#The pattern on the dress and her lips are like a heart aww

[freakova]

Me after typing "Bowser" into any social platform without a safe search on:

[johnpriceslamb]

hi there! i really liked your arthur with a feminine gf fic and id love to see more like that! could i maybe request a fic with a cute girly reader who is a friend of mary-beths and when mary-beth brings her to camp she spots arthur and literally goes heart eyes for him🥺 maybe whenever shes visiting camp arthur always finds an excuse to go over and talk to them just so he can see her aww! and its so obvious to everyone in camp and they all tease them over how sweet on each other they are🥰

𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐗 𝐅𝐄𝐌 ! 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

꒰ Arthur Morgan has his eyes on a certain hyper-feminine doll .꒱

BEFORE YOU PROCEED! Mary-Beth being a giant tease and a flirt to reader . hyper-feminine! reader . fem! reader . many pet names in use . awkward-written ending . quick luv stori . reader is mentioned 2 be physically shorter than characters mentioned below . reader has a dada and a mama . 2.3k words

the sounds of pearl tipped necklaces rattling together and ribbon-laced dresses ruffled in the precious spring breeze, paired with soft giggles and a nervous coo.

A stifled babble escapes her lips,

“Am I um.. even allowed to be here?” [name] meekly stammers. She holds onto her friends hand, her floral patterned dress was hitched slightly over her knees with her other hand, in reluctancy in which; to get her newly bought dress dirty from the ground they treaded upon.

She’s heard of people trespassing their gangs property, and much to her dismay— she may end up as dead as roadkill. A small shiver goes down [name]’s spine at the thought of that.

Mary-Beth had been wanting to show her a couple of her new books she’s bought in st. Denis— thus the excitement pouring from her aura as she drags her across the Van Der Linde’s property.

“Don’t worry yer pretty lil’ head off. I’ll just tell em’ yer with me. What could possibly go wrong?” She pats her shoulder with a reassuring smile. A slight grimace etched amongst [name]’s face as her bow-tipped shoe is coated with a bit of mud when she took another quiet step.

[name] doesn’t look convinced at all. The grip on her hand grows a bit tighter which signified her nerves playing in. Mary-Beth always teased her for being such a worry-wart.

“..Um, well, a lot actually.” [name] prattles on.

Mary-Beth rolls her eyes.

“Hush, now.”

She does what she’s told. To shut up in a non sugar-coated manner. The aroma of many boiled meat and vegetables in a pot comes hitting her nose as soon as she enters the area. She can’t help the little nose crunch as the smell hits too abruptly for her to even know. She’s about to question Mary-beth what that smell was—

“Ah! Mr. Pearson’s cooking again.”

[name] doesn’t know wether to ask her whom this Pearson guy was, or to stay quiet. She chooses the latter. A slight tilt to her head as her ribbon-tipped hair slightly falls down her shoulder out of habit when she’s confused.

This camp was interesting, she thought. [name] could only hope that there aren’t much people. She shyly hide behind Mary-Beth’s figure as they treaded closer to her spot in camp.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

Unfortunately for [name], there was a certain amount of people that made her feel uncomfortable. She resists the urge to complain, biting her tongue to keep the words in. However, there were a few she’s met that she can’t help but admire. Karen and Tilly, their names were. Sweet girls they were, she deemed.

She sat upon a small patch of grass, her hands fiddling with a few strands of the everlasting green out of boredom, listening to Mary’s voice as she spoke.

In Mary-Beth’s hand adorns a romance-genre book, she’s reading the lines out loud. [name]’s cheeks become a darker hue at a certain line she verbally says— resulting to the both of them quietly giddily giggling.

“I cannot believe he’d actually do that to her,” Mary-beth comments as she fawns over the characters. [name] eagerly crawls towards her, re-reading the line she’s just read out.

“I thought he liked Sarah though?” [name] squeaked.

“Same!” Mary was far too happy to be able to share her love for books with another. She ends herself with a soft sigh, “I reckon he’ll leave her in a span of a click.”

“Mary?”

“Mhm?”

“Who.. Who’s that?”

This gets the girls attention. She quirks a brow, looking at the direction of [name]’s lithe finger. It’s not easy to hold back a smirk curling onto her lips.

“You pointin’ to that cowpoke over there?” Mary grins.

[name]’s doe eyes were practically planted with hearts, and she’s stammering like a tiny lamb, “I—I um.. uh.. I was just..”

“He was just starin’ at me, so I um.. nevermind—”

She cuts her off, “—His names Arthur,” Mary teases the sweetheart, “Lookit chu’!”

[name] could only shrink, “I.. shut up would you?”

“Whenever you swear it’s like looking at a yapping puppy.”

[name] fully turns around, the back of her head facing the burly cowpoke whom curiously stares at the pair of girls from afar.

“‘shut up’ is not a swear word, Mary-Beth!”

“Is so!” Mary-Beth argues back. She doesn’t mention the fact that Arthur’s slowly creeping up from behind.

“Shut up doesn’t have any implications of vulgar words now does it?” She puffs out her cheeks. Mary-beth can’t suppress the small smirk planted on her freckled face. The man stalks towards them closer, in a lazy manner.

“It so does! It’s considered rude and disrespectful— which is quite literally the definition of a curse word.” Closer.

“Mhm, even so it all really depends on context—” Closer.

“—Now how ‘bout you just caaalm down, sweetheart?” She drags the ‘a’ in calm to further on annoy her. Mary-Beth teases the dolled-up sweetheart, playing with her ribbons by twirling it around her finger.

[name] broods, huffing as she quiets down and crosses her arms like an itty-bitty brat. Goodness was she cute! Mary giggles.

Suddenly, the freckled-face darling stands up from her spot, eliciting a tiny ‘where you going?’ from [name].

“Just gonna get another book! I’ll be back in a second.” She cheekily trots away.

[name] could only tilt her head at her unusual behaviour.

Only for her to freeze up immediately at a quiet rumble of a man’s voice from behind—

“Mary-Beth’s been botherin’ you, I assume?”

[name] shyly turns her head around— wispy lashes fluttering as she stands up awkwardly to match his height— barely even. A whole foot taller than she was.

She fiddles with her fingers, before quietly nodding. It’s obvious to Arthur that she was a shy little thing. So with that information, he’s gentle in his approach, his tone is more softer.

“Got a name, little missy?” He asks. Oh, his voice.

“[name],” she shyly babbles. He was certainly NOT bad looking. She’s so, so so shy. “And you are..?”

“Arthur. Arthur Morgan.”

Despite already knowing his name, she can’t help but admire how his southern drawl drags.

“‘s nice to meet you, mister Morgan,” She meekly says.

“Just Arthur.”

“Oh- sorry.” She stammers.

Arthur can’t help the lazy grin on his face.

“No need to be sorry,” He hums. “Mary-Beth’s friend?”

“Best friend,” She corrects him with a tiny smile.

“Ah.” Despite the silence that continued on, it was somehow comforting around them. Guess his dim tone and sweet intentions made her feel like a comforted little bunny snuggled inside a warm burberry blanket.

Arthur’s eyes size her up and down. He doesn’t comment her shyness, rather her appearance. It was like looking at a live porcelain doll.

He can’t help but question, “You from Saint Denis, lil’ - missy?”

That pet name makes her shy.

“Mhm,” She fully looks at him. She has to tilt her head just to look at him. Her hands were behind her back, and she rocks on her platforms.

“Mm.. Figured.”

“Oh? How so?” She curiously quirks a brow.

He doesn’t hesitate to answer. “You look like a right tulip, missy.”

[name] almost lets out a soft giggle at his teasing. Her cheeks feel warmer, as do her nose and the tip of her dainty ears. A tulip?

“It’s the attire, is it not?” [name] leans back on the souls of her black bow platforms, tinkering those wispy lashes at him.

Gosh, what he’d do to just.. kiss those squishy cheeks of hers.

“Mhm. ‘S all frilly and.. so..” Arthur trails on. He mindlessly fiddles with the folded gossamer lines attached to her light pink dress. She allows him to, can’t help but also allow his scent to invade her nose— smoke and.. gunpowder. A large cry from her sweet vanilla scented perfume sprayed on her neck.

They’re both cut off by Mary-Beth strolling in with her other books. That cheeky, little smile she sent to Arthur makes a vein pop in [name]’s head, realising why she left so quickly.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

It was her second time visiting the camp-site.

From her previous experience, she figured that it wasn’t all that bad.. just ignore some folks.

[name] adorns a pink puff-sleeved ruffled dress with a simple pearl necklace— a bit similar to her previous outfit. From her giddy stance, it looked like she was waiting for Arthur, and not Mary-Beth.

Her smile even becomes brighter when she sees him nearby. And quite frankly, Mary-Beth has had enough of being answered with silence and shy eye-contact from afar. It was cute, yes, but it was becoming frustrating to bear.

“—And Johnathan allows her to wear his deceased wife’s ring! How absurd.” Mary-Beth squints her eyes at her response.

“Mhm,” [name] mindlessly hums, staring at Arthur.

“…He also ate a raw fish.” She tests.

“Mmm.”

“..He’s tap dancing.”

“That’s nice.”

She groans, poking the girl, “Are you even listening to what I’m saying right now?”

“Uhuh.” [name] unconsciously fiddles with the ends of her dress. She’s still staring at his direction. Doe eyes expand abnormally larger at the sight.

The girl in front of her droops. But pipes up again to get her attention.

“Arthur really likes flowers.”

That gets her attention. [name] immediately whips her pixie-sized head towards her with a tiny ‘ooh?’ Just the mere mention of his name makes her tummy flutter and giddy.

“You’re a real sucker for him ain’t ya?” Mary coos and giggles, nudging her small arm.

[name] shyly shrugs, “H—He’s nice m’kay? I can’t help it, I like nice guys..”

“To you,” She continues, “To you, he’s nice. To others he’s an absolute.. menace.”

“I’m thinking.. He has a real soft spot for ya,” She winks.

[name] could only scoff, “We’ve only met once, ‘Bethy.”

“He’s a real sucker for them frills and bows. He sees a pretty girl like you and he’s all lamb-like. Stumbly on the legs and stuttery on the mouth.” Mary teases, “And your one pretty girl, [name].”

“You think I’m pretty?” [name] sweetly swoons at her words.

“Darling, you’re quite literally the cutest girl i’ve ever met!”

“Marryyy…” [name] softly whines at her constant fawning, “You’re very pretty too, y’know.”

“Huuush,” Mary-Beth giggles and smooches her cheek. Sweet girls.

Suddenly, that cheeky little grin comes crawling onto her face. [name] tilts her head, weary and meek. She’s up to something.

“..Wh..what?”

“Your boyfriend’s behind you.”

“Boyfriend??? Now, what in the world are you—” [name] suddenly becomes quiet as she turns her head around and makes eye contact with Arthur. He gives a shy smile to both of the ladies, a sheepish expression on his face.

“I’ll leave you two be~” Mary-Beth stands up and cheekily skips away.

Silence surrounded the two.

“Hi, Arthur.” It was like looking at two teenagers in a puppy love.

“Hello, [name].”

Her heart speeds up. She shyly looks down at the ground, unsure of what to say. Despite this being their second time interacting, she can’t help the meekness flooding in her system.

“I’m startin’ to wonder if yer clothes are strictly pink-only.” He gestures to her short little dress.

She giggles softly, “I do have a few non-pink clothing y’know.” [name] is comfortable enough to peer at him through those damn wispy lashes. Puckered lips, cherubic-like cheeks, and those puppy eyes.

“I wouldn’t believe that,” He lets out a bent arm towards her for her to take gently and stand up. [name] does so, standing to her full height with her pixie-like hands holding onto his arm like an elderly couple.

“Mind a stroll?” He asks with a gentle, soft tone.

“I wouldn’t mind at all,” She pipes up.

And there they went off.

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

[name] was getting ready.

This time, she wasn’t there to visit Mary-Beth. She was here to visit Arthur.

More so because of his request of her to come back soon. If she were to be a puppy, her tail would be wagging as quickly as the speed of light. She was giddy at his request.

This was… the umpteenth time they’ve interacted with each other. Quite literally, everyone knew they’d get together sooner or later.

She adorns a white, cotton-like ruffled dress with a simple heart shaped necklace. On her head, she wore a pretty little bonnet.

As she approaches the location, she can’t help the sweet smile on her face as she sees Arthur coming towards her direction again. His hair was simple— a bit neater than before and his usual black vest outfit, with no grime or dirt anywhere.

“Hi,” She waves giddily.

“Hey, sweetheart.” He allows her tiny hands to come and place themselves near his bicep. He bends his elbow a bit near his figure to allow her come closer to his stature. He makes a mental note to be more careful around her. The bonnet on her head catches his attention.

He murmurs a soft ‘cute..’ underneath his breath, as he leads her away to take a little stroll around a pretty little meadow.

“How was your day, hm?” He asks.

“Good,” She shyly replies, “Daddy’s doing okay now. He’s not as sick as he was a week ago.” His heart softens.

“Ah. That’s good.”

“How about you? How was your day?” She asks with a glimmer in her eyes.

“Decent at best.” He replies with a slight grunt, gently pushing her away from a small puddle he can see that’s formed on the ground. Doesn’t want her shoes to get messed up from the dew-dropped floor. He’s genuinely thinking of just picking her up.

“How’s yer ma and yer pa doing?”

“Good and good,” She happily smiles, very happy that he’s asking about her family. Her doe eyes light up at a pretty pink wild flower, a smirk etched on Arthur’s face as he sees that cute little expression of hers.

A soft ‘huh.’ escapes his lips, he stops suddenly. Arthur’s blue eyes sizes her up and down, only realising just now—“You’re not wearing pink.”

[name] looks up at him, itty-bitty smile, “Told you I don’t have just pink coloured clothing.”

He snorts at her answer, “Damn brat, you are.”

“Your brat.”

“Yeah. My brat.”

[imaginedreamwrite]

Christmas countdown day 11 — Go Christmas Carolling

He was already in the process of opening the door when she knocked, her eager and wide eyes trained on him and then Alpine as she lazily stretched on the couch. Becca had bounced on her heels, opening and closing her mouth twice before she called out for you down the hall.

“Ma! Your promised!” Becca whined, momentarily departing from Bucky’s door to find you again. “Bucky! Mama and I are gonna go Christmas carolling with some of the other families, do you want to come?”

“She made me dress up as an reindeer-elf.” You stepped into his view, the sight of the antlers and elf-ear headband stirring an natural and charming laugh.

“You’re the cutest reindeer-elf I’ve ever seen.” Bucky assn unapologetic as he complimented you, already reaching for his coat.

“Aww thanks, Pyro.” You beamed, smiling at him as you reached for Becca’s shoulder. “You really don’t have to-“

“I haven’t been carolling since I dragged Steve out in 1939, and he almost got pneumonia.” Bucky slipped his coat on and glanced back at Alpine lounging on the couch. “I’d love to come with you.”

“Yes!” Becca cheered, her excitement unbound. “We’re gonna go down the street to the townhouses and then across-“

“Becca,” Bucky had stopped her, reaching into his pocket for a small wrapped gift and then he set it in her hands, “merry early Christmas.”

She didn’t wait, didn’t hesitate for a moment to rip the paper off, handing it off to you. As she opened the gift, she looked down at the brass pin that was resting inside. It was an engraved pin with the Howling Commandoes monicker on the front, and Bucky’s specific number on the bottom.

“Becca, what do we-“ she launched herself toward him, hugging him as tightly as she possibly could, the pin nearly falling from her grip.

“Thank you, Bucky!” Her voice hitched up, her excitement and pride over her new pin was unwavering. “This is amazing!”

“You’re welcome,” Bucky hugged her back, looking up at you with a smile on his face, “think we can sing better than your ma?”

“Of course.” Becca pulled away and handed her pin off to you like she had the wrapping paper. “Mama sounds-“

“Amazing, Rebbeca Anne.” Your eyes narrowed, your lips pursed. “I sound amazing.”

** **

Bucky hummed under his breath as he tucked Becca in, wistfully watching her as closely as he could and with the gaze of a father figure rather than a neighbour. He had recently had a shift in thought patterns, an increasing desire and want to have a place in your family unit.

“SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN!” His favourite night of his life so far, was singing with her along a crowd of other parents, with her sitting on his shoulders.

“YOU BETTER NOT CRY, YOU BETTER NOT POUT-“ after nearly an hour and a half of carolling with you two, and an hour of playing with Alpine, Bucky had carried her to bed in his spare room after she fell asleep on him.

“I had fun tonight,” he heard your voice from the kitchen, your hands splashing in the dishwater despite him telling you to leave them, “thank you for coming with us.”

“Thanks for letting me tag along.” Bucky had stopped at the edge of the kitchen, listening to you humming and mumbling another Christmas tune, one that he knew well.

“I ought to say, "No, no, no sir" Bucky drew himself closer as you sing, adding the male’s line with a soft croon.

“Mind if I move in closer?” He was struck in place when you looked over your shoulder, his heart pounding with every passing moment of connectivity.

“At least I'm gonna say that I tried…” you withdrew your hands from the sink and dried them on the towel before you turned your back to the cupboard.

“What's the sense in hurting my pride?” He was a foot away now, his eyes dropping from yours to your lips and then back again.

“I really can't stay.” You whispered as his hands had rest against your hips, yours resting upon his shoulders.

“Baby, don't hold out.” Bucky lifted his right hand to your cheek, brushing his thumb back and forth against your warm flesh, his eyes searching yours.

“Baby, it's cold outside.” You leaned toward, not kissing him but resting against him seeking comfort and warmth.

Bucky had snaked his arms around you, he had held you pressed against him as some incomprehensible song filled his head. He began moving to the faux beat, his eyes closing as he breathed you in.

The two of you danced in the middle of his kitchen, the soft hum from him replacing the beat in his head, and you had joined him. There was no urgency, there was no rush time leave and depart from one another. Bucky was just as content for you to stay here as you were.

“She loves you, Bucky.” You muttered against his neck, your voice delivering immense hope and promise. “She wants you in her life, we both do.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Bucky brushed his hand down your hair, finally feeling like he found home.

[franklyshipping]

A Ticklish Reunion ~ A Markiplier Ego Fanfic

HERE WE HAVE THE FIRST FANFIC OF 2023, HELL YEAH! THIS ONE IS BASED OFF A LOVELY PROMPT FROM @coolm456 FEATURING OUR FAVOURITE MUSICAL JAILBIRD, SO LET’S DO THIS!

TAGGING: @il-lee-nois and @yancelee

Yancy was so damn excited! He was convinced today was going to be the highlight of his year, because today was the day he was able to visit his epic prison family and spend proper time with them. Since his release on parole, visits had always been separated by glass and laughter had only been shared over the phone. But now Warden Murderslaughter had said he’d allow Yancy to break a few protocols and spend real quality time with his family for a whole day, which Yancy was over the moon about! The best thing though? He was allowed to bring someone with him, and Yancy had wasted no time in inviting the intrepid explorer Illinois.

Illinois had admittedly felt shocked when he was asked, feeling so flattered that it was him Yancy wanted to introduce to his prison family. Of course, he made a naturally charismatic (and slightly arrogant) comment to hide how touched he was. Yancy had then joked about how he only invited him because he thought he would fit in the best amongst criminals, which naturally Illinois had dramatically gasped at! Banter aside however, as soon as Illinois entered the facility and started being introduced to everyone, his delight peaked. Everyone was so unbelievably kind and warm and genuinely curious about him. It was a family indeed.

‘So, have you been taking Yancy on some of your adventures?’

Warden Murderslaughter asked, sat perched on a trestle table as the rest of the prisoners sat cross-legged on the floor – the Warden had allowed them use of the canteen for their gathering, providing a few blankets and treats (though don’t tell anyone he has a heart, he’ll deny it to the grave!). Illinois grinned up at him. He was sat with his legs stretched out and was resting on his hands, his wide-brimmed hat set down neatly beside him.

‘Oh naturally! He has the adventurer’s spirit for sure… though perhaps not the balance, eh Yance?’

Illinois turned to his left, where Yancy was sat by him, and gave him a nudge and a wink. The ex-prisoner pursed his lips, the familiar warmth of embarrassment threatening to creep up on him. He didn’t mind being teased, but in front of his prisoner family and the goddamn Warden?! Rude.

‘Dunno what you’re talkin’ about.’

Yancy tried to shrug it off, but now Illinois had everyone’s attention. So naturally, he was going to lap up every morsel of it.

‘Oh but of course you do! Now then let’s think… oh! There was that time you tripped into a pit of tickling snakes, and the time you got tangled in the Vines of Mirth, and the time you got punished by that tickle priestess for not adhering to her home’s dress code.’

Yancy’s face got redder and redder as Illinois went on, and the Warden hid an amused smile as he picked up on the ah… pattern, that Illinois was clearly referring to. The other prisoners sent Yancy little looks and grins, since naturally they knew exactly what Illinois was referring to as well.

‘Look, I– h-how was I supposed to know she didn’t like stripes?!’

‘I’m pretty certain I told you beforehand.’

‘W-Well… I-I don’t remember that.’

‘Oh you don’t huh?’

Illinois teased, his smirk broad and smug as he drank in Yancy’s adorable embarrassment. Yancy was crimson as fond chuckles surrounded him, including from the Warden who sent him a warm smile.

‘Nice to see you haven’t changed Yancy.’

The Warden winked, and Illinois cackled when Yancy gaped at him. For Illinois, this was genuinely the most fun he’d had in ages.

‘Aww, well isn’t that just adorable.’

Illinois laughed even louder, and Yancy bristled. The Warden sat up straighter, and Yancy’s family started to smile even wider. They saw the look on Yancy’s face, and knew what that look meant. His embarrassment had now morphed into something different, and dangerous. Yancy could tolerate a certain level of teasing before he decided that enough was enough; he took a breath, smiled, and turned to his family.

‘Hey guys… I think it’s time we teach my friend what happens to cheeky little shits in here. Whaddaya say?’

Illinois’ brows knitted together, he was immediately confused. He looked to the Warden for an explanation, but the man just chuckled. He stood and clapped the explorer on the shoulder.

‘Good luck.’

The Warden walked away, and before Illinois could call after him he was tackled very efficiently to the ground. By who, you ask? Illinois blinked and struggled, and gulped when he realised it was everyone. Yancy’s criminal family were grinning as they took hold of his limbs, ignoring his yelps and splutters. Meanwhile, Yancy was grinning at him with more menace than he’d ever seen before.

‘Woah hey what the heck?! Listen, I know I’m pretty but you guys can put hands on me one at a time you know!’

Illinois tried to act cool and suave to hide his apprehension, which made Yancy snort at him.

‘You can cut the flirtin’ Illinois, it ain’t gonna save you.’

Illinois raised an eyebrow at him.

‘… you sure?’

Illinois then sent a little wink to Bambam, who was sat next to his head – he blushed and smiled, making Yancy roll his eyes fondly. Yancy smiled to Bambam and raised a playful eyebrow.

‘Bambam, if ya don’t mind.’

Bambam sent Illinois a little, apologetic smile… before covering his mouth with his hand. Illinois’ protests were now sufficiently muffled as Yancy straddled the explorer’s waist, cracking his knuckles. Illinois swallowed hard and squirmed, his mind racing with nerves as he hoped Yancy wasn’t going to do what he thought he was going to do. Naturally, his hopes were dashed when Yancy pushed up his tight shirt with a grin.

‘Let’s show these sweet folks how pretty your laughter is, shall we?’

Illinois shook his head with wide eyes, but it was too late. Yancy’s deft, blunt nails made contact with his abs, scratching at them ruthlessly. Illinois burst into a deep fit of giggles, snorting and jolting dramatically at every little scritch and flick. The prisoners holding him all gasped and awwed down him, sharing excited look and whispers as they held him securely. Illinois’ babbles and protests remained muffled, making Yancy grin.

‘Huh? What was that? I couldn’t quite catch that?’

Yancy snickered at the little glare Illinois gave him, and delighted in drawing out a few squeaks at his pinched at his taut, twitching muscles.

‘Not so sassy now huh? It’s a wonder youse is sassy at all with how ticklish youse are.’

Yancy winked down at him, and Illinois’ face blossomed with redness. He jerked about and whined, and now tried his hand at giving pleading looks to everyone who was holding him down. He even went as far as to flutter his lashes at them, which made Yancy snicker. This was so damn priceless!

‘Pfft, don’t think these guys are gonna let you go! They’re real strong, ain’t that right?’

All the guys nodded, smirking at Illinois with evil excitement – this was the most fun they’d all had in quite some time. They all tickled and had fun with other constantly of course, but having Illinois was like have access to uncharted waters – or in this case uncharted nerves. Yancy gave them all a sneaky grin, before he leant down to Illinois and whispered.

‘And trust me, they like gettin’ real hands on.’

Oh no, that didn’t mean–? Yep, it did. Illinois shrieked as new scratching fingers entered his exposed armpits, making him cackle and writhe as Yancy still kept on tickling his poor abdominals.

‘MMPPHH!’

‘Ohoho! I think youses got a good spot!’

Yancy exclaimed at the two guys eagerly tickling Illinois’ poor hollows. The explorer desperately tugged at his arms and sent out as many pleading, handsome looks as he could, but it was all no use – he was well and truly trapped. His armpits and abs were tickled for what seemed like an eternity, time slowing down as his mind hyper-focused on each little sensation. Each drag, flick and scratch, each purred tease, all the smug smiles, all the little winks sent his way. His nerves felt like they were on fire, and everyone’s voices surrounded him like the most flustering symphony as they smirked at him.

‘Aww listen to his squeals!’

‘His face is so red, he could heat the whole prison with that blush!’

‘You sure he ain’t committed any crimes Yance? I kinda wanna keep him.’

Illinois wailed. He felt like he was actually going out of his mind… though deep down he had to admit, there was a big part of him loving all the attention being lavished on him. Yancy could see it in his eyes clear as day too, and though this was technically meant to be a punishment, he was so glad Illinois was happy.

‘Sorry guys ya can’t keep him, youses gotta get all your tickles in while ya can.’

Yancy sent Illinois a wink as he scratched his sides, making the explorer snort and wiggle from side to side. Illinois thought there was no way this could get worse… oh boy was he wrong. The two guys pinning Illinois’ ankles shared a look, smirked, and worked off Illinois shoes and socks. Illinois let out a fearful, high-pitched shriek and tugged at his legs. Yancy and the others just laughed affectionately, and soon enough Illinois was shrieking with wild, bright laughter as nails raked mercilessly up and down his soles. Yancy smirked, now tracing little shapes and swirls against the explorer’s stomach.

‘Aww are they gettin’ your poor tootsies? That’s gotta be torture.’

Illinois had tears welling in his light brown eyes as his ticklers eagerly scratched at his soles and under his toes, leaving no inch of skin un-tickled. That combined with the light flurries of tickling in his hollows and Yancy’s maddening tracing at his stomach… Illinois had no choice. All the poor guy could do now was beg. Well, try to anyway.

‘PLEHEMPHH!’

Yancy gasped dramatically, his eyes lighting up as smugness radiated off him.

‘Ohh youse is beggin’ now huh?’

Illinois wailed as he nodded, his cheeks starting to ache from his constant smile. Yancy grinned wolfishly, leaning over him as he mused.

‘Youse sorry for runnin’ ya mouth and bein’ a brat?’

Illinois nodded frantically, saying yes over and over again as his gaze flicked between everyone imploringly. Yancy chuckled, knowing Illinois couldn’t take much more. So he nodded to everyone, and they all saw the sign for cease and desist in his expression. Illinois gasped loudly as the tickling stopped and his mouth was un-covered. He blinked with amazement, not registering the mercy until Yancy spoke.

‘All is forgiven, ya little shit.’

Illinois giggled, and upon realising his limbs were free proceeded to hug himself and scrunch his feet defensively. His cheeks were red, mouth stretched into an endearing smile, clothes crumpled, and hair strewn every which way. He was the most handsome, bedraggled mess on the planet.

‘Ohoho my… that shohould be illegal.’

Everyone burst out laughing, and then Bambam sent Illinois a cheeky grin.

‘Oh yeah? Ya think someone’ll arrest us?’

Illinois snorted as everyone’s laughter got louder, and Yancy rolled his eyes and caught Bambam in an affectionate headlock. Then before Illinois knew it everyone was complimenting him on his laugh, smile and endurance, and the explorer got to spend the rest of the day listening to all of their wondrous stories and tales. He was nudged, hugged, jostled with, smiled at… and when Yancy sent him a fond smile Illinois realised something. It was true, Yancy did indeed have two families. One in the manor, and one right here… and now Illinois had made his greatest discovery. He’d found a second family too.

AHHH HAPPY NEW YEAR! THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING PATIENT WITH ME, I HOPE YOU ALL LIKE THIS FIC AND PLEASE LEMME KNOW IF YA DO! WOOO LUV YOUS XX

[palettepainter]

As someone who is transgender, Penny has caught my eyes and I love how great she looks and just her character in general

Aww that makes me so happy!! I'm so joyed that you like Penny!! I've never done a trans female OC before, and I thought it would be an interesting way to strengthen Penny's and Laser's bond! (I have been debating drawing a younger version of Gavin and maybe Penny too, when she's experimenting with female pronous and such, but idk I'm still a nervous of accidentally upsetting any irl trans people with how I draw Penny)

Since most of the cousins have been getting posts with facts about them, lets dedicate this one to Penny!

-She's older then Laser by ten minutes

-Laser was the first person Penny told about being trans. She asked Laser if he could refer to her by female pronouns when it was just the two of them, just to see if she liked it. Laser agreed, and while at the time he didn't understand Penny's feelings fully, he did see how much happier she was

-She's a big binge eater when she's sad. Her favourite foods include London cheesecake, strawberries, strawberry flavoured ice cream and eclairs

-She's had top surgery and the rest of her cousins know about her being trans, but she's still very shy about wearing clothes that are more revealing, suck as bikini's and some types of dresses. She's not loud and open like Laser is, and Penny finds it difficult to be so. Laser pats her on the shoulder and tells her to not force herself, for now Penny is comfortable with just her cousins knowing about her being trans

-She and Lips are nature besties and have very in depth talks about wildlife conservation and natural environment preservation. Lips is probably the only band members who has seen Penny drunk (she gets very emotional, mostly sad, when drunk. She cries about manatees)

-She has a gianormous manatee plushie named Marvin who she treasures and adores with her whole heart. She's very particular on who she lets hug him cuz she hates it when he gets dirty. Laser may hug Marvin when he's sad - after Penny checks his hands are clean - and her other cousins may hug Marvin with permission

-Penny likes the band, they may be a bit much at times but she has no malice with them....she cannot stand Teeth's fashion sense though. The different patterns combined with the clashing, brightly coloured patterns make her head hurt if she stares for too long. It's kind of thanks to her OCD she has such a dislike for some of his outfits, but she tries to not bring it up

-She has a soft spot for their youngest cousin Liv. Liv has told Penny and her other cousins all the crazy and dramatic stuff she's gotten herself into since joining the band as their sparky. And while she and the band always make it out fine in the end, Penny can't help but be a teenie, tiny bit concerned at times for Liv

-Her and Teeth bicker over what cheesecake it better, London cheesecake (a pastry dessert with icing and coconut ontop) or Newyork cheesecake (apparently the type of cheesecake Teeth likes is called Newyork cheesecake?). Both are utterly perplexed by the others favourite dessert choice because it's so different from their own. Their discussions will either end in them agreeing both types of cheesecake are delicious, or a vicious battle to the death

-She was terrified of Animal when she first met the band and would offer several, quick, awkward pats to his head whenever Animal would randomly give her one of his many bizarre gifts

-She's since grown fond of Animal and actually likes him a lot. Me and @jjsesame spoke about an idea of Animal, sorta like how he is with Nora in Muppets Mayhem, being a bit smitten with Penny. Also inspired a teenie bit by his character on the OG Muppet Show, but Animal respects all women, trans women and women and anyone who thinks otherwise gets bit. Cuz of this Penny grows to really like Animal, and will sometimes bring him snacks and stuff when she comes to visit since she knows Animal is a bottomless pit (has joked to Floyd if she can borrow Animal for emotional support if she ever gets the courage to go to a pride parade)

-Debating on her being Aroace or just Aromantic, Penny just strikes me as the type who wouldn't really be interested in romantical relationships, but would be perfectly comfortable and okay with just having a queerplatonic relationship with somebody if she ever found the right person

-Her job is making custom suits, dresses or fancy outfits of any type for people. She's visited the Muppets a few times when she and Gavin have come down to see Liv, and surprisingly Penny has made a strong friendship with Piggy, whom she likes to drink wed wine and gossip with. She's also close to Deadly, both being fashion designers they like to ramble about little details they put into their work and offer valuable tips and pointers to each other (She also loves Piggy's dog Foofoo, Floyd doesn't see the appeal)

-She boxes to relieve stress. Raph offered to teach her mediation, but Penny just didn't find it helpful. Initially hesitant, Raph proposes she try boxing, and to his shock it works. Raph is more or less Penny's fitness couch, she's not a supreme boxer, but she does own a punching bag at home and gloves so if she ever needs to blow off steam she can (her OCD leads to her anger sometimes being more violent then others, so the boxing is a good and healthy way for her to get her anger out without hurting herself or breaking things). Outside of Laser, Raph is the person Penny trusts the most

-Since entering the world of the fashion business she started smoking to help handle stress. Raph smokes occasionally, not as much as he used to when he was younger, but sometimes him and Penny will step out have a smoke together in silence

[willsimpforanyone]

Hey there! Love your writing! It’s beautiful 🤩! Okay, imma just expose myself real quick here, but could u write a threesome with Percabeth and A Female Reader who is a daughter of Khione? Could one of them (either Percy or Annabeth) be SUPER dominant, full on bondage, slight degradation etc. While the other one is super soft, praising R, all gentle and stuff. R just being super Submissive and a little disobedient. Thanks!

hun you are not the only one exposing yourself i have four more percabeth smut requests and i went overboard with this one

i love the idea of annabeth being the super dom one (dom women for the win), so you get soft!percy

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

"Arms up, buttercup."

Percy's gentle hands lifted my arms above my head, guiding my wrists together. "Keep them there, love, good girl."

He backed away and Annabeth moved forward, rope bundled in her hands. She threw a leg over me, almost sitting on my stomach, and grabbed my wrists. The rope was soft, smooth against my skin but under Annabeth's skillful hands it was tight against my wrists and headboard, intricately tied. Percy pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Athena would be proud."

"Don't bring my mother into this." She rolled her eyes, but smiled. Looking down for the briefest of moments to wink at me, she grabbed Percy by the collar of his shirt and pulled him into a messy kiss.

I whined, shifting my hips until Annabeth's hand came down sharply on my thigh and I gasped. She didn't even look at me, expecting me to know what she meant without having to tell me. I wasn't to move or complain- I'd be lucky to get anything with her in control.

Percy smoothed his lips along Annabeth's jaw and down her neck, nipping lightly at the skin. She let her head fall back, and I could see the small red marks left in Percy's wake. Her blonde hair was loose and curly down her back and over her shoulders, providing a stark contrast to her jet black lingerie set.

I had been dressed up in a white babydoll by Percy- the feeling of his gentle touches had almost been enough to melt me into his arms, but he kept me grounded long enough to take me into the bedroom where Annabeth had been waiting. Percy himself was just in a white shirt and black jeans.

Tugging lightly at the ropes, I bit my lip. Annabeth was still hovering over me and the sight of the two of them kissing was making me restless. "Mistress, Master, please." I wasn't even sure what I was asking for.

Annabeth laughed. "Already begging, baby?" She pouted mockingly at me. "Poor thing."

"She got worked up just being dressed up, isn't that right, little one?" Percy knelt down and stroked my cheek. I felt my face grow hot, embarrassed that he was right.

Another slap on my thigh. "He asked you a question, princess, answer him."

The nicknames were getting to my head. I couldn't bring myself to give a real answer, just able to nod my head. Percy frowned slightly. "That's not an answer, little one."

Annabeth leaned down from where she was kneeling over me, hands planted either side of my arms. "Well, princess, if you won't use your words, I'll give your mouth something to do." She gestured for Percy to help her up.

Standing by the bed, she looked up at our boyfriend. "Darling, would you be so kind as to help me out of these?" She snapped the waistband of her panties.

Percy kissed her nose. "Of course, my love." He knelt down again, hooking his fingers under the material and dragging it down her legs. His hands slipped behind her thighs and he pressed kisses down her stomach, leading down until his tongue just touched her clit.

Twisting her fingers in his hair, Annabeth caught her breath as he licked a stripe up her pussy, burying his face between her legs.

I tried my best to stop looking, but the sight was intoxicating, seeing my usually perfectly in-control Mistress lose her composure just a little under the careful ministrations of my Master.

Tugging him away, she guided him back into a kiss, both of them moaning as she tasted herself on Percy's lips. "Couldn't help yourself, huh?" She breathed.

Percy grinned. "Not my fault, you're divine. Plus," he reached his fingers down to trail lightly over my clothed pussy, coming away shiny. "-I couldn't resist teasing our baby, she's already so wet."

Annabeth locked eyes with me, and took Percy's fingers in her mouth. She pulled them out with a 'pop'. "Delicious."

Moving back on top of me, she shifted further up my body until her legs were either side of my shoulders and her pussy was hovering just above my face. "Now, princess, you saw what your Master did, now it's your turn."

I nodded eagerly, and Annabeth lowered herself until I could finally taste her. Percy moved between my own legs, hands smoothing across my thighs.

Shaky breaths and moans were elicited from Annabeth's lips as I did my best to eat her out. I couldn't use my hands despite my vigorous pulling on the ropes but I was determined to make her come, I had to make my Mistress proud of me. I chilled my tongue and lips so they were just cold enough to provide a stark contrast to her body heat.

I tongued her clit and bit at her thighs and her moans got louder and higher as Percy moved his hands from my thighs to her chest, pressing kisses to her neck and thumbing her nipples over the gorgeous bra she was wearing.

Annabeth's head was thrown back as she came on my face with a long groan. "Fuck, good girl, such a good little slut for me," she reached down and stroked my hair. Percy helped her off me, steadying her shaky legs.

I grinned. "Did I make you proud, Mistress?" I licked my lips. "You tasted so good."

She smiled back, but tapped my stomach in reproach. "Watch yourself, babygirl, but yes, you made me proud."

Percy settled her on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair from one shoulder and scattering kisses across her skin. "Our little one deserves a reward, don't you think 'Beth?"

He recieved a nod. "You have something in mind?"

"Depends," he looked back at me, but directed his words at Annabeth. "Are you good to touch? Or do you want to watch?"

My heart melted at his checking on her wellbeing, and I saw her eyes soften too. "I'll watch, I trust you to look after her."

There was a swell of pride at the idea that I'd worn out my tough Mistress with just my mouth and a little help from Percy, and I was almost tempted to tease her about it. The promise of a reward, however, was too good to jeopardise, and I remained quiet.

Percy nodded, and stood up to untie me from the headboard, keeping my wrists bound. "Come on darlin', sit up for me, that's it."

My arms ached slightly from being above my head for so long, but I sat up with his help, my arms now resting together in front. Annabeth turned my head towards hers while Percy stripped. "You doing okay?" I nodded, but she shook her head. "I need your words, baby. I need you to tell us if you want to stop."

I swallowed, forcing myself to focus. "Yes Mistress, I'm fine, I promise, I don't want to stop."

"That's better, my obedient little girl." She let go of my jaw as Percy sat back down. "Now, be good for your Master."

My Master shifted back and pulled me between his legs so I was leaning back against his chest. His voice sent shivers down my spine as he tapped my hips. "Open up, little one."

I spread my legs and the tip of his finger traced a pattern over my panties, the other arm hooking round my waist. I took a deep breath, knowing that if I pushed my hips forward he'd stop. The material was soaked, and he chuckled lowly in my ear. "Aww, you're so wet, princess, did you like tasting your Mistress?"

"Yes, Master," I breathed, and he rewarded my words by pressing more firmly against my clothed pussy. I made a noise of pleasure in the back of my throat and felt him grin against my neck.

"More, babygirl?"

"Yes, Master."

He tutted, and pulled his hand away slightly. Annabeth wove her hand through my hair and pulled, dragging my head to look at her. "Manners, slut. Be polite."

"I'm sorry Mistress!" I gasped, and tried again. "Please, Master, more."

Percy smoothed his hand up my thigh, across my stomach and under the fabric of my panties. "Good girl, thank you for asking nicely."

He slid two fingers over my pussy, finally, finally touching me properly. Teasing my entrance, he dragged whimpers and moans from my lungs. "My sensitive little one, we really messed with you, huh?"

"Fuck, yes Master, you and Mistress teased me so much."

My head was roughly pulled to Annabeth again, and she slapped my thigh hard enough to leave a mark. "You ask permission to swear, pathetic brat. You're lucky Master is in control of your pleasure, I wouldn't be so nice."

"We really worked her up, 'Beth, it's not her fault," Percy pressed kisses against my neck, fingers dancing under my panties. "As long as she remembers the rules from now on, I'll keep going. That's fair, right, little one?"

"Yes Master," I moaned. "I'll be good, I promise."

"I know baby, such a good girl." Percy pushed his fingers deep into me and I cried out, the intrustion catching me by surprise. He laughed, muffled by my neck. "Oh darling, this is only the start, you already sound like you're on the edge."

I steadied my breathing, trying to calm down even with his long fingers pumping inside me. I was so worked up, it wouldn't take long for me to cum. "How long do you want me to last, Mistress?"

Annabeth considered. "Two minutes. Two minutes, Perce, and then you can continue." Percy nodded, and moved my hips so I had to stand. He dragged my panties down my legs, and handed them to Annabeth.

"If she swears again- you won't without permission, I know sweetheart- then please put these in her mouth."

That was enough to make me consider swearing again, it was so tempting to push Annabeth further, to see what she'd do and what names she'd call me; but I desperately wanted to be good for my Mistress and Master.

Percy's hands were straight back on me, fast and hard, and I threw my head back on his shoulder. My legs were threatening to close at the sensitivity, but Annabeth slid to the floor and in between our legs. She placed her hands on the inside of my knees and hooked them over Percy's legs. "Isn't that better, baby? Your slutty pussy open for me and your Master?"

I whined at the back of my throat, face red but I was in too deep to be properly embarrassed. The two minutes seemed to last hours while I desperately fought off the tightening feeling in my lower stomach, until Annabeth nodded at Percy. He gently bit at my shoulder and thumbed at my clit. "It's okay, babygirl, you can come."

That was all the permission I needed. My back arched against Percy's chest, and under Annabeth's piercing grey gaze I came hard on his fingers.

"That's my girl, you did so well for me, I'm so proud of you, little one."

"Good little slut, coming on your Master's fingers, so submissive you'll do anything we tell you, how pathetic."

My head was muddy with praise and degradation, high off the aftershocks and pleasure.

Percy's hands gently squeezed my waist. "You done? Or do you want to keep going?"

I turned back to meet his eyes, grinding my hips back against his bare cock. "Please, Master, I want to keep going." I used my bound wrists to push out my chest, trying my best to tease them both. "I want you to fuck me." Immediately I froze- I'd sworn without permission.

Percy shuddered, and turned to Annabeth. "She was doing so well."

Annabeth's evil grin pinned me in place. "Our baby just couldn't keep her filthy mouth shut, and she couldn't keep her slutty body under control." She stood, dangling my still-damp panties from her finger. "That's two punishments due now, one for the mouth-" She shoved the fabric into my mouth. "-and one for the whorish actions." She grabbed my tits, roughly squeezing them. "Have I missed anything, Percy?"

Every action was electric, and I shivered as Percy pushed me to stand. "I think I know the perfect punishment." He spun me round, and guided my legs over the top of his thighs. His green eyes dark, but still soft. "I want you to sit on my cock, can you do that, sweetheart?"

I nodded slowly, and Annabeth reached under me to apply a condom and hold his cock steady as I lowered myself. The moan I let out was long and dirty, Percy biting his lip hard at the sound and the feeling. My chest pressed against his, and I squeezed my eyes shut at the friction.

Annabeth's voice was in my ear. "Say thank you to your Master for letting you have his cock." I looked at her confused, still with material in my mouth. "You heard me," she grinned wickedly.

My cheeks burned, and out came a muffled sound that could have been 'thank you Master' if I didn't have a pair of panties in my mouth.

Percy smiled, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "You're welcome, little one, well done for doing as your Mistress says." He winked at Annabeth. "Can you do one more thing for us, love? You now have permission to swear."

I nodded- I'd do anything to get them to stop teasing me.

My Mistress' hum went straight to my pussy. "Beg him to fuck you, pretty girl."

Oh fuck. When the two of them teamed up to humiliate me, there was nothing else to do...

...but obey.

The panties still between my teeth, I tried my best to do what they said. "Please Master, please fuck me, I'll be so good, I promise, please Mistress, let me be fucked, I want it so bad, please!"

Of course, all that came out was deperate whimpering and tears pricking at my eyes. Percy tried to hide his smile, but Annabeth laughed.

"Oh, you're so pathetic, trying so hard just to be fucked," she reached round to play with my tits, grinning at the noises she got in return. "Okay Percy, you think she's earned it?"

"Of course she has, she's been so good for us, 'Beth." Percy stroked my side. "The panties stay in, but I think she's earned it."

My muffled thanks were cut off by Percy lifting me up and throwing me on the bed, front first. My tied arms were useless, so I landed with my face and chest meeting the covers. Percy grabbed my hips, pulling my ass back and in one fluid motion he seated his cock back inside.

I choked on my scream as he began pistoning his hips into me, fingers digging into my skin hard enough to leave light bruises. The tightness of my lower stomach became more intense with each thrust, and through my makeshift gag I tried to communicate that I wouldn't last long.

Luckily Percy seemed to be of the same mind. "Babygirl, I'm gonna come, you want me to come? Gonna be a good girl and make me come?"

Annabeth's steady stream of praise to both me and Percy pushed us over the edge. Percy spilled into the condom, continuing to fuck into me as I came after him, riding out both our orgasms.

He pulled out with a low whine, and I collapsed onto the bed. Percy removed and tied off the condom, and Annabeth rolled me onto my back, removing the panties from my mouth.

With gentle touches, she began undoing her beautiful knotwork that bound my wrists, kissing the marks left behind by the rope. When the rope was tossed aside, to be dealt with later, she smiled at the grabby hands I made for her.

"Hey there honey, you okay? We didn't go too hard on you?"

I shook my head. Annabeth's dom aftercare was very much based around reassuring her that she didn't hurt anyone that didn't want to be hurt, that she'd done a good job, and that she was allowed to take care of her submissives, whether that was just me, Percy or both of us.

"I'm good, Annie," I kissed her cheek. "A little foggy, but that's all."

Percy returned, having fetched bottles of water from somewhere. The two of them helped me sit up, and encouraged me to drink at least a third of the water. Percy's dom aftercare was very much food based, and I had no doubt that within half an hour of us getting out the shower he'd be cooking up waffles or homemade fries or something.

Annabeth smoothed a little lotion on where she'd slapped my leg earlier. "Do you need anything?"

"A shower would be great, but I'll be in need of assistance," I giggled, gesturing to my shaky legs.

They nodded, and Annabeth slung my arm over her shoulders while Percy made his way to the bathroom. "Come on then, let's get you cleaned up."

I nuzzled her neck. "I love you two, you know that?"

I felt her smile. "We love you too, now come on, you're not falling asleep on me."

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

i did have to do some figuring out with the positions on my own bed lol but i very much hope you enjoyed! thank you for the request!

side note i need to break up writing with moving round my room, my whole body hates me lol

[ontheoddoccasioniwritestuff]

Valentines Day for Nerds (Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader)

Summary: Spencer’s favourite holiday is often taken up mostly by work, but this year his enjoyment doesn’t seem to be as disruptive in the BAU bullpen. The team soon realise why.

AN: It’s a bit late- who am I kidding? IT’S ALWAYS HALLOWEEN IN OUR HEARTS! This was a part of @imagining-in-the-margins fic swap, for the brilliant @agntprentiss <3 

For my smut fic from the swap, check out A Little Indulgence (18+ only!)

Reader uses she/her pronouns!

Word count: 1.7k words

Gif credit to @imagining-in-the-margins​ <3

Your name: submit What is this?

The first breach of boredom was Penelope practically skipping into the bullpen, her arms cradling a bouquet of flowers as if it were an infant. The bold orange roses contrasted with the dyed black petals of its counterparts as they were planted upon Spencer’s desk.

“Delivery for Doctor Reid!” trilled Penelope, clapping her hands now that they were free of said delivery. Dropping his pen onto his unfinished paperwork, Spencer pivoted the base of the bouquet before he found a small black envelope.

It held a little card with two pumpkins, happy faces carved into them both. Inside were the following words:

 Black is for new beginnings,

Orange is for enthusiasm,

Spooky times are afoot tonight,

Watch out for ectoplasm!

I spent ten minutes trying to think of a rhyme for that. Happy Halloween, Cara Mia!

Y/N xxx

Spencer beamed as he placed the bouquet at the edge of his desk, next to the fake severed hand that now held the card in its stiff fingers. He scratched his bristly cheek. Less than a day until he could shave this off. It’d be worth it though.

“Is it from Y/N?”

He looked up to see Penelope had lingered like a lost spirit, waiting to see if her trials of passing on the bouquet had been worthy enough for her to move onto the next world – her Batcave. She was poised with a hopeful expression.

“Yes,” Spencer said, watching Penelope lean up on her tiptoes as she tried to rein in her delight.

She clapped her hands, her purple painted nails clicking as they tapped together, “Are my two favourite ghost hunters up to much this Hallow’s Eve?”

“We’re going to see the Phantasmagoria re-enactment after we go trick-or-treating with Henry tonight.”

It was hard to ignore the absolute glee with which Spencer spoke. Even if one completely ignored the way his voice carried a light excitement, the way his eyes lit up and his broad smile almost fell off his face was enough to connote that he was very excited for tonight. It was also hard to ignore the mild bemusement on the faces of everyone who heard.

Glad to be back and bearing witness to his elated behaviour regardless, Emily cracked a smile, “Maybe she’ll cling to you when she gets scared.”

A heat crawled up Spencer’s neck and he tried to return to work now in hopes that his gift’s display would be cut off. He’d rather sit in the glow of receiving the flowers without mockery.

To the team’s credit, no one ribbed him for it.

The flowers were not the last gift though.

Soon Penelope reappeared, “Your Cupid has returned with another gift for you!”

As he tore at the paper and revealed an Edgar Allen Poe pin – the titular Raven he instantly attached it to his satchel strap – in pride of place, just like the bouquet.

Derek was the one to notice how Spencer’s sandwiches had been cut into little pumpkins. Some digging and Spencer revealed that he had gotten Y/N to order a cutter online. He held his lunch in one hand, his collection of classic Halloween short stories in the other, with a childish glee that no one wanted to squander.

When Spencer climbed the steps to drop off a file to Hotch around mid-afternoon, Rossi walking behind him noted the brand-new socks. A classic odd pairing, and obviously they were Halloween themed. This kid left no opportunity untaken when it came to celebrating Halloween – more than his own birthday.

But Rossi was not closed enough to get a good look at them, and no one else was as close. So, he recruited Emily and Derek to discover what the pattern was. It was Emily and Derek who upped the stakes by wanting to get a glimpse without arousing suspicion. Now that outright asking Spencer was not an option, the game began as they dropped several pens as an excuse to bend over and strain for a flash of those socks.

Derek eventually resorted to a pantomime attempt at tripping in front of Spencer’s desk and gave the jig up straight away by shouting to a stressed Emily (whilst also catching the attention of Hotch through his office’s blinds): “IT’S IT!”

A few language barriers hurdled later, and hindsight brought them both clarity. The red splodge on Spencer’s ankle was officially defined as a balloon.

“So tell us! What’s the other one?” Emily said, her voice strained with how much she was invested in this single sock.

Spencer hiked up his trouser leg to display the skeletal zombie sewn into the sock. “It’s Curtis Danko from When Good Ghouls Go Bad. Y/N had it commissioned for me!”

JJ was watching nearby, unaffected by the tensions of the sock bet. She knew the film because Y/N had wanted to show it to Henry the other week when she babysat him. But upon further inspection, the R.L. Stine film – while intended for kids – might be a little intimidating for Henry to watch without his profiler mother and godfather, police officer father, and favourite auntie there to protect him from the cursed statue.

No one else in the bullpen knew the film.

The team soon discovered that Spencer was not the only one to be on the receiving end of such gifts. Six o’clock rolled around and Y/N entered the bullpen. She was wearing a fuzzy black scarf, some sparkles shining within the wool. At the tail of it, a lucky black cat patch was sewn onto the end. It caught Rossi’s eye and he hid behind a folder as he smiled. The three times that Spencer had forgone a card game with him (in favour of knitting the scarf on the flights back from cases) had been riddled with playful teasing. It was good to see that it was worth it.

Especially when Spencer saw Y/N wearing it and his back snapped straight up. His chair flew backwards, spinning around with the effort that Spencer had launched himself from it, and he and Y/N embraced each other with casual affection.

“How was work today?”

“Not as boring as I thought. But, I have to say: I’m meant to call you Cara Mia.” Spencer’s eyes darted to the card Y/N had sent that morning.

Y/N caught onto his meaning, “Should I stop?”

“Never.”

She rubbed her nose against his and Spencer went pink again, giggling like a teenager. True, he was as smitten with Y/N as Gomez was with Morticia. Then he remembered he was in the workplace as Y/N went to greet the rest of the team, and Spencer’s pink became a scarlet.

“Aww, Pretty Boy,” Derek grinned at him from his desk chair, “You’re so cute!”

“It’s like Sergio!” Emily said, admiring the scarf with her thumb rubbing over the stitches around the cat patch.

“Make sure he’s safe tonight,” Y/N squeezed her hands for a second.

Then JJ appeared from her office, coat and bag over her arm, and she, Y/N, and Spencer wished the bullpen a Happy Halloween before they left.

They had three hours before the Phantasmagoria started. Plenty of time to get ready.

Henry was right behind the front door of his home. The second it opened, he bounced at Spencer’s feet, his tiny hand clutching onto two of his fingers to drag him inside. He was babbling away at such speed that Y/N could barely keep up. She gave Will a wave across the ironing board where he was diligently ironing Will’s cape.

“Well don’t you look handsome!” Y/N beamed at Henry while JJ combed his hair back, slick with gel. It was something he agreed to but only if Spencer was doing the same. Which he was, occupying the downstairs bathroom as he prepared his own costume.

The moment Spencer had finished shaving everything bar the moustache, he was plonked in front of the television. Henry smoothed out his cloak and put in his plastic fangs in to watch the rest of his new favourite Halloween film, The Little Vampire. He mumbled along with Rudolph’s lines and sat enraptured as he pointed out to Spencer the flying scenes. Luckily for him, Will and JJ were getting dressed as Frederick and Freda Sackville-Bagg upstairs to join in the Halloween spirit – last year’s Halloween date night disaster long forgotten.

Henry put in his plastic fangs and hissed at Y/N who emerged in her long sleek black dress. As she stepped across the room as elegantly as Morticia, Spence spied that she was wearing the black spiderweb tights he had bought her today.

“Hello, Gomez,” She smiled radiantly at Spencer, smoothing out his suit jacket as he stood before her. He presented her with a red rose that matched her lipstick to a tee.

As she breathed in the flower’s scent, he kissed her cheek, enjoying her giggle at the bristle of his ‘stache, “You’re stunning.”

“Thank you, and you’re handsome as ever.” She swung their linked hands between them in the opposite way she poised on her tiptoes. “Maybe we should have taken a tango class.”

And she laughed loudly at Spencer’s wincing at such a thought.

“It’s ok, Cara Mia. I’ll settle for a kiss instead.”

Oh, that was something he could do forever. He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles then the inside of each wrist.

Unfortunately, Henry interrupted the stream of kisses that were headed in Y/N’s way. “Ready to go!” He skipped his way between the happy couple.

It was hard to be mad at Henry, especially with how adorable he looked beside his parents and with his bright orange pumpkin bag ready to collect candy. He felt safe with his four favourite adults guarding him.

“Tonight,” Y/N whispered into his ear and he could hear the smirk in her words, “After the Phantasmagoria.”

Spencer beamed, his dimples delightfully framing that smile. One day maybe, they would have their own Wednesday, Pugsley, and Pubert to join them. And maybe then Derek would dress up as Uncle Fester.

[sohin-ace]

Doppio - Frog Princess

Fairy tale AU and lots of love for my small man.

Doppio dragged his feet across the garden, restless and desperate. He sighed and whined to himself, taking the opportunity of being all alone to voice his pain and concerns, something he was never allowed to do.

"Aww jeez... This prince life isn't made for me..."

He huffed again and tugged at his very uncomfortable, gold adorned collar that was almost suffocating him.

Doppio looked around him, sure enough, the tall trees surrounding him did a great job at hiding him from the potential workers on the castle grounds that could possibly be looking for him.

He could finally have a little moment for himself and sneak out, maybe to cry to himself a little bit.

"O-ow... That still hurts..." The boy whined and rubbed on his bruised fingers, the results of angry professors punishing him for each mistakes he made. "I'm no good, I can't do anything right..."

That's right. Prince Doppio was a clumsy and anxious boy who lacked capacity in every domain. He always tried his best and obeyed every and each order, he wasn't undisciplined, oh no, young Doppio was a good boy.

He was just bad. He hardly managed to keep the required straight stance for more than ten seconds, was better at petting the horses than at riding them, couldn't follow etiquette at all, or protocol, was extremely forgetful and sadly, mother nature did not grace him with the strongest physical traits a young man his age was expected to have.

"Tch... Trish was so popular everyone courted her and she was so easy to marry, but me... No one would want to marry a good-for-nothing like me..."

He angrily kicked some rock and held his back that cracked at the movement, in pain, squeezing his eyes shut and sobbing at the sore feeling. That last lesson of fencing went so terribly wrong, how did the others do it?

"I'm so tired... Why meee...?"

"Ribbit!"

"Huh?" Doppio was startled at the very sudden but intriguing croaky sound and approached its direction near the pond.

He couldn't see anything at first, but then a tiny little creature jumped out of its hiding place. Doppio's honey eyes widened and he quickly wiped his warm tears, crouching down towards the animal.

"A frog!" He exclaimed happily, almost like a small child, new to the world. "Hi! You're so tiny, what's your name?"

"Ribbit!"

He knew very well the animal couldn't respond to him with actual words, but just the feeling of having even a one-sided conversation soothed a bit of his loneliness down. He cupped his hands together to invite the frog in, and the animal obliged by jumping on them.

He looked down and observed the chubby little creature. It had the cutest, roundest eyes, almost sparkly in the dim forest light, its green color was so bright and homogenous, there weren't any marks or patterns that frogs usually had on their skin. Even its limbs were tiny and soft, Doppio couldn't help but pet it with one careful and shaky finger.

"O-ooh! Oh my god!" He squealed uncontrollably. "You're so squishy!"

"Ribbit ribbit!"

The quiet and high-pitched croak felt so pleasant to his ears, it meddled with the sound of the water next to him and made him feel so much at peace. He loved to hear that cute sound and how the frog's belly puffed up like a balloon with each croak.

"What are you? A boy or a girl? I'd say you're a girl because you're super pretty and have a tiny voice."

"Ribbit Ribbit! Ribbit Ribbit!"

Doppio gasped loudly. "D-did I get it right?! Oohh yes!! That's so cool! Well... Not like I would have minded if you were a boy... Or both... Wait, do frogs have genders? Oh it doesn't matter."

The young prince felt like this frog was currently the only thing keeping him sane. He had no one else to talk to, there was no one who actually cared for his own well-being and he had no friends.

The only real person to actually show him some kind of recognition and love was none other than the King Diavolo himself. But even his sweet words and affection seemed somewhat back-handed and laced with pressure and severity.

"You know, you're lucky, little thing..." Doppio started with melancholy. "You don't have to worry so much about your life... I'm bad at everything and I'm all alone... I don't know what to do..."

"Ri-rib, ribbit!"

"Even if a nice princess wanted to marry me, I would turn her down because she would deserve better... Sometimes I wish I could disappear..."

"Ribb-ribbit!"

Doppio's eyes softened on the small frog. That's how sad and pathetic he was. Talking his problems out with a frog.

"Why do I feel like you actually understand me...? Thank you for listening to me and being my only friend."

Without even thinking, he lifted the small frog and brought it towards his face, giving it the tiniest of pecks. He smiled at how weird the feeling was, the animal was cold and slightly humid, a bit sticky too which he did not mind surprisingly.

He sighed and looked up mindlessly before his eyes were suddenly striked by a blinding flash of light.

"Wh-what the hell?!"

The light flashed brighter and brighter, coming from the frog in his hands. What was going on?

Doppio could only drop the creature and shield his eyes with his arms desperately as the frog sparkled like a thousand fireflies and grew in size.

The boy squinted his eyes shut and fell back right onto his butt before he felt a strong weight pressing on him, the mass eventually pinning him down onto the ground.

"U-uughh..." He groaned and rubbed his head, a sharp headache from the harsh light hitting his sensitive eyes still slowly fading.

He looked down only for his eyes to widen like saucers. He couldn't believe what he was currently witnessing and thought that maybe he went blind from the flash and was hallucinating right now.

The weight on top of him revealed to be the figure of a girl laying unconscious. He couldn't see her face buried in his chest, but he could make out her beautiful hair, smooth skin tone and the very frilly green dress she was wearing.

And that wasn't just any dress either, the golden ornaments, the tulle, the silk, the lace, the satin... That was an expensive dress, was she...could she be... A nobleswoman? A baroness? A...

...A princess?

"A-aah..." The girl moaned quietly before pushing herself up, not without struggle and Doppio gasped.

"A-are you okay signori-..." The boy could barely finish his sentence and only mumbled open-mouthed nonsense.

He was beyond mesmerized at the beauty who had just ever-so-slowly lifted her face up to look at him. Her shining wide eyes, her innocent glossy lips, her rose dusted cheeks and her hair framing her perfect face made him believe he just stumbled into some sort of forest Goddess.

"Ah-I... U-uuhm.. Y-you...uh.. W-ah-...eh... I-I'm..." He stammered awkwardly, his brain melting like ice in summer as his face and ears burned a crimson red, his breath catching in his now dry throat.

"Ah! My stars!" The girl gasped as she hovered over the immensely flustered prince. "I am so sorry! I must be crushing you!"

The young girl fretted anxiously before trying to scramble over on her knees and straighten herself up to give the poor man some much needed space, but as soon as she did, she was hit with a wave of dizziness and lost balance again. Doppio was quick to sit up and catch her against his chest, wrapping careful arms around her.

"A-are you okay, miss? What happened to you? What's going on?" The boy asked worriedly, regaining his composure slowly.

"Ah y-yes... It's just... It's been so long since I've been glamoured..."

"You've been... Glamoured?" Doppio couldn't be more confused than this, but the girl explained further as she leaned back slightly.

Her name was Y/N L/N, daughter of the King L/N. Many years ago, she had been the victim of a curse cast by the one and only sorcerer Dio, who was overcome by fury and rage against anyone affiliated with the Joestar Empire, or those who refused to become one of his pets, casting spells after spells, and curses after curses.

"He turned me into a frog and swore to me that nobody would ever come to save me from my demise... But you..." Y/N looked up at Doppio's honey eyes and couldn't help the tears pooling at her eyes.

She was free, at last.

"I was all alone... And you came here... My savior..."

Her soft voice cracked with thick emotions and she stared into Doppio's golden eyes with soft ones, her vision blurred by warm tears. Doppio gasped lightly, moved by her story and she shyly wiped her tears.

"A-ah, forgive me! How shameful of me, to weep in front of a prince like this... I'm just.. So..."

"No, princess, don't apologize." He gently held her wrists to pull them away from her timid face. "You have the right to be overwhelmed... Nobody's here, besides... I cried too, earlier, in front of you. Nothing wrong with showing your emotions."

She sighed dreamily at his gentle words and soft touches, the now more confident boy stirring her heart. "What is your name, my prince?"

"Doppio." He gulped, stiff as a rock at her saccharine gaze and tone. "Doppio Vinegar."

"You're a good person, Doppio..." She breathed out, her words dripping with warm sincerity. Doppio's heart could only skip beats at each and every one of her actions.

The boy may be clumsy and bashful, he surely wasn't dense. He well knew he was deeply falling in love with this frog princess, but something in him told him she may not be completely disinterested in him either, despite his overall appearance and personality.

But maybe, just maybe, it was because she didn't know him enough. She didn't know this extent of his foolishness, how worthless of a man he truly was. This was the perfect opportunity for her to just push him away and run back home, only to never see him again.

But against all he could have ever expected, he was completely shaken out of his low self-esteem filled transe when he felt her leaning her delicate hands and head against his chest, closing her eyes and relishing in his warm hold still on her.

"Prince Doppio... I feel so safe when I'm in your arms... I'll forever be grateful for granting me my deepest wish..." She lifted her head just enough to look at his blushing freckled face, his mouth agape. "How could I ever reward you?"

Was she... Really serious? Nobody has ever told him they felt good around him. Nobody has ever felt safe around the small and skinny man that was Doppio. Could he be strong enough for her?

Well one thing was positive, he didn't want to let her go, and if he had to eat razor blades to protect her, he would do it without batting an eye.

She actually wanted to, or at least seemed to, stay with him. She felt grateful, for him, of all people!

He hoped she wouldn't hear his heart go feral in his chest. She would do... Anything for him? Could he be selfish? Could he ask the inimaginable? Would she say yes? He wouldn't force her but... He would love to think about himself only, just this once in his life.

He had nothing to lose.

He gently grabbed both her hands in his surprisingly big ones, squeezing gently and rubbing his thumbs over her soft skin, as if to want to imprint his love onto her.

"Ma-... Marry me, Princess Y/N!" He confessed with loud yet clear determination. "Please, be mine! I will cherish you like my most prized treasure, you will never be alone and feel unsafe again! I promise my entire life to you, please promise me yours!"

She widened her eyes at his sudden assertiveness and his strong, meaningful words. The pink boy in front of her shook her heart in so many ways, and she had already lost everything to Dio in the past. She had absolutely no reason to deny, now did she?

The girl smiled bright and slowly pulled her hands out of his grasp, only to immediately wrap her arms around her hero's neck, nuzzling her face against him lovingly.

"Yes! I accept... my sweet Doppio."

[sparetimeimagines]

Intolerable | Todoroki Shoto

Tags; Smut, Drunk Sex, Oral, Old Lovers

Masterlist

One shot, two shot, three shots go.

You watched as your coworkers downed the shots of tequila after a long day at the office. Your boss was a dickhead and all you wanted was to forget the day.

“Ok. Your turn, Y/n.” The blonde coworker passes the shot closer to you.

“No... I can’t.” You reject the shot and your company grumbles in disapproval.

“What? Why not?” She nudges the shot closer to you and you shrug.

“I’m not really into tequila.”

“Well how about this.” Your coworker hands you some cash. “Go up to the bar, order one of those cocktails that you like so much. You’re drinking with us whether you like it or not.” She teases and ushers you to the bar. “You better not come back without a drink.”

You roll your eyes pulling yourself into the empty bar stool, not noticing anyone but the bartender and the bill in your hand.

“You’re kidding me.” You hear after moments pass, the bartender busy making drinks after drinks. Cocking your head to the right, you see a face you haven’t seen in a very long time.

“Yn?” The low voice clears his throat and you catch an eye. Red and white hair, blue and brown eyes.

“Todoroki Shoto.” You let out a smug smile and he returns it. “What a surprise.”

“You’re telling me. How are you?”

You catch up on the small talk with the heterochromatic professional hero, learning that he too is trying to survive the hectic work week.

He buys a drink, a cocktail that was directed for you to return to the table with, however you found better company with the hero.

“Are you seeing someone?” He sips from his dark liquor and you shake your head trying the drink.

“Is that too hard to believe?”

“Well, I mean, do you want me to answer honestly?” He eyes you from your face, down your legs peaking from the navy blue dress to the very tip of your heels.

“Only if it’s in my favor.” You wink and he flushes.

“Im sure you’ll catch on.”

The small talk turns into flirtatious teasing, bringing up old memories before the prohero got in to the academy on recommendations.

“Why didn’t you go into the hero force?” He asks and once again you shrug.

“There’s not a huge desire for sleepovers as an adult.”

He looks confused as he finishes his drink.

“You forgot my quirk didn’t you.”

“I’m sorry.” He calls over the bartender as you catch up with him.

“I heal while I sleep. I heel anyone I touch while I sleep.”

“That’s right!” He orders two more drinks for the both of you.

“Yeah. It’d be hard to catch villains if I’m sleeping.”

“That’s fair.”

The flirtatious teasing then turns into drunken words and super friendly petting.

“Shoto I don’t know where I live.”

“Oh no... what are you gonna do?”

“I guess I’ll just stay here.”

“No... you can’t do that.” He shakes his head. “You can come home with me.”

“With you?”

“Yeah of course.” His hand holds your waist up as he calls a cab. “It’s not the first time, Babe.”

“True.”

The cab ride turns into heavy making out in the back seat. Your waist in his, you’re grinding against his waist, his cock twitching in his pants while his hands dip into your dress feeling your tits to their perfection.

The ride is cut short and he throws the cab driver a handsome tip before taking your hand and inviting you into his home.

Before you have a minute to adjust, he’s throwing you up against the wall.

“Those damn legs.” He hikes your leg over his waist, hoisting you against the wall. “You look so sexy.”

The lust fills his eyes, kisses making his way up and down your neck as his hand pets your pussy wet.

“Shoto...” you moan as he attacks your neck.

His hands pull away the fabric of your dress letting it fall down your chest.

Shoto’s hand hovers over your breast before taking it in his mouth sucking on your nipple. His tongue circles rings around it, looking up at your reaction before kissing you in between switching your breasts.

His finger traces up your neck outlining your lips, thumb pressing against your bottom.

Lips spreading for him, you allow his thumb in your mouth, he pressing it against your tongue.

Shoto switches breasts once more before returning to your lips.

“Let me make you feel good.” He moans biting your lip.

“Mmm how are you gonna do that?” You slur into his lips.

“I’m gonna fuck you.” He’s kissing your lips repeatedly leaving you breathless.

“You’re gonna fuck me?” You moan and he grabs your ass.

“I’m gonna fuck you.” Shoto hoists you over his waist, legs wrapping around him until he brings you into the bedroom throwing you on his bed.

“You’re so pretty.” He kisses down your neck, over your breast down to your core. He flips you over briefly, unzipping the dress throwing it across the room.

He pulls your waist into him, ass in the air letting the heat of his hand bring a hearty smack to your cheek.

“Your body...” He moans leaving another heated smack. “This ass.” He kisses your cheek earning a moan. “Straight perfection.”

His lips smear over your skin, your body wanting to spread for him with the help of the alcohol.

“Can i taste you? You’re so wet for me.”

His fingers feel your slit through the fabric, petting for your approval.

A hiss leaves your lips as as he lightly rubs a pattern into your cunt. Pressing harder on your clit feeling your bud strain under him, he looks up at you waiting.

“Baby Doll.” He hums still letting his fingers play with your slit. “I’m waiting.”

You arch your hips down to him and he chuckles.

“I need to hear you.” He rubs your cheek tugging at the hemline.

“Yes.” You moan against the mattress biting your lip.

“Yes what?”

“I want you to taste my pussy.” Your breath catches your exhale looking into his heterochromatic eyes from behind.

His finger tugs at your panties pulling them to the side. You hear him let out a long sigh of satisfaction before leaving a lengthy strip along your drunken cunt.

“Mmmmfuck.” You let out a long moan with your back arching lower.

“Yes Baby.” He mumbles against your skin.” That’s what I like to hear.”

He leaves a few extra strips before clutching your hips and flipping you over on your back.

Shoto kisses your thigh, rubbing it a few times, coming closer littering kisses until he finally removes your panties.

“Just as I remembered it.” He moans with a swift inhale. “So pretty.”

Memories of the last time you two had relations flashed into your head.

Young and sixteen. You didn’t know much about sex, but being horny teenagers and fifteen minutes was all you needed to have your hearts racing wildly.

His fingers spread your lips gently, letting the tips play with your slick.

Rubbing soft circles into your clit; he watches your reaction. How your neck stretches out and your chest heaves with a deep inhale. How the ends of your lips curl upwards into satisfied smirk.

His strong arms pull your hips down closer to him while watching you relax onto him.

Shoto’s two middle fingers continue to rub in circular motion, watching your eyes flutter with desire.

“You like that baby?” He moans, his cock forming in his pants. Your nod is lazy but he lets you slide. “That’s right. Relax baby. Let me take care of you.”

The low voice sends a different reaction to your cunt.

His middle finger dips below your clit into the folds, feeling your muscles tense below. Shoto slides in and out brushing against your clit into the velvet walls.

Covering more ground with his soft touch, he gradually goes lower into your pussy with long even dips of his fingertips.

“You’re getting so wet.” Moaning, Shoto draws his fingers to his lips. “And your taste...” He sucks on his fingers. “You taste so good.”

He returns to your clit with his fingers, rubbing with more aggression; this time dipping his middle finger deep inside your tight hole.

“Mmm baby you’re so tight.”

Slowly pumping his finger in and out of your hole begging for a reaction from you;

he glances at your face. Cheeks red with arousal making his cock twitch, he leans forward kissing your lips sloppily.

Down to your breast then your thighs, finally he’s on your overstimulated clit.

Shoto’s tongue flicks your bud and instantly your hips buck into him.

Your fingers tighten in his hair and walls around his finger; fucking you with faster speeds.

He twists his finger inside you, circling his tongue much like he had with his finger.

Heaving chests and a tight sobbing pussy, he knows you’re ready to cum.

“Aww baby, already close? I haven’t even fucked you yet.” He mumbles against your cunt. His tongue focusing on your high, he adds another finger to overthrow you. Hips arched into him, you can feel his smirk against your clit.

“Cum for me baby.” He slurps your slick twisting his fingers. “Cum on my tongue.”

Intolerable moans break from your lips as he clutches your hip with his free hand. You pull his hair in thick strands, feeling your thrusts aid the cum covering his tongue.

“Fuck. Fuck baby.” You convulse panting. “That dirty mouth.”

“Yes baby.” He licks his wet lips kissing your clit sending electricity through your body. “Get her ready for me.”

Shoto reaches into his pants releasing his cock. Head red and dripping with precum, He strokes his length slapping the head against your clit.

“Mmm fuck, Shoto.”

“Yes Baby. Say my name.”

“Shoto please.” You moan pulling his neck into you. “More. I need more.” You wrap your legs around his core sucking his lips into yours. Needy kisses and hungry bites onto plump lower lips, you need him. You need to feel it all.

You reach down to his cock, feeling him for a brief second before he pulls back.

“No no no...” his finger rests on your lips. “I want to last.”

Kicking his pants off, he crawls over you with his skin touching yours.

Skin to skin, touch to touch.

He hovers over your body, with each muscle in his body flexing in perfection. Hero training has always been a blessing in disguise.

Perfect core chiseled to its peak, you scope his body not believing you could catch someone like him.

“Like what you see, Baby Doll?” You bite your lip looking him in the eye with your quiet nod. “Good.”

Shoto reaches down to his cock stroking it to his perfection, lowering it on between your legs.

He presses against your folds looking you in the face before sliding into you.

“Oh shit.” You gasp, his size building pressure as he fills your fully. Your jaw drops and he smirks leaning into you. His lips press against yours as he begins slowly moving his hips.

He’s passionate, open mouthed kisses, slow and in the moment, focusing on how you feel as he thrusts into you. His hand cups your jaw holding you in place with his thumb caressing your structure.

It’s meaningful to him. For Shoto, it’s not just fucking. To him it’s more than that.

It’s an emotional connection. It’s a piece of him he’s giving to you.

Another long thrust, he’s bottomed out to stretch you full.

Your hands wrap around his wide shoulders, one in his hair as he kisses into your neck.

His thrusts gradually pick up, feeling your breath in his neck with a moan slipping up.

“Mmm yes Baby. Tell me how you feel.”

His teeth graze the tender skin on your neck, pulling in a bite teasing a moan once again.

Shoto rolls his hips switching each spot he sucks on until you gasp loudly.

“Baby.” He pulls back to look at your face. “You’re so spoiled. Can’t take a little bite?”

“You’re mean.” You slur rolling your eyes trying not to drool.

“Well, you’re a brat.” He thrusts harder this time, your hips clashing as he resumes a full motion.

Shoto’s lips clasp yours shut ramming his hips into every last bit of space. His heated hand massages circles into your breast, his cock red from pleasure bottoms into your sensitive walls seeking your moan.

“Shoto...” you gasp. “Right there.”

Your heart beats wildly, already overstimulated from the alcohol and the dual action of Shoto.

“Yeah? Baby likes what she feels?”

“Mmhmm.”

Your drunken haze matches his; pink cheeks and cloudy eyes.

“You feel so good, Baby.” He kisses you once more, looking his lips on to yours powering through building his high.

Shoto pulls your hips into his, a steady grip on yours with your legs on each side of him.

His breathing is heavy matching yours.

You can hardly keep your eyes open watching the hero’s cock slide in and out of your swollen pussy.

“Mmm shit.” Your high is rising faster than before. “Shit Shoto.” Your walls clench around him and your clit firm as he hits your spot perfect. “I’m gonna cum. I’m gonna cum- fuck.” Your breath catches in your throat, eyes clamping shut and your jaw open. No breath coming out. You’re silent.

You feel his twitch inside you, a few quick jolts when a gasp leaves his lips.

He pulls out from you, leaving your cunt leaking with his white cum.

His body quickly losing its composure, he collapses beside you on the bed.

“Wow.” He catches his breath and you nod. Your chests both heaving, you stare at the ceiling in your high.

All you hear is your heart in your ears, the post coital clearance in your brain and the overwhelming satisfaction in between your legs.

An open mouthed loose smile and heavy dazed eyes follow you to a yawn.

You swing your legs over the edge catching the attention of Shoto.

“Where are you going?” He raises a brow.

“Home I guess.” You drunkenly look around the room when strong arms grasp your waist.

“Nuh uh. Not like this.”

“What?”

He pulls you into his body, lips kissing your shoulder.

“You’re drunk, Babe.” He says in between kisses. “Not to mention naked.”

You let out a moan leaning back into him.

“You don’t mind me staying?”

“I don’t want you leaving.” He chuckles against your chest. “You don’t have to.”

You turn in his arms facing him.

“This pussy make you fall in love with me?” You smirk as he kisses you.

“More like that ass.” He smirk as you gasp. “I’m kidding. You’re beautiful and you know that.” He pulls your head into his chest. “Just sleep it off right now. Nothing else matters.” He kisses your forehead pulling up the covers. “You can’t be wondering around naked, you drunk.”

[artificialqueens]

Carousel (Taywhora) - Plegdoctor

A/N: Right, so fun fact about me, the first drag race fic I ever wrote was actually an Aquaria/Cracker one. It was going to be a high school au but I never ended up finishing it. I recently found it and reread it and found this one scene where they all go to the fair together. So this is a rewrite of a fic that never was! I've obviously had to change some bits to fit the UK2 girls but a lot of it is word for word what I wrote in that little notebook years ago. So yeah, enjoy!

--

Aurora shivered and wrapped her leather jacket tighter around herself. The cool air of the early winter night fluttered through her hair, threading the blonde strands into a tangle. Lights flashed around her, so bright that she could still see them when she closed her eyes.

Although it was cold, she was comfortable. Content. She could hear the music blaring from various rides and stands, the screams of children and the laughter of teens, the chattering of adults. The air was full of food, candyfloss sugar and savoury smells of greasy burgers and hotdogs that would leave her with a stomach ache for two days.

Best of all, the air was electric. There was an energy like no other fizzing across the atmosphere as she looked at her friends with a smile.

Lawrence had dragged Ellie onto the dodgems, despite desperate protestations from the taller girl. And then of course Lawrence had to challenge Tia to a duel of sorts on the damned things, so Tia had persuaded Veronica to go with her and prove the Scot wrong. She could see them now, Ellie’s blonde hair all over Lawrence’s shoulder as she squealed and cuddled into her.

She was going to miss this.

“Look at those two. Bloody disgusting.”

She didn’t even jump as the voice appeared beside her, the smooth Welsh accent already giving it’s owner away. She held her hand out expectantly, pleased when a bag of candyfloss was placed in it.

“They’re so lovesick. It’s cute. Talking of lovesick, where are Bim and Asttina?”

Tayce sighed. “I think they’re still googling whether candyfloss is vegan or not. I told Bims it was because it’s just sugar but they weren’t convinced.”

Aurora held back a giggle and shivered again. Tayce frowned slightly.

“You cold?”

“A little. I’ll be alright when we get moving again.”

“Right. Who’s winning this duel anyway?”

Aurora snorted. “Fuck knows babe, I’m pretty sure Tia and Lawrence have both committed various war crimes while Ellie and Veronica are just trying to stay alive.”

“Well I’ll warm you up while we wait.” Tayce said, slinging an arm around Aurora’s shoulders and pulling her in close. Aurora sighed and snuggled into her friend, her heartrate increasing with the close proximity. She could feel the soft material of Tayce’s coat, count her steady heartbeat, smell the mixture of her expensive floral perfume and the cheap sugar on her breath.

Aurora could’ve stayed there forever, getting drunk on Tayce’s touch.

“We might wanna go back on guys, we shouldn’t interrupt this sexual tension.” Her peace was cut short by a thick Scottish accent.

She sighed. Tayce simply laughed. “Wind your neck in Lozza, let’s not pretend you didn’t take Ellie on that ride just so she’d be pressed up against you.” She called out playfully, her grip not leaving Aurora’s shoulders.

“Get to fuck Tayce, as if I would lower my standards.” She replied, Ellie giving a little cry of indignation from where she was hanging off her arm.

“That’s not what you told me last night, hen.” She teased, the girls erupting into screams of laughter.

They stumbled through the fair together, arms linked as they all shouted along to the tacky music being played. Bimini and Asttina joined them eventually, Asttina carrying Bimini on her back to “give them the experience of being tall.” Eventually they came to a stop in front of the carousel where Ellie gave a gasp of delight and immediately begged them all to go on it.

They dug through their pockets for the £1 needed, handing it to the bored looking man. Ellie immediately found a pure white horse with a pink saddle and clambered onto it, pulling Lawrence up behind her. Bimini and Asttina chose a blue and grey one, while Veronica and Tia predictably end up on a horse with a green saddle.

Aurora circled the horses a few times, scrutinising them.

“It’s not a house you’re looking for Rory, just get on a horse.” Ellie yelled from where she was, Lawrence’s arms around her middle as her head rested on her fluffy pink jacket.

“Here, this one is good.” Tayce said from atop a black and gold one. She reached out a hand to Aurora who took it. She wrapped her arms around her, her head fitting perfectly in the crevice of her shoulder.

“You’re comfy.” She murmured into Tayce’s neck.

“Girls! Picture!” Tia called behind her, holding up her phone as they all smiled at the camera. Aurora’s eyes flicked to the side to see Tayce sticking her tongue out and threw her head back in laughter.

“Did you get my whole outfit in there, Tia?”

“Els, babe, I don’t know how I couldn’t, I’m surprised Lawrence managed to hold onto you.”

“Think you’ll find I’m very good at holding onto her.” Lawrence’s voice was muffled by the fur of Ellie’s jacket. Aurora giggled at Asttina’s fake retch.

“Hold on tight you hound.” Aurora obeyed Tayce’s whispered command immediately, lacing her fingers together over Tayce’s stomach as the music started and the ride started moving.

She wished the ride would never end, savouring the cries of joy from Tayce like they were her favourite sweet. A pang of jealously struck through her heart when she saw Tia in front of them, leaning down to drop a kiss on Veronica’s head that was resting on her chest. Briefly she caught eye contact with Tayce and ripped her eyes away, loosening her grip as a blush spread under her foundation.

“Why’ve you let go Rory? We can’t have you falling off and dying.” Tayce adjusted her hands to once again be tightly looped on her waist. Aurora momentarily stopped breathing.

They remained that way until the ride stopped and they all clambered down from their respective horses. Bimini was back on Asttina’s back while Tia tried to convince Veronica that she was strong enough to carry her like that. Veronica vehemently rejected the idea as Aurora laughed at her friends, her hand entwined with Tayce’s.

People have always told Aurora how brave she is. Brave to wear clashing patterns (yet still make them work), brave to be the first in her friendship group in year five to get the bus alone, brave to be able to talk to anyone. But she doesn’t believe them. If Aurora were as brave as people have told her she is, she would be able to tell Tayce about how she feels.

She has spent many nights curled up in bed, hugging a pillow to her chest as she imagines letting the words spill from her mouth and into Tayce’s heart. The scenarios all have different outcomes. Sometimes Tayce laughed. Harshly, cruelly, softly, disbelievingly. Sometimes she swept Aurora into her arms and dipped her down low, her long fingers curled into Aurora’s blonde hair as she desperately pressed their lips together. Sometimes she gently let Aurora down, promising that they could still be friends.

That one always hurt the worst.

Who would want to be just friends with the girl that they’ve been in love with for two years?

The question spins her head for the rest of the night, until they’ve moved on from the rides and the food and are hanging around the games.

“Maybe someone will win a goldfish.” She suggested idly, wrapped up with Bimini in Tia’s massive puffer jacket. Bimini shook their head from beside her.

“No one gets fish at fairs babe, that’s like an American thing innit.”

“Well how would I know, do I look American?”

“We’ve been coming here since year seven, you would’ve thought you’d learn by now.”

Aurora huffed, her breath coming out as a harsh mist. “I can live in hope that one day I’ll go home with a new pet that my mum can’t say no to.”

“Bold of you to assume you’d win a goldfish; you can barely hook a duck.” Tia called goadingly to her. Aurora rose immediately to the bait.

“I can so hook a duck! Come on slags, we’re going to the hook-a-duck!” Her battle cry rose into the air as she strode in the general direction of the stall, Bimini hopping to keep up.

It emerges that Tia is, unfortunately, right. Aurora is shit at hook-a-duck.

“How can you be bad at hooking a duck? They’re literally right in front of you.” Ellie wondered out loud, leaning on Lawrence as they watched three of their friends hanging over the wooden slats as they poked sticks at floating rubber ducks. Lawrence let out a bark of laughter, and Veronica on her other side spluttered.

“It’s not as easy as it fucking looks!” Aurora threw back, stretching her arm until her shoulder almost popped from its socket.

She pulled back, dejected, and turned around to admit defeat. “Alright Tia, you win this time.”

“You’re great at many things Aurora, but hand eye coordination is not one of them.” Tia replied calmly as Aurora rolled her eyes.

“It’s alright Rory. Look I won this for you.” Tayce pressed a doll into her hands as Aurora spun it in her hands, looking at it with interest. It had blonde hair like hers, done up in a bun the way she wore it all through year eight. It’s dress was green, leaf shaped, with matching wings in the back.

“Tinkerbell?”

“Yep. She reminds me of you.”

“Aww.’ Aurora flushed pink with a mixture of pleasure and embarrassment at Tayce’s words. ‘Why, because I’m just as gorgeous as her?” She suggested, batting her eyelashes jokingly and curling herself around Tayce’s arm. Tayce looked down at her, a glint in her eye.

“Not exactly.”

“Well why then?”

Tayce’s laugh sent the butterflies in Aurora’s stomach insane. “Because she needs attention or she dies.”

“Oh piss off.” She giggled, nudging the taller girl with her hip as the rest of their friends laughed into the open night sky.

She stayed at Tayce’s side, the doll tucked into her bag.

The meandered further around the fair, stopping every now and then for any ride or games that struck their fancy. Their pockets grew lighter as pound coins disappeared, exchanged for screams of laughter and memories that will forever remind them of being young and free.

“You’ll have to tell her eventually.” Ellie said while they’re waiting for the others on the Helter Skelter, arms laden with coats. Aurora shook her head obstinately, her hair swishing down her back.

“Never.”

“You said you’d tell her when I told Loz! And look how happy we are together. Come on hen, you’ve got to take a chance.” Ellie whacked her with Bimini’s leopard print jacket as though to make a point and Aurora batted it away with a long-suffering sigh.

“We’re not like you and Lawrence, Els.”

“You could be though.”

She fixed her friend with a pointed glare, the effect rather ruined with the amount that she has to look up due to Ellie’s (frankly insane) height.

Ellie relented, looking away with a slight furrow in her brow. “Just do it tonight. Get her alone or something.”

Aurora snorted at the assumption that the pair would ever be alone at the fairground.

But, surely enough, the girls began to peel off one by one. More like two by two, it’s Noah’s bloody Ark over here Aurora thought, ignoring Asttina’s weird look when she snorted quietly to herself.

Tia and Veronica said goodbye first, walking off in the direction of Tia’s house with their arms slung around each other. Asttina and Bim were next, both shooting sly glances at Aurora that made her retreat into her jacket as she waved them off. Lawrence seemed ready to stay the entire night, until Ellie began loudly yawning, poking her girlfriend sharply in the ribs with her elbow. Eventually Lawrence got the point Ellie was trying to make (a point that Aurora will murder her for later) and the two sloped off, whispering and giggling. Aurora turned to Tayce with a bright smile plastered on her face.

“Do you want to stay for a bit?” She ventured. Tayce nodded. She linked her arm with Aurora’s, the simple gesture flooding her brain with serotonin.

They circled the fair, tired yet bright eyes looking out for anything they had missed. It seemed ridiculous to Aurora to expect that there was anything new. The fair hadn’t changed since they first went in Year Seven, eight nervous eleven- and twelve-year-olds with pounds in their pockets begged from their mums. Aurora could still remember everything from that night, fresh in her mind as if it had been yesterday.

She remembered the skirt she wore, black and way too short for her age. She remembered the music playing and the way it filled the air with a joy that she had never felt in her life before. She remembered Ellie getting scared at the top of the Helter Skelter and refusing to go down it without Lawrence holding her hand. She remembered the way Bimini had their hair, long crimped locks that frizzed up for at least the next week.

But, perhaps most importantly, she remembered Tayce. What she was wearing, how her hair looked, the brand of eyeliner that was haphazardly pencilled in her waterline. Her generosity in buying the whole group chips and burgers (aside from Bimini, of course, who only had chips). The way her breath curled into the cold air as she yelled encouragements to a trembling Ellie. That moment where she grabbed Aurora’s hand and Aurora felt something small yet inexplicable tug in her chest.

Sometimes she wished they could go back to those days of innocence. Of clumsy flirting and messy mascara. Before everyone coupled up like it was an episode of Love Island.

Before she realised she had a crush on her best friend.

“There’s nothing new here.”

Tayce’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned to look at her friend who had a glint of disappointment in her eyes. She snorted and squeezed her arm.

“What did you expect? This place never changes.”

Tayce grinned, the trace of sadness gone from her eyes. “Yeah, I know. That’s what I like about this place sometimes. It’s reliable.”

Aurora shook her head in mock despair. Tayce began walking purposefully, dragging Aurora behind her.

“Where are we going?”

“I want to go on the carousel again!”

“Oh my God my friend is a literal child. Did you have a good day at primary school?” She teased. Tayce screamed and whacked her.

“You bitch! I know that this is your favourite too, Rory, you can’t hide from me!”

It doesn’t take nearly as long to find a horse this time, and soon they’re in a familiar position, Aurora’s chin on Tayce’s shoulder.

“I’m gonna miss this place, Tayce.” She whispered. Her wavering voice betrayed her emotions. Tayce gently ran her thumb over her knuckles.

“Me too.’ She paused, turning her head around as if to take in everything she could. ‘Do you remember when we first came here?”

“Course I do. And we all went on the carousel and you laughed at me because I got my foot stuck and tripped as I was getting off.”

She clung on tighter as Tayce screeched. “Oh, I had almost forgotten about that! See, those are the kind of memories we’re going to take away.”

“What if we didn’t take them away?”

“Are you suggesting we stay here forever?”

“…maybe?”

“Aurora, you’ve been trying to get out of here for the past four years!”

“I know, it’s just,’ She sighed, her nostalgia coming out in a swirl of haze. ‘This is where we all consolidated our friendship.”

“We’ll come back for the fair.”

“Maybe for the first year. But then we’ll all get busy with life and degrees until it gets to the point where we look at old pictures and can’t even remember what year it was.”

“Nah, Bim’s shit hair dying skills have improved over the years, use their hair to judge the year.”

“Tayce-“

“I know, I know.”

They slipped into a brief silence, the background music still loud in their ears as they strained to memorise the notes.

Aurora wasn’t feeling brave.

But, even with her heart heavy from the feeling that this was the end of something, she found that she was happy.

Aurora spent hours looking in her Nan’s battered thesaurus, trying to find better words for ‘happy’ after her English teacher told her she needed a more varied vocabulary. But sometimes there was no other word to describe it. She was just simply happy when she was with Tayce.

“I’m going to miss you the most.” The words slipped out of her lips.

Tayce stiffened for a moment. Then she spoke.

“I’ll miss you the most too. Not just… as a friend. Even though you are my friend, it’s just,’ She twisted to look at her friend and laughed. ‘Don’t make me say this.”

“No, go on! I want to hear what you’re going to say!” Her heart thumped wildly in her chest.

“I like you Rory. Not just as a friend. As more than a friend. And I wish I told you earlier so we could have more time together.”

Her heart stopped beating altogether as she let the new information seep into her brain.

Tayce liked her.

Tayce liked her as much as she liked her.

She pushed herself forwards slightly. Her arms still entwined around the other girl’s waist, her chest pressed against her back. Slowly, shyly, and in the least Aurora way known to man, she gently kissed Tayce’s smooth cheek.

“I like you too.’ She murmured into her ear. ‘More than friends. So much more than friends.”

“Oh my God.” Tayce said under her breath.

She twisted round until she was facing Aurora. Her long thin fingers found their way to Aurora’s face and then her hair as their lips met for the first time.

Aurora felt like all the electricity and magic of the fair was sucked from the air and contained entirely within her. She felt as if she might explode, every particle that made her up buzzing with joy as she clung to her best friend and kissed her like her life depended on it.

They pulled away when they felt the ride come to a stop. Aurora couldn’t breathe.

“Can we take a selfie?” Her cheeks are flushed as she speaks, embarrassed that this is the first thing to exit her mouth after finally admitting her love for Tayce after years of pining.

Tayce scrunched her nose. “Why?”

She shrugged. “I want to remember this forever. And never run the risk of forgetting.”

Tayce just laughed and kissed her again. And again. And again.

The next September, Aurora stands alone in a room. It’s technically hers, but it doesn’t feel like that yet. She slips on her headphones as she begins her task of decorating, hoping that when she’s done she won’t feel like she wants to cry anymore.

Just an hour later she slips her headphones off to do the last part in tranquil silence.

She’s methodical as she pins pictures to the board. Her family on one side, her friends on the other, with both of them mingling in the centre. She giggles as she tacks up the first group selfie they ever took, all squished on the ghost train that made Ellie scream bloody murder. She swears she can smell candyfloss and greasy burgers as she puts the rest of them up, revelling in the memories that flood her mind.

The group one from last year might be her favourite group one to date. Tia and Veronica at the front, smiling like they’ve won the life lottery as they curled together. Lawrence and Ellie cosily close, Lawrence playfully throwing a peace sign while Ellie stretched to make sure Tia got her whole outfit in. Bim and Asttina smirking, their eyes betraying the pure excitement that Aurora knows was within them.

Her and Tayce. Tayce’s pointed tongue stuck out cheekily that caused Aurora to throw her head back in the most genuine display of happiness ever captured on camera.

There was one final picture to put up. Although, it may have been a bit unnecessary. It was already her phone background, in a frame by her bed, and plastered all over her social media.

Slightly swollen lips, windswept hair, matching euphoric smiles.

Their first kiss, and the time that Aurora knew she would be in love with Tayce until the end of time.

It gets stuck right in the middle, pride of place.

Aurora takes a quick picture of the finished board. She sends it to the groupchat and flings herself onto her bed to read the rapid replies, her Tinkerbell doll cradled in the crook of her arm.

Basic <3: Omg!! That’s so cute, I love those pictures so much!

Loch Ness Bitch: are ya getting soppy already Rory, you’ve only been gone five minutes

Dirty D: Loz shut up it’s cute! All those memories <333

Sailor Vee: Ahh I can’t wait to go to the fair again this year. We’re defo all coming back, right?

Rude: Course we are Ronnie I wouldn’t miss it for the world

Vegan: Greasy chips on me, ladies x

Hound: I bloody hope so Bim, think you all still owe me from year 7

She’s happy. Aurora is happy as the groupchat descends into chaos, happy that they can still be like this while spread around the country. Her phone pings again.

Tayce: The carousel will always be there Rory. I’ll be waiting for you there x

She smiles as she taps out her reply.

Aurora: I love you so much <3

When she closes her eyes, Aurora can feel the cool winter air threading through her hair. She can smell the candyfloss sugar and savoury smells of greasy burgers and hotdogs that would leave her with a stomach ache for two days. She can hear the tacky tunes she loved to shout along too.

But best of all, she knows that in her heart, her love for Tayce is electric. It’s steady, reliable, and comforting.

Just like riding the carousel.

[shaydeoffical]

Glass Slipper Malfunctions: Shinso Hitoshi x Reader

Summary: Y/n's Halloween Costume Breaks at a party, and they call their best friend to come help them. Thing's don't go as they planned, and now there's something more than friendship brewing. 

Author’s Note: This is part of a collaborative hosted by @pluviophile-imagines for the fall season. I was so happy to be a part of this amazing collection of works. Please go check out the other’s!!! 

Warnings: Mentions of fake blood, riding in a car.

Words: 2.4k

Sweater Weather Collab

Glass Slipper Malfunctions

"(Y/n), if you swirl that cup any faster, there'll be no punch left." Toga flicked my forehead. We were on the second floor of Dabi's house. His father was out of town, and he decided to go all out for Halloween. Smoke machines led lights, streamers, and even some graffiti over the fireplace, no corner was lacking a spooky decoration.

"I'm sorry, I just wish Shinso hadn't bailed", I admitted, downing what was left in the solo cup. Music was blaring all across the house, but I could tell she heard me when her smile faltered.

"You don't need him (Y/n), he's holding you back from having fun. He's always so serious and grumpy." Her costume was a bloody nurse, with rips in tears in all the right places. Leaning into me, she used her stethoscope to listen to my chest, tapping the instrument to the rhythm. "Yup, your heart's working just fine. Don't look so upset, come on, let's dance."

"Toga, don't pull so hard." I dragged my heels behind her, barely keeping up with her pace. Knocking people out of our way, she took the stairs two at a time.

We had been dancing for the last two hours, and I was already low on stamina and bloated from the punch. While running, I tossed my cup into the overflowing trash, missing it by a good few feet. As if my luck could get any worse, the liquid soaked into the floor. Dabi was okay ruining his family home, but I wasn't.

"If you don't smile, I'm going to do something drastic." Toga spun me around and dipped me as the music dropped. Alcohol, sweat, and a faint hint of blood filled the air, making my stomach begin to churn even more.

"I feel kind of woozy," I clutched to her shoulder, but she continued to swirl around the room and rock us back and forth.

"Everybody, gather round! Midnight is almost upon! I'm glad you-" Dabi got everyone's attention, drawing in a crowd around him.

"Come on, you're not being very fun." Toga ignored Dabi, and we moved to the back of the crowd. Still moving to the music, she let me go mild spin. I fell back, my heel snapped as I tried to catch myself. My dress caught on my other shot, ripping the strap holding it up. Landing on my ass, I pushed the hair from my face. My ribbon was lost in the crowd. In a moment of realization, I covered my chest, trying to get to my feet. With my dress pulled back up, no one had seen my trip; I just needed to get fixed back up.

"Toga, I-"She was gone. Clutching my thin paper costume between my hands, I kicked off my shoes, darting through the crowd to the bathroom. I had never been so thankful for a speech, fog machine, and laser lights in my entire life.  

Making it to the bathroom, I locked the door and looked in the mirror. My makeup had slid out of place, my hair was a tangled mess from the bun I initially had it in. The 'glass', slippers were now scuffed, and one heel was missing. My dress straps had broke beyond repair, and I was in desperate need of a backup costume.

Sitting on the toilet, I pulled out my phone, zoning in on my lock screen. It was Shinso holding up his kitten. I could see his head just poking into the frame. His dazzling smile causing one to spread on my own face. I don't know how I got to be in this bathroom to start with.

Everything had been planned down to a T. Shinso, and I would dress as Cinderella and Lucifer for the party. We'd get in the horse-drawn carriage I rented, at eight, and then arrive at the party by eight-thirty. Shinso would find a nice corner to sit and read, while I danced the night away looking for my Princess Charming. Toga and I would drink it up and bask in the full moon. At the end of the party, Shinso would be our D.D and take us home in Toga's car. It was simple enough. Thinking back, I didn't really take into consideration how Shinso felt about it. Well, I kind of knew how he would felt about being Lucifer instead of Prince Charming, but I thought he'd be okay with it. Then there was the other issue...

It wasn't a secrete he didn't like my new friend Toga. He tried to keep that opinion to himself, but it all spilled out last week. I knew changing our Halloween ritual from watching movies to a party with strangers would upset him. I just thought he'd go along with it for me. Or maybe I hoped he'd go along with it. I wanted to respect his boundaries, but he and Toga were so jealous of each other that it was hard to see either of them.

If there was one thing that clear now, Toga was willing to leave me for the wolfs. Pulling up Shinso's contact, I knew I was going to need to grovel a little. He was already waiting to be my D.D, but I needed a little something else now.

Y/n: Heyyyy, I need some help.

Fuzz Ball: Are you okay? I'm on my way

Y/n: I'm fine. My costume broke and I'm stuck in the bathroom.

Fuzz Ball: Can't Toga help you?

Y/n: She sort of, ran off and I'm… I don't know. I'm confused, I can't go back out there like this and I feel really guilty about ditching you.

Fuzz Ball: You are allowed to hang with your other friends without feeling guilty,

Y/n: I know, but I hate that you two don't like each other. I shouldn't have invited you and upset you.

Fuzz Ball: I'm not upset, I was sad. But I agree to be D.D, I shouldn't have back out last minute.

Fuzz Ball: I'll be there, I have a plan.

Y/n: What did I do to deserve you?

Fuzz Ball: You offered to do my history assignment in exchange for me doing your math.

Y/n: Right, seems like a fair trade. Also, don't you dare text and drive.

Fuzz Ball: I'm using the text to speech feature, I'm almost there.

Y/n: Someone's knocking on the door, ahhh. I'm on the first floor and to the right. There's a little hallway, and that's where the bathroom is.

Sinking back onto the commode, I relaxed my shoulders. Shinso was on his way to rescue me. I guess between my two friends, Shinso was the loyal one. Toga did seem flighty, but tonight was ridiculous. She had to see me fall and just walk away...that was an issue for another time.

At least I got all the dancing and drinking done that I wanted too. It was time to go home and convince Shinso to put on some scary movies and call it even.

There was a steady knock on the door, a familiar pattern that Shinso always used when sneaking to my window late a night. I flung the door open, and he dove into the room, carrying an orange trash bag filled with something. His black cat ears were perched on his head, a long fluffy tail wrapped around his waist. So much for us matching now.

"I love you, man," I hugged him tight, unsteady on my feet. He steadied me, and returned my bear hug.

"Thank me later, let's get out of here. There's so much weed in the air, I won't be able to pass a breathalyzer if we don't haul ass." He handed me the bag and pulled flip flops from his back pocket.

"You're telling me. I sobered up after tripping, but it's been a wild night., Anyway, I'm really eternally grateful- Shinso, why are there leaves in this trash bag?"

"It is a costume party, right? I thought you'd want to blend in." He wiggled his brow, the obscene cat makeup adding to his smug idea.

"I take back what I said about loving you." Laughing, I ripped two holes in the bottom of the bag and stepped in. Getting it to my neck, Shinso tied it, and I poked my arms out, the leaves itching my skin. "It works.

"You look cute." He smoothed my hair before opening the door. A line had formed, and we received death glares from the party-goers that were making some assumptions. "Let's get out of here."

"Well, I guess the carriage does turn back into a pumpkin at the end of the night, it's fitting." I sighed; the party was still in full swing. Shinso didn't let go of my hand as he parted the sea of people. My legs crunching the leaves as we walked. No doubt, I was leaving a leaf sprinkle trail in my wake.

"Is that a costume change I see?" Toga caught the other end of my hand. Her friend Twice was right behind her, carrying their drinks.

"I'm glad I ran into you. I'm headed home early. Can you find a D.D?" I asked her, the music-making my ears throb. Through the changing lights, I saw her grip her chin before smiling.

"I can just crash here. And be careful with Mr. Grumpy pants." She leaned around me to lock eyes with Shinso. "Aww, is the kitty cat upset?" She clawed at the air before turning tail to move along.

"She took it better than I thought." He sighed, finally reaching the door.

The cold air wrapped around my legs, sending a chill up my spine. The moon illuminated the street, and all the children had returned home to get a sugar high before bed. If music wasn't spilling out of the house, like a heartbeat in my ears. Shinso's car was in the middle of the street, emergency lights flashing, and the door still agape.

"You really rushed in like my knight in shining armor." Getting in the passenger side, I hugged my bag close as Shinso shut the door. He walked around the front and got in, turning off the emergency lights.

"Why can't I be your Prince Charming?" He took off down the road to my rental house. I hadn't been living on my own for long, but he already knew the road by heart. Even I still had to use my GPS. "Cat got your tongue?"  

"No, yet." I giggled, focusing on his lips. Swallowing hard, tension began to build between us. We both an impeccable communication skills, but there was something neither one of us was willing to outright say.

"Is someone being a bad pumpkin tonight?" He shook the bag, and I smacked his hand away. His smile was enough to make my heart race.  

"Yea, I guess I am a bad pumpkin." I leaned into my knees, trusting Shinso not to break so fast I bump my head.

"You can cry if you need too. Teasing you is one of my favorite past times, but I know you're upset."

"I know you like me." I pushed my hair back. "And the reason I didn't let you dress as Prince Charming is… I don't know. When I was at that party, I just kept thinking about us watching horror movies and eating way too much caramel popcorn. How we'd fall asleep next to year other and wake up for a mid-afternoon bike ride through the town before everyone takes down their decorations. And we can still do one half of that tradition if I avoid a hanger over."

"You didn't want me to be your prince charming because we have basically been dating the past two years, without ever getting into the physical side?" He pulled onto a back road and stopped at a spot that had the perfect view of the moon.

"I knew what you were hinting at when you asked to be Prince Charming. But I was afraid I didn't understand your hint, and then I was afraid someone would ask if we were dating and if you said no… I'd be sad. And it was a mess." I fiddled with the drawstring on the bag, not looking at him.

"I'll just say it. I like you, I like spending time with you. We've been friends for half of our lives, but I know we've had something special going on for a while now. I was afraid to ruin what we had, but I can't play it safe anymore. (Y/n) please look at me." I raised my eyes, his hand cupping my chin. "There's a few more hours left before the sun comes up. How about we go home, watch some movies and make out?" My skin heated up, blood rushing to my brain to keep it in operation.

"Bold of you to assume I don't want a kiss right now." I shifted to face him, a leaf ticking my side.

"I'm sorry, your majesty." He leaned forward, our lips latching onto each other like magnets. A wolf hollowed in the distance, and a cloud pasted at just the right time to illuminate the car. I took fistfuls of his black shirt and held him close. It was slow at first, but it heated up as I inched over the car console. We separated for breath, and I settled into my seat.

"Don't be sorry." I giggled, sitting back in my seat and wiping the black lipstick from my mouth. "Why'd we wait so long?"

"I don't know. But I regret it." He reversed from our spot on the hill and got back on the main road. "Let's get home and makeup time."

"So in the end, the winning combination is a broken plastic shoe, Lucifer, and a magic pumpkin. You know, Prince Charming and Cinderella are so mainstream. This was the better outcome, anyway." I kicked my swollen feet on his dash. "But I could get used to 'Your Majesty"; it has a nice ring to it." I tickled under Hitoshi's chin, his stubble pricking my fingers.

"Out of everything I just said, that's what you're holding on to?" He pulled into my house.

"Yup." I popped the p, and got out. "Race to the couch, let's start with Coraline."

"As you wish." He shook his head, chasing after me anyway. It wasn't what I planned for, but I was happy. I guess having my costume break was the best possible outcome for the night. We curled up on the couch, and a sense of peace washed over me. Nothing had ever felt so right.  

[mikauzoran]

Lukadrien: Among the Wild Things: Chapter Eight

Read it on AO3: Among the Wild Things: Chapter Eight: Friends

“Nino! Marinette!” Adrien shouted, grinning like a madman as he darted across the study and threw his arms around his two closest friends.

“Adrien!” they chorused, wrapping him in bear hugs of their own.

“I can’t tell you how much I missed you guys,” Adrien whispered into Nino’s neck, squeezing them both tighter as he remembered how he had longed for his friends while he’d been away.

“Not as much as we missed you,” Nino assured.

Marinette gave a snort. “Speak for yourself. You just had to guard him. I had to dress him. Do you know how hard it is to keep this boy looking presentable?” she laughed. “He either rips or stains everything within a week of owning it. He’s impossible.”

Nino clicked his tongue. “You think dressing him is hard? You should try keeping him from getting himself killed. How do you think his clothes get ruined so regularly?”

“…Point,” Marinette conceded.

Adrien pulled back to pout at his friends. “Complain all you want, but I bet you’ve both been bored with me gone.”

Marinette and Nino shared a conspiring glance and burst out laughing.

“Guilty,” Marinette admitted. “The break was nice, but I’m ecstatic to be back in work…starting with your wedding-slash-coronation outfit!” she squealed in delight, colours and fabrics and patterns beginning to flow through her head.

“Speaking of which…” Nino tipped his head in order to look past Adrien at Luka. “I’m guessing this is your kelpie heartthrob ‘Orpheus’?”

Marinette smirked, breaking away from the boys to slowly approach Luka. “Hi. I’m Marinette. I’m sure he’s mentioned me.”

“He has,” Luka chuckled, standing and going to meet the enchanting seamstress. “It sounds like he mentioned me too.”

Marinette rolled her eyes. “Please. I only had to listen to him whine and mope about his supposedly ‘unrequited’ love for you for two months.”

“Marinette,” Adrien groaned, releasing his hold on Nino to go stop Marinette from further embarrassing him.

Luka quirked an eyebrow at his husband. “Two months, My Love? You sure fell for me quickly.”

“Like, the second he saw you,” Nino snickered, coming over to join the others.

“Et tu, Nino?” Adrien hissed accusatorily.

Nino shrugged.

Adrien turned his pout on Luka. “I was a mess.”

“You’re still a mess,” Luka chuckled, leaning in to give Adrien’s cheek an affectionate lick. “And I love you.”

“Aww,” Marinette cooed. “See, Adrien? I told you he was into you.”

“I told him that first,” Nino grumbled. “I’m the one who told him to go for it.”

Marinette waved Nino’s protests away. “I’m the one who helped him practice confessing because it made you too flustered when he practiced confessing to you.”

“Nette,” Nino hissed. “Stop. You’re going to give the guy’s husband the wrong idea.”

Luka snickered. “I actually came to the wrong conclusion all on my own when he told me he was in love with someone. I thought he was talking about you.” He tipped his head to indicate Nino.

Nino turned to glare blandly at Adrien. “Dude. How did you screw up the confession that badly that he didn’t even know who you were talking about?”

“We spent hours practicing, Adrien,” Marinette added, putting on a miffed, disappointed expression.

“In my defence, I was kind of distraught because my father had just told me I had to marry a woman I didn’t love,” Adrien whined as his friends ganged up on him.

Nino and Marinette both shook their heads unsympathetically, not letting up.

“That’s no excuse,” Nino sighed, hands going to his hips as he clicked his tongue in feigned disapproval.

Adrien crossed his arms over his chest, turning up his nose and looking away. “I don’t know why I missed you two so much. You’re both mean. My new fae friends are a lot nicer.”

“No, they’re not,” Luka snickered. “Kim and Alix regularly bully you. That’s why they’re your favourites.”

“Rose is my favourite,” Adrien corrected with a fond smile. “But, yeah. Giving each other trouble is how Nino, Marinette, and I show that we love one another, so Alix and Kim reminded me a lot of the things I missed from my old life.”

“Well, we’re glad that we count among the good things,” Nino replied, giving Adrien’s arm a pat.

“And we’re glad things have been going well for you since you left too,” Marinette added. “We kept hoping that you were happy wherever you were.”

Adrien’s face fell as a realization struck him square in the stomach. “…I didn’t say goodbye. …I didn’t tell you where I was going. Guys, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think…” He looked away. “Well, I mean, I did think about it after the fact when I’d been gone a few weeks, but…I didn’t dare come back. I—”

“—Adrien,” Nino cut him off gently. “It’s fine. We kind of figured where you’d gone.”

Adrien looked back and forth between his two friends. “You didn’t worry?”

“We did,” Marinette confessed. “A little bit, but not much. Like Nino said, we guessed that you’d run off with your Orpheus, and, wherever you were, we knew you’d probably be happier than you were here.”

Adrien blushed, looking down at his feet in a mix of guilt and shame. “I was. I’m really, really happy with Luc and his family. I feel like I’ve finally found the place I’m meant to be…the person I want to work towards becoming. I’m really happy in the enchanted forest.”

“Good,” Nino responded warmly, giving Adrien’s arm a supportive squeeze. “Maybe send us an ‘I’m not dead’ message next time…but good. I’m really glad that you found your place, Man.”

“Me too,” Marinette seconded.

“I’d love to show you my home.” Adrien perked up. “And introduce you to my new friends.”

He turned to Marinette. “You’ll love my sister-in-law Rose. She’s the sweetest, funniest person. And Mylène and Max and Ondine. And Alya.”

He looked to Nino. “I have got to introduce you to Alya. She’s a fox spirit who’s really fascinated with human affairs. She comes into the city a lot to people watch. I bet she would love some humans to talk to and ask questions.”

Adrien stopped abruptly, turning to his husband. “Orpheus, would it be okay for Marinette and Nino to visit me, or would they just wind up getting killed? Everyone back in the woods is perfectly civil with me, but…”

Luka pursed his lips as he considered the scenario. “I’d have to consult with Maman, but I think it might be okay if it’s just a short visit. Maybe a few hours tops. And they’d have to be chaperoned at all times.”

“Is it really so dangerous?” Nino inquired, quirking an eyebrow dubiously. “Adrien’s not in danger, is he?”

“No,” Luka quickly assured. “Adrien is fine. He’s protected, and the people mostly adore him. He’s a member of our community now. The forest is deadly to outsiders, though, so it would be unwise for either of you to waltz in unaccompanied. My people can be cruel and senselessly violent.”

Nino hummed curiously. “…Sorry if this is rude, but you don’t really look…threatening.”

“I was actually thinking the same thing,” Marinette sheepishly admitted. “You just look like a regular person.”

Luka snorted in laughter. “That would be the glamour you’re seeing. …Shall I drop it?”

Nino looked to Adrien. “Is he scary or something? I thought you told me he was the most beautiful man you’d ever seen.”

Adrien shook his head. “Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it. He’s ethereal.”

Marinette addressed Luka tentatively. “Do you mind, Luc? Sorry. We don’t mean to treat you like a curiosity. We—”

In the blink of an eye, Luka’s black hair was replaced by pale blue, and his eyes seemed to give off a Caribbean teal glow. The entirety of his being seemed to shimmer a bit, like sunlight reflecting off of a lake.

“Oh, wow,” Marinette gasped. “You…wow.”

“Yeah,” Nino gulped. “Wow is…” He turned to Adrien, whispering sotto voce, “Do all fae look that pretty?”

“Not all of them,” Adrien chuckled, amused by his friends’ reactions. “I’ve met a lot of attractive people in the forest, though.”

Luka’s eyes narrowed in displeasure and suspicion. “Like who? Kim?”

“Easy,” Adrien snickered, turning to face Luka and looping his arms around Luka’s waist. “No one is even half as attractive as you.”

Luka smiled into the kiss as Adrien pressed his lips to Luka’s in a vow of fidelity.

“Yeah, it’s highly unlikely Adrien will stray,” Nino testified. “He’s very loyal and takes matters of the heart incredibly seriously.”

“And he doesn’t fall in love easily,” Marinette agreed, nodding along to Nino’s points.

Luka arched an eyebrow at a blushing Adrien. “He doesn’t? I thought you two said he fell for me on sight.”

“Yeah, but that was the first and only time in nineteen years,” Marinette explained, waving away any concerns Luka might have. “And it’s not like it was for want of suitors. He grew up around plenty of pretty young nobles.”

Adrien’s face burned redder as Luka looked at him in astonishment, whispering, “I’m your first love?”

“First, last, and only,” Adrien mumbled, averting his gaze to help himself feel less transparent.

Luka wrapped his arms around Adrien as he gave him an affectionate squeeze. “I may have had other loves, but you’re the first person to turn my world upside down and wreck me. I had to update my definition of the word love when I met you.”

“I accept your attempts to butter me up,” Adrien chuckled, turning his head to press a kiss to Luka’s cheek.

“Aww,” Nino cooed. “Why can’t I meet someone who says sweet crap like that to me?”

“Maybe things will take a romantic turn between you and Adrien’s fox friend,” Marinette snickered.

Nino hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe. All I know is that I need to find someone to be that disgustingly cute with as soon as possible.”

“You two are adorable,” Marinette confirmed. “I can tell you’ve been really good for him,” she informed Luka with a tone of gratitude. “Just seeing him talking in that meeting earlier was a positive change.”

Luka arched an eyebrow, looking back and forth between Adrien and Marinette. “Really? He didn’t seem any different than usual to me.”

“Mec, the way he shut Viscount Raincomprix down when he was disrespecting you?” Nino had to try hard to contain another giggle fit as he called up the memory. “Nice spine, Your Majesty,” Nino chuckled, giving Adrien’s arm an appreciative punch. “It suits you.”

Adrien rubbed at the back of his neck. “As much as I’ve wanted to put those three blowhards in their place my entire life, I think I may have gone a bit too far. Viscount Raincomprix has been kind to me in the past, and I think I owe him an apology. He really looked shaken when I told him off.”

“I think that was mostly due to your eyes glowing like that,” Marinette weighed in.

“Yeah,” Nino agreed. “That was, perhaps, a bit much. It was super cool, though.”

Adrien blinked at his friends dumbly. “What are you guys talking about?”

Nino and Marinette shared a look.

“When your eyes were all molten and glow-y,” Nino clarified slowly, looking at Adrien expectantly.

Adrien turned to Luka. “Do you know what they’re talking about?”

Luka bit the inside of his cheek, avoiding his mate’s gaze. “…Your eyes may have started to glow whenever you’re experiencing intense emotions,” he reluctantly admitted.

“What?!” Adrien demanded, gaping at his husband incredulously. “Since when?! Why didn’t you say anything?!”

Luka winced, shoulders rising up to meet his ears as he shamefacedly confessed, “It started a couple months ago. I asked Maman, and it’s completely benign, and I thought it would only upset you, so I didn’t say anything.”

“I feel like…this is the kind of thing you mention?” Adrien choked, voice high and tight as he collapsed back down onto the couch.

“Dri, I’m sorry,” Luka cooed, sitting next to Adrien and tentatively cupping his cheek. “I should have said something, but I didn’t want to upset you when there was nothing we could do about it and it wasn’t hurting anything.”

“Well,” Adrien responded quietly, “I’m upset now…sort of.”

He took a deep breath and turned his gaze on his husband. “I’m more upset that you didn’t tell me than anything. Since when do we keep secrets from one another?”

Luka looked away, cowed. “We don’t,” he whispered penitently. “I’m so sorry, My Little Prince.”

Adrien leaned in to give Luka’s cheek a lick of forgiveness. “Don’t do it again.”

“I won’t. I promise,” Luka swore.

Satisfied, Adrien nodded, looking to Nino. “Does it at least look cool, or am I just terrifying?”

“I thought it was cool,” Marinette volunteered, going to sit in the armchair that Nathalie had recently vacated.

“Totally cool,” Nino affirmed, taking the other chair. He looked at Luka. “Can he do anything else?”

Adrien’s eyes narrowed at his mate.

Luka laughed, shaking his head. “Not at this point. Just the glowing eyes. Maybe in a few years new powers will manifest. I don’t personally know any other humans who have lived long-term among the fair folk, so I’m not quite sure what to expect, but this is hardly a unique situation. My people have been adopting mortals for centuries, so Adrien is hardly the first.”

“Something to look forward to, I suppose? Random new features,” Adrien sighed. “I mean, if these changes aren’t going to hurt anything, that’s fine, but…” He shifted uncomfortably.

“You’re upset,” Luka surmised, his mood plummeting.

Adrien shook his head, trying to reassure his mate. “No. Not really. Just…I felt like I had finally found my place, like I was getting my feet underneath me. …But since learning of my father’s death, it’s like I’ve been on shifting ground, and this is just one more thing to get used to. I’ll manage, but…I’m feeling a little overwhelmed today.”

“Understandably so,” Luka replied, slipping his arm around Adrien and resting his head against his mate’s. “Just tell me what you need, and I’ll move heaven and earth to make it happen.”

“Maybe just a break. A little joviality?” Adrien suggested, looking around at his spouse and his friends. “Nino. Say something funny.”

Nino balked. “What? On command? Adrien, I’m not the court jester. I can’t just say witty things at the drop of a hat.”

“I don’t know,” Marinette snickered. “You do a pretty good job of playing the fool any other time.”

Nino gasped, feigning indignation. “Adrien, do you hear what this mean, spiteful woman is saying about me? Defend my honor or something already.”

“Marinette, it is rather mean to say that to his face,” Adrien attempted to admonish with a straight face but ended up chuckling, ruining the effect.

“What can I say?” She grinned. “Real friends stab you in the front.”

“Thanks,” Nino replied dryly. “I really appreciate that….” He perked up after a beat. “…Say, why don’t we talk about Adrien’s adventures in fairy land? That should be fun, right? Tell us about all the weird stuff,” Nino urged, turning to Adrien with wide, hopeful eyes.

Marinette started to bounce in her seat in excitement. “What are the clothes like? Tell me all about fae fashion.”

Adrien acquiesced, sharing his impressions of his experiences as Marinette and Nino asked probing questions for nearly half an hour.

Luka mostly just listening, fascinated by Adrien’s perspective on things. He did, occasionally, field a few questions himself or add some clarification on things that Adrien was unsure about.

They eventually came to discuss Luka and Adrien’s fae wedding ceremony, and that led Marinette (after she had pumped them both dry of information) to remark, “You know, I should really get to work on the outfits for tomorrow’s wedding-slash-coronation. I have less than twenty-four hours, and, even if I pull an all-nighter, it’s going to be intense.”

She pursed her lips and studied Adrien. “Your father had actually instructed me to begin preparations of your wedding clothes before you left, and he had me continue work in the hopes that you would be found in time to marry on schedule, so I already have an outfit prepared for you. I just need to make alterations…unless you want a new outfit specifically for your marriage to Luc? Either way is fine.”

She tipped her head to the side and awaited his response.

He waved the idea away. “I’m sure that whatever you already have made is perfect, Marinette. We’ll just need something for Luc.”

Marinette hesitated before inquiring, “Would it be okay if I took your measurements, Luc? It’ll be real quick.”

Luka shrugged nonchalantly. “Whatever’s necessary. Did you mean now, or…?”

“I actually have my tape measure with me, so…” she informed, smiling sheepishly as she pulled it out of her belt.

Luka shrugged again, untangling himself from Adrien and standing up. “Let’s do it, then. How do you want me?”

Nino snorted, muttering, “That’s what he said.”

Adrien rolled his eyes at his best friend. “Stop thinking indecent thoughts about my husband.”

Nino put his hands up in a placating gesture. “Hey, Man. It’s not my fault that your husband is hot.”

“He is, isn’t he?” Adrien purred, admiring the view as Luka walked past.

Marinette motioned for Luka to come over closer to the fireplace where the light was better. “…Nino’s thinking it, so I’m just going to ask: Who tops?”

Nino clapped a hand over his mouth to keep from bursting out in astounded giggles.

“Marinette,” Adrien whined, face going phoenix red.

Luka smirked puckishly. “Mostly him, but we experiment according to whatever feels right in the moment.”

“Orpheuuuuus,” Adrien hissed in mortification.

Luka clicked his tongue even as he held still so that Marinette could take her measurements. “No need to be embarrassed, My Love. Is it not acceptable in your culture to talk about one’s love life?”

“Adrien is just sheltered,” Nino assured. “Please go on.”

“Is he a good lover?” Marinette inquired, sticking her tongue out at Adrien who let out a horrified squeal.

“Very,” Luka snickered. “In all the ways that really matter. He’s enthusiastic but attentive, adventurous but—”

“—Luuuc,” Adrien wailed. “Please stop. This really isn’t funny.”

“Speak for yourself,” Nino cackled. “I’m having a great time.”

“I hate you,” Adrien informed sulkily.

“Hey, Marinette’s the one over there pretty much begging for a demonstration,” Nino kindly threw his friend under the bus.

Luka choked on a laugh, the convulsion interrupting Marinette in the middle of her measurement so that she had to restart that portion.

“Be nice, Nino,” Marinette grumbled, suddenly losing her good humor.

Nino immediately sobered, backing off with a muttered, “Sorry, Nette.”

Marinette nodded mutely, pointedly focusing on the work at hand.

There was a tense silence hovering in the air until Nino got up and went over to sit on the sofa next to Adrien. The two cuddled up like puppies, and Nino recommenced catching up with his friend, sharing details from his own life that Adrien had missed in his absence.

Luka was content to listen as he watched Marinette at her work. He caught her looking over to the couch several times, a warm, affectionate, and yet melancholy quality to her gaze.

Luka’s eyes narrowed as he determined that she was sneaking looks at Adrien, and a cold realization turned Luka’s blood to cement.

“Forgive me for asking,” he whispered so softly that Nino and Adrien couldn’t hear over their own conversation. “but there wouldn’t happen to be something between you and Adrien, would there?”

Marinette gave a start, her fingers slipping, losing their place on the measuring tape.

“Sorry,” Luka quickly backpedaled. “It’s none of my business. It’s just the way you were looking at him, I…”

“O-Oh.” She nervously cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. “No. No, it’s fine. I…It’s nothing, honestly. Nothing you need to be concerned about, anyway. It’s all in the past,” she confessed in a whisper. “You’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t been in love with Adrien at some point or another. I fell for him when I was thirteen, but…”

She paused, shaking her head and remeasuring from Luka’s hip to his shoulder. “I long ago came to terms with the fact that even if I had been born of his social station and become his wife, he would never feel for me the way that I used to feel for him. I was the first person he told about his attraction to men, and, after that, I promised myself that I wouldn’t allow myself to be miserable because of him. I also promised to do everything in my power to help him find happiness, so…”

She looked up at him, meeting Luka’s heavenly blue eyes with her marine ones, a fierce determination glowing from within. “I have never seen him as happy as he’s been since falling in love with you. Looking at him now, it makes my heart almost want to burst. I’m feeling a little nostalgic,” she admitted with a soft smile as she went back to taking measurements, “but I’ve moved on. I have someone wonderful in my life, so I have my own happiness. I don’t begrudge you yours, even though you have something I once wanted.”

“Good.” Luka breathed out his nerves. “You’re a very important friend to Adrien, and I wouldn’t want to be a cause of tension between you. You and Nino are extremely precious to him, and I don’t want to cause problems.”

Marinette shook her head, assuring, “You have nothing to worry about on my account.”

She raised her voice and added, “Nino is the one still hopelessly in love with Adrien. He’s the one you should worry about.”

Nino’s head snapped up, and he glared at his friend. “Nette, are you trying to make the king’s kelpie husband jealous so that he kills me or something? I am not in love with Adrien. Things are strictly platonic between us.”

Luka couldn’t help a stifled snicker. “Says the guy with my mate half in his lap.”

Adrien pressed the heel of his hand to his lips to keep in his own giggles at Nino’s expense.

“This is platonic snuggling,” Nino insisted, affronted by the accusation. “Do the fae not snuggle with friends?”

“Yes,” Luka conceded, “but are you trying to tell me that there’s nothing sexual about two guys on a couch with their limbs all entwined like that? This feels suspect to me.”

“Completely platonic,” Nino reasserted.

“Come on, Nino,” Marinette teased. “You know you would die for him.”

“Platonically!” Nino denied. “I’m his guard. It’s what guards do.”

Marinette turned to Luka with a cat-like smirk. “Nino was Adrien’s first kiss.”

“False!” Nino exclaimed, tan complexion going latte light as the blood drained from his face.

“Actually, Marinette was my first kiss,” Adrien finally spoke up in Nino’s defence.

Luka cocked an accusatory eyebrow at Marinette who grinned nervously.

“I told her about my suspicions that I was gay and asked if I could run an experiment to see if I felt anything when I kissed her,” Adrien explained, his cheeks colouring in shame.

“He told me that if there were any girl he could come to have feelings for, it would be me,” Marinette snickered, shaking her head. “The silver-tongued snake.”

Luka whistled, shooting Adrien an incredulous expression. “It sounds like my little prince was quite the cad as a youth.”

“Guilty,” Adrien groaned, covering his face with his hands. “I was confused, and I didn’t know who else to turn to. And I wholeheartedly believed what I said. I just didn’t realize yet that being gay wasn’t something you could ‘fix’ like my parents insisted, so… I’m sorry. I didn’t—”

“—Shh,” Nino interrupted, gently prying Adrien’s hands away from his face. “No one’s mad at you. Nette and I both enjoyed helping you out with your experiments. No harm done. We’re all just joking. Okay?”

Adrien looked from Marinette to Nino to Luka, and they each nodded.

Adrien blew out a slow breath, beginning to nod as well. “…Okay. Good. I just…still feel bad about that period when I was trying to figure myself out. I did some things I’m not proud of.”

“Shhh.” Nino pulled Adrien in closer for a hug as he called to the others, “You two get over here and snuggle too.”

Marinette tucked away her measuring tape and went at once to squeeze in on the sofa on Adrien’s opposite side, wrapping her arms around Adrien and Nino, assuring, “There’s nothing to feel bad about. No one’s hurt. Nothing’s broken.”

Luka came up along the back side of the couch and leaned over to nuzzle Adrien’s hair. “Listen to your friends, My Love. They’ve already forgiven whatever needed to be forgiven.”

“Thanks, guys,” Adrien whispered, letting go of his worries.

They remained in their cuddle pile in comfortable, warm silence for nearly a full minute before Marinette spoke.

“Wanna hear a secret?”

“What secret?” Adrien responded curiously.

“I’m seeing someone,” Marinette confessed tentatively, a giddy excitement bubbling just under the surface.

“Ah. Her imaginary boyfriend,” Nino snickered. “You’ve been on about him for years, Nette. Does mystery boy finally have a name or something?”

“Be nice,” Adrien chastened, giving Nino a light smack on the arm before turning his attention back to Marinette. “Is this the same guy you’ve mentioned before? Your mysterious nobleman?”

Marinette nodded shyly, taking a breath before announcing, “Her name is Kagami.”

Nino and Adrien’s jaws dropped.

Luka arched an eyebrow. “Is this the same Kagami that Adrien fences with?”

Marinette smiled nervously and nodded. “Yep. We’ve been together officially for three years now.”

“Holy crap,” Nino finally got out. “Nette, how the hell did you keep this a secret this long?”

Marinette shrugged. “People really aren’t as suspicious of two women spending a lot of time alone together as they would be a man and a woman. We used the pretext of me making clothes for her a lot in order to meet.”

Adrien blinked, still stunned at this revelation. “Wow…that’s…I’m really happy that you’ve found someone. That both you and Kagami are happy. I mean, besides my mothers, there’re no women I esteem higher than you two.”

“Thank you,” Marinette breathed in relief, feeling lighter now that she had the secret off of her chest.

Adrien bit his lip. “I just wish you had mentioned… I never suspected that you… Why did you never say anything? When I was busy lamenting my cursed fate to be alone and not know love my entire life, you could have said something,” he pressed, unable to hide the twinge of hurt in his voice.

Marinette shook her head. “I’m like Nino. I can be happy with a man or a woman, so no one ever had to know I wasn’t quote-unquote ‘normal’. My situation wasn’t like yours, so I didn’t feel I had any business making things about me when you were hurting so deeply.”

Adrien studied his friend intently for a long moment before sighing and resting his head on her shoulder. “…You still should have said something.”

She looked back and forth between Nino and Adrien before bowing her head, suitably chastened. “You’re right. I should have said something. There was never a good time, though, and then it felt like I couldn’t say anything because I’d waited too long.”

“Well, at least you’re telling us now,” Nino reasoned, giving Marinette’s arm a supportive pat. “Congrats. We’re happy for you.”

“I’m going to have to get to know Kagami better now,” Adrien hummed thoughtfully. “I thought I knew her, but I was obviously wrong.”

“She definitely has layers,” Marinette giggled.

Adrien tipped his head back and looked at Luka, still standing behind the sofa. “You’re not feeling left out, are you? I feel like we’re being exclusive.”

“You’re fine, My Love,” Luka chuckled, giving Adrien’s hair a loving pet. “I’m enjoying getting to see you with your friends. You know I’m an introvert and don’t necessarily need to be the center of the conversation.”

“Just let us know if we’re being too in-group-y,” Nino urged, giving Luka an amicable grin. “You’re family now, and we want you to feel welcome and comfortable with us.”

“What he said,” Marinette seconded.

“Thank you,” Luka replied earnestly, making his way over to the armchair closest to the fireplace. “But I promise you that I’m very low maintenance. Please continue your conversation. I don’t need to be included in everything so long as I eventually get my husband back from you to cuddle with him myself.”

“Cool,” Nino chuckled. “We can definitely agree to those terms.”

Silent snuggling continued for a few minutes until Marinette spoke up once more.

“Adrien, did I hear right? Did you make a royal decree legalizing same-sex marriage?” she inquired, holding her breath in anticipation.

“Uh…yeah. Yeah, Nathalie took care of that earlier. She said that people would start announcing it right away, so the news should be getting out by now,” he confirmed.

Marinette gave a trill of joy. “I’m going to ask Kagami to marry me.”

“Dude, wait,” Nino insisted. “We haven’t even vetted her yet.”

Adrien elbowed Nino in the stomach. “That’s awesome, Marinette. You’ll have to let me know when the wedding will be so I can come back for the ceremony.”

Nino and Marinette blinked in tandem and then shared a look.

“Wait. What do you mean ‘come back’?” Nino asked slowly, a feeling of dread knotting the pit of his stomach. “Aren’t you…like…already back?”

Adrien winced.

Marinette’s joyful expression abruptly diminished as her forehead furrowed. “You’re not staying here, are you?”

Adrien shook his head.

“You’re going back to the forest,” Nino whispered as understanding dawned upon him.

Adrien nodded.

There was a heavy moment of silence.

“…How long do we have?” Marinette inquired, voice sounding brittle as she tried to mask her sadness and pain at the thought of losing her closest friend all over again. “How long before you go back?”

“I don’t know,” Adrien confessed. “Not long. I only returned because I feared that the kingdom would descend into chaos and dictatorship in my absence after my father’s sudden passing. I’ll stay until I see a peaceful transfer of power and feel confident that my people will be okay without me.”

“It sounds like we’ve still got some time, then,” Nino remarked, trying to be optimistic. “We should…We should make the most of it, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Marinette whispered, snuggling in closer to Adrien.

“Yeah,” Adrien agreed, squeezing his friends tighter.

[reneesi]

i never would have thought // CH.09

WRITTEN PORTION

“Pic-nic! Pic-nic! Pic-nic YAY!” (Y/n) chanted out in glee, practically floating as she skipped atop the gravel path. Yachi giggled at the display, linking her free arm with (Y/n) and shooting her a toothy grin. 

The three Karasuno volleyball managers had been planning a girls day for a couple weeks, and this was the first free Saturday since (Y/n)’s photoshoot. They had set out on a quest to have a sunlit lunch beneath the trees. Yachi, carrying a blanket under her arm, had dressed up in a white sundress and left her hair down. In contrast Kiyoko was sporting a long brown patterned skirt and a black tank top, her slender fingers were wrapped around the handle of a round picnic basket. (Y/n) had been charged with bringing the drinks, hence the kitty cat backpack draped across her shoulders. She’d brought ramune and completed the trio’s aesthetic with a midi dress and white t-shirt underneath. 

When they’d found a quiet spot under a large tree that provided some semblance of shade, the three worked together to set up their picnic. Ten minutes later they sat on a soft pastel checkered blanket, drinking cold soda, and relaxing under the shreds of sunlight peeking through the leaves above. 

“I should have brought my camera.” (Y/n) sighed longingly, a content smile splayed across her features.

“We can always take pictures on our cell phone Hinata-chan!” Yachi piped up.

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s just so beautiful here.” (Y/n) sung, leaning back into her arms which were placed out behind her, providing support. She let the lids of her eyes fall shut as her head tipped back lazily, enjoying the weather which felt absolutely divine. 

The heat was starting to become more bearable given that fall was right around the corner, but the sun still shone just as bright, leaving a warm residue in the afternoon air. Gentle breeze blew through the grass, running its slick fingers through the field and up to (Y/n)’s hair, cooling the sweat that threatened to build at the nape of her neck. As (Y/n) sat there, eyes closed and listening to the grass blades jostle against one another, Yachi and Kiyoko launched into a quiet conversation about club duties and then Sugawara and Daichi’s relationship. It was calm and easy, both speaking only words of kindness in low peaceful tones. 

“How long have they been dating?” (Y/n) asked, cutting in as her feet finally touched back down to earth.

“About three months I think, but they’ve both had feelings for a long time,” Kiyoko smiled.

“I'm so glad they finally did start dating, they make such a good couple!” Yachi gushed, clasping her hands together “But I can't imagine what the confession must have been like, confessions have always made me too nervous!” 

Yachi’s hands flew up to hold her cheeks as they flushed red at the mere thought of such confrontation, Kiyoko giggled along. 

“Yeah, confessing sounds stressful.” (Y/n) pondered aloud, tapping at her chin.

“Is there someone you have in mind?” Kiyoko inquired innocently, cocking her head slightly to the side. (Y/n) looked back in confusion.

“In mind..?” she repeated, still perplexed.

“Someone you ‘wouldn’t’ want to confess to!” Yachi giggled, scooting closer to (Y/n) and shooting her a suggestive smirk. (Y/n) felt her cheeks grow warm, sure that the pink on her features would only spread if the conversation continued.

“I-I.. well not, I mean-“ (Y/n) tried. She kept her gaze lowered towards her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

“Aww it’s okay Hinata-chan! We were just teasing, sorry!” Yachi laughed, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

“No, no! I mean, what I was trying to say before is that there isn’t anyone that I’m interested in right now! At all!” (Y/n) finally spluttered out, a little louder and a lot more aggressive than she’d intended.

“What about Tsukishima?” Kiyoko asked evenly, soft tones failing to cushion the bluntness of her sudden inquiry.

 (Y/n) paused for a moment, thinking back to the conversation of the previous night. Even if she had somehow started to develop any sort of feelings it didn’t really matter since she couldn’t tell if Tsukishima actually even wanted to be friends. He was always so confusing..

Finally, (Y/n) shook her head.

“We’re just friends.” She assured, face calming back to its gentle rosy cream. Kiyoko studied her for a moment before nodding.

“You guys seem to be getting along much better lately.” Kiyoko smiled lightly, easing herself down to lay on her side. 

“I hope so... the truth is I can’t blame you guys for thinking there might have been something there on my part.” (Y/n) laughed diffidently, “I was just always so nervous that he’d hate me so I ended up getting all tense and acting weird around him.... hopefully he didn’t notice.”

(Y/n) let out a long sigh.

“Why would you think he might hate you?” Yachi asked, confusion dotting her words.

“He’s just so far away from everyone. Back home things were so different, and I guess I got accustomed to reading people a certain way. So when he was all cold I thought I'd... I dunno, done something wrong..?” (Y/n) shrugged, Kiyoko nodded thoughtfully.

“That makes more sense, and you really don’t have to tell us but what exactly was back home... like?” Kiyoko questioned hesitantly. She’d taken her time to ask the question in a way that was sweetened and less direct, hoping to create the least amount of discomfort. Regardless, (Y/n)’s shoulders tended slightly.

“It was...” She trailed off, as Yachi reached over and placed a comforting hand on her thigh.

“It’s okay, you really don’t have to say,” Yachi said softly. (Y/n) shook her head and continued

“No it’s okay. It was just a completely different world. I’ve never really talked about it, and I’m not sure how much Shoyo has told you guys, but I grew up in a really... wealthy... family.” (Y/n) paused, averting her eyes. 

She always hated talking about that part of herself, the part that made people uncomfortable and the environment shift into a stiff stillness that never had the room for friendly connection. The same type of air that suffocated her to near death back home. The silence began to weigh down into her spine, so (Y/n) continued.

“The culture, it’s j-just really different.. and well my parents wanted me to be something.. someone that I wasn’t. They wanted me to dress a certain way, act like I was perfect, and just let people walk all over me. And I just didn’t want that, so I kinda took every opportunity to show them that.” (Y/n) laughed to herself reaching up to touch her long brown locks instinctively. 

“That’s actually why I dyed my hair brown,” she continued “in rebellion. And I did a bunch of other stupid things like rip up clothes and wear make up I knew they’d hate. Mostly though, I would argue with them... and one day they kind of realized I wasn’t gonna give up and I think my Mom.. she realized I was really unhappy..” 

“I-i’m really sorry (Y/n)..” Yachi said quietly. (Y/n) looked up and met her eyes, forcing a smile.

“It’s okay, don’t be. I’m here now and I’m really really happy! Happier than I’ve ever been!” (Y/n) smiled wide and held up a thumbs up 

“We’re glad you’re here too.” Kiyoko said softly as Yachi leaned to lay her head across (Y/n)’s lap. (Y/n) stroked through the stands of blonde lovingly.

“That’s why I wanted everyone to like me so much. I never really felt like I fit in back home.. everyone wanted that lifestyle of fake smiles and champagne.. I..” (Y/n) furrowed her brows, 

“I just wanted to be free.” She said definitively, looking up to find Kiyoko’s approving smile still beaming her way.

“How did you convince them to let you come?” Yachi asked suddenly, pulling (Y/n)’s eyes back down to her lap.

“We made a deal. They agreed to let me stay here through highschool as long as I go to the college they choose and marry the person they want me to.” (Y/n) explained, light disappointment visible through the cracks of her syllables.

“(Y/n)...” Yachi whispered, big teary eyes peering up at the brunette as Yachi reached up to touch (Y/n)’s face. (Y/n) smiled placing her own hand over Yachi’s which now rested against her cheek. 

“It’s okay,” (Y/n) said, glancing up at Kiyoko who was giving her a similar look of sympathy “Really!”

“I've never really believed in love much so it’s not like I was waiting around for my soul mate.” (Y/n) reassured.

“But what if you meet someone and-“ Yachi spoke up

“I just wanna have fun while I’m here and try to make the most of it.” (Y/n) cut her off, smiling softly in such a way that Yachi and Kiyoko quickly understood the topic wasn’t open for discussion. Kiyoko began talking about college applications and careers and the weight of vulnerability finally began to wear off of (Y/n)’s shoulders. As the trio fell back into their easy jokes and conversations they pulled out trays of sushi and dried seaweed, giggling in unison as they shared light hearted memories. 

Eventually, when the sky had turned into a sea of warm colors and fluffy watercolor clouds, (Y/n) felt a buzz in her pocket. She was forced to pull away from the conversation and check her text messages.

“Who’s it from?” Yachi asked, leaning over (Y/n)’s shoulders to peer at her screen.

“It’s Noya-senpai he said to look behind-“

“KIYOKO!!!!” A bellow erupted over the outstretched field behind (Y/n), as stampeding footsteps grew louder. The three managers snapped their heads towards the sudden noise, eyes wide, as three figures came into view. 

“HINATA-CHAN!!” Nishinoya screamed, a geeky smile splashed across his lips feeding up to the crinkles in his eyes. Faux tears were streaming from Tanka and Nishinoya as they ran towards the trio at full speed, arms outstretched before them. Behind them Yamaguchi was carrying a volleyball looking sheepish, a light blush tinting his cheeks as he waved a small hello. 

(Y/n) began to stand only to be tackled to the ground by both Nishinoya and Tanaka. She screamed as they trapped her in an overbearing hug.

“You idiots that hurt!” She laughed, pushing them off of her as she sat up and bonked both their heads simultaneously. They immediately wrapped their arms around her once more.

“We missed yOU SO MUCH!!” Nishinoya cried.

“We were just too jealous of your picnic, we couldn’t help but crash it!!” Tanaka wept, pulling away and leaning back to look at Kiyoko.

“Please don’t be mad~” He said to her, giving the upperclassmen puppy dog eyes. Kiyoko bit back a smile and maintained her aloofness, even if barely so.

“Don’t look at me, this picnic was Hinata-chan’s idea.” She said matter of factly, Tanaka turned back to (Y/n).

“C'mon please leT US STAY WE JUST WANNA BE WITH OUR PRECIOUS MANAGERS!” Tanaka bawled, throwing his arms around (Y/n) yet again. She sighed in feigned annoyance.

“Hi hi Hinata-chan, Kiyoko-senpai, Yachi-san.” Yamaguchi cut in, finally catching up to his friends under the tree. He placed the volleyball down gently before taking a seat next to Yachi, bumping her shoulder lightly with a smile. (Y/n)’s heart surged and she bit her lip to conceal the smile threatening to burst out.

“Fineee, you guys can stay.” She sighed, drawing it out a little too much. Tanaka and Nishinoya rejoiced, jumping to their feet as they chanted on about being accepted into the “managers only” hang out. The six team mates sat under golden sunlight, cracking jokes and chatting mindlessly until the sun set. 

That is until Nishinoya’s energy got the best of him and he and Tanaka insisted on showing (Y/n) how to receive and serve. Which might have been a great idea if Tanka and Nishinoya weren’t such terrible teachers. In the end Yamaguchi went home with a bruise on his head and (Y/n) vowed to never touch a volleyball again. She swore everyone to secrecy over Yamaguchi’s injury, praying that Tsukishima wouldn’t find out and kill her over it. Too bad Yamaguchi was a terrible liar.

CH.09 II pic-nic date!!

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MASTERLIST

Tagslist: @domtamaki​ @kodzu-ken​ @clowninfortodoroki​ @kageyamasbabygorl​ @miya-yume​ @chaelysian​ @kittyddandnyla​ @chaseyui​ @it-was-just-a-ship​ @melanie09astrid​ @naorii-chan​ @chaoticalybiased​ @saltyteefff​ @aristatrois​ @iamthepenguinwhosearseisonfire​ @raineedayze​

[self-shipyard]

"Blackbird (Pt. 1)" - A Self-Ship Fic

SYNOPSIS: The first part of a special, two-part fic in which Gh.iaccio convinces Sor.bet and Gel.ato to help him act on something that's been on his mind. Then a little later, Lumaca receives a call from him to talk about plans for that night. (Part 2)

Word Count: 1276

CW: In-Character Swearing

“So that’s what this is about?” Sorbet grunted.

Sorbet, Gelato, and Ghiaccio were huddled up in the safe house, with the first two lounging against each other in the armchair and Ghiaccio sitting on the couch close to them.

He had called them over to discuss something that had been on his mind for a while and to say that the revelation of that something surprised Sorbet and Gelato was an understatement.

“If you don’t want to help, just say it,” Ghiaccio huffed back in frustration, making Sorbet squint at him.

“I’m only being cautious,” he responded. “That’s all.”

“Sorbet my love,” Gelato purred as his hand slid against Sorbet’s cheek, making Sorbet look into the eyes of his partner. “He came to us to help him, not to chastise him. And besides, it’s about our beloved friend Lumaca, so maybe we should help him.”

“Look,” Ghiaccio sighed while the other two focused their attention back onto him. “You two don’t even have to do that much. All I’m asking for is some ideas because I have no fucking clue how to do this and I want to do it right. I didn’t care about this kind of thing before we got together, but now… Every time I look at her, I can't stop thinking about it.”

“Oh, believe me,” Gelato responded. “We know what that's like. I bet she feels the same way when she looks at you. Poor thing has always been so reserved.”

“True,” Sorbet added on. “Although, she has gotten better since she got with you. She’s blossomed pretty nicely. On top of that, I say she’s really grown on us.”

Ghiaccio hung on to Sorbet’s words, but only on to the metaphors he was using to describe Lumaca.

It pissed him off a little.

“What the hell do you think she is, a plant?” he snarled and leaned in closer to Sorbet. “She’s a human being, goddamn it; have some respect!”

Sorbet pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

“Look, Ghiaccio,” Gelato cut in before Sorbet lost his patience. “He’s trying to say that we’d be happy to help, for her sake. We can brainstorm some ideas and, if you really need it, we can help you do it.”

Ghiaccio’s eyes got a little wider as he contained his joy.

“You mean that?” He bent his head down and swallowed. “Well, uh… Thanks.”

“Did you just say ‘thanks’?” Gelato asked, a smirk surfacing on his lips. “That’s the first time I’ve heard you say that word. This must really mean a lot to you.”

“Of course, it does!” he whipped his head back up to look at them. “This is about Lumaca.”

“Aww that's cute,” Sorbet smirked, prompted by Gelato's smugness. “I never thought I'd see you love anyone so much.”

“Sh-Shut up,” Ghiaccio mumbled, his words losing their edge as he felt a blush rushing to his cheeks.

The sight of that made the both of them chuckle.

“Anyways,” Gelato chirped while Sorbet began to absently trace patterns into his partner’s leg. “Let’s talk ideas here. I was just thinking about those words Sorbet was using; ‘blooming’ and ‘growing’. Makes me think about flowers.”

“Yeah, and?” Ghiaccio urged him on, his eyes squinting a little out of curiosity.

“Now that you mention it, Gelato" Sorbet added on. “Lumaca’s always been keen with meanings, right? Surely, she also knows the meaning of some flowers.”

“You would be right.” Ghiaccio’s gaze shifted up in thought. “She’s always been really good with those things.”

“Perfect!” Gelato leaned in closer to Ghiaccio. “Now, here’s what I was thinking…”

…

Lumaca set the last file down on Risotto’s desk. His eyes flickered up from his computer to acknowledge her with a quick nod, a gesture she returned.

“That should be the last of it, capo,” she said.

“Good,” he responded. “But I’m still going to need you around. I hear tell we might be getting a new assignment soon... So I hope you don’t mind staying a little longer in case it comes early.”

“Of course!” she smiled.

Just then, the sound of her cellphone ringing made her jump slightly. She looked from the place where her cellphone was to the capo and, after receiving the ‘okay’ from him, went to go answer it.

“Pronto?” she said into the receiver.

“Hello, Lumaca,” a familiarly hoarse voice called through the speaker.

“Oh, hey Ghiaccio!” She was sure he could hear her lovesick smile through the phone. “Great timing; I just got finished with some paperwork.”

“Good, because I really need to talk to you right now.”

Lumaca blinked a little at the sound of his urgency, though she was sure not to let her surprise show in her voice.

“Oh, over what?” she asked.

She heard him take in a deep breath before he continued.

“We should go out for dinner tonight or something. We haven’t done that in a while and I’ve been thinking about you a lot today.”

If only he could hear how fast her heart was beating.

“You’ve been on my mind too,” she cooed, clearly forgetting that Risotto Nero was in the same room as her. “And that’d be lovely!”

“Is there any place you’d like to go? This is just a suggestion, but I know there’s that one focacceria that you love so much. The one by the seaside?”

She knew exactly which place he was referring to; it was a quaint little place that overlooked the ocean as well as a little walkway where one could see the most gorgeous sunset.

This was also the site of their first date, oddly enough.

“Oh, that sounds perfect! We haven’t been there in a while.”

“Great. Then once we meet up at home, we’ll go out there. Maybe we can even dress up a little bit if you want to. Well talk about it when we see each other, but I’ll see you then, okay love?”

“Okay!” She lowered her voice so as to not completely embarrass herself in front of her employer again. “I love you, Ghiaccio.”

“I love you too, Lumaca. So much… Bye.”

After hearing the tone signifying that he had hung up, Lumaca leaned back in her chair and let a sigh escape her lips.

Naturally, Risotto was quick to notice.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

She perked up some in her chair, doing her best to mask her steadily-growing curiosity.

“Nothing’s wrong, capo,” she responded with a smile that he wasn’t buying.

“Then why do you look so lost in thought?” he continued. “I’m going to assume Ghiaccio said something that felt off to you.”

She swallowed a little.

“Well, now that you mention it, he… he did sound a little frantic.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, and he was saying that we should go out for dinner tonight. I mean, I don’t mind it at all, but we don’t really go out unless it’s for some special occasion. I wonder what it could be...”

Risotto's gaze shifted down in thought. He thought about how tense Ghiaccio had been over the past month. Well, he knew that he had always been on edge but there was clearly something else going on under the surface… But what was it?

Then he suddenly remembered the O-shaped sensation Metallica picked up in Ghiaccio’s pocket in recent times.

It made it all clicked in his head.

“Hm,” he shrugged. “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.”

She hummed aloud.

“Yeah, you’re probably right."

He could faintly tell by the look in her eyes that she knew he was covering something up, but who was he to say anything about it?

[lemonietrinket]

Broken Crown ||| Prince!San x Reader

Summary: San receives a present from the leader of his kingdom’s governing body that turns his life upside down, and not for the better. His only comfort in life has been you, and now that comfort is being taken away from him. Genre: angst, bits of fluff with a happy ending  Warning(s): big sad, description of an item of clothing thrown out of frustration (not at or in front of anyone, there is no one nearby at the time); foul language (2x f**k) Word Count: 3037 Song(s): Ambience AN: well im here hurting myself with this... hope its not too angsty anon (i cant find your ask tho idk where its gone) happy (slightly late) birthday to my boi san! :))

fem!reader royalty au

~~~

Rocks sank to the bottom of his stomach as San’s entire body flushed ice cold, and then fire hot. Eyes unblinking he peered round at the sea of smiles, their sincerity leaving him reeling. It was as if his head had been submerged in a pool of twilight sea water, the sun’s warmth leaving it lukewarm and dark, forcing his eyes to sting and glaze without even his full knowledge.

It wasn’t until he spotted the widened eyes of his cousin, far down at the other end of the table, that he realised something was wrong. 

“Oh I can’t wait to see the two of them down the aisle!” 

“She’s a real catch, Sannie! You’re so lucky!”

“Aww, look, he’s so overcome with emotion he’s—!”

“Oh my baby is growing up so fast!”

The world span and words merged into one inconceivable mass as San turned. A thick silence permeated his mind, flooding it with nothing but heaviness; the sound of his fleeing footsteps, the echo of confusion behind him, even his own heartbeat—all swallowed up.  The only thing that pierced it was a high tone clatter, accented by a delicate crack and the shattering of glass. 

Tripping up the stairs, his ankle twinging as he went, he broke through the doors to his room, where he came to an abrupt stop. The doors slammed behind him out of the sheer power he’d shoved them open, and as the adrenaline began to phase his brain back into control, he stood heaving.  While fury flourished through his chest, gentle caresses graced his cheeks, painting them flushed when the two met at his throat. The unstoppable heat met numbing cold, and it was as if his throat became carved of hot stone. He was teetering on the edge of screaming, but having silenced himself, all he felt was the urgent threat of bursting. 

Seeing no way out through his lips, his hands began wrenching off his numerous layers of clothing. The heat was too much to handle, yes, but feeling the silk burn through his fingers, and then watching the embroidered jewels scarper across the room as he flung them was a release in itself. Enough of one to allow the ice to cascade through him. 

A shallow, creaking breath poured from him as he frantically followed where his coat had gone. Chewing on his lips, his hands felt around the fabric, still intact minus a few embellishments that had been torn off in his outburst. 

No no... no no no...!

His gaze darted across the varnished crystalline floor, desperate to catch a glint, a twine of thread. With the quartz patterning blurring and yet somehow shining as if possessed, he had no clue if the words were coming from him out loud or were just in his head. There was no way for him to be sure, as days prior everything that had coalesced in a matter of seconds had been nothing more than a nightmare.

Tears trapped themselves between his eyelashes, leaving the world around him in the state of a dream, until he finally gave in. Wiping his eyes  with the side of his fist, clenched and weakening, he sucked in air carefully. It felt too humid in his lungs and did little to quell the urge to succumb completely, but it was enough to hold it down for just a few more moments. And peaking up between his fallen fringe, that was all he needed.

He threw himself at the doors to the balcony, hands tugging at the handles until they finally broke open, and the outside greeted him.

It was an abrupt change, freezing wind slapping him in the face and grasping at every inch of bare and clothed skin it could get its hands on, but he could breathe.  The shock stunted the tears long enough for him to clear his eyes properly, his murky salmon dress shirt—too loose to actually be comfortable and yet still restrictive at the shoulders firmly placing it as his least favourite piece of clothing he was routinely told to wear—finally serving a purpose he agreed with.

The heels of his palms collided with the stone balcony and sent a small hum of pain through his throat, though he paid no mind to it. His attentions were much more focused elsewhere—that being scouring the gardens below, the canopies of the trees beyond, and finally the lights of the city in the further distance. To his annoyance the damp air, enrolled to be the welcome mat for an oncoming storm, decided to shirk its duties and mess with his hair enough so he couldn’t see. Though what shook him up even more and truly beckoned the suffocating feeling to return was the absence of your silhouette. 

It took all the willpower in him left to resist calling your name into the dark. As time went on however, the more he began to worry that he wouldn’t even be able to anymore, if he could. Becoming frantic, he slapped his hand against the stone and cursed. Once then twice, and then again and again until he slumped over the edge. The stone dug into his rib cage, leaving him even shorter of breath than he already was.  He let his eyes fall closed, a whimper leaving his lips, leading him to press them straight and firm. San needed to stay together in one piece, and with the cold bringing an onslaught of reality checks in his head, the more he realised he needed to not behave any worse. But his tether was running short.

Luckily, the respite arrived in a matter of moments, and though they may have felt like hours, the ache of waiting soon washed away as warmth reached his side upon the balcony, and the scent of the wild world below was brought to him. 

Despite your hands being carved from days of work you always held him so tenderly, as if never wanted to let him go—and for once, not in a precious gem kind of way, but more in the sense of a memory. A story from years before that never failed to bring a smile to your face. One that meant nowhere else felt like home but with him. 

He didn’t really know how you got up onto his balcony, without alerting the guards or making the slightest of noises. Nor did he know truly where you were from. It wasn’t like you hadn’t told him—oh, he’d asked you about your life thousands of times and you’d complied in answering every single time with a content smile on your lips—it was just that he had no context to it. You told him of the streets and the lamp-lights, the cheers of the evening and cries of the night, the merchants and the bakeries and the patrols barely on watch, the docks and the promises it held of the future, a new world. But San had never been, so how could he ever fully understand and know of your past, when he knew very little outside his own upbringing? These were the things he lamented when the moon began to sink and you ushered him to finally rest, pointing out that he was moping again.

Your voice was as gentle then as it was now minus the mischievous tones, pressing hushes into his messy hair at your jaw while you cradled him to your chest. 

“Shh, my love, it’s ok. Everything’s ok.”

Hands clutching at your leather jacket, ribbed with gashes that even you couldn’t place, he let himself relax. In your arms, his sobs spilled out so much quieter than they had done before, and his shaking slowly came to an end when they could have easily continued long into the night.  Sat upon the stone floor with you, his problems seemed to drift away. He almost wished you weren’t as sensible sometimes, and that you’d let them pass. That way he could stay there in silence wit you for longer, just listening to the beat of your heart and how it aligned with his. 

It couldn’t happen however, he had to face the consequences at some point, and when you slowly lifted his head to meet your gaze, he knew there was little he could do about it. 

Your motions were met with a disgruntled pout as the boy you fell in love with—now old enough to rule a kingdom without an Aide—wiped his eyes and blinked at you, happy to wordlessly pretend that none of that had happened. 

“Happy birthday, Your Highness,” you teasingly greeted, cupping his hallow cheeks so you could trace shapes into his temple. Your face instantly fell when his did, however, and you realised that you’d struck a nerve. “Sannie, what’s happened? I haven’t seen you this upset in months.”

His gaze dropped as his head did. Your hand didn’t chase him, instead you settled it upon his own, balled between you against the floor. “San?”

“She promised me, Y/N,” he finally began, swallowing thickly, “she promised me and she broke it in a day. It meant nothing to her.”

“Her?” you enquired. “Your mother?”

He shook his head languidly and you could feel his fingers tense between yours. “The Chair. The Chair—she promised my status would be nowhere in any agreement in the trade talks and the—she fucking lied! Next week—with all fucking expenses paid for by the government no less—I... she—a-and she did it on my birthday! Told it to me now, gave it to me as a gift, so now there is absolutely no way I can refuse her! She did this on purpose, Y/N, she knows what she’s doing, she wants me over there for something and I... I don’t want to play her... her games—!”

“Hey, hey, it’s ok,” you breathed, stroking his white knuckles, “take it easy. What did she do, San? What’s happening next week, where are you going?”

“I’m getting married.”

His abrupt words stunned you into a paralysis. No breath left your lungs, there was no flicker of your fingers. It was like you became a statue. 

“She’s married me off, Y/N. To this princess from Lontaiko no less. I won’t be here after it, I’ll move away, and then I’ll be completely at her mercy.” San glanced up at you, meeting your glazed stare with a sigh ridden with guilt—as if he had any choice in the circumstances. The sight of you without your smile was enough to make his heart sink, and so witnessing the colour drain from your cheeks and your touch go limp forced him to blink back tears once again. 

He pulled your rigid hand to his lips and planted a kiss to your fingers. It brought you back to reality, throat dry and eyes wet, but his touches left your heart aching, his wound now a part of you too. And it tore your heart gradually apart, one thread at a time. 

“Why?” you finally managed, gripping onto his hands almost as desperately as he’d done before. 

He spat a laugh of disbelief. “’Peace’, she said. ‘Peace’.”

You scoffed a weak laugh, hiding your face within the shadows cast from soft candlelight behind. San didn’t let you go, his lips soft at your skin, trying to stay strong and encourage you that it would all be fine but you could feel in the caution of his movements that he didn’t believe it either. 

“I’m sorry,�� he murmured, “I’m sorry I didn’t put up more of a fight, I don’t want this, I don’t want to leave, I don’t want to be king—”

“I love you,” you finally whispered, words fragile and very nearly swept by the wind. 

His lips fell still. It was far from the first time you had told him, as every time the moonlight shone upon the two of you, the words kissed the night. Now, however, was different. Seeing you so curled in on yourself reminded him of the first time you had confessed to him. 

A few nights had passed without a single flicker of your silhouette, no curl of the blossoms and brine that melded with you. He’d let it slip first, all doe-eyed and lips pursed amongst multitudes of pillows, waiting for his first kiss that you would bestow upon him. You had rushed an apology, brushing your lips against his forehead in a promise before fleeing.  Every time the moon then rose he waited while dread trickled through his veins, until you finally returned. Your voice seemingly stolen and hands wrung together, gemstone eyes avoiding his at every cost while you waited on the wrong side of the balcony. You’d given him such a fright when he finally spotted you through the bronze embroidered windows—the first time because he couldn’t tell it was you, the second because you could have slipped and fell at any moment, perched where you were.

As soon as he joined you outside, he’d rambled about how worried he had been, not even trying to temper his volume. 

You’d interjected him suddenly, “Can I kiss you properly?” 

He’d been silenced immediately. And then between a small scowl, a pout and the puffing of his cheeks, he’d huffed, “Yes.”

You hadn’t relaxed until he’d held you, lips meeting in the golden haze of the torches that danced with the silver of a crescent moon. 

It pained him to see you in such a way now, for all the wrong reasons. Reasons that couldn’t be helped, he reminded himself, his thoughts possessing a snarl and leaving the pit of his stomach broiling, nothing can ever be done... right...?

Shifting his weight, he raised himself so he was even with you, before at last holding you close. Your hands sprung into action to clutch at his back as he did so, your head nestling into his shoulder while your breaths became shallow. Nose pressed into your hair, he kissed your head as you begged him, “Please don’t leave me, San. Please, please don’t leave me.”

His eyes narrowed as he stared at his bedroom. The grandiose sweeping canopies of his bed curtains, light peach and without a speck of dirt. The hard floor that was always cold to his bare feet without fail, and too hard to welcome him home after a long day of duties. The emptiness of the room’s vast expanse, adorned with nothing but elegant plants twisted around veiled sticks to force them to grow how the keepers’ wished.  His eyes changed focus then, coming to glare at the dull reflection in the glass. The faded lines of his hands stroking your back, his intense expression, all stared right back at him, as if in challenge.

And something inside him snapped.

᠃ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ˚ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ᠃

Upon the day of the wedding, after a week of flurried throngs of people and preparations being made, just after the clock chimes sang for seven o’clock, a single member of staff sped through the long corridors to the palacekeep at the very end. Minutes later, he marched with her in tow through to the King’s bedroom, where they found the monarch working at his desk, a bright grin upon his face.

At exactly 7:08, as the sun beamed down upon the kingdom of Silarrean—nestled between the rises of two valleys, neighbour to the realm of Lontaiko— the King fainted. 

When the shadows of the sundials met the halfway mark for that same hour, those same persons that dotted the palace halls like bees within a hive, made up the crowds of search parties pushed to scour every inch of the city at the castle’s feet. 

Within days, the Silarrean Prince San, who the Chair had announced to all the people was destined to marry the delightful youngest daughter of the Lontaikan royal family, was officially declared missing. The wedding was called off, though the King ordered no cease in the search. 

It would prove null, however. The young prince was long gone.

Not that San knew of any of what was occurring back in the place where he had once lived. He could imagine it happening though, the images in his mind that hazy vivid that always accompanied him when he let his mind wander upon things he’d never known.

Leaning out to stare into the distance across the ocean waves, the boat proved to have a balcony of its own. This time though he was on the other side of it, and the correct one too: the one that actually involved living how he wished.  He ran his fingers across the crown between his hands, the edges of silver carved into entwined laurels still sharp, and he knew he couldn’t wait for them to become rounded with age. He found he kept returning to the centrepiece, with its intricate feathers tinged with blue and the cracked azure gemstone in its centre. The split was shaped like a lightning bolt, and it brought a smile to his face, thinking of just how much of an impact he made upon the world around him. It symbolised how he would never return, and that they could neither replace him. He had taken very little with him, but the crown was his birthright, and so he would take it with him, but also leave its life behind. 

Stood by the helm, you watched over him carefully. You would have joined him, but someone needed to steer. The small boat was only a relic, you’d been surprised that it even moved at all. The adrenaline, that had left your heart in your mouth when the rudimentary engine had coughed and spluttered on the night of your grand plan, had long since died down. It remained on the edge of your conscience, ready to cascade through your veins when you needed it. And you were well aware that on the route you were taking through life you were definitely going to need it. Until then though, you relished in the salt of the sea and the calm waters that the rising summer brought for you.

It didn’t matter after all, what would come. You’d find a way, as you were together, and you were both free. 

~~~

an: i feel like this would work better as a longer piece, where the process of the week is followed, with more depth of lore and stuff but ill be honest with you, it took a lot of effort for me to write this in the first place. not because the idea wasnt my thing (far from it—this stuff is my shit) but because my creativity just doesnt like cooperating sometimes.  maybe one day.

also what do you think of my new paragraph break thing? i think its cute. much easier to implement than the photo ones for sure.

all names of places are fictional  

Masterlist

[homesweetsewer]

Saturday Morning (Michelangelo x Reader)

I know...I need to finish the last part of Consolation Prize—I swear, I’m working on it! I also have a MASSIVE Transformers fanfic I’m working on on another site that needs my attention desperately. I’ve been so scatter brained lately that it’s hard for me to concentrate on any one thing. It sucks! So, I’ve drummed up some Mikey angst. I’m sorry!

P.S. Not sure why I always make April the bad guy, lol. Guess she’s just an easy target.

Saturday mornings were the best.

They’d always been Michelangelo’s favorite ever since he’d been very young. It was the one time out of the week their dad and Leo let them sleep in. No morning training. No hurry to get up and get ready. No battle over who got to use the bathroom first. There was no rush and nowhere he had to be. Saturday mornings were slow paced and lazy, full of pancakes and morning cartoon marathons. Of course, that wasn’t Michelangelo’s favorite part of the Saturday morning routine...at least, not anymore. He’d found a much more fulfilling way to spend those early morning hours.

A sleepy smile found its way onto the turtle’s face as he burrowed deeper into the warmth of his blankets. Thoughts of you...his baby, his angel...filled his mind. You always stopped by the lair on Saturday mornings, a bright smile on your beautiful face, arms laden with fresh pastries and hot coffee or cocoa from your favorite local cafe. You’d greet his father and brothers, all of whom were much earlier risers than himself, before making your way to his room.

“Mikeeeey,” you’d practically sing his name as you’d plop down onto the bed, nearly collapsing on top of him. Working your way under his mound of covers, your small, slim fingers would seek out his unprotected sides, knowing just where to dig into the sensitive skin to send him into a fit of giggles. “Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty! I brought goodies...”

He’d capture your arms, pulling you further down into his cozy, little nest and hold you close. “Just five more minutes, sweetness!”

Five minutes would turn into ten. Ten minutes would turn into fifteen. Fifteen would turn into twenty as the two of you cuddled and laughed. Your fingers would trace nonsensical patterns on his plastron while his own busied themselves playing with your hair. He’d nuzzle into your neck, breathing in your scent, and steal a kiss or two—still amazed that he was allowed to do so, and dreaming of doing so much more—as the two of you made plans for the rest of the day...and, oh, Mikey had plans. Yes, he wanted to cook breakfast with you this morning, play video games, teach you to skateboard, snuggle on the couch and watch a movie or two, but he was also thinking about next week. Next month. Next year!

Michelangelo may have been the jokester, the free spirit, but he was 100% serious where you were concerned. Honestly, he still couldn’t believe you’d agreed to be his girl. He was a turtle, a mutant. He lived in the sewer and you...You were the most beautiful and amazing creature on the face of the Earth in his eyes and he was certain you could have had any man you wanted, but you’d chosen him. Him!

He hadn’t said the words yet, not out loud, but he loved you so much that it hurt in the most wonderful way. Oh, but he wanted to tell you. He had for a while now...even before you’d made the transition from friends to something more just a short month ago. He wanted to hold you close and smother you with kisses and pour his little turtle heart out to you and tell you how wonderful and perfect he thought you were, but was afraid it was too soon and the last thing he wanted to do was scare you away. He couldn’t imagine loving anyone the way he loved you. He may not have been the most fearless, the strongest, or the smartest of his brothers, but he was definitely the most in love.

As if his thoughts had summoned you, he heard his bedroom door ease open and close just as quietly, followed by the padding of feet drawing closer to where he lay. He didn’t open his eyes or roll over, but his smile grew and his skin tingled in anticipation of getting to hold you again. He heard the soft rustling of fabric and felt the bed dip down as a slight weight settled in behind him and curled against his shell. A very human, very feminine arm circled around his shoulders and he felt a pair of soft lips press against the back of his neck.

A content churr rumbled up from his chest as he relaxed into the affectionate gesture. “I was just thinking about you, babydoll.”

A giggle was his response followed by a seductively asked, “Oh, really?”

Michelangelo’s eyes snapped open and, shrugging off the intimate embrace, he quickly rolled over to face his bedmate. Surprise registered on his face as he stuttered, “A-April?”

“Mmhmm...” a coy smile played on the woman’s lips as she attempted to wrap her arms around the turtle’s neck and press in close for a proper kiss.

Mikey wasn’t sure he’d ever moved so fast in his life as he scrambled backwards. In doing so, however, he became tangled in the covers, pulling them off the bed with him as he fumbled, and ended up sprawled on his back on the cold concrete floor, rocking slightly side to side on his shell as he tried to right himself. “What-What are you doing?”

“Michelangelo,” April cooed as she rose from the bed. “What do you think I’m doing?”

Mikey managed to push himself up into a sitting position to address his friend, his blue eyes widening for a split second before he hastily slapped a large, three-fingered hand over them. This situation made absolutely no sense in his mind and panic was rapidly setting in. Why him? Why now? Had the world gone mad? “You...you’re naked!”

“Yes, I am,” a breathy laugh left April’s throat as she crawled toward the downed ninja and moved to straddle his lap. She tugged at his arm. “Mikey...you can look. Touch if you want...” She grabbed the hand that wasn’t covering his eyes and pressed her bare breast into it.

“No, no, no...” Michelangelo shook his head rapidly back and forth and tried to jerk his hand back but April clung tightly. “Dudette...you-you need to stop and p-put some clothes on! I don’t...I can’t...”

“It’s okay,” she insisted, pressing herself against his plastron. “I want you to...”

“You don’t understand,” Mikey whined, as close to hyperventilating as he’d ever been. “This isn’t...We can’t....”

“I understand perfectly,” April giggled. “It is and we can...”

“No! I-I have a girlfriend!” Michelangelo managed to blurt the words out and was relieved when April stiffened and pulled slightly away. He quickly removed his hand from her body and peeked cautiously between his fingers to find a look of confusion plastered on her face.

She demanded, “You have a what?”

“A...a girlfriend,” he carefully repeated, slowly lowering his hand as April finally grabbed one of the blankets tangled around them and covered her chest with it.

“A girlfriend?” April repeated the words slowly as if trying to make sense of them. She huffed, “Since when?”

Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Mikey couldn’t help the goofy grin that stretched across his face at the thought of you. Your name left the ninja’s lips in a breathy sigh. “We’ve been together since about a month ago.”

“I...” April struggled to find words. “What? But...” she shook her head. “Then...what’s with all the flirting, Mikey? All the pet names?”

“I didn’t mean it, not like that!” Michelangelo shook his head in denial and raised his hands in defense, “That’s just how I talk. I was just...being friendly!”

“Friendly?” April looked at the turtle in disbelief. “I thought...the way you act, I thought you liked me!”

“I do...as a friend,” Michelangelo quickly insisted. “You’re like...family! Yeah! My sister from another mister!”

“Sister?” April laughed, but there was no humor in it. She shook her head once more, feeling her face redden with both embarrassment and understanding. She should have known. Yes, the youngest turtle was flirty whenever she was around, but he lit up like a damn Christmas tree whenever you walked in the room. With you, he wasn’t so much flirty as he was doting.

Now that he’d mentioned it, it was plain as day how deep the turtle’s feelings for you ran. If it wasn’t the dreamy look in his blue eyes every time someone so much as mentioned your name, the way he constantly talked about how wonderful you were to anyone who would listen should have been enough to clue in even the most dense of observers. She sniffled, “Oh, my God...I’m an idiot. I’m—I’m sorry, Mikey. I don’t know what I thought I was doing...”

Mikey was surprised to see tears welling up in her eyes. “Aww...don’t cry, angel cakes.” He was nothing if not a forgiving guy and he hated to see anyone hurt. This was a misunderstanding—a horrible, awkward, mortifying one—but April was his friend and he figured he was as much to blame for the miscommunication as she was when he thought about it. He’d do better in the future, he promised himself, make it perfectly clear that he was a one woman kind of turtle. He cautiously adjusted the blanket that was tangled around her, carefully covering anything he shouldn’t see, and wrapped the embarrassed woman in a hug as he tried to lighten the mood and dispel the horrible awkwardness between them. “You’re not an idiot. I should be sorry. It’s hard to resist the charms of Magic Mike.”

April did laugh, then. “It really is.” She pulled away from the turtle, sniffled, and wiped her eyes. “I really am sorry. I didn’t know. I-I’m happy for you, truly. You two make a great couple.”

“Thanks, Ape,” the turtle answered sincerely. “I’m a lucky ninja.”

“Well,” the woman sighed, “she’s a lucky girl.” A pause, and then, “think we can forget this ever happened?”

Michelangelo grinned, “Forget what?”

Relief spread over April’s face. “Thanks, Mikey. We’re still ok?”

Mikey nodded in understanding. “Always.”

Some of the tension left her frame. “Guess I should probably get dressed and get out of here, huh? Don’t want anyone getting the wrong idea.”

“Yeah,” it was Michelangelo’s turn to feel relief. His voice was soft and reassuring as he agreed “I think that would probably be for the best.”

At that very moment, two things happened simultaneously...almost as if in slow motion. April leaned in for one last apologetic hug while at the same time Michelangelo’s bedroom door swung open. It was a perfect storm.

“Mikeeeey!” You bounded into the youngest turtle’s room as always, a bright smile on your face. “You better not still be...sleeping?” You froze completely at the sight that greeted you. It took a moment for your brain to catch up to what your eyes were telling you. A plethora of emotions bombarded you as you tried to process the scene. You blinked, trying to dispel the image, but it remained unchanged. Yes, Michelangelo was still sitting on the floor in a mess of blankets with his arms wrapped around a very naked April O’Neil.

You weren’t smiling anymore.

“Oh, my God!” April let out a gasp of surprise, her face going pale as she quickly clambered off of Mikey’s lap and bundled herself up in his sheets.

A look of sheer panic settled itself on Michelangelo’s face as he quickly thrashed his way out of the tangled covers and jumped to his feet. “Sweetness! This...this isn’t what it looks like! I swear!”

Your mouth opened and closed as you struggled to find your voice, but a large, bitter lump had already formed in your throat making speech impossible. Your eyes burned as they filled with tears that slowly spilled over your cheeks. Never in a million years would you have ever expected something like this, not from Mikey. He wasn’t that kind of guy. At least, you hadn’t thought he was. Had you been wrong? Your gaze flitted between the pair, eventually setting on April who looked slightly nauseous and shaky as she quickly pulled her clothes on. She wouldn’t even look at you. It was like a bad dream that you couldn’t wake up from.

“Babe.”

Your eyes snapped back to your boyfriend. Well, the guy/turtle you’d thought was your boyfriend. The man you loved, and who you’d been pretty sure had loved you, too. You hadn’t spoken the words to each other, but there’d been so many times you’d wanted to tell him. He wasn’t human. He wasn’t the classically good looking jock that so many other girls your age seemed to swoon over, but you’d thought him handsome in a peculiar way the very first time you’d met. It had been his personality that had sold you on him, however, and the two of you had become close friends. It wasn’t until a particularly competitive game of Mario Kart had ended in a tentative kiss that you realized he may have felt the same way about you. He’d made it so easy to love him.

Too easy, perhaps, now that you were faced with the current situation.

“Please, baby, just l-let me explain...” Mikey sounded like he may burst into tears as he took a couple slow steps towards you, as if afraid any sudden movement would send you fleeing. His arms extended as he reached for you. “I-I know this looks b-bad...”

You shook your head, twisting away as he tried to pull you close. Bewilderment blossomed into anger as you snapped, “don’t touch me!”

The turtle flinched as though you’d slapped him. “It’s not what it looks like,” he repeated once more in desperation and looked toward April for help, his eyes pleading for her to back him up, to confirm that this was just a horrible mix-up and miscommunication.

April, now fully clothed, pressed herself against the wall and stared wide eyed at the pair of you. Her eyes brimming with tears...as if she had a reason to cry. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I’m sorry. I-I didn’t know.”

With no further preamble, the pretty reporter bolted for the door, scooting by you quickly, not even looking at you as she made her escape. Your fists clinched at your sides as you struggled to resist the impulse to grab her by the hair, drag her back into the room, and beat her skinny ass. You restrained yourself...barely.

The sound of a ragged breath drew your attention back to the room’s other occupant. Michelangelo looked utterly betrayed as he stared at the space April had vacated. His bottom lip quivered and tears pooled in his eyes as he turned his attention back to you. Under normal circumstances, the look of sheer anguish and despair twisting his boyish features would have pulled at your heartstrings now, however, it only made you sick to your stomach.

“Why?” You managed to croak, “why, Mikey?”

“No, no, no,” he denied, the tears finally too much for his eyes to contain and making wet streaks down his green skin. “It’s not like that!”

“She was naked,” you hissed. “You were holding a naked woman!”

“I know,” Mikey sniffled.

“Not just any woman, April fucking O’Neil! What am I supposed to think,” you demanded.

“She came to me,” the ninja babbled, trying hard to get it all out, to make you understand. “I was in bed thinking about you and the next thing I know April’s in here and she’s naked and we’re on the floor and she’s sitting on my lap telling me to touch her.” The turtle shook his head, “but I didn’t want to. I told her to get dressed and leave! I told her I had a girlfriend! I told her about you! She apologized but looked so sad and embarrassed and then she started to cry and I felt so bad and—and, yeah, I hugged her, but that was it! She gonna leave right before you walked in, but then you were here and, and...” he trailed off into a stream of unintelligible gibberish punctuated by sobs.

You scoffed, finding his explanation utterly unbelievable.

“Nothing happened,” he insisted between ragged breaths. “I promise! I would never, never do that to you! I-I don’t even think of April like that! You have to believe me! You’re—you’re my one and only!”

You sniffed, wiping your nose on your sleeve. “You expect me to believe that she just came in here, got naked, and tried to molest you?”

“Yes!” The turtle nodded, hoping you’d understood and that the two of you could put the whole, horrible incident behind yourselves and salvage whatever was left of the morning. “I swear, sweetness, it’s the truth. I wouldn’t lie to you!”

“Do you think I’m stupid, Mikey?”

Michelangelo’s eyes went wide and he shook his head vehemently back and forth. “N-no!”

“I should have known better.” Tears were flowing freely now, down both your faces. You shook your head, a grimace pulling down the corners of your mouth. “I should have seen this coming.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” he insisted, his blue eyes pleading for your belief. “Im not a cheater! I’m not that kind of turtle!”

“That’s what I used to think,” you murmured brokenly. “I trusted you, Michelangelo. I loved you!”

The ninja’s breath caught in his throat and a spark of amazement lit inside his eyes, warring with the panic and hysteria already there. “You...you l-love me?” He breathed the words as if he couldn’t quite believe them.

“I thought,” you mused sadly, “I thought maybe you loved me, too.” A look of pain settled itself on your face. “I guess it doesn’t matter now, does it?”

“N-no!” The turtle reached for you again, stopping when you scooted away once more. “It-it matters! I-I love you, too! More than anything! More than pizza! I’ve wanted to tell you for the longest! Please!”

“Save it, Mikey,” You shuffled backwards toward the door. Your fingers gripped the knob, turning your knuckles white as you wrenched it open. “I really thought we had something special. I hope she was worth it.”

“Wait!” Mikey wailed out your name as you turned on your heel to leave. He could feel his heart shattering in his chest as he watched you flee the lair. All his hopes, all his dreams went with you. He fell to his knees, his large hands covering his face as he wept into them. “Come back,” he sobbed. “I love you!”

Saturday mornings were the worst.