#and the fact heat and humidity kills me

[bitletsanddrabbles]

When the local cryptid has been asking for favors and leaving lousy tips for 400 years and the tourists may be freaking out but you're just over it.

[motorsportbarbie13]

Post It - Part 6 - LN4

when lando stumbles upon a random tiktok of a pretty american influencer, he can't stop himself from sliding into her DMs. what happens next is more than both of them ever bargained for.

warnings/notes: angsty and descriptions of anxiety. swearing. Big giant huge thank you to @lestapiastrisgirl as usual for helping me out with the motivation in this chapter. You’re the bestest 🫶🏻. pairing: lando norris x influencer!reader word count: 4.3k words

|| - Part 1 || - Part 2 || - Part 3 || - Part 4 || - Part 5 ||

*Transcript of sit down interview between McLaren Formula 1 Driver Lando Norris & ESPN Commentator David Croft (“Crofty”) LIVE on ESPN* 

Crofty: This year has started out with a lot of pressure on you, more so than years before. 

Lando: *grinning* Yeah, it’s a bit nuts isn’t it?

Crofty: Well deserved though, well deserved. After your performance in Abu Dhabi and then the first few races this year, it’s been non-stop pressure.

Lando: It has, but the pressure is a good thing. At least for me it is. It means we’re doing good, the expectations going into this year were high and so far it seems like the team and I are living up to them. 

Crofty: I’d say so. A win in Australia, Japan, and last time out in Saudi Arabia. For someone who just got their first win in Formula 1 last year, that’s a lot of success real quick. 

Lando: The team worked hard, I worked hard, we all deserve the rewards of it. 

Crofty: How has it been personally? You look like a different person compared to last year. A lot more confident, more relaxed. Are you doing anything different this year? 

Lando: I mean, coming off the Constructors win last year was a huge boost to my confidence. I’ve got a lot of good people in my corner and I’m focusing on finding time between races to really center myself and make sure I tune out the noise.  

Crofty: Tuning out the noise. What does that look like?

Lando: I’ve been using those off-weeks when I’m not in Woking to disconnect. My girlfriend and I spent the week before the Japan GP in Osaka. We just totally unplugged from everything. It was really nice. 

Crofty: (smirks because he *knows* he’s got a viral clip on his hands.) And then you went and won that race?

Lando: *nods, small smile on his lips* I did. 

When Lando finishes his interview with Crofty ahead of the Miami GP in May, the first thing he sees is his press officer looking like she swallowed a lemon. 

“Everything okay, Corinne?” He asks, following her towards McLaren’s hospitality where they have some more content to film later that afternoon. 

“Next time you confirm the fact that you have a girlfriend to Crofty on Live TV, could you at least give me some warning?” She snaps back, fingers flying furiously over the keyboard of her iPhone. 

Lando stops in his tracks, starting after his press officer as she continues to speed walk through the sweltering Miami heat. “I did what?” He chokes, suddenly terrified to open his phone. 

Corinne stops, finally noticing her charge isn’t beside her anymore, trowing him a ‘are you kidding me’ look. “‘My girlfriend and I spent the week before the Japan GP in Osaka’” She mimics.  “Does that ring a bell, Norris?” 

Despite the humidity, Lando breaks out in a cold sweat. You probably hadn’t seen the interview yet, you were flying into Miami from Boston right now and as far as he knew you hadn’t landed. “Oh God,” He groans. “She’s going to kill me.” 

Corinne looks up at him, taking a momentary break from monitoring the comments on McLaren’s latest post. ESPN hadn’t posted the clip but she was certain once someone registered what Lando had said, it would be up on all platforms. Twitter was starting to chatter about it now though, so it was only a matter of time before it broke elsewhere.

 “That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think? You two have been begging people to gossip about you since she showed up at the track with you in China. Much to my dismay, might I add.” 

That was true, Lando supposed. The Japan trip had been a turning point, with both of you freely and brazenly including the other in your own social media. Nothing had ever been confirmed but it had been obvious and when you both had seen the kind of engagement and fun fans were having, you both kind of leaned into it. 

So, it wasn’t the fact that he thought you’d want to hide. That wasn’t it at all. 

“She’s going to kill me because I haven’t actually asked her to be my girlfriend yet.” He groans before reaching for his phone. 

“Lando Norris.” Corinne sighs heavily, shaking her head. 

Lando trails behind Corrine as he types a quick text to you, ignoring the amount of red bubbles above his Intagram and Twitter icons. That was not a good sign. 

*Whatever you do, don’t check any socials before you call me when you land.* 

In hindsight, he probably could have led with a different message but in his defense, he was beginning to spiral. Everything had been going so well between you two and he was so scared to rock the boat. You’d been all but confirming your relationship since Japan but you hadn’t ever really hard launched anything. Mostly because you hadn’t discussed it. You knew you were a better person when he was around and he knew that he craved your presence like starved man in the desert. You and Lando were both a bit gun shy when it came down to it though so the serious discussion of what you two meant to each other just hadn’t happened.

As he walks behind Corinne back to hospitality, another wave of panic washes over him. Girlfriend. You two had known each other for less than six months. He knew how he felt and how full send he was prepared to go for you but what if this was too fast for you? What if, while you didn’t want to be hidden or denied, being outed like this so quickly was going to be too much for you? He knew about your anxiety, the pressure you faced, the way you took things to heart just a little bit too much. He knew that because he saw himself do that and recognized it in you instantly. 

What if publicly outing you too quickly scared you off? 

“Lando, are you okay?” A thick Australian accent yanks Lando out of his spiral. His head snaps up to see Oscar standing in the middle of the second level of the hospitality suite. 

He wasn’t even sure how the hell he got up here, to be honest. 

Lando groans as he sits down on one of the couches in the open room, watching as Corinne joins some of the other comms staff probably trying to figure out how best to fix his blunder. 

Oscar looks around, fairly confused. He’d just woken up from a quick nap ahead of some more media obligations and had no idea what was going on. “What happened now?” 

Lando shoots him a look, as if Oscar wasn’t totally aware of his teammates innate ability to put his foot square into his mouth at the most inopportune times. “I resent the fact that you just assume I fucked up.” 

Oscar just blinks at him, patiently waiting. 

It takes a few moments before Lando huffs, throwing his hands up in the air. “I called her my girlfriend during my interview with Crofty.” 

Oscar quirks a brow. “Is she not your girlfriend?” He asks carefully. 

“We haven’t talked about it and now she’s going to think I’m a psycho outing our relationship to the public without even discussing it with her first.” Tipping his head  against the back of the couch, he closes his eyes. “Relationship? I don’t even know what the fuck we’re doing or if she even wants to be in a relationship.” 

“You’ve never talked about it?” 

Lando sits with the question for a moment. He was obsessed with you, that was for sure. He craved being around you and was starting to feel like he knew you deeper than anyone else in his life. But beyond the very ‘in the moment’ relationship you two seem to have been developing, there hadn’t been much discussion about the future. About what spending time together now meant for a year from now. 

10 years from now. 

And now he’s sped up the timeline of having that very scary, very serious discussion all because of his stupid mouth. 

A discussion that needed to happen though, to see if you two were on the same page. He knew what he wanted and it was you but you always seemed to shy away from talk of the future, from talk beyond the next few months. 

What if you didn’t see a future with him and you were just enjoying the moment with him because you knew it wouldn’t last? What if you didn’t want him for the long haul and what if he had just brought everything delicate and raw to the surface where it didn’t belong?

“Fuck, Osc. I wanted this to be different. I wanted to do things different with her. Better.” He glances up towards his teammate who’s looking at him with soft, understanding eyes. They’d become close over the 2 plus years they’d been teammates and Oscar hated seeing his friend like this. “I wanted to be better for her and here I am, still the same fuck up that can’t watch my mouth and now it’s going to ruin everything. I already got a second chance with her, I don’t think the universe is going to give me a third.”  

Miami race weekend was supposed to be a fun weekend. It was supposed to be the first time in two weeks that you’d seen Lando since leaving him after the Bahrain race. It was supposed to be a weekend spent in the face paced world that revolved around this man that smiled at you with stars in his eyes. 

But it started off as anything but. 

You had stayed up until 3am the night before, attempting to finish editing your most recent travel vlog that followed you from Bahrain to the brand trip in London and then home where you’d been for the last two weeks. Once you had nearly finished you had practically passed out, forgetting to set a second and third alarm like you usually needed to when you pulled a late night. As a result, you had slept through your one and only alarm. Normally it wouldn’t have been a problem because you were psycho about getting to the airport early enough and you usually had plenty of time from when you woke up to the time you had to leave but apparently today was going to be an exception to the rule. 

When your third Uber canceled on you, you knew you were in for a difficult travel day. Finally on your fourth try, you had to order a more expensive Uber Black but it got you to the airport just in time. Thankfully, the security line was short enough so you weren’t booking it through the airport at a flat out run, just a light little jog. 

And then as soon as you went to pay for your over-priced smoothie and croissant sandwich for breakfast, you realized you had left your debit card at home. Thankfully, you always carried a credit card or two just in case, but it was going to be annoying to have to make that extra step at the end of the month to make sure you paid off the balance of the credit card instead of just using cash. 

With the late arrival and card debacle you were able to get to your gate just as boarding was finishing up and you barely made it onto the plane. As soon as you flopped into your window seat in first class, stretching out while looking forward to the sick nap you were about to take to make up for your lack of sleep the night before you realized you had left your headphones at home. 

“Oh you have got to be kidding me.” You sigh, feeling the tears prick at the corners of your eyes. 

It was almost just too much. The lack of sleep, the forgotten debit card, the fact that you missed Lando so fiercely it was starting to scare you. It all just felt like too much to deal with and suddenly, as you sat in the seat listing to a baby back in economy start to sob violently as the plane pulled away from the gate, you wondered if you really should be going on this trip at all. Because it certainly seemed like the universe was throwing everything it had at you to keep you away from Miami. 

In a break from how your day seemed to be going, your flight takes off on time but the flight itself is a drawn out exercise in frustration. The baby’s cries, initially a sharp piercing sound morph into a dull, persistent ache behind your eyes. You had brought a book to read but every time you attempted to start the next chapter, the words just blurred together in a watercolor mess of ink and anger. 

Every bump of turbulence, every ding of the seatbelt sign, every offer of assistance from the well-meaning flight attendant pushes you just a bit closer to the edge until you’re ready to scream half way over South Carolina. You were desperate for a glass of some sort of alcohol, longing for the way the drink would dull your senses and lull you into what you knew would be a fitful sleep. But at least it would be sleep. 

You didn’t ask for anything though, knowing that the Miami heat you were about to spend the weekend in would not be good mixed with a hangover. Not to mention it was about 11 o’clock in the morning. Getting drunk, even in first class, seemed like a good way to tempt fate and ask for trouble. Besides, you wanted to be fully present when you finally got to see Lando after what felt like an eternity away from him. You didn’t want to extend your streak of bad luck you were experiencing today so instead of dropping off to sleep with the help of some wine, you settled for staring out the window. 

Eventually, a few hours into the flight, you try to distract yourself by finishing the last bits of editing your vlog needed before posting it but just the thought of starting at a screen for any length of time makes your head throb even worse. Instead, you’re left with your own thoughts, which spiraled into a vortex of anxieties. You had a habit of creating the most ridiculous worst case scenarios in your mind when you were like this, all worked up and sleep deprived. You should have pulled yourself out of the anxiety spiral but you miss all the signs of where you’re headed until it’s too late. 

Thoughts of Lando and how much you miss him and the strange uncertain territory your relationship was at dominate your thoughts. How, despite spending a stupid amount of time with him and getting to know him on a level that you’d never experienced before, you were still uncertain with where you stood with him. Close enough to post each other on your socials, spinning up rumors and speculation but not close enough for him to ask you to be more than…whatever it was you were doing.  

By the time the plane began its descent into Miami, your body felt like a tightly wound spring, ready to snap at the slightest provocation. You were exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed. The thought of facing whatever awaited you in Miami felt like a challenge you weren’t ready to deal with, even if you had no idea if anything at all was even going to go wrong. You could just feel it in your bones something was going to happen. It was just that kind of day. 

You knew, deep down, that you were being dramatic and that everything you’d dealt with today were just a string of minor inconveniences but for whatever reason, they felt like the heaviest things you could carry. It felt like the weight of the world had settled heavy and thick on your shoulders and you tried not to wander into the thinking that maybe this weekend was a mistake. 

And then you switched your phone back on as soon as the plane landed and your worst fears were confirmed. An explosion of notifications littering the screen along with an ominous text from Lando: Whatever you do, don’t check any socials before you call me when you land.

Oh fuck. 

 The doubts that you’d spent the entire flight stewing over resurface all over again, panic washing over you like a tsunami. As you wait for the plane to get to the gate, the scenarios of what could have happened in the brief time you were flying race through your head. You choose not to check social media, wanting to hear the worst of it from Lando himself. You’re certain it’s bad because he didn’t follow it up with anything light hearted like he usually does. No jokes. No silly memes. Nothing. Just ‘call me when you land’. 

Fuck. 

Maybe he’d been caught cheating on you. But was it cheating if you’d never actually had a conversation about what you were to each other? Probably not but you knew it would still hurt like hell. You hoped it wasn’t with Allegra, although she had been spotted in Saudi Arabia. Lando had never mentioned her though so…

Maybe he’d been photographed with a different girl all together. Maybe he was bored of you. You’d been accused of being just another bland blond influencer more times than you could count and maybe Lando had finally started to see the same things your critics did. Maybe he’d deleted all of his posts with you because you were bad for his image. 

The scenarios flew through your mind, spreading like wildfire as you followed your seat mate off the plane. The airport was busy, with people arriving for the race weekend already and the typical crowds that Miami attracted combining together to create an unusually busy terminal. You didn’t want to do this here though. Not in the middle of an airport. You refused to cry in public and you just knew that that’s exactly what was coming. 

It takes you nearly half an hour before you’re able to find a quiet corner tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the busy airport. You had to do this now before you left just in case you needed to make an emergency trip back to Boston. Which you suspected you’d need to do once you got done speaking with Lando. 

How had it gone so bad so quickly? You were just thinking about how much you missed him. How you wanted to talk to him later tonight about what you two were doing, what you meant to him and how much he was beginning to mean to you. And here you were, about to get dumped before you were even official. 

Tapping his contact info in your phone, you decide it’s time to face the music. 

Lando picks up after one ring. 

“Hi baby.” His voice is shaky when he answers, thick with nerves. 

Here it comes, you think, leaning against the cool stone wall of the alcove you’ve tucked yourself into, hoping it gives you some privacy when he drops the news of whatever’s happened. 

“Hi Lan.” You breathe, voice equally as shaky. “So…what happened?” 

“Fuck. I’m so sorry baby but…” His voice drops away and you squeeze your eyes shut, fingers gripping at the handle of your tote bag. “I slipped up in my interview with Crofty about an hour ago and called you my girlfriend on live tv.” 

You swear your heart stops and your stomach drops out of your body. 

“What?” You whisper, blinking away tears that have been threatening since you slept through your alarm this morning. 

Lando sighs heavily, “I know. I’m so sorry, my love. I really am. It wasn’t intentional, I swear. I guess I’ve been calling you my girlfriend in my head for so long, it just kind of slipped out. I didn’t even realize what I’d said until Corinne pointed it out ” 

He is totally spiraling, you realize. Just like you are but for a totally different reason. “Lan…” You start but he interrupts you before you can even get his name out of his mouth.

“I know, I know! I fucked up. I am so sorry, baby. So fucking sorry. I’ve been working so hard the last few months to think before I open my mouth but Crofty was asking how I’m handling the pressure this year and it just…came out. Talking about you and how you’re helping me deal. It just felt natural, calling you my girlfriend. I didn’t even blink. And now you’re probably freaking out because we haven’t even discussed what we mean to each other and I just went ahead like a bull in a china shop.” Lando drags in a shaky breath on the other line and you tip your head back against the wall. 

“Lando…” You try to interrupt but he’s on a roll. 

“I wanted to do this right. I wanted to tell you how you make me want to be a better person, how your presence calms the noise in my head and how when I’m around you I feel like I can breathe. How the last two weeks without you have been fucking shit because I can’t seem to sleep without you next to me. But instead, I had to open my fucking mouth to Crofty and ruin everything…” 

The genuine panic in his voice tugs at your heart. Here you were worrying that he was about to break up with you, to confess he’d been hooking up with other girls while you’d been in Boston but he had just simply outed your relationship to the press? You can hear the genuine panic in his voice, the fear that he’s ruined everything. Lando is so convinced you’re going to be furious, that you’re going to reject him, that he’s tripping over his words trying to explain himself and confessing things he probably didn’t mean to.

Suddenly, something unexpected happens. 

You start to laugh.  

It bubbles up from deep within you. It’s a wave of relief and amusement that washes over you. All of the tension, the anxiety, the fear of being rejected you’d been spiraling over for the last however many hours just dissipates in a burst of laughter. 

“You’re…laughing?” Lando asks, confusion clawing at his voice. “But…I thought you’d be mad.” 

“Mad?” You repeat, still chuckling. “Lando, I’ve had the absolute worst day today and then I get that text from you? I’ve been picturing every worst-case scenario imaginable for the past hour. I thought you’d been caught with another girl or you’d decided you didn’t want me or…I don’t know, something equally as dramatic. Calling me your girlfriend on live TV? That’s tame compared to where my brain was going.” 

“Cheating?” Lando scoffs, relief flooding his entire body as he listens to you chuckle. “Jesus Christ, baby, I’m obsessed with you. You should know that by now.” He pauses, dragging in a breath. “So, you’re not mad?” 

“Not even a little bit.” You say, your laughter subsiding finally, a smile playing on your lips. “In fact, I think it’s kind of sweet. Also a unique way to finally hard launch. How mad is Corinne?” 

Now it’s Lando’s turn to laugh. “Oh she was pissed at me but I think she’s happy she’ll finally get to stop seeing the comments asking the official McLaren account if we’re actually dating or not.” 

“I’m going to get some wine and chocolate for the entire comms team on my way to the track for what they put up with from us.” You murmur, standing up to stretch out your aching muscles. Mood lightened, you start towards baggage claim so you can attempt to find an Uber to get to the hotel. 

Lando chuckles, “Are you still at the airport?” 

You hum, “I hid myself in an alcove because I didn’t want to cry when you dumped me before we were even official.” 

Lando groans, “I’m so sorry. That text probably wasn’t the best thing to lead with, was it?” 

You can’t help the laugh that escapes your lips. “No, lets add that to the list of things not to start off a conversation with.” 

“Done.” Lando chuckles. “Now can you please go find the driver I sent for you and get your ass to the track? I really fucking miss you.” 

Your eyes soften as you walk through the final doors of the terminal where the baggage claim was along with the hired drivers. “You sent a driver for me?” 

“Of course I did. He’ll get you to the paddock and then take your bags to the hotel. I booked you your own room but you if you want you can stay with me this weekend…” 

Something warms deep in your belly as you spot the man dressed in black holding a sign with your name written on it. “Cancel the other room, Lan. I want to stay with you this weekend.” 

You can practically hear Lando’s shoulders sag in relief. “Okay. Now please hurry to the track, I’m 2 weeks behind in kisses.” 

“You’re ridiculous.” You chuckle as you approach the driver Lando sent for you. 

“Ridiculously obsessed with you.” He quips. 

“Okay, I’m hanging up now.” You roll your eyes, but smile despite how cheesy his line was.

“See you soon, my love!” Lando shouts before you end the call, smile on your lips and an extra bit of kick in your step as you follow the driver towards the car.

lando posted

lando oops. secrets outtt yourusername STRAIGHT to jail for that second one >>>lando but you're so cute, pretty girl ❤️ >>>yourusername unfair use of my favorite nickname, 5 second time penalty. >>>lando i'm taking this to the stewards >>>yourusername ok, george russel >>>user938 now this is the content we've been BEGGING for >>>user223 oh she is going to be a PROBLEM. I love it. user109 SECRET??? boy bye. you two were the worst kept secret on the internet. User238 anyone got eyes on Allegra??? 👀 👀👀

yourusername posted

yourusername can confirm ☺️ lando god DAMN your boyfriend is a lucky man >>>yourusername ikr??? user928 girl is out here living the DREAM >>>user029 nah, lando's the lucky one. out here waking up to HER. (liked by @/lando) user2929 literally the 'cute couple aesthetic' from pinterest user445 the way he just confidently said 'my girlfriend and i'. i've NEVERRRRR seen him act like this before. >>>user202 ik allegra WISHES this was her >>>user445 oh she is somewhere in europe SEETHING rn

its_allegra_babes posted

its_allegra_babes miami for a bit...heard there was a car race going on or something ;) user939 ohhhhhhhh no babes. there is still time to delete this user029 oh. oh no. who's gonna tell her? >>>user299 SHHHH lets see what happens when she finds out herself user002 oh this is going to be messy. user0929 starting a gofundme to send SOMEONE to the paddock this weekend to just...record.

Tag List: @shelbyteller, @martygraciesversion381, @samantha-chicago, @stelena-klayley @dark-night-sky-99 @luckylampzonkland, @aykxz98 @forensicheart @cheer-bear-go-vroom @lieutenantchaos @willowsnook @linnygirl09 @meglouise00 @mixedstyles @secret-agents-stole-my-bunnies @mrosales16 @charlesgirl16 @leclercdream @daemyratwst @dramaticpiratellamas @mochimommy2002 @llando4norris @iamaunknownsecret @maxivstappen @imlonelydontsendhelp @nina-or-anna-or-nora @a1leexxa @littlegrapejuice @sunflowervol18 @freyathehuntress @finn-dot-com @swiftie-4-lifes-stuff @chirasama @lauralarsen @dr3wstarkey @saskiaalonso @rbv3rstappen @ilovechickenwings @guaaafiiburg @mcmuppet @mindless-rock @piastri-fvx @mel164 @schumi-angel @myescapefromthislife @supertrashbread @sunny44 @tinystudentblaze-stuff @sarx164 @xoxomansee

[bluewxrld07]

Heartbeat (Jack Hughes)

Cole Caufield gf! reader x Jack Hughes

Summary: Cole hasn't been the greatest boyfriend while staying at the Hughes' household this summer. What happens when the Golden Hughes boy gets you to himself? (Inspired by Heartbeat by Childish Gambino)

Warning(s): SMUTTTT, Smoking, Shotgunning, Spitting, fingering, p in v, unprotected (WRAP BEFORE YOU TAP), cheating (sorry Cole), choking, roughness, marking

"Get your fat ass off me!" Y/N laughed out with a screech, urging and trying her best to lift the youngest Hughes brother off of her body.

Luke was currently trying to tackle the girl after he's been convinced she cheated in another game of pool, not wanting to admit that she was actually pretty smart at playing the game.

"There's zero chance you just beat me. Twice! In a row!" he says, shooting her a playful pout and glare when she finally got herself out from under him.

"You're just too blinded by your ego to admit someone might be better at pool than you," Y/N chuckled, heading towards the kitchen. "Especially a girl."

Luke just groans and sends her his middle finger, earning a loud cackle from her lips.

She opened up the fridge to grab herself a High Noon for now, grabbed the package of fruit to stuff into the cooler for the boat.

"Will you sauce me a High Noon too?" Luke asks as he walks by her. She happily nods with a hum as she handed him his before shutting the fridge and followed him outside.

The sun was still shining bright, only a few clouds here and there seen in the skies above. It was almost mid-July, the heat now blazing in Michigan, the humidity levels also have risen due to a few rainy mornings at the lake.

Y/N and Luke made small talk as they made their ways down to the boat, seeing the group of boys returning from their little fishing frenzy.

She wore a plain black bikini with a pair of athletic shorts and her Birks, her hair flowed freely as it was still wet from the first trip out on the boat earlier that afternoon.

As the pair approached the boat, the boys all greeted them warmly. "Who won?"

Luke groans and shakes his head. "Don't even ask or it'll go straight to her head." he says.

Y/N rolled her eyes with a playful smirk. "You're just mad you can't learn my ways." she says, earning a swat in her direction as he hopped onto the boat.

Her eyes land on her boyfriend, Cole, the boy hopping up to grab the cooler from her arm. She happily takes the hand he offers her to step onto the boat, going and setting her towel and phone down on the seat. She takes her sunglasses from her head and puts them onto her face.

"Wow the fact that Luke might actually not be the pool champ in the house anymore is killing him," Quinn chuckles while backing away from the dock.

"I just choose to not believe she won so easily. Not once, but twice man! Twice!!!" Luke exasperates, popping open his High Noon.

Y/N settles herself onto Cole's lap per usual, his hand immediately finding her hips to support her as they pull out onto the lake. "I'm just too good, Moose. You should know this by now."

"Yeah, ok." he scoffs as he sips his drink.

"So when do the others get here?" Cole asks, changing the subject.

Y/N's eyebrows furrow. "Others? Who else is coming?" she asks.

Jack nods his head and speaks up. "Ethan and Duke are coming, and then a few of the girls from across the lake are joining. We're going to pick them up now."

"Ashley, Bridget and Mills?" Cole asked, and Y/N fought the urge to roll her eyes. She usually wasn't against other girls being there, she preferred it most days because the tester one could be insufferable.

It was because of these said girls they were going to pick up.

Especially Milly. Or Mills as Cole just stated.

There were three of them, and Milly was one of them she didn't get along with as she is one who always has her eyes on Cole. No matter the circumstance.

What makes her more annoyed is that he allows it, letting the girl flirt and touch her way towards him as if it meant nothing.

Each time she would try and call him out for it, he'd get all defensive and state she's "just being insecure". So she finally decided to ignore it, and not care anymore.

"This'll be fun." She mutters lowly, but Cole must've picked up on her comment because she received a slight pinch to her thigh. She turned to face him, seeing the look on his face. "Play nice. Don't start that shit." he orders, making her scoff and look away.

"When do Ethan and Duke get here?" she asks.

"They're gonna be here after sundown. They have a few last minute skate camps to do, and then they're coming out to stay for the week." Luke explains across the boat.

"Yeah, supposedly they're going to be bringing some more stuff too, so we won't have to worry about going to buy more till this weekend." Jack brings up, earning hums and agreements from the group.

Jack also finds Y/N's eyes, points and winks at her. "Also they're bringing you your goodies." he says, making her smirk and perk up in excitement.

Cole's face frowns. "No." he says and shakes his head. "You're not smoking with them."

Y/N's face falls, and she turns back to Cole. "Why? I do all the time, and it's not like I'm in a strange place. We do it all the time back at UMich."

"Dude chill she's in good company first off, and second we're not gonna let her go nuts." Trevor adds.

Cole rolls his eyes. "You're not smoking and that's final. I don't like how you smell afterwards."

"Funny, because I wasn't asking permission." Y/N bites back, earning a low howl from Trevor. Cole just looks at her with shock and annoyance on his face.

He drops the argument but pinches her thigh as if he was warning her, she jumps and sends him a glare. He gives her a look, and she soon just sits there not saying anything.

She listens to the boys as they all converse about the weeks ahead and how next season may go, only turning her head slightly to see Jack's eyes were already on her.

He stares over at her, running his fingers over his mouth as his eyes squint towards her like he is trying to say something without saying anything. She just looks back at him and shrugs slyly, hoping he will drop it and move on.

Before she knew it, she was slightly nudged off of Cole's lap and to the side of him, making her look over at Cole. His eyes were already set on the dock they were now arriving towards, seeing as the three girls were standing there happily waving.

Y/N lets out a huff, poking the inside of her cheek with her tongue. She watches as Cole immediately stands when the boat arrives at the dock, greeting Milly and helping her into the boat. She doesn't hesitate for a second to kiss Cole's cheek, easily making Y/N's eyes harden.

She sits there silently as they get the girls onto the boat, the other two warmly greeting Y/N whom happily greets them back. "Oh," Milly says abruptly, seeing Y/N sitting there.

"I didn't know she was still here." she says innocently, making Y/N roll her eyes.

"Yeah. The girl who grew up Nextdoor to the Hughes' is here for her traditional summer trip. Shocker," Y/N retorts, earning a snort from Trevor and Luke.

Milly's eyes narrow, but soon is turned away from Y/N when Cole comes up next to her.

He guides her over to the seating where Y/N sat, Cole giving her a look. "What?" she asks.

"Can you scoot? Or go sit behind Quinn?" he asks, making her roll her eyes with an amused smirk.

"Seriously?"

Cole just shrugs. "You're gonna wakeboard anyways, so might as well save the upper half of the boat for those who want to chill."

Y/N's eyes widen at his remark, knowing damn well he would be wakeboarding today too. She scoffs. "You sure it's not because you-"

"Come on I'll help you suit up, Y/N. You can start us off." Jack interrupts, coming into view. Y/N looks between Cole and Milly, seeing the satisfied look on her face.

Her eyes find Jack's when she feels him softly grab her forearm, giving her a look as to say it wasn't worth the energy, making her look back at the pair.

"Fine." she says, letting Jack walk with her to the back of the boat as Quinn drives and turns up the music.

Y/N stands at the back of the boat, watching her boyfriend and Milly sit awfully close to one another, his attention entirely entranced by her.

Jack pops back into view with her lifejacket, turning her to face him. "Don't start." he chuckles while he helps her get strapped up.

"What are you talking about?"

"You look like you're going to kill her."

"Well do you blame me? You see how he acts with her, and how she acts regardless if I'm around. It's pathetic really." Y/N says with an eyeball.

Jack's eyes meet hers. "I may be a jerk, but your man is a real dick." he says low enough so she can only hear it.

Y/N sighs at his words, and just nods. "Yeah. Seems like it."

Jack lets out a playful scoff. "Did you just agree that I'm a jerk?" he asks, getting playfully offended. Y/N lets out a smile and chuckles and slaps his chest.

"You are you, so we know how you can be." she jokes, Jack sticks his tongue out at her.

"Yeah yeah whatever, pretty. Head onto the end of the boat so I can help you in." he says, shooing her over to the buttoned of the boat.

Quinn slow the boat down enough so she can sit down and get herself strapped onto the wakeboard. Jack is making sure the board is all in good shape, his tongue sticking out as he focuses.

Her eyes look up at him as she watches him focus on getting her all set in, before he finally looks at her. He smirks over at her. "You've got quite the problem, pretty." he chuckles as he stands up.

"What?" she asks, but she doesn't get a response. He just holds his hands out to help her up which she gladly takes.

He yanks her onto her feet, Jack pulling her awfully close when she's upright. His eyes dart down to her lips for the slightest second, if she blinked she probably would've missed it.

She feels her breath hitch as his hands leave hers and trail slowly towards her hips. She shouldn't feel anyway towards Jack like she does.

Before she can say anything he pushed her into the water, making her give him the finger when she came up. Jack laughs before tossing her the rope and the board.

"You ready?" Quinn calls out, and she raises her thumb up. "Ready when you are Quinny!"

He begins playing the music once again, Y/N making sure the board is secure underneath her feet as they take off slowly.

Once they begin to pick up the pace and she balanced out on the waves, she tosses Jack the rope back and surfs along the water.

This was the part she always looked forward to during the summer, being with her friends on a lake she's come to know so well. It felt like it was engraved into her no matter where she was.

Her eyes focus on the waves below her feet, trying to twist and turn as she rode, hearing chants and encouragement from the guys. She looks up with a smile.

Trevor holds up a drink for her and points at it. "You want?" he asks out, and she nods. "You know what to do!" he says as he tosses it towards her.

She wobbles a bit as she catches it, and nods at them. She puts a finger up to single to hold on, beginning to take off her lifejacket.

Y/N's eyes catch Jack's, telling him to catch it and he nods. As soon as he gets it she focuses back onto the can of alcohol in her hands, trying to create a good divot onto the edge of the can to shotgun.

Once she's got it how she wants, the group counts her down and then she opens the can. As she shotguns and downs the drink, she can hear cheers from the girls and boys.

Jack's eyes follow the drips that leave Y/N's mouth, watching as they trail from the side of her mouth, to the side of her neck and in between the valley of her breasts and down her stomach where her belly button piercing sat perfectly.

He bit his lip, adjusting his lower half as he snaps it back up to her face, watching her smile widely in victory while crumpling the now empty can.

Before she can do anything else, she sees Trevor making his way off the boat and jumps out towards her. "My turn!" he playfully says as he meets her body and they fall back into the water.

When they resurface, she splashes him playfully. Y/N lets out a laugh before flicking him off, the two watching as the boat makes its way around to grab them.

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

The sun was set fully, flames crackling and lighting up the darkness around the group that surrounded it.

Ethan and Duke had finally shown up with more goodies to get through the weekend, the group now sat with drunken conversations and dares going around the group.

Y/N sat by herself, Cole being incredibly occupied with Milly across the fire, hand on her thigh as they talked and flirted. Y/N was so over trying to fight over it, having earned looks from Cole when she made comments throughout the day.

She watched them with a stank look on her face, just frozen in her stare. Watching as her boyfriend just acted like she never existed.

"So," she hears Ethan's voice drag out next to her. She turns to face him. "Heard your little mans over there said no to it, but I hear you kind of need it." he says, holding up a couple of blunts in his hand.

Y/N laughs. "Who told you that?"

He shurgs. "Just a little birdie here."

Y/N smirks at him with a nod. "You know me so well. This is why we're besties Eddy." she chuckles and takes one from his hand to light it.

Ethan grabs the lighter from his pocket and holds it up to the blunt that rests between her lips.

Once he lights it, she takes a long drag from it and her eyes instantly roll to the back of her head in relief. She holds the smoke in her mouth for a bit before letting it fall from her lips.

"Fuck, yeah I did need it." she sighs out, passing it to Ethan who takes a hit. "Yeah I can see that." he says before his head nods over towards Cole and Milly. Y/N rolls her eyes as she watches Milly run her hands through Cole's hair.

"Why aren't you doing anything about it?" he asks, and she shrugs.

"If he truly wanted to stay committed to me, he would. I'm tired of the constant arguing and the backhanded comments he makes when I call him out. I don't want him, the girl can take him at this point." she sighs, Ethan seeing the sadness flash through her eyes as she watches her boyfriend act close with the blonde across the fire pit.

"You should get even." he suggests, making her eyebrows furrow and look at him.

"Even how?" she asks. Ethan hands her the blunt.

"The best revenge is getting even. Not getting mad, or sad or pissed. Even."

Y/N lets the smoke out of her mouth, and nods. "That's true. But at the same time I just want someone to appreciate me. I can't stand doing the one night stands. You know how I get." she chuckles as she takes another hit.

He nods and inhales another hit after her. "Who said it had to be a stranger?" he says, making her whip her head towards him.

She shakes her head and chuckles. "Eddy I love you, but no way do I see you like-"

He shakes his head. "Oh no I totally agree, I wasn't saying me." he adds. "But I know someone here who would happily help you out. Everyone sees it but you." he hints.

She furrows her brows. "Who?" she asks, and he just shrugs.

"You'll just have to pay close attention to find out." is all he says before he gets up and makes his way over to the cooler to grab a drink.

Y/N sits there confused, her attention going back to the fire as she smokes the blunt.

"Careful there, remember what happened the last time you took in a whole blunt in under five minutes." Jack's voice cuts in, plopping himself down next to her.

She scoffs playfully. "I'd much rather get crossed than have to watch that unfold," she motions towards the pair in front of her.

Jack nods slowly, the two sitting silently for a bit as she takes another hit. Jack looks over at her and raises his hand.

"Can I?" he asks, motioning towards the blunt. She nods before handing over to him. He takes one long hit and lets it sit for a moment or two. Then lets it leave his mouth slowly.

Y/N watched him, entranced by how easy he did it. Jack could feel her stare, making him smirk as he kept his stare on the fire in of them.

"You're staring again, pretty." he says lowly, making her shrug.

"Just intrigued is all."

"How so?"

"I don't know why, but it's attractive when a guy can smoke so smoothly like you did."

Jack's eyes flick over to hers, looking down at her lips for a second before finding her eyes once again. "Really?" he says softly, his voice rough.

She nods with a hum, her eyes droopy as she feels the high. "You trust me, pretty?" he asks, and she nods. "Always, J."

He nods back before he takes another big and long hit, turning his face towards hers. He raises his hand and grabs the front of her neck softly, pulling her forward. Y/N's sense heighten at his closeness, seeing his eyes flicker to her lips and stay there.

He takes his thumb and pushes her bottom lip down to open her mouth, slightly leaning forward so their lips were barely touching. He opened his own mouth, letting the smoke leave and travel into her own mouth.

Y/N's head felt so light in that moment, her eyes closing as she took the smoke in from his mouth. "Good girl. So good." he growls, making her insides quiver and a small whimper leave her throat.

Once it all left his mouth, he closes her mouth and backs his face away from hers and takes a sip of his drink as if nothing happened. Y/N stayed frozen in her spot as she blew the smoke from her mouth, turning her head back towards Cole and Milly.

Their eyes never left one another.

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

Y/N couldn't sleep.

She had been tossing and turning all night, Cole sleeping soundly next to her as soft snores left his mouth.

It had been a couple days since the incident with Jack, if she should even call it that. She just hated how much she enjoyed it.

Enjoyed him.

It was the way he made her insides feel, it was something she wasn't used to feeling. He made her feel seen, the more she would think back about their history. How he was always the one there, and how forced it felt when Cole came around.

She sighs as she softly and quietly gets out of bed, not wanting to wake Cole, and opens the bedroom door. Once it shuts softly behind her, she makes her way down the hall and down the stairs.

She heads over to the kitchen and grabs herself a bottled water and one of the leftover blankets brought inside from the fire, before unlocking the sliding door and heading outside. Her eyes get used to the darkness around her, hearing the loud bugs and frogs around the lake, some of the neighbors music softly playing.

Once she gets to the dock, she steps out onto the boat and turns on the speaker system. Once she picks her tunes, she adjusts the volume so it's not loud enough to bother anyone around the area and sits on the back seating portion.

She wraps the blanket around herself, looking out towards the lake that sits as calm as can be, looking like glass.

Her thoughts begin to make themselves known, making her wonder why she let Cole treat her the way he does. Or how he thinks it okay to act how he did with Milly in front of her eyes. Or how he spoke to her when she stated she wasn't;t fond of how Milly acted with him. Calling her insecure and dramatic and clingy.

She tried to let it get to her, letting her thoughts ramble and jumble, soon getting to how Jack has treated her. How he made her stay distracted for the time being, so she didn't have to witness Cole and Milly. Especially with how Jack was making her feelings twist and turn and making her thighs tighten.

Y/N took a deep breath as she felt her face heating up from the thoughts entering her brain of Jack, letting her breaths become shallow as they grew more.

The way she would've let him kiss her hard when he shotgunned the smoke into her mouth. How she would've let him do whatever he wanted to her in front of their friends. In front of Cole. In front of Milly.

Her eyes rolled back when she thought about how he'd feel inside of her. Or how rough he could be. Maybe how he could mark her up so nobody else could have her. Especially the way how nice it would running her hands through his hair as his head ate away between--

"Thought I'd be able to find you out here." a voice interrupted her thoughts, causing her to jump.

Jack's hands go up in defense as he sees her jump from his voice, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. "Easy tiger. Didn't mean to scare you."

She rolls her eyes. "What're you doing up?" she asks.

He takes her legs that were draped along the seating, takes a seat and then props them back on top of his lap as he shrugs. "I couldn't sleep. Trevor's snoring was also pissing me off." he jokes, making her giggle slightly.

"Isn't he in the room next to yours?" she asks, and he looks at her.

"Exactly. It echos more than you'd think." he says, making her chuckle at him. He trails his hand up her thigh and squeezes. "Why're you awake?"

She sighs and shrugs herself. "Couldn't sleep either."

"Does it have to do with what happened?" he asks and she hums with a nod.

"Ever since that night, Cole has been really distant. Or he gets upset at the littlest things I do. He disappears a bit more, and I know he's not going to skate at the rink." she explains, Jack humming in response.

"I'm sorry, Y/N."

"It's whatever. I just wish he'd break it off already. But he is so worried about you all banning him from the lakehouse for breaking my heart." she shrugs.

"Well he definitely would not be allowed back for a bit, I'll tell you that much."

"Okay but that is also not what I'd want you guys to do. You guys have been friends for too long. Don't be petty." Y/N chuckles, earning an eyeroll from Jack with a smirk.

"He hurt you which isn't allowed here. That's always been our one rule. So that's his fault for not listening."

She sighs. "I supposed," she says. "I just can't stop thinking about what Eddy said."

Jack's eyes snap to hers. "What did Ethan say?" he rushes, making her laugh.

"Woah chill there Jack. Nothing scary," she says. "He just stated he thinks it's now my time to get even with him. No mad, or upset. Just even."

Jack's grip on her thighs tighten, raising higher up on her thighs. The feeling making her insides melt. "Even how?"

She hesitates for a minute. "Like getting even." she emphasizes.

Jack leans closer to her. "Would you? Want to get even I mean?" he asks lowly, and her eyes look deeply into his through the darkness. She'd do anything he'd ask at this point.

"Depends on who's asking." she says softly.

"What if I'm asking?"

Y/N's insides freeze completely. She knew he felt some way towards her, but hearing him ask that just made it ten times more real.

"What?" she stutters, watching as he breaks their eye contact.

"Nothing, forget I said anything," he says and shakes his head, leaning back against the seats. Y/N looks at her lap.

They were silent for a few moments. Y/N then builds herself up enough, and lets confidence take over. Her eyes look over at Jack, seeing his head back against the edge of the seat with his eyes closed.

She takes this moment to sit up, take one leg and place it on one side of his lap while the other stays on the opposite side as she is fully now sitting in his lap looking down at him.

Jack's head pops up looking up at her, eyebrows furrowing. Y/N's hands trail from his biceps, to his shoulders, and finally to the sides of his neck. "What if I want it to be you asking?" she says lowly, her head dipping down slowly to be close to his.

Jack's hands find her lower back, his head raising to lean his forehead against hers. His lips smirking. "Oh, pretty, you don't know what you're asking for right now." he says.

Y/N nods. "If I didn't know what I was doing, would I be be sitting here waiting for you to ruin me?" she whispers, letting her confidence come in.

Jack chuckles lowly, his hands trailing up her back and into her hair to pull her head back. She lets out a sigh at the feeling, his lips making soft kisses upon her neck. "If I ruin you," he starts. "I'm ruining you for anyone else."

She looks down at him. "You sure you want play that game?" he says.

She takes his face into her hand, and squeezes his neck to make him look at her, causing a low groan mixed with a sigh to leave his lips. "I'm all yours, Jack Hughes."

Those words were enough to make a switch turn in him.

He grips her hair harshly and brings her lips slamming down onto his. Their teeth clashing, tongues fighting, soft moans leaving her lips at how good his lips felt on hers.

Her hips get a mind of their own grinding down against the building erection in his sweats, making them both moan against one another at the feeling. Jack's hands left her hair as they kissed in sync, one traveling down to her ass while the other made its way to her throat. He let his hand come down hard onto her ass, making her let out a light squeak as his other hand squeezed her throat.

It made her head feel light at the feeling, causing her head to fall back, his lips attaching to her neck leaving marks in their tracks. "He's going to see how much better I take care of you," he says, biting her neck. "Of how much I can give you," she sighs. "Of how good I can make you feel," his hand comes down against her ass again.

"Fuck, Jack," she moans out and he hums. "Exactly. That's me Pretty."

Jack lets his hand leave her throat, traveling down to her breasts and squeezes them over her t-shirt. "Take this off." He says, helping her remove her shirt.

His eyes immediately fall to her chest, licking his lips as both hands find each breast. Y/N lets out a gasp as he pinches one nipple and caresses the other with his rough thumb. Her hips stuttering as she ground deeply onto him. "They're yours." she mutters out, Jack chuckles darkly.

"Oh pretty," he starts, his eyes looking up at hers. "I know."

Before she knew it, he was taking on nipple into his mouth, his teeth grazing over it, causing her whole body to break out into goosebumps. "Keep making those noises for me pretty. Want everyone to know how good I'm making you feel." he hums against her skin.

Her moans and gasps become louder with each mark and bite Jack leaves on her breasts, running her hands through his hair and pulling.

He moans against her chest, his hands guiding her hips as she grinds over his hard erection. She can feel her wetness pooling between her legs, sure enough knowing there's most definitely a wet patch on her panties and his pants. Y/N takes his hair to pull his head up to look at her, slamming her lips back onto his.

When she pulls away she bites his lower lip, causing him to hiss and smirk at her. "Someone's taking the dominance a little bit." he jokes, and she smirks.

"Deal with it." she moans out, and before she knows it Jack grips her thighs to stoop her movements, earning some curses and whines from the girl above him.

"Can't have you thinking you're in charge right now," he says, immediately flipping her to lay down on the seat, Jack going to hover above her, blanket long gone. He uses one hand to pull his shirt over his head, throwing it to the side.

Y/N's eyes follow the shirt being ditched, only to have her jawline squeezed and turned back towards the boy on top of her. "You keep your focus on me." he states.

"Open that pretty mouth, baby," he says, and she obeys. Jack immediately puckers his lips, letting the saliva from his mouth slowly leave his mouth and slide into hers. Y/N happily sticks her tongue out as it slides down her throat, causing Jack to moan out and push his erection into her wetness.

"Swallow," he says, and she immediately lets it slide down her throat and bites her lip. "Fuck. You're such a good girl." Jack says with a smirk on his face.

"You're definitely mine now. Nobody else is going to have you. You belong to me," he says as he lets a hand trail down the valley of her breasts, her stomach and to the line of her pants. "You got that? Nobody else ever gets to see you this way. Cole had his chance." He states.

Y/N nods, causing Jack to take his hand from her pantyline and slap her pussy. She jolts at it, letting out a whimper. "Words, pretty girl." he says.

"Yes. Okay."

He smiles darkly. His hand makes its way back towards her panties, immediately sliding beneath them and finding her clit. She lets out a loud gasp, her head falling back against the seat. Jack's mouth opens at the feeling of how wet and warm she felt, his head falling back as his eyes fell closed.

His fingers slid back and forth between her folds, circling her clit every so often. "Ohhh you are so wet for me, Y/N. I can't wait to feel you around me, fuck." he sighs out, his head looking down to see her mouth open and soft moans coming out.

He can feel her grinding against his fingers, Jack chuckling darkly. "So needy baby now are we?"

Y/N nods, and Jack growls before pinching her clit harshly. She let out a large squeal. Her eyes open to look up at him. "What did I say?" he says lowly.

"Use my words."

"What did you do?"

"I didn't use my words." she moans, and Jack hums. "You do that again and I'm stopping. You got it?"

"Yes baby."

Jack moans, instantly going back to gliding his fingers over her slickness, playing around her hole. "Please Jack. Don't tease. Need you."

He lets out a pout. "I think you need to be teased a little. Especially since you didn't listen to me."

"Jacky please." Y/N begs.

"Fine. Only because I need to have you. Need to feel how tight you are for me."

"What-" before she can finish her sentence, Jack sticks two fingers inside of her. She let outs a loud moan, wrapping her legs around his torso. Jack's lips find hers as he pumps in and out of her roughly, not giving her time to adjust, his lips hiding her loud moans.

"Who does this pussy belong to?"

"You."

"Who?"

"Fuck, you Jack!" she gasps against his lips, feeling a burning sensation building up in her stomach. Jack can feel her hips beginning to stutter, sensing she is getting close.

He suddenly pulls his fingers out, causing her eyes to open widely and stare up at him. Jack gets off of her, ripping her sweats and panties off her legs, then stripping from his own.

He kneels in between her legs, taking in her naked figure in front of him while sliding his hands up and down her thighs. "Shit you're gorgeous, pretty."

Y/N feels her insides melt, her heart fluttering at his words. "Too bad I'm going to ruin you." he says.

She looks up at him. "Ruin me, Jack." she challenges, and it doesn't take him a second longer to decide.

He takes himself into his hand and slides in all the way deep inside her pussy, Y/N letting out a loud gasp followed by his full name. He smirks, before sliding out till the tip is just inside, then slamming back into her.

Y/N's eyes roll back along with her head, Jack sliding his hand up to her neck and squeezing it as he fastens and hardens his pace. Their breaths and moans mix together, Jack taking in the marks along her chest.

She definitely would scold him tomorrow for them, but it would be so worth he look on Cole's face.

Jack lets out a moan at the thought, then taking her throat tighter in his grip to make her head roll back to look at him and he slammed himself deep into her repeatedly. "This was made for me. You were made for me. All mine." he pants out against her lips as he kisses her hard.

"All" thrust "Fucking" thrust "Mine" thrust.

Y/N felt like her head was spinning. She felt like she was on cloud nine. She never wanted this to end.

Jack's free hand traveled down to her clit, rubbing harshly and fast. The sensation made Y/N gasp loud and moan into his mouth, feeling her high coming close. "Jack I'm gonna-"

"Hold it"

"Jack please I'm-"

"You're going to hold it pretty," he growls out against her lips and kisses her. "I'm almost there. Wanna finish with you."

"Finish inside me."

"Fucking shit baby, you're going to kill me." he moans. Her nails glide down his back once more, sure that the marks would be there tomorrow but she didn't care.

"Go ahead, pretty, let it go." He says, his moans and gasps getting more breathless, his hips stuttering as he feels his high reach, Y/N letting her climax finally reach its point. Her eyesight going white for a moment as Jack finished.

A few moments passed, and Y/N is still coming down. The pairs breathless pants being heard, Jack lifts his head from her chest and caresses her cheek.

"You back?" he jokes lightly, making her chuckle as her eyes stayed close.

"I'm back."

"How do you feel?" he asks softly, and she nods. "I'm good. Really good."

"I meant it," he says, his eyes finding hers. "You're mine. Cole lost his chance."

Y/N is silent for a moment and then nods, running a hand through his crazed hair. "I'm yours Jack."

Jack's smile widens and he kisses her softly. "Let's get you cleaned up. You're sleeping with me tonight."

[somaliapearls]

heat lightning

🌪️ tyler owens x fem!reader

part two

genre: fluff, unresolved tension, second chance-ish vibes

wc: 810

setting: A rural Oklahoma heatwave in between storm systems. A night off. A garage, an old fan, and things unsaid.

warnings: T bordering M for tension, mild language, emotionally charged moments, and suggestive elements.

a/n: lmk if you guys want a longer part 2!

twisters masterlist

The air buzzed.

Not with thunder, not yet—but with that kind of thick stillness that always came before something broke loose. Heat lightning danced on the horizon like flickers of memory—too far to strike, too close to ignore.

You stood barefoot on the cracked concrete floor of the Wranglers’ garage, rolling a cold soda can across your throat. Tyler’s red truck sat parked a few feet away, still coated in dried mud from the last chase. A fan rotated slowly behind you, pushing warm air in lazy circles.

“Careful,” came Tyler’s voice from behind you. “You keep that up and I might think you’re trying to distract me.”

You didn’t turn around. “If I were trying to distract you, Owens, you’d already be leaning on something and forgetting your name.”

There was a beat of silence.

Then, a soft chuckle. “You really think I don’t already forget it when you look at me like that?”

Your breath caught in your chest—not from the heat, not from the teasing, but from the fact that he sounded like he meant it.

You finally turned to face him. Tyler was wiping his hands with an oil-stained rag, dark shirt sticking to his chest and shoulders from sweat. He looked like he belonged to the sun—bronzed skin, rough hands, jaw tight like he was holding back something that wanted out.

“You always this poetic when it’s 102 degrees out?” you asked, half-smiling.

He shrugged. “I get stupid when it’s hot. Or maybe it’s just when you’re around.”

You arched an eyebrow. “You say that like we haven’t been dancing around this for two years.”

Tyler didn’t flinch—but he didn’t answer right away either. Instead, he tossed the rag onto the workbench and stepped closer. Close enough that you could smell motor oil and storm wind still clinging to him.

“You’re not wrong,” he said quietly.

The fan clicked. Somewhere outside, cicadas screamed like the heat was killing them.

Tyler’s gaze dropped to your mouth for half a second before he caught himself. “You wanna know why I never did anything about it?”

You didn’t trust your voice, so you nodded.

“Because you’re the kind of person people stay for. And I was scared as hell I wouldn’t be enough to make you want me back.”

Silence stretched between you—warm, thick, and buzzing with more than humidity.

“I was never waiting for you to be perfect,” you said, voice soft. “Just honest.”

He stepped even closer.

“You want honest?”

Your nod came slow. Measured.

His hand came up—just barely brushed your waist, like he was still waiting for permission. His other arm braced against the bench behind you, effectively trapping you there.

“Okay,” he said, low and rough. “Honest? I think about you when the sky’s about to break. Every single time. I think about you in the silence before a funnel drops. I think about what you taste like, what you’d sound like if I—”

“Ty,” you breathed, heat rising all the way to your scalp.

“—and the worst part?” he continued, voice softer now. “You already know. You always knew.”

You didn’t know who moved first. Maybe it was both of you—maybe it didn’t matter. One second, there was space, and the next, there was nothing but his mouth barely grazing yours, his hand now fully resting at your hip, and a breath between you that felt like it might ignite.

But he didn’t kiss you.

Not yet.

And that drove you crazy.

He pulled back just enough to meet your eyes. “If I kiss you, I’m not walking this back.”

“I don’t want you to.”

He leaned in, brushing his nose along your cheek, down to your jaw. “Say it again.”

“I don’t want you to,” you whispered. “I’m tired of pretending the sky’s the only thing we’re chasing.”

That did it.

Tyler kissed you like a man starved. Like someone who’d thought about it for way too long and finally couldn’t hold it in anymore. It wasn’t soft, not at first—it was all heat and hands and the kind of gravity that pulls people out of orbit.

You grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. His hands slid up under your tank top—still respectful, still careful, but desperate for connection. His fingers traced the small of your back, and you felt it all—every time he’d held back, every second he’d wanted this but didn’t say it.

The kiss broke only when you both needed air. Even then, he stayed close, forehead resting against yours.

“Still think I’m distracting you?” you whispered.

His grin was crooked, boyish, devastating. “You’re a walking storm system, sweetheart. I’m lucky if I get out of this with my damn sanity.”

You both laughed—quiet, breathless, giddy.

Outside, heat lightning still danced on the horizon.

And for once, the storm wasn’t the only beautiful thing coming.

[0798f]

🎇 — Rainy Season.

RELATIONSHIP: Kozume Kenma x Reader

SUMMARY: Rainy summer days are the worst. Hot, humid, and gross. Kenma loves them, though, because he gets to spend the day inside gaming. You enjoy them a little less than he does.

A/N: Day 5 of the Natsumeku event! My fics are usually chaste, so I hope this fic is a welcome surprise. Slightly suggestive, I guess? This fic is a makeout session.

(Username): wahhh this heat is killing me  (Username): can i come over?? ur house has aircon (Username): kenchan pleeeease put the controller down and answer me 😭😭 KOZUKEN: oh mb KOZUKEN: sure (Username): so romantic 🥰‼️ thank god cuz i was already on my way

Kenma hadn’t been outside that day, so his only other signs that the weather was unbearable was the sun beating through his windows when he woke up. That light was snuffed out in an instant, though, when Kenma pulled his curtains to block it when he sat in front of his TV in the hopes of spending the day grinding levels. He might have just gotten the game yesterday, but he’d like to 100% it before the month ended.

(Name) was only a 15 minute walk from Kenna’s place, and if they were already on their way when they sent the message, Kenna guessed it was down to 5 minutes. He moved the curtains aside and was surprised that the glaring sunlight from the morning had been hidden under a thick layer of clouds. Even without the sun, the heat combined with the humidity that had been lingering the past week must have meant (Name) was experiencing a terrible walk.

He stretched and went downstairs to open his fridge, which was emptier than it should have been even for someone living alone. Kenma wanted to be a perfect boyfriend and have a snack ready for his partner, but all he pulled from the fridge was two cans of coke and one slice of a watermelon that (Name) brought over in the first place. Maybe they'll go grocery shopping later— but in this weather, Kenma didn’t want to do much of anything.

Just as he turned the lock so (Name) could get in easily, he heard a quiet tapping noise outside the front door. It stayed faint for a few seconds until Kenma opened the door to investigate, just as the grey clouds erupted in heavy rainfall in the blink of an eye. On top of the heat and humidity, it was positively disgusting outside.

Kenma lived on a relatively quiet street, so when he saw someone turn the corner in a rush, he already knew it was (Name). Nearly sprinting to his house, (Name) held their bag over their head in a vain attempt to protect themself from the rain, which had already drenched them thoroughly.

If he had more time to react, maybe Kenma would have met them halfway with an umbrella. Instead, he could only stare as (Name) flew across the street and into his house.

“Kenma…” (Name) miserably splashed water onto his floor, tears indescribable from the rain still sliding across their face. “This is the worst thing that could have ever happened!“

One look at their wet socks, and Kenma was inclined to agree. He wiped their face with the back of his sleeve, a sweet but ultimately unhelpful gesture. (Name) leaned into his touch, practically squishing their cheek against his hand.

“Yeah,” Kenma nodded. “This is pretty bad. Stay here while I grab a towel. Do you wanna take a shower?”

He assumed the pitiful whine (Name) let out was a yes and ran upstairs for the nearest clean towel. (Name) had pulled off their shoes in the meantime and were peeling off their socks when Kenma returned to wrap the towel around them.

“I want you to know that I love you with all my heart” (Name) started, eyes intense as they met Kenma’s. “So I won’t hug you and mess up your clothes too.”

Kenma cracked a smile at that comment, using the ends of the towel to pull (Name) closer for a more-damp-than-normal kiss. “I’ll pay you back tenfold. Let’s get you in the shower.”

(Name) knew for a fact that they had clothes in Kenma’s closet for when they slept over. But they can’t say they were surprised to find that the clothes Kenma left out for them after their shower were his own; oversized hoodie and baggy sweatpants— the outfit of a successful CEO.

With the torrential rain and humidity behind them and the immaculate air conditioning of Kenma’s home in their present, (Name) flopped onto Kenma’s bed. They closed their eyes and began mentally blocking the feeling of wet clothes on their skin.

“I threw your clothes into the dryer,” Kenma said. (Name) didn’t stir at the sound of his voice nor the bed dipping as he sat next to them. He pinched their cheek gently for a reaction. “Did you die from recoil damage?”

A loud, exaggerated sigh escaped their lips as they cracked open one eye to look up at their boyfriend. “I’m waiting for that tenfold repayment!”

He laughed, scooping (Name) up into his arms and repositioning them so (Name) could lay comfortably in his lap. “You’re acting like you almost died.”

(Name) curled their body inwards, pulling their knees towards their chest and trapping Kenma’s arm in their grasp. “I did! If I was out there for two more seconds, I literally would have melted! Have some sympathy!”

He leaned down and kissed the shell of (Name)’s ear in lieu of an apology. “I’m sure you would’ve.”

Kenma’s lips stayed on (Name)’s skin as he mumbled the words out, taking another kiss at the end before tilting their head towards him. He moved to their lips, lingering on the scent of apple body wash with a sanguine kiss. (Name) grabbed a fistful of his sweatshirt and kept him close, stealing his breath with another kiss, and another, and enough to have them both gasping for air at the end.

(Name) finally smiled, nuzzling further into Kenma’s arm. Rain pounded against the window, an unrelenting summer downpour muffled by the glass and atmosphere of the moment. Kenma pressed another kiss onto the top of (Name)‘s head and murmured, “how are we doing on the repayment?”

“Hmm,” (Name) furrowed their brow. “I’d say it’s eightfold right now.”

He didn’t have to see their face to hear the shit-eating grin. Kenma slid out of their grasp and (Name) fell to the mattress on their stomach, a shocked and offended gasp erupting from their throat.

This time, Kenma climbed over them, letting just enough of his body rest on their back for (Name) to feel his weight. “No way that’s accurate,” Kenma argued. His lips ghosted over the nape of (Name)’s neck, breath tickling the skin. “It’s at least ninefold.”

Only one kiss landed on (Name)’s neck before they flipped over to their back, face to face with Kenma so he could finally see their giddy smirk. “Well, it sounds like we both agree that your work is unfinished.”

As long as they were together, Kenma would never finish this specific job. And he was eager to keep working. He returned their grin and dove back in for their lips, moving one hand to grab (Name)‘s hip while the other stayed by next to their head to keep balance. Kenma squeezed, smothering the soft gasp that followed with his own lips.

(Name) was no slouch and they took everything they wanted Kenma to give with eager movements. Their arms encircled his shoulders, never giving him the chance to move away. Their fingers toyed with the ends of his hair, twirling it and even gently pulling when they felt the urge to tease.

The TV had dimmed from inactivity, Kenma’s game forgotten in the heat of the moment to provide a soft glow to the room. He had one leg between (Name)’s and slowly rested more of his body on top of (Name)’s the more time passed. With half of his weight against them, Kenma suddenly thought back to when he was so shy to this type of contact. (Name) was always the one to initiate and gave him all the time in the world to acclimate, and now that he had, Kenma liked to think he was quite skilled by now. In a rush of confidence, Kenma slid the hand on (Name)’s hip beneath the borrowed hoodie to rest on their stomach.

(Name) jolted at his cold fingers on sensitive skin, breaking the last kiss with a laugh. “Someone’s hands are wandering.”

Feigning innocence, Kenma moved to the side of their neck for the softest of contact. “Yeah. It’s your hand sliding up my back.”

He felt tapping from (Name)’s hand that had just pushed beneath the hem of his sweatshirt. “We’re both caught red-handed.”

A beat of silence passed, where Kenma took the chance to take the gentlest of bites of (Name)’s neck. Not at all strong enough to leave any lasting mark, but it sent chills up (Name)’s spine nonetheless. And maybe activated an unintended thought in the back of their mind.

“… I want chicken katsu curry.” Another pause. “And brownies.”

Kenma hadn’t eaten much all day, but (Name) would lovingly scold him if he admitted that, so it stayed a secret. “We can order takeout. I hope your drink of choice is coke.”

(Name) blinked. “Are you saying that because that’s the only thing in your fridge right now?”

Guilty silence followed.

natsumeku event masterlist | masterlists

[boopiemadz]

hi!!! it’s me again (sorry) because I had an idea but am struggling to write it and would love to see ur take on like. Travis who’s insecure about his weight. this might be a little weird but like im lowk insecure about my stomach and im projecting onto a male character who’s not shown w/ abs. i wonder if he’d be insecure about it and what it’d take for reader to comfort him.

also bonus points if he’s sensitive there! let the poor boy smile ffs

no pressure obviously and im sorry for lowk spamming your inbox but would luv to know your thoughts (blurb or hcs idc) :)

- 🧸🍓

NEVER apologize for sliding into my inbox ‼️

This killed me oh my shrimp, like my shayla... 😭 Hope this does this fantastic prompt justice. (and yes this is going in my popular reader collection)

!Populargirl X !LoserTravis

"Because its you." (blurb)

(collection masterlist)

You’ve noticed it for weeks now - the way he won’t take off that dang hoodie.

It’s been summer for a while. Real summer. Thick, humid, sticky heat. The kind where everyone sleeps half-naked and jumps into the lake just to feel human again.

But Travis?

Hoodie. Every day. Sleeves past his knuckles, the neckline stretched from being pulled on and off too many times. And even when he’s sweating through it, even when the sun is brutal, he won’t take it off.

Not even when he’s alone with you.

Which you are now.

It started as another pretend chore - gathering firewood. That’s what you told the others when you and Travis slipped off together, not that anyone was fooled. Van winked. Nat just rolled her eyes. But nobody followed.

You’d made out before - behind the cabin, by the lake, once in the wreckedge of the crash when no one was around. Now you’re pinned between him and a tree, his hands grip your hips like he’s scared you’ll vanish. You thread your fingers through his curls, tugging just enough to make him shiver. He’s always careful, like he thinks he’s doing something wrong by wanting you. But you’ve learned how to get him to melt - touch his jaw, whisper his name, kiss like the world’s ending because maybe it already has.

You let your hands slip under your shirt and pull it over your head. It sticks a little from sweat. When it drops into the dirt, Travis pulls back like he’s trying not to stare - but he does.

“Jesus,” he whispers.

You smile a little. “You can touch me.”

He does. Slowly, palms grazing up your sides, fingertips so light it tickles.

And then - you reach for the hem of his hoodie. That’s when he flinches.

He doesn’t say anything. Just shifts, steps back slightly, hands falling from your body like he suddenly remembered he wasn’t supposed to be doing this.

Your stomach sinks.

“Travis?”

“I’m fine,” he mutters, avoiding your eyes. “I’m just, I’m hot.” You blink. “So take it off?” He freezes.

You tilt your head. “You never take it off.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the fact that it’s 90 degrees and you’re out here sweating like a sinner in church. I’ve seen you wear it every single day.”

He’s already retreating into himself, arms crossing over his chest, eyes on the leaves at your feet. “It’s not a big deal.” You soften.

“Okay,” you say, carefully. “But… you flinched when I tried.” He shrugs. “I just wasn’t expecting it.”

“Can I ask something?”

He doesn’t say yes, but he doesn’t stop you either.

“…Are you hiding from me?”

That gets his eyes on yours. Wide, defensive. “No.” You nod, but don’t look away. “Then why won’t you let me see you?”

He exhales through his nose. Jaw tight. Voice tight, too. “It’s not - I don’t know. I just don’t like how I look, okay?”

You don’t move. You just wait.

“I know I’m not-” He cuts himself off.

“Not what?”

He scuffs his shoe into the dirt. “Not like… the guys in magazines or whatever. The ones girls actually want.” That hits you in the chest.

You step forward. “You think I don’t want you?”

He finally looks at you. “I think you’re nice. And… really pretty. And maybe bored. I don’t know.” Your heart aches.

You reach for him, slow, so he can stop you if he needs to. Your hand lands just over his hoodie, on the soft curve of his stomach.

“Travis. I’m not bored.”

He says nothing.

“I took my shirt off because I trust you. Because I want you to know and see me.”

He blinks.

You glance down at yourself. “This body - used to be the thing I hated most about myself. I spent years sucking it in for photos, never eating in front of boys. Always trying to shrink.”

He stares at you like you just told him something unthinkable. “You’re-” he starts. “You’re… literally the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

“And I still feel gross sometimes,” you say. “Even now. Even with you.” He swallows.

You shift your hand slightly, still over his hoodie. “You don’t have to take it off. But you don’t have to hide, either. Not from me.”

For a second, he doesn’t move.

Then, slowly, he grips the bottom hem and tugs the hoodie up. It gets stuck halfway. He fumbles, mutters “damn it,” and you help him, gentle fingers pulling it over his head.

And then he’s standing there, shirtless, not breathing.

You look.

Not with judgment. Not with anything but care.

He’s real. Not sculpted, not ripped. Soft in places. Freckled and flushed. Hands at his sides like he doesn’t know what to do with them.

“Hi,” you whisper.

He huffs a nervous laugh. “You’re really beautiful.”

He shakes his head, half-smiling, embarrassed. You step close again, rest your hands right on the spot he always tries to hide.

“I like this,” you whisper.

“You do?”

You nod.

"Because its you."

And maybe it’s that. Maybe it’s the way you say it like a promise. Because his arms wrap around you suddenly, tightly, like he’s trying not to cry. He presses his forehead to yours.

“I don’t know how to feel okay,” he admits, voice low.

“You don’t have to,” you whisper. “You just have to let me show you you’re worth being seen.”

His hands are shaking, but when you kiss him this time, soft, slow. He kisses you back like he believes you.

A/N-

none... i have thoughts but they are too confusing to write down lol

[ashblooddragons]

Greedy

This is a present for my Bestie @sugutoad birthday! I hope you like it girly!

Summary: The day of the Driftmark succession Aegon decides him and his sister wife have much more important matters to pursue.

Word Count: 1332

Warnings: oral female receiving, fingerings, p in v sex, fluff, Targcest

I stare up at the canopy as Aegon sleeps with his head on my chest. I stroke his hair taking in the softness many would believe isn't there. 

This is often how I wake up, him cuddled up beside me clinging to me as if his life depended upon it. It never bothered me in fact it makes me feel loved for even in sleep he searches for me. 

I sniffle a giggle when a loud snore escapes him. He never was an elegant sleeper though I'm not sure anyone is. 

I still remember the day Mother betrothed us, I was overjoyed but of course Aegon being Aegon he had to deny his feelings. In the weeks leading up to the wedding he would grumble each time he saw me, but as soon as we were wed he was completely different. Acting as if our marriage was the best thing to happen to him. It was then I realized I never will fully know what is going through his mind. 

I'm brought back to the present when Aegon grumbles before lifting his head to look up at me. 

I can't help but take in his gorgeous periwinkle eyes, so unlike any in our family. And then there is his hair, if someone only looked at the coloring they would think it the normal Targaryen locks. But I know that if it is humid they become tight ringlets like our mother's. 

He looks so much like Mother in certain lights. I think brushing his hair out of his face so I can look at her properly.

“Your dressed?” He days through a yawn looking down at my emerald green dress with bronze dragons embroidered along the sleeves. They glimmer just like my darling mount Vermithor. 

“Hmm, well someone had to make sure the children were dressed for the day. They are with Mother now and I believe possibly Helaena and Vissera.” I respond with a smile. 

I know he isn't a morning person so many mornings I must pry myself from his arms and dress quickly to make sure our children aren't running a muck. Though many times I never get the chance as Aegon only tightens his death grip on me.

“How many children does that make? At least seven with three women?” He asks with a chuckles as he kisses my neck.

“Well Vissera had her eldest two in there and left her youngests with our Uncle. Helaena has brought her eldest two as well and left baby Maelor with Jace. And I brought our eldest three.” I respond with a sigh as he grips my hips rolling my core against his bare thigh. 

“So like I said, seven children with three women.” He responds with a cheeky grin before capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

“We can't we will be needed in the throne room for the succession of Driftmark.” I say between heated kisses.

“That isn't until mid day, we have plenty of time to enjoy ourselves.” He says kisses me one final time before moving down my body until my legs rest over his shoulders and he is faced with my clothed core. 

He tuts at the sight a frown forming on his lips in an instant. “Small clothes? This won't work with my plans.” 

I can't help the laugh that bubbles up from my throat. “Well I am sorry for the inconvenience, but I didn't think we would be having a morning lay.” I respond with a raise of my brow.

He chuckles as he starts pulling them down my hips, slowly but surely I feel the soft fabric graze my thighs as he continues to pull them down. “And what do you call what I woke up to? You were laying, were you jot?” He responds and I playfully slap his head with a scowl. 

“You know what I meant!” I demand but I know it is falling on deaf ears when I see his shoulders shake with suppressed laughter. 

“Perhaps I did, perhaps I didn't, but what I do know is I'm starved.” He responds with a look of a wild animal staring at its fresh kill. I know he is taking in the gleam of my wetness, the way my breath catches with each agonizing inch his fingers graze my skin until they grip my hips in a bone crushing grip. 

I'm his feast and he'd be damned if I tried to take it from his grasps. 

I go to respond only to gasp and grip his hair as he delves forward using the flat of his tongue against my pearl. I can feel my hips moving on their own accord to meet him with each swipe and suck. 

“Aegon.” I gasp out before biting my lip to stifle my moans when I hear the clank of armor walk past our chamber door. 

“What Shiera, I am quite busy.” He responds looking up at me. I can tell he is grinning ear to ear at how quickly I gave into his little game. 

Cocky asshole. I think before gripping his hair tighter and pushing him towards my core once more. 

“Don't you dare stop.” 

He only smirks, mumbling a quick ‘as you wish, my love’ before he is sucking on my pearl once more. Though this time I feel his long digits graze my core. I know he is playing with me like a lion plays with a gazelle but I can't find any reason to care when he is already making me see stars. 

“Have I ever mentioned how delicious you are?” He groans out as two of his digits slowly but surely breach my core.

“On occasion.” I answer before a moan breaks through me when he curls his fingers hitting the spot he knows makes me putty in his hands. 

“Good, because I think there is no better taste than my darling wife.” Is all he says before he removes his fingers from my core and climbs his way up my body until I feel the weight of his length against my thigh.

“What are your thoughts on another babe?” He asks with a tilt of his head.

I smile up at him as I reach down to guide his hardness to my weeping core. “I think it's a magnificent idea.” 

He only smirks before rolling his hips forward stretching me in the most wonderful of ways. 

“Fuck, four pregnancies and still so fucking tight.” He hisses, gripping my thighs before thrusting into me, hitting the spot that makes my head spin with pleasure. 

My head reels with each thrust, I can hardly form words with the searing pleasure that flows through my veins. I already know his back will be covered in bloody red claw marks by the end of this morning lay. 

“Look at me, I want to see you come apart on my cock.” He demands gripping my hair so I have nowhere to look besides him. 

I stare into his eyes as my pleasure finally over takes me and wave after wave rolls through me.

“Gods Shiera.” I hear him groan before he gives one final thrust and I feel his seed fill me.

We both lay there catching our breath when suddenly Aegon let's out a sharp laugh. 

“I didn't even get your dress off.” He says staring down at my emerald dress with wonder. “I must have really need a fuck.” 

I can't help but laugh with him as he runs his hands up and down the velvet of my dress only stopping to grope my buttocks or breasts.

“You must have.” I respond, wrapping my arms around his neck before kissing his lips.

Perhaps there really are more important things to do than worry about a succession to an island. Like enjoying my husband's company. I think watching aegon grab a linen shirt before pulling out of me and holding it against my core making sure nothing ruins my dress…well at least more.

TAGLIST: @sugutoad @ilikefelines @classicsimpforaaronwarner @sachaa-ff @mmogurl @thelastemzy @themoonlitquill @athzhowakar

[inf3ct3dd]

ACT 1. TROUBLE

summary: the plan hatches.

warnings: mentions of death, sex joke

wc: 3k

authors note: this fic has been my wonderfully niche vision for so long.... i hope you all enjoy

next chapter. masterlist

the unforgiving blaring heat of the desert was torturous.

the sun seemed to be beaming from right above, practically frying you and your companions skin as you treaded through the sand. one suffering the consequences worse than another, skin resembling a boiled lobster.

dry, chapped lips silently begging for water, only to be met with the sting of saltwater sweat dripping onto them. you can try to lick them away, but it will only worsen the pain. pain, your muscles ache and your bones feel as if they’ll crumble if you step forward once more. you needed…out.…of the heat……

ah, alas, a river! oh, how lovely, a quench to the terrible thirst…. you reach out towards it, cupping your hands to drink, and are met with the hot, cruel surface of a car door.

“are you done, r? you’re gonna set off the alarm.” ellie had destroyed your dramatic scene , rolling her eyes and slumping down on the concrete next to the car. her long ass jorts protected her skin from the heat of the ground.

“no, it can’t be! twas a mirage, my mind has fooled me!” draping a dramatic hand across your forehead, you’re met with a moist surface that you wipe away onto your shorts, falling next to the girl. your shorts however, did not protect you. you slightly hissed in pain, before bringing your knees to your chest.

“they shouldn’t have let you read othello. i think you’re actually going insane.” she bluntly remarks, offering you a light giggle.

your english teacher, honors english if you wanna brag, had just started a shakespeare unit, and you were over the moon. being the first to volunteer to read in class, writing your own gorgeous sonnets about even more gorgeous subjects , and torturing ellie with your constant chiming of “shall i compare thee to a midsummers day?”

“ugh, you hate to see a girl being theatrical.” with a quick roll of your eyes, you crossed your arms and pouted.

“yes, i do.”

ellie knew it wasn’t one of your actual sad pouts, like when she accidentally killed the snail you two found, but simply you being….theatrical. like your wonderful performance in the school musical last year, as sharpay in high school musical. was that fuckass blonde wig a disgrace? absolutely. but your wonderful acting skills distracted from it, or so you hoped.

“you know whats actually making me go insane? the fact that you made me walk to 7-11 in this heat!!! you tryna kill me?”

the taste of the slushy was still lingering in your mouth , along with the red color on your tounge, but the cold it brought was long gone.

“oh my lady, i would never do such a thing! but alas, i required a refreshment, and id hate to go alone.” ellie counters back in her own shitty-british accent , holding a hand to her chest.

“see, told you its fun.” you nudged her elbow with your own, sweaty limbs colliding with a gross “splat”.

“yeah yeah, whatever. you’re right about everything, my glorious queen-“

“indeed!” you interrupted, pout replaced with a cheeky smile.

you both sat for a second, catching your breath. your eyes wandered to ellies arms, and you noticed she had turned into a lobster. her arms were bright red and sunburnt, and you reached out to poke her.

“ow-fuck! why did you do that!!” she winced in pain, moving her arm away.

“jesus, why do you never put on sunscreen? you trying to get tan or something?”

“i didn’t think it would be this bad outside..”

“you’re stupid.”

“you’re mean..”

after a while of you both sitting in comfortable silence, both of your eyes fall on the vehicle across the street. it was the one thing you always loved staring at on this street. the ferrari was reflecting all the beams of ultraviolet hitting it, practically glowing in the humid hellscape. the dashboard and practically everything else was smothered in dust, the cause probably being its idle parking spot, same one it had been occupying since you and ellie were 5 years old. the black detailing and the shiny silver horse enchanted you, despite the cars mildly decrepit state. 13 years later, you wondered if it would even still run. wondered how the engine would feel rumbling underneath you as you pushed against the wind down the empty streets.

people always make driving seem so crazy and thrilling in movies. sharp turns, constant speeding, drifting, it was like the road was a rollercoaster. or maybe you had just watched too many fast and furious movies with your dad.

but every time you were in a car, you were calm. always having an arm out the window, sometimes waving your hand like the ocean, and others making finger legs and doing parkour off of the other cars. when it rained, especially at night, you’d always beg your dad to drive you around. you’d try to count the raindrops on the windshield , and often times you’d let the taps on the windows lull you to sleep.

you have many memories of your dad taking you on drives to get you to sleep. especially when you were younger, and didn’t want to go to bed because you ‘weren’t tired’. every time, he’d just say “you don’t have to sleep, just rest.” sometimes he’d sing the songs he burned onto his cds, other times he’d make lists of things you wanted to do the next day. but no matter what, within 10 minutes you were always out cold. most times he’d keep driving for a bit, just to make sure you were really sleeping, and then carry you as gently as possible up to your room.

now, you knew better than to try and make him carry you up the stairs. you’d have a dramatic stretch, and practically drag yourself to your house before flopping down on the couch. half of the time face first.

you never wanted to be the one driving, though. you didn’t trust yourself behind the wheel, thinking you’d get too relaxed and doze off the second you started driving. or get into a crash. every time you did bumper carts, you’d be the one annoying all the little kids by hitting them a thousand times with your car. plus, highways are scary as fuck.

but for some reason, every time you saw that car parked down your street, you imagined yourself behind the wheel. always with some of those cool ass driving gloves on, and the scorpion jacket ryan gosling had in drive. you’d drift like all those cool dudes in your dads movies, and never ever crash into anyone on the highway. you thought it was blessed with some spell that made everyone who drove it amazing at driving.

ellie had zero faith in you though.

“you’d total that thing in five seconds. do you not remember the last time you tried to drive?”

her rude remark reminded you of the “raspberry incident”, as you called it, from last summer. you were at your grandmas in the countryside, her in the passenger of her big ass suburban trying to teach you to drive in the raspberry fields. you had been pushing a bit hard on the gas a few times, making her tell you to “calm down” , but you were a damn good driver as far as you saw. but it allll went downhill when she made you practice turning. you had turned around one of the rows of berries perfectly, and you were driving a bit too fast to the next corner. but somehow, you turned on the wrong angle and drove straight into the berries. and to make things worse, you kept pushing the gas pedal on accident instead of the brakes. your grandma screaming at you to stop didn’t help much either. you had torn down no more than 1/5 of the row, but nothing happened to the car. a trip to the carwash and it was like nothing ever happened.

“that was soooo long ago. you weren’t even there either! what if i was just over exaggerating when i told you and it wasn’t that bad?”

“you calling yourself a liar?” ellie took a sip of her slushy. the one she made you take this whole treacherous journey for. she was somehow still nursing hers, while yours was in a trash can five blocks back.

“never. how are you still drinking that thing? we’ve been walking for like half an hour!” you grab the drink out of her hand, taking a sip for a biiit too long.

“hey! you can’t even ask? i spent my hard earned money on that thing.“

“oh please, it was only like 3 dollars. you sound like joel right now.”

you both chuckled. ellies dad acted just like yours, that’s probably why they’re such best friends. that and the two dead wives thing, they had a lot in common. and coincidentally, so did you and ellie. you knew each other since you came out of the womb. well, since you came out. ellie was there three weeks before you, and she never let you forget it. constantly on her “respect your elders” bullshit every time you punched her in the arm for stealing your food. you two were fighting over the same toys and blabbering to each other since birth. your parents were convinced you were some baby geniuses that had developed your own language with how much you ‘spoke’ to each other. you two always understood each other.

“whatever dude, i’d be a driving master in that thing. it’d probably be a total chick magnet too. i’d be cleaning that backseat every day.”

ellie poked you in the side at your joke, and you both shoved each other while you laughed.

“yeah, you and your spongebob boxers are definitely soooo seductive.”

“you can’t say shit, you have the matching patrick pair!”

almost half your closet was either clothes you took from ellies house, or ones you bought to match with her. your dad has a whole photo album of old pictures he took of you and her in your matching outfits. and you have a bin in the attic stacked to the brim with your matching halloween costumes. the one matching thing the two of you never took off was your necklaces. it was one of those basic hearts, two pieces of silver that fit together perfectly with “best friends” and an infinity sign engraved on it. you had begged your dad for it while you were at a beach store, and he reluctantly gave in. you had the ‘st ends’ side, and ellie had the ‘be fri’ one. no matter the occasion, even with the excessive amount of necklaces you always wore, that one was always a part of the stack. and ellie only ever wore the one. in fact, the only jewelry she ever wore was the bracelets you two had made for each other and her necklace.

“hey, they’re comfy! i love those things.”

“you know what i’d love?”

“deez nuts in your mouth??”

you slapped ellie on the arm , and she grabbed it in pain.

“fuck you! you know im sensitive right now!!”

“you’ll live. ANYWAYS, i was talking about the car.”

“pssht, who wouldn’t. who leaves a perfect 288 on the side of the road for this long?” ellies inner car-nerd spilled out,eyebrows furrowing in question.

you and ellie had dreamed of that car ever since you were barely taller than the side doors. pretending to drive it when she came over to yours, leaning against it as you ate your ice cream and accidentally setting off the alarm, even peering in through the windows occasionally. the white envelope with a small bulge always intrigued the two of you, desperately wondering what was inside of it. you’d never seen anyone get in or out of it, and you were surprised it lasted this long on this street.

“why’re you still on this anyway? its not like we’re gonna just steal it or something.”

when you stare back at her for a bit too long, she sighs at you and rolls her eyes. your dumb ideas almost always end horribly, and she wasn’t in for all that this summer.

like last year, when you two were working at this big outdoor restaurant. you had somehow convinced her to drive around one of the golf carts, and it ended with you accidentally ramming it into some dudes car. you both quit to avoid the guy, and you’ve never been back since.

“well, why not! i mean really ellie, I’ve seen you break into joels truck before. you could do it.”

it was an isolated incident. she had locked herself out of the car, and she used a random hanger she found in the mall parking lot to squeeze through the crack in the window and unlock the door.

“thats not the same as stealing some random car!!what if the dude who owns it is some mean gangster and he finds out we took his car and he fucking kills us??? or what if its full of a bunch of illegal shit and we get arrested while we’re driving it?”

“since when do you care this much about shit like that? you convinced me to keep a lizard in my closet for three weeks once. plus, do you really think anyone’s gonna come looking for it? that things been there longer than we’ve been alive.”

“even if we do steal it, what if it doesn’t even run anymore? and if it does, are we just gonna hotwire it every time we wanna drive?”

ellie was sadly thinking logically about this , and you weren’t having it. the pout on your face was growing bigger and bigger, and you rolled your eyes at her.

“you’re so boring.”

“im not boring, you’re just insane and impulsive.”

“besides, where would we even hide it? neither of us have a garage or anything.”

“you ask too many questions. come onnnn, this could be our little sappy senior year memory!! even if it goes like, totally wrong and we get arrested or some shit.”

you and ellies high school experience was..lackluster at most. no crazy adventures, no parties, no insane hookups, nothing. every movie about highschool you two had watched had completely lied to you, because it was boring as fuck. i mean, probably not for everyone else, but definitely for you two. this car would be a saving grace for you two, it could top off senior year perfectly.

“your idea of a great senior year memory is grand theft auto?”

“i mean, the games awesome. why not?”

she chuckled a bit at your bad joke, leaving a smile on your face. everything in her was telling her it was an awful idea, but you were giving her your most convincing puppy dog eyes, hands under your chin pleading to her.

you were amazing at persuading her, and the way your eyes practically sparkled when you spoke of even the mere idea of it sent her to the stars. how could she say no to you?

“…let me think about it.”

“WOOOO”

for ellie, ‘let me think about it’ was almost always code for yes. especially when it came to you. the two of you walked back to your house, ellie finally finishing her slushy. she chucked it in your garbage can before leaving you at your door. you tried to hug her goodbye, but she pushed you away.

“lobster skin. it still hurts. youll probably wanna hug me more tomorrow.”

and the next day, at 8:30, ellie showed up at your window with a toolbox smelling like aloe vera.

[nipuni]

Blog time Hello! We are back from our trip! I'd say I'm feeling refreshed but coming back to sweltering dry heat shut down that feeling very quickly. Now we are even more determined to move to the seaside within the year though 🏃‍♀️ It's incredible how much of an effect on your health the weather can have. These days we have been hiking for around 8 hours a day in the mountains and coast without breaking a sweat in 17-22ºc high humidity weather. In contrast, today back home we walked to the store five streets away in a dry 33ºc sun and we felt like throwing up and never leaving the house again lmao and it only gets much worse until september aaaa I can't wait to move out of the city and start a new colder and quieter phase of life where I don't have to dread the coming of summer every year!! But at the same time I've been feeling this trepidation about settling down somewhere permanently, I realized that every 5 years or so I get the itch to move somewhere new and it worries me a bit tbh, I hope it is just my fear of commitment acting up and the fact that we just haven't found the right place yet. And the longer we spend in this place the more we feel like it will be the right one so I'm hopeful!

We have also been watching more of David's filmography! we watched Des, Single Father, Recovery, Bad Samaritan and Deadwater Fell. We enjoyed Recovery, Single father and Deadwater Fell the most, all were really good!! then Des was decent and Bad Samaritan was terrible. But as expected David steals the show every time and you end up sitting through the most ridiculous scripts just to see him give it his all and elevate the whole thing with every scene lmao the sheer range of this man!! let me gush for a second, he goes from the most charming and pitiful train wreck you would kill to protect to the most terrifying monster of a person so effortlessly you can hardly tell it's the same actor. He is so outstandingly good at every role!! Anyway I love watching our little shows of our favourite guy with Nicolas everyday, it has been the highlight of my year 🥰

I've also been meaning to get back into games but I just can't find the right one! I tried the whole cozy farming/survival/sandbox game thing and came to the conclusion that it's not for me, I don't find them engaging enough so it ends up feeling like a time sink 😞 I also thought of going back to FFXIV but the new expansion doesn't sound like something I would really enjoy and while I love RPG I'm finding it hard to commit to 40+ hours of storyline lately, BG3, Cyberpunk 2077 and Disco Elysium have been sitting in my library for ages now and I can't bring myself to play them even tho I want to!! I'm hoping DA4 will get me back into the RPG mood. I've also played Hades II but I'm all out of content until release! Maybe shooters will do the trick, something fast paced I can play for a little bit as a distraction from work. I've been meaning to check how Warframe is doing too, I love it and haven't played in ages, and every time I check it's like a completely different game so that could be fun! but I'm rambling now, if you have any game recommendations let me know! I hope you are all doing well 😊 I'll get back to drawing now and will share some sea pictures later!

[tanoraqui]

Dungeon Meshi Liveblog: Izutsumi! and Elves

Chilchuck my love, you so fucking asked for that one.

.

You woke him from his nap!!

.

Asfslkfjsk was the fact that Senshi accidentally made this guy in the show? I don't remember it.

.

I love how this fight showcases how fast Izutsumi is. Girl's got a Dex of like 22.

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Fuckin' tragic that this is just a chapter cover and they never actually, so far as I'm aware, dress in sheepskins the way they dressed in frogskins.

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Not to be Edgy(TM) but I'm pretty sure that by this definition, humans, especially magic-users, are also "monsters."

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The green-growing, snow-free cavern with the barometz suddenly appearing is I'm pretty sure the most blatant the dungeon has been so far about giving people what they want - except possibly for this usually hot & humid floor being freezing in the first place, just because Laios said he didn't like the heat.

I hope it keeps doing this sort of thing after he becomes king. I know that's not how this works but god I love a sentient land, especially one that tries to accommodate its people. Alas that this one's all a honey trap for flies.

.

It's very clear to me that, while Izutsumi may genuinely prefer to avoid strenuous effort, either physical or emotional, most of her argument with Marcille in this chapter is about her testing the boundaries of the group's tolerance for her. Where she was before, they'd tell her, "You'd think you could be a little more grateful to us for taking you in." And this is a philosophy that Tade, Izutsumi's closest friend and the one other subordinate-due-to-species person among them, bought into:

Izutsumi was skeptical...but that's still what she lived with. Until now, with this new group, where she's getting mixed messages - or, what feels like mixed messages, between what the group does and says and what she thinks they're saying based on her past experience.

Chilchuck calls her a beast, then basically has her act as distracting bait for a dangerous period of time while the rest of the party (is busy being injured or tending to the injured) does nothing to help, and all Chilchuck does to help Izutsumi kill the ice golem is mark its weak point for her. But then he compliments her skills, apologizes for being rude, and gives her her own pack and bedroll, truly welcoming her to the group. And when she remarks sarcastically that nobody cares about a beast being naked, Marcille only redoubles her efforts to help her keep her modesty, while the others bind Laios's eyes because he's the one who's going to Make It Weird - not Izursumi. Laios stays blindfolded throughout the steam bath scene because the party respects Izutsumi as a person.

So then she starts that fight over food, partly because she genuinely doesn't want to eat gross things - and more importantly, doesn't want to risk becoming even more a monster than most people already view her. But also because she wants, perhaps subconsciously, to see what happens when she's "supposed" to be a "team member" now but she disobeys the more senior members of the group.

This chapter threads two needles, builds two distinctions: between "earning your place" and "pulling your fair weight", and between "doing things you don't like for others (on their orders/for their goals)" and "doing things you don't like for you (for your own goals)." I think it...could do better at it? Like, Tade is kinda failing at step 1, because it's not clear to me that she realizes needing to "be useful" in order to stay is inherently fucked up. But she DOES think of that as her personal goal, even if it's actually externally imposed, and she's okay with putting in hard, sometimes unpleasant work in order to achieve it.

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Kabru internally, triumphantly: CAHOOOOOOOOTS!

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{fond sigh} the Elves from the West on their white ships with avian figureheads... They may be dicks, but we do love a Tolkien reference.

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CANARIES IN THE COAL MINE. I have NO idea if that translation is intended but my god I love it. If it's deliberate, is it a subversion of that concept or is it an indication of what the Elvish government thinks of their crack team of dungeon-delvers?

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BIGGEST, BLUEST EYES OF PERFECT* HONESTY*...followed by the visible pupils of honest evasion. Man, I'm really enjoying the Shuro-Kabru dynamic here, too? Shuro like, "Don't bullshit me. I'm a prince. I'm willing to help, but I know a politician when I see one." They vibe, your honor. They bonded over one of the weirdest and most traumatic meals of both their lives.

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LMAOOOO. This was NOT in the show!

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I love how Namari greets him excitedly and immediately asks for news of Falin, and Shuro says nothing but, really, everything; and Namari changes the subject to something lighter that's still gossip about their friends. I don't really expect it to happen but I'd LOVE to see the whole old Touden party reunite in battle or just around a campfire again, because it's clear they were a very good party of dungeon-competent people who worked and got along well together.

.

Srsly though the opening view of this scene is such eloquent dynamic-establishing, vis a vis the elves relationship with the Island Lord and, well, everyone else here. We heard people muttering nervously in the streets, we heard Kabru's brief but heartfelt story of Utaya... And now we get this:

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The words of a man who would definitely for sure not have a single problem, not a one!

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Wait, what shady side business did Shuro have?! I love that Chilchuck is objectively the most reputable person in the party... Except really he fits in with the others: I bet a lot of parties don't want to hire That Bitchy Pushy Halffoot, any more than they want to hire an Easterner with weird vibes or the daughter of an infamous thief. (Or a mysterious elvish mage who won't explain her real reasons for wanting to explore dungeons, but Marcille would've joined the Touden party anyway, for Falin.)

It shows how Laios's trust of others pays off just as often as it doesn't.

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THIS IS IT, THIS SORT OF IMAGINE SPOT IS WHY I LOVE KABRU VERY MUCH.

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THE WORDS OF A MAN WHO WILL DEFINITELY FOR SURE NOT HAVE A SINGLE PROBLEM, NOT A ONE!

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...hot.

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kitty cat

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I like how this sort of comment is obviously genuinely hurting Laios, and Chilchuck does kinda genuinely mean it, but also he's saying it more reflexively than anything. Laios says or does something Particularly Fucking Weird; Chilchuck comments and keeps going along with him. I do look forward to Chilchuck growing accepting of Laios's weirdness rather than just resigned, but it's a good character beat all around.

[the---hermit]

04|07|2024

I have been wanting to write a little update for a few days, but I have been simply too tired mentally to do so. I have also been quite busy, taking my last exam, working in my family's store, tending my garden and doing a lot of cooking. As I was mentioning I feel very tired, I think it's a mix of the exam season stress leaving my body, the humid heat that is really making me feel weak, and the fact that having so much to do takes a lot of mental energies. I still have quite a few busy days ahead of me, but hopefully I will start feeling a bit more energized soon. I am really looking forward to properly enter summer break mode. I have also been finally getting out of my reading slump which makes me very happy. I have a few books I am very much looking forward to read. I also have a few book reviews to write and post, but I doubt that will happen soon.

📖: Il Glicine Rampicante e altre storie gotico femministe by Charlotte P. Gillman, Something Is Killing The Children vol.7

[senka-mesecine]

Returning from the trenches to ask again for a favour but can we get a steamy night encounter at camp with Barnes? 👀 Please and thanks 🙏 Take your time and I appreciate what you do for this small fandom

Not Someone You'd Want Running into in the Dark.

Robert Barnes x Reader.

---

wonderful gifset by @woman-with-no-name

-

inspired by @atmostories

---

-"You're out here tweakin', you come to me!"-

What you remember most vividly is him pointing his thumb at his own chest with all the conviction and emphasis in the world and you shaking your head, looking away and trying to distance yourself from his face protruding towards you like a hawk throwing its beak out, looming, causing you to feel more flustered than you've ever recalled being in your whole goddamn life. Your recollection comes in heated waves, even as his head was in between your thighs, days later, eating you out.

-"I prefer not to, sir. Respectfully."-

You tried to bail out then as gently and as diplomatically as humanly possible but the very fact you were here and now was a testament to you falling into temptation; at 0000 hours. The dead of night. Cockstruck, as he so aptly called you. You were stressed in the past few weeks, disoriented due to it, unable to preform your duties the way Barnes thought you were supposed to preform them --- certainly not sloppily. With efficacy. Of course, he just as well thought something's to be done about that.

You reminisced about his words even as his tongue was actively lashing your clit.

Your spine bends.

-"Yeah, right, you just prefer respectfully screwin' with the way of things instead, ain' that right?"-

A taunt. He was taunting you.

He practically spat out the word 'respectfully' not unlike a slur.

-"Cogging up the machine."-

He added and something about that line stuck with you even now.

Your fingers coiling into his shoulders.

What you learned about Sergeant Barnes is that he had this fervent belief in the order of things and maintaining said order by any means necessary. Fragging someone. Threatening them. Killing. Tonguefucking them, sure, why not. Tonguefucking you specifically, that is. If it worked, it worked. And the reason it worked, he might claim, is because it beat stupid ideas straight out of your head and placed you back on the right path being functional again. Not going around breaking down and breaking down everything along with you.

This was a disciplinary measure.

-"I'm responsible for the engine! Shit running tight 'n smooth 'round here! Now, you fuck with that ---"-

You remember him being in your face, cornered somewhere dark.

Trailing off. Not finishing his own sentence.

Like he wanted to say something truly and genuinely terrible.

And in a rare bit of mercy directed at you, last minute, he decided not to.

-"You don't fuck with that."-

Barnes merely repeated firmly, reiterating his own point.

-"Or you gonna end up gettin' fucked six ways from Sunday until you're focused and keen if you don't get your head outta the clouds and it's gon' be me who does it."-

His voice and the threat behind it is blurry in your head, the reality of now pulling you back by a thousand hooks as he was making due of that promise right now, in the flesh. You beg. You plead. Your tone cracking, hoarse. Overstimulated in your parted, gasping mouth. You're all sweat in the humid night air; the exertion of your body manifesting in the form of moisture soaking your fatigues --- you were long past orgasming. You were merely coming undone in depleted, wet, frustrating heaves, downright feeling the texture of his scarring, the many dents, bruises and scratches traced and brushed against the inside of your thighs. He devours wordlessly, without making a sound, nonetheless working you so profoundly, so ceaselessly, you could feel your hips practically vibrate and shake. Your eyesight's dotted with black needles, turning you momentarily blind atop of the collection of burlap soil bags you were sprawled out on, your neck thrown back --- somehow, the long reach of his arms around you enough for his fingers to be coiled around your jaw. Your mouth. -"I want you inside of me. Please, sir. I need it. Please."- You implore, finding his tongue wasn't enough. You wanted this, needed this, in fact, to go all the way. He stops working you for but a second and him separating himself from your cunt is pure torture. Your torso practically bucks into nothing, instinctively looking for him. His face is mere inches above yours, the lower half of it slick and shiny with your cum. You could smell yourself on him, warm and salty. -"Ion fuck before marriage."- He cocks his head and you can't tell if he was being serious of taunting yet again. You have to be a little amused at least. -"What's this called then?"- You manage, moaning, still catching your breath under him, your sore clit pulsating with what you could only call a tense, drumming heartbeat. You were so glutted and gorged, you were certain he could merely touch you with the tip of his index finger and you'd cum undone yet again just from the contact alone. -"Greasin' the wheel."- He answers without hesitation, not at all cockily, more like with all the seriousness in existence. His eyes display that. Barnes doesn't blink as he says it.

-"If I were fuckin' you, you wouldn't be good no for service and it's lucky for you I ain' made an honest woman out of'ye yet for you to be fearin' that."-

He utters those words so matter-of-factly, with a profuse drawl and with only the slightest hint of teasing wrapped in a very steadfastly sincere outfit that you momentarily snort at, positively entertained, leaving you actually grinning and lightheaded for the first time after what you figured were weeks. What? Too conservatively conventional to put his cock inside of you, not too conservatively conventional to fuck you every other way under the sun, but somehow still too fixated on your fitness of performing day-to-day duties not to have you walking exhausted, bowlegged and limping around the base, slowing yourself down and slowing everyone around you down too by proxy? What an amusing patchwork of infinite contradictions he tended to be.

-"Better."-

You exhale, the blissed out nature of your state finally hitting you.

Your lounging arms thrown up above your head.

He's stood up, leaning on his right arm to do so, giving the fact your fatigue trousers were on the ground beside your feet with some molecule of scrutiny, like he didn't want the uniform he ripped off and threw there himself, disrespected.

-"It's better. I'm better."-

You clarify, smiling a little.

Smiling even more once he scooted down to neatly fold your trousers, throwing them atop of your chest, his finger and his whole tank top clad, exposed arm pointing at you, like he was giving you a signal to make yourself decent instead of your ass being out on the breeze and knowing Barnes, that's exactly what he was doing too. He didn't even bother wiping his mouth. You were still slick and shiny on his lips as he spoke with a scowl. The boys, you figured, might suppose he had a midnight drink, but even if they knew they truth you understood they wouldn't dare comment anyway. Barnes, generally, it was understood, wasn't someone anyone wanted to run into at base after hours if they could help it. Or even during daytime unless it was neccessary.

-"Y'better be next to me ready and focused at 0600 sharp or ye'll be runnin' into me in the dark again."-

Before turning around and walking into the moonless pitch blackness, he warns, no doubt finding that now that he's greased the wheel, the machine could optimally resume running as it should've. Truth was, though --- you wouldn't have minded running into him in the dark again soon.

[autisticlancemcclain]

parts one two three

———

The first emotion Keith feels, immediately upon waking, is intense dread.

And if that doesn’t sum up the day he’s about to have. Fuck’s sake.

He already feels pretty guilty about yesterday. Besides the fact that Lance is his right hand man — they’re supposed to have each other’s backs, and Keith definitely didn’t have Lance’s, because even though Lance wasn’t in the right he wasn’t in the wrong either — and they’re supposed to be leading this as a team, Keith knows part of the reason things fell apart so quickly is because he didn’t talk to Lance last night. He probably couldn’t’ve convinced Lance to kill the beast, obviously, but they could have definitely explored some different angles together. By letting things fester, Keith pretty much ensured that Lance was going to come up with some elaborate, dangerous scheme that was going to cost them an alliance, and worse, possibly get Lance hurt or killed. (Lance had a good track record with dangerous animals, sure, but this is a beast. The thing sounded like a mix between a polar bear and a dragon. There’s only so much Lance can do, uncanny abilities or not.)

But what’s done is done. Keith can’t very well redo yesterday and make Lance un-mad at him and everyone else, so he’ll have to make do with what he’s got.

And what he’s got is first shift on make-sure-Lance-doesn’t-mutiny-duty.

Fuck, Keith thinks as he makes his way out of his room, this is going to be the Actual Worst.

As usual, Keith is one of the first people on the bridge. Unusually, Lance is next. (Usually he is last, and also late).

“Hey, Lance,” Keith says, trying to muster up a smile.

Surprisingly, Lance beams right back. “Hello, Numb — uh,” his smile falters. “I mean, hi there, Mullet.”

Keith slumps. “I’m still Mullet, huh.”

Lance nods.

“You reckon I’ll work my way back up to Keith, soon? I’ll do anything, you know I will. I’ll even try your horrible face mask with you.”

To his further surprise — Lance must have actually slept well, or something — Lance smiles again, and this time it’s soft even to Keith’s eyes.

“Really? You would do that?”

“I’d do anything for you,” Keith says, and it’s more than he means to.

Lance frowns, and Keith’s heart sinks for the millionth time in just a few hours.

“Except help me save an innocent animal’s life,” he says, and there’s nothing Keith can say to that.

They sit in tense silence until the rest of the paladins arrive.

Shiro counts them once they do, like they’re kindergarteners and he’s a very tired EA, and furrows his brow when he finishes.

“Six. Including me. Who are we — where’s Coran?”

“He said he’ll be here in a few dobashes,” Lance says. “A calibrator broke down in the control room somewhere — nothing urgent, but he wants to get it fixed to get it out of the way. He’ll be back before we’re gone long.”

“That’s fine. Thank you, Lance,” Allura says, transparently trying to ease the tense line of his shoulders, a little.

It does not work. Lance sets his jaw and looks away.

Allura sighs. “I’m sorry, Lance,” she tries. “I know this is hard for you. If it were possible, and we had more time, we’d find another way.”

“Whatever.”

Keith decides that enough is probably enough. Allura and Shiro look genuinely dejected and apologetic, and both Pidge and Hunk look upset.

“Look, Lance, this situation sucks for everyone, okay? It sucks. We’re going to do what we can. If we get to the situation in question and we can actually manage to fix things without killing the beast, then that’s what we’ll do, okay? We’ll do our best.”

Lance exhales, shoulders slumping. He looks… guilty, and his guilt certainly does nothing to appease Keith’s.

“Sorry,” Lance mutters. “I know this is hard for everyone.”

Keith swallows the lump in his throat. He genuinely can’t remember the last time a non-major battle mission sucked so unequivocally for everyone involved, but Jesus Christ.

“Let’s just go,” he says, and everyone nods before following him off the castle and to the wet, humid heat of the planet.

———

part four

[saturdaynightghostclub]

Donovan’s Tryptich

It’s one of those blissfully rare days where the breeze drifting off the lake tricks you into thinking the humidity is actually bearable. You’ve opened the window in your living room, holding your breath as Donnie’s precariously-installed hack job of a box fan threatens to teeter over the edge, and you’re rewarded with the low drone of gentle wind across your skin as you melt into the couch. It hasn’t been a terrible day, but it’s certainly been long; you spent hours running around putting out fires at work (which you secretly love), and when you weren’t assuaging the office’s collective neurosis you were feverishly trying to get your two thousand words in before the deadline. Your editor, as always, was impressed, and sure, maybe the word “promotion” has been thrown around here and there, but it was really nothing. All in a day’s work.

The train was crowded, so you got off one stop early and walked home. You can still feel the sun emanating from you; you can almost smell its heat on your skin. Now, wonderfully horizontal with a book in your hand (VC Andrews, you can’t resist), all you have to do is wait for your boyfriend to make his way back to the apartment. Today’s was a day game against the Brewers. Donnie loves day games because they’re the only time your schedules actually match up–he can put in a full day’s work and make it home in time for dinner.

As if on cue, Donnie’s sunshine voice sounds from the entryway. “Honey, I’m home!” he calls; the two of you never really call each other “honey,” but it’s his habit. You never totally got it until you spent a weekend with his parents in the suburbs and realized that his dad does it every time he enters the house.

“In here,” you reply, lying the book face-down on your chest. When you got home, you immediately changed into comfortable denim shorts and one of Donnie’s old T-shirts. You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t mostly to get a reaction out of him–he melts when you wear his clothes.

You hear a telltale thud–Donnie’s dropped his work bag unceremoniously on the floor–and seconds later your boyfriend rounds the corner with that signature goofy grin plastered across his face. He crosses the room toward you, all long limbs, and lowers his body indiscriminately on top of yours. You laugh as he briefly crushes you beneath him, basking in the shared afterglow of the sun on both of your skin. After a moment, the spine of your book digging into his sternum, he raises himself up on one arm. “What’s this–My Sweet Audrina?” he asks, delicately lifting the book out of the way so as not to lose your place.

“Mm-hmm. It was my favorite when I was, like, thirteen,” you say, “you’d hate it.”

He hums in response, his focus shifting to your–his–T-shirt. It’s an old gray thing with “Loyola Track & Field” emblazoned across the front, a relic of his oldest sister’s college days. Donnie–slowly, gently–hooks one long finger beneath the collar, barely grazing your throat. “Are you trying to kill me?” he asks, his voice low, never losing that boyish smile. You shrug coyly and he gives a small, breathy laugh before dropping his lips to your neck, your jaw–and then he stops. In spite of yourself, you let out a quiet whine, and Donnie laughs again. “I have a proposal for you,” he says, “you ready?”

You sigh dramatically. “Okay. But you have to get off me, I can’t breathe.”

Now it’s Donnie’s turn to sigh, but he rolls off the couch, leaving you free to sit up. Once the two of you are comfortably situated–you cross-legged against the armrest, him facing you with one leg tucked underneath the other–he clears his throat as if to quiet a congregation. “Okay, so here’s the deal,” he says, “I love you more and more every single day.” He says this like it’s a known fact, like he’s telling you the sun rises in the East. You swallow the strangled noise that rises in your throat, having learned long ago not to question the depth of the man’s devotion. “And when I leave for a week or, god forbid, two weeks at a time, it blows,” he continues.

“Blows in a major way,” you agree sagely, trying hard not to smile–he’s taking this extremely seriously for someone who just used the word “blows” in civilized conversation.

“Right, exactly. And you come with me sometimes, and it’s great, but we barely see each other.” He looks at you expectantly then, like you should know where he’s going with this, but all you can do is nod. It’s true–you love accompanying him on work trips, but by the time he finishes photographing each game and makes his way back to your shared hotel room you’re often well on your way to a good night’s sleep. Seemingly satisfied, Donnie continues: “So I was thinking. You’re coming with me to Baltimore in a few weeks, so what if we took off a few days early and turned it into a road trip? I mean, a lot of it would just be Indiana, but still,” he pauses, almost nervous, before continuing. “It’s been a long time since I got to spend a whole forty-eight hours with my girl.”

This is not strictly true; it’s early enough in the season that the last time the two of you spent a whole weekend together couldn’t have been more than a month or two ago–which now, thinking about it, actually does seem like an unbearably long time. A smile slowly spreads across your face, and you see it mirrored in Donnie’s as you reply. “Okay,” you say, “sure. I’ll get the time off work.” You might have to squeeze some writing in here and there depending on your deadlines for the coming weeks, but you’re pretty sure you can make it work. It’ll be worth it just for the look on his face right now.

“Yeah?” Donnie asks, barely-restrained excitement evident in his smile lines.

“Yeah,” you reply. The word has barely crossed your lips, and he’s grabbed your ankle, tugging you gently to a prone position on the couch. For all of his speed and intensity, you’re always amazed at the delicacy with which he handles your body. In the blink of an eye, he’s on top of you again, suspended above you and kissing every inch of you that he can reach while you laugh beneath him.

—

Indiana is so, so much bigger than anyone gives it credit for. Or maybe it just feels that way when you’re driving through it–I mean honestly, does anyone live there or is the whole state just one big cornfield? You thought you’d died and gone to heaven when, at long last, you crossed the border out of that fine state.

You’re somewhere in the part of Kentucky that cradles Ohio, and things are beginning to look blessedly green again. You’re not sure exactly which town you’re passing through, but it’s adorable. The houses are adorned with big, beautiful front yards, rows and rows of flowers and vegetable gardens laid out neatly on the edges of perfectly manicured lawns. It’s a little Edward Scissorhands for your tastes, but you can appreciate the beauty of it for what it is.

There seems to be some kind of farmer’s market happening, if the signs tacked to the town’s fences and light posts are to be believed��RHUBARB FESTIVAL, they read, each charmingly hand-painted and decorated with red stems. You smile to yourself as you pass what must be ten of them in a row staked to flower beds along the main street. Your hometown had something similar in the summer, and it’s almost enough to make you nostalgic. Almost.

At a stoplight, you glance to your right to find Donnie looking contemplative. No, not contemplative–confused. Perplexed. Preoccupied. He’s been oddly silent since you entered the town, and you wonder for a moment if he knows something you don’t. Maybe you’re lost. You’ve been following the map pretty faithfully, you think, but Donnie’s always been better with directions. He has a weird sixth sense for these things, like growing up in the dystopian traffic hellscape of downtown Chicago has enabled him to navigate any route with ease.

“What’s up?” you ask as the light turns green. The car accelerates gently and you drive for a few moments before he finally replies.

“Who the hell is R. Hubarb?” Donnie asks.

“R. Hubarb?” you reply, confused.

“Yeah, R. Hubarb. The guy on all the signs? I wonder if he’s the mayor or something,” He gestures vaguely beyond the dashboard, where another RHUBARB FESTIVAL banner hangs brightly from a patio fence.

You glance over at him, schooling your face into neutrality with significant difficulty when you realize he’s being completely serious. “Baby,” you say–you break, unable to keep yourself from laughing– “do you mean rhubarb?”

“Rhubarb?” your boyfriend asks, rolling the word around on his tongue like it’s the first time he’s heard of such a thing. Then, all at once, it dawns on him. “Oh my god,” he says, “rhubarb. Like rhubarb pie. Oh my god, I’m such a dumbass.”

You really crack up now. Maybe it’s the heat, or the fact that you’ve spent so many hours in the car, but “R. Hubarb” might actually be the funniest thing you’ve ever heard in your life. Your laughter quickly becomes untenable, your eyes genuinely tearing up. Trying in vain to tame the fit with deep breaths, you throw on your right-hand turn signal and pull over into the first available parking space along the main street, where you proceed to rest your head against the steering wheel, gripping it like your life depends on it. Your cheeks hurt from smiling, and the laughter racks your whole body.

“Oh come on, it wasn’t that damn funny,” Donnie attempts, though you can hear in his voice that he’s laughing right along with you.

“R. Hubarb,” is all you can manage as you peel yourself off the steering wheel to look at him.

“Jesus, you’re actually crying,” he grins, brushing a thumb across your cheek.

You take a few more deep breaths (though not without lapsing into hysterical laughter once or twice) before you’re finally able to pull off the side of the road. You kiss him once before you do, smiling against his lips. “I love you so much it’s ridiculous,” you say.

“I’m just glad I can still entertain you,” Donnie murmurs good-naturedly before delicately pecking the tip of your nose.

—

The first game of the series ran late. The Orioles made the Cubs work for their win, and Donnie was likewise exhilarated. When you met in your hotel room, he kissed you in a haze and murmured “Dinner?”

In that moment, something devious occurred to you. “Sure,” you said, “you go ahead and get changed, I’ll run down to the lobby and grab us a table.”

Donnie either didn’t clock that this was unusual or he was too distracted with the Cubs’ continuing hot streak to care, which led you to this moment. A little conspiracy with the waiter, an extra $10 for the effort, and voila–it was the perfect setup.

You’ve been patient all throughout dinner, surreptitiously winking at the waiter when he cleared the last of your plates, and it’s truly taking everything in your power not to burst out in laughter right at this moment. It’ll be worth it, you tell yourself, this little prank you’ve concocted. You’ve literally never once successfully pulled one over on Donnie. He takes one look at you and just knows, but not this time. This time you have the upper hand.

Your absolute champ of a waiter makes quick work of your scenario. He sets the bill in the center of the table at the same moment that he slides a beautifully-plated piece of pie–triple berry because they didn’t have rhubarb, whatever–squarely in front of Donnie.

“Compliments of Mayor Ron Hubarb,” he mutters conspiratorially to your boyfriend, whose eyes blow wide as he trains them directly on your face.

Donnie’s fit of laughter is barely restrained as he thanks the waiter, his gaze never leaving yours. As soon as the man is gone, the two of you dissolve into the gauzy, champagne-light fog of delirium, laughing with abandon so that Donnie can barely manage the billfold in his hands as he shakily attempts to settle the bill on the table.

“I’m never living this down,” he says through a grin. It’s not a lament, just a statement of fact, and you shake your head in agreement.

“Not a chance,” you say through your own triumphant smile, “we’ll be eighty and living in a retirement home and I’ll be telling all the nurses about my friend R. Hubarb.”

[lazerswordweilder]

We stomped through mud, the air was humid and no amount of cooling technology in our armour was helping with the heat. Commander Tano was fanning herself with a leaf she’d picked up somewhere but seemed alright in comparison to General Skywalker -decked in black and navy blue Jedi robes- who didn’t look so hot, pun not intended.

He was flushed and his breathing sounded wrong. He kept pulling at the top of his Jedi robes and he wasn’t walking straight anymore.

Kix seemed to agree with me. “Sir, are you okay?

“Mmmm.” was not a comforting reply

“If you get heatstroke this is going to be so much harder for all of us.” Kix added, General Skywalker nodded

“Yeah, yeah.” he breathed “Do you know if this planet has water?” he asked

“The mission details said it had oceans and reefs safe for human swimming.” Dogma reported

“Cool, cool.” General Skywalker responded, nodding his head, “I’m going to find those.”

And the suddenly he was flying off

“I thought that was a dream!” Fives exclaimed, looking up and turning his whole body around to trace the Generals path through the sky

“He’s going to talk about it at some point.” Commander Tano told him

“He better.” Kix muttered,

“To be fair to him, it’s been a week, and we’ve spent three days of it planning for this planet and stuck on it.” I defended

“And yet we’re handling it this bad anyways.” Fives complained

“You’re the one who broke your-” it devolved into bickering from there, I wasn’t in the mood to listen as entertainment and trying to stop it was a headache waiting to happen.

After 15 or so minutes of walking, we got a comm from General Skywalker, comm coordinates about 5 clicks away, and the word water.

With renewed enthusiasm we marched across the orange desert, and soon we arrived at a lake, the water was cool and full of colourful fish that read of non-toxic on our scanners. General Skywalker was floating in the water, and assured us he’d already ate one and it hadn’t killed him, but Commander Tano quickly butted in to say that he’d walked off poisons.

Everyone took off the all our armour and the top halves and lower legs of our blacks -minus General Tano, who’d hid behind a tree and cut off some of the fabric then put her outfit back on, and wasn’t wearing her gloves or boots, and General Skywalker who’d just left on his pants and belt.

We all got forced into sunscreen from Kix, and jumped into the water. Some of us got out after an hour or so, setting up camp with our gear and what we could find around us.

At some point Kix had dubbed General Skywalker as okay, and he’d gotten around to repairing our comms and now everyone was properly relaxed and having fun, with nothing to do but entertain ourselves and wait for rescue.

Hardcase was in a competition with Dogma and Fives to catch the various fish swimming around, Echo was teaching Commander Tano firepath, Tup was brushing his hair in the water, talking with Jesse who was sunbathing. I was sitting in the shallows, next to General Skywalker who seemed half asleep, wings floating on top of the water, I was watching everyone to make sure no one was drowning.

Suddenly Hardcase and Fives started excitedly talking, based on Dogmas expression, it was in fact a bantha brained plan.

Hardcase ran over to us, splashing water over me and General Skywalker

“Hardcase?” I asked

“We need a slide!” Hardcase yelled

“Yeah! We’ll make one and slide down it!” Fives added “And the General’s such a great mechanic, surely he can make a little slide.”

“You don’t need to bait me, Fives.” General Skywalker chided, giving a glare that was ruined by the fact he was smiling.

19 - Master Post

[ask-postcrash-curly]

Hey curls. Things have been a little crazy around here lately. Maybe a bit of mundanity would cheer you up? Let me tell you about my day

So today it’s like, super hot, right? And I mean ridiculously hot, like. Severe weather alert type hot.

It’s 93° and humid as hell. Yeah, just as humid as hell from the Bible must be. And it’s 5pm! This isn’t even the hottest part of the day, and it’s still like an oven out there. Seriously. I step outside and think “this must be what pizza feels like”

Well. When pizza is being cooked.

…

Anyway. So, since my current house does not have AC (one thing I certainly won’t miss about this place when I move back home), I’ve been surviving by being outside of the house, in air conditioned buildings on campus!

I wandered around the campus store and student center for a while, then I went to the makers space and printed out some cookie cutters! Fun fact about me, I’m actually an expert watermelon carver. See, what i like to do is use them to cut watermelon. Like so:

So i printed these

And look! I found a Cookie Cat one!!

Anyway, I was gonna tell u more stuff but I got distracted and now it’s too dang hot. The heat is killing my motivation and will to live. Just kidding, only the first thing. Ugh

…

It is now 10 pm. It is 81°. I am back home. I am dying. Please remember me. How will I even get to sleep in this weather. I’m going to die. I hope the flowers at my funeral will be beautiful

Nah, I’m just being dramatic. I’m fine just uncomfortable. I can’t stand heat

How bout u?I know you’re more of a winter guy, but did u dislike summer/heat or just not like it as much as winter?

Heya! Wouldn't mind it.

Gah. Weather's ridiculous sometimes.

Can guarantee you being cooked is much worse. ...Sorry. Not so funny, that one. Forget I said it, yeah?

...

No air? Fuck's sake, you must be a mess. Glad you've found a workaround, jeez.

Hey, wow, look at that! You've got little stars, hearts— Are those Pokémon? Aww, wait, these're adorable!!

Ah, that's understandable. Heat completely killed my will to live for a while there. (There! That was funny. To me, anyways.)

Above eighty after ten is bullshit. I'm so sorry. Of course, Possums, I'll tell your story. She was often found in the form of a small marsupial...

You're going to be bloody embarrassed when the time delay catches up and you hear me talking about burning alive. Of course I don't like heat. Got a a fucking grudge against heat by now. ...Kidding, kidding. I'm definitely into winter more, yeah, but summer isn't all bad either. It's got it's ups for sure. ...Though a lot of them aren't going to be for me anymore, I'll admit. Shame.