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asxgard · 2 months ago

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Be. | one shot

Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch x f!MedStudent!reader

Requested

Summary: You had no intentions of falling for the sad-eyed attending on one of your rotations. And yet, here you are.

[ Masterlist ]

Request: I know your requests are closed so this can be when you’re back because this idea is eating me alive. I was wondering if you could do a Dr. Robby x reader in their early 20s if you are comfortable with that. No one knows about them until either Abbott or Dana come to check on him at his apartment after Pitt Fest and they open the door in his sweatshirt. They talk to Robby and make jokes like “so do you have to pick her up from school?” But in the end they see his face with them and they understand why they are together. Love your writing! It’s been fueling my Pitt brain rot.

Note: Thank you for your request, @im-not-okay-i-promise1452 ! I hope you enjoy it💜

Word Count: 2.8k

Most of my works are 18+ due to adult language and content.

Warnings: age gap (reader is 23, Robby is late 40s), hospital setting, medical inaccuracies, implied smut, foul language, death of a patient, canon-typical gore, Pittfest mentions, Robby having a hard time with feelings, reader has parents (slightly older than Robby)

not beta read

It had started on med school rotation, after meeting the chief attending. You were fresh-eyed and eager, just coming off an internal medicine rotation. The ED had been a mess you were not quite expecting. You knew almost immediately that it was not the place for you, but you had every intention of finishing the rotation just to prove to yourself that you could.

You flustered in his company, heart beating like a hummingbird's wings and you felt just as delicate. A crush on your attending felt like a break in protocol, a break in your carefully curated plan of med school, residency, attending or physician in a clinic. You were hung up on his age, which helped you keep your distance, and eventually you just tried to avoid him unless he was showing you something.

Sticking closer to Langdon or Collins felt like a safer bet until the rotation was through.

It was impossible to avoid him forever, it seemed, especially in the chaos of the Pitt. Two patients had been rushed in after an MVA — and you raced behind Langdon as he got the vitals of the first patient.

Seven month pregnant woman, awake and alert, with abrasions along her arms and legs, but a bruise already forming from the seatbelt. She grabbed your hand while Langdon was rattling off her vitals as she was rolled into Trauma-1.

“You’ve got to save my baby,” she cried, face scrunched in pain. “Please, it’s too soon.”

It squeezed your heart and you wordlessly nodded at her. “We’re doing everything we can.”

Robby walked into the room with an air of confidence, and it seemed to reassure you. Until her blood pressure crashed and the code blue began — L&D had been called, but they had yet to make it. You each took turns with compressions, and you felt as if you had completely stopped breathing.

The main focus had been to bring back the woman, even as the fetal heartbeat stuttered to a stop. A L&D attending rushed in the assess the situation, and you moved out of the way until your back hit the wall, stuck frozen as the scene played out.

The attending and Robby argued back and forth over something, but everything sounded like a high pitched whine. Langdon resumed compressions and you eventually got control of your limbs again, only to run out of the room.

Your breathing had come in shallow pants, like your lungs could not take in the air you desperately needed. You vaguely heard Dana call out to you, but perhaps it had been in your head. Everything felt like it was closing in on you, like despite any efforts made, it still would never be enough.

You found the stairwell without meaning to and collapsed on the stairs. Seconds blurred into minutes as you sat there, head between your knees so you didn’t throw up or pass out. Just hours before, you had been stone faced and helpful when a man had come in holding his intestines in his hands. The blood or the gore had not phased you — but this woman? Her baby?

It rattled something to your core.

Someone sat beside you, not speaking, simply just sitting. It made your hairs stand on end, and when you pulled your head up to look at them, you realized your vision had gone blurry. You frantically wiped away your tears to see Robby sitting there, elbows on his knees, hands together, looking down at the tile like it had personally offended him.

“Dr. Robby,” you said, sticking the heels of your hands into your eyes to try to stop the tears. “I’m sorry—I won’t—it—that won’t happen again.”

He glanced over at you, “First one is always the hardest.”

You sucked in a breath, “So she’s—”

He nodded solemnly, “Fischer thinks the baby might make it.”

You swallowed thickly, “That’s good.”

Silence encased you, but the rush of anxiety being alone with him did not flush through your system. While it was a painful silence, it was one being shared.

The way his eyes swept over your face made you blush, “You’re doing good, kid.”

“I don’t think emergency medicine is for me.” You told him, like it was some moral failing.

He blinked, “Your options are always open. Your next rotation, you might find something you love.”

“When I got placed here, I guess I just wanted to prove that I could do it, you know?”

“And aren’t you?” He asked, “One patient doesn’t change the fact that you’re still doing well. Hard worker, dedicated, eager to learn and you’re excellent with patients. I can clearly see that you care.”

Heat warmed your cheeks.

He stood slowly and extended his hand, “Let’s get back out there so you can kick this rotation’s ass.”

You barked a laugh before covering your mouth with your hand. You grabbed his hand and stood, ignoring your burning cheeks.

“Thank you, Dr. Robby.”

He let go of your hand and nodded, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate, yeah?”

You smiled at him.

—

The end of your rotation came with a bit more sadness than you had expected. Not so much to be leaving the Pitt — you were quite happy about that — but the fact that you were not likely to see Robby again.

On your last day, Robby tried to have you in as many complicated cases as he could — even when only a few came through the door. He wanted for you to take as much knowledge from your time in the Pitt as possible, and you found it incredibly endearing. You shadowed him for a majority of the day, rather than Langdon or Collins.

Though, the evening came without fanfare — only people wishing you luck on your next rotation and you bid them goodbye. Robby walked with you outside.

He rubbed the back of his neck when you stopped on the sidewalk, and he looked away from you. He pulled a yellow sticky note out of his pocket, before handing it over to you. His name was scrawled at the top in his messy script, and underneath laid a seven digit number preceded by the Pittsburgh area code.

Robby’s phone number.

Your breath caught in your throat and you looked him in the eyes.

“In case you ever need anything. School. Rotations. Life. Just uh…give me a call. Or a text.”

You looked back down at it as your heart thundered nervously in your chest. After a few frantic beats, you finally got yourself to smile at him. “Thank you, Dr. Robby.

“Uh, just Robby’s fine. Or Mike—Michael, works too.”

“Thank you,” you repeated, “Robby.”

You ended up reaching out to him a lot sooner than you were expecting, asking if he was free to meet over coffee to discuss your upcoming COMAT exam. Despite having zero time to study, you truly just wanted to be able to see him again, perhaps pick his brain about some of the specialties you were thinking of, but certainly not the exam.

When you met up, it was easy to talk about what you had been up to, how you were liking family medicine, and how he had been since you had last seen him.

You were thankful that it didn’t feel awkward or forced. The attraction you had felt for him back in the Pitt had come crawling back into your chest and made it as if it had never left. His warm brown eyes on yours made it obvious it never had.

Talking over coffee became a weekly occurrence after that. Part of it felt inappropriate as the conversations ebbed away from school and his advice, and closer to something a touch more intimate and mature.

You wondered if he was just placating you, or perhaps even pitying you, until several weeks later. He had sat down red cheeked and flustered, though you were quick to see it was not from the biting Pittsburgh wind.

“You alright, Robby?”

He met your eyes quickly, before glancing away again. “I don’t know if this is forward—I was hoping you might want to grab dinner sometime?”

You stared at him, momentarily dumbfounded. “Are you asking me out?”

“That would be…” He sighed, before rushing out, “Yeah, yeah I am.”

Your smile seemed to ease the tension in his shoulders.

“Dinner sounds good.”

—

It had been difficult to figure out, to say the least. While your age gap was controversial to many, it only reared its head to you when Robby mentioned an old movie quote that had you raising a questioning eyebrow at him. He would look mildly dumbfounded that you hadn’t seen it, or hadn’t heard the song he was humming, before resorting to show it to you.

You hadn’t enjoyed the judgment at first, but you knew his intentions were not bad — he was not looking to just have sex with you, which was refreshing. None of the guys in your program were particularly interested in anything serious, and most of the men you had met outside med school were too intimidated to seek much else. Like you, Robby was looking for something serious.

You were just surprised to find it before residency in the sad-eyed attending from your last rotation. But it was good, and no one could take that from you.

Robby wasn’t looking to rush or pressure you, and you weren’t looking to fool around and break his heart. Boundaries were easily set, and expectations laid out, and soon enough, he was calling you his girlfriend.

Your parents would likely have an aneurysm once they found out his age — they had already made a fuss to find out you were dating, “don’t let this impact your grades, young lady!” — but you had decided to wait until graduation, over a year away. Robby had respected your decision, knowing how focused you were on studying. You knew he had been nervous to meet them, and you would be lying to yourself if you weren’t nervous, too.

Robby was nearly your father’s age, which had bridged some uncomfortable conversations early on about daddy issues.

Your nose scrunched up, “I really don’t think that’s what it is. I’m not seeing you to get under his skin, or get his attention, or resolve some trauma about my father. It’s a lot less complicated than that.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“I like you. I enjoy talking with you. I enjoy watching those stupid old movies,” part of your lip quirked up, “but more importantly, I like how you make me feel. I like who I am when I’m with you. I don’t feel like I have to hide or pretend, or try to be something I’m not.”

“You just get to be.” Robby said, finishing your thought.

You lit up at the way he seemed to immediately understand.

“And for the record, 80’s movies aren’t old.” His frown was playful.

You laughed, “Whatever you say, old man.”

You ended up paying for that comment all night long, more-so to prove a point, but you could hardly complain. At least not until the following morning when you woke with a soreness that should have been a crime and an ache for more that was completely impure.

A few months rolled into a year and eventually you started the fall semester with a rotation in pediatrics as an MS4. It was hard not to venture down in the Pitt to visit Robby, but after about a week, you got up the nerve to go and say hello.

You spoke with Dana, and Collins, waving at Princess and Perlah as they passed. Dana was happy to see you, and asked how you were faring upstairs.

“A lot better than I was down in here.” You chuckled.

Dana waved it off, “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, kid. I know you’ll find something.”

You bid a goodbye with a promise to stop by again — subtly looking for Robby, and now having an excuse to see him during this rotation. He looked surprised to see you, and played up the pleasantries as to not look obvious.

“What a surprise. You wanna come back to the Pitt?”

You laughed, “No.”

Robby liked to keep his private life out of prying eyes, and certainly away from the gossiping nurses, and you respected that. You let him walk you out, exchanging small talk. Once outside, he snuck a quick kiss.

“Meet you at mine tonight?”

“Me and my textbooks will be there.” You said with a smile.

—

Pittfest had been a nightmare made real, and finding Robby on that roof after only twelve hours since Jack had been in the same spot had made him worry. Robby had looked so broken, and after the day Dana had, Jack had volunteered to be the one to go check on him.

Knocking on Robby’s apartment door, a six pack in hand to have an excuse to show up, the last thing Jack had expected was a pretty young thing to answer his door. Jack blinked dumbly, looking back to the apartment number, thinking perhaps he had knocked on the wrong door.

Looking back to you, Jack noticed you were dressed in a hoodie he knew was Robby’s — hems frayed and collar worn out, the university lettering fading with use. Your eyes moved from his face to the case of beer in his hand then back to his face.

Jack finally got his lips to move, “Is Robby home?”

You only blinked, and then smiled softly. You called for him over your shoulder, and Robby came from around the corner with his eyebrows drawn close in confusion. He still looked completely worn down, but he was in new clothes.

“Hey, brother,” Jack ventured, glancing at you in the corner of his eye.

Robby’s head moved just a hair in the slightest nod. It was a movement Jack barely registered, but you had.

You introduced yourself quickly, and Jack shook your hand before coming inside. You disappeared into the kitchen, out of eyesight.

Jack raised an eyebrow at him, setting the beer on the coffee table.

“I didn’t realize you were…seeing someone.”

Robby rubbed the back of his neck, sighing, “Yeah.”

Jack sat on one of the L-shaped couch, cracking open one of the beers. He handed one over and Robby took it.

“Wanted to check in…finding you on that rooftop, I didn’t want you to be alone.” Jack looked toward the kitchen. “Didn’t realize you wouldn’t be.”

Robby only shrugged, “Told her to stay home, meet me here.”

Jack absorbed the information, “She a…resident?”

It was easy to see the rose color tinting at his cheeks, “Med student.”

Jack let out a low whistle, “How the hell did you manage that?”

“She passed through the Pitt on rotation.” Robby offered, looking at the beer in his hand. “Started seeing each other after that.”

“So you’ve got game.” Jack nodded, smirking slightly.

Robby chuckled, sipping his beer.

“Can she even drink one of these?”

Robby choked on the liquid, coughing a few times before looking at Jack wildly. “She’s twenty-three.”

Jack raised his hands in defense, “Had to ask.”

Robby’s nose scrunched up, “I’m not a—”

“I know, I know.” Jack said, “So you drop off at school?”

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Robby shook his head, rubbing a hand on his face.

“Alright, she drop you off at the old folks—”

“You done?” Robby deadpanned.

“Okay, okay. That was the last one.” Jack chuckled.

Robby laughed, so many pent up emotions clearly overflowing. He took a few deep breaths and shook his head.

“What a day. Thought I had a few more months before I broke the news to everyone slowly.”

Jack raised an eyebrow at him, “You were gonna tell us?”

“Eventually. We wanted to take our time — knew how people were likely going to respond.”

Jack frowned.

You appeared again, sweatpants now joining the oversized sweatshirt — Robby’s sweatshirt. You smiled sheepishly, taking a seat beside Robby. The sleeves were just a bit too long for you, but you looked at home in it.

Jack’s mind was swimming — looking to just check in on his friend and instead finding a relationship Robby had kept secret from everyone. His mind kept jumping to you using his friend, or his friend seeking companionship in problematic places — until your hands intertwined and Robby’s entire body relaxed.

The way your eyes swept over Robby’s face with affection dripping with love and care, or the way he kissed the back of your hand like it was holding him together. The way Robby looked at you like Jack was not even there, and you smiled back at him with a soft adoration, quiet and tired, but deliberate. Deliberate in the way someone chose to care about someone else, a decision made every day, even when it got hard.

Jack settled deeper into the couch, no longer on guard, no longer concerned his friend would fall flat on his face after falling in too deep.

“I’m happy for you.” Jack told you both, and Robby smiled at him genuinely. Jack took a quick swing of his beer, smiling to himself.

Dana was going to love Jack’s update in the morning.

want to join any of my taglists? shoot me a message!

Dr. Robby taglist: @cherriready @seeyalaterinnovator @my-soulmate-is-mycroft @bxxbxy @18lkpeters @flyinglama @hagarsays @mayabbot @anakingreys @happyfox43 @dark-twisted-and-mechanical-mind @sarah-the-bird-nerd @girl-obsessed-with-things @laurenkate79 @woodxtock @rosie-posie08 @artsymaddie @partofthelouniverse @diasnohibng @qardasngan @looneylooomis @happyfestpanda-blog

The Pitt taglist: @cannonindeez @spoiledflor @kittenhawkk @nessamc @thatchickwiththecamera @sharkluver @loud-mouph @ksyn-faith @sunfairyy @dragonsondragons @mischiefsemimanaged @pastelbunnelby @jetjuliette @that-one-fangirl69 @moonlightmvrvel @andabuttonnose @boldlyherdream @cosmosnkaz @brnesblogposts @concentratedconcrete @satanxklaus @gardeniarose13

All: @nixandtonic

This feels like it might inspire something longer👀a reader this young might be problematic, but damn it’s fun! And fictional!

#the pitt #michael robinavitch #dr robby #michael robinavitch x reader #dr robby x reader #the pitt x reader #asxgard writes #requested

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vingtetunmars · 28 days ago

Text

Steady Now...

Pairing: Joel Miller x F!Reader

Summary: A quiet crush. A stolen glance. In the peaceful lull between seasons, you — Jackson’s gentle, sharp-witted stable handler — find yourself growing closer to Joel Miller. He’s gruff, older, and carries the weight of a broken world, but something about him pulls you in.

Part 2

Tags: NSFW, smut(18+), mutual pining, hesitant Joel, age differences (reader is in late 20s, Joel is 56-57), set between season 1 and 2, Jackson!Joel Miller, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it yall), "i'm old." "i dont care.", no physical description of reader. No use of Y/N.

A/N: Hey, I'm back with another one. This fic is basically just my fav tropes for joel. Hope you guys enjoy this one. If you have any requests, suggestions, or thoughts, feel free to send me a message. Reblogs are appreciated. Please do not steal or cross-post it on another platform without asking. Thank you.

Word Count: 7k

masterlist

You'd wake up before the sun most days.

There’s a comfort in the quiet, before boots start crunching on snow-packed roads and kids race down the street toward the mess hall. The stables were still, save for the soft grunts and stomps of the horses inside. You’ve always liked mornings best — when your breath fogs the air and the world feels like it’s just for you and the animals.

Jackson has its rhythm, and by now, you’ve settled into it like a hand in a well-worn glove.

You'd muck stalls first, throw feed into troughs, and check hooves. Sometimes Shimmer tries to nose into the grain early and you gently swat her away, muttering something soft under your breath. She’s a smart one. Too smart, really. Jesse said the two of you are alike — calm on the outside, chaos underneath. You’d argued that you weren’t that dramatic, and he just grinned, the cocky little shit.

Most afternoons, a few of the younger kids tumbled into the stables for their riding lessons. It’s become something of a ritual. You'd make them brush the horses first — “no shortcuts,” you always say — and they groan and roll their eyes but they do it anyway. You kept them in line with firm kindness. You weren't a pushover, and they know it. That’s why they trust you.

Dina’s got a natural seat. You told her that once, and her whole face lit up. Kat’s a little more cautious, her grip too tight, but you know she’ll grow out of it. Jesse mostly comes by to not help, but he always carries water buckets without being asked, so you let him hang around. They're good kids. In a world like this, that still feels miraculous.

Tommy stops by sometimes, checking on the horses, asking if you’ve had any trouble. He likes to walk the stalls with you, swapping stories from his patrols. You weren’t dumb — you know part of it is because Maria told him to keep an eye on things. But the other part is just Tommy being Tommy. He’s got that older brother energy, steady and protective in a way that’s comforting without smothering.

You’re one of the few people he really talks to. He’s told you things you suspect he hasn’t even told Maria. Not secrets, exactly — just things that linger in the bones. Memories. Regrets. The kind of things you’d only say aloud when your hands are busy and your heart feels safe.

Lately, though, there had been someone else lingering at the edge of your days.

Joel Miller.

He came back quiet. Grim-faced. Walked into Jackson like a man trying not to be noticed, even as the entire town noticed anyway. You know of him — everyone does. Tommy’s brother. The man who crossed the country and lived to tell about it. The one with the girl.

Ellie.

You liked her. She didn’t say much to you, not yet. There’s something sharp and watchful in her. Like she’s waiting for something to go wrong.

You understood that feeling.

As for Joel… well. You tried not to look too long. Not that it matters — he barely looks at you. Or anyone, really.

But you’d see him sometimes, walking Ellie to school, hauling lumber to help Tommy repair the walls, standing near the stables but never in them. His eyes always scan the horizon, like the fences aren’t real, like he was still out there somewhere, still waiting to be ambushed.

You thought about saying something — Hey. You like horses? Want to meet Shimmer? — but you don’t.

He was older. A lot older. And you know that’s not a crime, but it’s enough of a difference to keep your feelings folded up in your chest like a letter you’ll never send. You’ve got eyes, sure. You could admire a man who looks like he’s carved out of stone and gritted teeth, who spoke like every word has to be earned.

But admiration wasn't the same as invitation.

So you keep it to yourself. You let yourself glance when he walks by. You try not to linger.

And you get back to work.

Because horses need feeding, and kids need teaching, and life, somehow, goes on.

The wind carried a bite today. Not a storm, not yet, but the kind of chill that makes your fingers ache by noon.

You were brushing down one of the older horses, a sleepy gelding named Rusty, when the barn door creaks open. You didn’t look up right away. Not many people come this early — Tommy’s off on patrol, and the kids don’t roll in until after breakfast.

But then you heard the boots. Light. Hesitant.

“Hey,” a voice said. Dry, clipped. Still working out if it wants to stay or bolt.

You turn.

Ellie stands in the doorway with her hands shoved in her jacket pockets, shoulders tucked up like she’s trying to make herself smaller. Her eyes flick past you, scanning the stalls. She doesn’t meet your gaze right away.

“Hey, stranger,” you say, soft enough that she can ignore it if she wants. “You lost?”

Ellie snorts, barely. “Just wandering.”

You gesture with your chin. “You wander into barns often, or am I just lucky today?”

That earns a real reaction — the corner of her mouth pulls up. Brief. But it counts.

“I remember this place,” she said eventually. “From before.”

You nod. “Yeah. You came through with Joel, right? Didn’t stay long.”

She shrugs one shoulder. “Didn’t think we were gonna.” Then, quieter: “Guess plans change.”

You don’t ask. You could. You’ve heard whispers — that something went wrong in Salt Lake, that Joel came back different — but you weren’t the kind of person who digs at wounds. People talk enough already.

Instead, you lean against the stall, brushing slow circles into Rusty’s shoulder. “You wanna come in?”

Ellie hesitated. Then stepped fully inside, letting the door close behind her. The barn muffled the wind. Inside, it was warm and smells like hay and leather and something sweet under the surface.

“I used to help out,” she said, voice cautious. “At the stables. Back in the QZ. Not like this — just feeding and mucking. One time a horse bit this guy named Max and he cried like a baby. I was ten. It was hilarious.”

You smiled. “Yeah, horses’ll do that. They don’t care how tough you think you are.”

Ellie drifted closer to the stall, eyes on Rusty now. You watched the tension start to bleed from her shoulders. A little. Not all the way, but enough that she doesn’t look like she’s about to bolt anymore.

“He seems nice,” she murmured.

“He’s a grumpy old man,” you said, scratching behind Rusty’s ear. “But we love him anyway.”

You glance at her then. Her brow lifted, barely — like she’s trying not to smile again.

“You like animals?” you asked.

Ellie shrugged. “Guess so.”

Another pause. Then she asked, “Does it ever get… easier?”

You blinked. “The horses?”

She shook her head. “Jackson. Staying in one place. Pretending things are normal.”

That quiets you.

You leaned against the stall door, looking past her, toward the snow-dusted trees just visible through the slats.

“I don’t know if it ever feels normal,” you admitted. “But it gets less… loud, I guess. The fear. The twitchy feeling in your chest. You learn to breathe again. Might take a while, though.”

Ellie was quiet for a moment. Then: “Yeah. Sounds fake, but okay.”

You laughed. She didn't.

But she does touch Rusty’s nose when he leans close enough. Just the briefest brush of her fingers against his muzzle. You watch how gently she moves. She’s got good instincts — like she’s always waiting for something to go wrong, and still, she tries anyway.

“I could show you,” you said.

She blinked. “Show me what?”

You gestured toward the saddles hanging on the far wall. “How to ride. For real this time. Not just tossing hay and ducking out before you get spit on.”

Ellie tilted her head. Suspicious. “Why?”

“Because horses are good company,” you said simply. “And because it might help. Feeling a little more in control of something. Plus, Rusty owes me for biting me last winter. You can help me keep him in line.”

She doesn’t smile. Not really.

But she nodded.

“Okay,” she said. “Maybe.”

The porch creaked beneath his boots as he leaned back in the chair, a mug of coffee cooling slow in his hand.

It’s late morning, sun barely cutting through the clouds, and Jackson hums along in its steady rhythm — distant hammering from the north wall, dogs barking at something near the mill, Maria shouting at a runner who forgot his goddamn gloves again. It's the kind of noise that would've driven him up a wall years ago.

Now, it was almost peaceful.

Tommy sat beside him, boots kicked up on the railing, a little too relaxed for someone who was supposed to be leading patrols in two hours. Joel didn’t say anything about it. He wasn't in the mood to start a lecture, and besides — Tommy’s earned some quiet.

“You talk to Ellie this morning?” Tommy asked, squinting up at the sky.

“Briefly.”

“She seems better lately,” Tommy said. “Still got that mouth on her, but… I don’t know. Somethin’ feels lighter.”

Joel nodded, slow. “She asked me about horses.”

Tommy turned to look at him, eyebrow raised.

“Said she wants to learn how to ride,” Joel added. “Said she was at the stables talkin’ to someone.”

“Oh,” Tommy said, and something in his face relaxed. “That’d be her, then.”

Joel frowns. “Who?”

“You know. Her. The one that handles the kids. Stable hand. Been here a few years now.”

He did know. Of course he did.

Because Joel Miller wasn’t a fool.

He’d seen the way you move around Jackson — always steady, never loud. You made it a point not to cross his path directly, but he’s caught the looks. Short ones. Careful. Not flirtatious — not exactly — but... warm. Curious.

Too warm.

At first, he thought he imagined it. But it kept happening — that split-second shift in your eyes when he walked past, the way your voice dipped into something softer when you spoke to Ellie with him in earshot. Not obvious. Not inappropriate. Just... there.

He didn’t like it.

Or rather, he shouldn’t like it.

Because you were what, late twenties? Maybe? Young enough to be one of the kids he used to teach to patch drywall back in Austin. Young enough to still laugh without bitterness stitched behind it.

It wasn't right.

It was stupid, is what it is. Entertaining the thought. Entertaining any thoughts. Not when he’s still waking up every other night with his jaw clenched so tight it hurts. Not when he's still not sure what the hell kind of man he’s managed to become.

“She’d be good for it,” Tommy said, nodding like this is just logistics. “Got patience. Knows how to work with tough kids. Ellie’ll like her.”

Joel grunted.

Tommy side-eyed him. “You don’t think so?”

Joel took a slow sip of his coffee. It was bitter and lukewarm.

“She’s fine,” he said. “Just gotta make sure Ellie don’t get too distracted. That’s all.”

Tommy chuckles under his breath. “Christ, man. Let the kid learn how to ride a horse.”

Joel didn’t respond.

Because he was thinking, unwillingly, about what you’d look like helping Ellie into a saddle. About your quiet way with animals. About your voice — not just the sound of it, but the shape of it. Like you speak to be understood, not heard.

He thought about how you never push. Never linger too long.

And how sometimes, that’s worse than the ones who do.

Because it’d be so easy to say yes.

So easy to let her in.

But Joel Miller knew better.

So instead, he drained the rest of his coffee, sets the mug down, and muttered —

“I’ll walk Ellie to the stables tomorrow.”

Tommy grinned, just a little. “Sure you will.”

Joel didn’t take the bait.

The stable smelled like pine and saddle soap this morning — clean, for once — and you were brushing down Cinnamon when you heard the crunch of boots on the snow-packed earth outside.

You didn’t turn immediately. You figured it’s one of the younger kids, maybe Jesse swinging by before patrol to bum a coffee. But then the door creaks open and a voice floats in behind the cold air.

“Go on.”

It was Joel.

And Ellie.

You glanced up, already trying to make your face neutral. Calm. Friendly. Not stupid.

Ellie walked in first, already in a jacket too big for her, sleeves shoved halfway up her arms. Her expression was lighter than it was a few days ago. She looked... not quite happy, but maybe a step in that direction.

You offered her a small smile. “Look who’s back.”

She shrugged. “Guess I got bored.”

Behind her, Joel lingered in the doorway. One hand on the frame like he hasn’t decided whether to stay or not.

You didn’t say anything to him.

But your eyes flickered — once, quickly. You take in the layered flannel, the gray creeping into his beard, the set of his jaw that always looks like he’s bracing for something.

And then you’d look away.

You moved over to the saddle racks, keeping your hands busy. “You remember Rusty?” you asked Ellie. “He's been waiting for you.”

Ellie stepped closer, already reaching out to pet the stallion’s neck. She talked more than she did the first time — asked about reins and saddles and how to tell if a horse is pissed off. You answered her gently, careful to keep your voice even, your movements steady.

But sometimes — sometimes — you glanced back.

Just for a second. Just to see if he was still standing there.

He was.

Joel didn’t miss much. That’s kept him alive more times than he can count.

So he noticed.

He noticed the way your eyes lift, quick as a blink, when you think he’s not looking. The way your mouth tilted just a little when you laugh at something Ellie said — softer than usual. Like you’re letting your guard down for a second.

Like you wanted him to see it.

And he didn’t like it.

Mostly because he did.

You were too young. Too kind. Too whole in the ways he’s not. And it’s not just the age — though that’s enough on its own — it’s the life you must’ve lived. The one where you still smile with your whole face. Still wave to kids. Still talk to horses like they’re old friends.

And Joel’s not part of that world. He never will be.

Still — he watched the way your hands guide Ellie’s, slow and careful on the reins. He watched the way you move, with purpose but never sharpness. Like you’ve learned how to survive without turning to stone.

He hated how easy it would be.

To step closer.

To say something.

To want.

Ellie swung up into the saddle with a grunt, her arms flailing for balance. You steadied her gently, laughing under your breath, and Joel tore his eyes away. Looked at the snow instead. At the mountains. Anywhere but at you.

At first, he didn’t say much.

Just a nod when he dropped Ellie off. A grunt when you said good morning. Sometimes not even that. Sometimes just that tight-lipped expression like he was doing you a favor by standing there, arms crossed, watching Ellie with narrowed eyes while she tried to get Rusty to turn in a straight line.

You were fine with it.

You really were.

You had horses to feed and boots to clean, kids to teach and saddles to oil. You weren’t about to start talking to a brick wall with a Southern accent.

Still.

Every now and then, you asked a question. Small ones.

“This her first time on a horse?”

“She nervous?”

“You ever ride?”

And sometimes — not always — he answered.

“Once or twice.”

“No, she just don’t like losing.”

“Had one in Austin. Didn’t last long.”

It went like that for a few days.

Quiet.

But not cold.

And then, one morning, you were cleaning the brushes when he stepped a little closer and said, “She said you told her about that horse that bolted last winter. The one that knocked Jesse flat.”

You blinked, then grinned. “Yeah. She liked that part.”

He snorted. Not quite a laugh, but close.

After that, it kept happening. In pieces.

One day, he asked you how you kept the younger horses calm when it snowed heavy. Another, he pointed out a loosened saddle strap before you noticed it yourself. The conversations never lasted long — a minute, maybe two — but they added up. And you found yourself waiting for them. Measuring your mornings by them.

And then one afternoon, it just... happened.

Ellie was off riding slow circles in the clearing just beyond the stables. You and Joel stood near the fence, boots crunching lightly on packed snow. It was quiet — a rare, good kind of quiet. The kind you didn’t mind sitting in.

You handed him a flask of tea. Something warm for your fingers more than anything else.

He hesitated, then took it.

You didn’t watch him drink. You just looked out toward Ellie.

“She’s getting better,” you said.

He nodded. “Picks things up fast.”

“Got a stubborn streak though.”

“Yeah,” he said, and this time there was something in his voice. Something almost fond. “Wonder where she got that.”

You smiled a little.

He handed the flask back.

“I used to be more talkative, you know,” you said. “Before all this. Back when conversations didn’t feel like a negotiation.”

He glanced at you, just briefly.

“Still talk more than most,” he said.

That surprised a laugh out of you.

“Is that your way of sayin’ I talk too much?”

“Didn’t say that,” he replied.

“But you thought it.”

Joel tilted his head slightly, eyes still on Ellie. “Nah,” he said. “Don’t mind it.”

That quiet sat between you again. But it was different now. Not empty — just full of things unspoken.

You looked at him, and for once, didn’t try to hide it.

“Me neither,” you said.

And Joel didn’t look away.

Not this time.

You told yourself three times on the walk over: it’s not a big deal.

You weren’t bringing Joel dinner. You weren’t hoping for anything. You just made too much stew — which was true — and you knew Ellie didn’t love venison, and it’d be a shame to waste it. That’s all.

That’s all.

It was a crisp evening, the kind where smoke curled up from chimneys in lazy ribbons and the sky was pale with cloudlight. You carried the bowl in both hands, covered with a clean cloth, careful not to spill it.

When you reached Joel’s porch, you paused.

The window flickered with warm lamplight. You could hear faint music — one of those old folk tapes Tommy brought back from a run. Inside, someone was moving. Heavy steps.

You knocked twice.

The door opened slower than expected.

Joel looked surprised to see you. Or maybe not surprised — just tired. Like he hadn’t planned on company and wasn’t sure whether to let the moment stretch.

“Hey,” you said lightly, lifting the bowl a little. “Uh... made too much stew. Again. Thought I’d see if you and Ellie wanted some. Before it goes cold.”

You kept your tone casual. Nonchalant. Not nervous, even though your palms were sweating under the ceramic.

Joel’s eyes flicked down to the bowl, then back up to your face.

“That right?”

“Yeah. It’s good today. Won’t be tomorrow. Too much thyme.”

He looked at you like he knew exactly what you were doing — and also, maybe, like he didn’t mind.

He took the bowl.

“Thanks,” he said, after a beat.

You smiled. “No rush returning it.”

You turned to leave before he could say anything else — because staying longer would make it something it wasn’t. You didn’t need to see if he smiled back. You didn’t need a thank you from Ellie. You were just being... kind.

Just neighborly.

Right?

Still, as you walked back through the snow, you felt a little lighter. Like maybe this was your way of reaching out without falling flat on your face. And maybe — just maybe — Joel would reach back.

The stew was warm. Too warm for just leaving the house. She must’ve come straight over.

He knew what it meant. What it could mean. But he also knew how carefully she’d phrased it. Just enough plausible deniability to call it nothing.

He watched Ellie dig into it, muttering something about “finally, someone in this town who knows how to use salt.” Joel only half-listened.

His eyes were still on the empty bowl.

Clean. Sturdy. One of those old ceramic ones the town stockpiled from thrift runs. Familiar.

Too nice to just leave sitting in his kitchen.

It’d be rude not to return it.

Eventually.

He came just after sunset.

You were half-sitting on your worn couch, a book open in your lap that you hadn’t really been reading, when the knock came — three short taps.

You opened the door, and there he was: bowl in hand, snow in his hair, eyes a little cautious like he was already telling himself to keep it brief.

You smiled anyway. “That was fast.”

Joel shrugged. “Didn’t want to forget.” He held the bowl out like it was some kind of peace offering.

You took it, fingers brushing his — just barely — and stepped back from the door.

“You want some coffee?” you asked. “It’s late, but... I won’t tell if you won’t.”

He hesitated. Long enough that you nearly backtracked.

But then: “Sure.”

So you poured two mugs, set the clean bowl down on the counter, and moved back to the living room with Joel trailing behind. You sat on the far end of the couch, tucking your legs beneath you. He settled on the other end, cautious, like the cushions might betray him.

The fire cracked softly in the corner.

He held the mug with both hands. “Ellie liked the stew.”

You smiled, sipping your own. “She say that, or did she just eat like she hadn’t seen food in a week?”

Joel cracked the smallest smile. “Both.”

And just like that, the tension eased.

You talked.

About horses, mostly — Cinnamon’s sudden fear of wheelbarrows, how Jesse still held the reins too tight, how Dina was secretly a natural but pretended not to care. Joel mentioned growing up near horses in Texas, never getting attached, but remembering the sound they made in the cold. The huff of breath. The soft scrape of hooves.

He made a dry comment about one of Tommy’s failed repairs in the watchtower, and you snorted so hard you nearly spilled your coffee.

Joel laughed.

Actually laughed.

It was short. A little rusty. But real.

And it did something to you — like a warm press behind the ribs. You smiled down at your mug, trying to quiet the flutter in your chest.

For Joel, it was worse.

Because his heart was pulling in closer, just an inch. Just one easy step.

And his head — that damn part of him that always ran the numbers, always counted the years and the blood on his hands and the time he didn’t have left — it told him to stop. That this wasn’t fair. Not to you.

But then he’d glance sideways, and you’d be watching the firelight with that soft, far-off look, half-listening and completely calm, and that thought would falter.

Maybe this was harmless.

Maybe staying a little longer wouldn’t ruin anything.

Maybe.

“I missed this,” you said softly, almost to yourself. “Just... talking. Sitting with someone. Feels normal.”

Joel looked at you then.

Really looked.

And for a second, he didn’t fight it.

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “It does.”

You didn’t start bringing him coffee.

That felt too forward.

But you did start making enough for two when you knew Joel was around the stables. Sometimes you’d “accidentally” pour too much into your thermos and offer him the rest, passing him the cup with a shrug.

“Guess I can’t measure,” you’d say, dry.

Joel would take it with that unreadable look of his. “Suppose I can help with that.”

You didn’t touch him.

But sometimes, you’d brush past — just close enough to make the air shift. A hand on the gate near his. A glance that lingered one beat longer than it used to.

“You keep showing up like this, people are gonna start talkin’,” you joked once when he brought Ellie for her lesson.

Joel grunted. “Let ‘em.”

That surprised you. And for a moment — just a flicker — you let it show.

You didn’t flirt.

Not really.

But when Joel grumbled about something — how early it was, how cold it got at night, how damn much Tommy snored — you’d smirk and say, “Careful, Miller. Keep complaining and I might start thinking you like talking to me.”

And Joel?

He never said no.

He’d glance down, a huff of breath in his chest, something quiet and half-smiling at the corner of his mouth. And he always came back.

You weren’t brave enough to ask why.

Not yet.

But he hadn’t stopped you.

And that had to mean something.

The air in the barn was sharp with sawdust and winter. Joel leaned against the post with a mug in hand, watching Tommy hammer a loose plank back into place along one of the feed storage doors. Their boots crunched in old straw.

Tommy swore quietly as a nail bent sideways.

“Need a different hammer,” he muttered, straightening up and wiping his hands on his jacket. “This one’s for shit.”

Joel grunted. “Maybe the hammer ain’t the problem.”

Tommy shot him a look. “Didn’t know you came out here to heckle me.”

“I come out here to supervise. Free of charge.”

Tommy chuckled, stepping aside to grab a better tool. “How’s Ellie doing with the riding lessons, by the way?”

Joel paused, swirling what was left of his lukewarm coffee.

“Fine,” he said. “She listens to her.”

“Really?” Tommy laughed, impressed. “Didn’t even listen to me when I tried. Thought she was gonna sock me for telling her to sit straight.”

Joel smirked, then leaned a little heavier into the post. “She’s patient with her. Surprised me.”

Tommy nodded. “Yeah, she’s good with kids. Been teaching some of the younger ones since we got her settled.”

Joel looked out toward the pasture. The snow-covered stretch of fence, the sky a dull silver.

“She ever talk about where she came from?” he asked, tone even. Casual. Or at least trying.

Tommy didn’t catch the shift — didn’t hear the edge of it. He just kept hammering.

“Not much,” he said. “Came in around three years back. Said she was with a group before, didn’t say where. Sounded rough. Guess she was the only one who made it.”

Joel’s grip on the mug tightened just slightly.

“She ever say how?”

“Nope.” Tommy gave a small shake of the head. “Didn’t have to. You can see it on some people, y’know? The way they move. The way they check corners even when they’re home.”

Joel nodded slowly.

“She’s got that.”

A pause.

“But she never acted like she wanted trouble. Said she’d help patrol if we needed it, but... asked to stay with the stables.” Tommy straightened again, stretching his back. “Said she liked the quiet. The routine. I think she just wanted something that didn’t involve losing people.”

Joel’s chest pulled tight. He kept his face neutral.

“Guess that makes sense.”

Tommy gave him a sideways glance. “Why? You curious?”

Joel shrugged. “Just... gettin’ a read.”

“She’s good people, Joel. Smart. Quiet. Can handle herself, but doesn’t try to prove it all the time. Could’ve joined the scouting team or worked up north with weapons, but she didn’t. Wanted a job that didn’t need a gun on her hip every second. I respect that.”

Joel nodded again, like that answered a question he hadn’t asked aloud.

“She’s single, by the way,” Tommy added, like it was nothing.

Joel glanced over. “Didn’t ask.”

“Didn’t say you did.”

Joel rolled his eyes and pushed off the post. “Hammer’s fine, by the way. You’re just gettin’ soft.”

Tommy snorted. “said the man nursing a cup of coffee like it’s a damn antique.”

Joel walked off without another word, but he wasn’t heading far. His steps slowed once he was outside, eyes drifting out toward the stable building.

It was just curiosity.

Just trying to understand the kind of person teaching his kid how to ride.

That was all.

You weren’t expecting him.

It’d been three days since you made that throwaway comment, something mumbled between talk of saddles and the shifting weather. “Pipes’ve been acting up again,” you’d said, half-laughing. “Woke me up the other night—thought someone was trying to crawl through the damn walls.”

You hadn’t meant anything by it. Not really.

But now Joel was at your door, standing there with his sleeves rolled up and a toolbox in hand.

“Pipes still makin’ noise?” he asked, voice low and steady.

You blinked. “Joel—uh. Yeah. Sometimes.” You leaned on the doorframe, brows raised. “You came all the way here to play plumber?”

He gave a noncommittal shrug. “Got bored.”

You smirked. “Didn’t know you got bored.”

He didn’t answer that. Just looked at you, patient. Waiting.

You stepped aside. “Alright. Come in, then. Make yourself at home—just don’t start charging me for labor.”

He passed you with that slow, deliberate way of his, and you hated how your chest stirred at the sound of his boots on your floor. He went straight to the back wall, crouching where the pipework came up behind the little utility closet. You hovered in the doorway.

Joel pulled a wrench from the box. “This it?”

“Yep. That’s the one that hisses like it’s judging me.”

He huffed a breath. Might’ve been a laugh.

You leaned a shoulder against the wall, arms crossed. “Didn’t peg you for the handyman type.”

“I ain’t,” he said. “Just old.”

You let out a small laugh. “So that’s where the wisdom comes from.”

He glanced over his shoulder, catching your eye. “That what you think I am? Wise?”

“I think you’re a mystery.” You didn’t blink. “But hey—if the mystery wants to fix my pipes, who am I to stop him?”

You watched the way the corner of his mouth twitched. Barely there, but enough. He shook his head slightly and turned back to the task.

You lingered.

The tension settled into the room like a second skin — not sharp, but heavy. The kind you could pretend didn’t exist if you were careful with your words. If you didn’t look too long. If your fingers didn’t ache to fidget with something.

“I could’ve gotten Tommy to look at it,” you offered lightly. “You didn’t have to come all the way over.”

Joel didn’t turn. “Didn’t say I had to.”

Your heart skipped. Just a beat.

You shifted your weight. “Well. I owe you, then.”

“You don’t.”

“But maybe I wanna owe you.”

That made him pause.

His hand stilled on the pipe. His shoulders drew tight. Then, slowly, he straightened, turning to face you with that unreadable stare. Your breath caught in your throat — not fear. Not even nerves. Just the sense that you were toeing a line neither of you had the words for yet.

Joel looked at you.

Really looked.

His voice, when it came, was quiet. Rough. “You always talk like that?”

“Like what?”

He tilted his head. “Like you don’t mean half of what you’re sayin’.”

You didn’t look away.

“I mean it,” you said, soft. “I just know when to pull back.”

He held your gaze for a second too long.

And then—like a spell breaking—he looked away, returning to the pipes.

“I’ll finish this up,” he muttered.

You smiled faintly. Not triumphant, not smug. Just... warm. Like a spark had finally caught.

The pipe was quiet now.

The room wasn’t.

Joel stood by the door, toolbox back in hand, like he meant to leave. You stayed by the kitchen counter, arms folded loosely over your chest, not pressing him to go — but not rushing to fill the silence, either.

“Thanks for this,” you said. Your voice was warm, casual. Like everything wasn’t coiled tight between your ribs. “You want coffee before you head out?”

He didn’t answer right away.

He looked at you — long enough that your fingers started tapping against your arm.

Then he set the box down again, slow. “Yeah. Alright.”

You poured two mugs, handed one to him without brushing fingers, barely. He took it, leaned against the wall, sipped without a word.

And the quiet stretched.

And the air pressed in.

It wasn’t awkward.

It was thick — like something had been building and building and now it was just waiting for one of you to cut the cord.

You didn’t mean to say anything.

But your voice broke through anyway. “You’re quieter than usual.”

Joel looked at you.

He set his mug down.

And then he said it — simple, flat, direct:

“I noticed.”

You blinked. “...Noticed what?”

“The looks.” His tone wasn’t accusing. Wasn’t soft either. Just real. “The glances. The way you… hover sometimes. The jokes.”

You froze, heat crawling up your neck.

“I ain’t stupid,” Joel said. “Not blind either.”

Your throat went dry. “Didn’t think I was that obvious.”

“You weren’t.” He exhaled, jaw ticking. “But I still saw it. And I shouldn’t have let it go on this long.”

The words hit harder than you expected.

You opened your mouth — to say what, you didn’t know — but Joel kept going, his voice rough now. A little too fast. Like he needed to get it out before he lost his nerve.

“You don’t want this,” he muttered. “Not really.”

You frowned. “Excuse me?”

“I’m old. Got more ghosts than friends. I’ve done things — things I don’t talk about. And I’m not someone you—” he swallowed hard, like the words turned bitter in his mouth, “—should be wastin’ your time on.”

“That’s not your call to make.”

“You could find someone your age,” he shot back, voice sharp. “Someone without all the shit I carry.”

“I don’t want someone else.”

Joel looked at you like you were breaking some unspoken rule. Like you’d just reached into his chest and knocked something loose.

“I’m not some kid, Joel,” you said, stepping closer, coffee abandoned on the counter. “I’m twenty-eight. I’ll be thirty soon. I’ve survived things, same as you. I’ve lost people. I’ve seen how the world works.”

You paused, searching his face. “It’s not like it’s illegal.”

His mouth twitched, like he didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh.

You kept your voice gentle. “I wasn’t asking for forever. I wasn’t even asking—you’re the one who brought it up. But if you’re trying to push me away, Joel, don’t pretend it’s because I can’t make my own choices.”

The silence returned.

But this time, it felt earned.

Joel ran a hand through his hair, staring at the floor, shoulders tense.

And then he spoke — low, soft, quieter than before:

“I liked the glances.”

Your heart clenched.

He looked at you. Really looked at you. “That’s the problem.”

You didn’t smile. Not yet. But something eased inside you.

The words hung between you like a string pulled taut.

Joel hadn’t moved. Still leaning against the wall, jaw tight, hands clenched by his sides like he didn’t trust them to stay still.

Your chest rose slow with your breath. Measured. Steady. And then you stepped closer — close enough that your knees brushed the coffee table as you lowered yourself next to him on the couch.

Close enough that your shoulder just barely touched his.

“Are you gonna push me away again?” you asked, quiet.

Joel’s eyes flicked to yours. “I should.”

“But you’re not.”

He didn’t answer.

Didn’t have to.

His jaw twitched, and when you looked at him — really looked — you saw it: not just the hesitation, but the wanting underneath it. The ache he tried so hard to fold behind all that worn-down steel.

You shifted again, closer, slow and careful like you might spook him.

He didn’t move away.

“If you really wanted me to stop,” you murmured, “you’d already be out the door.”

Joel exhaled like it hurt. “You don’t get it.”

“Then explain it to me.”

He turned his head toward you, eyes searching yours like he was looking for a way out — but none came.

And then his voice, low and strained: “You don’t know what I’ve done. What I carry. It ain’t light.”

“I never said you had to be.”

He looked down at your mouth.

Then back at your eyes.

“I’m too old for you,” he said. A protest without teeth.

You leaned in, barely a breath away now. “Then don’t act your age for once.”

That broke something.

Joel surged forward.

The kiss was messy — more force than finesse, rough with restraint finally snapping. His hands were on your jaw, your waist, the back of your neck like he couldn’t decide where to hold you first, couldn’t believe he was touching you at all. You kissed him back just as hungrily, fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt like you could anchor him there.

“I shouldn’t be doing this,” he muttered against your lips, between every breath. “This is a bad fuckin’ idea.”

You pulled back just enough to smirk. “Then stop.”

He didn’t.

You tangled again, mouths pressed hot and unyielding, fingers threading through his hair, his calloused hands firm on your hips like he’d been imagining this long before he ever admitted it.

His body was heat and solidity, but his kiss — for all the tension, the weight behind it — was careful. A man afraid of letting go completely. A man trying to memorize every second because he didn’t believe he deserved them.

You broke the kiss only when your lungs protested, forehead resting against his, breath mingling.

Joel’s hand stayed on your cheek.

Neither of you said anything for a moment.

Then, finally, your voice — quiet, teasing: “Still a bad idea?”

Joel swallowed, eyes closed. “Worst one I’ve had in years.”

You smiled against him.

“Good,” you whispered.

His hands were back on you before the next breath could fall.

You didn’t stop him.

Your fingers slipped beneath his collar, tracing the scarred skin of his neck, tugging him down to kiss you again — slower this time, deliberate, not rushed. But there was heat there, hunger. A need to feel, to prove something.

Joel’s hand slid along your spine and under your shirt, calloused fingers skimming over the small of your back. You gasped into his mouth when his palm flattened over your ribs, thumb brushing dangerously close to your breast.

“Tell me to stop,” he muttered, mouth ghosting along your jaw. “Tell me now.”

But you pulled your shirt over your head instead.

That was your answer.

Joel swore under his breath, voice gravel and smoke. His lips returned to yours, then wandered — the slope of your throat, the hollow beneath your ear, the edge of your shoulder. His mouth was reverent, starved, like he was tracing something he’d dreamed of but never thought he’d earn.

You tugged at his flannel, desperate to feel him closer. He let you pull it free, and when your hands found his skin, you both froze for a beat.

So much scar tissue. So much history written across his body.

You leaned in and pressed a kiss just over his heart.

Joel breathed deep — and then lowered you back onto the couch.

Your back hit the cushions, and he followed, bracing himself above you with an arm. His other hand slid down, dragging the hem of your pants with it, fingers curling over your hips, your thighs, until you lay bare beneath him.

“Look at me,” he said.

You did.

And when his hand finally touched your pussy, you arched, every nerve alive. His fingers were slow at first — skilled, attentive, learning what you liked by instinct. His mouth found your nipple when you gasped, and that was it — your thoughts blurred, pulse wild.

“You’re already so—” he stopped himself, jaw tightening. “Fuck.”

You whispered his name, breathless.

He kissed your lips again, deep and lingering. Then pulled back to undo his belt, hands trembling.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, voice nearly breaking. “I’ve got you.”

And when he finally eased into you — slow, careful, letting you adjust — your hands clutched his shoulders, grounding yourself in the solid weight of him, in the realness of it all.

Your pussy stretched to take his cock in fully, inch by inch, until he was fully seated inside you.

Neither of you spoke.

It was too much. And not enough.

Joel rocked into you — gentle at first, deliberate. The pace of a man who knew restraint better than most. But your fingers in his hair, the way you whispered his name, the way your legs wrapped around his waist — it all undid him.

“You feel so good,” you whispered, voice cracking.

“Christ,” he rasped, driving in deeper, slower. “You’re gonna ruin me.”

His forehead pressed against yours. Your breath mingled. His hips stuttered when you clenched around him, your nails biting into his back.

“Don’t stop,” you begged.

“I wasn’t planning to.”

Joel's gaze locked with yours, his expression intense and filled with desire. He increased his pace, his body moving with a sense of urgency.

He leaned down, his lips brushing against yours as he spoke, his breath hot against your skin. "Jesus, baby. You're so tight.”

He could feel you getting closer, as desperate for release as he was, his breath ragged and uneven.

"That's it, baby. Let go. Come for me, come for me," he huskily murmured, his words a mix of guidance and command.

You came with a shudder — clinging to him, head buried in his shoulder, a strangled sound caught in your throat. And Joel — God, Joel — followed seconds later, muffling his groan in your neck as he spilled deep inside you.

You stayed tangled on the couch, limbs heavy and warm.

No words were said.

But his fingers traced lazy lines over your arm.

Part 2

—comment if you wanna be added to this fic taglist

taglist: @started-with-f-ends-with-uck @havensucks

#kar's fics ☆#joel miller x reader #joel miller x you #joel miller fanfiction #the last of us #pedro pascal #joel miller smut #joel miller #joel tlou #joel the last of us #pedro x reader

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fandomsandflyingstingrays · 5 months ago

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Epic but it's just a DnD game

DM: “The cyclops pulls out a club and takes a swing. Everyone make a dexterity saving throw” Odysseus: “Nat 20!” Eurylochus: “17!” Polites: “That’ll be a nat 1…” *Polites’s miniature is knocked from the board*

DM: “Odysseus walks off with the wind bag. Everyone make a wisdom saving throw” Eurylochus: “…I got a 3” DM: “You gotta see what’s inside that bag” Eurylochus: “But I’m Odysseus’s second in command, surely I’d tru-“ DM: “YOU GOTTA SEE WHAT’S INSIDE THAT BAG”

Odysseus: “I must be a god like you, ‘cause I got this root from the ground with my bare hands!” DM: “Make an intimidation check” Odysseus: “…yeah that’s a 1” Circe: “Hermes gave it to you, didn’t he”

Circe: “I roll to seduce Odysseus… 17!” DM: “Not bad! Odysseus, make a wisdom saving throw” Odysseus: “Nat 20, baby!!” DM: “Sorry, Circe, Odysseus really does just love his wife that much”

DM: “A siren appears, wearing Penelope’s face… Odysseus, make a wisdom saving throw” Odysseus: “Another nat 20 let’s gooo-" DM: “Okay so you can just sail on by-" Odysseus: “No no let me roll for persuasion, let’s have some fun with this”

Odysseus: “Please don’t tell me you’re about to do what I think you’ll do” DM: “Roll for persuasion” Odysseus: “…nat 1” DM: “your luck has run out. Eurylochus, steak time. Nom nom nom”

Eurylochus: “But we’ll die” DM: “Roll for persuasion” Eurylochus: “…nat 1” Odysseus: “I know” Eurylochus: “dude come ON-“ DM: *lightning noises*

Odysseus: “If you’re plan’s so great, then why’d you wait to say it?” DM: “Hermes, make a performance check” Hermes: “NAT 20 DARLING” DM: “This campaign is now a Hermes dance party. Ody, you’re fighting those sea monsters on your own while Hermes just tears it up in the corner”

Poseidon: “After everything you’ve done, how will you sleep at night?” Odysseus: “Next to my wife” Literally the entire party: “OHHHHHHHHHHH” DM: “THAT’S AN INSPIRATION POINT FOR YOU” *Cut to Odysseus beating every single suitor in the span of like an hour*

Part 2

#epic the musical #epic odysseus #epic eurylochus #epic polites #epic circe #epic penelope #epic poseidon #ray rambles

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cosmerelists · 3 months ago

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Cosmere Characters Play D&D

As requested by @cool-original-username :)

Somehow, Dungeons & Dragons, the role-playing game, has arrived in the Cosmere, and now everyone is playing it. What would that be like?

1. Kaladin: Has THE most ridiculous good luck with dice

DM: Okay, Kaladin. You're up. You're the only member of your party still conscious, and you only have 3 hit points left. DM: Lord Evil is about to activate the doomsday device that will level the capital city. Your weapon is broken, and you're barely conscious. What will you do? Kaladin: ...I want to pick up a rock and throw it into the gears of the machine. DM: ...The machine that is 60 feet away from you with a fist-sized opening? Kaladin: Yes. DM: Well...you can roll for it, but...you'll have disadvantage... Kaladin: Nat 20. Twice. DM: A-Again?! I swear you save your Nat 20s for the most dramatic possible moments! Kaladin: Dice love me.

2. Kelsier: Always tries to fast-talk the DM

Kelsier: I would like to pick up the crowbar with my mage hand. DM: Okay... Kelsier: And I would like to drop it on the bandit's head. DM: You can't attack with mage hand. Kelsier: Attacking? I'm not attacking. I'm just dropping something. DM: As an attack. Kelsier: Well, okay. I'll just lift the crowbar high above the bandit's head with my mage hand. That's not an attack. DM: Okay... Kelsier: Then I'm gonna dismiss mage hand. DM: ... Kelsier: What happens to the crowbar? Does it...drop? DM: ... Kelsier: [smiles sweetly]

2. Lift: Needs a DM who likes open world campaigns...or who knows Lift real well

Wyndle, the DM: Excellent job, mistress! You've rescued the prince, and received a Royal Feast as a reward. Wyndle, the DM: What will you do now? Lift: I wanna go to Beach Town. Wyndle: Beach Town, the name I came up with on the fly five sessions ago? Lift: Yeah. Wyndle: The place where that one mean messenger said he was headed next? Lift: The one who kicked that dog, yeah. Wyndle: [grabs a notebook from his box and flips it open] Wyndle: Ready! Lift: ... Lift: You knew? Wyndle: I had a hunch, mistress!

3. Steris: Is a rules lawyer...for good

Steris: As we move through canyon, Lady Stesir will keep track of our progress by sketching a map. DM: Sure! Why don't you roll me an Intelligence check to see how good your mapping is. Steris: Actually, per the Players Handbook pg. 185, no ability check is required for mapping the party's progress through an area. DM: Really? Okay! Steris: [whispering] I got your back, Lady Stesir.

4. Blushweaver: Keeps rolling to seduce everyone

DM: The dragon rears back, preparing to unleash its fiery breath! Blushweaver: I roll to seduce the dragon!! DM: ... DM: Look, dragons are sentient, but they're generally not interested in... Blushweaver: I roll Persuasion with Expertise, add my Proficiency Modifier and my Charisma Modifier, plus my bonuses from Bless and Bardic Inspiration...and I get 32! DM: ... Blushweaver: I'm so excited about my new dragon boyfriend!

5. Shallan: Cares a LOT about character creation

Shallan: [sitting at the table with a full stack of character drawings, having used lightweaving to turn herself into a full-on Orc Barbarian] Adolin: [wearing "a bit of a jaunty hat" for his bard character] Adolin: ...I've never felt underdressed before.

6. Wayne: Loves to role-play

Wayne: And as Lord Bandlebutt falls to his knees in the rain, he thinks back to the last time he saw that flower, when his adoptive fox parents turned back for the last time before disappearing forever into those woods... Wayne: "I should have said something back then," Lord Bandlebutt whispers, "I should have told them some rocks smoothed by the stream wish they could have remained rough." Wayne: "After what happened during the Seven Snake Festival, they would have understood..." DM: [openly weeping] Oh, Lord Bandlebutt! Wayne: [normal voice, also weeping] I know, I know!

7. Vin: Wishes they could skip the whole "role-play" part

Vin: Okay, so my damage for that attack is 13. DM: With a mighty thrust of your longsword, you chop of the doppleganger's head and it falls to the ground! DM: You just killed someone who looks exactly like you--you're watching your own head roll across the ground toward your feet. DM: How does Lady Silverteeth feel in this moment? Vin: Uh Vin: ...Bad? DM: [Remembering to always match the player's level of comfort with role playing] Yeah, I bet she does.

8. Painter: Has THE most ridiculous bad luck with dice

DM: You see the vampire in the street below. You think she's following someone...perhaps her next victim. Painter: My Assassin will jump down from above and Sneak Attack her! I get a Advantage since it's my first attack, plus I have my new +2 dagger! Painter: My cloak will sweep back behind me as I land, soft as the night air, and plunge my dagger into her heart! DM: Roll first. Painter: Hi-yah! [dice clatter] DM: ... Painter: ... Painter: I assume I miss entirely and fall onto my butt? Into a puddle? DM: Into a puddle, yeah. Painter: ...Every [lowly] time.

#cosmere #cosmerelists #thanks to my lovely wife for helping with DnD rules!#me? I love to misuse mage hand #Kaladin #Kelsier #Shallan #Painter #Lift #Vin #Steris #Wayne #Blushweaver

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angelqueef · 1 month ago

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forbidden fruit, pt. 3 | stoner!simon x stoner!reader

cw: dom/sub dynamics, age gap (reader, 20s, ghost, 40s), daddy kink, drug use (marijuana), making out, heavy petting, fingering, exhibitionism/public sex, praise/degradation, reader is lowkey a ditz, intox if you squint, semi proofread 18+

pt. 1, pt. 2, moodboard

it’s been about a week since you gave the strange man you smoked with your phone number. you’ve been kicking yourself every day since, feeling embarrassed and stupid about the whole interaction. how could you let a man you’d never met so close? are you that desperate? and why end it so awkwardly? it’s fucking you up. half of you prays you’ll never run into him again, the other half is waiting for him to call.

you’re heading home from a long day in the office, your boss demanding that you work overtime in order to perfect the program for his next presentation. your wrist throbs and cramps from all the typing, sketching, and note taking. your eyes are heavy and not in the way you want. all you want to do is roll a fat one and make a big meal before you had to do it all over again tomorrow.

simon sat staring at his phone, this is his third attempt today at sending you a text—he bought too much weed (not on accident, but you don’t need to know that), and figured he’d share it with you. he’s a confident man, but after seeing you scurry off that evening he knows he needs to play his cards right, warm you up. he conjures up something safe and polite. kind, but not overbearing.

you feel your phone buzz as you walk through the front door, but you neglect it as you beeline towards your bedroom. you know you’re running low on your stash but you hope it’ll be just enough for tonight.

the jar, displayed on your desk with stickers and bows, sits nearly empty. save for a couple small nuggets and stems you picked over in the past. you groan in annoyance, you’re too lazy to call your usual plug. maybe you should just sleep it off for tonight.

you strip, plopping on your bed and finally checking your phone, going through all notifications you missed at work. you see a text from an unknown number at the top of the list.

: Evening, it’s Simon. we met last week. Accidentally bought too much yesterday…was wondering if you’re free for a smoke.

you shoot up, heart thumping wildly as you read the message over and over. was your annoyance so loud that the universe heard, and decided to bless you with a once in a lifetime opportunity? you can’t believe it. you’re scared, excited, relieved. you know you probably shouldn’t go smoke a strange man’s weed, you think you would’ve learned your lesson from the last time. but you were desperate and exhausted. plus, he seemed nice enough from the time you met him and you could redeem yourself from previous embarrassment (you’re not just making excuses to see him, honest!).

hi! yes, i’m free. thanks for thinking of me :p should we meet at the same spot?

simon’s eyes flick to his lit up phone screen, nose flaring as he read your message. his heart skips a beat in disbelief. a pretty thing like you, so kind and sweet towards a gruff man like him. his chest (and cock) swell at the concept of you.

simon: Yea, that works luv. I’ll be there in 20.

you’re shocked he responds so quickly. you launch off your bed and head to your closet, finding an outfit that screams “i’m totally comfortable and effortless but also cute and a little bit slutty”. you settle on an oversized tee that you cut the collar off of (courtesy of your ex), cinched and tied at the waist, with a pair of little denim shorts. you douse yourself in perfume oil, refresh your makeup, and rush out the door.

it takes everything in you not to jog to the smoke spot, eager to see the handsome and elusive simon. you’re nearly shaking from nerves and you’re distracted, almost getting hit by cars and bikers as you make your way to the park.

you walk down the hill and see him sitting on the bench, gulping at his hulking figure. he decided to forgo his hoodie today, only wearing a white t-shirt, and it shows everything. the fabric is taut against the expanse of his delts and biceps, stretching and pulling as he moves. even from behind you can tell he’s focused, working. he turns to you before you have the chance to make yourself known.

“oh, hey, sweetheart,” he doesn’t bother with subtlety, eyes raking over your figure, “was just finishin’ rolling up. y’make it here okay?”

you giggle at the name, covering it with a cough, “yeah, kinda. almost got hit by a couple cars though,” you say with a bashful smile.

simon returns it with a quirk of his lips, but his heart aches and burns at the thought of you putting yourself in danger.

“maybe i should walk with you next time. wouldn’t wan’ya gettin’ hurt.”

“oh,” there’s that giggle again, “i think i fare fine on my own-,”

simon interrupts you with a glare. it’s not scary, but it’s dominant, caring. like he’s saying, “listen to me, just accept it. i want to protect you.”

you flinch, “but, uh, i wouldn’t mind having someone to walk with every now and again.”

he hums, “good. works out perfectly, then.”

your look down to hide your smile as you sit down on the bench next to him. you look at the grocery bag that sits between you. it’s packed with pastries, snacks, and a plastic bowl filled with strawberries. you gasp.

“you brought snacks! and strawberries!”

“‘course i did luv. couldn’t help but notice you nibble on ‘em last time.”

“yea, they make the smoke taste better. kinda like a chaser, you know?”

“mm,” you’re so cute. his jaw clenches, “haveta try it.”

he's grown softer in retirement, more open and comfortable. his shoulders and tummy have relaxed and so has his mind. if you had met him years before, he wouldn't have dared to entertain a chipper girl like you. but after meeting you that day--sweet, soft and glowing--his old bones suddenly feel purpose again.

you watch him roll up his third blunt, working swiftly and neatly. it’s the most impressive thing you’ve ever seen. he doesn’t drop anything, nothing falls out. it’s almost robotic. his eyes flick up to you and he chuckles.

“military taught me. we’d be on missions and outta cigs. had to find some tobacco n’ roll ‘em myself.”

“wow. you’re, like, an expert.”

“can you roll?”

“yeah, but not like that. i just do joints mainly.”

“i’ll teach you, one day.”

one day. he says it with promise, like he knows that you’ll see each other more than this. you’re heart thumps at the thought.

“go ahead and spark up, luv,” simon’s head tilts to the two other blunts that sit on his lap.

“oh, okay,” you reach for one, fingers grazing his thigh. he shivers.

he holds the lighter to the blunt as it hangs out of your mouth. you’re staring at each other as you inhale. you blow out, sighing with a smile, “it’s so smooth.”

“told you i got good stuff.”

you inhale again, looking at the sunset. it’s about the same time it was when you left last time. it’ll be dark soon.

“sorry for inviting you out so late,” hello? is he reading your mind? “busy day.”

“s’alright. i had work today anyways.”

“y’must be tired,” simon doesn’t ask questions, he’ll let you open up. patience is a virtue.

“a little,” a lot.

the two of you sit in silence, passing the blunt back and forth. your eyes are red and heavy, you feel like you’re lagging. but it’s good, you’ve never been more relaxed.

your stomach pangs with a sudden hunger and you turn to the grocery bag like a little bird that stumbled across a pile of bread crumbs. in your mind it's bottomless, you dig through the array of snacks: hot cheetos, cream cheese danishes, tea sandwiches, dark chocolate bars, salted nuts, and of course, the strawberries. your heart swells with a quickness. this can't be real.

"did god send you here or something?" you ask with a newfound suspicion.

"wha'?"

"like, you pop up out of nowhere in my smoke spot, where, mind you, no one ever goes to. then, i have a shitty day at work and go home to an empty stash, and you text me out of nowhere asking if i wanna smoke. now you have my favorite snacks? who the hell sent you?"

simon quirks his head at you, eyes searching for a semblance of a joke. no, you're completely serious. he breaks out into a cackle, one straight from the gut. he doesn't remember the last time someone got this reaction out of him: a true, core shaking belly laugh. he's impressed.

this makes you laugh as well, the sight of the brooding man heave and turn red from glee, shocking you. you were serious, but your wariness melts and is replaced with joy.

"divine timing, i guess," he answers, handing the blunt to you once more. he watches you hold it between your pink, plump lips as you open the pack of strawberries and rip open a danish. this action alone solidifies that you're the sexiest woman he's ever seen.

you pause, "wait, this would be easier if we spread out somewhere. let's go to the tree. you bring a blanket?"

there’s a small part of you that’s still sober, and she’s kicking you for being so blabby. so straightforward.

simon doesn’t mind though, not one bit, “yeah," he reaches under the bench and pulls out the rolled up fabric. damn, he's prepared.

it takes everything for the both of you to stand and make your way to the tree, giggling at your sluggishness in the process. you settle down in the new spot. the sun is gone by now, replaced with the glow of street lights, and the sky has turned a rich blue. it's the perfect hour. you breathe, becoming present in the moment. you realize that this strange man doesn't feel so strange anymore, and you're quite comfortable. weird.

"you still here w'me?" simon's low voice pulls you back to him, he's holding the danish to you. instead of grabbing it, you take a bite, glossy eyes locking with his. he swallows, cock throbbing underneath his slacks.

you moan, "so good."

"yeah?"

you nod and reach for a strawberry, pushing it past your lips. the juice stains them, he can’t take his eyes off.

you crawl closer to him, reaching to take more bites of the danish. he happily feeds you.

“c’mere,” he beckons, you’re not sure how you could get any closer, you’re damn near in his lap, thighs against on his.

“y’so soft,” he says, wrapping a thick arm around your waist and hoisting you on top of him. the feeling is familiar, too comfortable. you should be nervous, scared, even.

“shouldn’t be doing this,” you say, squirming.

“who says?”

“no one…but,” you look down, bashful, “i barely know you, you could be dangerous,” every action contradicts your statements. your mouth is full of pastry and berries and your head is leaning back on his shoulder.

he turns to you, teeth grazing your neck and ear, “i am, sweetheart,” you shiver, “but i can be gentle, for you. ‘s that what you want?”

your breath hitches and you unconsciously grind on him, “yes, sir.”

“good girl,” he feeds you more danish, hand reaching down to cup your sex, it’s pulsing. he smirks, leaning forward to reach your lips. they lock, moving against each other in perfect rhythm. you moan as his tongue slips in your mouth, licking against your teeth and worming its way to your muscle, lapping and wrapping around it.

“simon,” you whine, hand wrapped around his throat, grinding into his lap.

he plays with the waistband of your shorts, “tell me what you want, sweet thing. use your words.”

“fingers…please…”

“please, who?”

you pause, looking into his amber eyes. this is a vulnerability you’ve not gotten used to, you’ve never given any man a name, never submitted fully. you inhale sharply.

“can’t.”

“can’t what, doll?”

“i…can’t say it,” you hide into the spot where his neck and shoulder meet, your heavy pants wetting the skin.

he reaches his hand down into your shorts, grazing your clit over panties, “yes you can, be good f’me. use your words. you’re a smart girl.”

you whine, the pleasure is too much. you’re moving in slow motion and so is he, dopamine exacerbating the moment.

“d-daddy,” you say, mixed between a whimper and a murmur.

“there you go. was that so hard?” his gravelly voice makes your body vibrate. he pushes your underwear to the side and plays with your clit, you arch and buck against him.

you shake your head rapidly, grabbing his wrist.

“ah ah. hands to yourself, doll. wanna feel you,” he rubs your wet, sensitive lips. squeezing them and thumbing your poor clit. he slowly burrows a thick finger inside. heat radiates between you two.

“sir…please..’s too much,” you whine, gummy walls clenching and sucking him in. he groans too.

“such a dumb slut, we barely met a week ago and you’ve already let me inside. i know i gotta keep you, too sweet for your own good,” his thumb swirls on your clit.

“‘m sorry, ‘m sorry. y’feel too good. i don’- don’ wanna get in trouble,” god, aren’t you the sweetest? already soft and pliable in his hands, wanting to be good for the big man you barely know. simon’s hard now, and you’re humping your ass against him. up down, up down.

“y’not in trouble, sweetheart. i want you to feel good. you’re safe w’me,” he reassures, pulling down your shorts, knowing you won’t, can’t, say no.

“what if someone sees?” you cry. a sudden paranoia takes you, you’re whipping your head around and peaking behind the tree.

“nuh uh. don’t worry,” he shushes and coos. his hand, sticky from the danish, works under your shirt. no bra.

you’re acting so sweet, so dumb. but he knows what you are. he plays with the fat of your breast, flicking the hard bud of your nipple.

“just keep being a sweet slut f’me,” he degrades, gruff voice molded into a saccharine, condescending tone.

his fingers reach up into that spot, scissoring and rubbing deep inside you. you choke on a sob and he silences you by shoving his tongue in your mouth once more.

you grind and buck, climbing that mountain of pleasure. your mouth is pressed against his thick neck in attempt to hide your moans and pleas. simon continues his ministrations, other hand lifting your jaw and pushing a strawberry past your fat lips to help muffle you. the sweet, tart flavor acts as an aphrodisiac, pacifying you. it keeps you dumb, quiet. full of pleasure.

“shhh, there you are. y’ready to cum?” the question is more like a command, like he’s telling you to orgasm. like you didn’t realize you needed to until he gave you permission.

you nod, swallowing the morsel, “please, papa, let me cum.”

“go ahead. don’t be shy,” he covers your mouth with his warm palm. you come apart against him, flashes of pink and white blur your vision. your eyes roll back, mouth opening against his hand and licking the sweat and remnants of glaze that remained.

“fuck, so good f’me, doll,” he’s the one that bucks against you this time, almost cumming in his jeans. another time, he swears to himself.

“thank you, thank you, thank you,” you repeat like a mantra, riding out your orgasm.

he removes his hand to kiss you, deep and slow. one long enough to leave you thinking about it for the next week.

he pulls from you with a sigh, breathless, “same time next wednesday?”

you scoff, sweaty forehead leaning on his chest. you spend the next couple minutes catching your breath, inhaling his scent.

you could get used to this.

———————————————————————————

a/n: whew lord, this one’s a bit long. appreciate if you stick around long enough for the end(i kinda rushed it). i started forbidden fruit with a blurb that takes place months, or even years into their relationship, but i’ve been enjoying writing their dynamic when it was fresh, before it budded fully. hope you enjoy!

taglist: @lillybunni, @404-isfound

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curiouspupsicle · 6 months ago

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Good Omens Fan Fiction Recommendations - Pinned Post

Thought it might be helpful to save links to my weekly fan fic recommendations. Organized by theme, each post gives you the rating and enough information to give you an idea of whether it's a good choice for you to read. And you'll find more great suggestions in the comments and reblogs. Just one more option for a fan fic reference desk. Scroll down for links--oldest first. Recommended WIPs at the bottom.

2024

11/8/24 - Fics that Made Me LOL - These are the funniest fics; the ones that actually had me laughing out loud. I'll definitely need to revisit this theme. So many to add to the list.

11/15/24 - Current Best of the Best - Snapshot of my absolute favorite fics at this moment in time. Fics I loved and can't imagine ever forgetting.

11/22/24 - Human AUs - These are the fics that finally convinced me to read our ineffable pair depicted as humans. And I've never looked back.

11/28/24 - Banter - Who doesn't love saucy banter? Here are my fave stories with witty dialogue.

12/6/24 - Illustrated Stories - It's in the name. These include comics and traditional fics with illustrations.

12/13/24 - Smooth Criminals - Fics that involve criminal undertakings.

12/20/24 - Christmas - I limit myself to one, very special Christmas fic. Hard to imagine any story better than this one.

12/27/24 - Through the Ages - Do you really need an explanation? My fave fics that show our ineffable pair in different time periods.

2025

1/3/25 - The Bentley - Fics in which our favorite sentient car gets her due.

1/10/25 - "Mixed" AUs - Stories in which one of the ineffable pair is mortal and the other is supernatural.

1/17/25 - Animal Shenanigans, pt 1 - Fics in which animals play an important role.

1/24/25 - Animal Shenanigans, pt 2 - One week was not enough to contain so many charming, animal-centric fics.

1/31/25 - Resistance - My favorite fics centered around resistance against powerful forces and nasty people.

2/7/25 - Read the Footnotes, pt 1 - I highlight two writers who write particularly clever and fascinating footnotes for their fics, in the style of Terry Pratchett. More to come in a future post.

2/14/25 - Be My Valentine - Recommending 3 Valentine's Day fics and 3 more that are about wooing, but not necessarily in February.

2/21/25 - Read the Footnotes, pt 2 - I share more favorite fics with clever footnotes.

2/28/25 - Alt Season 3 Speculations - These are my favorite post-season 2 fics that aren't what you might expect.

3/7/25 - Timey-Wimey - Some of the best fics that deal with time being weird. The first on the list is a unique treat.

3/14/2025 - Magic in the Air - My favorite fics featuring Fell the Marvelous (and yes, Crowley too) as magicians.

3/21/2025 - Ineffable Reality TV - Our ineffable pair end up on reality tv. Amazingly, three of them are not human AUs. Does not include any dating/marriage shows.

3/28/2025 - Spies in Disguise - Fics in which spying is a major part of the story. Lots of fun.

4/4/25 - Epistolary - Stories in which hand written letters are the centerpiece. Does not include texts, diaries, or emails.

4/11/25 - Top-Rated One-Shots - These are the single chapter works that get my highest ratings. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you cry. But they're all terrific.

4/18/25 - Texting - These fics center on texts. They range from the silly to the spicy with a sweet, tender love story in between.

4/25/25 - Sexy (but not explicit) - Focusing on moments in fics that are sexy but not explicit. Note: some of the fics themselves are explicit, even if the moment I highlight is not.

5/2/25 - Demon Summoning - These fics, both sweet and funny, center on Crowley being summoned by humans. See reblogs for even more recs.

5/9/25 - Muriel - Fics that feature everyone's 2nd favorite cinnamon roll.

5/16/25 - Heaven & Hell - In which we enjoy the shenanigans of The Bad Place and The Other Bad Place.

5/23/25 - Sea Creatures (Mixed AU 2) - Check out a great selection of fics where at least one of the ineffable pair is a creature of the sea. Check out reblogs for even more great suggestions.

5/30/25 - Characters with Disabilities - My recs for fics featuring characters dealing with disabilities. A little bit of sweet, a little bit of spice, and a bunch of great reads.

6/6/25 - Aspec Omens - A small selection of Good Omens fics with aspec characters showing the diversity along this spectrum.

6/13/25 - Queer Guardians - Notable fics in which humans (or human-shaped beings) provide safe spaces for queer people.

6/20/25 - Acceptance - Fics in which someone doubts they'll be accepted when they reveal their true self and are happily wrong.

6/27/25 - Let's Hear it for the Girls - A small selection of spicy and sweet Sapphic fics.

7/4/25 - Memory Loss - Explore our ineffable pair in fics featuring memory loss or amnesia.

❖❖❖

And finally, I've started recommending WIPs. Listing them here and marking them complete as they finish.

2/2/25 - Cayuga Blush (M) by asparkofgoodness/@thetunewillcome - Human AU with amazing link to canon in which Crowley and Aziraphale operate competing vineyards. COMPLETE

2/5/25 - Pages About You; Pages About Me (T) by D_Cocca/@dcocca - Aziraphale the bookstore owner and Crowley the comic shop owner become close while recommending reading material for each other. COMPLETE

2/19/25 - You Can Have It (E) by @voluptatiscausa - Aziraphale gets unwanted flowers from an ex. An empathetic delivery person helps him realize he's worth more than he's settled for in the past. COMPLETE

2/26/25 - Moonstruck (E) by @foolishlovers - Crowley is a single dad struggling with his responsibilities when the angelic bartender at his monthly stop shows him he deserves to take care of himself as well. COMPLETE

3/5/25 - Bonded (E) by AppleSeeds - Aziraphale travels to his grandfather's quarry to suggest how things can improve. He's entranced by the worker, Crowley, who has a mysterious secret. COMPLETE

3/12/25 - Chef's Kiss (E) by @joyandotherstories - Aziraphale is a positive, YouTube chef who appears on Crowley's food network show famous for nasty treatment of the guests. Human AU but well integrated into Good Omens canon.

3/19/25 - where the nodding violet grows (M) by @omens-for-ophelia- Crowley suspects there's a fairy living in his garden. But the fae creature only appears once Crowley offers a gift suitable for his standards. Lovely story and art.

3/26/25 - Dead Right (E) by @anatomic-girl. A cut above even the best fake marriage trope with loads of characters as charming as our ineffable pair (including two adorable cats).

4/2/25 - A shoutout to @raxacoricofallapatoriusrulez, a prolific writer with several fics in progress.

4/9/25 - In Night Blooms by @gaiaseyes451, Aziraphale is drawn to a familiar but neglected garden where he picks some blooms to brew into a tea. Soon he starts having mysterious dreams.

4/16/25 - Wavelengths & Frequencies by @shadesofecclescakes and imposterssyndrome/@maaikeatthefullmoon is a hilarious romp through the friends to enemies to friends to (?) journeys of DJs Crowley and Aziraphale. LOL funny!

4/23/25 - Parliamentary Procedure. A rare, themed WIP rec of Honourable Members (E) COMPLETE by @groovynightstrawberry and Crossing the Floor (M) by AlwaysTuesday.

4/30/25 - A Smell Can't Be Ineffable (M) by @thinkinginscripts, in which Aziraphale tries to help Crowley recover his sense of smell and taste after Covid. But Crowley responds differently to the therapy than expected. COMPLETE

5/7/25 - Of Lions and Leviathans (E) by @drconstellation, the continuation of a series that has Aziraphale and Crowley watching their backs for criminal elements in Australia.

5/14/15 - Panic at Eastgate Abbey (E) by @ezomind-the-other-one is a charming take on Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster story with the addition of our ineffable pair.

5/21/25 - On a Storyteller's Night (E) by harlot of god/@harlotofupdog has our ineffable pair renting the same cottage by accident. By the third chapter, we have a thrilling twist making this not your typical one-bed, forced proximity story.

5/28/25 - The Trouble with HELL (E) by @beerok23 is a tantalizing mystery wrapped in the rivals to (well, guessing from the E rating, I'm going to guess lovers)... story of podcaster and mystery writer Crowley and mystery book reviewer turned investigator Fell.

6/4/25 - No Rest for the Wicked (M) by ReinaDragon139/@dragonqueen139 has Aziraphale seeking justice his wife's murder with help from bounty hunter Crowley in the Old West. It's a taut read and the English version of a Spanish story being published concurrently.

6/11/25 - Ineffable Gravity (E) by @enderhuntresss elevates the Crowley/Aziraphale arguments to a whole new level in this human AU in which the rockstar astrophysicist has to learn to work with the creative writing prof.

6/18/25 - Still We Know Each Other So Well (E) by @paperclipninja answers the question, "what would happen if both Aziraphale and Crowley lost their memories?" Absolutely worth reading as a WIP to watch the story unfold.

6/25/25 - On this Bumpy Road to Love (M) by @hermiola is the actors AU you'll love that you never knew you needed. COMPLETE

7/2/25 - Accidentally in Love (T) by @wildespyder tells the charming story of Aziraphale advertising to meet new friends and finding more joy than he could have expected. Regular updates several times a week.

If you're seeing this as a reblog, you can find the original (most-up-to-date) version here.

And if my tastes match yours, check out my AO3 bookmarks highlighting the top 10% of all fics I've read.

#good omens #crowley #aziraphale #good omens fanfiction #good omens fanart #fan fiction #fan fiction recommendations #go fan fic rec #go fan fic recs #go fan fiction recommendations #good omens fan fiction rec #to read #read later #to read later #reading list #rec list #reblog to keep track of

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apuckishwit · 2 years ago

Text

It's the final countdown, nee nee nee noo

A preview of Chapter 30 of Rolled a 1 on the Check, Rolled a 20 on the Save, by APuckish_Wit

Have some platonic Chrissy & Steve bonding :)

Chrissy graduates at the end of May with a shiny degree in special education and a signed contract to teach in her dream school in a little town just up the road from her family home. Steve, Robin, and Vickie are sitting with her family when she walks across the stage, and as soon as they are given the signal they stand up and cheer as loudly as they can, clapping, whistling, and stomping their feet on the bleachers. Her father takes them all out to dinner that night to celebrate. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet night.

Beautiful because Chrissy is glowing, so happy to finally have her dreams in reach, and even her mother’s rather pointed absence from her graduation (they don’t have a good relationship, and haven’t for several years from what Steve understands) can’t really put a damper on the evening. It’s bittersweet because Chrissy’s things are all packed in their apartment, and the moving truck is coming to whisk her back to Indiana in just a few short days. It's always hard saying goodbye to friends, even though they all know it’s not the last time they’re going to see each other.

The four of them go out to a club after Chrissy says good night to her father and brother, promising to meet them for brunch before they have to drive back to Indiana the next day. They while the hours away dancing and drinking, just enjoying each other’s company. Chrissy likes to dance almost as much as Vickie does, even though she only enjoys the clubbing scene once in a blue moon. Between her and Vickie, though, Steve rarely gets to sit down throughout the whole night.

“Hey…I wanted to say thank you,” Chrissy says during one of their turns on the dance floor, leaning up close so he can hear her over the thumping beat of the music.

Steve laughs, dipping her low to the ground before bringing her back up into a fancy twirl. “Not exactly a chore to dance with a pretty lady,” he says with a wink. Chrissy giggles and smacks his chest lightly.

“You’re not so bad yourself! But no, I just mean…thank you. For everything. The apartment, the help with lesson plans, the late night snack fests…for being my friend. After Jason—I didn’t realize how lonely I’d gotten until I wasn’t anymore. So thank you.”

Warmth blooms in his chest, and his smile gentles. “I know exactly what you mean,” he says softly, sincerely. “And thank you for being my friend. I’m really gonna miss you, Cunningham.”

Chrissy laughs again, and they both ignore how wet the edges of it sound. “Back ‘atcha, Harrington.” They take another spin on the floor, the song changing to something a little slower. Robin and Vickie are wrapped around each other, swaying back and forth in the middle of a throng of other couples. Steve watches them a little wistfully—they look so happy.

“You think we’ll have that someday?” Chrissy says suddenly, startling him out of his contemplation of their other friends. He reaches up to squeeze her hand where it’s resting on his shoulder.

“Absolutely. You kidding me? Someone’s going to figure out how amazing we are eventually,” he says, tossing his hair back with an air of bravado he perfected in high school. As he’d hoped, Chrissy giggles.

“Totally. We’ll have them beating down our doors.”

“Begging to date us,” he agrees.

“We’ll have to hold contests, Hunger Games style!”

“Welllll, maybe not Hunger Games style,” he snorts.

“Okay, fair.” They keep dancing after the song changes back to something fast, even when Robin and Vickie bow out and head back to the bar. “But Steve? Seriously…you are amazing. You’re going to be amazing for so many kids, you’re going to help so many kids.”

The warmth is brighter this time, accompanied by a rather suspicious lump trying to form in his throat. He coughs to clear it and hugs her impetuously. “So are you—I don’t know if I’d have been able to find my feet so fast this semester without you. Your students are going to be so fucking lucky to have you.” Chrissy’s answering smile is bright as sunshine.

They help load all of her boxes and her meager furniture into the truck her father’s hired later that week, both Vickie and Chrissy ugly-crying the whole time. He and Robin manage to keep it together long enough to get the heavy lifting out of the way, but Steve isn’t ashamed to admit that he has to wipe his eyes after he hugs Chrissy goodbye for the final time. He winds one arm around Robin’s shoulders, slinging the other around Vickie’s, and they watch the truck move farther and farther down the road. They wave until they can’t see it anymore, and then Vickie sniffles loudly and announces that they need alcohol, stat.

They order fish tacos and margaritas from Doordash, then crack open some beers and spend the evening toasting Chrissy’s new start, and pointedly ignoring the now-empty third bedroom. It’s hard to be too upset—Chrissy has been working towards this for so long. She’s truly following her dream, achieving a goal she set for herself fresh out of high school. As happy as they are for her, though, it still hurts. Poignant, Steve thinks. It’s a poignant end to a chapter in their lives.

Word of the day, today.

He’s kind of starting to wonder if that fucking calendar is haunted.

#my writing #stranger things #steve harrington #stranger things fic #rolled a 1 on the check rolled a 20 on the save #fic preview #steddie

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the-griffons-saddlebag · 1 year ago

Photo

⚔️ 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺! Deathmetal Axe Weapon (greataxe), very rare (requires attunement) ___ This adamantine axe is covered in narrow cracks, which periodically erupt with harmless, magical flame. Along its haft are four strings: plucking a string creates a deep, bone-rattling resonance from the axe. If you’re proficient with lutes, you are proficient with the “deathmetal axe”, and you can play it as if it were a lute. You gain a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon, as well as on any Charisma (Performance) check you make with it. Whenever the axe hits an object, the hit is a critical hit. 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙨. The axe has 7 charges for the following properties. It regains 1d6 + 1 expended charges daily at dawn. If you take 10 or more lightning damage and then use one of the axe’s properties on your next turn, the number of charges required by the property is reduced by 1. 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙨. While holding the axe, you can use an action to expend 2 of its charges to cast either the “shatter” or “thunderwave” (2nd-level version) spell from it (save DC 16). 𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚. Whenever you take the Attack action with this weapon, you can expend 1 of its charges to replace one of your attacks with a special performance. When you do, make a DC 16 Charisma (Performance) check. On a success, you create an instantaneous wave of sound, which affects creatures within 10 feet of you; friendly creatures within the wave immediately gain 2d6 + 2 temporary hit points, and hostile creatures must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or take 2d6 + 2 thunder damage. When you roll a 20 on the Charisma (Performance) check, the radius of your wave increases to 30 feet, and the number of temporary hit points gained and thunder damage dealt is doubled. A creature is immune to these effects if it can’t hear the performance. The wave then fades. ___ ✨ Patrons get huge perks! Access this and hundreds of other item cards, art files, and compendium entries when you support The Griffon's Saddlebag on Patreon for less than $10 a month!

#illustration #digital art #dungeons and dragons #dnd #d&d

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vexwerewolf · 7 months ago

Note

What do you think is the worst frame for a SEKHMET-Class NHP? Why?

I went on more of an odyssey with this one than I thought.

I gave myself a rule here: I am not allowed to build a mech badly on purpose. As Dan Olson said, "if you build it out of malice, you inject it full of all your own prejudices. It ends up bad for reasons you created. It tells you nothing." Whenever I examine a mech for its suitability (or lack thereof) of SEKHMET, I must enter into it in good faith. I must try to build a good loadout and fail - I must not try to build a bad loadout and succeed.

First Appearances

I was initially going to say a Death's Head. There are a lot of frames that aren't well-suited to melee combat, but prima facie, I don't think there's a frame that by its traits and stats is more antithetical to the ethos of SEKHMET.

However. When I decided to go to COMP/CON and map out a Melee SEKHMET Death's Head for a laugh, I discovered... actually, if you disregard its traits, the Death's Head isn't the worst frame for SEKHMET. It's certainly not good - none of its traits support the playstyle - but the Death's Head is fast. It's base speed 5, just like the Blackbeard, and it has higher Evasion and E-Defence. With three ranks in an SSC mech, you can get Full Subjectivity Sync and boost its evasion to 14 with just 2 Agility, which is pretty nimble.

Also, with three ranks in an IPS-N frame - which by necessity you must have if you have SEKHMET - you can get Reinforced Frame. At LL6, with 4 points in Hull and 1 SP for Personalisations, you can get this little bastard to 26 HP, which combined with its high Evasion gives it pretty hefty staying power.

Also, a bizarre interaction that I had previously never thought of - and had to check with #rules-discussion on PilotNET - SEKHMET can use Core Siphon. There's nothing in the rules that says SEKHMET can't use protocols, and Core Siphon applies to all attacks, not just ranged ones. This can be useful if, for instance, you're close to demolishing an enemy with your first attack, and the next nearest target is an ally - your first attack roll will be buffed, and all the other attacks you make this turn will be debuffed.

This is my janked-up build:

-- SSC Death’s Head @ LL6 -- [ LICENSES ] IPS-N Blackbeard 3, SSC Death’s Head 2, SSC Mourning Cloak 1 [ CORE BONUSES ] Reinforced Frame, Full Subjectivity Sync [ TALENTS ] Duelist 3, Executioner 3, Skirmisher 3 [ STATS ] HULL:4 AGI:2 SYS:0 ENGI:2 STRUCTURE:4 HP:26 ARMOR:0 STRESS:4 HEATCAP:8 REPAIR:4 TECH ATK:0 LIMITED:+1 SPD:6 EVA:14 EDEF:8 SENSE:20 SAVE:13 [ WEAPONS ] MAIN/AUX MOUNT: Charged Blade / Fold Knife HEAVY MOUNT: Nanocarbon Sword [ SYSTEMS ] Personalizations, SEKHMET-Class NHP, Synthetic Muscle Netting, Core Siphon, High-Stress Mag Clamps

It's not... great. But it could work!

So, if it's not the Death's Head, what frame really is the worst for SEKHMET?

The Big Boy

The next stop on my journey was to think about what made the Death's Head not the worst choice, and look for a frame that didn't have those upsides. This led me - as many "worst frame for X" deep dives do - to the Barbarossa.

The Barbarossa isn't just slow, it's fucking slow. I can't express to you just how much of a drawback 2 Speed is. I had to pump Agility to 4 just to hit Speed 4, the base speed of an Everest. But when I did, the unsuitability of the Barbarossa sort of melted away as well.

The Barbarossa's Threat is huge, and if you're eligible for an IPS-N core bonus - which, again, I will remind you, you must be if you have SEKHMET - you can get Gyges frame, which buffs weapon Threat by 1. A Barbarossa with a Threat 3 Nanocarbon Sword threatens an absolutely absurd 36 spaces around it, so who gives a shit if it's not the quickest? Speed 4 isn't great for SEKHMET but if you've got move assist from your team it basically doesn't matter.

Moreover, the Barbarossa is functionally immune to most sources of forced movement. It can't be knocked prone by anything smaller than itself, already always wins grapples even before you add Synthetic Muscle Netting, and can just march over obstacles that would force a smaller mech to go around them.

Again, it's pretty jank, but this build works surprisingly well:

-- HA Barbarossa @ LL6 -- [ LICENSES ] HA Barbarossa 2, IPS-N Blackbeard 3, IPS-N Vlad 1 [ CORE BONUSES ] Gyges Frame, Heatfall Coolant System [ TALENTS ] Duelist 3, Executioner 3, Combined Arms 1, Nuclear Cavalier 2 [ STATS ] HULL:2 AGI:4 SYS:0 ENGI:2 STRUCTURE:4 HP:19 ARMOR:2 STRESS:4 HEATCAP:10 REPAIR:5 TECH ATK:-2 LIMITED:+1 SPD:4 EVA:10 EDEF:6 SENSE:10 SAVE:13 [ WEAPONS ] Integrated: Apocalypse Rail MAIN MOUNT: Impact Lance MAIN MOUNT: Chain Axe HEAVY MOUNT: Nanocarbon Sword [ SYSTEMS ] Personalizations, Synthetic Muscle Netting, SEKHMET-Class NHP, Reinforced Cabling

Reinforced Cabling - by the end, you will believe a mountain can fly.

Wait, Is Lancer Just That Flexible?

So far we've looked at two mechs I was sure would be a simple answer to this question and they were actually astoundingly viable given their respective downsides. Sure, they're not anywhere close to being top picks, but Lancer's game design seems to be tight enough that it basically never entirely locks you out of a role even if your mech isn't suited to it.

But there's still got to be a worst mech, right? Even with Lancer's legendary build flexibility, there still has to be a worst mech for the job of housing the Murder Cat, right? By definition, there has to be.

So what is it? It has to be a mech that's some combination of slow, fragile, doesn't have trait support for melee or traits that would otherwise be advantageous for a melee fighter, does have traits that would actively disadvantage it in melee, or has traits that are rendered unusable by not being on SEKHMET's permissible action flowchart. Moreover, I realised that any mech that has a Heavy slot can put a Nanocarbon Sword in it, and that weapon is so good that it can make up for most of a frame's deficiencies by itself. Therefore, we also need to exclude any frame that has a Heavy Slot.

We have two somewhat viable options here: the HORUS Lich and the SSC Emperor.

Ghost Warrior

The HORUS Lich is absurdly fragile on its base stats (although this can be easily circumvented via HASE and core bonuses), and it can't use its survival reaction while using SEKHMET if doing so would cause it to move away from an enemy. It lacks a Heavy slot, and it also lacks any traits that non-Heavy frames like the Nelson and the Mourning Cloak have to improve melee damage.

Even so, you can easily make a 22 HP, Evasion 10, E-Def 12 Lich by LL6.

-- HORUS Lich @ LL6 -- [ LICENSES ] IPS-N Blackbeard 3, HORUS Lich 2, IPS-N Nelson 1 [ CORE BONUSES ] Reinforced Frame, Overpower Caliber [ TALENTS ] Duelist 3, Skirmisher 3, Hunter 3 [ STATS ] HULL:4 AGI:2 SYS:0 ENGI:2 STRUCTURE:4 HP:22 ARMOR:0 STRESS:4 HEATCAP:5 REPAIR:7 TECH ATK:+1 LIMITED:+1 SPD:6 EVA:10 EDEF:12 SENSE:15 SAVE:14 [ WEAPONS ] MAIN/AUX MOUNT: War Pike / Tactical Knife // Overpower Caliber [ SYSTEMS ] SEKHMET-Class NHP, Personalizations, Synthetic Muscle Netting, Armament Redundancy, Reinforced Cabling, Bulwark Mods, Wandering Nightmare

This boy can do some work. The War Pike gives it excellent threat, OpCal boosts its damage per turn, and the TacKnife lets it do Hunter shenanigans, such as essentially attacking twice with its Knife. It's still not great, but it... works.

Sword of Kings

The Emperor is probably what we're looking for. It has only one Main Mount (worse even than the Lich's Main/Aux, which at least lets it do Knife Crimes), and its survivability and sustain comes entirely from Overshield, which it can't interact with at all while using SEKHMET. Even at 4 Hull, its Repair Cap is only 4, meaning it can't afford to take much damage.

-- SSC Emperor @ LL6 -- [ LICENSES ] IPS-N Blackbeard 3, SSC Emperor 2, IPS-N Nelson 1 [ CORE BONUSES ] Reinforced Frame, Overpower Caliber [ TALENTS ] Duelist 3, Skirmisher 3, Pankrati 3 [ STATS ] HULL:4 AGI:2 SYS:0 ENGI:2 STRUCTURE:4 HP:17 ARMOR:0 STRESS:4 HEATCAP:7 REPAIR:4 TECH ATK:+1 LIMITED:+1 SPD:6 EVA:12 EDEF:8 SENSE:15 SAVE:14 [ WEAPONS ] Integrated: Marathon Arc Bow MAIN MOUNT: War Pike // Overpower Caliber [ SYSTEMS ] Personalizations, Synthetic Muscle Netting, SEKHMET-Class NHP, Reinforced Cabling, Armament Redundancy, Bulwark Mods

Now, to be clear, this guy does start every fight with 9 Overshield, and regains it every time they take Structure damage, giving them 26 effective HP per Structure. But the Emperor needs to be constantly applying Overshield to allies to recharge their Storm Shield, and this is essentially impossible while SEKHMET is active!

And yet this build is still... at least remotely playable. I think we've found the worst frame for SEKHMET. I don't think SEKHMET likes the SSC Emperor very much.

And yet. You could field this. It wouldn't be good, but you could field this. It would probably die quite fast but it's not completely unplayable.

Damn, Lancer's pretty good.

#lancer rpg #lancer #lancerrpg #lancer-rpg

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persevereforahappyending · 1 month ago

Text

A Beacon in the Dark |20|

Pairing: Joey x Reader

Summary: Joey likes helping people, it's what she's best at. Hunting down the monsters of myth and legend might be the best way to save people.

Warnings: Threatening, Slight Violence, Broken Bones

Word Count: 4.2k+

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

You pulled your shirt over your head when you heard a soft knock at your door. A second later Grace stepped in, knowing she didn’t need to wait for a response. She came over to you and instantly lifted the shirt you had just put on, making you sigh. Despite being allowed to leave the infirmary she still needed to check you over one last time.

“I’m fine,” you assured her.

“You’ve almost died twice now,” she whispered. “What did I tell you about being careful?” She flicked a glare up at you, letting the shirt fall back into place.

“I’m sorry.” You gave her your most charming smile and even added your puppy dog eyes to get her to relax.

She only rolled her eyes. She didn’t ask before tilting your head to the side and pulling down the collar of your shirt. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight. A vampire bite wouldn’t kill you, not like your bite does to them. A bite from one of them wouldn’t even turn you, but it did leave a small scar, even with your healing ability.

“It’s fine,” you whispered again, gently guiding Grace’s hand back down. “It’s nothing new.”

Grace let out a tired sigh, like she was sick of having this argument every time you got hurt. Which she probably was. You got hurt, she patched you up, it was a never-ending cycle. The alternative was her getting hurt, or Joey, or some innocent, you couldn’t let that happen. If suffering for a short while was what you had to do to save others, then it was a sacrifice you were more than willing to make. Grace herself understood that, you knew that. The whole reason Grace did all this was so that what happened to her, and to you, and to Joey, never happened to anyone again.

“You and Joey seem to be getting closer,” Grace said.

You furrowed your brow at the subject change. That also seemed to be one way to put it. “I guess,” you mumbled, your cheeks heating up. You weren’t really sure what you’d call you and Joey. She kissed you and it was amazing, but you had just almost died trying to save her, she was probably just being nice.

“You’re allowed to be happy,” Grace said softly, though you noted the seriousness of her tone. “Go after what you want,” she smiled. “It’s okay. You just have to be willing to fight for it.”

You scrunched your eyebrows together as you search Grace’s face. You couldn’t help but feel there was a double meaning. That maybe Grace didn’t drop it, that she wanted you to use whatever was going on with Joey to not throw yourself carelessly into danger. You weren’t sure if that would work, you’d probably just want to protect Joey more if your feelings deepened. That being said, you had never allowed yourself to care about someone that way, not since you were bit. Besides Grace, you didn’t have to worry about not making it home, you never had to consider who might grieve you if you never came back.

“I don’t even know what she wants,” you whispered.

“Then talk to her,” Grace said with a soft smile.

That was certainly easier said than done. If you talked to her, she’d give you an answer. You were sure you weren’t ready for her answer. More specifically you weren’t ready for her to reject you. It was just a crush at the moment, harmless flirting, you were sure she knew about your crush but as long as it remained that way it was fine. Even if she maybe sort of felt the same way as you, she had other priorities, other things to consider. You met Caleb once and though he seemed to like you that didn’t mean Joey wanted you in his life that way. You were a risk, being with you would be a risk, and she didn’t take risks with Caleb, it was probably better if she continued to keep herself and him distant from you.

“Go on,” Grace nodded towards the door. “She’s waiting.”

You nodded and walked out of the room with Grace behind you. You had the regular car ride back to Joey’s, though this time you imagined an uncomfortable silence now that you’ve shared a kiss. For all you knew Joey wouldn’t want to talk about it and would pretend it never happened. Or she would want to talk about it, and she’d try to let you down easy.

When you got downstairs you saw Joey already waiting by the front door. “Ready?” You asked. Joey nodded and you opened the door, gesturing for her to lead the way.

The two of you hopped in the car and were on your way. You hit the button for the radio and turned the volume up just enough that it shouldn’t annoy Joey but also so the silence wouldn’t feel as awkward. You occasionally glanced at Joey out of the side of your eye but tried to remain focused on the road. She stared out the window, her elbow resting out the window as the wind blew her hair back.

You could feel Joeys eyes on you as you continued the drive, but you refused to look at her. Your fingers started to twitch around the steering wheel after five minutes of her eyes on you.

“Are we really doing this?” She asked.

“Do-doing what?” You asked, finally taking a quick look at her. There was an amused smile on her face though you weren’t sure why.

“Seriously?” She raised an eyebrow at you.

You opened your mouth, but no excuses came to you, so you ended up just gaping at her like a fish. Joey rolled her eyes and looked back out the window.

“I kissed you,” she said simply.

Your mouth suddenly became dry; you weren’t expecting her to bring it up. You figured if you never mentioned it then she wouldn’t attempt to reject you. You guessed she just wanted to make things clear and not let you assume it meant anything. Maybe she was offering you this as a kindness, a type of closure, or she just didn’t want you to start thinking you could do something drastic like hold her hand.

“Now you’re being weird,” she said.

“I’m not being weird,” you awkwardly chuckled, which did nothing to help your case. “I saved your life, and you were thankful and that’s what happened.” You cleared your throat awkwardly hoping that was believable. You opened the door, you just needed her to understand it was okay with you, that you didn’t expect anything from her.

“You really think I’d kiss you just because you almost died?”

You gave her a confused look. You agreed, it seemed a little weird but there was truly no other reason you could think of that would make her kiss you.

Joey let out a sigh. “It did make me realize somethings,” she admitted. “But that’s not the only reason why.”

“It’s not?” You asked with a tilt of your head. Inside you perked up, you couldn’t help the spark of hope that ignited in you.

“Are you seriously going to make me say it?” She looked at you, genuinely asking you this. You just stared back, you needed her to say it, you needed her to clarify what she meant. If you spoke first then you could never go back, if she went first and it wasn’t where you thought it was going then you could shove your disappointment down and pretend everything was fine.

“I like you,” she mumbled.

You fought the smile that tried to break out onto your face. “You like me?” You asked. “Like, romantically?”

“God,” she groaned. “You’re such an ass.” You couldn’t help but chuckle. “Yes! There! You happy!” She through her hands up in faux frustration. “Somehow your stupid self-sacrificing ass has won me over.”

You focused on the road as you tried to stop from smiling, she could say the sweetest things at times. “So, does that mean it would be okay if I asked you out some time?”

You flexed your hands around the steering wheel, quietly wondering when your mouth became so dry. You risked a glance to your right when an answer never came, only to be met with Joey staring right back at you. Luckily, she wasn’t glaring like you thought she would be, though she seemed to wear a look of disbelief.

“Are you seriously asking me if you’re allowed to ask me out?” She asked.

You shrugged. She kissed you, said she liked you romantically, though as far as you were concerned none of this was confirmation she wanted to date you. She could have been acknowledging all those things but still wanting to keep things professional. You didn’t want to get your hopes up, work up the nerve to ask her out, only for her to reject you and make things forever awkward.

Joey rolled her eyes with a sigh. “If you were to ever ask me out,” she said slowly. “I wouldn’t worry too much about getting a no.”

A smile tugged at your lips, but you remained focused on the road. “Good to know,” was all you said.

A part of you wanted to turn and ask her out right then and there. You were on your way back into the city, there were so many great spots you could go to that would be perfect for a date. Though all that seemed a little sudden, you didn’t want to come off desperate. Besides, though you were sure Joey would appreciate the sights, she deserved something special for a first date, you needed to actually think it through and plan it out. On top of all that, asking her out in the car was hardly romantic, you could do better than that.

As you got off the highway you took the turn that would lead you towards Joeys apartment. “Turn here,” she said as you came to an intersection.

You furrowed your brow but did as she asked. “I need to pick up Caleb,” she said.

You hummed in acknowledgement. You had only picked her up a few times from her ex’s apartment, she usually tried to be back at her place by the time you arrived. This was new though, you weren’t sure if you were meant to drop her off and then she and Caleb would just walk back to her apartment or what. You knew your time with her was coming to an end for the day, but you still hoped for a little more time. Caleb had met you but if you offered them a ride he might think something more than work was going on between you and his mom. Which there was, at least you and Joey were on your way to that, at least you thought you were. Everything was so new, you weren’t even dating, you hadn’t even been on a date, the last thing either of you needed was Caleb asking questions.

You pulled up to the apartment and put the car in park, the very least you could do was wait until she got inside. You’d wait until she and Caleb walked out but that might raise even more questions from Caleb, especially if he saw they weren’t getting in the car with you.

Joey unbuckled herself and wordlessly got out. You were tapping your fingers on the wheel when you decided to turn up the music. As you reached for the dial you caught Joey staring at you with a raised eyebrow. Your mouth hung open, the question dying on your lips, you felt like you were supposed to know what she was expecting.

“Aren’t you coming?” She asked.

You looked around, as if she could be talking to someone else. You quickly nodded and struggled to undo your seatbelt as she finally closed her car door. You barely remembered to turn off the car before getting out and jogging to catch up to her.

You kept glancing at her out of the side of your eye. This was uncharted waters, and you weren’t sure how to act. You deciding standing behind Joey and following a few steps behind was the best course of action. You didn’t know much about her ex, just that he was kind of an asshole and Joey didn’t seem overly fond of him, but she still allowed him to share custody of Caleb.

You followed Joey up the stairs to the fourth floor. You waited behind her, looking everywhere but the door she was currently knocking on. You titled your head; there was a slight creak of the floorboards from the apartment behind you. The door never opened, no one even so much as touched the doorknob but you could hear their breathing, they were most likely looking through the peep hole.

Your head snapped to the door as it was flung open. A man stood in the doorway, he was relatively physically built, he had a crew cut even after his time in the military, his flannel hung loose over a white tank top, and to pull it all together his jeans were forever dirty from whatever job he worked. You recognized him instantly; there were pictures in Joey’s file after all, from when you were considering offering her a job. The man instantly rolled his eyes when they fell on Joey.

“What do you want?” He asked gruffly.

“I’m here to pick up my son,” Joey said. Her voice didn’t change, you had heard it a thousand times like that now, but her heart rate spiked ever so slightly. Her hand was shoved in her pocket, and you could hear her fiddling with a wrapper from a piece of candy she had already eaten.

The man just scoffed and rolled his eyes again. Your fingers twitched at your side; it was good Joey never wanted you around before if this was how her ex treated her.

“Caleb!” the man called out, barely turning his head back into the apartment. “Your mom’s here, get your shit together!”

Your fingers clenched into a fist, you sucked in a breath when you felt claws pierce your palm. You couldn’t lose it, not with not only Joey right there but her son just in the other room. Slowly you unclenched your hand, it took everything in you not to hiss as your claws came out of your flesh. You wiped your palm on your jeans; the last thing you needed was someone questioning why your hand was covered in blood.

“Who’s this?” the man asked, seeming to notice you for the first time.

“None of your business,” Joey snapped.

The man scoffed. His eyes flicked from you to Joey and a knowing cynical smile slowly spread across his face. “I see how it is,” he nodded. “Where’d you fine this one?” he looked you up and down, puffing out his chest as he sized you up.

“Work,” there was an edge to Joey’s voice, one that you knew meant drop it. Her ex didn’t seem to know her too well or he didn’t care because dropping it seemed to be the last thing on his mind.

“Work,” he sighed, rubbing his chin, like he was in on some secret between just the two of them. “You knew me from work once.”

Joey rolled her eyes, she clearly knew what he meant as well. You had a feeling you knew what he was getting at, but you didn’t want to start assuming.

“What kind of work,” he said as if he didn’t believe a word she said. “Do you do together?”

“None of your business,” Joey said, giving him a warning glare.

“I think I deserve to know who you’re bringing around my son.” He stood taller, blocking the entirety of the doorway. He didn’t take a step forward, but he it clear what he was trying to do.

Before Joey could respond Caleb came running up behind his dad. He squeezed past his dad, not bothering to wait for him to move. “Get back here,” the man said harshly, catching Caleb by the arm and yanking him back.

Your breath caught in your throat as you held in a growl. This wasn’t your fight, you had no right to involve yourself. Joey was more than capable of taking care of herself, you had seen that firsthand.

“Don’t touch him,” Joey warned, ripping her ex’s hand off of Caleb. She gently pulled Caleb toward her, putting herself between him and his father. You heard the click of a lock and the door behind you creak open, but you didn’t turn around.

“We’re leaving,” Joey said with finality. “You better get over this,” she gestured up and down at him. “By next weekend.”

The man let out a humorless chuckle. “We are not done yet,” he said. His hand shot out, grabbing onto Joey and trying to yank her back towards him. Joey spun around and slapped him across the face.

His head snapped to the side, and he slowly turned, now fully glaring at Joey. “Bitch,” he snarled.

He raised his hand, to grab her again or to hit her back, you weren’t sure. Your hand caught his before it could ever reach her. You snapped his wrist with just a simple flick of your own. He tried crumbling to his knees, but you held him up as you stepped in front of Joey. You pushed the man back into his apartment, slamming the door behind you, Caleb didn’t need to see what you were about to do.

“Don’t kill him,” you heard Joey whisper.

You let out a huff, it would be so easy to kill him, though it probably would have only caused you more problems in the long run. You kept your grip on his wrist as you walked him back until he hit the wall. When you released him, he collapsed to the ground, gripping his wrist, which now flopped motionlessly in a direction it wasn’t supposed to go.

“You psycho,” he spit out. “I’m going to…” his words died as you crouched down in front of him, flashing your glowing yellow eyes. You heard his heartrate tick up and you couldn’t help but smirk.

“Wh-what are you?” he managed to get out through trembling lips.

“You’re never going to lay a fucking hand on either of them again,” you stated calmly. “Got it?” he quickly nodded, pushing his back into the wall as if he could somehow put more distance between himself and you. “You’re also never going to try taking Caleb from her, yeah?” you chuckled as if it were ridiculous for you to even think he’d do such a thing.

He nodded, you knew he could be agreeable with the right motivation. “Good,” you said, giving him a kind smile.

Your hand shot out, gripping him tightly on the shoulder. You squeezed, applying just enough pressure so he was wincing but not enough to actually break anything. “Now,” you whispered, still keeping the kind smile on your face. “You don’t actually give a shit about your kid; we both know it. You only wanted weekends because it hurt her. So,” he let out a whimper as you squeezed his shoulder even tighter. “No more of that,” you shook your head. “She’s got full custody.” You stared at him expectantly, but he just stared back at you in fear. “Do you have a problem with that?” you asked slowly so he’d understand. He quickly shook his head.

You lessened your grip on him, and he released a sigh of relief. You didn’t allow him the pleasure of thinking you were done for long before you tightened your grip once again, yanking him closer. “If you come for either of them, if I so much as hear about you ever having laid a hand on them,” you said coldly, your eyes somehow burning brighter. “I’ll rip your fucking throat out,” you let out a dark chuckle as you stared into his tear-filled eyes.

You released him and stood up abruptly, as if nothing had happened. You turned on your heel and walked back out the door, not bothering to give him a second glance. You closed the door behind you, making sure no one could see the disappointment of a man lying on the floor.

You looked up and down the hall, you were alone. You tilted your head when your head lifted at the sound of Caleb’s laughter. You let out a shaky breath as you stepped up to the door across the hall and gave it a soft knock.

It was only a moment before a woman you didn’t recognize answered. She looked you up and down, letting out a small hum before stepping aside. You didn’t move to step into her apartment, but you could see Joey and Caleb sitting on the couch. Joey seemed to feel your eyes on you because her eyes found you almost instantly and she was moving towards you a second later. She whispered something to Caleb who nodded and started packing his stuff.

“Are you okay?” you asked as soon as she was standing in front of you. Joey crossed her arms over her chest and nodded. “I’m sorry,” you dropped your head. You had just made progress with her; she was allowing you a chance and you probably just blew it.

You sucked in a breath when you felt Joey’s soft hand rest on your cheek, slowly guiding you to look up. When you looked at her you didn’t see anger or judgement, you didn’t even see fear. “Thank you,” she whispered.

You leaned into her touch, you wanted nothing more than to pull her in for a kiss, but you were aware of Caleb coming up behind her. You stepped away when he got to the doorway and looked down at him. He looked up at you and if he was surprised to see you, he didn’t show it, he just smiled and pushed past his mother.

The woman whose apartment they were in pulled Joey aside and whispered something to her. You didn’t listen, wanting to respect her privacy but you couldn’t help but think they were talking about you based on the way the woman’s eyes occasionally flicked to you and how Joey’s cheeks reddened. When they were done you looked a Joey questioningly and she shook her head, clearly having no intention of ever telling you what was just said. You couldn’t help but smirk as you followed them back down to the car.

Caleb’s eyes lit up at your car and he actually sprinted to the backseat. Joey shook her head, but you hadn’t seen a smile so big on her face since you had met her. Once all three of you were in the car you rolled down the windows, it was a short drive to their apartment, but you figured Caleb deserved the full experience of riding around in a Jeep, if that was his reaction to it.

Within a few minutes you were pulling up outside Joey’s apartment. You didn’t wait for her to give you that look again as you unbuckled and followed them out. The three of you silently walked up to the apartment and as soon as Joey opened the door Caleb rushed in, running straight to his room, barely managing to wave you a goodbye in the process.

You bounced on your heels in the doorway, not wanting to cross the threshold until Joey invited you to do so. Joey stood on the other side, casually resting her arm on the doorframe.

“Thank you for today,” she said softly.

“Anytime,” you whispered.

The two of you stood there just staring at each other before letting out an awkward chuckle. It seemed neither of you knew what to do next. You let out a shaky breath as you tried to prepare yourself for what you wanted to do. You just threatened a man as if it were nothing but the idea of making this next move was the most terrifying thing you had ever faced.

“So, Ana,” you said, testing the waters. She tilted her head curiously at her real name but didn’t so much as glare at you like she had before. “Would you do me the honor of going on a date with me?”

You swallowed nervously and tried to stop your fingers from twitching at your side. She had told you earlier that she wouldn’t be opposed to you asking her out, she told you she liked you. None of that got rid of the nerves though. Even though she thanked you before, you weren’t sure if breaking her ex’s wrist and threatening his life would change things for her.

“It would be my pleasure,” Joey answered, not leaving you in suspense for too long.

You couldn’t stop yourself from breaking out into a smile. “Great!” you said. You stepped back, not wanting to overstay your welcome or risk making everything awkward again. “Have a nice night.”

“You too.”

You walked backwards down the hall until she closed the door then you turned around. The smile didn’t leave your face even when you got back to the car. You couldn’t wait to get back and tell Grace everything that happened.

Taglist: @thinking1bee @so-to-aqui-pelas-fic @alexkolax @thatshyboy1998 @chxrryxcx

@bella423 @morganismspam23 @pianogirl2121 @sadoutlaw @pohtaytoh

#joey abigail #joey (abigail)#ana lucia cruz #ana lucia cruz abigail #joey (abigail) x reader #ana lucia cruz x reader #ana lucia cruz (joey)#melissa barrera #abigail movie #abigail 2024 #a beacon in the dark

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dandelionsresilience · 4 months ago

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Dandelion News - February 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles! (This month’s doodles will be a little delayed since I wasn’t able to work on them throughout the month)

1. City trees absorb much more carbon than expected

“[A new measurement technique shows that trees in LA absorb] up to 60% of daytime CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion in spring and summer[….] Beyond offering shade and aesthetic value, these trees act as silent workhorses in the city’s climate resilience strategy[….]”

2. #AltGov: the secret network of federal workers resisting Doge from the inside

“Government employees fight the Trump administration’s chaos by organizing and publishing information on Bluesky[…. A group of government employees are] banding together to “expose harmful policies, defend public institutions and equip citizens with tools to push back against authoritarianism[….]””

3. An Ecuadorian hotspot shows how forests can claw back from destruction

“A December 2024 study described the recovery of ground birds and mammals like ocelots, and found their diversity and biomass in secondary forests was similar to those in old-growth forests after just 20 years. [… Some taxa recover] “earlier, some are later, but they all show a tendency to recover.””

4. Over 80 House Democrats demand Trump rescind gender-affirming care ban: 'We want trans kids to live'

“[89 House Democrats signed a letter stating,] "Trans young people, their parents and their doctors should be the ones making their health care decisions. No one should need to ask the President’s permission to access life-saving, evidence-based health care." "As Members of Congress, we stand united with trans young people and their families.”“

5. Boosting seafood production while protecting biodiversity

“A new study suggests that farming seafood from the ocean – known as mariculture – could be expanded to feed more people while reducing harm to marine biodiversity at the same time. […] “[… I]t’s not a foregone conclusion that the expansion of an industry is always going to have a proportionally negative impact on the environment[….]””

6. U.S. will spend up to $1 billion to combat bird flu, USDA secretary says

“The USDA will spend up to $500 million to provide free biosecurity audits to farms and $400 million to increase payment rates to farmers who need to kill their chickens due to bird flu[….] The USDA is exploring vaccines for chickens but is not yet authorizing their use[….]”

7. An Innovative Program Supporting the Protection of Irreplaceable Saline Lakes

“[… T]he program aims to provide comprehensive data on water availability and lake health, develop strategies to monitor and assess critical ecosystems, and identify knowledge gaps to guide future research and resource management.”

8. EU to unveil ‘Clean Industrial Deal’ to cut CO2, boost energy security

“The bold plan aims to revitalize and decarbonize heavy industry, reduce reliance on gas, and make energy cheaper, cleaner, and more secure. […] By July, the EU said it will “simplify state aid rules” to “accelerate the roll-out of clean energy, deploy industrial decarbonisation and ensure sufficient capacity of clean-tech manufacturing” on the continent.”

9. Oyster Restoration Investments Net Positive Returns for Economy and Environment

“Researchers expect the restored oyster reefs to produce $38 million in ecosystem benefits through 2048. “This network protects nearly 350 million oysters[….]” [NOAA provided] $14.9 million to expand the sanctuary network to 500 acres by 2026 […] through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

10. Nations back $200 billion-a-year plan to reverse nature losses

“More than 140 countries adopted a strategy to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars a year to help reverse dramatic losses in biodiversity[….] A finance strategy adopted to applause and tears from delegates, underpins "our collective capacity to sustain life on this planet," said Susana Muhamad[….]”

February 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

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nan-not-found · 25 days ago

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"The Knock" - pt.2

I don't have a summary for this really but I will warn you - this is heart-wrenching. It's angst and it's sad. I'm sorry.

MHA Boys react to a knock at the door.

This one includes Katsuki Bakugou, Izuku Midoriya, and Shoto Todoroki.

Pt. 1 here.

This was inspired by the song "Hold Me While You Wait" by Lewis Capaldi. This probably isn't what the lyrics mean but it's how I've interpreted it.

Continue reading if you wanna cry:

🧡 Katsuki Bakugou

Bakugou didn't do quiet nights often. But for you? He made exceptions.

You’d planned this one a week in advance—no patrols, no missions, no "just got called in for backup." Just the two of you. Home. Peace. Normalcy.

So he cooked.

Actual food. Not just protein-heavy meal prep—no, this was real. He’d asked Kirishima (grudgingly) for help with the sauce, made sure he didn’t burn the chicken this time. He set the table exactly how you liked it, even used the plates you said were “for special nights,” though he always rolled his eyes when you said that.

He checked the clock.

6:57 PM.

You were never early. But always on time. That was your thing. Punctual. Reliable. You teased him for being impatient, but he always said it was because he gave a shit.

7:08.

Still nothing.

He texted you.

“Where the fuck are you? Don’t tell me you bailed on me.” Sent. Delivered. Not read.

His gut tightened.

He paced, arms crossed, jaw clenched, glaring at the door like he could force you to walk through it if he stared hard enough.

7:20.

Still no read receipt.

He checked the news. Nothing notable. Just vague updates on some incident downtown. No names. No footage.

Still, his chest felt tight.

He tried to shake it off. “She’s fine. Probably lost track of time.”

And then—the knock.

He moved fast. Too fast. His feet slammed the floor as he tore across the room, something like relief breaking loose in his chest.

He yanked the door open.

And stopped cold.

All Might.Aizawa.

Both looked like they’d been carrying the weight of the world.

He knew.

He knew before they spoke.

Still, he growled, “What the hell do you want?”

They didn’t flinch.

Aizawa’s voice was low, too calm. “She was caught in a villain ambush. It happened fast. She… didn’t make it.”

Bakugou didn’t move.

Didn’t blink.

Didn’t breathe.

For a full ten seconds, the hallway felt like it didn’t exist anymore. His vision tunneled. His body stayed upright on pure rage alone.

“That’s a fucking lie,” he said, voice hollow.

“It’s not,” All Might replied softly. “She saved civilians. She—”

“No.” The word exploded out of him, violent and cracking. “She said she’d be here. She promised. You think she’d just—just die? Like that?! Like it’s nothing?!”

His hands curled into fists so tight they shook. Sparks flared at his palms.

“I would’ve felt it.” His voice was smaller now. “I would’ve known.”

Silence.

They didn’t argue. They just stood there, mourning with their presence alone.

Bakugou slammed the door in their faces.

Inside, he stood alone in the still, warm apartment.

Two plates. Two drinks. Her hoodie still slung over the back of the couch. Her toothbrush still on the sink. Her stupid pink socks in the laundry. Everything exactly as she left it.

He backed into the wall and slid down to the floor, burying his face in his hands.

He didn’t scream. He didn’t cry. Not at first.

He just sat there, fists bruising his thighs, whispering your name over and over like a prayer.

And when it finally hit—when it broke past the damn he'd built up inside himself—he howled. Loud. Unfiltered. Shattering.

“She said she’d come back.”

But you didn’t.

────────────────────────────────────────────

💚 Izuku Midoriya

Izuku had everything ready by 6:30.

He’d double-checked the pot roast twice, made sure the vegetables were cut just how you liked them—not too chunky, not too thin. The little candle in the center of the table flickered gently, casting golden light over the quiet apartment. He wore the sweater you liked. Green, soft, a little frayed at the collar because you tugged on it when you kissed him.

Tonight was yours. No work. No patrols. Just peace.

You’d called it “your reset button.”

And he couldn’t wait.

6:45. He’d just finished plating. He sent a quick text.

“Dinner’s ready, love 💚. Hope your shift’s wrapping up okay.”

No read receipt yet. But that wasn’t unusual. You always told him to stop fussing when you were still out in the field.

7:10. Still no reply.

He checked the time again. Checked the food. Checked your location. Nothing was pinging. “Maybe her battery died,” he muttered, pacing a little. “Or she got caught in traffic.”

7:26.

His heart started to ache.

He opened the news feed—flicked past updates until he saw it.

Downtown villain attack. Multiple casualties. Pro Hero response confirmed. Names pending.

His blood ran cold. You weren’t supposed to be downtown today. You’d said you were assigned to the south district.

So why couldn’t he breathe?

And then—a knock.

His stomach twisted as he ran to the door. A small, hopeful part of him still whispered, It’s her. She forgot her keys. She’s fine. She’ll smile and say sorry and everything will be okay.

He opened the door.

And it wasn’t you.

It was All Might. And Aizawa.

Their eyes said everything before a word left their mouths.

Izuku just stared.

All Might stepped forward slowly. “Izuku—”

“No.”

A whisper. A plea. A denial.

Aizawa’s voice was quiet. “She was responding to the scene. Civilians were trapped. She got them out, but… she didn’t have time to escape herself.”

Izuku shook his head. “That’s not—she said she was off duty. She said—she—she made plans. She told me—” His voice cracked.

He looked past them, eyes wide, waiting. Hoping. Praying you’d show up behind them and say, “I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m here.”

But you didn’t.

And Izuku… just crumbled.

He fell to his knees like a puppet with the strings cut. His breath caught, trembling, hands clutching his own shirt like he could hold himself together through sheer willpower.

“She said she’d come back.”

All Might knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Izuku didn’t even register it. He just kept repeating it, softer each time, until it was a broken whisper in the hallway.

Later, the food had gone cold. The candle burned out.

He sat on the couch, one of your jackets wrapped around his shoulders. Your scent clung to it.

Your name still hovered at the top of his phone screen.

He didn’t delete the text thread. He never would.

And he left the second plate on the table.

Just in case.

────────────────────────────────────────────

💙 Shoto Todoroki

Shoto didn’t say much that evening. But he didn’t need to.

You’d told him what you wanted: a night off. No distractions. No cold walls between you. Just something soft. Something normal.

So he tried.

The apartment was clean. The rice was cooked just the way you liked it, fluffy with a hint of ginger. He made the miso himself—looked up the exact kind you once mentioned offhandedly. Your favorite mug was waiting by the tea kettle. Everything was still. Everything was ready.

6:58 PM.

He sat by the window, watching the street below, tracing familiar footsteps in his mind. You always turned the corner fast. Your keys jingled like bells. You kicked off your shoes as soon as you walked in.

He could hear it all, even though it hadn’t happened yet.

Even though—somewhere, deep down—something didn’t feel right.

7:11 PM.

He checked his phone. No reply.

Your last message sat there quietly.

“Be home soon. Don’t start dinner without me, ‘kay?”

He hadn’t.

He waited.

7:33.

He looked at the news. There’d been an attack in the northern district. A chaotic one. Few details released. No names. His hand tightened around the phone.

7:52.

A knock.

He stood slowly. His heartbeat stayed calm—outwardly—but something splintered inside as he reached the door.

He opened it.

And time stopped.

All Might. Aizawa.

He didn’t speak. Just stared.

All Might hesitated. “Shoto…”

He didn’t blink.

“There was a villain ambush. She was caught in the crossfire. She saved lives, but…”

A pause.

“She didn’t survive.”

Shoto said nothing.

He didn’t fall apart. Didn’t lash out. Didn’t scream.

He simply nodded.

“I see.”

The two heroes lingered, unsure.

He thanked them. Quietly. Distantly.

And then he closed the door.

The sound of it clicking shut echoed in the quiet room like a thunderclap.

He moved back to the table and sat. Slowly. Methodically. Like if he followed the routine, you’d walk in halfway through, apologizing for being late.

He poured your tea. Steam curled into the air like a ghost.

The food sat untouched.

So did he.

For hours.

Eventually, his fingers touched the edge of your mug. The ceramic was still warm. Just barely.

And that’s when his breath finally shook.

A single tear slid down his cheek, unnoticed.

Then another.

But his voice stayed silent.

Later that night, he sat on your side of the bed.

Clutched your pillow to his chest.

And whispered, more broken than he ever thought he could sound:

“You promised you'd come home.”

────────────────────────────────────────────

// and with that I'm a sobbing mess on the floor. No one talk to me, oh my god.

// i need Recovery Girl to heal my broken heart

// SO MUCH FLUFF IS GONNA BE WRITTEN NOW YOU GUYS JUST WAIT

// NEED MY BOYS HAPPY NOW 😭😭😭😭

Masterlist

#mha #bnha #sad fic #angst #no happy ending #you will cry #i warned you #bnha guys react #song inspired #katsuki bakugou #katsuki bakugo x reader #izuku midoriya #izuku midoria x reader #shoto todoroki #shoto todoroki x reader

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fandomsandflyingstingrays · 4 months ago

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Epic but it's just a DnD game (part 2)

Part 1

Odysseus: “How could I hurt you?” DM: *Rolls twice* Odysseus: “What are you doing?” DM: “Rolling for persuasion. With disadvantage, since Astyanax is a baby” Zeus: “And?” DM: “Two nat 1’s” Zeus: *raises eyebrows smugly* Odysseus: *deep sigh* “But when does a comet become a meteor-"

DM: “Okay Odysseus, since you rolled a nat 20 on your persuasion check, Polyphemus is going to let you go” Odysseus: “I’m so glad we see eye to eye” DM: “Actually, make another persuasion check” Odysseus: “What? Why?” DM: “Just do it” Odysseus: “…4” DM: “Everyone roll for initiative”

Poseidon “The world is dark and ruthlessness is mercy… die” DM: “Everyone make a constitution saving throw. And I mean everyone” *sounds of many many dice rolling* “Nat 1” “Nat 1" “Nat 1" “Nat 1” “Nat 1”

Eurylochus: “She had us in just two words…” DM: “Make a performance check” Eurylochus: “Nat 20!!” *clears throat* “✨Come inside✨” DM: “His Circe impression is flawless" Odysseus: “Damn”

DM: “Among the spirits of the Underworld, you hear a voice you recognize… and now, please welcome our special guest” *Polites crawls out from underneath the table* Odysseus: “Polites?!” Eurylochus: “How long have you been down there??” Polites: “This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms…” DM: “Polites drifts away… but Odysseus, you hear another voice you recognize. Now, please welcome our second special guest” *Odysseus’s actual mom crawls out from under the table* Odysseus: “MOM?! How did the DM even get your number??”

DM: “Odysseus, as you stand at the edge of the cliff, lost in your despair, you hear three familiar voices” Odysseus: *looks under the table and screams* Polites, Anticlea, and Eurylochus, in unison: “Hi!!” Telemachus: “Have they been down there the whole time??” Athena: “You get used to it”

DM: “Odysseus, as Poseidon’s trident sends you shooting to the bottom of the ocean, you hear-" Odysseus: “Familiar voices?” DM: “How did you guess?” Odysseus: *glances under the table to where Polites, Eurylochus, Anticlea, and literally the entire crew are very poorly concealed*

Antinous: “Channel the fire inside your soul and-“ DM: “Make a dexterity saving throw” Antinous: “Literally why I’m in the middle of a monologue” DM: “Just humor me” Antinous: “So that’s a nat 1” DM: “Goodbye, Antinous” “wHAT-"

#epic the musical #epic odysseus #epic polites #epic eurylochus #epic poseidon #epic zeus #epic circe #epic anticlea #epic antinous #epic telemachus #epic athena #epic astyanax #ray rambles

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godilovetakayamariki · 1 month ago

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VERSION 1 / JUNGWON & NIKI

Pairing: (fem) reader, Jungwon, Niki

Genre: idol au, smut

Warnings: oral sex, exhibitionism, alcohol use, head, jealousy, smoking, use of weed, dirty talk, degrading, praise, small amounts of blood

Word count:

Authors note: this is version 1 of 2 hands which focuses on Jungwon and Niki! We put so many details in this one shot and hope you enjoy it!

REMINDER! MINORS DNI! This is a SMUT! If it makes you uncomfy please scroll!

It was a chilly October night, specifically the Friday night following our friend Heeseung’s birthday. We discussed weeks prior to this that we would all meet at the guys apartment to regroup before heading to the club for a special night so here we were at 8pm in an Uber on our way to their apartment. dolled up in our cute outfits and probably covered in glitter we sit in the backseat sharing some lip gloss as we pull up to the complex.

Y/bsf/n: I could've sworn it was a 20 minute drive and not 15..i say stuffing all my shit back in my little purse checking the handheld mirror once more before thanking the driver and hopping out of the car with you.

Y/n: I finish putting on the final touches of my makeup smacking my lips together with the cherry gloss “yeah that drive felt so short” fluffing my hair I step out of the car shutting the door softly behind me, we make our way up to the boys apartment, the 7 of them could be heard from outside their door it was that loud, I knock loudly enough to get their attention “they never shut up do they” I say turning to you rolling my eyes playfully.

Y/bsf/n: “no they definitely don’t” I laugh beating on the door with my fist kind of aggressively when they don’t answer. “you mother fuckers better not be pregaming without us!!” I yell right as Jay comes to open the door. My arms quickly shoot to rest behind my back like I didn't just do that. “oh hey park-“ I give him a fake innocent smile before shooting right past him like security turning to wave at you once I'm on the other side of him, mouthing you a “sorry” leaving you to deal with him.

fortunately for you it wasn’t long that you had to deal with uncle jay being a smartass because jungwon soon yanked him away from the door to let you in. his smile beamed once he saw you in your full glory he immediately stole you for a hug stuffing you right into his neck where you could get a whiff of his cologne that drove you nuts. his hand gestures you inside by your lower back talking to you along the way to find the designated pregame counter. “Did you bring a jacket? it’s pretty chilly..” he sweetly asks, running his hands over your shoulders now from behind.

Y/n: me and Jay bicker back and forth for a second until Jungwon comes to save my ass, my eyes widening and my heart races when I see him “woonieeee” I say as he hugs me, taking in his sweet but musky cologne “nooo I forgot a jacket, it was pretty warm when we left I didn’t think about it” I pout at him with puppy eyes as I grab is shot glasses from the table “what are you feeling?” I ask him holding a bottle of tequila in one hand and vodka in the other with a huge smirk on my face knowing I'd take either…

jungwon: his hands press against the counter around either side of you, still behind you his eyes batter between the two bottles pondering. “hmm vodka..” he gets close to your ear but in a casual way by resting his head on your shoulder “.. I know what it does to you.” he whispers softly before standing up properly and taking the bottle from you to pour the two of you a shot a smirk present on his lips as he does so. he shakes the bangs out of his eyes when he hands you yours, he presses his glass to yours looking in your eyes with his cat shaped ones. “cheers to..tonight.”

Y/n: my eyes widen at the words, he knows me like the back of his hand, he was my best friend…he knew everything about me, every time I’m around him my stomach burns and my hands get sweaty, I’ve liked him for so long now but could never tell if he liked me back…until recently, he's been much more flirty and confident with me, I’m snapped out of my thoughts when he hands me the shot glass, I shake my head gently coming back to my senses, my eyes dig into his as his pretty blonde bangs hang over his eyes making me bite my lip in response “ch..cheers” my voice shaky and nervous as I press my glass to his downing the shot in one go not even making a face. I hiss softly “aahhh that’s good shit” I throw my head back and take a deep breath.

jungwon: his eyes don’t leave yours as he takes the shot, he watches how just a tiny drop dribbles coating your lip when your tongue comes to swipe it. he had flashbacks to all the nights he thought about that same tongue swirling his…he made a very slight face when the liquor burned his throat slightly “that has got to be the cheap shit Jake bought-“ he shakes his head kind of laughing sitting your glass down for you that same hand coming back to rest on your waist so casually (he was always touchy like this but only with you) “how many of those before you’re ready to go?” he ask curiously.

Y/n: I softly giggle at him when he makes a face “hehe probably, Jake never knows which brand to buy” I roll my eyes playfully, when his hand lands on my waist my heart beat raises and I swallow hard, I couldn’t tell if it was him making my stomach burn or this cheap ass liquor. “I, uhh, maybe like one more, you know I’ll have more at the bar” I lean against the bar with my elbow grabbing the vodka pouring us another shot “what do you say? One more” I giggle again handing him the shot not really giving him a choice, I step close to him our bodies basically pressed to each other’s at this point.

Jungwon: his eyes squeeze shut in a fake pain watching you pour more of that awful vodka but nonetheless he takes the glass from you clinking it with yours before tossing it back. he scrunches his nose sitting the glass down once he’s done overreacting his hand grabs yours suddenly en route to his room. “enough of that nasty stuff-“ he laughs, bringing you to his closet shuffling through the hangers before grabbing a fashionable black leather jacket. “You don’t have to put it on now but I'm bringing it for you” he adds, draping it over your shoulders for the moment as he digs for one himself.

Y/n: I follow his lead holding his hand gently, my steps twice as many as his, when we stop at his closet I genuinely have no clue what he’s about to pull out until I see the black leather and I'm a little relieved, my eyes lock on his watching him so intently with stars in my eyes, he took such good care of me, always making sure I had what I needed and i was never cold, this is what I loved so much about him, I grab the jacket wrapping around me “no i wanna wear it now” i smile at him smelling the sweet scent of him on the jacket “thank you wonnie” I tilt my head up to look at him and smile big.

Jungwon: his cheeks flushed pink when you smiled at him but luckily it was sorta hidden when he turned back to closer to grab a jacket of his own. he was so fucking down bad it was starting to leak from his pores he thought for sure he was done for any time you gave him those precious blue eyes of yours. soon enough he turned back around coat over his arm “if they’re not ready we’re gonna leave without them and celebrate something else” he teases spinning you around and guiding you out the door before he makes sure to grab a photo on the hallway mirror like you two always do. “wait come here~” he whines reaching for you as you almost walked past.

Y/n: “they better be ready, I’ll drag them out by their hair if I have to” I roll my eyes again playfully giggling behind him as we walk out the door, just as I’m about to walk past he catches me and I turn around immediately running back to him like a kitten “Yaah I’m right here” I slot myself in front of him pulling his arm over my shoulder to hold it softly “we look hot” I say looking up at him because he stood that tall over me. I nuzzle into his arm not wanting to leave his embrace.

Jungwon: he chuckles softly before snapping the photo he leans down to show you resting his head atop of yours. his eyes sparkle at you through the glass like a light just beamed right out of him. “I was just about to say that” he says spinning you around to engulf you in his chest playfully dancing with you to the random music that was playing through the speakers (forever by Chris brown) he kept you like this eventually spinning you around and pulling you back to him with the biggest smile on his face. “I could do this with you forever”

Y/n: the giggles leaving my throat are nonstop, I felt so at home with him, my arms wrap around his neck as we dance in the hallway, my eyes held the whole universe in them just for him, my heart pounded in my chest, my arms wrap around his waist now as he pulls me into him, our eyes never leaving each others “why don’t we do this forever?” My feelings finally being put out on the table and so has his, we’ve always been like this but neither of us have acted on it until now, my smile spreading from cheek to cheek it almost hurts from how hard I’m smiling “Jungwon…”

Jungwon: his little cat eyes sparkle down at you as you wrap yourself around him, you could hear and feel his heart absolutely fucking pounding in his chest. his hand came down to your cheek to sweetly caress it just admiring the hell of you and the words that just left your lips. “you have no idea just how much I would love that.” he whispers softly, inching closer and closer to your face now you could feel his warmth breath against your lips and he came face to face with you now. “please let me kiss you”

y/n: “of course you can kiss me, I thought you’d never ask” I stand on my tip toes to reach his lips planting mine on his as the sweet songs play softly over the speakers in the house, this moment that I had always wished would happen is now bestowed before me, all the moments I stared at his cherry red lips and thought about kissing them and just wrapping myself around him, everything is happening now and my heart is beating out of my chest.

Jungwon: he finally closes the gap between the two of you, softly pressing his lips against yours that fit like puzzle pieces, the fireworks instantly going off as you indefinitely found each other in this form. one hand came behind your nape pulling you closer the other on your waist as he didn’t bother to break off immediately he wanted to savor it until he couldn’t breathe.

Y/n: I place my hands on his chest resting them there softly, my eyes fluttering closed as our lips finally meet, fireworks go off in my stomach my heart does backflips, I could’ve sworn I was dreaming I pull back softly “I don’t know how I’m gonna keep my hands off of you tonight” I admit giving him shiny puppy eyes, my cheeks also flushed red from the alcohol and nerves.

Jungwon: his hand comes over yours that rested on his chest his eyes never leaving yours, however he slowly came closer making your back hit the cool wall. “Then don't.” he simply replies, cocking his head to the side slightly. The look of greed came over his face like a moonlight cast, and god damn did it look good on him. the familiar dampening feeling filling the cotton on your panties making itself known under his gaze. if your heart didn’t tell you that you needed him your pussy sure would.

Y/n: I suck in a deep breath at the statement not expecting it at all, my heart falling to my ass as my eyes widen before him, my lips part slightly just at the thought, my thighs tighten as my eyes flicker between him and the evident bulge in his dress pants, I bite my lip as my head fills with thoughts of what could be. How could I stay off of him? I guess we’ll see how long I last before jumping him.

Jungwon: he examines your expression before resuming his normal stance with a satisfied chuckle. he took the hand of yours he was holding as his chest and kissed your knuckles before moving it to the side of you two nodding towards the kitchen. “Come on, pretty girl, let's go celebrate.” his kitten lips curl up into an unforgettable smile tugging you along, your legs felt like jelly as you followed.

Y/n: my eyes never leave his, still in complete shock at the words that came out of his mouth, my heart pounding out of my chest, I follow him willingly “don’t we need to get to the club? Heeseung oppa is gonna crash out if we aren’t there on time” i giggle at jungwon as I literally toss back another shot loving the burn on my throat, the liquid confidence really showing as I’m literally in between jungwons legs, my hands placed on his chest as I talk to him.

we all somehow make it out the door, getting into the limousine jay rented for the occasion. led lights and a mini bar accentuated the interior for the 30ish minute ride. loud music boomed through the speakers coming from heeseungs bluetooth amplifying the vibes.

Jungwon: his arm slung around you, his hand resting on your hip on the opposite side from where you sat thigh to thigh. his blonde hair tickled your neck and cheek as he leaned into your neck kissing softly at the sensitive skin. “You look absolutely divine..” a low growl seeping from his throat as the alcohol ran through his veins. don’t forget drunk actions are sober thoughts.

Y/n: i lean back into the leather seats, taking in the aroma of the weed that Jake and Jay were smoking, the windows slightly fogged, my body slightly vibrating from the alcohol, everything feeling like it was moving in slow motion, when jungwons lips make contact with my skin my thighs squeeze together in response, knowing I’ve soaked through my cotton already “jungwon” i moan out softly just loud enough for him to hear me, so he knows how he makes me feel.

jungwon: you felt his lips smirk against your ear as jake held the joint to your lips for a hit. jungwon to that opportunity to slip his other hand between your thighs as his teeth graze the lobe of your ear. his raspy tone from the weed and alcohol made your tummy burn as he spoke to you like no one was within miles of you and not in the same god damn car. “I don't even have to touch you, the heat you're radiating tells me just how soaked you are. isn't that right jagiya?”

Y/n: my eyes linger on Jake slightly as i puff the joint letting it slide down my throat like water, Jay always got the expensive shit which meant it was smooth and it fucking worked, my eyes shoot back to jungwon as his hand presses to my core, a moan slips from my lips and my eyes roll back in my head as his teeth graze my ear “Jungwon please” my hand slams on top of his my nails digging into his tan skin, my breath heavy and unsteady.

jungwon: he hummed (it almost sounded like a purr) against your skin nibbling and licking a stripe down to your collarbone. “hmm please what baby? use your words” he came out of your neck taking a hit but before he could exhale the smoke he came onto your lips breathing it into your mouth and that’s when he pressed his fingers against your clit making you moan right into his mouth. he came off your lips hovering just above them to look into your eyes. “breathe it in.” he commanded, laying a soft pop to your clit.

Y/n: “give it to me daddy” I confidently say looking into his eyes, i press my lips to his inhaling the smoke from his mouth, somehow this making me feel even higher than the weed, disregarding everyone in this limo, even though all of them were way too high or drunk to care, i whimper into jungwons mouth at the pop to my clit my eyebrows furrow and my grip on his wrist tightens, i suck on his tongue slightly before pulling my head back to rest it on the headrest, my body beginning to feel heavy.

jungwon: he didn’t even have to rebuttal you with some smartass remark. As soon as you thought you were out of the woods with his wild behavior you felt the weight of the seat shift. it wasn’t seconds later he was on his knees in the floorboard between your legs. he bunched up your skirt up to your hips as he kissed up your thigh until he laid his tongue flat against your soaked fabric. he looked up at you deviously when he that bit at the fabric instantly tearing it in the middle where he could have perfect access to your seeping heat. “mm seems as if i was right, you’re drenched darling.”

y/n: my eyes shoot open and my body shoots up in response “Jungwon what…” the care was ripped from me when he laid his tongue against me. My words replaced with Moans, my hands flying to hold onto anything when they land on Jake’s lap scrunching at his black dress pants, I couldn’t help he was sitting basically on top of me at this point, my leg flying over his to open myself up to Jungwon, my other hand flying to his hair grabbing a handful and tugging the blonde strands softly “FUCK JUNGWON”

jungwon: his eyebrows furrowed when you reached and held onto Jake for leverage, he didn’t spend years swooning over you like an idiot for you to lean on Jake because he was making you feel so good. his teeth grazed your clit in a warning to only pay him attention he grabbed your leg that was on Jake and put it over his own shoulder instead as his tongue lapped up your juices. he quite literally shook his head like a hungry dog in your pussy before he sucked on your clit selfishly. “‘mm you taste so sweet jagiya”

Y/n: when his teeth graze my clit my hand flies to his hair and my back arches off of the leather seat moans ripping from my throat as I get tunnel vision my body feels like it’s not on planet earth right now, I throw my other leg over his other shoulder and pull him into me by his hair the scene right now is absolute insanity but I could give less of a fuck right now, I was feeling pure euphoria, I reach my hand over to grab a joint and plop it into my mouth to try to muffle some of the cries ripping from my throat.

jungwon: he let you destroy his hair for leverage holding you by your thighs as he unlatched from your clit only to aggressively flick his tongue against it instead. He groaned into your slick getting more drunk off your pussy than all the liquor he’s had. “fucking taste so good-“ he mumble moving one of his hands from your thigh slowly bringing to to tease your entrance. “beg for it y/n, beg me to touch you in front of everyone”

Y/n: my back flies off the leather seats, trying to suppress my moans as much as I can my breathing starting to become labored “yang jungwon please, please touch me i don’t care who sees” my desperate cries ring out in the limousine, my hips start to push forward onto his fingers before he even pushes them inside me, my leg now up on the leather seat to give him easier access to me.

he groaned at how you were so desperate for him that you would fuck yourself onto his fingers like a slut if it meant you got to have him. he did eventually give in pushing two digits into your sopping core him moaning around your clit at the feeling of your velvety walls. he made eye contact with you as he curled his fingers right into your gspot shamelessly. “mm good girl”

Y/n: stupid desperate whimpers leave my throat as he pushes his fingers into me, my hands grabbing handfuls of his pretty blonde locks, my eyes flutter open to get a glimpse of the view and god was it stunning, his kitten eyes never left mine his long eyelashes fluttering up at me and the way his curly hair tickled his forehead, the knot in my stomach burning more and more his fingers curling up into just the right spot.

jungwon: you were right he looked absolutely angelic between your thighs, what usually resembled a cute kitten was now a hungry lion. he didn’t need to see what he was doing to do it right it’s like he was made to do this to you, he was perfect for you. however eventually he was way too envious of his own fingers and came off your clit to watch the way you took his digits. his kitten lips curling into a smirk “taking my fingers so well jagiya..gonna prove you can take my cock too?”

Y/n: “mhm yes sir” my hands fly back to the leather seat digging my nails into the fabric, my hips grinding on his fingers like it was second nature, my eyes fluttering between him and being shut, my body feels like it’s floating the lights around me going blurry as my stomach heats up “fuck Jungwon I’m gonna cum” i announced as i grabbed his hair pushing his head back down to attach to me.

jungwon: he happily flicked his tongue back against your throbbing bundle of nerves before sucking on it diligently, who knew his mouth worked wonders (probably you). he worked your body until it couldn’t anymore and you rewarded him with your milky prize that he greedily lapped up and coated his lips and chin when he sat up. You could see how proud he was based on the look on his face when he reached back to grab you a drink and a napkin for his face as we started to pull up to the club.

Y/n: I quickly down the liquor Jungwon handed me before getting up ass hanging out of my dress but I clearly didn’t notice from being drunk and high, I grab onto Jungwon for leverage as he helps me step out of the limo, we make our way into the club as a group, a whole table rented out for Heeseungs birthday “wooow Jay this is niceee, how much did you spend” I nudge him with my elbow playfully.

jay: he laughs softly sipping on his liquor slowly “you wouldn’t want to know- but it was definitely necessary”

heeseung: he comes over sliding next to you on the bench that circles the table, he slides you a cocktail on the table as his leg presses against yours because he’s that close to you. following that he arm slides around your waist tugging you into him. “you look delectable darling. Are you my birthday gift?”

y/n: my eyes dance on heeseung’s body, my lip tucking under my teeth, I turn my body towards his “someone’s being quite brave huh” I push my finger to his chest playfully, I then place my hands on his lap scooting as close to him as possible “would you like me to be your birthday gift” my finger comes back up to tap him under the chin softly and I give him a small kitty wink as I take a sip of my cocktail.

heeseung: he places his hands on your thighs, closing them together gently and bringing them to rest over his man spread lap. He lets you toy with him by batting your pretty little eyes and grabbing his face making his lips curl up into a panty soaking smirk. “Oh kitten don’t be so naïve now. We’ve been at this game for years” he leans in close, brushing the hair off your shoulder to plant his lips there softly mumbling against your skin. “why don’t you let oppa have a little fun with you for his birthday?”

Y/n: my legs close together tightly at his words, if my cheeks weren’t red from the alcohol they definitely were now, I blink my eyes at him fast and swallow hard “mmm” I nod my head at him not being able to resist his charms “I’d like that” suddenly my confidence is faded and my cheeks and stomach burn

heeseung; he smirks coming out from your neck to grab your chin between his fingers making you look at him. he stares at your lips as his thumb swipes over your bottom lip before slowly pushing in with consent from your eyes. “ mmm good girl, show me what you can do yeah?” he eye fucks you as you trace shapes on the pad of his thumb with your tongue.

Y/n: my eyes sparkle at him like a puppy as I take in his thumb, I nod my head softly before sucking on his thumb like I would his cock, swirling my tongue around it hollowing my cheeks out. I lean into him placing my hands on his thighs, the alcohol blocking out everything except for him he was all that existed in this moment to me.

your moment with heeseung was short lived because out of the corner of your eye you spotted niki leaning against the wall in a dark corner silently watching this all go down. The look he had on his face didn’t say much but his eyes wrote pages, his top lip curled into a smirk when you finally met his eyes. He adjusted his posture daring to come over to you and take away your pride/ ruin heeseungs fun.

Niki: lucking heeseung parted ways with you to go to the restroom thinking you two were going to get down to business but that’s exactly when niki slid in, tilting his head to the door of the club prompting you to follow him as he made a b-line for it. you moments later followed him outside to find him leaning against the brick wall, cigarette between his fingers & hair messily across his forehead. “there you are, pretty girl..come here”.

Y/n: Niki was like a drug I could never escape, I would follow him wherever he went, as I make my way out of the club I grab the jacket Jungwon gave me sliding it over my shoulders, my heels clacking against the gravel as I walk up to him “well hello handsome” I walk closer to him our bodies almost pressing together as I place my hands on his chest, I grab the cigarette from his fingers taking a puff from it “you must’ve missed me” I walk my fingers up his chest to tap his chin softly.

niki: he lets you steal the cigarette, a smirk staining his lips as his huge hands find place on your little waist keeping you against his body. You could very easily feel every single part of him even if he had on multiple layers you could still feel every vein in his cock that was being restrained under his belt. He was very nonchalant about it considering how horny he was with you standing in front of him like this. one hand traveled to your cheek as he spoke to you “just like you were thinking about me with his fingers down your throat?”

Y/n: I roll my eyes at him with a bit of attitude “and what if I was huh, you were sitting right there, taunting me like you always do” I push back lifting my knee and pressing it to the obviously hard cock in his pants my eyebrows lifting at him “you always act like you don’t want me until you do, and fuck I can’t resist you” my hands travel up his torso my eyes lingering on every part of him my mouth watering at the sight.

niki: he huffed a little chuckle taking the cigarette from your lips hitting it one more time before dropping it and putting it out with his foot. it wasn’t seconds later he was grabbing you by the throat pulling your lips onto his aggressively where he mid kiss released the smoke. the one hand that lingered on your waist wrapped around the back reaching the other side slightly lifting you up against him. “little higher baby..” he teased your height as he readjusted where you were touching his cock all while barely breaking the kiss.

Y/n: I let out a small giggle as my arm wrap around his neck, my toes almost off the ground at this point, my hand sliding up to the proper place where his cock was “mian” I bite his bottom lip softly “you know, I’d let you take me right here if you wanted” I squeeze his cock a bit harder at the end of my sentence my other hand playing with the hair at the nape of his neck a smirk crawling up my lips.

niki: when i tell you the words that left your mouth made his skin burn. He hissed through his teeth rolling his head on his neck when you squeezed his angry cock. his tongue lolled from his lips looking down at you against him a smile found place on his lips moments after as he softly leaned down, his calico bangs tickling your nose. “I don't think you know what you’re asking for little one” he warned you but didn’t sway your opinion because he also wasn’t going to deny you, he wanted you just as bad if not more. he had fantasized about this many times but god willing if it came true..

Y/n: “oh darling i know what I'm in for” my hand makes way to find the buckle of his belt, my fingers work quick to unfasten it and pull it from his waist letting it fall to the ground “do you think I'm playing a game” i cock my head at him with a cocky smile on my face, i quickly unbutton his pants with one hand while the other plays in his calico hair, once his pants are loose i let my grip loosen as well his pants falling to the ground, all of this happening in slow motion for me. I sink down my fingers slipping under the band of his boxers pulling them off as i make my way to the ground, his cock springs out of his briefs, making me lick my lips at the sight.

niki: he shook his head chuckling in his chest softly at your determination to smart off to him, he thought about how he would fuck if out of you here soon. he thought about how when he was done with you anytime he were to walk in a room you stood in after this your knees would buckle and you would be reminded of this night. the way his lips curled when you played with his hair made your stomach spin and your heart race. his hands chasing you as you slipped away from him down to your knees, humming at the sight. he grabbed a hold of his aching member that sprung straight against his lower abdomen stroking it slowly. “is this what you want aegi?” he taunts bringing the tip down to coat your lips with his milky gloss.

Y/n: “ Mhm, please” i look up at him with pleading eyes, glossed over with cigarette haze, I felt hungry when i looked at him like i needed to devour him right that second, i flutter my eyelashes before averting my gaze back down to his cock that was playing with my lips, i stick out my tongue inviting him in. My hands take place on his thighs to steady myself, getting for whatever he was about to do to me.

niki: he can’t help but smile at how you’re so enthusiastic to have his cock down your throat, a quiet yet sadistic curse coming from his mouth when you stuck out your tongue. “fuck..you little slut, give me your mouth.” he pulls you closer to him by holding your chin in his grasp bringing your tongue flat under his leaking tip. he groaned at the sight having to look away at the foggy night sky so he didn’t 1: tell you he loved you right there or 2: cum immediately. he steadied his breathing retiring his gaze to you and placing a hand on your cheek softly to guide you as you took him in. his jaw slacked open watching you take him inch by inch in your mouth, the large appendage twitching in your mouth. “who knew you would look even more pretty with my cock in your mouth..oh yeah, i did.”

Y/n: I look up at him as I lean into his cock, his tip finally on my tongue sends me completely down a spiral, my hand comes to grab the base of his cock as I fully wrap my mouth around him, bobbing my head back and forth my tongue running along his slit to lap up every drop of precum he leaked, the sounds coming from my mouth are absolutely pornographic, his cock definitely didn’t fit all the way in my mouth but I damn sure tried and what didn’t fit I stroked with my hand to make sure he felt everything I was giving him.

niki: he blinked rapidly a few times with a small smile on his lips adoring the way you tried to fit as much of him as you could in your mouth. his thumb rubbed your cheek encouragingly letting you navigate it yourself for the moment, he liked not having to tell you what to do because you just knew plus he would probably cum even if you just looked at him. his hips stuttered when your tongue ran across his slit making him slide a little further down your throat, he hissed through his teeth as his other fist hit the brick wall behind him. “fuck babygirl i’m sorry..can you handle it?” he whines lowly trying to help you adapt but at the same time his hips were slowly rocking wanting more depth.

Y/n: I pull of of him momentarily to answer his question “I can take it” is all I say before taking him back in my mouth allowing him to push his hips forward, I take his full length choking a little but being able to handle his size well enough, I bob my head back and forth again the tip of his cock pressing to the back of my throat making my eyes water, I look up at him to show him how well I’m taking him waiting for any praise he’ll give me. My eyelashes flutter at him as a knot begins to form in my stomach at the sight of him looming over me, I moan around his length as my free hand slides down to find my clothed clit under my dress needing some kind of touch before I lost it.

niki: he actually gasped when you decided to take him whole, his worried hands coming to try and help you move the hair from your face into a makeshift ponytail. “oh shiballl- fuck you take me so well“ he hissed watching himself disappear between your lips. his hips struggled to resist absolutely destroying your throat because his heart didn’t want to. believe it or not he wasn’t actually as cold as he looked..at least not for you. if anything you made his heart beat for god's sake that’s why when you reached down to play with yourself he immediately pulled himself from your mouth helping you up. you couldn’t even catch your breath before he had you pinned against brick wall lips pressed against yours roughly. he spits on his hand before connecting it with your core as he softly rubbed your clit, the overwhelming feeling of this muted the stinging pain of your scraped up knees from the gravel you were just on.

y/n: my core burned as he stood me up almost getting whiplash from how fast it was, goosebumps covering my pale skin from how cold the bricks were, a cry ripping from my throat when he presses his hand to my clit his hand so massive it covers more than just my pussy. My hands grab onto the bricks behind me “NIKI FUCK” my head is thrown back resting on the wall behind me yet my eyes linger on his face watching every reaction from him, my hips rock forward on his hand “i..i..im sorry Niki I couldn’t help it” I apologize for cutting the head I was giving him short.

niki: “don’t apologize, i wanted to touch you” he responded kind of aggressively his siren eyes that were smudge with a Smokey eye meeting yours. his gaze and words were completely opposite of his actions, the way he touched you so delicately with precision said that he adored you. he was very observant about how your body responded to him as you basically grinded against his hand and he most definitely let you. he was so lost in it, his lips parted watching you until he just couldn’t anymore and he pushed himself in your neck licking,sucking, and biting at the sensitive skin most definitely leaving his trace. “Do you want my fingers baby?” he asked in a raspy tone and that’s when you felt the cool metal of his rings run over your clit and then your entrance.

Y/n: My eyes glare up at him through the strands of hair that rest on my forehead “Mhm, please” I ask him nicely as I take his hand that’s placed to my core and guide his fingers to my entrance, my eyes telling him so many words that my mouth couldn’t say. My free hand sliding across his toned body to find his length and grab it softly taking my thumb across his slit sliding the precum across his head. I stroke him at a steady pace making sure I please him as much as he’s pleasing me.

niki: “such a good girl..” he says hoarsely getting a little raspy from the smoke and his desperate need to fuck you. he let you guide him right where you wanted him and right before you thought he was going to push his long thick digits in he kicked your feet apart a little further and sank to his knees finding homage between your thighs. his siren eyes never left yours as he went straight in with his tongue to your throbbing clit licking a flat stripe against it. he groaned rolling his eyes at how he was met with your sweet taste across his tongue, this only made him more crazy deep down. “taste so fucking good baby..gonna eat you whole.” he kind of growled in his throat before pushing those fingers into you slowly as his lips locked around your clit.

y/n: a smile creeps onto my cheeks at the praise but that’s very short lived, my eyes followed him as he sank to his knees my hands immediately flying to his calico colored hair grabbing it by the base tugging harshly as his tongue makes contact with my clit. “Oh fuck Niki, oh my god” My eyes roll back into my head as my back rests against the cold bricks, a cry being ripped from my throat when he begins to push his fingers into me, it made my vision go blurry and my head spin, I couldn’t tell if I was crossfaded at this point or about to cum just from his tongue making contact with me (probably both).

niki: his tongue thrashes against your clit like crashing waves as his fingers hooked into your gspot almost immediately making you squirt all over his fingers. he groaned against your pussy as he shook his head in it like a fucking hungry dog. “ugh- you fucking slut god you’re so fucking perfect” his lips wrapped back around your clit as his fingers went back to work chasing your orgasm too, his free hand snaked up your body to run under your top grabbing the middle panel of your bra and ripping it off. he threw it over his shoulder before his slightly calloused hand reached back up to play with your nipple between his fingers.

y/n: my back arches off of the cold brick wall, my legs trembling as I soak his face with my nectar, a shriek ripped from my throat when he pushed his fingers back into my sopping wet core. My hands grabbing handfuls of his hair pulling and tugging as I chase my high “Fuck, Niki oh my god” curses leaving my mouth as it’s the only thing I know at this moment, my body never feeling a euphoria like this before, my eyes glossed over and hazed as my head starts to spin.

niki: he continued this for a few minutes bringing you to the edge very quickly but his precious plump lips that were about to bring you heaven on earth pulled away right before you could reach out and grab it. he looked up at you deviously from between your legs, your nectar smeared all over his face as his eyes tore into your soul. when you looked down you noticed his cock being stroked in his hand..but by the time you could register it he was standing back up grabbing you by the throat kissing you like he was on fire. his large body pressed against yours as he spoke softly against your lips. “you’re gonna take it with no tears right jagiya? let’s find out.” and with that he spun you around to face the brick wall.

y/n I’m barely able to register what’s happening before my face is pressed to the brick wall the cold stones sending chills down my spine, my hands grip at the brick wall my nails digging into the cement “y..ye..yes daddy, I’ll try” I know for a damn fact tears will paint my cheeks as soon as he presses himself to me, partly from just how massive he is but also because I had imagined this for so long and it was finally about to happen, my body screaming for him, a knot forming in my stomach just from him being pressed to my body.

niki: he quietly scoffed near the nape of your neck as his whole body hid your frame against the wall, one hand held your hip steady and slightly rotating it to make you arch so that he could reach you even though he still did have to bend his knees slightly. his teeth lightly bit down on your ear something like a growl stippling from his throat as he guided his aching tip through your folds. “you will-“ he doesn’t give you an option to back out verbally or physically because he’s already pushing his heavy cock into you, a hiss immediately following as he let go of your ear to slightly pull back and look at where the two of you were connected. “fuck baby come on..” he uses the hand that guided him in to help spread you a bit to take him better but that was only after he spit down on his base before attempting to push more than his tip in.

y/n: my eyebrows furrow as his hands hold me steady, a grunt leaves my throat as his head runs through my folds a feeling I dreamed about for so long, my nails threaten to dig into the brick “y..yes sir” I can barely manage to get out before he slips inside of me ripping a cry from my throat, I throw my head back as my eyes slam shut my core tightening around him threatening to suck him in “ah ah ah, n..Niki oh my god” my back arches more and more as he slips further inside.

niki: every other word from his mouth is a curse, once he bottoms out inside you that hand that was guiding him in slams against the wall grilling the concrete like it was the reason his cock was about to explode. the other hand came around your neck pulling your top half back against him forcing his thick tip to burry deeper..practically bruising your cervix. “fucking shit..fuck- ugh you’re so fucking tight god damnit. you stupid slut you were made for me.” he groans dragging his hips back about halfway starting a brutal pace with you that echoed the empty lot you were in.

y/n: the sounds coming from my mouth are utterly disgusting, my legs shake and feel like jello when he pushes deep into me, the feeling more euphoric than I could’ve ever imagined “Nishimura Riki oh my god” his legal name leaving my lips painting the brick wall in front of me, it feels like Niki and I are the only people in the world, he’s everything I needed and wanted and he was wrapped around my finger. I push my ass against him trying to take him deeper and deeper, the knot in my stomach tightening and threatening to unravel at any moment “More Riki more” I cry out begging him for any more stimulation. Tears welling in the corners of my eyes making my vision blurry.

niki: he shamelessly moaned against the skin of your shoulder where his forehead rested, through the gap of your back and his chest he could watch where you two were connected. “more-? fuck baby okay.” his eyes rolled back into his head as he picked up the pace, his hips slapping against yours with no mercy as he carved your walls just for him. his hand left your neck to slip two fingers into your mouth getting a coating from your tongue before he ran them down your body and to your clit he began to mercilessly play with.

y/n: my body threatened to give out at any second my hands slipping from the wall struggling to hold on “ugh yes just like that” curses flying from my mouth left and right as his pace quickens, when his fingers enter my mouth I suck on them momentarily before he’s pulling them back out and pressing them to my clit, the feeling making my body twitch and sends shivers down my spine “Ahhhh fuck Niki I’m going to cum” my vision becoming blurred and my head filling with stars as i surrender my body to him completely letting the feeling of pure euphoria shroud my body.

niki: his grunts got even louder hearing the way you needed to cum so badly, and the way your walls were hugging him was pushing him to do the same. he pulled your body closer to his bringing you completely off the wall and that’s when he turned to kiss your lips, but this time it was passionately. the kiss was soft compared to the way his hips sped up to chase the both of your highs, and the cry that left him when the knot finally snapped for the both of you. “o-oh oh god- f-fuck i’m cumming.” he continued to play with your clit riding out your high until you were leaking down his cock.

y/n: “holy shit…ah..oh my god, Niki” my hands fly back to grip his thighs needing something to ground me as everything in my body releases, fireworks dance behind my eyes as I slam them shut, my legs completely giving out as I go limp in Niki’s arms, we’re both still connected as we ride out the high chests rising and falling, sweat pouring down the both of our bodies, I lean my head back against his chest “Niki I don’t think I’ll ever be able to leave your side again” my eyes flutter up at him my heart pounds in my chest at the sight of him, knowing we’ll never be able to go back to friends, now that our feelings are out “I ..I think I love you nishimura riki”

niki: his whole body shuddered of you both colliding, it felt like the two of you became one. he held you so close and so tight like he would never get to have you this way again but in reality you were about to wash away all of his worries with one sentence. the whole arrogant facade of his came tumbling down the moment you confessed..his siren eyes welling up wandering your round ones for any kind of uncertainty which he didn’t. you saw his lip quiver when he tried to speak again, the sight you’ll never forget. “i have always loved you..and i forever will.”

AUTHORS NOTE: THATS ALL FOLKS! I Really hope you guys enjoyed this one! Perspective 2 is available now which is Sunghoon and Jay!! Also please if it makes you uncomfortable keep scrolling!

#kpop scenarios #kpop smut #smut #kpop hard hours #enhypen #enhypen hard hours #enhypen x female reader #jungwon x reader #jungwon smut #niki x reader #enhypen niki #niki smut #enhypen imagines

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