#and ready to let those two wreck shop

[thewolfisawake]

Don't Threaten Me with a Good Time || @soulsxng

While she wanted to bemoan like Risteard or Mhoirbheinn of 'why me' of the night...Morgan knew it'd be a lie. While she wasn't necessarily thrilled at having to do a long escort quest, she couldn't deny it was a way to indulge in the Sluagh na Marbh in style. It certainly did wonder for her power replenishment and to check into what had or hadn't survived the year's toll.

So imagine her surprise to learn of whom was leading tonight. Looks like it wouldn't be a dull night after all. She was all ready on her stag when she noticed the pair. An enthusiastic wave was given as she brought her mount before them, "Your Majesties, Happy Sluagh na Marbh! King Jaspern, it appears it has been a while since you've graced us with attendance in it so we're glad His Majesty has deigned to ride with us again. And Your Highness, Prince Jawyr, I hope that I can help make your first Hunt a memorable one. Although, you're likely an old hand at this sort of thing, no? Maybe you'll be showing me how it's done."

She tittered as she adjusted her cloak, "Now, I seem to know you but not the other way and really...it's not important. I'm just here to oversee the Hunt's progression. As such, I'm not much of a combatant so please keep this squishy mage safe and I will keep the progression on track, okay?"

[oneforthemunny]

blue christmas |older!dilf!eddie munson x reader|

prompt: a look at two very different christmases in eddie's life.

apart of munny's merriest masterlist which you can read here!

contains: sad!eddie. parent guilt. divorce. gina. mainly just very lonely christmas angst but some fluff at then end.

Fourteen Years Before

“Hey, have a good one, Munson!” Phil waved a gloved hand, locking the body shop for the night. “Have a Merry Christmas!” Even Christmas Eve held its fair share of wrecks, cars breaking down in the snow, plenty of business even on the holiday. 

“Yeah, you too!” Eddie waved back, hands shoved deep in his utility jacket, heavy and warm for the colder months. His hands fiddled around with the cigarette carton in his coat pocket, pulling out his keys with the cigarette, letting it hang from his lips as he slid into the truck. 

The roads were empty, cleared of any traffic on his way to his apartment. The twinkling lights in the yards, strung merrily and proudly for all to see mocked him, a dull reminder of what wasn’t waiting for him at home. 

Home. He used that term loosely. 

The apartments were cheap for a two bedroom, close to Brielle’s school and Eddie��s work. Gina had got the house in the divorce. Eddie didn’t want it, couldn’t afford it on his own after she’d cleared out what little he had. His thumb rubbed over his ring finger out of habit, meeting the calloused skin there instead of the gold band he wore for eight years. 

Eight years. Eight Christmases spent with Gina, with Brielle. They were far from perfect. He and Gina usually fought from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve, but at least he had a tree. At least it was decorated, and there were presents under the tree. 

At least he wasn’t alone. 

Eddie’s heart ached, a jabbing pain that spread through his chest, leaving his throat stinging with an uncomfortable burn. He knew the divorce was the right thing to do, when your seven year old asks Santa for her parents to stop fighting, it’s time. Still, he didn’t think it would hurt so badly, that it’d be this lonely.

That he’d miss it this badly. 

Maybe he should have toughed it out, should have ignored Gina so he wouldn’t be sitting here, in a pitifully empty apartment, in a deafening silence, nursing a beer on Christmas Eve. 

Eddie had put up a ‘tree’, a lighted spiral cone shape he found at a second hand store, after Brielle commented on his lack of decor. “You don’t like Christmas anymore?” 

She’d made him an ornament in art class, which he couldn’t hang on the spiraled lights of the tree, so he taped it on. She was happy with it regardless, grinning and telling him about how her art teacher let her make two. “Since you and mom are divorced.” Eddie’s stomach turned. There was something so sickening about hearing his little girl say those words in such a cheery tone. Made him feel like a complete sack of shit. 

Eddie looked at the clock on the stove, flashing bright, green numbers back at him. He worked later than expected, it was nearly eight, but knowing Brielle she was far from ready for bed- Santa's coming tonight. Eddie’s chest tightened at the thought- he was missing that. 

He grabbed the phone, punching in the numbers carefully, he knew them by heart. The phone rang, and rang. 

“Hello?” Gina’s huffy voice came over the other line. 

“Hey, Gina.” Eddie said awkwardly. “I, uh, I just got home. I was gonna talk to Brielle if she’s still up.” 

“Yeah, she’s still up.” Gina huffed, and he could practically see her eye roll, snarled lips. “You were supposed to call at seven.” 

“I know, I know. I just- I got busy at work. Had to stay overtime.” Eddie ran a hand down his face, knee bouncing. 

“Great. She’s gonna be even more wild now. She’s already losing her damn mind- Brielle, get out of your stocking or I’m throwing it away!” Gina pulled the phone away, shrilling. Eddie’s lips curled, hearing the cackle in the background, she was his daughter. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-” Eddie started. 

“-Just, whatever. Don’t get her fucking wild, Eddie, I swear to God.” Gina snapped. The phone rustled. “Here.” Gina’s voice was muffled, before the phone settled. 

“Hello?” The little chirp on the other end had Eddie’s heart swelling. 

“Hi, Munchkin.” Eddie grinned softly, voice lilting higher. “Merry Christmas.” 

“It’s Daddy!” Brielle shrilled. “Hi, Daddy. Merry Christmas.” 

“Are you still up?” Eddie sighed softly. “You’re supposed to be asleep. Santa’s coming soon, Brie.” 

“I’ll sleep in a little bit.” Brielle huffed lightly, she sounded like her mother. “When are you comin’ home? I saved you one of the Snowman cookies before Santa eats them, and I have reindeer food to put on the roof. It has glitter in it this time so they can see better.” 

Eddie paused, words choked around the lump in his throat, heart sinking low into the pit of his stomach. 

“Daddy?” Brielle asked, pulling the phone back. “I think it got undone-” 

“-No, no, I’m here, Brielle.” Eddie’s voice was tight, hand pressed into his eyes. “Um, I-I’m not coming home tonight, remember?” A ragged breath shook out of his chest, and he hoped she didn’t hear it. “I’m coming to get you tomorrow afternoon, and we’re going to Grandpa’s.” 

“Oh,” Brielle’s tiny voice was filled with disappointment, it tore Eddie’s heart right out of his chest. “Even on Christmas?” 

“Yeah, baby. Even on Christmas. Remember me and mom told you, you’d get two Christmases. One with each of us.” Eddie tried to keep his voice steady. 

“But not together?” Brielle muttered, a complete turn around from her previous excited tone. 

“No, not together. I’m sorry, Brie.” Eddie pulled the phone away, taking a deep breath in to keep his emotions in. 

“That’s ok.” Her tone told him otherwise. 

“But I’ll see you tomorrow, ok? And you can tell me all about what Santa brought you, and then we’ll go to Grandpa’s and you’ll have even more gifts to open.” Eddie hoped his tone was convincing. 

“Ok.” Brielle muttered sadly. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Daddy.” 

“Yeah, you will, I promise.” Eddie swallowed the lump in his throat, nose burning with tears. “Good night, Brie. Dream of those sugar plums, alright? Love you.” 

“G'night. Love you.” Brielle repeated solemnly. 

The phone rattled for a moment, Eddie clearing his throat lightly. The line settled for a moment and he waited for Gina’s voice. A harsh dial tone came instead. 

Eddie tried to ignore the hurt that pounded in his chest. He felt grimy, gross, and disappointed in himself. He felt alone, most of all. 

Shaky fingers punched the buttons on the phone, knee bouncing as he lit a cigarette, pulling the ashtray closer to him on the kitchen table. “Hello?” Steve Harrington’s accommodating tone came through the line, a loud screech of children’s laughter in the background. 

“Hey, Steve.” Eddie cringed at the shake in his tone, swallowing. “Sorry to bother you, I, uh, I just wanted to-” 

“-Daddy! One present, please?” 

“Yeah! Just one! One!”

“Hang on,” Steve huffed. “No, ok? Mom said no, and you know she’s the boss. You better stop, alright? It’s not too late to get on Santa’s bad list. I’ll call him right now and tell him to skip the Harrington residence-” 

“No!” A chorus of cries in the background made Eddie smile, his chest aching even more with an unfamiliar feeling. 

Tiny stampedes of feet cleared in the background. “Sorry, it’s a zoo over here, Ed.” Steve snorted lightly. 

“Yeah, no, I get it.” Eddie laughed lightly, stopping himself gently. “Well, actually, I don’t. That’s, uh, that’s actually why I was calling.” Eddie exhaled deeply, rubbing his forehead. “I, uh, I just called Brielle, and she’s-” 

“-Steven! I need help in here!” Nancy’s voice pierced through the phone, sharp even in the background. 

“Fuck. Hey, Ed, can I call you back? We’re trying to make cookies, and they’re decorating the baby.” Steve sighed. “I’m telling you, these kids are insane. I’m about to rip my hair out, and I still gotta make a fuckin’ dollhouse.” Steve’s voice dropped to a low whisper. 

“Yeah, no, I get it. Don’t worry about it, man.” Eddie felt his waterline flood. “Go be with your family.” 

“Alright, I gotta go. Merry Christmas, Munson.” Steve hummed over the line. 

“Merry Christmas.” Eddie muttered, the dial tone cutting him off again. 

He leaned back in the dining room chair, cigarette burning between his fingers. Alone.

Present

“Eddie!” You called, wrangling the squirming one year old in your arms, Delilah was determined to get to the shiny presents, squealing and cackling. She was just crawling, thankfully, toddling but not as sure, but she was fast. 

“Ed, get the phone!” You yelled, the trill of the landline Eddie still had around filled the house. Brielle in front of you, in pajamas that matched her little sisters, phone dangling from her grasps. 

“She’s gonna open a present tonight.” Brielle giggled, recording her sister happily. 

“Yeah, or tear the tree down.” You grumbled, rolling your eyes. “I told you a candy cane was too much.” You glared at Eddie playfully. He’d snuck her tastes of a candy cane earlier at your parent’s house, laughing at how her eyes lit up. 

Eddie grinned, snagging the phone off the hook. “Hello?” 

There was a silence, the tiniest hitch of a breath on the other line. Eddie frowned, looking down at the caller id. “Hello?” 

“Is Brielle there?” The huffy, snide of a tone that he’d know anywhere. Gina. Why she was calling him on Christmas Eve, he wasn’t exactly sure, but he had an idea that it was due to Brielle’s silent treatment towards her after Gina’s rage filled rant about Lilah’s birth.

“Hello, Gina. Merry Christmas to you.” Eddie clipped, eyes rolling. “Yeah, she’s here.” 

Gina paused, and Eddie could picture her even now, nails tapping against the table furiously, anxiously. “Well, can you- can I talk to her?” 

Eddie’s head turned, his gaze meeting Brielle’s. She shook her head, brows raised nearly in offense at the suggestion. “Uh, Gina, she-she’s kinda busy right now-” 

“-Right.” Gina scoffed, tone harsh but Eddie could hear it, the traces of hurt lingering in the defensiveness. “Guess she likes the child bride more than her actual mother-” 

“-Alright, Gina.” Eddie huffed. “You have a good one. Merry Christmas.” 

“Wait!” The shrill in her tone, desperate and alarming. 

Eddie waited, holding the phone back to his ear. Gina huffed, taking in a deep breath. “Can you… Can you talk to her?” Her voice was small, quiet. “Just-Just tell her I want to see her, and I have gifts for her, and-and,” There was a pause, a shaky breath. “Tell her I miss her and I love her?” 

Eddie’s chest ached for her sympathetically. He knew she deserved it, that Brielle was probably in the right with her cruelty. Still, Eddie sympathized with her. The bitter loneliness of being alone during the holidays. 

“Yeah, Gina. I can do that.” Eddie nodded slowly, his voice dropping. “I’ll, uh, I’ll tell her.” 

“Thanks.” The word was clipped, drowned in disdain and followed with a sniffle. 

“Have a Merry Christmas, Gina.” Eddie sighed softly, hanging up the phone with a final click. 

He turned back to the living room. You and Brielle were still desperately trying to distract Lilah from the shining ornaments with her toys, rattling and shaking them in front of her so she squealed, only to turn back to the tree. 

Eddie smiled, scooping up the baby, tossing her in the air gently so she screeched in laughter. “She’s never going to sleep.” You grinned warmly, starry eyed watching Eddie cuddle your baby. 

“Nah, she’ll sleep in a little bit.” Eddie shrugged, snuggling her close to his chest. Delilah turned into his touch, face pressing into his chest, rubbing her face sleepily into the soft cotton of his Christmas pajama shirt that matched with his girls. 

His brows shot up, grinning triumphantly. You snorted, rolling your eyes lightly. “Alright, Santa. What kind of cookies do you want?” 

“Whatever kind you wanna make me, bunny. ‘M not picky.” Eddie hummed, rocking Delilah against his chest gently. 

“I bought the Snowman sugar cookie ones.” Brielle smiled brightly. “I can make them.” 

Eddie’s chest filled with warmth, looking down at the tiny girl in his arms, heavy lids pulling shut with sleep, knuckling at them. The lights on the tree seemed brighter and brighter as the years passed. A real tree this time, filled with ornaments and memories hanging on the branches, room for more as the years went on.  

[size0forhollywood]

Metafiction

Pt 3.

Content Warning: 21+, NSFW, Smut, Depression, hate fucking, public sex, starvation.

A/n: I think we’re finally starting to like it here. Or at least…our sweet little kitties do..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I..hate..you.”

“I..know.”

~

Something changed after that night in the library. There was something different about Sylus but you just couldn’t put your finger on it.

Just like the last two times you were a wreck under him. And yet, instead of leaving you alone he carried you back to the bedroom and tucked you into bed.

You don’t know what to make of his hot and coldness. Why hasn’t he killed you or let you go? Why does he insist you stay at the base? And why does he insist you stay in his room?

You’re curled up under the blankets, tears staining the pillow below. You don’t have the energy to get up, you don’t want to get up. Because you know if you have a disagreement with Sylus it’s going to end with you having an earth shattering orgasm and then him making a derogatory comment that makes you feel sick to your core.

Instead you opt to just lie in bed, wishing and longing for home. You often find yourself thinking about your roommate and best friend. What were they doing right now? Were they looking for you? How long has it been since you’ve vanished off the face of the earth. Did Mephi come through the wormhole too?

So many questions and no way to get answers.

Sylus comes and goes in the room. Usually to drop off a tray of food and some water for you. But he doesn’t linger.

You don’t touch the food but you do drink the water. You want to avoid getting dehydrated again.

The wall and the ceiling was starting to feel like they were closing in on you. It was making you feel numb inside.

You hopped out of bed and sat by the large window. Darkness expands across the land. There really was no sunshine here. You didn’t realise how much you missed the sun until this very moment. You missed its warmth.

You decided this was going to be your new spot. You lift your knees to your chest and rest your chin on them. Staring out the window into nothingness but at least it was different from the wall.

~

Sylus had been keeping himself busy. Not only was he trying to figure out this whole messed up situation he was also fighting back feelings he’s never had to deal with before.

He doesn’t know why fighting with you fills him up with a burning desire to fuck you. He’s never really thought about sex in general. Being the leader of Onychinus, he’s never really indulged in those pleasures. But with you. You do something to him which makes him crave you and it turns him animalistic.

After returning from another trip he goes to the bedroom to check on you. There you are still seated by the window in the exact same position you were in when he left.

He looks at the desk and the food is still there untouched, again. This pains him but also angers him. Why must you be so defiant?

Why can’t you see that he’s helping you? Protecting you? He realises he needs to be able to just talk to you. Get you to understand just how much danger you’re in.

~

You were so lost in your own mind while looking out the window you didn’t hear Sylus calling out to you multiple times.

When you do finally hear him he’s standing right beside you. He’s holding more shopping bags.

“We’re gonna go out tonight. Have a shower and put these on.” He places the bags on the bed.

You straighten up. “We’re gonna leave the compound?”

You just wanted to make sure you heard that right.

“Yes. I’m tired of watching you whither away by the window like a damn house plant.”

Sylus walks towards the door.

“You have 30 minutes.”

You can’t help but feel a little rush of excitement. Finally you get to leave this place, even if it’s just for one night. The idea of seeing other people, a sense of normalcy. You can feel happy tears well up in your eyes.

You hurry to the bathroom to start getting ready as fast as you can.

Your shower was fast but efficient. You’re now standing in the room with a towel wrapped around you looking at the new clothes Sylus got for you.

It was another dress but it was a going out dress. Very elegant, black and red, sylus’ signature colours. There were fancy heels to match and already pinned to the dress was a very familiar looking crow brooch.

There was also a matching set of bras and undies. They were black lace and definitely not what you’re used to wearing but at least it’s something.

You can’t help a little smile form on your face. You get dressed as quickly as you can. Just as you get to putting your heels on Sylus comes back into the bedroom. He’s wearing his signature look with the black jacket draped over his shoulders. He looked quite handsome. Like he always does right y/n?

He takes a moment and looks you up and down. If he’s thinking anything he doesn’t let it show on his face.

“Want some help?” He gestures to your bare feet.

You feel your face go hot but you shake your head. “I’m fine.”

Sylus scoffs and walks over to you.

“Sit.”

You reluctantly sit on the chair, he gets down on one knee and he helps put your heels on. His fingers lingering around your ankles as he fastens the straps. A moment which causes an ache between your legs. After he’s done he stares up at you. He doesn’t move, doesn’t break eye contact. You feel a bit uneasy.

“So where are we going?” You just want to break the aching silence that had fallen between you two.

Sylus smoothly stands back up. “We’re going to a restaurant.” He holds his arm out as an offer for you to grab.

“I’m really not asking.” He warns.

You feel a frown on your face but you begrudgingly take his arm and you walk out of the base together and to one of Sylus’ many cars.

The drive to the restaurant was mostly silent. You spent most of the time looking out the window seeing the outside world. It was nice.

Sylus pulled up in front of a very fancy looking restaurant. He walks around the car and opens the door for you. You’re cautious about his behaviour. Was this just a front for the people?

you enter the restaurant and are greeted by a waiter in a tuxedo. You’ve definitely never been to something as exquisite as this. The inside was beautiful and to be honest pretty romantic looking. Twinkling fairy lights and crystal chandeliers hanging from the white and gold ceiling.

The waiter leads you to your table and once you’re seated you look around. You and Sylus are the only customers.

“Whats going on? A place like this should be filled to the brim.”

“I booked out the whole restaurant.” Sylus was quick to answer.

You bite your bottom lip. “Why would you do that?”

Sylus noticed you biting your lip and his jaw clenched a little.

“I need to talk to you without the risk of being overheard.”

You scoff and pick up your menu and start looking at what you’d like to try. A lot of this stuff you’ve never heard of before so you decide to play it safe and pick a salad.

“You couldn’t just talk to me back at the compound?”

“You were becoming a mindless zombie at the compound. I need you alert and listening to what I have to say.”

You furrow your brows at him. His red eyes not breaking eye contact with you.

The waiter comes back and asks for your drink order.

“Your most expensive bottle of wine, two glasses.” Sylus says before you can say anything.

“And as for the food I’ll have item 70 and she will have item 53”

“Very good sir.”

You start to chew the inside of your cheek trying to not let your anger come out.

“Why did you just order for me?” You ask Sylus through gritted teeth.

“Didn’t want you to make a fool of yourself.”

“You!”

“You’re wine sir.” The waiter interrupts and places a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

“Shall I fill them for you sir?”

All Sylus does is flick his wrist, the waiter nods and then leaves.

“Wine?” Sylus asks while smirking.

“Oh you’re not just gonna do it anyway?” You snap back.

Sylus scoffs, he pours wine into both glasses.

“Let’s try to have a good night.” He retorts.

“With you? That’s impossible.”

Sylus clenched his hand into a fist. Frustration clear across his face.

A tension was starting build in your core as you stare the red eyed man down. His demeanour unwavering.

“Do you remember what I said a few nights ago?”

You feel your own hands ball into fists as you think about that night, how he claimed you on the bed and in the library. How he felt so good ramming himself inside you.

“About the protocores?” He continues.

“Yeah? People want to find them, what has that got to do with me?”

Sylus sighs and squeezes the bridge of his nose.

“They want to find the source of the protocores. Everyone knows something came through that wormhole. They’re all after it.”

There’s silence as you try to understand what he’s saying.

“You. They’re after you.”

Your eyes widen.

“But I’m just a regular person, I don-”

“I don’t think so.” Sylus cuts you off.

“You survived a wormhole. You’re immune to my…charms. You’re connected to Mephisto somehow.” Sylus sits back in his chair as he takes a swig of wine.

“You’re…something..” he say into his glass.

You stare it him for a moment. Trying to make sense of what he’s saying. You’re not anything special, you’re just a regular person. You grab your wine glass and take a few sips. Maybe the alcohol might help.

“So do you understand now why staying with me is your safest option?”

You scowl. “How do I know you’re not lying.”

“I am many things sweetie but I am not a liar.”

You shiver at that pet name. “Don’t call me that!”

Once again, you’re both staring at each other through clenched jaws and fists. The tension building between you two was getting so thick.

The waiter returns carrying two plates of food, he places down a steak and salad in front of Sylus and a seafood pasta dish in front of you, two fresh oysters adorn the plate and you scoff.

“Oysters?”

“They’re a delicacy here. So enjoy them.”

“Where I’m from they’re an aphrodisiac, if I didn’t know better I’d say you’re trying to ply me with alcohol and make me horny.”

Sylus chuckles “we both know I don’t need any of that.”

He stares at you intently while holding a fork and knife in his hand. “Now eat.”

“I don’t like seafood.” You protest. It was a lie of course. You just didn’t want to eat it because he ordered it.

Sylus slams his cutlery down making the table shake.

“Eat.”

You shove your plate to the middle of the table.

“No.”

His red eyes burning into yours but you were not going to back down. He doesn’t get to control you like this. If he was really worried about your safety and protecting you he’d let you keep some autonomy.

“Eat, please.” He was sitting up straight and his eyes flaming with desire, it almost sends a shiver of excitement down your spine.

“No, thank you.”

Something snaps and black and red mist envelopes the table and sends it flying across the restaurant.

You don’t flinch, you stay in your seat staring down the silver haired man in front of you.

The waiters and the kitchen staff stay hidden in the kitchen. As if they’re used to something like this happening.

Sylus stands up from his chair and approaches you.

“Always so fucking stubborn.”

He grabs you by your hips and lifts you up. You smack at his shoulders.

“Put me down!”

He sits you down on another table, hands still on your hips, your dress bunched up, bodies pressed together. His face inches away from yours.

You are both breathing heavy in frustration, the smell of wine intoxicating you further.

You look into his eyes and there you see it again. Even though there was animosity between you two right now there was no hate. There was a want and need. A feeling that could not be squashed down.

You feel your breath quicken and something happens that has never happened before.

Sylus kisses you. It was hungry and passionate. His hands squeeze at your hips as if he’s trying to ground himself.

You return the kiss, your hands running through his hair as you pull him closer to you.

Tongues in cheeks, teeth nibbling lips. Breathy moans escaping between the lip locking and it doesn’t stop there.

His hands run down your exposed thighs, feeling their way to your inner thighs till he reaches your now clothed pussy. He slides the lace under wear to one side and starts swiping at your wet folds. He groans at the feeling of it.

All of this was different now. He didn’t need to use his evol to hold you in place. Every part of you was accepting of him and he was getting drunk off it.

He releases your swollen lips and starts kissing down your jaw and neck, you tilt your head back to give him as much of your neck to explore. All the while his long fingers explore your hot, dripping cunt.

You didn’t care you were in the middle of a restaurant, that the staff could see you through the kitchen. That there were windows putting your lewd acts on display to anyone who may pass by.

You both needed this, to feel each other, to make each other feel so good. To relieve that angry tension that’s been building since before you left the compound.

You needed to release it all right here, right now.

“Ngh..Sylus..” you moan as you feel him insert two fingers inside you.

He’s kissing and biting your shoulder breath shuddering as he takes in the feeling of your gummy walls around his fingers. How they’re so wet and hot and clenching around him. He starts a rhythm of sliding his fingers in and out. Noticing how your legs start spreading further apart to take more of him in.

He starts kissing back up your neck and finds your mouth again, loving the way your soft lips feel against his.

“Are..you gonna start…listening to me?” He says almost breathlessly.

A moan escapes as you feel his finger curl up, hitting that lovely sensitive spot that sends waves of pleasure through you.

“..No..” you moan. His other hands snakes up your back, your neck. He weaves his fingers through your hair and grabs a fistful but he doesn’t hurt you this time.

“So fucking stubborn.”

As he repeatedly starts rubbing that sensitive spot inside you his thumb finds your clit and starts massaging it.

Your moans start to echo in the restaurant.

“Ah! Mm yes!” The pleasure completely overwhelms you and an orgasm hits you hard and fast, you try and squeeze your thighs together as you try and ride your orgasm out on his fingers.

“Fuck..” he whispers.

He pulls his fingers out, as much as he wants to savour that moment he’s desperate to feel your soaking wet walls around his cock. He unbuckles his pants and unzips them as fast he can. Pulling them down just enough to get his massive hard cock free from restraint.

“Spread your legs for me.” He demands, and you do it. Still blissed out from your orgasm.

He grabs your hips and pulls you closer to the edge of the table. The tip of his cock already leaking with precum. He smears it between your now dripping folds and starts pressing himself into you.

He slides in so easily, so soft, warm, welcoming and so fucking wet for him.

Your hands now on his chest gripping his shirt for dear life, moaning sweet delicious sounds as he enters you. You wrap your legs just above his hips to give him as much access to you as possible.

Sylus doesn’t hold back, pistoning his cock in you. The sounds of your moans spurring him on to go faster and harder. The table rumbling underneath you. Threatening to break.

“Are you going to behave?” His voice low and grumbly.

“N.No!” You’re struggling to speak with how good it feels to have him slamming inside you. Your knuckles turning white with how hard you’re gripping his shirt.

“Fuck.” The hot anger seeping through only adds to the burning flames of desire. He wants more. One hand hand stays on your hip while the other fondles your breast through the dress. Squeezing and massaging.

You can’t help but throw your head back, so lost in pleasure but Sylus grabs your chin and brings you back.

“Look at me. I wanna see your face as you cum again for me.”

And you do. Making heavy eye contact as your face contorts with pleasure.

He finds that spot again with his cock and starts thrusting faster into you, hitting that spot to make you come undone.

“I..mmhngg..hate… you..ah!”

He moans as he feels your walls tighten around him.

“I…know..!”

He captures your lips once more as you both orgasm at the same time. Riding out every ounce of pleasure together. Ecstasy replacing every other emotion.

Your sweaty foreheads are pressed together as you collectively try to catch your breath.

You’re still joined at the hips, feeling his cock throbbing inside you, his cum seeping out. Your hands still gripping his shirt. Both of you not wanting to let go of each other.

He does pull his cock out eventually and as he goes to readjust your underwear he swipes a finger in your cunt one more time, collecting your combined juices on his finger.

He then brings that finger up to your mouth. He doesn’t need to say anything, you know what he wants you to do and you do it.

You take his finger and start licking and sucking on it. Tasting the both of you. He looks at you hungrily and kisses you as he pulls his hand away. Wanting to taste the both of you as well.

His tongue aggressively attacking yours, trying to get as much of the flavours as possible. When he pulls away a string of saliva connects both of your lips.

Again you’re just staring at each other, breathing heavily.

“I take it you’re not ordering dessert then?” A waiter from the kitchen chimes in.

~

The car ride home was silent once again. This time with a completely different energy. You’re staring out the window as you mull over what had just happened inside that restaurant. You expected Sylus to call you ugly, pathetic or disgusting but he didn’t. He didn’t say anything. He just helped you off the table and escorted you back to his car.

Where he still continues to stay silent. One hand on the steering wheel, the other resting on the centre console, eyes straight ahead focused on the road. His hair was still dishevelled and the top of his shirt also looking a bit stretched around the buttons. Most likely from your death grip you had on him.

You squirm a bit uncomfortably as you feel Sylus’ sticky cum drenching your underwear. A constant reminder.

“Keep squirming like that and I’m gonna have to pull this car over.” He finally speaks his voice low, gravelly and somewhat sparked with arousal.

You look at him, his eyes are still on the road but you can see he’s clenching the steering wheel.

You scoff and look away. Honestly you’re too tired for his antics. As you’re looking out the window you feel your eyes getting heavy, you can’t fight the exhaustion taking hold of you and you drift off to sleep.

Sylus makes sure to keep the car steady and avoids all the potholes so he doesn’t wake you. He glances over your sleeping form. You finally looked peaceful while sleeping.

Once he gets back to his home, he carefully gets you out of the car without waking you. Now you’re in his arms, bridal style and he carries you all the way to his bedroom. He hates how frail you feel in his arms, like you’re wasting away and he can’t help but blame himself. After all, he kept you cuffed to your bed for three whole days with no food or water while he was doing his initial investigations.

And now when he wants to take care of you, your refusal feels like a punishment.

He gently lays you on the bed. His fingers softly caress your cheek. In truth you were never ugly or disgusting to him. He just lashed out because you make him feel things he’s never felt before. And he wanted to hurt you, to punish you for it.

Sylus makes his way to the kitchen and grabs an apple and an orange. Something simple, something sweet and he hopes that when you wake you’ll finally put aside your stubbornness and eat.

He leaves the fruit on the desk in his room before he goes to the study to talk with Luke and Kieran about what to do next and how to get you back home.

But do we really want to go home y/n?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[destinygoldenstar]

Here is a very random pet peeve I have with Ninjago:

Why did we not get a Jay & Nya wedding?!

Like, March of the Oni he proposed to her and everything. Then we DON'T get a wedding? How does that work?!

I understand like Skybound trauma or something, so they might want something private, but they never address that.

It would be SO WHOLESOME.

Why did we not get a Jay & Nya wedding?!

I think I kinda know why. The Wildbrain era wanted to tonally de-age the ninja back into teenagers. And two ninja getting married would be not doing that.

This kinda goes for the posts I spoke about Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitsu where I talked about my big change being that there was NO reverting back into teenagers, and instead it was a continuation of their transition into adulthood.

Have the premiere of the season BE their wedding! It would be so adorable and a fresh change of pace!

Like have Jay wake up Zane (from that Aspheera/Ice Emperor nightmare) in a panic about his hair for this big day, have Zane help him out and try to calm Jay down because Jay would be such a nervous/excited wreck. (And have Zane's calming attempts fail miserably. It would be funny and both play into what I said in other posts)

Have Nya be hesitant about wearing a wedding dress due to Skybound trauma. Lloyd could be there and she could talk to him about it, but be vague cause he wouldn't remember Skybound. Like, "I'm worried that I won't get a say in something if I say the words, like I want this, but what if it all went horribly wrong? The greatest love stories always end in tragedy and... I don't want that to be the case for me."

(Which, you know, would be FORESHADOWING)

And Lloyd could be unsure what to say (because Harumi trauma) but still encourage her that nothing HAS to end horribly. They've been dating for years, and they know they can trust that Jay wouldn't hurt her. She wouldn't hurt him. That's the beauty of a relationship, that you can trust them. It's a dynamic they both want. Even if something bad were to happen, her family would always be there. (Insert surrogate siblings hug)

But also it'd make them both realize that Kai is not here when he should be.

He's downtown. He's trying to pick up a wedding gift for his sister. It is taking FOREVER. It's driving him nuts because impatient hothead. Eventually he just snaps when the shopkeeper says it's not done being cooked. In my head he just snatches it, sets fire on it, throws it in the box, and runs out of the shop, throwing money at them on the way out. The whole time, he's just trying to run to the monastery for the wedding, with SO MANY setbacks on the way. (Take Across the Spiderverse with Miles trying to get to his parents party with that cake, kinda what I picture)

Cole and Wu could be on catering, they could talk about Wu being freshly retired and Cole getting into the baking business. (And we could have a running joke about Cole trying to sneak in a bite of cake and someone slapping him away.)

Nya & P.I.X.A.L could have some gal talk when getting ready and the droid gal could be encouraging. (I feel like since the Oni Trilogy, Nya's been getting more comfortable with being feminine, and I'm all here for that, I think that's really cute development. She could be so against this girly talk but then she tries it here and actually likes it)

Ed and Edna being SO overbearing in the wedding. Just smothering all over their son and their new daughter in law.

Have Wu give their blessing, trying to comfort a still nervous Jay, and Jay could just have all those nerves vanish when Nya comes out.

All ninja but Kai are there because First Spinjitsu Master does not want him to be at his sister's wedding. And you could have whoever else you want there.

Have them have a happier stress-free re-phrase of their confessions in Skybound. Nya could talk about how she didn't have a lot of friends as a kid and knew nothing about love or relationships, but Jay was the one person she let into her heart, and despite her fears and insecurities in the past about herself, she knew she wanted him to be the one. She felt free with him, she felt free to have a voice and say she wanted to be with him for as long as she possibly could. That's her wish this day. Jay could talk about how he was always looking for bright opportunities for himself, but the brightest he could ever have was her, a courageous strong willed smart beautiful amazing girl loving him back and seeing him as he was as the best version of himself. That told him well enough that this was love.

(I imagine Cole is the crier because that just seems like fitting characterization to me)

"I now pronounce you yin and yang-"

And just don't have Wu finish the phrase because one of them just jumps on the other in adrenaline and excitement.

The after party Ed and Edna are, again, smothering all over the couple. Cole just loads up with cake (that only he touches because he made it and he's a bad cook). Zane and P.I.X.A.L could be dancing, everyone's having a good time...

And then FINALLY Kai shows up, busts open the monastery doors, and stands there panting and a wreck. He stops the whole party and everyone just stares at him like "what?"

Nya would proceed to yell at him for BEING LATE TO HIS OWN SISTER'S WEDDING, and they could argue about what happened because they're both stubborn like that.

And the wedding gift Kai got for her? It's charred up. Because he burned it with his fire and didn't let the shopkeeper take care of it.

But he had something else he picked up along the way, which was something from their childhood that Nya liked (you can decide what). And like that Nya's anger drops and he thanks him for it.

And Kai did not get Jay any wedding gifts because 'screw my in law'

Jay calling this out prompts him to dance with Nya, she obliges, and the little sibling moment is kinda ruined, leaving Kai in the dust. (Again, my other posts where I said Kai would be trying to keep things the same)

And Lloyd was by himself, sitting in a corner minding his own business. He's happy for them, but he also has a hard time being comfortable because of what happened with him and Harumi. So he's trying to distract himself with looking through some job opportunities in some newspapers. He can't find any. Kai could find him, surrogate brothers moment, he could notice Lloyd looking for crime on the newspaper, and because this is post the Oni Trilogy, crime has slowed down, and this is supposedly their happy ending. You know, 'and they got married and lived happily ever after' and all that. But Kai, not accepting that, kinda butts in and agrees to take Lloyd out to town tomorrow morning to go look for crime to stop, just like old times. And Lloyd would go along with it cause 'well I'm a seventeen year old and past due with getting a job'

(And Zane decides to go with them because he's in the same boat as Kai, so technically it's just Kai, Lloyd, & Zane running around looking for crime to stop rather than the whole team. The other three still go to the pyramid though.)

That's my dream reality of s11's premiere anyway.

But even if that wasn't the case, I have to ask cause it bugs me,

Why did we not get a Jay & Nya wedding?!

There you go, that's my content for Jaya week. It doesn't fit any of the bullet points for the week but oh well.

[littlemissmanga]

Rainy Day Comforts

Pairing: Wrecker x (gn)Reader

W/C: 1,141

Warnings: Nothing but comfort & fluff

This is my entry for @clonexreaderbingo for my "Rain" square :) Dividers by @djarrex & @samspenandsword

The sound of rain against the side of the Marauder wakes you up. It’s the softest alarm you’ve had in a while, though most things are gentler than the boys’ arguing or Tech’s evasive maneuvers to avoid asteroid fields.

You were warm — warmer than you expected to be — and the pleasant weight of multiple blankets pressed you deeper into the bed. Peaking an eye open, you see a mishmash of colored fabric covering you. You lift one to examine it more.

Isn’t this Echo’s?

A smile crossed your face with the knowledge that Wrecker must have bundled you before leaving your side. And it only took a single attempt at getting up before you immediately retreated into the safety of your cocoon, grateful for his thoughtfulness.

The chill from outside permeated the ship. Leaving your makeshift nest in nothing but your thin sleepwear was not going to be pleasant.

The thud of heavy footsteps stole your attention.

“Oh, good. You’re up!”

Wrecker strode through the Marauder, his long legs eating the distance until he reached the bed, sitting on just the edge.

You smiled ruefully at him. “Did you give me all these blankets?”

“Sure did! I had to get up and help the guys move some things, but I didn’t want ya to get cold without me.”

“That’s sweet, Wreck, but you didn’t have to steal stuff. I’d have been fine.”

Wrecker let out a dismissive huff. “You were shivering, mesh’la. ‘Sides, everyone else is up already. But that’s not why I came back here.”

“Oh? What’s on your mind, big guy?”

“We’ve got a free day! Tech an’ Echo are fixing the ship, so Hunter was gonna take Omega into town to pick up a few supplies. He says there’s a bookshop in town, too. One with real books, on flimsy and everything. I know you like those, so I figure we can go check it out. We got some extra money from our last job so we can pick one to read together. And when we get back, I’ll make ya some of that tea you like.”

That got you out of bed. Books, tea, and no mission? It was all your favorite things at once. Excitedly, you jumped up onto your knees, hands reaching to steady yourself against Wrecker’s sturdy form. “Really!?”

“Course! So get ready and we can head out.”

“I mean, you won’t hear me complaining, but what inspired all this? I feel like you’re spoiling me.”

Wrecker looked at you with genuine confusion. “Do I need a reason to spoil my girl?”

You melted at that. You loved when he called you his girl. Wrecker wasn’t possessive in his actions, and you didn’t want him to be. But your heart stuttered whenever he would call you his and let his words tie you together, claiming you in his own gentle way.

The rest of your day was just as warm and sweet despite the raw weather. Your trip to town was filled with playful banter, holding hands under your umbrella as the pair of you indulged in a little alone time. Or at least, alone from the rest of the batch.

You explored the bookstore, sorting through the options and picking a title that intrigued you both. Usually, you hated reading out loud, finding the act of saying the words enough to pull you from the story. But in this case, you were actually looking forward to reading it with Wrecker. You still had some money left over afterward, so you grabbed a few local snacks to enjoy with your tea at a nearby shop.

Back on the Marauder, Wrecker went to make your tea as you changed out of your now wet clothes. When you were ready with dry clones, snacks, and tea, the two of you snuggled back into his bunk, sans everyone else’s blankets this time, however, as they had been reclaimed by their original owners.

You didn’t mind. Wrecker was able to keep you both warm.

He tucked you against his side, his arm around your back as you began to read softly, not wanting to disturb the others. A few chapters in, you realized the rain picked up again, pinging against the metal hull in a unique rhythm.

It’s almost like a lullaby.

You read for a while, but after a few more chapters, you grew tired of fighting the drowsiness brought on by your full belly, Wrecker’s warmth, and the melody of the rain. Especially after such a wonderful day.

You looked up from the words in front of you to take in the details of his face, smiling stupidly at your boyfriend.

Wrecker cocked his head at you.

“I love you so much,” you declared.

The biggest smile broke over Wrecker’s face at your words. Slipping his arm down to grip your hip, he pulled you into his lap.

“Aw, I love you too!” Wrecker tightened his hold on you, but only slightly.

“I really mean it, Wreck,” you insist, turning to press your face into his chest. “Today was so perfect I don’t even have words. You’re too good to me.”

Wrecker curled around you, bringing up his knees to cocoon you in his hold the way you were cocooned by blankets this morning. You melted in his touch as peace radiated through you. Nothing could hurt you when Wrecker held you like this and that sense of security soothed something deep within you.

“Nah, that’s not possible,” he said, one large hand coming up to rest ever so lightly against the back of your head, keeping you in place against him.

You can feel your hair catch on his calloused fingers as you shake your head. “It is. I don’t know what I did to deserve being spoiled today, but I loved spending every minute with you.”

For a moment, Wrecker was silent. It wasn’t heavy, but you could feel the words sitting on the tip of his tongue. You counted the moments of waiting through the beat of his heart against your cheek. But before his voice hit your ear, his lips pressed against the crown of your head.

“You don’t need to do anything, mesh’la. I’ll spoil ya any chance I can, and you’ll deserve it every time just ‘cuz.” He paused for just a heartbeat before adding, “I like takin’ care of ya.”

Your eyes burned as they began to water, so you shut them tight and snuggled further into the safety of Wrecker’s hold.

“Well, next time we have a free day, it’s my turn to spoil you,” you mumble just loud enough for him to hear.

“Ha! Sounds good to me, baby.”

The two of you stayed like that the rest of the night, basking in each other as your breathing evened out to match the rhythm of the rain.

A/N: I entirely meant to put off all other fics until I finished the final chapter of Date Night, but then my husband woke me up asking if I wanted to go to Barnes & Nobel to get a book and a PSL. Then he took me to Whole Foods for wine and cheese and we just spent the day together chatting and snacking and reading, which we don't get to do a lot since he works crazy hours. We had a version of the conversation that Wrecker and Reader did at the end of our day and I needed to put it to paper to process. Halfway through my journal entry though I realized I was writing it like a fic and I just kept going, and there is no character I associate with such a comforting idea more than Wrecker <3 Mostly because my husband is very Wrecker coded

Masterlist

Taglist: @dreamie411, @wings-and-beskar, @starrylothcat, @blueink-bluesoul, @wolffegirlsunite, @secondaryrealm, @idontgetanysleep, @freesia-writes, @clonemedickix, @dystopicjumpsuit, @multi-fan-dom-madness, @sinfulsalutations, @sunshinesdaydream, @wizardofrozz

Join the taglist here!

[miscfandomwrites]

Riding Lessons

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Student! Reader

Location: Marvel > Natasha Romanoff > Oneshots

Warnings: None?

Words: 600ish

Tagging: @tyler-t0t

~!

“Natasha!” I yelled into the garage over the dull roar of the motorcycle engine. I was in the middle of a study session (which for once I was actually studying) when she decided to start tinkering in the garage. 

The engine cut, and the red head popped up from behind the bike. 

“Hey, милая. Did I bother you?” She asked, wiping her forehead with a rag, smudging grease on it in the process.

I huffed a laugh at her and headed over and took the rag from her, wiping her forehead.

“I was studying.” I said as I tossed the rag to the side, grabbing her outstretched hand and helping her stand. 

She winced. “Sorry, I didn’t know.” The look on her face was apologetic, and she grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. 

“I can be quieter” 

“It’s fine, I was barely into it anyway. It’s the fourth time today I’ve tried to get into the headspace and I think I’m done for now.” 

“Are you sure? We can go to the library or maybe a coffee shop and work-'' She started as she went over and started picking up

“No, seriously Nat, it’s okay!” I chucked as she was already starting to close up the garage. She slowed her actions but didn’t stop them.

I sighed and went over to her bike, picking up the rag and finding a clean one to wipe the bike down. Looks like she was finally changing the tires. 

“Hey Nat,” I started, still wiping the bike down. 

“Yes, милая?” She replied, still sorting and putting tools into the large tool box. 

“Can you teach me how to ride?” 

She paused, and turned to look towards me, her face lit up with a grin. 

“You’re sure?” She questioned, gesturing to the bike. 

“Yeah, I want to learn.” 

“Okay, give me fifteen minutes to finish this and then I’ll show you.”

~~

Dressed in a pair of jeans, my battered converse, and one of Nat’s hoodies, I padded back into the garage where Nat was finishing wiping down the bike. 

“Hey, princess. Are you ready to learn?” She asked me as I headed towards her. 

I nodded and she motioned towards the bike. “Since we don’t get much traffic, I’m actually going to have you ride a bit down the road.” she told me as I swung my leg over the bike and straddled it. Usually I was the one behind Natasha, but this time it was switched, with her behind me. 

“Okay, we’re gonna take this slow, okay princess?” she murmured from behind me, wrapping her arms around my wait and setting her head on my shoulder.

“It’s a bit like a bike, those two front levers are the brakes, and that is the throttle, or the gas. And by your feet are the breaks. Now, I want you to slowly let off the brakes and turn the throttle. Slowly..” She told me as I followed her instructions. 

The bike slowly started to move, and soon enough we rolled out onto the driveway. 

“Good! You’re doing really good, babe. Now squeeze the throttle and give her a little more gas.” 

I did that, and the bike moved faster until we were out onto the street. Turns out it almost exactly like riding a bike, but that still didn’t stop me from being a nervous wreck. 

We spent about fifteen minutes just riding around the block slowly, before I pulled back into the driveway and turned the bike off, exhausted. 

Natasha huffed a laugh. “Bit harder than you thought, princess?” 

I nodded and slid off the bike, stretching. “It’s pretty nice though, I’ll give you that.” 

“Good, because I’m getting you one.”

“You’re WHAT?” 

And with that Natasha booked in into the house, laughing like a maniac as I chased after her demanding answers.

[tasteofgummies]

hi! i understand that it can be uncomfortable for u but if u don't mind can i ask the headcanons of p3 guys with dystrophic fem s/o? it would be cool if you also will make an nsfw part

i really enjoy your writing!!!🥺

Thank you so much!! It's not uncomfortable at all, don't worry! I tried to make this post very vague, as the experiences of people with dystrophy can be different, but as always, you can message me if you want me to change anything, enjoy (⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*⁠)

Stardust Crusaders w/ a dystrophic!fem! S/O 🌸

Cw: nsfw content ahead

Jotaro Kujo

>He'd be careful with you regardless, but I think it would take some reassurance for him to express his love physically. But again, he isn't really the most affectionate, so what's the difference?

>He knows that you can handle yourself, so he is thoughtful without actually doing anything for you

>If you require any mobility aid, the Speedwagon foundation is ready to create only the finest technology for you

>If you ever feel insecure of anything regarding your disability, Jotaro is there to hold you, he may not be good with words, but he'll try to voice his feelings in order to reassure you that there isn't a single thing he would change about you

>Carries painkillers and muscle relaxers with him in case you ever need them

>Understands that sometimes the pain can be too much to even want to interact, but he will still be there in case you need anything, you don't need to talk, you can do parallel play

>Is very gentle with you, and tries to make you do as little effort as possible during your intimate times

>Eats you out with de-vo-tion 🙏

>He's inexperienced, but it's definitely a pleasurable time

>And if you ask for, you can have Star Platinum doing it, he's got that godly precision for all your good spots

>Lets you choose the position you'd like so it's always comfortable

>Wants to take care of you but you'd end up sore regardless

>His pace is slow and deep

>6/10 aftercare, he isn't awful, but he needs some practice

Noriaki Kakyoin

>He's much more open about physical affection, as he trusts you'll tell him if he hurts you

>Enjoys "house dates" that's basically you two scrolling through your phones and showing each other those cheesy cat pictures that couples share, and you clearly don't have to move around much for that

>I headcanons he suffers from migraines, so he can relate to the pain and sometimes limits on your daily life

>Offers acts of service to help you in days that are harder, so don't worry about grocery shopping or taking out the trash while he's there

>He isn't as scared to hurt you while being intimate as others are

>He's a tease, but also a gentleman, he'd like you needy and worked up from his touch so you ask him to please you

>And how can he deny you?

>Maybe gets a bit too carried away with the overstimulation and leaves you aching

>But he'll take care of you dw

>Breakfast in bed after he wrecked you kind of romantic<3

Muhammad Avdol

>Soothes your aches with natural essential oils and massages

>Tries to smooth out the ground of his farm so you can walk on it if you use any mobility aid

>He doesn't let you get insecure ever, he's a happy wife, happy life man™

>He's really supportive and thoughtful of whatever you need

>Avdol is perfect for everything tbh

>May be a bit overprotective though, is nor that he doesn't trust you, but he know how damaging is the pressure to be "functional" rather than to live a full, happy life (damn capitalism)

>He's such a spoiling sweet lover

>He'll make sure you are comfortable, and if you need to switch positions, take a break, stop, or anything, you just have to say your safe word

>He can get rougher, but he's more slow and sensual type of man

>11/10 aftercare

Jean-Pierre Polnareff

>He's so sweet, but he sometimes forgets his strength, so warn him please

>Another one that will literally worship the ground you step on

>Insecurity? We don't know her in this house

>A huge simp

>I feel like (if you don't already use one) will heavily encourage you to use a mobility aid, he doesn't think you need to force yourself, and you shouldn't feel bad for trying to make your life easier

>"It's okay to take up space, chéri

>Or you can just let him carry you and kiss the top of your head the whole day<3

>Like Avdol, he's very passionate, he makes love, he doesn't fuck

>Soooo many praises

>Knows he's big, so takes some time prepping you, it may even look like he's teasing you, but he just doesn't want to hurt you

>Your legs may end up just a bit sore, but he won't leave you as bad as the others

>He also has a voyeurism kink, so just watching you touch yourself is enough

Joseph Joestar

>"You know the Speedwagon foundati-" shut up Joseph, you can't use your nepo baby privilege to try to find a cure for it 💀

>No, but fr, he gets you all the best of everything, the best physicians, the best technology, the best specialist, just anything that can help you

>Respects you, and knows that you can handle yourself, but is also in his nature to spoil you

>He's very understanding, but sometimes you have to explain to him that pain is a part of your life, and him dating you means that he's gonna see you in pain sometimes

>He's there to gently stroke your hair and sing you praises

>Horny jail? This one scaped

>You have to tell him your legs get sore if he just pushes you against a wall and starts to get at it

>He'll be a good boy and get you to a nice comfortable bed

>And when I say nice, I mean, top tier mattress and silky sheets

>Loves when you ride him

>When he gets horny he forgets that you may need breaks, so you have to stay firm and be clear to him

>Of course won't react badly, he just gets too excited

>He's really good with his fingers, but that robotic hand has more than one perk

>Goes for quickies, usually, but always makes sure to examine you and massage your sore muscles, he also uses hamon to help you

Merli Anne [platonic]

>Anne's a bit of a pushover, but she just wants to protect you!

>You're a big sister to her, and she wants to prove to you what a useful person she can be, specially to you

>Tries to help the aches by giving you a soup recipe or something like that

>She thinks you're so strong and cool

[maybankiara]

MISTER, I'LL TAKE HER ROSES

pairing: JJ Maybank x Kiara Carrera summary: JJ offers to pick up Kiara from the airport, despite only having spoken to her once before, years ago. Long drives, country music, diner burgers, and some sunsets await for them. w/c: 7k a/n: i have returned from the dead with this. jj-centric, as i tend to write, and some fluff sprinkled in with pining, of course, because it's jiara we're talking about. masterlist | tag list read on archive of our own

It's situations like these that JJ gets himself into, then regrets, purely because of one thing: his mouth is quicker than his brain.

And boy, does JJ Maybank love to put himself at other people's expense.

With one hand on the wheel and the other hanging outside the driver's window of his pickup truck ( Baby , he calls it, because she's his everything), JJ sings along to some Zak Brown song that's playing on the radio, and wonders how the fuck did he manage to find himself driving for hours, away from the setting sun, with a bouquet of roses in his backseat for a girl he hadn't thought of in years.

The song changes to a Kylie Morgan one and he turns it down, just a little bit. Another pickup truck passes him -- it's the first sign of life he'd seen for miles. Charleston is still some time away, and JJ's got nothing but time to kill.

Four hours ago, he was dropping off fresh packages of beef mince in the back of The Wreck. He was wearing his oil-stained sweatpants because all the others were in the wash, and he wasn't wearing a top, because it was one of those days that burn into your skin if you're not careful enough. He's just lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) that his skin's been burnt enough it doesn't change anymore.

'You're kidding,' said Mike, the owner, speaking into the phone he held to his face with more ferocity than JJ would've been comfortable with if he was on the other end of the line. 'I can't have that ready for tomorrow morning.'

JJ passed him and placed another box in the warehouse, wiping the sweat off his brow. He gave a wave to Cleo, one of the servers, who was helping him move stuff to the fridge.

'Your boss is having a bad day,' he said.

Cleo scoffed. 'He's always having a bad day.'

'No, like, really .'

They both stood in their place for a few moments as Mike argued outside, something about accounts and a tax return that didn't seem to be correct.

JJ pointed a thumb over his back, in Mike's direction. 'That's why I don't have an office job.'

'Or own a shop,' said Cleo.

'Exactly. You good to get the rest?'

'Mhm, I'll get this to the fridge, you bring the last over and I'll get it signed off if Mike can't.'

'Ha. Think he's a bit too busy for that.'

JJ went past Mike again (he was talking about having something important to do tonight which was why the whole thing was an even bigger issue) and brought the remaining two boxes out of the Heyward truck. His truck, in a way -- despite him saying to Cleo he doesn't want to own a shop or have an office job, things were headed in that direction, with Heyward having the vision of both expanding the trade to the other islands in the Outer Banks and leaving the shop to JJ and Pope to handle.

It was a lot to think about. Meaning, JJ wanted nothing to do with it, right now.

He scooped up the boxes and nodded at Mike in the passing ('I've planned everything to pick her up tonight. I'm not leaving her waiting for me for this. It's important---No, you listen to me !') and brought the last to Cleo, all the way to the fridge.

'Who's he picking up tonight?'

'You need to stop being up in everybody's business.' Cleo took the boxes from him and stood all the way on her tiptoes to reach the highest shelf. 'It's Kiara. She's coming back from the Bahamas, or wherever she was doing her environmental stuff.'

'Oh. Kiara,' JJ said, letting the name wash over his tongue. 'I hadn't thought of her in years.'

Cleo threw a glance at the door, where all JJ could see was Mike's hand waving up and down as if the person on the phone could see him. She leaned over, checking that none of the other staff are within the hearing range, and said: 'Rumour has it that she's cut all ties with her family for years and is now coming back, tail between her legs.'

JJ scoffed. That didn't sound like the Kiara he knew, so he said that. Cleo just shrugged, reminding him that she'd moved to Kildare right before Kiara left. Anything could be true, if you asked her.

He liked to think he knew better.

With that being the last of the boxes, JJ bid his farewell to his kind-of-friend. She had signed off the paperwork for the restaurant, but JJ still needed a signature from Mike, seeing as he was the most senior person here. This is, in JJ's opinion, the very moment that got him into this situation.

He overheard little bits before that, but standing next to Mike as he signed off the paperwork while talking to the person on the phone, JJ couldn't help but to listen in. He also happened to piece it all together, even if against his will.

Kiara Carrera was returning to Kildare after years away, tonight, in Charleston, and now there was no one to pick her up.

So JJ said, interrupting Mike mid-sentence: 'Sir, I can pick her up.'

Mike covered the bottom of the phone (too old to know how to mute) and asked JJ to repeat himself. JJ did, so Mike asked what he's on about.

'I've got nothing to do after this, and my truck's big enough to get a fair amount of suitcases in, if you need. And I've also got no plans for the evening.'

'Just to be clear,' Mike said. 'You're offering to drive all the way to Charleston to pick Kiara up?'

'Yes, Sir.'

'Her plane lands at quarter to midnight.'

'That's alright, Sir.'

'And you're okay with that.'

'Yes, Sir.'

Mike frowned. 'Why?'

All JJ could do was shrug. 'Got nothing better to do.'

And that was it -- he had nothing better to do. It was the truth, because Pope was off on holiday, and the only plans he had for the evening consisted of eating leftover pizza and watching whatever's new on Netflix. Driving to Charleston was miles better than that. Hell, he hadn't even left the island in over a year, feels like.

But, yeah. A part of him was curious about the rumour. And a part of him was wondering how Kiara Carrera's life turned out, because not a lot of people make it off the island and those that do, they don't come back.

But she did. And that was enough for JJ.

After agreeing to the plan and finalising the details, including texting Kiara that it'd be JJ picking her up (which she wouldn't get until she landed, anyway), Mike went to his car. He returned with a bouquet of roses.

Now, JJ doesn't know anything about roses, but they damn sure make his car smell nice. They're the expensive kind, he can tell, because they're vibrant and big and the bow they're wrapped with is some fancy material he doesn't know the name off. He can see them in the backseat, taunting him, asking him why he's doing this.

A Warren Zeiders song comes on. Some Whiskey , JJ thinks it's called. He knows some of the words.

He doesn't know the answer.

JJ makes a pit stop about halfway to Charleston, to fill up his tank. Lots of shady people there, he found, watching the numbers to go up. A guy in a cowboy hat and Doc Martens, as well as some girl on her phone who looks very pissed off, in outfit too revealing for this kind of autumn weather. JJ thinks about offering her a lift, but something about the snark of her lip makes him rethink that.

In the end, he goes up to pay and returns with a Reese's chocolate bar and some Hershey's. The girl's still there and the guy with the cowboy hat is gone, an elderly trucker in his place.

It's easy for JJ forget that there's a world outside of Kildare.

The road ahead of him is the same as the half he's left behind. Occasional lights coming from the other direction, but the road's straight with nothing adorning its sides, nothing for him to look at aside from the sky changing colours in his rearview mirror.

He thinks about Kiara.

It's been years since he'd seen her last. It was senior prom at the Kook Academy, and he was only there because some girl asked him to be her prom date. She was rich, hot, and they were having an afterparty at Sarah Cameron's, so obviously he was going to go for the free booze.

He doesn't even remember the name of the girl he was with. They weren't even dating, she just wanted to piss of her parents, and JJ was always down for that.

Kiara, on the other hand...

He throws a glance at the roses in the back. Her dad probably doesn't know, but for a while after that night, JJ would think of her whenever he saw roses, be it in a bouquet or still growing, in the wild.

(But the rose bush always reminded him of her more. Something about the untamed potential...)

He left his date to go out for a smoke. His best mate, John B, was eating Sarah Cameron's face somewhere in the shadows behind the school, even though she'd come there with Topper Thornton, but JJ didn't care much about the drama.

'Smoking's bad for you,' came a voice from behind him.

The girl sat down on the bench next to him, half hidden in what little light fell from the school porch, and took the joint out of his hand.

And put it to her lips.

'Hypocrite,' JJ said, with no bite.

She just shrugged. 'I like it. I just know it's bad.'

With a puff, she handed the joint back to him, and JJ felt like they'd made a silent promise to pass it back and forth, so they did.

Eventually, he stopped smoking, and he'd never seen her smoke before or after again. Sometimes, back when this was recent, he'd wonder if she pretended to smoke just to speak to him, then remember that she did it a little too easily for that to be true.

'Not enjoying the party?'

She leaned back against the bench, smiling a little. 'It's not bad. Just needed to step outside for a moment.'

'And for some free weed.'

'Eh. Doesn't hurt.'

She smiled at him and he offered her another one. She put it to her lips and leaned forward, waiting patiently as he brought his Zippo to it. Her eyes bore into his, even in the darkness, and he wondered what she thought of him -- a Pogue, sharing a joint with a Kook.

He'd spent the whole night feeling like a beggar in the king's clothing, until now. In the darkness, the clothing wasn't what mattered.

She inhaled and closed her eyes before exhaling a moment later. JJ watched her, a little too closely -- the pouted lips as the smoke blew out, the curve of her nose, the fullness of her cheek. Her hair was pulled back in a haphazard bun with strands falling out, outlining her face, even in the dark.

Even in the dark, JJ Maybank knew he ain't never seen someone so pretty his whole damn life.

Kiara passed the joint to him. 'It's rude to stare.'

'Can't help it.'

She just laughed.

Behind them, he heard Sarah Cameron laugh, too. He turned just in time to see her running across the lawn with John B in hand -- the same John B who swore to him they were over not too long ago, but JJ knew it wasn't true, and didn't resent his friend for it.

'Thought she was with Topper,' said Kiara.

JJ sighed. 'Don't ask me anything.'

'Alright.'

The joint swapped owners again. She crossed her legs and the slit on the red dress exposed her all the way to the top of her thigh, and JJ couldn't take his eyes off of her.

'I don't think I've ever spoken to you,' she said.

'You're never on the wrong side of the island.'

'Maybe I always am.'

'Mhm.' JJ nudged her. 'That joint's hitting you.'

She smiled, but didn't say anything.

They passed the joint back and forth until it ran out and JJ stubbed the butt of it into the ground and, when questioned, explained he doesn't care about this side of the island enough to protect its environment. It made Kiara laugh and he decided he'd like to do that again. Make her laugh again.

So he said, 'Wanna get out of here?'

She quirked her brow, so he clarified: 'Not like that. Just a walk.'

'Sure.'

Turned out she was in heels, which he should've anticipated, and walking on grass made her wobbly. She held upright as much as she could as they followed the same path Sarah and John B took earlier, but he stuck his elbow out after a while, and she wrapped her arm around it.

'Better?'

'Better,' she agreed. 'Thanks.'

She didn't let go of him when they got to the pavement, and he didn't make an attempt to get rid of her. In fact, he straightened his posture, remembering what Big John had told him: When in the presence of a lady, always choose to be a man, not a boy.

He had a feeling he was doing a decent enough job.

'So what's next for you?'

'Travelling the world,' Kiara said.

'All of it?'

'All of it.'

'Well, Ma'am,' said JJ, 'I hope you all of it is waiting for you.'

She laughed again. JJ felt like he won a prize at a carnival.

They passed the lawn, hearing hushed whispers of two lovers still hiding in the shadows. Both he and Kiara ignored them, but exchanged a conspiratorial glance. As far as he knew, she was as close to Sarah Cameron as she was to John B, and this sure as hell was a story to tell.

They ventured into the garden that led to the PE hall because of course, their school was going to have a garden. It was lit by a few dimmed lights, which surprised JJ -- but at this side of the island, the electricity bill probably wasn't even top fifteen of anyone's concerns.

'What about you?' she asked. 'What's next?'

'Nothing,' he said. 'Just more of the same, just no school.'

'You got a job?'

He nodded. 'I work for my friends' dad. Delivering merch and groceries to shop, that kind of stuff.'

'Heyward?'

'The one and only.'

She smiled. 'My dad gets his stuff from him, for The Wreck. I might see you around.'

'You might.'

They passed a bush of carnations, and JJ paused for a moment. They were pink and blooming; smelled like the bright moments of his childhoods.

He felt Kiara at his side, asking without words.

'Carnations were my mum's favourite flowers.'

'She has a good taste.'

He swallowed the lump in his throat. 'She did.'

Kiara's hand moved across his, gently, as if soothing him. 'I prefer roses. Cliche, I know,' she added as he chuckled. 'You just know there'll be in every shop, and everyone gives roses first. It's kind of nice.'

'Fair enough, I suppose.'

They walked further, not talking. JJ found himself enjoying her company and the feeling of her on his arm. The dress she wore revealed her leg every so often and it took all in him not to look, not to stare, not to fantasise. But he didn't. He really didn't.

Instead, when they approached a rose bush, he plucked a rose off it.

'For the most beautiful lady this evening.'

Kiara took it with a chuckle. 'Charming.'

'Funny. That's actually my middle name.'

She brought the rose to her nose and closed her eyes as she smelled it, and JJ felt like every single decision he'd made in this life led him to this very moment.

There was no street light reaching this corner of the garden, nothing bar the moonlight. Nothing but the silver gleam shining on Kiara's content face; he wondered what she was thinking about.

'Thank you,' she said, opening her eyes with a smile. 'It's a lovely rose.'

'You're most welcome, Ma'am.'

She kissed him on the cheek. He wondered if she was drunk, but it might've been the joint, and he didn't care.

'We should head back,' she said, wrapping her arm around his again. 'People might start wondering where we are.'

'Sure,' he said, when he wanted nothing more but to stay here, with her.

The walk back was quiet. Jj knew there was nothing waiting for him there, because his date must've found someone else to entertain her, and John B would likely be preoccupied with Sarah Cameron until it was time to go home.

When they got back to the porch, she tugged gently at his arm. 'I keep seeing you around, but I never got your name.'

He grinned. 'We're not all popular enough for people to know our names like you, Miss Carrera.'

'I'll blame it on Sarah.'

'Rightfully so,' he said. 'It's JJ. JJ Maybank.'

'Well, then,' she said, untangling their arms, 'thank you for keeping me company, JJ Maybank.'

'My pleasure.'

She smiled again, that mischieviously polite little smile of hers, and led them back into the hall. She joined her friends and he made his way back to his table, where his glass had been refilled by his date, and he knew it would be alcohol without even looking.

He didn't see Kiara again until she was leaving, giving him a small wave. Her arm was interlinked with Sarah Cameron's, as it was, and sure enough, there was a rose tucked into her hair.

JJ waved back.

It was the last he'd ever seen of Kiara Carrera.

Until now, anyway, he thinks as he turns off the engine, parks about a two minute walk from the airport. He has nothing with him apart from his car keys, phone, wallet, and a bouquet of roses.

It feels like life was playing a silly joke on him, and he's waiting for the right moment to laugh.

The airport is as quiet as he expected it to be at this time of night. There are a few people waiting, presumably for people from the same flight as Kiara, some of them with massive signs with names written on them.

JJ likes looking at people. He likes trying to figure out if they've made it in life, or at least if they think they have. He wonders if that guy wearing a full three-piece that looks too perfectly fitted to be out of a cheap shop thinks he has it all figured out. He wonders if he's waiting for a wife, a family member, or a business partner. There's also a guy with a young child sleeping in his arms -- the girl can't be more than five, six years old. Whoever it is they're waiting for, they must have a lot of good things going for them. JJ knows kids don't have patience for things like these unless they really want to.

The plane lands -- it says so on the big screen. JJ's sitting on the bench, knowing it'll be a while before Kiara comes out. He wonders if he should've written a sign, or if she'll recognise him. It's been a few years, but he's still as scruffy as he was when he was a teenager, even if he changed into jeans and a t-shirt before he came to get her.

He thinks about what to say -- does he explain why he's here, first thing? Does he ask about the flight?

It's only now that he's realising he hasn't thought this far ahead and now he's too stressed out to do so. He's mad at himself for offering to do this, because he still needs to drive home, and sure he had a few energy drinks on the way and a few more waiting in the car, but man. He really should've thought this through.

The luggage has arrived, or so says the screen.

JJ gets up and so do most of the people who spent the last few minutes on the benches. He feels his palms getting sweaty as he holds the roses.

People start walking through. He realises he doesn't know what Kiara looks like -- it's not like they follow each other on social media. What if he doesn't recognise her? If she doesn't recognise him, either, and they're just dumbly walking around the airport, looking for the other and not knowing they're just there?

Thoughts keep running through his head and he wishes he brought headphones, but it's too late now. She'll be here any moment now.

The guy shakes the little girl and she wakes up, running up to a woman in her early thirties as if she wasn't asleep less than a minute ago. It draws a smile out of both the guy and JJ.

The door opens, but it's not Kiara. It opens again, but it's not her -- it's an older gentleman in a suit and, rightfully so, he walks up to the other man in the suit.

The door opens and JJ sees suitcases first -- two of them, both big, and a backpack on top of one.

And then he sees the same haphazard bun he saw that night. Except the fancy red dress that kept him up for more nights than he'd like to admit has been swapped out for a sweater and joggers, and there was no makeup on her face.

Yet even so, JJ would still give her the rose for the most beautiful lady tonight.

He starts approaching the line as her eyes scanned the crowd. When their gazes meet, he knew she recognises him, even if the confusion between her brows takes him aback. Has she not read the text from her father?

Something's clearly up when Kiara's eyes move past him, still looking around the crowd, frowning deeper as she doesn't recognise anyone.

'Kiara,' he calls, approaching her. She doesn't hear, or react, so he calls again and when she finally looks, he smiles at her. 'I'm picking you up. Your dad texted you.'

Kiara chuckles, raising her phone -- the screen is fully cracked. 'Yeah, not getting anything from this poor thing.'

She's finally out of the gate and he takes her suitcases, not even waiting for her to ask (or say no, more likely). JJ starts making his way out of the airport and he's glad to see her following, even if she's half in a daze.

'What happened to it?'

She rubs her nose, and he realises her eyes are a little bloodshot. 'Dropped it getting off the plane. Ran my suitcase over it. End of.'

'That's some bad karma you've got there. You didn't get to check your phone before that?'

'Nope.' She looks around as they exit the airport and the wind blows on her face, sweeping the hairs around it. 'It's colder than I remember.'

'That's global warming for you,' JJ says. 'I'm parked just there.'

'How am I meant to know you're not kidnapping me?'

JJ laughs, and only then realises she's being at least partially serious. He lets go of the suitcases and reaches underneath his armpit, where he'd squished the bouquet, because of course he'd forgiven to actually give it to her.

So he gives it to her now -- a bouquet of roses.

(Wonders if she's thinking about the same night he is.)

'Your dad bought you these,' he says, 'so I said I'll take your roses.'

The frown dissipates and Kiara is smiling as she takes the flowers. JJ wishes he could take a picture, but takes the suitcases instead.

'Well, that explains the flowers, at least.' He hears her footsteps behind him, so he keeps walking to the car. 'Doesn't explain why you're here, of all people.'

'Well, I offered.'

'Why?'

'I had nothing better to do.'

'And that's just it?'

JJ opens the trunk. 'Do you always ask that many questions?'

She shrugs, and he's thinking of that night again. 'Usually.'

'Well, I drove here, and I'm about to drive back, and I don't really have extra time on my hands, so save the questions for the road.'

'No need to be so bossy,' she retorts, but she's getting into his truck alright.

He thinks about how she didn't even offer to help with the suitcases. Not that he minds, he wouldn't take her help even if she insisted, it's just not quite what he'd expect from the Kiara he knew, the feminist warrior known across the island.

But when he opens his door to get into the truck and the half-working light shines on her face, he can tell she's exhausted.

'Wanna grab something to eat?' JJ twists the key and the engine roars to life. 'There's a few diners on the way.'

'Are you hungry?'

'Starving.'

She smiles. 'Okay.'

They don't talk much after that. JJ drives them out of the parking lot and manoeuvres out of the Charleston post code via the scenic route. There's not much to be seen, but the odd street light and sets of suburbs in the distance are better than the straight road with nothing to it. There's gas stations and diners, sure---he wasn't lying about being hungry---but apart from it, the moon is their only acquaintance.

He lets her fiddle with the radio after she called her dad from his phone. He promised her not to judge her taste, so when she puts reggae on, he convinces himself to enjoy it, instead.

Kiara leans her head on the headrest. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see her fingers tapping the rhythm on her things, and he wonders if she's a dancer. Surely she would be one.

'Thanks, JJ,' she says. 'For doing this when my dad couldn't.'

He shrugs. 'S'alright. I'm more surprised you remember my name.'

'You're not that easy to forget, you know.'

He laughs. 'You flatter me too much.'

He looks over and she's looking out of the window, the runaway strands shielding parts of her face from him. He wonders if she's telling the truth, or even what she meant by it---if she meant anything, that is---then decides to stop at the next diner he sees. Nothing good's come from an empty stomach and right now, there's two of those in the truck.

It’s less than ten minutes later that he pulls up at a 50’s-looking diner. He sees the question on Kiara’s face and promises her they’re not getting murdered here, though her eyes keep checking every corner on their way into the place. The bell chimes and the teenage guy at the till looks at them, but the two people sitting at each their own table pay them no mind.

‘Smells nice,’ says JJ.

Kiara hums in agreement. 

They find a booth close to the entrance, even if that means having the cold breeze if someone walks in. JJ doubts it—it’s nearly three o’clock—and thinks Kiara will feel more comfortable if they’re close to the way out. Just in case. Even though her shoulders are more relaxed now and she’s throwing less glances in the way of the other two customers, JJ would rather have her feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

He slides the menu across. ‘Have whatever you want. It’s on me.’

‘Shouldn’t it be on me?’ she asks, eyeing the menu. ‘You picked me up.’

‘Doesn’t work that way.’

‘Hm?’

‘Just– It’s on me,’ JJ says, then nods at the menu. ‘Pick soon. The guy’s wanting to come over.’

She glances at the till and he knows she made eye contact with the guy, because she averts her eyes as soon as she does so. She barely even glances at the menu before he says her order—a burger and a milkshake—and two minutes later, JJ orders for both of them. Kiara’s slumped against the wall, tapping her fingers while simultaneously looking like she’s half asleep, staring out of the window where they could see nothing but a singular street light, shining over JJ’s truck, a minivan, and a bike.

JJ studies her, even though he’s not trying to. She looks older and more tired, with lightened hair at the tips that must’ve grown out, but he’s surprised just how little hse’s really changed.

‘It’s rude to stare,’ she says, with no bite to it.

‘Not much else to look at,’ he says. ‘Nothing worth looking at, anyway.’

It makes her chuckle. ‘Still charming as ever.’

‘You bet.’

He waits to see if she’ll pick up the conversation, and she doesn’t. The waiter comes and gives them a cup of coffee each, but Kiara doesn’t touch hers. Jetlag, she explains – she needs to get through it naturally. 

‘Where did you come from?’ he asks. ‘You couldn’t have a jetlag from Washington, so that must’ve been a layover.’

‘Bahamas,’ she says.

‘Was it nice?’

‘Sure.’

‘How long were you there for?’

‘Do you always ask that many questions?’ 

‘Sorry. Didn’t mean to pry.’

A moment passes and her lip quivers—JJ feels like he said something wrong—and then she buries her head in her hands, before sighing loudly. ‘It’s my fault,’ she says, tucking some strands behind her ears. ‘I’m sorry. I’m just tired.’

‘That’s alright,’ he says, sipping on his coffee. ‘We don’t need to talk if you’re not wanting to.’

‘It’s not that. It’s probably better if we do, it’ll keep me up.’ She sighs and leans back, letting herself sink into the seat a little, making her crewneck sweater scrunch around her neck. ‘I just feel a little drunk and I’m scared of saying the wrong thing.’

‘Like what?’

‘Cheeky,’ she says, but smiles nonetheless. She yawns and rubs her eyes, sighing a little. ‘You still friends with John B?’

‘Close as ever.’

‘Are him and Sarah still a thing?’

John B Routledge and Sarah Cameron are, as always, a complicated thing – and JJ embarks on a story that spans years after the prom night, and as it turns out, years since Kiara has last had contact with anyone from the island, including her best friend at the time. He tells her of Sarah joining their adventures, about the search for gold and a long-lost crucifix that turned out to be a Heyward family heirloom, but makes it sound more adventurous than it was. Her eyes are slightly glazed and she hums and nods in all the right places, but she’s not really listening, or at least absorbing what he’s saying. He says at one point that John B’s dad came back from the dead and she just nods in response, so JJ doesn’t even bother pretending he’s telling the truth anymore.

It’s fun. He comes up with a story and Kiara’s asleep with her eyes open, and he doesn’t really mind.

The smell of their food wakes her up. The waiter’s a little clumsy as he puts it in front of them, and Kiara’s sinking her teeth into her burger before he’s even gone.

She moans. JJ tries not to picture her doing that in a different context.

‘Good?’

‘This is the best burger I’ve ever had,’ she says, moaning again. Her eyes widen and she covers her mouth. ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.’

JJ waves her off. ‘Good food will do that to you.’

He eats his burger, too, but it’s really just average. He doesn’t say that – lets her believe it really is the best burger in the world, even as she leaves a very detailed review on Google. He watches her come back to life as the carbs start to hit and the glaze leaves her eyes. She moves more as she talks, asks more questions about Kildare and the things she’s missed, and JJ finds himself enjoying talking about the place he'd spent the majority of his life wishing he could get out of.

‘I’ve missed it,’ she says, sipping on the strawberry milkshake while JJ enjoys his chocolate one. ‘I never thought I’d say that.’

‘Kildare?’

‘Mhm.’

‘Eh. It grows on you, I suppose.’

‘Most places do,’ she says. ‘I was in the Bahamas for the last six months and it’s been a whirlwind. Europe, before that, and Asia was the first destination.’

JJ smiles. ‘So you’ve really travelled all of the world.’

Kiara smiles, too, and he wonders if she’s thinking the same thing – from the darkness on her cheeks, he supposes she is. ‘All of it.’

‘So, what’s it like?’

And she tells him everything. He watches as she bodies the stories, as the names of people she’s met come back to her, and glaze in her eyes goes away as the carbs hit in. She’s a good storyteller, turns out, and he’s a lot better at listening than she was not too long ago. He learns about the catacombs of Paris, of the high altitudes of Nepal, about the alpacas and the camels, about the way a dust storm can seep through the tiniest of cracks in fabrics. 

She keeps talking even when they get to the car, some half hour later, and he doesn’t stop her. Country music is back on the radio, but just as background noise this time, and JJ listens to the stories about her travels even when the dark gives way to the faintest orange, and a new day is being born. 

She’ll get tired eventually, and she’ll crash. He knows the gig. 

He slows the car not too far from where they’re to take the ferry back to the island, but still too far from any light to reach him. Kiara stops talking but doesn’t ask questions as he pulls up on the side of the road and does a 180 with his truck. From the back, he grabs a blanket and some candies he’d forgotten he put there, and asks her to follow him.

‘This isn’t the part where I kill you,’ he tells her.

‘Good,’ she retorts. ‘Was kind of enjoying myself.’

‘Well,’ he says, hopping out of the truck with her following suit, ‘you’re about to be enjoying yourself a whole lot more.’

He doesn’t apologise for the innuendo, and it makes her laugh. 

He sets the blanket on the back of his truck and even though it’s still kind of dirty, he hopes she doesn’t mind – she doesn’t give any sign that she does. He sits down, then, stretching his legs down the back of the truck, and she does the same, leaning against the back of the cabin.

‘What are we doing, JJ?’

He smiles at her. ‘What’s the last time you watching the sun rise in the middle of nowhere? In the States.’

She closes her mouth, because he knew she was going to say in the desert , and then she huffs. ‘I can’t remember.’

‘You’re about to, then.’

Kiara says nothing, but he can feel her relax. Her arm’s right up against his and they face east, watching the sky bask in shades of orange and gold and red, little by little. JJ doesn’t know when’s the last time he watched the sunrise, either, and it’s a much better view from here than the road. 

Birds wake up, too, chirping away. It’s too early for cars and JJ feels like the silence of the world is around them – nothing but them. 

He looks over, and Kiara’s eyes are trained on the sky. Her face is relaxed and he wonders what she’s thinking about, but doesn’t ask. He doesn’t want to break the spell. He just watches her, again, but she doesn’t call him out on it this time. She’s beautiful in a way that the word was made for her – the golden hour makes her glow, tired as she is. 

JJ feels a sudden urge to kiss her forehead. He doesn’t, but the thought doesn’t go away.

The day brightens and the sun comes out soon enough. By that time, Kiara’s eyes have closed, and her head dropped to JJ’s shoulder. He knows they should get going, and he’s got some energy drinks to get through, but he doesn’t feel tired. He feels alive .

Truth is, that night never left his mind. She was in the back of it, hiding, waiting. The connection and the familiarity he felt that night came rushing back, and it feels like it’s not basically a stranger that’s falling asleep on his shoulder, that he’s watching the sun rise with, that he’s driven for hours to pick up. 

Not a stranger. Just Kiara.

He taps her on the shoulder, gently, and tells her that they need to get going when she wakes up. JJ walks her to the car, fastens the belt, and her eyes are only half open. He turns on the heating and switches to a local radio station that plays calmer music in the mornings as they get back on the road. Whenever he glances over, Kiara’s eyes are closed, and she looks peaceful. He doesn’t even wake her up when they get on the ferry, nor does he leave the car, either. 

Driving around Kildare feels familiar in the mornings, so JJ has no issue with it, even on Figure Eight. He finds her house easily enough, and pulls up without waking her. He thinks about getting Mike to come get her, but something about that feels like he’s losing out on something. On time with her, maybe.

What happens when he gets back into his truck and drives away? Is it going to be another prom night, where they never speak again, not for years, anyway?

The thought of that makes his chest ache. 

JJ leaves the truck and grabs the suitcases from the back. He sets them out on the porch, wondering if Mike and Anna are even up. He gets back to the truck and opens the passenger door, but Kiara still doesn’t wake.

He calls her name. Nothing. He gives her a gentle nudge, and that gets a movement out of her, but not enough. 

‘Kiara,’ he says. ‘You’re home.’

Her eyes open and they’re focused on him and only him for a full second, and JJ feels bare. She notices the house, then, and he watches as she becomes nervous again. 

‘It’s going to be okay,’ he tells her. ‘I don’t know what happened between you and your parents, but you’re good. They’ve missed you.’

‘Yeah.’

‘Kiara.’

She looks back at him.

JJ gives her another nudge. ‘You’re going to charm them, no matter what.’

It makes her smile, and JJ feels like a winner again. 

She thanks him for driving her, for picking her up, even though it was her dad who asked him to – or her dad that JJ offered to do so. She’s stalling, he can tell, but he lets her. Helps her get out of the truck. Walks up with her to the stairs, with her arm around hers, just like that night – the only thing she’s got in her hands is the roses, and he wishes he was the one getting them for her.

Next time, he thinks. But there’s no guarantee of that.

As they stand in front of her door, Kiara doesn’t ring the bell. Her hand tightens the hold on JJ’s arm and he feels her shaking, ever so slightly. She chalks it up to sleeplessness—the sun is now well over the horizon—but it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.

‘Do you want me to come in with you?’

She frowns. ‘Do you know my parents that well?’

‘Not really,’ he admits, ‘but if having someone there makes it easier for you…’

Kiara’s face breaks out into a tired smile and she gives his arm a squeeze. He watches her as she leans forward and plants a kiss on his cheek – a firm one, purposeful, and JJ feels his whole body set ablaze.

‘You’ve already done more than enough,’ she says. ‘Thank you.’

‘It’s nothing,’ he says, and his voice hitches.

‘It’s not nothing. I don’t even know how to thank you properly.’

‘It’s fine. Your dad’s already given me money for it.’

She tilts her head. ‘I’m sure he didn’t include you treating me to a burger and a really pretty sunrise in that.’

‘No,’ JJ chuckles, ‘but I wanted to. That’s on me.’

‘JJ.’ Kiara calls his name again and squeezes his arm one more time, until he’s finally looking at her. ‘I don’t even know how to thank you properly.’

And in a moment of opportunity, exhaustion, and just enough courage, JJ says: ‘Go for dinner with me.’

‘Dinner,’ she repeats.

‘Dinner.’

‘Hm. That doesn’t sound too bad.’

‘I’m glad to hear that.’ JJ feels his shoulder relax—when did they even tense?—and he gives her a little nudge. ‘You ready to see your family again?’

He offers to ring the bell on her behalf and she takes it. They end up standing there, hand in arm, until there’s rushed footsteps coming from the inside and it’s Mike that opens the door, practically engulfing Kiara into a hug. 

JJ sees that as his cue. He waves at the two and Mike thanks him again, but JJ doesn’t stay long enough to hear any more offers of gratitude – he already got the one he wanted. Back in his truck, his Baby, he scrolls on his phone to see Kiara has already requested to follow him on Instagram. He accepts and follows back and within minutes, there’s a text from her:

looking forward to that dinner x

And just like that, JJ's life has become thrilling again.

[soulofapatrick]

Patrol - Joel Miller x Reader

Summary: Joel wants you while on patrol and risks it all to screw you in a building that might have infected in it

Words: 

Warnings: Smut; mostly pure smut; established relationship; age gap; fingering; sex (p in v)

Joel's POV

"You gotta be silent doll," I whisper, feeling her writher and whine below me as I pump two fingers in and out of her heat. We're in the shopping mall, in a changing room while there are possible clickers around outside. We don't get much time together as no one knows we're together as it'd put too much of a target on her back if people knew.

She lets out a mewl, body trembling against the wall and I don't let up my brutal pace until I decide she's close enough. Her green eyes fly open, mouth ready to protest until she sees me sinking to my knees wanting to taste her. As if on instict her legs spread further and I hook one leg over my shoulder, not giving her warning before I lick a strip up her wet heat. She jerks, a hand yanking at my hair and a whimper leaving her pretty pink lips. She's fluttering already so I suck on her nub and her back in arching into the feeling before her body spasms slightly. I don't stop, alternating between flat strokes of my tongue to teasing her clit until she yanking at my hair in warning.

The sound she makes is beautiful but too loud and she knows it because she slams and hand over her mouth, body quivering as I lick her dry, holding her hips as I stand as her thighs are still shaking and chest heaving.

She's beautiful but would be even more beautiful riding my cock. We have time, we're not due back for another hour, plenty of time. I make quick work of unbuckling my belt and pushing my jeans and boxers around my knees before turning Y/N around. She complies, bending her back enough to stick out that pretty little ass of hers, enticing me.

That first slide into her heat takes all the air from my lungs, having to grip her hips tight enough to leave bruises to stop me cumming then and there. She rocks back, knowing what she's doing, and I reach around her, grabbing her neck and pulling her body flush against mine.

"You going to behave baby doll?" I hiss in her ear, pressing my fingers to the pulse points either side of her neck knowing what it does for her. Before she can respond I pull back until the tip is inside before slamming forwards, ripping a broken gasp from her. She scrabbles for some purchase, hands landing on my thighs and nails clawing at them with every hard thrust. She's beautiful as she slowly breaks in my arms, bending into my every move and those sounds are heavenly.

All care leaves me when I feel that familiar pressure forming fast, Y/N seems to feel it too as she's moving into my own movements faster. I keep my hand on her neck, not caring if I bruise it as my other slides from her hip down to her soaked clit, circling it with two fingers until she's clenching beautifully around me and forcing my own orgasm from me. It fills her up spills out down her trembling thighs.

I don't want to seperate from her just yet so I walk us backwards until I'm able to sit down on the bench left in the changing room, her following so I don't slip out just yet. She leans back to put her head on my shoulder and pants, chest glistening with sweat and glowing in the light that makes it's way through the dusty skylight windows above us. I just wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her neck as lovingly as I can, knowing she understands my every move.

———

We make it back to Jackson being five minutes late which is a record as we couldn't help going for round two. Y/Nlooks wrecked: pupils still blown, lips swollen and the sweater she's wearing slipping off her shoulder and revealing a few hickeys but at this point I want to show her off. I'm sick of sneaking around and random girls in town hitting on me. It's as if Y/N senses my want because she blushes after pulling the sleeve back up but not high enough to cover the ones on her collarbone.

I probably don't look much better but most of my evidence is hidden under my shirt and my jeans, scratches that will stay for a few days. There is a tenderness on my neck meaning she left a hickey or there too and it makes my heart swell because we're on the same page.

Tommy's raising his eyebrows as he takes the horses after we've hopped off and grabbed our packs. I ignore his pointed look, grabbing Y/N's hand openly and pull her willingly after me back to mine as we have a lot of catching up to do.

[bucky-h0e]

A/N: We getting spoiled this week! I'm working out the schedule, but just for this week I've got a few extra posts to make up for my absence - hopefully you enjoy them all!

Anyway, here's a short, late-ish Valentines' Day special.

Warnings: Fluff, Bucky and Alpine's father-daughter dates, Sam and Bucky embarrassing Alpine like good father's should

Serendipity Masterlist

Bucky and Alpine (+Sam) celebrate Valentines Day

There are many ways this day could go and have gone

The only constant throughout the years are that Alpine always gets Bucky and Sam flowers

and Bucky and Sam always get Alpine flowers

it started off as a competition, Bucky got Alpine flowers one year and Sam went out and bought a bigger bouquet

the next year, Sam bought a bouquet bigger than the one from the previous year, Bucky bought her two

so she basically gets given an entire flower shop but eventually she told them to knock it off

i mean, do you know how hard it is to look after and set up 30+ bouquets?

it's fucking difficult and she wasn't even getting paid to do it

now, if they all have significant others (unlikely because Bucky only has three contacts in his phone and one of those is his therapist) then they spend most of the day with them

Bucky and Alpine will always try to go out for food during the day

just a little father-daughter date

nothing major

Bucky denies it

Alpine has heart eyes and keeps telling everyone that the Winter Soldier is her dad

absolutely uses it to her advantage to get free cake

and to scare away dates

the most likely scenario though is that Bucky doesn't have a date, Sam does and Alpine's situation varies from moment to moment

if she doesn't have a date then she's all

"Bucky's all the Valentines I need"

"Unless Thor comes around cause goddamn"

"i'd stretch for Steven Strange too."

"or literally any Wakandan."

"Especially that M'Baku guy."

"Thanks Al."

if she does have a date

"I can cancel, i don't even know this man. I can just tell him to fuck off."

"I don't need some guy that I met randomly at work"

"At my bar job no less"

"Seriously Bucky, he ain't no M'Baku so-"

"Kid, shut up, go on your date."

"don't interrupt me you living fossil"

"fucking, rude grumpy ass"

once it's decided that yes, she will be going on her date

she drags him over to her place so he can keep her company whilst she get's ready

she'll aggressively sing songs at him

which bucky is very used to at this point

maybe force him into a little dancey-dance

which he'll say he hates but very much enjoys it

spins her at some point and dips her

she'll also cook him dinner, because if he's gunna be alone then she'll be damned if its not with a hot meal

Bucky won't admit it, but he loves when she cooks because it reminds him of coming home to a family and a food on the table made by someone who loves him

also it means he doesn't have to cook

when she's ready, she's normally a ball of confidence (apart from the time she dated a young history professor - she was a wreck)

so he doesn't need to give her a pep talk or anything

which is good because he doesn't exactly know how to tell a girl he hopes she gets laid?

bit of weird thing to say to his young neighbour who he views as a daughter

when her date comes to pick her up, he's standing right behind her glaring at the guy

sizing him up, committing his face to memory just in case

"okay, we'll be off now, lock my door for me would you Buck"

she'll lean up (thats a lie, she practically drags him so he lowers himself to her height) and kiss his cheek goodnight before taking her dates arm and smiling

as he's locking her door with his spare key (they'd given each other spare keys in cases of emergency but lets be honest Alpine uses them whenever she wants) he'll over hear a bit of their conversation which normally revolved around him

"It that-"

"No"

"It is!"

"It's not."

"You know the Winter Soldier?!"

"He's not the Winter Soldier."

That conversation normally tells him that the date isn't going to go well

he knew she hated when a date would focus on that aspect of him

like for fucks sake man is actually a living time machine

and alpine knows a lot about him

ask better questions

whilst she's on her date, he'll sit at home and watch movie recommendations from her and Sam

he'll read

listen to music

drink beer that will definitely not get him drunk

when Alpine comes back, he'll send her a text to make sure she's safe

he used to check on her by opening the door but she once caught her and an ex boyfriend in a rather

awkward

position to say the least

they couldn't look at each other for a week after that and bucky had very quickly learnt his lesson

if the dates gone well then he won't get a response until later that night

if it goes okay then it normally means there will be a second date before anything happens between the pair

if the night is bad, then Bucky had received the text first and had gone out to pick her up from wherever the date was

we love a protective dad

on the nights that don't end with Alpine in her place getting lucky (which is most years up until she meets the before mentioned professor - i've got a fucking plan for these two i swear)

they sit together on Bucky's couch, drinking beer and teasing each other

Alpine is normally still dressed up at this point

"Bucky rub my feet"

"fuck no"

"oh c'mon you're supposed to be a 40s gentleman"

"and you're supposed to be a lady, put the dogs away"

"i fucking sWEAR TO GOD I GOT NICE FEET BARNES"

"jar."

her unhinged and outlandish outbursts had led to Bucky getting a 'swear jar' of sorts

she'd have to put a dollar in for every one

"Fucking... jar you in a minute

"Nice threat Al"

"Grandpa, I swear to god"

"Which one"

now sometimes Sam will join them if he doesn't have a date but come on

you can't tell me that Sam Wilson

Captain America

doesn't have a Valentines' date

he isn't a social recluse like a certain Steve Rogers

Now, Bucky and Sam are very protective fathers

nobody can tell me otherwise

you also can't tell me that they wouldn't be the biggest fucking teases in the world

every valentines day, without fail, Alpine gets a video message from Sam

It's of him and Bucky, giving her "advice"

"This Valentine's Day here's a couple of things from a couple of guys"

Bucky looks physically pained the first few times she'd been sent it

"Rule number one, always make sure to give a gift instead of receive one, thats makes you a good person."

Sam is very obviously loving this, every single year

"rule number two, be yourself always and forever with anyone and everyone"

"that's very nice. Always, Always remember rule number one"

"but always keep in mind rule number two"

"number two has heart too"

"at the end of the day it takes two to make things right"

it was an ongoing joke that alpine was ready to end

especially when they sent it to the professor boyfriend on their first valentines day together

"I am.... so sorry"

"It's okay, love, it'd endearing"

"it's embarrassing"

"they care about you"

"i'm going to end them"

"one thing before you do, how did they get my number?"

poor baby forgot who he was dating for a hot second there

little does he know he's going to be cockblocked most valentines' by James Barnes

this poor man just wants to swoop Alpine off her feet and treat her like a queen

Bucky's sat there like a little gremlin with a beer and a smug little grin

he ain't ready to be an actual grandpa just yet

especially if the kid takes after Alpine

50/50 is just too much of a risk at that point

has 100% convinced Sam to crash one of their dates before now

Sam agrees but has a moment of clarity in the middle of it

"You ever think that we hang around this kid too much?"

Bucky's sat there with sunglasses looking through a newspaper with eye holes cut out

"No."

they're in one of the fanciest restaurants in New York and Bucky looks like a cartoon villain

"What happened to you man?"

"Parenthood."

he's joking, partially

he loves Alpine and the professor is the only boyfriend of hers he's like for her

but

Until the day comes where Alpine meets that man, Bucky is her main Valentine's bitch

and he makes sure of it

he really, really hates all of Alpine's ex-boyfriends

[void-galaxy-shenanigans]

You mention your girlfriend a lot in a lot of posts about your growth. How did you two meet? What is she like?

I'm willing to answer this, but it comes with some not-fun news— we’ve since broken up. Just saying that up front, but I’ll talk about how we met & what attracted me/us to her (& what kept our relationship going/healthy for so long) 💜. Also gonna use initials for anonymity (C, S, & M).

(How we broke up is probably triggering, & not necessary to answer this 🤷‍♂️)

~~

In answer to your question (it’ll be long):

At the time, I was living with our ex C. We were supposed to be polyamorous, but C was controlling & bad (that’s its own story). But we finally talked out how we would be comfortable with polyam working (our boundaries/rules & setup & whatnot) & I made an account on Taimi, because a fellow queer told me it was a good place to go. (Unfortunately Taimi is now wrecked; everything requires a subscription & most of the good folks left it.) I connected with a few people at first.

When I met C (Dec. 2022), I was looking for long-term relationships. So I went into this time looking for short-term, so I could learn what made me happy, comfortable, & safe in the present moment. I needed to learn what my needs & desires were, & what made a relationship actually feasible for long-term. I knew this was my intention, & mentioned it in our bios.

M is trans in the opposite direction, she/they/fae (we're trans masc, he/they). They’re also neurodivergent like we are. She actually reached out to us (Sept. 2023), because in our (long) bio I put ‘touch starved bitch, would love cuddles’, & fae apparently took the time to read the whole thing & notice that. So they messaged like, ‘hey, I’m new to the area and also touch starved ’, & asked about some of my interests.

We talked for a couple of weeks, infodumps & some trauma talks (discussing why our previous relationships failed), & I mentioned that I was living with C & it was getting more unsafe.

M ended up offering to go on a date to a coffee shop near them (we both wanted a public place). I showed up on time (5:30 to 6p was the window), to find out the coffee shop was inside a university. Eventually I found it, & got a coffee, & went outside to sit and drink it where I could see the trees. I started writing a story on my phone (I do that often) & was vibing, in my zone.

Around 6:20p, she was like ‘oh shit sorry, I was in the shower and lost track of time, I’m getting ready now’. They arrived at 6:30p, flustered and out of breath.

I was still sitting, writing and vibing. M stopped, & (fae later told me) saw me in my zone having fun & went ‘this is a cool person I’ll vibe with’. They then approached to say hi, pulling me out of the story zone. I let them know the coffee shop closed at 6 (online said 6:30), so we chatted outside & assessed vibes.

Her vibes were good, so we went off walking down the sidewalk & infodumping back & forth. After about an hour, we both agreed the vibes were safe enough to go to her house.

We went back to my car (M didn’t have one), & I drove over to their house. I found out along the way that (coincidentally) we had both slept only 3-4 hours that night & didn’t have the energy to mask (neurodivergence), hence the immediate click.

We went into the house, into faer room, & I sat down on the floor (twas Floor Time™). We talked a bit more, went to get food, then laid down on their bed & cuddled. We kept infodumping.

Around 9p or so, I felt comfortable enough to start happy stimming while I was rambling, & she gave me one of those You’re Adorable™ smiles that I would later find out was adoration (I’m used to people being annoyed/exasperated when they look at me 😅).

Around 10p, I got up & went home (I had work the next morning & wasn’t prepared to spend the night). That was our first date - infodumping & cuddles. Nothing spicy, no pressure or rudeness, no problems.

They then helped me move out of C’s apartment a week later, into my current living situation (not the best, but it’s not with C 🤷‍♂️), which...is pretty attractive, ngl. Between them & my best friend (she/they), they did 90% of the work (I’m physically disabled, they both let me direct but didn’t want me hurting myself to help), & fae said they were just happy I was safe (safer, I wasn’t really safe & I’m not very safe now).

We dated for about 2 months, then they met their first local girlfriend S. They stopped spending time with me, & hardly reached out. On Thanksgiving Day around 9p, I reached out letting them know I felt distanced & uncared for, & they showed up ASAP in person to discuss. They said S was also uncomfortable with the “distribution of time” (big words to say there was an imbalance in our new polycule), explained that they’d been experiencing a lot of ADHD time blindness. But they followed that up with the first real apology we’ve gotten - “I’m sorry I neglected you”. No dodging, no misplaced blame, actual accountability.

We then established a routine where they’d stay over at my house 3 days of the week, stay at S’s apartment 3 days of the week, then rest at home 1 day. So I had reliable routine & knew I’d see her. She had the follow through too, for a couple months (that’s the beginning of the end).

In our time together, we talked a lot about healthy relationships, unpacked our trauma together, and had a lot of fun. I learned a lot about what I need, want, & deserve in a relationship. A lot of the more recent healing posts have been things she made me realize, or just observations fae offered when I was talking about trauma. They also helped me recognize why C was so toxic along the way.

Ironically, she raised my standards, & then later on failed to meet the new standards they’d shown me I deserve.

But I learned what I needed to, and now I’m resting out of any romantic relationships, unpacking what went wrong with our relationship with M and what I/we can do better in the future.

(I’ve also learned to trust our best friend’s judgment, because she apparently saw the end coming & didn’t say anything, so I now ask for their opinion on new people & invite concerns/criticism.)

Despite it all, despite how it ended, I really hope she has a good life, wherever that leads. I learned what I needed to, and I hope fae learns what they need, too.

~~

I hope you & anyone else who’s seen/read those posts also benefits/benefited from what we learned from her. I know they’re gone now, but faer impact on us is gonna last for years (probably the rest of our life).

~Nico💜

[jlheon]

୨୧ — enhypen as tiktoks on my fyp (ot7)

wc. 700 notes. ijbol! all my opinion library.

HEESEUNG as a photo slideshow posted by his girlfriend of his promposal. he definitely doesn’t post on tiktok that much but lets his girl post him. the video probably gets a lot of likes for having two signs for the promposal. like that one video there’s a tiktok brainrot one and then a serious one. idk if anyone will know what i’m talking about but there was video of someones date having two signs and the first one was some silly tiktok brainrot phrase and the serious one was ‘i’d be an airhead not to ask you to prom’. that’s literally hee.

JAY as the making dubai chocolate bars at home. those chocolate bar videos actually have me in a chokehold but i’m allergic to pistachio (*´Д｀*). jay doesn’t do any crazy editing, he barely edits the video at all and uses the 10 minute feature which everyone sits through and watches the whole thing. his chocolate bar has the most satisfying look when he splits in in half and is super crunchy. jay definitely went extra and added gold food glitter into the mold before making the chocolate for the visual appeal.

JAKE as ‘dapping up 10s at deca’. like it’s actually insane seeing jake in a suit. i don’t do either but i can definitely picture him either doing deca or mun. all the people in the comments of the video are all about him, “NUMBER 5 WAS SO FINE”. he had like the most gut wrecking smirk in the video as the op daps him up. his account eventually gets found and the only video on it is him and riki doing the ‘tell ur gf’ dance and he goes semi viral for just being hot (real). eventually he posts a tiktok after gaining a few thousands followers and has everyones (me) knees giving out. he probably won an award at deca too.

SUNGHOON as ‘grwm’. he is so filming himself getting ready in the morning, especially on school days and when he gets pr. he lacks the whole point of a get ready with me because half of the video is just him breathing really loudly. everyone sends him pr cuz his pretty face showing off their products is a good marketing tactic. he is just picking out an outfit but sometimes does his skin care, never really talks other than when he tells product names cuz he is no gatekeeper. made this account cuz he got logged out of his main. everyone is the comments is asking for where he works because they want to see his pretty face in person.

SUNOO as ‘getting froyo because telling my crush i like them is wrong’. sunoo doesn’t actually have a crush and is doing this for attention and to show off his froyo order. he has posted multiple videos with different captions like “because yelling at my teacher is wrong” or “because admitting i want my ex back is wrong”. none of these are close to true and his whole page/drafts are full of different variations of this trend. he gets mint chip and riki bullies him in the comments for it. plz let this boy go viral to end this so he will let this trend rest.

JUNGWON as making slime on a table. it’s literally just a video of him in 3x speed making slime on his desk. he pours the glue directly on his desk, adds some shaving cream, blue food coloring, and then detergent. he just starts mixing with his hands. all of his slimes turn out surprisingly well even though his facial expression make him look like he doesn’t have a clue in the world about what he is doing. jungwon is a famous slime account and eventually starts selling his slimes on tiktok shop. he definatley has really cute charms that go in his slimes.

RIKI as ‘what does your gun sound like?’. you can’t tell me riki wouldn’t do this. he would bother the members one by one to get an answer out of them. when he gets a boring answer he makes them refilm and eventually gets fed up and just coaches whoever he’s filming behind the camera because he wants to go viral. at the end he makes jake go last so jake can record him, riki’s ‘gun’ sounds either like “get up!” or “kaboom!” and he says it in the most obnoxious voice that makes jake fall to the floor so the video cuts off at the end because he drops the phone.

[newhometest]

ali Cartier wants you to know something: they're the best. During their Appleville set, Cali made that quite apparent as they cut off their own performances to advertise themself and this album; the very first “song” they performed at the festival was composed of nothing more than them rapping the URL to their website.

Aaron Cartier Best Dog album cover courtesy of Dog Show Records

Now, with all this talk of being the best, you might be wondering: “Best what?” Let me answer your question with a question: does it matter? Cali's the best rapper, the best producer, best local artist, and now they want you to know that they are, indisputably, the best dog. There are, of course, a few things that they will concede: umru, for example, is responsible for “the best saxophone.” Lewis Grant? The best Lewis Grant. But for the most part, as far as Cali Cartier is concerned, they are THE best rapper, THE best producer, and THE best dog. And with this 13 track album, they're ready to try to prove it.

Clocking in at just 25 minutes, Aaron Cartier Best Dog is dense, heavy, and earthshaking — like if 2019’s CARTIER EVIL grew venomous, deadly fangs. Almost every single one of these tracks finds Cali Cartier crashing through walls of distorted bass and clattering percussion, and most of them find them working with the album’s principal producer, Dylan Brady, as the two work to create the strongest entry in Cartier’s discography so far.

Unfortunately, this album succumbs to something I like to call: “the first track is sorta disappointing and I think it would’ve been better if it had been left off of the project” syndrome. This isn’t exclusive to just this album, in fact, it’s sometimes mistakenly diagnosed in albums like 1000 gecs or My Agenda. Track one, “THIS + THAT,” clocks in at just 42 seconds, making it the shortest song on an album filled with already short songs. Perhaps it’s for the best. While it’s not bad by any means — after all, who doesn’t love some autotuned harmonies over some crunchy 808s? — it also isn’t quite pleasant, and I feel as though it would’ve been better if it had been omitted in favor of opening the album with one of the more abrasive, aggressive tracks.

Those sorts of tracks are where Cali Cartier and the track’s respective producers really shine. Cartier is nothing if not charismatic, and their delivery necessitates a beat to match in terms of energy and swagger. And when those conditions are met, he’s able to totally wreck shop. “BANANAS” is a clear example — taking a 645AR-esque approach to their vocals, Cali Cartier emerges with a track that made me not only headbang, but also fear for my life. The Dylan Brady-provided synths do a lot to add to the track’s paranoid atmosphere. Meanwhile, over the minimal, booming, 8-bit-esque instrumental that Archoninfinity and daydream nathan cooked up for “IPHONE,” Cali Cartier presents some of their most confident bars and impressive delivery on the record. Just one track later, courtesy of umru and Yung Skrrt, Cartier gets to completely let loose over the monstrous, metallic “KING TAP,” which finds them in top form as they asserts themself atop the game: “Cartier been made it happen / Making moves on automatic.” And on “WINDOW,” Dylan Brady provides what is essentially a hyphy beat on steroids, and Cartier readily tears it apart. A few cursory listens make evident what was already clear: nearly all of the album’s highlights are found in bass heavy, aggressive beats that serve more as a platform for Cali Cartier’s unique delivery than as showpieces of their own.

The features are no slouches either — a great relief, considering that there’s only two of them. TYMMI keeps up with an absolutely excellent Cali Cartier verse on “SHINE” by matching Cartier’s quick, yet subdued delivery with a slow, yet aggressive and confident cadence — both rappers ultimately body the track. William Crooks’ contribution to the smooth, yet hollow feeling “EVERYDAY” adds a bit of humor and variance to the track — his bars, which somehow give the feeling of tumbling over each other, are a marked contrast to Cartier, who locks into a flow and melody for their part. However, although Cali is not outmatched on these tracks, there are a few where they fall victim to something else entirely: his own experimentation.

There are a few tracks on here where Cartier’s gambles don’t pan out in their favor. Opener “THIS + THAT” aside, there is also “GO OUTSIDE” to contend with. A MIDI-piano nightmare, featuring little more than a clap, a triangle, some hi-hats, an 808, and dissonant, skittering keys, Cartier seems to slip over the beat, their bars sometimes cutting off before they actually finish rather than locking to it, as they had on “KING TAP” or “IPHONE.” The Dylan Brady-assisted “TOP DWN!” is chaotic to the point of confusion — the song’s rhythm is difficult to pin down, and Cartier ’s ad libs, at times, are louder than their actual lead vocals. And their nasal delivery seems to finally do them in on “RUNNIN DA ROAD,” in which Cali Cartier eschews actually rapping in favor of a singular melody and extremely drawn out syllables (they do the latter on “98 DEGREES” as well, but with more swagger, flamboyance, and greater success).

“RUNNIN DA ROAD,” “TOP DWN!,” and “98 DEGREES” all made their debuts at PC Music’s Appleville event two months ago. Back then, the album wasn’t out, and we had little idea what to make of these three strange, yet undoubtedly unique tracks. And now that we see the bigger picture in the form of Aaron Cartier Best Dog, Cartier’s vision has become a bit clearer. In tapping into the resources and community around them (especially those of PC Music, HELLA 314, and Dog Show Records), Cali Cartier has expanded their sound and developed some seriously good ideas as a result. While this project could have benefitted extensively from some cutting and trimming, the strength Cali Cartier demonstrates throughout the record is more than enough to outweigh the more lackluster tracks, and it won’t be long before they come out swinging with a new, even more impressive project.

[sexystrongerstories]

Summary: Gris meets up with Krista, and the two make some comforting discoveries.

Featuring: Genderqueer Anthro, Transgender Human, Asexual Character, Anxiety, Mental Health, Bonding

Characters: Gris, Krista

__________

Gris fidgeted in his seat in Roselius’s Tea Shop, trying to keep his anxiety under control. Krista was going to be here any minute now—they had both agreed on getting a light dinner, and so, the café was what Gris chose as their destination. Currently, it was 4:55, and Gris had already found a table for two in the corner of the small, light-pink building.

The human took a few deep breaths, trying to keep himself together. Things were going to be fine. This was going to go well.

Right?

“Hey!” Krista’s voice made Gris jump, and he looked up to see eir there: the leopard was wearing a pink plaid shirt over a lavender tank top, along with some white jeans. E was quite tall, about a head taller than him, it seemed, and had on some adorable pink sneakers with heart patterns on the sides.

E smiled and waved at him; Gris waved back, and e sat down at the table. “So is this the kind of place where we go up to the counter for food, or order from the menu?” e asked with a laugh. “Because I see we have both options. . .”

“Oh, um, well, the tea shop has both; it’s weird like that,” Gris replied, laughing too. “I figured we could order from the menus; I can tell the manager that we’re ready for a waiter.”

“That sounds good!”

So Gris went up to the counter, and as he told the manager (who was the owner, the titular Roselius, in on his night shift) that he & Krista were ready, he tried to keep his heart from pounding out of his chest. /Fuck, that was such an awkward reply just now; I hope I didn’t blow it/, the human thought, his finger nervously tapping against the side of his leg. /Krista probably thinks I’m a weirdo. . ./

/No, no, don’t think like that/, he insisted to himself, taking a deep breath. /Don’t let your anxiety take over, Gris. Everything’s going to be fine. Just fine. I hope./

He finished talking to Roselius and returned to the table. A moment later, a café worker named Sebastian approached them to ask for their drinks. Gris ordered a lavender-jasmine tea, and Krista got a dark chocolate chai. After that, Sebastian went to put those orders in, an an awkward silence fell over the table.

Gris tried to find something to say, but his brain was completely blank. He cleared his throat, trying to keep himself calm. “Um. . . Well. . . I. . .”

“Alright, I’ll admit it,” Krista blurted out, eir words startling him.

The human swallowed hard. “A-Admit what?” he asked. /That e’s having a bad time? That e doesn’t like me? Oh fuck, what’s e going to say?!/

The leopard fidgeted, stroking eir soft ears with one finger. Then e answered, “I’ll admit, I’m pretty anxious right now. I’ve been pretty nervous about meeting you, and, well, I’m still feeling that way.”

All the worry left Gris in one moment of huge relief, and the human said, “I’ve been nervous too.” Then he realized something, and asked, “Wait, hold on. Do you have anxiety too?”

Krista nodded. “Yeah, I’ve had GAD since I was a cub. It’s a real pain in the ass. I’m trying to get treated for it, but it’s hard to find the right meds.” Eir eyes lit up, and e asked, “So you also have anxiety?”

“Since I was a kid, like you,” Gris replied. “A lot of people don’t get it; they think it’s something I can just get over, or that it’s not a big deal, stuff like that. I’m glad to have a partner who understands how hard it can be.”

“Yeah, for sure,” Krista agreed. E smiled. “It’s good to know that you understand that stuff, too. . . I didn’t know we had that in common.”

“Neither did I.”

The leopard chuckled. “I’m an anxious wreck a lot of the time, but I’m trying my best, dang it! Take that, universe!”

Gris grinned. “Hell yeah! Good for you,” he told em. “I know it can be super hard, so I’m glad you’re making it the best you can.”

Krista smiled. “Thanks.”

Sebastian came back with their drinks, and the two ordered their food: Gris got the honey mustard chicken wrap, and Krista got the wild berry salad. After the waiter left, they resumed talking.

“So what else about you should I know?” Krista asked, sipping eir chai.

“Um, let’s see. . .” Gris thought for a moment. “Well, I’m a full-time freelance artist. So when I’m on-the-clock, I’m doing client work at home, in my office.”

“Making it in the art world is really hard, so I’m glad you can do it full-time,” the leopard said to him.

“Thanks. Are you an artist?” the human asked.

Krista nodded. “I do watercolor. I only paint part-time, though, to help pay the bills; it’s not my main job.”

“Oh, that’s super cool,” Gris told em, his eyes lighting up. “I paint, but I’m not great at watercolor. It’s neat that you have a special skill like that.”

“Oh, you paint too?!” the leopard exclaimed excitedly. “Geez, we sure have a lot in common, huh?”

The human nodded. “Yeah. It’s pretty nice.”

The two continued learning about each other, and the more they talked, the more similarities they found. It turned out that not only did they both have anxiety, but they were both autistic, too, and had a love for stim toys to help with focus & relaxation—Krista showed Gris the fidget cube from eir pocket. They both had been raised religious, but became agnostic as adults; both leopard & human agreed that because of the things they’d gone through, it was unlikely either would step in a church ever again. The more they talked, the more they bonded, and by the time they had eaten their food and gotten dessert, they had really hit it off.

“Listen, I had a lot of fun with you tonight,” Krista told him as they finished up their cheesecake. “I’m really glad Dwayne suggested we get to know each other—we have a lot more in common than I thought we did.”

Gris nodded. “I agree,” he said, smiling. “We’re really alike in a lot of ways, honestly. That makes me pretty happy to know.”

Krista nodded in eager agreement. “And I was wondering, well. . .” E blushed a bit, but still continued, saying, “I-If you wanted to continue getting to know each other at my place, I’d actually kinda like that. If you’re up for it, of course! If you’re not, it’s no big deal; I’ll understand if—"

“Hey, relax,” Gris told the leopard, giving em a reassuring smile. “I overthink these things too, so I get it. But you don’t have to worry. I’d love to come over.”

Krista’s face filled with relief, then joy. “Oh, that’s fantastic!” e exclaimed. “Let’s head there after we leave the tea shop?”

Gris nodded. “That sounds good to me.”

“Awesome!”

Soon, the waiter came back with the check, and Krista surprised Gris by picking up the bill. “It would be my honor to treat you today—you’re Dwayne’s boyfriend, after all!” e said cheerily. The human took em up on that, and soon, their meals were pair for.

Krista stood up from the chair. “Shall we head out?”

Gris nodded. Gathering his courage, he stood too, and then replied.

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

[biillyhargroves]

Billy adopting Eleven as a second little sister.

Billy chauffeuring Eleven and Max to school every day acting like it’s the biggest burden and his greatest annoyance in life yet always interjecting whenever he hears them talking about boy troubles or bully troubles to offer (sometimes questionable) advice because he loves them and he’ll be damned if anyone messes with his girls. It happens so often that whenever they’re having an issue, like dealing with a shitty teacher or figuring out the perfect way to get back at Dustin or Lucas or Mike during some prank war, they purposefully talk louder so that Billy will insert himself and offer his opinion.

Billy never shying away when Eleven asks him questions, even if she’s asking about uncomfortable topics like relationships and sex, because it’s honestly next to impossible to embarrass him and he’d rather she hear it straight than get confused by people’s gross innuendos. She feels safe asking him just about anything because she knows he won’t dance around the answers.

Billy waiving his rights to the radio and letting Max and Eleven pick the music whenever one of them is upset, keeping a stash of their favorite cassettes in the glove box just in case. He doesn’t dig their music, but he will dashboard drum and sing along to Madonna just to make them laugh. He also knows their order at all the local fast food joints, can swing through a drive-thru or pop into the ice cream shop and order for all three of them without asking what the girls want, and has been known to detour to their favorite spots when he thinks that one of them needs a pick-me-up.

Billy letting Eleven play with his hair products when he catches her watching him get ready for a date, taking the time to tell her what everything is for and showing her how to use it all. He even gets her some bottles of her own when she finds something that she likes.

Billy teaching Eleven and Max how to drive in an empty parking lot, surprisingly calm as he guides them through the motion. Max is a natural, though she’s definitely something of a speed demon. Eleven is much more cautious and is a little heavy on the brake, but Billy is shockingly patient (even if every rough stop has him wincing for his poor Camaro). Hopper is honestly too much of a nervous wreck to teach El himself, try as he might, so she’s pretty lucky to have Billy there to help her.

Billy being Max and Eleven’s emergency contact. They drank too much at a party? Call Billy. Some guy is making them feel unsafe? Call Billy. Their car broke down? Find a payphone and call Billy. He will drop everything to help them, no matter where he is or what he’s doing. He has held their hair back and made them greasy hangover food. He keeps all their secrets, covers for them if he has to, always makes sure that they are safe because, again, those are his girls.

Billy lowering his guard around Eleven and Max, trusting them more than he trusts anyone else because, time and time again, they’ve proven that they are one hundred percent in his corner. Sure, they bicker with him, pester him, push his buttons. But it’s because they love him, and they feel safe with him, and he feels safe with them, too.

Billy and his two kid sisters, Eleven and Max.

[luimagines]

Magical girl Sky notices Reader shivering while getting ready for bed (at a typical chain camp or elsewhere, up to you) and wraps them up in his wings and cuddles them to sleep.

- Glitter ✨

This is going to be targeted. If you know, you know.

Enjoy.

Masterlist

Content under the cut!

You were waiting on your balcony.

You doubted he was going to show up tonight but you wanted to talk. Not about anything important, mind you. It was nothing serious. But you found yourself missing his company and well... it’s not like you wanted to burden your roommate with this.

They would only tease you anyway- even if it’s with the best of intentions.

You sighed and let another shiver run through you. It was late and your tea had long gone cold. He wasn’t coming. It was time to get under the blankets before you got sick.

You turned and went into the apartment. Putting your cup in the sink and letting some clean water run through it to dilute it, you rationalize that you’ll clean it tomorrow. Phoenix isn’t coming tonight. He has own life besides being a hero. Not to mention that there’s a lot of people who would want to have his attention anyway. Who are you? Just some coffee shop owner.

You shake your head and leave back to your room. You turn the lights off and move the blankets to get in bed.

Wait.

You groan loudly and get out of bed, turning the lights on once more. You left your book and contracts out on the table. If you lose those, it’s going to take months to get them back in order and they’re needed next week for your remodeled café.

You head out and pick them up, checking them to make sure that no stray paper has been wisped away by the wind.

There’s one gone.

You groan even louder. It sounds like a gunshot in the quiet of the night. “Great. Just what I needed. That took two weeks to get. How am I going to get it in four days?”

“Looking for something?” A voice quips.

You yell and drop the papers. Phoenix drops quickly and puts a hand on the file to keep the paper from falling all over the place- and more horrifying- from being scatter throughout the entire city.

“Sorry.” He smiles sheepishly. He holds up the missing document. “I caught this as I flew by. I thought you were asleep.”

“Almost.” You sag your shoulders. “You caught me just in time.”

You ignore the chill in your bones that hasn’t dispersed yet. That’s what you were hoping the blankets would do.

Phoenix holds it out to you and gingerly take it, putting it back in the manila folder. “Thank you.”

He nods. “Any thing for my favorite civilian.” He bows comically.

You roll your eyes. “Do you say that to every civilian?”

He raises an eyebrow. “I hardly talk to the civilians. You know that.”

You do know that. In fact, you called him out on it when he first showed up at your side to talk to you about your wrecked shop.

You blush, not able to come up with a come back in time. “Well.... shush.”

You sneeze.

Phoenix’s teasing smile drops and he reaches forward. “Hey, you ok?”

His hands touch your cheek. His eyes widen and his jaw drops. You smack his hands away and hiss but it’s too late. Phoenix blinks and rubs his fingers together. “You’re freezing. How long were you out here for?”

“It’s-”

“I kept you waiting...” He says quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” You instantly say. Because it is. Because you find that you don’t actually care. “You’re here now aren’t you?”

“You should sleep-”

“No.”

“You’re going to get sick like this.”

“I’m fine.” You sneeze again, not able to stop the following shiver in time.

Phoenix’s scarf flaps behind him and reaches forward. It’s warm and soft. You never understood how exactly it managed to function like wings to allow him to fly- but that’s not what’s on your mind. Your fingers gingerly trance the inside of the clothes before it tightens around you and begins to move.

You try to fight it.

“Hey! Let me out!”

You’re dropped back onto your bed. Phoenix looks unimpressed. He retracts his scarf and puts his hands on his hips. “The blankets are messed up.” He says quietly. “You were already in bed.”

“I had to pick up the documents anyway.” You snap.

Phoenix shakes his head. “Goodnight, My Dear. Don’t let me keep you.”

“No!” You reach out- just missing his sleeve. He pauses for you anyway. “You just got here. Don’t go yet.”

He pauses. “Are you sure? It’s late.”

“I know... just... I wanted to talk to you.” You falter. You weren’t intending on being that honest.

Phoenix blinks. “Oh?... Uh... About what?”

“I dunno.. anything.” You shrug.

“...”

“...”

“...Move over.” Phoenix taps your shoulder and climbs into your bed next to you. “I don’t trust you to actually go to sleep if I leave you.”

“Oh please- there are better ways too-” You get cut off. His wings are back and they wrap around you again. They’re warm.

You trace your finger over them and the lines of his scarf. “How does it do this?”

“Magic.” Phoenix snorts. “How was your day?”

You pause and look back at him. He’s laying down, in your bed, with his elbow in the pillow and his fist against his cheek. One of the winds moves to brush a bit of your hair away from your face.

You snuggle deeper into the covers, suddenly not as cold anymore. “A bit boring but productive.”

“Can’t argue with those.” He grins.

You smile back and yawn. “What about you?”

“Do you want the short story or the long?”

“Long. It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”