#and they sold small ones for five dollars so I had to get these

[erics-meep-morps]

Happy Valentines Day! Have a Lapidot kiss.

[probablyintensemuses]

Dating Armando Aretas Would Include:

Grumpy x Sunshine Edition

🎧- Enchanted: Taylor Swift

pairing: Armando Aretas x black fem! reader

themes: grumpy x sunshine w/drabble

warnings: mentions of trauma & abuse, strong language, and a bit of gore.

authors note: I saw Bad Boys 4 again last night and it’s really refueled my Armando obsession, so more headcannons, drabbles, and fics on the way.

✨First Encounters✨

You and Armando meet in the worst of circumstances.

He, his father, and Marcus were on the run as wanted men, and you were the first person Mike thought to turn to after the attack at Tabatha’s.

Which he wasn’t wrong, you’d give your left kidney to Mike he’s saved you so many times.

You had let them into your small apartment, offering them clothes, food, and shelter until they could get in touch with the rest of the Ammo team and sort this shit out.

Armando had taken an interest to you then. Your house was warm and cozy, lived in. A small, plush couch, next to a coffee table littered with medical books. A kitchen stacked with teas and espressos , a dresser with vintage vinyls and a record player beside it. This was the kind of house he’d like to live in if he lead a different life.

You remember walking over to him, a picture of your parents and you when you were young in his hands.

“Those are my parents,’ you say. “I was ten then.”

Armando’s gruff exterior takes over though, and he doesn’t give you as much as a word back, let alone a thank you for feeding and housing literal fugitives.

You figured it was just him though and let it roll off you back like water.

You all got some sleep and the next day Mike asks you to drive them out to Dorn’s house on the dock. You agree and begin to load up the truck with guns, water, food, and extra clothes for the drive.

This is when Armando starts to question who you are and the legitimacy of your actions. Last person Mike trusted fucked them over, and he wasn’t having that shit again.

So he pulls his father aside and confronts him on the situation: you.

“How can we trust her?” Armando says, not far out of earshot of you.

“She’s good for it, trust me.”

“Didn’t you say that the last time and we got sold out. Don’t forget there is fucking five million dollar bounty on our heads. We can’t trust no one!” He whisper-shouted.

Mikes shoulders dropped. “I saved her life when she was younger, and I used to work with her parents. Trust me, she’s not going to pull a fast one. Because if she was, she would have done it already.”

Armando looked over at you, you’re dressed in a tank top, and that’s when he notices the cuts and burns littering your left arm. He sucks in a deep breath eyeing Mike who looks at you with sympathy too. There’s a story there, he’ll piece it together later, but for now he guesses you’re his only hope of getting out alive.

✨Post-fallout ✨

After you didn’t screw them over, and got them safety to Dorn’s, Armando found himself limping towards your apartment, blood trailing behind his feet.

Mike had sent him, and for some reason, at that moment, your place felt like exactly what he needed.

With the last of his energy, he banged on your door. Shortly, you answered and immediately went into panic mode.

The moment you let him inside, Armando crashes to the floor, passing out.

You screech and get every first aide equipment you have on hand and begin to bandage him up and stop the bleeding.

It took two bloody, sweaty hours, but you eventually got him all closed up.

Armando woke the next morning in a bed he didn’t recognize. This sent him into a frenzy. He went to shoot up out of the bed, but the soreness of his injuries knocked him back down.

“Fuck,” he moaned, grabbing at his torso.

From the living room, you turn down your headphones at the sound of movement. Armando must be awake.

Two days of rest, not bad.

You move towards the microwave and reheat the breakfast you had made him, pour some orange juice, and bring a whole heck of a lot of water and pain-pills.

Tray in hand, you kick open the door and slip inside your bedroom.

“Good morning.” You smile, setting the tray on the bed by his side. “How do you feel?”

“What the fuck did you put in this.” Armando asks, eyeing the food.

“Eggs, bacon, and toast.” You snicker.

Armando lifts a piece of toast, taking a bite. “If I die from this, I’ll kill you.”

“Noted, Sarg.” You salute.

You watch Armando eat his food with a smile on your face.

Eventually he looks up at you scowling. “Why are you staring at me.”

You shrug. “I’m just happy you’re okay.” You say truthfully.

“Well,’ Armando takes a swig of water, downing the pills. “Go be happy somewhere else.”

Your shoulders drop and you let out a sigh, you knew Armando was tough, but geez, you practically saved his life. Would it kill him to be a little nice?

But still you smile when you say, “okay, well if you need me, I’ll be out in the living room studying. Feel free to roam around, I don’t mind.”

It was a couple hours before Armando had come out of your room, limping over to the kitchen and rummaging through your fridge.

“I’m making dinner right now,’ you say, pausing your television show. “It’s a roast with veggies.”

“I want a beer.” He grumbles.

“Well I don’t have beer, but I do have wine.” You say, pointing to you collection of reds and whites.

“ I don’t want wine.”

“Okay, so what do you want me to do?”

Armando comes over to you, cornering you into the tiny space between your sink and the counter. “Get me a beer.”

“Let’s start over,’ you stick out your hand for a shake. “I think we’re at a misunderstanding of our situation.”

Armando frowns at your response, grumbling Spanish curses under his breath and walking away, slamming your door like a toddler.

The roast was done, and eventually you got Armando to come and have dinner with you…kind of.

He sat on the couch and watched the news, for updates on the status for his search, and you sat at the table, contemplating what to do with him next.

✨Enemies, Friends, Roomates✨

Mike had told you harboring Armando would only be for a short while until he could figure something out with the D.A’s office….that was three months ago.

Eventually you got your bed back, Armando taking the couch, but not your sanity.

Living with Armando wasn’t easy. He was brash, stand-offish, stubborn, and mean.

You did everything to try and form some kind of bond with him, even buying him gym equipment offline, but it just never clicked for him.

Not until one night when you’re studying late for an exam and happen to fall asleep at the kitchen table, books all around you.

That’s when you fall into a nightmare. The man who ruined your life the star of the show, again.

It always starts the same. You and your parents living happily at the park. Your parents watch you as you swing higher and higher, giggles filling the air. Then a man appears at the edge of the park, beckoning your parents over. You scream and shout for them but they never turn back, they keep going to the man. And when he has your parents in his grip, he brandishes a knife, slicing them open.

You let out a blood curling scream, slamming awake and falling to the group. Sweat sticks your curls to your face as you cry and gasp for breath.

Armando’s up in a second, swarming you.

“Estás bien?’ He pats you down, checking you out. “What’s happened to you?”

You can’t do anything but cry. The man who’s ruined your life, he’ll never leave you…he made sure of that in many ways. His latching to you is so deep that you can’t even escape him when you sleep.

You finally are able to get some words out, tell Armando, “I had a nightmare. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,’ he helps you stand. “Maybe you should get some sleep in your bed.”

You’re shocked by his response, but you’re even more shocked by the way he helps you to your room.

“What are you doing?” You asks, confused.

“You just flew out your chair from a nightmare, what do you mean what am I doing? I’m helping you.”

“Yeah, I get that…but you never help me.”

Armando sighs, holding his hands at his hips. “You gonna tell me what it was about, or should I leave.”

You sigh. “When I was younger, my parents worked for the Miami Police Department. They were detectives and before I was born they ended up helping catch this serial killer. His name was Gunter Bennett but the media called him “The Gutter” because that’s how he killed. Years later, somehow he escaped prison. That’s when he came for my parents. He killed them in the middle of the night.’ You take an uneasy breath, finding birth relief and shock when Armando’s hand slips into yours. “And I was sure he was going to kill me too, but he didn’t…he did worse. He kidnapped me and kept me at some shithole for three years. Three.”

You rile up your sleeves and show all your burns and cuts. Armando remembers them from the first day he met you.

“It’s how I got these. That sadistic bastard,’ you cry. “He tortured me.”

Armando feels something in him snap hearing your story and seeing the ways it’s effected you, even now. He knows what it’s like to be harmed and loose the people closest to you.

So he shocks even himself with what does next, scooping you up like a wounded bird and nuzzling under the blankets with you.

You whimper and sniffle in his arms and he just hushes you, stroking your curls.

“It’s going to be alright, niña bonita, he’s gone now.”

Slowly, the exhaustion of work, school, and your tears overcome you and you both drift off to sleep in each other’s arms.

✨My Lover✨

Armando was jealous.

You two had just spent the day out shopping, laughing and talking. Hell, you two live together! And yet you’re grinding on another man at the bar?!

The glass in Armando’s hand shakes and chips as he squeezes it further.

“Relax, muscle milk. You’ll break the glass.” Marcus says.

Armando scowls at him.

“I’m just saying, if you love her, tell her.” Marcus shrugs, walking away.

Armando scoffs. Love? Yeah right.

Did he feel close to you, yes.

Want to spend every breathing moment with you, yes.

Touch himself in the shower thinking about you, yes .

Oh fuck…he did love you.

Fuck! He loved you and you’re grinding another man!

Armando pushed out of his chair, it clattering to the ground in his wake.

He stalked over to you, grabbing your wrist and putting room between you and the man you danced on.

“ ‘Mando, what are you doing?” You stumble, clearly drunk.

“Let’s go.” He grabs you, chest heaving.

“Hey, wait!” You swat at him as he drags you through the bar and out the exit. “Why would you do that?” You whine.

“Because you’re drunk.” He rolls his eyes, slinging his leather jacket over your naked shoulders.

“I’m not!’ You whine, stumbling, luckily Armando catches you with ease. “I am.”

“You are. Let’s go.” He says, slinging you and carrying you bridal shower.

“Ah,’ you say, wrapping your arms around Armando’s neck and snuggling into him. “My knight in shining armor always takes such good care of me.’ You lean over, smacking his butt with a giggle.

“Shut up.” Armando says, resisting the urge to crack a smile.

Home, Armando tucks you into bed. He’s just about to walk away when you snatch his wrist, pulling him on top of you.

“Let’s play a game,” you whisper.

Armando rolls his eyes. “What kind of game?”

“Truth for truth. I tell you a truth and you do the same. “I’ll start.” You giggle.

“Tonight went exactly how I planned.”

Armando pulls back. “What do you mean by that?”

You shake your head and pout. “Uh uh. You’re turn.”

Armando sighs. “I don’t actually find you that annoying…anymore.”

“Ah, I knew it!” You laugh.

“Knew what?”

“Game over.’ You slump and snore, pretending to sleep.

“Stop it, you knew what?” Armando lifts you.

You bop his nose. “I knew that you loved me.”

Armando’s eyes get big. “What?”

“Me and kelly paid that guy to dance with me. We knew you’d get mad and that was all the proof I needed.”

“You’re a dick.” He starts to walk away, but you grab him by his belt loop.

“Okay, I’m sorry.” You pull him back. “But you don’t have to be shy.” You hiccup.

Armando grumbles, nuzzling his face into your stomach. “And why’s that?”

You lift his head, angling it to face you. “Because I love you too.” You lean forward, placing a firm kiss onto his plump lips.

Armando reciprocates, opening his mouth turning the kiss fierce and hot. He climbs on top of you, mumbling against your lips. “And I thought you were supposed to be the nice one.”

You giggle. “Feels good to be bad for a change.”

[anton-luvr]

can you do childhood enemies to lovers with sungchan please 🤞 i love ur writing!!

# MR. CONSIDERATE.

𖦹 childhood enemy!sungchan x fem!reader | fluff | ce2l au 𖦹 note ; tysm for requesting anon!! i had so much fun writing this i love sungchan </3 thank u for waiting and i hope u like it!

Sungchan's yawn changes into a frown when he notices the pair of unfamiliar shoes by the door.

His aunt never mentioned about having guests over.

Thinking he had to endure another awkward social interaction, Sungchan sighs as he takes off his own shoes.

Don't get him wrong, he loves his aunt to bits.

But oftentimes, the friends she had over would nag him till his ears were ringing, endless questions about his college and non-existent dating life thrown his way.

So when he steps into the hallway to see that it's only a girl about his age with his sister in the living room, he's instantly relieved.

Until he notices his aunt is nowhere in sight.

"Somin," he calls out suspiciously, making his way over to the living room. "I'm home!"

The little girl squeals in delight, and she rushes over to hug Sungchan tightly. "'Chan, meet my new friend!" she says excitedly, pointing at you.

The smile on Sungchan's face freezes.

When he last saw you more than ten years ago, he had celebrated the fact that he would never have to see you again, but here you were: standing in his aunt's living room and staring right back at him.

Memories rush through his mind like a rollercoaster: childish fights over ice-cream, competitive glares exchanged when the teacher gave back your grades, and the promise he made to himself to hate you forever.

"S-Sungchan?" you sputtered, snapping him out of his thoughts. "What are you doing here?"

And just like he used to, Sungchan gets defensive. "What are you doing here? This is my aunt's house." he asks back, tone sharp and bringing an edge of hostility.

"She's the new babysitter!" Somin replies, unaware of the situation. "Her name is Y/N, isn't she nice?"

"Y/N, this is my brother! His name is Sungchan." Somin continues, grinning brightly at you.

You bite on your tongue to hold back from snapping back at Sungchan, feigning a surprised expression in response to Somin's introduction.

"Okay, bye! I need to go watch TV now." she sings, dashing off.

A heavy silence settles between the both of you as she leaves you alone, and Sungchan fakes a cough to break it.

"Sorry about that." he muttered.

"Oh, it's fine." you lie, shifting uncomfortably on your feet.

Sungchan shakes his head strongly at this, making his way into the kitchen.

"No, it's not. It's our first time meeting after forever, and this is how I treat you." he sighs. "Here, let me get you something to drink."

Not saying another word, you simply follow him into the small but cozy kitchen.

You watch as he pulls out two cans of soda from the fridge, and a small smile rests on your lips when you recognize the brand.

"I didn't know they still sold these sodas." you said, sliding into a seat by the kitchen counter.

They had been the most popular ones when you were a kid, and you would save your allowance to buy them during the scorching summers.

Sungchan makes a huffing noise as he places them on the counter, sliding one towards you. "You won't believe how expensive they are now." he complains. "It's almost five dollars a can!"

Hearing him complain like a grumpy middle-aged man, you couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny?" he asks, confused as he takes a sip from his can.

"You sound like an old man." you giggle, pretending to dodge when Sungchan picks up his soda as if to throw it at you.

The silence from earlier returns as your laughter dies down, and you wrack your brain to think of something to say.

Thankfully, Sungchan beats you to it.

"So... how's life? How have you been?" he asks.

Shrugging, you take a sip. "Not much. I'm on summer break from college, so I thought I'd earn some money at it while resting."

Sungchan hums, leaning back on his chair.

"And my aunt hired you to babysit my sister? Yikes." he mumbles jokingly.

You scoff, rolling your eyes. "I see that you're still the same, huh?" you retort.

As if you had accused him of a great crime, Sungchan gasps and dramatically clutches at his chest. "Hey, if this was us back then, we'd already be fighting and screaming at each other on the floor!"

The fact that it's happened before makes you chuckle, shaking your head.

It was crazy to think about how you used to hate him with all your guts, but here you were, having a conversation with him in his aunt's kitchen.

And as if on cue, you hear the front door rattle open and the loud chatter of ladies fill up the house.

"Oh God," Sungchan groans, mortified as he buries his face in his hands. "My aunt brought her friends over again."

You didn't understand his reaction till they swarmed over, chatting away like a coop of chickens.

"Oh wow, who's this gorgeous lady?" one of the ladies asked, waving enthusiastically at you.

"Is this your girlfriend? You never told us you had one!" another lady teases, whacking Sungchan on the shoulder.

He chokes on his soda, shaking his head frantically. "W-We're just friends! She was taking care of Somin, that's all!"

"Hmm, and maybe she can take care of you too!" one of them adds in, smirking at Sungchan.

"Someone's turning red!" Sungchan's aunt notices, laughing along.

Sure enough, his face was the color of a strawberry. Embarrassed, he stands up quickly, pulling you up with him by the hand.

"Okay, it's getting late, I have to take her home." he rambles, tugging you after him as he squeezes his way to the door.

"You do?" you echo, following him in surprise.

"Aw, our Sungchan is all grown up! He's bringing a girl home, how sweet!" one of the lady coos, and Sungchan's eye twitches.

"Bye!" he shouts, slamming the door shut behind the both of you.

All noise fades the moment he does, and the peace of the night wraps around you like a hug.

"Sorry about that. My aunt's friends are... something." Sungchan mumbles, annoyed.

"It's fine." you say. You were sure you had at least five aunts from your family who were the same, if not worse.

"Wait, but are you actually going to take me home?" you asked, raising an eyebrow at the brown haired boy.

Eyes widening, Sungchan plants his hands on his hips. "Of course I am! What kinda douchebag do you think I am to let you go home alone in the dark?" he scoffs, seemingly offended.

Shrugging, you laugh as you walk away. "Well, let's go then, Mr. Considerate."

He catches up to you with a "Hey, wait for me!", your footsteps falling together in a rhythm as you make your way home.

"Anyways, how about you? How's life?" you ask.

Sungchan hums at this, kicking a random rock on the sidewalk. "It's good. I'm finishing up my degree in engineering, then I'll probably start working."

"Oh, cool!" you say softly. "I would never have guessed you wanted to be an engineer." you laugh. "You were so obsessed with being a fireman back then."

Your words unlock another memory for Sungchan, and he smiles to himself.

Silence falls between the both of you again, but it felt more comfortable this time.

And as you continue walking together, Sungchan can't help but look at you from the corner of his eye, the old hatred softening away into unfamiliar adoration.

And he realized his aunt's friends were right. You really were gorgeous.

Your eyes still had the mischievous glint he used to hate, your cheeks a soft pink from the cool autumn breeze, while the orange street lamps overhead cast a soft glow on you - almost like an angel.

His face burns in realisation when he catches himself admiring you, and Sungchan's about to slap himself when you stop in your tracks.

"Alright, this is it. Thanks for walking me back." you smile, pointing at the apartment complex you stayed at.

Sungchan smiles back, shoving his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. "No problem," he says. "It was nice seeing you again."

You nod, waving as you walk up to the entrance.

"Goodnight!" you call, pulling out your access card.

But the beep of verification has barely gone through when it's cut off by Sungchan, shouting.

"Y/N, wait!" he calls.

"Do you want to go get a coffee or something tomorrow? J-Just to catch up." he stutters, eyes shining with what seems to be nervous anticipation.

"Sure," you say immediately, surprising yourself. "Text me the details?"

"I don't have your number though." Sungchan says, smiling sheepishly.

You face palm yourself, dumbfounded. "Sorry," you laugh awkwardly, taking his phone from his outstretched hand.

He watches in amusement as you type in your number, failing at least twice because you kept pressing the wrong number keys.

God, you were so cute.

"Still struggling with numbers?" Sungchan teases when you pass his phone back to him, and you slap his arm. "I passed math in high school, get it right." you scold lightly.

He grins, slipping his phone into his pocket. "Well, you can tell me all about it tomorrow," he says casually.

His words make your cheeks warm up, and you nod.

"Bye!" you call out, stepping into the lift.

Sungchan waves back as the lift doors close, and he can't help but smile like an idiot.

It seems like he wasn't going to hate you forever after all.

© anton-luvr, 2023.

[ashwhowrites]

Eddie going to a Halloween party for dealing, and then seeing a girl that's dressed like an angel (he's dressed like a demon) and then the girl (Reader) approaching to him, and she buys some weed from him and starts to tell him that they look like they're using couple costumes, and after, when a lot of people are wasted, Eddie decides it's time to go home, and Reader sees him going out of the party and she follows him, and she tells him that she wants to go out like in a date with him and he accepts, so they go to lovers lake and start talking and they end up kissing and swimming at the lake, after that night they continue seeing each other until Eddie asks reader out, and she says yes

Happy October!

I hope this is what you were looking for and that you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting <3

Halloween was a huge money maker for Eddie. People in disguise, can hide their identity when they buy from him. He almost gets double the amount of people.

He dressed himself as a demon, he felt like it was fitting while he sold the devil's grass to a bunch of snobby rich kids.

Eddie didn't pay much attention to the people he sold to, he didn't care. But his eyes kept finding this one girl, dressed in all white with a halo on her head. Eddie found her costume adorable, and the way it fit perfectly with his. She kept looking at him, moving closer but then ran off. No matter where she hid, he found her.

As he prepared to close up his small shop, she made her way to the table and sat down. She was more beautiful up close. The angel wings truly fit her angelic face.

"Are you still open? I kept trying to get the nerve to walk over." She said, laughing at herself from being so scared.

"I am, angel. What are you looking for?" He asked, he didn't want to embarrass her for being shy, easily moving past the topic.

"Cheapest but still good." She said, handing over the amount of cash she had available. Her eyes looked over his costume.

"Well considering you are dressed as my other half, I'll cut you a deal. For my angel." He flirted, handing over a bag of weed and only taking a five-dollar bill from her stack of cash.

"I guess we kinda match. Like we are in a couples costume" She joked, sliding the bag into her small purse and collecting the rest of her cash.

Eddie laughed with her and finished packing up. Gathering his things and heading out.

"Wait, are you leaving?" She asked, standing up.

"Yeah, I usually head out once people are too wasted to count their money," Eddie said.

"This might sound crazy. But I've been trying to get the nerve to talk to you all night. And I'd hate to only have five minutes with you." She admitted. She cursed herself for taking too long. She got the nerve and he had to leave.

Eddie was taken back from her interest. It wasn't common for sober girls to make a move with him.

"I'm Eddie, and you are?" He asked, throwing out his hand as she shook it.

"Y/N, I've seen you around school and this is very forward. But would you maybe want to leave and do something together?"

Eddie smirked at the nerves in her voice.

"Let's go." She followed behind him, getting into his van and trusting him. Was she dumb for that? She knew that people believed he was trouble and a freak. But she saw him with his friends, and he didn't look like he could hurt a fly.

She listened to his music as he drove up to Lovers Lake, she tried to shake out the nerves. She knew she was safe, all the bad things that were said about Eddie were rumors. If he truly was dangerous, people wouldn't use him for deals.

She took his hand and walked down the hill. He laid down a blanket he had in his van and helped her sit. He dug out a joint, held it between his lips, and lit it. She watched intensely as he inhaled, he passed it over to her. Her fingers glazed his softly as she took the joint. She inhaled it in her lungs, holding it as she passed it back. She exhaled as he took another puff. Her eyes were glued to the way his pink lips wrapped around the small paper.

"Why are you interested in being with the freak on Halloween anyway?" He asked, the smoke leaving his lips as he spoke.

"I don't think you're a freak," she said, her eyes soft as she took another hit. "I'm decent friends with Steve, and he's friends with Dustin. And Dustin only has amazing things to say about you. I've had a small crush on you for a while. Halloween is all about being scared, right? So I decided to scare the shit out of myself and ask you out." She confessed, handing him back the joint.

Eddie soaked in her words with a small smile. He wished he noticed her around school more because he felt like he missed out.

"I'm glad you did," Eddie admitted. He wasn't the type to run off with any girl, especially one at a popular party. But his gut told him to do it.

"Want to do something dumb?" She asked, standing up. Eddie watched as she slipped out of her costume, tossing her halo to the side and taking off her shoes.

"Um?" Eddie tried to say something but his eyes were captivated by her. He was confused about what she wanted to do until she ran straight into the water.

"Come on!" She said from the water, she splashed around and waved him over. She watched as he stood up. He laughed and shook his head.

He took off his costume and ran in. The cold water splashed against his legs. She cheered as he swam up to her, his arms wrapped around her when she began to shiver.

"You're already freezing!" Eddie pointed out, bringing her closer as he tried to warm her up.

"Yeah, but this will be a great first date memory." She said, smiling as she looked up at him.

"Indeed it is. I also think our first kiss story would beat everyone else." Eddie said, leaning in as he smashed his lips on hers. She smiled against his lips and kissed him back.

After a moment they pulled away, looking at each other as the moonlight settled on their skin.

After that night, they went on many more dates. He couldn't get her out of his mind and she was stuck on him. She never thought she'd find herself falling for the demon but hell, he was cute. It didn't take long for him to ask her out and for them to be official.

And for the next Halloween, their couple's costume was already planned.

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergentreblogs @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37

[p0orbaby]

How about Wanda and Reader having a bet going on about what Tommy and Billy's first words will be. What they say instead is something completely unexpected 🤭

Bets

warnings: some suggestive stuff (inevitable at this point tbf)

a/n: apparently I’m in my horny era. Also i veered with request slightly, hope you don’t mind!

word count: 1.2k

-

“Twenty dollars?”

“No, Y/N”

“How about ten?”

Wanda stopped her task of folding clean laundry to look up at you pointedly, raising a perfectly sculpted brow at your persistence.

“And what makes you so confident you’ll win anyway?”

“I’ve dabbled”, you stated confidently. Bringing your hands up behind your head and getting comfortable against the bed cushions.

“Blackjack at Bucky’s birthday party doesn’t mean you’ve dabbled”

“Five dollars and a back massage?”

“I’m not betting on our kids”

“Sounds like something a loser would say”. Your wife narrowed her eyes. Took a deep breath in through her nose, and out again. Pursed her lips so they formed a straight line. All signs she was giving in and you found it hard to hide how smug you were about the whole thing. “Five dollars, a back massage and I’ll even throw in and all inclusive, child free evening, complete with a one, ish, star home cooked meal, all courtesy of Casa De Maximoff”

Sold.

Enough anyway. The tilt of her head told you she was just about willing to play along.

“I told you, I’ve dabbled,” you insisted. “And we’ve got a babysitting token to cash in. Natasha made the grave mistake of offering to look after the gremlins before their hands are full”

She nodded. That made sense.

“And what do you get out of this? You want me to cook if I lose?”

“Not exactly”

“Then what? If it’s five dollars you want, I’ll grab my purse right now and it’s yours”

“I want you to wear that lingerie set I got you for your birthday. The pretty pink one. And without the kids here, you’ll be able to wear it. All. Day. Long”

She started folding laundry again. Face turned down, more than likely to hide the blush that has crept onto her cheeks. “I’m only agreeing to this because it’ll be nice for them to spend time with their godparents”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, my darling wife”

-

You woke up alone the following morning.

The rain pattering on the windows roused you gently from your sleep. Unusual as a parent. Easy mornings and late starts usually meant the kids had gotten up to no good. Toddlers and quiet was an unsettling combination. However, the lack of your wife’s presence hopefully meant all was well.

Deciding to take your time and revel in the small amount of stillness you’d been gifted, you moved languidly through your morning routine. Stretching as you rolled out of bed. Discarding your clothes as you walked towards the bathroom. Letting your muscles loosen under the steaming water of the shower.

Washed, dressed and refreshed, you found your wife standing at the kitchen island cutting fruit as the boys sat in their highchairs, laughing at how the other was smacking their tray with their chubby hands.

“Boys, can you say hello to mommy? Can you say mommy?”

Your children stopped and looked at Wanda. Perplexed at her speaking to them. Smiling at the sound of her voice. They swiveled their heads when she pointed a finger in your direction. Showing you their gums when you stroked stray hairs away from their faces.

“Stealing them away to get a head start I see” you whispered before placing a quick kiss against your wife’s lips.

“If letting you sleep in and feeding your children is getting a head start, then you must be less confident than I thought”

“Ohh, playing the big leagues are we? Fine, I’ll bite” you said, lips ghosting hers again. Your breath tickling her skin before you pulled away.

“Alright crotch gremlins, let’s make a deal” you started, crouching down and rummaging through a cupboard to find what you were looking for. “If you say mama, you get one of these”

You shook a box in their direction. A box full of their favourite biscuit snacks. Their eyes lit up.

“You can’t bribe them! That’s cheating”

“Who said? Miss Quality Time getting scared?”

“You’re relentless, you know that right?” Wanda said. She was joking, her smirk told you so. But it still gave you an excuse to fire one back.

“You weren’t saying that last night when I-“

“Nope, nope, not here. Jesus you creep, the twins are right there”

“Yeah well, that’s what I thought. You’re weak! Isn’t she boys? Weak in the knees from last night!”

“Y/N!” Her squeal of your name was accompanied by a slap to your shoulder and a high pitch cackle from the children in front of you. They were enjoying the show.

“Mama or mommy boyos? Fun treats, or whatever boring fruit your mother has forced you to eat this time?”

Silence. Nothing.

“See? Bribery won’t work on them. I’ve taught them well”

As you turned to give Wanda a small slap to her ass, you heard it. It was quiet, almost a whisper, but it was there.

You spun on your heels, “what was that? Did one of you say something huh?”

Wide eyes looked up at you, then Tommy spoke in between chewing a strawberry.

“Weak”

Oh my god.

“Did he just say what I think he said?” Wanda whispered next to you. Shock lacing her words.

“Can you say that again bud?” You coaxed.

“Weak” he said again as if it was nothing, and you could’ve dropped to the floor right then and there. Your wife had the opposite idea and ran around the island to pepper kisses across his sugary cheeks.

“Tommy! You said your first word! My clever boy” your wife cooed. Picking him out of his high chair, spinning slowly around the kitchen in her arms.

You started laughing. Like really laughing. Billy was wide eyed with confusion, Wanda was prancing around with a toddler in her arms and tears in her eyes.

“What’s so funny? He just said his first word!” She exclaimed.

Between breaths, “of course his, his first word was an… an insult” you said proudly, sucking in air. “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I see”

“A word is a word, I don’t care” she replied, beaming at you then your children. “At least it wasn’t a curse. Which I was half expecting with how often you swear around them”

“You do know what this means though?” You question. “Looks like we both lose”

There was a small moment Wanda took in what you had just said. The smile on her face faltering slightly.

“Don’t look so hard pressed, you get a cooked meal and a night of heavy petting. Child free might I add”

With a grimace she responds, “you mean a terrible dinner and a night without my boys”

“Well that's extremely rude, baby”

“Is it now? Well what are you gonna do about it?” She asked, picking up the phone presumably to see if Natasha and Bucky have a free evening.

“Oh you wait and see, Wands. But whatever I come up with, you'll be glad the boys won’t be around to copy what’s gonna be spewing out your pretty mouth later”

And even with the glare she gave you as the receiver rang muffled through the phone, the glint in her eyes told you everything you needed to know.

Bets won or lost, you both would be cashing out tonight.

[matttgirlies]

Matt & Me🎀

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

a story heavily based on Priscilla Presley’s Book “Elvis & Me” based in the 1950’s - 1970’s.

fem! reader x singer! matt

disclaimer!! - in no way am i saying matt would ever support or do these kind of things, for the sake of the book certain unethical things do happen at times.

warnings - none i dont think

y/nn = your nickname for anyone confused🩷

Chapter 4

It was already Christmas 1959, and I had no idea what to get Matt. I walked through the crowded streets of Wiesbaden, windowshopping, trying to get ideas. Picking out gifts for the family had always been easy, since we always knew exactly what was wanted or needed; in fact, we often made our gifts for one another. On this occasion my father gave me thirty-five dollars to spend on Matt, and it seemed a vast amount to me when I set out on this freezing cold day. I was slapped with the reality when I noticed a beautiful hand-made cigar box with porcelain outlining and a decorative design. Matt, a cigar smoker, would have loved it. But after the shopkeeper told me the price, 650 Deutsche marks or $155, all I walked out with was my expensive taste.

It was snowing heavily and I hurried into another shop, this one full of bright toys, including a solidly built toy German train that I could imagine Matt instantly setting up in his living room. But the train cost 2,000 Deutsche marks.

Heading home in the dark, on the verge of tears, I spotted a music store, where a pair of bongo drums inlaid with gleaming brass were displayed in the window. They were forty dollars, but the clerk took mercy on me and sold them for thirty-five. As I headed home I was beset by a thousand doubts, convinced that the drums were the least romantic of gifts.

I must have asked Nate Doe and David Jones twenty times if they thought the drums were appropriate. “Oh sure,” Nate said. “Anything you give him, he’ll like.” I still wasn’t convinced.

On the night we exchanged gifts, Matt emerged from his dad’s room and drew me to one corner of the living room, where he handed me a small wrapped box, in it, a delicate gold watch with a diamond set on the lid and a ring with a pearl bracketed by two diamonds.

I had never owned anything so beautiful, nor had any smile ever warmed me as Matt’s did then. “I’ll cherish these forever,” I told him, and he made me put them on right away and took me around to show everyone.

I waited as long as possible to give Matt my present. Laughing, he said, “Bongos! Just what I always wanted!” Matt could see that I didn’t believe him; he was better at giving than receiving. “Charlie,” he persisted, “didn’t I need some bongos?”

Motioning for me to sit next to him at the piano, he started playing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” with such emotion that I couldn’t look up for fear he’d see I was crying. When at last I couldn’t resist meeting his eyes, I saw that he too was holding back tears.

It was not until many days later that I discovered a whole closet full of bongo drums, mine not included, in the basement. The fact that my white elephants had not been throw into the closet but instead were prominently displayed beside his guitar made me love him all the more.

As the days passed I began to dread the day of Matt’s departure. By January he was already packing, and each night I spent with him became more precious than the one before.

Then, just as the weather turned freezing cold, Matt was sent out on field maneuvers for ten days, and if there was anything Matt hated, it was having to sleep outside on the frozen ground.

The morning after he left, it began to snow and by afternoon it was a blizzard. As Michelle and I were driving home from school with my mother, I turned on the radio, just in time to hear a late-breaking news bulletin.

“Sorry to interrupt, folks, but it was just reported that Corporal Matt Sturniolo has been rushed from field maneuvers to a hospital in Frankfurt, suffering from an acute attack of tonsillitis. Matt, if you’re listening, we all hope you get well real soon.”

Frantic with worry, I called the hospital, hoping to learn more about his condition. To my surprise, when the operator heard my name she put me right through, saying Corporal Sturniolo had left word to do so if I called.

“I’m a sick man, Little One,” Matt rasped. “I need you by my side. If it’s okay with your folks, I’ll send David for you right now.”

Of course my parents gave me permission to go to the hospital, and an hour later I entered his room, just as the nurse was leaving. Matt was propped up in bed with a thermometer in his mouth, surrounded by dozens of floral arrangements.

The moment the nurse was gone, Matt took the thermometer out of his mouth, lit a match, and carefully held it under the thermometer. Then he stuck the thermometer back in his mouth and slumped down on the bed just as the door opened and the nurse returned, carrying in even more flowers.

Smiling warmly to her famous patient, she took the thermometer out of Matt’s mouth, looked at it, and gasped, “A hundred and three. Why, Matt, you’re really sick. I’m afraid you’ll have to stay here at least a week.”

Matt nodded mutely as the nurse fluffed up his pillows, filled his water glass, and left the room. Then he burst out laughing, jumped out of bed, and took me in his arms.

He despised maneuvers, and since the weather was so bad and everyone was so worried about his voice, his answer was tonsillitis. Already susceptible to catching colds, Matt learned to dramatize his sickness with a little flick of a match.

It was March 1, 1960, the night before Matt was to leave Germany to return to the States.

We were lying on his bed, our arms around each other. I was in a state of complete despair.

“Oh, Matt,” I said, “I just wish there were some way you could take me with you. I can’t stand the thought of life without you. I love you so much.”

I began sobbing, my anguish overcoming my control.

“Shhh, Baby,” Matt whispered. “Try to calm down. There’s nothing we can do.”

“I’m just afraid you’ll forget me the moment you land,” I cried.

He smiled and kissed me gently. “I’m not going to forget you, y/nn. I’ve never felt this way about another girl. I love you.”

“You do?” I was stunned. Matt had said that I was special before, but he’d never said that he loved me. I wanted so badly to believe him, but I was frightened of getting hurt. I’d read some of Nicole’s letters, and I was sure Matt was on his way back to her open arms.

Holding me close, he said, “I’m torn with the feelings I have for you. I don’t know what to do. Maybe being away will help me understand what I really feel.”

That night our lovemaking took on a new urgency. Would I ever see him again, be in his arms the way I had been nearly every night for the past six months? I missed him already. I could not bear the thought of the night ending and our saying goodbye for what I thought would be the last time. I wept and wept until my body ached with pain.

For the last time I begged him to finally have sex with me. It would have been so easy for him. I was young, vulnerable, desperately in love, and he could have taken complete advantage of me. But he quietly said, “No. Someday we will, y/n, but not now. You’re just too young.”

I lay awake all that night and early the next morning I was back at 18 Hauptstrasse, lost in the midst of a large group of people milling about the living room. They were waiting to say goodbye to Matt, who was upstairs finishing his last-minute packing. Knowing that I alone would be accompanying him to the airport gave me little comfort.

When Matt came downstairs, he laughed and joked with everyone there. Finally, after saying his last goodbye, Matt turned to me. “Okay, Little One, it’s time to go.”

I nodded glumly and followed him out the door. Oblivious to the drizzling rain, hundreds of fans were waiting outside. When they saw Matt they went crazy, begging him to sign autographs. When he finished he jumped into the waiting car and pulled me in behind him. As the door slammed, the driver accelerated and we sped toward the airport.

We rode for a long while in silence, both of us lost in thought. Matt was gazing out the window, frowning over the falling rain. “I know it’s not going to be easy for you to go back to being a schoolgirl again after being with me, y/nn, but you’ve got to. I don’t want you to be sitting around moping after I leave, Little One.”

I started to protest, but he silenced me. “Try to have a good time, write to me every chance you get. I’ll look forward to your letters. Get pink stationery. Address them to Nate. That way I’ll know they’re from you. I want you to promise me you’ll stay the way you are. Untouched, as I left you.”

“I will,” I promised.

“I’ll look for you from the top of the ramp. I don’t want to see a sad face. Give me a little smile. I’ll take that with me.”

Then, handing me his combat jacket and the sergeant’s stripes he’d recently been

awarded, he said, “I want you to have these. It shows you belong to me.” After that, he held me tight.

As we approached the airport, the cheers of the waiting crowds grew louder. We drove as close to the runway as possible, then Matt turned to me and said, “This is it, Baby.”

We got out as cameras flashed, reporters shouted, and screaming fans pressed toward us. Matt held my hand and walked across the runway apron until the guard, who was there to escort Matt to the plane, stopped me from going further.

Matt gave me a brief hug and whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll call you when I get home, Baby, promise.”

I nodded, but before I could answer, we were pulled apart as the crowd rushed in. I was swept away by hundreds of fans, pushing and pulling, trying to get to him. I cried, “Matt!” but he never heard me.

He ran up the boarding steps. Then he turned and waved to the crowd, his eyes searching for me. I waved frantically, as did hundreds of other fans, yet he found me, and for one more brief moment, our eyes locked. Then he disappeared. Just like that.

My parents came to the airport to drive me back to Wiesbaden. During the long ride I was silent.

Excerpt from: "Elvis and Me" by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley. Scribd.

This material may be protected by copyright.

a/n - sad chapter 😪 (sorry its shorter than ones before)🎀

[satansapostle6]

The Man Who Sold The World | Luke Castellan

Spotify Playlist Link

Katherine. She was the one who started it all for Luke Castellan, the reason he did what he did.

Warnings: Mature themes/language. Violence. Smut. Rough sex. Switch. Face-sitting. Slapping. Praise kink. Hair-pulling.

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen: For You

Something had definitely changed since Katherine was revived by Kronos. Luke was slowly becoming sure of it. He wasn’t exactly sure of what, but he knew something was different. It wasn’t necessarily something bad, or off, but it was something. Luke noticed it as he and Katherine had laid in his bed together, in the late morning.

The campers in Cabin 11 were all accounted for, and Luke was glad to be able to have some time alone with Katherine.

“How long do we have before we have to get up?” she mumbled lazily as he pressed multiple, sweet kisses to her lips.

“All the time in the world,” he told her, as they both lay bare under the covers.

She chuckled softly, nuzzling her head into his warm chest as she allowed him to wrap his arm around her. She rested her hand on his chest as she laid on top of him, which made him feel like a king. To Katherine, and probably everyone else as well, Luke was big and strong. His suntanned body, especially when intertwined with hers, felt solid and reliable. She felt safe with him.

Katherine liked the way it felt, laying her head on his chest as they slept together. Even in her sleep, she could feel his muscular build wrapped around hers.

“I love you,” Luke murmured dreamily, making sure that only she could hear. “I will always love you.”

Although he spoke casually, something in his tone when he said it gave Katherine that feeling like they had reached the gates of Hades together.

“I will always love you,” she promised him in return.

“You’re so beautiful,” he cooed, sitting up just so that he could carefully tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “I never wanna lose you,” he said, thinking of the prophecy that had been delivered for the two of them.

“You won’t lose me,” she stated, sounding more confident than he was.

“I don’t wanna take that chance,” he told her in a whisper. “I’m gonna fight for you. With every second I have.”

“It’s okay,” Katherine reassured him, her hand caressing him from his hair to the side of his face.

Luke smiled as he softened at her touch, closing his eyes for a moment as he savored the feeling.

“I’m gonna go take a shower,” she told him, getting out of bed and throwing her orange Camp Half-Blood shirt over her body.

“Okay,” he nodded softly, disappointed to watch her go so soon.

She lazily put on a pair of shorts as she left the room. Moments later, one of the Hermes kids in the cabin, a boy who couldn’t have been older than eight or nine, knocked on the door urgently.

“Luke?!”

There was a short pause as Luke undoubtedly sighed as he got up, opening the door.

“Yeah?” he asked expectantly, seeing the small boy standing outside of the door. “Tyler, what’s up, buddy?”

“Anthony says you have to go help the Hephaestus kids with arts and crafts today. He says he can’t, cuz he’s helping with training,” the child relayed.

“Of course he can’t,” Luke muttered, “God damn it…”

“He also said if you say ‘god damn it�� you have to give me five dollars!” the child yelled annoyingly.

Luke stared at him, growing increasingly irritated. He knew that was exactly the kind of thing he would say.

“I’m not giving you five dollars!”

“But, Anthony said you’d give me five dollars!”

“Tyler! I said I’m not giving you five dollars!”

“But I want five dollars!”

“Leave me alone!”

Katherine just shook her head as she continued toward the showers with her things, amused by Luke’s exhausted behavior. She returned to the cabin after a nice, warm shower, heading off to the mess hall with Luke for breakfast.

They sat at a table with some of the camp counselors, minding their own business as they ate together. Much to Katherine’s dismay, Silena Beauregard took a seat across from them, not too far from Luke. The younger girl looked up at him like some schoolgirl, meanwhile, he didn’t even notice until she spoke up.

“Hey Luke! Finally, you’re back,” Silena chuckled, pulling his attention away from Katherine for a moment.

Luke looked over at her awkwardly, giving her the warmest smile he could muster.

“Yeah! Hey,” he said laconically.

“So, everyone says you brought back a new camper?” she asked, momentarily glancing over at Katherine.

Katherine just smiled, trying hard not to roll her eyes.

“Hi,” Katherine said, only to be ignored by Silena.

“This is my girlfriend, Katherine,” Luke said as he lightly put his arm around her.

She pointedly stepped on his foot under the table, reminding him to make himself seem more available to Silena. But Luke wasn’t having it. Just as Katherine had anticipated, Silena made a face when she heard the word ‘girlfriend’. She tried to hide it, but it was too late.

“Oh. How nice,” she smiled, trying to come up with a new angle. “You know, it’s really nice of you to take in a stray demigod. It’s really hard out there for lone demigods. I bet you were, like, homeless, or something,” the girl remarked.

Luke frowned for a moment, not impressed.

“Well, I got by,” Katherine said plainly.

“Aw, it must’ve been hard,” Silena pouted, seeming almost genuine for a moment. “You must’ve been, like, really smelly and stuff. And obviously you had to dress like a man.”

“Katherine did just fine on her own all these years,” Luke assured her, smiling at his girlfriend.

“I’m sorry, did you say your name was…‘Katherine’?” Silena asked her.

“Yeah,” Katherine nodded, unamused.

“Wow, I’ve never met someone named Katherine under the age of fifty!” she exclaimed. “Most people just go by ‘Kate’, or ‘Katie’.”

“Well, I go by Katherine,” Katherine told her, her smile thickening as it became more and more forced.

“Well, you’re really pretty…” Silena stared at her, undoubtedly trying to find something to judge.

“Thanks,” she responded in a friendly manner.

“That’s good you can afford makeup,” Silena said, just saying whatever came to mind.

“Yeah, but I’m… actually not wearing any makeup right now,” Katherine told her patiently.

Luke sat beside her, looking more and more irritated as the conversation dragged on. The others around them, even though they weren’t really part of the conversation, were still picking up on the discomfort.

“Really?” Silena asked, not seeming convinced. “You know, even though I’m a daughter of Aphrodite, I won’t judge. You can tell me.”

“She didn’t have time to put any makeup on,” Luke said more forcefully, trying to move the conversation along. “But either way, she’s absolutely beautiful.”

Silena seemed horribly jealous as Katherine just politely went back to her meal. She and Luke sat in silence as they tried their best to ignore everyone else. Katherine, who was perfectly content with minding her own business, eventually noticed as Luke kept glancing back at a table of other Ares and Aphrodite kids behind them.

“Hey. What’s the matter?” Katherine asked.

Luke stared at her incredulously, stunned by her sudden nonchalance. “You—You don’t hear them?” he questioned.

“No,” she scoffed, quietly listening in.

“They’re fucking vultures,” he muttered under his breath, appalled.

“That’s Luke’s new girlfriend, the street rat,” Katherine overheard one of the girls.

“Her? Why’s he with her?!” another one chimed in.

“Do you have eyes?” one of the boys retorted.

Katherine just rolled her eyes as she tried to

“Ugh, she’s not even pretty,” another girl stared heavily. “She’s probably wearing makeup, too.”

“Becca, you should fight her,” one of the other sons of Ares added. “I bet she can’t fight.”

“No, I bet Gina could take her.”

“Why do you care?” Katherine wondered.

“Because,” Luke scoffed, “They’re disrespecting you.”

“Aw, look at my big, strong man,” Katherine teased, playfully pinching his cheek.

“I’m serious! It’s insane,” Luke argued, “Why do they care so much about messing with a newcomer?!”

“Because, I’m your girlfriend,” she pointed out. “You’re popular here. The guys are all curious, and the girls hate that you’re with someone.”

“I’m popular?” he raised an eyebrow, disgusted by the word.

“Yeah. You are,” she nodded. “And that’s something that’s gonna be an advantage to us.”

“Fine. Whatever,” Luke sighed.

After breakfast, Luke was in charge of training with some of the younger demigods in the arena. Katherine had just been standing around in her own camp T-shirt, trying to fit in as she watched Luke affectionately. Although he didn’t particularly think he was, Luke was good with kids. It was endearing, how patient he was.

Katherine knew that, ever since he was a child, forced to survive on his own, Luke knew what it was like to be at a disadvantage. Furthermore, he knew what it was like to be constantly rejected and constantly shit on. Katherine saw that, in a way, he took advantage of his position as Head Counselor, using it to be to the younger kids what he’d wished he had when he was their age.

“You know, you’re not what I would’ve imagined Luke to like in a girl,” a voice interrupted her thoughts.

Katherine turned, arms crossed, to see who had dared to disturb her. She didn’t know the girl’s name, but she knew it was one of the daughters of Ares she’d seen at breakfast earlier. One of the ones who’d been encouraged to challenge her.

“I’m sorry, what’s your name?” Katherine asked pointedly.

“Gina Alvarez,” the tall, broad-shouldered girl crossed her arms.

There was an army of Ares and Aphrodite kids behind her, along with some others.

“Gina… I don’t know if you have some kind of unrequited crush on Luke, or if you just think I’m fresh meat… But I’m not interested in this high school bullshit,” she looked at her blankly.

“Good. I’m not either,” the younger girl agreed. “Man, you really think you’re the shit… You know, you might be able to dominate at a homeless shelter, but here, I always end every fight with two swords.”

Katherine chuckled softly, looking down at her feet for a moment before she spoke.

“You know, I’ve met a few of you Ares kids. Some of you are cool, but some of you really don’t think about who you’re fucking with,” she said calmly.

“Is that so?” Gina asked. “Then why don’t we settle this in the arena?”

Katherine smiled, not having any qualms about fighting this girl.

“Let’s do it.”

Gina Alvarez didn’t need any further encouragement. The spectators all laughed and murmured, ready for a show. Katherine decided to follow her as she suddenly burst into the arena, nothing but a sword in hand as she decided to disrupt everyone’s activities.

“Alright, everybody out!” she boomed, drawing attention immediately. “We’re gonna spar!”

Luke looked around, trying to determine who she was referring to when he saw Katherine standing behind her. He gave her a worried glance, trying to decide whether or not this sounded like a good idea.

“Are you sure about this?”

“I’ll be fine,” Katherine promised him, allowing him to come to her.

“Be careful,” Luke warned her, lightly kissing her to wish her good luck.

The quickly growing audience around them whooped and hollered like a pack of hyenas as they enjoyed the spectacle.

“Well? Are you gonna kiss your boyfriend, or are you gonna come fight?” Gina demanded as he cleared out the arena.

“Where’s your arm for?” Katherine taunted her back.

“I don’t need it,” Gina smiled, shrugging as her large portion of the audience cheered on her arrogance.

Luke just shook his head in dismay as Katherine nodded appreciatively.

“You’re fighting without armor?” she asked expectantly, eyebrow raised.

“Yup,” Gina grinned. “See, unlike you, street rat, some of us actually have enough training to go without it.”

Katherine nodded in amusement, considering all of her options.

“Alright. Well. I don’t need it either,” she announced, as Luke’s eyes widened. His mouth quickly formed a frown as he pursed his lips, disapproving of Katherine’s recklessness.

Everyone watched as she pulled Aphrodite’s lipstick tube out from her pocket. Luke watched in horror as she tossed it out over the arena for him to catch.

“I also… don’t need a weapon,” she announced, as the crowd of Half-Bloods gathered all around them roared with excitement.

“No,” Luke mouthed, watching as Gina seemed amused by Katherine’s confidence.

“Alright. Let’s see how this pans out for you,” the dark-haired girl agreed, readying her sword.

Katherine just remained calm, no discernible expression on her face as she simply put her fists up in front of her face, ready for a fight. Everyone was now silent, waiting in suspense. Many people seemed eager to watch Katherine lose the fight, while a bunch of others were cheering on her cockiness, mostly the sons of Ares and some of the Apollo kids.

A loud grunt cut through the maddening silence as Gina charged at Katherine, slashing her sword right at her and missing miserably. Katherine jumped to the left, ducking the blow and taking to the ground as she swept Gina with her foot, knocking her to the ground.

A bunch of the Ares kids laughed hysterically as the girl angrily hopped off the ground, humiliated by the fall. Glaring at Katherine with an immense hatred, she took another swipe at her with the sword, once again completely missing her as she leapt out of the way, coming behind Gina as she just barely turned quickly enough to avoid being caught off guard.

Everyone around him was yelling and screaming, but Luke found himself standing there in complete silence, arms crossed as he observed the fight. He had no idea what was going to happen, but he knew that if Gina actually hurt Katherine, he’d kill her himself. For a split second, Luke had to remind himself to focus on the fight in front of him before he spent too long thinking about strangling Gina Alvarez.

The fight seemed to be going well, as Katherine seemed to still have been able to completely avoid being hit or cut in any way. She seemed perfectly fine, more than fine. Taking advantage of Katherine’s currently passive fighting style, Gina attempted to deliver a finishing blow to her head with the hilt of her sword, just for Katherine to gracefully outmaneuver her, grabbing her by the elbow and managing to completely grab hold of the sword.

Before Gina even knew it, she was staring down the edge of her own blade, hands in the air as it came extremely close to her face.

“Where’s your two swords now?” Katherine asked her.

Those watching cheered for their winner, as Katherine just ignored the entire ordeal altogether, swinging the sword around so that she could hand it back.

“Here’s one,” she said, leaving the arena.

Sighing as he just shook his head at her, Luke rested his hand on Katherine’s back as he handed back her spear, deciding that was enough human interaction for the both of them. No one really messed with Katherine after that. Eventually, she began to fit in fairly well at Camp Half-Blood. She didn’t really have any friends, but she’d established something of a place for herself in their ranks.

Throughout the rest of the week, Katherine met plenty of people, most of which were welcoming to her as a new camper and as Luke’s girlfriend. Even a good amount of the Aphrodite kids were nice to her, complimenting her and sitting by her at meals. Gina didn’t bother her anymore, respecting the fact that she’d won their fight.

She’d had no trouble from the majoritu of the Aphrodite and Ares kids, except for a select few who were assholes to everyone else anyways. One group in particular were Adam Peters, an som of Ares, and his band of yes men, along with a group of girls they were friends with.

Up until a certain point, Katherine and Luke were able to disregard their childish comments and teasing. Up until a certain point. The trouble all started one Tuesday morning when everyone was still gathered around talking after breakfast, mostly all the older kids.

Luke had always hated Adam and his friends; they were all a bunch of sadistic meatheads who just liked to torment people. They were the kind of kids who picked on him when he was younger and smaller, and he just couldn’t stand them. He couldn’t stand the way they acted around people and got away with it, and he definitely couldn’t stand the way people actually liked them.

He was watching them standing around, messing with one of the younger Demeter kids before they went back to talking about whatever they were talking about. Of course, he really started to notice when he realized that they were talking about Katherine, who was standing off to the side talking to Destiny, a daughter of Aphrodite she’d found was actually nice.

This was one of the more rare occasions in which Katherine was dressed in her own normal clothes, a pair of jeans and a tank top. It was sunny out, and kind of warm, so she’d elected to be comfortable. But evidently, Adam and the sons of Ares couldn’t just leave her be.

“Luke’s girlfriend is so hot,” one of them stared. “I don’t know how a guy like Luke’s hitting that.”

Luke’s blood started boiling.

“You really think he is?” one of the others asked skeptically.

“How could he not?” Adam chimed in. “Look at her. She’s probably done, like, whole football teams and shit.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Katherine saw everything quickly unfold. She saw Luke fuming, and she saw him march up to Adam and his friends. She and Destiny quickly stopped talking, as Destiny began to panic.

“Oh my God, what’s happening?” the girl began to stare.

“Hey. What’d you just say about Katherine?” Luke demanded, his voice dark with a rage that simmered just below the surface.

Adam laughed at the taller guy, looking at him as if he were the one out of line.

“I wasn’t talking about your girlfriend, dude. Relax,” he scoffed, as the other guys started piling onto the confrontation.

“Don’t bullshit me, you know exactly what you were talking about,” Luke promised him, getting dangerously close as he pointed a finger at him. “If I ever catch you talking about Katherine like that again, or any girl, for that matter… I’m fucking rocking your shit.”

“Ooh.”

The other guys began quietly chuckling and laughing as they tried to gauge how Adam would handle the confrontation.

“What’d you say?” Adam all but puffed out his chest.

“I said, you talk about a girl like that one more time, I’m gonna punch you in the face,” Luke smiled, crossing his arms smugly.

There was something strangely humorous about his threat, as if he were about to burst out laughing even at the thought of something so violent in nature.

“You’re gonna punch me?” Adam demanded. “Next to me, you’re built like a stick.”

“I don’t think you wanna compare sticks with me,” Luke promised him with a smile.

This comment seemed to anger him far more than any of the others.

“I’m gonna beat you to a pulp,” Adam decided, stepping up.

“Can you spell pulp?” Luke asked.

Angered beyond measure, Adam took a swing at Luke as Katherine immediately stepped in. None of his friends tried to pull him back, but Katherine threw a hard punch at him as he and Luke tussled, trying to deter him like a giant shark. But Luke was able to handle the fight on his own, shoving Adam back as he threw another punch at him, getting him right in the nose.

Adam ignored the nosebleed, lunging at Luke as Luke got a couple more hits in, hitting his face and kneeing his rib cage. One of the other guys eventually decided to pull Adam back, as Katherine finally intervened and grabbed Luke, realizing that if he kept throwing punches, this would turn into a full blown brawl. Like was livid as he instinctively pulled against Katherine, teeth bared like an animal as he is one-track mind focused only on drawing blood.

Katherine grabbed him and quickly spun him around so that he was facing her, taking in the reddish purple bruise forming on his cheek. Luke took a moment to stop growling like an animal, her eyes bringing him back to reality as he forced himself to stop fighting against her, feeling awful as he worriedly cupped her face in his hands.

“Oh, Katherine, I’m sorry,” he apologized, looking at her apologetically.

“It’s okay,” she assured him, nodding as he held her. “You’re fine. Everything’s fine.”

“Are you sure?!” he asked her, panicking as the others left them alone.

“Yes, baby, I’m sure,” she breathed, trying to calm him down. “Just calm down. Take a deep breath.”

Luke sighed as her hands fell, brushing his arms as she loosened her grip on him.

“Come on. Let’s get you back to the room,” she said quietly, leading him away.

Although she knew he’d be perfectly fine, Katherine decided it’d be best if she tended to the gash on his face, dabbing at it with a cold cloth to soothe him. She was more focused on soothing him than his small wound.

“I don’t know what got into me,” Luke admitted apologetically, looking up at her as she sat down next to him on the bed.

“You don’t like it when people talk bad about me. That’s what got into you,” she said calmly.

“That’s not an excuse. I shouldn’t have acted like that. I shouldn’t have been acting like this… Ever since the diner,” he expressed guiltily.

“Luke,” Katherine murmured, affectionately cupping his face as she sank into his lap, “I don’t care. I Iike that you wanna stand up for me. Okay?”

He finally found comfort as he looked into her dark eyes, seeing everything he wanted. He could finally calm down.

“Okay,” he nodded, allowing her to help him.

She smiled softly, brushing his hair back with her hand.

“You know… It’s really hot, the way you like fighting the guys who disrespect me,” she cooed, brushing his lower lip with her thumb.

Luke looked up at her with wonder.

“Are we doing this right now?” he asked her.

“Only if you want to,” she murmured, her lips breathing hot air on his neck.

He groaned softly, hands dropping as she staryed to shift on his lap.

“Fuck, I want to.”

He pressed his lips against hers as she slid her fingers up into his short, dirty blond hair. He moaned at the friction she was causing, pulling away for a split second to appreciate the view of her. He watched with wide eyes as she began to grind herself against his knee, groaning as she practically got herself off on just his knee. He stared at her and absolute wonder, not sure that he deserved someone like her.

“You’re perfection,” he murmured, looking up at her in adoration.

She started grinding down harder on his knee, sighing happily as she found the sweet spot. She rocked back and forth, fucking his knee as he watched her, feeling like some sort of voyeur. She smiled with relief, throwing her head back in ecstasy as she slid her hands up his thighs, groping at his flesh through his pants as she rode his knee. The friction against her hole was frustrating in that it was just barely enough.

Luke panted hard as he tried to stop himself from getting to lost in her. He was taken completely by surprise as she aggressively mounted him, shoving him back on the bed. He landed with a thud on his back, glad in that moment that they had their own room and definitely couldn’t be heard by anyone, especially with the entire cabin being empty.

Luke just took a moment to look up at her helplessly as she pushed him down, grinning hungrily as she slid her hands up underneath his shirt. He moaned softly as her nails slightly scraped against his bare skin. He sighed happily, lying there as she tackled him, her lips and sharp teeth nipping at the sensitive skin on his neck. She knew all of his weak spots, and it made him dizzy.

Luke cackled like a maniac as she unexpectedly slapped him across the face. He knew it should’ve hurt, but in that moment, he was only burning with passion. Everything she did set him on fire and he wanted more of it. He watched with a nervous gulp as Katherine threw her shirt off, kissing his lips as she slowly moved her hands up his shirt, helping him take it off.

Luke watched her a she continued to get herself off on his thigh, rocking back and forth like a psycho. He chuckled in disbelief as she groaned like a porn star, eyes almost black with greed as she began to leave a wet spot on his knee.

“Fuck, baby…”

He eagerly threw his shirt over his head, looking up at her lovingly as she looked at him like her next meal.

“You’re so fucking nasty…”

Amused and captivated by his submission, she slapped him again, watching sadistically as he groaned. He inadvertently thrusted up against her, desperate for some sort of friction.

“Baby,” he whined, needing more.

“Yeah?” she looked down at him normally, as if nothing interesting was happening.

“Sit on my face,” he instructed eagerly.

Katherine smiled as she looked down at him, still met with a desperate furrow in his brows.

“Please, baby, just sit on my face,” he begged her. “I just…” he gulped as he watched her get up, quickly undressing.

She watched him like a hawk, ready to prey on him.

“Just wanna make you feel good, baby,” he babbled a bunch of nonsense. “Come on… Sit on my face. Come all over my face. Want you to come all over my face…”

She was nothing if not amused by his devotion.

“Want you dripping all down my chin,” he pleaded, watching as she slowly straddled him.

She leaned down, pressing a hard kiss to his soft lips. He nearly yelped involuntarily as she bit down on his bottom lip with her teeth. He didn’t know why, but he was currently in awe of her. He’d never seen her quite so hungry and animalistic before, and it was consuming him entirely. He needed her. He needed to feel her.

“Sit on my face, baby,” he babbled, already pussy drunk.

Luke watched with pleasure as she didn’t hesitate to sit on his face. Sighing with relief, he waited for her to sink down completely. Unable to contain his excitement, he grabbed her by the thighs, pressing them all the way down until his handprints started to become embedded in her soft flesh. He held her down on top of him, forcing her legs down as she moaned out loud, feeling his tongue inside her.

She gasped again as she felt his hands loudly smacking her thighs, leaving them red as he forced her down on top of him. She groaned with pleasure as tongue flicked at her most sensitive areas, his fingernails starting to dig into her thighs. She sat on his face for a while, in awe of how he neglected to even breathe as he ate her out.

Luke acted like his life depended on it. He moved his face up and down beneath her, licking harsh stripes up and down her folds, and flicking his tongue against her clit. He growled hungrily into her flesh, needing her to finish.

She had no idea exactly how long this went on for as she lost herself in the pleasure, but she knew they had a habit of taking their time together. She sighed exhaustedly as his strong hands forced her thighs down on top of him. His tongue licked up and down at an almost uncontrollable pace. He was an expert, and she couldn’t help gasping softly as she felt herself suddenly squirting as he groaned, lapping up every drop.

Luke growled like an animal as he licked it all up, like he was licking his entire plate after a good meal. She hardly noticed him thrusting and rifting up into the air as he became more and more aroused by her sitting on his face. Growing frustrated, he quickly sat up, almost startling her. But she didn’t have much time to adjust as he changed their positions.

He sat up on the bed, face still slick as he adjusted her on his lap.

“You’re gonna come again,” he announced roughly, lining up his long erection with her opening, “On my cock.”

She moaned quietly as she faced away from him, only feeling the sensation of him easily sliding in.

“Fuck, that was easy,” he gasped. “You’re so wet… Good fucking girl,” he praised excitedly.

He watched with a satisfied grin on his face as she slowly bounced up and down, taking him from behind as he grabbed her by the hair, roughly pulling her head back so that he could suck on her neck like some kind of crazed sex vampire.

“Fuck, I love the way you feel,” he gasped as she bounced up and down, “You like it, baby?” he asked considerately.

“Yes!” she groaned, just as aggressive as he was. “Fuck yes!”

She grabbed him by the hair, forcing his bites on her neck and collarbone to get even rougher. He had no idea what it was about her lately, but when Luke was with her, all his inhibitions went out the window. Even everything he said was more unhinged and full of unbridled passion.

“I’d do anything for you,” he babbled. “You’re my fucking girl… You want me to eat your pussy? I’ll eat your pussy. You want me to fuck you from the back, I’ll fuck you from the back… You want me to slit Adam’s throat and lick the knife for you to watch, I’ll do it. I’ll do it all, baby,” he laughed darkly.

Luke threw his head back in anticipation as she tightened around him, intentionally pushing him over the edge. Her fingernails dug into his thighs as she rested her hands on his knees to steady herself.

“Just come, baby,” he urged her. “Come on, you got it. Just come all over my cock…”

He whined aggressively, his breath hitching in his throat as she rode him harder and harder.

“You’re so fucking nasty, I love you,” he moaned, feeling her hand reach behind her to tug on his hair. “I love you,” he breathed.

He gasped lightly as he realized he came, the warmth penetrating her as she just grinned, enjoying how disgusting they were both being. He is breath grew shaky and labored as he watched her slowly coming down from her high, as her own wetness began to mix with his. Not fazed by any of it, she reached for his face and kissed his lips, hungrily getting a taste of herself through him.

His hands fell to her waist as he gently held her down on top of him, pulling away as his soft blue eyes looked into hers.

“I love you,” he whispered, absolutely pussy drunk.

He chuckled lightly as he got another smack across the face, sighing in ecstasy. He knew it shouldn’t have been, but the idea of violence in her name was what started all of this.

-

Chapter Fourteen

[dwarf-vader-of-middle-earth]

Stars and Seas: A Drowned Tale

Years ago, I made a short story titled "The Drowned", which featured Matthew and Lyrus, a Human and a Merfolk variant called "Drowned", who fell for one another and became eternal lovers.

I'm happy to say that, years later, I have a continuation of this story just as well! Stars and Seas: A Drowned Tale features the former side character Ilias, and a new character, Thompson.

Story below the cut.

Words: 4468

Days off for Thompson were extremely rare. Hospice required constant attention from the nurse, but ever since Matthew was discharged, the man found himself with more free time than usual. Matthew was the main resident to whom Thompson was assigned, and without any new residents since, the nurse had little to do.

With a full free weekend, Thompson decided to visit the boardwalk on the edge of town. It was the location’s prime attraction, with a small amusement park and multiple boardwalk games. Pizza, chicken, fries, burgers, you name it and the stalls sold it.

Alone, Thompson wandered across the wooden planks, looking at various carnies who called to families with their children, friends with their friends, and couples with their lovers.

Yet there he was.

Alone.

The man’s heart grew heavy, but no less he walked toward one stall, and pulled out the wallet in his pocket.

“What can I get you, sir?” the lady asked.

Thompson looked up, and pointed to a bag of green cotton candy. “I’d like that bag please,” he said. “Is debit ok?”

The woman nodded, reaching to pull the bag off its hook from the overhang. “That’ll be five dollars,” she said. “Anything else you need?”

“Actually yes. May I please have a bottle of water?”

“Sure thing!” The woman set the cotton candy down, then turned around to a small fridge, and opened it, pulling out one bottle of water. “Alright, that’s another four dollars, so your total comes to nine!” She scanned the two items.

Thompson pulled out his card, and placed it against the machine. Once it beeped, he returned it to his wallet, and input the pin. The machine rang a gentle tone, and he nodded, then grabbed his food and drink. “Thank you, ma’am. Have a great day.” He forced a smile to her briefly.

The woman nodded. “You, too.”

Turning away, Thompson located a table in the distance, just outside the amusement park. With even steps, he made way toward this.

Two young men stood outside the park entrance, fumbling for cash to pay the fee.

“Damn. Guess we spent more at the diner this morning than I thought,” the smaller man said, chuckling.

The other smiled, and kissed the first. “Worry not, my dear. I’ve got this covered.”

Thompson’s heart sank even deeper hearing this conversation. Two men. In love. Yet here he was still alone. He glanced toward the lovers briefly, then stumbled.

“Lyrus, I told you to stop covering me!”

“Well really it’s my father covering us both.”

Turning toward the two young men, Thompson quickly approached. “...Matthew?” he asked.

The smaller man turned around, his mouth immediately falling agape upon seeing Thompson. “I–you… Thompson?!”

“Yes!! It’s me!!” Thompson cried, a smile coming to his face. He reached for Matthew, wrapping his arms around him gently. “Oh my god!! Look at you!! You’re–you’re completely healthy now!!”

Smiling warmly, Matthew returned the hug to his old nurse, nodding. “I am!! I feel great!!”

Thompson separated from him, and looked upon the young man who now stood. He stood. Matthew’s legs were riddled with cancer before, and left him confined to a wheelchair for the most part, save for good pain days. But Thompson looked at Matthew’s wrist.

Upon it was tied a single small bracelet of seashells, the rope made of dried seaweed.

And Lyrus’s wrist held one just the same.

Thompson nodded, smile never waning. “Healing is a magic in and of itself, isn’t it?” he asked.

There, Matthew stumbled slightly. “Wh–what do you mean?”

“Getting better in any way. It seems to bring people together, doesn’t it? You two have each other now, and that’s incredible. It’s perfect. The magic between you both seems to have done more than modern medicine ever could.”

Matthew fell silent, his blood running cold.

But Lyrus stepped up, smiling. “You know, Thompson, sir. Matthew has told me much about you in the time we’ve been together. I was hoping to meet you someday.”

Thompson smiled gently. “I’m honored to meet you all the same, sir. And I truly wish both of you a great eternity together. Even though… I’ll likely never see Matthew again.”

“Perhaps there will be more meetings,” said Lyrus. “You never know what the future holds, after all. Things change. People change. That is the magic of life.”

Nodding, Thompson’s smile now waned slightly. “Well… I hope you both have a great day. And a safe return home. May the tides pull you to safety.”

Lyrus bowed to him. “And may they never tempt you into the depths all the same.” He pulled Matthew into himself. “Come on, hon. Let’s keep our little date going.” Together, he and Matthew handed the cash to the person at the front gate, and entered inside.

Thompson sighed, and walked to the table. Situating himself, he opened the bag of cotton candy, and began eating it silently. Pondering. His heavy heart beat slowly and painfully against his chest, and he turned to look at the beach, its gentle waves lapping away at the sand as children played about, and people of all ages spoke and smiled. 

But Thompson himself frowned, for he was alone as always.

Forever alone…

====================

That evening, Matthew and Lyrus returned to the castle of Limrias. As both sat together at the table alongside Ilias, they ate their dinners as a family.

But Matthew seemed oddly quiet. His gaze was distant, almost as though the man focused on something beyond the present.

“Are you alright, hon?” Lyrus asked.

“...No.”

“Talk to me.” Lyrus put one webbed hand on Matthew’s shoulder, and reached the other to brush his hair behind a finned ear. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s… it’s Thompson. From before,” Matthew said, sighing. “He looked… I don’t know. Sad? I could feel it. All his sorrows flowed into me like they were my own. I know Drowned can feel connections to one another through the bonds we have. But can a Drowned do the same with a Human?”

“It’s possible,” Ilias said. “You and Thompson had a great deal of investment in one another before you became Drowned. Those feelings of love still remain, and through your love for him, it’s very likely you could feel a bond between yourself and him as you would any other Drowned.”

Matthew nodded. “Thank you. I just… I wish I could help him. He always seemed so happy when he was around me, but I know he’s been through a lot. He never told me what he experienced, though.”

Ilias cut into a filet, and stabbed it with his fork. “Is he still nearby? Still at the boardwalk?” He placed the filet piece into his mouth, and began to chew it.

“Maybe. I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Because I’d like to meet him, and thank him for having cared for you all these years,” Ilias replied. “He seems as though he could use such thanks, and he should know you’re in good hands now.”

“Dad, are you sure that’s a good idea?” Lyrus asked. “He knows Matthew and I are Drowned, but that’s dangerous enough in and of itself! Do you really want to risk revealing yourself, our king, to him?”

Shrugging, Ilias stabbed the last piece of his filet. “If he already knows about us, then what’s the harm in showing him myself?” He bit into the piece, and swallowed it, setting his fork and knife down. “You two go enjoy yourselves for the night. I’ll be back by morning. Promise.” The king smiled at his two boys, and swam from his chair, then pushed it in. Without another word, he exited the room.

====================

Upon the beach, Thompson sat solitarily, knees to his chest as the waves crashed in the distance, their extended falls reaching the man’s feet. The water kissed him softly. Thompson reveled in what little peace this brought him.

Looking up into the horizon, boats and ships sailed across the night, far out into the dark, every star above illuminating their shapes.

How he longed to leave this land and see the world as those people did… Maybe things could be better elsewhere…

Thompson sighed, burying his head in his knees, shoulders dropping.

“Quite a sight, isn’t it?”

The man jumped, and looked up. There, his eyes fell upon a tall, broad man, roughly his own age, whose hair and beard appeared black and salt-worn, hints of gray running through their lengths. He smiled kindly to Thompson.

“Mind if I take a seat?” the man asked.

Thompson scooted to his right, shaking his head. “No, please. Go ahead.”

Bending down, the stranger sat carefully, placing his hands against the sand to steady himself as he lowered into a sitting position. Upon both his wrist lay two gorgeous bracers of seashells, tied in place with colorful seaweed.

Thompson’s eyes widened at their sight. However, he remained silent.

The stranger gazed up at the stars meeting the sea afar. “Matthew’s told me lots about what you’ve done for him. I’m grateful. For you. For all your care and help given to him over the years.”

“You’ve done more for him than any medicine could have,” Thompson said .

“I don’t mean just medically, but emotionally as well.” There, Ilias smiled kindly, and turned toward the Human. “He’s struggled a lot. Learning to be part of a family when he’s never had one is certainly a difficult thing. But he tells me he learned what he could from his love for you. Matthew always tells me you’re the father he never had.”

“Well I’m not much to go by. I don’t have a family, either…”

Ilias raised an eyebrow. “You don’t?”

“No. It’s a long story. You wouldn’t care for it, I promise.” Thompson sighed heavily, his demeanor lowering into sorrow.

Pausing a moment, Ilias readjusted himself. “I’ve got time. And Matthew is worried. He tells me you’re sad. I see it in you that you are. Maybe talking would help ease the burden?”

Thompson shook his head. “I can’t. It’s no use. I’ve spoken to therapists for decades now, and it doesn’t do anything to make this better… Not what with I’ve been through…”

“Well… what about talking to a friend?”

Pausing a moment, Thompson glanced toward Ilias, eyes wide. He saw, there, the king’s kindly smile, and welcoming self, so genuine and gentle. How could he say no to this man? Regardless, Thompson looked away, shaking his head again. “It’d be wrong to burden another with my troubles. Especially a king…”

Ilias chuckled a little. “Friends exist to carry the burdens of one another in part. Nobody can make it through life alone. And if you do not tell me now, I will continue to visit each night you’re here until I gain your trust enough that you speak. It wouldn’t be right in my heart or mind to let such a great and kindly man as yourself suffer alone.”

“Why do you think so highly of me?” Thompson asked.

“Because you kept Matthew safe. And Matthew has opened my heart to trusting once more.” The king took a deep breath. “I spent more than a millennia distrusting Humans. They’ve proven to be enemies of my people for ages now, polluting our home and using it for selfish gains. But Matthew and Lyrus fell for one another more than a year ago now. And I’ve seen since then what good Humans are, and what good they bring. Lyrus, my son, was so lonely and broken until he met Matthew. Those two healed each other’s hearts and lives, and their love has, in turned, healed me.”

Thompson’s eyes nearly welled with tears now. He gulped the sadness back. “Love is… it’s something I’ve not had in a very long time…” His tears began to fall.

Ilias lifted a finger, and the teardrops shifted from Thompson’s face, floating away toward the sea.

Eyes wide, the Human watched his sorrows move from himself and join with the water beyond. He shook his head. “I’m… a lot like Matthew in a sense… I, too, love men. I’m how he realized his own sexuality. But my parents–my entire family both immediate and extended–they shunned me for what I am. They called me a disgusting whore, and threw me into the streets. I tried to go back! I tried so many times!! But eventually they moved, and I never knew where to! I had nobody and nothing!!

“My boyfriend at the time, he proposed to me, and we were planning our wedding. We found out he was pregnant, and both of us felt ecstatic! The future was bright, and we’d just gotten an apartment together here in the city. But… this hardly lasted…” Now Thompson’s tears fell in a large stream, and the man sobbed violently, clutching his knees to his face as he pressed his forehead into both harshly. “Kevin, he–he miscarried. Just a few weeks into the second trimester. We were devastated, and the doctors found out why this happened.

“Kevin had late-stage ovarian cancer. He was dying. And no amount of medicine would ever help save him…”

Ilias’s face dropped, his heart sinking into an abyss of sorrow. He reached for Thompson, but retracted his hand before it could touch him.

Thompson tensed, biting his lower lip harshly. “I was alone. I had nobody. No family. No partner. No love. And I tried. I tried to find someone else! But I’ve been broken!! My sorrows are too great, and my pain is immense! Nothing makes it better! Nothing!!” He rammed a fist into the sand, trembling. “I’m lonely… I’m broken… And I see no reason to keep going. Ever since Matthew left, there’s been little hospice work to do. It’s like I’m not needed anymore. Nobody needs me, and I am needed nowhere. I can’t keep going like this…”

Shifting toward the Human, Ilias sat on his knees and wrapped himself around the balled-up Thompson, hugging him softly. “You’re needed. Always. That I promise.”

Thompson sobbed, his heart weighing itself down into the depths below. "If I fell into the ocean to my death, far away from any land, would the world even notice? Would I be forgotten?"

"The ocean would remember," Ilias replied. "The waves would carry your soul forever with their every rise and fall. The very creatures which live within it would see your descent, knowing another joins them but not in life. They would mourn. The sea is seemingly paired with death, but we can only take so much tragedy before it becomes too much. Perhaps this is why the Drowned were created. To prevent such sorrow from ever taking over."

"But I am not worthy of mourning. I'm nobody. And I am worth nothing. Not even life." Thompson shook rapidly, tightening his fists.

"Has the world truly taken so much from you that you've forgotten how to receive all the same?"

The Human shook his head. "I'm not sure. I don't think I've ever been given anything in my life before..."

Ilias grasped one of the Human's hands, and stood up. "Then come with me a moment. I wish to give you something."

Thompson shook his head. “Please. Don’t–”

“You need to see this. Please. Just come along.”

With a scoff, Thompson pushed himself upright, shaking his head, standing to meet the king. Gently, he was pulled toward Ilias. Into him.

Ilias held Thompson close and walked toward the water, then into it. Once deep enough inside, the long mer tail formed, and fins extended from his wrists and ears. His green eyes glowed bright against the darkness, clearly made to peer through the depths of the seas. Here, he clutched Thompson softly, and carefully began to swim out. Away from the shore.

Thompson watched as the sand grew further and further away until it no longer remained visible. He spoke not a word, just letting his sorrows run rampant through himself.

After several minutes, Ilias stopped, and shifted Thompson in front of himself. Here, the king smiled warmly, and pointed upward toward the vast, starry sky.

Tears streaking his face still, the Human looked up where the king pointed.

"Centuries ago, sailors used the stars to navigate the oceans, and cross them safely. All the same, those stars told stories and gifted them to children who looked at them in hope,” Ilias said. “No matter where you are in the world, the stars are always there. No matter where you are in the world, the water is always there. Nature is inherent. It's eternal. Hope and safety are always here. Waiting for you to find them. You only need let the world guide you."

Thompson gulped his sadness down again. "Then why? Why has my life led me away from the world? Why am I so blind to the future that I can't even see it?"

"When you spend forever in the dark, it hurts to look at the light. But it's there no less.” Ilias looked Thompson in the eyes. “I am here."

The Human’s mouth fell agape. He shook his head. “N–no.”

“Why not?” Ilias asked. “Why not accept love for a change?”

"I... I can't. How can I ever love again when I will lose you, or you will lose me? I couldn't bear to be with a man who has two sons, knowing you’ll all live forever and I won't–that you'll all be of the sea, but myself of the land. I am nothing compared to you! I am... nothing… Even as a person, I am nothing..."

"You are a great man with a great heart as vast as the seas," Ilias said, holding Thompson tighter now. "I never thought I would feel this way for a Human, but all the same, every Drowned was once Human. We aren't so different."

Thompson hiccupped, shaking. His aching heart seemingly sank into the ocean itself as he remained within it, held by the king.

"When a Drowned Embraces a Human, their love is gifted all the same. A bond is forged between the Drowned who makes another. These bonds create families. Parents, children, lovers, siblings. They are eternal and endless. There is no breaking the bond of two Drowned who’ve joined together. And they feel everything between one another. Joy and pain. Love and fear. Any and all emotion is shared.

“But I feel it all, even without such a bond between yourself and I. Your sorrow is great, and your pain greater. You fear and you grieve, but I am here. And I love. I love you, Thompson. Sweet Baris. I wish for nothing more than to see you happy–to see your smile and know your joy not as my own, but for you to feel yourself. You deserve happiness. I can bind us together in eternity beneath the very waters in which we tread, and I will hold you as my own. You will never be alone again. I promise."

The torrential tears dripping from Thompson’s eyes began to fall into the ocean. "I’m not worth it… I never will be…What have I done that's worthy of this?" he asked. "To gift me not just any Embrace, but yours? Why?"

Ilias smiled gently, pressing into the Human, holding him closer. "Because you are you. And all are worthy of love for the mere fact that they live. And I love you. The world takes so much that we often forget we can give all the same.

“Just as well, none must be worthy of the water's gift to receive it. One must simply embrace its love as their own. And I know you long for love. But look no further. We are here. Together. Between the stars that guided us to my kingdom, and the seas in which it resides. Please. Come home with me, Baris."

Thompson sobbed into the king now, harsh and ugly. "But... Matthew. He doesn't need me anymore. He has you. All the Drowned."

"That doesn't mean he can't use more love. You need it all the same. And if he does not welcome you then know that I do. I will be the one who brings you home and gifts you the Embrace." Ilias leaned in, and kissed Thompson on the cheek. "I will bind us together in eternity, and hold you as my own. You'll have a family–two sons, Matthew and Lyrus–and of course, me. Loneliness will never reach you again. Of that I swear."

Thompson trembled, trying to breathe but he couldn’t. He shook his head, sobbing harshly. “Does it hurt? Letting the magic take you?"

"No. It's peaceful. Your very soul is engulfed in serenity, and you know, in that moment, you're forever saved from all death and sorrow."

With a harsh cry, Thompson clutched the king dearly, clenching his eyes shut. "Please... Please just help me!!" he begged. "Make this stop! Take my pain away! Please..."

"I can give you what you need to make it leave in time. It will not fade immediately. But I will be there every moment you need someone. I will always love you, Baris. That will never change." Ilias smiled warmly. “You will learn to live in peace, not rest in sorrow. Let your mortal pains wash away into the sea. It’s time to come home.” The king lifted his hand to Thompson's heart, pressing it against him. The palm began to glow, and he shifted his face to see Thompson's, meeting the man's lips with his own which he kissed gently while pushing him backward, leading them both below the water.

The glow began to overtake Thompson, who kissed Ilias back, a warmth spreading from his heart through his entire body. The very tears upon his face washed away into the sea which now held him completely. And the man welcomed it.

As the glow intensified, both lovers remained connected for a long moment before Ilias backed away, shifting his hand off Thompson.

Slowly, the bright illumination faded from the man entirely as he lay within the king's loving embrace. And there he rested, a long, finned tail now in place of legs, and matching fins upon his wrists and ears. Gills opened from his sides, and he breathed through them, taking the water into his very being, merging himself with it at long last.

Ilias smiled. "Welcome home, my king."

Thompson–Baris–opened his eyes and looked at himself. Now Drowned, he gazed upon his new form in silent awe, examining the long tail and strange fins, the webbing between his fingers. And there, a feeling of serenity filled himself, overtaking his entire being. Baris sat upright, and threw himself into Ilias, clutching the king tighter, a wholeness and unity of sorts driving him toward the man.

A unity with his lover, Baris realized. A unity with his future–with the very seas in which he now lived and breathed.

Both parting slightly, Ilias’s smile only grew. "You are the greatest man I have ever met, and I will never be far from you. Even if I am, our eternal bond will hold us together. I feel your elation. The relief in your heart. And I am happy all the same. You’ve needed this for ages now, and it is yours to keep. I’ll make certain you never lose it."

There, a smile formed upon Baris’s face. He kissed Ilias passionately, deeply, holding the king against himself as he wrapped the long tail around his lover, pressing into him. “Thank you. Thank you, my love. My king. I… I love you. So much.”

“Please. Call me Ilias.” The king smiled, joining his tail with Baris’s, and both held one another for a long moment in silence.

Minutes passed, and finally Baris unlatched from his lover, shifting backwards. He looked at himself entirely now, and chuckled a little, smiling.

Ilias looked puzzled at his lover. “What’s funny?” he asked.

“I… I just realized a slight problem."

"Oh?"

"I can't swim."

Ilias suddenly burst into laughter. "Oh, gods! That is quite a problem, now isn’t it?” He grinned, and pat Baris’s shoulder gently. “Well there's no time like the present to learn. It's not that hard. I'll show you."

Baris grasped the king’s hand, who led him down into the depths, flicking his tail gently while keeping his and Baris’s arms parallel to themselves.

After many minutes, Ilias let go, and motioned for Baris to follow him.

And without missing a beat, Baris continued. Swimming close by. Swimming.

He was free.

The Drowned cut through the water with ease, as though the very universe parted to let him and Ilias pass, and both made their way toward a glistening, large kingdom with ornate bridges and city buildings spanning across the entire ocean floor.

This was the beauty of Limrias.

====================

Within the castle, Matthew and Lyrus lay within one another’s arms in their bed together, cuddled up smiling and content. Both looked outward from the window to the kingdom far below, then to each other, their minds at ease and their hearts entwined in love.

However, a knock came to their door. “Lyrus? Matthew? Are you awake?”

Ilias, they realized.

“We are! We’re coming!” Lyrus called. He helped Matthew up, and both held hands as they swam to the door. But Lyrus grasped the handle, and pulled it open.

There in the doorway, both smiling, hands together, Ilias and Baris tread as one. As Drowned.

Matthew’s eyes welled with tears. He charged Baris, and threw his arms around the man, squeezing him tight and pressing into him. “You–you’re–”

“I’m home,” Baris said, leaning into Matthew gently. “I’m grateful. For all of you. I owe you everything.”

“You owe nothing but to love your life,” Matthew said. He looked up at Baris. “Please. I know you’ve been hurting. I know you’ve been sad. But give this a chance. It’s going to get better now. We’ll all make sure of it.”

Baris nodded, smiling even more. “I know. I will. I promise. I will live, with you, and we will always be together. My heart is open to love, and I have that of Ilias. And I couldn’t ask for anything greater.”

Lyrus swam toward Baris and Matthew, putting one hand on each. “You have my love all the same. Gods know my dad needs it more, though.”

Everyone laughed, and leaned in, hugging one another.

And there, Baris felt it. The bonds between all of them. Each person of this family loved him, and all the same he loved them. Their feelings flowed through one another as though part of each other despite each belonging to different people. They were united. And nothing would ever tear them apart, for, nature’s love in the stars and seas had brought them together at long last.

[oliversrarebooks]

The Rare Bookseller Part 23: Alexander's Purchase

Masterlist

September 1925

TW: Captivity, mind control, human auction

Oliver regained his senses to the sound of chaos and commotion all around him. He was bouncing in midair, and it took him a moment to realize that he was being carried by Miss Lily. They had left the stage and were headed down a hallway filled with auction patrons.

His head was still reeling. He'd been bought by Lord Alexander. Lord Alexander had bought him for twenty thousand dollars. How could he possibly be worth that much? He'd just been sold. He had an owner. What would Lord Alexander be like? What happened --

"Ooh, you did so well, you beautiful perfect dear!" Miss Lily was singing happily. "You have made me so much money."

"I have, sir?" said Oliver, dazed.

"That's right! Colette took you, so she gets fifty percent, but since I was your primary handler and conditioner, I get twenty five. That's five thousand, if that rat Colette doesn't try to cheat me out of it," she explained eagerly. "And I conditioned a lot of the other merchandise, and get a cut from each one. I'm going to get that new phonograph I've had my eye on, and, ooh, a new fur coat, maybe silver mink..." She trailed off, lost in her daydream.

"Do you... do you deliver me to Lord Alexander now, sir?"

"Oh, no," she said, the question snapping her back to reality. "Not usually. We'll have to wait for the check to clear or the money wire to come through or what have you, and then we'll deliver you. Eager to see your new owner, are you?"

New owner. He wasn't sure if he was or not. "I was merely wondering, sir."

Miss Lily carried Oliver into a small room that held little more than a desk and a few chairs, kicking the door shut behind her. "We do need to complete the transaction first. Colette will bring him here so we can finalize everything." She set Oliver back on his feet, her hands hovering nearby in a way that indicated she was ready to catch him again if he fainted. "So, my dear, did things turn out how you wanted?"

An image flashed through his mind of the life he thought he might have, of cultivating his little bookshop, of visiting local cafes and museums, of growing old with the city. And then it was gone. "Yes, sir, that was what I wanted," he said. "Will Lord Alexander treat me well, sir?"

"Oh, absolutely. I've known him for ages. He's a grumpy sort, but a real peach with a soft spot for humans. His last thrall lived better than most vampires do."

"Last thrall, sir?" said Oliver with a twinge of fear.

"Alexander has a number of enemies," said Miss Lily. "But it's nothing you need to worry your pretty head about. He'll be extra protective with you, I'm sure."

Oliver nodded, processing this new source of terror that he hadn't previously considered. And Alexander, who had warned him of the auction, had known Lily all along...

The door swung open, and Oliver immediately recognized Miss Colette, the vampire who had kidnapped him on his last night of freedom. A cold, panicky sensation settled in his gut as he recalled how scared and helpless he'd been when she'd frozen him to the spot and carried him out of his beloved bookstore, and he retreated behind Miss Lily slightly, as though she were some kind of ally here.

"There's the prize sow!" said Miss Colette, turning Oliver's stomach. "And the lady of the hour. You really outdid yourself with this one, Lily."

"I trust I'll be receiving my full pay, then. Twenty five," Miss Lily said with a fake smile.

"Of course! Wouldn't dream of anything else," said Miss Colette dismissively. She opened the door and peeked out, waving someone in. "This way, gentleman."

Lord Alexander entered the room. Their eyes met. And Oliver was frozen to the spot more surely than he'd been the night he'd been kidnapped.

"Now, then, to business," said Miss Colette. "Twenty thousand, and if you could sign this paperwork..."

Lord Alexander took the clipboard from her, skimming down each page before signing it. 

"And if you require any additional services, any conditioning or training --"

"That won't be necessary." He then took out a wallet, filling out a check and handing it to Miss Colette. "Here's your money. I'll be taking my thrall, now," he said. "Excellent job, Lily. We need to catch up sometime. It's been too long."

"Now, hold on, Lord Alexander," said Miss Colette. "We can't release your thrall to you until the check has cleared. It shouldn't take more than a few nights, and then we'll deliver him right away."

Lord Alexander scowled. "You're not keeping my thrall." His tone of voice, the way he practically growled the words "my thrall," sent shivers down Oliver's spine.

"He'll be returned to our secure holding facility, where he'll be --"

"I won't have my thrall kept in some nasty prison cell, guarded by half-witted newborn vampires that pass for security guards," said Lord Alexander. "If a single hair on his head is harmed -- "

Colette bristled. "Our facilities are safe --"

"Like hell I'll --"

"I'll take him, Lex," said Miss Lily, before the argument could escalate. "It's hardly any trouble, considering I'm lining my pockets with so much of your fortune, and I'll be staying at the auction house until the thralls have all been cleared out anyway."

Lord Alexander relaxed a bit. "You'll keep him safe, then?"

"I'll keep him locked away with Miriam. They'll get along well, and you know I wouldn't let anything happen to my Miriam," she said reassuringly. "Besides, I've grown a bit fond of him."

Lord Alexander took a long, hard look at Oliver, an unmistakably possessive look, and Oliver felt his mind bend.

His new owner.

"Fine, fine, if that's how it must be," said Alexander, breaking his gaze, "I'd far prefer him with you -- even with the tight spot you put me in."

"Then it's settled!" Collette clapped her hands together. "If you'd like to do any final inspection of your merchandise, Lord Alexander..."

"Just one word to him," he said, approaching Oliver. 

He was close. Oliver could smell a faint whiff of lavender soap, or perhaps perfume. "You'll be under my protection, Oliver, such as I can manage," he said. "I'll do my level best to be a good master."

Master. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for buying me."

He truly meant that, given the alternative. If Lord Alexander hadn't known him, hadn't taken such an interest in him, he would have surely ended up in an animal pen.

"You needn't thank me for that. I bought you primarily for my own pleasure," he said. 

He took Oliver's chin in his hand, oh so gently, and tilted his head back and forth, gazing on his neck. Oliver could feel his mind flooding with submission as Alexander brushed a spot on his neck, just a little above his left shoulder. That must be the place -- the place where he would drink.

"If there's any mistreatment of you before you're delivered to me, remember it. I wish to hear of it," he said sternly. "But you can trust Lily. It shouldn't be difficult for you to be obedient for her, will it?"

"Not at all... sir..." He was so eager to please.

"Is there anything in particular you would like procured for you before you arrive? Anything you can't live without."

"...Books... sir..."

There was a moment of silence, and then Lord Alexander snapped his fingers near Oliver's face. "Wake, Oliver."

Oliver startled out of the hypnosis he'd slipped into. "Sorry, sir. Did I say something wrong?"

"I asked if you needed me to procure something for you, and you told me books. I have books. Quite a few of them. And you know this," he said. "You really are quite easily entranced, aren't you?"

"I suppose I am, sir."

"Well, that's not a problem. I'l have to be mindful of it, though," he said. "Anything apart from books that you'd like?"

This time, Oliver actually considered the question. "May I have coffee, sir?"

"Of course. I drink it myself," he said. "Anything else?"

"I'm... not sure... sir. Food?" His head was still too fuzzy to think, already exhausted from the auction house, and he wasn't sure what it would be okay to ask for. Could he ever fetch his possessions from the bookshop, or were they lost for good?

"That's fine. I'll provide you with all of the basics -- food, toiletries, sundries. We'll make a list of your favorites. And if there's anything else you think of, we'll simply get it when you've arrived."

"That sounds very agreeable, sir."

"Good. Then if everything's settled here, I had better take my leave. I need to make it back to the city before the sun rises."

"Yes, sir."

Lord Alexander wasn't moving. He was looking at Oliver. Looking at his eyes. His face. And especially that spot on his neck. Oliver felt trapped in his gaze.

"Are you finished here, Lord Alexander?" said Miss Colette shortly.

"Yes, I am. Farewell, Oliver, Lily," he said, sweeping out the door, Colette following after.

"Well, it looks as if you're stuck with me for a little while," said Miss Lily jovially. "But you needn't worry. If I treat you wrong, Alexander will have my head -- if he isn't already inclined to drive a stake through my heart. Is there anything special you'd like to eat? Anything at all. You've certainly earned your keep, and I'd like to get something nice for Miriam as well."

"Roast chicken, sir?" he said, hoping he wasn't asking for too much.

"Splendid idea! I'll catch a servant and order up a whole roast chicken and whatever side dishes they have in the kitchen. And cake. And a bottle of dry white wine." She hooked an arm around Oliver's and led him from the room. "We should celebrate, don't you think?"

"I don't see why not, sir."

Part 22 >> Masterlist >> Part 24

Thank you for reading this story about an emotionally significant financial transaction.

@d-cs @latenightcupsofcoffee @thecyrulik @dismemberment-on-a-tuesday-night @wanderinggoblin @whumpyourdamnpears @only-shadows-dwell-where-we-are @pressedpenn @pigeonwhumps @amusedmuralist @snakebites-and-ink @sl33py-pup @ivycloak @irregular-book @whumpsoda @mj-or-say10 @pokemaniacgemini @whumpshaped @whumpsday @morning-star-whump @shinyotachi @silly-scroimblo-skrunkl @steh-lar-uh-nuhs

[c-rose2081]

Natalie B. Nitrokoff (Haunted Mansion OC)

I don’t need another Haunted Mansion OC, but that’s never stopped me before XD

Natalie is the daughter of Alexander Nitrokoff (the dynamite guy in the portrait room). She has a fondness for arson and pyrotechnics, and is well known around the Mansion for causing issues with things that are easy to combust.

Nat’s lore:

Alexander Nitrokoff never wanted a daughter. He wanted a son; someone strong to one day take over his multi-billion dollar dynamite business. He considered his rambunctious daughter burdensome, and his first wife had passed suddenly, leaving him without the son that he wanted. Embarrassed by the thought of a woman one day inheriting his business, Alexander decided that the only way to fix his life was to start fresh with a new, more supple woman. He sold Natalie off to mining camp in rural Arizona, trading her for only two pounds of copper and a bottle of bourbon.

She was fourteen.

The only way Natalie could’ve kept her somewhat luxurious lifestyle was marrying the man who now owned her. She refused his advances so many times, he stripped her down to nothing and tossed her into the copper mines to work her life away. The mining camp was a hard and cruel place. Natalie pulled her weight as a dynamite rat—the most dangerous job in the camp. She would wiggle into tight crevasses and parts of tunnels older or bigger miners couldn’t, placing dynamite lay-lines and nearly getting crushed or stuck in the process. She lost her eye when a tube exploded prematurely, almost dying if not for the camp who finally stepped in to make sure she didn’t.

For years Natalie toiled underground, going completely blind in her bad eye and partially blind in the other from working in total darkness. Though they mined for copper, over the years Natalie discovered small deposits of silver which she dug from the rocks with her bare hands and squirreled away. At the age of twenty five she finally had enough silver to buy her freedom and a single train ticket to kickstart her search for her father and his new family.

It took a bit of time to track down Alexander, who had three sons, two daughters and had remarried once more. He was living in what would eventually become the mansion, but not before Natalie would set fire to it one night, killing every family member inside as she watched the man who destroyed her life burn. She would not return to the mansion again until after her death, having lived a meager, difficult rest of her life fraught with medical issues, PTSD, and a tickle for arson. She would die young at age 29 from black-lung caused by her childhood underground.

—

—

I’ll be drawing her ghostly form soon. I imagine she doesn’t linger much with the other spirits in the house, preferring to keep to herself. If you have any questions or suggestions for her character, let me know :3 I’d love to hear them!

[iboatedhere]

peaches from the June prompts -OR- endless freckles from the Summer List. AU! 🙏🏼

Xx

They’re only three weeks into the season before Alex declares that the man that sells peaches and honey three booths down and across the aisle from him is a real fucking problem.

Alex has been attending the Barton Creek Farmers Market for as long as he can remember, sitting on a stool while his abuela sold agua fresca and horchata in the summer and Mexican coffee and hot chocolate during cool fall mornings.

She’d let him help when he got a little older, taking money and making change, filling cups with ice, and squeezing fresh limes.

He loved being there and spending time with her. She had this way about her, treating first-time customers like old friends and regulars like family. She loved to make people smile. She loved the community. She loved Alex, kissing the top of his head and slipping him twenty dollars, a life-changing amount when he was six, for his hard work.

Then he got older, and other things took precedence. Studying, sports, and girls…he didn’t have the time or desire to get up early on a Saturday morning and sit beneath a tent in one hundred-degree heat.

She said she understood and that he was becoming his own person and finding his path. There were no hard feelings. He still loved her, and she loved him, and he’d still get twenty dollars in a card sent to his dorm at UT at the end of the season.

Abuela passed the winter before he graduated college, and a few weeks after graduation, he got a call from the market organizers asking if he’d be taking over her booth.

“What kind of guilt trip is that?” Alex asked June afterward, tipsy on tequila in his small post-college-pre-job apartment. “She put me down as a contact, she knew that they’d be calling. What am I supposed to say, never mind, let my grandmother’s beloved business fucking rot?”

“I wouldn’t say it exactly like that, but yeah,” June had said. “You’re not under any obligation to continue.”

“If I don’t, then who? You? Dad?”

“No one,” June said. “Sometimes things just end. It sucks, and it’s sad, but it’s the way things go. You should tell them that she loved attending and being a part of the market and that our family appreciates the offer, but you’re not in a place in your life where you can make that kind of commitment. Simple. They’ll understand.”

Alex shook his head. “I can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Because I already told them I’d be there. The market starts in two weeks.”

That was five years ago.

Now, Alex lives in an understated but pricey loft downtown. He works at a law firm that offers enough pro-bono work that he doesn’t feel like his soul is dying and contemplates going into politics each time a politician does something stupid, which is almost all the time. He dates and hangs out with his friends, and every Saturday morning, from nine to one, he sells drinks to market-goers behind the Barton Creek Mall.

“You’re going to cut your finger off.”

Alex looks down at the cutting board where his index finger is dangerously close to the paring knife he’s using to slice strawberries.

“Told ya,” Nora says from her perch on the stool.

“Fuck,” Alex says as he puts the knife down.

“Please don’t swear,” June says sing-songs through an over-the-top smile as she passes a family with three small kids their watermelon agua frescas. And please don’t cut your finger off.”

“Yeah,” Nora agrees, “the hot paramedics aren’t even working today, so it would be a total waste.”

“Not that he would care,” June says, “he’s been staring at Henry for the past three hours.”

“I have not,” Alex snaps, “and how do you know his name is Henry?”

“Because we’ve actually spoken to him instead of staring at him like a big creep,” Nora says.

“Aren’t you supposed to be helping?” Alex asks.

“I am. I crunched the numbers. Did you know that raising your prices by just ten cents increases your earnings—.”

“No, no,” Alex interrupts, “I don’t want to know, I don’t care. I’m not in it for the money.”

“Everyone is in it for the money,” Nora deadpans. “Even rich lawyers. Hell. Especially rich lawyers.”

“I’m different. This is how Abuela Lina and I’ll continue to do it this way, too.”

“Yeah,” June says, “he’s not here for the money. He’s here to pine from afar over Henry.”

“Would you please shut up,” Alex begs as June and Nora cackle.

“Just go talk to him,” June says.

“And say what? Hey, I work at the booth over there, and I’ve been trying to count the freckles across your nose for weeks now?”

“Oh, yikes,” June says.

“Down bad,” Nora adds with a shake of her head.

“I hate you both,” Alex tells them.

“Just go and bring him a drink,” June says. “Tell him that it’s hot and that you thought he might need it, and don’t you dare come back here without his number.”

“What if he doesn’t want to give me his number?”

“Then you move on and stop mooning over him.” She shoves a cup into his hand. “He seems like a pineapple kind of a guy.”

“You know what they say about pineapple, right?” Nora asks, and Alex grabs the cup and steps out of the booth so he doesn’t have to listen to her.

The peach guy—Henry, apparently—works at Fox Family Farm, or at least that’s what the pale yellow banner with a minimalistic sketch of a fox, its tail curled around a full peach basket, hanging on the front of the booth says.

He’s taller up close, blonder too, and when Alex hovers just a few feet away, he’s shocked at how blue his eyes are.

It’s like he was created in a lab to specifically become Alex’s problem. His very hot problem.

“May I help you?” Henry says in a British accent.

Alex nearly drops the drink.

“Fuck,” he swears as he scrambles to grab it. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not sure you did anything wrong.”

“Right, this is for you,” he says, setting the cup down before he almost drops it again. “I work at the booth over there.”

“Yes, I’m aware,” Henry says, waving at June and Nora, who are crowded close together to watch.

Alex steps into Henry’s line of sight, blocking them.

“I just wanted to introduce myself since it’s obvious I’m the only one who hasn’t.”

“Technically, you still haven’t done that.”

“I’m Alex.”

“Henry.”

“Yes,” Alex says, “I’m aware.”

Henry smiles wide and bright, and Alex guesses that at least two dozen freckles are dotted across his nose and cheeks.

“Can I ask,” Alex starts, “what the hell are you doing in Texas?”

“Would you believe me if I told you that my grandmother passed and left me a peach orchard?”

“No.”

Henry hums. “A shame. Maybe I can take you to dinner and convince you.”

“Wow,” Alex says, “I was sent over here just to get your number.”

Henry grabs a pen and a scrap piece of paper. “I can give you that as well.”

[alphaman99]

FORGOTTEN HISTORY

A Daily Dose of History

Suggested for you  · 1d  ·

In 1920 the yacht building business that Bill McCoy operated with his brother Ben was struggling. So, Bill assessed the situation. He knew that he was a good sailor who knew how to make fast boats. And he knew that Prohibition had created a huge demand for liquor in the American northeast. Recognizing the business opportunity that presented itself, Bill McCoy seized it, becoming the king of the rumrunners, one of America’s most celebrated and notorious bootleggers.

McCoy bought a 127-foot fishing schooner capable of carrying 6,000 cases of alcohol and retrofitted it to make it one of the fastest commercial sailing vessels on the Atlantic coast. He registered his ship in Great Britain and renamed it “Tomoka.” He was in business.

He would load his cargo of spirits in Nassau in the Bahamas, then sail to the Jersey shore, anchoring between Sandy Hook and Atlantic City, just outside the three-mile boundary of international waters. Customers would come out to him in small boats that could evade the Coast Guard, and McCoy would sell them the booze in sacks that held nine bottles each. Ben McCoy would bring out supplies to the Tomoka, so that she never had to port.

McCoy made no effort to hide what he was doing. In fact, he welcomed the publicity. He boasted that he never diluted his product (as many bootleggers did), and that he never paid a dime to organized crime or to bribe law enforcement. And no law prohibited him from selling liquor in international waters. His enterprise was so successful that he soon added four more boats. In a little more than two years he sold an estimated two million bottles.

McCoy’s brazenness and his celebrity status infuriated government authorities, however, and they were determined to shut him down. In 1923, after first getting the tacit consent of British authorities, the Coast Guard was ordered to arrest McCoy, and to sink the Tomoka if he resisted.

On November 25 the Coast Guard cutter Senaca steamed out to the Tomoka and sent over a 15-man boarding party. When they were aboard, the commanding officer ordered McCoy to bring his ship into port. Instead, he set sail and raced away, with the boarding party still on board. The Seneca opened fire with her four-inch deck guns and the Tomoka’s crew answered with a machine gun set up on her forward deck. But as the shells from the Seneca started dropping closer to his ship, McCoy realized the game was up. He lowered his jib and surrendered. On board the Coast Guard found $60,000 in cash (about a million dollars in today’s money) and only 400 cases of the original 4,200 case cargo.

Once brought ashore reporters asked McCoy how he intended to defend himself against the charges. He answered with a smile, “I was outside the three-mile limit, selling whisky, and good whisky, to anyone and everyone who wanted to buy.”

But after two years of legal wrangling, McCoy ultimately decided to accept a plea bargain. He pled guilty to violating the Volstead Act and was sentenced to nine months in jail.

After serving his time, McCoy retired from rumrunning, returning instead to the boat building business. He also became a successful real estate investor and when Prohibition ended he cashed in on his notoriety by putting out his own brand of whisky, called “The Real McCoy” and featuring the Tomoka on the label.

William Frederick “Bill” McCoy, the King of the Rumrunners, died in Florida at age 71 on December 30, 1948, seventy-five years ago today.

[braveclementine]

September

Warnings: None

Copyright: I do not own any Twilight characters or locations. I do own Davina Mikelson and Marcel. I also own the backstory for my OC. I do not condone any copying of this.

Davina P.O.V.

I rushed into the hospital, specifically Carlisle Cullen's office. "So sorry I'm late Doctor." I said, dashing to the file cabinet so that I could grab the work I was supposed to be doing. "I had a timed test for one of my classes and I only just got it done."

Carlisle laughed, "It's not a problem Davina. You're only five minutes late."

"Five minutes and it's my first day." I pointed out, breathing hard as I sat down gently on the couch, trying not to flop down.

I had graduated from Forks High School last May and had applied to some online courses so that I didn't have to go in person to college. Carlisle thought it was him that was keeping me from having 'real life college experience', but it wasn't. I just didn't feel like leaving the small town that was like a whole world of its' own.

I had also started being a bit more than an intern at the hospital, but as I still wasn't a full fledged doctor, I was still considered an intern. But now, I was allowed to work with real patients- if it wasn't serious- and also learn more about medicines.

Not to mention I was also the mother of vampires and werewolves.

Yes, vampires and werewolves. None of them were actually my biological children- vampires being created by venom and werewolves having real parents- but regardless, I was the mother of both groups.

On the vampire side, it made sense. Carlisle was like the father of Rosalie, Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Edward and his sister Esme was like their Aunt. So, as I was dating Carlisle, it sort've made me the mother.

With the werewolves on the other hand- there were only three: Jared, Paul, and Sam. Sam was my brother and he was also the leader of the werewolf pack. But somehow, I had become a mother figure to Jared and Paul. They always came to me about problems- Paul had a lot of them- and so there was that.

Not that I minded. I really liked my position in the vampire and werewolf tribes, even if they weren't very traditionally. Dating a vampire. Being a werewolf's sister. . . even if we weren't related.

"How did the test go?" Carlisle asked, looking up from his work. Merlin he was so hot in his white coat and light blue shirt.

"Uh a 95.6%." I said with a slight frown, "They didn't tell me what I got wrong though so that was a little annoying."

"That's a good grade." Carlisle said. "Good job."

I tried not to beam with pride.

"Oh yeah, were you able to get Bella's birthday present?" I asked after a few minutes. I had forgotten what had been nagging me and this was it.

"Yes I did." Carlisle said with a smile.

"How much were the tickets?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Don't worry about it." Carlisle said.

I tsked, "Carlisle, it's not a present from both of us if I didn't help pay for it."

"Yes it is." Carlisle argued. "Besides, I don't mind."

I hesitated but didn't really feel like arguing if he truly was fine with taking the bulk of the payment for the airplane tickets. Plus, Alice gave me a $5000 dress as a gift so I supposed $828 dollar plane tickets was pocket change.

Alice also never let anyone wear anything twice in her family. So, I would take the mens' clothes, wash them several times before putting them in boxes in the attic. I planned to give them to Sam after a few months so that one, the vampire smell would be out of them after some time and two, Sam would be able to give them to any of the boys who started having no clothing due to wolfing out so much.

For Alice, Rosalie, and Esme's clothes- I kept the ones I liked and fit. The others I made money off of at the thrift store. The really pricey ones I sold on Amazon.

I finished my work quickly, filing it away before kissing Carlisle good-bye and headed back to the Cullen house.

Once home, I headed up to Carlisle and mine bedroom- well really more mine as Carlisle didn't sleep- and looked for something to wear tonight for Bella's birthday.

I wore a white, thin sleeved shirt with a pleated plaid skirt. I wore a cream coloured sweater over that along with similar coloured shoes with dark brown laces. I did my own makeup today, doing a light covering before curling my dark brown hair into the curls that Carlisle loved so much.

[Ignore basically anything that wasn't in above description]

It was late, Alice was decorating downstairs. Carlisle had come in at some point, leaning against the doorframe to watch me curl my hair. I ignored him so I didn't burn myself and only turned to acknowledge his presence once I'd unplugged the curling iron.

"Hey love." Carlisle said, holding out his arms and I eagerly walked forward into his embrace.

"Hey Ravenclaw." I grinned. I had made all of the Cullens take Pottermore tests and Carlisle- as expected- was a Ravenclaw. It was now my nickname for him.

"Alice is going slightly overboard." Carlisle said with a sigh. "I'm afraid Bella might have a stroke."

"Well, good thing there is a doctor at home." I said, standing up on my tip toes to press my lips to his. "I'll be downstairs in a moment, okay?"

"Yes." Carlisle said and he was gone without even the slightest ruffle of a breeze.

I grinned at myself in the mirror, wiping away some excess blush and then headed out of the bedroom.

I heard voices and I headed over to one of the other rooms where Edward and Bella were standing, gazing at one of the pictures I hadn't had a chance to look at yet.

". . .thing to royalty my world has." Edward was saying.

Bella looked at the picture and then asked with slight hesitation, "Is that Carlisle?"

I moved so that I could see the painting. It was rather large, taking up room almost floor to ceiling, though not wide.

It depicted a scene of three vampires looking out over a balcony, one leaning against a pillar standing a respectful distance back: two blonds, two black.

While the three wearing more extravagant clothes looked rather proper, tall, and proud, the one in the back looked uncomfortable and small, looking pained about the humans dying beneath him.

I knew the one in the front was Aro. The leader of sorts while the one standing to the back and left of him was Marcus, his hair longer and curlier. The blond was Caius and to me, he looked a bit like Lucius Malfoy, just with red eyes and not nearly as handsome.

And of course, the vampire leaning against the pillar was Carlisle. The love of my life. He wasn't wearing extravagant clothes, but he still looked more handsome than the others. His coat was brown, the white cravat around his neck, the shirt underneath a dull yellow that matched his pants. And of course, because of the time period this was painted, they had the knee high socks and black pilgrim shoes as I called them.

"Yeah. He lived with them for a few decades." Edward answered. "Described 'em as very refined. No respect for human life, of course. But a respect for the arts and the sciences, at least. And the law. Above all, the law."

"Vampires have laws?" Bella asked.

I continued to gaze at Carlisle's figure, almost as though it was moving, his head turning from the crowd below.

"Not very many." Edward replied. "And only one that's regularly enforced."

"What is it?" Bella asked.

"That we keep the existence of our kind a secret." Edward responded. "We don't make spectacles of ourselves. And we don't kill conspicuously. Unless of course, you want to die."

"You got to stop talking about that," Bella said, and I took that as my cue to leave.

I quickly hurried through the hallway, vaulting off the stairs. "Em Bear!"

Emmett was there in millisecond, catching me before I could crash on the floor. "You gotta keep doing that Mama bear. You're going to give Carlisle a heart attack."

"Don't you mean stop doing it?" I questioned with a laugh as Emmett set me down on the floor.

"Nope because I would love to see if vampires actually can get heart attacks." Emmett teased.

Emmett was wearing a gray shirt with a tight black vest over it and black dress pants. I looked him up and down and said, "I approve. Did Ali force you to dress that way or Rose?"

"Neither. I know how to dress myself for special occasions." Emmett protested.

I raised a skeptical eyebrow as Carlisle zoomed behind me, putting his arms around my waist.

"Alright, maybe Alice pushed me in the right direction." Emmett complained.

"Mmmm." Was all I said as Carlisle rested his chin on my shoulder.

"Please don't launch yourself from high places." Carlisle muttered in my ear.

"Aww." I said, turning around to press my forehead to his. "Don't worry Carlisle. I would've landed on my feet."

I felt a growl start up in Carlisle's chest and I pressed my lips to his quickly before pulling away.

Esme, Rose, Ali, and Jaz walked into the room at that moment.

Rosalie was wearing a simple black dress and a gold necklace, walking over rather dejectedly to stand beside Emmett who looked ecstatic to see her. I smiled. Alice meanwhile darted up the stairs to get Bella. Jasper stood by himself and Esme gradually came over to stand with me and her brother.

"You look beautiful Esme." I said, taking in her red hair and purple dress.

As everyone else was wearing dresses, I felt sort of out of place wearing the rather normal skirt and shirt. Oh well.

"So do you." Esme said, giving me a hug.

Alice led Bella down the stairs, Bella stopping at the top when she saw the living room.

It was a bit much in my opinion and I was so sincerely glad that I had never told Alice when my birthday was. Carlisle and I had gone out on a secret date instead.

There were candles on every desk along with these large bouquets of flowers. Carlisle looked at me with a knowing smile at Bella's face. I smirked back.

Carlisle and I approached Bella first and he said, "Sorry about all this. We tried to reign Alice in." He took her hands, squeezing them.

"As if that were even possible." Esme and I said together. Esme hugged her first, and then I did.

"Happy Birthday Bella!" Esme said.

"Thanks." Bella sounded so over her birthday already.

Everyone turned as there was a clicking noise and Alice said apologetically, "I found it in your bag. You mind?"

"Dating an older woman. Hot." Emmett said to Edward.

I snorted, "Em bear. . ."

Things got awkward quickly. It seemed only Alice had an enthusiasm for tonight, dancing around to get a present, pretty much forcing it into Rosalie's hand and saying, "You first Rosalie."

Rose quickly held it out to Bella and said, "It's a necklace. Alice picked it out."

"I want cake." I muttered quietly so that only the vampires can hear me, and Carlisle and Jasper chuckled.

"Thanks." Bella said.

Alice dragged Edward over to take a picture of the two of them together and I turned to Carlisle, putting my hands on his shoulders. I stared up at him with a small smile on his face, tuning out the world behind me.

Until Alice said, "Open Davina and Carlisle's."

I turned, coming to stand by Bella's side, bouncing up and down on the balls of my feet.

"Just a little something to brighten your day." Carlisle said softly.

"Yes, because you've been looking kind of. . . pale lately." I smirked. Emmett laughed behind me.

Bella had difficulty opening it up, and when she finally did, she let out a little 'ow', holding up her hand to show blood running down her finger. "Paper cut," was all she said before turning back to open up the airplane tickets.

I felt my body stiffen because there was now blood exposed. I turned to look at Jasper- because he was the one I was most worried about with bloodlust being an emotion- and saw that his eyes were slowly darkening.

Only Edward seemed to notice as I went to stand in front of Bella. He pushed, missing Bella, hitting me, sending me crashing into Bella, both of us slamming into the back wall. I was on my feet in an instant, ignoring the glass in my wounds. Edward slammed Jasper backwards so that he crashed into the piano, breaking it.

Carlisle went to grab him, missing, though Emmett managed to wrap one arm around Jasper's waist.

And then I was there, right in front of Jasper, holding his face in my hands. "Jasper." I said quietly. "Jasper look at me."

Jasper tried to focus his eyes on me. "Don't breathe." I whispered. "Close off that sense. Keep your eyes on me."

Blood steadily dripped from my arm from the glass, making Carlisle's eyes flicker a little.

"Jasper, look at me." I continued as Edward zoomed to Bella's side. "Emmett, slowly let go of Jasper."

Emmett did as I commanded and I started moving forwards, pushing Jasper a little until he was walking backwards on his own and we were out of the house.

Once we were out in the fresh air, the tension seemed to disappear and I pulled Jasper into a hug. "It's alright Jaz, you're okay."

Jasper let out a stuttering breath. "I am weak Mama."

"No, no you're not. You're new. Carlisle has had three hundred years of practice and everyone's blood tests someone differently. Carlisle almost lost it with my blood in there too. It's practice Jasper. Practice makes perfect. If it takes you ten years, twenty years, another century, it doesn't mean you're weak. You have your own difficulties to deal with. All the other vampires in there had to deal with the lust of Bella's blood too. It just heightens yours as well."

"You're bleeding." Jasper said softly.

"Yes, but I'll be alright. My blood only seems to tempt Carlisle. You don't want to drink it, do you?"

Jasper paused, giving a tentative sniff, before shaking his head, "It doesn't. . . it doesn't appeal the way it should."

"You okay?" Alice asked, coming to stand out as well. Rosalie, Esme, and Emmett disappeared out into the forest.

"I'm going to go see Carlisle, you can take things from here." I told Ali, kissing Jasper's cheek.

Edward came out too, looking dead inside. I went to touch his shoulder but he was gone in a flash, leaving me hurt and confused.

I made my way up the stairs as I heard small clinking sounds coming from Carlisle's office. I stopped outside the door, listening.

". . . been away from human blood as long as the rest of us." Carlisle explained softly.

"How do you do it?" Bella asked.

"Years and years of practice." Carlisle sighed.

"Did you ever think of just doing it the easy way?" Bella asked.

"No." Carlisle said simply.

I looked into the office and saw Bella gripping his shirt, her arm extended. He was busy stitching up her wound.

"I knew who I wanted to be. I wanted to help people. Brings me happiness. Even if I am damned regardless."

He had never told me that. That he feared he was damned.

"Damned? Like hell?" Bella questioned.

Carlisle didn't answer.

"Carlisle you couldn't be damned. You couldn't. It's impossible."

"Thank you, Bella. You've always been very gracious about us." Carlisle said.

"So that's it?" Bella asked after a moment. "That's why he won't change me?"

"Imagine the situation in reverse." Carlisle touched her chin, making my heart clench in. . . was that jealousy? Surely not. . .

He moved away, grabbing a stick, lighting it on fire, and dipping it into the bowl of blood and gauze.

"If you believed as Edward does, could you take away his soul?"

I stepped away from the office, moving quietly down to the bedroom.

Carlisle P.O.V.

I knew Davina heard every word between us and when I touched Bella's chin, I heard her heart skip. I hoped she didn't think I didn't love her. I did. I loved Davina immensely.

Davina's footsteps moved away from the office, moving upstairs towards our bedroom.

Edward came back to drive Bella home and I went upstairs to the bedroom.

"Davina?" I asked, stepping into the room.

She looked up from her position on the floor. She was sitting near the footstool, a pair of tweezers in her hand, pulling the glass from her own wound, dropping it into a small bowl like the one I had used with Bella.

"Hey." She whispered softly, putting the tweezers down, running a wet cloth over the wound to clean it before she reached for a needle and some thread.

I was by her side in an instant, "I hope you weren't going to try and stitch it up yourself."

Normally she would make some sort of joke, give me a teasing smile. Instead, she simply shrugged, leaning her head back. That troubled me and I picked up the needle, starting to work gently on her arm.

I smelled something different, salt water, and I looked around for the source and saw Davina had tears running down her face.

"Davina!" I asked in alarm. "Are you alright? If the needle-"

"It's not the needle." Davina murmured, opening her dark eyes to meet mine. I finished off the stitches, lighting the blood and such on fire, feeling I could breathe easier now.

"What is it?" I asked as she climbed into my lap, wrapping her arms underneath mine, squeezing my hips with her legs, burying her head into my shoulder.

"Do you. . . do you think you are damned?"

"I believe that if I redeem myself, then no, I am not damned." I said softly.

"What could you possibly have to redeem yourself from!" Davina cried. "You're perfect. You've never killed a single person. You save people in hospitals. You try and help people! You do help people! If you think you're damned then I have no hope."

I was surprised by this outburst. I wanted to tell her that there was nothing she could've done in her life that would condemn her to hell- except becoming a vampire- but I knew I didn't know everything about her.

"Davina. . ." I said softly, stroking her hair back behind her ear.

"Carlisle." Another voice said and we both looked up to see Edward there. "We need to speak. As a family. Davina, you should go home."

Davina's face showed a little hurt and confusion. They all called her mom or equivalents. Never Davina- not after she accepted to be their mom anyways. This wasn't good.

I kissed her firmly and said, "I love you."

"I love you 3000." She said with a small smile.

"I actually got that one." I muttered, standing, helping her to her feet.

She grinned, "Marvel fan eh? Should've known. I'll see you at work tomorrow." She kissed me cheek, touched Edward's shoulder gently, her face dropping slightly when he didn't respond to her, and then walked down the stairs.

"Edward-" I started but he cut me off.

"We need to leave." Edward said.

"I'm not leaving Davina." I said sharply, vamping down to the living room where the rest of the family was waiting. Jasper was standing next to Alice, looking upset. Emmett and Rosalie had already packed. Esme looked torn.

"Carlisle, you know we have to leave." Edward said. "Bella and Davina will be better off if we leave."

"Whoa wait." Emmett said. "We're leaving Mama bear behind?"

"We have to Emmett." Edward said. "They'll be better off."

"Edwards right." I muttered. Everyone's heads spun to me.

"Wait, what?" Rose asked. "I don't like Bella, but mom-"

"We're leaving." I insisted.

'WHOA NO WE AREN'T!!' Lord shouted inside of me. 'WE'RE NOT LEAVIG OUR MATE!'

"Carlisle." Esme warned.

"What happened to Bella could've been Davina. In fact, it did happen to Davina and it would've been worse if Bella hadn't softened some of the blow. We're leaving tonight and we're doing it to protect both of them."

"I'll tell them at the same time." Edward said. "After school tomorrow."

I nod, "Tell her- Davina- that we'll keep in touch, I'm not breaking up with her. I have her phone number after all. And that I'll come and visit before spring break hits."

Without waiting to see if Edward would listen to me, I made my way up to the office so that I could cover my art pieces and furniture.

Davina P.O.V.

I didn't have work at the hospital and I got a text from Edward that said he wanted to meet me at Bella's house.

I frowned, but told Bella I'd follow her home. Upon arriving there, Edward was still in the clothes that he had been wearing at the party last night- a dark blue button up shirt with black dress pants and a black dress coat- and I realized that he wasn't here to deliver pleasant news.

"Hey." Bella said.

He wouldn't look at either us, shifting his head towards the forest and said, "Come take a walk with me."

Bella and I walked after him, deep into the forest, but not to far, just enough that we could just make out the path back towards the house.

Edward stopped walking finally, not looking at us still. After a few moments of awkward waiting he said, "We have to leave Forks."

Well, that was fine. I was doing online college so I could do my college while traveling. It might mean that I would have to reveal my secret before I was ready so that they understood the hate or the love I got from people but that was alright if it meant that I got to keep Carlisle. I didn't really have any other family besides Sam anyways so it didn't matter to much if I had to leave.

"Why?" Bella asked.

"Carlisle's supposed to be ten years older than he looks." Edward said, putting his hands in his pockets. I leaned against a tree, glad for the thick blue rain jacket I was wearing that protected my clothing from the moss. "And people are starting to notice."

Okay. That made sense. Was he really trying to pose as forty-three though? I don't know. He looked like he should've said he was twenty-five.

Edward was finally staring Bella in the face, completely avoiding me and I suddenly had a very bad feeling about this. . . why hadn't Carlisle come to say this to me? Why was Edward having to tell both Bella and I?

"Okay. . ." Bella sounded confused, but still steady. "I've got to think of something to say to Charlie."

When Edward didn't answer, it hit her and me both. "When you say 'we'. . ."

"I mean my family and myself." Edward finished Bella's statement.

"Edward, what happened with Jasper, it's nothing." Bella protested.

"You're right. It was nothing." Edward said, staring at a spot on the forest floor that was between her and me. "Nothing but what I always expected. And nothing compared to what could of happened." He finally glanced at me, "Carlisle agrees. You two just don't belong in our world."

I found I had nothing I could say but Bella did, "I belong with you."

"No. You don't." Edward continued.

I took a step back. That was why Carlisle hadn't come. Carlisle had never struck me as a coward. But he didn't even have the courage to tell me he no longer loved me to my face.

I could pretty much feel my heart breaking in two and now, I was certain of why I felt sick the way I had all day. Because Carlisle was gone and the soulmate bond knew it, even if I hadn't. And somehow, the knowledge of it seemed to hurt even more because of it.

"I'm coming." Bella gritted out.

"Bella leave it." I whispered out. Why would she go if he obviously didn't want her?

"Bella. . . I don't want you to come."

I wanted to leave, but my feet didn't seem to want to move.

"You don't want me?" Bella asked, trying to sound out the words.

"No."

"That changes things. A lot."

"But if it's not to much to ask. Can you just promise me something? Don't do anything reckless. For Charlies' sake. And I'll promise you both something in return- this will be the last time you see any of us. None of us will come back. And you can go on with your life without any interference from us. It will be like. . . we never existed. I promise."

Bella couldn't seem to accept it. But I had accepted it the moment we'd come into the forest. "If this is about my soul, take it. I don't want it without you!"

"Its not about your soul. You're just not good for me. And Davina terrible for Carlisle."

"Not good enough for you." Bella changed.

"I'm just sorry I let this go on for so long." Edward said.

Sound seemed to stop working in my ears. The way that the sound had stopped when the bombs had gone off. Like my eardrums had ruptured.

Pure silence, pure bliss. There was a haze swimming in front of my eyes, a pain stabbing me in the stomach.

No.

I had sworn I would never let myself get hurt like this again! NOT AGAIN!

I looked up and saw both Edward and Bella were gone. Edward- my son, my youngest son- had left no footprints. But Bella's led deeper into the forest.

Looking up, I saw the sky had grown darker. Ah shit, I had been out of it for a long time.

I struggled to my feet. Alright, I would go and find Bella. I had to find Bella and bring her back before Charlie sent out a search party for her.

I struggled forward, my eyes glued to the prints of her rainboots. Thank Forks for constant mud even when there was no rain.

After some time though- I had no idea how long as the pain in my stomach made everything seem worse- the prints started to disappear and I looked around wildly. I was hopelessly lost.

"Shit." I cursed. I was so angry, I wanted to punch something. I was angry at Carlisle for leaving me. I was angry at Bella for trailing farther in. I was angry at Em, Rose, Jaz, Ali, and Eddie for leaving me- their supposed mother. I was mad at Esme for not convincing her brother to stay. I was mad at myself for falling in love.

I was mad at myself for not dying when I should've.

"Bella!" I called, trying to find her. It was starting to rain again, tears and water rushing down my face, obscuring my vision. I pulled the jacket around me tighter, tripping over a log and falling flat on my face.

Part of me just wanted to lie there, stay there, but I couldn't. I wiped mud from my face, anger spiking up inside of me. It felt hot. It felt like something, something animal-like, wanted to burst from my skin.

And then another spike of pain washed over me, making me cold again and I continued on.

Finally, I spotted her, curled up in a ball. Thank God she was wearing a yellow rain jacket.

I slid down the muddy bank. My shoes were totally ruined, my hair a mess, mud covering my entire front. I was so glad I hadn't worn anything nice today.

I heard growling and froze, pulling out my pocket knife like that would do anything, looking around wildly, inching closer to Bella.

The black wolf appeared and I let out a sigh of relief, putting the small blade back in my pocket as Sam morphed back. I looked upwards as he put his jeans on.

"Davina, are you alright?" Sam asked, looking my body up and down and the mess that I was in.

"No, not really." I said, trying not to cry. "Sam. . . Carlisle left."

I swallowed hard, taking in a shaking breath and wiped under my eyes. "And Edward came to tell the both of us and I think she chased after him."

"Davina, I'm sorry." Sam said softly.

I shook my head, "No. It's my fault. I should never have fallen for him in the first place. I swore I'd never fall for someone again and I did so it's my bloody fault."

Sam knelt down to scoop Bella up in his arms.

"Just follow me. Don't fall okay?" Sam asked.

I nodded, following him. He found a shorter route out of the forest, ending in front of Charlie's house were lots of people had gathered for a search party. Charlie ran over.

"She's all right." Sam said in an authoritative voice as Charlie tried taking Bella into his arms, "I've got her. Thank you Sam."

I stayed by Sam's side, watching as Harry Clearwater gave him the slightest of nods.

"Let's get you home." Sam muttered.

"My bikes in the driveway." I whispered.

I climbed on behind Sam and he drove towards my house. I now had a pounding headache too, along with the pain in my chest.

"Sam, pull over." I groaned. "SAM!"

He pulled over with a screeching halt and I fell off the bike, the pain exploding and I threw up several times.

"Davina!"

I held out a hand, testing to see if I was going to throw up anymore. "Sam. . . I don't. . . I don't feel good. The soulmate bond. . ."

"Soulmate bond?" Sam questioned, holding my face in his hands. "What soulmate bond?"

"Jasper. . . he said that Carlisle and I had something called a third tier soulmate bond. It's the. . . the strongest bond. And that a separation of great distance would cause the female and the male pain, but the female more. . . I don't remember everything exactly. But there is so much pain Sam." I started to cry.

Sam gathered me up in his arms, climbing back on the bike, zooming faster towards my house.

He parked the bike sloppily, opening the door and rushing me upstairs. I wasn't entirely sure what was happening until he sat me down on the edge of the tub, turning the water on, plugging the drain so that it would fill up.

"Do you want me to stay?" Sam asked.

"It's okay." I murmured, "We both know. . . yes please stay."

Sam pretty much had to undress me because I was slowly losing it. I wasn't sure why. I had never felt anything like this before. I mean, I had felt heart break but I hadn't reacted like this before. Last time had just been a lot of anger, feeling red hot- sometimes almost getting as hot as Sam felt- before another emotion quickly set in to make it go away.

"S-Sam?" I choked out as he slid me into the hot water.

"Yes?"

"When you. . . the first time you transformed, what did it feel like?"

Sam was quiet for a moment and then said, "I. . . I felt this pressure building up inside of me. I was scared, terrified. I had no idea what it was. I didn't know if it was hormones or what. And then I got angry and I turned. I spent three weeks as a wolf before I turned back. Though I'd gone crazy. Then the council leaders met with me, told me what had happened, why I had become what I am and that was because of vampires. If there's a vampire, you need a werewolf. To keep balance."

"I see." I responded, shivering despite the warm water. The headache was even worse now and I cried out, pressing my fingers to my temples on either side of my head like it would make the headache go away.

"Davina!"

"It hurts so badly Sam." I cried weakly. "How am I going to keep going? I've only felt like this for a few hours and I just want to fall asleep and not wake up! How can I go like this for weeks! For months! Will it be like this for the rest of my life?"

Sam's eyes were tortured, staring down at me. He smoothed my long hair back. "It's okay. It's going to be okay. I'm here."

I don't know if I fell asleep in the bath tub or if I passed out. Regardless, the next day I woke up in my bed, Sam asleep on the floor next to me. A week passed of pain, crying, screaming, and Sam's tortured eyes, trying to get me to eat and drink. I wanted to- but it was like I physically couldn't.

And then after a week- the pain stopped.

[definitelynottony]

Could you do starkercest? But fem!peter? 🥺 pls?

Her there nonny. Fem!Peter isn't something I've done before, but I gave it a shot because you asked so nicely~

TW: Female Peter, incest (Daddy x daughter)

Tony thought he's been a good father. He's spoiled his baby girl rotten over the years, sure, but she's perfect. And when she gives him those big bambi eyes, like hell he'd ever say no to her. Except when it comes to boys.

"Daddy! Everyone else has a date, why can't I? There was at least three guys that already asked me to the dance!"

"Because, princess, you're not old enough to date yet." That has been Tony's excuse for the last four years. It's even getting old to his own ears.

"That's bullshit and you know it! I'm seventeen, Dad! Most of my class have been dating since they were twelve!"

"I'm sorry you're going to school with a bunch of heathens, but i'm raising my little girl with some class. You can date when I'm dead!"

"But that'll take forever!!!"

"Brat." Tony rolled his eyes at her.

"Meanie!" Parker pouted out to her Dad. Tony can't stand that.

"Come on, tesoro. Don't be like that. Daddy bought you that pretty dress you wanted, bought you all new makeup, and you're going to go get your hair done. Why do you need a boy bringing you down when you're going to be the bell of the ball?"

Parker's eyes started to shine with tears. She was good... too damn good. She knows how to play her Dad's heartstrings. Crying, without fail, always got her what she wanted. She learned that by age five. Tony never had the heart to say no.

"Parker Maria Stark. Do not cry over a boy. I taught you better than that."

"Who am I going to slow dance with, Daddy? I'll look like a loser... everyone already thinks I'm weird."

Tony pulled his little girl into a tight hug. "No one thinks that, baby. You're the prettiest girl in that whole school."

"You have to say that! You're my dad."

"I'm also a man. I know what I'm talking about."

Parker's face flushed at that comment. She turned away and pouted, trying to hide her face. Tony saw it, though. Felt it. How his little girl clenched her thighs... he's just a man. God. A lonely man with a gorgeous seventeen year old daughter. These intrusive thoughts aren't the first time they came to the old man.

Honestly, they've been happening more and more. Even more sinful after Tony saw what his little girl bought herself with her Daddy's credit card. Tony had to dig a bit. Had to threaten the company with the fact that they sold over a five hundred dollars worth of products to a minor. But it was worth it. To see all the lingerie that now sits in his little girls dresser. The dildos and vibrators she's hiding under her bed.

Yeah. There's no way he's letting his little girl with an awakening sexual appetite go off with a teen boy. Tony was a teen boy at one point. He knows how they are. What they want. The only thing they want. The joke is that thing doesn't go away with age. When he's holding his little girl like this, thinking about what she might be thinking about... okay. He should probably let go now.

"Daddy?" Parker asks in a shy voice as her Dad let go of her and stepped back.

"Yes, baby girl?"

"Why don't you want me to have a boyfriend? You know, statistically, kids with strict rules tend to do worse things when they're legal..."

"Are you threatening me, princess?" Tony's face gets serious. Eyes small in a glare, eyebrow cocked.

"All I'm saying is if I don't get to date boys my own age now, maybe I'll end up dating an older man next year when I go off to college." She shrugs.

"Excuse me? You will do no such thing. You're my child, you'll follow my rules."

"No! If I want to go date a forty year old when I turn eighteen in a few months, I will! And you can't stop me!"

Tony's never felt this possessive before. He sees red when he grabs his girl by the wrist and pulls her in against him. When he growls out, "if you're so desperate for a man to fuck you, sweetheart, let Daddy show you exactly what you're asking for."

He might not win "father of the year award," especially after this. But he made his little girl scream and pass out after her third orgasm and you know, that's enough for him.

[flojocabron]

10/30/24: Once again, it's Wednesday! Fleamarket stuffs! Day started out with some comics. The Maxx issue one and x-men 186; these were $2.00 each. There was a lot more X-men comics, but some guy beat me to them. Oh, well. Next seller for $6.00 was a baseball ps4 game and three dvds. I then lucked out on a nice lot of Blurays. Guy probably just wanted to get rid of them, but he sold me the movies three for a dollar! No problem! I found more comics in the next space, but they had no baggies and were a bit tore up. But I did find some TPB of DC Comics mixed in. These survive better. Plus a Sega genesis game and an Adventure Time dvd. The lady wanted $12.00 for everything. And at first, I wanted to haggle down to $10. But I realized I spent all my small bills and all I had were fifties. So I didn't want to be a jerk and get it down to ten and pay with a big bill. So I just paid her what she wanted. Lastly, I found a lot of gameboy and Advance games. I almost missed them too. They were in a dirty metal tray. When I opened it, it had five games in it! The guy wanted $10 each for the games. And I offered $40 instead. But we met halfway at $45. It's got good games in it. So it was worth it. And that ends my day of hunting for things.

[skylermadness]

A Bond Forged in Steel (Zeke Von Genbu and Rex (Future Redeemed) TF)

(Original Date of Upload: March 25, 2024)

Original Description:

Story commission. This story was honestly extremely fun to write out! I've been wanting to do TFs of Zeke and Rex's Future Redeemed incarnation for a very long time, so being able to do so and be given to play with some homoeroticism is honestly quite the bargain for me. Plus, I mean, they're both extremely hot. Although this is definitely my first time doing a double TF/MG. Most doubles I've done had both characters be practically completely different in body types and whatnot so this was definitely a first time for me! Overall I'm really happy with the outcome and hope I get more chances to do stuff like this again! ...I still crave Xenoblade men TF. There needs to be more. Rated Mature for nudity, bulge, and mild sexual themes.

   Anniversaries have always been an interesting day for some couples. Certain compulsions arising on varying ends of the relationship for one person to show the other just how much they care. In the end it meant ensuring a rather fulfilling experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately it can quickly devolve into a stressful time as the all-important date approaches for the couple in question.

   So Zack was rather lucky that he didn't have to deal with that stress. In truth, the current day that was today is his anniversary with his boyfriend Nathan. Their romantic relationship has been going on for exactly a year now and Zack had wanted to commemorate the occasion with something special. A surprise gift for the person he loved, and one that he knew Nathan would adore…

   It was actually a week ago that he had the initial thought for this idea. Considering that his boyfriend was quite the fanatic for the Xenoblade Chronicles series of games, Zack had wanted to find a gift that would align with that particular interest. At first his search was rather fruitless, being mostly varying assortments of fairly pricey figurines or small custom trinkets that while looking pretty didn't feel like they'd convey his care as much as he would want them to. In the end it wasn't until just three or so days ago that he had finally found just what he truly needed.

   Life-sized weapon replicas.

   It was a weird find to say the least, alongside being oddly coincidental since they were being sold at a cosplay shop near where they shared an apartment were a menagerie of (presumably) plastic prop weapons for varying characters from the game series. While the more iconic weapons such as Shulk’s Monado and Noah’s Sword could be found in its stock, Zack had been more focused on finding proper recreations of the swords owned by the favorite characters of his significant other. 

   As he thought that he had seemed to ride off the same stroke of luck that brought him to this store’s website in the first place. With just a bit of scrolling he ended up finding the exact swords he was looking for being listed. Those being Zeke Von Genbu and Pandoria’s shared Big Bang Edge greatsword, and the Firelight Swords that Rex wielded in the 3rd game’s Future Redeemed expansion. All three of which seemed to only go for twenty five dollars each. 

   With that price calculation being a measly seventy five dollars total it didn't take long for Zack to set up a reservation to buy them in person. That's where he was today, the young man standing outside the store whose site he visited just mere days earlier: Maurice’s Exceptional Cosplay Collectibles.

   Seeing as he was here with a purpose Zack was quick to push open the door and walked into the shop, a bell above the entrance signaling his arrival. A cursory glance around the shop seemed to prove only one other person was inside with him. A relatively older-looking, balding and bearded man that was behind the store’s counter. Said counter also seemed to have three objects set atop it that could instantly be recognized as the swords the younger man had reserved.

   “Ah, take it yer that Zack fellow?” the older man, Maurice, inquired upon noticing the other’s entrance. “Didn’ anticipate you comin’ this early. Was just gettin’ ready to bag yer stuff!”

   Zack gave the storekeeper a casual wave as he walked towards the counter. “Yep, that would be me! Ended up wanting to get the stuff early. I guess the thought of my boyfriend’s reaction upon seeing these spurred me to come as quickly as I could.”

   Maurice smiled and nodded. “Gift for a loved one, eh? Seein’ as yer here you could take a look at yer order as I find a bag large enough to hold ‘em all.”

   “Sounds good!” Zack gave a thumbs up. Now that he was properly at the counter he could get a proper look at these objects in person…

   It was astonishing just how accurate the three replicas seemed to be. The sheer size of them was almost to the scale of the scenes he had seen in the games. The massive and wide broadsword of the Big Bang Edge, its rectangular pommel adorned with lightning bolt-shaped formations jutting from its sides. The Firelight Swords looked like the Aegis blades but still possessed clear differences to them that made it seem like they looked to be two halves of one blade. It all made Zack impressed, and he was rather glad to have gotten a chance to buy them all for a rather cheap price. Especially with how high quality they all seemed!

   While the young man had gawked at the replicas, Maurice had spent his time placing a good few plastic bags into each other so the blades wouldn't tear through everything. “Should consider requestin’ people bring their own bags for this stuff-” he muttered to himself. Though once all the bags were prepared he turned back to the counter. “Everything looks good to ya?”

   “Yep!” Zack responded enthusiastically. “I just wonder how you managed to create such life-like recreations…”

   Maurice let out a low chuckle as he placed each sword into the bag. “Trade secret, kid~”

   He then placed the bagged-up blades onto the counter. “Feel free to skedaddle now. Hope yer boyfriend loves these things!”

   “I’m absolutely sure he will!” Zack said with a smile. He hoisted the bag around his shoulder, wobbling a bit at the realization of how weighty these things seemed to feel. “Oh these are a little heavier than I expected too…”

   With the transaction now completed, the young man made his way out of the store with the objects in tow. All the while the storekeeper smiled a very knowing smile.

                                        ----------------------------------------------------------

   Having managed to net himself a day off from work, Nathan had spent much of the morning at his and his boyfriend’s shared apartment finishing up whatever JRPG of the month he was on while waiting for Zack to come back home. He wasn't initially aware that the other man was going to be leaving, nor did he really know where they had gone. His boyfriend just gave him a casual ‘I’m heading out for a bit!’ and left before he had a chance to ask anything. That was roughly an hour ago though.

   Now the time was hovering close to noon and Nathan’s gaming excursion was interrupted by the sound of the apartment’s front door opening. Pausing his game, he looked over to the entrance to find Zack struggling with hauling what seemed to be three swords in a bag on his back.

   “Could I get some help here-” Zack strainly asked, prompting Nathan to get up from the couch and help him out.

   “Christ, man, what the hell were you up to out there!?” Nathan inquired. He let Zack lean on him for a little bit as the other man steadily shifted the bag off of their shoulder.

   “This!” was Zack’s only response as the bag collapsed onto the ground, a chorus of metal clangs reverberating from it as it fell.

   “Wha…” Nathan's gaze wandered to look at the contents of Zack’s bag. While had initially noticed while his boyfriend was walking in that it was some kind of collection of swords, the moment his eyes laid onto them he realized just what kind of swords they were.

   “X-Xenoblade merch!?” he exclaimed. “Not just that but, such real looking blade replicas…”

   He went to pick up one of the objects, the red blade that was one half of Rex’s Firelight Swords. He struggled a bit to just pick it up with one hand. He surmised it was because of the metallic make of them based on how the blade’s grip felt in his hand. An assumption that was instantly confirmed once he held the blade out in front of him.

   “Did you go to some kind of metal workshop for this!? This looks like an actual sword!”

   “No, I got them from some kind of cosplay store in the inner city,” Zack responded. He curiously picked up one of two remaining blades, this time the Big Bang Edge. Although considering its size he had to use both hands instead of just one. “I-I could've sworn these were plastic when I bought them though!” he nervously stated. “No way a bunch of real swords would go for seventy five dollars total, y'know?”

   “I’m just going to state it outright,” Nathan hauled up the white and gold Firelight Sword out of the bag with the other hand. “I think you bought three real ass swords. Although the fact you got actual realistic replicas of some Xenoblade objects is so…” he fixed his gaze at the two swords he was holding. “Astonishing.”

   “I take it you like them?” Zack said with a hopeful smile.

   “Like them? I love them! I don't know where I'd put them all but, between the realistic appearance and the sheer accuracy and-” he was about to go on a tangent, but he began to feel something off the longer he held onto both sword grips. “How recently forged were these? They still feel a little hot…”

   “What?” Zack raised a brow. He then started to hear a low, almost inaudible crackling noise from his own blade. Looking down at it, he found that his own sword was sparking somehow. Small bolts of electricity escaping and spiraling around the blade in some mesmerizing dance. “Woah, dude, do you see this?”

   “Uh, I think you should maybe put that down-”

   “Yeah, that'd probably be a good-”

   Zack didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as the sparks of electricity promptly emanated from the weapon's hilt and in just one second shocked both hands that were gripped onto it. With a yelp of pain the young man unhanded the blade and let it collapse unceremoniously on the ground. “C-crap-”

   A look of concern formed on Nathan’s face. “Are you okay!?”

   “I…” Zack began formulating a response, but stopped as he looked down at his hands.

   A feeling of pins and needles coursed through both of Zack’s hands. A sensation that could only be equated to feeling like touching television static. And the longer that sensation remained the more a strange series of changes began to ensue in each hand. One of the most noticeable changes came in the form of their size altering, growing in front of his very eyes. Swelling out to become larger and thicker, quickly becoming a far cry from their previously smaller appearance. It was as if their bone structure and muscle mass was just increasing in size, improving almost. This would become quite prevalent when it came to his fingers. Each one plumped up and thickened, further granting his hands a more powerful appearance. 

   “Uhhh…” the young man vocalized as he watched everything unfold. His gaze was then brought to his arms as he felt a weird swelling sensation within them.

   Thanks to the shorter sleeves of his shirt Zack was also granted quite the view of his transforming limbs. Much like with his hands the forearm region of each arm began to rapidly accumulate muscle mass. Quickly did they swell thicker, the once thin form of them being consumed by the burgeoning appearance of raw strength. As muscles grew they only became more tangible, creases forming in his skin over where muscle groups would divide. It was almost as if the young man was being granted some kind of instantaneous appearance of years of working out and improving his muscles.

   His upper arms weren't being left unscathed either. While the extensors in his forearms expanded, the muscle groups above his elbows were quick to follow. He could feel his sleeves begin to constrict as the diameter of the region increased in size. A low heat and a sensation of static buzzed through his sensory nerves as his upper arms bulked up, once non-existent biceps burgeoning with raw power while his triceps matured alongside them. Fabric would only continue stretching over his shoulders as his deltoids were developed greatly in size, rounding out and perfectly indenting themselves into the article of clothing.

   Zack had been left rather awestruck. Despite the strange feeling coursing through his muscles, he could tell just how raw the strength within them seemed to feel. He couldn't deny the uncanny feeling of the situation though. Managing to break out of his stunned daze the young man could only say, “N-Nathan, I don't know what's happening-”

   Nathan had been watching the start of Zack’s transformation, a worried look having formed on his face. He didn't know what was happening either, especially since people just don't spontaneously become muscular! But he was having trouble trying to come up with anything calming. This situation was proving itself to be complicated from the get-go.

   Nathan then realized just how hot the blades he was holding were getting. For just a second he moved his focus away from his boyfriend and onto the white and gold sword of the pair, and that’s when he caught that it seemed to be glowing. Out of a mixture of surprise and a feeling that he couldn't for too long hold two objects that felt like they were becoming as hot as a stovetop, he had quickly dropped the Firelight Swords before anything could happen. It would seem it was already too late for him though and a burning heat entered his core forcing Nathan to grunt as he clenched his chest. 

   “Fuck-” was the only word he could spit out. In his mind though he was already connecting the dots. Was he about to start to change as well?!

   It would only take a few seconds for the answer of that question to arise. Whereas Zack’s transformation had started in his hands, Nathan’s seemed to begin in his chest. As heat welled up in his core he could feel a sensation of swelling within his pectoral region. This was proven to be caused by his chest garnering definition of its own. Nathan had been a fairly skinny guy since the man had not really been one to do much in working on his muscles. However as seconds continued to pass his once relatively flat chest expanded outwards. Pecs were rapidly forming and pushing forward becoming thicker, larger than they had ever been previously. The best way to describe them were two meaty slabs that had risen from his chest. This new development in his musculature also formed a crevice between the two pectorals. This perfectly defined cleavage had easily indented itself into the fabric of his polo shirt, as did the muscles themselves.

   If that wasn't enough he could also feel a churning sensation in his abdominal region. This was being caused by even more muscles developing within the man. His tummy, once only flat with an average amount of fat for a young adult layered on it, was becoming just as chiseled and defined as his chest. Ridges indented into his skin as a set of abs just pushed outwards. Any initial bagginess of his shirt would be dispelled in an instant as these muscles enhanced themselves and further made their presence known by indenting into the fabric more and more. Gone would be the skinny torso of an average man, now replaced by a more brawnier appearance. That wasn't the end for Nathan’s changes either as he felt a pressure wrack his spine, soon followed by the sensation that his body being tugged upwards. The hem of his shirt was rising as a result of this, revealing a light dusting of hair beginning to make its way up the middle of his lower abdominal region.

   Nathan let out another grunt as he forced himself to stand up straight. A hand still clenched over his chest as the heat continually poured across his form. He could practically feel the upper portion of his shirt sleeves begin to constrict. “We- we both are becoming so… muscular, it seems…”

   “Y-yeah,” Zack strained out. He still felt a bit stunned, and the sight of his boyfriend growing such a massive shelf had been a little concerning. But at the same kind he couldn't hide his blushing at just how big Nathan’s pecs seemed to have gotten now. It made him a little bit envious.

   Of course as Zack feels that emotion he begins to feel a tinge in his own chest. He took his gaze off Nathan and forced his head downward, and instantly he was greeted with the sight of his own pectorals pressing up on his shirt by just a bit. They only seemed to continue as well by pressing forward more, developing their own proper thickness that seemed to get more prominent as his body seemed to broaden. The young man could only watch in awe as his pec muscles inched forward and continued to swell and round out into perfect slabs themselves that just forced the shirt he wore to stretch over and outline their perfect physique. He had even gotten his own cleavage indent within the fabric too.

   The lower half of his torso wouldn't be left out from these changes either. He could just barely see his abdominal region bubble as he was granted the sight of his own abs advancing in musculature. His abs would sculpt themselves out of his relatively unimpressive form and etch ridges into his skin to properly divide the muscle groups. All the while he was privy to the sight of a six pack set of abs miraculously manifesting from his body and replacing his once twinkish nature.

   The spontaneous muscle growth in Nathan had seemed to be in the process of shifting to match Zack’s. As Zack was fixated on his torso, Nathan’s eyes had been brought over to his arms. Unlike his boyfriend Nathan had been wearing a long-sleeved shirt, so he wasn't initially granted the perfect view of his bulking arms. But with the passing of time he would still be given the sight of something.

   The best way to describe the way his arms changed was it felt akin to watching a balloon get pumped with a constant flow of air. Each limb was effectively pumped with muscle at a smooth and steady rate. It was a rather majestic sight just watching his shoulders broaden with perfectly developed deltoids, or seeing his biceps and triceps swell up into rounded cantaloupes. All while the material of his sleeves tried their best to hang on and contain his constantly growing muscle mass. But not even they could handle his thick upper arm muscles and it didn't take long for him to see his shirt sleeves tear over his biceps. 

   His forearms had been enduring the same changes concurrently as well. Bulking up with raw muscle to such a point that he could the crevices through the fabric of his sleeves. Just the raw definition of it all was enough to overwhelm him more than the heat in his heart was doing. Such perfect form that almost felt like it belonged to someone who spent ages working hard to get their muscles to this size.

   That process of thoughts had even seemed to be proven as his hands grew. Rapidly increasing in size to match his massive proportions, swelling to be larger and thicker. Just a raw sense of strength that exuded from each growing hand as if they had the ability to punch straight through a wall. An idea that could be further supported by his slightly chunkier fingers, the digits needing to have grown as well to accommodate his new hand size. But what really got him was the tingling in his palms, the sensation in his clenched hand as he felt the skin upon it seem to almost harden a bit. As if despite the almost pristine condition of them there was still a certain amount of age that had to be added to his hands. Age that would manifest in wear and tear, something that could easily come in the form of callusing of the skin.

   His limbs seemed to have been dealt with now. This had meant that Nathan and Zack were on equal terms physically for the time being. Although as Nathan looks over towards Zack he can tell the other man still seemed a bit smaller in comparison to him. He could also see a strange look of poorly hidden embarrassment on the other’s face as well. A look that Nathan knew all too well…

   “A-are you enjoying this!?” Nathan inquired.

   The sudden outburst made Zack yelp. “I-I- maybe!? I'm just…” the young man shakily brought a hand to his chest, a chorus of rips echoing through the air from his short sleeves as he did so. “Muscle…”

   Nathan blinked a few times. He couldn't deny himself that the sudden growth in muscle was rather appealing… but this was all so weird! He can't just let that strangeness slide-

   “H-hey, wait… can you say something…?” Zack had suddenly asked out of the blue.

   “Eh?” Nathan raised a brow. “Why would you- w-wait, my-”

   His voice. He could hear his voice cracking at random intervals, and each time it did so it had seemingly gotten deeper. Even weirder was that it was altering beyond that in varying degrees as well. It's tone, it's pitch, and was his accent shifting too!?

   Nathan looked straight at Zack, preparing himself to hear his voice again as he was about to verbally make a comment about it. His words were halted almost instantly in his throat however, mouth hanging open as he seemed fixated on something. Zack seemed to catch onto this though.

   “Why are you looking at me like that…?” Zack asked, oblivious. “Is something happening to my… face…”

   His statement trailed off as something silvery began entering his field of vision from above and continued growing downward more for a few seconds before stopping. This didn't seem to stop though as a few more bits of silver descended upon the leftward portion of his field of vision. But at this point he knew what it seemed to be, the young man bringing a hand up to his face to grasp onto a clump of this silvery growth.

   “My hair, it's growing… longer…?” Zack then unhanded the newly grown tufts of hair. However as he lowered his hand he too noticed something on his boyfriend’s face as well. “D-dude, I think your hair’s becoming a bit-” the statement is broken by a sudden caught before he continued, “-funky as well- o-oh crap…”

   As much as Nathan wanted to comment on Zack’s own voice changes, his curiosity got the better of him. He mustered just enough strength so he could move his currently unoccupied hand to the top of his head. There he found the feeling that his hair had gotten a little bit thicker, fuller than it had used to be. “What the hell…”

   “This just-” Zack cleared his throat to try in vain to dispel his own shifting voice. “This just keeps getting weirder!”

   Zack visibly cringed at the sound of his voice. How was it that in just a few seconds his voice had gone from being normal to sounding weirdly over the top!? It didn't sound deeper since it still sounded like one that could possibly belong to a young adult. However it was feeling like the tone of it was becoming more flamboyant.

   “Mmf, you’re telling me…” Nathan responded. His focus had gone back down to looking at his body. He had taken note that his polo continued to strain over his torso, and the placket of it was just being stretched out from his wider form. A moment of curiosity dictated his next action as he decided to inhale a deep breath, wincing a bit as it still felt like his heart was burning. But the action of his chest rising caused the shirt to begin splitting down the middle. He then exhaled from a sigh. That act alone seemed to be enough to start the steady dispelling of his weird heartburn at least…

   “Y-you do have a nice chest there, eheh…” Zack complimented. Nathan just rolled his eyes, although he couldn't stifle the blush he got from the compliment. Although come to think of it he was also beginning to feel something else strange welling up around the lower half of his body. That's when he noticed his pants were feeling a bit tighter now as well.

   This tightness was initially signified by the newfound constriction around his waist. However it only seemed to increase as he felt the now-familiar feeling of muscles growing thanks to the transformative effects having reached his legs. The denim of his jeans pressed tightly against his skin as he felt his thigh muscles swell up and bulge up. As was in the rest of his body a sizeable thickness was just constantly being added on to Nathan’s legs to the point the muscle ridges indented in the legwear’s material. The perfectly sculpted appearance of his hamstrings and quadriceps were becoming fully tangible through it all.

   Perhaps that wasn't the most interesting part though. That came with the sensation of his gluteus muscles growing out and the pure sensation of his briefs being filled up. The once perfectly fitting undergarments were quickly filled in the behind by his rear swelling up. Muscle bloating it up larger while fat rounded his ass out more. The size was becoming so prominent that the seat of his pants had ended up filling out as well. It didn't take long until Nathan developed a perfectly rounded rear end, a newly developed bubble butt straining the back of his pants and underwear.

   The front of him wasn't spared from this kind of change either judging by the sensation of the frontal area of his briefs straining against something. A new, much lower heat formed in Nathan’s cheeks as he felt a rather pleasuring sensation deep in his groin. A feeling that the components in that region were increasing in size like the rest of his body had done. He couldn't help but look down to witness it all himself: the sight of a growing mount forming at the front of his jeans, the odd sound of the zipper snapping to allow him to see the pristine white of his undergarments. That mound continued to form more and more as his member burgeoned in size. He had gotten a bulge, and it felt… euphoric in a way.

   He nervously looked up at Zack, hoping he could take his focus off his groin for a bit. Although he had instantly taken note of his boyfriend’s flustered state. Nathan guessed their transformations were mirrored in every way, it would seem.

   Concurrent with Nathan’s own transformation, Zack had found his own lower half swelling up as well. His shorts had typically hung off his rather skinny legs in a fairly standard way initially, but with the growth of his own thigh muscles it seemed that became a false statement. The proper fitting of his own legwear was dispelled, easily replaced with the same swelling of muscle mass that had been going on in his entire body. It didn't help that the material of his shorts seemed to not be the most durable which had made his ears privy to the sound of the seams ripping from the strain of his much more powerful muscles.

   Then came the changes to his own assets. The odd churning in Zack’s behind as he felt his rear bloat and swell. The constant sensation of the back of his legwear and undergarments straining against his increasingly larger ass. The fact he couldn't help but reach a hand down and behind himself to just feel the newly developing roundness of his rear from beneath his shorts. It was such a foreign feeling to the young man, especially since he always felt his butt was rather flat before all of this. So being able to experience this weird pressure that bloated his rear as it did his chest…

   Then there was the feeling of his groin shifting. That came with an emotion he couldn't suppress as well. He could already feel the blood rushing downwards as the nerves were stimulated by the sudden growth, the sudden feel of the easily satisfied skin suddenly pushing up against the cotton of his underwear and straining it. He just couldn't stop himself from using his other hand to just grab onto the swelling area. It just felt too erotic and it was taking all of his willpower not to just undo his shorts so he could let his own bulge hang out. He didn't though, what little desires of decency still remained in his now testosterone-ridden brain.

   “F… feeling good?” the deep, seemingly aged voice of Nathan calling from a few feet away. Zack couldn't help but deny how sexy that developing accent of his boyfriend’s was getting.

   “Nngh…” Zack failed to stifle a moan. “Yeah…”

   The remainder of the duo’s changes to their lower bodies happened in synchronicity. For Zack his lower legs were visible allowing the ballooning of his calves to be on full display. Meanwhile Nathan’s jeans were noticeably continuing to strain against his own growing calves, and the seams holding the jeans together finally started to become undone. It didn't take long for the thickness of each of their legs to reach an equalness to that of the rest of their bodies.

   The final portion of their lower bodies were the pair’s feet. This section of the transformation mirrored their hands, each foot growing out to be thicker and larger to fit their new bodily proportions. The toe caps of their shoes bulged with sets of bumps representing their increasingly chunkening toes. All the while the two of them could feel their heels dig into their footwear. The concurrency of their changes meant their shoes eventually started to rip apart at the same time, toecap steadily splitting off to allow the longer length of their feet to be freed. All the while the strings split apart against their newfound width. Both men’s shoes had become totalled by the end of these changes, allowing their feet to all be comfortable without being restricted by the confines of footwear.

   With the destruction of their shoes came even more destruction of their clothing. Nathan’s polo shirt was already getting pretty far in this as the shreds of its long sleeves hung off his arms while the torso section of it continued splitting apart against his massive muscles. The more his chest and abs became visible the more another, more minor change grew prominent. There was a formation of a light dusting of chest hair sprouting across his pecs, alongside a small trail of it running down the middle of his abs. The small amount of fuzz also seemed to have a grayish-brown tone to it that his hair hadn't usually possessed. 

   Meanwhile with Zack, the short sleeves of his shirt had split apart by this point. Long rips were tearing their way across the torso segment as well making his own muscled form increasingly visible. He also wasn't exempt from a weird addition to his chest either, although his was more unorthodox than Nathan’s had been. Visible from a rip that had formed over his right pectoral was a massive scar that etched itself into his flesh. Even stranger was the bright blue glow in the middle of the scar. Zack felt the sensation of something materialize and embed into his chest, which he quickly found out to be some kind of triangular-shaped gemstone.

   Nathan had watched the sight himself, and that was when everything finally clicked. “That gem…”

   “Wha…?”

   Nathan let his statement resonate a bit. The way his own voice was deepening, the Light Northern British accent that kept embedding into his speech, the purely aged and wisened tone of it all. The more he spoke the more he came to realize something about himself as well.

   “Nathan, you're looking like you realized something,” Zack spoke out. His own voice had seemed to be finally settling as well. The still over-the-top Southern England accept that resonates with his statements. It in itself was fairly distinct, recognizable.

   “Y-you haven't noticed it yet??” Nathan said, a bit dumbfounded. “The- the blades! They've been turnin’ us into their owners this whole time!”

   “...huh-” Zack looked down at his chest again. The crystal. Oh, oh. “Wait I'm becoming-”

   “Yeah.”

   “And you-”

   “Yep,” Nathan ended the chain with a nod.

   For a few seconds silence just hung in the air. Then Zack made a random comment: “I guess that'd explain why you're getting some facial hair…”

   Nathan raised a brow. “Eh?”

   With the heat in his chest finally gone he was able to more easily move himself around his little strain. He lifted up a hand to touch his chin and, unsurprisingly, grazed over a few hairs that had grown there. His fingers were even feeling more hairs grow in that region as well! From a secondary perspective it would appear that an amount of gray fuzz had sprouted from the base of his chin. It was fairly light at first, but as the seconds passed this newly developing chin stubble was growing to be a little thicker than just stubble. Facial hairs continued to grow out of his chin and developed a fairly average length. It wasn't long until the stubble appearance was now more of a thin patch of beard.

   That wasn't the only portion of his face that was changing either. While his small beard developed Nathan could feel a slight pressure extend across his skull. The shape of his skull was reconfigured into an almost rectangular appearance. Meanwhile his jawline felt like it was squeezed a little, and instead of squaring out the ends of it slanted diagonally a bit until its shape became a little more like a rounded triangle. All the while his facial features had been morphing alongside everything. The end of his nose became a little raised, the size of his eyes getting slightly larger, even his eyebrows seemed to thin out rather significantly. All the while it seemed a few wrinkles formed on his face, most noticeably beneath his eyes, which gave him a more aged appearance.The most drastic change came to his left eye however as in just a few seconds it was damaged to the point of losing sight and got scarred over. All of that forced Nathan to compulsively keep that eye shut.

   “That was sudden-” was the best reaction he could muster as he brought his hand up to graze the scar.

   The last part of his physical transformation came with his hair. It had already been in the process of changing just minutes prior, but now that was being sped up. The style constantly became thicker and fluffier as clumps were brought together to formulate a thick and spiky style. This spiky hairstyle continued to form as bits hung over his forehead, other bits jutted diagonally upwards on the sides and back of his head, and everything culminated with many of the spikes raising upwards on his head’s apex. Just a dense mass of spikes of hair rising from the top of his head in a neat, well-organized appearance. All the while the same grayish-brown that etched into the rest of his body hair was now forming in the hair on his head, rapidly overtaking it and fully replacing its previous color. The way his hair appeared in style and fluffiness at this point should be impossible to achieve, but here it was on his head.

   Zack’s own head has also been in the process of morphing all of this time as well. He didn't seem to develop any facial hair, but he did feel pressure wrack his own skull as his skull structure was forcibly shifted to fit his new body. While the upper portion of his skull became more equal and rounded, almost akin to a circle, his jawline slanted and chiseled triangle that blunted at his chin. His own features changed alongside this by having his eyes seem to thin a little, eyebrows thinning out a lot, and the width of his nose narrowing as the end of it rounded a bit. By the end it would seem his face gained a symmetrical visage that possessed an almost regal appearance.

   All that remained was the case of his hair which was now in the process of actively lengthening. As the almost metallic silver shine rose from the roots to overtake the follicle coloration, all of his hair just continued to grow longer. Bits of it hanging down and grazing his chin while other bits drifted around his ears. He could even feel portions of his hair touch the nape of his neck. It didn't seem to grow any longer than that though. It also didn't look to have that smooth of an appearance either as his own hair could be defined as spiky to some capacity. Long clumps just sticking out or curling at uneven intervals while a strange layering now seemed to exist in his hair. It too looked to be one impossible to attain hairstyle.

   With that their bodily changes were complete and the two were left just looking at each other. Two newly-minted brawny men in torn clothing, said men now looking like perfect copies of Zeke Von Genbu and Rex from Xenoblade Chronicles. To say they were utterly speechless right now was an understatement… then after a few seconds Zack just began to rip the tattered remains of his clothing off his body.

   “I am not just going to stand here in shards of my t-shirt!” Zack plainly stated, knowing his boyfriend was looking right at him. Nathan just watched before he too joined in the ripping off of what little remained of his more-than-ill-fitting clothing.

   As they both did that it seemed one final change was ensuing. Although in this case it was happening to their undergarments as for both of them did that article of clothing alter. Just barely growing in size but not enough to lose the prominent bulge, and the back of them shortening enough to reveal a bit of their bubble butts. All while the previous cottony material was hardened into nylon, and their previous colorations were rapidly shifted. For Zack the pure white was lost to a deep blue with gray geometric patterning on the sides, and for Nathan it became a dark gray with a bold blue X over front and back. It had seemed they both were wearing speedos now, and by the time they finished tearing off their clothes they took note of this fairly instantaneously.

   “Uhh, that's… different,” Nathan remarked. He honestly would've expected his clothing to have morphed into something else entirely but… this works, at least. Plus he could see Rex’s- or well, his massive muscles in all their heroic glory. Something about that thought made him feel his cheeks flush with red again. Especially since his gaze was moving up to his chest. Although he was broken out of this state pretty fast by Zack starting a conversation.

   “Zeke’s pretty built, isn't he?” Zack stated, flexing an arm and feeling just how firm the bicep had become. Despite how weird it all felt he could deny that something about all of this was hot!

   “I would've assumed you'd know that since you watched me play the second game,” Nathan responded. The now older-looking man then walked closer towards Zack, noticing that he was still at least an inch or two taller than the other man. “Although I think I'm the one that got a bit larger~”

   Nathan than flexed his own arms, knowing full well that Zack would ogle over them. In which yes, his boyfriend did end up doing so as his gaze was instantly drawn to the other’s thick muscles. Although he was a little taken aback that Zack had instantly come closer to actually start feeling them up.

   “Man, you're thick…” Zack complimented as he squeezed Nathan’s biceps. The statement itself sounded rather humorous as well since he had Zeke’s voice. “I think I might be a little jealous~”

   “Eh, don't be,” Nathan responded, his aged voice sounding so tender and caring. He brought a hand down onto Zack’s undamaged pectoral and gave it a nice, firm squeeze as well. “Your muscles are quite satisfying to feel too.”

   Nathan couldn't help but let out a deep chuckle as he say Zack blush. “O-oh really?”

   “Mhm…” Nathan nodded, beginning to inch his aged face closer to Zack’s still young adult one. “And I’d say you gave us both quite the spectacular surprise this anniversary.”

   Then, before Zack could even respond, Nathan pressed his lips up to Zack’s. An intense feeling of passion welled up between the two. Like their love for each other had been reaffirmed in some way. Even in different bodies from their own they were still absolutely irresistible to each other, and odds are taking on the form of two hot video games men just exacerbated that feeling by a hundred times. And the longer their mouths touched the more both men could feel their blood boiling and rushing through their bodies. They truly wanted each other more than ever…

   Then Nathan broke off the kiss, a playful smile forming on the man’s face. “Now how about I show you a thing or three in bed?” he practically purred in his accented voice.

   Zack, who was still blushing, let out a laugh. “Only if you call me the Bringer of Chaos there~”

   Nathan then wrapped his arms around Zack’s waist, bringing the other even closer to his body. “Anything for you, Zeke~”

   “Then how about we get going, Rex?”

   With those statements said the two men happily made their way to their bedroom, a very passionate anniversary having now been fully forged.