#and also some suggestions that i don't think i'm allowed to divulge...

[traumainpyjamas]

JOHNNY \\ [231016] JOHNNY NCT 127 WEVERSE LIVE

[leathfaic]

"So what do ye eat then, when ye get the choice?" Soap is opening two bottles of beer handing one over to Ghost. He's clueless about what to cook for dinner, might as well ask Simon for some input.

"Chicken and rice. Or I order something." Ghost's tone is nonchalant as he studies the label of the beer he was just handed and Soap decides immediately that he's not gonna follow the plain suggestion actually. He's on leave and deserves some flavour in his food, thank you very much.

"Single malt whisky cask matured?" Ghost' sounds slightly disbelieving. "That is very Scottish.", or disapproving, who knew with the English.

So Soap just snorts, "Had to get ye some of the local stuff, eh? If ye behave ah'll make sure we get some of the beer with tea in for ye." 

At that Simon, who was sniffing his beer, looks up, pure horror in his eyes and Soap's snort evolves into a full-on cackle. 

He catches himself a moment later, inspecting the almost pouting look behind the mask and decides to drop the topic for now. Instead, he raises his bottle at Simon, "To leave, aye?".

Ghost does the same, their bottles clinking. 

"Cheers."

"Slàinte Mhath." 

Crisp and cold. Fuck he'd missed beer. Missed a lot of things during that last OP. Food that tasted like actual food was one, bringing him back to his original line of questioning. It shouldn't be surprising that Ghost is not into cooking. He's the only person Soap has ever seen eating anything from the mess with true enthusiasm. Sorts his MREs by how much he likes them too when he thinks no one is looking. Always eating the best first.

"Not much of a cook then?" he keeps his tone light and innocent while sipping his beer. Trying to observe Simon's reactions without making him feel watched.

"I can handle meat," There's a stupid smirk traded between them and Soap would roll his eyes if he didn't have to reign himself in, immediately set ablaze by the stupid joke.

"Learned at a butchers before I joined." Ghost offers up by way of explanation, sounding almost sad. Something must've happened there, something that had Simon ending up in the force. Something that led to him becoming Ghost.

"Well perfect, I'm not terrible but I do handle meat way better in the bedroom." Soap winks at him and this time, to make sure the innuendo lands painfully enough to pull Ghost out of his head. 

It does and earns him an exasperated look. Might have convinced him if those brown eyes weren't full of fondness. 

He's gonna leave Ghost with the belief that he's not learning to see behind the mask for a little longer: Wants him to feel comfortable. No need to divulge that his tone clearly betrayed that he's got no idea how to cook apart from putting some meat into a pan and put all his hope into some cook in bags. Lots of people couldn't cook, it wasn't a big deal.

Only that it is not just that. From the few things he's told Soap about himself, it makes sense, in a sad way.

Simon, who confronts being gay like being in battle, all hyper-masculine energy focused on fighting through all the hurtful stereotypes and insults his father planted in his head, probably never got to do a lot of things that weren't 'manly'. Makes him wonder where the needle skills come from but only for a split second before he decides he's gonna do something about this then.

"So what is yer favourite food then?" 

"Don't really 'ave one." the stoic bastard answers and Soap has to think about the MREs but also has no trouble believing that that is a luxury the other man doesn't allow himself to ponder. Thinks he doesn't deserve it.

Not that'll stop him. Quite the opposite, now he's motivated.

"Alright, anythin ye could be doin with right now?" 

He watches Ghost's eyes dart through the kitchen seemingly looking for a clue. Bouncing of cabinets and shelves before he takes a swig of his beer.

"No." he finally answers, sounding like he's withdrawing into himself again. For fucks sake.

Soap smiles at him hiding his exasperation away before it can reach his face, doesn't need his emotions to make this harder on both of them. 

"Well too bad, yer at ma mercy." He lets his smile dip into something devilish and revels in the note of alarm in Simon's lovely eyes. It's quickly replaced with confusion as Soap presses a knife into his hands. He stands there, looking for all accounts like a very misplaced ghoul. Very deadly but also kinda endearing.

"Ye can cut the onion, garlic, are chilis fine with ye? If so, cut two of those too and make sure ye wash yer hands after tha'. 

They work in silence for a moment, Ghost's dutifully following Soap's command without any complaints. When Soap begins to sear the meat he explains what he's doing and asks for input from Ghost. He's rewarded with warm surprise on the mostly masked features before Ghost starts talking, softer than his usual tone when he's guiding Soap through something job-related, becoming almost reverent when he sees Soap adjust to what he just said. And Soap tries to be careful with his usual ribbing jokes, not wanting to disturb the equilibrium that is Ghost relaxing in his flat.

When the other ingredients are added he takes over again. Talking the lieutenant through the process. Explaining his steps when he knows why they're important and freely admitting defeat when he doesn't. 

They drink their beers and cook, Ghost once more following every step that Soap lays out for him and Soap silently trying to impress him. Not that he was gonna admit that to either himself or anyone else.

"Who taught you all tha'?", they're just waiting for the pasta now, the sauce down and bubbling away on low heat, leaning against each other, Soaps head resting on Ghost's shoulder. Outright domestic. 

"Ma grannie," Soap smiles fondly at the memory of the tiny woman with her sincere blue eyes. "Told me being a lad was no excuse and Ah'd better know ma way around a kitchen for ma future burd." he winks at Ghost who goes surprisingly red surprisingly fast clearly visible even behind the mask. "When Ah told her Ah'm a buftie she doubled down. Ian she said, refused to call me John ye see forever angry tha' ma da went with the anglicised version, anyways, Ian she said if ye're bringing home another man one of ye will need to know how to cook or for all yer gay love ye'll focking starve." he can almost hear hear as his accent gets thicker and something between wild joy and bottomless sorrow tears through his chest at the memory.

There's a beat of silence before a weird noise breaks it. It's a rough quick sound and it takes Soap a second to realise that Simon just snorted. 

"Well thank fuck for grandma MacTavish and her foresight!" he pulls his almost empty beer bottle into the air dramatically and they toast again. 

Soap's smile is wide, imagining what his nan's reaction to Ghost would've been. 

They might have gotten on entirely too well. 

[a-la-sante-du-progres]

Premise: this answer is not *against* yours, it's just what I thought while reading your reblog. Some things are direct answers, most stuff is related to what you said but they are comments more than counterarguments.

So I share your preference for characters, it's just I'm a big fan of historical and architectural details as well. Sure I could look up the sewers on Wikipedia but would I? No, there is too much choice and I wouldn't pick up the sewers randomly. I just like info I guess, I'm not able to explain why.

But I think super detailed descriptions serves the plot as well. Place descriptions shape the verse the story is in and shape the narrative tone as well, historical digression are useful to understand the characters if you are into them. I'm bringing a negative example I already alluded to in the OG post, skipping the 1830 revolution fucked up a bit the understanding of the motives of Enjolras and comrades to our modern eyes, some readers tend to judge Enjolras' determination as misplaced, naive and unnecessarily violent while if you know how 1830 and the aftermath went you get why revolution felt both like a necessity and very achievable to Les Amis. You also can understand why on the other side people was tired of the frequent republican revolts and lost faith. I get why Hugo didn't feel the need to include it, because he wanted to be Les Amis and the 1832 uprising symbols more than specific historical events related with other specific historical events, besides he thought all those events were obvious to the reader but now it's not true anymore so a historical digression would have been useful to better understand the characters. True, one could look up the details on Internet but how many people have done that?

Then

1)like you implied, fictional books had a strong divulgative role in the past but I don't think this role is dead. A fictional plot is still a motivator to learn "actual" knowledge for a lot of people. This goes for TV shows as well. Offtopic, that's why well written misinfo is dangerous in fiction, people learn from them.

2)A writer writes for fun too. So "for fun" is enough to answer to "why did Hugo add that". Obviously the reader is allowed to be bored while reading it, myself I like almost none of the canon romances I read from Hugo and I'm sure he enjoyed writing all of them. So I'm not saying you should enjoy everything the writer puts in a book, just that fun is a sufficient justification for adding one more digression/plot. I happen to love them anyway.

Anyway I prefer characters' details as well (but I like all kinds like I said) but the preference for characters' details is not universal, you and I love them, other people think they're a waste of time and words. There are also writing advices that suggest to avoid everything is not necessary to understand the main plot. So I don't think the contemporary culture favours character details over places and history, it may be a matter of personal preference as well.

I know Hugo's love for details gets made fun of a lot but I think it's honestly endearing. The sewer exploration was really interesting, I can't say Myriel's background left a mark in me but it was so pleasant to read. Loved the descriptions of Paris, the description of the light related to what was happening in the city. In fact often I've been left wanting more details when I read Les Miserablès (and Hugo in general). Why did Grantaire have that Robespierre waistcoat? How bad was his relationship with his father? How was he ugly? How was Enjolras' relationship with his (human) mother? How much did Cosette remember of Eponine? Would she be resentful? Favourite and Fantine. The whole story of Le Cabuc that sounds interesting as fuck? How did Les Amis react to 1830 victory (actually I think skipping the 1830 revolution brought some issues to the 1832 uprising plot)? How did they react when their victory was stolen? The background of Valjean and his sister? What was the impact of the ethnicity of Javert's mother on Javert? Etc etc

It's also... "relaxing", I don't know... in Les Mis as well in other novels of his, when I met a character I get to know their personality, at least a brief backstory usually, the context of their behaviour. If something happens I know how it happened usually. I don't have to keep asking myself wtf is happening, I don't have the risk to miss crucial event or motivations. And I can see literally the events unfold behind my eyes, either because the author is precise with his material descriptions or because he gets to portrait the "vibes" with vividness.

[ricciardonorrisleclercgasly]

Here goes nothing || Lando Norris

Part 4

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Not my gif

EXPLICIT CONTENT, UNDER 18s DO NOT INTERACT.

Requested: No

Pairing: Lando Norris X Reader

Warnings: Swearing, Penetrative Sex Female Receiving, but also fluffy af.  

NEXT PART 13/12/21 @ 5pm 

Lando gives you a weekend to remember. 

You arrived at work the next day and were immediately rushed into Jim's office, he sat behind his desk with an angry yet amused look upon his face and Lando sat opposite him looking just like a school boy who'd received a telling off. You knew instantly what this was about. "You two have some cleaning up to do today. And no one leaves my office before it's fixed" Jim said sternly spinning his computer monitor around. You're eyes quickly scanned the screen: "Formula 1 driver Lando Norris spotted with mysterious girl just hours after telling fans he's 'single'" the headline read, underneath was a photograph of the two of you getting into his car at the restaurant, his arm around your back and your back to the camera.

"Fuck" you muttered.

"Well I didn't lie, I am single.. for now" Lando laughed, you hit him on the arm, he didn't seem to understand the potential severity of this article.

"Now I have paid a rather large sum of money to get this article taken down, but god knows how many people saw it" Jim said looking at the two of you. "So what do you propose we do?"

"I don't get why it's such a big deal, I'm 22 years old, I'm allowed to date Jim" Lando said getting annoyed at Jim's demeanour.

"How about we write a statement from Lando to say he's dating and when he's ready to divulge more he will do?" You suggested.

"I like it. That could work, get something drafted and on my desk by lunch" Jim said turning back to his computer

"Hang on a minute" Lando said standing up out his seat. "A statement saying I'm dating?! Yeah dating you!" He said throwing his arms up in despair. You just sat there silently not knowing what to say, "Y/N I don't want people thinking I'm just sleeping around with random girls. If they're knowing I'm dating at least let me say who."

"Lando calm down please." You said grabbing his hand, "we've barely been on a proper first date yet, how do you even know you want to do this? I'm not saying we're dating for you to turn around in a week and say we're not."

"Fine. Then let me take you on our date tonight. Then we'll go from there. But in the meantime no statement, just carry on like normal"

"Fine" Jim interrupted. "But I want something to say by Monday. Before we leave for Bahrain"

"Deal" Lando said, "I am going to give you a weekend to remember Y/N"  he said turning to you and giving you a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll pick you up at 6:30, bring an overnight bag" he rushed out the door and off to whatever he needed to do that day.

"I... uh.. I have a lot of editing to do for a releases this weekend.." you said grabbing your things and heading towards the door.

"Don't let me down Y/N, I don't want Lando getting in the way of your work" Jim said "but enjoy yourself this weekend."

You headed up to your office and got to work for the day.

*DING* your phone sounded.

'Have you seen this?!' It was from Maya, a screen recording from Lando's livestream, love bites clear as day, the chat going wild about his "secret" girlfriend.

'It's you right?'

'Yes it's me Maya!' You text back

'I'm going to fix this mess over the weekend, but I am staying at Lando's. The house is all yours.'

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

Before you knew it 5:30pm rolled around and you headed home.

"You're staying with Lando all weekend? Y/N you've known him for less than a week!" Maya yelled as soon as you walked through the door.

"Yes I know that Maya, but we have to decide what Lando is going to say on the matter by Monday, and he said he wants to give me a weekend to remember"

You packed your bag for the weekend. You had no idea what Lando had planned so you tried to be prepared for everything, a nice dress, a casual dress, jeans, leggings, t-shirts, a pair of heels and your toiletries. And of course the trainers you were wearing.

*DING* 'I'm outside' Lando text you peered out your window, unable to see his blue Mclaren.

'I dont see you' you text back as the lights on a blacked out Mini Cooper flashed.

'I thought I better be a bit more discreet this time'

You headed out the door shouting bye to Maya as you left, climbing into the car and Lando giving you a quick kiss to welcome you.

"I'm glad you're dressed comfortably, first date here we come"

"Where are we going Lando?" You asked.

"You'll see" he smiled back.

30 minutes later you pulled up on a near empty car park in an even emptier industrial estate.

"Is this the point when you kill me and just leave my body?" You giggled nervously.

"Don't be silly Y/N, come on in here" he said climbing out the car.

You followed him nervously.

Inside the industrial unit you couldn't believe your eyes. "A karting track?" You smiled.

"Yes! I rented it out just for the two of us. A buddy of mine owns it so we don't need to worry about the media. I'm going to teach you how to be a karting driver, just like me" he winked.

You spent the next few hours with Lando showing you the ropes and getting to grips with the kart, you know its nothing quite like a formula 1 car but it was thrilling all the same.

"Come on race me" Lando said climbing into his own kart. "I'll even give you a head start. 3..2..1" he counted down.

You pressed your foot flat to the ground speeding away from the start line, by the third corner Lando had already over taken you. You pushed with all your might and stayed pretty close all the way, just before your crossed the finish line Lando lifted off the throttle, letting you sail past him.

"Hey! No fair you let me win!" You said climbing out the car and removing your helmet.

"No, no you won fair and square" he protested hugging you in tight. "Come on lets go eat, Im starving he said"

Let me know if you want adding to the tag list.

You arrived back and Lando's house just in time to see another car pull off his drive"Who was that?" You asked.

"Erm.. Max.. Fewtrell that is, he was just sorting some things out for me"

You got out the car and grabbed your bag out the trunk, following Lando inside. You dropped your bag by the front door and followed him through to the living room. Your jaw dropped, candles and rose petals surrounding the room, a movie all set up on the big screen, and as much Chinese food as you could possibly eat. "Lando this is beautiful" you said collapsing down on the sofa.

"Only the best for my girl" he said hitting play on the tv. You looked up at the screen and saw your all time favourite movie, "this is my favourite! How did you know?!"

"I may have got Max to do a little digging with your friend Maya after we left today"

"You're the best you know that?" You smiled kissing his cheek.

After you had eaten your weight in Chinese food you cuddled up to Lando on the sofa you could feel his heart beating through his chest. You drifted asleep to the rise and fall of his breathing.

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

The next morning you woke up in Lando's bed, but no Lando. You got up quietly and tiptoed downstairs.

"Oh fuck!" You heard followed by a clatter of pots and pans from the kitchen.

"Are you okay?" You said popping your head round the door to see a huge mess in the kitchen.

"Yeah, I'll be honest I was going to cook but then disaster struck so I'm just tidying up whilst I wait for ubereats to deliver." He smiled throwing the pans in the sink.

You ate breakfast together and you sipped coffee in the conservatory looking out over Lando's big garden.

"So I still have to train with Jon today but you have free reign of the house in the mean time, whatever you want" Lando said sipping his juice.

"I want to train with you!" You said back to him.

"Ha no you don't!" He laughed.

"No Lando I do, It'll be good to see what you do, maybe get some content for Instagram"

"Nope, I HAVE to train, you don't have to work, if you're joining me you're doing it all"

"Okay, okay. But don't get embarrassed when I'm better than you" you winked.

You ran upstairs and changed into leggings, sports bra and a grabbed one of Lando's sweaters and came back downstairs. "I'm ready" you called out. "We're in the garden!" Lando shouted back. You walked outside to see Lando and Jon starting to warm up.

"Jon this is Y/N she's.. erm.. she's my girlfriend" Lando smiled at you.

"Ooh nice, couples who train together stay together" Jon remarked, "lets get started"

Jon put the two of you through your paces for the next couple hours, testing your strength and stamina.

"Now we just have Lando's neck training to do, but I wouldn't recommend that for a first timer" Jon laughed setting up his stuff.

"That's okay I'll just watch" you giggled, revlieved that you could rest for a minute. You watched Lando train and snapped a few photos on your phone. "I saw that" he said with a grimace as he pushed through the last part of his training. "I just wanted to get some memories of my weekend to remember" you winked at him.

"Thank God that's over" Lando said turning the shower on and slipping his clothes off, "are you joining me or are you just going to stand there staring" he smirked. You dropped your clothes on the floor and climbed into the shower behind him. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you in for a kiss. "I'm really enjoying my weekend with you Y/N" Lando said smiling down at you. "I'm enjoying myself too Lando" he kissed you again running his fingers down your back gripping onto your waist, he tickled your thigh, his fingers trailing up to your core, he slid his finger through your slit, connecting with your clit, circling his finger tip around you, a gentle moan escaped your lips. Lando wrapped his hands around your thighs, lifting you up and pressing you against the wall the cold tiles tingling against your skin. Lando trailed kissed down your neck and onto your chest, leaving marks all over your skin, marking what was his. Lando lined his cock up with your entrance, sliding inside you with ease, you gasped feeling him fill you up. His strong arms wrapped around you pulling you in tight. You knew you wouldn't last long with Lando fucking you like this. The knot in your stomach grew tighter and tighter, your moans getting louder and louder as you neared your high. With a couple more strokes you were there, you clenched your walls around Lando,digging your nails into his back. Lando kept fucking you up against the wall until he came inside you. Kissing you passionately he put your feet back on the ground. You washed each other, Lando washed your hair, it was romantic, like nothing you had ever experienced before.

"You stay here, I'm going to cook lunch" you smiled leaving Lando to get dressed, you slipped on one of his t-shirts and your underwear before heading downstairs. You rooted through the fridge finding something to cook. "Geez this boy mustn't cook very often" you muttered not finding much, you reached up into the cupboards, "Pasta, that'll do" you pulled a bag out the cupboard.

"Now this is a sight I could get used to" you heard Lando say behind you as you started to plate up the meal, he wrapped his arms around you planting a kiss behind your ear.

"Bon Appetit" you smiled handing him a plate. The two of you sat at the breakfast bar eating, "So what do you have planned for this afternoon?" You asked him tucking into your food. "Well Fewtrell wanted to come and film a quadrant video but-" he started.

"Yes! Let me film for you, Please I'd love to get more of my work out there" you interrupted.

"Are you sure babe?" He frowned, "I don't want you to just watch me work all day"

"Yes of course, if we're going to date Lando this is something I'll have to get used to"

"Okay deal"

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

The afternoon flew by, you helped the quadrant team film their newest video and got to meet Lando's friends in the process; Max, Steve, Niran, Araav and Ria.

"It was nice meeting you all" you smiled as the 5 of them started to leave.

"It was nice meeting you, It's about time Lando found a girl instead of spending all is time gaming" Steve laughed earning a punch on the arm from Lando.

"What do you want to do this evening?" Lando asked now the two of you were finally alone again.

"Ha I just want to chill out, we've been nonstop all day" you laughed kissing Lando on the cheek.

'Yeah okay, I can do that'

The two of you cuddled up on the sofa to watch some shitty tv for the remainder of the evening.

"Y/N?" Lando said looking down at you, you looked up at him locking eyes. "I know what I want to say on monday" you gulped waiting to hear what he had to say. "I want to say that I have met the most perfect woman, and although we haven't been dating long, she's everything I've ever wanted and so much more." A tear slipped down your cheek.

"Lando are you sure about this?"

"I've never been more sure about anythingin my life" he smiled wiping your tear and kissing you gently. "Okay?"

"Okay" you beemed back at him.

You cuddled into his chest and he pulled out his phone. "Smile" he said snapping a picture of you both. "Why wait until Monday? Here goes nothing" He said with a smile on his face.

*DING* your phone sounded. You picked it up to see an instagram notification.

'@LandoNorris mentioned you in a story' you clicked the message to see the photo of you and Lando cuddled on his couch with a single orange heart.

"Jim won't be happy about that" you giggled, blushing at Lando's gesture.

"Ehh, fuck Jim, he'll get over it" Lando laughed back.

@allywthsr @idkiwantchocolatee @vendy021 @vp-chan

[leiamorgainedelalune]

The Reckoning

Steve Rogers/Tony Stark’s Daughter OC

A Dark AU Fic

Chapter 2

And all my scars don't seem to matter anymore

'Cause they led me here to you

Author’s Note

This Chapter contains very mature themes and some very dirty thoughts. This story is only going to get more mature. I highly suggest minors DNI. The italic lyric sections are from the song posted at the beginning of the chapter. You can also get the song info from the playlist. - Leia

You never know when you're gonna meet someone

And your whole wide world in a moment comes undone

Nervous did not even begin to describe how Steve Rogers felt about this dinner. He could not get Alexandra Stark off his mind. The thought of her and the things he wanted to do to her were a constant distraction. Those honey colored eyes truly were haunting him. Oh how he wanted to be staring deep into those eyes as he brought her to ecstasy in more ways than one. When he closed his eyes all he saw was her as he fantasized about getting her naked and into his bed, finding out what she tasted like before allowing his cock anywhere near her. He shook his head trying to turn his mind elsewhere, anywhere but his thoughts of burying his cock balls deep inside the gorgeous Alexandra Stark or he would never make it through this dinner.

"You're distracted," Natasha remarked, taking a seat on the sofa in his study.

"It's the girl, honey. I told you last night," Bucky explained as he took a seat next to his wife.

"How in the fuck am I supposed to make it through this dinner and charm her when all I can think about is getting her naked in my bed..." Steve began to divulge.

"And fucking her senseless?" Natasha interrupted. "Because you need to make her crave your touch, Steve. Seduction is an art."

"My wife is right on that, punk," Bucky stated. "And, you've waited far too long for the opportunity to fall in your lap like this to actually have a chance at taking Tony Stark down. Don't let your dick ruin it."

Steve ran his hands through his hair. He knew they were right. This was deeper than Tony Stark stealing Peggy Carter from him a decade ago. Stark's father had been responsible for his own father's death. It was in cold blood too. Howard Stark got away with it, and Steve grew up never knowing his own father. He watched what the grief did to his mother and vowed to his mother and vowed then to make the Stark family pay.

"I've seduced women before, Nat," Steve said.

"Not like this," She replied. "This is the long game and it needs to stick for good."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"Flirt but don't be too direct. Kiss her goodnight tonight, just be sure you go no further. You use the first date to find out just how much experience she has."

"And, what do I do with that?"

"That knowledge will be everything, Steve!"

"Her level of experience is a scale on which this is set, Steve," Bucky chimed in. "A more experienced woman may need less time, however, you may have to take your time with a much more innocent one."

Steve could feel his body sinking as his face fell into his hands. How on earth was he going to do this without trying to convince her into his bed?

"I'm going to fuck this up. I just know it," he stressed.

"Neither of us said not to touch her at all, Steve," Bucky pointed out. "Just don't get her naked on the first date."

"Those were not my words," Nat quipped. "You have to be controlled with every move you make with her, and you have to make her think she has the power while doing it. The only time you take control from her believing she has it is when she is begging for more and you're stopping things from going any further. You have to find that control in you or this will not work."

"And if I can't stop? If I can't stop and take her to bed?" Steve questioned.

"What's your endgame, Steve? What is it you hope to accomplish?"

"To completely take down Tony Stark and his empire or take it from him. I'd prefer to just make him lose everything."

"It's been the goal all along," Bucky informed his wife.

"This isn't because of the Carter bitch, is it?" Nat inquired. "Because that would be a bit fucked up."

"Not exactly, no. I was pissed in the beginning about that but not anymore," Steve revealed. "I had a lot of anger over Peggy for a few years, then I found out what type of person she truly was. Now I wonder how I could ever feel anything for someone like her. In truth this is an old grudge that dates back to our fathers. His father got away with causing my father's death, well murder actually. Not only did I never know my father but watched the grief destroy my mother. It's more about that than anything. What happened back then was an act of betrayal that changed us from friends to bitter rivals."

"Then no matter when you get her in your bed, Steve, you've got to get her pregnant. You want to take down Stark using his daughter and heir to his empire then she needs to have your child. If that happens then one day all that's his becomes yours. It's a necessity."

"I mean I've always wanted kids, so I'm not opposed to it."

"Steve, you have to get her to marry you, too," Bucky added.

"I didn't want the bachelor life forever. I guess that's a good thing."

"Go, get ready for this dinner, and don't forget I have the night off, you punk."

"I didn't forget. Sam's on duty tonight."

"Just don't spend too much time wanking in the shower before you get ready," Natasha advised with a slight laugh.

"Not funny, Natasha. You two enjoy your night."

"Behave yourself, Steve, and I can assure you it will pay off."

"We shall see."

Steve stood up from behind his desk and quickly left the room. He honestly had been wanting out of that conversation for some time. It had gotten past the point of uncomfortable. He'd never thought of seduction as an art form. Natasha definitely gave him some helpful tips. It was when the conversation turned serious that he wanted to bolt out the door. Yes, in the deep recesses of his mind he knew some of the things Bucky and Natasha pointed out today. He just wasn't ready to have it put in his face that after the seduction of Alexandra Stark comes impregnating and marrying her. Could he not even enjoy having her as his own? That part wouldn't be getting under her father's skin, as much fun as that would be. No, he just wanted to have her in every way possible and savor it, without any thoughts about his motives against her father. After he was done enjoying himself with her, then he could worry about the parts that came after seduction because at least then he knew she'd be his completely and without question.

You see my heart I wear it on my sleeve

'Cause I just can't hide it anymore

Alexa had been going through her closet for hours feeling like she had nothing to and grateful her position at the Mayor's office didn't start until next week. She'd been cordially invited to have dinner with the Mayor and his wife tonight like it was something they did will all the new interns. They were even going to send a car to pick her up. Alexa knew deep down this wasn't normal but she accepted their invitation anyway. Now she was anxiously awaiting the help she had sought to arrive and grossing with serious frustration every time the name Pepper Potts appeared on her phone.

The constant texts from Pepper relaying messages from her dad were quite literally the only thing keeping her mind from being severely plagued by Captain Steve Rogers. Those blue eyes of his had burned into her very soul and she'd be lying if she tried to say she didn't dream about him. She may be a virgin but she wasn't a complete fool. She did at least know of some things she desired. Right now, she greatly desires for Steve Rogers to do all of those things to her. Alexa wanted him to rip her clothes off of her and touch her everywhere on her body that ached to be touched. She had woken up overcome with feelings and desires that she did not know how to handle at all, like an eruption building inside of her that was long overdue for release. She was having a major love and hate relationship with Pepper's very distracting texts. She did need the interruption from her thoughts to get ready for this dinner though she truly couldn't stop thinking about how bad she wanted him to strip her naked and have his way with her. It was such such a conflicting situation for her mind to be in right now.

She finally heard the knock at her apartment door she'd been waiting on and practically ran to answer it. She found her best friend Wanda Maximoff standing in the other side. Wanda came in with a giant grin on her face and Alexa shut the door behind her.

"I feel like you took forever to get here!" Alexa exclaimed as she turned to face her friend.

"Nice to see you too," Wanda replied. "Why are you so grumpy?"

"Pepper is driving me crazy, and I know it's because of Dad."

"When will you get the balls to tell your Dad to fuck off?"

"I took this internship, didn't I?"

"That is not enough and you know it."

"Well, I'm super nervous about this dinner, Wan."

"Why? It's not like Captain Handsome will be there."

"Shut up!"

Alexa knew she was going red faced as she watched Wanda make her way through her apartment. Her friend was going straight to her closet. She knew that without watching her or even asking where she was going. Alexa did call her for help with what to wear and couldn't complain because this is exactly what she asked for and what Wanda excelled at. Her best friend was an expert at style and student of fashion as well as esthetics at one of the best schools in New York City. She knew she was in the best hands. She walked towards her closet to find Wanda standing there with a light blue lace cocktail dress in her hands and a smile on her face.

"Wear this. It's perfect!" Wanda said excitedly. "It fits the type of dress code you're going for and this color looks great in you."

"Shoes?" Alexa asked in response as she took the dress.

"Go get dressed and I'll bring them to you. I'll help with your hair and make up, too."

"I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Lose your mind."

Alexa went to her room laughing with the beautiful blue dress. Wanda was a big reason she stayed sane. She smiled as she slipped off her robe, revealing her black lace bra and panty set then tossed it into the bed. She stepped into the dress and had to admit to herself that Wanda was right. It was perfect.

"Let me zip you," she heard Wanda say, causing her to turn her attention towards her friend who was walking in with a pair of black heels in her hand.

Alexa grasped her hair in one hand when Wanda was close to make it easier at the top. Wanda quickly had her zipped up then twirled her around before placing the heels in her hands. Alexa took a seat on the ottoman by her vanity and put the heels on. She was classy and dressy but not over dressed. She wasn't even worried as watched Wanda start to select jewelry for her. If there was anyone she could trust with this, it was Wanda. She took a breath and trusted her best friend.

"You said they're sending a car?" Wanda questioned.

"Yes," Alexa responded. "It will be here at 6:30."

"Then just sit here and let me work since I don't have a lot of time."

Alexa gave a slight laugh before doing as her friend instructed. She let Wanda pamper her with her expertise to help her be ready for this dinner. She'd twisted her hair into an elegant knot and left a few strands of curls hanging down to frame her face. Alexa was looking simple but chic with the perfect jewelry, purse, makeup, and even a coordinating jacket. Wanda truly was a miracle worker in Alexa's eyes.

"Oh Wanda!" Alexa exclaimed as she gave herself a final look in the mirror. "You truly are amazing! Thank you!"

"You're most welcome, Alexa," her friend beamed as they started walking towards the door. "Now we have to get you out of here to make your ride."

Alexa laughed as they exited her apartment together. She stopped a moment to lock the door before walking towards the elevator where Wanda was waiting. They rode down together with her friend babbling nonstop words of encouragement and telling her to mute not only Pepper but her Dad as well as anyone else associated with him to give herself a few days of peace and quiet. She smiled and gave her friend a hug once they were off the elevator then buddy her goodbye with the promise they would speak tomorrow. Alexa continued walking out of the building, taking a different path from Wanda towards the indicated car that was waiting for her. The driver got out of the car and opened the door for her. She smiled, gave him her thanks, and carefully slid into the backseat of the car. It wasn't a long drive to the Pierce home, a lovely Manhattan brownstone. The door was opened for her by a butler who lead her into a Parker and introduced her arrival to the Mayor and his wife.

"Ah there she is!" exclaimed Alexander Pierce.

"Miss Alexa Stark, please meet my wife Jackie, and know that you look beautiful this evening."

Alexa stepped closer to them so that she could take the hand of the city's First Lady in introduction. She was refined and beautiful, everything she'd expected.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Pierce," Alexa addressed her as they clasped hands before turning her attention to the Mayor. "Thank you again for inviting me, sir."

"They'll be none of that Mrs. Pierce nonsense here! I insist that you call me Jackie," the older woman responded. "My husband has already told me of him telling you to call him Alexander, and it is my pleasure to meet you as well, my dear."

"I must say I found the invitation to be quite unexpected."

"Your grandfather, Howard, was a friend to us," Alexander chimed in. "Call it looking in on your for his sake."

"Oh, Alexander, it wasn't just Howard!" his wife scolded.

"We were friends of both Howard and Maria Stark, though I'm afraid we fell out of touch with the family after their deaths."

"My Dad never would speak of them," Alexa lamented. "Same as my mother."

Alexa had looked down as she spoke those words so she never saw the look exchanged between Alexander and Jackie Pierce, the sadness it held that Alexa never knew her mother. Her mother was the true reason she was there and they were watching over her. Jackie could tell with a single glance that she was looking at her precious Kitty's little girl. They had a beautiful granddaughter and their daughter had been robbed of not only her life but knowing her daughter. This is the same as their granddaughter that was in front of them was deprived of more than just her mother but an entire family that loves her dearly. It angered both Jackie and Alexander even more angry at Tony Stark for his actions because they knew very well that he was not the parent he should have been to her.

"That's enough sad talk," spoke Alexander jovially. "Would you care for a drink, Alexa? Wine perhaps?"

"Alexander, I am not old enough," Alexa answered. "I am quite sure you're aware of this."

"We will both have white wine," Jackie stated firmly. "You are our guest, so who is to question your age?"

Alexa smiled at the warmth of their welcome. The butler then stepped back into the room to inform them that their other guest had arrived, stepping aside for none other than Steve Rogers to step into the room. Alexa took one look at the man in that deep blue suit that made his intoxicating eyes glow to her and could feel a wetness start to pool in her lace panties. Oh god she wanted that man to touch her desperately! She had thought so many dirty, filthy things about him since that encounter in the hallway yesterday. How was she possible going to survive this dinner now with him being a guest too? It was official that she was doomed.

"Alexander, I certainly hope I am not late," Steve expressed with a smile as he entered the room.

"Not at all!" Pierce chuckled. "We were just getting drinks. Whiskey for you?"

"Most definitely."

"Steve, you, of course, know my wife already. Allow me to make introductions between you and our other guest. Captain Steve Rogers and Alexandra Stark, I'd like the two of you to make each other's acquaintance."

"Miss Stark, I must say it is a pleasure and you look beautiful this evening. Please, call me Steve."

Alexa blushed slightly at his words as he offered a hand in introduction. She gave hers back to him and instead of a handshake, he lifted it to his lips and placed a kiss to the back of her hand like a chivalrous knight or Prince Charming. He only had her blushing more when he released her hand and her stomach was a complete bundle of nerves.

"Thank you, Captain...I mean, Steve," Alexa responded nervously. "I am delighted to meet you, as well, and please call me Alexa."

Jackie Pierce could see what was happening as they all were given their drinks. She knew her husband was involved, and all she could say was that Steve Rogers better not hurt her granddaughter. If he did, then both men would have hell to pay with her.

After a short time of socializing with their drinks, they went to the dining room for dinner. The conversation never seemed to stop, nor did the flirting between Steve and Alexa, which became more mutual the longer it went on. After dinner, it was time for another round of drinks on the back patio, which had barely begun when Alexander and Jackie excused themselves, leaving Steve and Alexa out on the patio alone.

'Cause I don't know where it's going

There's a part of me that loves not knowing

Just don't let it end before we begin

You never know when you're gonna meet someone

And your whole wide world in a moment comes undone

"It looks like it's just me and you," Steve observed as he sat his drink down and stepped closer to her.

Alexa sat her glass down and took a step to close the distance between them, "It seems that way."

"I've never met anyone like you, Alexa."

"I'm not just a girl to warm your bed, Steve. That's not who I am."

"You're making assumptions, sweetheart."

Alexa raised an eyebrow at him. She didn't just want casual, as much as she wanted him, that much she did know. She wanted and needed more than that. She had to know he wanted more than just sex or she was going to have to find a way to get him out of her head. He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her as close to him as he possibly could before caressing her cheek with one hand. He wanted to kiss her desperately. He needed her to know that what he truly wanted was more than her body, more than sex. He wanted all of her in every way that was about way more than that. He had a feeling she needed more, not just wanted it. He was more than willing to give her that.

"Explain it to me then," she spoke, barely above a whisper as their lips nearly touched.

"I want to know you and spend time with you. I'm not just after sex," he divulged in the same soft tone.

"Are you looking for a girlfriend?"

"I'm not sure yet. I'd like to get to know her more. You know take her on a few dates, if she'll let me."

"Are you asking me on a date?"

"I am."

"My answer is yes."

Steve leaned in to capture her lips with his own. He moved his other hand behind her head as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The electric pulse they had felt upon meeting was surging through both of them now as the kiss deepened. It was as if time stopped as they were pulled further under the spell of the dizzying kiss. When their lips finally parted, Alexa knew her legs were shaky. Steve was doing his best to hide how weak it physically made him. They both, however, shared smiles of pure joy.

"I'll send a car to pick you up," he grinned. "How's Friday night at seven?"

"That sounds perfect," she smiled in response.

Oh, I'm starting to believe that this could be the start of something good

Author’s Note

Thanks for reading! Next up is the date and soon Tony will make his appearance. Will that spell trouble? - Leia

Read more by visiting my Masterlist or the Steve Rogers Masterlist

[theblindhakune]

So, Seph/Gen shenanigans as per @altocat 's suggestion. Adding Angeal because I don't write about him enough. This is probably gonna be completely nonsensical but I don't mind : D

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

"Let's fight a bigass snake for fun"

"I can't believe that you managed to drag me into this, Rhapsodos."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Seph. This is going to be great. Besides, of all people, it shouldn't be a problem to you at all. That's why you should give us two the chance first. Right, Geal?"

"Mm... I think I'm with Seph on this one this time, Gen. We were drunk."

The three young men stood on a hill by the southern marsh. They observed as the wet, muddy ground moved in waves. At times the Midgar Zolom lifted its head to snag a bird off the air as a snack. The enormous snake then dove back in.

"How are we going to get to the middle, anyway?", Angeal asked. "If that's what the rules call."

"With chocobos, of course!"

The black-haired one nodded, interest waning by the second. "Yeah, right."

Genesis grinned. "The rules also say that you have to catch the bird by yourself." He turned to Sephiroth especially. "Feeding them anything isn't allowed."

The silverhair simply lifted a brow. The redhead knew that he had next to no experience with chocobos.

"Well, I guess we have no choice", Angeal sighed. He looked around the meadows surrounding them, searching for a flock of the bright yellow, feathery friends. He spotted a group of about a dozen some distance away. "There's some. Gen, are you going to tell Seph what to do?"

The redhead only gave a shit-eating grin. He wouldn't divulge any of the precious information.

"Rhapsodos, was this a plan solely to humiliate me?", Sephiroth asked. "I've never even touched a chocobo."

"Oh, not at all! What makes you think that, dear friend? Come on, now." Genesis wrapped an arm around the silverhair's shoulders, pulling him along.

They got close to the animals, yet remained far enough to not alarm them.

The redhead gestured for Sephiroth to go get himself a bird. "General, the honor is yours."

The silverhair narrowed his eyes. "Depending on how this goes, Colonel Rhapsodos might be eligible for punishment."

"Oh~? I think I like those words", Genesis chirped as a reply.

"Gods, Gen, stop before you even start!", Angeal cried. "Seph, let's just humor the clown and get out of here."

"Thank you, Colonel Hewley." Sephiroth gave the redhead a hard glare before turning to the birds. He could do this...

The man in the black coat snuck closer to the animals. Some of them lifted and turned their heads at the approaching general. He stopped dead in his tracks, staring back at the fluffy creatures.

Genesis had his phone up, filming the happenstance. "He's never going to make it like that."

"Let's give him the benefit of the doubt", Angeal suggested. He had to hide his smile behind a hand.

Sephiroth dashed at the birds, determined to grab onto the closest one! Unfortunately, such a move sent the animals running. He only got some tail feathers as a souvenir.

"Oh Goddess, is he going to chase- He is!! Look at him!"

The general had gone running after the chocobos. The birds were fast, but he was faster. He managed to reach one of them, but his attempt to mount the possible steed failed as the damn thing made a hard turn, kicking the silverhair in the process. Sephiroth ate dirt.

The colonels laughed. Angeal's attempts at stifling the noise were in vain, while Genesis had tears in his eyes.

Sephiroth could hear them. He got up and shook the dust off of himself. Once more, he ran after the birds, specifically the one he'd already chased.

The poor ball of feathers had already tired itself out. This time the general managed to jump onto its back. The chocobo almost threw him off, shaking and jumping around like crazy. Sephiroth kept his arms wrapped around the animal's neck, giving him more stability.

Eventually, the bird calmed down, and the general rode it back to his friends. He gave the two dirty looks.

"Wow", Genesis said, "I have never seen someone do it like that." He held the camera up to Seph's face. "How did the ground taste?"

Sephiroth tried to grab the phone out of the redhead's hand. "I'll make you taste it yourself if you keep up with this, Gen. Your turn."

The colonel put the device away. "Fine, fine. Now, observe. One day you might also learn how to perfectly catch a chocobo." He waltzed towards the flock that had gathered back.

Angeal glanced up at his friend. "You didn't get hurt?"

"No", Sephiroth answered.

"Your pride didn't take any hits?"

"Not a single one. I know what Genesis is trying to do."

The two watched as the redhead approached the flock. Slowly, he inched closer to the birds. They noticed him, too, lifting their heads. Genesis crouched, making himself appear smaller. He kept his gaze low.

"Kweh!" The chocobos spread their wings and tails in an attempt to ward off the weird creature.

The redhead didn't stop. Instead, he went even lower. Step by step he made it right up to the birds, knowing that they wouldn't attack.

The animals relaxed a little, although still suspicious. One of them got closer to the colonel, curious.

Genesis saw his chance! In one well swoop he mounted the chocobo, locking his legs around its upper body. And unlike Sephiroth, who had essentially performed a choke hold on his poor bird, the colonel grabbed the animal right under its chin by one hand. The bird jumped, shook and spun around violently, yet Genesis didn't budge one bit. Quite the opposite, the man was having fun!

"Kweeh!"

"Kweh to yourself! Be a good girl, now!" He rubbed the side of the bird's neck, seemingly calming it down. "There we go."

He rode back to the other two, head held high. He had such an annoying grin on his face.

"Well, what say you, Sephiroth?"

"Hmh, impressive. I can see that this wasn't your first rodeo."

"Oh, my friend! You forget that I'm a country bumpkin, through and through. I have tamed more chocobos than you and I have read books combined."

"Give him a break, Gen. Wait here." Angeal went to get his own bird. He acted much like his redheaded friend, quickly succeeding in his endeavor.

Once ready, the three headed towards the marsh. The Zolom waited.

"Who's going to try first?", the black-haired one asked.

"Well, Seph is going to be the last one", the redhead pondered. "Mind if you go first, Geal?"

The colonel shrugged. "If that gets me out of this mess faster, sure."

"Aww, you're no fun with that attitude!"

"Heads up!", the general shouted.

They had already entered the marsh, and the running chocobos alerted the beast. It slithered towards them, now!

"Good luck, Geal!" The other two ran into opposing directions, leaving the colonel to face the approaching monster himself.

Angeal jumped off of his bird, which immediately bolted out of the snake's way. The gigantic jaws closed around empty air.

The Zolom slid past Angeal. It turned around, hissing and baring its fangs. Then, it attacked, trying to swallow the colonel!

Angeal, even with his legs half-sunken into the swamp, managed to dodge. He took a hold of its neck.

The snake, while incredibly strong, had to truly fight against the grasp. It couldn't lift its head, so it smashed itself onto the little human. This maneuver gave it the opportunity to roll around, truly dragging Angeal through the mud. The man had to let go.

The colonel, now lying in the wet, thick ground, gasped for air. He looked up at the figure that obscured the sun. Two furious eyes stared right down at him.

Someone grabbed Angeal by the back of the collar. He got pulled onto a chocobo's back.

"Are you hurt, Angeal?" It was Sephiroth. He headed out of the marsh to take his friend to safety.

"Not too badly. Damn Genesis and his plans..." He spit out some mud.

"Agreed. I almost want to tell Director Lazard about this, but we'd get in trouble, too." He dropped the colonel off.

Angeal sprawled onto the stable ground, soft grass under him. He scooped some of the silt off of his hair. "Let's see how he does. Be careful, Seph."

The silverhair gave a reassuring smile before heading back into the snake's lair again. For now, he'd watch how Genesis would fare.

Right then, the redhead jumped off of his steed and onto the snake's back. He ran up the sleek, scaled body, going for the neck. Even if Angeal hadn't been able to wrestle it down, Genesis could for sure! At least, in his mind he did.

The Zolom noticed the pest. It dove right into the mud, causing the redhead to fall onto his face. His clothes and hair got soaked, never mind the perfectly done makeup.

"Genesis, how does the ground taste!?", Sephiroth shouted from afar.

"Oh, shut the hell up!", the colonel yelled back.

The snake erupted, throwing Genesis up in the air. It then hit the man with its tail, sending him flying out of the marsh.

Sephiroth dismounted the chocobo, letting it run free. He watched as the snake approached, furious. It slithered on ground, dashing with its maw open once it got closer!

The general leapt up, landing onto the snake's muddy back. The momentum and the slippery surface made him slide towards the beast's split tail. Once there, he grabbed the creature's body right below the tail's splitting point. He jumped off and stuck himself to the ground. The beast couldn't escape.

With unbelievable strength, he swung the massive snake over his head. The creature landed onto its back, mildly dazed.

Sephiroth had noticed a spear-like, withered tree right outside the marsh. He let go of the snake and headed towards the edge of the area.

The Zolom rolled back onto its stomach. If it hadn't been angry before, now it was for sure. Hissing, it followed the intruder.

The general stopped, waiting for the snake to approach. He anticipated a tail swing, knowing that the creature didn't go outside the marsh at all.

His anticipation was proven correct when the Zolom spun around, swinging its tail at the little pest.

Sephiroth took the hit, but he didn't budge. Instead, he held his ground and grabbed the tail again. Now, with the tree in range, he threw the snake over his head yet again. The natural spear pierced through the Zolom's head, ending its life right then.

He waded through the marsh onto a more solid surface. His friends were waiting for him.

"I can't say that that wasn't cool", Angeal said, smiling. "What do you think, Gen?"

"We were supposed to wrestle the snake, not kill it!", the redhead reminded.

Sephiroth cleaned the worst of the mud off of his coat. "Really? I thought that the rules only called that no swords or magic were allowed. Besides, you said that this wouldn't be a problem for me at all. You had your chances."

Genesis opened his mouth, but Angeal butted in: "Yeah, that's what I remember, too." He stood up. "Well, if we've had our fun here, I think we should leave. Let's hope that some wild animal hasn't wrecked the bikes like last time."

The redhead and silverhair followed the colonel. Such a performance would surely feels as aches and stiffness for the next few days.

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

Director Lazard, sitting behind his desk, stared at the three first class SOLDIERs in front of him sternly. Angeal and Genesis had some bruises and cuts on their faces and arms. Sephiroth, in turn, had for once covered his chest, supposedly because his sudden health check-up from yesterday said that he had a massive bruise there.

The man sighed, pushing his glasses up on his nose. "Yesterday you had a, what did you call it, a guys' evening out. Today I hear that the Midgar Zolom has been killed. Which one of you did it?"

Angeal and Genesis pointed at Sephiroth. The silverhair lifted his hand.

"Why, Sephiroth? I don't remember us asking for you to destroy delicate fauna like that."

"Oh please, it was all but delicate-" Genesis' words were interrupted by Angeal placing a hand over his mouth.

"Colonel Rhapsodos dared me to, sir", Sephiroth answered.

"And you complied?"

"I did, sir."

Lazard took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Gods, you embarrass the whole SOLDIER department within this company..."

"Are we in trouble?"

"Why, yes, Rhapsodos, you are."

"But why? It was just one big snake."

"That snake has been under the Research and Development department's watchful eye until now. The next Midgar Zolom will reach its full size in..." Lazard checked from his notes. "Ten years. Director Hojo won't be pleased with you lot."

"What is our punishment, sir?", Angeal asked. He knew it was coming.

"That is for up to Professor Hojo to decide. In fact, he wants to discuss about it with you after this meeting. Go. He's waiting in his lab."

The three bowed politely before leaving. They got into the elevator, going up. Knowing Genesis' explosive nature, especially around the aforementioned scientist, this punishment could spell out more trouble.

[mauerfrau]

[ GAZE ]  taller muse is sitting and the shorter one who is standing in front of them takes their face into their hands while they talk. ( i'm WEAK 🥺 )

Help It's My Weakness || Accepting

@cantuscorvi

Raum was a patient kind of demon, especially for someone he held dear. It made him a good audience for Lily when she needed to talk about her day to blow off steam. It was becoming something of a routine of theirs for him to sit and listen to her divulge the ups and downs of each day. It was nice to have someone who wanted to hear what she had to say and cared about what happened to her. It also helped that he would never betray her trust to anyone else, so she felt comfortable divulging many things to him.

She was currently pacing back and forth as he sat on the couch, listening to her talk about some office woes. "It's just so annoying, you know? I don't understand why there always has to be red tape on everything these days. It's like I'm not allowed to do anything anymore. It was never this bad during the Cold War. Mielke and Wolf would push anything through if they thought it good enough." She waved a hand before he could say anything. "Yeah, yeah, I know I'm not supposed to miss an authoritarian government, but it had some perks if you were in the right place."

Raum leaned back with a smile. "And I suppose any suggestion of threatening them to push it through sooner would be bad?"

She huffed. "You know I can't do that. There are rules to play by if I want to stay where I am. I've worked too hard to lose everything...again."

The corners of his lips rose up. "Well, if it makes you feel better, you will outlive all of them. And if any of them wind up in my domain, I will be sure to think of something rather suitable for the trouble they give you. Perhaps a large stack of meaningless paperwork that gets reset each day. And perhaps I'll hang them from the ceiling with red tape while they do it." Now that he had spoken the words out loud, his mind was swimming with ideas and pleasure at the thought of doing it.

Lily sighed. "Well, that's still a ways off, for most of them. Maybe not the one who eats McDonald's every day though." She stepped towards Raum and placed her hands on the side of his head. She smiled as she gazed into his icy blue eyes. "I'll try to think about your plans next time I have to meet with them." She kissed him and then rested her forehead against his. "I love you, Raum. You always know how to make me feel better."

Raum had closed his eyes in the kiss. He smiled, and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her onto his lap, keeping their heads touching as he did. "Well, what else am I here for, hm? Perhaps, when my curse breaks, I will pay them an early visit to see if I can't make them change their minds sooner."

Lily laughed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders now. "Just as long as you tell me first so I can watch."

"My darling," he cooed, pulling back just enough so he could tap her on the nose. "Don't you know I would never miss a chance to show off for you?"

[eryiss]

Event: LGBTQA+ Month hosted by @ft-wwtdp​

Ship: Fraxus (Freed Justine x Gajeel Redfox)

Prompts: Gamble, Balance, Thirst, Quarrel Accident

Verse: Victorian AU

Alternate Places To Read: Fanfiction, Archive of our Own. Event master list here.

Here’s my sixth group of one shots for the LGBTQA+ month. You can read rest in the master list linked above. Again, this is set in the victorian era, and has some minor period typical values. Nothing graphic, but be wanred of suggestions of a less accepting time. Also, the thirst prompt has sexual undertones. There’s only kissing, but you might want to skip it if that’s not your thing. 

Day Twenty-Six – Gamble (On Yourself)

Gajeel had taken far too many gambles today.

It had been a gamble to cut through the docking area of Magnolia where many people got mugged, even despite his intimidating style. It had been a gamble to let his workmates know he wouldn't be at home, as that might allow questions to begin as to where he would spend the evening. It had been a gamble to even look towards the establishment that he had just entered. Tonight had been a night filled with gambles.

The building looked… normal. Pretty much like every other bar that Gajeel had patronised in his life. For the unknowing, this might have been just a regular tavern. But The Guild – or more colloquially referred to as Fairy Tail – was no such bar.

It was a bathhouse.

A place for men of Gajeel's persuasion to meet in safety. It was filled with all sorts of peoples, and acted as a safe heaven for them all. Men interested in buggery, those who rejected the gender they were born into, and those who didn't conform to what society wanted of them in some other capacity. It was Gajeel's first time in such a place and, despite knowing that he had more in common with the patrons of this bar than any other he'd been in, he felt incredibly out of place. Like a stranger, looking upon something that he shouldn't have seen.

He slowly approached the bar, unaware if the feeling of being watched was justified or not. He was regretting coming here already; he could have stayed home or drunk at a more common bar. He shouldn't have let Laxus tell him of such a place, or convince him to even think about going there.

Fairy Tail wasn't only a bathhouse. There were rooms available for renting upstairs should two men need them, but it was by no means a requirement. It was just a bar where you could be yourself. Laxus had said Gajeel would enjoy himself.

"Hello sir," A woman behind the bar greeted when he got close. "What can I get for you?"

"Erm," Gajeel mumbled, not wanting to be seen. "What d'ya have."

"Oh we have lots to chose from," The woman smiled, speaking patiently. "Anything any other bars have. Beer, ale, lager, wines, champagne if you're so inclined. And, between you and me, I've been practicing my cocktails and I'm getting rather good at them. So anything you might want, I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate."

"Beer, ma'am," Gajeel requested. The woman nodded, and Gajeel took a seat at the bar.

The woman got to work on pouring Gajeel's drink into a tankard, and the man kept his eyes straight on the bartop. He was just coming here out of curiosity and because he had let Laxus get into his head. Too busy trying to look inconspicuous, he failed to notice the man who had walked into the bar and sat beside him with a considerably greater amount of confidence when compared to Gajeel himself. It was only when he spoke that Gajeel realised he wasn't alone.

"A glass of my regular please Mirajane, my dear," A smooth, refined voice said, and Gajeel glanced to his side.

The man beside him was clearly wealthy, as portrayed by his fancy clothing and clean fingernails. When Gajeel glanced up he saw a head of long, silky green hair and a strong jawline. A gentleman then. Looking up further, Gajeel saw striking eyes and an expression of contentment.

At that moment, he was pretty much everything Gajeel was not.

"Give me a moment Freed," The barmaid, Mirajane, commented as she finished Gajeel's drink. "This gentleman got here first."

"And I don't get preferential treatment for being here so often?"

"Driving away my customers? You're lucky you're not charged extra," Mirajane laughed.

The man, Freed, seemed to enjoy the joke at his expense. It appeared that the contrast of Gajeel's discomfort and Freed's easy and relaxed nature seemed to have been noticed by the richer man, who looked to Gajeel with an expression of quiet intrigue. In response, Gajeel turned down and looked towards the top of the bar again, trying not to allow himself to be pinned by the sharp expression of the man beside him.

He couldn't help but squirm slightly. It wasn't often than he was around men with his fondness for the same sex. Well, there was Laxus, but neither man had interest in the other. But Freed, in his slight nobility and smooth voice, was the type of man that Gajeel enjoyed.

In theory at least, in reality the man looking at him made him squirm.

"I think you could only look more uncomfortable if a crocodile was threatening to bite off your toes," The man said to Gajeel, smiling softly. "First time in a place like this?"

"That obvious?" Gajeel asked, looking back to Freed and cupping the beer he's been given.

"It was either that or you're a copper who drew the short straw, and has to come here undercover and you're scared of anyone getting within a foot of you," Freed laughed at his own joke, and Gajeel let out a single chuckle. "With my experience, the police are much too boring to allow a man like yourself in their ranks."

"What d'you mean by that?" Gajeel asked, slightly offended.

"You have a rough beauty to you, sir. From what I've seen, any individuality is whipped out of you and replaced by a baton and a badge," Freed smiled, and Gajeel found himself speechless at the compliment. He had never once been called beautiful, never expected that to happen either. "Freed Justine, a pleasure to meet you."

"Gajeel," He introduced himself, delighted he didn't stammer over the word. He didn't say his surname; that was a gamble he wasn't going to take.

"Oh," Mirajane interrupted. "You must be Laxus friend, he mentioned that you might come by and I'm to look after you. I should have known."

"He thinks I need looking after?" Gajeel grunted, squaring his shoulders a little.

"No. Those weren't his words," Mirajane was quick to correct him. Out of the corner of his eye, Gajeel could see Freed smiling amusedly at the situation. "It's just he mentioned that you might not be used to places like this, and I know that they can be a little intimidating for new people. He just wanted me to keep an eye on you, make sure it didn't overwhelm you or that someone unknowingly made you uncomfortable."

"Oh," Gajeel mumbled. "Well, you don't need to put yourself to any trouble. I can look after myself."

"And if not, I'm sure I can look after our new friend," Freed smiled, before whispering. "Miss Strauss, though a kind woman, is rather a gossip. Harmlessly so, she enjoys knowing things rather than telling them, but she can be rather vicious when she wants to find something out."

"I can hear you," Mirajane stated, her voice less melodic now.

"Thus proving my point, don't you think," Freed smirked, and Mirajane glared at him. "Attend to your customers, dear, I'll keep him company," He then looked to Gajeel. "If you'll have me, of course."

Gajeel reddened slightly. "Ain't got any objections."

After that, Mirajane decided to leave them alone, and the two men began to speak. Gajeel didn't know if it was purposeful, but the conversation never once approached the reason why Gajeel was there. No speak of relationships, identity, or lovers. It started off about the best kind of drink – Freed fighting for wine, Gajeel for beer – which then divulged into what both men did for a living. Then, they just talked about nothing.

And it was good. Gajeel had never really had a conversation in a bar before. Men didn't speak in the bars he usually went to. Men drank, smoke, and sometimes made hopeless advancements on women. This was rather an improvement.

Freed was pretty good company, too. He was interesting, and perhaps the most handsome man Gajeel had laid eyes on. Rather destructively, Gajeel had a fondness for men above his station. Freed was that, most definitely. Refined, well spoken, obviously wealthy too if he was as successful in his career in law as he stated.

"Tell me, Gajeel," Freed said suddenly, finishing his wine. "Have you ever kissed a man before?"

"Erm," Gajeel blanked. The topic had come from nowhere. "Guess not."

"Shame," Freed smiled pleasantly. Seductively? Maybe Gajeel was thinking too deeply about the conversation though. "Would you like to?"

"E-excuse me?" Gajeel stammered. People weren't so forward, particularly when they were speaking about committing a crime. An unfair crime, but a crime none the less.

"Would you like me to kiss you," Freed grinned a little. "You're my type, and I think I might be yours. And I'm rather good at it."

"I mean… is that-" Gajeel was suddenly overwhelmed by the situation.

He hadn't come here to meet a man, or act on his impulses. It was just meant to be a place where Gajeel didn't have to look over his shoulder, and to perhaps drink with men with the same fondness that he had. A safe space, essentially. He hadn't expected anyone to pay any interest to him, let alone a man that would tick off the boxes of Gajeel's perfect man. He had no idea how to deal with such a situation.

Luckily, Freed did. The man reached over, took Gajeel's chin in his fingers, and engaged him in his first kiss.

And it was euphoria.

~~~

Day Twenty-Seven – Balance (And Adjustments)

Freed had always managed to keep his life well balanced.

He had put a lot of effort into forging a strong and reliable career that afforded him a more luxurious lifestyle than most. He had a small group of good friends who had allowed him the social interactions he needed, but also understood that sometimes he needed space alone. He had many hobbies that he often kept up with, be that reading, translations of old languages, or the investigation of antiques. These three aspects of his life were all he had needed, and he'd made sure to give them all the time they required.

With this balance, Freed had been happy. There hadn't been anything obviously missing in his life, nor was there a sense of melancholy. The life he had created for him had been satisfactory. But, with the inclusion of Gajeel, something more had been added.

And that something was threatening to throw this balance off.

Gajeel was unique in Freed's life, in almost every way. He was of a lower class and rough around the edges, something that Freed enjoyed greatly. He was more open with his opinions, lacking the middle class fear of insulting people. He was also more willing to take risks than Freed often allowed himself to be, the brashness of his personality invading Freed's life in a delightful way. It was as if someone had taken a jaw-droppingly handsome hammer to Freed's existence, with the intention of building up something new in its place.

But would this new thing be better, or worse? It was a question that Freed found himself pondering silently as he walked down the road towards his modestly comfortable home, with Gajeel at his side.

The two men had been on a few dates at this point. Well, they had drunk together and shared a single meal, but it was the closest thing two men could get to dating. So far, Freed had kept his interactions with Gajeel limited to these meetings. He was keeping the man at arm's length, because he didn't know if he could risk Gajeel getting closer to him.

But that night, Freed might have changed his mind.

They'd gone to a bar of Gajeel's choosing, which was considerably rougher than anywhere Freed went. They had done almost what they always did, drinking at a bar in the same way friends would. But when, after both got slightly tipsy, drinks had been placed before them, Gajeel had offered a challenge. He bet Freed a tuppence that he could finish his pint before Freed could.

And in that moment, Gajeel was the most attractive man Freed had ever laid eyes on. With a cocky smirk, challenging Freed to a competition, he was irresistible. He had a slightly crook in his nose, his sharp teeth visible, and his piercings glinting in the candle light. If it were acceptable, Freed would have jumped on him then and there.

But he didn't. Instead, he drank. And then he started to think.

They'd shared a few kisses in the seclusion of a dark alley, but that was it. Again, Freed had stopped it before anything further could happen, and it was all because he didn't want to upset the balance of his life. He had spent a lot of time creating a stable existence for himself, and Gajeel posed a threat to it. And now he had to decide if he was willing to risk it. To allow the balance to be upended and recreated with Gajeel in it.

He had to decide weather to invite him in his home, or leave him at the gate again.

Even thinking about it, his gut supplied the answer. Let him in. Gajeel was everything that Freed could have dreamt of, if he was honest. Fun, competitive, cheeky, creative, heartfelt, honest. And he wasn't just looking to take Freed to some secluded room and bed him, he genuinely seemed like he wanted a relationship. That was rare, and Freed shouldn't throw it away.

"Yer awful quiet suddenly," Gajeel commented. "Still pouting about losing?"

"No," Freed laughed. "And I still maintain you distracted me on purpose," Gajeel cackled at that. "Running your thigh against mine is a rather nasty trick."

"Doesn't mean ya don't have ta pay up, does it?" Gajeel smirked.

"I could drink you under the table with a higher quality wine," Freed rebutted, faux glaring while he tried to supress a laugh. This was something Gajeel had already done to him, allowed a more juvenile delight enter his every day life. That was definitely something that Freed wasn't ready to get rid of.

"You wanna take me to some fancy bar and prove it, fine by me," Gajeel crossed his arms, and Freed could see his arms flexing under the fabric of his clothes. "But yer paying."

"You certainly know how to get a drink out of me," Freed commented sardonically.

Gajeel laughed, and pat him on the shoulder with a little amount of strength. That was something that he did often, and Freed had concluded that it was his alternative to a romantic gesture. They couldn't very well hold hand in the middle of the street, after all, so a masculine pat on the back would have to do. When the thought struck him, Freed had to wonder what Gajeel's hands would feel like. Callous and rough no doubt. Rather delightful sounding.

It was then that Freed realised just how ridiculous was being.

He was thinking about what the other man's hands would feel like in his own. He couldn't pretend that this was platonic, nor could be delude himself into thinking this was two men who would eventually use each other for satisfaction.

He wasn't just attracted to Gajeel sexually. There was a romantic feeling too.

Worst still, Freed realised just how patient the other man was being with him. Freed had been the one to instigate the whole damn thing, and at first he had held off getting too far with him because Gajeel was inexperienced. But they weren't just strangers at a bar anymore, they were friends. They were comfortable around each other, and if the suggestive comments Gajeel had started to make were reflective of how he felt, Gajeel was willing to become lovers. And so was Freed, so why the hell was he putting things off?

To keep some sort of balance. What was the point in that? He wasn't keeping himself safe, he was allowing himself to stagnate. If he didn't take a step forward with Gajeel, then he never would. And his comfortable, balanced life would be all he had. And, right now, he wanted a bit of adventure.

"Taking you to a bar seems counter-intuitive," Freed continued, a sudden rush of adrenaline pushing him forward. "I've rather a well-stocked liquor cabinet right here. I can prove my point to you now, if you'd like."

Gajeel faltered a little, looking towards Freed's house as they stopped at the gate before it. He had walked Freed home after each of their dates, as the street was part of his walk home, but had never been invited in before. He glanced at the building, then at Freed, and grinned.

"You wanna be humiliated in yer own home, that's your choice," Gajeel grinned.

Then, as if it were natural, Freed found himself opening the gate to his home and walking down the path. Gajeel followed him, and an electric drumming of anticipation and excitement flowed through him. As he put the key in the lock, he wondered why he had taken so long to let this happen.

And once the door was closed, and Gajeel was pushing him against a wall with his lips, any thoughts of balance left him completely.

~~~

Day Twenty-Eight – Thirst (Of A Nobleman)

Anybody else would just think that Freed had been particularly thirsty. Nobody would have even noticed just how much Freed had been drinking throughout the day, and if they actually had, they would've just assumed that he needed a drink. There was no chance of anyone realising the actual reason that Freed had been continually drinking flute after flute of champagne throughout the afternoon.

Freed also hoped that Gajeel didn't know the reason for his apparent thirst. He would be intolerably smug when he realised it was because of him.

Weeks prior, Freed had been invited to attend a party at a nearby manor house owned by the Dreyar family. Being close with the son of the family, Freed had also gotten Gajeel an invitation. His lover would be there under the guise of a possible business partner that Freed needed to impress. Only the Dreyar's themselves knew that Gajeel was Freed's lover, so the excuse was needed.

And with such an excuse, Gajeel needed a change of clothes.

The man, being an ironmonger, didn't have many luxurious pieces of clothing, and had needed to go to the tailors so the lie of him being a businessman could be believable. Freed had through nothing of it as he'd sent the man to his tailor, expecting him to come back in something more similar to what Freed often worn. He had thought that Gajeel would have some clothes of a nicer fabric and more modern stylings, and that was it.

He hadn't expected the outfit to be so… flattering.

Of course, flattering wasn't the word that came to mind when he first saw Gajeel wearing it. Freed's immediate impressions were that it was gorgeous, gentlemanly, and, importantly, tight. Tight enough to encourage a rush of blood to swell Freed's groin.

And throughout the afternoon, Gajeel had been wearing the outfit. It was a test of patience for Freed rivalling torture, and the man believed he deserved a damn medal for not insisting they find an unused room in the house and buggering the man against the wall like a pair of animals. The urge had been there throughout the entire day, and Freed had only managed to keep his hands off his lover by busying them with something else.

Namely, drinking.

It had been a hellishly difficult task. The formal clothes had been measured to fit snugly around Gajeel, highlight his strong physique. His biceps bulged in his sleeves, his chest was pronounced in his shirt and coat, and his riding trousers had been so damn tight Freed could see the musculature that made up his thigs through them. Freed would have to have a word with his tailor, perhaps docking him some pay for making his balls blue.

What was worse, Gajeel himself had taken to the outfit perfectly. Well, in a sense. He didn't play the part of an aristocrat, but as someone who had fallen into money but stuck to his workman roots. The juxtaposition of the man's luxury against his rough and common personality had an effect on Freed he couldn't quantify.

Forget a medal. Freed deserved compensation for being so patient.

And Gajeel had more torture for Freed yet. Once the party was over, and they had returned to Freed's home, Gajeel had delivered a final blow. He shucked off his jacket and undid the top two buttons of his shirt. Now a tantalising vision of his hair covered chest was peeking out, and Freed felt his sanity slipping away.

"Scoundrel," Freed muttered to himself, not expecting Gajeel to hear.

"What?" Gajeel asked, and Freed looked up to see he was grinning.

Freed's breath caught in his lungs. Gajeel was sitting in the armchair that Freed often read at, lounging over the leather with the smuggest expression on his face. His legs were spread wide, and Freed was given clear clarification that Gajeel hadn't worn a codpiece. His arms were bulging in his sleeves and, finally, Freed realised that the bastard knew what effect he had on his lover, and had been making it worse.

"I called you a scoundrel," Freed said again, glaring. Gajeel grinned. "You… you bloody well did all of that on purpose, didn't you?"

"Don't know what you mean," Gajeel grinned. He didn't even try to be convincing. "I just asked for my clothes to be tight cause I like the feeling."

"You… you-" The words wouldn't come to Freed. Gajeel sauntered over to his lover, smirking.

"I thought this party was gonna be full of stuffy asshats, I needed to have a little fun," He grinned, standing over Freed. He leant down, took the glaring man's chin in his fingers and leant closer. "I've never seen a nobleman so thirsty before. The sun must have been getting to ya. Only thing that makes sense, given how hot and sweaty you were lookin'."

"You will regret doing this," Freed muttered, eyes hard. The looming presence of his gorgeous lover above him was starting to take an effect, however. "I will make damn sure of that."

"I'm scared," Gajeel chuckled. "If it makes ya any less angry, I wanted ta jump on ya just as much."

Before Freed could say anything, Gajeel leant down and brought their lips together in a heated and passionate kiss. Freed returned it within an instant, running a hand over Gajeel's strong arms and feeling the muscles flexing over the fabric. He grabbed the collar of the man's shirt and tugged on it sharply, making the man collapse into his lap. The kiss continued as he did so.

"I very much doubt it," Freed snapped against Gajeel's lips.

Gajeel cackled, pressing himself further against Freed as they kissed against the chair. When he felt Freed's hands roaming under his shirt, unbuttoning it without elegance nor patience, he grinned into the kiss. Freed pinched his skin in retort, and Gajeel laughed. He would have to make his nobleman 'thirsty' more often, it seemed.

~~~

Day Twenty-Nine – Quarrel (And The Aftermath)

Gajeel had been homeless before, he could do it again.

It wasn't an ideal situation, but he would get by. Just because he had got used to the luxury of living in Freed's cosy household didn't mean his street smarts had been removed. He had spent just shy of a year on the streets, and he'd made it through well enough, he just had to do it again. It wouldn't be anywhere near as comfortable as his life had been with Freed, but that was okay. He could tough it out until his situation got better.

He'd already found a good spot; under a canal bridge, close to an inn that Gajeel knew from experience would hand out scraps of uneaten food. And he had a trunk of clothing to keep him warm, which was better than what he'd had before. The trunk wasn't his, but Freed probably wouldn't miss it.

Freed. Gajeel felt a little sick when he thought of the man.

They had engaged in an argument in the morning. It was initiated by the most ridiculous of things; Freed had thrown a piece of fruit away that was bordering on rotten. Gajeel claimed it was a waste, Freed said that he wasn't going to eat spoiled food when it wasn't necessary. Somehow, this had devolved into a petty but nasty argument between them both about Freed's middle class upbringing and the contrast against Gajeel's own childhood. It had reached it's nastiest when Gajeel had claimed that Freed was a spoiled bastard without a grasp on reality.

The argument had been left there, as Freed had stormed out to go to work. Gajeel had festered in his anger for a while, before he realised what this argument had meant. He had been living in Freed's home for months, and the man was his landlord. It was unlikely that he would be allowed to remain after their fight.

So he had packed a trunk of his clothes and his items that he could sell, and left.

It was a bad day to do it, as well. The rain was heavy, and the dark clouds made Gajeel think that thunder and perhaps even lightning was coming. But he wrapped himself up in the large coat Freed had gotten him for his birthday, trying to ignore the irony that he was taking comfort in something of Freed's despite the fact he had left the mans home.

The more he thought about their argument, the queasier it made him feel. They had grown up in different ways, but that didn't mean Freed was a bad person. He was a criminal lawyer; he knew the struggles people went through better than most. Gajeel had just been angry – and perhaps embarrassed – that he hadn't been afforded the same luxuries that others had. But Freed wasn't to blame, and he had never been patronising about the difference in their lifestyles.

"Shit," Gajeel sighed, fingers tapping against the battered leather of the trunk he was sitting on. "Really fucked that up, didn't ya."

But it was too late now. Freed was a prideful man and – while Gajeel enjoyed that side of his personality – it was unlikely he would sit back after being insulted. Gajeel should have just kept his insecurities to himself. His stupid pride had lost him his home and his lover.

Leaning against the wall of the bridge, he allowed his eyes to close and was consumed by sleep.

He didn't know how long he had slept for, but when he felt a shaking on his shoulder and woke up again, it was now late enough for the stars to be out. He blinked groggily to see who had woken him, and saw that it was Freed, looking at him with a face of concern.

"How the hell d'you find me?" Gajeel asked, voice croaking.

"I spoke to Laxus, he told me of a few placed you could be, one being here," Freed explained. "Why aren't you at home, Gajeel?"

"Assumed you didn't want me there," Gajeel shrugged; it was obvious, he thought. "Guys don't normally like it when their shagging partner insults them. Thought it was best to leave before you came back."

Freed gave Gajeel a look of many emotions. It started off confused, flickered to annoyance for a moment, and then settled on resignation. He shifted slightly, moving so that he could join Gajeel on the trunk he was sitting on, looking out over the canal that was lit by stars. Gajeel frowned at the action, looking at his lover – ex-lover now, most likely – not understanding his actions.

"You're not just the man I sleep with, Gajeel," Freed said softly.

"Sure," Gajeel scoffed.

"I mean it," He spoke more firmly now. "I understand that a relationship like ours isn't the most conventional, but that doesn't mean it's any less valid. I don't want you to just be my lover – just someone who I know who I can take to bed – I want you to be my partner," He smiled at Gajeel, and looked beautiful. "I love you, Gajeel."

"You do?" Gajeel almost froze at the statement.

"Yes. I have never seen us just as people who can settle the others urges. I've seen you as my partner, the man who, if I could, I would marry," Freed admitted, and Gajeel felt a surge of emotions flow through him. Freed spoke again before he could understand them. "And I think you feel the same way. You've just denied it because it makes leaving easier."

At Freed's conclusion, Gajeel realised he was right. They weren't just having fun with each other, they shared emotions and feelings. They had courted and moved into a home together. Gajeel hadnt allowed himself to think of it that way, but of course that was what they had done.

"Shit," Gajeel mumbled. "I-I love you too."

"Quite so," Freed grinned, and Gajeel nudged him. "And, I'm sure you know, people in relationships often argue. It doesn't mean that one of them moves out and make themselves homeless."

"You don't want me gone?" Gajeel asked.

"Of course not," Freed assured him, smiling. "We will have arguments, of course we will. But, as people in love often do, we just need to get past them. Put aside our pride and come to a middle ground," Freed patted him on the thigh. "And I should apologise. I often disregard your childhood and how it has shaped you, and that's not fair. I shouldn't have been dismissive of what you said, and I shouldn't have gotten so defensive when you challenged me."

"No," Gajeel shook his head. "I shouldn't have made such a big deal about a fucking apple. And I called you a lot of nasty things that weren't appropriate."

"Well, some of them were. I was being rather a bastard," Freed chuckled, and Gajeel grinned slightly. "You have a sailor's mouth when you're angry, don't you?"

"Sorry," Gajeel chuckled.

"It's charming," Freed smiled, leaning against his lover with a soft smile. "We probably should have had a conversation like this before I stormed out, shouldn't we?"

"Probably," Gajeel agreed.

"Come home, Gajeel," Freed requested softly, and it made Gajeel feel warm inside.

Freed was his lover, his partner and his friend. This was something that Gajeel had never expected, and something that he held dear to him. They were good together, Gajeel had always known that, but hearing that his feelings were reciprocated was something that he hadn't thought would happen.

But now that it had, he felt damn idiotic for his actions. For leaving, as if it was an appropriate response. No, he and Freed were adults in a relationship, and they could work though their problems. That was a brilliant feeling.

"Okay."

~~~

Day Thirty – Accident (And Realisations)

It turned out it was true. Life really did flash before your eyes in a near death situation.

A mugging, that's what had caused it. Three men had cornered him in an alleyway, he removed his cane from his person and had started to beat him when he hadn't given them his wallet. He had put up a fight for a small amount of time, but the three of them were strong and outnumbered him. They were armed with impromptu weaponry and had thrashed the fight out of him, leaving him to die most likely.

As he had slowly lost consciousness as blood trickled from his wounds, his mind had supplied a stream of images from his life. Leaving for boarding school for the first time, riding a horse without help, his first dalliance with a farm-boy in a barnyard.

Then Gajeel had entered the stream of memories, and had dominated the experience. He remembered the first time they had met, their first kiss, their first night together, the first time Freed had confessed his love for the man. Smaller things to, like the cocky grin he had when he was issuing Freed some kind of wager, or the nights spent in their shared living room, reading or talking by the fire. Small moments of their relationship that Freed found himself adoring on reflection.

He passed out soon after.

Waking up in an unfamiliar room was disconcerting, and the pain flooding his body was vicious and unrepentant. He hissed at the sensation, and tried to distract himself somehow. The strong hands gripping his own were a good way to do that.

When he looked up, he saw a pleasant looking room. He adjusted his eyes at the open window and saw a street lit by the morning son; the street was familiar, but he was in a part of it that he didn't know. After a few moments he realised this was the same road he lived on, but a different house. Most likely, given the pain he was in, Porlyusica's house; a retired nurse that lived about three homes down from Freed.

But none of that was particularly important when compared to the fact that Gajeel was holding his hand.

He didn't seem to notice that Freed was awake, and it gave the injured man time to smile slightly. Gajeel had always been more cautious about being intimate in public than Freed – the lawyer had enough blackmail on London Police that they wouldn't go near him – so to have him openly touch him in a place not their home was a rather nice feeling. The feeling was soured when he realised why Gajeel was doing it; he was probably worried for him.

"Gajeel," Freed said, voice hoarse. It felt as though his throat were sandpaper.

"Freed," The mans head shot up, his voice tired and slightly croaky as well. "Fuck, how long have you been awake. Shit, here," He reached for a glass of water and handed it to Freed.

"Thank you," Freed smiled as he drank.

"You feeling okay. Course yer not," Gajeel cussed at himself. "Can I do anything for ya?"

"I don't think so," Freed shifted slightly as he sat up against the headboard. "Have you been here all night?"

"Couple nights. Would have been here longer but the old witch sent me away," Gajeel glared at a door, but Freed frowned.

"How long have I been unconscious?"

"Six days," Gajeel said quietly, and it was clear to see that the other man had been worrying for the entire time. Freed gently ran his thumb across the palm of Gajeel's hand in a comforting gesture, and his lover tightened his grip. "What happened?"

"I was leaving my office. Some men wanted money; I didn't give it to them. I'm sure you can guess the rest," Freed sighed, looking at the expression of worry on his lover's face. "I'm okay, Gajeel. I'm alive, and I'm sure that the pain is only temporary. You really needn't worry."

"Should have walked you home or something," Gajeel muttered, and Freed sighed.

"You weren't to know," He said comfortingly. "Has it been a long week for you, without my charming company to keep you busy?"

Gajeel laughed, albeit forcefully. Freed leant over and pressed his head against Gajeel's softly, as close to a kiss that they could do in anywhere slightly public. Gajeel nuzzled into the gesture, and Freed expected that the man would join him in the bed and wrap him in his arms if possible. Gajeel had always seemed to enjoy touch, be it holding hands, kissing, or even just pressing his side against Freed's as they sat next to each other. Perhaps it made things feel real for the man; Freed wasn't going to complain whatever the reason.

"Done a lot of thinkin'" Gajeel admitted. "I ain't ready to lose ya."

"I'm not going anywhere," Freed assured him softly, stroking his hand again.

"Better fuckin' not be," Gajeel said firmly, but was smiling, and it warmed Freed's heart just a little. "Because, well, one of the things I was thinking of was…"

Freed frowned a little when he looked at Gajeel. The man may not be the most blessed when it came to words, but that wasn't what was stopping him. He was nervous about something. That was defiantly unlike Gajeel, he was a headstrong man who often thought before he acted; sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. He didn't say anything though, letting Gajeel think before he spoke again.

"Couple months ago, you said you'd marry if you could," Gajeel eventually said. "And, I realised that I'd marry you too. So, well."

He reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a small box, which he flipped open. A simple plain ring rested inside of it, and Freed looked at it with shock as Gajeel shifted so that he was on one knee. Freed forgot the pain his body was in, looking at the piece of jewellery with wide eyes. Gajeel gave him a shockingly hopeful smile.

"I know we can't… I mean legally it won't be…" Gajeel glanced down in annoyance of himself. "I love ya, Freed. And I wanna spend the rest of my life with ya, and I was scared that I would be able to for a while. And I know we can't go it in a church, or get it done legit, but I wanna be yer husband. I wanna get married to ya. So, will you marry me?"

"Yes," Freed grinned. "Oh fuck yes."

[for-the-ninth]

It kinda blows my mind that trigger warnings are expected to be included in books now and it's not that I think tw's are entirely useless or a sign of oversensitivity in our culture, but more that research shows they don't help as much as ppl think they do (and in some cases do more harm than good) so I wonder if when it comes to mental health and trauma maybe putting trigger warnings for anything and everything on every single piece of media is more trouble than it's worth and leads to an unreasonable expectation levied on authors that they'll divulge every potentially triggering event in their book on the first page.

Roxane Gay put it far more eloquently than I ever could in her essay, The Illusion of Safety.

***

"There are things that rip my skin open and reveal what lies beneath but I don’t believe in trigger warnings. I don’t believe people can be protected from their histories. I don’t believe it is at all possible to anticipate the histories of others in ways that would be satisfying for anyone.

There is no standard for trigger warnings, no universal guidelines. Once you start, where do you stop? Does the mention of the word rape require a trigger warning or is the threshold an account of a rape? How graphic does an account of abuse need to be before meriting a warning? Are trigger warnings required anytime matters of difference are broached? What is graphic? Who makes these determinations?

It all seems so futile, so impotent and, at times, belittling. When I see trigger warnings, I think, “How dare you presume what I need to be protected from?”

Trigger warnings also, when used in excess, start to feel like censorship. They suggest that there are experiences or perspectives too inappropriate, too explicit, too bare to be voiced publicly. As a writer, I bristle when people say, “This should have had a trigger warning.” I think, “For what?”

I do not understand the unspoken rules of trigger warnings. I cannot write the way I want to write and consider using trigger warnings. After a while, I would second guess myself, temper the intensity of what I have to say. I don’t want to do that. I don’t intend to ever do that.

Writers cannot protect their readers from themselves nor should they be expected to.

There is also this: maybe trigger warnings allow people to avoid learning how to deal with triggers, getting help. I say this with the understanding that having access to professional resources for getting help is a privilege. I say this with the understanding that sometimes there is not enough help in the world. That said, there is value in learning, where possible, how to deal with and respond to the triggers that cut you open, the triggers that put you back in terrible places, that remind you of painful history.

It is untenable to go through life as an exposed wound. No matter how well intended, trigger warnings will not staunch the bleeding; trigger warnings will not harden into scabs over your wounds."

***

She also says she believes trigger warnings can make some spaces safer too, and I agree to an extent. Context matters too, I think. If I'm scrolling through TikTok and in the midst of a sea of comedic clips I'm abruptly greeted with a video of a parent verbally abusing their child or a sudden flash of gore, that'd be something I'd like to have a warning for.

But when I open a book or watch a movie, I don't expect to receive a trigger warning for anything specific. The genre, the rating, and any reviews I've read have likely given me some clue as to what to expect. If I see anything that feels like too much, I can put the book down, turn off the TV, or walk out of the movie. I might be frustrated at being unable to finish it, because maybe there were a lot of parts I liked. I might also decide to go back and try again when I feel like I can handle it better.

People will keep researching the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of trigger warnings, and in all likelihood, the general public will disregard that research in favor of a political narrative - either anyone who wants trigger warnings is a special snowflake, or those who don't provide them in every instance are insensitive.

The world is full of triggers, and I don't think it's fair to levy the responsibility of anticipating yours onto any creator. No one is an asshole for not divulging every inch of their plot so you can decide whether to view their work, and creators shouldn't have to tone things down to avoid upsetting everyone. Because art reflects life and life reflects art, so there will always be suffering depicted in media and there's no way to escape that. Even a children's movie with minimal suffering could be triggering to some because triggers are not solely limited to violent material.

Tl;dr if trigger warnings make you feel safer that is perfectly fine, and you shouldn't be demanding them of any creator based on that personal preference.

[reimeichan]

Dating two singlets and a system (and recently broke off a long-standing platonic partnership), honestly it's not too different for us other than what our partners can relate to when it comes to our experiences. Keep in mind we're dating all of them as a collective/system; even if it feels like only some of us are actually dating them, we all call each of them our partners even if the feelings of romantic attraction vary from alter to alter, partner to partner, from "nonexistent but I'll tolerate you" to "head over heels in love never wanna let go of this feeling".

The most important thing for us has always been communication. Our partners already knew of our DID before we started dating (they were each close friends of ours that we felt comfortable enough to confide in about our disorder) so we didn't have to necessarily introduce the concept to them while in a romantic relationship, so we don't have any tips on how or whether to tell your partner about your system. I do believe that's a level of trust that would vary between systems and relationships and partners, so go at your own pace for that. If anything I'd suggest to start out smaller, like "I had issues in childhood that are still affecting me", "I have memory issues and may need help with that", and so on. This makes it so that your partner may know what to expect from dating you without having to divulge too much information if you're not comfortable with it. When you guys are closer and more willing to open up, that may be the best time to actually talk about DID and what that entails and gauge their reaction. Be willing to answer any and all questions; some things may sound offensive and googleable, but I find it's a good excercise in trust and bonding to allow someone to ask you these things and keeping an open mind when responding back. You're now planning to be partners, after all. A little bit of vulnerability is to be expected. If you're truly uncomfortable with a question you should always feel free to say "I'm not comfortable answering this right now"; a good partner will leave it at that and not pry any further.

As for expectations... don't expect your singlet partner to ever truly understand the complexities of your disorder, from how the inner world works and how it affects the system both internally and externally, to alter relationships with each other, to dissociative barriers, to communication or lack thereof within the system, to having very conflicting wants and needs, to the concept of self and identity and personhood when it comes to being both individual alters in a system and also a system of a singular person. They can try their best, and we always appreciate it when our singlet partners put in the effort to understand us and our disorder, but some things are simply too abstract to fully grasp, though we will still do our best to explain when they ask. And that's okay; after all, these things will also vary from system to system, as we found out from also dating a fellow system.

Some singlets may be able to more easily figure out who's fronting when, some may need help. It's up to you guys as a system whether you feel more comfortable being noticed/treated individually or as a whole, and it may be that certain alters have different preferences. For us, most of the main fronters enjoy being noticed as themselves and may even introduce themselves when fronting/switching, though some other alters prefer to be covert and would simply state that they would prefer to be called by the system name.

I think for us, one of the most important things we wanted our partners to understand was that our sense of identity can be incredibly volatile. This means we can appear as completely contradictory and say one thing one day and something completely different the next. And if that's confusing, we ask that they ask questions to clarify anything, and to have patience and understanding that as a system we may just be split on something and not be able to give a single, cohesive answer. Communication and an openness to communicate with each other is always key to any healthy relationship, and we believe that to be even moreso for us systems.

If you'd like, we could also ask one of our singlet partners for their experiences dating systems, though we also understand if this post is just supposed to be by systems for systems.

Any of y’all have advice for dating a singlet?