#all within the same seven days ofc

[catullansparrowlet]

Sometimes a guy just needs to curl up with his bottle of water and cry at the end of a long, stressful week.

[hanjisungs-bigtittyg0thgf]

Kinktober Day 7: Phone sex with Felix

Trigger warnings: n/a

Content warnings: names (baby, baby girl, princess, sweetheart, dirty girl, pretty girl), guided/mutual masturbation, dirty talk, mc chokes herself for lix, they exchange nudes?, really just pushing gamer!lix honestly like this whole thing is entirely self-indulgent.

Summary: After meeting a sweet guy while gaming, you both finally work up the courage to let the conversation shift to a more intimate topic

Word count: 3.1k

A/N: hi all 🥰 after much consideration, i’ve decided to repost my kinktober 2022 stories. i had a great time writing these a couple years ago and want to share them again now that it’s been a while and i’ve had time to fall in love with them again. i hope you all enjoy! and by all means, feel free to send a message or comment here if you’d like to be part of the new tag list!

Tags: @bahng-chrizz

Smut below the cut

mikasaswife: happy seven months of having me in your life 💁🏻‍♀️

✨lixie✨ is online

✨lixie✨ is typing…

✨lixie✨: you said that last month, dork 😆

✨lixie✨ is typing…

✨lixie✨: i’ve been keeping track of it too 🙊 wanna play for a bit? i’m off today so i’ve got all the time in the world 😝

mikasaswife: ofc! lemme grab something rq and i’ll hop on 🥰

✨lixie✨ is typing…

✨lixie✨: hah cute

You didn’t see his message until you returned and your cheeks went a soft pink. You’d met seven months ago over Rocket League and grew close pretty quickly. You followed each other on various social media platforms and you learned he lived in Australia, which was disheartening considering you were on the other side of the world.

Within about three weeks, he started subtly flirting with you, telling you how good you looked in your latest Instagram post and acting surprised that you were single when you got on the topic of sexuality and your dating history. It was always little remarks and you always welcomed it, oftentimes giving him the same energy, but you weren’t sure how to address your feelings with him.

mikasaswife: not as cute as you but ok

✨lixie✨ is typing…

✨lixie✨: lies but ok 🥴

✨lixie✨ is typing…

✨lixie✨: i’m calling now 😌

You accepted the call as soon as it came in, already on the home screen and waiting for him to join. “Hey cutie.” As soon as you heard his deep voice, you smiled softly. “How was your day?”

“It was good except for that coworker I told you about a few weeks ago. How’d you sleep?” You hoped he’d just answer the question instead of trying to discuss what happened but you weren’t that lucky.

“I slept fine. You should really report him, y/n.” His voice was laced with concern and you sighed softly.

“I can’t. You know I work in a male-dominated field, that’ll just paint a target on my back.” You shook your head. “Plus it was online, they probably can’t even do anything about it. It’s fine, Lix.”

“It’s far from fine if you’re still having issues with him three weeks later.” He pointed out bluntly. “But I understand you don’t wanna talk about it so I’ll leave it alone.”

“Thank you.” A comfortable silence settled between you as you prepared for your first match until he finally spoke.

“Hey, I’m sorry if I made you upset.” Okay, maybe the silence was only comfortable for you.

“I’m not upset, I promise.” You smiled as you spoke, hoping it carried over in your voice. “I can’t be mad at you even if I wanted to be.”

“Is that so?” He sounded like he believed you. You could imagine the smile he was wearing right now and your heart fluttered.

“Mhm. I’ve tried.” You hummed as the game started. He got the jump on the ball and the battle began. It didn’t take long for your opponents to snag the ball and Felix went after them.

“You’ve tried to be mad at me?”

“Well it’s not fair how perfect you are.” You shrugged, assisting him as he made a play that sent the ball well over halfway down the field. You watched as he scored the first goal and grinned.

“I’m not perfect.” He chuckled softly, quietly cheering over his victory a moment later. The sound sent a delicious chill down your spine as your mind raced with inappropriate thoughts. “Now go steal the ball, princess.”

You wanted to protest but the name surprised you and you simply complied, racing towards the center of the field. Your opponents got the jump but after a few seconds of chasing, Felix came to your rescue and you ran the ball to the goal, scoring a second time. The game was halfway over by then. “Atta girl!”

You bit your lip at the praise, trying to suppress a smile. It was ridiculous how he was getting under your skin. By the end of the game, you were a mess. You had a massive crush and it was times like these that made it painfully obvious to anyone with two brain cells to rub together that you were really into Felix.

You were back on the home page when you decided to bug him a little. “So…’princess’ huh?”

“You seem like the princess type.” He hummed in response, not backing down like you’d anticipated. “I noticed you didn’t argue back when I said it, did you like it that much?” He teased, his tone dripping with playfulness. Now was your chance.

“Maybe I did.” You tried your hardest to sound nonchalant but you weren’t sure it was very effective.

“Just maybe? I guess I’ll have to try harder then.”

“I guess so.” You slumped in your seat as you listened to his breathing on the other end of the call.

“Can I be honest with you?” You felt anxiety settle in your belly at the thought of him telling you he was only messing around but assured him he could confide in you, not expecting what he said next. “I haven’t explicitly said it, I’ve only made cheeky comments here and there but…I really like you and I’ve been trying to keep this PG for months but I want you and I feel like I’m gonna fall to pieces if I don’t make a move.”

Your stomach and heart flipped simultaneously at his confession as your breath hitched. The silence was long and awkward but finally you found your voice. “You’re not teasing me are you?”

“One hundred percent God's honest truth. I can’t seem to get you out of my mind and right now I’m thinking of some less-than-innocent things.” You weren’t sure how it was possible for his voice to sound any deeper, but it did and it went straight to your pussy.

“Lixie…” You heard his breath hitch at the name and your imagination began to run wild. He’d look so pretty with his head thrown back, right on the edge from just your hands... “I don’t think it’s any secret that I feel the same way, that I’m thinking about the same things, but…how are we supposed to navigate this?”

“I’ll come visit you or get you here somehow. I’ll figure it out, sweetheart, because I feel like I’ll go insane if I don't have you in my arms. But why don’t we just enjoy each other for now?” His voice was warm and inviting and you couldn’t bring yourself to say no to him. You didn’t want to.

“Yeah okay…” You bit your lip and shifted in your seat, stifling a sigh when the seam of your jeans pulled taught across your already-aching cunt. “Can we? I want you too…”

“I’d be an idiot to turn you down.” You could hear his smile in his voice before his tone changed to one of more concern. “If you feel uncomfortable at any point, please tell me, okay?”

“I will, Lix.” You assured him and heard him shift in his seat.

“I like when you use nicknames instead of my full name.” He sighed. “Is it okay if I do the same?” You hummed an affirmation and he continued. “Tell me what you’re wearing, baby.”

“I’m in jeans and that purple crop top you like so much.”

“Can you send me a picture?” He would’ve asked you to turn your camera on for a video chat but he wanted to be able to look back at this for a while. You didn’t hesitate to grab your phone and take a picture on Snapchat, posing so your face wasn’t in the frame and your fingers loosely curled around the spaghetti strap of your crop top. You giggled softly as he cursed softly and saved the photo in the chat before speaking again. “So pretty…anything underneath?”

“Just a lacy black thong, no bra.” You offered up quietly and listened as he took a sharp inhale, placing your phone back on the desk.

“You’ll have to show me sometime, baby. That sounds hot as fuck.” He groaned softly and you shuddered, shifting in your seat again so your jeans hit just the right spot. “Why don’t you pull your top up and give your tits a little squeeze for me, hmm?”

You did as he asked, sliding your hands up your torso and under your shirt. You lifted it, bunching it below your chin, and let out a hum of contentment as you cupped your breasts and gently squeezed them. You then wet your middle fingers and teased your nipples, gasping at the sensation. “How’s it feel, princess?”

“Feels good, Lixie.” You sighed, letting your head rest against the back of the chair. “Wish it was you though. It’d be so much better if it was your mouth on my skin instead of my hands…”

“It would…” He agreed. “I’ll make it happen one way or another, baby girl, don’t worry.” You whined softly at the name and he chuckled. “You like that name?” You nodded but remembered he couldn’t see you so you offered a pathetic ‘mhm’ and he laughed again, deep and rich, drawing another sound from you. “Do you wanna take off those jeans, baby girl?”

You didn’t bother to respond, immediately standing up and taking your pants off. You opened Snapchat again and set the camera to record, making sure your face was out of frame as you hooked your thumbs in the waistband of your thong. You swiveled your hips teasingly, pretending to take your panties off before turning around. You showed off your ass, jiggling your cheeks with your hands, and then pulled your top off before cutting off the camera.

“Baby? You still with me?”

“I am. I’m with you, Lixie.” He groaned at the name as you quickly cut the end of the video so it didn’t catch you turning around and hit send as you sat back down. You didn’t say anything else as you waited for him to open your message. You heard his phone buzz on his desk and bit your lip as you listened, watching the message change from ‘sent’ to ‘opened’.

He inhaled sharply through his nose then cursed under his breath. “Jesus, y/n, you’re killing me. Can I save this?”

“You can.” As soon as the words left your mouth, you got the notification and giggled softly. You didn’t expect him to send anything back but you were pleasantly surprised when he sent a photo of his tented gray sweats, captioned ‘this is your fault, princess’. After a beat of silence, during which you admired his bulge and his hand resting on his thigh, you spoke again. “Can I save this?”

“You can.” You immediately hit save and leaned back in your chair, placing your phone back on your desk. “I want you to run your hands down your body and tease your thighs, baby girl. Tell me how it feels, what exactly you’re doing.”

You wasted no time in running your hands down your torso before allowing your fingertips to graze along the insides of your thighs. You gasped at the sensation and lightly dragged your nails over the skin there. “Feels good…’m just barely touching my thighs, lightly scratching myself and imagining it’s your hands instead.”

You were starting to sound worked up and by this point, he was so hard it hurt. “Tell me more. Do you wanna touch yourself?”

“I do…can I?”

“You don’t need my permission, baby. Go ahead and touch yourself. Tell me all about it.”

“Are you?” You asked quietly as you slipped a hand into your panties. “Can you tell me what you’re doing too?”

“I am.” He confirmed, taking a stilted breath. “I’m just touching myself through my sweatpants right now, listening to your pretty sounds. I’m so fucking hard right now…”

His soft groan made you impossibly wetter and you whimpered as you finally ghosted your middle finger over your clit. “Good…I can’t be the only one this turned on.”

“And just how turned on are you?” His voice was a low rumble in your ears and you clenched around nothing as your free hand adjusted your headset.

“I’m fucking dripping, Lixie.” You whined, a small pout forming on your lips as you dipped a finger into your wetness. You dragged your arousal up to your clit and sighed at the sensation. “God I wish you were here right now, I just know your hands would feel so good…”

“Mm what about my mouth? I could eat you out forever if you’d let me.” You whimpered at the thought and stood abruptly, shoving your panties down your legs and dropping them with your jeans. You settled back in and draped your legs over the armrests of your gaming chair, immediately slipping your hand back between your legs. “Hey baby?” You hummed in response as your fingers circled your clit before teasing at your entrance. “Can you moan my name? I’m dying to hear it.”

You let your eyes slip shut and slid two fingers in your dripping cunt, a small moan tumbling from your lips as your palm ground against your clit while you stretched yourself open. You allowed yourself to imagine him knelt between your legs, fingers plunged deep inside you, and called out his name as you clenched at the thought. “Fuck, Felix, please…” Just as you moaned for him, your phone buzzed. You grabbed it and opened the Snapchat video he sent you, biting your lip when you saw the tip of his cock peeking out from his waistband, already drooling on his belly as his thumb brushed back and forth across his sweats. “Oh- can I save it?”

“Of course, princess.” You quickly saved it and bit your lip as you contemplated what you were about to ask. Before you could speak though, he beat you to it. “Baby…can we turn our cameras on? We don’t have to but I’d certainly like to see you.”

“I was about to ask the same thing…” As soon as the words left your lips, he switched his camera on and you were met with the most beautiful sight you’d ever seen. He was reclined in his gaming chair, shirtless and with his dick out. You wanted to reach through the screen the second you saw him. He settled back and waited for you to turn your camera on, wrapping his hand around his thick shaft as you tried to force your eyes away long enough to complete the task at hand. “You’re so fucking pretty, Lixie…” You whispered as you turned your camera on.

You saw his cock twitch in his hand and you weren’t sure if it was because of what you said or because of the way you presented yourself to him. Your LED lights paired with a lamp in the corner made you glow and your pussy glistened in the purple lighting. “Holy shit, baby girl…” His voice was strained as gave his cock a single tug before releasing it. “God I want a taste…can you tell me how you taste, princess?”

You eagerly stuffed your messy fingers in your mouth and sucked them clean with a moan, your free hand kneading your breasts. “So fucking sweet. It’s so good, Lix.” You watched as he began to slowly work his dick, resting his head back against his chair and peeking out at you.

“I’m gonna get you out here so I can taste you for myself, I swear.” He let out a moan in a pitch you weren’t expecting as he jerked off and your pussy clenched. “Bury my head between your legs for hours and make you shake…”

“Please do.” You slid your fingers back inside yourself and curled them, searching for your g-spot. You gasped when you found it and called his name as if it was him touching you. You heard his breathing grow ragged as he watched you, both of you barreling towards the edge as you fingered yourself.

The image of him fucking his hand would forever be burned into your mind and you couldn’t even pretend to be mad about it. He was turned on by you. You were the reason he was touching himself. You were the reason he called out to you and warned you of his impending orgasm. “Gonna fuckin’ cum, princess-”

“Do it. Show me how gorgeous you look when you let go, Lixie.” You begged, eyes locked on the image of his angry red cock on your screen. Your words sent him spiraling and you watched as his cum landed all over his belly and hand, more desperate moans falling from his lips.

A lazy smile spread across his face as his moan turned into a chuckle. “Your turn, sweetheart.” He teased, obliging you when you asked him to taste himself. “It’s good but I’m willing to bet it’d be a thousand percent better mixed with yours. Maybe I’ll cum inside and eat it out of your pretty pussy.” You made a pathetic sound and he smirked. “You like that idea?” You nodded and gasped when you gently pinched your nipple.

“Fucking love it…” You nodded, your free hand moving to your throat. “I’m so fucking close, oh my god-” You keened, carefully restricting blood flow as you choked yourself.

“Yeah? My dirty girl gonna cum for me?” The name was the last straw and you cried out an affirmation as your legs clamped shut around your hand, liquid bliss filling your veins as you came undone. “Look how pretty you are when you cum…I can’t wait to get you like this by my own hands, princess.”

He coached you through your orgasm and listened as you repeated his name over and over, trying his damndest not to get hard again. After a couple minutes, your breathing began to even out and he sat up properly in his chair, grabbing a couple tissues to clean up with. “You did such a good job, pretty girl.” He cooed and you smiled softly. “Why don’t you clean yourself up and if you’re feeling up to it we can play another round or watch something together? Or if you’d rather go to sleep we can hang up and-”

“I do wanna sleep but if you hang up on Discord it better be to call me back on Snapchat and talk with me until I nod off.” You teased as you righted yourself in your chair. “Your voice is so warm and comforting. It’s nice to fall asleep to…” You added and he smiled softly at you, eyes full of adoration.

“Okay, I’ll call you there. Go get cleaned up and let me know when you’re ready.” You nodded and muttered a soft ‘goodbye’ before he ended the call.

✨lixie✨ is offline

<-d-6 | d-8->

[startrekfemslashweek]

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Star Trek Femslash Week! We ended up with 69 amazing entries!

Study Session by Red_Passion | Poetry | Janeway x OFC

Encounter at the Bar by Red_Passion | Poetry | Burnham x OFC

The Journey Within by Hollie47 | Fic | UnaMarie

Poetry for her by skylarkblue | Fic | B7

Vuv be''e' baj (win the favor of a woman) by sapphirame | Fic | Jadzia x B'Elanna

Women Who Know How to Duck by romanathethird | Fic | Kira x Grilka

And they were roommates… by sappho_themself | Fic | Bevtroi

How Long Has This Been Going On? by Divinemissem13 | Fic | Janeway x Crusher

A Former Borg And A Half-Klingon Walk Into A Bar by cactusnymph | Fic | B7

Once Upon a Klingon (Lesbian) Bar by Shane_for_Wax | Fic | Seven x Raffi x B'Elanna

Rooming Together by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Jadzia x Lenara

Blood Wine And Bruising Kisses by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | K'Ehleyr x Deanna

When on Risa by Red_Passion | Poetry | Kira x Kimara Cretak

PHEROMANIA by skylarkblue | Fic | Cha'an

Emerald Lips by Hollie47 | Fic | Sylvia Tilly x Osyraa

The Greatest Pleasure in the Most Beautiful Setting by romanathethird | Fic | J7

No Secrets on Risa by Divinemissem13 | Fic | Saffi

Risa Sunsets by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | UnaMarie

Truths Told by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Laris x Oh

Blood Fever Part 2 by Shane_for_Wax | Fic | B7

Inhibitions by Hollie47 | Fic | Cha'an

When On Risa by sappho_themself | Fic | Deanna x OFC

To Speak Figuratively by CandyCurlsofMaddness | Fic| Hoshi x T'Pol

Crash Confessions by Red_Passion | Poetry | Janeway x OFC

Ocean Confessions by Hollie47 | Fic | Cha'an

Telepathic Tenderness by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Laris x Deanna

Crash Into You by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Katrina Cornwell/Mirror Philippa Georgiou

Swimming Lessons by romanathethird | Fic | Troisha

The world will never (be the same) by sapphirame | Fic | Kira x Seven

Patchwork by Divinemissem13 | Fic | Janeway x Crusher

You be the Lady, I'll be the Unicorn by CandyCurlsofMaddness | Fic | Amanda Grayson x Pelia

Sensory Memory by lead-acetate | Fic | Michael x Uhura

Let the Players Play by romanathethird | Fic | Guinan x Leeta

Ocean's Two by Divinemissem13 | Fic | Beverly Crusher x Una Chin-Riley

Daytime Robberies by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Minuet x Deanna Troi

Taking A Break Together by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Beverly Crusher x Ro Laren

You gotta make history (one day at a time) by sapphirame | Fic | Kira Nerys x Seven

Beneath Twin Suns by Red_Passion | Fic | Christine Chapel x Una Chin-Riley

Prisoner Zero by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Katrina Cornwell x L'Rell

Back To You by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Katrina Cornwell x Una Chin-Riley

All Distances of Time by romanathethird | Fic | Cassie (Kasidy Yates) x Uhura

What am I supposed to do with you in the room? by lead-acetate | Fic | Michael x Uhura

Thelma and louise (ain't got nothin' on me) by sapphirame | Fic | Kira Nerys x Seven

Taking A Beating by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Ro Laren x Tasha Yar

Slowly She Softens by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | B7

Meant to be Dead by Hollie47 | Fic | Tilly x Osyraa

What’s a Girl Like You Doing in a Holoprogram Like This? by romanathethird | Fic | Hologram Janeway x Francis Sullivan

Day 6: Whump by 40cleverways | Art | Troisha

Multiverse Diplomacy by Divinemissem13 | Fic | Katrina Cornwell x Mirror Philippa Georgiou

Love In a Turbolift? Not Really by Shane_for_Wax | Fic | B7

A Trapped Kind Of Love by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | J7

Formalities by baubeautyandthegeek | GIF & Fic | Lenara Kahn x Jadzia Dax

Feels so right by plain_and_simple_tailor | Fic | Kiradax

[sad-endings-suck]

Mizu’s Period

I’m getting kind of sick of the weirdly agreed upon headcanon within the fandom that stipulates Mizu simply must not menstruate very much if at all, solely because Mizu is often injured, possesses a slender build as well as an athletic lifestyle, and in many ways is androgynous in appearance (but that last point is always unspoken ofc).

There also seems to be an odd obsession with using fanon theories that are not directly disproved nor proved in the canon, such as “Mizu never eats enough” as evidence for the Mizu’s Uterus Is Not Like Other Girls Reproductive Organs™️ headcanon, that presumes Mizu is just so special she’ll bleed from everywhere except her pussy.

Like… is it perfectly possible that Mizu does not often get her period due to her extremely active and dangerous lifestyle? Yes, of course! Does Mizu’s slender and athletic frame make this seem like more of a possibility? It could, but her physique in of itself is not “evidence” per say, especially since Mizu’s body looked exactly the same when she was living a much easier and more comfortable lifestyle on the farm with Mikio, and they clearly had plenty of food. Mizu also wasn’t training intensely if at all for the 8-12 months she was married to Mikio. Yet her build remained the same. So it’s perfectly probable that Mizu’s physique is most greatly impacted by her genetics and thus not greatly affected by physical activity.

And for everyone that’s about to shout “but women athletes that compete at the highest levels often loose their periods for a while!” yes absolutely, some of them do. They also work out for 2-6+ hours a day six to seven days a week, use treadmills, bench press, and eat ridiculously curated diets that specifically target certain macronutrients and involve carefully curated portions that must be eaten at the right times on the right days. The fuck makes you think Mizu is doing all that?? My girl inhales whatever food is put in front of her as long as she has good reason to believe it is safe (i.e not poisoned). Do you really think modern day Olympic power lifters, track and field runners, artistic gymnasts and rhythmic gymnasts are all slurping down full servings of soba or dumbplings just whenever? Fuck no. Also, the current top women athletes in the world from the aforementioned Olympic sports I just mentioned, all have vastly different body types. As well as extremely different dietary needs, training routines, workouts, and just plain genetics that would have naturally given them certain bodies regardless of sport.

as evidenced by the above photos of various female olympic athletes: power lifter (top left), track and field runner (top right), artistic gymnast (bottom left), and rhythmic gymnast (bottom right).

Mizu is not a power lifter, or a sprinter, or an archer, or anything of the sort. Mizu does not train to be incredible at one thing, nor does she base what she eats or how she trains on when she will be preforming at a specific event (such as Olympians do). She is a swordsman, a blacksmith, and an all around athletic person that needs to stay in a state of constant readiness for any physical activity. Such as climbing, swimming, horseback riding, using acrobatic techniques, performing martial arts, working on a farm, and so much more. All of which is presented as such in canon. Not to mention Mizu lives as a lower-class individual in Japan during the 1600s. What ever gave you the idea that she was dieting and training like a modern athlete? Mizu is not a sportsman, she’s a killer.

So can we just stop, please? Plenty of people menstruate. Its perfectly normal and natural. And as someone who has been at a much lower weight at different points in my life with less than desirable health conditions (to say the least), menstruation does not magically halt just because you (stranger on the internet) thinks it “logically” should under such circumstances. That’s not how it works. Bodies are weird, and everyone’s body works a bit differently. And if Mizu actually was as sick and muscular and thin as everyone seems to have headcanoned her as, then how the fuck is she mopping everyone she fights? If Mizu is “so active and low weight that she can’t be getting her period” then how do you explain the fact that she is able to preform at peak physical level while being so active? Make it make sense.

And for the love of god, please stop acting like menstruation is “special” or “other” or “weird”. It’s not. Get educated, and get over yourself.

[sleekervae]

The Bride [0.7]

Masterlist

A/N: sorry I've been away for so long guys, I hit a bit of a depression when I came home but I'm slowly coming out of it. And ofc any time Tom's in a cowboy hat catch me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure lol.

Pairing: billy the kid x fem!reader

Summary: Billy moves to Lincoln

Warnings: cursing, slander, mentions of shooting, anxiety and paranoia

Word Count: 5,222

Tag List: @poppyflower-22 @ponyslayer

The town of Lincoln was a booming, dusty town with a strong Mexican population. Despite its small size it was rapidly developing in housing, productivity, and opportunity. And where there was opportunity, ambition came sniffing around.

The first opportunity Lawrence P. Murphy saw was a monopoly; so many immigrant farmers eager to make a living, and he had the means to distribute their products to those who needed them. Of course, because he had been in the only game in town, no farmer could complain when Murphy began to slash their earnings, because where were they supposed to go? Who was going to compensate them?

Well, John Tunstall saw his own opportunity: completion.

Same distribution, same stores, better wages, better human rights. And when the farmers learned of what Tunstall had to offer, they of course clamoured to sell their grain, veggies, and dry goods to him instead of Murphy.

Another result of competition was jealousy... as well as greed... and then desperation.

Murphy became so desperate to keep his stocks, so desperate to hold on to the power and control he had within Lincoln, that he was willing to sub-contract criminals to keep the farmers in line. There was no real law in Lincoln, so again -- who was to stop him?

Seven had just struck the morning air, businesses were opening and children were beginning their chores for the day. It was a simple, ordinary day, up until an unfamiliar horse strided into town. On the back of said horse was a woman, a striking stranger donning a long canvas coat and a black, wide-brimmed hat. The horse matched her facade, black in its coat with a single white sock on its back leg, trotting away peacefully under the patient guidance of its rider.

Some of the locals stopped what they were doing, it wasn't often they'd see women riding horses by themselves. They'd never seen a strange woman ride into town, period; they were typically always accompanied by a man.

And yet, the town of Lincoln would come to find there was nothing typical about this woman.

They watched curiously as she stopped before John Tunstall's store. Dismounting her horse, she was much shorter than she appeared, however she walked with great confidence up the stairs of the store front and waltzed right in.

A store clerk glanced up, giving her his own curious gaze as she bypassed all the available product and approached the desk, "Can I help you, ma'am?" he asked.

"Why yes," she smiled sweetly for him, lifting her hat off her head and letting her long brown hair cascade over her shoulders, "I heard Mr. Tunstall was hiring for a book keeper. I'm here to apply," she replied simply, plucking her riding gloves off her fingers one by one.

The clerk nodded, "I see. Do you have experience?"

"Yes, sir. Six years worth," her smile widened, the tinge of her southern accent was so effortlessly charming that the clerk couldn't help but be taken with her.

"Six years?" he queried. He couldn't have put this girl at more than twenty-years-old.

"That's right," she nodded, never wavering in her confidence.

She seemed sweet enough, the clerk didn't see the harm in her, "Well, Mr. Tunstall won't be back in town for another few weeks, but I'd be happy to give you the run through, if you'd like?" he offered.

"I'd appreciate that," she nodded, "Mr...?"

"Charlie works just fine," he stepped out from the counter to lead her into the back, "And your name?"

"Johana," she replied, reaching out to shake his hand, "Johana Delile,"

Working for Mr. Murphy brought in a lot of money, and for the most part, it was easy money. Intimidate the competition, disrupt supply chains, and remind the locals who held the monopoly in town.

That last part didn't sit well with Billy. Jesse, however, seemed to thrive on it.

The locals they were threatening, the supply chains they were disrupting, were typically Mexican families. Immigrants who had journeyed up North in hopes of achieving the American Dream. They were good people who just wanted to make an honest living. People who, despite their contracts with Murphy, were giving their supply to Tunstall because he simply paid better.

If anyone deserved a shot at making it in this country, it was them. Billy understood that better than any of Jesse's boys could, better than Murphy ever would. Murphy's solution was muscle and ammo, and despite how much Billy tried to keep violence out of it, he could only play peacemaker for so long before something snapped.

Billy found himself torn. He knew the pain of struggling for a better life, the desperation that came with it. He saw the fear in the eyes of the families they intimidated, and it ate at him. He could almost hear Eleanor's voice, urging him to do the right thing, to find another way.

But here he was, stuck in a cycle of survival and compromise, his hands tied by the very people he was trying to distance himself from. Each day brought a new challenge, a new moral line to cross, and Billy felt the weight of it pressing down on him, threatening to crush whatever remnants of his old self he had left.

Today was another warm one, summer would be coming to an end soon yet the heat was insistent on sticking around. Murphy had tasked Jesse with another intimidation tactic, Jesse naturally dragged Billy and Pat with him.

They made a good trio: Jesse was the aggressive one, hyper, quick on the tongue and on the draw, Pat, with his distinguished way of dress gave him some air of power and authority, people respected him. And Billy, well Billy's sensitivity came into play quite effectively. Jesse knew how much Billy didn't want blood spilled, he could tell from the moment he stepped foot into town. So Billy was naturally the last line of threat, encouraging the locals to wise up and respect Murphy's business.

Today however would prove to be just a tad different.

It wasn't the first time the trio had stormed into Tunstall's store, tearing through bags of grain, kicking bags of flour, making a real mess of the place. The clerk in charge stood helpless, unarmed, and outmanned. This was exactly what Jesse and his boys expected as they strode into the store. Jesse’s aggression could be sensed a mile away, and it was enough to make the poor store clerk quake in his boots.

"I thought we gave you a warning last time!" Jesse hollered, his boot connecting with another bag of grain, spilling its contents across the floor.

"And what warning would that be?" the clerk stammered, trying to stand his ground. Billy felt a pang of sympathy for the guy, along with a growing annoyance at Jesse’s antics.

"Shape up and ship out," Jesse replied with a sneer. "You've got no chance at competing with Murphy. He knows it, you know it, and I'm sure at this point Tunstall knows it too."

Pat chimed in, "You can’t even get the same quality product. It’s no competition."

Billy lingered in the back, staying quiet but ready should things escalate. They almost did with a farmer and his family the other day, and Billy had barely managed to reel Jesse back in, like a rabid animal on a leash.

"Where's Tunstall at?" Jesse demanded, hands on his hips.

"He won’t be back for a few weeks," the clerk said, trying to sound confident.

"You told me that last time," Jesse scoffed.

"Last time was the same," the clerk replied. "Mr. Tunstall’s a busy man, you know..."

A smirk tugged at Jesse’s lips. He glanced at Pat, then at Billy, before turning back to the clerk. "I bet he is. So damn busy, he leaves some gawky kid to run his store instead of being here himself. Real brave man,"

Just as the tension reached its peak, the door to the store swung open, and Billy swore he was seeing a ghost. Given the dumfounded look on Jesse's face, he felt the same. In walked Eleanor—or a more refined, polished version of her. Billy finally sat up from the crate he was resting on, studying her hard as she sauntered into the hostile room. Her hair was pinned up nicely, her slacks were traded for a nice dress, and her face was clean, free of any trace of stress or depression.

"Sam, you need help out here? I heard some bags fall over—"

She took in the scene with a quick glance, her eyes locking with Billy's first, then shifting to Jesse. The same gobsmacked expression hit her only for a moment; her eyes went wide, and Billy could hear her sharp inhale. Nevertheless, she remained cool and stoic, standing beside the clerk with a calm authority that commanded the room.

"What’s goin' on here?" Eleanor asked, her voice steady and her Carolinian accent heavier than before.

Jesse straightened up, stepping forward with caution, "Eleanor?" he muttered, but the edge in his voice had dulled.

She cocked a brow, glancing at Sam with curiosity before turning back to Jesse, "Who's Eleanor?" she asked plainly.

Pat himself was confused, glancing between the two men. Obviously, there was something about this girl that had them both as white as sheets.

Jesse scoffed in disbelief, "Don't play around, Ellie. It's not funny," he told her.

"Do you see me laughing?" she sassed back, one hand going on her hip, "Now I asked you a question, you still have yet to answer me,"

"They were just leaving, Jo," Sam informed her.

"Jo?" Billy finally spoke, coming to stand in line with Jesse and Pat. There were so many emotions flooding through him; relief because she was alive and appeared relatively unharmed, confused and hurt because she obviously recognized him and Jesse, but whatever role she was taking on now, she obviously couldn't let slip that she knew them.

"Johana," she said simply, "You boys work for Mr. Murphy, don't ya?" she cocked her head, staring directly at Billy now.

Billy took a hard swallow before answering, "That's right, ma'am," Jesse shot him a glare, pissed and annoyed that Billy was playing into her cock and bull story.

A pitiful smile crossed her face, "Then you don't belong here. Either buy somethin', or get out," she huffed, "We got a special on dried apricots this week,"

Jesse was still in disbelief, but he could register enough to see how she was talking to him. He could see which side she was playing for, and that automatically made her his enemy.

"You really wanna' do this, Eleanor?" he asked, "This is what you do to me?"

Eleanor simply shook her head, "Now listen, I don't know who this Eleanor girl is, but God save her soul should you ever find her. Now, I told you to leave,"

Jesse scowled menacingly, anger boiling inside him now, "Or what?" he took a step closer, "What the hell are you gonna' do?"

Billy watched anxiously as a viscous, petty smile crossed her face. He could see how much Eleanor was enjoying this, toying with Jesse, riling him up. But he couldn't have predicted what she did next.

Without warning, she let out an ear-piercing, murderous scream. The type of scream women let out when they knew they were in real trouble, the type of scream that townsfolk would drop everything for and run if it meant protecting their own. And that's just what happened, already Billy could hear people making their way to Tunstall's store. He knew exactly how it would look when they came in here, and he was eager to avoid as much trouble as he could.

They had to get out, now.

"Alright, alright! We get it!" Billy stepped forward, his hands out to try and calm her, "You win!"

Eleanor immediately stopped screaming, that same smile still plastered to her face. It was almost as though she had been taken on by another spirit, this wasn't the Eleanor that Billy had come to know. Even Sam was shaken as he cowered further back behind the desk.

"I'm glad you see it my way," she told him, "Now either run along, and I make up a ruse about a mouse runnin' loose around here. Or the townspeople can come in and I'll tell 'em all about how you tried to manhandle a poor, defenceless, little woman," her smile was overtaken by that all too familiar pout that Billy and Jesse came to know.

That murderous glare returned to Jesse's face, his fists balling at his sides. Of course, he couldn't do anything here, not now anyway. Billy wouldn't put it past him to return come closing time, though.

"Alright, we're leaving," Pat agreed, tugging Jesse by his jacket arm, "But Mr. Murphy's gett'n real tired of losing his suppliers,"

"Well, maybe if Murphy paid his suppliers properly, he wouldn't be having a problem?" Sam butted in.

"Money talks well, after all," Eleanor nodded coyly.

Jesse stepped back with the boys, his glare never leaving Eleanor's, "Don't get too comfortable, Johana. We'll be back,"

"Gimme' a head's up next time!" she called after them, "I'll put some coffee on!"

Billy grabbed Jesse and dragged him out the door, just as a few locals came rushing into the store to see what all the screaming was about. Sam and Eleanor -- or Johana, as they came to know her -- quickly quelled their fears with the story of a rogue rat, sending them all on their way again. All they were left with now was a giant mess to clean up.

"That was wonderful, Jo," Sam awed, "I don't know how you got it in you!"

"What do ya' mean, Sam?" she asked.

"You just stand up to them so well! That first guy was all up in your face and you never flinched!" he replied

"Well, it's simple," she told him as they began to clean up, "Don't let 'em see you scared, that's how they know they got power over you,"

Sam nodded, "S'pose that makes sense... were you scared?"

"Of those knuckle heads? Please," she scoffed.

"Why'd they keep calling you 'Eleanor', though?"

Eleanor simply shrugged, not letting any hint of stress show in her expression, "Hell if I know. Maybe I just got one of 'em faces?"

Sam began to laugh, "Maybe you look too much like his girlfriend that took off on 'im?" well, he almost hit the nail on the head...

"Maybe so," Eleanor chuckled back, though the thought of being Jesse's girl absolutely repulsed her, "I'm gonna grab the broom. You try to salvage whatcha' can,"

"Sounds good!"

Eleanor walked into the back of the store, her calm facade crumbling the moment she was out of sight. Her hand flew to her mouth, muffling her labored breathing. Her chest tightened like a bowstring as she fell back against the wall, eyes wide with panic. Jesse was in town. Billy was in town. They were working for the competition. If they were feeling spiteful, her cover was definitely blown.

She slid down the wall, her legs shaking beneath her, the reality of the situation hitting her like a freight train. Memories flooding back like a dam bursting, the life she had tried so hard to escape was back to haunt her. She pressed her palm against her chest, willing herself to calm down.

Footsteps echoed from the front of the store, each one sending a jolt of fear through her. Sam would surely be back to check on her if she wasn't out soon. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms, fighting to regain control. She couldn’t let him see her like this, couldn't risk him finding out the truth.

Taking a deep breath, Eleanor straightened up, forcing herself to stand tall. She brushed her hands down her dress, smoothing out the wrinkles, and went to fetch the broom. She had fought too hard to create this new life, and she wasn’t about to let the Seven Rivers Gang destroy it.

Billy had never seen Jesse so furious. The moment he stepped out of the store, his boots stomped heavily across the gravel path. He kicked at a wooden beam supporting the building’s awning with such force that Pat worried it might come crashing down on them.

"That bitch!" Jesse roared, his voice echoing through the quiet town. "After everything we did for her, that's how she repays us?" He turned to Billy, eyes blazing with rage. "She say something to you? About her little plan?"

Billy flinched at Jesse’s snarl. "N-No!" he shook his head swiftly, meeting Jesse’s intense glare. "She must’ve come along here on her way from Rosario!"

"Like hell!"

Pat stepped in, anxious to calm Jesse and avoid drawing more attention. "Who is she, anyhow?" he asked.

"A little runaway whore I took pity on a year ago! Stupid me for thinking she’d be loyal!" Jesse snapped. "I let her outta my sight for one day —"

"Hey, c’mon!" Billy interrupted. "Don’t be that way, Jesse. You don’t know what she had to put up with out there!"

"Oh, and you do?" Jesse scoffed. He stopped in his tracks, stepping into Billy’s space, eyes narrowing. "You'll cling to anything to hang onto her, won’t you?" he growled, spit flying from his lips.

Billy held his ground. "That’s not true —"

"Are you sure? Because now my worry is you'll take one look at her, she’ll bat her big pretty eyes at you, and you’ll lose focus," Jesse huffed.

"And you won’t?" Billy shot back. "You knew her longer."

"And for reasons beyond me, she likes you better," Jesse replied, bitterness lacing his words. "Don’t fall for it, Billy! She’s a snake! A con artist! And we walked right into her next scheme!"

Billy clenched his fists, struggling to keep his composure. "Do you even hear yourself?" he asked, his voice tight with frustration. He didn’t want to believe Jesse, but the doubt gnawed at him viciously.

"You heard her in there! She's Johana. For now, anyway," Jesse spat, whirling around and striding away. Billy and Pat jogged to keep up.

"Jesse, what're you gonna do?" Billy asked, a knot of worry tightening in his chest. He had a sinking feeling about Jesse’s intentions.

"What do you think I'm gonna do? How do you think Tunstall's gonna feel knowing he's got a con woman running his store?" Jesse's voice was sharp, filled with a venom that made Billy flinch.

Pat grabbed Jesse’s sleeve, pulling him to a stop. "Hold on, now," he said firmly, forcing Jesse to face him. "Listen, I understand how pissed off you boys are. But how are you gonna look to Tunstall -- hell, how are you gonna look to Murphy -- if you go and accuse this girl of being who you say she is without any proof? Now, if she had her name and face on a poster, that would be one thing."

Billy nodded, desperate to keep the situation from spiraling. "Yeah, and exposing her doesn't serve us any purpose, Jesse," he added, his voice steady but pleading.

Jesse's jaw clenched, his eyes flickering with a mix of hurt and anger. He knew they were right, even if he hated to admit it. As much as he felt betrayed by Eleanor, he had to stay focused on their mission. She -- Johana -- whoever she was, couldn’t derail their plans.

"Fine," he snapped, ripping his arm from Pat’s grip and straightening his jacket. "Leave her be. She'll be out of a job in no time, anyhow." He then turned to Billy, his eyes narrowing. "And if I find out you go anywhere near her..." His words were harsh, but there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes -- a hint of the pain he felt, buried beneath the anger.

"I won't," Billy assured him, though the words felt like ash in his mouth.

As they fell in step, Pat attempted to shift the conversation to something trivial. Billy nodded along, but his mind was elsewhere, a heavy lump forming in his stomach. The sight of Eleanor had stirred something in him that he couldn’t quite shake. Relief at seeing her alive and well was overshadowed by a gnawing anxiety, questions spiraling uncontrollably in his mind.

Why was she here? Was she safe? What had she gone through to end up in Tunstall's store? His heart ached with the thought of her composed, cleaned up appearance in the store clashing with the Eleanor he remembered. She was pristine and lady-like, a true Southern Belle not quite herself, and if he hadn't seen her in the store there was a good chance Billy might not have recognized her at all.

Billy’s gaze drifted back to Jesse, who was now engaged in a conversation with Pat. Jesse’s anger was palpable, but Billy could see the undercurrent of hurt beneath it. He knew Jesse felt betrayed, but he also knew how deeply he had cared for Eleanor. It was a mess, all of it, and Billy was caught in the middle, unsure of what to do or how to feel.

If there was one thing Billy could never do well, it was listening. He knew he'd pay dearly if Jesse or anyone found out where he was going.

He hadn't planned to leave the party early, but Dolan Murphy couldn't help but push Billy to perform. And perform he did. Over ten targets shot down in less than a minute—a personal best some would reckon. Despite their admiration, despite the clear impression Billy had made, he could also recognize the fear in their faces. Good. In a way, he wanted Murphy, Jesse, even the U.S. Army General to fear him.

With every shot, he reflected on how he ended up here, his mission to abolish such a corrupt system quelled when he realized he was suddenly just as wrapped up in corruption as everyone else. Dear God, if his mother saw him now...

In the wake of his demonstration, Billy left alcohol spilled, glass shattered, and a small fire breaking out over a barn threshold. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but stop and watch the U.S. Army General swig down his whiskey while he chatted with the town sheriff. He recognized the colors he wore, the brim of his hat, the markings on his sleeve. He was of the same battalion as Eleanor's husband—or would-be husband, that is. If he was here, he wondered if that same captain was here too.

He wondered if Eleanor knew that...

His feet moved before his mind could catch up, carrying him away from the chaos he'd left behind and towards the edge of town. He knew the risks, knew Jesse’s wrath would be waiting for him if he got caught. But he had to see her, had to find out if she was okay.

As he walked, the night air cooled his burning skin, but did nothing to calm the storm inside him. He remembered the fear in the eyes of those he'd impressed with his shooting skills, the way they looked at him like he was something to be wary of. It was a twisted sort of satisfaction, knowing he could instill that kind of fear. Yet it was also a bitter reminder of how far he'd strayed from the man he once wanted to be.

His mother would be ashamed, and Eleanor—he didn’t know what she’d think. She might assure him it was okay, might try to understand, but the truth was he didn’t even understand himself anymore. The lines between right and wrong had blurred, leaving him adrift in a sea of confusion and guilt.

Billy stopped at the edge of the road, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of her. He didn't know what he was hoping for, but he knew he couldn’t walk away without trying.

The roads were quiet at this time of night, a welcome reprieve for Eleanor on her evening walk home. She still didn't have a "home" per se, but Tunstall paid her just enough to stay in a nicer boarding house. No holes in the curtains, no rotten bed mattresses, and locks on doors that worked properly.

It had been days since Jesse and Billy ambushed the store, and yet she was still as shaken as though it happened moments ago. Every step she took outside, her eyes scanned the faces in the street. Every glance out a window, she wondered if they were watching her, plotting something. Sam, bless his heart, was still oblivious to any stress she was under as he continued to run the storefront, leaving Eleanor to fret over the books and accounts in the back.

She had to wonder if God had a twisted sense of humor, or perhaps he was just taunting her at this point. Taunting her with Billy, always keeping him just within reach, but never enough to have him fully. Not that she ever thought she stood a chance, not out here, anyway. She had to wonder how he became so mixed up in such nasty business. When did he come back to the gang? Did Jesse feel more inclined to let him return because she disappeared?

Ditching Jesse was a move she knew she could never recover from in his eyes, but she seized her opportunity to escape the first moment she could. After all, there was opportunity for her in Lincoln; she never stood a chance with Jesse.

Not even with Billy.

As she walked, the cool night air did little to calm the storm inside her. Her mind was a whirlpool of memories and questions, each one more painful than the last. The image of Billy's face, the anger and confusion in his eyes when he saw her in the store, haunted her. She wondered if he thought of her as often as she thought of him, if he missed her the way she missed him.

But then she reminded herself of the reality. Billy was tangled in a web of violence and lawlessness, a world she had desperately tried to escape. A world she could never fully belong to, even if her heart stubbornly refused to let go of him.

There was a palpable tension in the air, a feeling that prickled at the back of Eleanor's neck. The sensation of being watched, of unseen eyes tracking her every move, gnawed at her. She tried to shake it off, attributing it to her frayed nerves, but the feeling only grew stronger.

The street lamps cast long, eerie shadows, and every rustle of leaves or creak of a wooden plank seemed amplified in the stillness. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest, every instinct screaming at her to get to safety. Her eyes darted around, catching glimpses of movement in the periphery, shadows that seemed to loom and retreat.

She could feel her breath quickening, a tightness in her chest that had nothing to do with the physical exertion of walking. Every step felt heavy, as if the weight of unseen gazes bore down on her. The normally comforting sounds of the night now seemed sinister, the hoot of an owl making her jump, the distant bark of a dog sending a shiver down her spine.

Eleanor's mind raced with possibilities, each more frightening than the last. Was it Jesse? Had he sent someone to follow her, lurking in the shadows to catch her off guard? She shook her head, trying to dispel the paranoia, but it clung to her, a dark cloud she couldn't escape.

Reaching the boarding house, Eleanor fumbled for her keys, her hands trembling as she pushed through the doors. The clerk was gone for the night, the sign-in book left open on the desk, and a dim candle burning at the end of its wick was the only source of light within.

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, making the empty room feel even more eerie. Eleanor’s pulse quickened as she hurried towards the stairs, her breath hitching when she heard the door creak open behind her. Panic surged through her veins. Without a second thought, she reached into her bag, her fingers closing around the familiar handle of her switchblade.

She spun around, blade ready, eyes wide with fear and apprehension. But then she froze, the tension in her body melting into a mixture of relief and confusion. Standing in the doorway, silhouetted against the dim candle light, was Billy.

His eyes met hers, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before settling into a wary calm. He stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him, as if to show he meant no harm. Eleanor’s heart pounded in her chest, not from fear anymore, but from the sudden, unexpected rush of seeing him here, now. She slowly lowered the blade, but didn’t put it away, her mind racing with questions and emotions she wasn’t ready to face.

“Billy,” she whispered, the name barely escaping her lips, a mixture of relief and disbelief in her voice. She took a cautious step back, still not entirely sure what to make of his sudden appearance.

"Eleanor," he nodded, speaking softly, "Or... am I talking to Johana?"

She scoffed quietly, slipping the switchblade back into her bag, the tension flooding out of her shoulders, "Come on, quick. Before someone sees you," she whispered, fluttering her fingers to follow her. Without a second thought, Billy obeyed, Jessie's warnings be damned. He was just so glad to see her, to see her ruse falling for him.

She led him down the hall to a corner suite, unlocking the door to reveal a newer, cleaner, intact room. Billy took it all in as she drew the curtains, his eyes lingering on the small details that spoke volumes about her new life. The floral wallpaper, the neatly made bed, the organized desk—it all painted a picture of someone trying to build a semblance of stability. But the shadows in her eyes, the tension in her movements, told another story.

"Nice place you got here," he noted.

"I suppose," she shrugged as she lit the gas gamp, casting a warm glow in the room, "Bit of a step up for me, I'll admit," he noted how her voice softened, her accent wasn't so strong anymore.

"It suits you," he then glanced over her appearance, her long corduroy skirt, the matching vest with the flouncy white shirt underneath, "The whole get up suits you," She looked like a more grown up version of herself that she'd fit into with just a few more years.

"You don't have to flatter so hard," Eleanor went for her closet and pulled out a bottle of whiskey, "Care for some?"

"Nah, I'm alright," he took a seat on the edge of the bed while she poured herself a glass anyway. The warm glow of the gas lamp cast a soft light on her face, highlighting the worry lines etched into her features.

"So..." she began as she sat across from him, her voice steady but low, "Who wants to go first?"

[darklydeliciousdesires]

London Will Burn - A Sean Wallace/OFC Story.

I couldn't wait to share this with you, besties. Here, have the first chapter! I know that Sean is pretty niche as he doesn't seem to have all too huge a fandom, but if I can garner a few readers, and you guys could help me out by reblogging this, I would be very appreciative. Commentary is very welcome, as usual, so yes, dive on in and hopefully enjoy! If you like it enough, you can have chapter two sooner rather than later, too :)

The story begins seven years in the past, but will then run semi-canon to the Gangs of London plot and timeframe.

Tag list - In the comments, please DM to be added/removed

Words - 3,826

Warnings - 18+ content throughout. Minors DNI.

May 24th, 2016. 

Coffee, the financial times and resounding quiet. These were the defining components needed for Finn Wallace to begin each day within the spatial surroundings of his corner office, the floor to ceiling windows offering the widest view of the city he ruled over with an iron fist.  

“Mr Wallace, please. Sir...”  

The words of Minnie, his secretary, delivered outside of his office with mildly pleading desperation tore his attention from fastidiously studying the FTSE 100, Finn looking out from above the pink sheets of paper. He witnessed her scurrying along, her eyes pleading while trying to match the long strides of his son as he approached. “You know your father doesn’t like to be bothered...” 

...between the hours of eight and nine. He needed a full hour with nothing but a newspaper and a good supply of anything that came from Whittard of Chelsea prior to starting his day. His son had other ideas that morning, though.  

Placing his coffee down, he lifted his chin as Sean strode through the doors, a heap of paperwork within his grasp.  

“One print off of the e-contract signed late last night by Kevin Cavanagh, and one verbal assurance that the vessels may port within his dock space for the original agreed amount.” The paperwork hit the desk so hard, it was almost splashed in coffee, Sean looking thoroughly pleased with himself. As he should, his father thought. Kevin had been extremely tricky in this, his son’s first solo deal for the company. 

Reaching for the contract, Finn could scarcely believe it, but there it was. K. Cavanagh. Signed, sealed and delivered. “How the fuck did you swing that, boyo?” 

Kevin Cavanagh had shown himself to be a rather large thorn in the side of the Wallace empire for weeks, the investor digging his heels in over their proposed deal, an influx of two hundred million sterling into the company’s legitimate holdings to fund the proposed apartment complex they wished to build, and a grant of passage for boats containing large shipments of heroin porting from Pakistan to enter his docks.  

The terms and conditions set by Sean had been made clear, but having the upper hand in it all, Kevin had gone back on their proposed arrangement out of sheer greed. It had not gone down well at all. Especially since Finn considered Kevin to be a long-standing friend as well as a business associate. He wasn’t about to involve himself, though. It was Sean’s deal, and he had to learn in going it alone, friend or not. 

In their world, though, alliance and friendship were subject to change at any given moment. Friendships aside, Sean had been advised by his father to do whatever it took to secure the deal by the required deadline, which had passed at midnight the night before. 

Looking upon his son expectantly, Finn was under no illusion over Sean’s self-satisfied pride in his achievement. His poise did not slip, though. Not even for a second. “I have my ways, all of them effective.” 

He raised an eyebrow. “How?”  

His son smirked, the same bloody smirk he’d had since he was three, back when he’d usually hoodwinked his mother into the offering of a second reach into the biscuit tin. “If you knew that, then you’d know as much as me.” 

Finn felt himself losing patience at his allusivity, but couldn’t quite keep the grin from spreading across his face. “Wiley little shit.”  

He chuckled, checking his watch. “I have a meeting to get to. Lunch at The Strand, 1pm? I have a table booked. See you then.” 

“If I’m late, order my usual.” Looking over the contract once again, Finn rested his chin upon the pinch of his thumb and forefinger. If he’d gotten a result without them having to yield to Kevin, it surely didn’t matter how Sean had procured the deal.  

As time would tell, though, it would.  

Striding from the building, Sean climbed into the waiting car, ready to be whisked across London for a viewing on another apartment complex currently under construction. It would take up most of his morning, but such was the nature of his role within the company. Build big, reap big, remain on top. 

Leaning back against the plush leather upholstery within the black Mercedes, Sean winced, feeling the soreness that remained from his weekend of sexual hedonism. Clawed scratches marking the freckled alabaster of his back from his shoulders right to the rounded muscles of his arse had certainly felt good at the time, but now the scabbed wounds stung and itched.  

That itching sting was experienced internally, too, a rolling wave of cold discomfort washing over his insides once again. Guilt. Maybe even a little remorse. Who’d have thought it? Certainly not him. He had previously considered those emotions to be completely superfluous, with a nature such as his, and most definitely not when his actions had reaped such rewards.  

Sean was, if nothing else, completely ruthless in the pursuit of attainment.  

His go to in attaining a desired result didn’t always equal the exertion of moral turpitude, but in this instance it very much had. There was no going back on it either. He had struck out, used his bargaining chip of blackmail and garnered the desired results. At twenty-five years old, he’d thought himself perhaps above the actions he’d resorted to, considering his bartering and negotiation skills to be proficient enough.  

They hadn’t been.  

However, Sean knew that blackmailing Kevin Cavanagh into agreement by threatening to upload a video to the internet of himself fucking his eighteen-year-old daughter would work like a charm in securing a signature, and it had.  

He’d understandably been beyond livid with him, after receiving an edited version of the hour-long filming, showing just enough for Kevin to know that Catherine would be subjected to great personal embarrassment and emotional anguish if he didn’t comply.  

With his arm figuratively bent up his back, he had agreed, the money immediately transferred, and the contract signed the evening before, once he and his wife had returned from their weekend away. Kevin had also struck a permanent black mark against the son of his old friend, knowing that Finn likely had no part in the blackmail. As chillingly cutthroat as he could be, it wasn’t his style. Words would be had, though, and Sean knew he likely had that coming to him sooner or later.  

Just as he would when Catherine caught up with him. He highly doubted Kevin wouldn’t tell her. 

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone, placing his earbuds in and locating the video he had promised to delete. He’d been hesitant there, not because he intended to nefariously make good on his threat and upload it anyway, he had no cause to. The reason behind his stalling was much more complex, and not one he was in a hurry to admit. Not even to himself.  

Hearing her sweet moans as he watched himself on the screen, face buried between her legs, a jolt ran right through him. He could almost still taste the sweet honey of her cunt on his tongue, feel her skin against his, and with a shift in his seat, experience her nails clawing at his back.  

It was only ever meant to happen once. Once had led to an entire weekend, and there it was again, the unpleasant sting rolling through his guts as he closed his eyes and remembered it. Remembered her.  

Her... her. 

It was only ever meant to happen once... 

St Augustine’s Grammar School for Girls was one of the most exclusive private Catholic schools in the entirety of London. For an eye watering yearly fee, it boasted unsurpassed examination results, a sterling OFSTED record, and much to the fury of the young ladies within its prestigious halls, a strict code for uniform. A black skirt to the knee, high black socks, a white shirt and a navy blazer and tie.  

Even the students attending the adjoining sixth form college had to still adhere, much to their loathing. For Catherine Cavanagh, as soon as she was out of the front gates with her friends, adjustments were made.  

Her neatly pleated skirt was rolled over a few times to hitch it up, her folded over socks pulled up until they came over the knee, her blazer and tie stuffed into her bag and her shirt undone to reveal a little of the black lace bra she wore beneath, as well as being knotted at the waist. She liked to show off some of what she had. 

Lashings of smoky black eyeliner were applied, her lips liberally glossed and her shoulder length blonde waves all shook free of their ponytail prison before she sauntered away, ready for a coffee with her friends, of whom also made similar adjustments to their own uniforms. They were young women at eighteen, all mildly incensed that they still had to stick to the rules of their frigidly stalwart school.  

Catherine, or Rin as she preferred to be called, was far from frigid.  

“Oi darlin’! Fancy gettin’ in the back of me van and lettin’ me give ya one, eh?” 

Ugh. Builders. The worst of the worst for shouting pervy obscenities from the open window of a slowed down Ford Transit. She immediately rolled her eyes. “No thanks, but I fancy giving you this.” Raising her middle finger, her confident smirk grew, her friends cheering on her usual chutzpah.   

“Fuck you, then! Little slag!” 

Rin snorted. “You wish, mate.”  

“I don’t get it,” Rashida, her bestie mused, fiddling with her necklace as she cocked her head. “He wanted to shag you five seconds ago, and now you’re a slag because you didn’t take him up on his offer?” Her face was a picture of bemused disgust as she barked a laugh. “Wanker.” 

“Yeah, sums him up. Right, let’s hit the coffee house. I’m fucking gasping for something strong, hot and foamy.” 

Their friend Carly couldn’t help but pipe up, laughing at her own joke before she’d even spoken it aloud. “What, you want the big fella from Game of Thrones in a bubble bath? What’s his name?” 

“Tormund,” Rin confirmed, her eyes dreamy. “You know I’m weak as fuck for a redhead!”  

While the prospect of Kristofer Hivju, the actor who played the aforementioned character awaiting her in a bubble bath was preferred, it was a double shot cappuccino she needed most at that moment. After a day of hard studying for her ongoing A Levels, Rin needed the coffee like air. For no other reason than to stay awake for the duration of her journey home.  

She wouldn’t be driving, though. Yet to pass her test, she would simply call for a driver in the employment of her father to collect her when she was ready. Being rich certainly had its perks. Entering the coffee shop a ten-minute walk from the school gates, she paid for her order and stood back to wait, sensing someone behind her before a familiar voice spoke into her ear. 

“I am unsure whether your mother would approve of that skirt, young lady.”  

Turning, her eyes widened. “Bloody hell! Hello!” It had been at least five years since she’d seen Sean Wallace other than fleeting moments in passing, the last proper time being when he was home from university in his final year. The occasion had been when her parents had thrown a garden party for her father’s friends and closest business associates, plus their families.  

“How are you, darling?” He drawled smoothly, kissing her cheek as they exchanged a brief hug. “It’s been a bloody age.” Looking down upon her, his gaze was nothing but clearly appreciative, thinking just what a beautiful young woman she’d become. In fact, beautiful was an understatement; she was an absolute knock out.  

In any other circumstance, Catherine Cavanagh would be his perfect match. She came from a similar family, steeped in criminality and staggeringly wealthy, with the best education money could buy, just as he himself had received. They were cut from the exact same cloth, she and Sean. This was not an exercise in procuring the perfect match long-term, though. Far from it.  

“It has, I was just thinking that myself,” she confirmed as they parted, feeling a little flustered. Oh, how she’d always fancied the arse off Sean. She might have been extremely confident for an elder teen, much more woman than girl in that respect, but still. Sean was the bloody holy grail as far as she was concerned. “As for me, up to my eyes in all things A Levels, only two more exams left and then its fingers crossed I do well enough to take the provisional place I’ve been offered at LSE.” 

He remembered that the London School of Economics had been her long-term goal from the last time he’d spoken to her at length, back when she was just a kid of thirteen. “I remember you telling me, yes. Forgive me, but I forget just what it is you were aiming for?” 

A flutter delighted her insides at that, how he hadn’t forgotten her desires to attend LSE when it had been so long since they’d last talked in depth. She’d thought he’d merely been entertaining her thirteen-year-old self and her long-winded plans for her future, but no. He’d actually listened. Then again, he was always very attentive when engaging with someone, no matter who they were. “BSc in mathematics, statistics and business.”  

“I bet your father is very proud,” he commented, Rin turning to pick up her coffee.  

“Well, I suppose he will be if I actually pull it off and attain the necessary grades. It’ll stand me in good stead for taking over the family business too, when he eventually retires.” They were birds of a feather in that respect, both primed to one day sit at the helm of their respective family empires. “Speaking of which, how are things with you? You’re doing very well at the Wallace Corporation, according to dad.” 

“Your father is correct, I am.” He was still very sure of himself. Anyone else would call it arrogance, but Sean was merely infectiously confident. He knew what he wanted, and he went right after it, Rin completely oblivious to the fact that his cool blue eyes were directly focused upon his present target. “Long hours and probably less pay than I should be garnering, but I must confess to be doing rather well for myself. Especially considering I have only been there just over four years.” 

They eventually became so lost in their catch-up chatter that Rin completely failed to realise that her friends had moved to a table, turning to see them wave at her. The looks on their faces spoke volumes. 

“I’ll be there in a sec,” she assured them, praying Carly didn’t open her mouth. No such luck. 

“No, no,” the girl herself chirped right on cue, waving her hands gently in Rin’s direction. “You stay there with your fancy man; we’ll be over here when you’re ready!” 

“Oh, shit off!” she chided, feeling her cheeks burn. Turning to Sean, she shook her head. “They’re embarrassing as fuck.” 

“I can’t say I’m embarrassed, being labelled as your fancy man.” Pulling out a seat, he gestured to it with a flirtatious smile, ensuring her heart virtually catapulted against her ribcage. She definitely blushed furiously at that. Ahh, it was almost too easy, but then again Sean’s charm was legendarily flawless. Being well spoken, powerful, and as dangerous as he was gorgeous didn’t hurt either.  

A red-haired bad boy in a Balmain suit. If Rin had a type at all in this world, it was Sean Wallace. And boy, how the man himself saw that loud and clear.  

“So, I hear your parents are away in France right now?” 

“Yes,” Rin confirmed, the smidgen of envy in her voice clear. How she would have loved a long weekend in the French Alps skiing, too. “They’ll be hurtling down a mountain right now, while I’m stuck here in dreary London, slogging my guts out all in the name of revision.” 

He smirked, picking up his espresso and sipping it. Sean liked his coffee one way; strong and black. “Ah, but you do get Mulford Hall all to yourself for the weekend. Quite the party palace, one would assume.” 

She crinkled her nose, shaking her head. “The staff will grass me up if I even so much as open a can of cider with more than four friends in attendance. Mother dearest likes to keep her fucking tabs on me.” Rin didn’t dislike her mother, but it was no secret that she was daddy’s girl through and through. If he had his way, he’d have arranged for the antiques to be removed from banquet hall and allowed she and her friends run wild. Diane was not quite so lenient.  

Yes. A banquet hall. The Cavanagh’s were truly that wealthy, to have such in their fifteen-bedroom, eighteen-bathroom, sprawling abode located in Westminster, just around the corner from Hyde Park. Half of their sprawling gardens backed onto the park itself, in fact.  

Mostly, Mulford Hall was used as a successful wedding and events venue, half of the house sectioned off as a private family residence and inaccessible to the public, also being a historical location of interest for tourists. It had been in her family for centuries, gifted to one of her ancestors, the very first Lord Mulford by King Charles I. Now with no elder male heir and her grandparents having passed on, it remained in the family by the residing Lady Mulford, her mother. 

“I suppose the little ones would have plenty to say, even if the staff did keep schtum.” Oh yes, Sean was correct there. Her younger brother and sisters would likely relish in telling on her to their parents. Keeping secrets that did not directly benefit them was not in the interests of your average twelve, ten and nine year old children. “I mean, if they could even hear the sounds of partying. Does your mother not keep them in a turret or similar?” 

She snorted laughing into her coffee, spraying a fine mist of foam from the large cup, “Shut up, you shit. You know we’re not that grand.” Suddenly, she felt the cold wave of discomfort when he frowned, wondering if she’d pushed it a little in calling him a shit, even in tease. After all, they did not know each other beyond the boundaries of acquaintance. It was their parents who were friends, not them.  

He then reached, wiping a fleck of foam from her cheek, the corners of his mouth upturning as he watched her blush, leaning across the table. “It takes a brave person to refer to me as a shit.” 

Regaining her confidence, she licked her top lip, shrugging lightly. “Or a gobby little twat such as myself.” 

She was a pistol. He enjoyed that perhaps more than he should have. He laughed softly through his nose, sipping his coffee again as she continued. “I actually have the place to myself, staff aside. The nanny has taken the little terrors to Legoland for the weekend, and there aren’t any weddings on, so I’m enjoying pottering around the old pile in my pants.” 

He raised an eyebrow. “Just your pants?” 

“I like to give the gardeners something nice to look at.” 

God, and how nice her body was, he wagered, his eyes sweeping her momentarily. “I bet you do.”  

Lust. Lust delivered from behind full, long auburn lashes tinged with gold, eyes that burned like cool fire as he stared her dead in the eye, Rin feeling as if she was caught in a searchlight she could not avoid. Not that she’d want to. Being illuminated by the desire of Sean Wallace was something she’d only ever fantasised about as a girl. As a young woman, acting upon it now seemed within her grasp. 

And grasp for it she would. “You’re thinking about me in nothing but my pants, aren’t you?”  

Playful, yet direct. He liked that, liked that she was so easily wandering right into the jaws of his trap with such little effort. “I am.”  

She leaned closer, watching him retrieve a packet of mints from his pocket, placing one into his mouth. The way he so effortlessly pressed the white disc onto his tongue made her shiver, imagining the skill a mouth that clever and effortlessly cool might possess. He offered the packet, but she shook her head, the strongness of Trebor’s finest too much for her delicate tastebuds. “What else are you thinking?” 

He mirrored her, leaning near, eyes fixed unblinkingly as he ran his fingertip in a circle over the back of her hand. It was an action that made every single hair upon her arm stand on end. “I’m thinking that the next thing I want on my tongue is you.”  

Fireworks exploded in her chest and gut, a fizz of excitement glittering. Unexpected afternoon sex; it was a proposal most definitely to her liking. “Where’s closer, mine or yours?” 

“Mine,” he confirmed, rising from his seat as he pulled out his phone. “Westminster is a fucking ball ache of a drive at this time in the day.”  

He wasn’t wrong. While Sean called his driver, giving him the name of the coffee shop, Rin made a phone motion to her friends while mouthing ‘I’ll call later’, Rashida and Carly looking as alert as two meerkats keeping the watch at seeing their friend leave with the handsome young mystery man.  

Rashida couldn’t help the joke she made. It was too uncanny. “Little slag.” 

“Love you too, you knob.” Leaving to the sound of her friend's laughter, Rin joined Sean at the side of the curb, only waiting a few moments for the sleek, black Mercedes to pull up before them. He opened the door for her, Rin sliding in and moving across so he didn’t have to walk around, Sean climbing in and shutting the door with a soft clunk.  

“Home please, Tony.” he spoke to the driver, his eyes remaining ahead. She turned slightly to view him, feeling somewhat uneasy when he didn’t return her glance. Dropping her gaze, her thoughts began to race a little, jumping slightly when after a few moments, she felt his hand press to her thigh.  

It was a plan of effortless execution, Sean tracking her movements from afar for a few days prior, learning her daily routine. It truly had been as simple as turning up at her regular coffee shop prior to her usual time of arrival, turning on the charm and reaping the rewards. Leaning close, his beard tickled her earlobe, sending a thrill right through her. “I can’t wait to put my mouth between these fantastic legs of yours.”  

Neither could she.

[authenticcadence18]

this is not really my brand at all but I’m just going to rant about Toy Story 5 for a hot second because the D23 sneak peek made me so mad.

TLDR: Toy Story 5 (and 4) ruin what made the first three films so special.

I’ll start this off by saying I ADORE Toy Story 3. It’s one of my favorite Pixar films. I was 10 when this movie came out, I remember going to like three Walmarts just to find a Jessie doll, and carrying her around with me in my bag all summer. I still have that doll, she’s very special to me.

Part of what makes the first three films so good is the passage of time. First two movies came out within 4 years of each other (1995 and 1999), third movie came out 11 years later in 2010. Andy is a kid in the first two films, maybe he doesn’t age exactly four years between 1 and 2 but he doesn’t have to we’re still in the range of childhood years, in the 90s. When the third movie came out a significant amount of time had passed in the real world, and thus it had in TS3. We quite literally felt the passage of time in that movie along with the toys. THAT is what made that movie so captivating and special, those trailers were so bittersweet and magical and REAL. I remember it so well. The third movie also FEELS like 2010 that movie EXUDES early 2010s it’s so comfy and nice (minus the traumatizing fire scene ofc)

(more below the cut)

Nine years later TS4 comes along and even tho the animation is prettier and the film seems to take place in the 2020s. everyone is the same age. Bonnie has aged what, a year? Over the course of nine real years? whereas Andy went from kid to college bound in a similar amount of time? where is the real world connection?

but ya know I gave the film the benefit of the doubt, I saw it I liked it I loved forky. But the emotional connection wasn’t there the way it was for TS3. But oh well that’s it right? How do you continue the franchise after that ending?

but OH! NOW TS5 is coming out in 2026, seven years later and GUESS WHAT!!! BONNIE IS STILL A KID. Look at this concept art!! She is very clearly still a kid.

she’ll have been a kid for 16 years at this point!! what is this, despicable me? (that’s a rant for another day shdjdjdj)

And she’s an iPad kid now which I mean. Yes. That’s a relevant issue for today’s kids. A GREAT concept for a TS movie. But Bonnie is not the character to portray this storyline. She’s not one of today’s kids she is a kid of the 2010s she was born in like. 2005. BONNIE should be in college and/or starting her own career now. Not an iPad kid. The toys should be with someone else, maybe a younger sister or cousin.

Plus!!! Guess who’s back in Bonnie’s room! Woody!!! so much for him saying goodbye to the others forever to be with his one true love right? The end of TS4 was not my favorite initially but I applauded the writers’ decision to make such a bold choice and change to the status quo. It echoed TS3 in a way, even if it cheapened the end of that film somewhat for me (in my heart the true TS canon ends at TS3 and TS4 is just a possible timeline it could branch off into).

But I guess the moving sacrificial end of your film doesn’t really matter when you can just change it in the next film!! 🙄

I love the sequence of the first three films so much, I love how they take place in the eras they come out in while also moving the timeline along.

Bonnie going from being born in 2005 to the late 2010s AT THE EARLIEST for these films to make any sense makes no sense. and if she’s born in 2005 how is she an iPad kid??? TS4 should’ve come out way sooner, and it should’ve been about a different kid.

(and I KNOW lots of movies and shows have a floating timeline where the kids never age. Charlie Brown, Phineas and Ferb, The Simpsons. but for those shows the setting changing with time while the characters don’t is part of the charm. The Toy Story franchise could’ve been that way but Toy Story 3 fundamentally changed that.)

(And look let’s say the movie takes place in 2012 and Bonnie has a rudimentary IPad 4 or something. why are we just seeing the movie now in 2026?? the timelines don’t match up it doesn’t make sense no matter what.)

I feel an emotional connection to the Bonnie of TS3 because she belongs in that time period, in the early 2010s when cellphone technology was just starting to pick up, when I was still a kid. And I think of TS3 and my brain screams 2010S!! MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!

whereas when I think of TS4 I’m like “has it actually been five years? it feels like it came out like two years ago” bc there’s no passage of time within that film to anchor it to the year 2019. That film came out the year before covid and it STILL feels like it came out like two years ago. that is telling to me.

Seeing Bonnie still be a kid 14 (and what will be 16) years after her debut feels inauthentic to the precedent set by Andy and TS3. I’m sure the movie will be good bc Toy Story movies are always good. But they’ve lost that sense of realism, of moving time, of leaving something behind and NOT being able to pick back up right where you left off. That kept the TS movies grounded in bittersweet reality, that’s kinda the whole point. :/

[mysterious-moonstruck-musings]

The Knight & His Queen: Part 1

Fic Masterlist ||| Main Masterlist

Dieter Bravo x OFC

Summary: While looking for the perfect Christmas gift for his niece, Dieter Bravo finds himself in a small mystic shop, owned by the sweet and eccentric Amina. After an impromptu tarot reading with unexpected and surprising results, the two quickly find themselves entranced by each other.

Warnings: Spicy language, alcohol consumption, smut, & mentions of drug use. Mystical topics such as tarot readings, spirit guides, chakras, etc. Dieter Bravo comes with his own warnings.

Chapter Quote: “The first one’s free. That’s how I get you hooked.”

Amina POV

My Monday morning started like most of my days had recently. I woke up…alone. Even though it had been seven months since splitting from a long-term relationship, it was still weighing on me. I was such a mixed bag of emotions, struggling with loneliness but also swearing off men for the foreseeable future. I felt stuck and unsure of my path forward after watching all of my plans crumble down before me within hours, altering all aspects of my life. All because my significant other suddenly decided he needed someone a little less eccentric for his corporate lifestyle.

I was finally settled into my small LA apartment, everything was unpacked, but it still didn’t feel like home. As I lay staring at the ceiling, I could feel a dark shadow over the place. Like this wasn’t where I was supposed to be or like an important piece of my life was missing. 

I was jolted out of my thoughts when my long-haired black cat, Miss Pickles, jumped up on top of me. Her intense green eyes showed her annoyance that breakfast had not yet been served. She gave a low growl before rubbing her head roughly against my chin. 

“Alright, alright, I’m getting up,” I said to her with a huff. 

There was a chill in the air as I made my way to the kitchen to portion out a bit of premade raw food onto Pickles' recycled green glass plate. She sat on the counter, impatiently whipping her tail about as she watched me prepare her meal, then meowed excitedly when I sat her plate on the food mat. She wasted no time digging in. I gave her a quick scratch above her tail as I walked toward the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. 

I emerged from my bedroom, wrapping a deep forest green scarf around my neck. I grabbed a dark red coatigan from the closet and shrugged it on over my olive green tee, kicking my favorite brown leather lace-up boots out of the closet as I did so. After putting my boots on, I walked over to the island, digging through my large brown leather satchel to make sure I had everything I needed for the day. Pickles walked over to paw at the feathers clipped into my wavy black hair. I paused my movements, laughing at her sudden attack, before giving her a quick pat on the head. She stood, swatting me with her tail as she turned to paw at my tarot deck that I was about to stick in my bag. She let out a loud meow as she looked at me, then back to the deck. I sighed. 

“Why bother? You know it’s gonna be the same thing that it’s been for the last seven months.” 

She meowed at me again, “Fine… but don’t get mad when I say I told ya so.” 

I grabbed the deck, tapped it three times, then did a quick shuffle before pulling my one card for the day. Death. Again. The end of possibilities in one aspect with a transformation on the horizon. Clearly, I had not let go of whatever baggage I was holding onto from my past since the spirit guides were still telling me to move on and close that door before the next could be opened. I rolled my eyes, grabbing the card pouch to pack them away and toss them in my bag. 

I sighed, “See, what did I tell you? The same damn thing.” 

Pickles whipped her tail out of frustration and meowed again before jumping down to go sit in her window. 

“I’ll see you after work. Please try to stay out of trouble today,” I added before grabbing my bag and heading out the door. 

I walked two blocks in the crisp December air to my shop, Enchanted Curios, that I opened five years ago. It was a mystic shop of sorts, with carefully curated spiritual items from all over the world. Anything from books, herbs, crystals, totems, elixirs, and home decor lined the shelves. It was fairly popular since there was a little something for everyone. It was one of the things that made me too eccentric for my ex. He had wanted me to give it up for something more fitting to his high class persona. The judgy looks he got when he shared what his fiancé did for a living was too much for his fragile ego to handle. He had set foot into a world that was no longer compatible with mine and it became the final crack in our already crumbling relationship. 

I entered through the front door of the shop, turning on the pink neon sign that indicated we were open for business before making my way around to turn on all the other displays and diffusers for the day. I could hear the shop manager and my best friend, Heidi, in the back near the loading dock talking to one of the delivery guys as he carted in boxes off his truck. Once they were finished with the delivery, Heidi dramatically walked through the beaded curtain from the back, “Good morning, Mina.” She was a little too chipper for it to be so early. 

“That must have been the cute delivery guy from the candle place,” I said with a smirk. 

“It was. I’m pretty sure he was flirting with me this time. I think I’m gonna ask him for his number when he comes back.” 

She looked energized and excited by the thought of this as she bounced on the balls of her feet. 

“Did you pull a card today?” Her mood shifted, more serious now as she took in my glum expression. 

“I did. Still the same.” I rolled my eyes as I moved to straighten up the counter displays. 

“Maybe you should try dating again or something. Wouldn’t that help take your mind off you-know-who?” She moved to lean against the edge of the counter on the opposite side from me. 

“Ugh, I don’t think I’m ready for that. I just don’t trust my judgment when it comes to men right now. I’m feeling a little vulnerable and I don’t want a rebound thing, you know what I mean? I don’t want things to get messy.” 

“What if you knew what to look for? Take out some of the guessing. The cards can give you an idea.” She was practically vibrating at the thought. Heidi was new to tarot reading, but she was a natural, immediately in tune with her intuition. She wanted to do a reading for anything and everything at this point just for practice.

I gave her a dismissive laugh as I shook my head, “You’re too much sometimes.” 

“No, I’m serious. Let me do a three card spread for you. Let’s see what happens.” 

I gave her an admonishing look, not wanting to go down that road, but she wouldn’t let it go as she reached for her deck under the counter with a grin. 

“Ok, fine. I’ll humor you,” I relented, leaning against the counter to watch her work. 

Heidi went through her routine of shuffling and clearing the cards before pulling the first one. 

“Ok, so this card represents you, the Queen of Cups. Full of compassion, creativity, and intuition. Well grounded, sensitive, and empathetic… this card is associated with water which can be gentle, but powerful when needed. Also, the Pisces star sign…” She raised an eyebrow at me, questioning if that was correct. I nodded. She looked pleased with herself before continuing. She pulled the second card, the Knight of Wands.

“This card represents your ideal partner…interesting. He’s gonna have that masculine fire energy and lots of charisma. That’s definitely not you-know-who…” She had a smirk on her face as she glanced in my direction, waiting for a reaction. 

“Ha ha. You’re hilarious,” I said sarcastically, before waving for her to continue. 

“So, your guy is most likely gonna be either a Leo, Sagittarius, or Aries. A very passionate and enthusiastic lover. Probably adventurous in the bedroom too…I feel like you could use a little adventure in your life.” She busted out laughing as she watched my eyes widen in horror at her words. 

I shook my head, “Was it that obvious?” Heidi nodded, “I could tell just by looking at the guy that he probably wasn’t a good time. Too uptight for that.” 

I chuckled, “I guess there’s no hiding that my sex life has been very vanilla then. I sure know how to pick em…”  

Heidi laughed before continuing, “Ok, I feel like this guy is gonna be super energetic and bold. Maybe even a little eccentric and spiritual in his own way. He’ll probably love attention and be a little impulsive and impatient…but your water energy could help him balance those things out.”

“Great…so a man child then. Got it.” I scoffed and rolled my eyes at her. 

She gave me a pointed look, “Come on, be a little open minded…please. It might help get that death card out of your life.” 

I raised a brow at her, not at all encouraged or impressed by her words. She shook her head at me as she pulled the third card from the deck, the lovers. She inhaled deeply, eying it in the spread, “Well…this card is meant to tell us what your relationship would be like if you found this person.”

We stared at each other for a beat, both of us surprised by the pull. “Well, I feel like that’s a long term sort of meaning behind it. A serious connection of souls…like a true life partner…a spiritual connection with a strong bond. It’s an honest relationship of trust and respect for each other…which you totally didn’t have before...” 

A sly grin spread across her face. She seemed pretty damn proud of herself. 

“I don’t believe that. That sort of thing doesn’t exist,” I said, shaking my head as I made my way toward the front display window to place one of my handmade statues in a recently vacated spot from a sale. As I stood arranging it just right, a young girl, possibly in her teens, stopped to admire the display. She was soon joined by a tall man that I didn’t pay much attention to. I smiled politely at the girl before walking back toward the counter. 

I noticed Heidi had focused on the two figures outside as I approached her, “Ooof, Mina, I think that guy was checking you out. He’s kinda hot.”     

“He’s with a kid, I’m sure he’s married…Not interested,” I shot back without even giving him a second glance. I heard her huff out a sigh of defeat beside me as I moved to pick up the cards off the counter, accidentally dropping a few in my haste. All were facing downward on the floor, except one…the Fool. I suddenly felt goosebumps form on my skin as I looked back toward the front store window to see the man and young girl continuing down the sidewalk until they were out of sight.   

“Mina, you ok?” Heidi asked suddenly with a concerned look. 

“Yeah, I just…never mind.” I furrowed my brow, confused by the shift in energy that I had just felt. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, leaning down to pick up the cards.

As the day turned to evening, I forgot about the odd feeling I had. Choosing to focus on updating inventory instead. I was standing by the side wall double checking numbers when I heard the low tinkling of the bell above the front entrance. When I turned, still looking down at my clipboard, I nearly crashed into a towering stranger.

“Oh geez! I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, nearly dropping my pen and clipboard over his sudden appearance. 

When I finally looked up at him, he had a half smile on his pillowy lips as he slowly slid his dark sunglasses down his nose before removing them altogether. I noticed he had what looked like a bullseye tattoo on his left hand, just between the thumb and index finger. His chocolate eyes were wide as he took in my expression. He didn’t say anything at first, looking just as surprised as I was. I laughed nervously under his gaze, “Umm, did you need help finding something?” 

“Uhhh, yeah, sorry. I was…um outside earlier with my niece. She noticed the…statues in the window.”

He held my gaze, not blinking as his eyes darted around my face. I could feel the energy shifting again causing goosebumps to form all over my body. 

“Oh, the magical creature collection?” I raised my brows in question. 

“Yeah, she’s been looking for one of the horse things with wings. Do you know if they make one of those?” He scratched at his patchy beard, looking unsure of himself.

“I don’t have any made right now, but I would be happy to do a custom piece for you.” I smiled nervously as he processed what I was saying, realizing that he actually looked a little high.   

“Ohh, so you make them? That’s… amazing.” He sighed in relief, visibly relaxing some. “Is that something you could have done before Christmas? I don’t want to put you in a tough spot with it.” 

“Absolutely, let me just run and grab the custom order forms.” My smile widened as I moved toward the checkout counter. I passed through the beaded curtain in a flurry, looking through the supplies on the shelf. Heidi appeared next to me from the office asking where the fire was. 

“I need a custom order form.” I could feel my heart rate picking up. 

“Why?” She asked as she peeked through the curtain. “Is that the guy from earlier…with the kid?”

I responded with a clipped tone as I turned to face her, “Yes. Where are the forms?”

“Under the counter, where they always are…” 

She was staring at me with wide eyes and a smirk, “What’s gotten into you?” 

“Nothing, I just couldn’t find them,” I said over my shoulder as I went back out front toward the checkout counter. I took the opportunity to get a better look at him from a distance as he looked around the shelves. He had dark brown hair that looked like it had been carefully crafted into a messy style, sticking out in all directions. He was wearing a gray and black zebra print sweater with dark cargo pants and lace up boots. I could see the glint of a small silver hoop in his left ear lobe and a couple of large rings on his left hand. He definitely had some interesting style choices.

After I found the forms, I made my way back over to him. As I approached, he nearly dropped the wolf figure incense burner he had been inspecting, before quickly sitting it back on the shelf and patting the top of it for good measure. He quickly turned to face me with a crooked grin on his face as he squeezed his hands together. 

“So, you said she wants a Pegasus sculpture, right?” I asked, scribbling notes on the order form. 

He nodded, “Yes, but not a white one. She was pissed that they’re always white.”

I quirked an eyebrow in his direction, waiting for him to clarify.

“She said she wants a dark one… I guess maybe black? I think flat black is boring though… maybe you could add undertones of purple and blue? Sort of like a Raven’s feathers… but also make it pretty.” 

“Pretty?” I raised both brows at him this time, unsure of what he meant. 

“She’s thirteen, do with that what you will,” he added, shrugging at his explanation. 

I nodded, figuring that probably meant a long flowing mane and some girly teenage flare. 

“How big would you like this to be…height wise?” I was still scribbling notes as I waited for him to respond.

“What’s the biggest you make?” 

I paused, that wasn’t a normal question. It was usually ‘how small can you make them’ because of the cost. I looked up at him, gauging his reaction, “Twelve inches…those are pricey though.” 

“Oh, I don’t care about that…it cost what it cost. Also…I noticed you have crystals. Do you think you could add some in around the base? That would be cool, right?” 

He briefly looked excited by the idea, but then he pinched his brows together in question, suddenly unsure of himself again. 

“Yeah, that actually would be. I’ve never thought of doing that…” 

I was surprised by his suggestion as I watched his lopsided grin return. He suddenly looked like a big fluffy dog who was excited about being called a ‘good boy’. His brown eyes further added to the illusion by sparkling brightly and crinkling at the corners. I was momentarily transfixed by him, before snapping back to reality. 

I cleared my throat before looking down to scribble a couple more notes on the order form as I spoke up. 

“So, I’ll do a mockup drawing for your approval. I’ll also pull some paint samples and crystals for you to look over. I have some new iridescent paint shades that I haven’t used yet that I think will look really neat on this piece.” 

When I looked back up, he was intently staring at me with wide eyes. Once he realized I was done speaking, he nodded enthusiastically with a small smile on his face. He had odd mannerisms, but there was something almost endearing behind them. 

“Hey, I noticed the tarot reading sign...I’ve never done that before, is that something you do…personally?” 

Heidi suddenly appeared at my side, “Yes, she does do them, and she is excellent at it. Would you like a reading? I can go grab the deck for you…” She glanced toward me, widening her eyes and raising her brows, silently telling me to do it as she nudged me toward the small bistro table where we did the readings.

“That’s…I would love that.” His lopsided grin returned as he closed his hands into fists at his sides, almost vibrating from excitement. He seemed to radiate a childlike energy that was kind of infectious. I couldn’t help but to smile over his enthusiasm. 

“Yeah, just have a seat. Is there something specific you need guidance on or want to ask the cards?” I questioned as I sat down across from him, moving the decorative crystal ball out of the way to make space for the spread. 

He seemed to be momentarily distracted by the decoration as I pushed it out of the way, “It’s not real. I think it’s just a glass paperweight actually…” 

He chuckled, reaching to run his hand over the wooden stand holding the ball, “I was just admiring the detail in the base. I love elephants.”

I gave him a small smile as he met my gaze, “I do too. That’s why I got it.” 

Heidi reappeared at my side with the deck and gently set it in front of me. I picked it up, taping three times before shuffling.

“So, what would you like to know about?” I asked him. 

“I’m not sure…I didn’t know I would be doing this. What do people typically ask about?” He scratched at his chin, seeming unsure of himself again. 

“Oh, you know…jobs, money, major life decisions…” I replied.

Heidi cut in, “Or relationships…love.” I narrowed my eyes at her, and she gave the both of us a beaming smile in response. 

The man laughed, “My love life is a disaster. It seems I keep going after the wrong kind of people. I’ve kind of given up on all that.” 

He glanced over at me, but quickly diverted his eyes to look down at his hands on the table. 

Heidi’s eyes lit up and her smile grew impossibly wider, “You know…you could do the three card spread for him. To see what characteristics his ideal partner would have.” 

I furrowed my brows at her. What the hell was she up to? 

“You know…the one I did earlier this morning.” She gave me a pointed look. 

“That might be interesting to know,” the man said in a low voice. “Yeah, let’s do that. Maybe it’ll change my life,” he chuckled as he relaxed back into his seat. 

I gave him a tight lipped smile as butterflies formed in the pit of my stomach. I shuffled the deck a few more times for good measure just to make sure Heidi wasn’t up to some funny business. 

“Ok. Let’s get started then…” 

The handsome stranger raised his brows and leaned forward in his seat to get a better look at what I was doing. His energy shifted to something more serious and intense as he awaited the outcome. I pulled the 3 cards, leaving them face down to add a little dramatic effect. When I flipped the first card, my breath nearly caught in my throat. It was the Knight of Wands. I suddenly felt Heidi’s hand resting firmly in my shoulder. She didn't have to say anything for me to know what she was thinking. My eyes shifted upward to meet his. He seemed to sense my hesitation as a concerned look formed on his face. 

“This card represents you and who you are as a person. Is your star sign a Leo?” I didn’t know that for sure, but my gut said it was. 

His mouth hung open slightly, “Yeah…how - how did you know that?” 

I smirked at him, “This card represents someone who is either a Leo, Aries, or Sagittarius. My gut said Leo.” 

“I’m an Aries moon,” he added as the corner of his mouth lifted. 

Heidi interjected, “Ooooh, doubling down on that fire energy…nice.” 

She winked at me, then they both laughed as I shot her a dirty look before continuing, “The Knight of Swords tells me you're adventurous, but not in a typical or expected sort of way. You tend to be passionate and creative about your endeavors and full of confidence and enthusiasm. Your charismatic energy often attracts people to you...You can be a little impulsive with your choices, so it might be a good idea to slow down and think through things every once in a while.” 

He was listening attentively, now leaning forward with his elbow on the table, “That is freakishly accurate, and I humbly accept that advice.” 

I gave him a half smile as I moved to flip the second card, “This card represents your ideal partner…” I paused, looking down at the card in shock. It was the Queen of Cups. There was no way this was actually happening. What were the odds?

I glanced up at Heidi, who was covering her mouth with her hand, her eyes round. She was just as shocked as I was. The stranger glanced between us with a perplexed look. I cleared my throat before speaking again, “The Queen of Cups represents the star signs Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio…. the water signs. This person would balance out your fire energy and bring emotional stability and compassion to the relationship. They would be very in tune with your feelings…an excellent communicator. They’ll probably have a creative side that you would strongly connect with. They would also be very intuitive when it comes to making decisions, which could help balance out your impulsive habits.” 

The man exhaled slowly, “Wow. That’s…that is life changing. I’ve clearly been going for the wrong type,” he chuckled in astonishment. 

I was still reeling from the cards, almost afraid to flip the third. I felt a little lightheaded and had a chill creeping up my spine. I forced a smile before reaching for the last card. It was the Lovers. Heidi let out a low, “Holy shit,” as she took in the spread. 

“What’s wrong, is that a bad card?” The man asked with a worried tone. 

Heidi chuckled before walking toward the beaded curtain, shaking her head as she went, quickly disappearing to the back. I let out a nervous laugh, meeting his gaze before responding, “No, it’s…not a bad card. It’s ideal actually. It represents the overall energy of the relationship…long term. It shows a meaningful and honest connection between partners. Like a soulmate type situation…an intense emotional and sexual connection. A strong harmonious bond, two opposites that make a whole.” 

The tension left his body as he sunk back into his seat, considering my words. “That’s…a lot to take in. I didn’t think there was potential for something like that…for me.” 

His brows pinched together as he studied me, the gears in his head working to make sense of it all. 

“Can the cards tell me when I’ll meet this person…or what I need to do to find them?” 

He seemed almost desperate now. Like he finally had the answers to something that had plagued him for an eternity and needed to act on it at once. 

“I mean, they don’t give specifics, obviously…but we can see what they have to say. I’ll pull one more and see what we get.” 

I reached for the deck to pull one additional card. When I flipped it in my hand, I paused briefly, feeling another wave of goosebumps breakout across my body. It was the Fool. I inhaled deeply, tilting my head to the side as my eyes met with his beautiful brown ones. They were rounded with anticipation. I set the card down, face up. 

“I’m not really sure how to interpret this. The fool isn’t necessarily associated with time…it usually means new beginnings or a new journey. An unexpected opportunity you should immediately take the chance on when it’s presented. So maybe you’ve already met the person and you just need to take the leap to give it a try? Or maybe it could happen at any time at an unexpected moment?” 

I could feel my heart rate picking up again…I was feeling something, but what, I was unsure. The man chewed on his plump bottom lip as he studied me, digesting my words. He raised his brows, “Well that certainly gives me something to think about.” 

I gave him a small smile, “Indeed. That’s…a lot to process,” for the both of us…

Our eyes locked for a moment, before I shook my head to clear it and looked away. 

“Umm so, your order…” I reached for the clipboard I had set to the side. “I need you to fill in this top part with your contact information. I’ll shoot you a text once I have the mock up ready so you can come in to look at it and the samples for approval.” 

When I met his eyes again, there was something different about his expression. I felt like he was looking into my soul. It also made me clench my thighs together, that familiar ache forming in my core. My breath hitched slightly, before I moved to hand him the form. He gave me a smirk before glancing down to fill in his information, almost like he could sense the effect he just had on me. 

While he scribbled on the form, I stood and collected the cards from the table and took them to sit on the counter. When I turned back around, he was there in front of me with that goofy crooked grin of his. He held up the clipboard to hand over to me. As I took it, he cleared his throat to speak.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I got your name…in case I have questions or…” he started wringing his hands together. He seemed nervous to ask. 

“It’s Amina, or just Mina is fine too. Let me grab a business card for you.” I couldn’t help the wide smile that spread across my face as I turned to pull a card from beside the register and handed it to him. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard that name before…It’s beautiful. It…suits you.” I could fill my face flush as he looked down at the card, biting his lip, and scratching at the back of his neck. Was he flirting with me? I wasn’t sure, but I felt like he was.

I smiled shyly, “Thank you.” 

His eyes widened as he looked back up at me, “Oh, I’m Dieter.” He hesitantly reached out to shake my hand. As soon as our skin touched, I felt the warmth of him spread throughout my body, igniting something deep inside. His large hand engulfed mine as we held onto each other a beat too long. Once we realized the awkwardness of it, we both chuckled and dropped each other's hands. 

“Ugh, well I have a thing for work, so I need to go…but I guess we’ll talk soon…and I wanna check the shop out properly too. It seems right up my alley. What do I owe you for the reading?”

“Oh, nothing.” I turned to point toward the tarot reading sign, “The first one’s free. That’s how I get you hooked.” I bit my bottom lip as I winked at him. What the hell was I doing? It seemed to momentarily take him off guard, but it didn’t take long for his grin to return. 

“Well, you most certainly did that.” He snickered as his tongue darted out to lick his bottom lip. I probably focused on his mouth more than I should have. I hoped he didn’t notice. “I’ll see you soon. Have a good evening,” he said with a hand flourish, before turning on his heel and exiting the shop.   

I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding as Heidi busted through the beaded curtain from the back. “What the hell just happened? Did that really happen? That’s not normal…right?”  

I rubbed at my forehead, stiffly shaking my head from side to side. 

“No, I don’t think that’s normal…that was really fucking weird.” 

Heidi reached down and grabbed the clipboard from my hand and started looking over the attached form. 

“Oh shit.” Her eyes widened as she looked up at me. 

My head snapped up to meet her gaze, “What?” 

“I thought he looked familiar. That was Dieter fucking Bravo,” she said excitedly. 

I shrugged, “I don’t know who that is…”

“The actor...” 

I stared at her blankly, “You know I don’t watch a lot of movies…”  

“Jeez Louise, never mind. I think he was into you though.”

I rolled my eyes, “Don’t start with that. He’s a customer. No.” 

She gave me a sarcastic look, “The cards disagree.” “That had to be a coincidence. Maybe I just didn’t shuffle them well enough or something.” 

That had to be what it was, right?

Next

[dilemmaontwolegs]

Running from the Flames {2}

Pairing: Pierre Gasly x OFC Summary: Brianna Vowles grew up on the paddock. It was what filled every weekend. There were endless trips around the globe with her father and Uncle Otmar in Formula One, until she went to college. Suddenly her life revolved around studying and boys, one of whom wasn't as nice as he had appeared. Five long years later, with a hiatus in between, she graduated with her engineering degree and had decided to use her VIP pass to see if life in the fast lane had changed. Warnings: 18+ only, domestic violence survivor, lots of drama and fluff, this is a work of fiction and the events are not based on reality. Chapter: One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || under construction

The moment Adelaide was asleep I opened my laptop and fired an email through to my psychologist. Considering how much she had earned from my family over the years, I wasn’t surprised to see a link for a zoom call come through within ten minutes. Ever since I escaped Erik’s clutches Dr Shirley Pascoe had been there to help me take back my control and unravel the tangled thoughts in my head so I could be the mother that Adelaide deserved. She was an innocent child and I would not hold her accountable for her father’s actions, even when it was hard. 

The zoom call connected and Dr Pascoe’s face appeared with the monotone grey walls of her office filling the background. I knew Addie wouldn’t be asleep for too long and didn’t want to waste the time we had on pleasantries so cut right to the chase. 

“I met someone today,” I started vaguely, feeling as if I were confessing to a priest and not my therapist. “He was nice and friendly but I completely froze up when he touched my knee.”

Shirley waited for me to continue or maybe the internet froze for a moment but finally she spoke with that irksome serene tone she had perfected. “And how were you feeling before he touched you? Was it a welcomed touch?”

“I…was comfortable.”

“That’s good, what about when he touched your knee?”

“It made me feel something I didn’t expect, something I haven’t felt since Erik - that’s when I kind of freaked out.”

Shirley wrote on her notepad like she did when I saw her in person, her grey bob cut swaying with the cursive writing. “Why do you think that is?”

“I don’t know,” I huffed and picked at my freshing painted nails before sighing as she waited for the truth. “I felt like I could trust him, talk to him, you know? But I thought I could trust Erik too. What if I’m making another mistake or just have terrible instincts with men?”

“Your instincts saved your life,” she reminded me as she closed the notebook. “Unfortunately in life we all make mistakes, some not as insignificant as others, but we still learn from them. We have spent almost three years building tools to cope with the trauma you survived but a fundamental step is to trust in yourself and the work you have put in to get you to this point. Ask yourself this, would your day have been better or worse if you didn’t interact with this man?”

I frowned at the question thinking it was so obvious that of course it was better having talked to Pierre. He had made me smile, and Addie too. I even liked the warmth of his hand before my flight mode was triggered.

Then I realised that if I applied that question to other men I had spoken to in the last two years that answer did not have the same result. The surprise must have shown on my face because Shirley chuckled. “This progress is good, Brianna. I would like to schedule you in for an appointment when you come home and I would like an update on what you did with this realisation.”

I was still a little stunned but managed to agree to a time and date that I would be back in London and closed the laptop lid. A vibration in my pocket had me pulling out my phone and I opened it to find an unsaved number had texted me. My immediate reaction was to delete the message thinking it was spam but when I saw it had my name I opened it.

From Unknown: Hey Brianna, it’s Pierre. I just wanted to thank you for the Bonjela, you were right, it does work miracles.

To Pierre: Glad it helped. I can’t have the star of my favourite team worrying about anything except the car during the big race.

From Pierre: I’m also sorry if I made you uncomfortable earlier, it was not my intention. You think I’m the star? 

To Pierre: I’ve seen your stats, Gasly. Otmar may not play favourites with his drivers but the stats don’t lie. 

To Pierre: And I should be the one apologising. You didn’t make me uncomfortable, I'm just skittish. It wasn’t your fault. 

From Pierre: My offer still stands if you want to talk.

I stared at the message and chewed on my bottom lip. My stomach was in knots and felt giddy from just a few texts, my thumbs shook as they hovered over the buttons waiting for the response to be typed. This was the step Dr Pascoe was talking about, trust in myself and my instinct. Instinct told me Pierre was a genuinely nice person and Uncle Otmar only signed respectable, loyal people to his team knowing having a good heart was worth more than just talent alone. 

Pierre had a good heart.

To Pierre: I’d like that.

The phone rang and I rushed to answer it before the ringtone woke Addie. “That was quick,” I said quietly, covering the microphone so my voice didn’t carry into the bedroom. “I didn’t realise you were so interested in hearing my drama.”

His soft laugh in my ear was relaxing and if I closed my eyes it felt like he was right beside me on the couch. “I didn’t want to give you time to change your mind. Have you?”

“Not yet,” I half joked.

“If you do, we can talk about the weather instead.”

“That would be a very boring conversation.”

“I don’t mind, I just like hearing your voice.”

In my head I could see the smile that he was talking through and my own curled up in response. “You are a charming man, Pierre Gasly.”

“Does that mean you’ll say yes if I ask to drive you to dinner tonight?” 

“Come and ask me yourself,” I dared, my heart threatening to beat out of my chest. “Room 626, the Hermitage.”

“Already on my way.” 

I heard the phone shifting and what sounded like keys rattling before an engine roared to life and the hand holding my phone began to tremble in anticipation. “Dinner’s not for another two hours.”

“Then there is plenty of time to talk and get to know each other.”

“You might not want to take me to dinner by then, I mean, drive us to dinner, the team dinner.” I wanted to slap myself as I bumbled almost incoherently but Pierre just laughed.

“Sounds like another dare to me, and I love a challenge.”

It was my turn to laugh and the tension began to ease. “I have my own challenge now because I thought I had hours to get ready.”

I knew it wasn’t far from the paddock to the hotel but I was still surprised when only minutes later there was a knock on my door and I struggled to zip the back of my cocktail dress all the way to the top. Holding it tight over my breasts, I hid behind the door as I cracked it open and spun around the second Pierre was inside. “Can you please do me up?”

He brushed my long dark hair over my shoulder and goosebumps rose where his fingers touched my skin as he closed the zip. 

“Thank you,” I said as I turned to face him. “I was too rushed to think about that when I grabbed it from the closet.”

“You look beautiful.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the tube of Bonjela but I closed his fingers back around it, still recovering from his compliment.

“Keep it, I have more in Addie’s bag.” He immediately started looking for her and appeared a little disappointed that she wasn’t around until I told him she was still napping. “Help yourself if you want a drink,” I offered as we passed the fully stocked wet bar, grabbing a bottle of water for myself before taking a seat on the outdoor couch that overlooked the race track in the road below. 

He took a seat beside me with a water of his own and his eyes followed the curve of the track as if he could see himself taking each of the turns. 

“This was the room dad always rented when I was a kid,” I broke the comfortable silence. “We would sit out here after practice sessions and he would tell me about each turn, how sharp the angle was, and how best to take them. I guess I’ll have to make a tradition of it when Addie gets older.”

“Tell me about that one,” he said as he leaned in and pointed towards the closest turn to the hotel, turn three.

“Massenet is best to be left-of-centre. It gives the best rotation going into it but most drivers take a bit of extra road preferring to see around the corner but if you trust the mass delay you can shave some time off and take it blindly.” The words were ingrained in my memory and it was surprisingly easy to recite the details you had heard dozens of times over the years. 

“Wow, I am impressed,” Pierre admitted wholeheartedly as he placed his hand over his chest. “You could be an engineer with information like that. Karel better watch out.”

“I am an engineer, just not that type. I just graduated last month as a mechanical engineer.”

Pierre grinned and nudged his shoulder into mine. “You are amazing. Doing that and raising a child, it’s unbelievable.”

I looked down at my water bottle, nervously picking at the label as my cheeks heated. “I finished two years behind my class.” 

“So? It’s just like out there.” He nodded his head to the paddock and the stands. “When something happens to the car you can either choose to retire it or try for plan b and push hard to finish the race. No one wants a DNF.”

A swell of emotion choked me as he pinned me with those gorgeous green eyes and the intensity of them showed me how much he believed his words. “Thank you,” I managed to say through the lump in my throat and I reached for his hand to give it a small squeeze when words failed me. 

I had done it. I had chosen to initiate the touch, something I hadn’t been able to do in years. It had been something reserved for the people I considered family and trusted with my life. But with Pierre there had been an indescribable connection the moment he had looked at me and I wasn’t going to deny myself the opportunity to explore where it could go.

I hadn’t realised how much I had missed it until he turned his hand over and my fingers drifted between his. “Is this alright?” he asked as his thumb drew small circles over my skin.

The spike of adrenaline began to fade and I nodded as it passed along with the fleeting feeling to take flight. I even went so far as to tuck my legs up under me and lean into his side, craving the warmth that came with being closer to him.

My head came to rest on his shoulder and we started out across the city that was the heart of Formula One. “This wasn’t what I had planned this weekend.”

Pierre agreed with a quiet reply, “I was supposed to be concentrating on the race.”

“You should still be concentrating on the race,” I pointed out, tilting my head back so I could check he was listening. 

“I was until you walked into the garage and took my breath away.” 

He ran his tongue across his lips as he stared at mine and I was equally torn between wishing he would kiss me and hoping he wouldn’t so I could have a moment to think clearly. He was consuming my thoughts too fast for me to even process them but he seemed to see that and broke away from the intense moment we shared. 

My hand tightened in his and he glanced down at our entwined fingers as I decided to share a little more, hoping he would understand my reluctance. “Addie’s father wasn’t a nice man.” 

I took a few deep breaths as I prepared myself to share details for the first time since the news had broken to the world what I had been subjected to. My eyes were fixed on the track and I didn’t dare look away from the familiar turns and straights as I recalled it all with a sense of detachment that kept me from reliving it. 

If my father wasn’t so high up in the FIA I would have just been another domestic violence survivor, but because of his position my situation had become a news bulletin. I became a recluse for months in the wake of the story, hiding from the world until they forgot about me. Just when I thought I was healing from the fractured bones and broken heart I found out I was pregnant. 

“I have spent the last two years completely focused on Addie and finishing my degree so I can finally leave London and move on with my life.” I had forgotten our hands were still joined until he lifted them to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the top of mine. “I don’t know what this is or where it’s going but I want to get to know you, Pierre.”

“Me too,” he said with a reassuring smile. “We can take it slow, I’m a patient man.”

Click here for chapter three.

[draculesmihawk]

eyes like sinking ships on waters (i almost jump in)

Pairing: Dracule Mihawk x OFC

Summary: He’s a stranger. She’s an unusual assignment. He may be everything she’s looking for, but she’s a presence that grows more intriguing – and infuriating – by the moment.

CHAPTER SEVEN: the moment i knew

[AO3]

“I’m choosing to trust you, Warlord.”

Her words ran circles around his mind, lit up even the darkest corners of there. It was not a secret that Shanks openly kept Aurelia under he and his crew’s protection. He had made it known that -- should she choose to -- he would have space for her on his crew, allowing her to sail the seas with them. Mihawk made his own intentions known when it came to Aurelia. He had been vocal with Shanks about the idea of Aurelia setting sail with him. He had also moved with purpose when it came to showing Aurelia the depth of his attraction to her. While he had yet to speak it into the universe, Mihawk knew he could not complete the Vice Admiral’s request to bring her in. It was Aurelia’s power. Her ability to draw such loyalty and affection from all she encountered. 

Such a warmth had even managed to penetrate Mihawk’s ice cold exterior. 

Dracule Mihawk stood at the beach, precariously close to the foreshore. Golden eyes watched the waves in the early morning hours. The sun had yet to break. Wouldn’t threaten to cross the horizon for hours. Despite the island being the picture of perfection, Mihawk had spent the night turning restlessly. His mind was swimming with thoughts and the waves of those thoughts threatened to pull him under.

He had been alone for far too long. So much so that he couldn’t recall the days that came before his solitude. Now all he could remember were the days after meeting Aurelia. It had been an impossibly long time since Mihawk had felt that kind of trust. Since he felt the need to take care of such a gift. To be near her. The feelings he found himself having towards her had caught him off guard. However, once they were there, those emotions seemed to dig deep within him and find a home there. Whether they were at each other’s necks or in the throes of desire, Mihawk knew without a shadow of doubt that what he felt for Aurelia was different than anything he had ever felt before. That knowledge equally emboldened and terrified him.

“It’s early.”

Aurelia’s voice was barely above a whisper behind him. Just enough to break over the sound of the ocean waves as they softly crashed along the shore. Mihawk’s eyes shifted from the water to the woman who slowly stepped into place beside him. Her face was still touched with tiredness as she looked out at the horizon. A sign that she had sought him out immediately after rousing from sleep. She wore the shirt he had given to her. While the shirt would have fit him, the fabric draped over her body more like a dress. 

“You should go back to bed, little dove,” Mihawk softly instructed.

Mihawk felt small, warm fingers reach out and brush lightly against the back of his hand. 

“I was going to say the same to you.”

A slow smile touched Aurelia’s lips as she felt Mihawk’s hand turn. His palm to hers, fingertips grazing against her own before he took her hand into his. Mihawk watched her take in the sight of the water before her eyes finally turned to lock onto his. Mihawk felt her free hand reach up, take hold of the collar to his leather coat. Her expression was dreamy and warm. As warm as the feelings that seemed to spread inside of him at the sight of her. He felt the fingers clutching his coat tug lightly, urging him to lean in. He did. No other option even registered in his mind. No other choice would have sufficed. His free hand moved to cup her cheek, thumb faintly grazing along her bottom lip as his lips sought hers out. No doubt or hesitation in his movements as their lips met. 

They kissed in the quiet of the beach with only the sound of the ocean around them. She melted against him, her smaller frame leaning completely into him as he kissed her breathless. He could commit the moment to memory, replay it each night, and still it would not be enough. Nothing would be enough ever again. Not unless he had her. Beside him, before him, beneath him… He’d take whatever he could get. That was not an easy confession for a man of Dracule Mihawk’s standing and reputation, but it was one he would give without fail if it meant securing the woman currently in his arms.

Mihawk’s hand remained in hers as they broke apart, fingers lightly squeezing as he began to move from their spot on the beach. Aurelia followed behind him, eyes casting a glance back towards camp as they moved further and further from it. A thrill shot through her body at the possibilities of the unknown.

“Where are we going?” she asked, feet quickening their pace to keep with Mihawk’s.

“We’re going to bed.”

“Camp is in the other direction.”

“I don’t recall saying the bed would be yours.”

Aurelia watched as Mihawk led them just beyond the sight of camp, tucked away behind the island’s mountains and trees. It was there that she saw it. A… boat ? It was a boat. At least that was what Aurelia assumed. It looked more like a coffin than a sea vessel. The mast at the center looked remarkably similar to the obscenely large sword Mihawk constantly had with him. Much like the man who owned it, the ship and sail was painted black. The only pop of color came from the details along the side of the craft and the wood that seemed to only form a single seat just off from the mast. She eyed the craft as Mihawk guided them closer.

“I cannot possibly get onto that…” 

Water coffin.

Floating deathtrap.

“Vessel,” Aurelia chose her words wisely, “It barely looks like I could hold one man, much less two peop-- hey!”

Aurelia yelped loudly as she found herself standing by the water near the ship one moment, then swept up in Mihawk’s arms the next. He had thrown her over his shoulder with ease, like she was a bag of rice and not a fully grown woman. His hand anchored her, resting just above the back of Aurelia’s knee. He had the decency to smooth over the fabric she wore, preserving what little decency she had for a woman being carried in such a way by a man. The sounds of indignation that came from her fell on deaf ears as Mihawk neared the boat. True, the carrier usually only ever was used by himself. However, he knew how much his vessel could carry. Aurelia’s addition would affect the craft very little when it came to taking on water. 

“Unhand me now,” Aurelia squirmed, feeling Mihawk hike her higher onto his shoulder as a result.

Aurelia threw her head back, brushing her hair from her eyes as she looked around. They were on the boat already. Mihawk took a step to his side and dangled her over the side of his boat, right above the cold water. His voice -- even when presented with his usual monotone delivery -- dripped with playfulness. 

“Are you certain, darling?”

“Mihawk…” 

She spoke his name with the utmost exasperation. However, Mihawk could practically hear the smile on her lips as she said it. It was all the more amusing to the pirate who held her in his arms. He loosened his grip on her legs, easing her feet slowly onto the wooden deck beneath them. Would this have been the dynamic if he had succeeded in catching her those few weeks ago? He doubted it. She was quite sure of herself back then. She was all the more sure of herself now, especially while under Shanks’s protection. What she didn’t possess back then was affection towards him. Mihawk was quite sure that had changed now. 

Mihawk watched as Aurelia set her hands upon her hips, eyes taking a slow look around them. Typically whenever he came across another pirate at sea there was a lot of screaming and fighting and -- for the other party -- dying. The dying part in particular made it difficult for those he came across to have the opportunity to comment on his mode of transportation. The act itself was innocent, but the fact that it was Aurelia building an opinion on his boat had Mihawk shifting uncomfortably in the silence. He had never had another with him before. Now he was debating the logistics of two people spending hours at sea on a vessel with such limited space. Whatever her thoughts were on the boat, Aurelia seemed to keep them to herself. Instead of speaking, she took the small steps towards the throne-like seat at the center of the boat. She sat down daintily at the edge of the bench, legs crossing at the ankles.

“Somehow it doesn’t surprise me that you possess a boat that is only big enough for yourself.”

Aurelia watched with interest as Mihawk retrieved the sword that was latched to the back of his coat, expertly securing the massive weapon within the wooden backrest behind her. The giant blade lined up perfectly with the boat’s mast. While the move had allowed him to take a seat beside her, Aurelia watched as Mihawk brought the heel of his boot to one of the wooden planks of the deck by their feet. The piece of wood came loose, lifting at the other end, allowing Mihawk to lean it up against the arm rests that flanked the bench. Curious eyes watched as Mihawk bent down to reach into the now open space, retrieving a small item from beneath the deck. Mihawk moved towards one of the two candles that were placed on the edge of the boat. It was then that she saw the fire striker in his hand. Flint and steel. There was a comfortable silence that sat between them as she watched him work. He lit the candles on the ship, illuminated the area in a brilliant green glow. Mihawk moved the short distance, returning the items back into their rightful spot below deck. 

“Clever,” Aurelia confessed, as Mihawk bent down to secure the plank back into place. 

“You didn’t think I sailed with the clothes on my back and nothing else, did you?”

“I imagine those who came across you at sea believed as much,” she told him, “The idea that you could travel such distances with nothing but your sword would have your enemies quaking in their boots.”

“It does.”

“I bet a single, withering look from you inspires fear in the hearts of even the bravest souls.”

Aurelia had seen as much. Weeks ago. The group that had planned to collect her bounty. The ones Aurelia had left behind with Mihawk when she had the opportunity to flee. Men who no doubt met a much worse fate. Mihawk rose from his spot, took a few short steps in Aurelia’s direction. She watched Mihawk move down --  lower and lower -- until he came to rest on a knee before her. Gold eyes met her own. They locked on and rooted her in place with his gaze. He watched as she lifted her chin defiantly, returned his look with one of her own.

“You don’t scare me though, Dracule Mihawk.”

Too brave for her own good.

She had been brave the moment they met. All but goading him into allowing her a chance to evade capture. She had only grown braver under Shanks’s protection. How much braver would she become once she knew the sheer strength that came from being associated with him? 

“Perhaps not,” Mihawk confessed, “But the lengths I would go to keep you at my side should, little dove.”

Mihawk brought a hand up to touch the side of her face. His thumb grazed the swell of her cheek softly, fingers trailing along her jaw. He felt her breath quicken and catch as he ran the pad of his thumb along the bottom of her lip.

“You slipped from my hands once,” he continued, “I've no intention of letting you go again. Not to Shanks, not to those who hired me. No one.”

Aurelia was certain he could feel her heart race as his hand traveled down, brushed along the pulse in her neck before dropping down to take her hands into his own. He leaned in, lips ghosting over her own. The faint purr in his voice stirred something deep within the pit of her stomach.

“I could steal you away,” he told her, voice low as he spoke, “Sail away from this place. No man or bounty would be able to stop me. I could bring you to another island. There's a castle there. A bit dim and cold, but you would leave your touch everywhere. Make it your own. Make it warm, like you.”

Her breath caught at the words. The weight of them. The man who spoke them to her. Dracule Mihawk was a formidable pirate. His reputation seemed to travel across the different seas. Aurelia had seen with her own eye the absolute force of a man he was when it came to those he deemed his enemies. Would he be just as much of a force for someone he considered an ally? Someone he considered more than that? This pirate -- this man -- who sails a boat fit for one, who seemed to embrace a solitary lifestyle? She wanted to believe it wasn’t possible. Needed it to be so. It was impossible to ignore the obvious though. It sat between them in the quiet. In the way his eyes followed her. In the words on his lips. In the way he touched her.

“You’re shaking.”

Two words. Barely spoken above a whisper. Yet they snapped Aurelia to attention. Mihawk felt her fingers flex faintly before she pulled them away completely. 

“Must be the breeze from the sea,” she said, a faint tremor in her voice.

“I’ll escort you back to camp,” he quickly replied, with a dutiful nod.

The hand that Aurelia had pulled away just as quickly reached out to stop Mihawk, who had only just begun to move. Fingers reached and curved around the cuff of his sleeve, her eyes locking onto his. Anchored him into place. Mihawk knew there was no moving. Even if he tried, one glimpse from her and he would remain where she pleased.

“I don’t want to go back to camp,” she told him. The words were spoken quietly, traveling only the short distance between them. “I wish to remain here for the night.”

Mihawk blinked.

Blinked again.

“Here?”

Aurelia shrugged a shoulder in reply.

“Are you certain?” he asked her.

“The thought of staying in your company holds new meaning now,” she told him. 

Mihawk could feel the warmth now. It was in her gaze as she looked at him, in the softness of her smile.

“Being in your company feels… perfectly tolerable.”

She continued to smile despite the unamused look in his eye. It was impossible not to catch the way Mihawk’s hands moved to rest on the seat. A hand on either side of her, caging her in between them. He leaned in slightly. Though it felt like danger sizzled in the air between them, Aurelia knew she was probably the safest she ever could be.

“Tolerable, you say?” he deadpanned.

Aurelia feigned reconsidering her words.

“Somewhat enjoyable?” she offered.

Golden eyes narrowed.

“Try again, little dove.”

Little dove.

Aurelia found more and more that she enjoyed the nickname he had for her. It was because of that she dropped all pretense, opting for a little less humor and a little more honesty. She scooted forward, sitting herself on the edge of the seat and closing in what little distance she had shared with the pirate. She brought her hands up to his face, her eyes following her fingers as they trailed along Mihawk’s jaw. Fingertips brushed along the neatly trimmed beard, down the sides of his neck.

“I never thought myself someone who could be content with life in a castle,” she confessed, “Being stuck in one place, surrounded by giant stone walls…”

Her hands ran over the leather of his coat lapels, dipped beneath the sturdy fabric. Her hands met skin. Came to rest against his bare chest. Mihawk’s expression -- no surprise there -- remained stoic. However, the power in his gaze and the heat that they held could not be mistaken.

“Perhaps my issue did not lay in the where, but rather with whom.”

Something ebbed and flowed between them. A maddening attraction. A powerful pull, like unrelenting ocean waves. They had no choice but to let the waves claim them. Aurelia could feel her heartbeat pick up pace. The thumping in her chest only pounding more as she felt Mihawk’s hands settle on her waist. His fingers glided over the soft shirt, feeling the heat of her skin through the fabric. 

“You spoke of stealing me away," Aurelia softly said, "But you cannot steal what is given to you freely.”

Mihawk watched as a smile warmed Aurelia’s lips. Her whole being seemed to relax under that realization. The sight of her completely at ease in his presence brought a nearly painful sort of pleasure to him. In that moment, with her hands on his chest and his fingertips gripping her hips, Mihawk would do just about anything to have this. To have her . For however long he could.

“We can leave now,” Mihawk told her, pushing himself up to his feet.

“It’s the middle of the night,” Aurelia laughed, rising from her seat to follow after Mihawk.

“There’s a restaurant a day’s trip from here,” he continued. Aurelia reached out to stop him before he could commit to setting sail. “No island or town. Just a restaurant at sea. You’d adore it.”

“I’ve no doubt,” she told him, planting herself firmly in front of him, “Just as I’ve no doubt I’ll enjoy it after a night’s rest.”

Aurelia tugged Mihawk back to the lone bench on the boat. He allowed her to ease him onto the seat, albeit reluctantly. Mihawk shifted on the bench, getting comfortable before he reached for Aurelia. His fingers met hers, drew her closer until she settled onto the bench beside him. His arms found their way around her waist, adjusting their bodies until she leaned her back comfortably against his side. They sat in the silence for a moment, enjoying the feel of their bodies against one another.

“I don’t want to leave without saying goodbye to Shanks,” Aurelia broke the silence with her confession, “They’ve been so kind to me during this time.”

“You were fortunate,” Mihawk replied, “That it was Shanks you came across and no other crew.”

“All the more reason to let them know where I’m going,” she said, tilting her head to send a smile up at him, “Shanks will be pleased, I think. Knowing I’ll be with someone he respects.” 

Mihawk brushed his thumb along the fabric that hung from Aurelia’s hip, lost in thought. He could feel the weight of Aurelia’s book and the contents inside. Even now, even with Aurelia in his arms, the weight was there. Growing heavier with each moment that passed. If he could get to Shanks first, then they can talk things through and surely everything else would fall into place as they went.

It was leaving.

With him.

“I’d like to speak with him first,” Mihawk carefully said, earning a faint look of confusion from the woman in his arms, “To… explain the situation to him.” 

He had tried to discuss the matter with Shanks hours before, but his friend had sensed something in his voice somehow. Knew it was a matter that couldn’t be explored in the dark of night. Shanks had convinced him to wait until morning. Now morning was nearing and it wasn’t the book Aurelia wanted to talk about once it came.

“He’ll be concerned,” he continued, “He won’t let you go without knowing you’re safe. I’ll need to assure him that my intentions are pure.”

Aurelia pressed her cheek against Mihawk’s chest in an attempt to stifle the faint laugh that threatened to bubble.

“Are you laughing at me?”

Despite the way she shook her head, Mihawk felt Aurelia’s body shaking from suppressed laughter.

“In a good way,” she confessed, “I promise.”

Aurelia took hold of Mihawk’s hand, bringing his fingers to her lips. 

A soft kiss.

A reassurance. 

“I think it's very sweet you wish to speak with Shanks. I’ll let you both talk things through come morning. It will give me the chance to break the news to the others before we leave.”

We.

“First thing in the morning.”

She had yawned out the words, snuggled into Mihawk’s body as she did. Mihawk fought against his own yawn, against the tiredness he had been fighting off. He let his head tip back, eyes closing as he tucked his worries towards the back of his mind for the night. He’d put this mess -- with the Vice Admiral and the bounty, as well as the book and its drawings -- to rest. Once it was all settled, he would be able to take Aurelia wherever she wanted. It was with that thought that Mihawk finally allowed sleep to claim him. 

Purururu… purururu… purururu…

Aurelia woke to a bright sun and a muted ringing. Raising her head, she caught sight of Mihawk. Eyes closed, huffs of slumber. He had to have been deep in his rest, as he didn’t stir even as she untangled herself from his arms. She scrubbed at her eyes, adjusting to the daylight as she looked around. The muted sound persisted as she stepped from wooden plank to plank. Digging the tip of her toe into the plank she had seen Mihawk maneuver, Aurelia popped loose the wood. Setting it aside, she kneeled down to reach her hand below deck. Wrapping her fingers around the object in question, she retrieved a small, vibrating case. 

An earpiece Den Den Mushi.

A ringing Den Den Mushi.

Extracting the tiny snail from the case, Aurelia tucked it into her ear as she heard the soft click of the call connecting.

“Mihawk… Mihawk, are you there?”

The voice on the other end of the line was sturdy. Older. Almost stately. Above all other traits, the voice that sought to speak to Mihawk was familiar . She had heard it before. When the Marines came to the island -- the important ones, the ones that held rank -- this voice was one of them. The man who the voice belonged to was a Vice Admiral. No doubt the one that had tasked Mihawk with his mission.

“Do you have an update on the bounty?”

Aurelia felt her heart sink. The voice in her ear. The sight of Mihawk’s sleeping form nearby. The mission that had been the driving force for everything. A bounty that Aurelia had foolishly believed he had abandoned. She had believed it. He had said as much. Mixing the words with other promises. Promises of them. Being together. She had believed it all without a second thought. It was at that moment that she realized the extent of her mistake.

It was a mistake she would not make again.

[weilongfu]

Ofc how but mention every single of of The Boys. All of your boys at once

YOU FOOL. YOU DARE TO CHALLENGE ME? LOOK UPON THIS CHART AND DESPAIR.

Gun sipped his soda and watched as Tinn fiddled with his poster tube for what was apparently a vital presentation for the both of them. His boyfriend's nerdiness had grown on him, to a near fatal degree, and Gun was wondering if he'd suddenly have a problem getting tutored by Tinn if he wore glasses during their sessions.

(Tinn did not need to know that it was bound to be a problem if Gun's recent search history was any indication.)

"Okay, okay, so we've been invited to a Party," Tinn said at last as he pulled out his rolled up poster. "Not just any party, but a Panitchayasawad Party."

"Yes," Gun said with a nod.

"Because some how, through crazy random happenstance, you have family connected to the Panitchayasawads."

"Yes."

"Which means we'll be exposed to a host of characters."

"Well, P'Can says they're all pretty cool..."

Tinn narrowed his eyes and Gun put on his most innocent face. "Regardless, we're being thrown into the tiger's den and I think we should both be prepared for all the potential conversations we might have."

"You're over-thinking it," Gun said as he held out his soda cup for Tinn to take a sip. "They said to just relax and have a good time."

"Mother would never forgive me if I ruined her reputation or father's at the party, Gun."

"Who's gonna tell her? Do any of them even know your mother?"

Tinn's eyes took on a surprisingly manic glint and Gun wondered just how far a simple party invitation from a friend of a cousin had driven him. "Oh just wait." Tinn unfurled his poster and Gun's eyes immediately lost focus. "To help us today, I made a non-exhaustive map to chart how all the guests know each other..."

"Tinn... Tinn..." Gun walked over and shook his boyfriend. "This looks like a conspiracy map."

"Well I'd contemplated doing the pinboard thing with yarn and pictures for you but that would have gotten too big and bulky."

Gun blinked. "Oh."

"Anyway..." Tinn stuck the poster up and retrieved a pointer. "We start right here in the middle, with you and me."

Gun couldn't help his smile at Tinn's antics and pressed a small kiss to Tinn's cheek, making Tinn's cheeks turn pink. "Go on."

"Uhh..." Tinn blinked for a second before shaking himself. "Right, and from us, you have your cousins Ayan and Can."

"P'Can is from mom's side, P'Ayan is from dad's."

"And your cousin and my cousin are... dating."

"Who knew tackling an authoritatively oppressive and traditional private school would start a romance?"

"P'Can is dating P'Tin, no relation, and P'Tin is from the Medthanan family."

"Yeah, but P'Can doesn't like it when P'Tin uses his money. Says he's too wasteful."

"P'Tin is friends with P'Pete Pitchaya and also goes to school with P'Kluen, Dao, Mork, Pi, and Ae."

"P'Tin always says P'Pete forces him to talk to the others, but I don't buy that."

"Why?"

"P'Can says he smiles when he says it these days."

Tinn rolled his eyes. "P'Pete and P'Pi are cousins. P'Dao has an older half-brother named P'Fah who will also be attending with his boyfriend P'Prince who actually... is in the family of northern royals."

"Seven degrees of separation is real," Gun said as he traced the lines with a smile. "I'm within seven degrees of an actual Thai prince family line."

Tinn's expression went soft again and Gun pinched his cheek. "Keep going, na?"

"Ahem, right. P'Pete is actually a twin and his twin's name is P'Tutor. P'Tutor goes to school with the people in this box here..." Tinn said as he pointed to the next part of his chart.

"Look, you drew a boot around these people."

"It's not a boot... okay it looks like a boot, but that's P'Bohn's gang of friends who are in the same year as P'Fighter who is dating P'Tutor..."

"Got it, got it, got it. Friends, friends, friends."

"Not only just friends, P'Fighter and P'Bohn's families occasionally do business."

"Tinn, so many of these have families that do business... Just P'Tin's family alone does business with most of them. It's like... half of your chart."

"Regardless, don't forget to not mention webnovels around P'Zon, P'Pete and P'Tutor are identical twins that were separated at birth so be alert, P'Frong will love talking about flowers, P'Thara will love talking about his lizard-"

"Is that a euphemism?"

"No." Tinn frowned. "Where did you learn the word euphemism?"

"From you."

"Oh..." Tinn's expression turned dopey again and Gun flicked his forehead. "Um right. P'Ram likes dogs, P'King's been working on his dog phobia-"

"Did dating P'Ram help with that?"

"...I'm too scared to ask."

"Hmm... valid."

"You can definitely talk music with several of these seniors," Tinn pointed out. "P'Saifah and P'Boss are big ones in this part here. P'Sarawat up here is also good at music."

"But P'Sarawat just goes to the same school. Why is he invited?"

"P'Pete and P'Yo apparently helped P'Tine with something once and P'Sarawat owes someone in there a favor so he keeps playing music for the parties. P'Kongpob says he probably likes to do it so he doesn't have to talk to anyone."

"Why are P'Pat and P'Pran invited?"

Tinn rubbed his eyes. "P'Kongpob invited them. Something about keeping an eye on P'Pat and potentially making him head hazer one day. Also P'Pat's dad and P'Kongpob's dad were in negotiations for some kind of business deal. Maybe that went through?"

"I think P'Ayan invited P'Pran because of art lessons."

"Since when does P'Ayan draw?"

"Since he felt like it. Something about art therapy."

Tinn nodded and scanned the chart for the next section to discuss. "Oh, I forgot to mention P'Solo and P'Kao Ashira. They're also really good at music. Talk to them. P'Kao is known for being able to play any instrument at his school."

"Huh... I think you're missing lines here," Gun said as he traced lines from Tin to Win. "I could have sworn P'Can said P'Dean and P'Win are friends with P'Pete."

"No one tells me anything," Tinn grumbled as he scribbled down a note in his notebook.

"It's still a really good chart, Tinn."

"But now it's missing connections."

"Which you couldn't have known about because..." Gun scratched his head. "Hey, actually how did you get all this information?"

Tinn sighed. "They've all had a lot of stuff publicly posted on social media. And then I asked P'Akk and P'Kongpob to help fill in some gaps."

"You determined most of this from just social media?! Are you sure you want to do engineering at uni and not... data mining?"

"Engineering pays better," Tinn said with a shrug. "Even if it's an oversaturated field at this rate." Tinn then picked up his pointer again and continued. "So that's the gang at that school... Over here we have P'Prapai, Sky, Payu, and Rain. I'd say I should warn you about P'Prapai, but apparently P'Sky has him on lock. P'Tin also invited P'Payu as a favor to P'Pran since P'Payu works at a really big architecture firm."

"So this is how people get all those cool, high profile connections, huh?"

"Do you see now why I was nervous?"

"Okay, okay, you were right." Gun rubbed Tinn's back. "I'm sorry. Now keep going, you still have a whole half of the chart left."

"Uhh... let's do this easy part next." Tinn pointed down to a small section on the bottom. "Here's P'Kao Phanuwat, my tutor, and his boyfriend, P'Pete Phubodin. They go to school with P'Akk Itsara and P'Theo. P'Theo's mom also does business with P'Fighter, but don't bring it up too much since P'Theo's parents got a divorce. He almost moved to France with his mother actually."

"Didn't you say you talk to a P'Theo about books sometimes too?"

"Yep, that's this P'Theo. He's a Lit major."

"So I have to thank him for all the English vocab you've tried to teach me lately?"

"More than you can imagine." Tinn took another sip of Gun's soda and pointed to the last section. "And now the last part over here. The Wild Doctors Gang. P'Pha, Kit, and Beam have been friends since childhood and they all decided to go to the same uni and become doctors. P'Pha and P'Yo have been chasing each other since high school... P'Ming has apparently liked P'Kit since high school... P'Lom and P'Pha are cousins..."

"What's this over here?" Gun pointed at an orange line from Yo to Khai. "Mortal enemies?"

"Oh that... P'Yo says P'Khai broke his One Piece DVDs once and laughed about it. P'Yo has never forgiven him since and P'Third, P'Khai's boyfriend, is perpetually apologetic whenever they end up meeting up. Realistically, the line between P'Yo and P'Khai should be a green one since their dads do business occasionally, but uh... this is the more relevant connection."

"So if I'm reading this chart right... We both could have gotten invited to P'Yo's party several ways?"

Tinn rubbed his eyes again. "Yes."

"And we've only just gotten an invite now because?"

"Your cousins got invited and then you had to tell them we were graduating soon and now their friends want us to pick one of their schools to go to and so P'Yo decided to invite us so we could talk to them about their schools." Tinn pointed at Khai and Third again. "P'Yo says if we ever want to be invited again, we do not pick P'Khai's school."

"Do... do we want to be invited again?"

"Ask me after the party," Tinn said with a sigh as he finally slumped into a chair.

"Thank you for all your hard work," Gun said as he sat next to Tinn and ruffled his hair. "You are truly kind and considerate."

Tinn smiled. "It does feel nice to have you say that."

"I'd have said it more often if you just told me you were trying to help..."

"YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHY I COULDN'T."

"A DEBILITATING CRUSH ON ME DOES NOT COUNT."

[steele-soulmate]

Tattooed Wings, CHAPTER 572, Peter Steele & OFC, Soulmate AU

SUMMARY: Mary Claire Bradley meets her soulmate- literally- the famous Peter Steele of metal group Type O Negative. But will obstacles including trauma, stalkers, and toxic family members get in the way of their life?

WARNING: mentions of child rape (nothing graphic) PTSD, milk kink, soft smut, grinding, assault, fingering, hand jobs, blow jobs, 69, P in V sex, blood, noncon rape, violence, death, vandalism, graffiti, attempted kidnapping, break-ins, wild animal attacks, terrorist attack (sabotage) consensual impregnation, bareback, impregnation kink, creampies, terrorist attacks (shootings) hit and run pedestrian accident, precipitous labor, neonatal death, abandoned baby

WORDS: 1210

“Peter!” I called out as a beat up dark navy blue Volkswagen pulled into the driveway. “I think Jackie is here!”

It was December nineteenth, and my little sister was to arrive at the Ratajczyk household to take pictures of the family for Christmas. Adam had dropped the twins off the night before and James dropped little girl off the afternoon before. Needless to say, there wasn’t a quiet room anywhere in the house.

I opened the front door just as Jackie reached it, ushering her inside and taking her coat and scarf to hang up in the coat closet while she kicked off her shoes and stashed them into the shoe chubby by the front door.

“Hey, MC!” she greeted me, bending to give Daisy all the pets and ear scratches that the now ninety six pound dog deserved.

Primrose skidded into the room just then, barreling over to Jackie before shoving Daisy out of the way and demanding love from the kneeling woman with a chittering purr, relaxing into a limp puddle as she received all the love.

“Auntie Jack Jack!” screamed little girl, racing over towards her aunt and knocking her over in a tackling hug. This only encouraged Baby Tommy and Baby Noah to join in with the attack on one Jaquelynn Elenora Lindsey. Jackie had changed her last name shortly after our sperm doner married his gold digging bitch of a wife, not wanting to associate herself with such a disgusting, perverse pairing.

All seven of my older brothers changed their last names too- Adam and the twins adopted Anna surname before marriage, Benjimen decided on Johnson, Caleb changed his name to Julie’s last name, Daniel decided on Williams, Ephriam changed his last name to his husband’s before marriage, Frankie boy claimed Moore, and Gideon decided on Maddison as his new last name.

Sammi had long since legally changed her name to Samantha Anne Heart to fit with her “professional slut” lifestyle. I greatly disapproved of her habit of finding a good dick while out at the grocery store picking up milk and eggs and then being fucked within an inch of her life. She had been like this since her sweet sixteen birthday, where her gift to herself was losing her virginity with Travis Grey from the soccer team under the football bleachers at lunch.

Jackie was laughing as the babies were giggling- Baby Tommy and Baby Noah were each on an arm while little girl claimed her spot on Jackie’s chest. The picture was so sweet that I had to capture it on my cell phone for a rainy day.

“Uh oh,” meeped Baby Tommy with a funny look on his chubby man face.

Sure enough…

POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT

Jackie automatically began to hack as Katie swooped down to the rescue, plucking up her little brother and whisking him off to go pay a visit to the potty.

Sammi began to crack up, having been in the sunroom, reading a book on Egyptian history that I had loaned her.

“Mommy, Baa bee Tom Tom got a sinky butt!” Baby Noah bemoaned, rolling off from Jackie’s arm and onto the carpeted hardwood floor. He looked up at the ceiling, softly babbling to himself as he kicked his feet rhythmically.

“Yes he sure does!” Sammi was cackling as little girl began to poke at Jackie’s face, just being absolutely utterly adorable (same as usual)

“Pook.” POKE “Pook.” POKE “Pook.” POKE “Pook.” POKE “Pook.” POKE “Pook.” POKE “Pook.” POKE “Pook.” POKE

“BOO!” Jackie shouted all of a sudden, making little girl jump three feet into the air before bursting into messy tears.

“Don’ cwy liddle gurl!” Baby Noah shot his aunt a dirty look. “Auntie Jack Jack pooh pooh head!”

“Ah, but of course Auntie Jackie has contracted the pooh pooh head virus!” I said in a teasing tone of voice, bursting into an amused cackle at the look she gave me.

“Ha ha ha, very funny MC,” she grouched as she collected her bag, taking out her camera and fitting a lenses to it.

“Hey, Baby Noah said it first- not me!” I ratted him out, pushing my lips out into a dramatic pout as Peter came in from the basement, where he had been busing changing the oil in the Doom Buggy 3.0. “Besides, you know me- outrageously dramatic and I don’t care!”

“You’re exhausting,” Jackie grumbled. “Plain and simple.”

I was quiet and she began to snap pictures of the family-

Little girl, Baby Tommy and Baby Noah looking outside at the thick layer of snow that covered everything.

Elizabeth and Katie building a blanket fort out from the dining room table.

Peter walking around the house, giving the Ratajczyk triplets skin to skin.

Baby Eve crawling around and pulling herself up to stand on wobbly feet.

Isabelle making her infamous crock pot hot cocoa and adding cinnamon and whipped cream to her mug.

Peter kissing me under a branch of mistletoe that he held over the both of us.

DING DONG

DING DONG

DING DONG

“I got it!” Sammi called out, going to open the front door. “Hello?”

“Hi, I’m sorry, but something just came up at work and I really need to drop Baby Kit off for a few hours,” I heard Walter saying as I peeled myself away from my husband’s smoldering eyes and electrifying kisses and snuck up behind my baby sister. “I called Peter’s cell phone, but I kept reaching voicemail.”

“It’s fine-” I told him, screaming when Sammi yelped at my sudden appearance before bursting into wild cackling. “It’s fine, you can leave her here. But my younger sister, Jackie, is taking pictures of the Ratajczyk family for Christmas.”

“LIDDLE GIRL!” screamed Baby Kit, peeling away from her father and racing to leap onto little girl with a gleeful screech.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand… the circle of babies is at long last completed!” I giggled as Baby Mattie began to fuss, clearly wanting some mommy milk.

TAGLISTS ARE OPEN/ ASK BOX IS OPEN/ REQUESTS ARE OPEN/ PLOT BUNNIES ARE WELCOMED

If you liked this, then please consider buying me a coffee HERE It only costs $3!!!

PETER STEELE TAGLIST

@rock-a-noodle

@ch3rry-c01a

[jeonqkooks]

Hmm yeah, same here! I really love most of the songs he has worked on until now, maybe that's why I have mixed feeling about this upon seeing it. But if that's what he wants, I trust him.

Although, there's one thing I've always loved about these guys and their music and that's the sincerity they put in it, mainly in the lyrics, and we can see they've been expressing it the best in korean. There's definitely a big difference when it comes to that. So yeah, whatever topic they wrote about before had that important touch, as we've seen in their solo albums as well. Their honest thoughts about anything and everything. Now we know most american producers and songwriters are a bit shallow when it comes to that, especially when they're trying to make a hit (saying this since people think he worked on more songs with them).

But yeah, that's one thing I really wish is not gonna change. Anyway, maybe I'm just overthinking it :/

You're right, we'll see when the album drops!

i don't think you're overthinking it. i've been talking about it ever since D-Day dropped and especially since there were rumors that jk would be releasing smth mid july.

i love that about the tannies too, how much of themselves that they put into their music - their thoughts and feelings, their experiences, etc. and it's been especially wonderful to see all of that emphasized 10x with all of the solo albums we've got so far. i don't really listen to their english tracks (dynamite, butter, ptd) bc their korean songs are 1000x better, everyone can agree on this right? their english tracks lack so much depth compared to the korean tracks. ofc it's their mother tongue so obviously they're going to be able to express themselves better. so when it comes to fully english tracks, they're just so so so watered down. i think this is probably bc of the people involved in the production of english songs too bc you're right, american producers do tend to be shallower when all they want is palatable pop (especially since we're talking about sc**ter braun and his peeps here 😑). jk was so absolutely brilliant with Still With You and he's obviously capable of much more. that was a song that wasn't made with the intention of marketing it anywhere. it was made specifically for the fans and that kind of sound just felt so authentic to me. i really really really had my fingers crossed that we'd get more music like that from him

and since the tannies themselves said at the festa dinner last year and they felt they were losing their sound, i expected this to be a period for all of them (together and individually) to explore whatever it is that they want to do and not just make music that's marketable/easy hits. that's why i'm kinda disappointed with this news (tho i can't say i didn't see it coming. was just really hoping that it wouldn't). ofc we don't know anything about the album but looking at Seven, jk wasn't really involved in the production, was he? they just gave him the song and he agreed to do it. dunno if that's any indicator for what's to come but yeah, we'll see. if this is what he wants to do then okay, good for him <3

i don't really talk about this on main unprompted, tho if anyone asks me about it then i'll still be honest and answer. after Seven dropped everyone was so hyped up about it and jumping up and down with joy and everything and i didn't necessarily wanna rain on their parade lol. i have a lot of unpopular/controversial opinions (probably not even that controversial. they're just opinions that don't really align with what people are screaming about all the time) and especially about jk out of all the members too (am i the most critical of him bc he's my ult? 😂). i think we can agree that within this fandom, a lot of people (mostly twitter folks) tend to be like "oh u don't like and agree with every single thing the boys do? u're not a fan fuck u" lmao so 😂

when the album drops and i don't like it, i won't skraight up say it but you'll probably know lol. if i'm obsessed then i'll scream about it day and night (you saw this with D-Day lmao) so if i'm just quietly vibing in the corner then.. lol

[niennawept]

get to know me

tagged by my lovely friend @dwarveslikeshinythings <3; Sorry for the delay - I'm still catching up on my tag games.

PART ONE

are you named after anyone? Yes. I am named after a character in movie, but not because my parents liked either the character or the actress (they hated both). I'm named after this character because they wanted to be like her parents. Needless to say, I am not fond of my name.

when was the last time you cried?: genuinely don't remember, but it was probably either a) writing because sometimes I get overwhelmed by character's emotions or b) something reminded me fiercely of my late father and I just lost it for a minute.

do you have kids?:  Not unless you count dogs. I have two shelter pups.

do you use sarcasm a lot?: Mostly when asked to do something very simple. I will sarcastically refuse whilst doing the thing.

what’s the first thing you notice about people?: Vibes. I have a very vibes-based nervous system (thanks trauma).

what’s your eye colour?: This is complicated. I have central heterochromia, which means my eyes are two different colors within the same iris. So brown on the inside, mossy green on the outside, but you can't tell unless you get close so I say hazel even though it's not technically correct.

scary movies or happy endings?: Scary movies. I typically fall asleep with one on. After you've seen it a hundred times, even the sounds of screaming can become their own kind of comforting because it's always the same.

any special talents?: I don't know what to put here. I have a lot of hobbies, but I'm not sure I'd say I'm particularly talented at any of them. I can tie a cherry stem into a knot inside my mouth? Does that count as a talent?

where were you born?: The United States.

what are your hobbies?: Oh geez, uh. Sewing, cosplay, writing, baking, drawing, reading, singing, playing the ukulele, video games, DnD and other tabletop games, mead making, crocheting, gardening, painting, ... I think that's it. But I'm thinking of picking up book binding and tambour embroidery for elf reasons.

have any pets?: see above answer about kids. 

what sports do you play/have played?: Played basketball for years, not because I was good, but because I was tall for my age, but I stopped once the other kids caught up in height. I really loved track in Middle School, and I was a pretty strong sprinter, but I gave it up in HS to focus on my schoolwork.

how tall are you?: Five foot seven. I'm actually the shortest of all my cousins, lol.

favourite subject in school?: It changed a lot depending on my interest in what we were learning about. I have an abiding love of science and history. I'm also partial to poetry, despite being beyond awful at making it.

dream job?: living in the Star Trek future with a universal basic income, lol. People in Star Trek just do what they want to do for work and it all seems to work out fine.

PART TWO

first ship: I've mentioned this before and I'll mention it again probably but Kagome x Sesshomaru from Inuyasha (SessKag). Can't help it, my 14 year old brain latched on REALLY hard.

three ships: Been reading some Bagginshield lately and that's growing on me. Adar x Palariel (my OFC, super normal about this one, lol). Been thinking some Galadriel x Luthien (pre-Beren) thoughts lately - might heck around and write a one-shot someday. Can you tell I'm only thinking about Tolkien things these days?

last (current) song: "The Devil is a Gentleman" by Merci Raines.

last movie: House on Haunted Hill (1958) with Vincent Price. Featuring my favorite line from any movie: "Darling, the only ghoul in the house is you."

currently reading: I am listening to "Oathbringer" by Brandon Sanderson in audiobook form, reading "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson, "The Fall of Numenor" and "The Fall of Gondolin" (thanks people who voted in the poll) in physical form, and reading an epic-length Bagginshield fanfic digitally.

currently watching: uh... I'm partway through season two of Succession. And I watched the first episode of Picard, season three. I'm very bad at watching television lately. It requires too much energy.

currently consuming: orange spice tea, no sugar.

currently craving: I don't really have cravings very often. So nothing?

tagging: @somebirdortheother, @lady-of-imladris, @coraleethroughthelookingglass and anyone to whom this looks fun!

[euphorial-docx]

hello mary !! do you think we could get an aoe snippet tonight ??? its missing aoe regulus hours rn

ofc! i haven’t written for aoe— or anything really— in a hot minute because i’ve been in Chronic Gamer Mode, but i’ve found something to share :)

Somewhere within those thirty days, Regulus met Frank.

Frank was twenty-seven years old, and his accent was Irish enough for Regulus to wonder what the fuck he was doing in California. Even though Frank had been clean for a while, Regulus saw him at meetings once a week. He sat in the same chair, hugged the same people, smiled at everybody the same, and he seemed completely and wholeheartedly sane. Stand Regulus next to Frank, and the addict would be easy to point out.

Somewhere around the twenty-five day mark, the chair of the meeting came up to Regulus and told him, “Frank has been looking to sponsor somebody, you know,” because apparently Regulus’s envy-admiration-whatever had been seen.

Envy or admiration, Regulus couldn’t tell. But Frank was handsome, and he had a stable job that he loved, and he showed off pictures of his son and wife often, and he exercised for fun, and he ordered lemonade at bars even when his friends had alcohol, and it seemed absolutely ridiculous for Regulus to go up to him and ask for help.

Frank seemed to get lucky. Frank seemed to have it easy. In what world would Frank be able to reach down into the hole Regulus was trapped in from so high up on his mountain? Ridiculous. And stupid. And Regulus wanted to be around him. Wanted to be like him.

Regulus sat across from Frank at meetings and tried to find a flaw within him. He looked in the mirror and imagined being healthy and strong, not whatever sickly skeleton he had been born into. He went on a run with James because Frank mentioned that he ran in the mornings, and Regulus hated every second of it and swore he’d kill himself if he ever did that again. James laughed and kissed him, all sweaty and breathing heavy, and Regulus remembered the young man he was supposed to be now.

[hibiscuslynx]

i (plural they/them pronouns) know literally nothing abt any sport at all, and i’ve been wanting to get into hockey, but we don’t actually know how someone becomes a sport fan?? like, how do you pick who to root for? do you just start watching games until you pick a favourite? /genq

the thing abt hockey is that its very interesting and captivating, to me at least, no matter what team u r watching (unless theyre horrifically bad). it’s easier to be invested ofc when its a team you root for, but hockey is such a fast-paced something’s-always-happening sport that if you even look away for a few seconds something big will have happened. as im typing this im watching a game and trying (but failing) to multitask. (SOMEONE JUST SCORED AAAAA) but ANYWAY …

i only started rooting for the new jersey devils because of , well, wttt new jersey!! assuming yall r into wttt, you can always pick the team(s) of ur fav character(s)!

or if ur from the u.s./canada, you can pick the team thats closest to your hometown (or the one in your state/province)!!

you can also just look around for players that seem interesting and start watching their team. for example, there was this one rookie who i found his story/background really interesting, and his style of play as well, so i started watching his team, and i ended up getting attached to a lot of the other players on the team!

if you’re anything like me, and friendships/duos on a team r the quickest way for a team to get to your heart, you could look around for the fun friendships/duos (or ask me) and just start watching! i will warn you though that at the end of the day hockey is a business and those duos could end up being broken up (i was a witness to this happening for another team and it made me so sad and i dont even go there).

i must also warn you that (men’s) hockey (the pro league is National Hockey League, or NHL) is not always as accepting as you would like it to be and there are so many issues within the NHL (and by extension, other men’s leagues and organizations as well), which i will not elaborate too deeply on here, but given the polarized debate over lgbt+ ppl in the united states (i do not know if its the same in canada), i must warn it has bled over into hockey (and sports in general). there are a good bunch of female and lgbt+ fans, though!! especially here on tumblr, but over on twitter as well. we’ve carved out a space for ourselves and we’re here to stay

women’s hockey (the pro league is the Premier Hockey Federation, or PHF) is very fun and much more accepting as well!!! there’s only seven professional teams, and regretfully i havent picked a team yet (but i did watch some of the playoffs), but i think the same suggestions apply to the PHF too (except for the hometeam/location-based if you dont live in eastern canada/the northeastern U.S.) :3

OH one more suggestion: there’s an international tournament going on right now* (IIHF) and some NHL players are playing in it! you can always pick your home country (if theyre playing) there and see what players play on what teams so you can keep up w them outside of the tournament !

*like. right now. at the time of me posting this, there are two games happening at this very moment

and also, hockey is a very contact-heavy sport (less-so in the PHF? im not sure, though, but i think some of the rules are a little different). just mentioning this because i come from a soccer background and for the first month i kept flinching at the big hits. i was def not used to it !

as a last note: wikipedia and youtube are your best friends and will explain rules/gameplay to you if you need it!!!

oh and fuck the chicago blackhawks ^_^

if that was too much information all at once im sorry but i could talk about this sport for AGES