#and now we have shannanigans

[ultranos]

Hi, you're probably tired from dealing with trolls so I thought maybe I could take your mind off them! I see a lot of Dragon!Zuko in AO3 but would you mind making some Dragon!Azula headcanons? It can be as fluffy, as full of crack and as full of angst as you want.

Anon, this concept has been living in my brain rent-free since you sent it. Gosh, what fun!

So you’re right, there are a lot of Dragon!Zuko fics, which always struck me as kind of weird when Azula ends up being a totally normal human because, uh...how did dragon happen? (Even weirder when Ursa is one and Azula is not and...what. My genetics hurts.) So in an effort to answer that question, I ended up stumbling back to our favorite crack-theory of Azula’s parentage!

Turns out, “Dragon of the West” did have something to do with actual dragons. And isn’t just a random title.

Oh no, Iroh isn’t a dragon. Not really. But in the period after Lu Ten was born, after he lost his wife (divorce, not death), Iroh went out to find his destiny. And like the sons of his line, like his father before him, Crown Prince Iroh went dragon-hunting. He found Ran and Shaw on that island, and they taught him that fire is life. That a dragon’s fire does not only have to destroy, but can be life itself. The dragons look deep inside Iroh and decide to trust him with their most precious gift, to take it out into the world.

Iroh...doesn’t realize they didn’t mean firebending.

Iroh certainly didn’t think of dragons when he ends up in an extremely ill-advised tryst with his sister-in-law. They were on Ember Island, him and his son. And his brother and his wife and their adorable little boy. Ozai was called home. A diplomatic incident. A logistical issue. Azulon wanted his second son at the Palace and so Ozai went. And in a rare display of softness, maybe of caring instead of neglect, Ozai left his wife and son to finish their vacation. Iroh, after all, would keep threats away.

Maybe Ursa and Iroh were drunk. Drunk off rice wine or drunk off loneliness. Maybe it was simply that both were tired of cold beds and empty nights. Maybe they both wanted to feel something real from a partner again. In the end, it doesn’t really matter how or why, just that it did.

Nine months later, Ursa gives birth to a girl with tawny eyes, gold like a hunter’s moon. Ozai smiles when he sees the girl for the first time, the spark of fire (the girl’s soul burned with something greater) in her eyes from that first moment. Of course, of course this would be his heir, of course the fire would burn hottest in this second child of a second son. (if only she were a son)

(Ran and Shaw entrusted Iroh with a sun.)

Some things stay the same. Azula grows up. Iroh stays away, not realizing the truth. He sees something far too cold in the girl’s eyes, not the hearthfire brightness of Zuko’s. (A reptilian coldness.) Iroh focuses on his nephew, a boy neglected by his father. Iroh does not know he has a daughter.

Azula grows up knowing Something isn’t quite right. She preens under the praise her fire awards her (prodigy, they whisper. A once-in-millenia affinity for fire), and something deep inside her rumbles in pleasure. She doesn’t understand why people struggle with things that are as easy as breathing, doesn’t understand that not everyone was born to bend and burn.

What happens is that Azula starts to notice things about herself, like all children eventually do. But she thinks this is different. Sometimes, when she looks in the mirror, her reflection has slittled pupils. Sometimes, her nails resemble talons without her needing to file them into that shape.

Azula swears she saw scales underneath her collar at least once.

When she overhears Ursa say the word “monster” one day, something clicks into place and oh. That’s what this is.

(Little girls do not have talons and sharp teeth that come and go with no warning. Little girls do not have phantom scales that itch between her shoulder blades, like there should be something there.

Little girls are supposed to feel pain when they burn.)

(Azula doesn’t expect Zuko’s burn to be so bad that day. Father’s burns never leave marks like that on her skin. They will hurt, but they won’t maim her skin like it did Zuko’s.)

Three years with Ozai is a long time. Azula defines herself accordingly, and an old, old spirit binding shifts. The dragons hid their child, their sun, their gift even from herself. The mask is defined by her own sense of self, a dragon hidden by the very flame she burns with.

As long as she believes she was born to to bend the fire, the mask will hold.

The Last Agni Kai has so many consequences. When Zuko stands over her, when she’s chained down (like a hunted beast before the slaughter, like the siblings she never met were bound and made to bow at the feet of Sozin’s Line before they died), her fire flickers.

The mask cracks even more.

Zuko means well. But his sister is dangerous and wild, and she cannot be free like she is now. So he locks her away but tries to help. The doctors tell her she is fine, that she is normal, that of course she shouldn’t listen to the roaring in her ears, in her mind, wanting fire and sky and freedom.

The doctors do not know Azula is correct. And the more they try to push their perception of reality on her, the more the human that was Azula cracks. Cracks more and more until finally, that human shatters.

Not even Fire Nation asylums were designed to hold a dragon against their will.

(Meanwhile, while Azula gets to revel in this newfound-freedom of “fuck yeah, I’m a dragon”, Zuko is...having A Time. Zuko gets the emergency notice from the asylum, reads it, and has to sit down as he tries to make sense of what the hell he just read.

Zuko finds himself torn when Iroh and his friends find him. He doesn’t know if he should start with “a dragon suddenly appeared” or “I think a dragon ate my sister?”

Aang suggests that maybe they need to go talk to the other dragons, maybe Ran and Shaw know what’s going on? So Iroh accompanies Avatar and Fire Lord to the island.

Ran and Shaw: [see Iroh] Oh hey, how’s our kid doing? Iroh: Your what? Aang and Zuko: Your what?!

)

[andy-clutterbuck]

God your last gifset...would anyone else kill for a prequel of Grimes family shannanigans? Or is it just me? Lol just them doing family stuff and being happy and all 😥

I’ve thought about before the apocalypse a lot, it’s why I made that pre-apocalypse Rick edit. Throughout the whole show I always really wanted more talk of/nods to the past. And while I get that that didn’t fit with the show’s “this is world now/this is who you are now” theme I don’t care. It was still the majority of the character’s lives, it could still give you insight to who they are at their core. But I also just really love “mundane” little character aspects, there’s so many little things about Rick that I’d love to know that I never will. I understand the complicated nature of filming flashbacks but people can still talk, mentioning life before could have brought moments of levity to the darkness of the show. But of course, what did we get? A flashback of Rick and little Carl and Carl giving us a laundry list of warm/lovely pre-apocalypse nuggets in his letter AFTER HE DIED ��� Because it would have been so hard for Rick and Carl to reminisce about that stuff before. 😐 Carl remembers the kiddie pool 🔊 RICK GRIMES FOLDING HIMSELF UP IN A KIDDIE POOL 🔊

[echelonlab-blog]

Pushed to the Edge -- Part One

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: Smut. So much Smut in this story

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@llfd1977  @sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz @just-me-obsessing @echelon-1969  @ carolinapb-iam 

  "Hey, can you zip me up please?"

    Jared looked up from his spot on the couch, his ever unreadable expression replaced by something akin to lusty awe as he watched me. I had never been confident enough to wear something like this but I felt the occasion called for it.     He moved over slowly as I turned around, his fingers lightly brushing my spine before he gripped the zipper, slowly pulling it up. I could feel his warm breath on my neck, the loose strands of hair moving slightly, giving me goosebumps.     I bit my lip as he stopped halfway, his fingers lightly brushing my skin. A groan erupted from my partly closed lips as I felt his lips follow the path his fingers had taken.     "Jared, we're gonna be late..."

    Jared finished easing the zipper the rest of the way up and then stepped in front of me to give me one last appreciative glance. I saw his eyes narrow and a smirk played at the edges of his lips.     “That looks lovely. One adjustment, however. Give me your panties.”

    “What?” I asked as I felt my eyes grow wide.     “You heard me,” Jared said with a snap of his fingers. “Panties. Give them to me now.”     I knew better than to argue with him and so with unsteady hands, I reached under the dangerously short hem of my dress and guided my underwear down until I was able to step out of it. I handed the gauzy bit of fabric over and watched as Jared bunched them into a tiny ball. He passed them under his nose briefly, that smirk growing more wicked, and then tucked them into his pocket along with his keys. “Now we can go,” he said.     Just the idea of spending my night at a swanky charity event, mingling amongst some of Hollywood’s finest, without wearing panties made me cringe, but I was already thinking of ways of turning the tables on him. “Ladies first.” He whispered, taking my hand and directing me out the front door, locking it behind us.     I could feel his hand slither down the soft material of my dress only to come to a stop on my ass as we walked to the truck. With his gentle squeeze, a blazing fire pulsed through me when he let go to open the door for me. A small smile crept on his face and my cheeks flushed red, knowing he would certainly get revenge for the other night.      Like a gentleman, he carefully helped me into my seat and I thanked him before he rushed around to the other side. “Are you nervous?” He asked, slipping into his seat and closing the truck door.     “Should I be?” His eyes narrowed and I could see the tattoo on the inside of his wrist peeking out from beneath his jacket when he started the ignition. The red and black ink had faded a bit but was still very much visible. Before we even left the driveway, he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against mine. Teasingly, passionately and very demanding, his kiss made my head spin. Unexpectedly, his hand settled between my knees and I breathed in sharply. My fingers splayed against his, intending to drive his away, but changed my mind.     Instead, I focused my eyes on his, picking up his hand and taking it to my lips. Very slowly, I kissed the pads of each of his fingers before I let his thumb slip into my mouth. I heard his sharp intake of breath, that same look he gave me before still ever so present.     His eyes were two deep blue pools of lust, his other hand inching closer to my core. I opened my legs as far as the dress allowed me to, a small whimper escaping my lips as he made contact.     "My, my..." He licked his lips, his fingers teasing me as I let his thumb slip from my lips. He gripped my chin, leaning closer, his breath hitting my lips as he spoke. "Someone feels like playing games tonight."     I licked my lips, smiling innocently and shrugging. I couldn't care less about that damn charity event. All I cared about was having Jared now. He drove me absolutely insane... The way he carried himself, the way he looked at me... I was enthralled by him and I needed him. Now.     I reached my own hand over, letting it rest inside Jared's thigh the way he had familiarized himself with mine, slipping it slowly upwards until his slightly more prominent than usual bulge rested against my palm. I couldn't keep from smiling. It was nice to know that I could still get to the master of control. I pressed my hand more tightly against him, small movements getting bolder by the second until I felt his fingers close over my wrist.     “Yes, someone is definitely in the mood for games this evening,” he growled as he placed my hand back on my lap and turned back towards the steering wheel. “I promise you'll get everything you ask for once I've fulfilled my social obligations this evening. But you'd better be careful how much you spin me up, princess. You know I always get my revenge in the end.”     I nibbled my lower lip as I gave him another innocent look. Jared just shook his head and put the car into gear. I wasn't worried, I was convinced I could still turn the tables on him, but the entire drive over he kept toying with me, letting those slender fingers strum at my thighs and stroke at my ever dampening core. Every time I would reach for him, to stroke his chest or thighs, to try again to feed that erection I had knew I had started, even to draw his fingers into my mouth again, he simply dismissed me, firmly placing my own hands back in my lap. By the time we arrived at the event, I was a hot, frustrated mess.      I slipped out of the truck cautiously, smoothing the clingy material of my dress down, terrified that it had ridden up and everyone would catch a glimpse of my bare ass. He observed me closely as he held my hand, his lips slowly curling into an evil smirk and suddenly I was seething mad. He knew what the fuck he was doing, demanding that I go without panties and taking a firm stand on driving rather than riding in a limo like we normally do. He knew I’d want him and made damned certain to get me all worked up, only to insist that I keep my hands to myself.

       He grinned big and guided us over to stand in front of the cameras, allowing the paparazzi and reporters an opportunity to snap a few photos. As soon as we entered the venue, he leaned closer. “Quit frowning and put a smile on that pretty face. I already told you we didn’t have to stay for the whole evening, but you may as well enjoy yourself. God knows you certainly kept me waiting long enough this afternoon while you got ready and let me just say, I’m not disappointed. So, let’s enjoy a fabulous meal, mingle a bit, and I’ll make my donation. You be on your best behavior and I can guarantee that we will be in bed before midnight.”

   “Aren’t I always?” I snapped, pulling my hand from his and marching ahead of him to a table. Pulling the chair out, I sat down and crossed my legs.

    Jared joined me seconds later, the vein under his left eye was protruding as he glared at me. “What’s your problem?”      What was my problem? He had the fucking nerve to ask? He knew very well what he had done to me. He was the master of teasing and sometimes it got to me. I had had enough of all his teasing for the night. I wanted to have some fun.     Instead, I was stuck at some event. I had worn this particular dress in the hopes I could persuade him to stay home but it completely backfired on me.     I did know however that this was important to him. Maybe I was letting my frustration get to me and that wasn't fair to him. Sighing, I reached over to take his hand. "I'm sorry. We'll talk later, okay? Let's do this."     He took a moment to study me, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips before he nodded, squeezing my hand. No matter what, it never failed to amaze me at how good we were at communicating without speaking.     I pasted on my best social face and slipped into my role, smiling politely by Jared's side while other guests were seated, and then dinner was served and we waited for the guest speaker to start.  I was relieved that the tablecloth provided at least some concealment and I stopped worrying about my panty-less state and started to relax. I had never met the couple we were sharing the table with before – she was a producer Jared had worked with years prior to me coming into the picture – but they were nice and we were able to make pleasant conversation and pass the evening. Jared would squeeze my hand reassuringly every so often and I thought things were fine until the dishes were cleared.      We all adjusted our seats slightly and turned toward the stage where the evening's pitch would begin. Jared grabbed my chair and tugged it closer to his, and when I looked at him and saw the smirk was back I knew I was in trouble. While we waited he again placed his hand possessively on my thigh, giving it a squeeze then patting the inside of it. I knew that was his signal to open my legs, and they may have been hidden by the drapes of the tablecloth, but I kept my knees stubbornly together. Jared tapped my thigh once more and I turned to glare at him but the look on his face immediately stopped me. Those ocean deep eyes had gone dark, lust pooling in their depths, his lips slightly parted as he looked down on me and I felt my insides turn to warm jello. My knees fell open almost of their own volition and I saw Jared's smirk turn up in a triumphant grin as his fingers brushed against my damp and exposed core.       “That's better,” he whispered as my heart raced. He lazily traced two fingers through my sex, parting my folds and gathering the moisture that was accumulating there. I tried to keep my face neutral but I could feel my body heating to his touch and my own mouth had fallen open slightly. I opened my hands and flattened my palms against the table's cool surface, concentrating on looking as natural as possible while Jared teased at my aching entrance. Oh, I was going to get him back for this as soon as we got out of here.

     Using two insistent fingers, Jared teased my wet slit as the man on the stage did his spiel. So far, that’s all Jared had done was tease me, but I sucked in a sharp breath when he grazed my clit. Out the corner of my eye, I could see him smirk and shifted a little when he began making imperceptible circles around it.         My lips actually trembled when two fingers slipped easily into me. He pumped them slowly and circled my aching clit with his thumb. “Jared...” I whimpered as I shoved his hand aside. Regrettably, it wasn’t far enough and he gripped my knee tightly.       “Don’t misbehave.” I recognized the warning and flinched when they slid right back into me. Jared could be a relentless bastard when he wanted and I could feel my climax approaching. I held my breath, desperately wanting to close my eyes and give in and cum. I also desperately wanted to end it. I was in a room full of people! At a charity event no less! God help me, out of nowhere it started, an involuntary spasm.     I bucked my hips, moving them against his hand, biting my bottom lip so hard that I could taste the blood. Jesus, he could be so fucking dirty sometimes and I loved it.     I couldn't control the tingles that were starting to set in the pit of my belly. With each movement of his hand, I felt them increase. I couldn't do this. Not here.     In a moment of panic, I pushed back my chair, getting up and racing to the nearest bathroom, looking back for a brief moment. Thankfully, everything was dark and my retreat went unnoticed. It seemed everyone was still focused on the man on stage.     I finally found the bathrooms, splashing some water on my face and facing my reflection, breathing heavily. The door closing and locking made me jump and I looked back to find Jared there, a mischievous smile on his face. I swear this man was gonna be the death of me.     His eyes focused on mine, predatorial as he walked to me, pinning my body against the sink. He didn't need to speak, his eyes said it all. His hands traced my sides, gripping my hips hard as he hoisted me up on the counter, opening my legs and slipping between them, his lips so close to mine.     I tipped up my chin and closed my eyes, anticipating a kiss that never came. After a few seconds I opened them again, blinking in confusion at Jared's face, still just inches in front of my own, his smile not having budged an inch either.     I placed my hands over his wrists, running them up the length of his athletic arms, feeling the well-defined muscles even under the layers of fabric of his shirt and evening jacket. His eyes remained locked with mine as my hands followed the curve of his shoulders, meeting each other in the center of his chest, ready to continue downward. Jared stopped me there, however, closing his slender fingers over my own small wrists, and firmly returning my hands to my sides, just as he had been doing all night.

     “Why are you teasing me like this?” I whined.       “Oh, no no no, Clara. You're the one that started this little battle. Parading around in your panties all afternoon while you primped and painted and perfumed yourself. You thought if you got me spun up enough I would just cancel, maybe stay home and fuck you all night. Well, surprise, princess. I'm onto you. And I'm just getting started.”

[bacchicly]

A friend texted me this morning.

How are you?

My thought bubble:

My cat vomited - but bright side she didn't poo in the front hall as is her new habbit.

My car needs to be serviced and is thumping and I can't figure out how to do that. And I am thinking we should just buy a new one...but do we have the money? And which type ?

I still have to submit my taxes.

At last count I still have 200+ emails in my inbox to sort through.

There is an election today that I have not researched nearly as much as I usually do.

I need to get my husband his gift for graduating. (My kid and I designed t-shirts I need to get printed)

I can't find any clean underwear.

I have giant zits and one exploded last night (blood everywhere) even though I am in my 40s and was promised this whole shannanigan would just last my teen years (myth).

I am so anxious about my silly fanfiction hobby that it is ridiculous. I get likes but very few folks say much about it (totally understandable and I write things that are both completely inane and kinda edgy ...sometimes at the same time... And I do not know if I am doing good or harm with each random instalment and.....ahhhh)

My dad is having demoralising legal trouble.

The theatre community I used to be a part of and now am just on the fringes of is having a giant debate and revolt around accessibility.

I owe my boss a response to the accomodation letter process thing we are doing.

My house is still a mess.

I feel like a lousy friend to all 3 of my friends (I've said dumb things to two of the 3 in that last 2 weeks).

I haven't answered texts from my in-laws.

My email notifications on my phone have just stopped working.

I haven't set up the cell phone work sent me months ago.

My kid needs a learning plan because she is showing signs of having inherited my ADHD.

And I dreamed about a 3 headed tarantula last night running up my leg. And two nights ago about being yelled at by my husband's old boss.

I am half lousy / half amazing at my job and I have no idea when one or the other is going to happen.

I need to book a hotel for June.

And I am not really sure what is going on with my brother.

I almost cried last night at the checkout counter buying groceries because the self serve was closed and the only cashier that was open had a giant line and for some insane reason...I even if you go through a line with a nice person...you have to bag your own stuff and I am so slow and anxious it is not even funny.

Oh and I spilled my coffee this morning.

But I am so lucky and so many awesome things are in my life and I live in the most beautiful city... So I don't want to complain...plus what good will that do and I am trying to be nice to myself but does that make me more self involved...And... Ahhhh.

What I say:

I'm great! Busy! How are you? Voting today?

[disaster-fruit]

I'm kinda approaching our brainstorm in two fronts: on one we have the plot, which is linear, things need to matter and make sense and connect, aaaaand on the other one all the dumb shannanigans that dont affect the plot but that are very funny and are happening in the mean time <3

I mentioned the sex part very casually and very much agree we can bring it up later in more funny ways and it is not the focus. What i did want to bring focus on is the part that luciano finds out maria and martin only know each other for two days???? Because sure everything martin says has to be taken with a grain of salt, but 1) he just sang a whole broadway number about a girl he met TWO DAYS, thats as far from casual dating as it goes and luciano is horrofied. He has to wonder if this María really is family or caretaker or just some random woman martin thinks is his princess but knows nothing about him. 2) I'm kinda puzzled on the effect this information might have on luciano, who's just agreeing now to go search for this maría with him. If luciano is too casual about dating, martin is too casual about MARRYING, he can't take love seriously if he thinks it's just that easy and immediate, idk i think he mind even find it disrespectful? You love someone you barely know, you dont love them for who they are, dont love despite their flaws or or love the flaws or anything! And it might give us a tiny glimpse of all luciano's repressed feelings and some dept to their discussion. I feel like im not quite articulating it well but hey maybe you'll get it :D

Do we have a love interest for maria? i particularly can't think of anybody, so giving her a giselle like story sounds a little difficult to me. I'm a little torn on her wanting to do her own thing, i dont love that for our princess but it does fit MARIA as a character since she was never our best princess. What could happen to make her uninterested in martin in the meantime i have no idea. Tbh i'm still having an easier time picturing Dani in the role, especially because with me shipping guayguay it fits everything together rather nicely. I'm not saying that to change it now, do tell me what you have in mind for maria!! just laying it out as a plan B in case we need it.

Alright, so stick with minion and three poison apples for alice's move. And i like a sort of dr frankenstein thing going on here, explains why he may not be the brightest bean too but be loyal to her etc. And idk at the end he stays in the real world and becomes a minecraft streamer who's main audience is 10 year olds and he's living the life. until then, he's trying his best to make martin eat the apples, but all his attempts keep failing thanks to that stupid man in a suit that is always accompanying the prince…

@oxiosa and I are out of control in this Enchanted AU and our first post is already too big. It’s mostly detailing the fairy tale, and you can read it here if for some reason you keep up with our chaotic brainstorming.

Seguir leyendo

[thebeautyandthebeastofmedic-blog]

What Makes a Shanna Rosero?

So matagal ko na ‘tong iniisip ehh, what makes a Shanna Rosero nga ba? Of course, may sarili akong opinion, pero I went around the internet na rin searching for answers. Humingi ako sa mga tao ng favorite picture nila with you and descriptions as to who is Shanna Rosero. :)) Gusto nyo ba malaman kung sino si Shanna Rosero? Malalam nyo in 5.... 4.... 3.... 2.... 1.... go!

Alyana Marquino

“ What Makes Shanna, Shanna? Shanna is someone who has a genuine, kind, loving, understanding, and forgiving heart. :) Forekeeps tong si shanna. :)”

Dalandan Bautista

“ Here's my fave photo of her (for obvious reasons) hahaha!  Shanna - I call her the "go-to girl" LOL Kasi lagi sya andyan kapag kailangan ko sya, and lagi syang handang tumulong whenever :)”

Don Edward Dela Rosa

“She is contented on what she has in her life. She is smart and incidentally funny. She is a strong beautiful woman who will never give up on her dreams. And that what makes Shanna, Shanna. Happy birthday! Muah muah :* :* :*”

Arvella Erenyo

“This is Shanna.” (So feel ko di nya angets yung tanong ko kaya walang description na binigay HAHAHAHA pero okay lang, the picture paints a thousand words HAHA)

Rene Kevin C. Plan

“ For me, what makes shanna rosero, shanna rosero is that she is confidently beautiful with a heart and a very down to earth person! :) EZ yan! haha Happy Birthday Shanna! stay humble always and goodluck in pursuing your dreams as a doctor! keep it up! Godbless you always! “

 Gianne de Guzman

(SOBRANG KYOOT MO DITO HUHUHU)

“Shanna has been there for me ever since I met her, she became one of those persons who would always make sure I'm ok and help me in any way  A person who knows the right words to say, who knows everyone of us well, and who would always stay true to you whatever happens. She's one of my constants and that will never ever change. :) “

Ina Paula Santos

“ For me, Shanna Rosero is Shanna Rosero for having the kindest soul and an effortless beauty <3 “

Janice Mahor Timola

(Wala pa syang message so feel ko parehas sila ni Ella na namisunderstand yung request ko hahahaha Pero if I’m allowed to interpret, I think what she means is young essence mo mismo, encapsulated sa picture na ito because this picture is a pairing of 2 pictures that are 10 years apart. What hse means is that walang makakapalit sa experience mismo of beng with you and being your bestfriend of 10 years. No words can explain that. That’s why this piscutre itself is a testament to who you are to Janice Timola)

Angelo Sayo

“ For me, what makes Shanna Rosero, Shanna Rosero - more than anything else - is her kindness. Day in and day out, I've never been greeted without a warm smile and a wave whenever I see her. She's humble, she's soft-spoken, and she's incredibly smart. Shanna's a prime example of compassion and love, and I know that she and Mav will continue to show the rest of us how it's done for years to come.” 

Andrea Louise Adriatico

“Beauty, brains, and never-ending kindness is what makes Shanna Rosero as Shanna Rosero. Though di ko palaging nakakanama si Shanna dahil sa ibang group ako napupunta pag ward-work, the moments na buong grp 24 B ay laging something to treasure. Humility, Compassion, diligence ay ilan lang sa mga masasabing decription ng personality nya. Hoping for the success of all her endeavors, Happy Happy Birthday Shanna!!!“

Angel Caldo

“ HAPPY HAPPY HAPPYYYYY BIRTHDAAAAAY PO ATE SHANNAAAA! Thank you for being one of the most kind hearted people I have ever met!  Di ka magiging shanna rosero kung hindi ka nagsesend ng selfies sa snapchat or kahit saan! Hahaha! Kailan nga ba tayo nagstart maging friends? Di ko na rin matandaan! Basta ang alam ko si Mav rin ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagkakilala. Nonetheless, kahit na wala si mav, alam ko na magcclick pa rin tayo na friends sa med school!  Hihihi! Love you lots shanna! Enjoy your day po! Hihihi! 🤗 “

Marceljos Lontok

“Where it all began huehuehue.  Simple,  palagi nakangiti, lagi ko inuuto at naniniwala (sorry shanna bully ko), masayahin, matalino, at mahal si mav. Yonnnnn hahaha.”

Lyanviel Soriano

“ #ShannaMoments is what makes Shanna Rosero, Shanna Rosero. Yung moment na kahit super sabaw na siya at inauscultate niya yung right area ng chest at kinorrect siya nung patient, makikita mo siya na "I don't feel any pressure right now" parin siya and tuloy lang sa P. E. Yung moment na kahit zombie siya ang ganda parin niya.. na kahit zombie siya lakas parin ng energy galing sumayaw.. na kahit zombie siya "confidently beautiful with a heart" parin siya and dahil narin yun syempre sa kanyang superhero childstar na kasama niya sa prod, shoutout to GingerMav, #couplegoals kayo ! And lastly yung moment na taga buhat siya ng group namin from reporting in pharma to integ activities to awesome pd wardworks and of course to being our micro goddess.. "we are one" because of you. Happy birthday taeyeon!! Gagawa pa tayo ng dance cover!! Stay humble and amazing! Love you :*  #ShannaMoments”

Marlyn Abad (same pic as Lyanviel)

“What makes Shanna Rosero, Shanna Rosero? My pamilee… Ahm, wait, eto, ha ha ha ha.  Kidding aside, Shanna is probably one of the simplest and sincerest persons I’ve known in the medical school yet. As naïve as she may be at times, her true simplicity always gets in the way and makes her stand out from the crowd.  Not to mention that she is smart and hardworking, Shanna has always been humble as well for she has never bragged about her achievements or how talented she is. I may be one of the countless persons to prove that her sincerity is her top quality for I have never felt a second that she gave me a mean tone nor rolled her eyes out of what’s I’ve said or done. I could also remember our Anatomy days when both of our groups were combined and worked hand in hand in getting thru our first year in the medical school; and now that we’re groupmates again for the second year, I feel blessed and appreciate her as much as Mav does. Hehehe. Her sincerity is always accompanied by her eagerness to help in the best way she can. <3 So yeah, to answer the question, these two characteristics of her, Simplicity and Sincerity, are what makes her what she is right now and are enough reasons to be loved by the everyone around her.

Happiest Birthday Shanna! Looking forward for more memories (and groupworks, of course) in the medical school! Have fun & God bless! Love love! :*”

Edzcel Nunez

“ Shanna Rosero is Audrey Hepburn’s side profile with Maxine Medina’s english skills (jk). Total performer and athlete pa siya with the dancing skills of Taeyeon, singing skill of Hayley Williams and weightlifting skill of Hidilyn Diaz bilang buhat na buhat kami, using the knowledge she accumulated from getting 5 Health Science licenses (med tech, nurse, rad tech, respiratory therapist and PT). Thank you sa palaging pagsummarize ng PD wardwork at sana magkakasama tayo hanggang Wards life! 

PS: True Beauty comes from within and I will never forget the true aesthetics of the inside of Shanna Rosero’s ears 

PPS: KPOP Dance cover na next “

Nikki Fortuno

“Shanna is shanna because she loves the chowking plate. CHAROT. A very kind friend and a strong woman.  I love you shanna. Nasend ko na sayo birthday greetings ko. Have a great day! God bless :)”

Gloricar de Lara

“ Fave picture ko of shanna hahahaha This picture sums up Shanna. Kala mo di makabasag pinggan pero may bubbly side din and that makes Shanna Rosero, Shanna Rosero”

Kristelle Mercado

“Shanna has been one of my first few friends in med school. In the short amount of time that I've known her, I was amazed to see someone so paradox. She is sweet, yet tough. Demure, yet goofy. Social, yet reserved. Her paradoxicality makes her unique. And that uniqueness makes her Shanna.”

 (Wow natalo nya ako dun sa English, hands down HAHA)

Martin Sto. Tomas

“Happy Birthday Shannanigans!!! ito favorite picture ko kasi ang payat ko dito. and ang laki ng EYEBAGS mo and that's what makes you SHANNA ROSERO”

Ana Loraine delos Santos

“HBD!!!! TC!!! <3″

John Anthony Garma (OHA ANO KA NGAYON)

“ 

Studious 

Hardworking 

Anest 

Nice 

Napakaloving 

Anderstanding. 

Haha Happy Birthday pare! Good luck sa pagDodoctor.  Konting tiis na lang. Go sago. God bless!”

Monica Anne Canja Castor

“ What makes Shanna Rosero, Shanna Rosero? Her angelic voice plus her simple yet stunning aura :)”

Alecxia Peralta

“ Miss u, Shanna!! Thanks for being my taga-gising roomie before hehehe <3 Good luck w all that life has to offer, alam kong kayang kaya mo hihi love u, u deserve all the best! Happy birthday!!! <3"

Jenelle Faustino

“Maligayang kaarawan sa aming Makata friend! Thanks for the many years of friendship, for being our target of pangaasar (sometimes, madalas kasi si Jean e haha) sa G6. We're incomplete without you. Thanks sa lahat ng advice and also for sharing your stories with us. Haha Good luck and God bless! Wish you all the best!  Kung ikaw siguro ang sasali sa Ms. Universe, magagamit na interpreter. Kasi ang masasagot mo, "Aming nalaman...." and that is Shanna Rosero, our Ms. Universe 2017!"  hahaha love you shanna!! “

Jaundy Lizardo

“ Happy happy birthday Shannuuuhhh!!! Good luck sa Evals niyo, malaki tiwala ko sa kakayahan ng eyebags mo. So flaunt it gracefully everyday so that you won't experience drought, right? So do it until you can achieve La Niña! God bless!“

Susan Hollon Espayos Rosero

”what makes shanna rosero is to be a doctor and with her family.” (Definition of short but sweet hahaha sabi ko maglagay pa ng additional message per additional pictures yung sinend nya eh hahahaha) (AYAN MAY DAGDAG) 

“keep her feet on the ground even after she succeeded and do her mission through in the future..Wish her always good health and add a little in her diet and enjoy what she has now. we love her so.much” (ADD A LITTLE IN HER DIET DAW HMMMMM)

Carlo Rosero

“lagi sinsabi.ni kuya nia iilan ilan na lang ang babae ngayon n matino mabait na tipong mag stick sa family nia..at alam namin na si shae isa doon dahil na rin sa uri ng pamumuhay namin ni tito mo.. rry open kami sa kanila ganon din sila sa amin. we want them to enjoy life good career bago mag pamilya..nakita nila how we take care of the lolo and lola. and hope they do the same in the future. fear namin na wag naman sana ma abuso ang bait nia at pagiging psensyosa although she has her own tantrums.  February eh.”  

Alexis Collado

”Very smart, hardworking, and family-oriented”

Kevin Malaya

“Mahilig sa Junkfood”

CJ Jimenez

“Fun to talk to”

Ella Dimacali

“TIBO HAHAHA”

Rajeeb Hussin

“Kung maeextract lang ang tiyaga galing sa isang tao, mga pang lifetime supply makukuha mo kay Shanna. Iba yung tiyaga niya sakin from the moment na magkakilala kami at inaasar ko na siya hanggang ngayon na mejo hindi na kasing intense (lol) kasi alam naman niya na it comes from a good place kahit on the outside parang hindi. Kumbaga sa pokemon, rare type yan. Mewtwo levels. Shanna (siya na) talaga. ;)”

Alex Villa

“Shanna!! Happy Birthday! Wala ako makita na picture nating dalawa na magkasama so message nalang ibibigay ko sayo haha (we should change that real soon cause... ang weird na wala). Anyways... sana nag (mag) eenjoy ka sa birthday mo kahit may mga exams tayo na haharapin. Happy Birthday ulit! P.S. kung ano man ang (mga) problema na hinaharap mo ngayon, malalagpasan mo din yan! Kung kailangan mo man ng tulong... nandito lang kami para sa iyo!”

Gio Pineda

“ Hi Shanna! Happy happy birthday! Una sa lahat, gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa lahat ng pagkakataon na nagkasama tayo. Sa lahat ng gala o kahit yung mga saglit na nagkakausap tayo sa loob ng audi. Salamat din kasi nagparaya ka samin ni Mav (Char!) HAHA! I wish you all the best Shanna! I'm sure the someday you'll become a wonderful doctor and when that day comes, I'll be more than proud to say that I was part of your journey! Love you, Shanna! HBD!”

Nica Satoquia

“ Hi ulit maderrrr <3  Wala tayong selfie huhu pero ito yung isa sa mga favorite pictures ko of you kasi ang cute ng succulent at flowers...at ikaw rin hihi! =) Nagreet na kita kanina so I'll keep this short and sweet (like me nyehehehe) Stay blessed and stay beautiful and stay a blessing to everyone around you :3 Sorry wala akong physical gift this year,pero you're always in my prayers~ Labyu mader <3″

Marielle Cabais (same na lang sa picture ni Nica)

“ Hi Mother! Happy birthday! The lear fam loves you  sm and we're super thankful na dumating ka sa life namin kasi yung other father namin chaka HAHAHAHA. Also naneuneutralize mo yung kadhsopduidranginahan ni father (na mahal din namin minsan ofc) at namin. Hope you have a great birthday cos you deserve it! Good luck din sa med and life and everything lalo na sa love life *nudge nudge wink wink* HAHAHAHJK LEAR FAM IS FOREVER “

Kaycee Lao

“ Here is a picture of us during our last cad lab session and as usual drawing time (you and richelle are my support system). I can say that we got close during anatomy cad lab with the amazing group 7. The shanna na nakilala ko is first sobrang responsible, someone you can talk to and sobrang bait at alam mo na naandyan Lang if you need help. Plus Hindi Lang matalino but also talented (singer na dancer pa). **Another picture na maayos naman kasi sa tagal tagal natin na groupmate ito Lang pictures natin na maayos (I swear) happy happy birthday shanna!! Wish you all the best sa career, health and syempre sa love life. Love and miss you girl! :*”

Jean Christ Brucal

“What makes shanna rosero, shanna rosero? Ung eyebags nya??? Pwd dn ung cheeks nya? Hahaha.. anyway, hi shanna! Happy happy birthday sa pinakamatandang myembro ng G6.. haha.. salamat sa friendship and sa advices mo.. ikaw ung pinakanamimiss ko sa G6, layo mo kasi.. good luck and God bless sa med life.. kayang kaya mo yan.. proud nga ako sayo kasi naovercome mo na ung 10pm mo na bedtime.. hahaha.. since kulang ka n ngaun sa tulog, ung pic na hinanap ko is ung tulog ka, para kahit man lang sa picture makapahinga ka.. hahaha.. looking forward to more bonding moments with you and G6.. love you always!"

Andrae Rosero

“ What make shae rosero a shae rosero kasi ang pangit nya dejk ang ganda nya kasi birthday nyaaa at yun lang”

Lance Salazar

“ Shae is shae because she still does her very best to make the people around her happy.”

and last but not the least (na actually last talaga sya nagsend)

Leandro Maralit

“ Happy birthday Shena!!! (hehehehe) Sabi favorite picture of you daw. Ito ang gusto ko para maiba. :)) Maligayang bati sa iyo mula sa #ShannaticsNicasiaChapter HAHA (sobrang meaningfulba ng greeting ko :)) )”

Uy may pahabol! :))

Jem de Robles

“ Hi Shanna!!! Happy birthday, goodluck sa evals! I know you can beat the energy gap and micronutrient deficiency. Hahha joke!! Happy birthday Shanna, I hope maenjoy mo birthday mo kahit evals (which I'm pretty sure naeenjoy mo) May God grant you what your heart desires to your special day. I wish you all the very best. Goodluck Shanna, you are beautiful inside and out. Ace the evals  Love, Jem. PS: May utang pa din akong ice cream sayo. “

Krystine Salazar

“Shae is shae because she is a deep and poetic person. As a proof I'll share one of her many quotes. "You're like a stone buried under my heart." HAHAHAHA ALAM KO YANG POEM NA YAN HAHAHA

... So yan, siguro naman may natutunan na tayong lahat kung sino si Shanna Rosero sa buhay natin diba? :) (Pero may iba pa akong inaantay like Tin and kuya Lance and si Zian huhuhu) Okay okay, alam ko super konti pa nyan compared sa lahat ng taong kilala mo, pero eto lang yung nakayanan kong icontact at eto lang yung mga sumagot in the span of 2 days, I’m sorry :( (And yes, 2 days in the making sya so buong yesterday pati today ko yan pinagplanuhan :p) :))

Okay I guess it’s time for my message and my answer as to who I think Shanna Bernadette Hollon Rosero is :) Unang una, I want to say I’m really sorry.I deliberately became the worst boyfriend in the world para sa surprise na ‘to. I admit ilang beses ako nadepress sa mga sinabi mo and sobrang hirap na ibrush off lang yung mga sinabi mo, pero I endured everything!! I know sobrang roller coaster ng emotions yung napagdaanan mo todaya nd yesterday and I didn’t mean that. Gusto ko lang na akalain mong wala akong hinanda para sa’yo then poof! Eto meron pala :)) Sorry din late na kasi I waited until the last possible minute para makapagsend lahat ng mga makakapagsend para at least marami diba kasi as of writing, 19 pa lang yung nandito huhuhu so I’m really really sorry na walang kahit anong regalo or something kasi promise wala talaga akong pera huhu :( Pero anyway, who is Shanna Rosero for me?

Shanna Rosero is different. She is fluid in that there exists no words to define her because she is an ever-changing ball of pure happiness.One day she absolutely hates siomai and the next she absolutely loves tham!! Same with sisig!! Grabe yung kidney mo talaga :))) She is flexible and can adapt to any situation she is given. As much as she is flexible, she is also fragile in that she cannot keep her emotions in check (pero that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and ako lang naman nakakaalam neto so okay lang ;) ) She is goal-driven as much as she wants to go out and have fun. (Okay sa ngayon 37 na yung nagsesend ng message pero hindi ko na maiintay yung iba kasi nasa simbahan ka na ngayon and perfect time ito para isend yung link sa Facebook chat mo HEHEHEHE) There are so many words that can give the name and the personality Shanna Rosero and I couldn’t possibly list every last one of them. So she may not be a perfect human being, I can honestly tell you that she is one of the most amazing out there. And honestly, hindi ko na alam yung sasabihin ko after that :)) All I know is marami talaga akong natutunan sa’yo the 2 year na kilala kita and I thank God na meron syang pinakilala na katulad mo sa akin. Kasi aaminin ko naman sa kahit na kanino, hindi magiging same ang buhay ko nang wala ka. I mean kapag ngayon nawala ka, sobrang laking butas yung mawawala sa buhay ko na hindi ko alam paano sya ipapatch up. Anyway, let me tell you that you have been such a blessing to my and everyone’s life, na halata naman sa mga messages na nareceive mo diba? Sobrang bait (to a fault), sobrang sipag, sobrang talino, sobrang ganda at sexy, ABA lahat na nasa’yo! Literal ginawa para sa’yo yung kanta ni Danyel Padilya kahit na kulang pa yung mga description nya dun para sa’yo. Alam ko marami akong gustong baguhin mo pero maliliit na bagay lang naman yun, basta continue to be the best, bubbly, kind, understanding, talented, sweet, thoughtful and everything else Shanna that we all know and love!! Sino si Shanna Rosero para sa akin? Sabi mo nga, unang una sya ang aking GIRLFRIEND!! Hahahahaha!! Sya yung aking bestfriend, sya yung aking nurse, sya yung aking tutor, sya yung taga comfort ko whenever I’m down, sya yung nakakasundo ko sa mga jokes, sya yung laging concerned sa akin pag di ako nakakakain ng maayos, sya yung mahal na mahal si James Reid at si Teamin, sya yung lagi akong tinutulungan sa mga problema ko, sya yung full support sa akin sa lahat ng mga gusto kong gawin, sya yung binibigyan ko ng jacket kasi malamigin sya, sya yung kasama ko kapag nagugutom na ako at gusto ko na kumain, sya yung pwedeng asarin ng iba over and over at alam mong hindi sya maiinis, rather, idedefend pa nya sila, sya yung super bait na friend ng everyone, sya yung ipagtatanggol ako sa lahat ng mga mang aapi sa akin, sya yung alam kong kahit madalas magalit at magtampo sa akin ay hinding hindi ako iiwan kahit anong mangyari. Lahat ng yan at SOOOOOOOBRANG DAMI PANG IBA Pero pinaka sa lahat? Sino si Shanna Rosero? Sya lang naman yung pinakamamahal ko sa buong mundo na gagawin ko lahat para lang mapangiti at mapasaya sya. :) (Next time na yung ibang facts about Shanna Rosero ;) sobrang dami pa eh ;) HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SWET CUTIE BUNBUN/JANA/SHAE/TOKWA NG BUHAY KO!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! Alam ko marami pa akong pwedeng ilagay dito pero kung itutuloy ko lahat ng yun at iisipin ko baka wala na akong mailagay at masabi sa Anniversary natin :)) Soooo eto na lang muna :) You are the best thing that’s ever been mine :)

(And sorry talaga sa mga nagawa ko huhu sana maabswelto ako nito huhuhu ang hirap itake nung mga words mo sakin kanina pero sinabi ko sa sarili ko na kelangan ko iendure yun HAHAHA BTW, kasabwat ko nga pala si Jos at Nikki sooooo hehehehehe :p I love you so much!!)

[echelonlab-blog]

Pushed to the Edge -- Part Two

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: Smut. So much Smut in this story

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli @llfd1977  @sanellv  @ambolton  @bradlea23  @spillinginkwithlove  @alexis7215  @dezmarz  @pezziecoyote  @whoistheprettiest  @avaj99  @iridescxntsolitude @pheenixpeterson @guccilowell @blondiefrommars @rowen1976  @phoebehalliwell1984  @thathipstaninja  @darthjokerisyourfather  @letsbemybatman @prettymisc @lylabell2013 @mandyglamor-blog @pandaliciouz @just-me-obsessing  @echelon-1969  @carolinapb-iam

    I hated when he called me princess in that condescending tone and he fucking knew it! “And I suppose you weren’t parading around in a towel, purposely taunting me either, right?” I shot back, unblinking.

  He snickered, leaning forward and placing a kiss on the tip of my nose. “You’re such a drama queen sometimes.” Smooth, soft fingertips caressed along the hem of my dress, over the top of my legs. His thumbs dug into my inner thighs as the tips of his fingers pressed into the other sides. He increased the pressure, squeezing tightly and creating what would undoubtedly be ten perfect little bruises as he spoke. “Need I remind you that we are in a very public bathroom at a very public event.”  

    I knew I was being bratty on purpose, but hey, he followed me! “I didn’t drag you in here ya know?”

    He turned to glance over his shoulder at the sound of knocking. Jared quickly helped me down, taking me by the arm and pinning me to the wall. “You wanna wake the beast, that’s fine, but remember one thing princess, you’re the one who’s gonna have to satisfy him later tonight.”

    He grabbed my hand and opened the door, pulling me with him past an elderly lady, who huffed at us both. The look of disgust on her face was crystal clear, but I couldn't care less what she or anyone else thought. I was too busy focusing on the endless torture he was going to put me through.

    I could see the inner turmoil inside of him as he halted for a moment, undoubtedly trying to decide his next move. His grip on my hand was firm and I could hear a low snarl coming from his lips.

    Oh boy, did I awake the beast... I knew tonight was gonna be long. Jared surprised me by dragging me past the event, picking a side door and making sure no one was in the alley, before pulling me along with him.

    What the hell was he playing at? He propped the door open with a nearby box, before pinning me to the wall, forcing my legs open and placing one of his between mine while his hand gripped my neck lightly, my breath hitching in my throat.

    I knew this was only gonna make it worse but I needed some form of contact... I couldn't help rubbing myself on his leg, a small moan escaping my lips as his eyes darkened. My hand descended down his chest, all the way to the hem of his pants where I could feel his big bulge almost twitching.

    Fuck, I wanted to wrap my lips around it so bad...

    His eyes locked with mine as I allowed my hand to advance. I had no idea what we were doing here anymore or where this game was headed. I didn't know if he would deny me contact or stop me if I sank to my knees for him. Somehow the uncertainty only added to thrill for me. My heartbeat was loud in my ears, my breath heavy through my parted lips as I searched his expression for some clue but his face was unreadable, his eyes dark with his own desires.

    His expression didn't change when I cupped my palm around the hardness that strained at the fabric of his elegant slacks, but he released his grip on my throat. I took that as permission to continue and my tongue passed over my lips, wetting them in anticipation. I slid down the wall, crouching carefully at his feet. The cool night air reminding me of the panties that currently resided in Jared's pocket.

    I continued to keep my eyes on his as I unzipped his pants. I could detect just the smallest hint of a smirk as I reached into his briefs, wrapping my hand around his now fully hard cock. The contact elicited a growl from Jared, and he leaned forward, placing both hands on the wall, gazing down on me while he shielded me somewhat with his body. I remembered again the carefully propped open door just yards away, and the party that raged just beyond it. We were definitely walking on the wild and dangerous side now.

    With a groan of my own, I turned my gaze to the sizable shaft now filling my hands. He had begun to leak and I quickly darted my tongue out, swirling it around his tip and capturing the tangy fluid. He twitched in response and I smiled, realizing how deeply aroused he was, how much he wanted me, and that maybe he didn't hold all the cards. I gave him a few long, slow strokes but nothing more, returning my gaze back to his.

    “Princess....” he cautioned, one hand leaving the wall and headed down as if to grab my hair.

    I expected a firm tug to the back of my hair, along with some harsh sounding threat, but instead, he threw me off with a gentle, encouraging caress to the back of my neck.

   The moonlight shone down on his beautiful face as he glanced toward the cracked door just a few feet away. God, how long had it been since we did something this thrilling? I couldn’t stand it, the desire he’d awakened in me, I desperately needed a fucking release. My lips travel down, kissing the underside of his massive shaft and found their way to his balls. Taking my time, I sucked the first one into my mouth, swirling my tongue around it, and then moving on to the other. I could hear his deep groan as his head dropped back.

    Fuck, I was so wet that I could actually feel the moisture beginning to drip down my thighs. Enough teasing, I wanted to make him as desperate to fuck me, as I wanted to be fucked. Opening my mouth wider, the tip of his velvety length touched the back of my throat as he pushed into my mouth. I fought the urge to gag and slid my right arm around his thigh. I pressed my fingers into the cleft of his ass, caressing the base of his balls with my fingertips. God, it was at this very moment I was so glad I didn’t go and get my nails done earlier like I had planned! My eyes had begun to water and I could feel the saliva dripping down my chin.

     As I continued to pleasure him, I could see his control beginning to slip and fought with myself about when to stop. Luckily, he did it for me. “Enough!”

     My makeup was already wrecked and there was no doubt I’d be in the bathroom forever trying to do the impossible of fixing it enough to be able to rejoin the party. I glanced upward and watched his expression change. “Stand up!” He demanded.

    I stopped what I was doing and stood, trying to brush my knees off. Jared shoved me face first against the cold wall. “Don’t you dare forget where we are,” he warned, as he shoved my dress up around my waist.

    I could feel Jared's weight on me as he pressed his body into mine, his mouth pressed to my ear as he panted. God, this was so freaking hot and I just wanted him to take me right there and then. But I knew I was in for a long wait. I knew he'd never fuck me in the back of a grungy alley.

    His fingers pressed hard on my inner thigh and I opened my legs wider as he slowly brought them up, his other hand still holding my dress up. I tried to find my balance, biting my lip to keep the moans in as I felt the tips of his fingers caress my sex.

    "God, baby, you're dripping..." I could taste the blood on my lip as he pushed two fingers into me, pumping them in and out as I whimpered.

    "Please... Jared... Ahhh..." I tried to be as quiet as I could but just the way he was fingering me was enough to drive me insane. I whined in protest when he withdrew his fingers, holding them up in front of me as they glistened in the moonlight.

    "See how wet you are... Suck them clean!" I opened my mouth, sucking hungrily on his fingers, swirling my tongue around them and sucking hard. I heard him groan and I swear I could feel his cock twitch. "That's enough! God, you drive insane..." I felt him rub his tip against my entrance, a small moan escaping my lips as he spoke. "I bet you'd love it if I fucked you right here, wouldn't you, princess?" I tried to push back against him. I needed something... I needed him.

    "Jared, please!" I felt his tip push into me as he ground his hips slowly, groaning loudly. "Oh fuck..."

    I wanted to shout and hit him when he pulled out, stepping back. I whirled around, the look on his face animalistic. His hand shot out to my neck as he kissed me passionately before pulling out his phone from his pocket. "I'm asking the valet to bring the car around. We're gonna go home and then I'm gonna fuck you until you're so sore you can't walk."

    My hand shot out and I closed it over the phone.  Our eyes locked together, entire conversations passing in the silence between them as we panted in the darkness. I didn't want him at home, in our same old tired bedroom. I wanted him here, in this dank alley, this completely inappropriate location where we could be discovered any minute. I needed the ache in me filled now. 

   “Please,” I whispered as my eyes wandered to his velvety soft lips that were almost trembling with the effort he was putting into maintaining control. I continued to lower my eyes, watching the rise and fall of his perfect chest as I began to slowly pull the phone away from him. I felt his grip on it relax and it pulled it loose as I turned around until I was once again facing the rough brick wall.

   Jared didn't say a word as I raised my quivering arms until I could flatten my palms near my head. His phone was still in my grasp, trapped between my hand and the wall but where he could easily snatch it back if he chose. I closed my eyes and waited to see what his decision would be.

   I felt his fingertips grazing the outside of my thighs, rising higher until again he raised the skirt of my dress up, gathering it carefully over my ass. I felt his body press against me, his warm breath tantalizingly close to my exposed neck. My own breath caught in my chest and I rocked my hips back, anxious for what I was certain was coming. “Please,” I repeated.

   Suddenly the warmth of Jared was gone, but before I could turn around to see what had happened I felt the sharp smack of his hand against my ass. I cried out in surprise and his hand immediately covered my mouth.

    Twining his fingers into my hair, he gave a little tug, kicking my feet further apart. Jared pressed himself against my back and whispered directly against my ear. “Alright, since you’re so insistent we do this here, we do it my way. I want silence, not that I don’t thoroughly enjoy hearing you scream my name, but we are in public, so I better not hear a sound.” I couldn’t help but smirk as I distinctly heard his zipper being lowered.

     I usually allowed myself to indulge in the occasional fantasy, but holy hell, my brain felt like it was melting trying to picture how we looked in the darkness. Dress bunched at my waist, panties around my feet and Jared sliding into me as I clutched the filthy brick wall.

     He moved against me, panting into the cool night breeze. I glanced around, straining to remember every single detail, to shove into my memory bank for when Jared was out of town. My breathing quickly became ragged when his hands slid along my shoulders, under the straps of my dress.

     A groan slipped out when he tugged the delicate material down enough to expose my nipples. Bracing myself against the bricks, I was high off of adrenaline at the very thought of someone just stepping outside for a smoke and catching us.

    It all felt so surreal like I was in a sort of dazed dream. Jared's hands descended down to cup my breasts, his fingers pinching my nipples as I bit my lip in order to try and stay quiet. He thrust harder into me, his heavy breathing in my ear as my head spun. I knew I wouldn't last long and I could tell that he was enjoying this as much as I was.

    "Is this what you wanted? To be fucked in a dirty alley, huh?"

    "Yes..." I mumbled, my hands trying to grip for the bricks on the wall. He gave a particularly hard thrust, his angle shifting slightly as I yelped. "Oh fuck..."

    "Shhhh, remember to be quiet or this ends right here..." Jared whispered, groaning. "Fuck, you feel so good, baby."

    I moaned, feeling his fingers wrap around my throat lightly, the pressure making me heady already as I anticipated what was coming. I could feel it coiling in the pit of my stomach... Almost there, so close...

    “Maybe I shouldn't let you cum at all,” Jared purred menacingly in my ear. “After all this teasing perhaps you'd learn your lesson better if I took you home all frustrated. I bet you'd be ready to do just about anything to cum by the time I was finished with you. Don't you think so, princess?”

   I thrust my hand behind me, pushing against Jared's stomach and propelling him off me. I whirled around and grabbed the waistband of his pants, pulling him back against me until our hips were together again and our mouths were inches apart. “I've told you before. I am not your fucking princess. I am your queen. Now fuck me like you mean it until I cum like I deserve.”

   Jared growled and grabbed at my thighs, lifting them up and hooking my legs over his arms in one swift move that left me suspended with my back against the rough masonry behind me. Startled I grabbed on him as tightly as I could manage, trying not to think about what this was doing to his back as he entered me again in one swift move. 

   “I think you'd better not ask for what you deserve or that ass of yours is going to be spanked raw,” he hissed as he pounded into me.

   I quickly regained the momentum I had lost in separating from him and soon I was at the edge again, blood boiling and a tremble beginning in my legs. I prayed to whatever deity would listen that no one came through that door. There would be no mistaking exactly what was going on between us now.

    I steadied myself against the cold bricks with one hand as I wound my fingers into his jacket with the other, and after a few seconds, he took two steps back, releasing my shaky legs. Jared groaned, punishingly gripping my hips as if desperate to keep us fused together while fiercely pounding into me.

   I knew this needed to happen quickly because we were out in the open, but the spoiled brat in me wanted so badly to savor each and every magnificent thrust given by my lover. It’s not that I’m stupid, I knew that after so much teasing, when it ultimately did happen, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from cumming. The anticipation is blissful torment and Jared knew it. I loved these twisted little games just as much as he did.  

    “Oh, God!” The words slipped out a little louder than I anticipated. My legs quivered hard and I was sure they’d give out completely when the first waves of euphoria began to violently surge through me. “Fuck, Oh fuck!” I whimpered, bracing myself against the wall.

  I felt dizzy but knew he wasn’t finished when those thin fingers wrapped around my throat. His scent filled my nose when he buried his face into my neck, groaning wildly. He was almost there, I could feel it.

    Pulling back, Jared pushed his lips into mine just in time to muffle my screaming orgasm. My legs shook and my mind spun as the pleasure coursed through me. The hand on my throat squeezing lightly heightened everything. Jared didn't stop thrusting, helping me ride out my orgasm.

    Pressing his forehead against mine, his hands back on my hips were the only thing keeping me up. Both our breathing was heavy and I could feel him pulse inside me. His control as he stood still baffled me and I wanted to take it away from him.

    Smiling sweetly, I let him slide out of me before crouching in front of him, licking my lips. I heard his groan as he braced his hand against the wall, the other weaving in my hair. Wasting no time, I took him into my mouth, taking a little bit more each time I went down.

His chest was rising and falling rapidly and I knew he was close. Reaching forward, I rolled his balls in my hand as I felt him start to cum. I swallowed all he had to offer, smiling proudly up at him when I was done. Pulling me up, his mouth met mine in a searing kiss. "Fuck, I love you."

    "I love you too, J."

    He took off his jacket, slipping it around my shoulders and looking around for his phone. I must have dropped it in the midst of everything. Thank god he had one of those old ones that withstood almost everything. His eyes were glowing and his smile was infectious as he picked it up, dialing for the valet to bring the car around discreetly.

    Turning to me, he brought a handkerchief to my face, trying to clean up most of the smeared makeup, stealing a few kisses in between. He buttoned up the jacket for me, helping me into the car and handing the valet a 100 dollar bill for his trouble, before getting into the car.

    I could feel my tired muscles complaining and sleep starting to pull me under. I felt Jared's hand on my cheek. "Get some sleep, baby. I'll wake you once we're home." I nodded, trying to get as comfortable as I could. "And thank you for tonight, baby. It was perfect."

    I chuckled to myself, allowing sleep to pull me under as we drove off into the night. Tonight had definitely been perfect.

The End~

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 53

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: SMUT

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre​

Nadia and I stumbled into the house, giggling at a joke Mark had cracked. It was good to see him act like this. To just let go and relax. I hadn't seen him dance in years, so tonight definitely was a good night.

"What are you devil ladies laughing about over there?" I heard Shannon ask as he stepped into the house.

"Nothing." I smiled, walking up to him and lowering my voice just so he could hear. "How about I show Mark and Nadia to their room and then we can have some fun of our own?"

"Do you think that's wise?"

"What?" I frowned up at him.

"Putting them two together in a room? I mean, what if-?" The sound of kissing interrupted Shannon, making me laugh. "Nevermind. Meet ya upstairs, babe." There it was again. That attempt at a wink that always made my stomach flutter.

"Okay, lovebirds, you can mack on each other in the bedroom. C'mon..." I tugged on Nadia's arm, shooting Mark a smile at his blush. Nadia was quick to follow me. "Yo, Mark. You coming? Or are you sleeping out here in the cold?"

He shook his head, laughing and following us up the stairs into the secondary guest bedroom. I pulled Nadia into a hug, smiling and whispering in her ear "Be sure to wear protection!", which earned me a slap on the arm.

Mark had retreated into the room, Nadia's expression softening as she looked at me. "Thank you, for trying to set us up together."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I winked. "Now, go get him, tiger."

She giggled as I slapped her butt, running into the bedroom and closing the door. I shook my head, smiling and heading towards the bedroom.

The sight that greeted me was definitely a pleasant one. Shannon laid on the center of the bed, clad in nothing but a smirk, his cock standing proudly, making me purr.

I locked our door just in case, shedding my clothing as fast as I could and crawling up on the bed. Just his scent invading my senses was enough to make my head spin. Somehow, it was enough to clear my head of my inebriation.

Our lips locked on each other, our hands roaming astray as we tried to remain quiet. Pulling back, I smirked up at Shannon, pushing at his chest. He got the hint, laying back down on the bed as I threw my leg over his head, positioning myself over his mouth.

He immediately gripped my hips, tugging me closer as he wasted no time in lapping at me, making me bite my lip so hard it almost bled. "Fucking hell, Shannon. Give a girl some time."

He slapped my ass, making me groan, his voice coming out muffled. "No can do. You taste too fucking good."

Shivering at his ministrations, I wrapped my hand around his cock, swirling my tongue around the head. I could feel him buck his hips impatiently. Allowing him some small mercy, I took him into my mouth, moaning around him and feeling his moans intensify everything.

We drove each other almost to the breaking point before I turned around and sank on his cock. I couldn't keep the moans in as his hands went to my waist, helping me move on top of him.

The minute his honey eyes locked on mine, everything slowed down, his hands slowly caressing my body. "You're so fucking beautiful..." Shannon whispered, my heart doing somersaults in my chest as I bent down to kiss him.

The angle was just right, the pressure just enough to keep me on the edge. It didn't take long until we let go, shaking and moaning against each other. His arms wrapped around me, keeping me pressed to him were enough to make me drift off into dreamland... I always felt so safe with them around me...

When I woke up the next morning, I was alone in bed. The smell of breakfast was coming from downstairs, making my stomach rumble. I took a quick shower, getting dressed before heading downstairs.

"Blue, good morning. How did you sleep?" Mark asked, moving over to me and shocking me by wrapping his arms around me.

"Good. You?"

"The best I've gotten in a while." He said, winking. He motioned me over to the table. "Guys, I have some news to share!" Everyone seemed to be leaning in, antecipating what he was gonna say. "I got a very happy call this morning."

"Don't do that, idiot. Just tell us!" Nadia snapped, whacking him in the back of the head.

"All right, all right, bossy lady." He laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "I got a call from the forensics team. They have Stephanie in custody and they have enough proof to charge her with malicious destruction of property and vandalism. She's going to jail for a very long time."

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 51

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: None

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre​

   Reckless Ink was closed on Mondays. Exceptions were sometimes made for prescheduled appointments and special events, but it was generally the one day of the week you could be sure everyone had off. Of course it was the one that Nadia chose when concocting her brilliant plan.

   Nine a.m. found the entire crew of us – Shannon, Jayce, and me, and Nadia, Curtis, Rick, and Thor...  even Jen and Avery who only worked part-time, assembled at Mark's door with coffee, donuts and cleaning implements in hand. Mark answered our knock still in his pajamas, rubbing sleepily at his eyes, and I felt a strong tug of nostalgia-fueled affection at the sight of him. We had shared a lot together, and maybe this Stephanie episode wasn't his proudest moment, but I would always love Mark. He was, underneath everything, one of the most decent people I had ever known and it was his good example that was part of the reason Jayce was the wonderful kid he was. Mark had learned a hard lesson in an ugly way. I was glad to be part of helping him pick up the pieces.

   “What is all this?” Mark asked he scratched his beard and looked at the group of us assembled on his porch.

   “Your friends,” Nadia explained. “We're here to help you get back on your feet. That's what friends do.”

   We pushed past him and started setting things up, and I got my first real look at the damage Stephanie had caused, well the physical damage anyway. I could see Mark had done some picking up but that did nothing to disguise the spray paint on the walls or the missing equipment or smashed cabinets. I wondered if she had trashed the backyard too. This beach house had been Mark's dream, he had talked about getting a place since Jayce was small, one with lots of wood and windows, a bedroom with a view of the ocean, and a big patio he could barbeque on while having some beers and listening to the surf. We had come to view the house together three years ago, and while I was standing in that bedroom, the one with the beautiful view of the ocean, the one that was Mark's dream, I had realized that I didn't share that dream with him anymore. We had filed for divorce a month later and the next day he went back and made an offer on this place. This was the house where I realized our marriage was over. It had always made me a little sad every time I stepped inside it. Now I just felt angry and cheated on Mark's behalf. This was his dream, and nothing about it seemed to go right. It didn't seem fair.

   “You guys don't have to do this,” he protested as Nadia started directing people, pressing a cup of coffee into Mark's hand before fishing out the breakfast she had brought for him.

   “Of course we don't boss,” Thor said. “And you didn't have to let me take those three weeks off with pay when my daughter was born and in the NICU with that infection.”

   “And you didn't have to let me use your car to go take my finals after mine dropped its transmission,” Jen added.

   “And you didn't have to bail my ass out of jail after that DUI and then sit me down and make me understand how much the drinking was fucking up my life,” Curtis pointed out. I gave him a hug. That was a particularly ugly point in Curtis's life that he had put well behind him and he didn't like to bring it up.

   “And you didn't have to keep forgiving me every time I fucked up either, but somehow you always did. Still do. And I think you should know how grateful for that I am.” Nadia gave him a big hug and I think if Mark was the blushing type he would have. “You've done so much for everyone else. Let us do this thing for you now.”

   Mark nodded and quickly excused himself, stepping out of the big French doors in his living room to go stand on his patio and presumably regain his composure. I gave him a minute before stepping out to join him.

   “You okay there, Bossman?” I asked him, using a nickname I hadn't invoked since we had been married.

   Mark nodded but I could see he was still choked up. “I don't deserve this. Not after the way I behaved. Not after the way I abandoned Jayce.”

   “Hey....” I placed my palm against his back, rubbing in circles. “We all fuck up eventually. Yours was a long time coming so I guess it got to be super epic. Jayce may still be mad but he will forgive you eventually. It's going to be okay. We've got you.”

   “Thanks. I don't deserve your forgiveness either but … “ he shook his head. “Thanks anyway.”

      We spent the morning just sorting and cleaning out broken things, making a list of what was damaged or had just disappeared altogether. After stopping for sandwiches we got back to work, the gang dividing into teams to tackle different repainting projects. I watched Shannon setting up power tools in the backyard as he prepared to cut wood to repair the built-ins in the dining room that had been smashed to splinters by Stephanie's exit. Damn, that man could look hot doing anything. I watched him for a few minutes, a satisfied smile on my face. When I looked up I saw Mark, who had also paused from pulling some broken baseboards up to watch Nadia painting one dining room wall. She looked adorable in overalls, with a bandanna covering her braids and a smudge of paint on her cheek, and the sort of dazed look Mark was giving her was probably the same one I had just been wearing as I watched Shannon bending over that sawhorse. I couldn't help but chuckle. He was moving right along.

   By the time we were ready for dinner, the bulk of the work had been done and I was pretty proud of our little crew. Nadia grabbed her phone to order something to eat.

   “At least let me buy everyone dinner,” Mark told her, trying to reach for her phone.

   “Nuh-uh,” Nadia said, quickly turning away from him. “This is part of the surprise.” She had an extra large grin on her face as she told whoever was on the other end of the call that it was dinner time. I wondered what that was about, she hadn't shared anything with me beyond our cleanup plans.

   A few minutes later Jeff, the guy that lived next door to Nadia and usually babysat her dogs showed up, getting out of his work truck with a big box in his arms and Banjo and Buckley, Nadia's two beloved Keeshonds bounding after him. The giant dark nosed balls of fluff spotted their mama and came dashing across the yard, nearly knocking her over in their enthusiasm. She giggled as she sank down to pet them, and it was almost like seeing a completely different Nadia, an unguarded version of her that was simply in the moment rather than calculating how to survive the next blow that life was going to deal her. I had gotten to know her quite a bit better recently and I was realizing how desperately she needed just one person to stay in her life. It was no small wonder she had thrown herself into repairing these relationships after screwing up so badly, when a lot of people would have run away in shame. We were all she had.

   Jeff sat the box down on the dining room table and the smell of grilled meat products immediately filled the space, overwhelming the odor of new paint and freshly cut wood. He exchanged a few words with Thor and then he and Curtis headed back out to the truck, unlocking the back and disappearing inside. A few moments later they reemerged from its interior, carrying a gigantic sofa between them. I recognized it at once. It was the one that had previously sat in my mother's living room.

   “What is going on?” Mark asked.

   Nadia beamed. “I've been calling around for the last few days, finding things to replace what got broken or stolen. We took up a collection and we didn't have much, but a lot of people gave us things they weren't using anymore either. We'll have you set up as good as new before you go to bed. On your new bed,” she finished with a giggle. I was really impressed. She had gone all out for Mark. Especially if she somehow talked Barbara out of that steamship of a sofa she had been so fond of.

   Mark stood in stunned silence shaking his head and trying to look stoic as the guys filed past him with item after item, refilling his house and repairing what damage they could. I could tell he was deeply moved by all of this, no matter how neutral he tried to keep his expression. When Nadia started digging through the box to set out dinner his resolve broke and he threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly while she spluttered until she gave in and hugged him back too. The hopeful look on her face filled in any additional blanks. I had to get these two together somehow. They needed each other.

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 52

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: None

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre​

      Shannon stood behind me, his big strong arms trapping me between his muscular body and the railing of the balcony a nightclub I had never been to before. We were out with Mark and Nadia tonight and I couldn’t help but watch them dance together in hopes of catching some kind of connection. So far it had been nothing, but I did note that familiar glint in Mark’s eyes. “You can’t force it Scarlett. If it’s meant to be, then it will happen, if not, no amount of throwing them together will make it happen.” Shannon leaned in, whispering against my ear. The mix of alcohol and his delicious cologne filled my nostrils while his warm breath brushed against the outer shell of my ear and sent a tingle down my spine.”

 “I know.. I know.” I could hear myself starting to slur a little as the rum raced through my bloodstream, warming my skin and already starting to relax me. He was right, lately after all of the pandemonium caused by Stephanie, things had finally started to resemble some state of normalcy. Mark was trying his best to regain some of Jayce’s trust, spending more time with him and even going as far as making Nadia boss for a day while he brought his son camping. Another reason I wanted Nadia to be with Mark was because I knew she truly cared for Jayce and I trusted her. That was reason enough for me.

  “Then stop pushing so hard,” he talked even louder this time. “Maybe he’s just not ready yet.”

  Whirling around, I leaned in closer, kissing his lips before sliding my arms around his neck and giving him a tight squeeze. “He’s ready. Baby, I know what I’m doing.” Shannon just grinned as he pulled me down to the dance floor. I guess he was just trying to use his body to distract me, but I knew what I was saying was right.

  It was nearly two in the morning when we eventually made a pit stop on the way home to an all-night diner. I’ve always heard that the strongest link to sparking a memory is through one of your senses, and that couldn’t be more true as we walked through the front door. The heavenly smell of breakfast and coffee churned up some fun memories for me as we sat down. I was laughing my ass off, telling Shannon about how I and my friends would do something similar to this, get totally wasted and show up to some diner or whatever for coffee and breakfast after a night of hard partying. Oh, the fun we used to have. “To be young and have no responsibilities.”

  “The good old days,” Nadia agreed with a giggle. Everyone was in such a great mood and I was so lost in nostalgia that I hadn’t realized Mark’s arm possessively wrapped around Nadia’s shoulder until Shannon nudged me under the table. “What?” I glanced from him and then across the table, biting my bottom lip and trying to cover the huge grin that was beginning to spread when I realized what he was trying to tell me.

  “You gonna eat or what?” He asked, trying to disguise our silent conversation.

 Neither of them seemed to notice and were snuggled up in their small booth. “I suppose I want pancakes, what about you?” It was hard to look away because I wanted something to happen. It was sort of ironic because after not liking her much at first, I was now actually dying for her and Mark to be together.

  “That sounds good, but I need some coffee.” Shannon rubbed his hand over his tired face. “I’m too old for this shit. My ass should be home in bed.”

Mark sat up a little. “Coffee sounds amazing and I feel ya, on the age thing. I swear to God, it came from out of nowhere, right? Like just yesterday I was able to stay awake for fucking days at a time and drink to the point of alcohol poisoning.” He was motioning with his hands and they were both laughing at what Mark was saying. “Now..” he shook his head, “fuck me, I’m lucky if I can stay awake all night. It’s horrible.”

  “I can do it, but then I crash for hours, missing calls and appointments and shit. It’s not pretty.” The waitress arrived to our table, interrupting the conversation and taking everyone’s order. It made me smile to watch two of the three men I loved so much, chatting like best buddies. The only one missing was Jayce, who was spending the night at Barbara’s. Nadia had her head propped up on her hand, leaning along the table, watching Mark and Shannon talking.

  Mark grinned, tilting all the way back against the cushion. “I gotta admit, at first I really thought you were this arrogant, diseased prick, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

 “Mark!” My eyes went big and I was so embarrassed by what he was saying, but he shushed me.

 “Chill out Scarlett, I said I was wrong. I really like Shannon and he’s great with Jayce. Frankly, you couldn’t have chosen a better guy to be with. I mean, I don’t ever have to worry about you or Jayce being treated poorly because he’s not that type of person.”

“Thanks, man.” Shannon was grinning and attempting to throw me another failed wink.

I rolled my eyes and Nadia giggled out loud. “What was that? Is your eye twitching Shannon.” She and I were having a blast teasing winkie, and eventually the food made it to our table. The conversation flowed easily while we ate and almost an hour later we walked out to the car. Nadia and Mark slid into the back seat and Shannon drove us home. They opted to ride with us tonight, leaning Mark’s car parked at Shannon’s House so they could both drink. The next time Mark would drive, if there was ever a next time.

   Time ticked on by and the effects of a full stomach, alcohol consumption and old age took its toll on all of us. Yawning, I reached over, slipping my fingers around Shannon’s and slouched in my seat, wearily watching the bright lights pass by as we drove home. I was exhausted and was so looking forward to sliding into bed, fucking my man before the sun came up and drifting off in his arms to catch a few hours before Jayce was to be picked up. For the first time in weeks, I felt good about the future and had nothing weighing me down. The squeeze Shan gave my hand had me looking in his direction, narrowing my eyes. Tipping his head toward the back seat, I could see him looking in the rear view mirror grinning like the devil.

  I twisted back and glanced, my eyes nearly bulging out to see Mark and Nadia making out. It was a unique feeling to actually view it. I wanted to happen, but there was the slightest pang of jealousy that shot through me like a bullet, not because I wanted Mark, but because he used to be mine. I took a deep breath and looked back at Shannon feeling the sensation lift and fade out. My lips curled into a smile and he gripped my hand even tighter. God, I love this man.

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 45

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: None

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre

Nadia's POV

   Being summoned to Shannon's place was already pretty awful since I knew I was going to have to confess what I had done. Finding Jared there waiting too just made it so much worse. I couldn't even look at him, not after the way he had so coldly dumped me at the hospital. Blue had tried to warn me about him, but as usual, I wasn't listening, just making one bad decision after another.

   I don't know why she wasn't angrier with me. I hadn't meant to do anything to her, or to Shannon for that matter, but it was because of my bad decision and irresponsible behavior that she was in this mess now. She should have been planning her move in with Shannon, happy now that Jayce was out of the hospital and on the mend, but instead, she was dealing with this nightmare, and all because of me. She was so nice and understanding, even though I didn't deserve it. I vowed right then I was going to make it up to her.

   When I got into the shop tension in the air was thick. There was a crowd outside that didn't seem to be going anywhere, just standing around, probably waiting for Blue or Shannon to show up. Mark had locked himself in his office where he was slamming things around. I didn't want to disturb him so I put my jacket and purse in Blue's studio since she wouldn't be coming in today and then went to man the front desk and wait for my appointments.

   “Boy, Mark sure seems pissed off. You know, for someone who has supposedly moved on and is dating someone new,” Thor pointed out. I sighed and nodded in agreement. I mean, I could certainly understand him giving a shit, they were supposed to be friends and they were raising a child together -- but this was way over the top. Blue wasn't his wife anymore. She was free to take pictures with whoever she wanted to and do whatever she wished with them. Mark obviously didn't see it that way. I had to wonder how good the relationship he had with Stephanie was if he was still this hung up on his ex. She certainly didn't seem to be helping him put the past behind him.

   Thinking of Stephanie brought a sour taste to my mouth. I was certain she was the other half of the reason that we were in this predicament. I was sure I'd had that phone in my pocket right before we got into our little scrap. It was far too convenient that it had disappeared immediately afterward and now these pictures were turning up. Out of everything that had been on that phone, the only thing that had come out was those pictures. Gee, that wasn't suspicious at all. For such a stuck up bitch she sure was stupid.

   I was trying to figure out some way to calm Mark down and maybe smooth things over a bit when the ice queen herself wandered into the shop. The look on her face was so smug I  had to step away and go hide in the back because I knew if I stayed out there I was going to get into another fight with her. I ended up grabbing my cigarettes and heading behind the building for a smoke.

   I had finished my first cigarette and was wondering if I should light another one or if it was safe to go inside when I heard someone talking. It was a female voice and since I knew I was the only woman working today I wondered what was going on. I stepped closer to the building where I could make out the conversation a little better and realized it was Stephanie, talking on her phone.

   “I was so humiliated, Charles! You know how those shop girls talk. I bet they couldn't wait to laugh behind my back the minute I was out of the store. That card had better not get declined again!”

   I had to suppress a little giggle at the thought of Princess Stephanie having to put back her gold-plated ass armor or whatever ridiculous thing she had been trying to charge. She sounded furious. I hoped whoever Charles was he had done it on purpose.

   “It had better not be because you're spending money on that twenty-two-year-old whore you've got put up in that apartment downtown. You didn't think I knew you got her an apartment did you?” There was a long pause and I could just make out someone on the other end of the line shouting. “I am not interested in your excuses. You do not want to test me on this, Charles,” she continued. “Do you know where I am right now? Yes, I'm with him! What do you think he'd do to you if he knew you were treating me this way? You know I'm his Precious Princess right?”

   I could only assume she was referring to Mark at this point and the image of him calling her his "Precious Princess" nearly made me gag. What the fuck was Mark thinking, getting himself tied up with this lying, manipulative psycho bitch? Dammit, he could have had me. I adore him, I had adored him for years. I would have treated him so well, and Jayce too. Not made his life more difficult the way this crazy cunt was. God, life is so fucking unfair.

   “Look, Charles, I am done with your pansy ass. I have a real man now, a dangerous one, and if you don't start respecting me and providing for me in the manner I am accustomed to, so help me God I'll let him send his goons after you and laugh when you end up in the bay.”

   What the fuck!? She couldn't possibly be talking about Mark, could she? Everyone knew that Mark was just a big teddy bear. He had a bit of a growl but he was one of the sweetest men I knew. If she was talking to her ex, like I suspected, and using Mark to intimidate him – well, suddenly things made a lot more sense. I patted my pocket to grab my phone and record her for proof only to realize I hadn't yet replaced it. Dammit!

   “Yeah, that's what I thought. Although, maybe Mark and I will swing by later, just to make sure you understand your position.” Her voice was so smug, so full of contempt. Charles had to be her ex, and I felt sorry for the man who'd had to endure her for God only knows how many years at this point. “You'd better get  your shit together Charles or there will be hell to pay.”

   Stephanie ended the call and went back inside. I knew I had no proof of her scheming and lies at this point, nothing but my word and my word probably wasn't worth much these days. Pretty much like my karma. But here was an opportunity to set things right, to maybe even the score just a little bit. I couldn't undo the damage I had inflicted or remove the embarrassment I had caused Blue, but I was going to do my damndest to take Stephanie down, even if I went down with her. I stubbed out my cigarette and went inside, relieved to find Mark's office empty. I sat down and opened up a browser window on his computer.

   “Charles Montgomery," I said to the screen, "I don't know who you are, but I think you and I are about to have a very interesting conversation.”-

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound by Ink -- Chapter 39

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: Viiolence

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre

As I stood there watching Mark and Stephanie talking I found myself frozen in place. She certainly didn't look like someone who had spent the night worrying about the kid she had nearly killed with her selfish antics. She was already dressed to the nines, bleached blonde hair carefully styled, false eyelashes and red lipstick in place, head to toe in white like she was trying to suggest innocence. What I wanted to do was walk up to her and punch her in her stupid perfect nose. The problem was I also wanted to be in Jayce's room when he woke up again, and that was going to be hard to do if I had to call Shannon to bail me out of jail. And I was pretty sure that Stephanie was just petty enough to press charges.

Some of the gang from the shop had come in – which made sense, as much time as Jayce spent at Reckless Ink he was in some ways our communal child – and Callie was there too. She spotted me frozen in the hallway and rushed over to me, throwing her arms around me.  

“Blue, I'm so sorry you're all having to go through this. I'm glad Jayce did so good with surgery though.”

I hugged her back but my eyes stayed locked on Stephanie. “Thanks, Callie. Thanks for coming down,” I replied woodenly.

Callie turned and looked over her shoulder at Stephanie. “So is that the wildebeest Mark has been seeing? I guess it was nice of her to come by and check on things, right?”

“What? Didn't anyone tell you?” I asked in disbelief, finally waking up enough to walk into the waiting room where everyone else was. “Stephanie here nearly killed my son,” I said loudly as I planted myself in front of her.

“Dammit, Blue, not this again,” Mark said. “It was an accident.”

“What was an accident?” Nadia asked with a sniffle. Her face was red and puffy and her eyes were bloodshot. Jared seemed to have made a hasty exit at some point and I wondered if her tears were related to that rather than Jayce's now rapidly improving condition.

“Stephanie locked Jayce in his bedroom then the two of them went out into the backyard for beers and god knows what else,” I explained. “Jayce had to call Shannon and I to come rescue him because his own father, who was supposed to be watching him, was too busy sucking up to his current piece of ass to know what was going on with his son.”

Stephanie's face became stone. “I said I did not lock him in his room. Not on purpose anyway. You can't seriously believe him. He hates me, he'd say anything...”

“My son does not lie to me, and he certainly wouldn't start over something this important,” I retorted, squaring off. I was determined not to hit her but she didn't know that. “You've done nothing but be rude and dismissive to him since you met him, which makes me wonder why you are dating a guy you had to have known from the beginning had a teenage son, since you seem to hate kids so much.”

“Well perhaps if you would teach him some manners and to respect his elders....”

“Ladies!” Mark said loudly, trying to step in between Stephanie and me. I was done with his apologizing for her.

“Why are you even standing up for her? Why aren't you looking out for your son? What's gotten into you?” I demanded of him.

Mark ignored my question. “Look, I know it's been hard, us starting to date for real is a big adjustment. But you have got to stop imagining insults where none are intended.”

“She isn't imagining shit,” Nadia piped up. “Stephanie is horrible to Jayce. I don't know why you're not seeing it but Blue isn't the problem here.”

Stephanie crossed her arms and huffed. “Well of course you would take her side. Maybe if she would pay attention her son and discipline him properly instead of whoring around with musicians the way the two of you do...”

It happened so fast that it was over before I realized it even started. Nadia's eyes went narrow and her fist flew at Stephanie, catching her in her right eye. Stephanie shrieked and spluttered and then lunged at Nadia, grabbing her vibrant pink hair and yanking it for all she was worth. I had to admit she was scrappier than I anticipated, but Nadia wasn't having any of it, punching Stephanie again before tackling her to the floor. Mark and I both jumped into the fray, me pulling Nadia away and Mark grabbing Stephanie. I looked around quickly to make sure security didn't look as if they were about to swoop in and then steered Nadia out the door, intending to take her out for a smoke and to cool down.

“Are you going to let your employee treat me like that? You're going to fire her aren't you?” Stephanie whined before turning on the waterworks. “Someone call the police. I've been assaulted!”

I let go of Nadia long enough to wheel around and put my face inches from Stephanie's. “You can the police and while they're here I'll be having a little chat with them about unlawful confinement and inflicting medical harm on a minor,” I growled. Then I turned to Mark. “I had better not hear she has been within a hundred yards of Jayce or I swear to Christ, Mark, I will take you to court for custody.”

I didn't give him time to answer, just grabbed Nadia and hurried her out of there.

Once we were outside Nadia lit a cigarette with shaking hands, inhaling deeply and then blowing out a great plume of smoke before speaking. “I'm sorry, Blue. I shouldn't have hit her, I know I probably just made things worse. But she's so awful, and when I heard what she had done to Jayce....”

“Don't worry about it,” I said as I slumped bag against the concrete wall of the parking garage. The adrenaline that had flooded my system in the moment was already starting to wear off and I felt shaky and nauseated. “I would have hit her myself if it didn't mean risking not being here for Jayce.”

“What the fuck does Mark see in her anyway?” Nadia asked. “I mean, I admit, she's very pretty if you like the type. But I didn't think Mark did. Like that type.” She took another drag from her cigarette and I mentally filled in the “I thought Mark liked women like us,” part of that thought myself.

“I don't know, Nadia. It's like I don't even know him anymore. If anyone had told me Mark would let a woman endanger his relationship with his son, I would have said they were crazy. But here we are...”

We stood there quietly contemplating the situation for several minutes before Callile joined us. “She left,” she reported. “She threw a big hissy fit and threatened again to call the cops but Mark said something to her and she took off.” She gestured toward Nadia, getting a nod from her before taking her cigarette and helping herself to a long drag. “This is all really fucked up.”

I nodded. “I don't know how to get through to Mark. He just doesn't see her for what she is. Is he just that desperate to get laid? Is her pussy made of gold or something?”

Callie laughed. “Men are so easily led astray by their dicks,” she observed. “It would be funnier if it weren't so pathetic.”

“I have kid upstairs recovering from surgery that says this isn't funny at all,” I groused.

“Shit, hon, I didn't mean it like that,” Callie quickly apologized. “Besides, you've got a good one now.”

“I always thought Mark was a good one,” I said. “Just not for me. But lately, I just don't know.”

Callie reached over and patted me on the back. “How are things going with Shannon?” she asked by way of changing the subject.

In all the commotion I had nearly forgotten Shannon's little bombshell. “if I tell you guys something, can you promise not to repeat it under pain of death?” I asked.

“Oh my god you're pregnant!” Callie blurted out.

“NO,” I said rolling my eyes. “But Shannon wants me and Jayce to move in with him.”

Callie squealed for joy, throwing her arms around me but I wasn't  prepared for Nadia's reaction – she burst into full on sobs.

“Nadia?” I asked, bewildered. “What's wrong?”

“I'm sorry,” she managed to squeeze out between sucking in great sniffling lungfuls of air. “Don't mind me.”

“No, something is clearly wrong. What's up?”

Nadia sobbed for another minute before replying. “Jared dumped me.”

“Oh I'm sorry,” I told her, and Callie and both gave her big hugs, even though my head was saying “Finally!” From the way she had reacted about mine and Shannon's big news, I wondered if she'd had visions of the four of us together as some sort of besties, hanging out as couples with me on Shannon's arm and her on Jared's. Things never should have gotten that far. I resolved to give Jared a good chewing out the next time I saw him.

“I guess I should have known better,” Nadia said. “I'm so stupid when it comes to men.”

“We've all been there,” Callie told her as she patted her back reassuringly.

Nadia nodded and started digging through her pockets, looking for something to blow her nose or wipe her face with. Her expression changed to one of panic quickly. “Fuck, I can't find my phone. I must have dropped it when that bitch jumped me.”

We quickly hurried back upstairs but no matter how thoroughly we searched that waiting room the phone was nowhere to be found. Nadia confirmed that she had insurance on it, and I reassured her that it would be inconvenient to replace it, sure, but she could probably get it taken care of pretty quickly. She wasn't placated, however, and continued to search frantically, leaving word with security to notify her immediately if anyone turned it in. I finally had to leave her to her search as I knew Jayce would be waking up again soon and I had promised him I would be there.

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 40

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: None

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre

     The next few days were insanely crazy with Jayce recovering from surgery and my refusal to go home, even for a shower for fear of Stephanie returning. I hated that fucking bitch and she would not go near my son again. Ryan and his parents came by to visit and it was nice for Jayce to see a friendly face. I thought for sure that’s why he was smiling, but it wasn’t. It all became clear later that afternoon when Sara popped in for a quick visit. She stayed for about thirty minutes and Jayce was already making plans with her for another date. I didn’t want to embarrass him, but once we were home, we would have a long talk about the fact that he needs to take things slow.

  It was just after evening rounds when I gave Shannon my keys and asked him to go to my apartment to pack me some clothing and a few other items. Oh my God, how strange it felt to put my faith and confidence in someone again. I was willingly entrusting him with not only my heart but Jayce’s as well. If this ended badly, I would likely be broken down and emotionally destroyed, but I wasn’t even worried for myself, I was worried for Jayce. He and Shannon quickly developed this amazing bond and had their own little fist bump and all. I could see the silent communication in their eyes as I vocalized my concerns about Stephanie and Jayce’s failure to tell me how bad he had been feeling before this latest episode. As much as it warmed my heart to witness the bond Jayce had developed with all of Shannon’s family, at the same time, it terrified me.

 Unlike my cranky mother, Connie showed up with some food for me and Jayce and then ended up sticking around for a few hours, entertaining my son with stories. Barbara only stayed for a few hours the day after surgery and felt content enough with calling to check on him daily. She fluctuated, either inserting herself way too much in my personal life, or observing from a safe distance. The only problem was you never knew which Barbara you would incur. Connie was so classy and cool, the polar opposite of my mother. I recognized she could never be the annoying mother in law type.

  Shannon entered the room carrying a backpack, setting it down on the end of Jayce’s bed. “Hey Mom, I didn’t know you’d be here.” He leaned down to kiss her face and then moved closer to me. “Alright baby, I got everything you asked for. Why don’t you go ahead and shower and I’ll hang out with Jayce?”

 “I should be going too, it’s getting late.” Connie stood, covering the veggie lasagna she made. I grinned as she moved toward me, wrapping her arms around me. “You call me if you need anything at all.”

  “I will, thank you so much for the yummy food. I was starving to death.”

 “Of course.” She took a few steps over to the bed to pat Jayce on the arm. “I had a nice time with you Jayce, I just hope next time I see you, it will be outside of a hospital.”

 My son was so well mannered and thanked her for the visit, causing me to smile proudly. Sometimes he could be such a gentleman and other times I wanted to smack him. After she exited, I closed myself in the tiny bathroom to shower, taking with me the backpack. I was so delighted to find out that he had gone shopping because I didn’t have any of the stuff he brought in my bathroom.

  I slipped out of my clothing and took one of the fastest showers in history. I then got dressed and covered my feet with the thick, furry socks he bought for me. God, that man could be so thoughtful. The young nurse was chatting with Jayce about his pain meds when I retreated from the bathroom. We spent a few minutes talking about the fact that Jayce may be discharged the next day, and then she was gone.

   Shannon was stretched out on my makeshift bed. “You look tired baby.”

 “I’m kinda exhausted, it’s been stressful trying to get comfy in here and ugh.. I can’t wait to sleep in a real bed!” I knew I was whining, but I didn’t care.

“Mom you can go home, I’ll be fine,” Jayce muttered from his bed. I probably shouldn’t have complained in front of him and made him feel guilty.

 Shannon looked at Jayce and back at me. “I’ll stay with Jayce tonight if you want to go home or just sleep at my place, which is actually closer by the way.”

  Folding my arms, I frowned. “Not gonna happen, so drop it, both of you.”

 I started moving things around, what I always did when I was stressed out. I know they thought I didn’t see it, but their silent conversation was happening again. “I saw that!” I snarled, making Jayce’s room all neat and tidy.

 “Saw what?” Jayce asked.

 Whirling around, I shifted my weight to one foot and frowned, smirking with one raised eyebrow and nodding at my son. “The two of you.”

 “Hey, I didn’t say a word. We’re innocent.” Shannon added, giving yet another failed wink to Jayce.

  Once I stopped cleaning, I walked over and stood in front of Shannon. “You’re in my bed, sir.”

    “Sir? Mmmmm... I could make so many comments right now, but since there’s a child present, I won’t.” He giggled listening to Jayce’s gagging noises and leaned forward, forcing me onto the small fold out couch. “Lot of room babe. Guess I’ll stay with you guys tonight.”

There really wasn’t, but after turning off the light, I got comfy lying partly on his chest and didn’t want him to leave me. “It’s fine if your arm goes dead and you want to leave, I’ll understand.”

 He kissed my head. “I’m not leaving babe.” We both dozed off. Unfortunately, during the night we were startled by the nurse checking on Jayce periodically. I just knew I’d wake up with a migraine.

Shannon was up before me and went out to get coffee. He returned with Starbucks and then let me know that he wanted to go check on something that he and Jared had been working on.

 As Jayce was eating breakfast, the doctor came in and checked Jayce’s incision. I tried to sit back and listen, allowing Jayce to carry on his own conversation with the Dr. When he was finished, I was told that my son would definitely be discharged.

I knew it would be hours before they got everything ready to go, so I sent Shannon a text. Jayce was so antsy, steadily texting Sara and whining about wanting to get dressed in his own clothing. It’s terrible when you know something is coming, but you have to patiently wait for it. I could so relate, the back of my hair was knotty and I just wanted to go home and shower in my bathroom and sleep in my own bed!

  Shannon even showed up before they reappeared with the discharge papers just before three in the afternoon. I listened carefully to all of the instructions and Shannon grabbed the bags. Jayce was wheeled down to the exit, and we loaded up and left the hospital, finally.

I was expecting to be headed in the direction of my apartment, but instead, we ended up at Shannon’s house. I looked at him confused and he giggled. “Come on, grumpy pants.”

Jayce and I followed him inside, where he directed us to the guest bedroom. When he opened the door, I looked inside and then back at him. “Okay...”

 “This is Jayce’s room, for when he’s here...... unless you take me up on my offer and move in.” My mouth dropped open because I didn’t even agree to this. I looked around, realizing that this is what he had been working on today. He had taken his time to decorate the bedroom so nice and neat.

 Jayce already went inside and sat on the bed. “I love it! Thank you so much! Mom... please!”

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 34

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: Smut

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre

             Shannon’s POV

I was spending more and more time at Scarlett’s apartment as our connection continued to grow. I made dinner and after eating, Jayce plopped onto the bean bag on the floor while Scarlett and I cuddled on the couch. We let Jayce pick the movie and the only sounds in the apartment were coming from the TV for the next two hours.

Once it was over, he disappeared into his room to finish homework and I washed the dishes while she hopped up on the countertop to dry them. “You seem like you’re really enjoying this.” She stacked the plates and glasses next to her.

 “What? Washing dishes?” I joked, crinkling my nose. I knew what she meant, but loved to pick with her.

  “Shut up! You know what I’m talking about. You know, you will make a great father one day. You’re so patient and fair with Jayce and God Shannon, do you even know how rare that is? To find a guy who respects you and treats you like a princess, but is also good to another man’s child?” Her eyes met mine and I smiled.

  And I did love Jayce. He was part of her, and who wouldn’t love him? He was so smart and talented and I loved how protective he was of his mom. It reminded me of how I felt about my mother. “Yeah, well, I can’t take all the credit, he’s polite and well mannered and if he hated me, he didn’t show it. I saw how protective he was of you at first, but he was still respectful, and not all kids in his situation would be.” I grinned, staring down at the glass in my hand. “I never really gave much thought to having children. All of my past relationships have been a disaster and that’s why I’m determined not to make the same mistakes with you.”

“Well, you’re doing a great job and you should have at least one child. The world needs more men like you. I mean, Mark is a good father and a good person, we just weren’t meant to be, but he’s good to Jayce.”

  I turned the water off and pulled the towel from her hands, drying mine and nudging her to move so I could put the dishes into the cabinet myself. “What about you? Do you want more children?”

 She blinked rapidly and began twisting her fingers in the neckline of her white RI T-shirt, like she was deep in thought. Chuckling, she furrowed her brow. “Wow, um, Jayce is fifteen and that’s kind of a big gap there, but.... I’d definitely be open to it if the opportunity presented itself.”

  Tossing the towel on the countertop, I pulled her against my chest. “You never know what can happen. One day, not so long ago, I was single, and then I literally ran smack into the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. She’s had me wrapped around her little finger ever since.” I gave her a wink.

 “Okay, that was so sweet, but you suck at that. Just saying. No more winking, winkie.”

 “I suck?” I asked, raising her T-shirt slightly and started to mercilessly tickle her sides. She tried to block me, but there’s no way, since I could hold both of her wrists in one hand. I leaned in laughing at her giggling wildly and twisting as she slid all the way to the floor. She managed to pull my cap off, but I still brushed my fingers along her soft skin.

  Jayce drummed his fingers on the wall as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. We both froze and she glanced up, a few strands of blue hair falling into her face as her mouth dropped open. Jayce spoke in an authoritative voice. “I would appreciate it if you two could keep it down! I’m trying to do homework in there. Don’t make me come out here again!”

  I pulled Scarlett’s hands, helping her up. “Alright dude, we will be quiet, I promise.”

 “You better!” He narrowed his eyes and nodded with a huge grin. “Hey, I like being the boss.”

 “Yeah? So, that’s why you and Jared get along great.” I teased him. “Goodnight man.”

   He moved closer and bumped my fist before going back to his room. Turning off the light, I followed Scarlett to the bedroom. “You staying?” She asked and I quickly locked the bedroom door, pinning her to the wall behind it. The music from Jayce’s room wasn’t loud, but we could hear it from her bedroom and I knew that he could hear what was happening in her room too.

She stared at me, giving me a pleading look and I brushed my lips against hers. We had been together almost every day and I was loving it, but I wanted her so bad. Scarlett had been putting off the makeup sex for over a week now and I was starting to lose my mind. “Baby, Jayce is in the next room,” she reasoned.

 “I know,” I whispered, making sure my wet lips still touched hers as I spoke. “Shhh.” My lips moved down her jaw and I pressed myself against her even harder. I wanted her to feel what being this close to her did to me. Without a word, I raised her left leg and moved it around my hip.

 I sucked along her neck, trying to find that one spot that made her crazy. I could immediately tell when I found it because she let out a whimper. Biting down, I groaned as I felt her fingernails sink into my skin and she spoke in a hushed tone. “Shannon... don’t.”

I swiped my tongue over the indentation left by my teeth and let go of the leg I had been holding. Trailing my fingers along the waistband of her cute little shorts, I moved swiftly, covering her mouth with one hand and shoving the other directly down into her shorts and panties.

  Her eyes widened and she glared at me, but made no move to stop me. The second my fingers slipped between her folds her eyes closed. I pumped my fingers a few times and released her, guided her to the bed. With a swift spin, I forced her to lean over the bed, kicking her feet apart and raising her shirt. I shoved my pants down, freeing myself from the tight material. “We can’t...” she protested, but I kept going.

Damn, she smelled so fucking good, like coconut or something. I trailed kisses all the way down her back. When I reached her shorts, I got to my knees and gave them a tug, making sure the panties came down too.

  I continued to plant kisses along her spine, granting one to each cheek along with a gentle bite. Her legs quivered and she knew what was coming next. My hands gripped her legs tightly as my tongue found its way to her wetness. I lapped at her tender skin, enjoying the way her legs started to shake uncontrollably. Her muffled moans were music to my ears. She pushed back, grinding herself against my face even harder.

     Releasing my grip on her leg, I reached down to give myself a few strokes, hoping I’d be able to hold back. I sucked her flesh into my mouth, knowing she was about to come apart any second... and she did. Her entire body shook as she collapsed onto the bed and shoved her face into the duvet. The muffled cry that escaped her lips was loud, but I was certain Jayce couldn’t hear it over the music.

  Standing up, I leaned over her back, my hardened flesh poking into her leg. “Come on baby.. I need you.”

 She turned and stood up, glancing down and quickly dropping to her knees. Her warm, sensational mouth engulfed me and making me realize how fast this will be over. “Jesus Scarlett...” it came out in a hoarse tone.

 She released me and slid her tongue along the underside of my shaft. I twisted my fingers in her hair as her mouth moved down to my balls. Licking and sucking like a professional, she had me at the edge much faster than I wanted.

Staring up at me, she moaned, sending vibrations through me. I rocked my hips faster, feeling the heat spread quickly. “Oh God..” I was so wound up and my body started to tense. Unfortunately, I wasn’t young anymore and couldn’t hold back any longer. “Scarlett... I.. “ I groaned, panting like mad and struggling to remain quiet. Her grip on the back of my thigh grew tighter and with a string of curses, I let go. Lapping up every drop, she swiped her tongue over her bottom lip and sucked her finger into her mouth as she stood.

 “I’ll be back, I’m gonna shower.” I watched her pull her clothes back on and grab something to change into before exiting. Climbing into bed, I was out within a matter of minutes. Eventually, I felt her arms wrap around me as she pressed herself against my back. I could so get used to this.

   We all had breakfast together in the morning and Scarlett and I left not long after I dropped Jayce off at school. I had practice with the band and she was working all day. We didn’t see each other for a few days with our crazy schedules, but were constantly texting and had a date planned.

      On Friday, I arrived at Scarlett’s apartment early, specifically to see Jayce before his date. After a talk with Mark, she finally agreed to let him take Sara out to the movies. The deal was, we would drop them off on our way out to dinner, and Stephanie and Mark would pick them up, then drop Sara off at home. Jayce would stay the night at Mark’s and all would be wonderful.

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 48

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: None

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977@sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing@echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre​

   I was sick with dread when I finally got the courage to call the child protection official back. I could handle a lot of things, I wasn't built to quit, but Jayce was my center. Even the vaguest possibility of losing him struck at my core. I didn't know what she had been told or what ghost she was chasing but I  had heard enough horror stories to be wary.

   To my surprise Ms. Anderson was firm but pleasant, explaining that there had been concerns expressed about Jayce's living conditions and that she needed to meet with all of us in our home as soon as possible. Not wanting to escalate things any further I agreed to have her come out that evening and summoned a reluctant Jayce home from Ryan's.

   Shannon greeted her at the door and then escorted her to the living room where she introduced herself to all of us and explained that was following up on an anonymous complaint but that she had become concerned when she went to my apartment and found that it had been vacated. I explained the current situation and she seemed satisfied enough, and then questioned me about Jayce's recent medical issues. I thought briefly about minimizing what had happened with Stephanie in order to protect Mark, but I realized that at this point, Mark wasn't getting the message and perhaps another person in my corner would be helpful. Especially one with a title after her name and the power to actually do something about his poor parenting priorities. I told her the whole sordid tale, of Stephanie's increasingly escalating mistreatment of Jayce and Mark's cluelessness and indifference, and let her know that we suspected she was at the root of some other issues in our lives.

   After listening carefully Wanda advised us she would look into the situation in depth, and then asked me to prepare a list of Jayce's doctors and anyone we thought might have more information for her. She then took Jayce to his room to speak with him privately. Once I had made the list for her Shannon wrapped his arms around me and held me protectively while we waited for her return. I was beginning to become scared of losing him too. I had done nothing but bring drama into his life lately, and he was being so incredibly supportive and patient but I knew it had to be draining for him as well. If the stress levels didn't come down soon, sooner or later one of us was going to snap, and it wasn't going to be just a little tiff like the one we'd had after meeting Sara and her father.

   Jayce and Wanda were both smiling when they returned and I let out a breath before standing up to greet her. “I don't see anything here on your end that concerns me,” she said as she gathered up her paperwork. “It seems to me Jayce is very well cared for and supervised, and that his not being exposed to anything inappropriate” I assumed that last bit was a reference to the pictures that surfaced. Once again I felt my ears burning in humiliation. “I am concerned however about Mrs. Montgomery and her interactions with your son. I am going to advise you at this time that Jayce is not to be left unsupervised with her until I have finished my investigation.”

   “I have no intention of letting her anywhere near him,” I agreed. Wanda seemed satisfied with that and Shannon saw her to the door while I hugged Jayce, grateful for how relatively smoothly it all had gone. Jayce excused himself immediately thereafter to his room and Shannon sat back down with me in the living room.

   “What do you want to do now?” he asked as he pulled me against his chest.

   I turned and gave him a kiss, letting the warmth of him and the press of his full, delicious lips ground me and my racing heart and mind. “I want to take you back to the bedroom and show you how grateful I am for your endless patience,” I purred in a way that conveyed exactly what form that gratitude was going to take. “Then I want to get a good nights sleep. Because tomorrow I'm going to get that bitch.”

   The next morning I dropped Jayce off with my mother, who skipped her customary lecture about the responsibilities of parenthood and simply set Jayce up in the den with his drawing pad. She offered him some salty snacks and then stopped herself, remembering that he had new dietary restrictions now. I offered her one of the many copies of the do's and don'ts list that hospital dietician had given us but she declined and surprised me by showing me several cookbooks she had downloaded from a kidney foundation website.

   “I'm a vegetarian now,” Jayce inserted from the next room. “It's better for my kidneys and blood pressure.” I expected Barbara to go off on a rant about “hippy food fads” but her response threw me.

   “Oh, that's fine. There are some recipes for that in here and I think I saw a few vegetarian kidney diet cookbooks when I downloaded these. We'll look at them together and you can show me what you'll eat so I can keep things stocked up," she said with an actual smile before excusing herself to fetch her laptop. I nearly cried. For my mother, that was a downright storm of affection.

   “When did you decide this?” I asked when she was out of the room. “And this isn't for Sara, right?”

   Jayce shook his head. “I decided last night. I mean it helps that I met Sara, she showed me eating vegetarian can be really yummy and easy, and so did Connie. I probably wouldn't have even thought about it without them. But I did the research on my own, Mom, and it really is better for me and I like the food.”

   “Okay then, vegetarian it is,” I agreed. “Do you want me to tell your father?”

   “No, I'll do it,” Jayce said.

   Once I was satisfied he was good to go and Mom had given me an actual hug on my way out the door that left me smiling if a little unsettled, I had Shannon drive me over to Restless Ink. Charles was supposed to be meeting us there with the paperwork but when we arrived the parking lot was empty and he was nowhere to be seen. I sat and watched the shop anxiously from the car, worried that Mark might come in early with Stephanie in tow and our whole plan would fall apart. I didn't think Charles was strong enough to confront her, even with our backing.

   “Scarlett, you've got this,” Shannon said as he gripped my hand. “We have her dead to rights. And I'm pretty sure Family Services is on our side now too. We're going to take her down.”

   I gave his hand a squeeze back. “It is strange that I'm worried about how all this is going to affect Mark? I am so mad at him right now but all I really want is for him to wake up and dump that bitch and repair his relationship with his son. He made some bad decisions, but we've all made those before. I really just want him to be happy. I'm so happy now, even with the typhoon of bad luck that seems to be surrounding me lately I am crazy, ridiculously happy,” I said, giving Shannon a quick kiss on the cheek. “That's because of you, you know. I just want that for him too. We're still family in a way, we always will be because of Jayce. I want my family happy.”

   “It's not strange at all. It makes perfect sense to me but I am impressed," he said.  "It's pretty selfless of you not to want to take him down too and to see the bigger picture instead.” Shannon returned my kiss, brushing his lips against mine while he cupped my face gently in those big hands I so adored. “How can I help but be hopelessly in love with you?” he added.

   Our little reverie was cut short by a Mercedes pulling into the parking spot next to us. Charles stepped out with a few manila envelopes and a smile on his face. This was it. Game on.

[echelonlab-blog]

Bound By Ink -- Chapter 32

Disclaimer: Fiction.

Warnings: None

Tagging: @hazeleyedleto @msroxyblog @letojokerownsme @miss-shannanigans @snewsome756   @maliciousalishious   @nikkitasevoli@meghan12151977 @sanellv@ambolton@bradlea23@spillinginkwithlove@alexis7215@dezmarz@pezziecoyote@whoistheprettiest@avaj99@iridescxntsolitude@pheenixpeterson@guccilowell@blondiefrommars@rowen1976@phoebehalliwell1984@thathipstaninja@darthjokerisyourfather@letsbemybatman  @prettymisc@lylabell2013@mandyglam@pandaliciouz@just-me-obsessing @echelon-1969@carolinapb-me@marilyndioncre

After Shannon hit my mom with that mic drop, she didn't stay long. I could tell her pride was hurt. It also felt good to watch her go quiet. She didn't make another remark, simply stating she had an appointment and that she had to leave.

I wasn't due to be back at work until the next day, spending a wonderful day with Shannon. Mark offered to pick up Jayce from school, having him sleep over, to which I happily agreed.

Shannon took me to the movies, something I hadn't done in a while. We watched a cheesy horror flick, making out in the back row for the most of it. I felt like a teenager again.

I was in a great mood when I came back to work the next day, catching up with Nadia as she told me about her date with Jared. Mark seemed to be in a better mood too, more customers flowing back into the shop.

My schedule was filled up for the day. Shannon turned up mid-afternoon, hanging around the shop while I worked. I managed to sneak in a kiss from him. I smiled at him when he offered to make a coffee run, even going as far as checking what everyone's order was.

It was almost leaving time when Jayce burst through the shop door, his face glued to the ground as he walked hastily. "Hey, don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you, Jayce!" I heard Stephanie's shrieking voice.

I stepped from behind the counter walking up to her. "Stephanie, what's going on?"

"Your son doesn't have the best manners."

Nadia stopped sweeping the floor, looking over in my direction as I saw Shannon heading off presumably in search of Jayce. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Stephanie sighed, rolling her eyes and brushing herself off. It was like I was a chewing gum stuck to the bottom of her shoe. "I don't have time for you right now."

I could feel the rage boiling up inside of me as I tried to control myself not to hit her stupid face. Who did this bitch think she was? "That's fine with me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go talk to my son seeing that you've upset him."

I turned on my heel. "Tell Mark I'll be waiting in the car!"

"Not your maid, sweetheart!" I said as I headed to Mark's office. He was gonna get an earful from me. I didn't want that woman around my son. I stopped at a studio door, hearing Shannon asking Jayce what happened.

He explained that he had asked Stephanie a couple of times to get something to eat, her response always being the same. 'We'll be at the shop soon!'

I knocked before getting in. "Hey there, kiddo!"

"Hey!" Jayce said. "Mom, you gotta know it wasn't my fault."

I raised my hand up, smiling gently and ruffling his hair. "Don't worry about that, okay? I'm sure the beast from hell was just overreacting."

Shannon and Jayce both giggled at my remark. Shannon got an apple out of his bag, handing it to Jayce, who smiled and thanked him, digging into it. I left them talking and going over Jayce's drawings before heading to Mark's office and knocking.

"Blue, hey!" The smile dropped from his face when he saw my expression. "What happened?"

"Did you know your darling ignored Jayce's request for food today? What the hell, Mark?"

"Blue, I..."

"NO!" I banged my hands on his table, watching him jump. "She doesn't get to be around him if she puts him at risk."

"Blue, I'm sorry. I'll talk to her." Mark said. "But I think you're being a little hard on her. I was apprehensive about Shannon hanging out with Jayce too."

"Fucking hell, Mark. This isn't the same thing and you know it!" I pinched the bridge of my nose, taking a deep breath. "This is about Jayce's health! You know how important it is for him to keep an eating schedule."

"You're right! I'm sorry, Blue!" Mark sighed. "I'll talk to her, okay?"

"Thanks. My appointments are done for today. I'm gonna go take Jayce home, okay?"

"Okay. See you tomorrow."

"See ya."

I gathered my things, poking my head inside the studio. "You guys ready to ditch this place? Dinner's on me!"