#THAT HIT ME IN SUCH A PERSONAL PLACE ALEXIS

[nordicbananas]

shikimori ☹️💕💕💕

ugh i adore her so much she's my beloved :(((

[bratzkoo]

positions | wonwoo

Author: bratzkoo Pairing: wonwoo x nurse! reader Genre: fluff, more fluff Rating: PG-13 Word count: 1.3k Warnings/note: first wonwoo fic and it's inspired by ariana's song positions and my Anna, my best friend and the best nurse in the world. Written in Third person and Wonwoo's POV.

summary: it’s a matter of time before you tell your boyfriend that as long as he’s down for you, you’re down too.

taglist (hit me up if you wanna be added): -​

requests are open, but you can just say hi! | masterlist

The scent of sautéing garlic and ginger wafted through Wonwoo's apartment as he carefully stirred the contents of a sizzling pan. His brow furrowed in concentration, eyes darting between the stove and his phone propped up on the counter, displaying a cooking tutorial video. The sound of keys jingling outside the door made him look up, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Y/N breezed in, her presence immediately filling the space with a vibrant energy that Wonwoo had grown to love over the past seven months. "Hey, you," she called out, kicking off her shoes and padding towards the kitchen. "Something smells amazing in here."

Wonwoo's smile widened as he turned to face her. "Welcome back. How was your shift at the hospital?"

Y/N groaned dramatically, draping herself over the kitchen island. "Exhausting. But rewarding. We had a patient recover from a difficult surgery today." She perked up, sniffing the air curiously. "What are you making? It doesn't smell like your usual kimchi jjigae."

"Ah, well," Wonwoo rubbed the back of his neck, a hint of shyness creeping into his voice. "I thought I'd try something new. It's supposed to be mapo tofu, but..." He gestured vaguely at the pan, where the sauce was a shade darker than the video suggested it should be.

Y/N's eyes softened as she rounded the island to peer into the pan. "Wonwoo, that's so sweet. You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

"It's no trouble," he murmured, his ears turning slightly pink. "I know you've been working hard lately. I wanted to do something nice for you."

Y/N reached up, cupping his cheek gently. "You're always doing nice things for me," she said softly, before a mischievous glint entered her eyes. "Even if some of them are potential fire hazards."

Wonwoo huffed out a laugh, gently bumping her with his hip. "Very funny. Why don't you set the table while I finish up here? I promise not to burn the place down in the next five minutes."

As they settled into dinner, Wonwoo couldn't help but marvel at how comfortable this all felt. Seven months ago, he never would have imagined himself here, sharing a meal he cooked (albeit imperfectly) with a woman who had somehow managed to slip past all his carefully constructed walls.

"So," Y/N said around a mouthful of tofu, "tell me about your day. How was practice?"

Wonwoo launched into a recap of SEVENTEEN's latest choreography session, complete with dramatic reenactments of Seungkwan's latest aegyo attempts and Mingyu's clumsy mishaps. Y/N listened attentively, laughing at all the right moments and asking questions that showed she genuinely cared about his work and his members.

As their laughter subsided, a comfortable silence fell over them. Wonwoo found himself staring at Y/N, taking in the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, the little dimple that appeared on her left cheek. A warmth bloomed in his chest, a feeling he'd been experiencing more and more lately but hadn't quite put a name to yet.

"Oh!" Y/N exclaimed suddenly, breaking Wonwoo out of his reverie. "I almost forgot to tell you. You know my friend Alexys? She called me today, all excited because her boyfriend finally said 'I love you' to her."

Wonwoo felt his heart skip a beat. "Oh?" he managed, trying to keep his voice neutral. "That's... nice."

Y/N nodded, seemingly oblivious to Wonwoo's sudden tension. "Yeah, they've been together for about as long as we have. Can you believe it's been almost seven months already?"

"Time flies," Wonwoo murmured, his mind racing. Were they at that point? Should he have said it already? Did Y/N expect him to say it? The thought of those three little words suddenly felt monumental, and he found himself at a loss.

If Y/N noticed his internal struggle, she didn't show it. Instead, she stood up, gathering their empty plates. "Come on, let's clean up. I'll wash, you dry?"

Grateful for the distraction, Wonwoo nodded, following her to the sink. They fell into an easy rhythm, Y/N washing and rinsing while Wonwoo dried and put away. It struck him how well they moved together, anticipating each other's movements without a word.

As Y/N handed him the last plate, their fingers brushed, sending a jolt of electricity through Wonwoo. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them felt charged with unspoken words.

The moment was broken by the sudden blare of music from Wonwoo's phone. He had forgotten he'd set it to play his evening playlist. The opening notes of Ariana Grande's "Positions" filled the apartment.

Y/N's face lit up. "Oh, I love this song!" Without warning, she grabbed Wonwoo's hand, pulling him into the living room. "Dance with me!"

Wonwoo stumbled after her, laughing despite his initial reluctance. "Y/N, you know I'm not much of a dancer outside of work."

"Nonsense," she retorted, already swaying to the beat. "I've seen your performances. Now come on, show me those moves, Mr. Pop star."

As they danced, Wonwoo found himself relaxing, letting the music guide his movements. He spun Y/N around, delighting in her laughter. When she pressed close to him during the chorus, singing along softly, Wonwoo felt that warmth in his chest expand, threatening to overwhelm him.

In that moment, watching Y/N move with abandon, her eyes sparkling with joy, Wonwoo realized something. This feeling, this warmth that had been growing for months – it was love. He was in love with Y/N.

The realization should have terrified him. Wonwoo had always been cautious with his heart, keeping people at arm's length. But as Y/N looked up at him, her smile radiant, he found that he wasn't scared at all. This felt right. It felt like coming home.

As the song slowed for the bridge, Y/N's movements became more languid. She draped her arms around Wonwoo's neck, swaying gently. "You know," she said softly, her eyes never leaving his, "as long as you're down for me, I'm down too."

Wonwoo's breath caught in his throat. He recognized the weight behind her words, the echo of the song's lyrics carrying a deeper meaning. This was Y/N, brave and beautiful Y/N, putting her heart on the line.

Time seemed to stand still as Wonwoo gazed into Y/N's eyes. He saw hope there, and vulnerability, and something else – something that mirrored the feeling in his own chest.

"Y/N," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I love you."

Y/N's eyes widened, a small gasp escaping her lips. For a heart-stopping moment, Wonwoo feared he had misread the situation. But then Y/N's face broke into the most beautiful smile he had ever seen.

"I love you too, Wonwoo," she breathed, her voice thick with unshed tears of joy.

Wonwoo pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. They stayed like that, swaying gently as the song played on, both marveling at the newfound depth of their connection.

As the final chorus swelled, Wonwoo, feeling bold, attempted to dip Y/N. He miscalculated slightly, nearly dropping her, but managed to catch her at the last second. They froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Maybe stick to the choreography your team gives you," Y/N giggled as Wonwoo pulled her upright.

"Noted," Wonwoo chuckled, cupping her face gently. "But I think I'll keep improvising with you."

As their laughter faded, Wonwoo leaned in, capturing Y/N's lips in a soft, sweet kiss. The song came to an end, but they barely noticed, lost in their own world of newfound love and endless possibilities.

In that moment, as they held each other close in the middle of Wonwoo's living room, both knew that whatever positions life might put them in, they'd face them together, always down for each other, always in love.

[whatdoeseverybodywant]

Rebuild & Restore - Chapter 8

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS

Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated ❤ 

All OC Characters belong to me

Monday Morning

Kiyana walked into work that morning feeling like shit was going to hit the fan. Her date with Eli was… wonderful.. It took a while for her embarrassment to go away from Josh showing up and showing his ass but after getting over that they had a great time. If she was being honest, she could see herself settinging down again with him. She had a soft smile on her face as she walked over to the nurses station after checking in on a patient. 

Kiyana jumped as Debra plopped down on the chair next to her. “Spill the tea, tell me everything.” Kiyana laughed at her use of slang that she definitely learned from one of her grandchildren.  Kiyana smirked and contented to chart, laughing when Debra reached over and turned off the computer monitor. 

“Debra!.” She chortled, turning her chair to she was facing Debra who flagged her off.

“It was only the monitor, your work is good.” Debra rolled her eyes. “Spill!” Kiyana rolled her eyes aswell before telling Debra all about her and Eli’s date, minus her ex-husband showing up, she did not want to relive that, at all.  

Kiyana told Debra all about her evening with Elijah, how he took her to The Grand Marlin, how they took a nice stroll on the beach after dinner and when Kiyana told Debra that she and Elijah had gone back to his place, Debra’s eyes were as wide as saucers. 

“Wait, stop” Debra whispered, leaning in closer to Kiyana so none of the other nurses could hear what they were saying. “You guys didn’t… you know.” Kiyana bit her lip before she responded to Debra. 

“No, I mean we didn’t go all the way, if you know what I mean.” Debra’s eyes were still wide but there was now a smirk on her face. 

“Oh, I'm catching what you’re throwing.” she responded, making Kiyana laugh. “Was it good, better yet, was it better than your ex-husband?” 

“Oh my god, Debra!” Kiyana mutters as she placed her head in her hands, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment.  Debra stared at Kiyana as she awaited her answer. “Oh my god” Kiyana muttered again “it was good, but no, nowhere as close.” 

“Sorry to interrupt ya’ll.” One of the new nurses Arin, spoke up as she hung up the phone. “But we have a new patient coming into room 302. EMT’s said her contractions are 8 minutes apart, but she still wants to be admitted.” Kiyana nodded and stood from her seat to go get the patient’s room ready.

“We’re not done talking Nurse Jackson.” Debra called out after her and Kiyana made a yeah-yeah motion with her hand before walking away. Just as Kiyana finished putting a new sheet on the patient’s bed, the expected mother-to-be was rolled into the room. 

“Hi, I’m Kiyana. I'll be your nurse today.” She says as she walks over and helps the patient into the bed. 

“Nice to meet you.” The patient says, wincing in pain as another contraction hits her. Kiyana offers her hand so the patient could squeeze it. “Thank you.” 

“It’s no problem.” Kiyana smiles, “I’ve been in your position four times, I know them contractions hurt. Can I get your name and date of birth?”

“Alexis Daniels.”

'What a small world, Daniels isn't really a common last name.' Kiyana thinks as she logs into the computer to chart Alexis’ vitals.

“December 15th 1989” 

“Perfect, and what is baby boy's name?” 

“Me and my husband still haven’t fully agreed on a name yet, but I like the name Carter.” 

“That is such a cute name. It was my top choice for my youngest as well, but me and my - we went with Kairo.” Kiyana said, smiling at Alexis as she chided herself in her head for almost getting too personal with the patient, not everybody needed to know she was a divorced mother. “I can still put Carter in the chart or we can just call him baby Daniels until you and your husband come up with a name.” 

“Baby Daniels, is perfect. This is our third child but first boy and he really wants to be a part of the naming decision.” Alexis breathed out as another contraction hit her, she then cursed and threw her phone down next to her. “Speaking of husband, can you do me a huge favor.?” 

Kiyana stopped typing and turned her attention to Alexis. “Sure, anything you need.” 

Alexis smiles. “My husband actually works in this hospital, he’s a surgeon on the trauma floor. Do you think you can page him for me? He’s not answering his phone.” Alexis says, holding up her phone and Kiyana felt her stomach twist at Alexis’ words. 'Just a coincidence,' Kiyana thought. 'Just because her last name is Daniels doesn’t mean shit.'

“Mmhm, keep telling yourself that.” That other voice called out, making Kiyana frown. 

“Sure, I can.” She finally responded, plastering a smile on her face. “What’s his name?” 

“Elijah Daniels.”  Kiyana digs her fingernails into her thigh to stop herself from cursing. She was hurt. She felt sick to her stomach as she thought about what she and Eli did last night. 

“Shit, you got such a pretty pussy ma’” Elijah breathed out as he used his index and middle finger to spread her lips and suck her clit into his mouth. Kiyana moaned, lifting her hand to his head before frowning when she realized there was nothing there for her to grab on to. That thought quickly leaves her head as he thrust two of his fingers in her

She felt betrayed and played. Then she started to feel sick to her stomach. ‘Oh my god,’ She thought ‘I'm no better than that woman Josh was sleeping with.’ 

“Kiyana, are you okay?” Kiyana snapped out of her flashback, her voice shaking with anger as she responded back to Alexis 

“I’m fine. I’m gonna go page your husband for you.” Kiyana turns her back to Alexis and storms to the nurses station, snatching the phone off the hook she - as calmly as she could - pages Elijah to the labor & delivery floor. 

“Dr. Elijah Daniels to labor & deliver, Dr. Elijah Daniels to labor & delivery.” Debra arches an eyebrow at Kiyana. 

“You missed him that bad?” She jokes, laughing then stops as she feels the anger radiating off of Kiyana. “Sweetly what happened?” 

“That asshole is married with children! His wife is the patient in 302.” Debra’s jaw dropped open. “I feel so freaking stupid.” She hissed out just as the elevator dinged and the doors opened, revealing a cheerful Elijah who was smiling brightly as he made his way towards Kiyana. 

“I knew that was you, are you okay? Is everything good?.” He smiled, and Kiyana struggled to maintain her composure, because at that moment, all she wanted to do was to smack that smile off his damn face. The more she looked at him, the angrier she got. 

“I don’t know, you tell me.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Your wife is in room 302 waiting to deliver your third child.” She felt a sick satisfaction flow through her as the smile slowly left his face. Debra quickly decided to leave them alone, deciding it was time to go check on her patient. 

“Wait, I can explain.” Kiyana held her hand up, cutting him off. 

“I don’t wanna hear shit you have to say to me Elijah. Think about how your wife will feel once she finds -'' Elijah gripped her arm and pulled her down the hall, away from the nurses station. 

“She aint finding shit out, Kiyana. What I do ain’t none of her damn business.” When she tried to pull her arm away, he gripped it tighter, “You don’t know what I'm capable of Kiyana. You’re gonna go back in that damn room and help my wife through her discomfort and when the time comes, help deliver our child okay?!” He sneered at her, when she didn’t respond he squeezed her arm until she cried out in pain. 

“Ow! Stop. Okay! Okay!” She cried out in pain, feeling her tears sting her eyes. Elijah let go of her arm and straightened out his lab coat. 

“I’m gonna go check on my wife. I’ll see you later.” He brushed past her, leaving her rubbing her arm, where she knew she would be bruised, pulling his wedding ring out of the pocket and sliding it onto his finger. 

🙃🫣

i'm gonna go into hiding now

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[scriberye]

Hi Rye, are you still writing for the prompt list? If so, could you do [INJURY] with the receiver as Barabas Dantioch? He can be the receiver of kisses as well since well he can’t do much kissing with that iron mask of his.

(loud, heavy breathing) I got carried away. Thank you.

Dantioch sits still as you work, a massive and unmoving figure against the dim, flickering lights. Your hands tremble as you disinfect and patch him up, from the wound at his side to the bruising on his hands.

You’re such a frail, shaky little thing compared to him. Your clothes are threadbare and a size too big, making you seem even smaller. And Dantioch’s afraid to move, lest he scare you.

Despite the fear oozing off you, your hands are skilled, honed from years of treating and tending wounds. He wonders how many other brothers you’ve tended to during your life, and how many you failed to save.

You finish securing the final bandage, cradling Dantioch’s large hand in your own smaller ones. For a moment, you just stare at the bandage you so carefully wrapped — and something stirs within you. Some old, forgotten instinct rises to the surface, and you lift his hand up to your lips and press a kiss to his wrapped knuckles.

The gesture is so unexpected and tender that it catches even Dantioch by surprise.

Once realization hits you, you shrink back from him, eyes wide with fear, embarrassment burning hot on your cheeks. “F-Forgive me, my lord!” you stammer, bowing your head low, “I don’t.. I didn’t— !”

Such a transgression could only be met with anger and wrath. You’ve severely overstepped your station, but there is only silence.

Dantioch raises his hand, the same one you kissed just moments before. You flinch as he reaches for you, but he’s gentle as he tips your chin up. Your breath hitches as you search for his eyes beneath the mask.

“Thank you,” he says, his thumb brushing over the swell of your cheek before he cups your face in his broad hand. Dantioch’s touch is so gentle for his size, as if he’s handling something fragile, like you might break at the slightest touch.

“You’re welcome, my lord,” you reply. A blush rises to your cheeks, and you take his hand again, turning your head to place another kiss on the palm of his hand. And for a moment, Dantioch could imagine what it felt like to be human, and not a tool for a seemingly endless war.

🔞 BONUS ROUND. 1k words of smut under the cut, enjoy the Dantioch x F!Reader x Polux sandwich.

Polux tightens his fists at his sides, watching the scene unfold before him. You, Polux’s own personal serf, is spread open wide over his best friend’s lap, fully on display. Though Dantioch is still mostly armored, he’s removed his gauntlets. A thick, calloused finger circles your clit in slow, measured strokes, and you whimper pitifully at the rough sensation against your sensitive flesh.

“Make sure to watch closely, brother,” Dantioch says, his finger dipping lower. You gasp sharply as his finger finds your entrance, pressing inside with a single, firm stroke.

Polux swallows hard, his gaze flickering back and forth between Dantioch’s finger and your flushed face. It’s just one finger, and already his brother has you grabbing onto his wrist and arching your back, begging him for more.

Dantioch moves his finger in and out of you slowly, curling and stroking, finding all the right points to make you shudder and moan his name. You rock desperately against his finger — you’re so close. Then he pulls his finger out with a wet squelch and you whine at the loss.

“Come here, Alexis,” Dantioch says, his fingers parting your folds, revealing the delicate pink of your cunt to Polux’s hungry gaze. “Don’t keep her waiting, lick.”

Polux doesn’t hesitate, crashing to his knees between Dantioch’s legs. His mouth waters at the sight of you — slick with arousal coating your thighs and Dantioch’s fingers. He leans forward, his tongue darting out to circle your clit, teasingly before giving it suck.

“You taste so sweet, little one,” Polux sighs, voice muffled by your flesh.

“More,” you whine, trying to buck your hips and draw Polux closer. “Please, please more.”

Dantioch presses a hand against the back of Polux’s head, urging him deeper into your cunt. Polux groans, working his tongue deeper into your tight heat, filling the room with the sounds of your growing moans, and the wet sounds of his tongue.

Your breath comes out in jagged gasps, chest heaving wildly as your pleasure builds. You toss your head back against Dantioch’s chest, crying out as it finally crests, your body shaking and toes curling as you soak Polux’s tongue in your cum.

“Good work,” Dantioch says, giving your thighs a light squeeze. Polux rises to his feet, his hand lazily working over his rigid length.

Your heart skips a beat as Dantioch lifts you up, the tip of his cock throbbing against your cunt. He eases you down onto him, the sheer girth of him stretching you to your limits and you struggle to accommodate him. You whine, feeling every vein and ridge of his flesh as he spears you open, leaving no space unfilled inside you.

Polux leans over and kisses you, and you can taste yourself on his tongue as he deepens the kiss. Dantioch’s grip on your highs tighten once you’ve taken as much of him as you can feasibly can. He starts to move you up and down on his cock, gradually becoming more rough with each plunge.

Polux pulls away from the kiss, his eyes dark with lust. “Does it feel good, little one?” he asks, stroking your hair back from your sweaty face.

“Uh huh,” you nod dumbly, lost in a sea of sensations and pleasures. “Want you too, sir,” you moan, voice and body bouncing on Dantioch’s lap.

Polux is just the right height for you to reach out and wrap your fingers around his cock, feeling it throb and twitch in your hand. You lean forward and fit as much of him in your mouth as you can. The taste of his pre-cum on your tongue is intoxicating, and you eagerly suck on him, pulling a moan from Polux.

Dantioch’s breathing becomes more ragged and desperate, muffled by the sound of his mask, as he works you up and down on his cock. Each thrust reaching deeper and deeper. With one last powerful surge, he lets out a strangled groan as he releases himself deep inside you.

Reluctantly, you let Polux’s cock slip from your mouth, moaning at the sensation of Dantioch flooding your cunt. He slowly rocks up into you, thick white streaks coating his cock.

Polux quickly takes over, easing you up and off Dantioch’s lap. You shudder as thick globs of cum leak out of your stretched out cunt. Polux guides you onto the bed and onto your hands and knees.

You shiver, feeling Polux position himself behind you, his heavy cock resting against the curve of your ass. And you’re more than happy to arch your back, presenting more of yourself to him.

“Please, my lord,” you beg. “Need you inside me.”

“Patience,” Polux says, running his hands over your curves for a moment before reaching down to line up with your well-used cunt, the cockhead nudging your folds apart as he sinks into you. You cry out, burying your face against the bed as you feel yourself strain and stretch again to take his massive size.

Polux sighs, he bottoms out so quickly, and he goes still, giving you a moment to adjust. He leans over you, bracing himself on his hands above you before he pulling out and slamming back into you. His hips piston, driving his cock into you over and over.

You scream into the bedsheets, holding on for dear life as he pounds you into another orgasm. Polux reaches between your legs, his own calloused finger rubbing your clit in tight circles. It’s enough to push you over the edge, and your body shakes as you cum again.

Polux follows shortly after. The straining flutter of your cunt around his cock triggers his own orgasm. He lets out a long, guttural groan as his cock pulses and floods your cunt with even more cum.

Weak and unable to hold yourself up any longer, you sink down into the bed and sliding off Polux’s cock. The mix of his and Dantioch’s cum oozes out of your cunt, pooling between your legs and soiling the bed.

Exhaustion finally takes its toll and, as sleep begins to claim you, you can hear Polux and Dantioch talk.

“Is she.. Okay?”

“Yes.. drink.. bath..”

“.. .. join us.”

[chaostroberry1]

A heavenly body that isn't from outerspace (Imagines)

Lookism, blue lock, death note, seven deadly sins, Tokyo revengers, blood of zues, welcome home, viral hit/how to fight, obey me

Like this man is so foul to other people yet when it comes to you, all that just goes straight into the trash.

When it comes to stuff like violence, you only get the innie Winnie tiny bit of it, or almost none at all. But the other person? Well...that's a whole different story.

He'd pull someones hair back so disrespectfully, but you, who was right beside that certain someone—he'd just pull you by your clothes, without inflicting any harm to you.

Like bro. (Art by me btw)

Yeah he may have teased you or offended you in a little way, but comparing it to what he does to other people? Are you his own deity or something? Fucking someone up mentally/physically while you just stay there, completely unscratched and clean. Worshipping you and your body like it were heaven sent.

Nobody leaving the place if he ever found out you were harmed in any way. Like I can just imagine this man looking at a bunch of beaten up dudes groaning on the ground in pain, beaten to a pulp, but the moment he turns his head and sees you, he's immediately rushing towards you to check for any scratches, literally no fucks given to the "not very important" people who were bloodied up or beaten up.

—James lee lookism—Michael kaiser bllk—Alexis ness bllk—hades RoR—Poseidon RoR—Shidou Ryusei bllk, —Gun park lookism—Vin Jin lookism—Zack lee lookism—jaegyeon na lookism—taesoo ma lookism—Mello death note—meliodas SDS—draken Tokyo revengers—Apollo BoZ, —Hermes BoZ—Ares BoZ—wally darling welcome home, —Nathaniel killer peter—Taehun seong viral hit—Satan obey me—Solomon obey me—Hades BoZ

[mayajadewrites]

Sweet Secret (Levi Ackerman x Reader)

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x F! Reader CEO Levi Ackerman coming in hot. I've been wanting to write a CEO Levi/Sugar daddy Levi story for a hot minute. Enjoy! Story Summary: You needed a job. Ackerman Inc was hiring for an in house assistant for none other than the CEO: Levi Ackerman. He's known to be essentially the worst to work with, you decide to take the job and take on the challenge that is Levi Ackerman. Will your relationship remain professional, or will their be monetary value added to the stakes? Or possibly even... love? ao3 Chapter Twelve: Alone

When you arrive home it almost feels like the world has shifted. You're no longer in your private room with Levi. You no longer wake up next to him. The sun isn't peering through the curtains like they did in Mexico. You sign as you pull your bag over your shoulder and take your first steps towards the house. 

Levi hasn't spoken much since you slept together. You noticed a $5,000 deposit hit your account this morning, reminding you that your relationship with Levi is as simple as that. A transaction.

He brought your luggage inside and left it in your room as you start your shower. You check your phone to see if Alexis has text you, but nothing. Her location says she's about 2 hours away. You have to remember that she is technically an adult now. You can't question her every move. She's capable of making her own decisions. 

You slip on a lounge set that Levi bought you, the fabric screams luxurious. It consists of shorts and a cropped t-shirt. You brush your hair and apply various products in it, letting your natural waves take form.

You hear a knock at your door but no words.

"Come in." You continue fussing with your hair.

"Are you hungry?" Levi's newly tanned skin was glistening under the lights in your room. "I thought we could order takeout since there are no groceries."

"Sure." You nod after you glance at him. He's freshly showered too - his hair damp from the water.

"Ok." Levi gently closed the door as he left. You sighed, wishing you could kiss him again. Wishing you could wrap your arms around him and feel his heart pound against your chest. Paradise is over, it's time to get back to reality.

_____________________

After dinner you and Levi retreat to your bedrooms. Very few words were shared between you both, but your heads were filled with conversation. You checked your sisters location again, same place. You want to give her space and let her be her own person. So you flip your phone over and close your eyes.

It felt like hours passed and you still haven't fallen asleep. You sigh and get up to get a glass of water in hopes that that will make you a bit sleepy. When you walk to the kitchen, you hear the familiar grumbles and screams that you heard just days ago. 

You leave the glass on the counter and made your way to Levi's room. You've never been in it, to be honest you've been too scared to even try to. You hear Levi's low voice mutter again, then he yelled.

Just open the door.

What's he gonna do, get mad at you for being worried?

You take a breath, wrap your hand around the doorknob and push it open. 

When you open the door you see Levi laying on his back, his blanket only covering half of him. The other half exposes his chest and stomach, beads of sweat trickling down his skin. He doesn't seem to wake up from you entering, so you take soft steps towards him.

"Don't leave me alone." Levi's eyes seemed like they were glued shut. "God, why are you taking her from me?"

You gently sit on his bed and caress his face gently. He purses his lips as he leans into your touch but his eyes are still closed. With your other hand, you drag your fingertips along his arm span. 

Soon enough Levi's eyes shoot open and he stares at you for a moment. You don't stop caressing him, you simply stay silent. He watches you touch him, almost scared to say a word.

You stop to look at him, planning on staying quiet. You take a step back and try to remove your hand from his face.

"Stay." He whispers, almost not loud enough for you to hear him. "P-please stay."

You examine his facial expression to make sure he's awake and not sleep talking. You nod, still no words leaving your lips. You walk to the other side of his bed, carefully moving the covers so you can slip under them. 

There's space between you and him, your bodies wanting to touch one another but refusing to make a move.

You turn your face towards Levi, letting your hands stay planted on your stomach. Levi turns his face to look at you, your breath hitching once his eyes meet yours. His slate eyes look so vulnerable. The light from the moon slightly hitting his skin created what looked like a painting, but this is real life and this man is in front of you now.

You gave him a soft smile to reassure him that this is okay. You're actually more than okay with this, but your head and your heart are currently at odds.

Your brain knows that this isn't more than surface level. He gives you money for spending time with him, and you're his full time assistant. There's no real feelings involved.

But the way your heart feels right now screams the exact opposite. Your heart jumps when he looks at you. Your body craves him. 

You watch him as he inches his face closer to you and you swear you can hear his heartbeat. "Light?"

"Green." You stare into his eyes as he moves to lay on his side, his hand reaching out to your face to pull you into him. Your body tenses at his touch as his entire hand grabs your face, pulling your lips to meet his.

His kisses are messy and desperate, much like how you're feeling at this moment. You bring your leg to hook on top of his, your thick thighs pressing against his legs. His hand slides to your plush skin on your inner thigh, squeezing it gently. You moan against his lips as he kneads the skin on your thighs, making you squeeze the thigh he's caressing against his leg. Your core is aching for him, no doubt already soaked.

Levi's hands wander to your waist, his hand dipping in the curve. He keeps kissing you as he makes way to your breasts, taking an entire tit in his hand as he massages it. 

"Fuck." He moans against your lips, his eyes closed. "I dream of these." He detaches his lips from yours as he slips your shirt over your head, your tits bouncing from the newfound freedom. "They are so perfect." He presses a kiss to your right breast, his thumb circling your nipple. His lips soon wrap around the hard nipple as he starts sucking gently. You press your palm to the back of his head wanting to feel him. All of him.

Patience.

The word Levi continues to say when you whine for him. But tonight is not the night for patience.

A whimper leaves your lips that catches Levi's attention. "What's wrong, princess?" His voice was husky in a way that made your core throb even more.

"I need you." You pull his face back up to meet yours as you kiss along his jawline to his neck. You suck gently on a spot on his skin, not caring if it leaves a mark. Your brain is too clouded with lust to give a shit. 

"Spoiled princess." Levi flips over onto his back, pulling you on top of him. You're both still clothed from the waist down, your core pulsating against the fabric of his shorts.

"I want to feel all of you." You hook your finger to the elastic of your shorts and throw them to the side along with your hot pink thong that you were wearing. "Can I feel you, Levi?" 

Levi's cheeks are flushed red as he quickly takes off his pants. Your voice was like velvet to him, he would do whatever you would say. He could never tell you that though.

His large hands plant on each side of your plush hips, the heat from your skin almost burning through him. You looked down at him as his mouth was agape - his lips plump and swollen from kissing you. His hair was pressed against the pillow as he studied every inch of your body. 

You look down at his cock, pressed against his chest as he continues to caress your skin.

"Are you sure?" He whispers as if you're in a crowded room. "I don't have any condoms."

"I'm on the pill, and I have only slept with you." 

"I can't guarantee that I'm going to pull out once I'm inside you." 

"I'm fine with that." You lean down and kiss his lips before taking your hand to position his cock at your entrance, his tip already soaked with pre-cum. 

"Sit on my cock, princess." He groaned as he felt your pussy lips slide against his tip. You push his cock into your pussy, an inaudible noise coming out of your mouth. You press a hand to your face after you moan, embarrassed of the sound you just made.

"Enough of that." Levi swatted his hand to yours that was on your face. "I want to see the pleasure I give you on your face. Don't ever hide from me again." 

You nod as you slide down his cock, his length pressing against your gummy walls as he stretches it out. "Levi," You moan as you watch his cock disappear in your pussy. "You feel so good, but fuck you're so big."

"You're taking me so well, princess." Levi gently thrusts in you as you move your hips to ride him. He presses his hand to your soft stomach, feeling where his cock is inside your body. "You feel me there, baby?" 

Baby.

You nod and move your body up and down on his cock, planting messy kisses on his face. This is the type of dick to make you go stupid. Every thrust makes your toes curl. 

"This pussy is mine." 

"All yours, Levi." You feel your walls pulsating around his length at his words. Levi's mouth attaches to your neck, undoubtably leaving bruises on your skin. But you don't care. Not right now.

Fuck the rules.

"L-Levi, I'm gonna come." You stutter as your breath hitches.

"Come all over me." He whispers in your ear. The outline of your eyesight turns white as you reach euphoria on top of his dick, riding out your high. You moan his name loudly, thankful that you don't have any close neighbors. Levi's hands gripped your ass as you rode out your orgasm as he came undone soon after. "I-I can't, what color is the light?" He winced as he pulled away from you slowly.

"Green. Fucking green light." You moan as he pushes himself inside of you, letting his cum coat your insides. He groans at his release and his chest rises and falls quickly. He empties himself into you, not sure if he's ever came that much.

You move to get off of him, but he presses his fingertips to your ass so you stay. You watch his eyes open, expecting some sarcastic remark.

"Can you sleep here tonight? Please?" Levi moved a piece of hair out of your face. "After you shower, of course."

"Yes." You nod, pushing your body off of him and feeling the void that his cock left you. You whimper at the loss of him.

You hear Levi take steps towards his bathroom, his shower turning on. You walk naked to your bathroom, looking at yourself in the mirror. 

Your neck is covered with purple bruises. You press your fingertips to your skin, wincing at the pain. Levi left a trail of bruises to your chest, his lips marking your right breast. 

As the hot water hit your skin, you replay the last hour in your mind. How his thick cock felt in your pussy, how his hands were soft and caring, caressing every inch of you.

You wish you could take a peek of what's going on in Levi Ackerman's brain at this moment.

[audioroleplayconfessions]

https://www.tumblr.com/audioroleplayconfessions/757267969406533632/httpswwwtumblrcomaudioroleplayconfessions756?source=share

I'm the person who wrote the original David rant thingy i wanted to reply, and I must say I fully agree. You hit the nail on the head.

David has favoritism for sure.

He allowed asher to do whatever the fuck at the gala vampire thingy, he also allowed milo and sweetheart to do whatever UNDER the guide of asher.

( I'm not sure if he knows yet but just to add onto my point )

Knew how sweetheart and milo met....literally fighting a shade. Condoned what milo did in the inversion despite telling some pack members not to get involved.

Yet when darling, someone who he himself had admitted to not being close with wants to get angry and upset that they didn't ask for help about quinn? I wondering fucking why David.? In the confrontation video he mentions at the end that darlin should try earning his trust back....SIR....they never trusted YOU in the first place...tf you mean they gotta earn it?

Everyone, and I mean everyone EVEN FLIPPING William, Vincent, lovely, fuck even porter...knew the reason for darlin wanting to deal with quinn alone. They never Condoned their actions BUT UNDERSTOOD. From my POV David didnt TRULY understand.... Yet darlin is faced with harsh pushiment and literally public shaming. Again in the end of the confrontation video David says he's happy darlin is back, but sweetie...how would darlin know you care about them when everytime y'all interact you just ' bully ' them; In the gala video Vincent and porter made sure darlin was okay because they knew Alexis was there....at this point Vincent probs knew darlin for little over a year and porter a month.

They gave darlin the best treatment dispute knowing darlin for a very little time... they dont even get special treatment cause their with sam...they generally got to know darlin, but the pack can't say the same...they've known them for years and still gets treated like the stranger..

It's been proven time and time again that darlin never trusted anyone in the pack BESIDES ASHER...because thank God he was the only one to admit that darlin has truly had the packs back. Example them Defending asher when he was appointed the beta position.but dispute darlin not trusting anyone they still cared enough to want to see everyone safe and unharmed.

I also dislikes the way he acted towards angel in the beginning, im not saying anyone you just met is entitled to kindness, but even after a while of them dating he's still a dick? There's a difference to being a Tsundere and straight up a dick.

" but his backstory! He's a sad boy. " I truly don't care. It's not an excuse In my eyes.

David likes to wonder why darlin isn't as connected to the pack, but when you listen to how the vampires treat darlin in such a short time of knowing them you truly understand.

I also dislikes how the pack felt ENTITLED to darlin story with Quinn and how it should be delt with.

I will forever stand by asher being the only one who gives a fuck about darlin..cause I don't recall milo ever mentioning them, but I love milo so he gets a pass <3

Ill give david his flowers though, him calling darlin first and saying they will get their chance with Quinn alone and the hug was sweet...but thats the only point he's getthing.

After that....it's almost as if darlin is nothing to him. He only cared because darlin was a liability to him and the pack.

He never showed any concern or comfort when darlin was at their lowest, only showed them disgust and anger.but when milo was all upset about not being able to shift, who was there with wise words and comfort? David. When asher was recovering from his little inversation ptsd moment who was there? David.

ONE LAST THING ( lowkey made me laugh )

Before darlin moved in with sam, darlin was living I'm some dankey ass apartment....David knew this cause he visited them in his confrontation video. And then just left? Didn't give them any food or nothing 😭 but when sam saw homeboy made sure they ordered themselves food and was eating right cause it was clear they weren't taken care of themselves.

It's favoritism at best.

Of course no hate to Eric, I love his content and the world he made <3 remember yall, your allowed to love something but still have something you dislike.

Naturally all characters have their flaws, and hey.. it could simply just be a plot hole or something that is fixed in the future or something that wont be touched on at all and thats okay!but this is just how I currently feel about David LMAO I wasn't able to finsh his playlist at all cause of said reason. But this doesn't mean he's bad! Just isn't my cup of tea.

This rant is long I'm sorry, but I could write a university style eassy about this dude and his behaviors.

If David has no haters I'm dead LMAO

Reply to this.

[jonquilyst]

Day 4 - Challenge Day

Welcome to day 4 of Total Drama Sims! Today we start off with Camden doing party tricks and Reagan catching herself on fire... Not cool, Reagan!

Today's challenge is all about staying awake! Contestants will be competing to see who can stay awake the longest. Cabins and the mess hall have been locked so no one can hit the hay. The contestant who stays awake the longest and outlasts everyone else will win invincibility for their team!

Since the challenge technically doesn't begin until everyone starts tiring, today also doubles as a bonus socialization day! Cassie (KC) and Aubrey (KC) were seen dreamily exchanging their phone numbers...

However, new feuds also broke out. The Killer Cowplants have broken their peace today and began to fragment among each other. Kenzie (KC) was an absolute menace and argued with both Alexis (KC) and Reagan (SL); all because she was feeling "butthurt." Meanwhile, it was discovered that Logan (KC) and Aubrey really don't like each other.

Night eventually fell, however, and Aubrey was first to hit the snooze button.

Most people lasted until the sun rose the next morning, but despite Camden being a party boy and is probably used to staying staying up late, not even he could keep his eyes open. Terrance followed suit shortly after.

By around 7am, most of the contestants had gotten out. After Kenzie passed out, Cassie became the last Killer Cowplant still awake. But eventually... she too couldn't resist the temptation of sleep.

In the end, the last person awake was Lilium! She snags victory for her team!

THE SCREAMING LLAMAS WIN!

The Screaming Llamas have secured their first victory! Congrats; all of you are safe today. Killer Cowplants, I'll be seeing you at the campfire!

Today's Confessional: Logan West-Harper

"I don't know what everyone's problem is. Kenzie especially; I don't vibe with Alexis either, but seriously? Why do you have to pick fights with everybody? And Aubrey, what's your problem against me? I didn't do anything to you."

"Ugh, well... At least I'm tight with Anika, and she's tight with both Dahlia and Kenzie. I think I have a better chance at making it through if I can befriend those two and find myself a place in their alliance."

@simsinfinitylt @prismaticpotentia @softle0 @chaoticpixls @wastelandwhisperer @thebramblewood @akitasimblr @micrathene-w @aniraklova @seyvia

[bravevulnerability]

Hi! Huge fan of your writing. I come back to fics repeatedly when I need a pick-me-up or the urge to re-read a certain one. Believing Is Seeing is one of my top faves..I was wondering if you'd consider ever doing a fic in which Kate is the disabled one with a service dog. After getting injured on the job (not relating to her mom's case cause that'd be awful) she's depressed and the dog helps heal her spirit & give life back. Maybe AU meeting or he runs into them after he left for some reason.

A/N: I’m not quite sure if this is what you’re hoping for, anon. But I really hope you’re able to enjoy it. :)

-

It’s his scent that hits her first. 

Kate’s fingers stutter over the page of the book she’s trying to read. Granted, she tells herself, there are probably tons of men scattered throughout this city with the same cologne, the same aftershave, but… there’s something mixed in with the scent that has always been only him. 

Dovah rustles at her feet, squirming from beneath the cafe table to investigate the approaching figure. But her dog’s lack of growl, lack of tension, and the soft touch of the coffee cup to the table in front of her only confirms it.

“Grande skim latte, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla still your order?”

After three months of not hearing it, his voice is like a tidal wave to her senses. Deep, rich, devastating.

She clears her throat, closes the book she’s been attempting to get through for the last week. Her braille has improved magnificently in the past few months, but reading for the sake of pleasure has yet to become pleasurable again. 

Dovah whimpers, an affectionate sound of greeting she typically reserves only for Kate. 

And one other person.

“Dovah,” Castle says warmly. She catches the dip in his voice, the likely lowering to his haunches to greet the dog, and feels Dovah rush forward into Rick’s waiting arms. With anyone else, her dog would be skittish, skeptical, ready to snap at the smallest hint of danger or discomfort aimed at Kate. But she’d never turn on Rick. 

He’s the one who got her the damn dog in the first place.

“Castle,” she murmurs, gingerly reaching forward to skim her fingertips along the travel cup he’s placed on the table. 

Her hearing is better than before, far more honed since the loss of what she once considered her most vital sense. She catches the shallow intake of his breath with ease, listens to the thick swallow that trembles down his throat. 

“Kate.” He rises slowly, releasing the air held hostage in his lungs. “You look good.”

She remembers his face, never forgot it. She remembers the defined angles of his jaw, his cheeks and the apples that formed in them when he smiled, the harsh slope of his nose, and those ocean eyes. God, she hates how much she misses looking at him, wishes she did more of it when she had the chance. He was beautiful.

“Wish I could say the same.”

He chokes on a startled noise, a horrified hint of laughter that has her lips cracking a smile that’s been non-existent since… since she made him leave. 

The smile falls clean off her face. 

“How long have you been in here?”

She wonders if he’s doing that ‘boy caught in the act’ kind of shrug she was once quite fond of. 

“Maybe ten minutes,” he estimates, but it sounds like a lie. “Can I sit with you?”

She refrains from biting her lip, knowing it’ll give her away. Instead, her fingers curl around the travel cup’s sleeve, guiding it to her lips.

“Just until I finish my coffee.”

-

Dovah drapes herself across their feet, her body pressed against Rick’s shin, her head on Kate’s boots. It’s a habit she remembers forming back when he first brought the dog home. Well, to Kate’s home. 

“How is Alexis? She messaged me about the application process for Stanford a few weeks ago,” she reveals softly, knowing he’s rooting for Alexis to choose a New York - or at least an East Coast - school for college. 

“Ah, yeah, she let me know she was going to reach out to you,” he murmurs. She can hear his knuckles cracking lightly, the slight inhale of his breath. “I told her that I hoped she had better luck than me.”

Her lips purse. 

“But otherwise, she’s great. How’s your summer been, Kate?” The bitterness is quiet, but threaded like poison through his words, stinging her.

Miserable, she wants to blurt, but takes a long sip of her coffee instead. 

“I’ve just been getting accustomed to my new job,” she admits, brushing her thumb back and forth along the sleeve of her cup. “Can’t live off savings forever.”

“How’s transcription work going in the courts?” he asks her, his voice lowering to a perfect tenor. 

Her hearing has felt enhanced since she’s lost what was initially her main sense of identification, and he always knew it sometimes felt too loud in the world now. 

“I saw the guys recently,” he adds by way of explanation.

Kate releases a shaky breath, traces the plastic rim of her coffee cup. “I hate it.”

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, the apology so earnest, overlapping his irritation. It has her chest aching. 

After the accident, Castle stepped up for her, became her source of comfort, her listening ear, her… everything. More than he was before somehow. 

She hasn’t been able to open up to anyone else, not like she did with him. Not even her therapist. 

“I told you, you could’ve been a trophy wife.”

She laughs despite herself. “Yeah, I’m sure that would have worked out great.”

“What about editing? You could be my editor!”

Her eyes roll. “Castle.”

“C’mon, you’re a total grammar snob. I could have it printed in braille. We still have that special printer at the house!” he recalls, the excitement building slow but true in his voice. “All you’d have to do is go over it for me and tell me where all the wrong commas and run-on sentences are.”

Reluctantly, Kate removes her hand from her coffee, reaches across the table space between them until her fingers knock against his. With a shallow breath, she hooks her pinky around his, squeezes gently.

“Thank you, but I don’t think the literary world is for me.” She sighs and begins to let go, but he gingerly flips his hand under hers, encompasses her fingers in his palm. “Don’t worry about me, Castle.”

He scoffs at her. 

“Kate, that’s not something I can just turn off.”

She swallows hard and pulls her hand back. 

“It was really good to… sit with you again,” she finishes lamely, clicking her tongue once and feeling Dovah rise to attention beneath the table. 

“Kate.”

She ignores him, fixing the leash around her wrist and rising from the chair. 

“Please tell Alexis and Martha hi for me,” she adds softly, brushing her knuckles to his shoulder. “Dovah, home.” 

Dovah leads her to the door, out into the growing chill of the city. The coffee shop she frequents is only a couple of blocks from her apartment, a safe place where she can pretend to be normal for a little while, and an easy venture for Dovah to guide her through.

It only takes her a few minutes of walking down the sidewalk to huff in irritation. 

“If you think I can’t feel you right there-”

“It’s so creepy how you do that,” Castle curses, but then his hand is curling delicately along her inner arm. It’s a warm, familiar touch that penetrates the layers of her clothing. A touch that has her chest tightening. “Just listen to me, then I’ll leave. I haven’t seen you in three months, you owe me this.”

Kate exhales through her nose. “Fine.”

“You know I love you-“

“Castle,” she breathes, her heart constricting inside her sternum, arteries tangling into knots.

“And I know it must have scared you, that you probably have some weird idea in your head that it’s all some pity crush I developed after you lost your sight, but Kate… I was done for from the moment you crashed my book party and you know it,” he murmurs, his voice low but so matter of fact. “Working with you for the past year leading up to the explosion… Beckett, you have to have known.”

She chews on her lip until she tastes the spill of copper on her tongue. 

“When that asshole blew up your apartment, I ran for my life to get to you, because that’s what you had become-”

“Rick, please-”

“You, my daughter, my mother… you’re my life. And I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you had to lose so much - your sight, your home, your job. I would give anything to trade places with you, to give it all back-”

That has her jerking to a stop. “No.”

“I just-”

“Are we on a crowded sidewalk?” 

Usually she would know the answer without help, but the blood is rushing in her ears. 

“No, we’re on Franklin street, at the crosswalk before your apartment,” he relays patiently. “There’s some traffic, but nothing too severe.”

“Good, then listen to me,” she mutters, turning her face towards him. “Even knowing what I know now, I would endure it all again if it meant saving you this fate, okay? You running into a burning building for me was bad enough.”

“I would do it again-”

“That is the problem!” she growls, jerking her arm from him and clicking her tongue twice.

Dovah trots forward. She knows Castle is at her back, following her home. 

“Ms. Beckett, Mr. Castle,” the doorman greets, confirming her suspicion.

The elevator doors slide closed, trapping the two of them in the lift, Dovah sitting patiently between them.

“You have a brilliant daughter, a wonderful mother, and amazing talent, Castle. All I gave you,” she murmurs, reaching forward, taking those beautiful hands in hers, cradling the scorched skin, the uneven patches of flesh. He ran into a burning building for her when Scott Dunn set her apartment aflame, he picked through searing debris to pull her charred body from the ashes. The door that landed on her actually shielded her from the worst of the fire, but his hands are covered in second and third degree burns that will take years to fully heal. “Is pain.”

“Wounds heal, Kate.”

“You lost feeling you’ll never get back in some areas,” she whispers, her thumb skirting along the edge of his wrist, the outer bone of his index finger - spots she’s memorized. “You can barely write.”

“You think I didn’t know the risks?” He draws his hands back from hers. “We’ve had this conversation, you’re just too damn stubborn to listen.” His hands touch her cheeks, palms cradling her jaw. “I wanted you more.”

The elevator chimes and she steps out of his grasp, taking the well-memorized path to her apartment, snagging the keys from inside her coat.

“So is that it?” he questions at her back, voice raising. She walks in, leaves the door open, and unhooks Dovah from the leash. “We spend months together, healing, being… happy and you just - you get scared and we’re done?”

Kate shrugs the coat from her shoulders, tosses it on the couch. She doesn’t want to think about the months that followed the explosion - the months spent in the loft with him and his family once they were both released from the hospital. Agent Shaw successfully arrested Scott Dunn, but she could barely find the will to care, to feel any sort of victory. 

The doctors told her she was blind - temporary or permanent, it was too soon to know, but the blunt force trauma from the blast had her head slamming hard against the floor, a random piece of furniture, a wall - no one knew - and she woke up unable to see. The last thing she remembers is a blurry image of Castle, stripping off his coat and wrapping her battered body in his arms, carrying her to safety. 

The first month was nothing but grief for her. Grieving her sight and the domino effect of loss that came with it - her career, her apartment, her… her purpose, her mom’s murder. All of it was out of reach now, gone. 

Castle was the only thing to remain in the darkness. 

He snuck into her hospital room every night, listening intently to her confess her fears, her anger, her pain. The first time he crawled into the hospital bed beside her, she let him hold her, bandaged hands at her back. 

“I’m never going to see you again,” she rasped into his throat, tears finally falling. “Castle, I can’t see you.”

She buried sobs into his neck, fell asleep against his chest. 

He didn’t let her argue about where she would stay once they were released. They moved what little possessions she still owned into his bedroom. He refused to make her walk upstairs until she was more familiar with her surroundings and her blindness. She refused to let him stay in the guest room.

Their routine from the hospital carried on into the new normal of her life. They would spend mornings in the same buildings, in different areas of burn units and physical therapy clinics, and then he would take her on a walk through the calmer parts of the city - his favorite parks, the length of the High Line, along the Hudson on the west side of Manhattan. He couldn’t hold her hand, so she gripped tightly to the arm of his sweater, trusting him with her life as he led her through a city she once thought she could navigate with her eyes closed. They would return to the loft eventually, the two of them figuring out how to make dinner together (“I’m literally blind and you can’t use your hands, this will be great,” she muttered the first time, making him choke on a laugh) and spending evenings with his mother and daughter. 

Alexis threw herself into learning braille, rushing in after school and meeting Kate in the dining room with a stack of books tucked under her arms. Together, they would pour over materials, memorizing a new alphabet, talking through the hardest parts.

She still misses her study partner. 

At the end of the night, Rick would touch her shoulder and lead her to his bedroom. She would shower and he would wait outside the bathroom to ensure she maneuvered through the process safely. Once dressed, she would help cover his fingers in the cooling, antibiotic salve the doctors prescribed him. 

“They’re feeling a little better,” she would examine, the varying terrains of his skin like a map to her fingers. The broken skin and cracked flesh ranged from the tips of multiple fingers to the edges of his wrists, luckily going no further. The doctor had personally promised her that Castle would heal fine, but the assurances failed to assuage her guilt. 

“They’re looking better each day,” he would confirm, gingerly sweeping his thumb along hers. “They definitely hurt less.”

After wrapping his hands, washing hers, she would crawl into bed beside him, sinking into the warmth of his mattress and the safety of his body next to hers. 

The routine instilled a level of trust in him she never thought she was capable of, but he proved worthy of it. No longer was he the playboy wannabe she had begun to doubt was an act all along; instead, she was met with a man who would stay up all night with her when she couldn’t sleep, who swore to her with fierce reassurance that she would be okay, that she would reclaim her life, and that he would be there for her every step of the way. 

He was the man who - exactly a month after the accident - got her a dog straight out of the best academy of guide dogs for the blind that he could find. 

“Her name is Dovah. She’s eighteen months old, a german shepherd mix, has bright blue eyes, brown and white fur, and she’s very happy to meet you,” he murmured, barely contained joy in his voice as she listened to him set the dog on the bed with her that morning. 

Kate reached out hesitantly and immediately felt the dog’s head come up under her palm. 

“Her handlers said she was strong, dedicated, and extremely protective. Reminded me of you.”

The smile had tugged on her lips and they had spent the morning practicing commands with a dog that became a lifeline for her. 

Castle helped her find her new apartment shortly after, swearing it was exactly her style, and enjoying every moment of helping her shop for and furnish the place. 

“It’ll be weird without you,” she confessed to him that first night she moved into the new building in Tribeca. 

They were standing together in a bedroom she couldn’t see, but apparently, he had outfitted her bed with purple sheets and put pictures of her parents on the nightstand. Her appliances were all fitted with braille instruction, Dovah was set up in the living room, Alexis had even made her a map to be sure she wouldn’t get lost in the new place - she had everything she could need. 

He reached for her hand with still healing fingers, drew hers to his cheek so she could “see” his expression while he spoke. 

“I’m just a phone call away. Less than ten minutes from here, five if I make a run for it,” he promised her, but her fingers trailed along his cheek, traveling the planes of his face. 

Her thumb skimmed the paper thin skin beneath his eyes, following the soft wrinkles expanding from the edge of his lashes to his temple. 

“What if I don’t want you to go?”

His breath was uneven, but he kissed her palm. “Then I won’t.”

Her fingers curled, as if she could trap his kiss there. But instead, she lowered them to his chin, steadied her hand there as she stepped closer. 

“Castle?”

His hands were touching her waist, steadying her, guiding her near. “Yes?”

She tipped her head up, pretended she could still see the ocean blue of his eyes on her. Their noses bumped, the heat of his breath skittering across her lips, and she lowered her fingers to his neck, felt the race of his pulse beneath the skin. 

“Will you kiss me?” 

It took only a moment for him to close the distance, kissing her gentle and slow and wonderful. She learned then that when Richard Castle kissed her, she could see the stars again. 

She hummed into his kiss, gently shut the bedroom door so not to startle Dovah, already dozing on her new couch. 

“Stay.” His mouth curved into a smile against hers. “Stay with me, Rick.”

“Yes,” he whispered, pressing her into the new bed. 

For months more, she forgot to feel afraid. She let herself enjoy the days leading up to the summer, let herself exist in the bubble of her new life with Castle and Dovah and his family. 

Until he told her he loved her, lying in his bed on a Tuesday night after a game of special braille scrabble with his daughter and a long shower together in his bathroom.

“I love you,” he murmured in the quiet of the night, the scars of his hands scraping along her cheekbone. The returning words were already swollen in her throat, how much she loved him back, but… all she could see behind her eyes was how much Castle loved her. What he did for those he loved.

Bursting into burning buildings, ruining his body, turning his life upside down. All for her. 

She couldn’t say it back, so she kissed him, hoped he felt it, hoped he knew. Because the next day, she took Dovah, went home, and asked him for space. 

“If it’s because of what I said-”

“No,” she told him over the phone, her face buried in her pillow, Dovah curled into her chest as if she could keep Kate’s heart from further fracturing. “No, Castle. I just - we’ve been through a lot these last few months and I need some time.”

“Okay, how much time?”

“I don’t know, I’ll - I’ll call you,” she lied, fisting her fingers in Dovah’s thick fur. 

She didn’t call. She forced herself not to call and she hated herself for it, for how much she knew it had to hurt. But he didn’t deserve the life she could give him, the sad world of leading around a blind woman who would always be mourning the past. 

She didn’t call because she loved him back, and she wanted better for him. 

The press of his chest at her back jerks her to the present. His palms are warm over her shoulders, his hips a bracket around hers, and she can’t help it, she leans into him.

“I miss you, Kate,” he mumbles into her hair. “My kid misses you, my mother. I’ve missed you so much the last three months. Just tell me how to fix whatever I did-”

“No,” she rasps, digging the heel of her hand into one of her useless eyes. “Rick, it isn’t you. It was never you. I’m damaged goods and I wanted more for you. I want to be more-”

“What are you talking about?” She’s shaking, her chest quivering with tears she’s been holding in for months. His arms are around her now, holding her together, and she scrambles to find his hands, to layer her palms over his scarred knuckles. “What the hell are you talking about and why weren’t we talking about this sooner? Why did you disappear on me?”

“Because I love you too,” she chokes out, shifting in his arms to face him, to lift trembling hands to his face, feel the downturned curve of his mouth, the ache in his eyes that radiates to his cheeks. “I love you and it scares me. It scares me to love someone like this, to let you love me, to - to risk losing it all. And god, Castle, I just - I didn’t want you stuck with me. I didn’t want you to think you had to love me because I’m so - so broken-”

His lips quiet her, sealing over her words and stealing her breath. Kate groans, fanning her fingers at his cheek to feel the work of his jaw, fisting her other hand in the worn fabric of a flannel she’s felt before. Her back bumps into the door and then her world is nothing but the sensation of Castle kissing her again, his body flush with hers, hands in her hair, angling her face upwards so he can kiss her deeper. 

“You are not broken,” he growls into her mouth, nipping on her bottom lip. “You are the same woman I knew before the explosion. You are strong, you are caring, and you are hot.”

Her lips crack into a watery smile beneath his. 

“And everything in between, Kate Beckett. You are everything I want. Always have been. Living together, healing together - it just made me fall in love with you faster,” he murmurs, dusting his lips to the corner of her mouth, the bone of her cheek, the lid of a closed eye. “But don’t think for a second that we wouldn’t have ended up here sooner or later, no matter what.”

His forehead drops against hers. 

“God, you’re so damn stubborn and I am so angry with you right now,” he mutters into her cheek, the words vibrating against her skin. “Why didn’t you tell me any of this earlier?”

“I panicked,” she admits, caressing the lines of his jaw with exploratory fingertips, the frown on his lips, the crease of his brow. “I thought - I was scared and I wanted to be selfless. I figured you would see how much I took from your life once I was gone.”

“Stupid,” he corrects, earning a huff, but he only nuzzles closer to her. “Stupid sometimes, but still extraordinary. That never changed, Kate.”

She cranes her neck, finds the corner of his mouth with her lips. “I’m so sorry, Castle.” He turns into the kiss, lets her have the work of his mouth for a long moment before he bumps his nose against hers. “I understand if you need time to-”

“No,” he gruffs, fingers bruising against her hips. “I gave you time, space. No more.”

She sighs, trails her fingers down his throat, caressing collarbones. 

“No,” she agrees, staining another apology along his chin. “I don’t want any more space either. I just want you.”

His arms wrap around her, damaged hands splaying firm at her spine. 

“Come back home,” he mumbles into her lips. “I’m not asking you to move in yet, just come watch movies on my couch, play scrabble with my kid, share my bed with me three to four nights a week.”

A quiet laugh echoes between them, she ignores the little flip of her heart at his yet, and nods. 

“Yes, but can we… can I have you to myself tonight, Castle?” she whispers, feeling his adam’s apple bob beneath the flutter of her fingertips. “These last three months… I ruined our summer and I want to make it up to you, but I want to talk this through. I need to be better about talking.”

Rick’s lips brush the skin between her brows, a pleased little quirk of his mouth against her skin. “Of course. Let me just text Alexis, let her know what’s going on so she doesn’t worry.”

“If she’s not okay with it-”

“She missed you, Kate, was a little confused and disappointed when you stopped seeing me, but I don’t think she’s upset with you,” he reassures her.

“I’ll talk to her tomorrow, take her for coffee or something,” she murmurs aloud, chewing on her bottom lip.

“I’m sure she’ll love that.”

“I’ll bring Dovah, I know that’s who you guys really missed.”

She hears the click of her dog’s nails on the hardwood floor across the room, likely coming in from the kitchen that houses her food and water bowls. 

“I mean, she was certainly an added benefit to your presence,” Castle sighs, drawing her from the door, fingers sliding down her arms to find her hands. 

She laces her fingers through his. 

“Where are we going?” she asks, even though she already has an idea.

“To your room, to talk, maybe do some packing,” he chirps, guiding her along after him, but she can hear the grin in his voice, the mischief that lies there. 

“That all?”

“Well, if we can squeeze it in, I was planning on showing you how much I missed you, maybe punishing you a little bit for making me miss you that much for the whole summer,” he muses, one of his arms jerking with what she assumes is a shrug. “But only if we have the time. It’s still early, there’s always tonight.”

“No,” she murmurs, covering the space between them when he slows. Her chest touches his and she swears she can feel the acceleration of his heart against hers. “We have longer.”

[madcatlad]

I doubt Jesson intended it but... why do I keep running into this really heavy theme throughout mcd.

Hear me out:

Children turning out to be monsters despite their parents efforts.

Let's start of with the obvious red flags

Zenix.

It is implied that he was very young when he was taken in by Garroth. It is also said outright that he was a shadowknight even before that. The dark implication of this is that Zenix became a shadowknight at a young age (children becoming shadowknights is rarely mentioned within mcd, it notably is only implied with Zenix, and Alexis.) Garroth took Zenix under his wing, so much so the kid was literally described as like a son to Garroth. But despite his efforts Zenix betrayed Phoenix Drop. The way they address this issue stands out to me as multiple characters seem to describe Zenix as "already gone" from his arrival to Phoenix Drop. Even Laurence. Now one could chalk this up to Jess being unable or unwilling to truly address Zenix as a tragic character, and simply paint him as the conniving villain the series needed at the time (before Zane). And i think there is some truth to that. However the fact that Zenix' motives have remained notably undefined and his actions seem to contradict from what we are told about him so insistently. Even for Jessica this is a clear sign that something is up. "Already gone"... because my writer brain loves parallels I automatically connected it to (again) the only place that this idea is brought up in the series: Zane.

Zane.

Zane in mcd is evil, his motives also seem a little unclear at times, but this is because he characterized to be power hungry, unpredictable, and- undeniably evil. But was it always this way? Zane would prefer to watch the world burn than rule it. He seems to just hate people, so what terrible event caused such a terrible person? Nothing apparently. As said by Zianna, he was "always that way".

Zenix' "Already Gone" hits far too close to Zane's "Always That Way" for me. And the parallels don't end there, Zenix and Zane mirror one another in interesting ways. Both have familial-like attachment to Garroth, and their nature/motivation seems to torment and confuse him endlessly. They both became shadowknights (both were chosen by the shadow lord despite being outside of his usual "type" - Zane:At twink, Zenix:A child.) And they both seem to be obsessed with power, yet both have some kind of trauma surrounding people in power (Zane:Garte, Zenix:Implied to have been wronged by a lord in some way.) All this being said I have to point out Zenix and Zane both start with Z. They are the only ones aside from Zoey with a Z starting name, and since they already share so many qualities I can see this being a way for Jess to foreshadow this.

Garroth, like he did with Zenix, he questions what led Zane on his path but Zianna seems to put this idea to rest entirely, and her word is taken as fact. Which is fair the idea isn't too shocking, considering the kind of person Zane was. But the fact that even Garroth thought to question the cause of Zane's nature and is immediately shut down by Zianna, and then it is never mentioned again. It's just to reminiscent to how Garroth compartmentalized Zenix' downfall and never mentioned it again. It's just too close.

Zianna at the end of the day is Zane's mother, which one could argue that she knows him best, however parents can be blind to the trauma that young children might face and the results that this may cause. Important to note is that Zianna is likely a victim. A constant state of fight or flight could absolutely block her from realizing or addressing the effects of prolonged trauma in her children. In her mind she was taking the blunt of the rather, a shield between harm and her children, but as in most cases, and as shown in both Garroth and Vylad this was not the reality, so it would be easy to connected that this would be the same with the middle son, Zane.

But in the misfortune of her situation Zianna did the best that she possibly could. But Zane ended up the way he did anyway. The way that Zianna is characterized in her short time on screen really encapsulates the backbone of this concept. Her guilt, and her grief are so compelling, and the manner in which she rationalize her traumatic experience is very believable... but identifying a child who was raised in a household that actively encouraged cruelty as just "always like that" is very suspicious to me. And the strong thematic intersections aligning between Zenix and Zane makes me believe that there is something going on here.

Brian

Last but not least.

This reveal was unexpected but impactful. It was shocking because of this concept. Despite Molly's best efforts Brian became a traitor anyway.

It came alongside Zenix' in a way which I think is interesting. It was implied that they had some kind of relationship. And they both ended up betraying Phoenix Drop.

I wonder where this guy is now...

But some honorable mentions since this concept is interesting to me. (Most of the arcs were put aside so it is interesting to think where they could have gone considering the circumstances, so I'm connecting it to this mini-theory.)

Season 1, when Baby Alexis was turned into an adult SHADOWKNIGHT! She was returned to normal of course but still... is that a possible destiny for her to be weary of?

Leona. Kiki is so sweet, and a great mom, bit... there is too much mystery and unanswered questions surrounding this child of her's. (Why did Zane even do this?) She is somewhat implied to kinda-but-not-really be Zane's? Regardless of the reality one way or another she is a result of Zane, a pawn in his plot, maybe one that died with him, maybe one that returned with him, we don't know.

Considering this thematic presence throughout MCD I wonder where this would have led in season three. It would be interesting if this heavier side to the series continued. Especially since Aphmau is raising the heir to a destroyer's relic. If this theme is to be believed then where would that lead to in Alina's destiny?

"Minecraft Diaries: Son and Daughters"

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46724815

[imzadi-caskett-huddy]

Hell Hath No Fury (18/?)

Thanks to everyone for their comments on the last chapter! This chapter, and probably the next couple, will deal with the July 4th holiday and the fact that Castle invited everyone to his house for the weekend. I hope the weekend in the Hamptons has a little something for everyone!

As always, I don’t own Castle…

xxxxx

Kate had to admit she was a little nervous when she heard the first chime of the doorbell. It was a big weekend; she was helping Castle play host to their friends that weekend, which to her, felt like it was a statement about their relationship. Sure it was just their friends, so it’s not like it was going to be incredibly difficult, but the fact that she was helping him play host instead of being a guest in his home made her realize how serious their relationship was; he no longer thought of her as just a guest, but as part of his home, his family. It made her think of the future and other times she may be playing host with him at parties with more than just their friends in attendance. She was not the social butterfly he was; yes, she was comfortable with their friends, but would she be as comfortable at a party with a room of people he needed to impress or entertain? She couldn’t help but feel this was a bit of a trial run for their future social endeavors.

On top of that, her father was coming, and it would be the first time he was meeting Martha and Alexis. While she had absolutely no doubt in her mind that her father would hit it off splendidly with Alexis, she was slightly concerned about how he would get along with Martha. While their parents were both wonderful people in their own right, their personalities were more different than hers and Castle’s…and they had clashed massively in the beginning. She knew it was a very real possibility that his mother and her father would in fact not hit it off as she hoped and potentially even rub each other the wrong way at first, which would make not only the weekend awkward, but would also make the rest of her relationship with Castle and holidays spent with their families awkward.

She greeted her dad with a smile when she opened the door. “Hey, Dad!” she hugged him when he stepped inside. “I’m really glad you came.”

Jim didn’t have a chance to reply as Castle came down the stairs and extended his hand. “Jim, thank you for coming,” he grinned.

“Thank you for inviting me,” the older man returned their smiles. “Your house is beautiful, Rick.”

Kate exchanged a smile with her boyfriend. “You haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until you see the view from your bedroom,” she told her father. She turned to Rick then. “Lanie texted me that they should be here soon. I’m going to take my dad to his room, but if they show up while I’m upstairs, just tell them to come up, and I’ll meet them there,” she told him with a smile. His stamina was much better these days…between the physical therapy and all the sex they had

been having, he was almost back to normal. But she wasn’t going to make him go up the stairs when she would already be up there, especially since he’d just come down.

“Yes Ma’am,” he gave her a playful two-finger salute from his brow before leaning in to place a soft kiss to her lips. “I’ll be in the kitchen,” he added.

She nodded and grabbed her dad’s bag, despite his protests, and led him upstairs to his room. It was the same guest room she’d slept in during her first week at the house that felt like a lifetime ago, but in reality, was not even quite 2 months ago. When she opened the door, she let her father enter the room, watching his reaction as he took in the gorgeous view of the ocean from the windows.

“You’re right, Katie…the view is spectacular,” he agreed with her, turning back to her with a smile. “Being out here agrees with you…you look happier than I think I’ve ever seen you,” he added softly. “Although I’m sure the company you have been keeping out here is as helpful as the location,” he chuckled.

Kate did blush slightly, but she couldn’t even begin to hide her smile. “I am happy, Dad,” she admitted to him. She took a deep breath and released it slowly as she turned to look out at the ocean. “Mom would have loved it out here,” she said softly.

“She would have,” Jim nodded. “You know what else she would have loved?” When his daughter shook her head, he smiled. “Rick. She would have loved your writer. And she would have loved seeing how happy you are with him.”

“I wish she could have met him; she loved his books,” she smiled sadly. “Although, she and Castle together would have made you and I miserable…” she laughed at the thought of her mother feeding Castle's already inflated ego, hugging her father tightly and burying her face in him the way she used to when she was little. “I still miss her, Dad…so much…” she murmured.

Jim returned her hug just as tightly. “I do too, Katie…every day,” he told her. “But then I look at you, and I realize she’s still here…the best part of her is still here,” he pulled back slightly to give his daughter a smile. “She’ll always be with us, Katie.” She wiped a few stray tears as she heard the doorbell signaling her friends had arrived. “Go meet your friends. I’ll get settled and come find you in a few minutes so you can introduce me to Martha and Alexis. I can’t wait to meet Castle’s family.”

Kate nodded and wiped at her eyes again to get rid of any stray tears that might still be lingering. “I’ll be in the kitchen with Castle when you’re ready. It’s to the right of where you came in the door,” she instructed him, giving him another smile before exiting the room.

Espo was the first of her friends she spotted coming up the stairs. “Yo, Beckett!” he gave her a

grin, and while usually not a hugger…he was very similar to Beckett in that regard…he set his and Lanie’s bags down and pulled her into one after not seeing or hearing much from her for practically 2 months.

“Hey Espo,” she smiled, returning his hug.

“Beckett!” Ryan said happily, greeting her in the hallway at the top of the stairs next and setting down his and Jenny’s bags to hug her as well.

“Ryan,” she smiled as she hugged him. “Jenny, I’m glad you could come.”

“Well, Rick was kind enough to invite all of us out here to his house. I could hardly say no.”

“Time off agrees with you, Beckett. You looked happy…relaxed even,” Ryan commented.

“Time off isn’t the only thing agreeing with her,” Lanie commented with a smirk, earning an eye roll from Kate.

“You know you could have ridden with us. There was space in the car,” Jenny commented.

Kate smiled, remembering that other than Lanie, the others had no idea she’d been here on and off during her entire suspension. “It’s okay, I wanted a chance to ride my Harley.” That was technically true; she had ridden her bike out here.

“The man is recovering from a bullet to his chest, and you’re trying to give him a heart attack by showing up on your motorcycle?” Espo chuckled.

She laughed softly; Castle’s eyes had just about popped out of his head the first time he’d seen her on the bike. “Castle’s heart is just fine, trust me,” she assured him, which earned a chuckle from Lanie.

“So Castle said since you were already here that you’d be able to tell us which rooms were ours?” Espo asked.

Kate nodded, pointing at two side-by-side rooms close to where they were standing. “Those two. You guys can pick who gets which one, but they’re basically the same, and they both have their own bathroom,” she told them. “I’m going to help Castle finish up in the kitchen, but Alexis and Martha are outside, and my dad will be headed that way soon as well. The door to the back is through the kitchen, which is off to the right from where you came in. Come down whenever you’re ready,” she gave them a smile before disappearing downstairs.

Ryan and Espo exchanged a look as she headed downstairs. “That was…” Ryan started.

“Weird…” Espo finished, looking after her down the stairs. “She was…”

“Domestic…” Ryan crinkled his eyebrows in confusion, looking back down the stairs as well.

The two partners shared a confused look, and shook their heads, each one disappearing into one of the bedrooms Kate had shown them. Jenny smiled slightly and shot Lanie a look, who just gave her a close-lipped smile. It wasn’t her place to tell. The women followed their respective partners into the bedroom to get settled.

xxxxx

Lanie made sure she was the first one downstairs so she could talk to Kate alone. She found her in the kitchen, finishing up a large pitcher of lemonade and handing it off to Castle with a quick kiss. She wasn’t close enough to hear whatever was said, but whatever it was had Kate smiling and swatting his ass playfully as he headed out the back door. “You two are so cute,” Lanie gushed to announce her presence.

Kate rolled her eyes. “We’re not that cute.”

Her friend laughed. “You are. But if you don’t want the boys to figure out you’re together, you two are gonna have to dial it back some. Ryan called you domestic,” she warned her.

“I’m not domestic,” she insisted.

Lanie couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Alright, maybe not domestic but you are definitely comfortable here at Castle’s house…with Castle’s family…playing the doting hostess…” she pointed out. “Just how long have you been staying here?”

She shrugged. “Off and on throughout the week since May.”

Her friend raised her eyebrows. “Sounds like you two are pretty serious.”

Kate shrugged again. “Yes and no.”

“What does that mean?”

“We’re just…enjoying this. We’re not talking about marriage or even moving in together, but I know I’m completely committed to him. I don’t know how else to explain it…our history, everything we’ve been through together has us kind of fast-tracked through a lot of the things most couples deal with early in a relationship. We’re partners at work so it just sort of…comes naturally,” she tried to explain.

“Speaking of work…you two planning on telling the boys or not? I just want to know if I need to continue to watch what I say.”

“Castle and I decided we aren’t telling them. We also aren’t not telling them. We’re both curious how long it’s going to take them to figure it out,” she shrugged.

“Well this should be interesting. Though I’m pretty sure if they catch you guys kissing, they’re going to know.”

Kate shrugged again. “Then they know.” She finished wiping off the counter and gave her friend a smile.

“Katie…I know the house looked huge from the outside, but after walking through it, it’s definitely larger than I thought. No wonder Rick was able to invite all of us,” Jim stated as he entered the kitchen.

She gave a soft laugh. “Dad, you remember Lanie,” she smiled.

“Of course. How could I forget the woman who is able to keep you in line?” he chuckled.

Kate rolled her eyes. “Dad…”

“Nice to see you again Mr. Beckett,” Lanie laughed.

“Jim,” he corrected her with a smile.

“Lanie, you guys come on out whenever and help yourself to anything in the kitchen. Come on Dad. I want to introduce you to Martha and Alexis,” she gestured for him to follow her outside.

xxxxx

Outside there was a table set up on the deck with trays of snack foods like fruits, vegetables and chips, as well as some dips. Also on the table were some cups and the pitcher of lemonade. Next to the table was a large ice chest filled with ice, various sodas, bottles of water, and beer. Kate wasn’t planning to drink any alcohol in deference to her father, but she had made no such request of anyone else.

“Drinks and snacks are here, help yourself to whatever,” she told him as they walked by. She spotted Alexis and Martha on the patio loveseat near the firepit, having a conversation over something in a magazine. Thankfully they both looked up as she approached, and she gave them a smile. “Dad, this is Castle’s daughter, Alexis…and his mother, Martha,” she began introductions. “Alexis, Martha, this is my dad,” she smiled, feeling her nerves again. Please let this go well.

Jim grinned at both women. “I’ve heard so much about you both from Katie. It’s nice to finally meet you,” he extended his hand.

Alexis beamed at the older man as she took his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Beckett. I’m glad you came.”

Martha also gave the man a genuine smile as she took his hand after her granddaughter. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Please, call me Jim.”

Martha nodded. “Jim,” she smiled again. “Katherine is an amazing woman. I couldn’t imagine anyone better for Richard.”

“That she is. I’ll never be able to thank him enough for what he did; she wouldn’t even be here if not for him. I owe you both my gratitude as well, because what he did affected both of you too. If there’s ever anything I can do for either of you, just say the word,” he smiled sincerely. “And I have to say, your son is pretty remarkable to put up with my Katie. I know from experience she can be more than a little difficult at times.”

Kate was blushing at this point. “I’ll just leave you three to get better acquainted…” she shook her head and moved towards the drinks. She grabbed a bottle of water and moved to the grill where Castle was starting on the burgers and hotdogs. “You want me to get you a drink?” she asked, her hand resting against his back as she settled at his side.

“I’m good now,” he smiled. “So our parents are getting along?” he looked over to where Jim, Martha, and Alexis were chatting.

She nodded. “Oh yeah. I left when they were talking about how great we are for each other,” she informed him.

“They’re right. We are pretty great for each other,” he grinned.

“We are,” she kissed his jaw softly. “But I didn’t need to stand there and listen to them talk about us like I wasn’t there,” she laughed.

“Jenny, Lanie, and the boys settle in ok?” he asked.

Kate laughed softly. “Yes. Ryan called me domestic. Just…not to my face. Lanie told me.”

Castle laughed at that, wrapping his arms around her after he used a wipe to clean up his hands.

“You are being a little domestic,” he told her honestly.

She rolled her eyes. “I am not!”

“You are!” he insisted. “You settled everyone into their rooms. You helped me in the kitchen. You’re helping me clean up later since Alfred is already gone for the weekend. Sounds domestic to me.”

She huffed with a small pout. “Ok, you’re allowed to call me domestic because I’m your girlfriend…and maybe I don’t mind being domestic with you,” she told him softly, her fingers toying with his shirt a little as she looked up at him. “But the boys are not allowed to call me domestic.”

“Deal.”

“Deal,” she grinned, stretching up to kiss him slowly. When she felt his hands slide into the back pockets of her jeans shorts, she groaned and pulled back slightly. “Castle…hands…”

“What?” he asked innocently. “Everyone knows we’re together. And the ones who don’t are going to find out anyway.”

“That doesn’t mean I want your hands on my ass in front of our parents. Or your daughter.”

He glanced over to their family members who were too busy talking and laughing to be paying attention to them. “They aren’t even looking at us.”

“No, but we are,” Ryan stated with a huge, smug grin on his face.

“Yeah, Beckett…when did you start letting Castle play grab ass with you?” Espo teased.

“Don't look at me! I told you to dial it back if you didn’t want them to figure it out,” Lanie laughed.

Castle removed his hands from her back pockets and gave the boys a grin. Kate just rolled her eyes and turned to completely face her friends, crossing her arms as she fixed the boys with a stare.

“You know, after you mentioned your dad was here, the thought occurred to me that the math on the guest rooms and those of us needing one didn’t add up. But I guess you aren’t in a guest room, now are you?” Ryan started, his grin growing.

“Just like it makes sense now why you didn’t need to ride out here with us…because you were already here. Judging by how comfortable you are, you’ve been here awhile,” Espo’s grin was

matching his partner’s.

“I don’t know why you thought we wouldn’t figure it out,” Ryan stated.

“Yeah, we’re detectives,” Espo added.

Kate had to bite back her laugh. “Yeah, well you two detectives didn’t figure out anything. Castle just can’t keep his hands to himself. We weren’t trying to hide anything,” she rolled her eyes.

“I do like to touch things,” Castle agreed.

“Dude…too much info…” Espo made a face.

“Seriously, though. It’s about time. We’re happy for you guys,” Ryan smiled.

Espo nodded with a smile. “Yeah.” He turned to Lanie. “You knew?”

“I’m her best friend, of course I knew,” she laughed.

“How long have you two been together?” Espo asked curiously.

Kate smirked smugly. “You’re detectives. Figure it out,” she teased, turning her attention back to Castle and the grill as the boys and Lanie walked back toward where Jenny had joined her father, Martha and Alexis near the firepit. She couldn’t help the giggle that escaped a few minutes later when she heard Espo’s “What? All summer?!” in a high-pitched tone across the lawn.

xxxxx

That evening after dinner, Alexis had insisted that Kate join her friends and her father, that she and Martha would help Castle clean up everything from dinner. They all sat around the firepit, the boys filling Kate in on some cases they’d worked in her absence and what the precinct was like under Captain Gates. Just the mention of the other woman’s name made Kate crinkle her nose. She may have been looking forward to being back to work in a couple of months, but she was not looking forward to working under her new captain.

Jim was the first to excuse himself once the sun had set, heading back inside. It wasn’t long after Jim disappeared that Castle joined them with a few bottles of wine and some glasses. “You guys don’t mind if I steal Beckett for a bit, do you?” he asked them.

“Not as long as you leave the wine,” Lanie answered simply, reaching for a bottle and a glass.

He chuckled and extended his hand to Kate. “Help yourselves.”

Kate took his hand and laced their fingers as she stood. “We’re just going for a walk. Save me some red,” she told her friends with a smile. Her body moved closer to his instinctively as they both slipped their shoes off in the grass and headed toward the beach.

“Did you see the way he looks at her? He’s smitten,” Jenny commented.

Espo looked after them a moment and rolled his eyes. “More like he just wanted to get her alone so he can play grabass some more.”

Lanie swatted him. “Javier Esposito!” she warned.

“He’s just mad he didn’t come up with the idea for a moonlit stroll on the beach,” Ryan chuckled, pouring both himself and Jenny a glass of wine.

“Dude, why would I want to take a moonlit stroll on the beach?” Espo asked, shaking his head. Seeing Lanie’s look, he took a drink of his beer. “I mean, of course I’d love a moonlit stroll on the beach with you, baby,” he tried to cover.

The sound of Castle and Beckett’s laughter echoed across the beach. The group of four saw her take off running, only for Castle to chase after her. Her playful shriek as he picked her up and spun her around after catching her followed by more laughter echoed back to them.

“He’s not the only one who’s smitten,” Lanie commented with a smile. "Our girl is head over heels for Writer Boy."

xxxxx

Back on the deck at the house, Jim stood with his cup of coffee watching the scene on the beach between his daughter and her writer. He couldn’t help but smile when he heard her laughter.

“You know, they walk on the beach almost every night she’s here,” Martha commented as she came to stand beside him at the railing. “Even with a house this size, with me and Alexis here, they don’t have as much time alone together as I’m sure they’d like. So every night after dinner, weather permitting, they walk along the beach. It’s their own private time together at the end of the day.”

“They did something similar at the cabin last week. At least after they made up from their argument,” Jim chuckled. “It's good that they take time for each other. He’s really good for her. I haven’t seen her this happy since before her mother died.”

She smiled and rested her forearms on the railing as she watched the two lovers walking hand

in hand along the beach, seemingly in serious conversation. “Katherine is good for him too. And I see how much she loves him.”

He watched as the two stopped walking in the distance and shared a slow, tender kiss. “I see the way he looks at her, like she’s the only woman in the world. He really loves her, too,” he smiled. “So, I guess the question is,” he started, turning toward Martha, “how long do you think it will be before they’re planning the wedding?”

Martha chuckled at that, patting Jim’s arm lightly. “Hopefully it doesn’t take them another 3 years to get that far,” she answered before heading back inside.

xxxxx

I hope you all liked that chapter! I look forward to any comments you all may have!

[starlitangels]

Last Night of Tour

Literally everyone and their mom has done a rockstar/band AU for Redacted characters... but it's my turn now 4.0k words

—

Lovely

The house lights dimmed. From our spots right up against the stage, Tank passed me a pair of earplugs. I twisted them up and put them in my ears. Tank did the same.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and assorted honorable persons, please welcome to our stage here tonight:

“The House of Solaire!” the announcer’s voice boomed over the excessive amount of loudspeakers and the crowd went absolutely wild.

With the earplugs in, everything was tolerably loud, but not earsplittingly so.

The band ran out onto the stage. Vincent at the front, as always. And the screaming and cheering rose to an absolute breaking point. I was more grateful than ever for my earplugs. I cheered and whooped along with everyone else.

Vincent took his place at the front center of the stage. Lead vocalist. Keyboard. Front man.

Tank shouted beside me as Sam followed, going to the back center and carefully sitting on his stool behind his drum set with the band logo on the large bass drum. He picked up his drumsticks and twirled one in the fingers of each hand.

Alexis jogged out next to only slightly-less uproarious applause. She went the farthest across the stage and scooped up her electric guitar, slinging its leather strap with an embroidered red rose over her head and under one arm. She hit a test power chord and everyone in the crowd went nuts.

Frederick slipped out after her, walking instead of running or jogging. The crowd was still going wild even though he wasn’t looking them in the eye. His partner stood on Tank’s other side, earplugs in and staring at him intently, but not screaming or anything. He carefully slid his bass guitar strap on and took up his position.

Vincent yanked his microphone off its stand. Solid rose-gold. “Gooooood evening Dahliaaaaa!” He beamed broadly while the screaming got even higher pitched. “We are The House of Solaire and we thank you for such a big—warm—welcooome!”

More screaming.

Tank nudged me with their elbow. “Your man knows how to put on a show!” Their shout was nearly drowned out but I could see most of it on their lips. We were used to this by now.

I smiled wide and nodded.

Vincent snapped his fingers to a rhythm while looking over his shoulder at Sam. Sam clacked his drumsticks together, matching it.

He hit his drums, getting started. Alexis struck her first chord.

The crowd lost it with recognition. You Mentioned a Blackout was the single that really put them on the map, as it were, and was still one of their most popular songs ever.

Vincent had written it not long before we officially got together, but he wrote it because of me. He’d written it while I was unconscious and asked sheepishly if he could play it for me when I woke up. The sheet music was covered in the frenzied work of inspiration desperately trying not to be lost—and a few water stains of tears. No matter how many times I told him it wasn’t his fault, he never listened.

He held eye contact with me the entire time he swapped between working the crowd and playing the keyboard. Smiling and giving me a dramatic wink.

"I told you once and I meant it— "If you touch what's mine again— "You won't have time to regret it—"

The crowd sang along to the chorus, bouncing to the beat Sam was hammering out. Tank, Frederick's partner, and myself included.

Vincent strode out from the main stage and onto the jetty that jutted into the crowd, high-fiving reaching fans as he passed them, bent low and still singing.

On his strut back to the main stage, he paused during Alexis' solo long enough to fall to his knees, reach down for me, pull me up enough to plant a kiss on my face—to a swell of screaming cheers—and get back to the main stage.

When the song came to a nearly-explosive close, the crowd cheered.

Vincent whipped his glossy blue-black curls off his forehead, beaming. "Man, it is good to be home!" he said into his mic. Everyone whooped. "How's everybody doin' tonight?" More raucous cheering. Vincent raked a hand through his hair to get it out of his face. His white V-neck T-shirt was almost obscenely thin and would get replaced by a tank top at intermission. It was loose around his torso but clung tight across his shoulders.

Damn it looked good on him.

"I'd introduce that last song, but I think you folks already know it," he remarked. "Y'know. That song gets a good reaction everywhere else, but nowhere near as excited as it gets here in Dahlia." He chuckled as several excited whoops went over the crowd. "We've got a pretty special show for you all tonight. It's the last night of our Surge album tour and—" He paused while the crowd screamed. "—and we've got some very special guests tonight. But before we get into that, how about Fangs After Dark?"

The crowd lost their minds.

Sam clacked his drumsticks together again, looking at Frederick, before hitting the bass drum with his pedal. Vincent pounded his long, slender fingers into the keys of his keyboard.

Several songs came and went. The three of us knew them all by heart. We heard them all the time. So did the crowd, apparently. A local band making it big on the rock-and-roll scene was certainly something to celebrate in a college town like Dahlia.

Toward the intermission, Vincent picked up a little hand-towel from his keyboard stand and wiped the sweat off his forehead and neck. "Alright, alright, alright!" he said into his microphone. "Before we do our last song before the break, how 'bout a little intro for the band that needs—no—introduction?"

Screaming again.

Vincent chuckled. "House of Solaire. A little diddy, if you will."

Sam started gently tapping out a beat on his bass and snare drum, adding little cymbal flourishes. Alexis and Frederick kept rhythm on their instruments, Alexis improvising a melody.

"Over here on bass guitar, we have Frederick Collins! Give it up for Freddie!" Vincent announced.

Cheering went up across the stadium.

"And back in the back doin' his thing, we've got the best damn drummer in the world—Sam Collins!"

The audience went absolutely nuts. Sam actually smiled. Tank put their fingers in their mouth and let off several earsplitting whistles. Sam glanced at them and rolled his eyes affectionately, but we were close enough for me to catch his wink, so Tank definitely did too.

"And on my left we have my big sister. The most talented electric guitarist in Dahlia—no, in all of California itself—Alexis Solaire!"

The reaction wasn't quite as loud as Sam's reception, but Sam had always been one of the fanbase's favorite band members. Tank knew it too, and tended to be a little defensive of him.

Vincent let the screaming die down. "And last but not least, we have myself on lead vocals and the keys. My name is Vincent Solaire and I am proud to present The House of Solaire and our new album Surge to y'all tonight!" Even with all the loudspeakers, the end of his sentence was barely audible over the absolute bedlam of noise that erupted from the audience.

Vincent smiled. "Before we go to intermission, I give you a song I wrote for the love of my life." He glanced down at me and grinned. "Everybody give it up for Electric Soul!"

Another popular one that they'd released about a year ago.

The crowd went wild.

—

When the band came back on stage after the intermission, T-shirts and flannels had been exchanged for tank tops. They'd cleaned up and dried some of the sweat off a bit. The audience cheered.

Vincent didn't say anything to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Just looked back at Sam and smiled.

Sam clacked his rhythm signal and Alexis hit a power chord right in beat. A song Sam had written for Tank. Vincent still sang and led it but the lyrics had been a bit of a love letter. A very rock-and-roll love letter. Which I thought suited the two of them perfectly.

"Hold me tight and kiss me— "Before we damn near bleed out— "Darlin', don't you dare miss me— "I love you too much to see you pout—"

I watched Sam keep his gaze steadily on Tank the whole song. He always did when they performed this song and Tank was in the audience.

When the song ended, Vincent clapped along with everyone. "That, uh, that one was Before We Bleed," he said. He let the cheering swell and die down. He had a good instinct for it and always seemed smooth, not awkward while waiting for the crowd to calm. "So. Who here are fans of Milo and the Wolves?"

A fair portion of cheers rose over the crowd. Not as loud as the rest of the night had been, but still loud, even through the earplugs.

Vincent nodded, pacing back and forth across the main stage. "Oh good. I'd hoped so. Very good friends of ours. Yup. Very good friends." He smirked. The jumbotron behind us caught it, and so did the screens on either side of the stage. "We have one of their former members here tonight. And they're gonna do a song with us," he continued.

More cheers.

Tank was unbuttoning the flannel they'd stolen from Sam.

"You didn't tell me!" I shouted.

They gave me a cheeky wink.

"Everybody give it up for Tankerrrrr!" Vincent called into his mic.

Tank shoved the flannel into my hands and leapt up onto the stage with a single bound in just their tank top, skinny jeans, and combat boots. They gave Vincent a side-arm hug as they passed him, ran off stage, and came back a single second later carrying their guitar, extended above their head in victory while the crowd cheered.

They slung the guitar strap on, took up a mark right next to Vincent, and flicked a guitar pick into their fingers from seemingly nowhere—but I knew it came from a special little pocket in the thick leather cuff bracelet they wore on their left wrist. They twiddled a knob on their guitar. One I knew meant they were turning up the gain for the real hard rock sound, compared to the more alternative style of The House of Solaire.

Not even waiting for Sam to count them off or Vincent to introduce what song they were doing, Tank slammed into an intro.

Frederick's partner and I screamed in support for our friend while the crowd joined in with us.

The song Tank played was a Milo and the Wolves song that Tank had written years ago called Tougher Than You, and their original band had been more than happy to give The House of Solaire permission to play a cover for a concert.

Vincent's voice was fundamentally much different from Milo's—the lead vocalist, obviously—but Vincent delivered a sincere cover that showed he'd put work into nailing the spirit of the song.

"If you hit me down, I'll hit you too— "Try to put me down— "But I don't lose— "Baby, don't you know— "I'm tougher than you!"

Tank sang the harmony with Vincent into the black mic on a stand that had been placed there over intermission, lifting their strumming hand off their guitar for just a moment to grab at the mic and hold it close to their mouth, letting their rich, sultry voice fill the loudspeakers.

I craned my neck to see Sam past his drum set.

Gazing, as I expected, with absolute, utter desire at Tank. Probably only keeping the rhythm on muscle memory alone. The tattoos covering both his arms shone with sweat.

I snickered, the sound completely drowned out by the stadium. Sam was entirely taken with Tank and he deserved it. I always thought they were cute together.

Tank struck back against their strings hard, backing a step away from the mic so when they bent in half in a headbang as they resumed their solo, they wouldn't smack their head on it. The crowd was jumping along hard, too.

When they ended, they gave Vincent a side-arm hug, ran their guitar off-stage, and gave Sam a long, dramatic kiss before rushing back toward me and leaping off the stage. Sam's ears were bright red as I handed Tank back the flannel and they put it back on. I threw my arms around them. "That was amazing!" I shouted.

They smiled. "Thanks," they said loudly. "Been a long time since I played in front of a crowd this big! Felt good! Felt... normal."

"Everybody give it up for Tanker!" Vincent called again.

The crowd cheered.

—

Darlin'

The stadium was finally cleared. The house lights had come on a long time ago and the stadium staff was cleaning up. Mopping up sticky, spilled soda and alcohol from the concrete floor, sweeping popcorn and discarded wrappers.

Vincent had taken his keyboard into his dressing room. I heard him singing Faithfully by Journey to his partner as I walked past. "O-oh you stand... byyy me—I'm forever yooouuurs—faithfully..."

Sap.

Just off-stage, my electric guitar was sitting up on a stand, its gig bag case haphazardly discarded not far away. I scooped up the gig bag and sat cross-legged in front of the guitar. "Hey beautiful," I said softly to it, digging into the gig bag's front pocket for an old cloth with some polisher stains on it. I pulled the guitar off the stand and into my lap, wiping at its amber-gold body and polished wooden head, including the tuning pegs. Giving it a little bit of a shine and clean-up.

"You take better care-a that thing than you do yourself, darlin'," a voice remarked. With a familiar Southern drawl.

I smiled and looked up.

Sam stood there, leaning slightly on a pair of enormous stacked amps, a set of drumsticks poking out of his back pocket, arms folded over his chest. In the light from the house and the regular lights of the stage, the tattoos all down both of his arms glistened just slightly where his tank top left them exposed. His hair was still a little disheveled from the performance.

It was a very hot look on him.

"People always tell us to take better care of our babies than we do ourselves, right?" I asked, finishing the last bit of wiping up and gently tucking my guitar into the gig bag, zipping it up.

A member of the tech crew that had been moving equipment backstage approached, holding her hands out for the guitar bag. I hesitated for just a moment before passing it over. I trusted The House of Solaire's usual crew. I was just protective of my guitar.

The tech shuffled off with it.

I spun to face Sam again. "So. Last night of tour. How's it feel to be done and free for the next couple months?"

Sam shrugged. "Ready to take some time to relax—but you know me. I'll get restless fast."

I approached him and hooked my fingers around the belt loops of his jeans, pulling him close to me. "I can help with that," I whispered, leaning close to his ear.

He chuckled low in his throat. "Well, I look forward to that," he said, voice low and soft, turning his head to kiss behind my ear. Goosebumps rose all the way down my spine. I shuddered a little bit. His hands wrapped around me and he held me close. I held onto him too.

Vincent still singing Journey to his partner was barely audible over the sounds of the stage and house crews packing and cleaning.

Sam rested his chin on my shoulder and looked around. "How'd you ever give this life up, darlin'?" he asked. "I don't think I can."

I smiled and sighed out my nose. "I needed a break, at least. After the break-up and Nomadic's PR people doing their damnedest to throw me under the bus and try to ruin my image... stepping off the stage was the easiest choice I'd made in a long time. David, Milo, and Ash all understood, and Ash had been wanting to try to take up lead guitar for a while anyway. So after they found Christian to take up bass guitar, Iii... left."

"Ever think you'll rejoin?"

I snorted. "I'd love to, on one hand. On the other... it'd mean even less time with you. Being back on tour at different times... or even the same time... I wouldn't be able to take a weekend and fly to wherever you're playing to see you."

Sam massaged his fingers into my hips. "Guess you have a point," he said.

I hummed, letting go of his hips to run my hands up his arms, tracing the lines of his tattoos as I passed them. "You know, I swore off dating rockstars after things with Quinn fell apart," I remarked.

Sam kissed my neck. "What changed?"

I sucked in a shuddering breath. "I met you," I replied.

He smiled against my skin. "That a good thing?"

I snickered. "A very good thing, smart mouth."

"Mm... then why don't you do somethin' about this smart mouth of mine, darlin'?"

I kissed his neck, feeling the way he relaxed under the contact. "Oh I plan to," I replied.

—

Lovely

"Y'know, it's kinda funny to me," I began, watching Vincent lean over the counter of the vanity station in the dressing room.

"What is?"

"You take off all those piercings and put on a nerdy T-shirt and normal jeans and no one recognizes you out in public," I said.

Vincent removed the earring from the helix of his left ear. The only one he ever left in between shows was the industrial on his right. He spun around to face me, leaning back against the counter. "That's part of cultivating a public persona. People expect the tight, plain T-shirt with the V-neck and the black skinny jeans and big boots. The dozen piercings. The rockstar eyeliner. No one recognizes... just some guy in a T-shirt with I Am Groot plastered across the chest. Put me in a grocery store and I'm just a taller-than-average nerd. No rockstar to be seen."

I scoffed. "No. You're not just some guy. You'd still be waaay hotter than everyone else in that grocery store."

Vincent laughed and held his arms out for me. I hugged him. "I think you're a little biased, lovely," he whispered.

"Oh definitely," I said.

His hands slipped under my shirt. And hesitated, as always, over the scar across my back.

He wrote You Mentioned a Blackout after a former lighting tech of the band's had been making jokes about The House of Solaire's lighting rig being enough to cause power outages in the smaller cities they played in. That lighting tech—Adam—had been making more of those jokes while Vincent was showing me around a venue before we were officially together. Just flirting. Adam had, apparently, been watching me intently while working. Tried to flirt with me after. When I turned him down, he had "accidentally" dropped a small light fixture he'd been setting up over the stage. It glanced off my shoulder on its way down and knocked me forward. It had already been attached to live wiring and the electrocution and strike knocked me out.

Needless to say Adam got fired after the incident. But the scar of the electricity and the light fixture remained—and Vincent was always hesitant to touch them. He'd been wracked with guilt when I woke up in the hospital. Made it his personal mission to take care of me while I recovered. Put a tour on hold before it even really started—their tours always started and ended in Dahlia—to make sure I got better.

And along the way, our feelings deepened and we fell properly in love. We'd been together ever since.

I knew Vincent still felt guilty about the "accident" but I tried not to let him dwell on it much. Including pushing him past his hesitance to touch the scar it left behind, almost three years later.

I kissed him. "Excited for the after party tomorrow?"

"I will be if I get enough sleep," he replied. "I love touring but, God, it leaves me exhausted."

"I know, baby. But you get a couple months off now. To rest and relax and recharge. Then you can get started on your new album."

He snorted. "Lovely, you know I wrote nine songs while on this last tour, right?"

"Wait, really?"

"Hours upon hours on a bus between cities? Yeah. Plenty of time."

"What'd you write?"

"Mostly yearning for you. A few love letters to the places we visited. None of them are at a stage that they actually fit our usual style but I just... I don't know. I can't not write new songs. Taking a couple months off just means I'll keep writing more songs. Alexis and Sam probably will too. Just not as many as me. But it'll be a passion project at that point. Then maybe later get to be an album."

"You're adorable," I said.

Vincent smiled. "I'll play them all for your while we're home."

"You'd better." I pressed another kiss to his mouth.

He deepened it immediately. "Oh God, I missed you baby," he whispered. "Doesn't matter how many weekend shows you flew out to see. I miss just being with you all the time."

"Me too."

—

Darlin'

I really had to hand it to Sam on his foresight. The stool of his drum set was sturdy and steady. Able to bear the weight of two people.

The crew usually saved the stage itself for last to clear, so we had plenty of time to sit on his drum stool—me straddling his lap—and make out. His hands, warm and callused, were just barely under the hem of my shirt on my bare skin. We were passionate, sure, but not exhibitionists. And the house staff was still cleaning the stadium seating area. We were mostly blocked from sight by the drum set, but better not to go too hard while there were still eyes on us.

Still, he was warm beneath me and his hands on me were heaven. I ran my hands down his back and slowly extracted his drumsticks from his back pocket. The muscles in his back relaxed more immediately.

"How's this for doing something about your smart mouth?" I whispered.

He chuckled. "Ohhh... I think it's just right, darlin'." He kissed me harder. "So. Next tour, gonna play with us at more concerts?"

"Mmm... maybe. Vincent and William haven't officially offered yet." I ran my hands over his hair. "But if you're just asking me to go on your tour with you... I can probably arrange that."

Sam dug his fingers into the skin on either side of my spine. "We've got a while before that happens. But I'd love it if you could join us. Hell, maybe Vincent and Fred can bring their partners too. Maybe it would make the band less sick-a each other by the time we're done."

I snickered. "Maybe," I agreed. I kissed him deeply again. "We'll see, cowboy." I pressed more kisses to his cheeks and forehead. "Now kiss me like you mean it and let's celebrate the end of this tour, yeah?"

"Hell yeah, darlin'." He rocked against me and met me in a kiss that I returned enthusiastically. I threaded my fingers into his hair and tugged on it, making him moan into my mouth while I stuck my tongue in his. His body was so much more relaxed when we were like this. Loose, wild, carefree.

I loved every second of it.

And, judging by how he was moving, he did too.

—

Tag list: @zozo-01 @shellssstuff @thegoldenlittlerose @darlin-collins

[1waveshortofashipwreck]

I told you i was gonna be here

Names Alexi, He/Him, INFP-T, love languages are physical affection and words of affirmation, my hobbies include: writing (actually trying to now), drawing, and playing the saxophone, some of my goals are to get into college to become a teacher, some my interests are history, animals and dinosaurs, what i look for in a partner is someone who is funny, can keep up with my chaos and just an all around fun time, but they understand my issues that i deal with (specifically my anger and my self-esteem), and smth that can be taken accounted for, i'm 5'5, and you can use any of the guys idk rlly care, hope this makes sense

Aaaaaaa thank you so much for the ship request Alexi!!!!! You’re amazing 🥺❤️💖 (Also thank you so much for your patience lol)

So this one came to me surprisingly quick but honestly it just fits!!

I ship you with….

Don Malarkey!!

A song from my Liked Songs that reminds me of y’all - Best Day of My Life by American Authors

How y’all met

So picture this - it’s Don and Alton in the motorcycle, living their best lives

You’re walking home from the store just vibing and daydreaming

Until ZOOOM they almost hit you and you get knocked on your ass

Of course they immediately pull over and Don just SPRINTS over to you

Don kneels next to you and makes sure you’re okay but when he makes eye contact with you for the first time he’s just

🥺🥺🥺

Completely and utterly smitten

“Can I walk with you the rest of the way? Let me carry your bag to make up for what just happened!”

Of course how can you say no to Baby Boy so of course you hand your backpack over to him and y’all start walking together and talking

There’s just an instant connection y’all can’t stop laughing and talking about everything under the sun, eventually, he subtly takes your hand in his for the rest of the way

Both of y’all are super sad when you get to your place

Don just looks at you with the sweetest eyes and goes “I’d love to see you again”

Y’all start just taking walks together almost every day and Muck and Penkala are so tired of just HOW MUCH Don talks about you, like sweet boy can’t get you out of his mind

How he knew he loves you

Ok so y’all are out to dinner and you notice fucking soBEL LIKE WTF H O W

But you and Don just look at each other and you both know you’re about to cause some CHAOS

So y’all hatch this perfect prank on Sobel

Long story short Sobel is covered in chocolate sundae and the two of you are running away from the restaurant laughing your asses off

Don just looks at you and… your laugh, your smile, how you two just work so well together

He tells you right then and there how much he loves you

Both of you just feel so overwhelmed with the feeling of like I Found My Person

You share a kiss and it's simultaneously so gentle but so passionate

Everything in that moment is just perfect

A conflict in your relationship and how y’all resolved it

Ok so I see it happening with you and Don are out with Muck and Penkala

The three of them are being themselves and laughing together

You were for a while but then your Social Battery dies

So of course you lean over to Don

“Hey babe, can we please go home?”

“Yeah in a minute love” he quickly replied before getting back to Muck and Penkala

…That's the third time he's said that

So you get frustrated and just walk out on your own and start walking home

Your intrusive thoughts start getting the better of you… did he really wanna spend time with you? Is he tired of you??

You're so swept up in your thoughts you don't hear Don running after you

“Love? What happened? Where’re you going??” poor boy is Genuinely Confused

Which you’re not sure if that makes things better or worse

Either way, you didn’t want him to see that you were hurt, so you turned it into anger

“What do you fucking want?” You turn around and shoot at him

He just has this hurt puppy look as he goes “What happened??”

“Just leave me alone” you try to keep walking but you feel him grab your arm and turn you around

“Please tell me what I did and I’ll do everything I can to make it better” Don just puts a hand on your cheek and his eyes are searching yours, begging for an answer

You see the concern and love in his eyes and you just break

Sobs wrack your body as Don hugs you tight, just being there for you while you let it all out

After a little bit you’re able to get out that you just felt ignored and that he preferred Muck and Penkala to you and he just

He realizes what he did and just places his forehead on yours

“My love, I’m so, so sorry… I should never have done that, we should’ve just gone home the first time you asked… how can I make it up to you??”

You just smile and ask, “...can we go home?”

Don just smiles and sweeps you up, carrying you the rest of the way to your place

… Muck and Penkala stayed waiting for you and Don to come back assuming that y’all just went to the bathroom

Your Happily Ever After

Most wholesome relationship known to man

Like this man will do ANYTHING to see you smile

You mention physical touch is your love language?

He’s making sure to have an arm around you, his hand on your back, giving you kisses ALL THE FREAKING TIME LIKE STOP IT'S GROSS BUT CUTE

He also just feels so comfortable and safe with you

Like the fact that y’all’s chaotic energies just blend so perfectly, he knows he won’t scare you away and it’s the best feeling in the world

Also he will listen to you talk about animals and dinosaurs for HOURS

Not only does he just love the sound of your voice but just how much you know it’s amazing to him

You wind up teaching him so much it’s basically like your first time being a teacher and Don’s the student and it’s the Best

A silly headcanon about your relationship

Y’all prank each other all day every day and it’s too cuTE

(obviously done with tact like if one of you is going through a rough patch of course a truce is declared)

But like

Powder in the hair dryer? Check; plastic wrap in the hallway? Check!

One of the best ones was when you gave Don a homemade candy apple

He took a GIANT bite

‘Twas an onion

He’s still plotting the perfect way to get you back…

Thank you again Alexi!! Hope you like it 🥺💖💕

[dizzy-n-busy]

★ CARNE DE VACA ★

Carne de Vaca means Beef (direct translation being 'meat of the cow) - Alexis and Darlin' have beef lmao

{cws: insulting, vague threatening, aggressive body language but no actual violence, intrusive thoughts and basically how I imagined Darlin' goin abt it!!}

• • • ★ • • •

Darlin' wanted to ignore her.

Hell, Darlin' had to ignore her if they didn't wanna get put on a hit list. But the roadkill of a woman all but ran up to them just to talk shit.

At first they just looked away from her, crossed arms making them burn crescents into their sides; denting their newly tailored suit, which pissed them off more given how it was a gift from David.

Yet it was difficult to stop with her nauseating scent infiltrating Darlin's senses - like they were getting waterboarded in rubbing alcohol - and her lack of personal space with them.

She should've been at least 6 feet away from them, not 6 inches where Darlin' could almost feel the stagnant metallic blood permeating from her mouth; then again Alexis has a bad track record of respecting boundaries.

Darlin' glanced at her when evaluating this big ass place, mostly wanting to see if their pack had made it already. Alexis was nothing more than an irrelevant face amongst the snobbish ones in attendance.

" What are you all quiet for? I saw you glaring at me like a stupid little child in time-out. "

Liar.

Alexis laughs dryly, leaning in closer which automatically repelled them to move away; worried that if she got any closer they might actually hit her out of instinct.

" You look like a car wreck, everyone here has looked you - " Darlin' side eyes her, mouth curling back into a snarl, " you're nothing special. " willfully not tacking on the bitch that crawled at the back of their throat.

" Is the little outcast still pissed that I got Sammy first? " She pouts in false sympathy. Darlin' barks a laugh, smirking down at her and baring their teeth.

" No reason to be when I have his fine ass lovin' on me 24/7 now. " Their eyes glimmer with spite, " can't say the same for you. "

Alexis' eyes darken and her smile wavers a bit; pride pushes Darlin's chest out.

" I wonder how long that'll last, given your age and all. " She recouperates herself quicker than expected, " only so much time before I'm the only one left for him, when I can finally get my hands on him again. "

Alexis relishes in the growl that almost bubbles past Darlin's throat; their smile having dropped and hands fixing around their biceps, picturing the muscles under their palms as her neck.

" Like I'd ever fucking let you, you raggedy ann ass bitch. " The hatred uncurls in their stomach making them loom over Alexis, fully facing her and practically cornering her - hands flexing tighter around their arms to satiate the urge to wring her neck.

" you better shut it, mutt - don't want him getting mad at you now do you? " Despite being completely incapsulated in Darlin's shadow, Alexis smiled up at them and they had to give it their all to not jump her and beat her face into the polished floors.

But every word she spoke pissed Darlin' off, it was like she - Darlin' pauses, and thinks - like she's intentionally trying to provoke them.

The realization makes them drop the hostility; slumping their shoulders and leaning back, face falling neutral. They should know by now when their getting tested.

Alexis was smug, only confirming their assumptions. They decided to put a leash on their physical reactions, internal ones are fair game so long as there's no telepaths.

What I wouldn't give to put this bitch in her place, Darlin' thinks while relaxing back into their spot against a wall, to have my shifted teeth against her turning marks.

To feel the rippling of her scream from her esophagus onto my tongue.

The thought of her hurting Sam made their thoughts run wild, the ones that Darlin' was normally ashamed of - the ones that they wouldn't think of doing to anyone.

But this was an exception.

She was an exception.

...sometimes.

Darlin' feels guilt trying to knaw at their bones, tearing at their muscles and clawing at their skin. Sam being upset or disappointed in them flashed in their eyes and it made them sick.

Alexis kept talking; Darlin' had seen her mouth moving but they couldn't hear her, not pass their conflicted thoughts.

Just smash her face into the food table - shut up and behave, we're not like that anymore.

Darlin's sigh reels them back into reality, back to the woman's mind numbing voice that made them wish they could mute her.

Just ignore her.

Their eyes search for their cowboy, wondering how long until they get their damn ice cream.

It's just a little beef.

• • • ★ • • •

[doctorstethoscope]

Sink or Swim || June

y'all have been waiting for this one! I hope you like it.

side note: going forward, I will only be adding people to my taglist if they have already interacted with my content. i'm noticing that there are people requesting to be added who have never interacted with my work, and in fairness to the people on the taglist who do interact regularly, I will be asking for that from now on. Thanks for understanding babes <3

masterlist

wordcount: 1.8k

contains: discussion of food, a little bit of angst

It had been the longest month of your life. Your dynamic with Aaron had changed irrevocably. You were no longer partners, as you had been, whether you acknowledged it or not, but you weren’t not friends, either, even if the relationship sometimes felt awkward and cold as you attempted to renegotiate what you meant to each other. You were more than coworkers, you had a long, storied history— and no relationship outside of work to show for it at the moment. You felt out of place around him, not just emotionally, but physically clumsy– more than once, in the past few weeks, He’d grabbed you by the arm to save you from a fall or managed to catch the box of evidence or file you’d dropped before it could hit the ground. Even though you’d changed, he could still read you better than anybody else. You wanted to hate him for it, but you couldn’t. 

You all are loading back onto the jet when he makes an announcement. “Jack has insisted that Alexis wants a half-birthday party,” he smirks. “So I’m hosting this Saturday. Please don’t bring anything— she’s got enough toys to keep her entertained until college,” he jokes. “But we’ll have cake and ice cream, and I know not everyone has had the chance to meet her yet. The kids and I would love to see you there,” he says before settling back into his seat. 

He’s at the table with Rossi, and usually you’d be on his left. But for the past two cases, you’ve sat at the back couches with JJ and Emily. They’ve certainly noticed your changed preference although they’ve been kind enough not to say anything about it.

“That’s nice,” JJ remarks. “How long have you guys been planning that?” 

“Oh, that’s all Hotch,” you tell her blasely, putting your nose back in your paperwork. 

“Jack didn’t say anything to you?” Emily asked. “You’re like, his second-favorite person, after the baby.” 

“I haven’t been going by as much lately,” you shrug, trying to make it sound like nothing, like you weren’t crying yourself to sleep at night over it. “Hotch’s got a handle on it, now, so he needs me less.”

Emily looks like she wants to ask more, but JJ cuts her off before she can– you’re grateful, even though you know it’s because she can read the pain in your eyes like a book. 

“That must be nice,” JJ remarks kindly. “To have a bit of your free time, your independence, back.” 

“Yeah,” you smile disingenuously. Independence has never felt so much like a punishment, you think.

*****

When Saturday rolls around, you make your way over to Hotch’s. You decide that your absence would be more conspicuous than your presence, and besides– you agreed to take some space from each other, not to disappear from the kids' lives entirely.  You missed them, and you secretly hoped that they missed you, too. 

You knock on the door, silently praying that you aren’t the first to arrive. 

“Hey,” Hotch says with a smile when he opens the door with Lexie in tow. The house is quiet– too quiet. Damn your punctual nature. 

Lexie is reaching out for you and kicking her legs as soon as her father opens the door. “Hi Ms. Half-Birthday girl!” You coo, reaching for her, and Aaron passes her off to you, taking the tupperware container from your hands. 

“I made a fruit salad,” you explain as you bounce Lexie on your hip, “and some fruit purees for Lexie, because she’s too young—”

“For cake, I know,” he assures you. “We miss you, but we’re not that lost without you,” he teases.

Jack comes barrelling in, then, crashing into your calves with a thud. 

“Careful, buddy,” Aaron warns. 

“I missed you!! Where have you been?” Jack asked, now sitting on your feet with his legs wrapped around your ankles. 

“I missed you too, buddy. How has soccer been?” You ask, pointedly ignoring the question. 

“It’s been sooo good.” He tells you. I’m working on hitting the ball with my head! Do you want to see?” He asks. 

“Why don’t you go outside and practice a little while the adults talk, Jack?” Hotch suggests, and your anxiety spikes. 

Jack grumbles, but goes, and the two of you are alone. “Hotch,” you say, trying to pre-empt whatever discussion he wants to initiate, but he forges on.

“They miss you. We all do,” he says, stepping closer to you. You shift Lexie in front of you, using her as a human shield. You chuckle, because it’s ridiculous, and Aaron smiles. “Missed the sound of your laugh,” he mumbles.

“Aaron, please don’t,” you tell him. “It hurts too much.” 

“Shh,” he whispers. Your faces are so close they’re practically touching, but you won’t look at him. You can’t look at him, because then any crumb of distance you’ve created in the past month from the love you feel for him will be swept away, and you won’t be able to handle it. You’ll have to transfer and move and start a new life. You don’t think you can take it. “I don’t want to hurt you,” Aaron continues. “You have to listen.” 

There’s a knock at the door, and you gasp, taking a quick step back as not to be caught. You finally look Aaron in the eye– he’s torn, confused, upset. 

“Don’t leave, okay? Don’t leave until we can talk. Promise me,” he begs. 

You’re helpless to resist him. “Okay. I promise.” 

The team only stays for a couple of hours, enough time for everyone to snuggle the baby and kick the ball around with Jack and eat a cupcake or two, but with this conversation with Aaron hanging over your head, it feels torturously long. When everyone files out, you seek solace in the kitchen, packaging up leftovers and wiping down counters in the hopes that your sense of duty to cleanliness will absolve you of the promise you made to Hotch. It doesn’t.

“Hey,” he says, meeting you at the counter. “Can we talk?” 

“We can talk,” you tell him. He takes a step closer, attempts to round the corner to be next to you, but you put a hand out to stop him. “No.” You command. “I can’t think when you stand that close to me. Sit on the other side of the counter and we can talk. 

He obeys, never wanting you to be uncomfortable. Settling into one of the barstools, he takes a deep breath before he starts. “Space isn’t working– not for me, not for the kids. We miss you, terribly. You are a part of this family, to us. Is this really working for you? Is this really what you want?”

“No,” you answer honestly.  “Of course it’s not working. But I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do, Aaron!” 

“Come home,” he pleads. “That’s all you have to do. You are a part of this family. Come home.” 

“I don’t think I can,” you admit in a whisper. 

“Don’t say that. Of course you can.” 

“I don’t know if I can. I don’t know if I can be in your life as not- your-wife, not-their-mom. I deserve to have those experiences, Aaron, and to have them fully. I deserve to be all in with someone, and I can’t when I’m still playing house with you,” you say, and you know that it’s not right, that you walked into this situation freely, that he never coerced or manipulated you into anything, but you’re angry with him for it. You’re angry with him for allowing you to fall for him. 

“That’s not what we were. You weren’t ever playing house. The way I feel about you is not a game,” he tells you.

“What do you mean?” You ask. 

“I know– I know that Lexie doesn’t know what the word means. But when she babbled mama, it rang out clear as day, and she was right. Hearing you explain to Jack that you weren’t his mom, it felt wrong. Because of course you are— if you want to be,” he tells you.

 “When you explained to Jack that you weren’t his mom, or his step mom or his extra mom or whatever other term his friends parents are using, I couldn’t help you explain it to him because all I could think about was how I could fix it. I knew then, that I loved you– and I know you love my children– our children, maybe. I came over that night to tell you that I love you, to ask if we could stop living in this weird purgatory of feeling so strongly without a word to describe it. You asked for space, and I gave it to you. I’d give you the moon, if you asked for it. All I’m asking now is that you listen to me and think about if you could ever love me too,” he tells you, each word tumbling from his lips as if he had held it back as long as he could until the dam burst. 

“Oh, Aaron…. Aaron,” you say, coming around the counter and putting your hands on either side of his face. “I’m sorry. Why did you let me say all of those stupid things at my apartment?” You laughed. 

“I thought that was what you wanted,” he reminds you, placing one of his hands over yours, wrapping his thumb over the side of your palm. “If you didn’t want me, how could I put all of that– my emotions, not to mention those of the kids– on you? It wouldn’t be fair.”

“It’s not what I wanted, not at all. I wanted you,” you explain to him desperately. 

“Do you still? Want me,” he asks, and it’s almost sheepish. 

He looks so scared, so sad, so unsure, that you can’t help but kiss him. You could answer him with words, but you needed him to know, to feel how deeply you did. Without breaking the kiss, he wraps his arms around your waist, guides you backwards so he can step out of the chair and wrap you up in him completely. When you pull apart for air, he’s dazed, but beaming– looking almost drunk in the revelation of your feelings. 

“Stay tonight, please. We can figure out the rest in the morning. But stay tonight?” He asks. 

You smile back at him, and can’t help but laugh a little. “After the last month, you’ll have a harder time getting me to leave.” 

tagging: @spacecowboyhotch @honeybrowne @angelfxllcm @rousethemouse @infinite-tides @gspenc @anlin2058 @zetasaturno99 @darkenwolfie @realdirectionx @witheldclouds @sbeno22 @el-vs94 @hausofwhores

[t1meslayer]

Busy with important family events over the next couple of days, and so I thought it would be good to get a day-and-date release for this Debrief on the latest entry in my Sapphic Valley series, "How You Get The Girl." Be sure to read the story before jumping in!

Did you do it? Did you read the story?

Alright, I'm trusting you. Go ahead and hit that 'Keep Reading' button you scamp.

It only seems appropriate to start this Debrief off by addressing the elephant in the room. I haven't posted anything in over a month, and "By Moonlight" came about a month after its predecessor, the conclusion to "Stone-Cold Lovers."

Work, naturally, has been a major factor.

You can see me talk about that almost two weeks ago in this Tumblr post I made about writing in a coffee shop, which came weeks after I actually started writing during a trip to a friend's house.

===

Side note:

Just wanted to take a moment and acknowledge my beautiful Haley and Emily keychains. My friend who's responsible for the affairs of one ghostly farmer named Jizzabelle (Gisabelle to the laymen) got them for me! Only appropriate after I commissioned some art of her and Abigail.

Emily was my first Stardew wife, and Haley currently holds the biggest place in my heart. They make a lovely duo!

And I'll avoid any sister-wife jokes

===

While I've had some other projects like Zine writing to take care of, work and life can't explain the full absence.

The best way I can think to explain things is that:

I had the general writer's block, and

Despite the best intentions and advice of my irl friends and online pals like @alchemicallymoon and @duelbraids, I couldn't force myself to "break" that block by just... Writing something else.

This is entirely the result of my own psychosis. I have a tendency to carefully plot things out and impose a timetable that really doesn't need to exist. When I feel the cause is righteous enough, it's hard to get around that. In this case, I knew I needed to get my poll-winning idea out after dawdling for holidays like Valentine's Day, and then I knew I only wanted to post one more story before jumping on a very special event for my upcoming 30th AO3 post.

Thus, here we are: arbitrarily forcing myself into a spiral of writer's block misery because of a silly promise on Tumblr and my own sense of ordered chaos.

At the very least, this meant it's coming out not long after my AO3 pal InsertACatchyPennameHere also emerged from the woodwork to tell me they're working on something INSPIRED by my four-person friend group farm adaptations.

Much love to them, wherever they may be.

I'll probably start writing more eclectically now that my shoulders are unweighed, but don't expect my next publication to hit until I'm finished working on teasing the big event. All you Pokemon fans better get hype!

And oh how sweet this publication feels. Between my great set of recent ceramics, the figure drawing class I've been attending, and creative writing, I've felt more fulfilled than ever.

You're here to talk about Stardew, though. So let us talk.

This idea began less with any one event as it did a desire to advance the Alexis/Haley relationship, and Haley's characterization in particular. It was always going to end with watercolor painting reference, but 2 Willow Lane was what I really wanted to dig into.

As I see it, a lot of what keeps people invested in Stardew when its comfy vibes becoming routine is the air of mystery in Eric Barone's worldbuilding. Haley and Emily's parents being some world-traveling duo who left their home in the siblings' care for who knows how long (and who knows how many times over their lifetime) really piqued my interest. So much so that the new writing challenge I set for myself in "How You Get The Girl" was crafting a particularly long set of descriptions that emphasize how overwhelming the parents' influence feels — without creating an impenetrable wall of text.

Hopefully I succeeded in that. Let me know!

I tried to include some vaguely real world-adjacent references into that description of the house, as happens with the magical-realism world of Stardew Valley. For example:

The computer sitting next to their bonsai tree is an iMac G3, the kind of old 'futuristic' tech that my dad loves!

A Speedwell refrigerator is based on even more vintage tech, the Mayflower fridge, but named after a different ship ridden by Pilgrims coming to America.

That city that the family visited in an old photograph with a "monument of arching, interlocking steel" is, of course, Paris — with the statue bookends referencing any number of statues in the Louvre.

Haley's FAD magazine could be referencing any number of publications, but Vogue is probably the closest analogue to what I imagine her reading.

Furthermore, I took some notes on describing the home's layout off of my sister's apartment building, and I asked my bestie @trybard for input on what kind of hanging plant should be used in the transitional hallway. Hanging pothos, philodendron, and spider plants were the three options provided, and my response was appropriate:

They know so much about plants.

Go bug them about it.

I drew on other friends' knowledge to help decorate the house. Specifically, I asked one of my witchiest friends what kinds of protective wards someone like Emily would leave around doorways and windows. She had... A lot of reference material.

I picked Hazel given it purportedly "protects against evil; encourages abundance and inspiration." I also picked Amethyst as one of Emily's loved gifts, one that purportedly "absorbs negative energy, promotes harmony."

My witchy friend is the same one who provided the TikTok that I referenced in my advertisement post:

Perhaps the most important thing about 2 Willow Lane was the recurring motif of Barbie's Dream House.

As a surface-level reference, I think the groundwork is clear. Blondie's love of fashion and general queen bee demeanor fits comparisons to Barbie well, and she lives in a big ol' house full of stuff. We all saw Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie last year. It's still in the cultural zeitgeist.

I'm hip with the kids.

Yet, early on I also tried to make it clear that if this is a "dream" house, it's neither Haley's nor Emily's dream. Haley is a Barbie in that stereotypical sense, but also there's much to be mined from the analogy of a sort of powerless doll in an immutable house, constrained by social obligation to her family rather than literal plastic and stickers.

The cold open of Jodi and Sam was meant to stand alone, but in execution I also think drawing Kent's absence into the conversation makes for a more thematically rich comparison to these sisters who appear to have themselves more put together.

My beta reader said this wound up being one of my stronger stories because of how all of that intertwined, which I appreciated given how down on myself I was following the whole writer's block thing.

But also.

Also.

Alexis gets to be horny. She's hitting on lonely MILFs and watching girls shake their asses to the tune of bad reality TV.

We love a buff dommy mommy farm girl in this house.

Haley is probably horny too, she just doesn't realize it yet. For now I think it's fun enough to play into her being coy about building excuses for Alexis to come over, and then getting incensed when Emily barges in on their private time meant to learn more about this farm girl she just can't get out of her head.

===

Fun fact:

Every story in this series is named after a Taylor Swift song, but I know next-to nothing about her discography. All of them are suggestions by my friend whose house I was at when starting this story — the same one who controls Gardenia on the farm.

While I went with "How You Get The Girl," her alternative suggestion was "The Man."

===

All that w|w talk aside, I also want to give Sam the loveable idiot a shoutout. Had to do a fair bit of research into how skateboards are constructed for his failed ollie, and I slipped in a reference to shitty old technology that's exclusively for my beta reader to enjoy.

I also tried doing some agricultural research to figure out how the folks at Kevin Farm could have grown cucumbers so there'd be a jar of legitimate pickles... But that was getting too in the weeds.

Insert laugh track here

Decided to just go with pickled artichoke hearts to save everyone a lot of trouble.

And where does "Kevin Farm" come from, you may be asking yourself. Or the fabulous "Kevin's Special" with its definitely not innuendo tagline.

That story will have to wait for another day, my friends.