#a secret gay hand signal or something

[ilovehugslikealotalot]

Nine-ing Armor

(not my gif)

sum: Rebecca meets her ‘Shite in Nine-ing Armor’

WARNING: Rupert doesn’t own West Ham, WestHamplayer!r, confessions, r is kinda like Jamie, gay panic, injuries, blood

Rebecca didn’t see this coming, at all.

She sat in her office, barely getting work done due to a certain West Ham player in her mind. Ever since the clubs have agreed to have a women’s league, Rebecca was beyond ecstatic. Now, she just wanted it to go away, she wanted you to go away. Not because she didn’t like you, no, it was the complete opposite.

The way your legs were so perfectly muscular, your arms looked like you could sweep her of her feet even though you were shorter than her. She would’ve loved if your skilled hands just made their way down to her-

“Rebecca!” Keeley screeched, barging into the office with a big scowl, Rebecca jumped, snapping out of her thoughts, “Yes?”

“What the hell is this?!” The woman growled, stomping over to the other blonde desk in fury. Rebecca raised her brow, a signal for the woman to explain, Keeley let out another growl, placing her phone on Rebecca’s fancy glass desk.

It was a text.

Y/n 😉 Hey Keeley! I was wondering if you could tell Rebecca that ‘y/n’s sorry if she’s upset you in anyway’? I want her to know that I meant it but, she doesn’t have to reciprocate it. Thanks! Have a good day :) It was you. After a few weeks of going out, getting to know each other more, you finally caved. You told Rebecca your true feelings during brunch. You really thought she would feel the same after everything but, you thought wrong. Next thing you knew, she was sprinting out the door of the food establishment, leaving you enough to cover the bill. At least she had the decency to do that. She left you, in the middle of brunch, alone, looking ridiculous in the sundress you specifically wore to impress the older woman. You felt horrible. You should’ve just left it alone, how could a woman as fabulous and stunning as Rebecca Welton even consider wanting you? What could you offer her that she didn’t already have?

Rebecca’s face dropped. This could not be happening. She already made a complete fool of herself the first time she met you. Blabbering about anything just to get you to look at her. It wasn’t her fault, there was something about you that made her lose her confidence and melt like a puddle of ice.

Now, she’s made a fool of you. All because she can’t talk properly around you. After you’d confessed her feelings, Rebecca began panicking. She wasn’t ready, at least that’s what she told herself.

She couldn’t talk to you without breaking down, your presence was enough to make her want to tell you her darkest secrets.

Keeley frowned, rounding her best friend’s desk, she would knock some sense into the woman just like she had many times before. “Look, it’s clear you are madly in love with her, why can’t you just say that?” Keeley said, her hands placed on Rebecca’s shoulders. The older blonde shrugged, “Because I’ll hurt her Keeley, I know I will. It’s better that I do it now.” The club owner pushed away opening her laptop once more and typing, Keeley knew better than to meddle in this little affair but, she read the message out loud, hoping Rebecca would listen.

“You and her are worth the chance, you’ll never know if to don’t even try it with her. Screw the press, you said it yourself.” Without another word the younger woman left. Leaving a conflicted Rebecca alone in her self pity. She wondered if this is how you felt. Alone and betrayed.

It was hours until the game between West Ham and Richmond. Yet, Rebecca could feel her heart lurching. Even if the game hadn’t started yet, she knew that the West Ham women’s team was in the building. It made her overthinking every turn and step she took as she walked around. She didn’t know where she was going or what she was looking for, just mindlessly wandering. Maybe she even hoped to see you.

That was when she had stopped in front of the guest lockeroom that she had realized, she was drawn to you. Peeking through the window, she heard footsteps behind her. “Hello, Rebecca Welton is it? We met at the Club Conference a few weeks ago” A voice said, the blonde woman turned around to see the owner of West Ham, the better, new one. Rebecca smiled, “Ah, Diana! What a pleasure, I hope your team have brought their A game.”

The two engaged polite conversation, Rebecca found Diana way more pleasant than some of the owners. It was nice not being the only woman anymore. The lockeroom door burst open, and out came the women all energized. Rebecca didn’t care who won of lost tonight, she just needed to talk to you.

You exited the lockeroom with your team, they hyped you up as you unzipped your hoodie revealing the number 9, flaunting it around. The team sang the ‘We All Follow the West Ham’ chant with pride, Rebecca looked over at you. The twinkle in her eyes was noticeable, even Diana saw it. “You love her, don’t you…?” The woman said softly, crossing her arms as she winked at Rebecca. The blonde woman felt her voice would betray her, settling for a nod instead.

——

The game was exciting, in the first half the score was Richmond 1, West Ham 3. Every time someone would try to get passed you, the effortless moving of your feet managed to swipe the ball. You had this grin all game, it pissed Richmond off badly. Even the players who were benched. It was no surprise that fans had began to compare your mannerisms to Jaime.

The way you had provoked one of the players and acting like it wasn’t your fault, hands up in the air with this smirk.

It turned Rebecca on, especially when the Jumbotron would zoom into you. Man, you looked so good in your kit.

During halftime, no matter how much the Richmond coaches didn’t want to, they had to press that big red button they really didn’t want at first. Their biggest weapon was their player named, Maria Sheridan. The woman was a darn good player, as Lasso would put it.

She just had too much attitude, it would’ve been the best to bench her until she got her act right. That was when Roy realized her attitude combined with yours might make it easier to win.

“It looks like, for the first time in two games, Roy Kent has decided to sub in Sheridan” One of the announcers said in disbelief, the other smirked, “This is going to be one explosive end. We already know how Sheridan and Y/l/n get along.”

They were in fact correct, Maria had stopped you from making 2 goals now, it was ticking you off and everyone knew it.

“She’s really hot in that kit, Rebecca” Keeley nudged the other blonde woman on the arm, she just sighed, “She’s angry because of what happened, I mean look at her on that field!” Rebecca gestured to the Jumbotron that had caught you bending your water bottle in half as the refs called a time out.

You aggressively spat out the clear liquid, throwing the plastic bottle onto a chair. Sheridan was gonna pay, you wanted to get another goal, the score was now even. The team didn’t want to lose, not when they were all so close. The whistle let out its shrill cry and the pitch was back into action.

You were close, so close to the goal, that was when you heard the loud pounding of feet. You tired, even when your body ached, you still ran, just when she had tackled you to the ground, your skin sliding against the turf and your head slamming into her shoe, you had kicked it.

You whimpered as you lay on the ground, you could hear the gasps of the spectators then cheering. You would be embarrassed later, not knowing why they were cheering. The buzzer rang through the stadium as you grasped your shoulder. It hurt from catching you after the impact.

You didn’t realize the red substance oozing out of your head. You noticed Sheridan had gotten up and propped up your head, she was screaming something at you but you couldn’t make it out. It was so loud and…why were the lights so bright?

You could feel the rumbling of feet, you grasped your head wondering why it hurt so badly. You could feel the thick wet liquid on your palm…oh.

Now you smelt the irony substance, it was sickening, you hated blood.

The medical team had brought you to the infirmary, checking you over. By then you had a sense of what happened, hoping nothing was broken, if anything was, you didn’t feel it.

They gave you some pain medication, cleaned up the burn and the small gash on your head. There was a bruise on your shoulder where you had landed. Lucky you.

Maria walked in with an apologetic look, “I’m sorry, y’know for being like that on the field, you alright?” She asked, softly sitting down next to you as you caught your breath. “It was a footing accident and I’m sorry, if it make you feel any better you’ve ruined my new boots” she laughed softly. You shook your head, you knew it was, someone her level wouldn’t mess up that badly, not if she completely lost her brain. “I thought I should tell you, your girlfriend went complete psycho on me but, I deserve it.” You raised a brow, “What girlfriend?”

“Uh, Rebecca?”

Oh, right. Your cheeks heated up quickly, rivaling the color of dried blood on your hands. Noticing it, you got up to wash the blood off. Maria watched you, “She wants to see you, she’s out there having a mental breakdown, weeping about how she’s stupid for something. You want her to come in here?” The Richmond player would make a good friend, maybe some day the both of you could get passed your differences.

Nodding, you sent her a smile, “You’re not all bad, Sheridan.” The other woman smirked, “Don’t get all sappy on me, still have to beat you during the championships.” She left without another word, missing your shocked expression.

That means you had made it in…

You felt overly happy with yourself, scrubbing off the rest of the blood on your face. “Darling?” Rebecca called out, her voice was always like honey, softer than silk.

“Why’d you do it? Run out on me like that.” You asked, trying to get the blood from under your finger nails. You heard her sigh, “I was scared, I haven’t loved somebody this much since…I don’t even know how long.” She chuckled bitterly, coming up behind you she stopped a little bit out of arms reach. “I understand if you don’t want me but, I can’t promise you that I’ll stop loving you.”

With a shaky breath, you shut the water off turning to her, “I do want you, Rebecca. That’s what makes it so hard to be mad at you, just promise me something” You turned to her, not expecting the tears stains and smudged mascara. She really had been crying, her face was a little red too. “Don’t let the media define you, you’re worth more than all of the diamonds on this world and more…”

“I promise.” She sniffled, looking at you with hurt eyes, she’d struggled a lot in her life. You could tell from how she carries herself. “Then I forgive you, stupid idiot…” You smiled, walking up to her and smashing your lips onto hers.

“You’re a real shite, you know that?” Rebecca laughed, pulling you closer as she wiped the new formed tears, except now, they were happy tears.

———

This was in my drafts as well, I thought I’d release when I had time! This was one of my very first fics that I’ve written! I drafted it for revision and never released it, hope you like it!

Not proofread :)

[criminalmindswhore]

Playlists Tell All

Tara finds your playlist titled Prentiss and looks through it while you drive. She and JJ tease you about it until Emily finally finds out.

BOTH HANDS ON THE PHONE AT ALL TIMES 🤨 Also, this is long bare with me, also not proofread, oops.

TW: SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT SMUT

It was no secret you were gay. It was apparent from the day you walked into the BAU wearing docs and a septum ring. Tara was the first to notice, lesbians find each other. You were never closeted to them but never shouted it in the bullpen either. If they asked, you told.

"Hey, Y/n can I ask you something?" Emily asked as you two went down the elevator. "Sure, what's up?" You smiled at her. "Are you gay?" She looked puzzled, "Miss BAU Unit Chief was the last to notice?" You chuckled and she looked offended, her mouth falling open. You were almost too distracted by your thoughts, 'I wonder if that's the face she makes when she-', to notice the elevator stop. "So like only women or?" She stepped out of the elevator, you following suit. You cringed at thinking of being with a man, "Only women." She chuckled, "I knew it." She stopped walking signaling you were parting ways for the night. The cold Virginia air made a chill run down your spine, or maybe you noticed the few shirt buttons undone on the way to the parking lot. "I'll see you tomorrow Y/n." She smiled at you and grabbed your bicep for a moment. The touch lingered in your brain, your skin on fire, "See you tomorrow Unit Chief of the gayest FBI unit." She laughed loudly at your comment as she walked away, her grey hair swaying with which step.

Your talks with Emily to your cars became a nightly thing, on purpose from your end but she didn't need to know that.

After a case in Northern VA, Tara, JJ and you were in an SUV driving back to Quantico. Tara deemed you the driver as you were a 'young sprite who would stay awake longer'. Your phone became the AUX phone and Tara sat up front scrolling through your music creating the perfect queue. Her eyes widened as she came across a playlist titled, 'long talks with Prentiss'. She sat straight up and looked at you. You turned your head to glance at her, then back at the road, "What?" She leaned back against the seat, "Nothing." JJ's interest was now peaked, "Tara, you gotta tell us now." Tara scrolled through the songs:

She - Dodie

girls - girl in red

1950 - King Princess

She's My Religion - Pale Waves

I Wanna Be Yours - Arctic Monkeys

Call Out My Name - The Weekend

and on and on and on...

Tara came up with a genius plan, queuing up all the songs. The second girls came on, it clicked. "Tara, I can explain." She just laughed, "Explain that you have a huge crush on someone almost 30 years older than you?" JJ put down her Cheetos, "Wait? Emily?" Your grip on the wheel tightened and your cheeks turned bright red. "Can you two just not?" Tara chuckled, "Oh no miss thing, you have to spill now." JJ laughed from the backseat.

You weighed your options, either tell them and they tease you about it, or you don't and they tease you even worse until you spill, "Fine," the two women high-fived, "but it doesn't leave this car. Clear?" JJ saluted at you and Tara nodded. "She's just so hot dude. How could I not find her attractive and she does that stupid thing when she's focused where she licks her lip and then bites it." You were gushing like a high school girl at this point. "And don't get me started on her hands." JJ cringed slightly. "Okay, but she's 1, your boss, and 2, old enough to be your mom." You sighed and grimaced, "Why do you think it lives in my head? I have a playlist and that's it. She will never know and no one else will." Tara shook her head, "Honey she probably already knows. Emily is one of the best profilers in the world, not only that she's got those super-secret spy skills. Has she been acting differently towards you?" You shook your head, "No, I mean we've been talking one-on-one a lot more but that's just because we usually leave at the same time." Tara hummed and JJ laughed loudly, "What JJ?" You were still horrified at the current situation and her finding it humorous was not helping. "She did mention how she knows someone in her inner circle is attracted to her but didn't wanna bring it up." She leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms. "JJ! You can't just tell me that!" Tara was losing it, doubled over in laughter. "You both suck."

It didn't get brought up again during the case. You thought it had blown over until you were all standing in the bullpen after the case chatting while people packed up bags and files. "Hey guys, what are laughing about?" Prentiss asked as she joined the group, bag in hand. "Reid is so oblivious to how much his neighbor wants to get in his pants," Luke explained while still laughing. Emily licked her bottom lip before pulling it between her teeth, Taras's head shot around to look at you wiggling her eyebrows. You scoffed and smacked her arm. "What's going on there?" Emily asked while smiling at you two, "Oh god are two?" Tara laughed and you nearly threw up in your mouth. The whole team was now looking at you and Tara with their mouths open, "God no! Tara and I are not sleeping together!" The team erupted into laughter except for you and Emily, staring into each other's eyes. She smiled sweetly at you and your face got hot. "I am going home, you guys enjoy bullying Reid." You grabbed your bag and stood up off your desk, "Wait, I'll walk with you, let me grab my cup from the kitchen." Emily took off swiftly to retrieve her mug and JJ gave you the 'I know something they don't' look. You glared at her and went to wait for Emily by the elevators. She approached you and pressed the down button, "Ready?" You nodded and stepped into the elevator.

The following week was full of being teased by JJ & Tara and Emily knowing something was up. Emily entirely said, "If someone made a playlist based on me I would be honored," while working a case. Which earned a stare from JJ and a muffled laugh from Tara.

One night you and Emily were heading down together like you usually did, "Hey, have you been seeing someone? Tara and JJ seem to know something about you no one else does." As you unlocked your car you froze. "Um, no, there's just a running inside joke going." You shrugged your shoulders trying your best to control your microexpressions. She seemed happy with your answer and wished you goodnight. You got in the car and turned on the playlist, your phone screen still open to it when someone knocked at your window. You rolled it down and Emily glanced at your lap, "Hey did you notice if- is that my name?" Her face was shocked, yours was pure fear. You flipped your phone over, "No." She saw right through you, "Y/n, let me see." She was smiling in a way you've never seen before. You didn't budge until Emily reached through the window and snatched your phone, turning away from your car. You unbuckled yourself and jumped out, "Emily please." It was too late.

She turned around, mouth agape, "Y/n, is this how you feel about me?" Her voice was low and dropped an octave. It shot shivers through your body erupting your core. You didn't know what to say, the damage was done. She stepped closer, reached behind you, and slid your phone into your back pocket. She went to move her hands but you grabbed her arms, holding them on your ass. "Emily." Your desperation showing in your voice. It set something off in her. Before you could process it, Emily's lips were on yours and your back was hitting your car. Her hands are on your hips gripping you tight. You snaked your arms around her neck gripping her hair. Her lips moved furiously on yours, her tongue swiping against your lips. The action made you whimper giving her access to your mouth. You could feel her chest moving on yours as she breathed heavily. She pulled away but kept her face inches from yours, "Y/n," she sighed, "This can't happen." You dropped your arms from her neck, she didn't move. "Fuck it." She said in the hottest fucking voice you've ever heard, you moaned at the sound before she attached her lips to yours again.

As her apartment door closed, bags were dropped, jackets discarded. Her lips moved against your neck as you gripped her shirt, "Emily, please." She chuckled, "Already begging for me pretty girl?" You moaned at the praise and Emily lifted a brow, "Oh you liked that huh?" Her arm reached around you to harshly grabbed your ass, "You like being praised by your boss huh? Like the slut you are?" Your knees buckled under you and she gripped your hips to keep you upright. Emily continued her attack on your neck as she pulled you to her bedroom, dropping you on the bed with a thump. "Pretty girl I need you to verbally consent for me before I fuck you senseless." She unbuttoned her shirt as you spoke, "Yes Emily, please. I need you." She slipped her shirt off exposing her black lace bra to you and you stared in awe. She laughed at you and took a finger under your chin pulling your eyes back to hers, "Up here." She spoke sternly and you didn't dare disobey at the risk of her leaving you high and dry. She straddled your lap and started undoing your shirt at an agonizing speed. You squirmed under her from impatience, "Ah, patience sweet girl. I'll get there. Although I understand why you're so needy after months of wanting me exactly like this. On top of you getting ready to make you scream my name." She slipped off your shirt and leaned in close, "I believe it was, call out my name I saw on that playlist of yours?" She left a wet sloppy kiss behind your ear. You could feel the pool of wetness growing between your legs.

She kissed down your collarbones as she unclasped your bra, throwing it somewhere in the room. She kissed down to your chest until she reached your left nipple, swirling her tongue around it, "Mhm, fuck yes." You gripped her hair harder than you planned on eliciting a moan from her. It was music to your fucking ears. She discarded her slow and steady pace and reached down to unbuckle your belt, undoing your pants and slipping them past your ankles. They hit the floor with a metallic clink before she kissed down your stomach. She pulled off your underwear with her teeth, the sight nearly making you finish right then and there. "Emily, you're wearing too much, I wanna see you." Your voice was slurring, you were so drunk on every single thing you were feeling. She sat up and undid her bra, slipping it off, her perfect breasts falling against her chest. She was perfect. She stood for a second taking off her pants, revealing her perfectly toned legs.

She positioned herself between your legs and licked up your slit. The sensation making your head spin. Your hands gripping her sheets as she took your clit between her lips humming at the taste of you. "You are so in for it Y/n." Hearing her say your name like that was music to your ears. She started flicking her tongue against your clit and your back arched off the bed. She reached one of her hands up grabbing yours giving you something to ground yourself to this moment. You gripped her hands tightly as she teased you with the other hand. Emily removed her mouth from you looking up at you making eye contact, "Beg for it." Your words got caught in your throat causing Emily to completely move her hand away from you and harshly grip your thigh, "I told you to do something Y/n." You swallowed, "Please Emily. Please fuck me. Emily, I need you, please." She smiled devilishly before slamming two fingers inside of you setting a rough pace. "That's my pretty little slut." The cockiness apparent in her tone of voice. She maintained eye contact as she reattached her lips to your clit, pulling it between her teeth softly.

Emily's pace showed no mercy as she fucked you roughly. Her tongue and lips worked against your clit as she pumped her fingers in and out of you roughly. You were so close to coming undone and she could tell. She removed her mouth from you, still fucking you with her fingers, "Do you want to cum?" You writhed under her nearly screaming from pleasure, all you could muster was a nod. "I need words." You opened your eyes and looked into hers, "Yes. Please. I'll do anything." She smirked and let go of your hand, wrapping it around your throat. You moaned her name so loudly you swore the whole building would hear, but neither of you cared. She whispered against your clit, "Cum for me Y/n." She licked your clit once more before you came screaming her name and a slew of curse words. She continued her pace fucking you through the high until your body fell limp. She slowed her pace and slowly pulled her hands from you. She kissed up your stomach, "Such a good girl. You did so good pretty girl." She pressed a sweet kiss to your cheek before disappearing into the bathroom and returning with a warm, wet washcloth. She sat down at your feet, "Is it okay if I clean you up?" Her tone was gentle and slow. You nodded, not having feelings in your face. Your whole body felt like it was vibrating. She was soft and gentle, discarding the cloth into the dirty laundry.

She pulled a t-shirt over her head and laid one out at the end of the bed. She laid next to you, pulling you into her. You wrapped your arms around her waist before snuggling your head into her neck. She wrapped her arms around your shoulders and pressed a kiss to your head. "Emily, that was." You couldn't quite form the words as your nose was still tingling. "Awesome, amazing, perfect, I know." She giggled at her joke and you smiled. "Who would've known badass Unit Chief Prentiss likes to cuddle after sex." She scoffed, "Shut up! I can be soft!" You chuckled, "There's a shirt at the end of the bed if you want it. You can go to sleep, I'll get you up in the morning." You sat up and looked at her, "I'm kind of hungry." She smiled, her eyes wrinkling, "I'll grab you a snack." She left the room and you slipped on the shirt, never leaving the bed.

The playlist you regretted making, just got you the best sex ever.

[youcouldmakealife]

SOTM: Finn, James(/Holden); private number

For the prompt: Please, we need Finn’s POV of James and Holden!

This is 99% a loving but honest treatise about Finn's Bestest Friend, because Finn Schneider, everybody.

James has always been someone who keeps things close to the vest. Some of their teammates have referred to James as secretive, and every time Finn’s overheard them he’s corrected them.

Private, he says. James is private.

But honestly, Finn doesn’t actually disagree with them.

James is private, Finn means that, but it isn’t just privacy. Privacy is a preference. Secrecy is something else. Finn doesn’t know how to explain the difference, but he thinks most people would agree there is one, and most people who’ve met James would agree that James is the latter.

Finn is private. James is something else entirely.

Finn had known James for almost a year before he learned he had a brother. Even though James had met all his siblings by that point, Finn had only heard about Chelsea, and he probably only knew about her because, besides his parents, she was the only person who ever called James. Or, Finn supposes, not necessarily the only ones who called, but they were the only ones whose calls James actually picked up.

It took Finn five years, give or take, before he knew, really knew, that James was gay, and even then, it wasn’t because James told him. And maybe he isn’t gay, maybe he’d prefer Finn use another word entirely, but it’s not like Finn can ask him, considering if James does know Finn’s aware, he’s doing a very good job of pretending not to. Or maybe he’s just trying not to think about it. He does that sometimes.

Five years. Finn’s not saying that he didn’t suspect before that, but —

He doesn’t like that word, ‘suspect’. It makes it sound like James has done something unethical, illegal. Or alternately, that Finn spends all his time gathering intel about people, putting together data like pieces of a puzzle — adding up a glance, an awkward pause, a smirk, forming a clear picture out of signals that most people don’t even know they’ve been making.

Maybe the second one’s a little too close to the truth for his liking. It’s not that he does it on purpose, exactly — he doesn’t want to be nosy, or overstep, and he thinks he mostly manages to avoid that.

But he can’t keep his brain from cataloguing all those pieces of information, can’t keep it from noticing which ones might fit together, even if he never confronts someone with the information, never mentions it to anyone else, never lets it change the way he treats them.

Giving someone clues, often unknowingly, isn’t the same as telling them something, and in his experience, people don’t appreciate you knowing things they haven’t told you. They certainly don’t like knowing you can predict their behaviour — people really hate thinking they're predictable — so Finn’s learned to keep his mouth shut, let them think that they aren’t.

But he still knows all those things about them. He can't help that.

Five years, it took. At least four of them as James’ best friend. Because that's what he is, he knows that even though James doesn't say it. He’s the only person James can still tolerate by the end of a long road trip, the first person James would call if he needed a hand, an ear, a guide. On most things, at least, and he’s thankful James can go to his sister or his mom for all the stuff Finn's just as hopeless with. The first person James would call in an emergency — after 911, obviously, if it was that kind.

It’s not like that doesn’t go both ways — he’s Finn’s best friend too. Finn probably wouldn’t call him in an emergency, but that’s because James usually has his phone on silent, and he probably wouldn’t pick up. Also, Finn loves him, but with the exception of a couple very specific scenarios Finn can see James being extremely helpful for, most of them hockey related, his particular skillset doesn’t exactly match the ones needed during most emergencies.

Finn had a flat last month. Not a real emergency, honestly, but close enough for the purposes of illustration. The first call he made was to AAA, and the second one was to Georgie, who lived nearby, and came to pick him up so he didn’t have to catch a ride with the tow truck.

If Georgie hadn’t answered Finn probably would have called Logan, though he’s almost as bad at picking up as James is, then maybe Greg, who also lived around there, or his right-side neighbours, who are the genuinely neighbourly kind, and wouldn’t be going out of their way on the ride back home, at least.

He texted James while he waited for G, though. James replied three hours later with You have AAA right?

Finn doesn’t mean to make James sound like a bad friend, because he isn’t one. He’s kind, and hard-working, and brilliant about the game. He has high standards, but he holds himself to even higher ones. He can miss the obvious sometimes, but he's uncannily observant about other things — he probably knows more about Finn's preferences than he does, and notices before anyone, even the coaching staff, what isn't working with a drill.

He makes Finn laugh too — sometimes it's unintentional, but it usually isn't. James is funny, though Finn knows nobody believes him, because James doesn't tell jokes, he mumbles them, and he only does it with a few select people, Finn luckily among them. And the comments he mutters to Finn under his breath are usually snarky enough to make Finn struggle to keep a straight face, things that Finn would never say, or even mutter, but does sometimes find himself thinking.

And he’s — he’s comfortable. Or more, Finn’s comfortable around him, the way he hasn’t felt with anyone but family before, not even G.

Around James, everything is just a little bit easier. It’s easier to step up, easier to speak out, easier to know what to do, to trust the decisions he makes.

It probably helps that James always looks like Finn’s saved his ass by ordering his drink while he’s in the bathroom, grabbing him OJ across the street because the hotel ran out and James isn’t nearly awake enough yet to go himself, checking in after James notices a call-up has been putting it back after games. Like Finn’s some kind of really boring superhero. Super Schneids, saving the day one glass of orange juice and possible intervention at a time.

Finn didn’t tell James, because it wouldn’t have helped anything, but he wasn’t any more enthusiastic about Holden joining the team than James was. It’s taken years for their team to grow up, grow closer, for the room to gel. It's their team — all of theirs, of course, but it’s James' and Finn’s and G’s. Like some sort of Charlie’s Angels, where G’s got the good looks and charm, James is the strategic genius, and Finn’s — well, Finn knows how to talk to people.

Adding anyone to the room can change the dynamic, no matter who they are, and Holden Chase wasn’t just anyone. He had a history with half the roster, some of it pretty ugly, and James didn’t hide the fact he detested him. Detested him a way Finn hadn’t seen him act with any other opponent before, though James has nursed more than a few quiet vendettas, ones Finn’s probably the only one aware of, because, well, James is private. But everybody on the roster knew how he felt about Holden Chase well before he got here.

It makes Finn wonder if this was something — inevitable, maybe. That line about a thin line between love and hate. James doesn’t pay much attention to anyone unless they impress him, but he paid a lot of attention to Holden, even as he claimed he wasn’t impressed at all.

Inevitable, though Finn doesn’t know what started it, can’t quite peg the moment, though he bets it wasn't when James was clenching his jaw the second Chaser walked in the room, certainly after he lost his composure in practice for only the second time Finn’s ever seen, and more...spectacularly than anyone would have expected, Finn included, and Finn’s pretty sure he knows James better than anyone.

But still not well enough, apparently. Not well enough to know what changed, or more, how it did — when it was, who made the first move — though he assumes it had to have been Holden. He knows James at least that well.

But he doesn't know exactly what it is, or more, how James would describe it. Beyond ‘someone special’, at least, though those are the words from Finn’s mom, not him, he just acknowledged there was someone. The first time he said it, Finn assumes to anyone.

A confession he followed up with an uncomfortable, roundabout series of questions that Finn was pretty sure boiled down to ‘do you know it’s Chase? Please don’t actually confirm that, I’ve already dealt with enough tonight’, judging by his visible relief when the subject was dropped. Right before he lit up at the suggestion of going to meet up with the team, even though a year ago he would have made a face at Finn for the question, like ‘obviously not, who do you think I am?’.

But then, a year ago, Finn wouldn’t have asked him that question, because he does know James. Not perfectly, or even as well as he wants to, because James shrinks back from interest like a turtle hiding in its shell, but as well as James allows.

And, as well as he knows James, he still finds it all a little — inexplicable, maybe. Or not, maybe it isn’t, but nobody’s explaining it, certainly not to him. But Finn keeps his mouth shut, keeps his eyes forward, the first rules of the locker room, probably even more important than ‘don’t suck’. If James wants to explain it, Finn’s happy to listen, but in the meantime, he picks up the pieces, fits them together the best he can, and hopes like hell this all won’t blow up.

[olive-fics]

Or you write abt abby being co workers with your older sibling and you guys meet for the first time!😭

OMG yes in love with this idea. ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

NOT PROOF READ!!

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

Abby Anderson and your brother,Leo had shared an incredibly tight bond. They weren't just close friends and co-workers; they were practically inseparable. You couldn't help but assume that there was something more between them, perhaps a romantic connection or at the very least, an extraordinarily close friendship.

You were constantly caught in a whirlwind of mixed signals from Abby. After all, it seemed almost unfathomable that she didn't like women, considering her magnetic personality and charm. And on the rare chance that she did have an interest in men, you found yourself puzzling over what exactly she saw in your brother that made their connection so undeniable...

It was hardly a secret to Leo that you found Abby undeniably attractive. He could easily see past your occasional moments of "gay panic," and your unspoken feelings for Abby were an open book to him.

☆

The final days of summer were fast approaching, and as a high school senior, you were nearing the point where your seasonal work would typically come to a halt. Naturally, you began the search for a job that didn't mind your complex hours from school and your afterschool clubs or tutoring you did. Luckily, your older brother Leo, who happened to be the manager of a popular local restaurant, extended a helping hand. He offered you a position as a waitress, knowing that your hours were "weird" so he "didn't mind.." he claimed.. You still debated working there though.

Desperately, you'd turn to Leo and say, "Leo, you know I struggle with communicating with strangers. I'm not sure if I can handle this." You whispered, fully aware that Leo's determination to secure this job for you was unwavering, as if his life depended on it.

"No, Y/N, you're taking this job. And don't worry, I have a friend who can give you a hand." He chuckled at your apprehension.

Your eyes widened in suspicion. "Who, Leo? If it's Abby, I swear to God..." You threw your hands to your side trying not to literally fight him.

That's when Leo slyly handed you a sticky note with the words "Anderson, Abby. 4:30 training."

You couldn't help but groan in frustration, and as you glanced back at the note, you realized your fate was sealed. "LEO YOU'RE SO DEAD!"

. . .For the rest of the day, your heart raced in your chest. The anticipation and anxiety over working with Abby were almost unbearable. You felt an overwhelming desire to escape, as if you could shed your own skin and start anew in a different city, far away from the turmoil of your emotions.

Despite the overwhelming emotions, you knew there was no escape. "Just tough it out, Y/N," you repeated to yourself as you reluctantly slipped on the restaurant's uniform - a plain navy blue button-up shirt and black dress pants.

You couldn’t help but attempt to do your makeup today,curl or straighten your hair.? You couldn’t decide,what would Abby like..? You were so caught up in how you looked you almost lost track of time,it was already 4:00.

You rose from your desk, applying a quick coat of vanilla-scented chap-stick before gathering your courage and heading out for what was called.. "training."

Arriving at the restaurant, you heaved a sigh of relief that you had made it on time. Abby was already waiting for you by a small booth, and her warm, welcoming smile instantly put you at ease. The scent of pine from her soap wafted toward you, and for a moment, you stood there, rendered speechless by her presence.

"So, you're Y/N, right? Leo's sister?" she asked, offering a friendly pat on your shoulder, and you simply nodded in response.

Abby's friendly and confident demeanor instantly put you at ease. She leaned in a bit and said, "Alright, Leo mentioned that you might not be so good with your words. But I think we can work on that, what do you say, Y/N?"

Your reaction was immediate, and you almost choked on the air in your sudden nervousness. You managed to stammer out a response, nodding with a shy smile and a soft, rosy blush gracing your cheeks.

“Y-yeah..”

Abby took out a small electronic tablet for taking orders.

"That's a great place to start," she said, flashing a warm smile. "I'm going to teach you how to use this, alright? Sound good, doll?"

The moment felt almost surreal, and you were convinced that you might faint. Abby's beauty and perfection were so captivating that it felt like a dream come true.

"Sounds..Sounds good!-" You managed to say sighing quietly.

As Abby patiently guided you through the ins and outs of the register, taking orders, and the various parts of being a waiter/server, your attention couldn't help but wander. You found yourself subtly studying her toned arms and the way her muscles moved, noticing the delicate veins that seemed to gently protrude in certain areas, creating a contrast that had your mind wandering as you tried to focus on the task at hand.

As Abby noticed your distraction, she leaned in close, her warm breath brushing against your neck, and whispered, "You alright there, Y/N? I promise, I won't bite.." Her words were laced with a hint of playfulness and flirtation, creating an electric atmosphere that left you both intrigued and blushing.

You chuckled nervously, tapping on the small tablet in front of you,"I-Oh, please," you replied with a shy smile.

Abby playfully scoffed, leaning even closer as she whispered, "You think I won't, Y/N?" "You wouldn't dare to," you challenged playfully, meeting Abby's gaze with a hint of amusement.

Abby's smile widened, and she gently touched your shoulder. "Is that a bet, Y/N?" She let out a soft, melodic giggle, and the air between you seemed electric.

"Shush it, Anderson," you replied with a playful eye roll.

Abby smirked and playfully mocked, "Mhm, that's what I thought." She then turned away and asked, "So, are you going to go tell Leo all about me now?" Her tone was light and teasing you..

"HE TOLD YOU?!-" You couldn't help but nearly die considering your own brother would share your thirsty comments about Abby to HER. You were going to kill him when you got home.

"Hush, it's alright. I think it's cute." "I hate you." You grumbled quietly." "I'm sure you hate me soo much.. 'Tis too bad.."

With a soft giggle and a roll of your eyes, you 'clocked out' of your training day. Walking home, embarrassment still coursed through your veins, you couldn't help but fidget with your pockets. That's when you felt a small piece of paper tucked into your back pocket.

"2425 Constance RD, 8:30"

~Abby ♡︎

You weren't missing this.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OK IF THIS WAS DUMB I'M SORRY! ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

I'll start the officer Ellie thing from @offtwotheraces Tiktok,I would've posted it but my inbox has been kinda full recently and wanna do anon requests :)) Thnx!

[andorianminingconsortium]

Just rewatched DS9 episode "our man Bashir" (s4e10). It was thoroughly enjoyable. Here are some of my thoughts!

(I hope it is clear. English is not my first language and depression makes my brain foggy :) )

It's such a fun premise to put the real life secret agent in the holo program with someone playing 'secret agent' in a way that is compelling wrong for the real secret agent, yet (probably annoyingly) effective in this make-believe world. Almost fanfic worthy how unserious yet serious the plot of this episode is.

I love when Garak jokes, "I believe I joined the wrong intelligence agency" as a way to signal that the way Julian is playing James Bond is just not the way it goes in his lives experience. I would have liked to see Garak lean in to his role as "secret agent how it apparently works in this make believe world". I would have liked to see Garak use his real world skills in a cool way in this holo program that would have given Julian insight into the kind of person Garak was. But I also appreciate how Garak's skills are continuously (throughout DS9) kept vague and are only really shown when it's an extremely important matter that Garak needs to help with. It fits with his character that he doesn't use his Obsidian Order skills willy-nilly (in a holo program at that).

I like how Garak was willing to sacrifice the crew that was kept in the holodeck program to safe himself (and Julian). It stays true to his morally grey alignment. It was a nice touch. But then when Bashir harms Garak, Garak finally sees Bashir is taking this seriously and Garak helps him again. This is interesting because Garak earlier commented that Bashir should stop seeing things as a game. It might make the audience think that Garak was only pretending to be willing to sacrifice the other crew to teach Bashir how serious everything was. Interesting!

I also liked when Julian and Garak had their argument about why allegedly Garak was not enjoying his time pretending to be a James Bond-esque secret agent. I don't remember exactly what was said but I feel like Julian dropped some good truths and gave Garak a good read. On the one hand it's fitting for Garak that he did not really retaliate or confirme/denied anything Julian accused (?) him of or ascribed to him. On the other hand I would have loved for there to have been a slightly deeper discussion between the two that might have revealed something about how Garak thought about his time with the Obsidian Order and how it impacted him even now. I would have like to be able to infer from the argument how Garak reflects on himself (as (former) Obsidian Order agent), in a way. But maybe he said something about which other people from the audience (you) have different takes? I'd like to hear them.

I think the most important quote Garak said, assuming from how the episode was written, is when Garak said that he had learned when the odds are against someone that someone should recognise it and choose to walk away and that that has kept Garak alive while his colleagues aren't. I think it is a most important line because Julian uses it to basically "win" the episode or the holodeck game. The quote saves him and Garak. Now the quote in itself is interesting. Is Garak a coward? Is he someone who gives up too quickly? Judging from the episode, we might think yes. But as I said before, maybe Garak only pretended to give up to teach Julian something. Is Garak simply very situationally aware? I think so. I think he is very intelligent. I think with the quote itsself, Garak triwd to teach Julian a different point of view. I think Garak hoped Julian would understand him better andI think at the end, Julian did. I choose to read this with gay subtext, as I always do for Julian and Garak of course. I also think "knowing when to walk away" is such an interesting and almost painful skill to have. I can imagine someone who wants to fight and tries his very best to fight. Or to win. To safe people. But at some point you have to learn when to stop. When to walk away. It's a very mature skill to have. I think it's the difference between burning yourself to keep others warm and having the respect for yourself to know when to be "selfish". It might be very interesting to compare this with Cardassian society but I haven't done a recent deep dive into that so I'll leave that to someone else. Anyway it's a skill I can only respect and I do not think any less of Garak for knowing when enough is enough. I think if we look at his character as a whole, it fits him that such a 'tragic' (not heroic?) skill is one that is highlighted and important to him. Interesting!

I don't know if anyone finds this interesting but I love talking about cool Star Trek episodes and doing a bit of a deep dive/analysis. Feel free to share your opinions as well! I'd love a friendly discussion/conversation! So... As always,

Thank you for reading!

[dearweirdme]

No, i don't use conspiracy theory to insult you, why would I? Nothing I wrote was to insult you on a personal level, sorry. That is just one point I understood from your answer.

I simply disagree with your arguments and think they don't make sense all things considered. Fanservice is encouraged one hand and idols activley participate in it, but they also use it to keep a gay couple in the closet, while this couple is also sending signals about their secret relationship?

Management probably has some guidelines how to handle personal affairs and bts especially know how to deal with that.

Hi anon!

I mean, in general when someone says something in the realm of conspiracy theories it’s not meant to be praise 😂.

Fanservice isn’t used to keep a couple in the closet, I don’t know how you understood that from my words, neither do I think Tae and Jk purposely send out clues about their relationship (though perhaps some things come close).

Imo fanservice isn’t specifically for shipping matters, but a practice in general. I see things as layered and at times those layers might overlap. You have BTS members at work, and aside from that you have their private bonds. These things, while overlapping, are separate. Fanservice belongs to the realm of work. It’s imo done on purpose to get a reaction from fandom. I think members (and all idols probably) have been taught which things gets them a good reaction from fandom. Similar to how they have been taught how to flirt with fandom, how to respond to questions accurately, how to model, etc. It’s no secret that idol training encompasses a lot of things and it’s much broader than just singing and dancing lessons.

Fanservice and realness aren’t mutually exclusive. Something very easily can be real but also fanservice. A lot of what BTS members do fits into this category imo. They know when they mention each other fans will like it and it will be talked about, but at the same time the things they mention about each other are real things that come from their real bonds. Hobi, Tae and Jk going on live just before Hobi enlisted was to show army they were together, it was to get army’s reaction and to make us happy, but the being together was real and private in origin.

There are also things they do that are more performative. It’s the flirting on stage for instance. I don’t actually think Tae and Namjoon or Tae and Jin are together, but they have flirted on stage.. that’s performative. Likewise Jk and Tae also have have moments on stage that are performative, those I find extremely cute ofcourse, but it’s not what I base my believe in their relationship on. I don’t think members hate doing those flirtatious moments with each other, I think they often find it funny and see it as part of entertaining their audience. (As a sidenote: i do think it’s clear that both Tae and Jk have had issues with the other being involved in such instances.)

There are also moments that I consider to be fanservice by exaggerating certain behavior or situations. Someone recently pointed out Jk’s dramatic reaction on hitting his head in AYS.. he dramatized that for the show. I think some of his moments with Jm fall into the same category. I think his words on the trips being his favorite ones also fall into that category. It doesn’t mean I think his relationship with Jm is void of physical contact or closeness, but I think it’s been exaggerated for the purpose of entertaining. Again, this is their job and it’s not my opinion that is negative.. it’s yours if you feel there is something wrong with this.

Another component of fanservice is the way things are edited, and this is where the difference between Tkk and other members becomes much clearer. Tae and Jk have always been the strongest ship, and yet their bond is never played into the way Jkk’s is. On the contrary, caps and editing will more often point to Tae and Jk being awkward and distant than as super close. One of the ways I think the company implemented ways to deal with their relationship is to just eliminate Tae and Jk as an option in certain situations. I think Tae and Jk simply aren’t/weren’t allowed to mention each other as the one they spend time with or are closest to from a certain point. So in their case it’s more the lack of fanservice than the existence of it that’s noticeable.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Five Fics Friday: January 5/24

Happy first Five Fics Friday of 2024!! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to start off the year right with some fantastic fics on my radar!

Enjoy!!

SIGNAL BOOSTING

Here With Me by bodyandsoul (T, 5,260 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S4, Domestic Fluff, Light Angst, Love Confessions, Big Brother Mycroft, Parentlock, Families, Happy Ending) – Sherlock wants John to move back to Baker Street. It's clearly the best choice for everyone: he wants John and Rosie living at 221B more than anything, and John's struggle to balance working with raising Rosie by himself has him looking more tired by the day, so when John agrees to return it's almost everything that Sherlock's ever allowed himself to hope for. Sherlock also knows that the secrets he's kept in the past to try and protect John - his faked death, Mary's assassination attempt - nearly ended their friendship, which leaves him with a dilemma. He could say nothing about his feelings and revel in John and Rosie's return to Baker Street, or finally set the record straight (or not, as it were) with John which could mark the end of their friendship. But there's really only one right answer and Sherlock knows that he owes John the truth. He just hopes there will be something left standing of their friendship when it's all said and done...

RECENTLY BOOKMARKED

The Skin Over My Heart by standbygo (E, 8,849 w., 1 Ch. || Post-Hiatus, Fake Relationship, Case Fic, Dog Tags, Military, Homophobia, Gay Bashing, POV First Person Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss / Time, Declarations of Love, Undercover, Haircuts, Flashbacks, Touching, Pining Sherlock, Hospitalization, Metaphors, Introspection, Hand Jobs, On the Couch, John’s Past, Angst with Happy Ending) – Sherlock and John are still trying to adjust to Sherlock's return from his hiatus when John's friend Bill Murray brings them a case. Someone is targeting the LGBTQA+ members of Bill's unit. John and Sherlock go undercover at the unit, but when they end up having to flirt to flush out the suspect, Sherlock realizes he's in over his head.

Both Sides Now by Silvergirl (M, 14,724 w., 5 Ch. || Post-TEH / Reunion Fix-It, Bed Sharing, First Kiss / Time, Undercover John, Couple for a Case, Assassin Mary, Big Brother Mycroft, Norfolk Coast, Angry John, First Kiss, Worried Sherlock, Pining Sherlock, Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Alternating POV, Infidelity, Meddling Mycroft, Emotional Love Making, Matchmaker Mycroft) – Sherlock, undercover on the Norfolk coast, texts that he needs help; John is still seething after Sherlock’s gambit in the train car, and he refuses. When Sherlock goes missing, Mycroft sends John in to pose as Sherlock’s bit on the side.

RECENTLY MARKED FOR LATER

Magpies: Five for Silver by 7PercentSolution (T, 1,726+ w., 1/6 Ch. || WiP || HLV Fix-It, Case Fic, Magpies) – The bullet isn’t silver, but it changes everything. Mycroft, John, Mary, and Sherlock grapple with the aftermath of pain, betrayal and loss. The fifth instalment of the Magpies story.

Next Year's Words by thegildedbee (G, 9,959+ w., 5/6 Ch. || WiP || New Year's Eve, Fluff, Romance, Shenanigans, Marriage Proposal) – Sherlock and John each set out to surprise the other on December 31st, inspired to give new meaning to the phrase "ringing in the new year." But what each had imagined would be a relatively straightforward event undergoes an unexpected reversal when their backs are turned – and each ends up with a double surprise.

[thegreatobsesso]

something something childhood best friends becoming enemies

Aster Craine has been slithering into my mind more and more lately and whispering her secrets. I can't claim to know her inside and out yet but we're definitely getting somewhere, and I'm feeling her connection to Octavius begin and the subsequent drama there begin to take shape.

Octavius POV

“What exactly do you want from me?” “I want you to love me.” Bloody hell, is this a reality program? He can’t resist the urge to glance hither and thither for hidden cameras. “Aster, I am gayer than Christmas morning.” Aster only laughs. “Of course you are, don’t be thick. I’m not looking for romance, least of all with you. Good lord.” The somewhat nauseous glance she casts up and down his body is about the most reassuring thing Octavius can possibly imagine. “No, old friend,” she continues, sitting back and folding her hands comfortably in her lap, “I’m talking about loyalty. I want you to accept me as your superior, not because you’re afraid of me or because I outrank you in some sort of arcane bloodline, but because you understand what an alliance with me grants you.” “I see. And that is...?” “Happiness. Prosperity. Stability. And I daresay, a sense of belonging you desperately crave.” He can barely restrain a full-on eye-roll. “I’m no longer a lonely little social reject.” “No, you’re not. Your parents died and you were shipped off to a foreign country to be raised by people who wanted you to be something you’re not, and it made you hard.” Something clipped and asinine is on the tip of his tongue when Aster’s hand darts over the table and takes his with strength and apparent sincerity. “I meant what I said,” she insists. “I miss when we used to be friends. I miss you. You’re family, Octavius.” He itches to pull away and doesn’t dare. It’d only show her she has the power to make him uncomfortable and that’s not a concession he can afford. “And you show your love by having people shot.” “Oh, please,” she says with such a warm smile he almost believes she’s being genuine, and finally releases his hand with a playful slap. “I made sure you were barely nicked. I could’ve killed you easily, but I didn’t. Doesn’t that bring back memories?” Interesting - it does. It’s a stupid thing she’s referring to, something he hasn’t thought about in years: the two of them playing murder. It seemed perfectly normal at the time, taking turns pretending to kill each other. Apparently when you and your best friends’ parents were all mobsters, that’s what you did.  There’s no reason for the shame that prickles across his skin at the thought of being a child. Everybody was, at some point. But it still feels like an inherently shameful thing to be - small, ignorant and helpless.  “So last night was just another one of our games, was it?” he presses, begrudgingly amazed at well she carries herself, brushing off her ambush with good-natured nostalgia. He’s going to have to watch her very carefully. “And now you’ve got your access codes. Everything you need to control the books.” He stands and buttons his jacket in what he hopes is a clear signal to the end of the conversation. “Anything past that, I’m afraid you’ll have to earn it.” Aster’s eyes glitter with something deceptively close to affection. “I accept that challenge, old friend.”

------

✨ WIP intro

🔖 tag list: @winterandwords // @foxboyclit //@revenantlore

@space-writes // @indecentpause // @words-after-midnight

comment to be added or removed!

📝 all posts from WIP: gay crime bdsm story

[artaxlivs]

The Creel house is creepy as fuck and Eddie is not a fucking fan. They leave their shoes on the porch, creeping slowly, quietly on socked feet to the front window so they’ll be able to see Erica’s light signal from the park. Steve’s got his walkman on, Gloria Gaynor singing in his ears. From the front pocket of Eddie’s new utility vest, he pulls the two small notebooks and pencils they grabbed for communication.

He writes “Hi” and flips it around to Steve who smiles and rolls his eyes fondly before writing “Hi” back. 

Then Steve scribbles on the next page, “You’re different than I thought.”

Eddie shrugs and writes, “You too.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” Eddie writes, hands trembling a little.

Steve pretends to be thinking hard and then smiles and nods.

Swallowing around the fear in his throat, Eddie puts his pencil to paper. He can’t believe he’s going to do this but he’s facing down a murderer in the murderer’s own house and he walked through a Hell dimension. And there’s just something about Steve. A peaceful acceptance. Eddie thinks it might be okay. To tell him. 

If Steve can be brave enough to put himself in danger again and again, Eddie can be brave enough to do this. 

“I’m gay.” He writes, letting out a long breath and staring at it for a few seconds before holding it up and showing Steve. Eddie probably looks as terrified as he feels. God, he hopes he’s not fucking this up.

Steve blinks several times, expression dazed and Eddie’s stomach clenches. Then Steve bends over his notepad, scribbling and brings it up to show Eddie, “Thank you for trusting me with that.”

Eddie lets out the breath he’d been holding very slowly, his relief must be obvious because Steve smiles encouragingly and then flips the page quietly, writing on the next. Then he flips it and writes on the next as well. When he holds it up, he flips the first page back, “I like girls.”

Nodding, Eddie doesn’t let his disappointment show. Of course Steve is straight. He’s the Hawkins High heartthrob. He was in love with Nancy Wheeler and whatever he has going on with Robin is obviously strong enough to pull him back from literal Hell.

Still holding up the notepad, Steve flips the second page, it reads, “...and sometimes boys.”

He looks nervous but also kind of…hopeful, maybe? Eddie has to cover his mouth to keep silent but then he writes, “Cool” and shows Steve who rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

Eddie’s just gathering the courage - or stupidity depending on how it was gonna go - to ask Steve on a date when Erica’s light flashes from across the street. He fumbles the flashlight for a moment and then flashes back.

It’s time.

Read Part One on Ao3  Read the Rest of Part Two

[dgknightblue]

So if Tigress was Po’s favorite furious five… then obviously Simmons is Grif’s and he probably kisses his poster of Simmons and since Po made all of his action figures Grif took extra care in making Simmons’ action figure and then made his own figure so he can have secret dates with the dolls when he thinks no one knows…

Po’s dad…. ???

Instead of Po’s bio dad showing up it’s Kai searching for her missing brother.

Oh god Church is Oogway. He has to be, he died! Maybe flowers actually….

Wait.

I’m stupid.

The freelancers.

Now Grif isn’t the dragon warrior but he still steals the thunder for something Simmons worked hard for.

The dragon warrior is going to be Master Chief, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other kung fu masters that save the world or villages.

They’ll be like a back up team or the team that shows up for clean up.

I mean like…..

Grif can have the Po experience without being the dragon warrior. The dragon warrior couldn’t hear about all the stuff that threatens the world because sometimes it gets stopped before it became a problem.

These are the Reds and Blues! They are the losers. The Fxck ups. The hero’s No one asks for but they show up anyway!

Someone has to fix the roof or drag the tied up bandits to prison. And they are the shxttist security guards ever. Of all time.

Donut is a farmer. Doesn’t mean he can’t learn kung fu as a pass time.

Doc is the only doctor in the village when Dr. Grey isn’t visiting. (Doc’s a witch doctor that doesn’t even know how to do that right)

Sarge is in charge of his very own class of kung fu. He doesn’t have a lot of students.

Grif’s a security guard that’s forced to go learn in a beginners class… somehow ends up in the elites (lies) class with Simmons (boy doesn’t know the one in charge of the building has the whole thing rigged)

Grif is vaguely aware of Simmons (he knows intimately about Simmons) and pretends he never heard of him despite winning a few of the competitions being held in the village. It’s an island thing.

Simmons didn’t come from the island.

Grif didn’t either.

Back to the furious five. I think Tigress is popular with the girls and Snake is popular with kids. Pop is popular all a round. Monkey is popular with the boys and crane…. Uh I feel like he’s popular with the old people.

Grif’s gay heart could never forget that one outfit Simmons wore on a hot day by a beach front competition. His legs….. his butt….. he could never forget….

Although Simmons is a popular figure with the girls he wasn’t cool. He was the cute and adorable kind of dork. Not a lot of people noticed that, the girls notice he’s pretty at least.

Tucker, Caboose, Church, and Flowers of the other class directly across Sarge’s enter the competitions too. Of course neither could enter team competitions without losing the first few rounds.

Caboose eventually gets bored or distracted and disqualified. Tucker has a bad rap literally, he tries to sing it every change he gets to impress girls or says something that makes the opponent very angry and knock him out to make him stop talking.

While Simmons wins solo competitions, he doesn’t win team competitions. The opponents are stronger and more varied. All solo competitions are for fun or charity or local or small. Most are the same people in the village or near by.

I like to think that Simmons taking a break from training in the moonlight near a river and hears a frustrated Grif walking up to him before he noticed Simmons was already there. Simmons comforts Grif and offers to help.

Things get fuzzy and sweet because Simmons is fuzzy and sweet and Grif is too gay to stop his eyes from wandering.

Up. Down. To the side…. To lips…. Eyes….

Simmons keeps giving him mixed signals but also all of the right signals. Simmons always has his hand on Grif somewhere.

When Simmons started draping himself over Grif- the guy almost had a heart attack, then thank you kisses, good night kisses, good bye kisses, hello kisses, good morning kisses……

Hugs. all of the hugs.

Caboose wants hugs too. Ouch Simmons spine.. stop laughing Grif. Serves you right Grif! Those hugs hurt don’t they?

Stuff like that I guess.

Incorporate Simmons, Shiela, Tex, Carolina family connection somehow.

Tigress was an orphan. No one ever adopted her… until she met Shi fu and followed him.

So Simmons kind of gets adopted by Shiela who was friends with Tex and introduced Tex as Simmons Aunt. Cousin Carolina or big sis Carolina. He lives with them up until he moved in with Grif suddenly.

Or Grif stayed with them for a bit until his own house was in livable shape again. They hated how messy he made it and how easy it was to see the blinding look of love on Simmons face.

Some threatening was in order without being clear on what they are talking about. Not to mention the awful sappy talking and “fake” flirting they do that they get way too into all the time and don’t realize Grif almost kisses Simmons way too many times to count and someone has to break that shxt up right now no relationships in this house young man. You can date when I’m six feet under, dead and buried!

But mom! No buts! None! But I don’t even like anyone! And it will stay that way!

We don’t even get to see if they kiss or become a couple by the end- just jump to the next story and they do the same thing but somethings Vaguely different and the girls are a little angrier but don’t stop them- just more protective.

I got derailed thinking about a different AU of mine… they mix together! :3

[trntcrmm]

Starter for @boyfriendismywingman

It was the first working day after the trip to Amsterdam, and Trent Crimm was feeling quite cheerful entering the Doghouse. He felt good because he no longer had the burden of accidentally discovering someone else’s secret. Seeing something he shouldn’t have seen; unwillingly violating the privacy of others. He wasn’t supposed to find out Colin’s secret, and when he did, he wanted to tell him about it and assure him that he wouldn’t tell it to anybody, but he didn’t know how. A football club wasn’t the best place to discuss the topic of homosexuality. He tried giving him signals like bringing in a rainbow-striped mug or blasting first the soundtrack of Le cage aux folles and then Y.M.C.A. while working in his office when Colin was around, but he didn’t seem to get the clue. (On the other hand, at least half of the team had the song stuck in their heads.) Trent had to follow him to a gay bar in Amsterdam to finally tell it to him, which was pretty dramatic, but he didn’t see any other way to let him know his secret was safe with him. But it went well, and in the end they had a great time drinking and dancing in that gay bar. It was a bit like the good old days with Archie Westbrooke, his high school best friend. He was actually happy with the way the events turned out.

Walking through the locker room, he saw Colin was already there, so he stopped to greet the footballer. “Good morning, Colin,” he said, holding out his hand for a handshake. “How are you?”

[vanishedangels]

Clan of Warriors

Click here for First chapter

Summary: While rebuilding Mandalore, Mand'alor Din Djarin is questioned by his people because of his beliefs and origins. In the dawn of a civil war, the council resolves that The Mand'alor must join in marriage with someone close to Bo-Katan Kryze. He’s forced to marry Koska Reeves and accept a loveless union. In the meantime, Din is having a secret relationship with his son’s Master, Jedi Luke Skywalker, his dream of having his own clan of warriors is about to fade away.

Pairing: Din Djarin/Luke Skywalker

Characters: Din Djarin, Luke Skywalker, Grogu, Leia Organa, Cara Dune, Koska Reeves, Bo-Katan Kryze, Axe Woves, OC, Peli Motto, Fennec Shand, Boba Fett, Paz Vizsla, Owen Lars, Beru Whitesun, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Wedge Antilles.

Rating: Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence. Explicit Smut.

Tags: Canon Compliant, Post Season 2 Finale, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Friends To Lovers, Fluff, Angst, Demisexual Din Djarin, Top Luke Skywalker, Bottom Din Djarin, Top Din Djarin, Bottom Luke Skywalker, Protective Din Djarin, BAMF Luke Skywalker, Adorable Baby Yoda, Sassy Leia Organa, Gai Bal Manda, Blindfolds, Sub Din Undertones, Fantasies, Jealous Luke, Keldabe Kiss, Smut, Jealous Din, Dirty Talk, Face Reveal.

Chapters: 36/?

Navigation: <- Previous Chapter • Next Chapter ->

"What are you doing, cyare?" He asked out of breath, he tilted his head rubbing his face against Luke's.

"I-I don't know." The Jedi said running his hand down Din's chest plate.

"I thought you were avoiding me." Din added trying to catch his blue eyes.

Chapter 36: Courage

Luke walked into his bedroom, his gait slowed by the bed, still perfectly arranged, and he sat down on the mattress, staring at the wall, lacing his fingers together. His lips curled up slightly remembering Din's words, now it was real, Din was in love with him and he loved him back. He frowned when he thought back to Din's accusation, the mandalorian was wrong, utterly wrong, Luke wasn't trying to avoid commitment, in actual fact he opened himself up to Din in ways he had never imagined, that was commitment, he gave himself to Din, in more ways than one. He would have given anything to keep Din in his life, in his arms, in his bed, and if that meant that he needed to leave Mandalore and wait for his man to go back to him anytime he could avoid his Mand'alor 's duties, he would gladly take it.

He blinked realizing his comlink was receiving a signal, he held the device sighing softly when he heard his sister's voice.

"Luke?" He could notice a hint of distress in her voice.

"Lei! Hello." He propped his elbows on his thighs, bringing the comlink to his mouth.

"Oh, fucking finally!" She exclaimed making Luke startle a little. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Wha-"

She cut him off "How is this possible? I can't believe I learnt that you're getting married at second hand, Luke! What is wrong with you? Why didn't you tell me?"

Luke's heart skipped a beat the moment he heard her talking about something he couldn't have, a marriage.

"Lei, I'm not getting married." He said under his breath and his stomach clenched.

"You- Wait." She made a pause "I heard something about a Mandalorian Royal wedding, I assumed... Well, it's not an official source though, so maybe I got it wrong."

"You didn't get it wrong." The Jedi added and rolled his bottom lip between his teeth "Din, Din is the one that's getting married." He added as his breath hitched.

Silence.

"I'm confused. What do you mean Din is getting married?" Leia finally asked.

"There's gonna be a Royal wedding, it's just, things are not going well here, Lei. The council resolved that Din should marry a mandalorian woman." Luke's fingers played with the edges of his belt, trying to detach himself from the words he was saying. It didn't work though, his heart was pounding against his ribcage and he could feel the way tears started filling his eyes.

"What is going on?" She asked and Luke swallowed hard.

"They're trying to prevent a civil war." He drew in a sharp inhale knowing that he couldn't keep this from Leia anymore. "Some mandalorians question Din as their Mand'alor, they called themselves protesters, and since they started this madness people died and others left the planet, so the council's trying to please the faction that supports Bo-Katan Kryze as their rightful ruler. Din needs to marry someone from Kryze's house in order to achieve that."

When he finished he felt lighter but guilty at the same time, revealing Mandalore's inner conflicts didn't sit well with him, suddenly he felt the urge to prevent Leia from spreading the word.

"Please, Leia, keep this between us, the only reason I know about this is because-" He trailed off staring at the com device pressing his lips together.

Is because Din loves me enough to bring me here in the middle of this.

"I know." His sister retorted understanding his silence. "And they're wrong." She deadpanned.

Luke sighed resting his back on the mattress and staring at the ceiling "That's what Din says."

"Well then, is he?"

"What?"

"Is he marrying that woman?"

Luke frowned "He thinks he can fool me, making me believe that he's accepting the council's terms, but he won't marry Koska, I'm pretty sure about it. He's cancelling the wedding even when I asked him not to, and I told him I was leaving Mandalore right away since I felt I was getting in the middle. He-he thinks that I don't know that he's working with his friend Paz to delay my departure, but he's being so obvious." The Jedi stifled a chuckle finding Din's plan adorable and the mere thought of Din asking Paz to play along made his heart flutter, those terrifying mandalorians in their hard beskar armours teaming up to keep Din's lover on planet no matter what. Absolutely adorable.

"I love him, Leia." Luke said absentmindedly, lips quirking into a smile. "I'm in love with Din." He added, he needed to say it, he wanted to say it.

"Then why are you doing this? Giving up on Din so easily."

Luke ran his fingers through his hair "I'm not giving up on Din, we're still seeing each other, just that... we need to be discreet."

"Well, I know you and you're gonna be miserable and you know that too, Luke."

"I'm doing this because there's no other way." He sat up on the mattress swiftly, gritting his teeth "These protesters are a threat, Leia."

"So you're running away, babe."

"Stop it. I'm already suffering a lot." A tear rolled down his cheek "You don't know how hard this is, you didn't have to see Din's face when I rejected his proposal, his eyes, those soft eyes, full of sadness and heartbreak, this is killing me, you-" He cut himself off as he choked with emotion.

"Wait, he proposed to you? Luke, please, just, listen to him, he's a clever man, I'm pretty sure he knows what's best, and clearly, marrying this woman is not a solution."

Luke remained silent for a while brushing his fingers against his now wet cheek, "I'm leaving tomorrow night, I don't care if Paz comes out with some excuse, I'm leaving, I shouldn't be here right now, I'm a distraction, Din needs to focus and solve this."

"Are you sure you're leaving because you're distracting Din? Or are you preventing yourself from embracing your feelings and acting on them?" Luke's eyes went round, it was overwhelming how easily Leia could read him, even when she was parsecs away, and, above that, she wasn't seeing his face at that very moment. "And what about the little one? The way I see it you're leaving them when they need you most."

Luke's heart jumped into his throat realizing he was leaving both of them behind, maybe Grogu was more than just a Padawan to him, but he wouldn't dare to acknowledge that. Not yet.

"I'm doing the best I can." He said sheepishly trying to convince himself.

"I don't think so, Luke. Just do me a favour, imagine this, you, alone on Yavin 4, waiting for them to come back to you, picture yourself not knowing if they're safe on Mandalore."

"Don't-" Luke managed to say as he felt a knot building in the pit of his stomach.

"Exactly." She added and Luke rested his elbow on his thigh burying his fingers in his hair. He sighed deeply and nodded.

"I missed you, Leia." He smiled briefly feeling at ease for the first time since Din told him about the council's decision.

"Take your time, I certainly don't need you here right now and Yavin 4 can kriffing wait. And Luke, please let me know if this nonsense escalates, Mandalore is not an independent world anymore."

"I know."

"Take care of yourself, Luke. I love you."

Luke could hear a feeble chuckle coming from her before she ended the com. He left the comlink on the mattress beside his thigh and huffed hunching forward. The silence engulfed him, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

This was going to be a long night.

~

Din walked to Grogu's room coming to a halt by the door, ad'ika was still sleeping, curling up in his small bed, his little feet sticking out of the covers, his mouth open and his snoring too loud as usual. Din smiled fondly still staring at the little one when he heard a knock on the main door. He put his helmet back on and walked towards the entrance, kicking the refectory table in the process "Ah fuck!" He said finally opening the door, squeezing his eyes shut, grimacing in pain behind his visor, when he opened his eyes he saw Luke's face before him and his heartbeat sped up, for a split second he truly believed that the Jedi was standing in front of him until he realized that it was just an illusion, the eyes staring at his visor weren't as brilliant as Luke's, and he was wearing a mandalorian armour "Miko." He said breathlessly, feeling a stabbing pain in his pinky toe.

Concerned, Miko curled his hand around his upper arm "Your highness, what's going on?"

"Ah." Din grunted "I think I broke a toe."

"Let me help you, sir." He said grabbing a chair "Please, sit down, I'm taking your boot off." Din nodded and obliged. The young guard knelt before him and since Din could only see his hair from that angle he could fool himself pretending Luke was taking care of him. Even better, Luke taking care of him while wearing mandalorian armour. Din needed to look away, still remembering Luke's words, Luke's promises, Luke's eyes when he said he loved him. Luke. Luke. Luke.

"Sir, it looks pretty awful, but I don't think it's broken." Miko looked up at him smiling.

"Thank you." Din said leaning forward to grab his boot.

"Sir, I know it is none of my business, but I can tell that you're under a lot of pressure." The guard observed standing up, walking around the chair, coming to a halt behind Din "It's pretty obvious that your mind is somewhere else these days. It's the wedding, isn't it?" He rested his hands on Din's pauldrons.

Din's muscles tensed up under the boy's touch.

"Miko." He sighed "What are you doing here? Is the council ready?"

"Not yet, Sir. I just wanted to know that you were doing fine. I know the Jedi stayed in his own room last night." He said as he started brushing his fingers against Din's neck. Din seized his wrist and the boy stopped in his tracks.

"Stop it." Din said flatly still not looking at Miko.

"Sir, I'm sorry, but like I said, you look tense, I can help you, Your highness, I'm good at giving massages, just, see, right here." He pressed his thumb against the base of Din's neck eliciting a hiss from him "Yeah, right there." Miko chuckled as he started kneading and rubbing between Din's beskar plates.

Surprisingly, Din found himself relaxing under the boy's ministrations, he closed his eyes for a while until he felt the tip of Miko's fingers rubbing his hair, his slender fingers slipping inside his helmet "No." He said leaning forward and the boy withdrew his hands from him.

"I'm sorry, sir." He hesitantly rested his hand on Din's pauldron again "You're special sir, I can tell."

Din tilted his helmet trying to look at the boy, but Miko was rubbing his collarbones with both hands "I'm good at pleasing, men used to tell me how good I was."

Din's heart broke the moment he heard Miko saying that, he grabbed his hands still pressed against his collarbone "Where were you before Paz recruited you?"

"I spent seven years training with an elite mandalorian group." The boy sighed "I lost them when I was eighteen, for the first time in my life I was alone, I traveled through the galaxy until, one night in a cantina, this man told me that they needed a bounty hunter, not just one job, but, like, work for them exclusively." He swayed on his feet "Between jobs, the wealthy man often asked me to stay with him and his friends. They were nice and everything, but you're different, sir. That's why I look up to you, Your highness, I want to be as respectable as you, sir." Din closed his eyes squeezing Miko's hands letting go of them as he stood up slowly.

"Miko, you already are." Din said finally facing him.

The smile on the boy's face reached his eyes.

"And Paz was right, you're a terrific warrior, I saw you training, I'm honoured to have you here."

"Thank you, sir." He closed the distance between them staring at Din's chest plate not able to look at his black visor "And the Jedi is very lucky, sir. I hope you can find a way and wriggle out of this arrangement."

"What?" Din's heart skipped a beat. Of course. It was only a matter of time before they found out about Luke and Din's relationship.

Miko looked at his visor pressing his lips together "What they're asking you... it's wrong. You deserve to be happy, Your highness, and marry the man you love." He clicked his tongue and took a few steps back "He's a lucky man, the Jedi."

Din froze, blinking astonished behind his helmet, this guy was calling Luke a lucky man but Din considered that statement inaccurate, painfully inaccurate, the Jedi did not dither, not even for a second, when he rejected what Din was offering him, being a clan, raising Grogu together, living together, loving him forever and a day.

Din shifted from one foot to the other, tilting his helmet and staring at Miko in silence.

Miko folded his arms behind his body nodding "I'll let you know when the council is ready, sir."

Din nodded back "Till then." He finally said, walking behind Miko and when they reached the door, he covered the control panel with his hand, Miko looked at him sideways "Miko, don't tell anyone about this... Uh, about Luke."

The boy frowned shaking his head vigorously "Of course, sir."

Din pressed the button and the door slid open, Din stiffened when he saw Luke standing before them. For real this time. Miko shrugged staring at the floor and hurried to leave the chamber "Jedi Master." He said brushing past Luke avoiding eye contact with him.

Din's eyes were fixed on the little Jedi's face, and his blood turned cold when he saw the way Luke narrowed his eyes as he watched Miko's retreating form.

He looked back at Din quirking an eyebrow.

Din sighed walking to the centre of the living room, Luke closed the door behind him.

"It's not what you think." He rested his hands on his hips.

"I know." The blonde said approaching him, Din froze when Luke wrapped his arms around him. "I didn't sleep a wink last night." He said pressing his forehead against Din's helmet.

"Luke, cyare." Din said in a low-pitched voice bringing his hands up to stroke Luke's shoulder blades "Neither did I."

When Luke pulled back his eyes looked tired but tender making Din's heart leap in his chest "Take my helmet off, cyar'ika."

Little Jedi tilted his head biting down onto his bottom lip and Din sighed finding the sight breathtaking. He closed his eyes, waiting, only opening them when he felt a slight breeze caressing his face, he blinked a couple of times, Luke was so close, his blue eyes traveling down to his lips, Din swallowed tightly in anticipation, the Jedi pressed closer bringing their chest together, nuzzling Din's jaw "Din." He sighed, pressing a soft kiss on his neck as Din threaded his fingers through his blonde hair.

"What are you doing, cyare?" He asked out of breath, he tilted his head rubbing his face against Luke's.

"I-I don't know." The Jedi said running his hand down Din's chest plate.

"I thought you were avoiding me." Din added trying to catch his blue eyes.

"I'm sorry, you're right." Little Jedi frowned trying to pull away but Din tightened his grip around his waist. He locked eyes with Din "It's just, I spent the whole night missing you..." He ran his hands over Din's arms "Missing this... and I found myself walking to your door somehow. I realized I told you that nothing would change but, since last night everything changed." He let out a little sigh "I was leaving Mandalore tonight and all I've done was misspend our last day together." Luke cupped Din's face and rubbed his patchy beard with the tip of his fingers earning him a hiss from the mandalorian. Din couldn't blink, he was lost in little Jedi's eyes not believing this was really happening. "I told you once-" Luke shook his head slowly "Right here, in this same room, just a couple of days ago, that I couldn't tell you that everything would be alright but I promised you that we would be here for you, always, and I failed you, I'm sorry, love. I'm so sorry." He pressed his lips against Din's softly, closing his eyes and Din mirrored him, when he broke the kiss he opened his eyes breathing in "I'm here now."

Din closed his eyes nodding and pressing their foreheads together "Good, because I need you, cyare." He sighed in relief, opening his eyes and pulling back to stare at Luke's face "Look, I'm gonna be honest with you, I asked for a meeting, I'm gonna tell them that the deal is off. Please, don't hide, I'm gonna need you right beside me. Can you do that, Luke?" His heart was thudding frantically.

The blonde Jedi frowned staring at Din's chest plate, he seemed deep in thought, he looked at Din's eyes again "I understand now, that you're doing this not only because of me, but also because of you. I shouldn't have pushed you to accept this marriage. I have no right."

That statement made Din huff "Don't say that, I know you were hurt, I get it." He shrugged and then he held Luke's face between his hands "Right, I'm doing this because of you, because of me and Grogu, because Koska shouldn't be tied to me but to the person she really chose, and-" He pursed his lips "And because our people deserve better. If I married Koska it would have been like we're giving the protesters a pat on their backs while the blood of fifteen of our people are on their hands. I can't accept that."

"Gods, Din, you're kriffing right." Luke nodded and Din's heart skipped a beat, this was a dream. A pleasant dream after a long, painful nightmare. "Din." Luke said quietly moving his face a little, softly nuzzling the palm of his gloved hand still on his cheek, he put his own hand atop Din's and closed his eyes.

"Do you trust me, cyare?" Din was eager to know, he needed to know if this was real, if he was actually standing there, in front of his love, hearing him say the right words.

The Jedi's eyes twinkled charmingly "With my life." He said under his breath, lips grazing the tip of Din's fingers, the tenderness and the intimacy of the moment making Din's head spin, he parted his lips letting out a groan, Luke cast a glance at him under his lashes as a lopsided smile appeared on his gorgeous face.

"Are you with me, cyar'ika?" Oh, he was enjoying this.

Luke chuckled blinking in the most alluring way "Tatooine and back, Din."

"Fuck, you're killing me, Luke." Din whispered and captured Luke's lips in a kiss. "Yeah, I missed this too." He said as he pulled back.

A knock on the door caught Din's full attention, he put his helmet back on "That's probably Miko, the council is waiting for us."

"Us?" Luke frowned.

"The three of us, you, Grogu and I." He said nodding and turning around walking towards Grogu's room.

When he came back Luke was standing by the main door, Din approached him putting little Grogu in his arms, baby was yawning, still, the moment he saw Luke his big brown eyes went impossible wide, he babbled merrily, snuggling up to him, rubbing his little face against his chest. Luke smiled proudly and pressed a kiss on top of the baby's head.

"We are doing this together." Din swallowed hard still believing in his clan of three, his little clan of warriors. He took a few steps forward and opened the door, he turned around to stare at his ad'ika and his cyare, Luke nodded reassuringly.

No more pain.

[goingsparebutwithprecision]

#Let Leonard "Bones" McCoy Live Challenge 2258

The first thing Leonard does when Jim comes in carrying the whiteboard is put his headphones on. The big fuck off noise cancelling ones. The second thing he does is start whistling Yankee Doodle Dandee as loud as his decrepit old lungs will let him. The third thing is to choke on his own spit, because Cadet Nyota Uhura of Infamous Barfight fame follows Jim in through the door. Gaila follows after, but that’s not surprising at all; she’s here often enough that Leonard would consider charging her rent if they didn’t live under fully automated luxury gay space communism and also if he didn’t genuinely like her. There aren’t all that many people on campus who can keep up with Jim, which sure seems encouraging for Leonard’s prospects of not dying horribly in the cold heartless vacuum of space, but Gaila manages it without even trying, and gives every appearance of being delighted by the privilege. Cadet Nyota Uhura, he thinks, squinting at her in suspicion, has demonstrated no such inclination. 

Whatever. He’s not looking. He’s not listening. He’s not interested. It’s none of his business, and it won’t be until Jim has an allergic reaction to yet another basic human foodstuff or Uhura murders him, whichever comes first.

Jim launches into the sales pitch, which the noise-cancelling headphones would render into meaningless static if only Leonard didn’t already have it carved on his heart by approximately a hundred rehearsals and enthusiastically annotated revisions. 

Leonard does not see it. He is looking away.

He is looking away so hard that it takes him longer than it should to realise that a) the comforting static is fizzling away into nothingness, b) that Jim must have run down the batteries in the shop again, because the moron loves nothing more than vintage powertools so loud they eat eardrums for breakfast, and c) he can hear the godforsaken fucking plan again.

Gaila pulls a heart-shaped lollipop out of her mouth with a pop and points it at Jim. "Can't you just hack it?"

Uhura rounds on Jim.

"You could just hack it?" she asks, throwing up her hands.

"No!" Jim says, indignant. Leonard squints at his notes from lizard drugs (that's not what the paper's called, he doesn't care, why oh why did he decide he'd do med school again) in an agony of frustrated concentration. "Yes. Well, maybe?"

Uhura looks like she wants to strangle Jim. Leonard sympathises. Maybe once the campus cops have removed his body Leonard will finally be able to concentrate.

“Jim,” Gaila says, faux-stern, “did you invite us here to plan a heist because it’s more fun than hacking a server from your dorm-room?”

“That’s not-“

“Aww, you love us,” Gaila dimples. Uhura blinks. Apparently this is an interpretation of events she hadn’t considered. Knowing Jim, this is a demonstration of affection, in its own weird way. The kid is a secret nerd on top of being a secret genius, the universal translator thing is a mix of “genuinely important to him” and “just wants to see if he can”, and he was dragged up by, as far as Leonard can tell, a pack of distantly related wolves and the tender love and care of the Indiana state robocops, so in his mind this is probably a precious sharing moment. 

Not that Leonard cares. Because he’s three hours deep in this goddamn paper and it’s making him want to light his own eyeballs on fire, and there are people planning crimes in his room. Some of whom are apparently surprised that his roommate might experience basic human emotion.

“OK, so, here’s the thing,” says Jim, and explains. This, Leonard finds relatively easy to tune out, because Jim hasn’t shut up about it since he called the visiting professor of xenoanthropology from Hydraxellus IV something unprintable to their face and the man didn’t even twitch, never mind file an official complaint. Basically, you can hack an individual installation (ship, station, star fleet academy building) from anywhere in signal range, or at least you can if you’re Jim Kirk, Gaila or that Vulcan guy with the face. The one that follows Pike everywhere like a pining sixteen year old. The fuck is his name. Anyway. But if you want to get the whole fleet, and you want it to last, and not just get wiped out by the next update patch, you have to go for the master code. 

“And why can’t you just hack the master code?” Uhura asks. Why thank you, cadet. So glad you asked.

The answer is because the master code lives on a completely unnetworked rack of servers in the secure basement of Starfleet HQ, and for security reasons can only be updated through a hard disk that you have to physically carry through security and then plug into an actual goddamn server. Because the universal translator is fundamental to the day-to-day functioning of the entire United Federation of Planets. In case you were wondering. Jim says all this, only with dramatic pauses and enthusiastic hand gestures and unnecessary rhetorical flourishes, and of course help from Gaila, who never saw an explanation she couldn’t fit a lengthy idiomatic comparison into. Normally, Bones has a healthy appreciation for that, being as it’s his primary form of communication also. How so fucking ever. 

Eventually, they get to the actual plan. Leonard isn’t listening. Leonard is memorising the interactions of G-class metabolic inhibitors with Andorian beta-based sedatives. There are seven hundred and twenty-four of them. He’s on number 58. 

The plan Leonard isn’t listening to is. Bad. It’s so incredibly fucking bad. This is Starfleet’s finest, he thinks, despairingly. No really, it is. You’ve got Jim, IQ off the charts, never met a language he didn’t absorb like a sponge, hacks the VSA for shits and giggles on his weekend off, gets drunk and talks advanced warp physics with sianat pairs. You’ve got Uhura, who, Leonard is reliably informed, is the shining star of the comms department, a terror in thigh high boots, who makes visiting professors cry and corrects textbooks when she gets bored. And Gaila, who escaped the Orion Syndicate with the equivalent of flint knives and chewing gum, and frequently makes Jim look like a small child drawing on the walls in crayon. And still, somehow, this is the stupidest plan Bones has ever heard.

The thing is…OK. Look. The thing is. 

Leonard has a secret. 

It’s not a big deal. He’s not ashamed, or anything. Living with James Tiberius “Everybody Told Me They Weren’t Sexually Compatible With Humans And I Took That As A Challenge” Kirk has recalibrated Leonard’s ability to feel and comprehend shame to a truly baffling degree; he is now aware that he has in fact never done anything in his entire sweet life that deserves even a fraction of a percent of the shame that Jim should yet is somehow incapable of feeling. He is, at most, a little embarrassed. It’s not the kind of thing he likes to mention in mixed company.

He’s a medic, he knows the importance of having an outlet. Of letting your brain off the leash a bit. Putting some enrichment in your enclosure. Rooming with Jim, now, Leonard barely has to work at it. You just stop fighting it and start yes-and-ing it. When Leonard was younger and sweeter and less bone-deep exhausted, he played Starpirates 3000. 

It’s a stupid game, for a number of reasons. The name, for a start, is bullshit. There’s no piracy; it’s all complicated, fiddly, intricately constructed heists. There are stars involved only in that these heists take place on planets, which presumably orbit stars. Sometimes your characters travel between them, to avoid the cops or follow a mark or to rob a space ferry mid flight. Don’t even get him started on the numbers. There was never a Starpirates 2000, or even a 1000. Young Leonard had looked. You could co-op with other players, but mostly Leonard played alone, at four in the morning, when he was too tired to sleep; a state with which he has unfortunately become closely reacquainted over the last three years. It was never popular, but the fans it had were diehard. Hardcore. You sort of had to be, to be into the graft of it. The mechanics. There were never really any short-cuts, it was intensely detailed, almost unnervingly so. There were multiple instances where the company was sued for having such good information on the workings of current security systems that they had to have been stealing. Nobody ever found out what happened to the company that built it, but the rumour was for years that somebody had used to it to simul-run a real heist so complicated and daring and batshit impossible that the police thirty years later still didn’t know who did it, and they weren’t even sure what they took. There were podcasts about it, even.

And the thing is? Leonard was good. Really, really good.

And he’s being punished for it, right now, here in this slightly funky-smelling dorm room, with the searing and unmistakable knowledge that the heist his roommate is planning in order to be able to say “fuck” in what will eventually be his workplace is absolute complete and utter dogshit.

“So then I thought about -” Jim says, and Leonard could leave it alone. He could walk out right now, and pull an all-nighter in the library. He could sedate Jim while he’s distracted. He could just sit here, doing his work, and not contribute even a single cent to the awful, awful plan that’s lumpily and feebly cohering behind him.  

Leonard says, “Oh for the love of God”, pulls off his headphones, and resigns himself to his fate.

Le Mot Juste

Star Trek: AOS, Academy Era. #Let Starfleet Cadets Say Fuck 22k58

“It’s a noble cause,” Bar-Hick says, earnestly. Nyota ignores him. Sometimes it works.

“Come on,” he says, “universal translator. That’s gotta grind your gears.”

Nyota flips a page on her tablet.

“Uhura,” he says, very serious, “the honour of the Starfleet linguistics department is at stake. Every sentient’s right to freedom of choice and self-expression. Truth. Justice. Linguistic precision. A hard-boiled egg. Is any of this working?”

Nyota highlights a particularly egregious error in the textbook and scrawls a disdainful correction across it. That’s her weekly argument with Doctor Matheson sorted. She like to get these things scheduled early; Nyota is nothing if not efficient.

“This is - it’s thought crime, is what it is.”

Nyota favours him with an unimpressed look, one perfectly shaped eyebrow raised. At last count, Nyota’s raised eyebrow has sent five fellow students, two TAs, and one professor running and/or grovelling; Cupcake still reflexively covers his balls even when it’s not directed at him. Gaila usually fake-swoons and asks if she’s single. Bar-Hick does none of these things.

Instead, he changes tack.

“Of course, if you don’t think you can do it,” he shrugs, in a casual, no-skin-off-my-nose, guess-I-overestimated-you, no-hard-feelings sort of way. It’s not effective. It’s not. Nyota goes to click through to the next page of the textbook, and realises that though she’s read the last sentence multiple times she still has no idea what it says.

Bar-Hick plays his last ace. “Don’t you want to know if Vulcans swear?”

Nyota sighs, and puts down her tablet. She’s already finished the required essay, anyway.  “Fine,” she says, “but if we get caught you’re taking the fall.”

“It’s only fair,” Kirk concedes, with an air of injured dignity that’s meant to suggest he never considered any other option. Knowing him, he might not have.

What with one thing or another (self-censoring due to futility, Nyota postulates. Starfleet being a bunch of boring goody-two-shoes holier-than-thou nerds, Kirk insists), nobody notices the hack until Kirk beats the Kobiyashi Maru. It’s a day that will go down in academy history, not least because it’s the day they find out that Spock can say fuck.

[qink]

tagged by @enzaymada thanks!! i nearly did this last night drunk as hell but there was just enough sober me in there to Stop

under the cut

the last:

1. drink: water (i don’t get hungover but hoylshit my mouth tasted so bad this morning) 2. phone call: @chewytriforce called me!! we met up because she was in town! 3. text message: my friend who was even more shitfaced than me wants me to delete the 10+ minute video i took where he asks if it’s going on snapchat 4 times, gets pissed off that jay-z officially cheated on beyonce, tries to explain the wisdom of some random financial book (he’s going to school for business), and gets yelled at to sit down by our host on multiple instances 4. song you listened to: “give me hope” by new politics 5. time you cried: shit man….probs like a fuckn month ago lol

ever:

6. dated someone twice: no i’m literally dating my first person now 7. kissed someone and regretted it: not quite yet but i’m sure some day 8. been cheated on: god i hope not 9. lost someone special: mhm 10: been depressed: since childhood 11: gotten drunk and thrown up: nope! stomach of steel (my sister says that our genetics make us impervious to hangovers/throwing up but we black out easier lol so idk if that’s a great trade)

list three favorite colors: red, deep blue, pale green

in the last year have you:

15: made new friends: hella 16: fallen out of love: not really, idk what love is lol 17: laughed until you cried: nah 18: found out someone was talking about you: people are always and never talking about me so maybe? everyone fuckn gossips i’ve just never been in a spot where that gossip’s been ridiculously negative 19: met someone who’s changed you: i mean, probably, i’d have to look back on this year further down the line to be sure, though 20: found out who your friends are: this year was the year that i left behind all the fakers my guys! 21: kissed someone on your facebook list: boi doesn’t have social media so he can’t see me be stupid on all occasions

general:

22: how many of your facebook friends do you know in real life: i’d say all of them but occasionally i’ll see someone that i friended in 8th grade who i have no fuckn clue 23: do you have any pets: little mutt named zuko! 24: do you want to change your name: i give my parents a lot of shit because i’m the only person in the family with a name with no meaning, but i honestly love my name 25: what did you do for your last birthday: stayed up til midnight listening to sad songs (i’m such a cliche ahaha) 26: what time did you wake up: kept waking up throughout the night but i’d estimate officially like 7 (the earliest i’ve woken up since summer started) 27: what were you doing at midnight last night: spilling drinks on the host’s couch lmao 28: name something you can’t wait for: happiness, dango (the only dango in the nearby vicinity is in fucking san francisco i’m finally going on the 14th) 29: – 30: what is one thing you wish you could change in your life: how uncertain the future is rip 31: what are you listening to right now: nothing, it’s 8:30 am 32: have you ever talked to a person named tom: I HAVE TOO MANY TEACHERS NAMED TOM 33: something that is getting on your nerves: everything at all times but you just learn to ignore it 34: most visited website: probably timbl.hell (i hate myself) 35: – 36: – 37: – 38: hair color: black 39: long or short hair: right now it’s right in between long and short but i’m growing it out 40: do you have a crush on someone: i’m dating a person 41: what do you like about yourself: everything i’m fuckin amazing 42: piercings: i just have the normal earlobe, but i want my doubles + cartilage + nose eventually 43: blood type: i’ve been meaning to find out but idk 44: nickname: my name’s too short 45: relationship status: have a boi 46: zodiac: aries 47: pronouns: she/her 48: favorite tv show: don’t rly have one but i love the shows i grew up with so like atla or tt 49: tattoos: no but i want the moment i turn 18 (sorry mom) 50: right or left handed: right 51: had surgery: just the wisdom teeth like 2 weeks ago and i learned i get nauseous easily 52: – 53: sport: i used to play soccer and i miss it 54: – 55: vacation: around the world 56: pair of trainers: 1

more general:

57: eating: boutta eat some eggs 58: drinking: nothing 59: about to: Eat Some Eggs 60: – 61: waiting for: my lazy ass to get a job 62: want: to have a good time 63: get married: eventually with the right person yeah 64: career: i have some goddamn high aspirations i can tell you that

which is better:

65: hugs or kisses: hugs tbh i’m very tactile 66: lips or eyes: eyes 67: shorter or taller: shorter! i’m like 5′1″ on a good day so tall = mountain 68: older or younger: older but only by a little bit (i’m at that odd point where i can’t relate to anyone older than me bc they’re all going to college)… younger works too but by even less (1 year at most) 69: – 70: nice arms or nice stomach: Arms (tactile) 71: sensitive or loud: i’d have said sensitive before but like,,,,,,, i’m friends with the Most Sensitive and he’s fuckn annoying at times 72: hook up or relationship: relationship personally but i could hook up (as long as it is clearly defined as such) 73: troublemaker or hesitant: troublemaker lol

have you ever:

74: kissed a stranger: no 75: drank hard liquor: literally 9 hours ago 76: lost glasses/contacts: i lost a pair of glasses in the fuckn indian ocean once 77: turned someone down: no one likes me 78: sex on the first date: nah 79: broken someone’s heart: i reiterate, no one likes me 80: had your heart broken: not quite yet 81: been arrested: no 82: cried when someone died: yeah 83: fallen for a friend: i have a mental block when it comes to that shit,, the moment you move into p close friend territory i can’t find you attractive

do you believe in:

84: yourself: i have to otherwise i’d just die 85: miracles: nah but luck usually has my back 86: love at first sight: nah 87: santa claus: no 88: kiss on the first date: yeah 89: angels: i believe in angels/something good in everything i see ♫ ♪

other:

90: current best friend’s name: uh one starts w a T, one starts w a K 91: eye color: brown 92: favorite movie: uh i don’t have one i’m kinda boring lol

tagging: hm i tagged ppl p recently so i’ll just tag the ones that can’t fuckn get mad at me for it hella @imus @angeleic @xihari @chewytriforce (u can do this on ur art blog if u want ur hella followers would Love It)

[dearweirdme]

https://www.tumblr.com/dearweirdme/737881632367869952/for-the-mole-anon-tae-also-pointed-out-jks-moles

Thank you and to DWM for giving me the vid 🤗 I gotta admit, even after getting that first video and watching it again, I was still on my train of denial and went looking to see if anyone had a counter for it or a platonic explanation and the reason for that is, we'll im a stubborn bish 😭 and I really don't want to be a delulu shipper but while I was looking for a non gay explanation for the coded mole shit, I watched some other videos and managed to stumble my ass across the hand signals shit 🙃 and THEN I found my way to that timeline that @dearweirdme mentioned in your response and yeah, just bury me now and roast my ass if you want because I am SIDE eyeing Vkook harrrd right now. Side eyeing them from multiple directions at this point. Seeing all of it together in one timeline was a trip.

Maybe I'm just delulu, i don't know but secret hand signals is really just pushing the boundaries of platonicness of a situation to me and charting each others freckles and moles is like classic romantic love shit. I don't know a single friend of mine I can tell you where their damn moles are place. Hell i couldn't tell you were my siblings moles and shit are of the top of my head like that but I remember doing that shit with boyfriends for the first time.

I mean I'm still not gonna a read fanfic or fight bitches on twitter over them but I do think ya'll might be onto something and I'll be looking at them a whole new way from now.

Hi anon!

😂 well, we’re not making stuff up anon. It’s all things Tea and Jk themselves do. It’s just often a matter of interpretation, and I think (if you do venture further into this) you’ll be finding a lot of stuff does get exaggerated and overanalyzed, but still.. there is a lot that does actually point to there being more between Jk and Tae.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Five Fics Friday: February 2/24

It's Finally the First Friday in February, and that means it's Five Fics Friday! I hope you enjoy the fics I've chosen for y'all this week! And please give the boosted fic some love! <3 Enjoy!

SIGNAL BOOSTING

Talk down your DNA by avalanching effect (T, 5,384 w., 1 Ch. || Supernatural Elements AU || Witches, Cannibalism, POV John, Spooky, Death, Suicide Attempt) – When him and Harry are 11, their parents take them to an abandoned sawmill for their birthday, and leave them to their own devices. After they learn how to turn it on, Harry pushes him in. Part 1 of Not dead, not alive, but a secret third thing

RECENT MFLs

The Murder of Sir Emory J. Amat by ChrisCalledMeSweetie (T, 14,364+ w., 5/27 Ch. || WiP || Murder of Roger Ackroyd Fusion / 1925 AU || Surprise Ending, Case Fic, POV First Person John) – A Sherlock Holmes mystery, as recounted by Dr. John H. Watson. Can you follow the clues to deduce whodunnit?

Hand In Hand by LipstickDaddy(G, 2,847+ w., 3/? Ch. || WiP || Nail Salon AU || Fluff, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, Happy Ending) – John Watson is home from Afghanistan, and he hasn’t felt entirely himself, entirely human, for weeks. He bumps into Stamford, and John makes an offhand comment about his friend’s “soft academic’s hands.” Stamford slips him the address of a nail shop near Bart’s, and John wonders if something as simple as a manicure might actually help him. Turns out, it’s the best impulse decision he’d ever make.

Maybe We Could Change His Mind by thalialunacy (E, 23,049 w., 5 Ch. || Post-S4, Romance, Banter, Schmoop, Friends to Lovers, Love Confessions, First Kiss/Time, Matchmaker Irene, Late-Life Coming Out, Queer Issues, Queer Friendship, Conversion Therapy Discussion, Texting, Anal / Oral Sex, Parental Sherlock) – John now knows that Irene and Sherlock have been corresponding through burner phones and WhatsApp for years. What he doesn't know is that the 'Oo you're shiny and smart!' hormones wore off long ago, and now they're simply gay besties chatting about life, fashion, and, of course, John. But John doesn't know that, so when Irene appears in their life again just as they get called into a very personal case, he feels the sand start to shift beneath his feet and has no idea why. Luckily, Sherlock will always do what it takes to ensure John gets to solid ground, no matter the cost.

RECENTLY BOOKMARKED LOKIUS FIC

we can stay here (& laugh away the fear) by unintentionallyangsty (T, 11,100 w., 1 Ch. || LOKI SERIES || Lokius, Canon Divergence, TVA Shenanigans, Attention Seeking Behaviour, Praise Kink, Touch Starvation, Pet Names, Angsty Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Shyness, Awkward Flirting, Crying, Misunderstandings, Cuddling/Snuggling, Blushing, Depression Mention) – Loki is bad with people and relationships, and tends to assume the worst of every intention and interaction because it's easier in the long-run. Mobius is good with Loki. (Or, two times Loki is spooked off by Mobius' unexpected gentleness and familiarity, and one (1) time the opposite is true).