behind his back and hands them to you.

“For me?”

He nods, blushing furiously. You look into his warm brown eyes.

“Why?” You ask.

“Red roses mean love, right?” He asks bashfully.

“Does that mean you…?”

He nods again, his blush deepening even further. “I love you.”

[shitpostingkats]

8 and 18 for the YGO ask meme? P.S. Helloooooo ^.^

8. Favorite antagonist/villain

You know? Shoutouts to Brron! He doesn't get enough love. I really love his design and they way he's animated in the show, this sort of creaky dusty mummy that doesn't have any bones and joints in all the Wrong places.

18. A random headcanon

Ooh I can't narrow it down to just one so I'll do some for each series I've seen.

DM: Atem is stupid nearsighted and this is why he does the squinty squinty whenever he takes over. This is really impressive because he's the one who actually passed the drivers test for Yugi (Yugi's a fine driver, he just couldn't get through the exam without having a panic attack) and to this day no one knows how he did it because the man is coke-bottle-glasses-blind and needs help crossing the street most days. Yes, this means Yugi has technically driving illegally his entire life. No, he doesn't feel one bit bad about it.

GX: Listen to me. I am looking directly in your face. Tyranno Hassleberry would be an amazing principal/chancellor of duel academy. He's a friendly leader type who loves learning and being in charge of rowdy hooligans. He effortlessly takes command of the student body like three times in the series. He's weird and fun and would be utterly beloved by his students because yeah he talks like a retired army colonel but he also goes off on hours long tangents on the cretaceous period and lets any student who wants avoid going home over the holidays tag along on his archeology digs and/or camping trips. He seems to be friends with the entire work force of pro duelists and duel historians and duel physicists and regularly invites them to the island to give presentations. I know Shepard set the bar low but Tyranno Hassleberry is going to raise it.

5Ds: I haven't posted any art of it, but I like to draw Yusei with tattoos! He gets a new one for every person that's important to him, so he has a full sleeve on his right arm (though his tattoo for Martha is right over the scar on his stomach) and even gets the dragon head inked back on after the end of the series. Also as stated previously I fully believe in my heart of hearts that Carly Carmine is a lesbian. And I believe with certainty that she should go on a date with Stephanie (the server from blue eyes coffee). Stephanie opens up her own little queer coffee shop called "Les Bean" or smth and Carly becomes a full on investigative reporter who keeps getting in trouble with the cops because she and her six foot tall emotional support himbo investigate leads by picking fights with violent criminals and there's really nothing anyone can do about it.

Zexal: I haven't finished with the series yet but I am full to bursting with headcanons for what astral world is like and if the show wants to contradict me it is welcome to try. I think astral world is completely underwater and filled with bioluminescence and weird deep sea creatures. Everything is floaty and sways in the currents and an astral's hair is like the fronds of a sea anemone and it is customary/fashionable to have schools of fish swimming around in it. Some astrals decorate their bodies with coral and plants and are floating ecosystems. There's a good deal of Societal Value attached to how many creatures you are in symbiosis with. Astral himself doesn't know exactly why he feels so grief stricken when he sees Yuma fiddle with the beads in his hair, or feels so lonely when he looks in an aquarium, but he's working on it, and as far as he's got Yuma, then he's not alone at all :)

[mangohobbit]

Soap and the artist

(Soap x y/n)(civilian)...I think that's how it goes? I'm still learning fanfiction language 😅😅

Authors note: So this is my first fanfiction ever and I am honestly terrified of posting it but FUCK IT! I have seen various styles for fanfic writing but I was really bad in trying to copy that so I just went with what I was most comfortable with.

-Just a few little notes before you get started so you aren't completely lost. 1) Setting is wherever you would like. The 141 are in a foreign country to their own so have fun with it. (make one up if you want. I kept it vague so you could use your imagination although I am descriptive on the setting being a mountainous region) 2) Anything italicized means you're speaking in another language (again, have fun with it) 3) I hope my jumping between perspectives is alright? Again, this is my first fanfic and I'm still getting used to this writing style so please bear with me 😅 Enjoy 🥰

(P.S : No NSFW warning....for now. This will be a slow burn. Just alot of flirting and tension)

Word count: 2820

Chapter 1: Sunbeams

The late afternoon air was setting in with an unfamiliar peace that Johnny had not felt in some time. It had also been awhile since he smelt the air of a new base. Everything about this place smelled of new. New walls, new floors, new paint, new everything other than his team that now walked its halls. His team of the 141 had been assigned for the training of some soldiers in the province of some small country that never came onto his rader from how small and insignificant it was. He thought it a shame that he had never heard of such a place considering he had been all over the world at this point. He also thought it a shame because of how beautiful it was. Although he had only seen the military airport and the roads that lead to the base which didn’t lead to any city, town, or village; only some spread out farms, the land was lush and green and the climate cool for the season; which seemed to be spring. He did see the outline to town from a distance once he was on the base. Once he had unpacked what he needed, him, and Gaz decided to explore the new place together. Ghost locked himself in his room for some much needed sleep as he tended to be a bad sleeper on plane rides. “I think the hairs on my nostrils are vaporizing from the smell of new paint,” Gaz rubbed his nose. 

“We’ve smelled our own funk and of others for so long that this is definitely a weird whiff for our noses,” Johnny laughed. 

“Kinda smells like a fresh mopped shopping center doesn’t it?” Gaz chuckled.

“Yeah,” Johnny laughed back at the comparison. 

The two friends found themselves on a balcony outside a small communal lounge area on the second floor. Underneath them was an open dirt field where some thirty young, newly appointed soldiers all lined up in rows and columns listening to their commanding officer give them some sort of speech. Majority were some pretty young lads. Looking at them made Johnny reminisce about his first few years in the military. He honestly wasn’t that much older than those boys down there but he wasn’t considered a “young adult” anymore and those years now seemed so far away with everything that he has seen and experienced. 

From this balcony is where he could see the outline of the town that seemed to sit by the river that the base sat next to as well. The area that the base was on was where the river expanded itself into some small marsh lands covered by a variety of tall grass, small bush, and tree’s. Rising all around them were some majestic mountains that loomed over them from all angles. The familiar views of long expanded valley’s made him nostalgic for his homeland. It was rather uncanny how alike the landscape looked from the views he saw growing up. 

“Why do you think Price accepted this assignment?” Johnny asked. “We’ve never been trainers or mentors before.

“Perhaps the world is finally at peace for once and the captain just wanted to keep us busy,” Gaz replied. “But knowing Laswell, this whole thing reeks of a deeper plot.”

“You think the captain and Laswell have another reason for us to be here?”

“Wouldn’t be surprised Soap. Would you?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time I was told one thing only to be saddled with another…and another,” he leaned against the railing, letting his elbows hold him up. 

“The plot will eventually thicken. Just you wait,” Gaz positioned himself in the same way as well. 

“Maybe we’re here for good reason?” Johnny wondered.

“Ready to be someone’s knight in shining armor Soap? Gaz released a small snort. 

“More like someone’s dog. Ready to fetch the ball.” Johnny sighed. 

“Come on Soap, normally Ghost is the pessimist.”

“Agh, you’re right. I think I’m just tired from the flight,” Johnny huffed. 

“You still have some time to rest up. Price said we wouldn’t be properly introduced until tomorrow morning,” Gaz patted his friends back. 

The two men started their route back to the barracks when they passed by the security office. Price was in there talking back and forth with an officer. Johnny and Gaz were able to catch what the conversation was about. 

“Alright I’ll have someone check out the sensor,” Price began to walk out the door when he spotted two of own lingering outside. 

“Everything alright Captain?” Gaz asked

“Security has just informed me that a motion sensor has been triggered,” he informed his boys about the alarm. 

“Couldn’t it just be an animal?” Johnny reasoned.

“I thought that too but the sensor is designed to go off only when anything that weighs more than a hundred pounds passes by it. We should check it out either way. This place is new and it already has some heads turning our way,” the captain crossed his arms. 

That was when Johnny knew Gaz was right about something more than training some new armed recruits was their purpose for being here. “We’re already up and dressed captain so we’ll go ahead and take a look at it,” Johnny looked to his crewmate. 

“Gear up and go find out what it was then. It was the northmost sensor, number T110.” the captain let them know. “Leave in five minutes and give me a radio check when you reach it,” Price headed back towards his new office.  

Geared up and armed the two soldiers headed towards the sensor. They were going in blind to this not only because they didn’t know what tripped the sensor but also they didn’t know the lay of the land just yet. They knew which direction of the base's perimeter was north but they came up to two others before coming up to the right one. It had a small light that was blinking red. It wasn’t hard to see that the place was disturbed…by a human. Clear footprints came from the fences direction and headed out towards the river. There was a clear path where the footprints were stamped on. Seemed to be a frequently used forest path to get to the river banks. 

“Let’s see if our guest is still here?” Johnny followed the path while Gaz walked from behind. To get to the river it was a slight downhill in the land with small curves that avoided the tree’s.

“These are some small prints Soap. It’s not like there are hardy boots or anything,” Gaz took note of the pattern of the prints which looked more like sneakers. 

“You’re right,” Johnny replied. “Maybe some local kids getting to their regular spot. We should be ready to not look intimidating if these are just local civilians,” Johnny began to speak quietly as they got near the riverbank. 

“Copy that,��� Gaz nodded. 

The sounds of the flowing water started to get louder and louder as they tracked the footprints. A giant boulder crushed between two large trees blocked their sight of the river which was now in view. They could hear some shuffling going around the other side of the large chunk of rock. The two men put their backs and eyed one another in silence, giving each other hand signals on how they were going to approach this. Just as they were about to creep to the other side, the sudden bark of a dog that jumped in front of them made the two men flinch. 

“Shit,” Johnny cursed. 

“Who’s behind there!” 

Johnny’s mind did a mental gasp at the sound of a woman’s voice. It was speaking in the native tongue of course.

“Oli, get back here!”

“Recall your dog miss! Gaz shouted. “We’re from the base!” The woman’s voice shouted for her dog once more and the medium sized mutt retreated back to its owner in a huff. 

“We’re going to walk out! Don’t move an inch!” Johnny commanded; although he didn’t know if the person could understand him in the first place. It was a hunch at the very least since the dog did back up once its name was called when Gaz told the mystery intruder to do so. 

“You can come out now,” The voice spoke in English this time with a slight accent. 

Soap nodded his head forward for Gaz to follow him around the boulder. With their guns up they slowly crept into the view of the stranger standing within the shallows of the river. With your overalls rolled up to your knees and the sun rays that peeked through the tree’s which created a gold halo around your silhouette, Johnny was left speechless at the sight of you.

“I’m not armed…unless you count this small stone,” you held up her arms decorated in an array of beaded bracelets while holding the stone you warned them about. 

“What’s in the bag?” Johnny pointed out the stuffed canvas messenger bag on the ground. 

“Paint supplies,” you replied. 

Johnny approached the bag, lifted its flap, then revealed the said paint supplies. He rummaged around just in case. You did not like that as she yelled at him to keep his hands out of it.  

“You do know you are trespassing here, miss?” Gaz questioned you. 

“Yeah well up until eight months ago this place was open to everyone,” you had an angry tone to your voice. The stare of annoyance in your eyes gave Johnny a slight shiver up his spine. 

He didn’t have to be so aggressive in looking through your things. Damn those pretty blue eyes that looked up at you as your hands were up in the air so as to not provoke them. They were holding some pretty big guns at you and your dog. Luckily your furry companion was behaving for once and listening to your command of staying still, but they were ready to pounce at any time now. 

“Please don’t hurt my dog,” you said to the soldiers. 

“What’s his name?” The soldier with the silly mohawk asked you. 

“Oli,” you responded. “He’s just cautious but he’s nice if you approach him slowly…and not sneak from behind,” you said the last part in a scoff. The mohawk guy noticed and smiled a crooked grin your way. Damn he’s cute, you bit your tongue. The soldier carefully extended his hand to your dog with some soft words of encouragement to smell him. 

“Oli, safe,” you said to your dog. Oli yapped a happy bark and jumped onto the soldier’s chest with an unstoppable wagging tail which made their bottom wiggle back and forth. 

“Oh what a good dog you are,” the mohawk guy said in the usual “happy that a dog is happy” kind of voice. 

The other soldier with the baseball cap also crouched down to pet Oli with a smile. It put you at ease that Oli was calm and happy with them around. “Can I put my hands down now?” you asked. 

“Yes, miss,” the baseball-capped soldier said.

With your arms now resting you headed back to the riverbank. On the sand of the bank you unloaded your pockets of different stones. “That’s all I have, I swear.”

“Even though you’re not an armed threat you still haven’t answered what you’re doing here,” mohawk guy questioned you. 

“You know normally introducing yourself with your name is the polite thing to do. Or do they not do that sort of thing anymore around the world,” you jested. 

“You’re the one on our side of the fence so why don’t you start with introductions. What’s your name miss?”

Dick. Why did he have to be a cute dick. “I’m (Y/N) , I live in the town that overlooks that ugly thing,” you pointed at the gray blocks that made up the military base. 

“I take it you’re not a fan of your new neighbors?” Mohawk asked. 

“It would’ve been nice to not have it block my spot. Maybe if you built it not here then I wouldn’t mind it so much. I think it would look great in the mountains…on the other side,” you jested again.

"Your spot?” Mohawk asked. 

“Yes my spot, Mohawk! I’ve been coming here since I could walk and that damn fence isn’t going to stop me!”

Those cute angry eyes were definitely going to be the death of him. Calm yourself Johnny. A pair of batting lashes shouldn’t put your defenses down. But oh how he wanted to. 

“Oh, you already gave me a nickname?” 

“Well it’s not like YOU introduced yourself or your friend Baseball Cap over here,” you put your hands on your hips. 

“I’m Sergeant MacTavish and this is Sergeant Garrick,” he finally introduced himself. 

“Well Sergeant, if you’ll excuse me I have some business to attend to before I lose the light,” you approached your bag. Taking out your collapsible easel, you unclipped it and tried to position it in the right direction. 

“No miss you cannot make camp here,” MacTavish was about to reach for your easel when you swatted at his hand with a loud smack. “Hey!” he yapped. You could hear his friend smile with a chuckle. 

“I’m not setting up camp. Don’t you know an easel when you see it, soldier? I’m going to paint. Now if you will, I would appreciate some silence,” you only continued doing your usual set up. 

Johnny wasn’t about to deny that he was both surprised and slightly turned on from the hand smack you placed on the back of his hand. Not too often does he meet many people with such fearlessness. Your determination was admirable but he had a job to do and you weren’t supposed to be here. He backed away from you and came up to Gaz with a whisper. 

“So how do you want to play this?” Gaz asked. 

“Well she’s not a threat but she can’t be here,” Johnny pointed out. Peering over his shoulder he saw how you carefully set up her easel which transformed into a mini table on the side and took several other tools out. A jar of water, a pouch full of paint brushes, and a small palette with some nice looking paints. Looking at the tools brought the soldier back to his elementary art classroom. It used to be his favorite subject. His art teacher was the only one who cared about his doodles and scribbles. She would even hang her favorite ones on the wall. Nostalgia from a better time in his life flooded his mind. He felt bad having to move someone like you who just wanted her creative space back. With a huff and grunt he turned to Gaz. “You go Gaz, I’ll stay behind and wait for her to finish. It’s almost dark anyways,” Johnny sighed. 

“You’re going to let her stay?” Gaz asked. 

“Yeah, just head back. I’ll radio Price in a sec to let him know.”

“It’s your head Soap,” Gaz snickered. 

“I know,” Johnny huffed. 

“Have a goodnight miss,” Gaz said his goodbyes. “Goodnight Oli,” he patted your dog one last time before heading back and disappearing behind the tree’s.

“So you’re going to babysit me?” You jeered.  

“I’m no monster to disturb a creative mind. Plus, I don’t feel right leaving a damsel in the middle of nowhere when it’ll be getting dark soon,” Mohawk got himself comfortable on a stone. 

“How noble of you, Mohawk,” you huffed at the man. “Suit yourself,” you hunched your shoulders. Unbothered by the results. As long as you got to paint, all was good. Though, you wish you didn’t have to have a huge burly, mohawked, military dude breath down your neck. Cute for sure, but annoying nonetheless. 

As much as Johnny tried to admire the serenity of the location, which had much to look at in nature, he couldn’t help looking at you.  You were barefoot with your toes curled in the sand. Your back stood as straight as an oak. Your gaze aimed for the tree’s to the south of the riverbank. A landscape that was now disturbed by what you described as “those ugly things” which still left a laugh in Johnny’s chest. Your focus is what he couldn’t stop looking at the most. Christ was it mesmerizing to see how your eyes pierced through the landscape in trying to capture your little painting. You began to quickly work on what he could only describe as the best bloody sunset landscape he had ever seen. The soft pinks and purples were so similar to the real thing. 

“Y-you’re really talented,” he was finally able to get a compliment out of his mouth. 

In an elegant turn of your head the military man was captured by your stare. He gulped at your glare. “Thank you,” you smiled.