#and the SECOND he showed up in the dream i woke up and was PISSED

[whumpy-wyrms]

i was legitimately fully lucid dreaming last night and the second i tried to conjure up Anton I WOKE UP. WHY

[mockerycrow]

HELLO the biggest congrats on 4k, you absolutely deserve that and so many more!!!

Could I see a female!reader x Ghost with the prompt:“I had a nightmare . . . can I stay with you tonight?”

TY and yet again, congratulations 🤍🤍🤍

REASSURANCE (Ghost x Fem!Reader) — 4K CELEBRATION

authors note; thank you so much anon <3 i hope you enjoy!

[WARNINGS; not proofread (like most of my fics), silent panic attack + light dissociation, implied you’ve never seen his face, hurt/comfort.]

You know Ghost has nightmares—everyone knows Ghost has nightmares. No one really wants to talk about it because he doesn’t, but everyone has seen the man up at ungodly hours of the night, or perhaps beating the absolute shit out of a punching bag at the on-base gym.

No one except for Price knows what Ghost’s been through, but no one really questions him. It’s unrealistic to think Ghost is the only one waking up due to their dreams—even Price does on the occasion. What Ghost doesn’t do is ask for help.

You had a weird gut feeling about tonight; you weren’t really restless, but you weren’t tired. Every time you laid down to try to get some sleep, your eyelids would slowly open back up. You tried multiple methods; white noise, thinking about nothing, thinking about a story, taking a sleep remedy—nothing.

You had a weird tightness in your stomach that you couldn’t shake. It’s no big deal, you’ve had several nights like this. Nights where you stay up, half expecting something to happen. You aren’t sure if its the military-esque anxiety flaring up, expecting an attack of some sort or if it’s just one of those nights.

You’re laying in bed, trying to think of what you have to do tomorrow. Might as well try to think of something useful, right? Let’s see, you have to do morning training and then you have to eat, brief with price, it’s your turn to help the armourer—the weapons master, you like to say to piss them off—and you also have to do paperwork.

A very tame evening, you think, avoiding the Q word everyone oh so desperately hates; including yourself. Because the second you say it, you’re going to be called by Laswell, or General Shepherd, or some other CIA federal agent bureaucrat about some fucking thing that’s happening in the god forsaken world that only, and only task force 141 can handle—

—Someone knocks on your door, breaking your disorganized thoughts. Your eyebrows furrow; no one should be up, maybe Price is, or Ghost. Did you forget some paperwork? You sit up, slip your slides on your feet, and you walk to the door. You unlock the door and open it, wincing from the bright light of the hallway pouring in, and you’re met with the large figure of Ghost.

You blink, unsurprised. “Hey.” You utter. “Did I wake you?” God, Ghost sounds rough. It sounds like he garbled glass—er, maybe that isn’t the nicest way to describe one of your superiors voices right now. It’s clear he just woke up. You shake your head in response, stepping aside. “Here, come in. It’s bright.”

Ghost silently obeys, stepping inside of your room. You close the door and head over to your desk. You feel around in the darkness until you feel your lamp and you click a button, turning it on, illuminating the room just enough for you to see Ghost. He’s wearing a pair of dark grey sweatpants with one of his black, long-sleeve compression tops to go with it.

He’s wearing a basic black balaclava without the iconic skull, but.. His eyes are different. Distant and weary, cautious—panicked almost. Your eyebrows furrow together as his broad shoulders are tense, fists clenched.

“Ghost..” You call softly. He seems far away—he needs your help. “Ghost.” You say more insistently and louder, noticing the way his chest is barely moving. “Ghost, hey, can y’hear me? You need to take a breath..” You murmur, slowly approaching him.

He’s frozen but you see how his eyes flicker towards you, taking a moment realize where he is. You offer a soft smile you always show him and you nod. “There you are, big guy. Can I touch you?” You make sure to ask because you never know; a soldier during a flashback, touching them? That can be fatal—you trust Ghost as you don’t think he would ever hurt you, but you never know a person.

It takes him a moment to nod, which makes you promptly and gently grab his wrists. You gently guide him to your bed, and you sit him down. You’re nervous—you’re about to calm him down in one of the only ways you know how to, but you’re worried about the consequences you’ll receive afterwards. Oh well, you don’t care, not when Ghost’s eyes are as unfocused as they are.

The bed dips under his weight and you gently spread his legs, standing between them. You grab his arms; they’re deadweight, but his eyes flicker some recognition, allowing you to guide his arms around your waist. You guide his head to lay against your stomach, your hands cradling his masked jaw and the back of his neck.

Ghost takes in a harsh, shuddery breath which makes you hum in approval. “There you go, Ghost. Breathe, you’re alright.” You say in a mellow manner, your thumb brushing over his masked cheek. Ghost takes in another harsh breath as his arms tighten around you. You continue to try to ground him, talking and praising him for his efforts to stay calm. You know he isn’t in the right mind, but you’re still shocked he’s allowed you to touch him for as long as you have.

Something in your gut unravels as Ghost pulls his head away ever so slightly, ripping his mask off and throws it away like it was constricting his breathing. He buries the side of his face back into your stomach, taking you by surprise. Your met with his blonde hair in the low light, your heart stuttering.

You hesitate only for a moment before you bury a hand in his hair on the back of his head, your other hand returning to his jaw, your heart hammering as you note he has stubble as well as something on his skin, like deep scar tissue.

Ghost lets out a noise which you quickly hum in response. “It’s okay, let it out.. Won’t tell anyone about this, okay?” You assure him, causing another noise to escape him, almost like a laugh. “Kinda hard t’do that when a pretty girl is comfortin’ you.” He croaks, his voice broken—both his voice and sentence making your brain short circuit. You laugh in return, trying to ignore the butterflies in your stomach. “Shush,” You murmur. “Just relax.”

Ghost nods against your stomach, shakily exhaling. You stay like that for a while; neither of you are sure for how long, and neither of you care. You’re enjoying the rare vulnerability Ghost is displaying, and he’s enjoying the grounding touch you’re currently providing him. The silence is comforting as you comb your fingers through his hair, and you enjoy the weight of his head and his arms.

“I had a nightmare…” Ghost utters. You hold your breath as he looks up at you, and oh god, he’s hot. “..Can I stay with you tonight?” You’re mesmerized by the way his nose is curved—clearly has been broken a couple of times and wasn’t reset right—by the way his eyebrows are furrowed, his big, beautiful brown eyes.. You nearly forget to respond. “Yes,” You push out, resisting the urge to reach up and rub the tension between his brows. “Always.”

[gallavichsreddie1128]

Innocent (Billy Butcher)

Description: Y/N is the youngest members of the boys and has no experience so Billy wants to change that.

Warning: Smut, Age Gap

Word Count: 1,362k

She was the youngest member of The Boys, 24 years old. She didn’t have much sexual experience but damn sure had a lot of other experiences. Most 24 year olds have sexual experience and won’t have the experience she has. That experience was taking down what the world called “Heroes” but in reality were villains. Y/N never got around to the normal things in life, her whole life she’s been running from Vought. She was also wanted, like the rest of them so that didn’t help much.

When the time comes to relax and joke, she’s the victim. With her being the youngest and most innocent one all the jokes aimed at her. She wasn’t hurt by them, she just rolled her eyes. Hughie never really made fun of her, never felt the need too. It was Frenchie and MM that loved to tease her at any given moment. Billy sometimes teased her but not as much as the other two.

He found her adorable but not in a puppy type of way. He wanted to pound her into his mattress with his dick. Nobody else knew or had the idea because he was smart. He never got caught staring at her with those dark, lustful eyes that ate her up, or the groans he’d keep in his throat when she walked around in barely anything. He never thought he’d fall for another woman after Becca. But Y/N surprised him. She was sweet and not easily offended. She never pissed him off or made him want to kill her like the others do.

She was perfect in his eyes. Except one thing, She had no idea what she did to him when she woke up and walked in the living room with just a shirt and panties. A shirt that barely covered her ass. It was hard to restrain himself when she did that. It was like she was doing it on purpose. Which she wasn’t but it really made him think. The others were still asleep so that gave him time to check out her perfect little body without being caught. He eyed her like she was his prey and he was getting ready to pounce any second. She was making eggs for herself and Billy, like she did most mornings.

She never noticed him staring at her which was a good thing for him. “Okay it’s all done.” She said, snapping him out of his thoughts. He grabbed the plate from her and thanked her. She smiled and took her own. She sat next to him as they ate. “Do you ever get cold?” He asked her. She shook her head No. The place was sometimes freezing. “Hard to believe in barely any clothes.” He said. He wasn’t meaning it in a bad way but she really didn’t understand how fuckable she looked. “Do you have a problem with how I dress?” She asked him. He chuckled and shook his head. “No, love. It’s just freezing is all.” She hummed and went back to eating. 

It was an everyday thing and each day it got harder for Billy to control himself. She wasn’t going to realize or understand that she’s causing a problem on her own. Each day he’d watch her with dark eyes and she never noticed, completely oblivious to the fact. Today was his final straw. The shirt she had on was showing her panties as she reached up to grab something. Billy groaned and wished she would have just asked him to grab it instead. She tried everything to reach the salt and pepper that was put on the high shelf. He came up behind her and grabbed it for her. She turned around and took it from him with a smile and a thanks. She turned back to what she was doing as if it was nothing. Billy turned off the stove and pushed her up against the counter. She let out a gasp.

His hands on her hips as he pressed up against her. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me? Walking around in barely any clothes, making me almost cum in my pants.” He growled in her ears. “I’m I’m sorry.” She squeaked. He chuckled and moved his hand up to grope her breasts. “You should be. You’re a walking wet dream and you drive me crazy.” She moaned at his words and his hands playing with her boobs. His lips found her neck and started abusing it. Her hands were gripping the counter so hard her knuckles were turning white. One of his hands moved down to her panties.

He chuckled as he felt how wet they were. “Holy fuck. You’re soaked.” He said. She let out a moan as he started to rub her clit through her panties. Her head laid back on his chest and she sighed. “Fucking hell, the fact that you’re falling apart in my arms is so hot.” He groaned. Her eyes were closed and she was moaning softly. Her hips started gently moving. He let out a groan as she was backing her ass into his groin. One of her hands reached down to his and pulled it in her panties.

He chuckled and looked down at her. “Is that what you want, baby?” He asked. “Yes please.” She whined and moaned as his fingers were abusing her clit. His other hand held her hip as she dry humped him. “Fuck I need to be inside of you before I explode.” He groaned. His motion stopped and she whined as he pulled his hand away from her wet pussy. He pulled down her panties and undid his pants pulling them down. He found her entrance and softly pushed in. Before she could scream his hand covered her mouth. “Quiet love, don’t want the others to hear, do ya?” He asked ,pushing into her more. She shook her head and moaned against his hand. He was splitting her in half but she was okay with it. Her pussy squeezed him and he groaned. “You’re so fucking tight.” She moaned at his words.

She thrusted back against him and whined as the pleasure took over the pain. He took that as a hint to start moving. Her hips moved back on his at the same time he thrusted. It felt perfect and the two found a rhythm really fast. She was letting out all types of pleasurable noises he wished to hear clearly. But didn’t wanna risk the others waking up. “You sound fuckin’ beautiful, love.” He groaned in her ear. His hips started moving faster, bumping her small body into the counter. She wasn’t able to keep up with his thrusts. His hands move to pull her body as close as possible to his. His hands stayed on her stomach. She bit her lip to quiet the moans that tumbled out of her lips.

She’s never felt this good before. Billy felt her spasm all over his cock making him grunt out a “fuck.” She was close to her end as was he. “Billy I- I think I’m g-gonna cum.” She whined a little too loud. He placed his face in her neck and let out a moan himself. “Yeah baby? Let go for me.” He tells her. “Let go for Daddy.” Her eyes rolled back into her head and her mouth dropped open, it took everything in her tiny body not to scream his name. He felt her drench his cock which triggered his orgasm. He grunted and came inside of her. She gasped at the feeling of his cum inside of her.

They both slowed their hips and came to a stop. Both of them panting like dogs as they stayed in that position. He kissed her neck and whispered sweet nothings in her ear making her giggle. Her giggle was so fucking cute to him. He pulled out of her, making them both gasp. She turned around and looked up at him with a smile. He looked down at her with a smile and realized that he was in love with her. “You’re so fucking adorable.” He grunted before kissing her again. 

[morganwrites12672]

Normal?

Sam Winchester x Reader

Summary: She had known Sam growing up. The two had both dreamed of a normal life. Sam had gotten out, she hadn't. One day, she decides to visit him at Stanford.

Word Count: 1.6k

Rating: PG-14

A/N: I hope you enjoy this! My requests are open.

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Her life was like a movie.

Not one of the good ones, no. Her life wasn't like a romcom. Her life was like a goddamn horror movie.

After her mother's rather brutal murder committed by a Werewolf, her father had lost his mind. The man had been on a bloody war path to kill anything Supernatural he could get his hands on. She had been dragged down the horrible path with him. Having been only five whenever her mother was killed, her memories of the woman were spotty. Almost everything she remembered from her childhood was shitty.

Cheap motel rooms, killing ghosts, lying to everyone she met, and nightmares. That was it. She didn't have a life that was considered enjoyable. She hunted monsters. She saved people. That was her job. She wasn't the girl who would get the happy ending. No, she was the girl who got to experience most people's nightmares every day of her life. Sure, it sucked. But, it had some not so sucky parts.

One of those parts was every second she spent with Sam Winchester.

She had first met the boy whenever she was twelve. Sam had been thirteen at the time. He had been clumsy with legs far too long and lanky for him to control. He has tripped three times on the walk to the cabin. Her father has bought the stupid cabin shortly after she had turned nine. It was a good place to store extra hunting supplies. It didn't get used much. Her father couldn't sit still for long.

The two had been walking through the woods together. Listening to John and her father talk had grown tiring. And Dean was no better. He was pissed off about something, she hadn't bothered asking Sam what. She was content to let the older Winchester brother sulk while she showed Sam her favorite places in the woods.

As they walked back, she remembered how he suddenly stopped. She had been curious and turned around to see why. His words had come as a surprise.

"Do you ever want to be normal?" He had asked her. She would have thought it was a joke if not for the serious expression on his face.

"I don't think we get to choose," She had replied. She knew they didn't. Both of their fathers had forced this life upon them.

The conversation had ended there. Sam had been more quiet than usual once they were back inside the cabin.

She woke up with a surprising smile. It wasn't often she dreamt of something so pleasant. More often than not her dreams were plagued by literal monsters. Or, people she hadn't been able to save. The later option sent a chill down her spine to think about. Those faces would haunt her forevermore.

It was one of the rare nights she had actually slept. She was used to catching a few hours here and there. No time for sleep whenever she had monsters to kill and people to save. It wasn't like her father had ever let her sleep in whenever she had been a child. Old habits die hard.

As she slid out of bed, her smile widened. She was only a few hours away from Stanford.

In a few measly hours, she would get to see him again. It has been months since her last visit. It wasn't often that she had any downtime. Hunting kept her busy. She had began hunting on her own shortly after she had turned nineteen. Working with her father had been too much for her to handle. She still hadn't been able to shake her father's voice from her head anytime she took even a night off though. His words seemed to be ingrained in her brain.

'If you stop working, people die. I didn't raise you to be a goddamn slacker.'

She didn't waste anymore time. She quickly showered before throwing everything else together. She was in her car, driving towards Stanford within half an hour. The anticipation of seeing Sam had her all jittery. She felt absolutely ridiculous. Almost like some school girl with a stupid highschool crush.

The drive seemed to have taken ages (only three and a half hours). As she finally parked her car in front of the address Sam lived at, she practically flew out of her car. She had wanted to leave immediately after she finished her hunt, but she had been too exhausted. Once she had finished it she had practically passed out. Vampires were tiring to deal with.

She took the stairs two at a time before knocking on the door.

Sam opened the door and greeted her with a smile. She threw her arms around him immediately. It had been months since she had had the time to visit him. She had also been thousands of miles away. Her lifestyle made anything inconvenient. It was worth it though. This time it hadn't been hard. Only a few hours out of her way. Not like last time.

"God, I've missed you."

Sam pulled away from the hug, smiling at her words. They were good friends. Both of them harbored small crushes (not very small anymore). Yet, neither would admit it. They both liked things how they were.

Sure, she wished she could kiss him right now. But she didn't. Their friendship was too perfect to ruin. Neither one of them would ever risk it for something more.

"I'm sorry it's been so long, I haven't been anywhere near California in a while," She explained. She had tried though, several times. But, she would always get drawn away. Always. It pissed her off. She wanted to drop by and check on him more than she did. She knew Dean had part of that covered though. Even if he refused to tell Sam about his visits.

Sam couldn't believe she had made it. For weeks, she's told him she would visit soon. He knew how the hunting lifestyle went. It could have been months before she had enough time to visit him. His heart fluttered at the thought. She was willing to go out of her way just to see him.

"Don't apologize. I know how busy you stay," He said. He didn't even want to think about what she had been doing. Hunting was a dangerous business. He hated that it was the business she was still in. He cared for her, even if he knew they were just friends. He couldn't help but wish for something more.

After she had spoken, Sam invited her in. The two made small talk for a while. Catching up on everything. She asked him about his classes and how he was enjoying college. He asked her about the hunts she had been on. The two exchanged information about those topics for a while. Until, a question Sam asked caught her off guard.

"You don't seem happy hunting anymore," He blurted, and it was true. Whenever she was younger it had been easier to pretend. Now, it got difficult. She got to watch other people her age be normal. It stung. "You don't have to keep doing that. . ."

His words were more true than she was willing to admit. She stayed silent for a minute, considering her reply. She hadn't spoken to her father in months. She didn't even have to tell him that she was quitting. She could still hunt on occasion, only cases close to wherever she chose to live though.

"I. . . I don't know what I would do."

"Anything you want," Sam replied. "Go to college, get a job, have a life. You. . . You could even stay with me for a while at first," he offered.

She considered his words. As she was thinking, her gaze fell to his lips for a brief second. She instantly looked away as a light blush stained her cheeks. Could she stay with him? Could she be normal for once?

As she looked back to answer him, she noticed how close they were. If she took a step forward, she'd be close enough to kiss him. Alarm bells were ringing in her head as she took the step. Living with Sam and keeping her feelings a secret would be impossible.

Sam seemed to notice what she was trying to do. Before she could move any closer, he was all over her. His arms around her waist, his lips mere inches from hers. He gazed down at her. And, she realized something. From the look in his eyes, her feelings were definitely reciprocated.

"Is this okay?" He murmured against her lips.

She threaded her fingers through his shaggy hair, "More than okay."

His lips met hers. The kiss was passionate and messy. Neither one of them had the patience to start slow. Already Sam was deepening the kiss. A soft moan left her lips at the sudden action. She pulled on his hair slightly as he continued kissing her.

"Does this mean you'll stay?" He asked, his hands slipping her shirt over her head. He took in the sight of her wearing a bra in front of him. It took every piece of self control in him not to rip off the rest of her clothes this second.

"I'll stay," She replied, kissing him again. Their lips moved in tandem together as Sam unclasped her bra. In a few more seconds Sams shirt had also been discarded. His hands fondled her bare breasts as she tugged on his hair.

She knew that there would be a lot of obstacles. It wasn't easy to quit being a hunter. It had been her life for so long. But, she would figure it out with Sam.

This was just the beginning of their future together.

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A/N: Thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a comment and reblog!

[sc0tters]

Dreams Come True | Trevor Zegras

summary: Trevor shows you just how competitive he can get when you get cozy with Jack

request: yes/no

warnings: sexual themes, p in v, oral (fem receiving), light bondage, swearing.

word count: 4.75k

authors note: it’s the way that the last time I wrote for him was in part one… so it was safe to say I was a little rusty with Trevor and natural sought the help of the woman who writes him better than anyone else @sweetestdesire so let’s thank her both helping this fic and inspiring portions of it! I’m starting to behave with my endings, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still have my fun 😏

pt 1

Trevor was pissed off.

He had won a massive game against the devils and all he was meant to do was come home and celebrate. The boy had invited you along to the game and you were meant to be his guest, yet somehow you were in the flurry of red.

Sure Trevor knew Jack was disappointed after the game but you were meant to be congratulating him for winning. Not standing hugging Jack as you told him how proud you were of his effort. You had always had a soft spot for the boy feeling bad for him after the rough rookie season he had.

Yet none of that seemed to matter as Trevor glared at the Hughes boy when you laughed at one of his jokes, because what could have been that funny? Jack eventually noticed the sharp looks that were being sent his way “something happen between you and Z?” He furrowed his eyebrows motioning to the boy who was still staring at you both.

It made you frown as you locked eyes with Trevor “nothing has happened.” Your cheeks grew warm remembering how you woke up to him after your wet dream “you sure?” Jack teased remembering how you used to have a crush on Trevor when you guys were kids.

It made you scoff as you sent him a playful glare “Jack I think I would know if something happened to me.” You shot back letting out a giggle as the boy pulled you into a hug “just making sure you’re keeping me in the loop.” He mumbled kissing your head in the process.

The middle Hughes boy always did have a soft spot for you “kid we are going now.” Trevor’s announced causing your head to snap in his direction “talk soon?” You asked looking at the younger boy who nodded with a smile.

He squeezed your side “keep him out of trouble.” Jack teased you causing a giggle to erupt from your lips “you want to go or get a cab?” Trevor’s rolled his eyes at the joke reminding you that he was waiting.

That was all it took for you to leave the Hughes boy “c’mon don’t be too grumpy with me now.” You joked growing concerned as he stood there refusing to look at you “what makes you think I’m grumpy?”Trevor grumbled as he still made sure to open the door to let you out first.

Yet you stood there solid as you crossed your arms “tell me why you’re irritated and then we can go.” You shot back causing a smirk to form on his face “I just think if you want to go support him then you should be wearing red.” Trevor looked to your jersey as you were in one of his old ones.

Your hands fixed the front of it as you furrowed your eyebrows “I was just being a good friend to Jack.” You pointed out in a duh tone “look let’s just go home.” Trevor’s sighed as he wiped his palms on his shorts.

It felt like a game of back and forth as you didn’t want to concede first “fucking move before I throw you over my shoulder.” The boy warned as he took a step closer to you “you wouldn’t dare.” You shook your head not believing that he had it in him.

But of course that was your first mistake. Within seconds Trevor crouched down and wrapped his arms around your hips lifting you up over his shoulder “Trevor!” You squealed clenching your fists as you banged them against his back “warned ya.” He shrugged with a smirk as the feeling of your hands against his back was nothing.

He carried you to the car with little debate “can you put me down?” You huffed finally giving up as you just let him carry you “you finally going to stop being a brat?” He cocked his head dropping your feet when he got to his car.

It made a smile form on your lips “never.” You felt his hands slide to your shoulders as he stepped closer to you “you’re a little shit you know that right?” He clicked his tongue trying to act irritated.

A laugh left your lips as you nodded “but that’s why you love me ain’t it?” You cocked your head as he sighed “just get in please.” His voice was softer as his facial expressions grew gentle.

This time you instead opted to listen “okay.” You nodded causing him to let out a sigh of relief as he wasn’t going to have to fight you on it “please remind me why I am best friends with her brother.” Trevor’s mumbled to himself once he shut your sides car door.

The ride back to his place was awkward. You kept your eyes glued to the window beside you as it seemed Trevor still didn’t want to talk about what pissed him off “Z?” Your voice was barely above a whisper when you heard him turn the key shutting the ignition off.

He felt guilty picturing you moaning that on his couch when you had that dream. It was something neither one of you opted to talk about and the feelings were only now starting to bubble out about it “are you really mad at me?” Concerned flashed over your face as the dim lights of the parking building made your eyes shine when you looked at him.

You were spending the night with him again but needed to know you were okay “I’m never mad at you.” He shook his head as his hands wrapped around slid to your lap “don’t like having to share you.” Trevor’s confessed as he ran his thumb over your thigh.

It made your breath cut as you turned your body even closer to his “you don’t share me.” You pointed out as you sent him a smile “not if you don’t want to.” You mumbled swearing that the car was getting even hotter.

Those words were like music to his ears “you get to shoot me when I say you’re not mine alone.” Trevor cupped your cheek as he smiled “then I think you should make me yours Z.” You gasped feeling his lips finally meet yours.

It was like this moment that made your brain go numb, enjoying the way his touch made your body feel on fire. He let his free hand tug at your body, almost as if he was worried that you were going to leave. His touch was careful until your own hand scratched at his chest allowing his taste to captivate you as it danced on your tongue “Z.” You moaned feeling shivers travel through your body.

His mumbled grunt had you ready to into his arm “god I need you.” He blurted out deciding that his cock was becoming too painful against his suit pants. The boy watched you nod as you looked around you both “c’mon I’m not fucking you in my car yet.” Trevor’s words filled you with anticipation as your imagination ran wild thinking of all the different possibilities fun you could have with him.

Even as he was focused on the discomfort in his pants he still found the time to open your door for you “such a sweet boy.” You teased getting up as the boy rolled his eyes “yeah, yeah move along now.” He grumbled holding his duffel bag in one hand and his other wrapped around your waist spinning you around as he held your ass pressed against his cock.

Your breath faltered at the feeling his hair against your neck “be a good girl and walk ahead okay?” Trevor sucked at your ear lobe causing your body to shake in response “okay.” You forced the words from your lips as you bit at the inside of your cheek.

He smirked to himself as he clicked his tongue as you stayed still “you want to get a move on now or?” The hockey player teased pressing a kiss against your cheek. Your hands gripped at his coat tugging him along with you “god baby you’re so pretty tonight.” He confessed finally allowing his hands to leave your waist when the doors to the elevator shut. Your back was pressed against the mirror before you knew it, leaving you grateful that it was just the two of you in there.

Once hating how you wore his jersey so freely now Trevor couldn’t get enough of the sight “just tonight?” You giggled allowing your hands to travel to his waistband“and here I was thinking I was the girl of your dreams.” Your lips formed a playful pout seeing how his cheeks went flushed.

The stereotypical elevator music played in your ears “you know you are.” The hockey player trapped you in with one hand by your side and the other took one of your own “this is all for you princess.” He announced cupping your hand over his hardon.

His aftershave was sickeningly sweet as it invaded your nostrils “you’re gonna get me in so much trouble.” You announced hearing the door opened with a ding, signalling that you guys had made it to his floor “c’mon.” He ushered you out interlacing his hand with yours.

This time when you walked out to the familiar landscape of the hallway yet now you looked around like this was a foreign place where your heart pounded out of your chest “you getting cold feet on me now?” Trevor teased squeezing your hand as you shook your head “gonna have to do a lot more to keep me away pretty boy.” You mumbled pecking his lips before you got to his door.

It was as though the boy didn’t want to lose your hand as it was you who had to let go of his. He was then quick to fish his keys out of his jacket pocket letting you both into his place. The feeling of his lips was left on yours like a loved up couple dancing around your lips “you don’t know how happy I am to finally get you.” Trevor let his bag drop to the floor as a grin painted across your face.

He loved how responsive you were as he kissed you again. Now any potential fears that he might have had of people watching the sight left his mind and the only thing Trevor could think about was you. Your taste was enough to make him want more. His hands clawed at your jeans as the two of you acted like horny teenagers needing each other like oxygen.

Moans left your lips in place of air as your hands tugged at his hair “jump.” He ordered sliding his hands down the curve of your ass to support your weight. You didn’t need to be told twice crossing your legs around his hips as your tongue grazed over his lip “need you.” You pleaded pulling away as you let your forehead rest against his.

It held your desperate moment as you whimpered “c’mon then.” He mumbled carrying you to his room. The path had always been engraved in your mind but tonight you couldn’t help but think back to your dream and how his hands now felt perfect against you.

The boy had the same thoughts through his mind as he smiled letting you drop to his bed “what. Do. You. Want. Me. To. Do?” He asked between the kisses he used to attack your jaw.

It made your breath shake as your eyes watched him nestle between your thighs “I want you to tell me what you think of in that pretty little mind of yours.” Trevor explained letting a smile form on his lips as your cheeks turned red “I know you think about me making you feel good doll.” His words were enough to make you squirm.

Ever since that day when he caught you mid dream you hadn’t been able to forget about it, often finding ways to elaborate on your memories “you make me feel so good.” You whimpered feeling your skin grow warm “with your tongue first.” The latter was barely audible as a spark shone in his eyes.

It was like this bright gleam as he smirked “so I do take you for more than one round?” He teased tracing his hands dangerously close to the hem of your jersey “and when do I get you out of these?” As his cock throbbed in his pants Trevor was desperate to get a move on.

Your eyes flickered to your jeans “these went first.” You revealed making him nod “you gonna let me?” You should have been ashamed by the way that you desperately nodded.

He undid the button of your jeans and pulled down the zipper as he watched you catch your lip between your teeth “you’re so fucking pretty.” Trevor’s reminded you taking the chance to kiss your lips once more. The boy adored his responsive you were to him as the little alcohol you drank that night made his brain feel fuzzy.

Even as you had grown to have feelings for him over the years. you were still just as comfortable with this version of him as you were with the one who would steal food from your plate, when he’d sit on top of you acting like you weren’t there. Trevor watched you smile when he took that moment to go back to what he was doing “cute.” He teased seeing the blue checkered print on your panties.

A laugh left his lips as he watched you roll your eyes “you know Jack would have fucked me by now.” You knew that you were now playing a dangerous game but somehow you didn’t mind as you sent him a glare “then I think it’s about time I get you out of my jersey.” The hockey player emphasised his reminder of whose number was on your back.

Trevor’s movements were powered by irritation and his natural competitiveness also had him wanting to prove her wrong “think you knew you were gonna get fucked tonight didn’t you?” Trevor’s smirked seeing your matching set “but I guess I should ask by who?” He sucked his teeth as he couldn’t help but feel jealous about how your bra got to hug your breasts on an everyday occurrence.

You could have told him the truth but instead you felt like the secrets of your third addition to your dreams should be kept to yourself “you.” You squirmed feeling like head staring into your soul.

As his hands hooked into your panties you wanted him with intent “god you’re going to kill me.” You whined as the cold air came in contact with your cunt “like making you work for your reward.” He teased shuffling down his bed to get comfortable.

Trevor couldn’t help but lick his lips “god you’re a fucking beaut.” The boy mumbled as he kissed at your thighs. Equally spreading his attention between the two “fuck please.” You begged running your fingers over your stomach.

The neediness that glazed your eyes was enough to make him nod. His head dropped allowing him to lick a stripe up her slot. If this was anyone else you would have hated naked you were. Yet instead you shuddered the moment his tongue came in contact with your clit. All those late nights with nothing more than your vibrator and your imagination were put to shame by the needy boy who lay in front of you.

Your hands trailed to his hair desperately attempting to claw at something “don’t stop.” You mewled scrunching your toes in pleasure as his tongue dropped into your core. His nose teased your clit occasionally hitting the sensitive bundle of nerves.

Trevor watched in awe as he fucked your soaked cunt with his tongue treating you like a final meal as his arms wrapped around your thighs. Your eyes locked with his and you swore he took it as a challenge, like he wasn’t hitting the right spots as your eyes were still open.

The moment his head tilted allowing his tongue to reach a point that was deeper within you, you knew you were a goner. Your thighs began to shake as they pressed against the sides of his head “you’re gonna make me come.” You cried using the little focus you had available to drive your hips against his face constantly angling for him to continue hitting your g-spot.

Trevor moaned at the feeling of your cunt clenching around his tongue “just like that.” You pleaded unaware of how tears formed in your waterline as you were lead to your first orgasm that you hadn’t given yourself in months.

Your moans and cries bounced off of his bedroom walls preparing them for the stories that they would surely hold from tonight’s activities “Jesus Trevor oh.” Your lips formed a circle as your eyes screwed shut leaving your body to squirm still driving your hips to his mouth.

The hockey player swore he was dreaming as your salty release landed on his tongue and he continued to lap it up until you clearly began to lose it “no Z.” You mumbled trying to pull away from him when he let his tongue lay flat against your clit pressing a kiss to the sensitive nub before he pulled away.

There was a moment he took where he just sat there with a smirk on his face admiring the work that he had done already “you gonna let me continue making you feel so good?” He muttered honestly wondering if he had it within himself to behave until that point.

A mewl left your lips in delight as his hands tugged at the straps of your bra not caring for the fact that he had managed to rip it “Trevor!” You groaned feeling the elastic shoot against your skin “sorry doll.” His amused tone highlighted how he was anything but that “I’ll buy you another.” The hockey player offered adding seeing that hushed words did barely enough make you feel better so instead he pressed a kiss to your temple.

Your breasts bounced the moment they were released from your bra “‘s not fair you ain’t naked too.” You complained seeing his suit still on him “life ain’t fair doll.” He teased running his hands along your torso until her breasts.

A huff left your lips as his thumbs grazed your nipples “you want to know who would have been naked?” You asked watching his face hover over yours as it tilted practically edging you to answer “Jack.” The name was like a weight that hit Trevor like an anvil. The jab was a taunt and now he was left to decide how to react.

His response was to pinch your stiff peaks, letting the bud roll between his fingers “you really think he’d have you feeling as good as I do?” The hockey player let out a grunt as he rolled his eyes “uh huh.” You couldn’t allow yourself to back down now.

He had this constant desire to outcompete Jack was bubbling through his system. After seeing her so close to Jack that night, Trevor knew that he had one chance to fix it all once and for all to become the outright favourite. His sharp gaze made you force your thighs together as his nimble fingers tugged at his shirt.

The tie that once complimented his neck was now long gone as he threw it onto his navy comforter “can’t believe you’re still such a brat even after all that I do for you.” He grumbled picking it back up once he saw how your eyes sparkled seeing it “arms.” Trevor pushed his hands together showing you what to do.

Part of you was confused enough that you listened pushing your wrists together “up.” The cool metal of his bed frame was freezing against your skin causing your lips to form an o “since you want to act like such a brat you don’t get touch me.” His words were met with a whimper as you went to complain “you cry about it and I’m sure you’re gonna love the taste of your pretty little panties in your mouth.” Trevor warned making you gulp as you began to think about his offer.

Once you remained silent he instead looked to continue pulling his clothes off “not a brat.” You mumbled looking to his comforter “so you won’t mind me fucking his name right out of your mouth?” The boy was serious as his boxers were the final addition to the clothing pile that had formed on his floor.

Trevor fiddled through his bedside cabinet to get a condom from the box “would have fucked you raw but not even you deserve that much.” He grumbled to himself tearing the metallic wrapper to reveal the latex element. His cock throbbed feeling the air of the room around him “god please just fuck me already.” You pleaded kicking your legs as you felt helpless not being able to move your arms.

He laughed as he rolled the condom over his cock “how can I say no when you ask so nicely.” The hockey player cooed crawling back onto the bed as you pulled your legs up spreading them for him to get a view of your soaking desperate cunt “I’m ready to fuck his name right outta your mouth.” Trevor’s voice was so low that you weren’t sure if he was talking to you or not.

You nodded chewing at the inside of your cheek “will believe it when I see it.” If there was a hole then you were digging yourself into it “you’re lucky I have been picturing fucking this cunt for years.” He grunted running his covered cock over your slit teasing your clit causing a moan to leave your lips.

Trevor like you had these dreams at night and his hand with the memory of your moans were now no longer enough to make him come “jesus fuck.” You gasped as your cunt stretched around his cock “it’s just me doll.” His hands found themselves by your sides as he kissed you letting the vibe grow soft like he genuinely cared.

Maybe it was for the fact that you were currently full with his cock but this time you couldn’t argue back “please move.” Your hands tugged at his tie finally feeling stretched out “you feel like heaven.” Trevor groaned beginning to settle into a rhythm.

He enjoyed watching how your body bounced with each creak of the headboard.

Your eyes trailed down his body taking snapshots of his chiseled chest. He smirked picking up how your mouth watered at the sight of his throbbing cock thrusting into you “like keeping those pretty little eyes on me huh?” The boy teased angling his thrusts upward to get a deeper angle.

The room got hot as you whimpered “fuck you feel so good.” Your legs snaked around his hips refusing to let him go “you know I’m the only one who makes you feel this good right?” He murmured running his tongue along your jaw.

It made you shiver as your breasts throbbed “answer the question before I stop.” Trevor raised his hand to slap your thigh making you moan “only you z.” You nodded feeling your wrists grow sore with how you tugged at the restraints.

But that wasn’t enough for him as he let his hand slot between your two bodies “only I what?” He taunted you letting his fingers ghost over your clit “fuck me like this.” You mewled feeling your legs begin to shake.

Hearing those words were like music to his ears “guess I should let you touch me then?” Trevor proposed making you nod desperately “god please yes.” You should have been embarrassed by how desperate you were for him to let you touch him.

A whine left your lips as you felt his hand leave your clit “relax you brat.” He scoffed rolling his eyes “I’m giving you what you want so behave.” Trevor’s snapped making you nod as you went silent watching his hand claw at his tie undoing the knots.

The moment your hands were free they pulled his face down to yours. It was a needy kiss that you finally took control of as you took him by surprise “still such a needy girl even with my cock for her to fuck.” The vulgar words made you clench around him “you think he could have gotten you feeling like this?” The hockey player groaned as his head dropped to your shoulder for his lips to nip at the soft skin.

Jack was the last thing on your mind as you shook your head as your hands moved to his back letting your nails claw at him “no.” You shook your head making Trevor use the little energy he head left to look back up at you “what was that I couldn’t hear you?” He taunted applying more pressure to your clit as his hips snapped into you.

Your mouth opened ready for the cries to leave your lips yet you were silent only letting the soft gasps push past your lips “you keep fucking me so well.” You blurted out not having tome to care about how dirty your words truly were.

It made him groan as he soaked your words up like a sponge “shit.” He felt his pace increase as the squelching sounds from your cunt echoed in his ears “I’m close.” You confessed letting your eyes screw shut as the room grew even hotter.

Your skin was slick with sweat and you were sure to have been a mess “stick your tongue out for me baby.” He ordered as you nodded feeling your breasts hit his skin.

Your tongue rolled out of your mouth awaiting further instructions “such a good listener.” The boy praised causing your cunt to clench around him again.

Trevor swore he was going to come when his spit left his mouth. It was a sticky string that connected your mouth to his “now swallow.” He brushed his thumb over your lower lip breaking the saliva trail as he placed his thumb in your mouth.

On instinct your tongue swirled around the digit listening to his orders as he smirked “good girl.” Trevor murmured as he felt you begin to ride your hips into his “go milk my cock baby.” The words made you cry as your thighs began to shake.

His attacks on your clit pushed you over the edge “god please don’t stop!” You pleaded feeling your chest heave “doll keep your eyes on me when you come.” As his hips snapped into yours you couldn’t but listen.

Your eyes stared into his as you moaned “right there!” You gritted out in delight making him nod as you finally came. White points coated your vision as your body thrashed around letting your cunt clamp down around his cock.

Just like that his head dropped back down to your shoulder “such a tight perfect cunt f’me.” Trevor cooed feeling his cock twitch coating his release into his condom as you squeezed his cock one final time.

The two of you lay there embracing each other’s hold as you both focused on your breathing and your fingers brushed through his hair “you wanted a bath princess?” Trevor offered rolling off of you as he feared he didn’t have the energy to simply pull out.

He had to snap his fingers in front of you in order to get you to respond “since when are you into aftercare?” You let out an amused laugh clearly not believing that it was something he was capable of “just for that I have to show you.” Trevor shot back scooping you into his arms before you could complain.

It made him smile as you wrapped your arms around him “I just want to be proved wrong.” You teased making him laugh as he opened the door to his bathroom bringing you both into there.

Whilst the sounds of laughter and running water came from the bathroom what neither of you noticed was that a message came through to your phone. One that would surely lead to more harm than good especially whilst you were finding a reason to sneak out with your clothes half on the next morning.

Jack: you up for coming to the Vegas game still?

[landwriter]

Desperate Measures | Dream/Hob | 1.2K | G v silly and fluffy, literally 90% air, dream attempts a romantic gesture, hob is a sap and forgetful, human au, part text fic

for @domaystic drabbles, Day 6: Under the Same Umbrella

---

Dream woke up to 26 texts from Hob. He put on his glasses and began his morning read. It’d replaced Times for him. The editorial quality, he thought, was far superior.

Hob (7:19 am) heading out, gave you a wee forehead kiss and you didn’t even stir. sleeping bloody beauty. love you disgustingly much x

Hob (7:26 am) couldn’t find my umbrella anywhere can you take a look if it’s not too much of a bother? feel like i’ve gone mad

Hob (7:30 am) christ it’s bucketing down!! standing under the eaves just to tell you how much it’s bucketing down

plants will be happy at least so will my goth boyfriend ;) hope your writing goes well today love. extra atmosphere!!

Hob (8:42 am) nevermind don’t look for it remembered that i left it in my office told johanna she can use it since i’m at the archives all day anyway glad i’m not the only one who’d forget their own head if it wasn’t screwed on :) :) :)

Hob (10:11 am) you should’ve seen the look lisa gave me when i showed up had to dry myself off in the men’s w half a forest of paper towels there goes my carbon offset from walking i said christ you’re probably still in bed asleep warm dry!! lucky bastard

wish i could come back already and drip puddles all over you

Hob (10:37 am) if this keeps up i’m going to look like mr darcy in the rain on your doorstep tonight don’t worry i promise not to propose marriage while insulting you xx although i do love you most ardently

...elizabeth

Dream smiled, read them all again, contemplated, and then sent his reply.

Dream (11:01 am) Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through

Hob replied moments later.

?? you sound like a customer service agent wait you’re quoting the film you can’t reject me if i’ve not proposed to you!! yet!!!

Dream snorted. 'and I am very sorry I have caused you pain' went the line. They’d watched it last weekend. Hob had cried, and Dream had privately decided that if Hob proposed, he’d say yes. Even if it was poorly done. It wouldn’t be, though. Not if Hob was doing it. He sent a second text.

...and I am very sorry you were drenched by rain.

Then he got out of bed and shuffled into the kitchen. His phone buzzed anew as he made tea and toast. He smiled at the sound. On their first date, Hob had warned Dream that he had a bad habit of annoying boyfriends over text. Dream, on his first date in six years, had wondered what it might be like to be so effusively charming that you could have enough boyfriends to form habits around them at all. He hadn’t known what to say, and Hob had ducked his head, grimacing a little, and said, “Just tell me to piss off, please, if I do? I know I can be a bit much.”

Dream believed it, because the man was telling him about his habits with boyfriends after one date. Not that he minded. And three months in, Dream had yet to tell him to piss off.

Turns out, a bit much was exactly what he’d wanted. Needed, in truth. Someone to tether him to the real world. His phone had become a modern-day lodestone in his pocket, a comforting pull of Hob-ness that would always point him back to life whenever he’d emerge, blinking and disoriented, out of the mire of his work. Work that he loved - creating worlds out of nothing, writing stories that would change people - but, coming on the age of thirty with nothing to show for it but recurring wrist strain and an upmarket flat that never had any guests, work that had also made him spend so much time apart from the rest of humanity that he was sometimes unsure how to rejoin it.

The tipping point had been when his eldest sister had found out that he hadn’t spoken to anyone else in between two of their regular dinners. Which were monthly. It had been mortifying. She’d smiled sadly, which was excruciating enough, and then gotten the gleam of a plan in her eyes, which had been far worse. “I’m setting you up,” she’d said. “I know just the guy. We go way back. I think you’ll like him.”

He had. Now, when his phone buzzed, he found himself frowning if it wasn’t Hob. (An exceedingly rare occasion.) But this time it was, of course. Four short messages sent one after the other:

hahahaha ok fine that was v good enjoy your day x

Five hours later, not even the curtain of rain awaiting him outside could douse the anticipation in his belly. An idea, he knew, was a powerful thing. Dream didn’t have an umbrella - Hob always shared with him, and would’ve apologetically nicked his if he had - so he would make the first leg of the journey as Hob did. He intended to go and get something nice, but once in the cold downpour, his resolve failed him almost at once, and he ducked into the first shop that had umbrellas in the window.

“Hiya,” said the girl at the counter without looking up from her phone.

Dream ignored her, blinking the rain out of his eyes, belatedly registering all the merchandise had a unifying theme and that he’d made a terrible mistake, borne of sheer desperation.

“Would you happen to have any other umbrellas? In black?” he asked. Hidden behind the counter, perhaps. If only you knew to ask.

The girl looked at him with an air of disbelieving reproval only accessible to teenagers and the very elderly. “You could try Boots, you know. It’s just down the street.”

Dream looked out the window. Rain torrented down. Commuters hurried past with their sensibly coloured umbrellas. From places exactly like Boots.

“Or we’ve got rain ponchos,” she added. It sounded like a threat.

“Nevermind,” said Dream quickly. “I’ll take it.”

“Enjoy your visit in London, sir,” she called out as he left.

He stepped outside and flicked open the umbrella with slightly more force than necessary.

Dream waited a few paces outside the archives, wanting to surprise Hob properly. Two separate pairs of tourists had thought he was their London Ghost Tours guide, and he was beginning to regret not holding out for longer, drenching be damned. Then Hob emerged, striding out and immediately stopping to pull out his phone. He was smiling at it. Dream smiled too, in anticipation.

A moment later his own phone buzzed loudly in his coat pocket, and Hob looked up in surprise.

“Oh my god,” he said. Then he said it again.

“I heard you needed an umbrella,” said Dream. He’d had the line already, since he got the idea. It had been very dashing and romantic in his head. It was somewhat undermined by the dreadful costuming choice that had been forced upon him.

Hob looked between Dream and the umbrella, bafflement melting into a happy laugh. He ducked underneath, pecking Dream on the lips. “I’m not sure I needed one quite this badly. Did you rob some poor tourist?”

“Unhappily, I paid for this.”

“Oh no,” said Hob, pulling away and pretending to inspect him for injury. “My poor darling. Your dignity.”

Dream sniffed. “I will recover.”

“Here,” said Hob. “I’ll carry it for you. You’ll only be guilty by association, then.”

They began walking, a bobbing Union Jack in a sea of blacks and greys. After the chief sin of ugliness, it was also a little small for two grown men, but Dream found he didn’t resent that at all, as Hob tucked him tightly into his side to keep them both dry. People gave them a wide berth. Tourists could never be trusted with umbrellas.

“You’ve rescued me, you know,” said Hob, nuzzling into his cheek.

“It wouldn’t do to have you dripping puddles all over the floors,” said Dream.

“Even if I looked terribly handsome, all wet and ardent?”

Dream bit his lip and smiled a little. “Perhaps you can be wet and ardent in the shower. Instead.”

Hob laughed again. It was Dream’s favourite sound. “Much warmer than the rain anyway. Deal.” Rain drummed down on their private nylon ceiling. “I was thinking chicken tikka masala for dinner?”

And so they made their way home, and although the rain never let up, Dream was so content and warm that he might’ve sworn they were walking in the sun.

[gogobootz1]

Dream A Little Dream Of Me

Eddie Roundtree x Reader

Summary: Stress is starting to interfere with your sleep schedule. But a late-night encounter with a fellow member of The Six might just help you out.

A/N: It really bothers me that the show changed his last name, but I love this man so here you go

Word Count: 1k

The one thing you really couldn’t find yourself getting used to in LA was the heat. Dry, stifling, and never-ending, it made you miserable. After spending nearly your whole life in cold, dreary Pittsburgh, you were more than struggling to make the adjustment.

The cheap ass house Billy had rented didn’t help things, either. Among its flaws, the lack of air conditioning is at the top of your list. And it’s why you can’t seem to stop tossing and turning. No matter which limbs you stick out from under your blankets, it’s not enough to cool you down. The windows you opened two hours ago aren’t helping either. Growing tired of trying to sleep, you throw the covers off of yourself and sit up.

At the very least, some water should be able to help.

You huff and make your way downstairs, paying no mind to the time. Grabbing a glass from the kitchen cabinet, you let the door swing shut. Once you’ve sipped on your tap water for a bit, you decide a snack might help too.

Still holding your cup in one hand, you start rummaging through the fridge with the other.

Leftovers were clearly out. As delicious as Camila’s lasagna was two nights ago, you didn’t want to bother heating anything up. Not to mention that Warren would probably want it for breakfast. Billy specifically said that the apples he bought were off-limits, but you aren’t necessarily opposed to pissing him off. You are, however, concerned about his taste. He probably got red delicious or Jonathan or something equally as gross, so you can't have that. Finally, you strike gold. The deli drawer. At least one Dunne brother has your back. Graham made a B-line for the deli counter on your grocery trip the other day.

You snag two slices of cheese out of the packet and start eating them while looking to see if the fridge has anything else to offer.

"Are you eating deli meat straight from the fridge at 2 AM?"

You whip around to find Eddie staring at you expectantly. For a second, you're like a deer in headlights. Caught red-handed, standing by the evidence. You swallow the final bite of cheese you were working on.

"No."

He makes a face that tells you he is not at all buying it.

"It was cheese," you mumble. Quietly, you continue, "why are you in here anyway, Edward?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe to see who was making all that noise?" He shrugs angrily. For the first time, you take note of his pajamas. The blue and green plaid really compliments the white Rolling Stones shirt he's got on. His hair's all tussled, probably because he was just sleeping.

"Shit, I woke you up, didn't I?" You whisper, internally kicking yourself. The fridge closes behind you as you take a seat at the kitchen table. You rest your head in your hands. "I'm really sorry, Eddie."

The sincerity in your voice takes him off guard. Typically your relationship is characterized by bickering and teasing and sticking your tongues out at each other like when you were little. This is a rare moment of vulnerability for you.

Eddie takes the seat across from you at the table. "What are you doing up in the first place?" He asks gently.

"I'm too hot," you complain.

"Sure are," he nods, and you kick him. "OW! Jesus, I was joking."

You sigh again, guiltily, "sorry."

"Cranky much," he rubs at his knee, "did you get any sleep at all?"

"No," you say miserably.

"Wait, are you serious?" Eddie asks, and you nod. "We were in the studio all day, and you stayed late to record the extra trombone part. Aren't you exhausted?" You nod once again. He lets out a sigh, "what's keeping you up then?"

"I already told you, Billy needs to fix the damn air conditioning," you grumble.

"And that's all?" Eddie sounds skeptical.

You sigh, "I don't know. It's just- a lot." He gives an encouraging nod, and you continue, "we're not in Pittsburgh anymore, and everything's new and different, and this is our shot, and if I blow it-"

"Woah there," Eddie stops you. "First of all, if anyone blows it, it'll be Graham for spilling something on someone important." That pulls a laugh out of you, and he smiles. "And I know things are different, but it's exciting too. If you ever feel homesick, though, we'll just drive around until we find someplace that reminds us of Eat'n Park. Okay?"

You nod softly at his words, and he stands up. You send him a questioning look.

"Come on," he says, "you've gotta get some sleep."

"Eddie, I've tried," you insist. He rolls his eyes at you.

"Then at least come sit on the couch," he pleads. You reluctantly follow him into the living room and plop yourself down on the sofa. "Close your eyes too. If they get any more bloodshot, people will think we're high all the time."

"Aren't we?" You ask, throwing your arm over your face. You don't see him shake his head at you while he grabs his guitar.

"Since you woke me up, you get to hear what I've been working on," Eddie says. He pushes your legs over so that he has room to sit.

"Lucky me," your voice drips with sarcasm. Eddie flicks your leg, and you flinch away. "Hey!"

"Watch it, sleeping beauty," he says.

"Or what?" You taunt.

"I'll tell Billy you broke the garbage disposal," he smirks. You bolt upright at his words.

"You wouldn't!"

"Wouldn't I?"

"How was I supposed to know I had to turn the water to use it?!"

Eddie stares at you, unimpressed.

"Never mind, Mozart, play on," you nod at him. Eddie starts strumming the guitar, and you sigh, laying back down.

The melody is slow and sweet, mesmerizing too. Your intentions of listening closely to offer feedback quickly slip out the window. Especially when he starts humming along. You don't even feel yourself starting to drift off. Your acute awareness of the temperature in the house, your dry mouth, or any residual hunger that haunted you earlier slips away.

Eddie goes on playing for a bit before he looks to you for your thoughts on it. When he finds you fast asleep, he sighs, "that good, huh?" He shakes his head with a smile on his face. Eddie stands and hangs the guitar back on the wall, retiring to his own room. He'll make you listen to it again in the morning.

[timid-toots]

i got a sugarcane

(m/m, kink, heed tags)

Prout, laying in bed next to Pip, the both of them naked like always, wakes up with a groggy gasp. Pip is still in a deep sleep, so Prout mumbles to himself.

"Makin' brown... Making brown!"

Prout grins, sleepy, and he wakes Pip up by reaching over and fondling Pip's smooth balls. When Pip opens his eyes, pushing his hips up, Prout smiles even wider.

"I'm pooping!"

His announcement isn't alarmed or upset, but, instead, very excited. He sounds proud of himself.

It's no secret that Prout has been wanting to sleep-shit ever since Pip shat the bed a few weeks ago. Pip had woken up early in the morning to a soft pile of poop between his legs, some of a turd still nestled in his asshole, smudging his asscheeks and taint. Prout had been happy for Pip and also wildly jealous, and he has been trying all kinds of methods to poop while he slept, but hadn't managed it yet. He'd farted a ton through the night, but he always woke up before he was able to pass anything more solid than gas.

Pip smiles at him, happy and encouraging, and takes a sniff of the air, the stench of which all but confirms Prout's gleeful claims.

"I'm laying cable in bed! And I started while I was asleep! I did it! I'm doing it!" Prout exclaims. He kicks the blanket off and spreads his legs and yep, there's a turd sticking out of his anus. "Look, Pip!"

Pip grins and turns on his bedside lamp to give him a better view of the show Prout is so kindly putting on for him. Once he can see, he keeps his eyes fixed on Prout's busy butthole, and he reaches a hand over to lift up Prout's heavy, hairy ballsack, giving himself a better view of Prout's pooping stinkhole while getting to enjoy playing with Prout's nutsack.

"It's a big one!" Prout exclaims, his voice filled with wonder. "It's coming out all by itself! I'm not even pushing, Pip! It's a big, juicy log turding out of my hole! Look!"

Pip looks on, mesmerized, as another inch of Prout's log presses out of his stretched anus. He fondles Prout's big balls in appreciation.

"How's it feel? Did it wake you up?"

Prout grunts and moans as he continues to empty his bowels, the first big, harder turd ending and quickly being followed by a second, softer one. He's never been able to sleep through the beginning press of a poop starting to turtle before, so this is quite an accomplishment for him.

"Oh, it's so good! It feels so... intense!" Prout gasps, his eyes fluttering, "I can't believe I'm actually doing this! I've been trying for weeks!"

His anus twitches, a wet fart blurbing out along the soft shit log, and Prout sighs happily, hips squirming.

"I started dreaming that I was shitting, and I woke up, and I could feel it in my anus! I could feel the poop pressing out, like, two inches!" Prout explains, eager, still pooping, and he bites his lip, his penis flexing. It's resting against his thigh, pink and mostly soft. "I think I gotta make yellow, too!"

Pip giggles happily, gently squeezing Prout's ballsack, playing with his nuts as he nods encouragingly.

"You should take a piss!" Pip insists, "Here, you want some encouragement?"

With a final tug, Pip lets go of Prout's balls and, keeping his eyes fixed on the way he's still turding away against the bed they're sharing, he moves so his nude ass is more visible to Prout. Pip uses his hands to spread his buttcheeks, flashing Prout his furled little asshole and smooth crack. Then, Pip farts, loud and sharp.

"Ha! I farted!" Pip grins again, winking his smooth, pink-brown bung at his friend, "Doesn't that make you wanna go pee-pee?"

Prout gasps and laughs, and his pooping speeds up a little as he gazes longingly at Pip's hole. He grins, and his penis visibly jerks against his thigh like it might start getting hard.

"Fuck, man, yeah, that makes me wanna piss!" Prout exclaims happily, his mostly-soft penis starting to leak warm piss, and he grins and sighs.

"Hell yeah!" Pip encourages, reaching back over to take Prout's nuts in hand again, "Look at you go, man!"

Prout giggles and nods, spreading his legs even more. He's clearly thrilled, and he squeezes his butthole closed, which cuts his snaking turd off. When his hole yawns back open, he keeps right on pooping in the bed. His penis keeps pissing away, too.

"How's it feel?" Pip asks again, still fondling Prout's heavy balls.

"It's so good, man," Prout gasps, "I'm fucking doing it, I'm shitting the bed, and I started while I was asleep!"

He finishes with a wet fart and a final, messy blob of poop that splats in the mess in the bed built up between his thighs. He closes his eyes dreamily, his whole body relaxing now that he's no longer got to focus on pushing out the last of his dump, and he sighs as he tunes back into the feeling of his penis still spraying urine against the sheets.

"Dude," Pip groans, "that was so hot..." He's still got a hand on Prout's balls, and his other hand is fumbling with his half-hard cock.

"Oh my God," Prout gasps, his eyes still closed as his stream finally ends, "I can't fucking wait to do that again."

[webslingingslasher]

i had a dream about frat!peter the other day but i only like spoke to him for a few seconds before a paywall showed up and i was so pissed i was like who put up fucking paywalls in peoples dreams and i woke up so fast and so mad lol

imagine trouble tho but with spidey. she wakes peter up and she’s like ‘i almost got to see his face and then an ad popped up!’ and peters still half asleep and confused and hes like ‘whos face trouble?’ and shes like ‘spider man, peter! keep up!!’

THE PAYWALL IS SO REAL I'M SCREAMING

you wake up peter one night and only because you need to tell someone, you were woken in a stage of confusion and frustration.

'what did i say about waking me up?'

'blood, tears, and fire only.'

peter tucks the comforter under his chin, 'do you have any of those issues?' you stare at his back, 'no.' he hums, 'night, trouble.'

you poke him, he jolts. 'oh, god damn it. what? what is it?' you frown at his frustration, one of these nights he'll kick you out of his bed.

'i know who spider-man is.'

you have a great talent of snapping him wide awake.

peter rolls to face you, 'uh huh, explain.'

'i can't remember.'

peter blinks fast at you, 'you know who spider-man is but can't remember?'

you lick your lips and shake your head, 'i had a dream, and i knew i knew him but i didn't know how. like, you know how when you met ethan and it just made sense, and it felt like you knew him before you did? that's how it felt.'

'did he tell you who he was?'

'i told him i felt like i knew him, and he said i did. he said i knew him really well, and that he has been contemplating telling me. but then he took his mask off but his face was like, a shining light? and i couldn't actually see him.'

peter feels like he can't breathe. has your subconscious been connecting the dots?

'and then, the funniest fucking thing happened, the light slowly started to fade and i could start to see his face and a fucking paywall popped up.'

'a paywall?'

'a paywall. in my own fucking dream.'

it feels a little freaky to him, peter shuffles closer to you, you're happy to have the cuddles.

'do you think you know spider-man?'

you snort, 'fuck no, if i did do you think i'd be here with you?'

peter nuzzles his cheek on your chest, 'actually, yeah.'

[ssschocopie]

I almost shifted and I'm so pissed.

Well, last night I did the routine, I went to bed and visualized expecting to shift but falling asleep instead, nothing new under the sun.

Then, when I woke up in the middle of the night, I did the same thing, which is something i didn't do before, but I always feel like each attempt gets me closer so I started doing it last week. So there I went: visualized and fell asleep.

Then i was dreaming, and no, it was not a lucid dream at any point. A normal dream where someone was guiding me (like the white rabbit yk), and I noticed it was like a shifting coach. I made a question like "I've heard you need to do that to shift" (I can't recall the exact words, it's a miracle that I can recall anything from a dream) and then he answered "its different for everyone, and I know just what is the perfect way for you" (again, not exactly these words) and he showed me A BROKEN BLOCK OF WHITE CHALK (i keep trying to see some meaning in it even if i know my dreams are all insanity on top of insanity). Then I looked at it, and it was like something was loading, like in a quest in a game when you need to focus the screen on an item to go to the next level, and then WHITE SCREEN, I woke up but with my eyes close and a sensation like if my blood pressure was very high and i was breathing too fast (at some point, i thoughti was actually dying), and I KNEW I was shifting. So I thought, "omg it's now, I need to pick a place," and i visualized exactly where I wanted to wake up and then I started to stop feeling my body in my cr but not completely. But I also noticed something was strange with my "other body" I was starting to feel, there was something on my leg. I was curious so after a few seconds I opened my eyes and I was in my cr, everything was blurry so I know I was at least VERY close but I was already pissed that I ruined everything and just went to sleep.

So the reason why I'm pissed at this amazing experience of not shifting (jk) is that i thought when something like this happened, I would get some knowledge, like a feedback of how to improve for the next time but the only thing I got was a reminder to not open my fucking eyes.

But it was an amazing experience anyway. I just hope I can complete it next time.

[nohoney]

k! k! (◕‿◕✿) imagine having a dream that coffee + cigs touya cheated on you and you wake up angry at him╰(✿´⌣`✿)╯♡

no but fr this has happened to me and it was so hard for me to not be actually mad at my partner when i woke up (-﹏-。)

nonny i got u (☆ω☆)

see touya just rolls over and sees that you’re already awake, just scrolling on your phone idly. he greets you with a raspy ‘good morning’ and tries to kiss you but you turn away and tell him to get off. and of course he’s thinking oh great, what did i do this time?

he sighs and asks you if he hit you during his sleep again and that’s why you’re mad at him. it’s a thing that unfortunately happens every so often; he can’t help it honestly but he knows that he has to apologize. you tell him a curt no and get out of bed.

touya pinches the bridge of his nose before following after you, knowing that it’s better to stay within your space than assuming to give you space until you verbally tell him yourself. he makes the coffee and you warm up store bought croissants in the little toaster oven. he comes up behind you and places your favorite mug in front of you, having already added the creamer your coffee.

“why are you pissed? i’m not gonna have another conversation with you about taking your anger out on me without you telling me, do you understand?” touya is firm in his tone, showing that he’s not gonna let your attitude slide. he knows the difference between you being crabby and then actually being upset. “hm? we gonna talk this out or are we spending our morning in separate rooms?”

you wiggle out of the small space and take your mug with you. it seems like it’s going to be the second option but you lean on the opposite side of the countertop so that you face him.

“you cheated on me.”

his eyebrow raises in question before he tells you, “i have never.”

“uh yeah you did.” you insist.

“okay, humor me. when did i ‘cheat’ on you?” touya puts his hands up for air quotes around the emphasized word.

you pout at him first before answering, “last night, in my dream.”

yup, he knew it was for a dumb reason.

“i’m serious touya! what kind of bad vibes were you giving me last night to affect my dream? do i have to get something to ward off evil energy?” you scoff before sipping your coffee. “how dare you.”

he rolls his eyes at you but it’s a win that you chose to talk to him instead of being in your mood. “yes how dare i, meaning the me in your dreamscape, do something that i, the real me, would never do? you want me to apologize for what your mind made up in your sleep?”

“yes.”

“okay, i am sorry that your dream made you upset and i happened to be the star of your dream. just know that i wouldn’t do it to you in real life, ever.” he assures you, knowing that underneath your attitude you just want assurance that he’d never step out on you in real life. “can i kiss you good morning now so that we can have a peaceful morning?”

“… yes.”

[violetmuses]

Wounds (Part II) - M. Lowrey ❤️‍🩹

Title: Wounds (Part II) - M. Lowrey ❤️‍🩹

Fandom: “Bad Boys” Film Universe

Character: Mike Lowrey

Main Storyline: One planned assignment reveals the impossible for Detective Mike Lowrey. @nelo0wesker @yassbishimvintage @amethyst-loves-bucky

=====

1997

“What now? If this plan works, I can't bum rush like SWAT and take the kid with me.” Mike offered true bewilderment while still addressing Captain Howard.

“I'll handle our next blueprint. Just get your things and go home. Marcus has the day off.” Captain seems more peaceful than usual given the situation.

“All right, thanks, Cap. I'm out.” Mike bids farewell to gather belongings and exits the precinct.

_____

Mike kept tossing and turning while he slept in this beautiful home, genuinely puzzled when looking through dreams of the next chapter.

Fatherhood?

While the secret affair with Isabel Aretas pulled his heart, Mike continued standing with reality now.

Even Detective Marcus Burnett, Mike's longtime partner and best friend, could never know what's truly going on. There's far too much at stake.

Here we go. Mike thought, just trying to move forward.

****

“Rough night, man? I know the coffee tastes like shit!” Detective Marcus Burnett laughed toward his partner while entering the precinct.

“Slept with your mama, dumbass.” Mike picked up banter and kept himself aware.

“Whatever.” Marcus rolled his eyes. “Had a little time off with my family. Theresa said hello.”

“Hey…” Mike soon joked back with his own voice this morning.

“Don't start that foolishness again. It's my wife. I've already told you.” Marcus defended himself.

“Do some work, please?” Mike just went on. “I'm not in the mood.”

“Aight, I'll go away now.” Marcus lifted both of his hands. “Damn. Who pissed in your cereal this morning?”

Moving on, Mike attempted to concentrate on work from this cubicle.

And yet, the quiet memory of 2:55 PM lingered past his thoughts.

_____

Sure enough, Mike wanted to plan everything in his head.

If Marcus just stayed occupied here, Lowrey could sneak out and still try to pick up Armando Aretas from school, not bringing up suspicions later.

Seconds later, his pager beeps.

Captain Howard needs something.

Uh-oh.

Thankfully alone, Mike leaves his desk and joins Captain once more.

______

“It's official. I just sent out this covert team to arrest Benito and Isabel.” Captain Howard revealed.

“Are you serious?” Mike whispered.

“Yes. You've earned full custody of Armando right now.” Cap wouldn't smile, but realized the truth.

“Thank you so much.” Mike offered immense gratitude. “Honestly.”

“Now go get your son. I'll cover Marcus.” Captain Howard passed Mike keys to this brand-new truck.

Smiling, Mike understood this plan and leaves, thankful beyond words.

______

Another bright day set around Miami. Mike rolled into the parking lot once more and noted this backseat.

As Mike recalled details, Theresa showed him how to fasten car seats during the name-swap heroin case in 1995.

Reaching this school, Lowrey noticed how vibrant the hallways stand. Bulletin boards lined art from the youth. Mike's heart warmed all over again.

“Oh, hello. We've been looking for you, Detective.” This teacher emerged from one classroom.

“Hey, today is very unexpected, but thank you so much.” Mike calmed his voice for obvious reasons. “Please know that I'm not around to bother anyone. Just here to pick up my son.”

“Armando just woke up from nap time, but he's not hyper like other children.” The teacher explained more.

“Thank you for letting me know.” Mike nodded before entering the classroom.

______

Another aid helped Armando gather his small backpack and Mike kneels to meet his son's eye level.

“Hey, man. Ready to go?” Mike genuinely smiled this time around.

"Mi papa?" Armando's tiny voice almost breaks Mike's heart through native Spanish.

“Si.” Mike nodded, lifting Armando when his son raised both arms.

Young Armando Aretas rested his head on Mike's clothed shoulder to leave this building with new happiness.

No matter what happens next, Mike promised to stay around.

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please look at tags and warnings on ao3 before reading.

The Magnus Archives/ What We Do In the Shadows (Crossover)

gaslight gatekeep girlboss by thepolysyndetonaddictsupportgroup

"Look, believe it or not, I had no intention of killing the Vampiric Council when I came here,” declares Nadja, sitting alone on the couch. “But Guillermo and I arrived at the first council meeting and did the whole, you know, the whole thing, the first day thing. Introductions and all that, yes hello wonderful to meet you, yes this is my bodyguard, yes he has slaughtered a tremendous number of our kind”--she flaps her hand absently--“normal first day things, you know? It was fine.” She pauses. “It got really fucking weird on the second day."

Or: Nadja and Guillermo seize control of vampiric politics, puppeteer world powers, and have the hottest of hot girl summers.

Unfortunately, they also really miss the stupid assholes they're in love with. With no way left to find them, they have no choice but to consult an Archivist.

DC/Danny Phantom Crossover

Teenage Hero Burnout #56: Interview With A Ghost. by STOVE

Red Robin, (aka Tim Drake) decides to host a YouTube series called "Teenage Hero Burnout'' after he makes a video by the same name talking about his own experiences. He interviews current and past heroes who started their careers as teens and discuss how it shaped their outlook on heroing & life in general.

(This fic is a one-shot. Teenage Hero Burnout is a hypothetical series that I will not be writing, but others are welcome to write their own episodes.)

All For the Game

One More Time (With Feeling) by elesary

Andrew Minyard went to sleep next to Neil Josten in their bed in Denver six years after graduation. He woke up on plane to Tucson between Wymack and Kevin, on their way to recruit Neil Josten, striker sub.

boyfriend privileges by mostly_maudlin

Andrew knows he treats Neil different. So why is it so bothersome that everyone else seems to know it, too?

Five times Neil gets boyfriend privileges, and one time it doesn't piss Andrew off.

SVSSS

The Peace Between Divine Pec- ah-hm sorry - uh…Peaks by AceOfDivineChlorophyll

Well, being kidnapped and tied up had to be the worst part of Shen Qingqiu's day right? Surely it couldn't get worse even if he was being presented to some new and upcoming demonic warlord as tribute after all it would all be mote when Luo Binghe escaped the Endless Abyss right? Well... unless the demonic warlord in question WAS Luo Binghe.

Thankfully... it might not end up going at all how he, or the demons, thought it was going to.

invasive blindfold removal surgery by postcardorigami

Part 1 of side effects may include indefinite photosensitivity

Oh, he thought absently, dizzily. Oh. I love him. I really, really love him.

That wasn’t a new thought—Shen Qingqiu had always known that he loved Luo Binghe. Thinking otherwise wasn’t a concept that had occurred to him. He’d loved him as a fictional character, as a sticky and eager-to-please disciple, as a troubled young man. He loved Luo Binghe the same way he loved the world around him: easily, wordlessly, endlessly, and in full acceptance of all faults and flaws.

But this- this felt like-

I think, Shen Qingqiu thought, for the first time in this life or the one he’d left, I think I’m in love with him.

And- and then-

I want to tell him where I come from.

or Shen Qingqiu, in order: hits the ground, pulls himself back up, and comes out. About several things.

Dreaming of Gardens in the Desert Sand by TGP

Huan Hua Palace master Luo Binghe never thought there'd be any reason to worry about the master that threw him away all those years ago. Surely, he was safe and cared for by the martial siblings he'd so thoroughly enamored.

Luo Binghe was wrong.

(Or, the one where the Jinlan City event doesn't happen and Luo Binghe's plan to slowly show he can be a righteous cultivator actually goes as he expected, with consequences he did not)

starry-eyed by shoutowo

"Shi-Shizun,” Luo Binghe says, going cross-eyed in an effort to see what Shen Qingqiu just placed on his forehead. “What is this?”

“A star,” Shen Qingqiu explains, while not explaining at all.

or, Shen Qingqiu has a sticker sheet.

Clone Wars

(you were) meant to save them by cjwritesfanficnow

The building was only five stories. With the gravity on Melida/Daan, it should’ve been over in seconds... but he—

just—

kept—

falling—

And then there was nothing around him, but he was still falling, down down down, infinitely, through space, stretched thin, twisted and pulled and the Force curled so tightly around him that he couldn’t tell where he ended and it began, and then—

And then he was falling straight out of a clear sky and down down down—

Onto another battlefield.

-

In which Obi-Wan is abruptly transported from the civil war on Melida/Daan to the Clone Wars.

(Alternately, in which I noticed how few clones there are in all my other fics, and this wouldn't leave me alone.)

Tactical Engagements by elwenyere

Even before he managed to open his eyes, Obi-Wan felt the tug against the base of his neck, the snarled thread of energy that only ever meant one thing: something had gone very, very wrong.

-----

Or, Cody, Obi-Wan, and the 212th are sent to Ringo Vinda with Anakin and the 501st, and it changes the field of engagement.

[asukamood]

Apology to Deaf Ears (DT Twins)

***

I was literally writing the next chapter of my Cold Front fic when I woke up on the 24th with such a good angst idea for the twins that I broke down first thing in the morning.

(Note: I am not blaming any of the twins for what happened to them, which is not the case for the twins themselves. Do keep in mind that at the time of this story, the twins were both 5 and it is normal for children like them to act immaturely and blame the wrong people, especially seeing the environment they are living in.)

With that said, enjoy your reading!

***

Warnings: Suicide (stabbing), blood, heavy angst for both twins, hints of physical abuse

Synopsis: Nightmare had never understood why the characters in his novels always felt sick at the sight of blood. He was covered in his own blood every day, yet it never made him throw up. Now he understood, he understood too well.

***

If there was someone who Nightmare particularly resented, apart from himself, it was Dream.

He hated the way people loved him so much, what did he even do to deserve all the attention anyway? What did he have that Nightmare lacked?

He hated the way protecting the Tree has fallen on his shoulders alone while Dream was playing around. Why was he allowed to slack off while Nightmare had to do both their jobs alone, as injured as one could be?

He hated how naive the other was, always falling for Nightmare’s stupid lies when he was asked about his injuries. How could he have gotten this hurt by simply falling off a branch? Was Dream just stupid or did he simply not care about Nightmare? The latter would bet the correct supposition was the second explanation.

He hated how mocking the other’s hollow ‘I love you’ sounded. He hated how he had to live in the other’s shadow. He was as good as his brother, hell, maybe he was even better! He just could not understand. Why not him?

But above all, he hated the way he nagged him by spending time with him and showing off how much happier he was than Nightmare, like he was doing currently.

“Get off.” He hissed, pushing Dream away from himself. That day, his brother had been particularly clingy and happy, for some reason determined to annoy him as long as humanly possible.

Seriously, he had even declined to spend time with his friends to annoy him more, how unhinged did he have to be to think of something like that?

The other let out a playful whine of protest but refrained from attempting to hug him again. A detail that Nightmare failed to notice at the time.

“Can we play then? It has been so long since we last played Tag You’re It!” Dream suggested, a wide grin spread across his cheeks as he seemed to reminisce about the old times. It made Nightmare sick.

With gritted teeth, he replied that he was not in the mood to play and would rather read. Dream’s bright smile did not leave his lips at the other’s refusal. If anything, it just got brighter.

Oh, there we go, something he hated and forgot to mention.

The way the other never took anything badly.

Nightmare would kill to be that way.

How foolish.

“Can you read me a story then? Last time we--”

“No.” He cut him off with a glare, making the other blink. At Nightmare’s expression, his smile turned into a worried frown.

“Did I say something wrong? Why do you look so angry?” He tilted his head to the side in confusion, somehow only managing to piss the other off even more.

“Because you’re annoying me.” He replied coldly, picking up the last book he had been reading off the ground. With his eyes fixed on the object, he could no longer see Dream’s expression. Not like it interested him. “Can’t you find someone else to bother?”

“I like spending time with you though.” A pause. “And you know I love--”

“And I hate you.” He flipped the page he was reading, noticing the way the other had stopped talking.

He looked back to him, Dream’s grin welcoming him back to reality.

He hated that lack of reaction too, he just said that he hated him, and he was smiling? He was right after all, Dream really did not care about how he saw him. Why would he? He had all those oh so wonderful friends, why would he care about that loser he called his brother?

If Nightmare had paid more attention, maybe he would have noticed how sad that smile really looked. He would have noticed how it did not reach his eyes.

“What are you still doing here?” He snapped, sending him yet another glare. “Are you going to gawk at me like that for long? I don’t want to see you anymore, just go.”

“... Okay.” He got up, making Nightmare focus back onto his book. He was most likely going to the village anyway, there was no reason for him to see where he was going.

***

A few hours later, Nightmare started to feel bad about what he said.

He had been angry at that moment, but Dream was still his brother, he could not just tell him that he hated him like that. Nightmare looked up at the sky, deducing that it was the afternoon.

Honestly, he found it odd how the villagers had yet to come bother him but for once, he allowed himself to hope that the peace would last a bit more.

He closed the book, putting it into its usual place next to him--

...

Something was under it.

Nightmare raised an eyebrow as he picked it back up, his eyes widening once he recognized Dream’s circlet. Did he forget it when he left? Nightmare shrugged; he will just give it back to him after he apologized.

He would not come back until the evening anyway, which gave him plenty of time to plan what he would say to him.

He let his head rest on the tree, slowly drifting off to sleep.

***

When he woke up, the sight of wrinkling stars in the night sky welcomed him back. He had always loved looking at the stars, it reminded him of the good days without the villagers around.

He turned to his side, expecting to see his younger brother.

He froze when there was no sign of him.

“Dream?” He called out in surprise, standing up and looking around the tree and up the branches. No one.

Nightmare frowned.

That was unusual, no matter how long Dream stayed at the village, he had always come back once the sun had set. He once said that his favorite thing was to come back home after the night began.

Maybe he was still a bit busy? Nightmare sat down against the tree, waiting to see his brother’s silhouette approach the tree.

***

All the lights in the village had gone out by now.

Yet, Dream was still nowhere to be seen.

Nightmare did not want to admit it, but he was worried, very worried. He got up from the tree again and reluctantly dragged his feet to the village. He had no want to step into that place, knowing that if he were caught, he would go through hell and back, but there was only so much he could do.

He let out a long breath as he passed the gate. No scream, that was a good sign.

A man in the tavern’s balcony was sprawled on a table, an alcohol bottle in hand. Seeing no one else around, Nightmare decided to risk talking to him.

He tapped his shoulder and the grown-up groaned as he was shaken awake, looking over to who woke him up. He glared at Nightmare once he recognized him, slurring something about killing him if he did not get out of his sight. Nightmare ignored the threat, instead asking where he had last seen Dream.

Thankfully for the child, the older man was far too wasted to bother swinging at him. So wasted, in fact he was pleasant enough to answer his question.

“How the fuck should I know?” He hiccupped, taking another sip of the beverage. “That brat did not show up today.” He hit the table with his fist, frustrated. “If it was not for him staying with your sorry ass, my other house would have been finished by now.”

Nightmare could feel his heart drop in his stomach, the rest of the man’s complaints getting lost in the wind.

Dream never went to the village?

Ditching the man, the young boy raced to the entrance of the village, his head filled with Dream’s possible whereabouts. He was neither at the tree nor at the village. Besides these two locations, there was the forest and the cliff. But if he was in those areas, why did he go there in the first place?

And more importantly, why was he still not back?

His breathing sped up.

What if he was in danger?

He shook his head, pinching his wrist. He winced but, in the end, he was able to forcefully calm down. Panicking would not help him find Dream.

These two areas were big, so he had better get started now.

The closest area to the village was the forest, he would get started there.

He ran between two trees, looking around every tree and yelling Dream’s name as he did so, hoping the other would eventually answer his calls or show up.

When he was met with no answer, he walked deeper into the forest, desperation now laced with his voice. The forest was quiet, far too quiet to be normal.

Still nothing.

He was running now, yelling his name even louder than he already was. He could feel his vocal cords straining in his throat, but he could not care less then, too focused on the task.

Eventually, as he was starting to lose hope, he finally caught a glimpse of orange behind a tree. The boy heaved out a sigh of relief before being overtaken by anger. If he was right there, why did he not answer his calls?

“Dream!” He shouted as he walked over to the tree, said one’s cape getting closer. “Why did you not come back? Do you know how worried I--”

As he finally walked around the tree, Dream’s lightless eyes and the knife planted in his chest finally came into view.

The next thing Nightmare knew was that he saw himself throw up nearby, trembling as he turned back toward Dream. There was so much blood.

Nightmare had never understood why the characters in his novels always felt sick at the sight of blood. He was covered in his own blood every day, yet it never made him throw up. Now he understood, he understood too well.

“Dream...?” He approached the other, slowly. That... he was still asleep, right? It could not be real. He crouched down next to him, his fingertips brushing his shoulder. He was cold. Why was he so cold?

“Hey, why are you not saying anything?” He shook him. “That’s not funny anymore, come on Dream, let’s go home.”

The other’s head fell awkwardly on his shoulder, a few strands of his hair covering his eyes. Apart from that, no reaction was given to Nightmare’s words or actions.

He shook him again, tears welling up in his eyes. “Stop scaring me! You said you would come back home no matter what! We even promised to never leave each other!”

“We promised!” He repeated, as if to enhance the importance of a promise.

However, he could scream as much as he wanted, there was no bringing back a dead soul.

At last, he finally broke into hysterical sobs as he held onto the corpse of his brother like his life depended on it. “We can play as much as you want, I can read you as many stories as you like! We can hug whenever you want! I won’t push you away anymore, I promise!”

“So please...” His voice broke as he cupped the other’s cold cheek, trying so hard to feel any kind of warmth coming from the other’s skin. “Say something, anything. Don’t leave me alone...”

Silence.

“I...” He hiccupped. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier, I didn’t mean it, I swear! I love you too. Even if I may have been frustrated at you sometimes, you’re still my brother, I could never hate you!”

He buried his face in his neck as he sobbed. “Please don’t make me bury my best friend, I’m sorry for being such a bad brother. I promise to make it up to you just give me a chance, please.”

His pleads were ignored and so were his apologies.

Oh, how cruel the gods were.

In a last attempt to get some sort of reaction out of the other, he brought his hand to his level. From it, a piece of paper fell.

With a shaky hand, he managed to retrieve what Dream was holding in his fist. He opened the ball, revealing an exact replica of a silly drawing of themselves when they were still satisfied with one another in the world.

A messy Tree of Feelings labelled “Home” stood in the background with yellow and black ovals littering the leaves to represent their respective apples. In front of it, two figures with questionable anatomies stood beside each other, holding hands.

One of them was wearing a light blue-sky outfit and a round circlet and the other a purple outfit with a crescent moon engraved on the head garment.

There was only one difference: if the original drawing had both figures smiling from ear to ear, this one had Dream smiling and Nightmare wearing an angry frown.

At that instant, with tears falling down the paper, Nigthmare wanted nothing more than to tear away that angry-looking figure from the smiling one and burn its remains.

[liaarxse]

Mornings with you are my favorite pt.1

Summary: Just a morning with your boyfriend

Characters: Nahoya Kawata

Warnings: a teenie weenie bit of angst, fluff

A/n: I love calling people "sunshine" its just my go-to nickname. Also, I've been learning a lullaby to sing to my baby sister, and I thought about this

Yes, I adore the twins shut up <3

Okay, let me chill out on the crack

Nahoya is, well, reckless

Constantly getting into fights

Nerves through the roof

But at the end of the day, he's just a teenage boy, you know?

All these battles have brought him constant nightmares. Will it be a dream about himself getting hurt, Toman, Souya

But he had never dreamt about you in that perspective

And it was terrifying

He swore he just collapsed in your arms, exhausted from the long night, and now you're laying there on the side with a busted skull?

Luckily, you were still awake then, scrolling on your phone when he started slightly moving in his sleep

Then you noticed his expression had changed

His eyebrows were furrowed, grimacing

You realized he was probably having a nightmare and took matters into your own hands

You left your phone on the nightstand and gently brought him closer, placing an arm around his shoulders. Your hand found its way to his curls. He once told you that he liked it when you played with his hair since it calmed him down. You placed your free hand on his back, gliding your fingers up and down it.

You saw that nothing was working, and he was just tensing up more. He had more of a pissed off face than a sad one.

You thought for a moment before coming up with an idea.

You started singing a lullaby your grandma used to sing to you when you were little

Very gently rocking both of you left and right, you continued singing in a quiet voice.

I swear it took you only 15 seconds to see a change

Was it your touch? Your voice? Or just your presence?

It doesn't matter

There was no longer a frown on your boyfriends face, just a small smile.

He pulled you a bit closer in his sleep, which made him even calmer

You don't know what he had a dream about and you didn't plan to ask him in fear you'll trigger something

Nahoya wasn't one to show signs of weakness, nor sadness, so it must've been a really bad experience

You noticed him grimacing again

You sang your lullaby to him and it was all gone

And that repeated

5 times that night

You were drained. You loved him to bits and would go to the end for that boy, but you really needed sleep

You just couldn't bring yourself to do so. What if he had another unpleasant moment while sleeping? What if it was worse than the rest? What if it causes him trauma?

That obviously wouldn't happen

But you were worried

So you just stayed up until dusk

That's when he woke up

You didn't notice at first since your eyes were literally at the back of your head at this point, trying to block all light while staying awake

"...babe?" You didn't hear him but felt something move, so you looked down and met with your boyfriends happy little face. There was still a hint of sleepiness in his features, as well as his raspy voice. You were frankly quite started, swearing that 10 seconds ago, he was dead asleep. Not anymore, apparently.

You just gave him a gentle smile. Not that you didn't want to do more. You just didn't have the power. It was like someone grabbed and squeezed you like a sponge.

"You okay?" He looked at you, chuckling. "You look horrible." You almost threw him out of the bed. Not only was he the reason for your current state, but now he has the audacity to claim you look bad?

Apparently, he has some superpowers since he instantly laughed and apologized as if you really said your thoughts out loud. "I'm kiddin', babe. I'm kiddin'!"

You flicked his forehead.

Nahoya just saw how you were barely staying awake and quickly switched the positions you were both in. You weren't going to lie. This felt way better.

You didn't even ask. He just started to tell you about his dream. Apparently, you got mixed with a member from Toman in a battle and got seriously injured by the opposing gang and passed out, but miraculously woke up on your own. Then they took you to the hospital, where they got you into the emergency room. A doctor came out and told them that there were some kind of problems and it would be a difficult procedure. Again, not too long after that, the same doctor had returned with a smile on his face, claiming it was just a minor inconvenience, and you could be taken home.

You kept in a chuckle. It was such a cliché trope. He noticed your little smirk and pinched your shoulder before smiling to himself and continuing the story.

In the end, it turns out he had 3 bad moments in his sleep, the last being you falling on your face in front of him.

Finally, it was quiet. His body warmth was quickly sending you to sleep when you felt his chest vibrate. He was humming. You smiled to yourself, listening to his little song.

You didn't pay much attention to his words, nor the humming. Sleep was overcoming you when the realization hit.

The words...

"The last one was you just faceplanting on the pavement..! That makes like what... three bad moments? Hahaha!

The song... your lullaby...

Oh that cheeky motherfucker. He had been awake for half of the time you spent calming him down. He was pretending!

You raised yourself a bit to look at him in the eyes. A dumbfounded expression was plastered on your face.

He probably realized he got caught and started laughing when he met with your face. You were too tired to deal with his bullshit, so you purposely dropped on his chest, earning a groan from him and a snicker from you.

"I deserved that, didn't I?" He let out a quiet laugh.

"Yeah, you did."

Nahoya was annoying, to say the least. He has his serious downs, and we just can't ignore them, even if we want to.

But everyone has them, right?

His pros overpower his cons, though. All the things he does are to protect you. Maybe he's annoying, maybe sometimes he gets seriously on your nerves and you feel like you have a friend instead of a lover, but that's just how he shows his love and appreciation.

Don't tell him you feel that way. He'll break into pieces. He tries. He really does. Maybe he's not as affectionate as his brother. He's not as gentle or quiet. But he means no harm, not to you. Never.

All the teasing and jokes, the mocking and laughing, all of the rougher touches, which linger on your skin for a bit too long.

It's love. Nothing but pure love towards his girl.

Nahoya is aware of everything. I'd be lying to you if I say he's never had a second thought about your relationship. Not that he doesn't love you, no. He adores you. But because he feels like he isn't acting properly, like a boyfriend should. Like he doesn't deserve the title. The number of times he's tried to talk about it with you is uncountable. But when your expression instantly turns into a soft one, a smile quickly appearing just for him. How could he?

Your boyfriend is selfish when it comes to you. He doesn't want you looking at anyone besides him like that.

Maybe he doesn't deserve your kindness, your patience, your gentleness, your smile, your looks, your personality, your... everything. But nobody does. And it's better him than some "lowlife punk."

You felt his embrace get a little tighter, continuing to hum your sweet little lullaby.

It was just for him. Nobody else. You were just for him, nobody else.

Lifting your head a bit from its place, giving him a quick closed-eye kiss on the jawline, you dropped back, instantly going to sleep.

The morning sunlight entered the room through the blinds, lighting it up, turning it a warm golden color.

Nahoya doesn't pray, but at that moment, he just laid his head back, stopped his humming, and with one of his wide grins, he just thanked whoever was listening above for the gift. You.

You slightly started squirming, making him giggle as he continued the lullaby. It was only fair after a long night you to have a rest too. He was wide awake, so if it meant staying in this position for hours, he'll gladly take on the challenge.

He noticed you smile in your sleep, making his smile even wider before it turned into a small, genuine one. He slightly opened his eyes, moving a strand of hair from your face and closing them back again.

It was life you felt that, since your smile just grew a bit wider.

"Heyyy, are you awake?" He very gently shaked you. Not enough to wake you up (if you were really sleeping), but enough to grab your attention if you were awake. You weren't.

Nahoya just laid there, admiring everything about you. He remembered how you call him "sunshine" as a nickname from time to time.

"Sunshine, bring me a pen, please."

"Sunshine, your meeting is in 15 minutes!"

"You're an ass, sunshine."

"Sunshine..."

"Sunshine..."

"Sunshine..."

"Hah... you're something else, aren't ya', peaches?"

He doesn't even know why he chose "peaches" as your nickname. It just came to him like that, but he liked it.

This morning was a rare occasion for both of you. Your parents wouldn't let you sleep over at your boyfriend's house, since... you're teenagers, and teenagers are horny. No matter how many times you've told them, you'll never do it before 18 they just don't listen. This week, they had to travel to a distant relative, and since you don't even know them, you were allowed to stay home.

So you took the opportunity to spend at least one night and morning with your boyfriend.

Let's say you'll be pleading to your parents to let you spend a night at his. If needed, he'll come to your house! You barely convinced them that he was a good person since his alias was all over Tokyo, a bad reputation behind his back. But the amount of times he's shown that he doesn't have any bad intentions towards you made them a bit less skeptical.

That's how mornings with Nahoya go. Nothing more, nothing less. And it's perfect for both of you.

After you wake up, things will go back to normal. Nahoya will be Nahoya, you will be you, sending all kinds of bullshit towards each other, but all filled with an obscene amount of love. Every asshole, bitch, scum, insult, every punch, every tease, as I said earlier doesn't have a pinch of hate in it. Just jokes.

He'll be forever grateful you never take his words or hits to heart and return them with a silly grin and some half-ass reply.

At the end of the day, all moments with him are special, so treasure them. But maybe treasure the mornings a bit more.

[happyk44]

Coral and Percy have the best relationship between a schizoid sister and a borderline brother.

"I think I'd notice if you stopped calling me."

Percy paused from where he'd been balancing a coin on his desk to flick around. He shifted, his phone sliding off his shoulder and away from his ear until he caught it quick and pressed it back. "What?"

Coral's voice was flat on the other side. "I think I'd notice if you stopped calling." The pause was like a still breeze. Then, "I don't normally notice that kind of thing."

Because she didn't remember people unless externally prompted, Percy remembered. And even then it was only things she closely associated with the person - like books and coffee and TV shows they watched together for her mom.

He shifted in his chair, drawing his legs to his chest. Inside his heart was fluttery. A tickling wave. He grinned in spite of himself. "That's nice." He tilted his head back. "But would you call me once you noticed?"

"Probably not."

He snorted. Figures, he thought. Par for the course, but still a little disappointing. He'd call her, if he realized they hadn't spoken for a while. It was literally the reason they'd been talking for the last twenty minutes. He wasn't that attached to her but she was chronically alone. And she was his sister. And she was important. She helped him survive his way to Camp Jupiter, helped him with his powers.

(Although he could do without the feeling of wanting to explode someone into nothing but bloody paste whenever his rage spiked, but that wasn't something she exactly expected to happen when she was trying to teach him to let go of the gentle tides and embrace the raging storm)

She wasn't someone he wanted to forget and set aside like they never existed, never mattered.

"But I'd check if you were dead."

His head fell down. The coin on his desk glinted up at him. "Oh?"

"If you're not dead, I'll assume you're busy," she went on. "Or that you don't want to call me. And if you are dead, I'll visit your grave."

Back were the delightful flutters. "Will you bring flowers?"

"That's what you're supposed to do," she said.

He pressed a foot on the leg of his desk and pushed back. Rolling across the floor, he bumped into the frame of his bed. "You're also supposed to call people you like."

"But I don't have anything to talk about," she said. "Why would I call just to hang up?"

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You don't have to have something to talk about. You can just call to check in or see how things are or-" He gestured wildly with his free hand. "-to fucking just say you're still alive!" He scooted aggressively around to kick himself off the bedframe and roll backwards into his desk.

She was silent. A second ticked by, then another and another. The tense silence throttled him.

Once, during their journey to Camp Jupiter, Percy woke up sobbing from a dream he couldn't recall. Complicated feelings welled up in his throat - anger, panic, distress, fear. It was like his body remembered something volatile his amnesiac brain had thrown away. In that moment, he'd desperately wished it hadn't.

Coral woke up to his cries. She sat there for a few seconds and tried to soothe him almost robotically. Rubbing his back and murmuring, "It's okay. Everything's fine." After a couple minutes, his cries and shaking still hadn't subsided so she just. Left. Grabbed her sleeping bag and her backpack and walked off, leaving him to suffer in the dark and cold alone.

Eventually he cried himself back to sleep like a baby. When he woke up again, she was there with breakfast. He'd gotten pissed at the sight of her. The memory of her unintended rejection burned through his veins. It was like a switch snapped in his brain. Suddenly helpful friend and sister turned into callous acquaintance. He shouted at her viscerally, growing angrier and angrier as she sat there unmoving, unchanging, uncaring.

He couldn't remember what he'd screamed, but her words afterwards still rung clearly in his head. A flat "Are you done?"

He was not. But instead of screaming more, he had stormed off to go slash at some trees until the boiling simmered down. She just sat a couple hundred yards away waiting. Daydreaming. Unbothered by his destructive mood or the fact that he was clearly upset.

The switch slowly cranked back to "friend and sister" over the course of the next couple weeks, clicking back into place when she stepped in to save him from a group of monsters determined to prove his invincible skin had its limits. It was during that time, and the moments together thereafter, he pieced together that Coral wasn't good with emotion.

She followed life according to a script. Thank the bus driver. Tip your waiter. Basic things she'd learned from her mom. Things she didn't even care about, or really get the point of. Soothe your brother when he wakes up crying from an episode. Pat his back and tell him everything is fine. What someone would do for a child who skinned their knee.

But Percy's cries hadn't been from a skinned knee. There was no bandaid to place, or ointment to give. A cookie would not stop him from his blubbering.

So she simply bounced. Without a script to determine the next steps, she simply did not care enough to stick around when she wanted to sleep. Which made it kind that she helped him later on with those monsters - knowing full well they couldn't hurt him and that eventually he'd strike them all down himself.

Made it kind that she bought him food he liked in the morning after his episode, when gas station snacks were closer and cheaper to get.

The stronger an emotion was displayed, the less likely she was to deal with it. If Percy had been sniffling instead of on the very edge of screaming, she probably wouldn't have left. Whether or not she could feel the sensation herself, outward display of emotion, especially towards her, clearly made her uncomfortable.

The last time Percy had seen her in person, there'd been a minor altercation at a cafe that led to some guy screeching at her in the parking lot. Percy had boiled with anger at everything he said, his hands itching to hit back. But Coral just stared blankly. The longer she stayed quiet and empty-faced, the louder and angrier the guy got.

This guy wasn't Percy. She wasn't helping him get from point A to point B. She didn't need to stick around and listen to him scream. So after the second spike of volume and rage in the guy, she took Percy's wrist and began walking away.

Which only pissed the asshole off even more. He followed them, Coral kept walking, Percy kept wanting to do something stupid - a faint voice in his head reminding him not to be impulsive, that punching an angry douchebag would only lead to more issues.

But after the guy followed them to the edge of the parking lot, Coral simply turned on her heel and choked him where he stood with a simple look. Instantly everything in Percy turned from raging hot to ice code. The man had fallen to his knees as Coral regarded him. It wasn't even a cruel indifference. Just emptiness - like she was deciding if she wanted a toasted or untoasted bagel.

Before Percy could tell her to stop, she did it herself, turned, and carried on like nothing had happened. The silence that paraded between them then was almost the same as now. Distantly Percy knew it was all in his head - just like then Coral was simply in her own world. If she'd wanted to hang up because he got a little bit too loud, he'd be hearing the ringtone.

She could handle him being a bit too loud, a bit too vibrant. It was his Poseidon nature, she'd say. Like being quietly, and sometimes tortuously, detached was her Neptune-born way.

Still. He didn't like it. But he held his tongue and resisted the urge to say her name, the way he would've if he was talking to Grover and the line went quiet for too long.

Finally, "Do you want me to call you to tell you I'm still alive?"

"I'd appreciate it, yeah," he said. His pulse slowed with her voice.

"Okay." A pause. "I'm alive."

It was the most dry way he'd ever heard someone declare they were alive. Laughter hit him in the gut. It rolled through him, bringing a quiet quake with it, before erupting through his mouth and bouncing out into the air. Seconds later, he sagged back into his chair. Quiet giggles simmered down as he closed his eyes.

"Thanks for letting me know," he said.

"You're welcome." Pause. "How many times am I supposed to do that? My mom said once a month is fine for her, but you are." Pause. He pulled his knees to his chest again. His chin nestled between them. "Needier," she decided and he scowled, "than she is."

"I am not needy!"

"You call me a lot."

His eyes snapped open. His pulled his phone away from his face to stare at it in befuddlement. Then back to his ear to huff, "This is the second time I've called you in the last four months!"

"What's your point?"

His point? "Your mom called you way more than that!"

"She's my mom." Percy dropped his forehead to his knees, suppressing the urge to groan. "Besides, she doesn't expect me to respond. You do."

The groan broke free. Coral didn't respond to it. "Once a month is fine," he said slowly, lifting his head. "Or once every two months. Your choice. Just..." A thought hit him. "Do you even have my number?"

He knew he took hers and gave his over - but whether or not she'd put it into her phone or even listened when he told it to her was up in the air.

"Of course. I memorized it."

His back straightened. "You did?"

"Of course," she said. "I memorized my mom's and yours. What if I lose my phone and need to call you?"

But she didn't call. What she did in life never struck her as important to talk about, so his phone never rang with her waiting on the other line. And still she memorized his number. Just in case.

He tucked into himself again. "Good point."

"I'm tired of talking now," she said and he almost laughed at the straightforwardness of it.

There was a gentle pang in his chest - a nervous sensation that she was tired of him. It was a feeling he was annoyingly familiar with. Talking to Grover and hearing him give a little sigh in the middle of a conversation would strike it up. Coming home with monster guts on new clothes, his mom giving a pinched frown as she threw them in the wash. Annabeth whenever he asked her too many clarification questions during one of her planning rants.

Obviously the feeling was dumb. He knew they weren't tired of him. Maybe sometimes, but not enough to worry that they'd grow too exhausted by his presence and throw him to the curb. He'd worry anyway. He could bat the feeling off as much as he wanted but a piece always remained. Like lint. Tt was really only with Coral the feeling was easy to ball up and throw away in its entirety. If she was tired of him, she'd tell him. She was never anything but blunt and upfront.

She didn't know how not to be. Sometimes he found it a little enviable.

"Bye, Percy. I'll tell you if I'm alive in a month."

He grinned. With a warm laugh, he replied contentedly, "Looking forward to it."