#and 1917... is well. yeah!!

[schofieldshelmet]

There were two of us

[skitskatdacat63]

I can't stop thinking about Dune....

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Just Friends: Big News

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Bucky Barnes

masterlist

Summary: You have a surprise for Bucky.

It’s giving

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

“Hey!” You bounce up to the table. It’s funny how Bucky can look so intent. So gloomy in the midst of the bustling cafe. He sits up as he puts his phone down on the table. “I’m sorry I’m late. I got great news!” 

“Oh?” His brows lower, “well, you’re double sugar frappa-whatever is melting.” 

He points across the table as you sit and roll your eyes. 

“If you tried it, you wouldn’t be making fun of me. They are delicious!” You put your purse in your lap and take a long slurp through the straw. You pop your lips off and let out and ‘ahhhhh’. You smile at him as he gives you that look. 

“I don’t take sugar in my coffee and you barely take coffee in your sugar,” he drones. 

You giggle. He's always so grumpy about the smallest things. 

“News?” He prompts dully. 

“Right,” you wiggle in your seat. “I got you a date!” 

He twitches and tilts his head, “a date?” He gives you a cautious look and shifts in his seat. “Uh...” 

“Yes! This lawyer lady I know. I met her at a trivia night way back and added her on Insta. Well, I saw her post the other day and I was like how did I not think of this before?” 

“Lawyer?” He mutters. “I... you’re setting me up with a stranger?” 

“It’s a blind date. It’s fun. She’s really established and smart and beautiful. Oh my god, she posted this picture of her in a bikini—I could never wear something like that.” You get your phone out and he sighs. 

“Wait, why did you do that?” He grits. 

You look above the screen at him, “well, you said the other day that you get lonely. That’s why you have Alpine, right? And she’s so sweeeeet,” you drag out the word in adoration, “but you need someone you can talk to. Who can talk back.” 

“We talk,” he insists. 

“Yes, but we’re friends. You need someone your own age. Or closer to.” 

“Wait, how old is she?” He wonders. 

“Aha, you’re interested,” you point at him accusatorily. 

“I’m asking questions.” 

“Right, she’s... fifty something? She doesn’t look it. Like you. You don’t look... uh... 1917... carry the one...”  

“Stop that,” he demands. “I know how goddamn old I am.” 

“Ha, yeah, sorry, I...” you scroll through your Insta friends. “Here!” You turn the phone to him and beam a smile in his direction. He glances at it for a split second and shrugs. He sits back and drinks his coffee.

“I’m not really... in that scene,” he says. 

“You should get out there! I mean, you can’t bring Sam and Steve to dinner all the time. You need someone--” 

“Is this what it’s about? Because I showed up at the restaurant?” He asks. 

“No, it’s-- I’m being a friend. You two are so alike and she loves old movies and motorcycles. I could never! I'd fall off or not tie my helmet right,” you chuckle. 

“Dreamy,” he growls. 

“Bucky,” you whine back. “You gotta get out and have some fun.” 

“We have fun,” he counters. 

“We do and that’s awesome—Oh, okay, how about, I got an idea! A double date.” 

“A double—you have... a boyfriend?” He taps the porcelain cup with his metal fingertip. 

“Ha, no way. But I could find someone to come along. Just so you’re not alone. There’s a few guys at the restaurant I’m sure would go for a free meal or I mean I know other cute girls. I’m not picky.” 

He closes his eyes and a line forms between his brows. He pinches his nose and squares his shoulders. “Where the hell did you come up with the idea that I wanted to date?” 

“I...” you sit back and your smile falls. His blue eyes flick open as he drops his hand. The dimple in his cheek ticks. “I’m sorry, I thought it was—I was... trying to be a good friend.” 

He stares at you and the stone slowly eases from his jaw. He looks down and back up. He huffs. 

“I’m sorry, dreamy,” he says, “it’s just been a while for me. Not that I haven’t thought of it, you know? But I don’t know if I’m ready for that.” He shakes his head and glances around the cafe. “The last time I dance with a dame was a goddamn USO tour in 1945.” 

That hits you like a sixteen-wheeler. You didn’t know that. You didn’t think of it. He’s been in this world for a while and he’s handsome and a superhero! You just though he’d have lots of people interested. Charlize sure seemed excited when you asked. 

“And now you’re looking at me like I’m a loser because I haven’t kissed a gal in 80 years--” 

“No, you’re not a loser. If you are, then I am.” 

“Come on, you don’t gotta--” 

“Really. I never kissed anyone. Not lying.” 

He shakes his head and scoffs, “oh no, you’re not lying to make me feel better.” 

You put on your most sober face, “Bucky, I swear,” your cheeks burn and you put your hands on your neck. “I mean... it would be nice I’m sure but it just never came up.” He looks at you quietly. You squirm. “I know you can hear that I’m telling the truth.” 

“Yeah, I know,” he accepts at last. He crosses his arms and clicks his tongue, “fine. If you’re going to suffer through it, I will too.” He looks away as his jaw tenses, “if you’re going to keep pulling that puppy dog face, one day, it’s gonna wear off.” 

“Yes! Bucky’s got a date! Bucky’s got a date!” You sing out of tune. 

“Stop,” he snarls and narrows his eyes at you. You wince and giggle.  

“Yay!” You put your hands up in a demure celebration and he tuts. 

“You’re so cheesy,” he sneers. 

“And you’re a party pooper. No moping on date night, got it?” You try to put on a stern face and he squints even harder. Finally, he cracks and gives a chuckle. 

“You’re ridiculous,” he sniffs. “You and tough, don’t go together.” 

[suzukiblu]

WIP excerpt; weird Kryptonian bonding rituals.

“This just not how I expected to become a dad,” Lois mutters under her breath, putting her hands in her hair. “Seriously, I was going to get a Pulitzer first. How am I supposed to be a dad without a Pulitzer?!” 

“You were ever expecting to be a ‘dad’?” Jimmy asks, raising an eyebrow at her. Lois glares back at him. 

“You know what I mean, Jimmy!” she hisses. “A parent! Any kind of a parent!”

“What’s a Pulitzer?” Conner asks curiously. 

“The Pulitzer Prize!” Lois says, gesturing dramatically with both hands and starting to pace. “It’s one of the most distinguished awards in journalism! It’s been going since 1917! It’s a huge honor and a major achievement and–!”

“What’s it have to do with being a dad?” Conner interrupts, wrinkling his nose with a puzzled expression. Lois . . . pauses. 

“Um,” she says. 

“Probably nothing,” Jimmy says with a shrug. “Like. Almost definitely nothing.” 

“Then why’s it matter?” Conner asks, still looking puzzled. Lois puts both of her hands over her face. 

“Oh my god, I am my dad,” she says despairingly. “I think my career matters that much? Seriously?! Conner’s not gonna care if I have a Pulitzer or not if I’m a bad dad to get a Pulitzer! Oh my god, what am I doing with my life?!”

“Having a crisis, apparently,” Jimmy says. “And, like, some serious reprioritizing.” 

“I don’t think taking pride in your work is a ‘bad dad’ thing,” Clark says. Though having a kid is a reprioritizing-level situation, he thinks. Definitely when they’re a surprise kid. “That’s setting a good example for Conner, really. Just, you know . . . don’t ignore him to kidnap and illegally detain people because you think they might have something to do with a theoretical invasion, and I think you’ll probably be fine? Probably?” 

“Yeah, the invasion thing really seemed important to, like. Everybody who was working on me,” Conner says as he sneaks another honey bun. He’s adorable about it, so Clark doesn’t stop him. “They kinda suck, though, sooooo . . . I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you were gonna invade them a little. Just saying.” 

“No one’s doing any invading,” Clark says immediately, then feels awkward because, well, technically–“I mean, I don’t think anyone’s doing any invading. I’m not! I’m very much not doing any invading! Ever!”

“Are you sure?” Conner looks disappointed. 

“No alien invasions until you’re eighteen,” Lois says. “. . . or until we figure out how old you should count as being.”

Conner pouts. 

. . . they could probably invade just one dubiously-ethical lab, Clark thinks, if Conner really– 

“No, Clark,” Jimmy says. “I know that look, man. We don’t need any more angry government dudes or MIB-types after you, we’ve got enough of those already! Like, way too many!” 

“I think any is ‘too many’, in this case,” Lois says, looking sour.

[bellaxgiornata]

All These Years [Part 16: "The Death of Miscommunication"]

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

[You can find the full series summary and masterlist of installments for All These Years here.]

Warnings/tags: 18+ for this series; contains emotional hurt with no comfort until the final installments, angst, pining, friends to lovers, slowburn, and eventually smut

Word Count: 4.9k

a/n: The frustration should mostly leave us all in this one! The gradual comfort and fluff slowly begins from here on out! You survived the worst of the angst and we're going to head towards a happy ending! Feedback is always appreciated!

Tag list: @acharliecoxedfan @theetherealbloom @rotscinema @magnumstyles @roseallisonparker @ofmusesandsecrets @readerhead @paracosmic-murdock @v4leoftears @why-always-me-gosh-please @redbircl @keepingitlokiii @yarrystyleeza @mattkinsella @ms-murdockswift @margoo0 @1988-fiend @lockleywife @strangeobsessed @justalittlebitbored @am-3-thyst @buckybarnes-1917 @thora-jane @lionalsowrites @cloudroomblog @prince-tassel @danzer8705 @yourlocalbentspine @harperdoodle @hollandorks @mattmurdocksstarlight @yeonalie

“So your grades were finally posted and now it's a literal fact that Karen Page is a goddamn smarty pants?” you teased.

Across from you on your couch, Karen giggled and snuggled further under the blanket you were both sharing. Both of you were cradling a glass of white wine in your hands, the leftover Thai food you’d had for dinner sitting on your coffee table. 

Karen’s flight had gotten in about three hours ago and you had been beyond excited for her to be staying the week at your place. Though it felt so strange having part of your New York life in LA, and it certainly meant a particular someone from New York was on your mind a bit more than usual today.

“I’m honestly shocked I did so well with everything I’ve had going on,” Karen told you. “I mean, that was a full class load and I was helping Foggy and Matt at the office part time.”

Something stirred in your chest at the mention of Matt, your smile momentarily faltering before you forced it back on your face. “Yeah,” you agreed. “Honestly when you told me you’d just go down to working part time while taking classes and working on your law degree, I thought you’d finally gone insane. I don’t know how you’re going to keep that up, but more power to you if you can, Kare.”

“Thanks,” she said, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “So you’re still enjoying the new job here?”

You nodded, bringing your wine glass up to your lips for a drink. Swallowing down the slightly sweet wine, you continued to smile back at Karen, though it felt a little strained.

“Yeah, I enjoy the job. Admittedly the pay has had a lot to do with that,” you replied. “And I’ve been enjoying the new city, but I’ve told you that already. The food here is honestly just as incredible as back in New York, but now I actually have the money to indulge in it more often. And the night life is…entertaining, to say the least.”

Karen laughed, drawing her own glass of wine towards her mouth. The glass hesitated by her lips for a moment though as her sharp blue eyes studied you silently. 

“You know,” she began slowly, “I’ve noticed you don’t talk about your dating life much out here.”

Your brows drew together, head tilting to the side. Had you not mentioned it to her? You knew you hadn’t really said much to Foggy, not really wanting it to get back to Matt and end up hurting him that you’d been so actively dating, but you didn’t realize you hadn’t told Karen much.

“I haven’t?” you asked her.

She shook her head, swallowing down her sip of wine. “No,” she answered. “Have you been dating?”

“Yeah,” you admitted, heat burning at your cheeks as you focused on the wine glass in your lap. “It was difficult at first, because it–it sort of felt wrong, you know?”

“Because of Matt?” Karen asked.

You nodded, your gaze still focused on the glass of wine in your lap. Your fingers lightly drummed along the side of it nervously. You desperately wanted to ask her about Matt but you were afraid to know what had been going on with him since you’d left.

“But yes, I’ve been dating,” you confessed.

“Has…anything come of it?” she asked curiously. “Have you met anyone?”

Clearing your throat nervously, eyes still averted, you shook your head. “I’ve…met a lot of someones, actually,” you told her. “But not a particular someone.”

“Wow,” Karen said in surprise.

Her tone caused you to look back up at her, shocked to see she was grinning back at you from the other end of the couch. Your brows drew together in confusion; you’d expected her to be a little upset because she had known about your feelings for Matt and his feelings for you. Part of you had wondered if she might consider it some sort of betrayal to him that you’d been sleeping with other men since you now knew your feelings weren’t one-sided.

“So you’ve been putting yourself out there and actually enjoying being single?” she asked. “Not just holed up in your apartment or at work, but actually out here living your life?”

You smiled sheepishly at her, nodding in response. “Yeah,” you admitted. “I’ve been getting out quite frequently.”

“Good,” she replied. “I’m happy for you. LA seems like it’s been good for you then. Because I know how tied to your job you were back in Hell’s Kitchen. And how…unavailable you often made yourself. You seem to be enjoying it here.”

Your smile faltered yet again this evening. Karen’s perceptive gaze immediately caught the small downward movement of your lips, though. Her piercing blue eyes narrowed back at you.

“What’s that about?” she asked, gesturing towards your face. 

"What?" you asked innocently.

"That look," she clarified. "You are happy here, right? Because you always make it seem that way when we talk to you, but…that was definitely a look that said there's more to the story."

You shifted on the couch, drawing your legs further into yourself under the blanket. Not wanting to lie to Karen, you decided to be entirely honest.

"I like it here," you answered truthfully. "I do. And I've been pretty content since I moved. This apartment is far nicer than the one I had in Hell’s Kitchen, and I actually have a savings account that isn't sad to look at. I've made some friends out here," you continued. "And I haven't had much issue when it comes to finding guys to, you know, sleep with. I mean there's…been a surprising amount."

"Oh my God," Karen said with a giggle on the other side of the couch. "I am dying to hear about all of those details while I’m here."

Nervously biting your lip, your fingers once again drummed along the side of your wine glass. You could feel the shift in Karen’s demeanor instantly, as if she had simultaneously picked up on the shift in your mood.

"But it's not what I want," you admitted quietly, shaking your head. "I don't want to keep sleeping around with a different guy almost every week."

"Shit," Karen whispered in disbelief. "Almost weekly? You've certainly been busy."

You sent her another sheepish smile which had her swiftly shaking her head and waving a hand quickly between the pair of you.

"Like I said, I'm proud of you for putting yourself out there," she explained. "No judgment whatsoever. Honestly? I'm envious because I've been too busy to even think about sex. But I'm guessing the reason it's not what you want has a lot to do with a certain lawyer with a questionable hobby back in Hell’s Kitchen?"

Exhaling a long breath, one of your hands began anxiously running through your hair. It had taken you this past month to fully come to that conclusion yourself. For a while you'd tried to tell yourself it was just because you'd wanted more from the men you kept seeing here, but soon it started to become glaringly obvious that you couldn't hide from the truth.

You were still in love with Matthew Murdock.

Moving to the other side of the country hadn’t magically gotten rid of your feelings for him. They were still there. And while that ache in your chest hadn’t hit you as often, and you weren’t sitting around constantly crying over Matt once you’d really settled into your life here, you couldn’t deny the truth. You missed him and you wanted him. These other men had only made that clearer for you.

"Yes," you replied. "Everything is great here, and I’ve been trying to be open-minded and meet new people. But I still have feelings for Matt. I tried hard to move past him, but I–I just can't. I love him, Karen. That hasn't changed."

Karen leaned forward towards you on the couch, sitting up a bit straighter. There was a small smile on her face as she gazed back at you. 

"Where do you…stand with all of that?" she asked. “With him?”

You shrugged a shoulder, shaking your head. "I don't know," you told her. "I'm still a little hurt about him letting me think he was dead for so long when he wasn’t–that all of you did, if I'm being honest."

"I'm sorry," Karen apologized immediately. "I didn't want to do that to you, but I didn't want you to get hurt. None of us did."

"I know you're all sorry and regret it," you told her. "I’ve heard the apologies countless times from each of you. And I believe you all, which is why I've forgiven you. All three of you, including Matt, because I think he grew from the situation and truly learned from it. But that doesn't erase the hurt it caused.” Shoulders sagging, your eyes dropped down to the glass of wine in your lap. You swirled the liquid, watching as it spun in a circular motion in the glass. “And then there's the whole thing with Erica," you continued quietly.

"He's not with her," Karen stated. 

A hopeful feeling blossomed in your chest at her words, your eyes slowly rising from the glass of wine to see Karen staring back at you. Had Matt really not gone back to her when you left then? He wasn't still thinking about marrying her? 

"He's not?" you asked timidly. 

Karen shook her head firmly. "No, he hasn't been with anyone. I think he's always hopeful you'll suddenly show up in Hell’s Kitchen again someday. He’s either always working on some case or another for the firm, keeping himself busy, or he’s out scouring rooftops around Hell’s Kitchen at night. He really doesn’t do anything else–besides mope, I suppose.”

“Oh,” you breathed out. “So he’s not…seeing anyone? Sleeping with anyone?”

“Nope,” Karen said, her smile growing wider.

Matt wasn’t dating. 

It had been nearing six months since you’d left Hell’s Kitchen–left Matt after his confession of having feelings for you as well–and he wasn’t dating. Which was unheard of. Because it was Matt . You’d always known him to be with someone, whether it was a one night sort of thing or him casually dating someone. Matt was always with someone.

But ever since you’d left he hadn’t been with anyone else.

“Why?” you asked her. “He’s usually always turning on the charm and getting attention.”

Karen dramatically rolled her eyes at you, her smile widening. “Are you seriously asking me that? Matt confesses he has feelings for you months ago, right before you hop on a plane, and then suddenly he has the most impressive lack of a dating history he’s ever had? And you can’t put two and two together?”

“Because of…me?” you whispered.

“Obviously!” Karen said, leaning forward and swatting your leg. “You know, the other week the three of us were out to lunch and this woman came right up and flirted with him at our table. And you know what he said?”

“Something witty accompanied with that damn charming smile of his?” you deadpanned.

“No!” Karen exclaimed. “He told her he wasn’t interested!”

Your brows drew together on your forehead. That wasn't like Matt. He usually loved the attention, or at least it always seemed like he did, and he would inevitably turn on the charm and flirt back even if he declined anything more. 

"You both still aren't talking, right?" Karen asked, a mischievous grin forming on her lips.

Your eyes narrowed at her suspiciously. "No, we aren't," you answered slowly. "He hasn't reached out to me and I wasn't sure why. And the more time that went by, the more terrified I became at the thought of reaching out myself. I–I figured he didn’t want to hear from me because I hadn’t heard from him."

"Well, Fog wanted me to do a video call with you while I was out here." She shrugged innocently despite the devious smile on her face only growing. "I figured we could call him Monday mid-afternoon their time because I know they both will be there at the office. It'd be a chance for you and Matt to finally talk again." She raised a brow at you. "What do you say?"

Chewing your lip, you felt nerves swirling in your stomach. You'd get to see Matt again, even if it wasn’t in person. Talk to him. Hear his voice. The thought alone had your heart racing.

"Yeah," you whispered. "Okay."

Sitting beside Karen on the stools at the breakfast bar in your kitchen, you were nervously chewing your thumbnail as you rested your elbows on the white quartz counter. She was dialing Foggy on her phone for the video chat that she'd mentioned the other day and you were feeling incredibly anxious. 

It had been months since you'd spoken to Matt at all, and with the way you'd left him back in Hell’s Kitchen, you weren't sure what to expect. Maybe he wouldn't want to talk to you at all. And with how you knew he felt about the people he loved leaving him, you wouldn't be surprised. 

But the longer you sat there, hearing the phone ringing as you waited for Foggy to answer, the more nervous you felt yourself growing. By the time Foggy finally answered the call, shouting your name in excitement when he first saw you, you felt ready to run to your bathroom and throw up.

Though that could also have been due to the aftereffects of your night out with Karen last night.

"Hey, Fog," you greeted him in return.

Despite the way your stomach was churning and roiling violently, making you feel sick and a little on edge, a large smile spread across your face at the sight of one of your absolute best friends. It hit you in that moment just how long it had been since you'd last seen him. You definitely had missed him and his words of advice and comfort that you'd come to rely on over the years.

"How are two of Hell’s Kitchen’s finest ladies doing out in LA today?" Foggy asked, a broad smile on his own face. 

"Tired, we were up late last night," Karen said with a laugh. "We actually only woke up about an hour ago."

Foggy glanced down at his watch, his face scrunching up. A second later his eyes closed as if he was thinking. 

"Isn't it about eleven in the morning out there?" Foggy asked, his eyes opening again. "So you both woke up around ten this morning?"

"Well we didn't go to sleep until after two," you informed him. "And we needed our beauty rest for another night out tonight."

"Ahh, so that's why you ladies look so lovely this morning," Foggy teased.

You saw Karen roll her eyes beside you in the small screen that was displaying the pair of you. But your mind was already on something else as you took in the sight of Foggy sitting in his office. Chewing your thumbnail nervously again, you worked up the courage to just ask. 

"Is Matt there?" you blurted, full well knowing he'd have heard you asking for him if he was. 

Karen immediately grinned at your question, waggling her brows playfully at Foggy who's mouth had dropped open. He looked stunned on the screen and that only had heat creeping up your cheeks.

Quickly trying to recover, Foggy nodded. "Yeah, he is," he answered. "He's just over in his office. Do you…want me to see if he's free to chat, too?"

You saw the hopeful, overeager look on his face and only felt your face heating further. You had a feeling Karen and Foggy had planned this somehow, trying to find a way to get you and Matt to finally reconnect after your move. But if it worked, you weren't about to complain about their scheming. 

"Yeah, if he's not busy," you answered nervously. "I don't want to bother him."

"Trust me," Foggy said, swiftly rising to his feet from his desk chair, "you're not going to be bothering him."

You watched Foggy make his way out of his office, eventually passing Karen’s desk before you heard the knock he made on Matt's office door. The camera was focused on the side of Foggy’s face when you heard Matt call out from inside his office in response, his voice just registering over the phone. You sucked in a nervous breath instantly–it had been far too long since you’d heard that voice. 

From beside you, Karen sent you a reassuring smile. It didn’t help to ease the knotting of your stomach though as you heard Foggy opening Matt’s office door. Shoving your thumbnail back into your mouth, your teeth began aggressively gnawing on it. You heard Foggy telling Matt that he was on the phone with you and Karen, though you had a feeling he already knew with his hearing. Admittedly you were glad his senses couldn’t pick up on much through the phone though, because you were sure your body was doing all sorts of things right now.

For a few seconds you saw the camera jostling around before both Matt and Foggy came into view on Karen’s phone screen. Your teeth bit down hard on your nail, your heart nearly exploding out of your chest at the bright smile on Matt’s face just beneath his familiar red glasses. He greeted you first, the sound of your name coming from his mouth making your heart stutter in your chest. It was a moment before he seemed to remember to greet Karen, too, which she was quick to tease him about. But you sat there feeling like you couldn’t breathe just at the sight of him.

Because there he was. Matt. Your Matt. In his white dress shirt and a dark red tie today, one that matched his lenses. The stubble was a bit darker on his cheeks than usual and his hair looked a little windswept, but there was a bright smile on his face, one that had the lone dimple in his right cheek visible. You found yourself suddenly overcome with the desperate urge to reach through the phone and hug him. 

You had definitely missed him. More than you’d apparently realized.

“Hey, Matty,” you finally greeted, feeling a little shy.

You were aware there was a massive, idiotic smile on your face that you were glad he couldn’t see. But unfortunately for you, Foggy and Karen could see it. Though Matt’s smile only seemed to grow wider across his face when you’d spoken, which only kept your eyes completely glued to him despite Foggy standing just beside him.  He actually seemed happy to be hearing from you and you soon felt foolish for thinking he'd feel otherwise.

"I hope you're enjoying your time with Karen," Matt said.

"Yes," you replied immediately, your face somehow heating further at your next words. "Though I–I wish you could have all come out to visit me."

You saw the looks both Foggy and Karen exchanged over the video at your comment, Foggy’s smile widening even further. Because they were aware of what that comment really meant. They knew what you were trying to say.

And judging by the look of surprise on Matt’s face, his dark brows rising onto his forehead for a long moment, he was surprised to hear you'd wished he could be there, too. When he recovered, the smile he sent you next had your heart racing. He was so handsome, your memory certainly hadn't done him justice.

"I wish we weren't so busy here at the firm," Matt told you. "We would have liked to join Karen if we could have."

"Well, I'm–I'm happy to hear the firm is doing so well lately," you replied nervously. "Though I've…definitely missed you all."

You saw Matt reach up, one hand pulling his glasses off of his face and revealing the soft, affectionate look in his hazel eyes as they focused just to the side of the camera. A warmer, sweeter smile had drawn itself across his lips, the sight causing your hands to grip your countertop firmly. 

"We've definitely missed you, too," he said quietly. 

"Okay, okay," Foggy cut in, waving a hand in front of Matt's face and the phone. "Just so everyone is clear, you're both saying you missed each other." He turned and looked at Matt, shooting him a pointed stare as he said firmly, "And she's saying she wouldn't mind if you visited her in the future." His head turned swiftly as he shot you a look through the phone, his eyes narrowed. "Right? Because I don't want any more miscommunication with you two. I've had years of it."

Biting your lip, you nodded nervously. "Yes," you replied shyly. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

Your heart felt like it flew into your throat when Foggy focused back on Matt. You weren’t sure what to expect of his reaction even after hearing his confession to you months ago.

"Okay, so are you on board with using your words now, Matt?" he asked him. "I know you're good with them, I see you in court all the time, buddy."

Matt chuckled lightly, nodding his head. You couldn't tell if it was the phone or not, but it almost looked like Matt was faintly blushing when he spoke.

"Yes, I'm saying I missed you," he confessed. "And that I wish I could have come to visit you, too."

"Excellent!" Foggy exclaimed. He threw an arm around a grinning Matt’s shoulders beside him. “The miscommunication finally ends! We shall forever call this moment the death of miscommunication! But you two can talk to each other on your own and catch up another time, because I want to hear about Karen’s time in LA so far. And I especially want to know why you girls were out until two in the morning on a Sunday night.”

A look of surprise washed over Matt’s face, his lips pulling up into a curious grin. “You know, I’d like to hear about this, too. I’m guessing it involved drinking?” he asked.

“It definitely involved drinking,” Karen answered, a grin on her own face. “And dancing.”

“Oh, well now this I’ve got to hear!” Foggy said excitedly.

The moment you saw Foggy turn and shoot Matt a smile, and you saw the smile that spread across Matt’s own face in return, you knew exactly what they were about to bring up. You groaned, rolling your eyes.

“Did she dance on any tables, Karen?” Foggy asked, his focus returning to the two of you.

“Belt out any songs?” Matt added.

Throwing your face in your hands, you groaned louder. Beside you, Karen was laughing and shaking her head.

“No, but I feel like there’s a story in there,” she said.

“Oh there most certainly is!" Foggy began enthusiastically. "So there was this night, just a few months after we first met her at Columbia, where we brought her to a party. She got really drunk. Like, I don’t know how many shots I saw go down this one’s mouth that night,” he said, pointing at you through the phone as you peaked at him through your fingers, “but holy shit. She was intoxicated . Almost immediately after us arriving.”

“I remember she was holding onto me for support the duration of the night,” Matt teased, a big smile on his own mouth.

"And I remember apologizing profusely the next day because I'd ruined your night," you grumbled.

"Nah," Matt said with a shake of his head and a broad smile on his face. "You didn't ruin my night."

"You had one beer the whole time!" you reminded him. "And Foggy said you spent the whole night taking care of me."

"I didn't mind," he said with a shrug, the smile still on his face. "I wanted to make sure you were alright. And it meant I got to spend the entire night with you clinging to me."

 Your bottom lip rolled back between your teeth at his words, a rush of warmth abruptly flooding you. You vaguely remembered that night, but you'd always felt bad about how it had gone. You’d always guiltily felt like you'd ruined Matt’s evening because you'd gotten so drunk. Always thought he'd felt obligated to take care of you, making it so he couldn't go back to anyone else's dorm for what you figured he usually did after parties, but apparently he was happy to have you attached to him that night. Which had been news to you.

"Besides," Matt continued, "even drunk, it was still a little hot watching you on that table."

Foggy snorted out a laugh as your face suddenly burned with embarrassment. Beside you, Karen let out a giggle as Matt continued to smile back at you through the phone screen.

"You only heard what Fog told you about it, Matt," you shot back. "You didn't actually get to experience it fully that night, so I don’t know how you think you can tease me about that."

A devilish smirk slid across his mouth, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Heightened senses, sweetheart,” he said smoothly. “I experienced it quite well, actually."

Your eyes widened in shock, your mouth falling open. He only chuckled when you cried out in further embarrassment before burying your face back into your hands.

"I don't want to reminisce anymore!" you shouted. “It’s vastly too mortifying knowing the things I know now!”

The three of them laughed as you tried to disappear into your countertop. You couldn’t even begin to imagine all of the moments you didn’t realize Matt was aware of more than you had known. Though a part of you did wonder what moments with Matt you’d misread all those years ago.

Settling onto your couch, you flipped on your television and skimmed absently through the channels. Your apartment felt empty now that Karen had left a bit ago to catch her flight back to New York. It had been a fun week having her here, especially because it felt like she’d brought a bit of Hell’s Kitchen with her. But now that she was gone, your apartment seemed oddly quiet and a little lonely. Even the noise of the television didn’t seem to help with that.

You’d done another short video call with her a few days after the first one, feeling like a schoolgirl with a crush the moment Matt joined Foggy on the call with his smiling face. The memory of him pulled at your heartstrings now, making you feel a little teary-eyed as you tried to focus on the television. You missed all three of them and Hell’s Kitchen, but you’d gradually started to make a life out here in LA. You had an amazing career here, one that paid exceptionally well. It wasn’t realistic for you to uproot back to New York on a whim just because you missed your friends. Even if you happened to have really strong, not-so-friendly feelings for one of those friends. This was your life now, at least for the time being. The feelings from Karen’s visit would eventually fade and things would return to how they were. 

For some reason that thought only made you feel worse.

Your phone vibrated on your coffee table, the brief buzzing noise catching your attention. Curious, you leaned forward and saw you had a text message. You figured it would be from Karen letting you know she was bored at the airport, or maybe Alicia wanting to meet up tomorrow for lunch. She’d certainly had fun meeting Karen the other night. But you were surprised to see it was Matt’s name that had shown up on your screen. It had been months since he’d reached out to you, and even though Foggy had claimed the pair of you had put your miscommunication to death the other day, neither of you had actually reached out to the other all week. You wondered if he ever would, or if it would be up to you to figure out what to say to break the strange lack of communication between the pair of you. 

Opening up his text, your eyes read over it quickly.

2:36PM  Matt: Foggy just told me Karen is at the airport now. Figured you were probably feeling a little down. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you.

Your eyes ran over the text multiple times, your heart beating a little faster as you did. He’d reached out to you. After months of silence, he’d actually reached out. It was only through text, but still, that was better than nothing. Your eyes reread the last line of his text a few more times, a small smile steadily growing on your lips as you did because he was thinking about you. You . No one else. Just you.

There were certainly things that Matt and you needed to discuss, things better discussed in person if there was ever the opportunity, but this was good. This was progress. This was you and Matt hopefully finding your way back to each other with honest communication. 

With a glimmer of hope building inside of you, your fingers flew across your phone as you began to type up a response.

[END NOTES]

I like end notes, alright? 🤣 For those who read FFTD over on AO3, y'all know the novels I write there.

So they're finally talking again!! And we see Reader fully acknowledge the fact that she still loves Matt, even if her life is still very much rooted in LA at the moment. Once again we can thank Foggy and even Karen for pushing the two to finally talk!

From here on out the angst slowly fizzles out, but it still exists because, well, there's clearly physical distance between Matt and Reader. But at least they're going to openly communicate with each other and be honest about their feelings. It only took YEARS for them to reach this point! Hopefully y'all are still enjoying this series as it now reaches the fluffy and eventually smut-filled installments! Is there a long distance relationship with Matty in the future? You'll have to wait and see...

[yandere-metal-family]

Foreign Girls Can't Survive In Russia

Summary: You happened to be embarrassed because of a language barrier between you and your history teacher.

You hadn't been paying to much to the class, since you weren't on the friendliest terms with the teacher, but maybe you could have been paying more attention to him when he was talking.

"Y/n!"

You instantly perked up when hearing your name.

"When did the Russian ____ begin?"

But you hadn't understood what he said in the middle of it. You were starting to feel stupid as you stared at him, confused, "I'm sorry. I don't understand?"

"What do you not understand, Y/n?"

"Are you saying War or Revolution?"

"What do you think I said?"

You could feel everyone's eyes on you. You had never messed up or been confused by the language, or at least you haven't since you became fluent in it. He had just been talking so fast that you hadn't been able to keep up.

Dee felt bad for you. He never liked the teacher all that much, but he hated him even more now. He didn't know why the guy was making your life difficult over a simple miscommunication. He pulled out some paper and wrote 'Revolution' on it, before putting it on the floor and sliding it towards you.

You felt something hit your heel. You looked down and in familiar hand writing that said 'Revolution.'

"You meant the Russian Revolution that began in 1917 during World War I?"

He groaned and moved on, seeing as he wasn't going to be able to embarrass you further. You looked back towards where the paper came from to make eye contact with Dee.

----

You took a longer time to get your stuff, watching Dee. When you saw him get up to leave, you quickly stop him.

"Dee right?"

He looks at you as if that was a dumb question and you suppose it was a dumb question.

"Thanks for helping me out there. I was dying," you chuckle, but he wasn't so you were starting to feel awkward. Maybe he only helped you so that the class would move on.

"Yeah you were," he smirked, making you feel a little more comfortable.

"Yeah, I don't know what his problem is. It's like he hates me."

"It sure seems like it."

"Sorry, I'll go. I feel like I'm in your way."

"No, it's fine. Do you want to walk with me?"

"Uh, yeah. I'm surprised I've never really talked to you. How long have we shared classes?" You asked, not really expecting an answer.

"For a few years, actually."

"Oh. Well, I can be pretty dense."

"I've noticed."

"Well, I'll make sure to notice you more."

"What a delight." He remarks, smiling to himself, while watching you walk ahead.

[questionableratatouille00]

𝙒𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙩 𝙒𝙖𝙨 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN!Reader

Summary: Movie nights with Bucky were always fun. But after a special viewing of Wonder Woman, you realized just how much you love him.

Warnings: Lightest mention of Bucky’s HYDRA days, non-detailed mention of flashbacks, panic attacks, and nightmares. Mentions of WW1. DC movies? This is really just fluff. Let me know if there are any spelling or grammar issues, sometimes I struggle lmao.

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

“Come on, don’t be a wuss. It’s just a movie.” Tony groaned as you began to stand up from the couch.

“Ugh, not interested. This is..sickening. At best.” You retorted. Tony had decided that putting on Marathon Man was a good idea. The teeth drilling scene was clearly making Bucky uncomfortable, and you wanted to avoid that as much as you could. You pulled him off the couch, and that’s when Tony decided to open his mouth.

“Your loss.” He shrugged as you led Bucky upstairs to your room.

“Wanna watch something that’s not from the 70’s?” You offered, and Bucky just shrugged.

“I’m sorry. About..all of this.” He apologized.

“Buck, it’s really not a big deal. I didn’t like that either. Yuck.” You assured, giving his hand a light squeeze.

“How about Wonder Woman?” You suggested.

You and Bucky often watched a movie before you went to bed, and after enough complaining from Stark about you falling asleep on the couch, he’d bought you a TV to put in your room. He’d gotten one to put in Bucky’s room too, knowing that you alternated which room the two of you would sleep in.

Bucky had agreed to watch Wonder Woman with you, and you grinned as you cuddled into his side. Often, you’d pick the movie, or at least give him options to choose from. He preferred it that way, and if he saw something that looked interesting, he’d tell you. You’d found a routine in it all, and Bucky liked routines.

“She always creeps me out, every time I watch this movie.” You murmured once Dr. Poison appeared. It was always the scene with that gas mask that made your legs feel hollow. The little scream that the man would make when she’d rip it off him always made you shut your eyes tight.

“I get why.” Bucky mumbled into your hair, his arm around you. Some movies and shows had scenes that were a bit much for him, but for the most part he didn’t mind scary characters or moments.

When the two of you he watched Stranger Things together, there were a few parts where you had to skip to the next scene. Bucky always felt guilty over it, but you always assured him that it really didn’t bother you.

And it didn’t. Nothing that came with being in a relationship with Bucky ever bothered you. Not the nightmares or the flashbacks. Panic attacks, trust issues, paranoia, and dealing with post-mission symptoms. None of it bothered you. Ever. You loved Bucky. Nothing could change that.

“Was it like this?” You asked, halfway through the movie.

“What?” He glanced down at you.

“This movie’s set in World War 1. I know you were born in 1917—but do the costumes look right?” You wondered.

Bucky’s brows furrowed slightly as he remembered to all the way back then. “I think so. But this is in London, right?”

You nodded, smiling at the fact that he’d been paying attention. “Yeah. I don’t know. I was just curious.” You admitted sheepishly, looking down at your hand, which rested on Bucky’s chest.

“What was dating like?” You asked after a moment.

“Well..if it was today all the way back then..” Bucky took a second to think. You looked up at him, a small smile on your face.

“I would’ve taken you out to the Stark Expo, after making sure your family at least tolerated me. And then we’d go dancing together, until nine. Maybe even ten, if I was bold enough. Then I’d take you home. I’d say good night to you at your door, before giving you a small kiss.” He explained. You imagined it, and your entire body felt warm.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He smiled softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“I love you.” You whisper, making sure to make eye contact.

“I love you too.”

“I think there’s another show we should watch.” You said once the movie finished.

“Oh yeah?” He said, maneuvering the both of you so that you’re still in the same position, just laying down.

“Yeah. It’s called Once Upon a Time. It kinda became a train wreck, but it was good for a while. There’s this one character who looks a lot like you.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah. The Mad Hatter. His name is Jefferson.”

He made a confused expression, chuckling lightly. “Alright then. We can watch that next.”

“Good night, Buck.” You whispered, letting your eyes close gently.

Bucky rubbed a few soothing circles into your back. “Good night, dollface.”

[youling-the-ghost]

sfth incorrect quotes pt.5 because who needs a normal hobby anyway (the generator I used)

Luke: That's a nice arguement, Sam. Why don't you back it up with a source? Sam: My source is that I made it the fuck up! Luke: How high are you? Tom: Mm, I don’t know how to say it in feet. Sam: No, he's asking what drugs are you on. Tom: Oh, antidepressants, why? AJ: Where the devil is Tom? Luke: Well, it is raining outside… Maybe he melted? Sam: Shall I look outside for a tiny, ill-fitting hat?

Sam: If bees can be fish and boys can be girls, then why can't my dad love me? Tom: I thought I was going to have to yell at you, but now I think I should hug you.

Luke walking into the kitchen and seeing all their limes peeled: Tom, I love you but, what the h-e-double FUCK. Tom, sipping coffee happily: I love you too :) Sam, after sneaking into AJ’s bedroom: Hey, wake up! AJ, half awake: Huh!? Sam: I just murdered your entire family! AJ: …But I live alone. Sam: Huh? Then who are these people in your house??? AJ: There’s people in my house? Sam: Well not anymore! Dumb bitch! You could’ve died! You’re welcome! AJ: They… well, I wouldn't call it inheritance per se. What do you call it when you kill someone and get their stuff? Tom: Um, murder??? Sam: Adventuring! Luke: Tuesday. Luke: You can de-escalate literally any situation by asking ‘are we about to kiss?’ Luke: Doesn't work with getting out of speeding tickets, though. Luke: How do tall people people possibly sleep at night when the blanket can't possibly cover you? Tom: Luke, it's four o'clock in the morning. Luke: So, you can't sleep, huh? Is it because of the blanket? Tom: Sam gets offended by everything. Sam: What did you say about me?!? Tom: Tom: Case in point. Luke: wow you and Tom are home early from the movies. What happened? AJ: We got kicked out because Tom wouldn't stop yelling diving scores as people jumped off the titanic. Tom: That last guy had a solid 8, I'm telling you! Sam: The best part of an oreo is the cookie part, not the frosting. Deal with it. Tom: Darkness without light is an abyss. Light without darkness is blinding. You cannot have a coin with one side. Luke: YO SOCRATES! IT'S A FUCKING COOKIE! Sam: What are your three best qualities? Luke: I’m hot, I have soft hair, and sometimes I cry because I love my friends. Sam: A pessimist sees a dark tunnel. AJ: An optimist sees light at the end of the tunnel. Luke: A realist sees a freight train. Tom: The train driver sees three idiots standing on the tracks. Tom: Luke! Have you no dignity? Luke: Of course not! How long have we known eachother? Tom: AJ? What are you doing here? AJ, wearing a hawaiian shirt, sunglasses and holding a gatorade: My best. Luke: A stake to the heart won't kill a vampire if their tits are big enough. AJ: Yeah, you just catch it. Tom: Nah nah nah, deflects it. Stake? Just bounces right off. Done. Back to doing hot girl shit. Sam: Then I just use a spear instead. Luke: You are trying so hard to kill a vampire with big bazongas, and for what? Why would you do that to the ecosystem? Tom, cowering in fear: What do you want from me?! Sam, standing in front of Tom: *bites into the whole KitKat bar like a heathen* Tom, crying: Please...stop...

Tom: Be right back, gonna hit the toilet for a quick power sob. AJ: I did it! I memorized everything in the book! I'm gonna ace this test! Sam: Ok, AJ, I'll give you one more question before you go. What ended in 1918? AJ: 1917. Sam: ...You're ready. Luke: Welcome to my very first vlog, in which I try different hair products! Luke: *sprays hairspray in his mouth* Luke: Well, right off the bat I can tell you this one is not very good. Tom: Sam just said "I have an appetite for destruction" and then he reached down and untied my shoe. Luke: I'm going the fight the next person who insults Sam. Sam: I hate myself. Luke: Alright, square up. *AJ is considering cancelling plans, and Tom and Sam are advising him on what to do* Tom: Just don't go. Sam: Say you’re ill! Tom: Pretend to break your leg. Sam: Really break your leg! AJ: Remember that time you dared me to lick a swingset? Luke: No, I said "AJ, don't lick that swingset" and you said "Don't tell me what to do" and licked the swingset. AJ: You fuckers don’t know about my knife stick. It’s a knife taped to a stick and it’s the ultimate weapon. Tom: Spear. AJ: BLOCKED. Sam: Quacking in my boobs over this Sam: QUAKING* Sam: BOOTS* FUCKER.

+ Bonus message from the programmer of the generator:

Congratulations! You've stumbled upon a secret message from me (the programmer of this generator): Remember to drink water. And also take your meds if you have those and are supposed to take them. Also, have a nice day if that's a possibility. I hope y'all are doing great, and remember: Happy pride month! Always respect eachother's pronouns! (sadly it's no longer pride month but that that doesn't mean that we shouldn't continue to respect each other's pronouns)

[lucidlivi]

Chosen For Pleasure (IX)

Series Masterlist/Warnings

Tag List: @ladysparkles78 @suckitands33 @little-x-wolf @stoneyggirl2 @creative-writing92 @jc-winchester @mrsjenniferwinchester @lessons-of-red @jamerlynn @deans-baby-momma @willow-sages @ritz-hell-hotel @perpetualabsurdity @mhessellund @itzabbyxx @chriszgirl92 @abbybarnesstuff @larrem88 @commonsenseishard @impalaspixie @notsogoofyjelly @hzllxhoundxx @taylortots-world @kazsrm67 @k-slla @heavenlyackles @spnfamily-j2 @buckybarnes-1917 (oh my! if you look at the beginning to now you can see how much we’ve grown! I love you all! If you would like to be added please send me a message or an ask!)

Did ya miss me?

“can we please try again? I promise to be more open, I promise to work on my intimacy issues. I promise I will never hurt you that way again.” He pleaded.

“okay but one condition.”

“what’s that?”

“we take it slow.”

“I don’t know if I know how to take anything slow.” Jensen laughed rubbing a hand along his neck.

I leaned in close so we were just centimeters apart. Jensen swallowed, looking from my lips to my eyes.

“you’ll learn.” I whispered.

I smirked as I pulled away from him. Jensen sighed rolling his eyes before offering me a smile.

“besides you have some making up to do, didn’t think you were going to get off that easy did you?”I laughed getting out of the backseat.

“okay that’s fair, how about I pick you up after work tomorrow and we go to dinner?” He countered getting out too.

“hmmm intriguing, but I have a better idea, how about you pick me up after work and we make dinner at my place?”

“sounds like a date.” He smiles.

Jensen and I stood in silence, taking in each other’s presence.

“I um should get going, cause I really want to rip that little black dress off of you.” Jensen says licking his lips.

I felt the heat pool between my legs.

“down boy.” I laughed causing him to chuckle as well.

“I’ll see you tomorrow though, right?” He asked as if he were unsure I still wanted to see him.

“yes sir.” I tease with a smile.

Jensen leans in placing a tender kiss on my cheek. As he’s about to walk away his name is being called.

“Mr. Ackles wait up!”

A girl runs over with two frames in her hand.

“here are your pictures sir, I can see you already met the photographer, so you can just pay her directly then.”

I watch as the girl walks away looking frazzled. I turn back around to see Jensen with his checkbook out.

“what are you doing?”

“paying for my pictures, you heard the girl.” He said filling out a check.

“Jensen I don’t want your money.” I argue.

“please I make this kind of money every hour.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.

He smiles at me before ripping one of the checks out and handing it to me.

Sure enough it’s a check for $40,000.

I give him a look before ripping the check to shreds.

“I don’t want your money.” I said more sternly this time.

He rolls his eyes annoyed by my antics.

“but they’re such good pictures.” He says holding them up and looking at them.

something tells me this was the first time he was actually seeing them.

“yeah they are, wonder who took them?” I joked.

“oh just this perfect woman that I’m falling in love with.” Jensen shrugs.

A blush instantly formed on my cheeks.

“hmm she sounds like a keeper, better not mess this up.” I whispered before biting my bottom lip.

Jensen leaned in close, lips near my ear.

“I don’t plan on it sweetheart.”

Jensen gave me one last peck on the cheek before sauntering away. I couldn’t help but to watch him in awestruck.

“I’m falling in love with you.”

His words replayed like an echo in my head. I couldn’t believe he was really falling in love with me. It was all too surreal.

I got an alert on my phone snapping me back to reality. It was a notice from my bank.

a deposit in the amount of $40,000 has been made to your account.

Jensen.

How?

I growled shaking my head, I would definitely have to talk to him about this tomorrow.

****************************************************

I felt extremely awkward going in to work the next day.

I had no clue why Gray was acting the way he was, but I felt like I owed him an apology, at least for Jensen’s behavior.

Stella was shocked when I told her what went down between the two men.

“oh my god they’re battling for your affection.”

“don’t be ridiculous Stella.”

I sighed getting out of the car slowly. I caught sight of Gray as he was walking in to the office.

“hey Gray, you got a second?”

He snapped his head up giving me a glare.

“make it quick I’m busy.” He snapped.

“doing what, you just got here?” I sassed back.

He rolled his eyes and continued to walk towards the office. I took a deep breath chasing after him. He made it so hard to be nice to him.

“I wanted to apologize for Jensen’s behavior.” I called while running to catch up with his quick strides.

At my words he stopped dead in his tracks forcing my body to collide with his. I fell back, my butt hitting the pavement.

“why would you need to apologize for him.” Gray asked crossing his arms across his chest.

I stood up dusting myself off trying to formulate a response.

“for how he talked to you, he just has a lot going on and we’re sort of back together so I feel that it’s my responsibility to..” I started to ramble but Gray cut me off.

“I think you’re making a mistake.”

“what?”

“being with him, you’re making a mistake.”

I stood silent in shock.

He rolled his eyes before walking in to the office

I couldn’t help but feel bad as I made my way in too.

I sometimes wandered if I was making a mistake too. Jensen came with a lot of baggage, sometimes I didn’t know if I was equipped to handle all of it.

As soon as I walked in all sets of eyes flickered in my direction.

Oh god.

What now?

I glanced back at Stella to see her nervously looking at her computer. I sped through the cubicles to reach her desk.

“how bad is it?” I asked biting my nails.

It was a nervous habit.

“well unless you don’t mind being called a gold digger, not too terrible.” she said turning her computer around.

It was another article, this time it was a picture of me and Jensen from the auction last night. It was when we were standing in the hallway, and I was yelling at him.

Ackles pays $40,000 for pictures from rumored girlfriend. Is she only after his money?

“do these people have anything better to do?” I growled slamming the laptop shut.

“how do they find out this information so quick I mean it literally happened yesterday?”

A realization washed over me making me sick to my stomach.

“Gray, it has to be.” I said racking my brain.

Gray was one of the organizers of the event last night. I mean it doesn’t explain the first leak to the press but it has to be him.

“but how, he didn’t know any of the other information.”

I knew she was probably right, maybe I just wanted someone to blame.

“I don’t know Stell, but it has to be him.”

“I guess we’ll just have to prove it then.”

I slumped in my seat sighing.

Even when I was winning it felt like I was losing.

It was silent between us until Stella spoke up.

“soooo $40,000 huh?”

I rolled my eyes looking at her.

“right not the time.”

I couldn’t help but start laughing at my best friend. She always knew how to make light of every situation.

I ignored the glances from my nosy coworkers and tried to be productive. It made the day go by faster. It was close to the end of the day when Gray approached our desks.

“may I have a word with you?” He asked standing in front of me.

I slowly nodded standing up to follow him.

“get some dirt.” Stella mouthed to me making me roll my eyes in response.

I walked in to his office sitting down on one of the plush chairs.

“is this about the article?” I hesitantly pried.

“did you book our rooms for the convention in New York this weekend?” He asked completely ignoring my question.

“uh our rooms?”

“did you or didn’t you?” He asked annoyed.

“I mean, yeah I booked your room, I didn’t know I was supposed to book one for me to.”

“It’s expected that my senior editor be in attendance as well.”

“I’m sorry sir, I didn’t know.”

“well now you do, so go book yourself a room.” He said opening the door to dismiss me.

I walked out seeing most of the people leaving for the day. I sat down at my desk pulling up hotels in New York. I didn’t really want to spend a weekend in New York, especially with Gray, but I didn’t want to lose my job either.

“Matt is here, you going to be okay?” Stella asked squeezing my shoulders.

“yeah I’ll be fine, Jensen should be here any minute.” I said placing a hand on top of hers.

Stella gave me a smile before walking off. I quickly gathered my things shoving them in my bag.

I didn’t want to be left alone with Gray, something about being alone with him made me feel nauseous.

I hurried to the door. As I rushed out, I almost ran in to a young woman standing in front of the office.

“I’m sorry.” I immediately apologized offering her a smile.

“(y/n)?”

“uh yeah do I know you?” I asked looking at the girl.

she had a sad distant look in her eyes.

“no, you don’t.” she said quickly shaking her head.

I was about to respond when I heard Gray calling my name. I glanced back towards the building to see him coming my way. I turned my head back to where the girl had just stood but she was gone.

where did she go?

how did she know my name?

I guess a lot of people knew my name now that the press leaked my information, it made a chill run down my spine.

“everything okay?” Gray asked as he got closer.

“yeah, there was just a girl.” I said staring at where the mysterious woman could’ve gone.

“did you find a room yet?” He asked completely ignoring what I just said.

“uh no not yet.” I said nervously.

Gray was about to respond when Jensen pulled up in his bright red ferrari. He opened the door sending a warning glare towards Gray.

“I should go.” I said not wanting there to be another confrontation.

“yeah, wouldn’t want to keep your billionaire boyfriend waiting.” Gray seethed before walking back in to the office.

Jensen got out, opening the passenger door so I could slip in.

“what was that about?” Jensen asked.

I could see the jealousy rolling off of him in waves.

“uh I have to go to New York this weekend.” I murmured.

“with him?”

“for work.”

“absolutely not.” Jensen growled gripping the wheel tightly.

“Jensen, if this relationship is going to work, you can’t control me.”

“I’m not trying to control you, I just don’t want you to go to New York with him.” Jensen said looking at me sincerely.

“Jensen it’s a work trip.”

“to you, it may be a little more to him. if you want to go to New York, I’ll take you there myself. just please don’t go with him.” He pleaded.

I sighed looking at his face. He looked really uneasy.

“okay.” I agreed.

Relief flooded his features, I can’t deny feeling a bit of relief myself.

“good, I hate it when we fight.” He said starting up the car and taking off towards my apartment.

“that wasn’t a fight, that was called a conversation with compromise.” I laughed grabbing his hand.

It was quiet the rest of the way to my apartment. I opened the door throwing my bag down on the sofa.

“so what are we making?” Jensen asked taking off his jacket.

“fajitas, want to start cutting the peppers?” I asked handing him a knife and the bell peppers.

“uh sure.”

“you do know how to cut peppers don’t you?” I joked

“I’m not completely helpless.” Jensen said

I laughed as he started to dice the bell peppers. I got out the steak, starting to prepare it.

“excuse me sir.” I said leaning over him to grab the seasoning.

Jensen growled as my breasts brushed over his arm. I smirked returning to the steak.

“pardon me.” I smirked reaching around him to grab the onions.

I made sure to drop my hand lower, rubbing it against his toned abs and down towards his crotch area. I could hear his breathing quicken.

“sorry, my hand slipped.” I said innocently.

Jensen chuckled before returning to dicing the peppers.

“one more thing.” I said leaning over.

Jensen was quick to catch my hands, pinning my body against the counter with his.

“you’re asking for trouble.” Jensen said licking his lips.

“I have no idea what you’re referring too.” I teased.

Jensen leaned down, his lips brushing against my neck.

“we’re supposed to be taking it slow.” I whispered, cocking my head to the side so he had better access.

“okay.” Jensen shrugged pulling away and returning to his peppers.

I sucked in a sharp breath as I watched him work. He smirked as I stared at him.

Fuck.

I didn’t realize how much I missed the feeling of being with him.

“you know what fuck slow.”

Author Note:

I must love you guys a lot because I wrote this entirely on my phone (which I hate doing) butttt I wanted to get something out to you! I return tomorrow! So sorry this was so short/suckish and I left you with ANOTHER cliffhanger! I hope you’ll return for more!

xoxoxo

Liv

Part (X)

[rapha-reads]

IWTV rewatch

(from paper to screen, the comparative study continues... Back at it again)

Season 1 episode 4 [The Ruthless Pursuit of Blood With All a Child's Demanding] - part 1/2

- Oh, the sun! Hello, the sun. You're not a familiar presence here.

- Eyyy, we're opening with another Armandaniel scene. I mean, that Rashid guy and our Danny boy. "Mr de Pointe du Lac will be resting today" - Armand what does that meaaaaan. Armand giving Daniel Claudia's diaries. Oof. Are we ready for the paiiiiin.

- Shout out to the props department because those diaries are so pretty.

- Shout out to Bailey, I adore her voice.

- [Lestat] "'You were ready to abandon our home, and now you want a third.' [Louis] 'I just need her not to die. Please.'" - you know, there are hospitals. Yeah, skin grafts are not a thing in 1917, but the hospitals can still help her... She is not your penance.

Fascinating the way the scene completely changes tone and atmosphere in Lestat's recollection. Though, which one is the most real... Memory is a beast. But Louis remembers it as something quite romantic in a way, life blossoming out of darkness. Meanwhile, for Lestat, Claudia's rebirth is mired in desperation, anguish and Louis' loss of control. And the way Claudia writes it, well, she never had a say in it, didn't she? She was ready to die, she welcomed death. And then she was pulled back from it and thrust into a new life, and like she says, "I decided to make the best of it".

- [Louis] "'It's a special trick only folks like us have, like the nails and the teeth.' [Claudia] 'So you can hear me, but he can't? That make him the dumb one?'" - oooh, ouch. Right from the beginning, it's Louis and Claudia, and then Lestat left behind. You can hear the abandonment issues making themselves louder.

[Lestat] "'I'll teach you, just like I taught Louis here. But not if we're going to have family secrets.' [Claudia] 'We're a family?' [Louis] 'Yeah, but with no secrets.'" - points afforded for trying. Also, the different roles are already made: Lestat teaches how to be a vampire, Louis upholds humanity and family values. And Claudia is an excellent student...

Love how she immediately calls them "Daddy Lou" and "Uncle Les".

- [Louis] "Looks like she take after me" - aw, Lou, baby. You couldn't be more wrong.

That first hunt is interesting. First the way they talk about Claudia's outfit - she's a doll to them. It's all about how they can mold her, how they can make her into a reflection of themselves, and which one will have more influence, will be more represented in her. What she wants, who she is, barely even enters into consideration.

Secondly, there's the speed with which Claudia adapts to hunting. The way she lures the policeman by humming, playing the lost little girl, that's not something she was taught, that's something she's learned to do herself, naturally, instinctively.

- [Lestat] "An ominous observation, her young lady metabolism is permanent now" - nooo, you don't say? At least Lestat is aware. Welcome to eternal teenagehood. What a hell.

[Lestat] "'Histrionics.' [Louis] 'Some sleep is what she needs.' [Lestat] 'Sedation is what she needs.' [Louis] 'She'll settle.'"

Let me die of laughter first, that banter is perfect. Total old married couple vibes. Now. Looove how they're here talking about Claudia while not even paying attention to her. They're in their bubble, remodelling their family life as if their third member didn't have their own agency and free will, as if they could control and predict how she'll act, and meanwhile Claudia's like "sayonara dummies, I'm starving and I've got all the power to help myself, don't need you". And ain't that gonna be the heart of the matter, control versus freedom, life as a unit versus individual agency.

- Really love the way they show Claudia's... Is it madness? Is it the chaos of teenage hormones being brought to a hundred by vampirism? In any case, she is all over the place at the beginning. Eating human food and repainting the walls with it, playing with the sun's fire...

- [Louis] "'The sun comes up, we go down. That's never gonna change. We've got rules, Lil Miss.' [Claudia] 'Rules are for fools, Daddy Lou.' [Louis] 'Keeping you safe, little waif.'" - excellent back and forth, top notch, rhymes comprised. Nothing to say.

- [Lestat] "'She talked to the book again. Why do you talk to the book?' [Claudia] 'The book is my friend!' [Louis] 'The book is her friend.' [Lestat] 'The book is a book.'" - parent 1 being completely befuddled by their child, parent 2 being overly indulgent with that same befuddling child and patiently telling their partner "there there. She'll make sense to you one day".

- The fight in French, lmao, I'm wheezing. But aside from the humor of the scene, there's the important, deeper part too: Claudia asking questions, as all teenagers do, and Lestat refusing to answer. Lestat's refusal to tell either Louis or Claudia his history is another one of those extremely crucial point at the centre of the conflict.

- The coffin scene, how Louis gets seriously into the roleplay (I see your kinks, Lou), and when Claudia doesn't play along and the guy gets suspicious, how he knows immediately what Lestat's about to do, without even looking at him.

- "A girl vampire needs her own space if she's gonna find herself in this no-day world. And diary, you can already tell, the words come easier when you're locked in tight, wrapped in pink satin and Daddy Lou's feet ain't in your face. It's just me, my pen, my brain, my heart and the blood of the street car conductor I drained after he got off work. Thank you, street car driver. I hope they got more of you at your company to fill in for you. It's never great waiting for the car, especially when the weather gets hot."

She's just like me fr fr. Joke aside, round of applause for Bailey's narration, and another for the writers. There's something so innocent still in this Claudia, something pure and untouched - despite the great ease and joy she has in killing and feeding. Like a baby bird...

And then spying on her parents getting it on, but also, aaaaw, soft Loustat scene. What halcyon days.

- [Louis] "Sometimes, old people don't like talkin' much about the past. Sometimes, you gotta be careful where you dig, you understand." - what kills me here is Louis' understanding. He's fine with Lestat not telling him where he's from or who turned him. He's aware Lestat's already old, and may not want to revisit painful memories, just like he himself doesn't want to revisit Paul's death or his human family rejecting him.

Now the thing is, in the book, Lestat arrives in NOLA barely 30 human years old and 11 in the Blood, with his very human and very old and very sick biological father. So this Lestat and this Louis are starting more or less from an equal point, both starting this journey as vampires more or less together - yes, Lestat has 10 more years of being a vampire plus old secrets that are not his to divulge, and two other fledglings, one who goes insane and dies, the other one who wants nothing to do with humanity and prefer the wilderness. Louis is his first real companion, in a sense. The first who chose to come with him - Gabrielle he brought because she was dying, Nicki because it was the only way to protect him from Armand's coven. Louis, he brought him in because he chose him and Louis said yes, and Louis does stay with him willingly and lovingly - at least for a while. While they were both still regaining some equilibrium. Before the lack of answers, the lack of total trust, and their respective issues and trauma reared their heads, and then Claudia happened.

But here, Lestat has a century of advance on Louis. He has a whole history. And Louis is aware of this history, even if he doesn't know the details, and he doesn't feel like pushing. He wants to keep the peace. Alas they still have the same lack of trust, communication and the same issues to deal with.

- [Claudia] "'How does it work, love between two men?' [Louis] 'I don't know. Works like... It works like love.'" - I need an edit of s1 Claudia asking that and s2 Claudia going "now I know what two fat cocks etc". And character development! Louis is fully alright with his sexuality now. AND it is love, that's literally him admitting it.

- MUSLIM ARMAND YES PLEASE. Hi Rolin Jones please, pleaaaaase confirm Muslim Armand in season 3 pleaaaaaase I'm begging on my knees.

[Rashid/Armand] "'Do you have what you need, Mr Molloy?' [Daniel] 'A cure for Parkinson's?'" - careful what you wish for, Danny. He might take you up on that a bit too literally.

[Daniel] "For a killing machine, I kinda like her." - yeah, me too.

[Rashid/Armand] "Dubai is a child, Mr Molloy. No one's a native." - little nod to book Armand, that, Daniel pinpointing Kazakhstan or Crimea as his origins. And interesting little insight into the mind of a 500yo guy. He's seen empires rise and fall, ancient cities levelled down... What is Dubai for him but a mere second of existence?

- "Daddy Lou, when am I gonna grow into this? [...] Kill, spend. Kill, spend. Then the next thing you know, the leaves are turnin'." - that scene is fascinating. Not just Claudia starting to realise she'll never change and also be a little girl, but also, the visual itself. Lestat and Louis sharing a dance, lost in each other, in their own little world, and Claudia standing in the corner, isolated, alone, lost staring in the fire. That speaks for itself.

And the Lioncourt domestic family life carries on undisturbed... For now.

episode 1 | episode 2 | episode 3 | part 2 | episode 5 | episode 6 | episode 7

[fandom-imagines-stories]

Letters Part Two

John Mitchell x Reader

Words: 2109

Summary: Old and new faces make Mitchell and the reader’s reunion trickier. 

Notes: This part isn’t much, but I do really love this story. Writing for Mitchell is just one of my favorites. (There may or may not be a new smut on the way!)

-

June 14th, 1917

My love,

I know I have not been able to write often from the front. Things are getting strange here. Men are turning up dead, drained of blood. My superiors don’t know what to make of it and the men are getting restless. 

I read your letters to chase away the dark each night, comforting myself with your words and the memory of your touch. I know we will see each other again. I have a feeling it will be sooner than we both think, but I don’t want to get either of our hopes up. 

Please keep writing. You are the sunlight in these times. 

With all my heart, 

John

-

Annie and George’s mouths fell open. 

“Wife?”

You were surprised yourself. It was a title you hadn’t adopted in quite some time. Without thinking, you reached for the ring you still wore around your neck, even after all these years…

“We grew up together,” Mitchell explained. “Y/N lived down the lane from the cottage I grew up in.” He cleared his throat, the subject clearly making him uncomfortable. 

You shifted awkwardly on your heels. 

“We were engaged just before I went off to the war.” 

Annie glanced between the two of you. “But that’s when you met Herrick and-”

“I married him anyway if that’s what you’re wondering,” you said softly. “He didn’t hide what he was from me. Not for long, anyway.”

“Well keeping secrets from you was impossible,” Mitchell remarked. “You knew about the proposal a week before and never said anything.” He gave you a small smile and something passed between you. Something you hadn’t felt in a very long while. 

It faded as quickly as it came, settling back into frigid tension. 

Mitchell frowned. “But that was a long time ago.” 

The room fell into a horrible sort of silence, the kind that made you want to run for the hills. It was a mistake to come here. He had friends. He had a life. He didn’t need you to mess that up. 

“Well, I’ve said my piece,” you said. “I’ll give you time to think about it.”

Mitchell stepped toward you. “Where are you going?”

“I saw a hotel on my way here,” you shrugged. “I’ve got some money, you know.” 

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Annie blurted. Mitchell and George both gave her a pleading look, but she ignored them. “You can stay with us.” 

“I don’t know-” You looked at Mitchell. 

“I don’t think that’s-” Mitchell looked at you. 

“Absolutely not,” George huffed. 

Annie ignored all of you. “You can stay in my room if it’s going to be that big of a problem, but we are not having Mitchell’s wife stay in a crummy hotel room.” 

“Really, I couldn’t-”

Mitchell cut you off with a sigh. “No, Annie’s right.” His eyes lifted to yours and softened. “You should stay.” 

“Okay,” you breathed. The two of you stared at each other for perhaps a touch too long. 

George cleared his throat. “Alright, but if I so much as see a drop of blood around Nina…” He ran a hand down his face. “Just don’t kill anyone. Please?”

“George, she’s like me. She doesn’t-”

“Noted.” You held up a hand to stop Mitchell. You didn’t want to cause any more problems than you already were. “I’ll just go get my things, yeah?” You ducked outside before you broke under his gaze altogether. 

Annie smacked George. 

“What was that for?” He exclaimed. 

“That is no way to treat someone from Mitchell’s past.”

“What, like they’ve all been so warm and fuzzy so far?” He spat back. 

Mitchell just stared at the door, his mind reeling to process everything that had happened. 

You were here. 

It didn’t seem possible. 

You grabbed your duffle bag and backpack from the car you rented- and had to return soon- and started back for the door, walking even slower than you had before. 

Was it too late to run?

Setting the bag down, you reached a hand up to knock again, but Mitchell was there to open the door. 

“Here, let me.” He grabbed your bag before you could protest. Mitchell awkwardly stood in the doorway, holding it open for you while you just… stood there.

“Right.” You kept your gaze in front of you. “Thanks.”

The other two watched you curiously, Annie looking much more enthusiastic than her werewolf counterpart. 

“I’ll show you up,” Annie beamed, waving to you to follow her up the stairs. “Now, there isn’t much in the way of furniture, but there is a very cozy chair and a bed in the corner that I never use, obviously. Oh, this is going to be such fun! We finally outnumber the boys.” 

“Annie,” Mitchell scolded. “Let her settle first before you start planning slumber parties.”

“Ignore him. He’s the resident grouch.” 

“So that hasn’t changed then,” you said, hoping to lighten the tension. It didn’t. 

“Here it is,” Annie said, holding her hands out to the bedroom door like Vanna White. “Hotel Bella Annie is open for business.”

Mitchell pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. 

You gave her a small smile. “Thank you.”

For a second, the three of you remained, you trying not to look at Mitchell, him pretending that he wasn’t looking at you, and Annie very openly watching for your reactions.

“Could you, um-” Mitchell started, motioning for the door. 

“Oh! How rude of me. Yes, I’ll let you get to it then.” Annie gave you two thumbs up before leaving, peaking back from the top of the stairs to try and catch a glimpse.

Mitchell set your bag down and rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry, she’s uh…” 

“Enthusiastic?” You laughed lightly. “She seems sweet.”

“She is.” He leaned against the frame. “Listen, is there anything I can-”

“I think I’m good for now, thanks,” you interrupted, tucking your hands under your arms. “I’ll be down later, yeah?”

He nodded and looked at the ground. “Right.”

Mitchell closed the door behind him and you looked down at your trembling fingers, the same question running over and over again in your mind. 

What the hell were you doing?

-

Melody,

I just wanted to let you know that I’m safe. I will come back for you. Keep yourself and the others safe until I do. 

Love, 

Y/N

-

You set the pen and paper down on the kitchen table and sighed. It wasn’t much, but hopefully, it would be enough to ease Melody’s mind a little. It did nothing, however, to stop the aching guilt pressing down on your chest. She was just a kid and you left her. You left her with them.

“Writing love letters, huh?” Annie appeared over your shoulder with a mug of tea. “I used to write them to Colin Firth when I was a kid.” She gave you an eager grin. “Any of ‘em for Mitchell?”

You grimaced. 

She held up her hands. “Right. Sorry. Exnay on the usbandhay.” She took the seat across from you, sliding the tea into your hands. “I thought that might make you feel more at home.”

“I appreciate it.” 

Honestly, you’d appreciate it a little more if it had a little whiskey in it, but this would have to do for now. 

You took a sip, falling into an awkward silence while Annie waited, staring at you with fascinated eyes. 

“The boys are going to be gone all day then?” You asked, gulping down a drink. 

“Yup. Work. Glad I don’t have to worry about that anymore, right?” She nudged your arm with a quiet laugh. 

You nodded. 

The quiet returned. 

“Alright, don’t twist my arm, I’ll tell you the whole story,” Annie finally blurted, leaning in like she was telling a secret. 

You glanced around to see if someone else was there. “W-what story?”

“The story of how we all met, silly!” She giggled. “And then you can tell me about Mitchell in the 1800s or whatever time period you guys are from.”

“I don’t think that’s-”

“It all started when I died,” she began dramatically. 

You spent the rest of the morning hearing all of the crazy occurrences that led to and followed Mitchell and George moving in, including George accidentally turning his girlfriend Nina into a werewolf.

“And George has been getting attacked by these vampire creeps- no offense- who just want to see if their hundred-year-old crusty bodies can still cut it- again, no offense. I just wish that I could put my phantom fist through their stupid faces.” She glanced over at you. “No offense.”

“Vampires are dicks,” you laughed. “I would know.” You finished your tea and got up to put the mug in the sink. “I’m just glad that the leader of said dicks is finally out of our lives forever.” 

“Oh, yeah. Herrick was the worst,” she agreed. “Do you know, I almost passed over, and then he pops up at our door and puts a stake in Mitchell’s chest? It was a mess to clean, too.” 

You froze, nearly dropping the ceramic all over the tile. “He tried to kill Mitchell?”

Annie nodded. “Nearly did, too. Good thing I stayed, otherwise we would have had to clean up ashes as well as blood.”

“Christ.” 

After everything that man had done, everything he’d put the two of you through all those years ago. After he stole the one person you loved away… Well, Herrick was lucky he was already dead. 

“Thank you for the tea,” you said, standing up. “But I have some things in town I need to take care of.”

“Do you want some company?” 

You shook your head. “It isn’t really the kind of thing you’d want to be at. I’m seeing an old friend. Vampire stuff.”

“Oh, no thank you. I’ve had enough vampire problems after taking on the funeral parlor.” She materialized into the living room. “Be careful! I’ll put on some more tea for when you get back!”

If you came back. 

Friend was a strong word for your relationship with the new couple in town. 

You waved goodbye and went out the door, finding her already waiting for you. 

“Well if this isn’t the most adorable thing I’ve seen in decades,” Daisy jeered. “Y/N and Mitchell, together again.” 

You whipped around in time for her to pin you to the wall. 

“Did you miss me, dear?” Daisy grinned. Her arm crushed your neck. 

“Let's not cause a scene, darling.” Ivan strolled casually up the walk toward both of you. He eyed you and smiled. “We have a lot to talk about.”

-

Mitchell leaned on his mop, staring blankly at the wall in front of him. He’d been like this for several minutes now. 

“Uh… Mitchell?” George waved a hand in front of his face, having stumbled upon him on his way to fold towels. “Earth to Mitchell.”

The vampire blinked, refocusing on his flatmate’s face. “I’m fine,” he blurted. 

“Right, well, the floor is soaked, mate. I almost broke my neck over here.” He patted Mitchell on the back. “Maybe you should take the day? Go check on…”

“No, I’ll be okay. I just got distracted, that’s all.” 

George opened his mouth, but Mitchell cut him off.

“I said I’m fine.”

George held up his hands, rolled his eyes, and walked away, nearly slipping on his way out. 

Mitchell shook his head to try and clear his thoughts and started to work again. 

Another skidding step slid behind him. “What the fuck-”

“George, I told you I’m-” He turned around and stopped, finding a woman in a white coat. “Sorry. I thought you were someone else.”

“And I thought you were supposed to be doing your job,” she snapped. 

He was taken aback. “I am.” He pointed toward the sign he’d put up to warn people of the wet floors. 

Her dark eyes softened a little. 

“Shit.”

“But go on, what were you saying about my job?” He didn’t say it with malice. He was too tired for that. 

The doctor ran a hand down her face before sticking it out to him. “I’ve had a long day. You are.”

“Mitchell.” He shook it tentatively. “And don’t worry about it.”

She gave him an awkward smile and backed away. “Carry on, then.”

Mitchell followed her. He couldn’t help it. He was intrigued by her. She was the first interesting thing to happen that had nothing to do with his past or the vampires or… you. 

“Wait,” he called out. “You didn’t tell me your name.”

She turned back around, giving him a small smile. “It’s Lucy.”

[leiflitter]

Some of my favourite Felix quotes from the early chapters of YAH! because I love that idiot so much.

“It was two thousand and six. I wasn't about to start batting my eyes at the rugger lads, Ollie. And I'm lazy. Girls were easy.” - Chapter 4

“I won't be alone, I'll have Oliver with me. Gives us a chance to do some middle-aged man stuff- sit around and watch 1917 or Das Boot-” - Chapter 10

“So you do want to kiss me?” - Chapter 12

“Not to ruin the moment, Olls, but my knees are killing me. Reckon we could wriggle about a bit?” - Chapter 14

“He should be thanking you. Don't get me wrong, Olls, I'm not angry- but you should have crept into my room. I'd have tossed him out on his ear if you'd woken me up, gave me an impromptu handy and asked me nicely.” - Chapter 15

“Christ alive, if I had a monster like that I'd sack off the degree and go into adult entertainment.” - Chapter 16

“Oh, yeah. Firstly, I've learned- from much experience- that if you cum in hot water it gets a bit… sticky. Googled it once- something about the protein- it's just rather grim. It's why I try to float about a bit- not to ruin the mood, though, I know how you felt about runny eggs- tell me to shut up if I'm cockblocking myself, yeah?” - Chapter 17

“Well- you touch me, I touch you. Take positions, count down from three and off we go. One hand only, first to get their, erm, horse to the finish wins.” - Chapter 18

“Then at breakfast you can go oh, how's Sir Catton today? And I can go oh, ha-ha, raring to go- but do call me Felix. And nobody'd be any the wiser… Ooh, and I can send Fredders to come find you, and if he goes Sir Catton would appreciate your presence you know I'm up for it, eh?” - Chapter 19

“I was fed up with everyone going on about Wimbledon- Federer was everywhere in those shorts, Venetia and mum kept going on about his legs, and I just thought the whole look was pretty awful. So…Formal Tennis.” - Chapter 20

“You're driving me absolutely bonkers. I had to lie to Lu- told her I couldn't get off because I was sad about Venetia.” - Chapter 21

"It's you, Professor. I'm hopelessly in love with you and I just can't do anything except think about you.” - Chapter 22

“Christ on a bike. Runny eggs at mach fucking five." / “Olls? Your cock's out, mate.” - Chapter 23

“But indulge me a little- this sex with men business, Ollie, how do I hold up in the rankings? Top ten- top three- oh no, don't tell me-” - Chapter 24

“We can always do with another hand about the place- and you're already settled in at the house. You can cuddle Dozie in the Mornings, tutor Harry in the afternoons and we can be boring old men in the evenings. Sounds perfect to me.” - Chapter 25

[historia-vitae-magistras]

Hi, I hope you don't mind me asking but why did Zee hate being a nurse? Well, other than her being forced into the role

I don't think she hated it at first. She loved being a professional in a crisp uniform with real rank and authority all her own on the virtue of her education and experience. It's a far cry from being permitted to do more or less whatever she likes because her father is a man with rank and authority. She likes the puzzle of diagnosis, the riddle of keeping people alive, and the profound speed with which medicine advances thrills her. But even as young as she is by the standards of her own kind, she still gets a bit restless. And it's in those times that just how unfuckingfair everything hits her.

When Jack's bored, he can pick up anything he pleases. Natural history, biology, paleontology, leather tanning, winemaking. If he's tired of the city, he can just up and fuck off into the interior to be a stock hand If he wants. No one will stop him. And to a certain extent, she can too if she really wants, but it's just so much harder and riskier. What she is does give her a certain amount of protection, but it's still a hard thing to pull off. So she switches jobs, visits her father or a brother or friends or throws on trousers, and leaves gender behind entirely. But life is still so often a choice between harrowing or stifling.

Patients love her; she's an excellent nurse. She's funny, a bit naughty, and always partial to her own. She can give as much as she gets when speech becomes sparing. She continued in pediatric and community nursing over time, but I think she got heartily sick of nursing during WWI. She climbed the cliffs of Gallipoli half out of spite but still took the hill of Chanuk Bair. She left her gender behind and smashed her brains in with rocks like any other half-starved body on the trench line. She did her part to cut that hill from Turkish hands at bayonet point. She showed a talent and a propensity for violence no one wants to believe exists in pretty young women. The only real victory Gallipoli saw was hers, brought to heel by her brutality. But then the British lost the captured ground almost instantly, and it was for nothing.

She slides back into nursing not long after as Churchill's foolishness finally comes to a close, and she spends the rest of 1916 trying to preserve whatever decency, whatever sanity remains to her and Jack. And that's almost harder for her to do as a nurse, witnessing death after disease after devastating injury, one after another after another. She wanders around as she likes from unit to unit, corset or helmet on and off, but often feels guilty when it's not in a corset because nurses are in much higher demand than any grunt with a rifle. Sometimes, she just can't stand the sight of another broken body. But she does kind of redeem nursing for herself by mid-1917 when the British army commands that dominion nurses can't be trained as anesthesiologists, and she only mentions Canada and Australia. I always think of that as a sly little move on Arthur's part because it puts Zee on a pay and rank basis equal to doctors for the first time and that her forceful personality can go to some real reforming use for the first time in a while.

So yeah, too long didn't read: it's not that she hated nursing so much as she hates misogyny and the front-row seat to senseless violence it granted her.

[late-to-the-party-81]

One of the guys

AN: Yet another ask that's been a long time in the answering. My new year's resolution is to be quicker with these things! Hope you like some baffled Bucky, Em.

Unbeta'd ramblings

Masterlist

Relationship: Bucky x Reader

Word Count: Approx 700

CW: None - it's Fluff

“So, if you really want to compare the Mark 3 and the Mark 4, you gotta look at the injectors, because more efficient fuel transference means more horsepower…”

Your friend Rory was chatting to Bucky about his favourite subject. Cars. Bucky was trying not to let his eyes glaze over.

“Do you think we ought to rescue him?” You leant over, and stage-whispered into Kate’s ear. The dark-haired archer covered her giggle with her hand, but both of you caught Bucky’s slight side glance toward where you were both sitting, enjoying your cocktails. 

You’d decided to hold a cook-out for your birthday so there was a mix of all of your old friends, and all of the new friends you’d made through Bucky.

Growing up you’d had more male friends than female, a cabal of honorary brothers, so you’d always known that when you finally settled down your boys would have to at least partially haze your chosen partner, and then once accepted he would be absorbed into their group, whether he wanted to be or not.

‘Love me, love my bros.’

When you’d first introduced them to Bucky they’d been sceptical. You couldn’t blame them. Firstly, he was actually the only boyfriend you’d made ‘run the gauntlet’ so they knew you were serious. Secondly, it was James ‘Bucky’ Barnes. A man born in 1917, held hostage, tortured and brainwashed into committing heinous crimes for decades, before breaking free, becoming a fugitive, and then, finally being deprogrammed and pardoned. There was a lot to unpack there.

However, it seemed that he’d passed whatever test they’d put him through, because as soon as they’d arrived today, Rory, Jerome, Lee and the others stumbling out of an SUV, they’d practically kidnapped Bucky away from you and the rest of the Avengers.

And bless your guys, it was sweet. They wanted to include Bucky in all of their conversations about cars, computers, hockey and football. He could join in, obviously. He wasn’t completely clueless about those topics, but having grown up in the Great Depression, those sorts of things hadn’t been the focus of his youth. A different time, a different place.

“I saw a flying car once.”

“Bro! Really?” Rory stopped his rambling at Bucky’s statement and you felt the smile creep over your lips.

“Yeah, the 1944 World Expo. Howard Stark was showing off the car of the future. It was shiny and red. Oh I wanted a car like that, so bad, even if the prototype had a few bugs.  Still pissed when I found out that neither Howard or Tony had been able to make it a reality.”

“So this Expo was full of, like, futuristic shit?”

You watched them over your sunglasses, the boys all leaning in now, hanging on Bucky’s every word.

“Well, for 1944 it was definitely futuristic. But if you really want to talk futuristic, you gotta know about some of the tech they have in Wakanda.”

For emphasis, Bucky straightened out his left arm, wiggling his fingers and your friend’s mouths all dropped open as they watched the plates shift and heard the servos whir.

“You gotta tell us about Wakanda, man.” Jerome pushed himself slightly forward. “I can’t believe you’re tight with the royal family. Is Princess Shuri as hot in real life?”

Uh-oh. You winced internally. Bucky just raised an eyebrow, before speaking again.

“You know how you guys feel about Angel-face over there? About how if I’d disrespected her you’d all try to take me apart? Well that’s how I feel about Shuri. So you wanna ask me another question?”

Jerome had the good grace to look embarrassed and suddenly find a burning interest in his shoes. There was an awkward silence for a moment, before Lee leant forward.

“They’ve got some kind of Mag-lev trains haven’t they? Faster than the Japanese ones?”

You let out the breath you’d hadn’t even realised you’d been holding, as Bucky’s mouth broke into a broad grin. 

“Anyone got a pen and paper. I’m gonna need to do some visual aids for you chumps.”

They all broke out into peels of laughter and you turned back to Kate.

“Scratch that. I think he’s gonna be just fine.”

Taglist: @christywantspizza @jobean12-blog @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky @tuiccim @sidepartskinnyjeans @maladaptivexxdaydreaming @krissy25 @bodeckersdiamonddoll @goldylions @ohsymphony @luxeavenger @wheezy-stucky @doasyoudesireandlive @seitmai @poppunksnowwhite

[fizzing-imagines]

Lucky Cigarette | Billy Hargrove x Army! Reader | Neighbourly Love Series

Notes: I'm running out of Billy gifs

Warnings: Smoking, mention of deployment, mention of bullying

Words: 632

"Jesus, how much did you smoke?" Billy put his arm around you and just reeked of his signature cigarette smell. Usually, you don't mind but it was really bad today. "Rough day.", he mumbled. All you did was sigh and lean onto his shoulder. "Wanna talk about it?", you asked, but he just made a huff which let you knew he didn't want to say it just yet. It'll come once you get into bed.

"As if you never smoked.", he said after a while. Did your comment really bother you that much? "Afghanistan, last year. Any deployment, actually." He raised his head and looked at you. "Seriously? How did I not know that?" You shrugged your shoulders. "I didn't think it was that important.", you said while leaning back onto his shoulder. "Babe, when I say that I want to know everything about you, I mean everything." Billy sighted, he's told you this before. "Do you have a new pack on hand right now?" Your head shot up once again. Your fiance pulled an unopened pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and handed it to you. "See, this is what I do with mine during deployment." You opened the pack and then snapped at the bottom of the pack once. The cigarette who's butt stuck out the most was then taken by you and turned upside down. "That's your lucky cigarette now. You smoke it last, and once you do something good is gonna happen." You closed the pack back up and handed it to him. "Where did you get that from?", he asked you while looking back inside the pack. "First deployment. It was a thing in world war one, where soldiers would turn around one cigarette in their pack. When they smoked that last cigarette, they knew they were lucky enough to survive war long enough to finish a pack." He listened to your small history lesson carefully before closing the pack again and putting it back in his pocket. "Jesus, you know so much military shit." You leaned back onto his shoulder and giggled at his words. "Always have, I wouldn't shut up about it." A small chuckle left Billy's mouth. "Why was I even surprised when you said you want to be a sergeant one day?", he asked in a joking manner. "Seriously?" You laughed as well. "Yeah, during our presentation when we talked about what we want to be when we're grown up. 8th grade.", Billy said. "Jesus Billy, I barely remember what I ate yesterday. You expect me to remember 8th grade?" He chuckled, then kissed your temple once. "But you do remember which tank was used the most during world war one." You took his question as a challenge. "Mark IV, it was the first tank to be produced en mase in 1917." Billy chuckled. "See?" You let out a small laugh as well. "It's like you with your car, Billy.", you mumbled. He didn't say anything, just kissed the top of your head and snuggled closer to you.

"You said you wanted to be an airforce pilot.", he said after his silence. "There was this big, detailed picture of an airplane on your poster. And you looked so passionate. So beautiful." His words made you blush, followed by a small giggle. "Didn't you throw a paper airplane at me afterwards?", you said while looking up to him. "Probably.", he said with a chuckle in his voice.

Next morning Billy already left for his work He let you sleep in as it was your last off-day, and it was much appreciated on your end. When you rolled over in bed, you saw a small paper airplane on your nightstand with a note scribbled on it.

"Will be back early today, love you ♡"

[strawberryonfire]

Hazbin Hotel Incorrect Quotes

Angel: I did it! I memorized everything in the book! I'm gonna ace this test!

Charlie: Ok, Angel, I'll give you one more question before you go. What ended in 1918?

Angel: 1917.

Charlie: ...You're ready.

---

Cherri: It's not like I try to blow things up, exactly. It just sort of happens. You've got to admit, though, fire is fascinating.

---

Angel: Onion rings are vegetable doughnuts.

Vaggie, used to Angel being dumb: Sure...

Angel: Your stomach thinks all potatoes are mashed.

Vaggie: Okay?

Angel: Lasagna is spaghetti flavored cake.

Vaggie:

Angel: Lobsters are mermaid scorpio-

Vaggie: Jesus, that one is a little--

Charlie, interested: No, no, Angel, keep going.

---

Alastor: I am literally evil incarnate.

Alastor: I'm not actually, I just enjoy being evil.

Alastor: Which I think actually makes it even more evil because I'm making a conscious effort.

---

Niffty: Swear words are illegal now. If you say one you'll be fined.

Husk: Heck.

Niffty: You're on thin fucking ice.

Niffty: Oh no-

---

Angel to Sir Pentious: Me? I'm the bees knees, but you? You're just...

Cherri: Cockroach ankles!

Angel: Ye- uh, what?

---

Sir Pentious: I hope no one lowkey hatessss me.

Sir Pentious: Highkey hate me. Hate me with every fiber of your being.

Sir Pentious: Go big or go home.

---

Niffty: Fruits that do not live up to their names; passionfruit, grapefruit, honeydew, and dragonfruit.

Niffty: Fruits that do live up to their name?

Niffty: Orange.

---

Vaggie: Could you be anymore annoying?

Angel: Yes.

---

Arackniss: I'm not doing too well.

Molly: What wrong?

Arackniss: I have this headache that comes and goes.

*Angel enters the room*

Arackniss: There it is again.

---

Arackniss: *cocks gun* Go to bed. This is no longer a request, this is now a threat.

---

Molly, out grocery hopping: *takes a free sample twice*

Molly: Robbery and fraud. I am a rebel.

---

Vaggie: I karma doesn't hit you, I fucking will.

---

Husk: *gets a text* Oh, It's Alastor.

Niffty, excitedly and jumping up and down: Did he get the stuff?

Husk: Yeah, he says he got you the clown costume, the power drill, and 12 gallons of blood.

Niffty: Wow! Where'd he find 12 gallons of fake blood?

Husk: You wanted fake blood?

Niffty:

Husk: I'll call Al.

---

Charlie: Anybody got some crayons so I can color in my P.H.D?

---

Charlie, putting a loving hand on Vaggie's shoulder: Vaggie, sweetie, please don't stay up all night. Last time you got this sleep-deprived, you tried to eat your own shirt.

---

Arackniss: Could you all at least try to fucking see this from my perspective?

Cherri: *crouches down*

Molly: *kneels down*

Angel: *sits on floor*

Arackniss:

Arackniss: I hate all of you.

---

Angel: We might have gotten in a bar room brawl back in the city.

Arackniss: Well, that was entirely predictable.

Angel: One if them punched a gang member.

Arackniss: Was it Pops?

Angel: Molly, actually.

Arackniss: Oh, that was going to be my second guess.

---

Angel, singing the tune to I Kissed A Girl: I killed a guy, and I like it-

Arackniss, whispering: Should we call the exorcist?

Molly, also singing: -The taste of his cherry chapstick.

Henroin, appalled: Call the eoxrcist.

---

Vaggie: If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous. If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous.

Charlie: What if it bites me and it dies!?

Angel: Then you’re poisonous. Jesus Christ, Charlie, learn to listen.

Niffty: What if it bites itself and I die?

Alastor: That’s voodoo.

Charlie: What if it bites me and someone else dies?

Angel: That’s correlation, not causation.

Niffty: What if we bite each other, and neither of us die?

Angel: That’s kinky.

Husk: Oh my God.