#and Misty never takes him seriously

[novelconcepts]

At this point, if we’re leaning heavily into the red herring “all the surviving YJs are paranoid and blaming each other” re: Lottie’s death, my instinct is Walter. The “bored Moriarty looking for his Sherlock” with way too much time and money on his hands. The dude who already killed once without batting an eye. The dude who only ever wants to help Misty, who doesn’t believe any of her friendships are viable, and who would do pretty much anything to distract her from her grief. How do we distract Misty? Give her something new to fixate on. What would she care about most? A murder mystery.

[silvermeww]

12. An unpopular character you like? (and why more people should like them)

asdfghjk THANKS FOR THE ASK I'M GIVING YOU SO MUCH <33 RN

Ooh, hmm, this'll be fun. there are so many examples in pokeani and honestly some are a little eh, but then I remembered how almost every comment I see about 'worse' characters seem to include Max and I just don't get it?? How can anyone hate him??

(fun fact, when I was first watching him - in dub mind you - I also really didn't like him much. but I was coming off from the end of the OG, which was pretty sad considering who we lost, and tbh especially in 4kids early seasons dub EVERYONE was pretty unlikeable. I think I hated almost everyone back in the early gens at some point lol; I can be real vindicative but I think watching the whole thing taught me to take my time before judging stuff :v)

But yeah!! I really don't get the hate. Oh, so he said that Ash sucked for getting 8th place in the Silver Conference - can we all remember that a) legit kid and b) he's seeing this guy lose to an evolved starter from his own region of the SAME type as Ash's. It's like watching a Venasaur lose to Meganium if you're from Kanto; you'll be feeling pretty patriotic and stuff too ngl, especially if you don't have any battle experience yet.

But he acts so smart - Yes, and?? I don't see anyone talk about how Gary was coming up in the first season spouting random facts only to lose in the prelims and get a lower place than Ash. Again, I wish that people remember that Max is the kid of a Gym Leader, who reads and watches Leagues to make up for not being able to watc the Gym Battles taking place under the same roof, who dreams of becoming as strong if not stronger than his father. He's going to have high expectations. He's going to think that knowledge is everything. He's going to show off as much as he can, to make up for the fact that he's the only one in the group who isn't a Trainer. And I love how he learns that you have to actually interact with Pokemon to learn what it's all about, that you can't replace experience, that you can still experience things now even if you are too young to start. There isn't a limit to going out and interacting with the world. He doesn't have to wait. He's allowed to make mistakes and own up and not know stuff and grow, now and in the future. In a way, he's learning the same things as May, and I think that's wonderful.

And while I wish that he could've gotten a Pokemon while on the journey (one that he could keep à la XY with Bonnie), I'm fine with what he had in Advanced. He got to see Gym Battles. He got to travel two (2) regions. He got to see different aspects of being a Trainer, as a Coordinator and as a Breeder/Doctor. He got the recognition of his father in the end and was able to get into the Gym business. He got to play and learn with so many Pokemon and just act his age for once, instead of having to grow up to make up the percieved difference (wrongly percieved, might I add). Dang it, he brefriended two Mythical Pokemon (Jirachi and that other Deoxys). I dunno, he's doing pretty well for himself. Sure he's snappish and remarks on a bunch of stuff, but AG is full of that (ugh Ash was on another level, especially in Hoenn) (we don't talk about flat Brock) and S1 Kanto was way worse.

Anyways everyone go out and appreciate this goober. He did not bond with this Ralts for nothing and I swear I did not cry in this ep just for everyone to hate him. His character growth was awesome and if we ever get a Chronicles 2.0 I need to see his journey (the kids that go with Ash legit get such powerful Pokemon I fear for the competition lol).

[l4ndoflove]

dj got us fallin' in love

feat. ???

lyrics the saudi arabian post-race party gets you stuck in a love triangle with the infamous papaya boys

maddie this was requested by the lovely @littleemmi for the 100 celebration! i'm not telling you who the driver is so you guys can try and figure it out yourselves ;)

faceclaim @.haileesteinfeld

norrislando_fans

❤️ 79K 💬 10.9K

norrislando_fans lando celebrating in jeddah after the race 💜🎧

comments

user1 celebrating what exactly?

user2 finishing behind piastri again 😂

user3 his last race as the championship leader lol

user4 are you seriously still talking shit about him after he went from p10 to p4

user5 lando hate is so forced i swear

user6 louder please 🙏

user7 OMG DJ LANDO IS BACK

user8 YESSS I MISSED HIM

user9 who is she

user10 a misty memoryyyyy

user11 😐

user12 she's living every fangirl's dream

user13 no bc imagine standing this close to LANDO FREAKING NORRIS

user14 oh to be her

user15 luckiest girl alive 💔

user16 WHY IS HE STARING INTO HER SOUL LIKE THAT LMAO

user17 bro if lando ever looked at me that way i would pass out

user18 where i come from we call that foreplay ☝️

user19 guys please leave them alone they're eye fucking

user20 wait isn't that magui?

user21 clearly not

user22 how are you so sure

user23 fr she's not even showing her face

user24 SOMEONE PLEASE FIND HER @

user25 they definitely kissed after that

lando

🎵 dj got us fallin' in love • usher (feat. pitbull)

❤️ 1.7M 💬 11.9K

liked by youruser, oscarpiastri, maxfewtrell and others

lando sick party

comments

maxfewtrell damn mate chill

maxfewtrell is that even legal 😱

maxfewtrell i hope they kicked your ass out

maxfewtrell kids these days

maxfewtrell jeez

lando stop spamming my comment section you muppet

maxfewtrell i'm the only one acknowledging this dumbass post fuck off

user26 old married couple vibes

lando old 🤨

maxfewtrell married 🤨🤨

user27 didn’t deny the couple bit though

user28 bro was higher than the sky in the first pic

user29 how he felt after taking that photo: 😈🔥🗿

lando pretty much

user30 party lando is my favorite lando

user31 not him tagging a random girl instead of max 💀

maxfewtrell dickhead

user32 HE DID THE WORK FOR US HELP

user33 we're all stalking her profile now right

user34 thank god it wasn't magui

user35 you have no idea how relieved i am

user36 she's actually so pretty what

user37 okay i get why he went for her

user38 10/10 would smash

user39 WOAH BROTHER (me too)

user40 when will it be my turn 😫

user41 relax bro ain't nobody taking her from you

maxfewtrell yeah i wouldn’t be so sure about that

user42 wtf does this mean

user43 MAX TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW

maxfewtrell 🫥

user44 NO WE NEED DETAILS PLEASE

user45 sir??? the lip bite???

youruser

❤️ 19.6K 💬 2.8K

liked by bestieuser, lando, oscarpiastri and others

youruser 5k new followers overnight... you guys okay?

comments

bestieuser WHO THAT IN THE BAAAAACK

youruser not you too 🔫😀

bestieuser yes me too

bestieuser girl i told you he was famous

bestieuser you know what they say "with great fucking comes great fame" or whatever

youruser OH MY GOD WE DIDN'T FUCK

youruser STOP SPREADING MISINFORMATION YOU SICK WOMAN

bestieuser you stop spreading your legs first 🙄

youruser i'm blocking you

user46 i was here for two minutes and i already love her

user47 so lando tagged her but she didn't tag him?

user48 probably didn't want the attention

user49 spoiler: she got it anyway because lando doesn't know what "privacy" means

user50 not to be weird but i'd let her step on me

youruser so this is what having a fanboy feels like

bestieuser thought you knew after yesterday

youruser what. is. your. problem.

bestieuser you. gatekeeping all the juicy gossip.

user51 i've never loved someone so much

user52 she's my new favorite person

user53 in my head we're best friends

bestieuser see @.youruser??? they love me 🖕

youruser guys please don't encourage her

user54 BOOO GATEKEEPING IS FOR THE WEAK 👎🍅

❤️ by bestieuser

youruser what did i do to deserve this

user55 that outfit is criminal

user56 what's criminal is that he didn’t take it off

youruser 😦

youruser should i be worried @.lando?

lando nah it happens

user57 THE MULLET IS FIRE

user58 meanwhile oscar chilling in the likes

user59 i wonder if he was with them too

user60 he won so probably yes

f1wags._

❤️ 69.8K 💬 9K

f1wags._ lando sharing his private jet with a mystery girl in saudi arabia 👀

comments

user61 that ain't no mystery girl that's yn 💀

user62 SHE TROLLED US SO BAD

user63 and she was smooth with it too

user64 "we didn't fuck" well you're about to

user65 someone's joining the high mile club today

user66 DAMN

user67 same outfit, same car, same plane but no they're not together 👍

user68 MAKE IT MAKE SENSE

user69 TAKE ME WITH YOU 🛐

user70 if only i could be a fly on the wall

user71 i bet you'd witness unspeakable things

user72 why did we all collectively decide that they're going to do the nasty 😭

user73 what else would they do?

user74 idk maybe talk??

user75 isn't that a little bit excessive after literally one night of knowing each other

user76 that's how love at first fuck works ig 🤷‍♀️

youruser STOP IT WITH THE SEX JOKES

user77 there she is

user78 who summoned her

user79 hi bae we missed you 🫶

user80 bestie joined the f1 fandom and got traumatized in less than one day

oscarpiastri_fans

❤️ 46.9K 💬 7.2K

liked by bestieuser and others

oscarpiastri_fans @.oscarpiastri and @.youruser today at the mtc!

comments

user81 ✨️what the fuck✨️

user82 did we miss something orrr

user83 that's where lando brought her???

user84 they're so soft couple coded aww

user85 oh okay i kinda ship this

user86 i can't tell if you guys are serious or not

user85 why wouldn't we be?

user86 you thought she was shagging lando until this morning

user87 shagging isn't the word i would've used but i agree

user88 THE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE HELLO

user89 she reaches his shoulder i can't 🫠

user90 i don't remember oscar being this tall though

bestieuser he's not but yn is short af sooo

youruser uh fuck you!?

bestieuser me too? isn't lando enough?

youruser everyday i wake up [crying]

f1gossippofficial

❤️ 106.8K 💬 15.7K

liked by bestieuser and others

f1gossippofficial lando and oscar brought a special guest to the paddock and spent the morning together in the mclaren garage 🩷

comments

user91 WHAT IS THIS

user92 are we witnessing landoscar happen in real life

user93 what in the wattpad love triangle

user94 i smell pr stunt

user95 if it is i'm sorry but they're not very good at it 💀

user96 lando should've just stuck with magui at this point

user97 you were all hating on her like two days ago pick a side

user98 what about yn picks a boy first

user99 girl really said: "lando or oscar?" "both. both is good"

user100 can't blame her honestly 🤷‍♀️

user101 okay but seriously who is she dating

user102 who said she's dating anyone

user103 DUDE AREN'T THESE PICTURES ENOUGH 😭😭😭

user104 there's something called "being friends" yk

user105 hate to break it to you but that's not what this is

user106 whatever floats your ship ig

user107 LMAOOO

bestieuser alright folks let's settle this down once and for all

youruser WHY ARE YOU EVERYWHERE

bestieuser shut up and let me do my job

bestieuser so who took my bitch:

bestieuser lando

❤️ 19620

bestieuser oscar

❤️ 10617

bestieuser i see you're all going for the safest answer

bestieuser interesting

youruser why tf did you turn my love life into a multiple choice question

bestieuser "love life" you say? 🧐

bestieuser sorry babe i think everybody saw that 😔🙏

user108 LANDO’S SMILE ❓️❓️❓️

user109 somebody's in looove 🤭

user110 i call oscar

lando youruser oscarpiastri

user111 HARD LAUNCH???

user112 SHE'S SO CUTE STOP

user113 big gremlin and tiny gremlin 💗💗💗

user114 THEY HAVE THE SAME SMILE I CAN'T

bestieuser blink twice if you were forced to do this

youruser 👁👁⚫️⚫️👁👁⚫️⚫️

bestieuser BRO WHAT IS THAT HAHAHA

youruser blinking duh???

youruser i was being held hostage 😰

lando liar

lando 🫵 you wanted this

user115 i'll physically fight anyone who dares to say they're not a couple

oscarpiastri ☝️😮

bestieuser speak up lover boy

user116 yeah girl we figured 🙄

user117 who are you actually going for tho

user118 i NEED to know who took that photo

user119 well we all know lando has a thing for photography

bestieuser fair but do you know who has a thing for the subject 🫢

user120 ???

user121 pretty 🥹

user122 this is too soft i'm gonna cry

user123 now say it with me: they! are! dating!

bestieuser yayyy 🥳

user124 GIRL IT'S TRUE???

bestieuser idk i just love saying random shit and watch you guys freak out ❤️

user125 you scare me

bestieuser yeah i have that effect on people

user126 THE SONG CHOICE AAAAAH

user127 you can't convince me that was casual

user128 THERE SHE GOES (my ship 🥰)

user129 help now i'm confused

user130 me too i have no idea what to think anymore

oscarpiastri

❤️ 1,1M 💬 10.7K

liked by youruser, lando, bestieuser and others

oscarpiastri yeah

comments

bestieuser MAMA Y PAPA 🦘🐨🫶

bestieuser fucking finally

bestieuser took you long enough

bestieuser btw where are my credits for the second picture 🤨

bestieuser my professional third wheeling ain't for free @.youruser

youruser wdym you love third wheeling us

bestieuser also true

user131 oscar what is that dry ass caption 😭

user132 might as well put bwoah

user133 LITERALLY THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT

user134 WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON

user135 proud to say i've been a ynoscar truther since day 1 💪

user136 now that i know i was right all along i can die peacefully

user137 WTFFF

user138 THEY LOOK SO HAPPY AND INNOCENT AND PURE I HOPE THEY NEVER EVER BREAK UP

❤️ by oscarpiastri and youruser

user139 if they do i'm suing

user140 new comfort couple

user141 am i the only one who finds this weird? i mean we all saw that photo of her flirting with lando a week ago...

youruser if you think asking a guy for his friend's number is flirting i have bad news for you buddy

user142 QUEEN BEHAVIOR

user143 i'm picturing her walking up to lando and him being all confident and shit and then she goes "your teammate's kinda cute"

bestieuser accuracy level: 100%

lando lowest moment of my career

youruser glad i humbled you then 😚

user144 i will never unsee this now

user145 DJ LANDO REALLY GOT THEM FALLING IN LOVE

❤️ by youruser, yourbestie, oscarpiastri and lando

© 2025 l4ndoflove. all rights reserved.

[faithschaoschronicles]

Home is where the heart is||Bucky Barnes x fem!reader

Summary—Bucky never had a family to call his own until he met you and your kids and today he wants everything to be perfect.

Word count — 727

You woke up to silence.

Which, as any mom knows, was suspicious.

Usually, Sundays started with eight-year-old Ellie bouncing on the bed and four-year-old Jack trying to put cereal in the toaster. But this morning, the air was soft, the light was golden, and for once, no one was yelling.

You blinked, stretched, and reached for the empty space beside you—only to find it cold.

“Bucky?” you murmured, voice raspy.

No answer.

Then you smelled bacon.

And heard the faint whisper of children giggling down the hall.

A slow smile spread across your face.

Mother’s Day.

You lay there for another minute, smiling to yourself, before sitting up—and that’s when you saw it:

A single flower in a mason jar on the nightstand.

A daisy.

With a note scrawled in crayon.

“Stay in bed, Mama. Love, Jack (and Daddy and Ellie but mostly me)”

You laughed quietly, heart full, and nestled back under the covers like you were told.

Ten minutes later, the bedroom door creaked open.

Jack appeared first, proudly carrying a tray nearly the size of his torso. His tongue stuck out with concentration, and the orange juice sloshed dangerously with every step.

Ellie followed behind, her curls bouncing, holding a folded card that looked like it had at least two glue sticks’ worth of decorations.

And then came Bucky.

Hair a little messy, beard soft and scruffy, wearing a worn “#1 Dad” apron you’d gotten him as a joke last Christmas.

“Morning, sweetheart,” he said, voice low and warm.

“Happy Mother’s Day!” Ellie beamed, hopping onto the bed beside you.

Jack wobbled forward and carefully placed the tray in your lap. “We made pancakes! And Daddy let me flip ‘em and only one burned!”

“Two,” Ellie whispered.

Bucky raised his brows. “Three.”

You laughed and pulled them both into a hug, kissing the tops of their heads. “This is already perfect.”

They beamed, climbing into bed with you as Bucky handed you the card.

You opened it to see childlike drawings of your family: You with a superhero cape, Bucky holding a spatula, Ellie with sparkly shoes, and Jack with what looked like… a lightsaber.

Scrawled underneath:

“Mommy, you’re the heart of our home. Love you forever.”

Your throat tightened.

Bucky sat beside you, his hand resting on your thigh, thumb rubbing gentle circles through the blanket. “They came up with that line themselves. I just helped with the spelling.”

You looked up at him, eyes a little misty. “You guys…”

He kissed your temple. “You do everything for this family. Every scraped knee, every school pickup, every bedtime story… You’ve been our glue. We just wanted to give you a morning to breathe.”

“And pancakes,” Jack said proudly.

You nodded seriously. “And excellent pancakes.”

He grinned, and you let him sneak a bite off your fork.

After breakfast, Bucky shooed the kids out with a promise of cartoons and told you to stay put.

You frowned playfully. “Bucky, I can help clean—”

“Nope,” he said, pressing a kiss to your knuckles. “Your only job today is to feel loved.”

He left, and when he returned twenty minutes later, he was holding something behind his back.

“Okay,” he said softly. “Close your eyes.”

You did.

“Now open.”

In his hands was a photo album—handmade, the cover stitched with your name in messy thread.

Inside were printed photos—snapshots of all your moments together, from chaotic mornings to quiet nights. Ellie’s first piano recital. Jack’s muddy soccer game. Halloween costumes, Christmas cookies, Bucky in the middle of it all.

And on the last page: a family picture you didn’t even remember him taking. All of you in the living room, piled on the couch, smiling so hard it made your cheeks hurt.

Underneath it, he’d written:

“Thank you for giving me a family.”

You looked up at him, your heart overflowing.

He cupped your face in his hands and kissed you sweetly, slowly, reverently.

“I never knew peace until I came home to you,” he whispered.

“And I never knew love could feel this easy,” you breathed.

You pulled him into bed with you, the photo album pressed to your chest, your kids’ laughter echoing down the hall.

And in that moment—wrapped in his arms, your babies safe and happy, love blooming around you—you realized something:

This was the life you built.

And it was beautiful.

[amirawrah]

⭐︎after the rain, us

with JULES KOUNDE⭐︎

Rain had been tapping softly at the windows since the early hours of the morning, a steady rhythm that made the world outside blur into misty grays and blues. The streets of Barcelona were soaked and sleepy, but inside your apartment? Warmth. Stillness. Jules.

You were both curled up on the couch, matching gray sweatpants, oversized hoodies—his, of course, swallowing your frame in the most delicious way. The smell of buttery croissants still lingered in the air from breakfast, the remnants of flaky crumbs on the coffee table beside two half-drunk mugs of hot chocolate. No rush to clean them up. No rush to do anything at all.

A Studio Ghibli movie played quietly on the TV—Howl’s Moving Castle—casting soft light across the living room. You had your head nestled against Jules’ thigh, legs folded beneath you, his fingers moving gently through your hair.

He hadn’t said much in the last half hour, just hummed occasionally or sighed in contentment. You turned your head slightly, catching the way his locs fell forward as he concentrated, gently sectioning off strands of your hair.

“You’re taking this very seriously,” you teased, voice soft and playful.

“I take everything involving you seriously mon amour,” he said without missing a beat, his lips curling into a small smile.

You laughed, heart fluttering a little at the ease of his affection. He'd gotten good at braiding your hair—not perfectly, but with enough care and intention that it always made you melt. Sometimes he’d google different styles. Sometimes he’d call your sister or your best friend and ask for tips. Today, he didn’t bother with all that. He just moved gently, slowly, letting the rhythm of the rain and the movie guide him.

“You’re gonna fall asleep on me again,” he murmured, gently smoothing down the part he just finished.

“No, I won’t,” you lied, already half-lidded.

He chuckled, low and soft, one hand resting on your back. “Liar. You always do after pastries and warm socks.”

You hummed in agreement, not even pretending to deny it. His voice was so soothing, and the atmosphere—the quiet rain, the gentle film score, the warmth of his body—was enough to lull you into near-dreamland.

As he started another braid, you reached up and lazily wrapped your fingers around his ankle, just to feel him close. Jules glanced down at you, a softness in his eyes that made your chest tighten.

“You know,” he said after a pause, voice low, “this is my favorite version of us.”

You blinked slowly, lifting your head a little. “What do you mean?”

“This. No games. No cameras. Just us. Rain outside, you in my clothes, your hair in my hands.” He smiled to himself. “I think I could do this every day and never get bored.”

Your throat tightened. Not from sadness—but from the kind of overwhelming peace that came when someone saw you exactly as you were, and loved it.

You shifted to sit up, turning to face him fully, legs crossed beneath you. The movie played on, unnoticed. Jules looked at you, his hands resting on your knees now, his touch always gentle, always steady.

“Then let’s keep doing it,” you whispered. “Let’s have a million Sundays like this.”

He leaned forward, resting his forehead against yours. “A million still wouldn’t be enough.”

You kissed him—slow, quiet, like the moment itself—and he kissed you back with that same patience. Like there was no place in the world he’d rather be than right here, with rain on the window and your lips on his.

When you pulled away, he tucked one final braid behind your ear and whispered, “I should braid your hair more often. Makes you soft on me.”

You smiled, already melting back into his side, pulling the blanket over both of you as he kissed your temple and wrapped an arm around your waist.

And so the afternoon passed—just Jules, your half-braided hair, a sleepy movie, and a love so warm it made even the rain feel like sunshine.

By late afternoon, the rain had picked up—no longer a gentle tap, but a steady pour against the windows. The sky outside had deepened into a moody charcoal gray, thunder rumbling softly in the distance like a sleepy lion stirring in its den.

You were now lying on the couch, stretched out with your head in Jules’ lap, one of his hands resting lazily on your waist, the other scrolling half-heartedly through a cooking video on his phone. Howls moving castle had ended hours ago, replaced by a calm playlist humming through the speakers—Snoh Aalegra, Brent Faiyaz, a bit of Daniel Caesar.

Your half-finished braids were tied loosely into a bun, just the way Jules had left them when you'd both decided to just “pause” and cuddle instead.

When the first sharp crack of thunder broke through the low hum of music, you flinched just a little, the kind of instinctive jump that came from growing up with a healthy respect for storms. Jules noticed immediately.

“You okay?” he asked, voice already softer, fingers curling tighter around your waist.

“Yeah,” you murmured. “Just wasn’t expecting it to be that loud.”

Jules didn’t reply right away. Instead, he set his phone down and used both hands to pull you up slightly, guiding you so you were now fully curled into his chest, legs tangled with his. You melted against him without a word, the two of you swaddled in warmth and quiet.

“Better?” he whispered, his lips brushing your forehead.

“Mmhmm.”

You stayed like that, watching the rain race down the windows. The apartment was quiet except for the distant thunder and the soft breaths you shared in sync.

“Storms used to scare me when I was younger,” you admitted, voice low, cheek pressed against his chest.

Jules traced lazy shapes on your back, anchoring you. “You scared now?”

You shook your head. “Not really. Not with you.”

He smiled against your temple. “Good.”

There was a pause, then Jules shifted, reaching behind the couch for a throw blanket. He wrapped it around both of you with a kind of reverence, tucking it under your chin and pulling you impossibly closer. “This is a perfect day,” he murmured.

“You’re such a softie when it rains,” you teased, grinning into his hoodie.

Jules chuckled, low and warm. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation.”

You tilted your head up to look at him, eyes locking with his. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

He kissed you then—slow and grounding. The kind of kiss that didn’t lead anywhere, didn’t have to. It just said I’m here. I love you. We’re safe.

As the thunder rolled again and rain continued to dance on the roof, Jules rested his chin on your head, exhaling deeply like this—this moment—was everything he ever needed.

“Next storm,” he said quietly, “we’re building a blanket fort.”

You laughed softly. “With fairy lights?”

“Obviously,” he replied.

Wrapped in each other and the sound of the storm, you both drifted. No need for plans. No need for anything but this slow, sacred kind of love—the kind that held steady, even through the loudest thunder.

The storm finally tapered off around 6 PM, leaving behind glistening pavement, dew-speckled windows, and that rich, earthy scent that only came after a downpour. A sliver of orange-pink sunlight broke through the clouds, spilling across the floor like a spotlight meant just for the two of you.

You stretched, still wrapped in Jules’ hoodie, and padded into the kitchen barefoot while he lingered on the couch, watching you with the laziest, most smug smile.

“We should make dinner,” you called out over your shoulder, already rummaging in the fridge.

Jules sat up slowly, eyes never leaving you. “We could,” he replied, “or…”

You narrowed your eyes, turning to look at him. “Or?”

A beat. A flash of mischief in his eyes.

He stood up. Quiet. Deliberate.

Then—

“You cook, I clean?” he offered innocently.

“No, what was the ‘or’ about?” you asked, stepping back as he walked toward you, that smug grin spreading even more.

Suddenly, Jules lunged forward and scooped you up around the waist with a playful growl, spinning you in a circle. You let out a squeal-laugh, smacking his shoulder as your feet left the floor.

“Jules!” you shouted, giggling.

“I’m just saying,” he said between kisses to your cheek, “there are better uses of our energy right now than cooking.”

You were set down onto the counter, breathless from laughter. Jules caged you in with both hands on either side of your thighs, looking at you like you were his favorite thing in the world—and you were.

He leaned in, brushing his nose against yours. “You’re smiling. So I know you agree.”

You grinned, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Maybe. But I still want food.”

He pulled back slightly, hands sliding to your hips. “Fine. Deal. You sit there and look cute, and I’ll make us something. But only if you promise to kiss the chef.”

“Every time you stir the pot,” you bargained.

“Every time,” he echoed, already tying an apron around his waist dramatically.

You couldn’t help but laugh as he opened the fridge with a flourish, acting like he was hosting MasterChef while tossing you glances over his shoulder. His locs had gotten a little frizzy from all the lounging earlier, and he hadn’t even noticed. He was so comfortably himself in your shared little bubble.

As he fumbled with a tomato and nearly dropped it, you whistled. “Chef of the year.”

He turned, placing a hand dramatically on his chest. “I cook with love, not coordination.”

“You cook with chaos.”

“And charm.”

You blew him a kiss. “That too.”

Eventually, dinner was half-decent—Jules burnt the garlic bread but nailed the pasta—and the two of you ended up sitting on the kitchen floor, eating straight from the pan with forks and wine glasses filled halfway.

There was something sacred in how ordinary it all was—your knees bumping, your hoodie now splattered with tomato sauce, his hand constantly drifting to your thigh just to feel your warmth. It wasn’t grand or performative. It was soft. Solid. Yours.

After dinner, you turned the Bluetooth speaker back on, and when the first notes of a soft R&B song started playing, Jules reached out a hand to you.

“Come dance with me,” he whispered.

“In the kitchen?”

“In our kitchen.”

And so, barefoot on tile, still tasting of wine and laughter, you danced with him slowly, lazily, like you had all the time in the world.

And you did.

Because the storm had passed, and love—your love—was the only thing left lingering in the air.

[fairrytype]

fic snippet for the 28th anniversary of Pokémon ;')

Sometimes, Ash has to remind himself he’s not a kid anymore, back when he could roll out of a sleeping bag the day after an adventure with his skin already healing. Now that the adrenaline has worn off, he can feel the bruises and scrapes forming, knowing that some will probably leave marks for weeks.

“I can’t wait to get out of here.” Misty mutters as he approaches. “Did you use all the seaweed? We need some to get them out, too.”

A loud noise shakes the cave. Every time the thunder rolls, Misty emits a small sound of discomfort, and he drops to her side. 

“I didn’t. You told me not to.” He nudges her knee with his, “Stop worrying.”

“I don’t want the roof to cave in on us or those Pokémon we just spent the night getting to. I’m not worrying over nothing.” Misty protests. She stills at his side as another roar of thunder surrounds them. 

Ash swallows uneasily, knowing that if he thinks about that, it won't help anything. Another rumble. Another squeak. He nudges her again instead, “Still not a fan of that, huh?”

“I just don’t like how it sounds in here.” 

“It sounded worse outside."

“I wasn’t focusing on it out there.”

“Good, because it sounded worse." Ash notes, trying to find some comfort against the tunnel's rocky walls and failing, "but you never did like a storm.”

Misty shifts at his side. He can sense her eyes on him. “You remember that?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know.” she whispers.

“You hated them.” Ash shrugs. How easy it had been back then to tease a girl who claimed to love the water so much, fretting over the rain taking a turn. He can still hear it clearly in his mind, the way she would demand they find cover when the skies opened up. How she would grab his arm to stop him stepping into the downfall.  

Ash can't say for sure when it stopped being funny. When he started to take her concern seriously, just that somewhere along the way he stopped finding anything amusing about her looking so worried.

“You could have stayed,” Ash comments suddenly. “Back at the house.”

Misty replies before he has a chance to continue. “Like I would.” 

 A slow smile spreads to his cheeks. “ Yeah. You never did, even as kids.”

 “Someone had to drag you out of wanting to play in storms.”

“I wasn’t playing!” Ash grins, “I wanted to see them! The sky always looked cool.”

“I guess.” Misty exhales, so quietly he only feels it on his shoulder. “The way the water seems angry is kind of beautiful. When we’re not stuck in it.”

They sit in silence and Ash tries to imagine what a beautiful storm is. He thinks he’s probably seen a few on his travels over the years. 

Eventually, Misty's arm presses to his gently. “The day we met, there was a storm.”

With a frown, Ash realises she’s right.

Sitting in a cave together after a night full of adrenaline, it’s hard for him to wrap his mind around it. Next month will make it thirteen years since the day he left and never really turned back. The day they met. He doesn’t see her nearly as much as he did back then, but Ash can’t pinpoint when Misty became such a big part of his life.

Maybe it was that day. In that storm. After she saved him, and set him straight with a red cheek and a bruised ego, telling him how to help Pikachu. When he rode her bike into that storm and trashed it not long after. 

His eyes fall to her lap, where the mouse is curled up.

“I sometimes forget about the storm part.”

Misty’s breath falls on his arm as she laughs tiredly, “And the bike part.”

His face falls. Misty gives another short laugh.

“Relax. Anyway, even if I had stayed, I’d still have heard it inside. The thunder.” She reminds him, “And then I’d have to hear about your body being washed up or something, too.”

“That wouldn’t happen.” He snorts dismissively. 

“You say that like I haven’t personally fished you out of a bed of water myself twice already.”

Ash realises she’s right there, too. Something twists in his stomach. It feels like guilt, but he thinks it may be gratitude. 

Misty’s cheek brushes his shoulder. Ash guesses she must be trying to sleep and he stays painfully still, staring into nothingness.

Then, a murmur,  “Luckily for you, Ash. I like you almost as much as I like the water.”

“Mist, I–”

Another roar of thunder, this time louder, interrupts the way his chest squeezes . Ash doesn’t know what he was going to say.  He only pay attention to the dirt from the cave roof falling onto his shoulders as Misty sits up straight at his side.

[wynnyfryd]

Trailer park Steve AU pt 44

part 1 | part 43 | ao3

cw: recreational drinking

“You’re just…” Robin looks at him sideways, her face doing something quivery and weird that he’s pretty sure is supposed to be sympathetic concern but mostly looks like she stubbed her toe right after smelling microwaved fish. “You’re sure it’s not too soon?” 

It is. 

It definitely is too soon.

Steve’s pleasantly buzzed at a New Year’s Eve party — some random rich kid’s house, loitering in the space between the living room and kitchen so he and Robin can properly people watch (see also: be hugely judgmental bitches about the fashion sense of the girls on the dance floor and the sloppy form of the guys doing keg stands on the back deck) — and Steve just opened his fat, drunk mouth and casually admitted to being in love with Eddie. 

Eddie, the guy who hated him for years. The guy who tried to knife him the first time they interacted as neighbors. 

The guy whose silhouette has started to fill the passenger seat in Steve's Winnebago dreams. 

Eddie’s here, but he’s not here; probably posted up somewhere in the basement so he can deal to the stoners and the horny kids playing Spin the Bottle, and Steve— 

Steve knows he falls too fast. Always has, but especially now. Steve fell for Eddie like a gunshot going off: a deafening bang, gurgling fish sounds, blood all over the floor. He kinda thinks he couldn’t help it. Kinda thinks he’d do it again. 

And how could he not, when Eddie smiles at him like that? When he takes him apart so sweetly with his words, his lips, his tongue? When he dragged Steve by the hand into the back pew of a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, giggling about how he was shocked his satanic worship hadn’t set the bench aflame? 

Yeah. 

Steve totally understood why Jesus got up on that cross. 

“Oh, my god,” Robin rolls her eyes with a strangled huff. “Are you seriously just—? You’re fucking hopeless.” 

Yeah, he is, and yes, he is. “No,” he insists, crossing his arms over his chest and trying not to feel like a defiant kid who got caught lying to his mother, because yeah, he totally is spacing out into lovesick La La Land while being actively accused of spending too much time there lately. “I’m not fucking hopeless, and it’s not too soon.”

Robin gapes at him like 'are you kidding me right now?' “Steve!”

“Robin!” he answers, mimicking her tone. Wow. Vodka makes him petulant. 

It makes Robin stubborn as hell. She juts her chin out and hollers over the music, gesturing so aggressively she almost spills her drink, “Admit that it’s too soon!”

“It isn’t!” Steve shouts back; digs his heels in and refuses to budge, never mind the fact that it’s only been, like, three weeks since Eddie fingered him for the first time oh, god, don’t think about Eddie’s fingers right now.

They stare at each other for a second, Robin’s nostrils flaring with the words she so clearly wants to yell at him, her breaths coming hot and harsh, and then, with a long sigh, her shoulders deflate. Her chin comes down. She bites her lip again, teeth turning the skin white as her eyes go big and sad. Worried. She's worried for him because she loved him first. 

Steve smiles at her, a quick, closed-lip thing that feels more like shrugging with his mouth, and he leans into her space; pats her cheek and thumbs her chin until she stomps chomping on her lip.

“You’re gonna get it all chapped,” he says in a hush, hoping her Steve translator is still intact after a couple drinks. Hopes she knows that he’s really saying ‘I hear you’ and ‘I love you, too; I love that you care’ because they're at a party and god does he not feel like saying sappy friendship shit out loud. 

Robin’s eyes get misty. Just for a second — message received; copy that — and she clears her throat and shakes it off. Points at something over Steve’s shoulder and drags him to the other side of the room.

—

part 45

tag list in separate reblogs under '#trailer park steve au taglist' if you'd like to filter that content. if you want to be added please comment and let me know (must be over 21; please either verify in the comment or have your age visible on your blog)

[fandomstars]

can I request ash x gender neutral reader fluff?? If you do oneshots can you do one? any plot, or if you will do headcannons can it be ash as your boyfriend :3

Sure! :)

Ash x Gender Neutral Reader

Dating Ash would include….

Pokémon battles, like if there is space where you are, he’ll have the urge every time.

A nice nature walk works too, especially where he can look around in awe at all the different Pokemon.

His Pokemon will want to assets you, as they will not have anyone harm their trainer, he’s been through enough (maybe after a long while, he’ll tell you said stories).

If Pikachu jumps/climbs on your shoulder, you’re a definite keeper.

When it comes to romance stuff like kissing and all, it takes a while.

Usually it’s a kiss on the cheek, he has experience with that (he asks you don’t ask).

But he will eventually kiss you on the lips, but be prepared…it might take a lot to get it right (no seriously, he’s never done it before, it’ll be a while).

If you’re a coordinator, don’t worry! (Hahaha get it?) Ash will be your biggest supporter! No matter how many deadly glares he’ll get from Kenny and Drew if Dawn and May are in said contest too.

Plus he’ll always be impressed no matter what, and not just cause the outfit you wear makes you shine bright.

He might even join in for fun, as well as probably try to make a contest league where it’s a duo teams facing one another.

Look, whether it’s gym battles, contest, or something else, prepare for him to always ask to battle alongside you.

Also yes, your Pokémon ship the two of you so much. Even if you’re not a battler per se, they will gladly step up.

Win or lose, Ash will always give you a kiss on the cheek for a job well done.

And when he alone is battling in some tournament (idk as master trainer you really can’t stop the guy), he’ll run over to the stands with every win to you, and kiss you with such passion.

Yes, Brock might be in the corner super jealous and dreary.

Misty thinks it’s hilarious, and has already started a betting pool on when you’ll get married.

A lot have bet you’ll be asking instead of Ash. Because….Ash.

But big surprise, he does!

He might have to make it short though, as Misty and others will be chasing him down for money lost.

Only Paul, Goh, Kiawe, and Lana have guessed it would be him. No there will be explanation.

Also Pikachu will evolve at said wedding, and no not just to get a second dance with you, but this time on foot instead of on shoulder.

So what do you think?

[dandylion240]

“So that’s why you moved back home with Dad” Ethan said once Evan finished telling him what happened. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have helped you. I’d have….”

“Yeah” he sniffed “that’s the last thing Jonah needs is to have you beaten up defending me.”

“Who says I’d have been the one beaten up” he growled. “It could have been him.”

“I’m not going to argue about this. I can’t go back and change it.” He crossed his arms turning back towards the house. “I messed everything up.”

“No you didn’t” Ethan reached out a hand squeezing his brother’s shoulder.

At his touch Evan shivered jerking away falling to his knees. It was like it was happening all over again. He couldn’t stop it. “I want things to go back to the way things were. I’d rather be invisible than go through that again.”

Kneeling beside his brother Ethan said, “I’m sure Jayden didn’t mean to make you feel that way.” Gently he pulled his brother to him holding him as he fell apart in his arms. “You need to talk to him. Tell him how you feel. This time make him hear you.”

“How do I know for sure” he sniffed clutching at Ethan’s shirt. “How do I know it’s not a scheme?”

Laughing softly Ethan thumped the top of Evan’s head. “Jayden has many faults but his schemes are how he shows he cares about you. I agree it’d be better if he actually said what he was thinking.”

“Don’t tell me you condone his schemes” Evan sat up wiping his eyes.

“I don’t but think of it this way. The bigger the scheme the more thought and effort he’s put into it. It’s kind of romantic if you think of it like that. It proves you’re not just a fading memory for him.”

“I guess” he murmured “I hadn’t thought of it like that.” His green eyes took a dreamy misty sheen. “I just thought he was trying to manipulate me. My feelings…”

Ethan heard the quiver in his voice. “It’s going to take awhile before what Jasper did to you doesn’t effect every thing you do. I wish I could say it’ll go back to normal but it won’t. Jonah still has nightmares, waking up in the middle of the night sweating. You can't help how you react to things that remind you of what happened."

“I know” Evan whispered pulling at the grass “Jayden would never hurt me like that.” A small smile tugged at his lips “he’s trying so hard.” Looking almost pleading at his brother “how do I convince my head what I know in my heart?”

“Talk to him” Ethan encouraged getting to his feet “it’ll take time. He hurt you too by not acknowledging your feelings.”

“Okay I’ll talk to him” he agreed taking Ethan’s outstretched hand. “Who’d have thought you’d be such an expert on relationships?”

“Yeah I’m pretty good aren’t I” he grinned “All I can say for sure is if you both want it bad enough you’ll work it out.”

“Uncle Jay come play with me” Eli tugged on Jayden’s hand.

Jayden glanced over at Jonah at a loss as to what to do or say “um.”

“Eli why don’t you come with me and daddy” Jonah suggested getting up from the table.

“No” he protested bottom lip pushing out in the beginnings of a pout “I want Uncle Jay.”

“Uncle Jay needs to talk with Uncle Evan” Jonah explained.

Glancing between the adults Eli let out an aggravated sigh. “It’s going to get mushy isn’t it?”

“I’m afraid so” Jonah ruffled his fluffy head. “When we come back from our walk you can play with Uncle Jay.”

“Promise” he asked looking up at his uncle.

“I promise” Jayden crossed his heart with his fingers.

“I guess that’ll be okay” Eli said, turning to follow Jonah from the room. Stopping he announced “I want you all to know I’m not pleased.”

“Your complaint has been noted” Evan said with mock seriousness.

“Next time you come I expect you to play with me” he said, grinning.

“Eli” Ethan snapped “the world doesn’t revolve around you.”

Eli giggled giving him a grin that said otherwise. “I’ve been practicing” he informed his uncles before his father’s could stop him.

“Practicing” Evan asked an eyebrow rising.

“Jonah has taught him a song to play at the wedding” Ethan explained picking Eli up.

“I hold the ring too” he added “daddy says it’s an important job cuz without the ring you can’t get married. I’ve been practicing so I won’t drop them.”

“But” Jayden looked a little flabbergasted “the wedding’s been off for months….”

“Like I believed that” Eli shook his head at them. Turning to his dad “why are adults so stupid?”

“Eli that’s enough” Jonah cried “apologize to you uncles.”

“Sorry” he grinned “that doesn’t answer my question though.”

“No it doesn’t” Jayden agreed turning to Evan, he continued "sometimes adults are pretty stupid. I know I am for taking you for granted.”

“I should have said something. Made you listen” he countered blinking rapidly.

“You shouldn’t have to spell it out to me” he slapped a palm onto the table rattling the few remaining dishes.

They didn’t notice when Ethan and Jonah took Eli and left. They only had eyes for each other. “I’m sorry” Jayden reached across the table taking Evan’s hand. He’d noticed the way he jumped earlier when he hit the table.

“For what” Evan asked hugging himself tight confusion in his eyes.

“For not seeing you” he stroked his thumb across the soft skin on Evan’s hand. “I should never have let you feel like you did. I never meant to make you feel less important than my business deals. Without you there’s no meaning to my life.”

“I should have made you listen to me” Evan leaned in closer “I shouldn’t have let the attention Jasper was giving me sweep me off my feet. I should have known better. That it was too good to be true.”

“No” Jayden shook his head moving around the table to pull Evan to his feet. “There was no reason for you to suspect he wasn’t what he pretended to be.”

“I know…it’s just” Evan's face became pinched as he fought to control all the emotions washing over him. “It’s all so confusing. I’m always questioning things. People. Their motives. Are they paying attention to me because they like me or do they want something?” Moving away from Jayden he continued “I don’t know how to stop feeling this way. Even now I’m wondering when the other shoe will drop.”

Slowly Jayden moved towards Evan unsure whether to hold him or not. Cautiously he wrapped his arms around him. He felt the tension in Evan’s body like he was poised to run. When he started to relax he spoke “after what he put you through I understand how difficult this is for you. I’ve broken your trust I see that now. All I’m asking for is a chance to show you I’ll change. I’ll be better. If there’s no hope I’ll leave.”

Turning in his arms Evan nestled into his chest. “I don’t want you to go. I just want to know I matter. I don’t need grand gestures or schemes. I want quiet evenings at home cuddling on the couch watching TV.” He moved to gaze into Jayden’s eyes “I want to enjoy being with you not worried that I’m bothering you.”

“You’re never a bother” he protested.

Putting a hand over Jayden's mouth to keep him from continuing. “it’s how I felt. You get this look of intense concentration. It make me feel like I don’t exist. You never put your phone down.” Looking directly into Jayden’s eyes “do you have to work all the time?”

“I” Jayden was going to point out he needed to stay on top of what was happening in the market. In reality he enjoyed it. Nodding he pressed his lips into the palm of Evan's hand. “You’re right. I have gotten consumed by my work.” He shivered at how many times Evan had tried to talk to him and he’d brushed him aside. He hadn’t seen because he hadn't wanted to see. He’d been preoccupied. “I’m sorry” he chest tightened as another thought came to mind. One that took his breath away it was because of him Evan had been hurt.

“Jay” Evan said breaking the heavy silence that had fallen between them. “You’re trembling.” Looking down he saw the tears as they glistened on Jayden's cheeks “don’t cry. I’m alright. We’re alright.”

“It could have been so much worse” he choked feeling Evan pull him close. He felt guilty taking comfort from him knowing he’d never be able to make up for what happened.

“Let’s go home” Evan suggested.

“I promised Eli that I’d play with him” he sniffed.

“He’ll understand…”

“He won’t” he sighed “but I’ll take you home anyway.”

Previous/Next

[steamtrain52]

No Ordinary Boy - Chapter Ten

The aftermath of Laura Lee’s death was a blur for Natalie. She was vaguely aware of being taken back to the cabin, of sitting down, and of Tommy sitting next to her, holding her hand.

  Other than that, though? Natalie couldn’t say. Everyone just sort of… sat down in shock. Nobody moved for what seemed like hours.

  Laura Lee was dead. That stupid, brave, annoying, beautiful girl. Before, Natalie couldn’t stand her incessant hymns, and now she would give anything to hear them one more time.

  How strange life is, she thought, as Tommy started to stand up.

  “W-where are you going?”

  His eyes were red, but she saw the determination on his face.

  “I’m going to swim out there, see if I can recover her… her…”

  Her remains. All that was left of what only that morning had been the blue-eyed, blonde-haired Bible-thumper that Natalie wished she could tell was sorry for ever having yelled at, or thought was stupid.

  Tommy left the cabin, taking what had been Laura Lee’s blanket with him. Eventually he returned, dripping wet, to ask his brother to accompany them outside.

  Natalie decided to follow them, shutting the door behind her.

  “What’s going on?”

  Tommy winced. “I need another blanket. The first one isn’t enough for… all of her.”

  ALL of her? Natalie blinked. Then she understood.

  She’s in pieces. Laura Lee’s in pieces.

  She fell to her knees on the cabin’s porch, and started to cry again, as she felt Tommy’s arms go around her. She wasn’t sure how long they stayed there, but eventually Coach Scott gave Tommy another blanket, and he set off again.

  Some time later, he returned, and stood in front of the fireplace.

  “We’ll keep her in the shed for tonight,” he began, referring to the meat shed where they had been storing their kills.

  “Tomorrow, I will take her to the crash site, and bury her with the others. Anyone who wishes to accompany me is welcome to do so.”

  The next morning, after they finished off the last of their pitifully small breakfast, most of the Yellowjackets chose to go with Tommy to help bury Laura Lee, save for Van, who was still too weak to travel, and Taissa, who refused to leave her side. With his leg, Coach Scott couldn’t travel either, and Misty chose to stay behind and ‘look after Van’. Natalie seriously doubted that was the real reason when Coach Scott was staying too, but put it aside. Today was far too important to worry about something like that.

  Natalie watched as Tommy and Travis picked up the stretcher carrying the covered remains of Laura Lee, and felt a sudden obligation to do something to properly send her off.

  “It should be us.”

  “Sorry?” Tommy asked.

  “She was a Yellowjacket. It should be the Yellowjackets carrying her.”

  Tommy looked surprised, but after a look from Travis, both boys put the stretcher down on the ground.

  Natalie grasped one of the stretcher’s poles, and Mari, Lottie and Melissa, one of the JV players, took the others.

  “Alright, guys”, Natalie said. “Lift on three.”

  Every Yellowjacket with them ended up taking a turn as one of Laura Lee’s pallbearers on the way to the plane, even Jackie and Shauna. Natalie desperately wanted to ask Shauna about her pregnancy, but she knew it wasn’t the right time.

  Taissa must have known, Natalie realised. That was why she’d flinched so badly the other day, when Natalie had mentioned the health risks of falling pregnant out here.

  But who on earth could the father of Shauna’s child be? Natalie trusted that it wasn’t Tommy, but could it be any of the others?

  Travis? Coach Scott? No. Not Javi. Surely not Javi. 

  Maybe it was someone back home. But who? Shauna had never had a boyfriend, as far as Natalie knew. And would the baby even make it out here?

  Natalie winced. With Laura Lee’s death, it was all but guaranteed that their group of twenty- no, nineteen now- would have to go through winter out here in the woods. Would Shauna be next?

  Natalie pushed her thoughts aside. Now was not the time.

  When they arrived at the crash site, with so many hands on deck it took less than half an hour to dig a proper grave for Laura Lee.

  As they gathered around, the boys gently lowered the covered remains into the grave, and the hole was filled back in again.

  There was silence at first, before Jackie spoke up, to Natalie’s surprise.

  “Laura Lee”, she began. “You always had so much faith. Not just in God, but in life, in yourself… in us too, I guess.”

  The team captain paused, then continued. “None of us really believed like you do… but we always believed… in how much you believed.”

  Jackie suddenly started to cry. “I’m sorry”, she said, as the tears began to run down her cheeks, and Natalie felt Tommy’s arm go around her shoulders as she leaned into him.

  If it was Tommy who died next… Natalie didn’t want to think about what she might do.

  Then the funeral was interrupted as they all heard a crashing through the brush, and to the disbelief of everyone there, a doe emerged from the bushes, and walked right in front of the plane.

  “Cover your ears.”

  BANG!

  The shot from Tommy hit the deer perfectly behind its shoulder blades, where Natalie knew its heart and lungs would be, and it dropped to the ground like a stone.

  “You shouldn’t have done that.”

  Natalie turned around to look at Lottie. What?

  Tommy looked confused, and so did some of the others. “Uh… why not?”

  “It was a sign”, Lottie said, now sounding upset. “It might have been sent by Laura Lee.”

  Now everybody else looked confused.

  “First of all,” Tommy began. “I don’t believe in that kind of stuff. Second, if I’m wrong, and it was sent by Laura Lee, she probably meant for us to eat it. Why wouldn’t she?”

  Lottie glowered at him, but didn’t say anything.

  Huh, Natalie thought. Looks like Misty’s not the only one who needs an eye kept on them. 

  000000000000000000000000

  After skinning and cooking the deer, Tommy mulled over the announcement he would be making to the others. He and Ben had practiced what they were going to say the previous day, but he’d always hated speaking in public.

  As the last of the Yellowjackets finished their dinner (which even Lottie, somewhat reluctantly, had ended up eating), Tommy cleared his throat.

  “Could I get everyone’s attention, please?”

  Everyone looked at him, and Tommy immediately felt his face growing hot.

  “I’m sorry to be doing this quite so soon after… what happened… but I hope you will agree with me when I say that time is of the essence.”

  He took a breath, and continued.

  “It seems inevitable now that we will have to go through winter out here. Judging by the temperature, I would say that the first days of autumn have already begun. That gives us roughly two to three months to prepare.”

  “From now on”, he continued, “we are going to preserve the hides of every animal we bring back from the hunts. Deer, beaver, even muskrat- nothing will go to waste.”

  He nodded to Ben, and his brother took over.

  “One of the many things our dad taught us was how to clean and preserve animal skins”, Ben said. “The risk of infection is… significant, especially to someone who doesn’t know what they're doing.”

  “We will teach you how to preserve them, and I will sew them up into coats for all of us”, Tommy said. “I am happy to teach you guys how to sew, by the way. In fact, we should probably make it compulsory for everyone to at least learn the basics of sewing.”

  “Are you sure this will work?” Jackie asked.

  “It worked for humans for thousands of years, before modern fashion came along.”

  “What about food?” Shauna asked him.

  “Yes, I thought about that too. The game in the forest can no longer be counted on, so… the hunts will expand on to the mountains, and keep expanding past them. It might take us all day to bring something back, but… the stakes are so high for us out here, it is past time we started expanding the hunts.”

  “You’re gonna go out, into the mountains… every day?” Natalie asked him.

  “No, and that brings me to my next point of discussion.”

  Tommy’s eyes now flicked towards the younger Martinez boy.

  “Javi. If you wish, I am willing to train you to be our next hunter. You’ll go out with me on the hunts, and we’ll take it in turns with Natalie and Travis each day.”

  Tommy saw Natalie’s eyes widen, but as he looked at her, she gave a slight nod. Their relationship was important to the both of them, but right now, training Javi to bring back food was the priority.

  “So, what do you say?” Tommy asked Javi.

  The younger boy hesitated, then set his jaw and nodded.

  “Great. Get some rest- we start tomorrow, 6am sharp.”

  As they started to turn in for the night, Taissa asked if she could speak to Tommy, so they went to stand beside the meat shed where they wouldn’t be overhead.

  “Look, I just wanna say, um-” Taissa fiddled with her fingers.

  “You were right. Going out there was stupid. It was reckless. You tried to tell me, but I just…” Taissa trailed off, and swiped at her eyes.

  “Thank you. For coming to get us, and for… for saving Van. If she died, I… I…”

  A tear slid down Taissa's cheek, and Tommy finally understood. How could he have been so blind?

  “You love her, don’t you?”

  Taissa hesitated, then nodded.

  “Please don’t tell anyone. I mean, I’m pretty sure the varsity team knows, but it’s not… people like me can’t exactly go blaring out what their… preferences are."

  “I won’t tell anyone, I promise.”

  “Thank you.”

  Taissa paused, then kept talking. “That was a good speech in there, but… do you really think we have a chance at surviving the winter?”

  Tommy hesitated. “I do, but… things are going to be tough. Winter will likely be the hardest experience any of us have ever gone through. We will have to be… ruthless. We can’t let… anything… go to waste. A single slip-up could make all the difference between life and death… and I can’t guarantee that all of us will make it through, but I can guarantee that none of us will make it through if we don’t start preparing for it.”

  “I understand. I’m glad you’re with us, for what it’s worth.”

  “Likewise.”

  Taissa reached out her hand, and Tommy shook it. The times ahead for them would be tough, but it seemed as though Taissa and he had finally… finally… made their peace.

  000000000000000000000000

  The next two months passed by quickly for their group of nineteen.

  At first, Tommy took Natalie, Travis and Javi with him into the mountains to familiarise them all with the territory, showing them how to track animals across the hard, rocky ground, all the while showing Javi how to use the Marlin rifle.

  After two weeks, Tommy and Javi began setting out alone, and for the first time since they had started learning to hunt, Natalie and Travis went out into the wilderness every two days without Tommy to guide them. Meanwhile, Coach Scott would show everyone how to tan the hides they were bringing back, and bit by bit, as Tommy taught everyone the basics of sewing, their winter outfits started to take shape. For the first time since Laura Lee’s death, the Yellowjackets began showing signs of life at the prospect of new clothes, and the girls started making specific requests as to what they wanted to be wearing during the winter.

  Can I get the muskrat with the deer? I think it would be a good mix.

  Oooh, I really like the mountain goat.

  What do you think? Does the beaver go with my eyes? 

  Et cetera. Natalie thought it was ridiculous, but it was nice to see everybody trying to move on from Laura Lee.

  The progress made by everyone was slow, but sure. As the weeks passed, Natalie and Travis started bringing back their own kills without Tommy’s help. With Tommy to guide him, Javi slowly became more and more proficient with the rifle, bringing back muskrats, beavers, and squirrels. One day, Javi came running back breathless to the cabin to tell everyone that he had managed to shoot a moose, and a group of them set out to where Tommy was staying with the kill to bring back the largest member of the deer family.

  The meat fed everyone for three straight days, but after that, the game started to dry up again. That was the hardest thing about being stranded here, in Natalie’s opinion. Everything was just so uncertain. 

  After Javi shot the moose, Natalie was delighted when Travis asked Tommy if he could start taking his brother out himself, and Tommy accepted, leaving her free to venture out into the woods with her boyfriend.

  Their first day out together, they had tried to have sex after shooting a bighorn sheep on the mountains, but as Natalie started moving her hands towards Tommy’s fly, it crossed her mind that Laura Lee would never get to do this with anyone. Natalie had immediately burst into tears, and Tommy had held her while she sobbed into his chest, stroking her hair and whispering sweet nothings into her ears. It was strange indeed, how grief could just come and go.

  Not for the first time, Natalie thanked her lucky stars that her boyfriend was here with her in the wilderness. She knew she was the best off of the Yellowjackets stranded here, and she was determined to show Tommy how much she valued having him with her.

  How, though? Natalie wasn’t sure. But she knew she had to figure something out soon. No matter how much they prepared, there were no guarantees that they would survive the coming winter.

  000000000000000000000000

  As they approached the end of October, Tommy knew things were starting to get desperate again. Despite constant hunting and careful rationing, they had decided to start digging in the ground to see if they could find any grubs to add to their meals.

  As they dug into a late lunch of grubs and leftover mallard, Tommy noticed Jackie staring aimlessly into the fire. He winced. Jackie had given a nice speech at Laura Lee’s funeral, but since then she had been drifting aimlessly, barely even bothering to try and put together her own winter outfit.

  “Jax, you have to eat”, Shauna said.

  “Why? What does it matter at this point?”

  “Okay, I-I can’t do this anymore”, Mari said, setting her bowl down and walking away to pick up a jar of…

  “What the hell is that?” Tommy asked.

  “It was some berries I was trying to save, but… I think it might’ve turned into booze?” Mari answered.

  “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I could use a drink”, she went on, starting to unscrew the top.

  “Do we think it’s safe?” Taissa asked.

  “Do we care?” Ben said. Tommy blinked. He hadn’t expected that from his brother, but it had been months since any of them had a proper drink. Ben was probably owed one more than most of them, after what he had been through.

  “I have a few more”, Mari said.

  “If we have booze, let’s have a party”, Jackie spoke up.

  “Yeah. ‘Cause we’ve got so much to celebrate”, Taissa quipped.

  “Do we need a reason? We’re probably gonna be dead in a few weeks, no matter how fancy our new outfits might be.”

  “There’s a full moon tonight”, Misty said.

  “And it’s almost homecoming”, Akilah pointed out.

  “We packed dresses, right? For the awards dinner?” Lottie said.

  “There we go”, Jackie answered, starting to sound like her old, confident self. “We have dresses, we have booze. We can decorate. Have a sort of… moon homecoming.”

  “More like a doom homecoming”, Taissa laughed.

  “A doomcoming”, Lottie smiled.

  Natalie chuckled. “Now that’s a party idea”, she grinned, looking at Tommy, and he smiled back. Maybe it would be fun. He had packed his own formal clothes, after all.

  “Yeah. Alright, doomcoming. Tomorrow night. We’ll drink rotten berries and celebrate our impending death”, Jackie said.

  “Can I try that?” Tommy asked, pointing towards Mari’s booze, and he saw Natalie’s eyes widen as Mari handed it to him.

  “What are you-”

  But Tommy had already tipped the jar back. The taste was overwhelmingly sweet and sour at the same time, but…

  “Yep. That’s booze. That is one hundred percent booze.”

  He winced. “Not that bad, actually.”

  “Well, now I wanna try”, Natalie said, reaching for the jar.

  “Wait your turn!” Mari snapped, taking the fermented berries back from Tommy. They ended up passing the jar around the cabin, most of them taking a drink, and for the first time in quite a while, Tommy could feel their morale shifting upwards.

  The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparing for the doomcoming. At Lottie’s request, Tommy and Travis went back to the crash site to bring back a piece of the plane to be used as a drum. When they got back, he noticed Taissa coming up to him.

  “Hey, there’s… something I need to ask.”

  “Okay.”

  “You know how Van’s dress ripped in the crash? She mentioned it, the first night we were out here?”

  “Uh…” then Tommy remembered. “Oh, yeah. I thought she was joking about that.”

  “No, I’m afraid not. Look… is there any chance you could fix it? Van’s acting like she doesn’t want to go. I think if you fix it up… she might change her mind.”

  “Sure. Yeah, of course, no problem.”

  000000000000000000000000

  Looking for Tommy, Natalie found him sitting on the porch, stitching up what looked like a yellow piece of fabric.

  “What you got there?”

  “Van’s dress. It ripped in the crash. Taissa asked if I could sew it up so she could surprise Van with it.”

  “Oh”, Natalie said. Holding her breath, she held out the crown the girls had helped her weave together.

  “Uh… I made this for you, to wear tomorrow.”

  She saw Tommy’s eyes soften. “Really?”

  He stood up to take it from her, turning it over in his hands.

  “It’s beautiful, Natty. I love it.”

  Natalie smiled in relief, then she saw Tommy’s eyes widen.

  “Oh wait, I never…”

  He cleared his throat. “Um… Natalie Scatorccio, would you do me the very great honour of being my date to the doomcoming tomorrow night?”

  Natalie smiled. “It would be my pleasure, Mr. Scott”, she replied, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her boyfriend’s lips.

  “Oh, be honest”, Tommy said, as he pulled away. “Should I shave before tomorrow?”

  Tommy had brought razors with him on the plane, but of course he hadn’t brought very many, given how short their trip was supposed to be. He only had one functional razor left, so like his brother, Tommy had started growing stubble on his cheeks in the last couple of months. Natalie thought it made him look older than he was, but more mature as well.  

  “Honestly, I don’t mind it. It’s very… sexy lumberjack”, Natalie grinned at him.

  “Oh, good. That’s what I was going for”, Tommy smiled, as he kissed her again.

  The rest of the day passed quickly, as they hung up decorations around the cabin. Curling up with Tommy that night, Natalie realised that for the first time since the crash, she was actually looking forward to what the next day would bring. Her mind drifted towards the day she had broken down on the mountain. She wondered if Tommy and her would be able to have sex tomorrow night, without her bursting into tears again.

  They hadn’t slept together since Laura Lee’s death, and they had precious few condoms left, but what the hell? There were no guarantees they would make it through winter. There were no guarantees they would even make it to next week.

  If we die, we die, Natalie thought, as she drifted off to sleep. But first, we live.

  First, we party. 

  000000000000000000000000

    Wow, Tommy thought, as he caught his first glimpse of Natalie. In her leopard-print dress, complete with fishnet stockings, her own woven crown, and her red bra he loved so much, she looked like a goddess to him.

  “You look beautiful”, he said.

  “Thanks”, she smiled shyly. “You think so?”

  “Well, I’m getting the sudden urge to pick you up, put you over my shoulder, carry you up to the attic and rock your world until tomorrow morning, so yes, Natty, I think so.”

  Natalie started to giggle. “Really? I’m pulling it off that well?”

  “Mhm. I’d rather pull it off you myself, of course, but yes.”

  Natalie’s giggle turned into a full-blown laugh, as she kissed him joyfully.

  “Oh, I almost forgot.” Tommy brought out the corsage he was carrying. “The girls helped me make this. It’s for you.”

  Natalie’s gaze softened. “Really?”

  “Really.”

  She held out her arm, and Tommy put the corsage of flowers and leaves on her wrist, before bending his head to kiss her hand.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too”, Natalie said, tears in her eyes as she leaned in to kiss him again.

  They walked hand-in-hand through to where the doomcoming was taking place, and to Tommy’s surprise, Van and Taissa did the same. Van was wearing a mask on her face to cover her scars, and Taissa was wearing one as well.

  “Wait, are they…” Tommy heard Mari ask.

  “Duh”, Akilah replied, while Taissa and Van kissed, as everyone applauded.

  They started off by digging into the mushroom soup Mari had provided, along with the fermented berries. It really wasn’t that bad, but man, it was sour.

  “Hey, Tom.”

  Tommy stood up to see Van, wearing the yellow dress he had sewed back together.

  “Tai told me what you did”, she said, motioning towards her dress. “I just wanted to say… I know we joke around, but I’m really glad you’re here with us. I don’t think we would’ve made it this far without you.”

  She leaned in to press a soft kiss to his cheek. “You’re a good egg, Tommy Scott.”

  “You too”, Tommy smiled at her.

  “Don’t get greedy, Van. Hands off my boyfriend.”

  Van turned her head to smile at Natalie. “Me, greedy? No idea what you mean, Nat.”

  They all started to clink their glasses together with calls of “cheers” going around, when Lottie suddenly interrupted.

  “Stop!”

  “What’s wrong?” Van asked.

  “We should have a moment of silence for Laura Lee.”

  “Yeah”, Ben agreed. To Tommy’s amusement, he was standing with Misty, who had somehow convinced him to be her date to the doomcoming.

  Taissa raised her glass, and everyone else copied her. “To Laura Lee.”

  “Laura Lee”, everyone echoed, and they all took a drink in her memory.

  After a brief pause, Natalie spoke up. “So, what now?”

  “Now we just need a DJ to pump up the volume”, Jackie spoke up. She seemed to have paired herself with Travis, to the surprise of both Tommy and Natalie.

  “What we need is a slow dance”, Misty said, looking joyfully at Ben.

  After a pause, Lottie started to sing. “Ba-da-da, ba-da-da-da-da-da.”

  Tommy recognised the tune. Kiss from a Rose. Classic. 

  “There used to be a greying tower, alone on the sea...”

  Tommy offered his hand to Natalie, and she set her drink down before taking it, both humming the lyrics to the song.

  Natalie wound her arms around his neck, while Tommy put his on her waist, as they looked at each other.

  “Have I ever told you I love your eyes?”

  Natalie blinked. “You do? Why?”

  “I can never quite figure out what colour they are. Sometimes, they look green. Sometimes, I swear they’re blue, like the ocean.”

  “Really?” She leaned in a little closer. “What colour are they now?”

  “Honestly? I’d say turquoise. Blue and green. Beautiful. Like you.”

  Natalie smiled, and leaned in to kiss him softly.

  “You want to get out of here?” She whispered. Her smile turned mischievous. “I have real booze.”

  “Yes. Yes, please.”

  000000000000000000000000

  They walked hand-in-hand for several minutes, eventually coming up to where Natalie had stashed the bottle of whisky, under the remains of an old tree.

  “I found it under the porch a few weeks ago. Here.”

  Tommy took a drink. “Oh man”, he said, with his eyes closed. “That is so much better than Mari’s berry juice.”

  He offered the bottle to her, but she waved it off.

  “This is gonna sound weird, but… I haven’t really wanted it.”

  Even she was surprised by it, but it was the truth. Except for Mari's concoction, Natalie had been clean and sober for months now, and with all the hiking she had been doing even since the plane crashed, it was safe to say she was fitter than she had ever been in her life.

  “What do you think our lives would look like now? You know, if…” she motioned around. “This had never happened?”

  “Oh. Er…”, Tommy stammered. “College, I guess. Did I tell you I got accepted to Rutgers?”

  Natalie’s eyes widened. "No. You most definitely failed to mention that.”

  “Yeah. I was gonna study Criminal Justice.”

  “You were gonna… be a lawyer? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Not a lawyer, exactly. I was gonna tell you.” Tommy shrugged. “I only found out the day before we left. After… everything… it just seemed stupid to talk about it.”

  “It’s not stupid”, Natalie said. She was starting to get upset. “You had an opportunity, an opportunity not everybody gets. Trust me, I know.”

  “I know you know, Natty. I just… didn’t want you to think I was planning on leaving you behind in Wiskayok. I was never gonna do that. I love you. I don’t want anyone else.”

  Oh, Tommy. Natalie could feel the tears behind her eyes. 

  No. Don’t cry again. This isn’t the time.

  “Look...”, Tommy said. Then he started looking… strange. “Ugh, I think there might have been something in that whisky. My head feels… weird.”

  But Natalie was starting to feel something too. Something… oddly familiar.

  Oh, shit. I know what this is, she thought. “I don’t think it was the booze. I think it was the soup.”

  “The soup?”

  She started to wave her hand in front of her. “It’s okay, though. I don’t think you can… die… from shrooms.”

  “Shrooms?!”

  “Buckle in, baby”, Natalie giggled. “We’re going for a ride.”

  She gazed at him. “In more ways than one.”

  She wanted him. She felt the fire in her gut she always got when she was horny for Tommy.

  She leaned over, and kissed him hard.

  “Natty-”

  “I need you. Please, Tommy, please. I need you.”

  Tommy wanted her too, she could tell, as she saw his hazel eyes darkening before he leaned in to kiss her again. She’d fully intended to sleep with him tonight after those beautiful words he’d uttered about her eyes, but now… no. She couldn’t wait any longer.

  “Off. Everything off, now.”

  It wasn’t long before their clothes lay in a pile on the forest floor.

  Natalie briefly wondered what would happen if the others caught them out in the open, completely naked, but she wanted- no, needed- to feel Tommy’s bare body against her own.

  They started off with her riding him, rolling her hips hard as Tommy moaned below her, his mouth coming up to suckle her breasts, rolling her nipples between his teeth.

  “Oh, God”, Natalie moaned. After only a minute, she was coming already, and after two months without sex, she knew her orgasm would be vicious.

  “I’m- Tommy, I’m-”

  “Me too. Where do you want me to come?”

  “Come inside me.”

  Tommy’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

  “Come inside me”, Natalie practically screamed at him, leaning forward to kiss him so savagely their teeth clanged together as they met in a violent embrace. She couldn’t take it anymore. She had to know what it was like, at least once, before they died. They were going to die out here, Natalie realised, but first- oh God, first-

  She screamed into Tommy’s mouth as she climaxed around his cock, and she felt his liquid heat shoot inside her.

  Oh… oh my…

  It was… beautiful. So beautiful. Natalie felt so warm, so cosy and content, wrapped in Tommy’s arms with his seed finally inside her, where it belonged.

  You’re my soulmate, Natalie thought, then realised she had said it out loud.

  000000000000000000000000

 “You’re mine, too”, Tommy said, leaning forward to kiss Natalie again, more gently this time.

  He saw tears in her eyes. “I am?”

  “You are”, he affirmed, kissing her again as he rolled her over onto the moss, while his length was still nestled inside her warmth.

  He wanted her again. He wanted to fuck away any sense of doubt Natalie Scatorccio had that she wasn’t loved, and his dick showed no sign of softening.

  He was the one to move his hips this time, and he saw Natalie’s eyes widen in surprise before she pulled in down to kiss her.

  “Yes”, she whispered. “Oh, Tommy, my Tommy. Yes. Go slower. Just a little slower.”

  He obliged, and he felt Natalie’s legs hook over his back as he gently made love to her on the moss, kissing her over and over, using his fingers to make her climax before he finished inside her once again. He loved the feeling of doing so. It was just so… natural.

  But as Tommy pulled his mouth away from Natalie’s again, he was surprised to see she was crying.

  000000000000000000000000

  “I’m- I’m sorry”, Natalie said, wiping at her eyes.

  “It’s okay”, Tommy said, leaning down to kiss the tears off her cheeks. “What is it? Are you alright?”

  “It’s just… that felt so good. You always feel so good. And I always forget… where we are… when you’re making me feel like that.”

  Natalie felt a fresh wave of tears come to her eyes. “And I know this is horrible to say, but… I am so happy you’re here. If you were at home when we crashed, I… I think I would have lost my mind by now, knowing that you thought I was dead.”

  She was still holding on to him, as he cradled her on the ground.

  Tommy leaned down to kiss her passionately, and she responded in kind.

  “There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than here with you, Natty”, he said softly. “If I had to choose between living with you here or living without you back home… I’d choose living here with you ten times out of ten.”

  “Oh”, Natalie croaked, feeling happy tears come to her eyes for once.

  Tommy kissed her again. “Here”, he said, and she saw his own mischievous grin appear on his face. “Let me show you.”

  He pressed kisses to her mouth, her neck, even her chest, stopping to suckle both of her breasts again, making her moan. He progressed down her stomach, finally arriving at her cunt, which was throbbing with need for him.

  “Tommy- you don’t have to-”

  His mouth descended on her, and Natalie arched her back as she started to scream, long, loud and shamelessly. She squeezed Tommy’s head between her thighs.

  Tommy was dedicated, she had to give him that. He didn’t miss a spot down there, and it was only a few minutes before Natalie came all over his face, shrieking her pleasure at the darkening sky.

  She was vaguely aware of shrieks from the girls going on elsewhere.

  Wonder what they’re doing?

  Then Tommy drew up to kiss her as he folded her into his chest, and as she began to listen to his heartbeat, Natalie realised she couldn’t care less, as she started to drift off in Tommy's arms.

  000000000000000000000000

  As night fell, Natalie remained in Tommy's arms. He could tell she had woken, because she was starting to cry again.

  “Hey. What is it?”

  “It’s just…” Natalie sniffled. “I forgot where we were again. Then I remembered.”

  She turned her head to look at Tommy. “I can feel you down there. Look.”

  She directed his fingers to her cunt, and sure enough, he felt the wetness of their combined fluids.

  “Before I met you”, Natalie swallowed, “I thought I didn’t have a chance at a normal life. I figured I’d OD before I even hit the drinking age, or something like that.’

  “But now”, her hand came up to caress his cheek. “I want it all with you. Marriage, kids, to grow old together, be that gross elderly couple who can’t keep their hands off each other.”

  Tommy laughed, and kissed her again, but Natalie still looked upset.

  “We’re about to starve to death in the wilderness, and I’m lying here, crying about a life I thought was possible for someone like me.”

  The tears kept on sliding down her cheeks. “It’s so fucking stupid.”

  “No”, Tommy said, so forcefully Natalie jumped in his arms. “It’s not stupid, Natty. It never was.”

  He leaned in to kiss her, and he felt her respond.

  “It’s love, my darling. It’s… the whole reason we’re out here. I do not regret a single day of loving you. Love is so fleeting, so… so precious, you have to grab onto it with both hands when it comes your way, and we…” he motioned between them. “We did that. If I had a time machine, I’d go back and do it all over with you again, exactly the same way as the first time.”

  “Y-you would?”

  “Yes.” 

  Tommy was still high off his brain from the shrooms, but he was determined to cheer his girlfriend up.

  “We are not gonna starve to death out here. We are gonna get to the end of winter, together. You and me. Say it.”

  “You and me?”

  “Say it.”

  “You and me”, Natalie breathed, winding her arms around his neck as she kissed him again, their kisses becoming more and more passionate.

  000000000000000000000000

  “Again. I need you again.”

  Natalie twisted in Tommy’s arms, getting on to her hands and knees as she presented her ass to him.

  “Take me. I want to feel you on me tomorrow, Thomas Scott. I want you to mark me as yours.”

  His hand came down hard on her ass with a crack, and Natalie yelped in ecstasy.

  “Again.”

  CRACK!

  “AGAIN!” 

  CRACK!!!

  Then Tommy was inside her again, fucking her so hard Natalie’s head bounced around like a ragdoll’s, and she shrieked at the top of her lungs as the sound of their slapping flesh echoed around the forest.

  Briefly, her mind crossed to what her father might think if her could see her now, naked and on all fours, being fucked like a bitch in heat while she moaned like a two-dollar whore.

  You deserved to die, you bastard. You will never know a love like mine.

  Then after a few minutes of primal, mindless rutting, she felt Tommy’s hand roughly pulling her hair while his other drifted between her legs, and she knew what was coming next.

  “Yes! Oh yes, Tommy, please-”

  Then Natalie was cut off as the air left her lungs in a deafening primal scream as she came around Tommy’s cock, while her cunt greedily swallowed his seed again.

  They collapsed onto the forest floor, but they still weren’t done with each other, and their final round of the night was the best one for Natalie.

  Tommy stood as he hoisted her up into his arms, holding her legs off the ground as he pistoned into her, Natalie winding her arms around his neck and kissing him senseless.

  We may die soon, Natalie thought, as she came in his arms, but nobody can deny we lived first. 

  As she came down from her high, Natalie was vaguely aware of a branch breaking nearby.

  “What was that?”

  “Probably just a squirrel, or something”, Tommy grunted, pressing kisses to her mouth.

  Then as Tommy gently lowered her down onto the ground, kissing her all the while, the happy couple began to hear a chorus of howling.

  000000000000000000000000

  “Ben?” Misty asked, stumbling around. Where was he? He had requested she lead Javi in a dance, then when she’d turned around, he was gone.

  Why didn’t she tell Mari about the shrooms? How could she be so stupid? Why-

  Then as Misty moved through the bushes, her thoughts were cut off as she saw Tommy and Natalie, lying together naked under the night sky.

  Shit. Misty didn’t understand relationships very well, but she knew they probably didn’t want to be disturbed. She started to move away, when she heard Natalie speak.

  “We’re about to starve to death in the wilderness, and I’m lying here, crying about a life I thought was possible for someone like me. It’s so fucking stupid.”

  “No. It’s not stupid, Natty. It never was.”

  Misty saw Tommy kiss Natalie, before he kept talking.

  “It’s love, my darling. It’s… the whole reason we’re out here. I do not regret a single day of loving you. Love is so fleeting, so… so precious, you have to grab onto it with both hands when it comes your way, and we… we did that. If I had a time machine, I’d go back and do it all over with you again, exactly the same way as the first time.”

  “Y-you would?”

  “Yes.” 

  Misty was speechless. She’d never known Tommy was capable of saying something so beautiful, but he was right. Love was precious. You never knew when it was coming your way… or when it might pass you by.

  Then she saw the two of them begin to move, and was utterly transfixed by what she saw.

  Natalie looked like an animal, kneeling on all fours while Tommy rutted into her from behind.

  Oh, my God. Misty was spellbound. They looked – there was no other word for it- magnificent in the moonlight.

  She wanted what they had. Would Natalie be willing to share? If Misty stripped naked and ran to them, would Tommy fuck her next? No, Natalie was not the sharing type. If she was, Misty might have had Tommy months ago.

  Would that I could. Still… no harm in watching.

  Misty was utterly transfixed by the rutting couple, and she knelt on all fours as Natalie was doing, trying to put herself in the other girl’s place.

  Misty had never had sex before, and she was desperate to find out what it was like, to be taken, utterly taken by a man. To be held in his arms, to be kissed and caressed, to-

  Misty’s thoughts were cut off at the sound of Tommy and Natalie climaxing, and her thighs clenched in response. Her saliva hit the ground, and Misty realised she was drooling, actually drooling with jealousy.

  Then the rutting couple began their dance again, and Misty’s eyes felt like they would pop out of her head at the sight of Tommy fucking Natalie in his arms, while lifting her clear off the ground.

  Was Ben as strong as that? He must be. She had to find him so she could find out. She had to-

  Crunch. 

  SHIT! Misty thought, looking at the twig she had just stepped on.

  “What was that?” Natalie asked, as Tommy lowered her to the ground.

  “Probably just a squirrel, or something”, Tommy said, continuing to kiss her. Misty didn’t dare move a muscle.  

  Then she heard the howling, and a chill went through her bones.

  000000000000000000000000

  Quickly redressing, Tommy and Natalie sprinted towards the sound of the howling to find- what in the hell was that?

  Tommy watched as Shauna started dragging her knife along the throat of an immobilised, barely-conscious Travis, Lottie standing behind them.

  “What the fuck?! STOP!” Natalie screamed, shoving Shauna away from their hunting partner.

  Shauna looked horrified. “I-I’m sorry, I-”

  She dropped the knife she was holding, and Tommy quickly swooped down to pick it up from the ground.

  Lottie tried to grab the knife, but Tommy got there before she did.

  “Get back!” he shouted.

  “Are you okay?” He heard Natalie ask Travis.

  “I’m fine”, he mumbled, stumbling off into the bushes, out of sight.

  Then Lottie came up to grab Tommy’s wrist, with a grip much stronger than he would have expected from her.

  “It’s in all of us, you know”, she breathed into his face.

  Tommy coughed. She stank of Mari’s berry wine.

  “Even him”, Lottie motioned to where Travis had disappeared.

  “Even her”, she turned her gaze to Natalie, before moving her dark, dilated eyes towards Tommy.

  “And especially you, hunter-”

  “Get the fuck off me!” Tommy snarled, shoving Lottie back onto the ground.

  “That’s enough of your weird fucking bullshit, Lottie”, Natalie snapped. “Haven’t you done enough?”

  But all Lottie did was giggle maniacally, rolling around on the ground as if someone had told her a joke.

  Natalie was shaking like a leaf, and Tommy wrapped her in his arms.

  “Let’s get out of here”, he whispered, as they began walking hand-in-hand to the cabin.

  “I think we should stay in the attic tonight, just in case… you know...”

  “They try something else”, Natalie swallowed.

  “Yeah”, Tommy whispered. But as they drew closer, both of them heard a loud banging, and calls for help.

  Quickly rushing inside, they arrived at the door they could heard the banging coming from, which Tommy opened to reveal- Jackie?

  “Where’s Travis?” She asked.

  “I- I don’t know. He ran off”, Tommy replied.

  “Fuck!” Jackie pushed past him, heading outside.

  They were still half-reeling from the shrooms, so they quietly gathered their sleeping materials and headed for the attic. Tommy brought the rifle and loaded it, just in case. After what they had seen tonight, he would be taking no chances until the morning. 

  Redressing in their pyjamas, they cuddled close together, Natalie placing her head on his chest.

  “Did you…” she trailed off.

  “What?” Tommy asked, gently. “What is it?”

  “Did you mean what you said out there? How if you could go back, you'd do it all over again, the same way as before?”

  “I did. And I still do, my darling”, Tommy whispered, dipping his head to kiss Natalie.

  She exhaled. “Call me that again.”

  “Natalie, my darling.”

  “Just one more time. Please.”

  “Natalie. My darling Natalie. I will love you until the day I die.”

  “And so will I”, Natalie whispered, kissing him again as they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

[belinda-chandra]

YELLOWJACKETS S3 FINALE REVIEW!

Oh My God. Oh My God. Oh My God!

Okay, sooo... that happened.

This season was not perfect by any means which isn't surprising. I mean, it is Yellowjackets and my love-hate relationship with this show continues to be strong. I have now come to terms with the fact that this is just one of those shows that I hate to love and love to hate. We all got one of those, don't lie. This one just happens to be mine, leave me alone. 😭

But I feel like that S3 finale kinda (kinda!) made all the ups and downs of this season a little worth it. Listen, listen, LISTEN!

[HUGE SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT!]

The Adult Lottie situation continues to be... not great (in my opinion). It also still feels a little... incomplete? Like I expected to get more from it but nope that's all we got (at least so far) and okay, fine. I guess I'll take it (for now).

But Lottie.

Lottie, Lottie, Lottie. Sweetheart, baby, honey. Both Travis and Akilah tried (or at least wanted) to kill you at one point or another. You really thought Callie wouldn't? Third time's the charm, babes. What were you thinking?! What were you even doing?! I wanna know! I need answers! LOTTIE!

I have never cared about Callie or Jeff but good for them, Adult Shauna kinda deserved it. Also, Shauna really be out here blaming Misty for everything, huh? I mean, yeah. Shauna was kinda right but she's also not very popular with a lot of people, apparently. Not just Misty. Give her a break, Shauna ffs. But I love how much Misty has been standing up to Shauna lately. Nat must be really proud of her. Get her, Misty!

The adult timeline kinda struggled a little this season and I expected Taissa to finally turn against Shauna after Van's death but Tai and Misty team up? TAI AND MISTY TEAM UP?! Against Shauna? Sign me up! I'm rooting for you, ladies. Don't let me down, okay? (even if I kinda already know who's gonna die next and who's gonna be the last one standing but hopefully I will be proven wrong next season).

The one who truly stole the show in this finale (and most of this season ngl) was the teen timeline.

Oh, boy. That was good! (and that's huge coming from me, okay?)

It's Mari! 😭

Mari, Mari, Mari.

Mari Ibarra, my beloved. My sweet bitchy baby Mari. I knew it was gonna be you because the Pit Girl Allegations were strong with you and this season wasn't exactly subtle about it but I'm gonna miss you, babes. You really took one for the team and you'll forever be famous. No one is ever gonna make me hate you. I'm gonna have a cheeseburger and a slurpee in your honor. I love how she basically cursed Shauna before dying and how she died how she lived, being a hater. She was a decoy. She was a decoy!

What I do hate is that another POC/WOC died in this show. How many more times do we have to go through this, Yellowjackets? It's getting ridiculous. Who's gonna be next? Gen? Akilah?? Taissa?! Get it together, Yellowjackets! Seriously!

Also, Baby Taivan. If you really wanted to fool Shauna with the cards maybe you should have been more subtle about it. My girls need some acting classes for real. Also, I love how that scene played out but then later they kinda ruined it by having Shauna ask Tai who was supposed to get the Queen Card. On one hand, I thought she wanted to get Taissa to actually admit aloud that it was supposed to be Hannah instead of Mari but on the other hand... Shauna, can't you count? You really be out here making fun of Tai's math skills but you're not much better, huh? Aaannd. Yes, Travis! Psychologically torture Shauna all you want. You go, boy! Jackieshauna canon confirmed? My boy Travis says so and I believe him!

The teen timeline really came full circle (heh!) in this season finale. Unreliable narrator, my beloved. Oh how have I miss you. Context and perpespective truly is everything in this show, huh? Who knew? Well, I did... but still. That was good, I'll give them that. The vibes were vibing.

This is why this particular hunt was so important and special. This is why we opened with this hunt way back in S1. Not the first one, and possibly not even the last one but definitely the most important one. The Yellowjackets are Yellowjacking again. They're still a team. They are a team! They are a team and they want to go home. F U, Shauna! (and I guess Tai and Lottie too??)

Go, Natalie! Save your girlies! You're the real Queen. You are their Queen (Hell, you are my Queen atp) and no one can stop you, not even Shauna. They can hear you! They can hear you, Nat! They can hear you, my sweet baby Nat. Save your team, babes. Save them! Oh, those last minutes made me emotional. Kudos to them, honestly.

(Btw I love how this season finale was basically: Actually, Shauna is the problem. Also who are Adult Melissa and Hilary Swank? We don't know them.)

To be honest, I think both Sophie Thatcher and Sophie Nelisse deserve (at least) an Emmy nomination for their performances this season. They were so good it was insane. (Yes, there were some bumps along the way but they truly deserve a nom imho)

I really hope we get a season four! I need season four! Also, also. I know they said five seasons but that seems like too much right now, I can't really see the five seasons playing out (at least not yet anyway). So, if we get a season four renewal, is that gonna be the final season? I kinda hope and think that it will be (even if we get it in 2027 lol).

I still have so many (so many) thoughts, theories, and opinions about this season (and show) but I'm not gonna lie, I'm still trying to process everything right now so I'm gonna take a quick break from it. But that was kinda good. I'll give them that.

[intoxicated-chan]

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜

Summary ➳ With the old King’s death, his named heir, Princess (Y/n) has become of age to take the throne and marry. With the Templars having a hold on the royal family, the Assassins decide they are going to have a hand as well.   

(A/n) ➳ I honestly might make a Bridgerton inspired series for each of the assassins. But either way, thank you all for reading, seriously.  

Word Count ➳ 3.5k 

Content Warnings ➳ Female reader, mentions of death, arranged marriage...  

(Rough draft, details may change, along with its summary) 

Shay Patrick Cormac, like most Colonial Assassins, found rest in Davenport Homestead. He would happily admit it though, often found high on branches of trees, against stumps, or shamelessly on benches, he would sleep. He had passion for work but simply found no need as he had a crew of his own, his ship anchored on the decks of the Homestead. His eyes would return to the ship, his ship, the Morrigan. It softly swayed with the currents, his crew coming and going, his flag whipping along with the wind.  

At times, while perched on branches, he would allow his mind wonder back to home. Not of the death of his father, not the streets of which he fought, or the docks where he met his friend. Rather of his aunt, the songs she sang to him while sick in bed, the stories he told of his mother. Oh, his mother, his lovely mother. His father held no photos, nor paintings, and barely he spoke of her. It was all his aunt, she spoke of her like a story, sometimes in the songs she sang. His last night in Dublin was with his aunt, he sat on the fur carpet, clutching a glass of rum in his hand as he hummed an old song, one of hers.  

She came to him, smiling, adoring his singing. She knew what he was going to say, he was going to be on his own. It was Liam that brought his nephew back to her doorstep, alive but bruised. He was never meant to stay in one place, he could not, he had a knack for exploring, seeing the open sea, and feeling the wind and sun on his skin.  

He promised to write to her whenever he could, sending funds and such. Much to her objection. His aunt was the last family he had left, he wished for her to spend her life resting and content.  

He wouldn’t be alone after all, he’d have his friend. 

Pardon, his former friend.  

Shay stared out at the misty shoreline of Britian looming, closer and closer with each hour. The clothes they’ve given him felt constricting and unnatural. It was unbelievably elegant. A dark green coat paired with golden colored embroidery, polished leather boots, and a finely cut waistcoat.  

But the design for appearance is more than utility. The clothing felt foreign, even hostile on his skin.  

The wood of the deck creaked with every step Liam took when he approached him. He took his place by Shay’s side, staring out into the sea with him. “You’ve been quiet the entire voyage. It is unlike you.” 

And in response, Shay scoffed at his assessment. His hands reached for his collar, tugging as he frowned. “Aye, well, these bloody clothes have a way of shutting a man up.” He gestured to himself with disdain. “What am I, Liam? Some painted lord in a picture frame? I am dressed for a masquerade, and a marriage, no less.”  

A small smile tugged at Liam’s lips as he took a better look. “It suits you.” As if he spent weeks trying to convince Achilles and Liam to forget their stupid plan.  

“Suits me?” Shay countered hastily, snapping his head in Liam’s direction. “Oh, aye, like a wolf suits a collar. I am an Assassin, not some pawn or bauble to be dangled in front of the British throne.” 

“Bauble or not, it’s the only way.” Liam said. “You may even find happiness with her.” 

“Happiness?” Shay bit back a bitter laugh. “Don’t even jest, Liam. I am a pawn in some grand scheme! Some piece, or prop! An arranged marriage, of all things. I am no lord. I have no business pretending to be one.” 

“If that is true, then I supposed I should turn the ship around.” Liam said dryly. “But you are not backing out now. You do not get to walk away from this, Shay.” 

His eyes darkened in response, his shoulders tensing. “You think I cannot?” A dangerous edge creeping into his voice. Though he wasn’t armed with his hidden blades, that wouldn’t stop him from grabbing the wheel and turning the dammed ship around. The ship, his ship. 

“You think I do not know you, Shay? I do, you always think before you act and have a rather skewed view on this mission. But this... It is bigger than either of us.” Liam took a breath. “If you wish to come out alive, you will play the role.” 

A long and tense silence was thick between them. The salty winds whipped at their coats, disheveling Shay’s undone hair. His clenched hands now clutched the wood of the ship, turning away as his eyes fell back on the nearing shoreline.  

After another moment, Liam spoke again, this time, his voice was quieter. “Believe me, I tried to find another way. This was all I could do.” 

Shay remained staring on the horizon, his jaw set. He shuddered and shrugged nonchalantly, as if brushing off the apology. “I am to be a picture-perfect lord, am I not? Keep your hands off me, or you will wrinkle my fine silks.” He stated, his tone laced with biting sarcasm.  

Liam sighed, though to him, it was wonderful to hear his sarcasm once more. “Fine silks, eh? I dare say you’re already halfway there.” 

--- --- --- --- --- ---  

The palace was grander than Shay expected. While he walked with Liam and a few servants, he scanned every intricate painting he passed, their steps would’ve echoed the marble floors if it wasn’t for the carpet on top of it.  

The halls continued to stretch, adorned with towering columns and rich tapestries that bore the royal crest. Shelves containing books that most likely haven’t been touched in decades. Even the sun coming through the windows added a touch to the halls, he would say it was extraordinary.  

Even dressed as any other noble, he still felt the discomfort of the lavish surroundings. He ignored the pounding of his heart, attempting to absorb every detail, yet he felt torn. He currently was a world away from his usual life, he no longer felt the weight of his blades or pistols, no hood to cover himself with, he was exposed. Enemies all around him.  

“Keep your head high, Shay.” Liam patted his back. “You needn’t look so solemn. Every man would kill to be in your situation.” 

He elbowed Liam to keep his distance, afraid to catch wandering eyes of servants who may whisper later. “Just be agreeable, for once.” Liam added.  

Shay could feel a noose tightening around his neck.  

The heavy doors creaked open, revealing a chamber lined with high windows and a crimson drapery, along with pasty white and gold. It was a rather ornate drawing room, seated at a polished mahogany desk was a young man.  

A young man indeed, barely twenty, with sharp eyes that missed nothing. He dressed in deep navy brocade and sat poised yet stiffly.  

It was clear that this was the princess’s younger brother, the Regent, holding power until his sister took the throne. His eyes set on Shay the moment he entered, his expression was unreadable as he took Shay’s appearance.  

And he wasn’t alone. There was a line of other lords, rankings of all kinds, staring at him as well. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the servants and murmured to the Lords. 

“So, this is the man I am to entrust my sister’s future.” His voice was cool, detached, nearly taking a taste of his tea. But his nose scrunched at the smell, shaking his head as he once again waved to take the tea away.  

Shay inclined his head slightly and the prince rose, coming closer. His scrutinizing gaze dragged over Shay like merchant appraising goods. “This is him?”  

Liam inclined his head. “Yes, Your Highness. Lord Cormac of-” 

“Spare me the title.” The prince interrupted, rolling his eyes as he stood. He took a step forward. “I assume you are not deaf?”  

Shay tilted his head slightly, suppressing the urge to smirk. “Not the last time I checked, no.” 

The prince let out a sharp exhale through his nose. Was it a laugh? Disapproval? It was hard to tell. “He stands well enough. Taller than I expected. Does he speak well?” He turned to Liam. 

“He does. Educated, strong, the scars speak for themselves.” 

The prince hummed in thought, pacing a slow circle around Shay. “A man’s worth is more than his wit or stature.” He said, stopping just before him. “It is his ability to provide many heirs.” 

He stepped even closer, now mere inches from Shay, inspecting every detail of his face. Then, to Shay’s irritation, the prince snatched and gripped his jaw, tilting his face from side to side.  

His lips curled, though his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “The facial hair may stay. Sadly, my sister is fond of men with strong jaws.”  

Shay arched a brow. “Fortunate for me, then.”  

The prince released him with a dissatisfied sigh but not without tugging at his facial hair once more, plucking out a few hairs which he blew out of his hand. He turned away. “You will be measured for proper clothing immediately. This is the British court, not some backwater.”  

He motioned towards the man nearing the doorway, it was a royal attendant, one that followed them moments ago. “Brooks, see to his attire and ensure he does not look this.” He gestured at Shay’s current clothing.  

Shay exhaled slowly though his nose. “I was not aware my coat was offensive to His Highness’s delicate eyes.” 

The prince turned his sharp eyes back to him, and this time, his smile matched his eyes. “You will find that in this palace, your appearance matters more than your opinions, Lord Cormac. Best you learn that now.”  

He didn’t elaborate further. He merely held Shay’s gaze for a moment longer, then straightened his coat and turned towards the doors. “Take him. Have him measured for proper clothing. If he is to be presented before the court, he will do so dressed as befits his new station.” 

With that, he swept from the room with the lords following behind. The doors shut behind them with a resounding thud. And only when the doors closed behind him, did Shay exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off an unwanted touch. 

Liam gave a quick clap. “Could have been worse.” He then pressed a small, folded note into Shay’s palm. “But do not forget why we are here.” He murmured before pulling away with a forced smile. He nodded at Brooks, a silent goodbye and left without another word.  

Shay exhaled through his nose, slipping the message into the sleeve of his coat as he turned to regard the man beside him. 

Brooks was a younger gentleman, possible younger than him. He too was well dressed, groomed, and his face was neutral. His hands remained by his side, waiting for Shay.  

He cleared his throat. “Shall we walk, Brooks?” He asked. “I could use a change of scenery.”  

Brooks inclined his head. “Of course, my lord.”  

The ceilings stretched high above them as they walked. He took the opportunity to glance around and examine portraits he passed before. Or what it seemed to Brooks. Rather, Shay took the layout, the guards’ posts, servant routes or their doors, anything that might prove useful later. 

Though it was quite annoying. The times Shay believed Brooks was gone, he was right behind, a couple paces behind.  

It made him huff and stop, which made Brooks stop. “Come along now, Brooks, no need to be a shadow. Now, walk with me.”  

“I am merely maintaining a respectful distance, my lord.” Brooks replied smoothly. “It is how it is done.”  

“I take it I will not be left to wander on my own?” 

“Yes, my lord.” 

“That so? Well, then, allow me a request, since I am, after all, to be family.” 

Brooks arched a brow. “Within reason, my lord.” 

Shay gestured vaguely down the hall. “Would it be too much of a request to see the late King’s chambers, perhaps his study? I hear it held quite the collection.” 

Brooks didn’t pause but his response was immediate. “I am afraid that room is no longer in use, my lord.” 

Shay hummed, feigning curiosity. “No longer in use? A shame. Surely the books have not vanished.” 

“The late king’s private chambers are kept in honor of his memory. It is not open for visitation, per the princess’s request.” 

So, off limits.  

He clicked his tongue but let the matter drop. For now. Brooks guided him down another hallway before stopping before a set of double doors. Servants stood waiting, heads bowed when they approached.  

“The lord Cormac is to be fitted for his new attire.” Brooks announced, gesturing to the room beyond.  

The chamber was well lit, sunlight poured through the high windows. Fabrics of deep blues, silvers, and reds were laid out, and the servants wasted no time approaching him, measuring tapes in hand.  

They stripped him, bathed him, groomed him, and worked on him. Shay shifted his stance when he was pushed on a stool, nearly nude if it wasn’t for the breeches they chose upon. They draped fabrics over his shoulders, murmuring about color palettes that would suit his complexion.  

Shay silently groaned as he shifted his stance, arms half raised as a tailor adjusted his sleeve. Though... 

His curiosity got the better of him. 

“Tell me, what is she like?” 

The servants, each one of them paused. One of the tailors looked up. “My lord?”  

“The princess, future queen.” Shay gestured vaguely as a man came up to him to try another color. “I assume I should know something of the woman I am to marry.”  

There was a moment of hesitation and silence before one of the maids, a young, woman with flaxen hair, gave him a smile. “She is beloved by the people.” 

Shay lifted a brow. “That tells me what she is to the kingdom. I am asking about her.” Their awkwardness nearly made him chuckle, but instead, he grinned. “Come now, you needn’t be coy. Her appearance, her talents? What does she enjoy? How does she spend her time?” 

“Her highness is the jewel of the kingdom, my lord. You are most fortunate.” It was a polite and rehearsed answer.  

“Aye, aye, but I asked for honesty, not pleasantries. So please, tell me.” 

The servants exchanged quick looks before one of them smiled and merely said. “Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, my lord.” 

Shay stared at them.  

They wouldn’t dare to look directly at him. 

They would not answer him. 

--- --- --- --- --- --- 

The servants had finished their work, transforming him from a simple nobleman into the image of Britain’s future king. His dark hair had been combed back, his face carefully groomed, and just like the prince regent said, his facial hair remained.  

The deep navy coat he wore was embroidered with gold threading, its high collar was tight. A fine white cravat sat at his throat, and the tailored waistcoat fit him so well that it was almost suffocating.  

He turned his head slightly, taking in his reflection.  

A king? 

He felt more like a lamb being led to slaughter.  

“Are you ready, my lord?” 

Shay forced a smile. “Was I not before?” 

Though Brooks, the ever so patient remained calm, or neutral. He could no longer read the man. “Not quite like this.” 

He grumbled and continued to admire himself. Then, Shay made an odd request, a need for privacy. A ridiculous reason for preferring to see himself alone before stepping out into his new title. To his surprise, Brooks obliged, motioning for the servants to follow as they filed out of the room. Though, Brooks would remain nearby.  

The instant they were gone, Shay moved.  

He turned to the pile of discarded garments from earlier, shifting through them until his fingers found what he had hidden. The note. 

Liam had mentioned something about a manuscript. One that had been sighted in the late king’s study. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. So that was why the room had been deemed off limits, perhaps the entire royal family was working with the Templars.  

He moved swiftly, heading toward the window. Pushing it open, he looked down. The palace grounds stretched far, he could imagine how dark it would be. How haunting it would be to be lost in the gardens.  

He was satisfied that no one was watching, he hoisted himself over the ledge and began his climb. He scaled the outer wall of St. Jame’s Palace, ensuring he remained unseen by patrolling guards or passersby below. The structure was old, but its height posed no challenge to him. It was second nature to him.  

What concerned him was the number of windows he passed, each one threatening to reveal his predicament. He glanced inside whenever he could, searching for any sign of the study. 

Then, he found it.  

A large, untouched study, no light from what he could see. 

Shay pried open the tall window, or a small fraction of it. He slipped inside, his boots barely making a sound against the polished floor as he straightened.  

A grand room lined with towering bookshelves that touched the roof of the room. The fireplace was cold, but the scent of parchment and aged leather filled the air. The desk at the center was heavy with dust, papers and a ink and quill, books and books upon each other, like left in time.  

Shay wasted no time. He moved to the shelves, scanning titles, searching for anything that might resemble a hidden manuscript. His fingers traced over book spines, occasionally tugging one free to check for anything unusual.  

But before he could get far- 

“You may have called for Dante, he would have happily opened my grandfather’s study to you.” 

Shay froze. 

The voice was soft, amused, and unmistakably hers. 

Slowly, he turned. 

There, seated in the far corner of the room was her with a candle by her side.  

Princess (Y/n). Soon to be Queen.  

She had been watching him the entire time, a book resting open in her lap, her expression one of mild amusement rather than alarm.  

For a moment, Shay said nothing. Then, ever so slowly, he straightened. “And miss the thrill of climbing a palace wall?” He dusted off his sleeve. “Where would the fun be in that?”  

(Y/n) chuckled, closing her book. “You are rather bold for someone who was measured for a crown. If it were anyone else, it may have been called treason.” 

“Bold? I prefer resourceful.”  

She tilted her head, watching him carefully. “And what, pray tell, is the future king of Britain doing sneaking into my grandfather’s- no, the late king’s study.”  

Shay considered his options. He could lie, but something told him that it wouldn’t work with her. So, he chose a mix of truth and fiction.  

“There is a book. One my aunt adored when she was a child. I wished to find it.” He exhaled dramatically. “But I have found that my access to the library is... limited with Brooks breathing down my neck.” 

(Y/n) studied him for a moment before giving a small smile. “And you thought you would have a better chance here.”  

Shay gestured to the bookshelves. “I hear this study holds many things the public library does not.”  

She nodded, standing and brushing down the folds of her gown. “It does.” She admitted. “My grandfather and I used to spend hours here. He would read to me as a child.” She traced her finger along the desk’s edge. “He had a habit of keeping sentimental things.” 

Shay noted the way her voice softened at the memory. “I shall help you look.” 

“You would?” 

“I may not know you well, yet.” She confessed. “But I hope that will change. And if this book is so important to you, then perhaps it is a good place to start.” 

He found himself momentarily at a loss for words. He expected cold formality from his betrothed, like from her younger brother, but rather, he received the opposite.  

(Y/n) walked past him, towards the door but paused before exiting. “And Lord Cormac?” With a playful glint in her eye, she glanced over her shoulder. “If you must sneak about, I suggest using the doors next time, like a civilized man. I cannot have my husband, the king might I add, be seen climbing the walls of the palace. It would cause quite the spectacle.” 

And with that, she disappeared down the hall, calling for her royal attendant, Dante.  

For the first time since stepping foot in Britain, he wasn’t sure who was outmaneuvering whom.  

© Intoxicated-Chan 2025, I do not allow my work to be copied, translated, modified, adapted, or put on any other platform without my permission.

[paroslineage]

Mistake Aftermath

Shinichiro Sano x

F!Reader

TW : Blood, Reader Death, Canon Divergence.

This is my own original idea and the characters of TR do not belong to me but Ken Wakui. Do not steal :/

Genre : Bittersweet.

Masterlist.

Previous > The Incident.

It seemed like the skies and the rain mourned and sympathized with Shinichiro.

It had three days since your passing took place at S.S Motors.

The little ones were absolutely devastated

Emma wailed heart breakingly, mourning for her beloved sister-in-law.

...

"Ne ne Y/N Nee-Chan?"

"Hm? Yes Emma-Chan what's wrong?" you asked as you caressed Emma's soft and fluffy blonde hair while coddling her gently to your bosom.

"Why are the birds rushing here and there?"

"See Emma-Chan when the sun dims low the birds return to their nest that is back to their families."

"Ohh.. Am I your family Nee-Chan?"

"Yes baby I'm your family and always will be." You nuzzled her cheek affectionately with your nose causing a heart warming giggle to break out from her mouth.

...

Izana was eerily silent than usual. His head down, bangs covering his darkened expression and a lone tear trailing down his cheek.

...

"Ne... Y/N Nee..?"

"Yes 'Zana?"

"Will you go to the park with me" Izana asked you in a shy tone.

"Why yes of course we can lil guy" you said in a gentle tone.

Izana's amethyst eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and cheered

"Yay! Thank you so much Y/N-Nee!"

"No worries at all 'Zana."

...

Mikey also stood unchracterstically quiet his onyx eyes dark as he stared at your visage peeking from inside of the casket.

...

"Hey Mikey don't you get stomach ache eating those all day long?"

"Hm. No not at all Y/N Nee-Chan."

"Tell me why do you eat so much Tayaki and Dorayaki?"

"To get taller Nee-Chan." Mikey's eyes twinkled as he claimed seriously.

Not able to take Mikey serious at all you burst out laughing sweetly.

"Hey that's not nice Nee-Chan!"

"I know dearie but that does not work like that but if you continue you will get tall enough."

"Really Nee-Chan?!"

"Yes from the side."

"Nee-Chan!!"

...

Shinichiro was mumbling insanely for you.

his Y/N..

Wakasa and Takeomi held him from the sides incase his knees decided on giving out.

...

Ryoko had slapped Keisuke hard that his face snapped to the side his own bangs covering his dark expression.

Ryoko grasped the white shirt collar of Keisuke and shook him hard.

"What were you thinking Keisuke?! why..why did this happen?!" She yelled at him angrily but her loses her composure in between not being able to keep her emotions at bay and finally breaking down.

She lets go of him and turns to the direction your casket was kept and stumbled her way and eventually fell to her knees distraught bronze eyes looking brokenly inside the casket, at you.

You still looked beautiful, like a dream and possibly a to be bride...

Oh yeah and...

Your marriage with Shinichiro was supposed to be tommorow.

But that's all shattered glass now...

"My..-my...baby...you were supposed to get married tomorrow.. and yet you are here lying in this cold casket-" Not being able to keep it in anymore she broke down wailing only to be consoled by an equally distraught Emma.

Keisuke just stood where he was left, his once mischief sparkled bronze eyes now reduced to a dull hue like the color itself lost its lustre bore into your pale expressionless face.

"Nee-chan ... Gomen.. gomen...." Keisuke mumbled with pain as his eyes grew misty as he stared at your expressionless face.

He walked shakingly towards the casket looking in it and grabbing your hand.. Holding it tightly. Never wanting to let go of his beloved nee chan.

Keisuke started to sob alone...until two hands slapped him on both side of his shoulder looking up he saw draken and mitsuya looking at him solemnly offering their condolences to the broken boy but it made him cry more harder.

From the sidelines Mikey ominously stared at you same with the owner of amethyst eyes, Izana.

Wanting to kill Kazutora for Taking away their beloved Onee-Chan.

Meanwhile in the juvie

"I didn't mean to hit her... I really didn't... I'm sorry... Y/N nee chan.... Forgive me.."

Kazutora rocked back and forth, apologizing for killing you.

you were so sweet, a fiancée of someone.. But he shattered that dream and for that

he was terribly sorry...

[seecarrun]

This was, no exaggeration, the longest Indigo League meeting that ever happened in the history of the universe, and Misty was in hell.

League season was upon them, which meant for the week preceding the day the new trainers all got their starters, each region’s league staff would get together and discuss changes for the new season, new rules, new members, etc. etc. etc.

Traditionally, referees or gym leaders or elites would give some manner of presentation or training, usually on safety or carbon emissions or something else so mind numbingly boring, Misty couldn’t help but tune it out and disassociate, and this year was no different.

All she wanted was to be at the gym getting things ready. But noooo, Lance had asked Koga to train them on blood borne pathogens, so she was stuck here listening to him drone on and on about first aid and proper blood cleanup methods instead.

Such a good use of her time.

Thankfully, her RotomPhone vibrated on the table in front of her, and she picked it up, eager for the distraction.

‘Wish u were here!!’ Ash wrote into the group chat of all his League staff former traveling companions from around the world, accompanied by a picture of him surrounded by all the members of the Alola League, who appeared to be having a fun cookout on the beach, all of them with plates full of big, fluffy pancakes and sipping on fancy glasses full of fruity drinks with little umbrellas.

That was how they were having their pre-league inservice?!?

‘🖕’ she sent back. Ash immediately laughed at the message in reply.

‘Our champion would never. 😔’ Cilan wrote, which was almost immediately followed by a picture from Iris of her giving him a noogie across the table while Cilan laughed.

‘I TRIED!’ she wrote back. ‘I was told we had to ““take things seriously”” 🙄! Not all of us can party it up in Alola like a little kid!!’

Clement loved the picture but offered not much else, probably too busy in his own meeting to chime in. Misty remembered from over the weekend that he was the one in Kalos that had to present today. He had been stressed about getting his slideshow on energy efficiency done and they had all passed on their condolences. They’d all been there.

“For real tho, i wish u guys were here.” Ash texted, and Misty absolutely agreed; she wished she was there too, and not just for the pancakes and sunshine.

Absentmindedly, she clicked on the picture Ash had sent, zooming in on his cute, grinning face. The Alola Sun always did look great on that boy.

Man, if she were in Alola, she would be spending time with Ash and all his old classmates, resting, relaxing, and having fun. Maybe they could go mantine surfing again! And then she and Ash could walk along the beach together at sunset again, and watch fireworks together in the moonlight again…

Only maybe this time, their hands would brush oh so gently while they walked, and she would look him in his deep brown eyes, and they would lean in closer together and—

“—isty?”

Misty’s head shot up at the sound of her name, only to be met with the entire room of Kanto and Johto League employees staring right back. She flushed, clearing her throat. “I’m sorry, what was that?” she asked.

“I believe,” came Lance’s commanding, yet amused voice from—oh no—right behind her, “Koga wanted your expert opinion on CPR, in case of water-related accidents. That is, if you aren’t too…” he looked down at her phone and smirked, “busy?”

Blushing wildly now, she clicked off the phone, screen still full of Ash’s dumb, adorable face, and flipped it upside down for good measure. “O-of course,” she stuttered, jumping up and making her way to the front of the room to join a not-so-amused Koga.

As she shuffled to the front of the room, she caught Lance slipping his own phone out of his pocket and tapping away, the smallest hint of a grin on his face.

Ugh, Lance was such a gossip…

She was certain there was no way this was going to end well for her.

Meanwhile…

In Alola, Ash felt a little vibration in his pocket. He took out his RotomPhone and unlocked the screen, a message from Lance in the Champion group chat greeting him…

[philtstone]

for the writing meme - Juliet and Lassiter, platonic? :)

this pov is so wildly outside my comfort zone that im in the stratosphere rn and as such i have no idea how i feel about this. that said: tag for 4x09, aka shawn spencers horrible no good very bad day, ft. a scene i am convinced must have happened.

As if the rest of today hasn’t been horrifying enough, when Lassiter gets back to the empty hospital waiting room with the requested 9-p.m.-hail-mary-verge-of-collapse coffee and truly-unwieldy large-sized woman’s purse in his hands, O’Hara is blubbering.

Despite his partner’s bubbly exterior and inexplicable desire to speak with awful regularity about his feelings, she has, since first meeting, more than impressed him with her steel stomach, unflappable cool, and general fortitude in the face of evil, gore, and worldly destruction. Coming head on against the lowest scum of humanity’s underbelly has yet to have cracked her almost belligerent, cotton-candy-wrapped, peach-scented determination to take their job seriously, and it isn’t until right now, right at this exact miserable unfortunate second, that Lassiter realizes: 

Beyond a few stoic cases of Misty Eye and, admittedly, more than a few instances of dreamy girlish exuberance, he has never actually seen Juliet O'Hara cry.

As in, the Real McCoy. Unfiltered feminine waterworks. Mascara smeared down her face, perfect updo unraveling, exhausted, snotty, blubbery sobbing into her dainty little manicured hands.  

Oh, God. Oh, Jesus. Oh, Mary and Joseph and Christmas and Justice and everything in between.

Lassiter freezes with the coffee and the purse precariously in arm, his exhausted body wedged within the half-open door, and stares at her. 

She stares back, equally frozen. Her watery miserable bloodshot eyes, already in the realm of grotesquely-Disney-princess-flavored large, grow unbearably larger until they achieve the size of small and glassy bluebell colored dinner plates. 

“Oh! C-Carlton,” she squeaks.

Then sniffles.

Her chin is wobbling.

Horror he did not know he was capable of feeling clouds his general consciousness. Panic, borne of a fight-or-flight instinct ingrained into the hard edged fiber of his belligerent being since aged twenty, wells up rapidly within his chest.

Even when confined to an ICU bed with a bullet hole in his goddamn shoulder, Shawn Spencer is still capable of causing him problems. One of these days, Lassiter's going to lock the little twerp up in that smelly corner alcove underneath Dobson’s desk for a full forty-eight hours – maybe more! – just to teach him a lesson.

Except O’Hara would probably disapprove.

Which is exactly the fucking problem, isn’t it.

“O – O’Hara,” he manages to croak, before squeezing with an ungaining shimmy through the rest of the way into the room. He makes it two awkward steps forward before a slow and sad zzziiip sounds out and O'Hara's too-full purse and the tray of coffees in his hands flop forward and overbalance. Fumbling, he tries to fit all the indiscernibly woman-ish bits and pieces of her handbag back together into some semblance of organization so she doesn't think he's gone through her things while also balancing the coffees in his other hand. A tube of lipstick clatters to the floor while a disastrous bundle of frilly pink yarn tangles itself around his arm. He can hear the faint sound of a nurse paging someone over the hospital speaker system and the white lights of the waiting room grate against his eyeballs.

Who carries their knitting in their purse to a car chase?

… O’Hara, he supposes. O’Hara does that. He already knew this about her.

"Goddam -- goddammit."

“... Carlton?” she says again, querulously, in the smallest, most pathetic tone of voice he has ever heard emit from her smiley pink mouth. She looks flustered, almost afraid, like he wasn’t supposed to see her like this.

He probably wasn't. She'd forgotten her bag in the back of Guster's stupid little car, she said not ten minutes ago, and could he please go grab it when he went to get the coffee? She'd stay behind and get started on their ass-load of paperwork. That was the deal! The straightforward, simple deal. Basic series of steps. He'd had to go get the keys from Gus, who'd finally convinced the doctors to let them into the surgery room. Abigail sat beside him, pale and shaken but pleasant. Shawn was sleeping but fine. The purse was half-spilled against the backseat but there. The day was over but not really, because Lassiter had been waiting, hands itching with a vicious twitchiness he hasn’t felt in a long time, to get the hell out of Santa Barbara General so he could head to the station – a place of blessed and reliable familiarity – and book their miserable scum sucking lowlife rat bastard shit stick of a perp away for life. 

Lot of buts today, he thinks. It's a generally unhelpful thought.

“You – coffee – I – here –” He clears his throat, gives up, and lets the twirling trail of little crocheted flowers dangle sadly from his arm. Then he frowns, and straightens up. “O’Hara,” he says, loudly and a little too firmly.

She looks anguished. It’s terrible. 

“I d-didn’t mean – I w-was only just – I’m like, really tired? And sometimes when you’re tired, y-you just n-need to – to cry a little bit, but that’s not –! There’s nothing wron – it’s fine, I am – J-just because he said – and I can't even go in the - it’s not even th-that – n-none of this means – it’s just been a v-very – day, and –”

Somehow the panicked and incoherent babbling is worse.

“Jesus,” is all he can offer, still holding the purse out like a fool.

She squeezes her eyes shut, as if trying to block some horrible and mortifying memory out, and buries her face in her hands again, giving up on her explanation. Her cheeks are red, with embarrassment and probably exhaustion. Lassiter is exhausted, and he’d definitely feel embarrassed if he was her. His stomach churns with discomfort. As he lamely uses the yarn to blot at the dribble of coffee that’s transferred onto his rumpled tie, he notices that his shirt is stained. Dirt and gravel and just one smear of blood, right over his stomach, where Shawn’s hand fumbled as Lassiter and Henry helped him get upright and against the car's vaguely cushioned backseat while they waited for the paramedics. 

He’s not stupid, or blind, no matter what the rest of the world likes to presume sometimes. He knows that whatever juvenile attachment O’Hara has to the Great And Irritating Thorn In His Side goes beyond the platonic and has elbowed itself into something greater than the immature and saccharine attraction that was regularly horrifying and – only sometimes – mildly amusing. Spencer is an idiot; O’Hara is not. 

Doesn’t make any of today feel different, though. 

He feels his shoulders sag. He feels the adrenaline drain out of him. He feels a surge of strange, complicated protectiveness trip over its metaphorical feet and land face-first in the back part of his throat, angry somehow, on her behalf – it’s difficult to explain precisely why – and then, through some cosmic magic that Shawn would probably claim he can commune with and Carlton absolutely does not believe in, his mouth opens of its own accord and her name comes out a second time, with more gentleness than he knew himself genuinely capable of:

“Juliet,” he says. 

Still awkward, and stilted, but maybe three percent less of a disaster. He watches his partner’s – his friend’s – mouth snap shut in surprise. He watches her sniff, and look at him a little desperately, a little lost, like even she’s not sure what to do with whatever horrible and unavoidable human indignity just accosted them. 

Lassiter swallows painfully and casts around for something else to say.

“You – you want a ride home?” he finally lands on.

Thank God: she nods. Exhaling loudly, he holds his arm out and the door open while Juliet scrambles to her feet in those confounding heels and accepts her bulky purse and his poorly-delivered grace with simple, slowly-settling determination. Or maybe it’s just plain relief.

He can work with that, he thinks, before absently raising one of the coffee cups to his mouth and immediately choking on the awful bitter sludge that is her black, one Stevia order.

“Oh, Carlton, this is undrinkable,” he hears her croak beside him, in between his own disgusted spluttering. He wonders miserably if Karen’s already worked her way through the interrogation he was so looking forward to conducting. “You’re going to give yourself a heart attack twenty years premature …”

One of these days, he thinks again, wondering how many Tylenols it’ll take to kick the day’s headache. 

Spencer, chained to that desk armpit.

Forty-eight whole hours.

It’s a blissful fantasy that wouldn’t be possible if the man wasn’t going to be perfectly, one hundred percent alright, but that’s neither here nor there, just now; he said he would get his partner home.

The rest, he'll just have to figure out later.

[prouvairesverse]

🥀📜 Jehanparnasse playlist for @lesmisshippingshowdown

my personal view on their relationship through songs :] haven’t revised this so if anything’s a mess uh. ignore it thanks <3

notes under cut

1. A Night To Remember - Beabadoobee

Remembering seeing each other in glances in the past and small meetings and being unable to forget each other's faces. Having a night together that’s unforgettable.

2. Bite The Hand - Boygenius

Montparnasse who isn’t as certain on their relationship (perhaps a bit insecure about it). The lyrics make me think of Montparnasse attempting to show off his most flawless parts and creating that mask of himself to hide his vulnerability from Jehan.

3. Fair - The Amazing Devil

UGH. I can’t express how much this song makes me think of them. it’s so sweet and sarcastic, the whole song is very domestic and a more calming view of what their relationship/life could be like together. i can so imagine them dancing together under the stars and just enjoying each other's company without any other care (and perhaps one of them breaking the moment with a dumbass joke). Seriously this whole song is just so perfect for them to me.

4. We’ll Never Have Sex - Leith Ross

Honestly i don’t have much notes to this song but i see it from either of their views and i just. think it’s really sweet and could easily work. “Oh, you kissed me just to kiss me”, for example, a realisation of just being there for the other without much going past a kiss.

5. Ordinary - Alex Warren

Honestly take one look at the lyrics for this, i can see it in either of their views and just an overall look at their relationship. This whole song has a theme of worship and well. yeah it works for them.

6. Work song - Hozier

They are DEDICATED to each other btw. Honestly think this hozier song really represents them and nothing really will break them up!!! (not even death) Also the lyrics mention not asking what wrong they did, and i see that as Jehan not asking Montparnasse of what he’s done unless he talks about it first.

7. Evermore - Beauty & The Beast soundtrack

okay please hear me out on this one. This whole song from Montparnasse’s view, “I never needed anybody in my life”, believing he doesn’t need love or vulnerability in his life past perhaps the patron minette and that he can get by just fine until meeting Jehan and they haunt him.

I very specifically imagine parts of this song in canon era (“Now i know she’ll never leave me, Even as she fades from view.” after Jehan’s death in canon era that even as they disappear they’re always with him). Honestly i could really go on about this whole song being Montparnasse’s view of Jehan i just adore it so much for them.

8. I See The Light - Tangled soundtrack

Okay ngl this one fully inspired by the fact i have a tangled au for them LOL but i think this song can show a meaning of them both having a realisation of their worlds shifting with a new view. Also Montparnasse is so eugene coded.

9. Real Love Baby - Father John Misty

Jehan! Take one listen to this song and try tell me they don’t convince Montparnasse to dance around their apartment to this. Jehan is just so happy to be in his company and having that feeling of freedom with one another.

10. Kill The Director - The Wombats

(Thank you Stevie for this one!) 100% Montparnasse’s view and feeling like being in a romcom for such a cliche love! “Kill the director” of disbelief that he fell for them.

11. Please Be Rude - Gigi Perez

This song is just. so them to me. Just an overall take on their relationship. Just being utterly in love through the course of time and wanting to be around the other.

12. My Boy Builds Coffins - Florence + The Machine

Just take a look at the song title. Montparnasse “building” coffins for all the people he’s killed.

13. Dancing Barefoot - Patti Smith

Honestly this song is just so Jehan to me, dancing barefoot and feeling intoxicated with their love and interest as if it draws them in and they can’t figure out why but deciding to allow it to happen.

14. Slide - The Goo Goo Dolls

Just the vibes of wanting to be around each other and admiring the other, considering living in their own bubble and running away as long as they’re with each other. Just sliding into place with each other, perfectly.

15. Touch Tank - Quinnie

Montparnasse having a different vibe around Jehan and being softer than he has been with anyone. Jehan viewing him as beautiful and unable to think properly around him. Wanting to be with each other every morning.

16. Ruin My Life - Zara Larsson

Jehan who’s more than happy to let Montparnasse ruin their life and always wanting to be with him, missing him when he isn’t around because he gave a spark to their life they hadn’t experienced before.