#as always this got away from me length wise but man

[line-of-fire]

One week where I'm not going absolutely insane over the twins would be pretty dang neat.

Just, the tragedy of never having a choice for so long that the very concept is completely foreign to them in adulthood. Of not knowing how much of their identity is who they truly are, and how much of it was formed either as a defense mechanism or in response to the years of training, neglect and abuse from their father. Wondering now if the discomfort from deviating from the norm is because it doesn't feel right for them, or if it's an ingrained fear response because to deviate was to risk punishment; a hardwired instinct they can't shake even now.

It's a little easier for Voitto. Alkka did what she could to preserve his gentle nature, helped him hide it while fostering it behind their fathers back. The medical textbooks hidden beneath floorboards, cover ups for his "failure", blame that was intentionally taken off him.. It was for his protection, ultimately, and it was more of a success than a failure. He has some grasp on who he is beyond what he was raised to become, and has found hobbies and interests he can find genuine peace and solace in.

But Alkka... She intentionally made herself conform to their fathers standards; not letting herself consider any other option because this was the option that preserved her twin. She learned how to act to get the results she wanted (Voitto safe and unharmed), even if it was at the cost of her own health and mental wellbeing. She became the closest thing to a 'golden child' in Thurstons eyes, even if it was everything she didn't want to be. Until she had been 'performing' for so long she became the role she took out of necessity; became what he wanted her to.

She's always let herself and her identity be defined by her ability to (seemingly) carry out her father's orders while also protecting her brother from his rage. She let herself be the forged blade to be wielded by someone else; an attack dog trained to obey, self taught to protect a single person. She doesn't know who she's supposed to be outside of that, even after she killed her father and joined Shadow Company. She is unable to see herself doing anything but kill and truthfully?

She still judges herself based on how safe and happy she's kept her brother and how skilled she is compared to her fathers standards. She's tried, but even now, anything that can't be utilized in the field somehow or in some tactical setting doesn't feel quite right. The few 'deviations' from that she's been able to get herself to take are more expressions of her gender identity- something that, oddly enough, is easier for her to grasp and understand than her identity regarding who she is outside of her role as a killer.

Just. Alkka needs some domestic hobbies and a sense of self that doesn't revolve around the concept of her being something to be commanded and/or used.

[seresinhangmanjake]

Because You Stayed

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x female reader

Summary: Your relationship with Jake is new. Very new. Like one-month-old new. Too new for you to be pregnant with his baby, and yet, that's exactly the situation you're facing.

*This fic can be read alone, but it is also a "What if?" scenario for Oh, Baby.*

Warnings/notes: pregnancy, fluff. idk, that's probably it.

Words: 1459

---

It hadn't been long. That was the terrifying bit.

Yes, you'd known him for what felt like ages, but that time spent knowing him was missing the one way you'd always wished to know him most. For a year, you'd dreamed of being with him, pining in silence, until everything changed and you got your wish. 

It had only been a month since you took the risk and kissed him, and you and Jake had certainly used the time wisely. After that one month, you finally, deeply, truly knew him—all of him, in and out, up and down. You knew what made him feel good. You knew how to make him whimper. You knew that every time he came in you, he buried his face in your neck, kissing your sensitive skin with a groan in his throat.

And then suddenly, you knew you were pregnant.

In just thirty days, Jake Seresin managed to knock you up. 

Well, actually, that wasn't so accurate. According to your doctor, it only took your pilot one shot—his first shot with you—to get it done. You'd been pregnant for weeks and hadn't known until you realized you were too often exhausted and had an unusual lack of cramping for the time of the month.

You went through the stages, of course. The denial and acceptance and all those in between as your doctor stared at you, trying to understand the thoughts running through your head. It was wildly overwhelming, certainly. But despite it all, there was one other thing you knew by the time you pulled out of the office's parking lot: 

You wanted your baby. Which meant your entire world was going to flip on its side from that moment on. And after days of thinking, of going back and forth, you decided you were going to do the very same to Jake's. 

—

His mouth was on yours before you could breathe in the piney scent of his cologne. A desperate, greedy taking from your lips as he pushed you up against the closest wall of his home. He enveloped you like a man too long deprived. And you would've let him take you; you and everything he needed to feel good again if only your need to tell him your news wasn't so prevalent in your mind. 

"Jake, wait." The words slipped through the sliver of space that broke your kiss. 

He paused but didn't step away. His closeness kept his mouth brushing against yours, breaths mingling.

"What for?" He whispered.

"Because," you began, eyes slowly grazing up the length of his face until they met the heated stare of his green irises. You swallowed. "We have to talk."

In an instant, he ripped himself from your arms, forcing too many steps between you. Every bit of his body altered to match his frown. Eyebrows dipped in the center. Shoulders slumped forward the slightest. Your muscled man somehow shrunk in size and stature within mere moments.

"I did something, didn't I? I couldn't think of what it was, but I knew there had to be a reason," he said. The pain radiating from his form seeped deep into your pores. "You've been avoiding me for three days."

With a sigh, you said, "I know."

There was a sudden shift, and you could see it in him that he expected you to deny it. That maybe you had a decent excuse for your behavior. Too busy. Too stressed. Too tired to spend time with him. It was clear anything would have sufficed to ease his budding anxiety. Anything but the truth you had for him to hear.

"You're here to tell me we're over," he decided. 

The shock of his words kept you silent. It was the last thing you ever imagined he would believe. After all, you had been the one to take the leap that closed the gap between friendship and something more. He slept in your bed as often as you did in his. Your hearts were equally bare before one another, a development only made from your unwillingness to be without him a second longer. Never---you would never end it with him. But you didn't have time to say so before he was grasping your hands tightly in his. 

"Please," he started. There was a catch in his voice. "Please don't end this."

You shook your head. "Jake, you don't understand."

"Then help me. Explain it to me, Honey. Whatever I did—"

"You didn't do anything," you interjected. Then, considering your words, said, "Well, you did, but so did I."

"You?" he questioned with eyes wide. "Honey, what could you have possibly—"

"Jake, I'm pregnant."

He blinked. And blinked again. Lips parted then closed. One of his hands released yours so it could muss his traditionally neat blond locks, then his eyes fell to your stomach. 

"Pregnant." He stated, no hint of a question behind it. "You're pregnant with…with my…?"

You nodded.

The long breath he expelled ended with a small smile that softly curved the delicate line of his mouth. Barely noticeable. Locking his gaze to yours and noticing your uncertainty, he said, "It's alright. We will figure this out, ok? I promise." Fingertips swept across your cheekbone. "I mean, I can—I can be a dad."

Your jaw slackened. "You want it?"

"Our baby?" he asked, a wobble to his tone. His brows rose as the rest of his features fell from heartbreak. "Don't you?"

You could've fallen apart then, right in front of him, to let out the many sobs you'd held in over the last few days. A bout of carefree weeping just from the pure acceptance Jake was showing you and the child you'd made together. 

"You don't." He once again concluded from your silence.

"No, Jake. I do. I swear I do," you said, rubbing the back of your hand over your nose as you sniffled. "I just didn't think you would. I–I wasn't sure."

"Of course I want our baby," he stressed, squeezing your hands again. 

This distress on his face made something in your chest alternate between gentle flutters and vice-like constricting. To have his unexpected support alone was enough to solidify the concealed love you felt for him. But you couldn't ignore how your questioning and insecurity clearly caused him further hurt.

"You say that so easily without even thinking it over."

"There isn't anything for me to think over, Honey," he said. "It's you."

Whether consciously done or not, Jake's fingers tightened the slightest around yours when you untwined them so you could wrap your arms around his neck. You had no intention of pulling away as he'd somehow thought. You just needed him closer,  more firmly against you. You needed the solidity of his form to hold you together.

Pulling him in, you asked, "Do you really think we can do this?"

Jake's hands curled around your waist. "We can do anything."

"Everyone will think we're insane."

"Well," he sighed, then tugged his bottom lip between his teeth and shrugged. "Probably. But this is our family. No one else's." A smile caused lovely crinkles to form at the corners of his eyes before he rested his forehead on yours. "And we can absolutely do this."

"You won't change your mind, right?"

"Never, Honey," he promised. "The two of you are mine."

—

"Are you nervous?"

Your fingers wove through his hair as his ear was resting against your stomach. Listening for any minute sound. Feeling for even the slightest movement.

His attachment to that part of you had grown exponentially since you started showing, and more often than not, his hands, his cheek, his lips were worshiping your lower abdomen.

"Not nervous," he said, looking up at you. "Excited. I want to see our baby."

There was a prickling in the corners of your eyes at his genuine joy. But that was a constant. Tears were common from the moment you found out when you were pregnant. They managed to come more often when Jake proved how much he loved you. And well, when he finally uttered those three words, your cheeks seemed to be damp on the daily. Everything he gave you, all at once, was so wonderfully overwhelming, and you didn't bother holding back.

Jake didn't shame you for it, either; just simply held you and kissed you and thanked you for being his.

"Do you want the doctor to tell us what it's going to be tomorrow?" You asked. 

"They don't have to. I already know."

You chuckled at his smirk, and in your testing tone, said, "Is that so? And what is our child, Lieutenant Seresin?"

"Oh, a girl. Definitely a girl," he said, laying his head back down close to your stomach. "You'll see."

-

Tags: @wkndwlff @kmc1989 @sagittarius-flowerchild @dempy @oliviah-25 @rosiahills22 @xoxabs88xox @matisse556 @hardballoonlove @ssa-sadboi @lynnevanss @pono-pura-vida @tgmreader @amgluvsbooks @ravenhood2792 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @abaker74 @novagreen04 @multifandomlover4life @mayhemmanaged @memeorydotcom @ryiamarie @ateliefloresdaprimavera

[savstone-rp]

CHARACTER INFORMATION

full name — Savannah "Sav" Stone

faceclaim — Jessica Rothe

gender & pronouns —cis woman & she/her

sexuality — bisexual

age & birthday —  30 - December 18th, 1994

Zodiac — Sagittarius ☼ , Scorpio ☾, Virgo ↑

occupation — Stylist @ Shearsins & Bartender @ Anchor's Away

hometown — Merrock, ME

neighborhood — Suburbs

length of time in —Local, 30 yrs

Likes: Indie emo pop-punk of the early aughts (think Taking Back Sunday) to radio pop anything upbeat, frozen coffee (any time of year), tattoos, cigarettes (never gave them up), fast food, trash magazines from the checkout (also never gave them up), nights, her Roomba Scoot, narcotics of the upper kind, gossip from her clients, video games, walking, reality tv, coffee table books, leather, blue mason jars, Christmas lights (she's a year rounder), tarot readings, gas stations.

Dislikes: high waisted jeans, sit down restaurants, cleaning, not having cash, blow up decorations, sports and sports fans, early birds, country music, driving, movies made before 1980, chewing tobacco, French Bulldogs, cooking, black coffee, people who use big words in casual conversation, avocados.

~Biographical stuff~

Savannah was born a Holly —she loathes it and always as. Basically, since she could talk no one has actually called her Holly and out of sheer laziness hasn't ever bothered to change it legally. Her mother who she apparently knew a total of a month into having to be a mother was just high on morphine and was in a festive mood.

That said no she has never actually spoken to her birth mother, Cassie. Raised by her dad, Robbie. "Raised" is always the actual question, he was there, he did pay for things she needed until a point. Robbie wanted to party with his friends and continue living his life the way he always knew how. A kid wasn't an inconvenience, when she was old enough he just let her around whatever he had going on - her biggest source of booze and connections to whatever else she wanted to try.

Sav's first drink was probably around ten, and by the time high school hit if she wasn't picking up odd shifts/jobs where she could some cash she was running around with her friends getting into trouble - Drew Barrymore who? - this is where she started learning about cutting hair. Her grandma on Robbie's side, Sissy - and the grey's she rolled around with needed some cuts so it became a nice little income at the time.

Robbie- always the ladies man has another kid. A son, a similar situation he's on the birth certificate and some kind of a 'father' figure. Maybe. (This will be a wc, so UTP how that went) - Sav's got a good comrade-type relationship with him.

She was always popular - be it because she had 'the party' house or what, not really such a big deal in their little community but she was runner up for prom queen, where the nasty little rumor that hasn't fully shaken with the locals that she pushed her bestie Olivia down the stairs after she lost - the problem is Olivia did get hurt, like bad. Ended up paralyzed. (But she did get into an Ivy and has like 3 kids now, living in some cool big city - Sav's definitely a little a lot jealous) - just has turned out to be a formative experience that has haunted her ever since.

There was never a time she even considered college and after graduation- that she struggled to reach as is grade-wise - started at the cosmetology school in Portland, ME. Got her certificate and started cutting hair (for real, not just her grandma and the senior citizens around town) - she's been at Shearsins since 2019. February 2024 she left Merrock again— a whim of move. Having met some film industry people down in New Orleans on one of the Benefactor's town trips during Mardi Gras, where debauchery masked emotional turmoil and a growing dependence on substance issues— Sav decided to take up the offers on three Independent films where her and one other did the hair in their various locations. Cut to today, she's back.

~Random stuff~

Hardened by life perhaps, Sav's never been 'friendly'. Depending on the day she's a bit of a wild card. She'll say it like it is and does have a sense of humor about things just, she's also easily ticked off. Get her juiced she's much friendlier.

She's dabbled with saving to open her own salon one day but is also completely not serious enough at the moment and also way pessimistic on whether she actually could.

Currently house hopping - as she dipped town without notice, 10 months and she absolutely lost her apartment she rented out of the old converted house.

Not reeeally an animal person, she does feed the strays that come around. It's a problem.

She's only really put together and does her make up when working at the salon. Mostly always in jeans some docs and a t shirt, she will appear a little more stylish and an effort made while working at the salon.

She never owned a car and likely never will - so she says. She really hates being in one let alone controlling one.

~possible connections~

step-brother - robbie had another kid, that relationship utp (temp name Alex) Sav and him have a good one (unless we come up with something else)

long time hometown friends/acquaintances- obvi

clients - spill too much tea? get a bad haircut? i want it.

co-workers - (technically used to work at Shearsins, looking to go back but would have that previous connection for sure) & Anchor's Away where she bartends part time whenever.

Portland ME/Cosmetology school folk (skies the limit lol) - she lived there while attending cosmetology school. Could play around with ideas for sure.

exes - i'm sure there's been some, happy to work out details.

enemies - she's got em I'm sure.

film people that she worked with- quick stints, indie films. Sav did the hair. (only last couple months, can be anywhere. New Orleans, SC, Upstate NY, Boston ya know, anywhere on the eastern side)

Legit down for anything, if there’s ideas toss them out. On dash chem is my favorite and just love winging it too! I’ll fill this all out more as time goes on for sure!

[your-sweet-cookies]

[food]

- For Niragi and Kukki.

seggsual tension!

[food] - Sender watches receiver eating something in a particular manner.

Going out for ice cream was always a really fun activity to do during summer, since it both served as a cute date activity and a good opportunity for Kukki to cool herself with some nice cold sweetness! Plus, this always reminded her of her first date with Niragi, so it was always pleasing.

The two stopped on a bench to enjoy their ice creams. Niragi got a cone, while Kukki decided to go for a vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate on a stick, which she was now eating first the chocolate coat off of. "Why are you eating it like that? The vanilla part will end up melting until you finish peeling off all the chocolate." The brunette commented while he watched her.

"Oh, my dear wild bobcat, there's a reason to my technique! If I let the chocolate coat melt, it would end up breaking easier when I bite into the ice cream and I risk having bits of gooey chocolate fall onto me and on the ground. If I eat it while it's still solid, I minimize the losses." Kukki exclaimed calmly, with the expression of a wise man talking about the means of reaching inner peace and not about ice cream. "If you say so... But either way, you still run the risk of getting covered in ice cream, because the vanilla part will melt in the meanwhile. Look, it's already starting to drip!" Niragi pointed out to her.

Indeed, while she ate the outer coat, the inner cream started to melt faster than she expected, because of the intense summer sun. Yet Kukki didn't lose her cool. With a sneaky grin, she then looked at him and said. "No worries! I already know what I have to do to not lose any of it!" With that, she then took the melty ice cream into her mouth, almost to the whole length of the ice cream, all while looking at Niragi. The man's mind was now wandering to 'other places' and his imagination was replacing that ice cream stick with something else...

But his little 'delightful sight' didn't last too long, because Kukki then pulled the ice cream out of her mouth, no more runny bits on it. "See? That way I licked off all the melted part in just one quick swift move! No causalities!" The silver haired smiled at him and started licking her lips from any ice cream that could've remained on them, before biting down onto the rest of the vanilla ice cream on the stick and repeating the process of taking it into her mouth, then pulling it out every time it started becoming runny again.

"Aren't you going to finish yours though? You were talking about my ice cream melting, but you are leaving yours to turn into a slushy in a cone." Kukki chuckled, also noticing the slight redness in his cheeks. By now the man was literally staring at her with the utmost attention and everything around him became blank. A little longer and Niragi would've probably started drooling watching her 'savor' that ice cream.

"Huh? Ah, yeah... I'll be finishing mine soon, don't worry!" He cleared his throat and averted his eyes away from her. "You know what, you can keep eating that kind of ice cream in the order you prefer. I won't comment on it further..." He continued, trying his best to calm himself down. "Maybe you are right, eating the coat first is the best strategy..." But inside his mind, all Niragi could think about was how later on she was going to be sucking like that something other than a mere frozen dessert...

[doctor-tessa-adler-gray]

Part 1

2022: Task Force 141

Summary: Tessa “Red” Adler has been with the task force for a while now and is on a mission to take out a dangerous arms dealer.

Warnings: Sexual references

“Got eyes on the hotel door?” Price’s voice comes through her earpiece and she hums in focus, positioning herself to have a good shot.

“Got it. Awaiting orders.”

“I’ve got a good view here.” Soap comments quietly and Tessa glances over at where he’s laying near her, making sure no one sneaks up on them. At the moment he’s looking at her ass.

“Focus, Soap.” She smirks, flipping the cover off of the scope for a moment to check her positioning. Closing it again she tucks the gun into her shoulder and rests her cheek on it.

“I’ve got you, don’t worry.” He checks his watch for the millionth time and sighs. “He was supposed to leave an hour and twenty minutes ago.”

“Patience is a virtue.”

“I have patience. You just have a ridiculous amount of it.”

“Well when you’re as old as I am you build it up.” Her voice quiets as someone steps through the doors.

“Negative, not our target.” Price answers her silent question and she takes a deep breath.

“How old are you again?”

“Chronologically or year wise?”

“There’s a difference?”

“Mhm. Which number do you want?”

Soap hesitates for a moment. “Year wise…”

“It’s 2022 so… 172 give or take a year or two.” There’s silence for a long time as he and everyone else listening over the headset processes what she just said.

“Chronologically?” Gaz dares to ask and she thinks for a moment, tapping her finger against the gun in a counting gesture.

“Somewhere around eight/eight-fifty.”

“You’re eight hundred years old?” Soap gawks, making sure to stay quiet.

“‘ts what I said.”

He scoots closer to her and pulls his mic away from his face. “You didn’t tell me that before we slept together!” He whispers and she tilts her head to look at him, making sure to keep the rifle steady.

“I didn’t hear you complaining. Quite the opposite, if I remember right.” He stares at her and she smiles sweetly, “what does it matter? I’m over eighteen and I’ve got some experience. Just lay down and take it.”

“Do I need to come up there and separate you two?” Price’s tone is a mixed of irritated and amused.

“No, sir.” Soap answers.

“Good. Keep the line clear.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Here comes our target.”

Tessa shifts her body to prepare for the recoil, uncrossing her ankles, and flipping the cap off of the scope, looking through it. The door opens and someone steps out.

“Not him. Next one. Grey suit, black hair.”

The next man that steps through fits the description and she moves her finger to the trigger, ready to fire when he gives the order.

“That’s him. If you have a shot, take it.” Price orders.

“Got him.” Tessa answers, squeezing the trigger.

The man turns around and she freezes, eyes widening and finger pulling back to release the trigger. Soap notices her sudden change in demeanor and frowns. “Take the shot.” He repeats. She doesn’t move an inch, watching the man through the scope.

He’s got the same eyes she’s looked into so many times throughout the years. The same nose and ears. His hair is the length they both always agreed on, only dark black and no mutton chops this time. She blinks and takes a shaky breath, both excitement and horror filling her head.

The sunlight reflects off of the scope and catches his attention, making him look up at her. Soap swears and shoves her head down to try and get her out of sight so she can figure herself out.

He grabs the rifle from her hands, aims, and takes the shot. Tess peeks over the roof ledge and the man glances at the broken car window next to him and waves at the rooftop. She can just hear the teasing tone of “missed me” from back when he was first training her in sniping for their own missions.

“What the hell was that?” Price demands.

“I don’t know what happened. She froze.” Soap nudges her shoulder and frowns at the barely visible smile on her face. “I’m going to get her out of here.”

“Do that. We’re going to try and fix this mess. Ghost.”

“On it.” The man assures and Soap pulls Tessa to her feet.

“Come on. Let’s get you back to the van.”

“My rifle-“

“I got it.” He scoops it up and over his shoulder. “Come on.” He sets a hand on her shoulder and leads her to the stairwell.

•

•

•

•

“What the hell happened out there?” Price demands, standing in front of Tessa.

“I don’t know. I just froze.” She sighs and rests her head in her hands.

“You had a shot and you botched it! We lost a dangerous ARMS DEALER because of this.” He takes a deep breath and sighs, calming himself down some. “You know no one trusted you when you were sent to us. I went out on a limb to vouch for you and now you’re starting to freeze? You never freeze!”

She looks up at him and sighs. “I just had a flashback. I don’t know what triggered it and I’m not really sure what happened. I just know that my heart was suddenly beating way to fast and I couldn’t move.”

“Does this have anything to do with why they sent you?” His tone softens and he sighs. “They’re giving you a chance to start over.”

“What they’re giving me is a chance to be thrown into a suicide mission over and over again because I’ll just ‘respawn’ and am good to go.” She crosses her arms. “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Believe me. I know how this goes. I know how this ends for me.”

“You can’t bail out on us now. You’re stuck with us, and not in a ‘government making you’ way. You’ve been here a few years now. The 141 won’t be the same if you leave so you’re staying here.”

“I know.” She mumbles, watching as the kitchen door swings open and Soap walks in.

“Go get some rest. Flashbacks can be exhausting.” Price pats her shoulder before leaving the room, done scolding her about the incident.

[cee-grice]

Imperial and Coronation for a side character you wanna give more attention to!

thanks for the ask!! hm I'm gonna talk about Quil's mom, Mela d'Alisso, whom I love and am also so sorry for :'DD life did not deal her an easy hand when it comes to her child, I'll tell you that much

IMPERIAL - How powerful is your OC? Physically, mentally, emotionally? Are they satisfied with the amount of power they have, or are they actively trying to seek more of it? What lengths would they go to obtain power?

Mela comes from a long line of mages that specialize in charm magic (basically manipulating people's minds, emotions, that sort of thing), and is a highly accomplished mage as well. As head of the d'Alisso family, one of the more influencial magician households in the country, she also has a lot of power when it comes to social standing (had even more of it before the Incident but we're not gonna talk about it rn). Despite all that, she feels incredibly powerless, because no matter what she did, she couldn't keep her child safe, and still can't. What's all that power for when she can't protect who she cares for the most? But she also realizes it's not about any kind of power that she could have. She can't control what Quil does, how he chooses to lead his life; she can only hope it doesn't end in tragedy. In light of that, every other kind of power becomes close to meaningless for her, so no, she doesn't actively seek it out. Emotionally-wise, though, oh man, she's strong, but god knows she's tired x))

CORONATION - How does your OC feel about responsibility? How do they handle (or avoid) it?

She's been in a position of responsibility from quite early on, as the title of her family's head passed onto her at a rather early age. She's never shied away from it, though, and if she doesn't necessarily enjoy it at times, she does what needs to be done efficiently and without complaints. Then, of course, she became a mother and got that kind of responsibility to handle. Not the easiest type, either, as Quil's affliction proved him to be a difficult child to keep alive lollll. Again, though, she dealt with it marvelously and was always extremely attentive. Really, she did far better than most would have in her situation, I'd say, which does make me feel really bad for her :'))) woman cannot catch a break

[project1939]

200 Films of 1952

Film number 164: Sky Full of Moon

Release date: Dec 12th, 1952 

Studio: MGM 

Genre: western/comedy 

Director: Norman Foster 

Producer: Sidney Franklin 

Actors:  Carleton Carpenter, Keenan Wynn, Jan Sterling 

Plot Summary: Harley is a naive cowboy who comes to Las Vegas with a dream of riding in the rodeo. Needing to raise the entrance fees, he tries his hand at the slot machines, finding fast luck with them and with a pretty blonde. But how long will his luck last? 

My Rating (out of five stars): ***½  

This is the kind of simple unassuming film I often like, so I wasn't surprised to find myself appreciating its charms. The plot was relatively low stakes, and it gently meandered around like tumbleweed. It’s the kind of film that spends more time with characters than with action. The ending completely floored me- it was a choice almost no Hollywood films of this era ever made, and I loved that. It’s a little B film worth watching. (significant spoilers!)

The Good: 

Carleton Carpenter as Harley. He was charming, adorable, and he didn’t overplay the “hick” stereotype. He humanized it. By the end, I recognized how much I cared about his character. Evidently, Carpenter was bisexual in real life- yay for a fellow bi! 

Jan Sterling. I loved her more than the romantic lead in Flesh and Fury, and she was so good in this! There’s something uniquely appealing about her that’s hard to put a finger on. She isn’t just an empty vapid bombshell- I always sense an edge under her, a toughness brought on by some pain. She’s worldly-wise and jaded, and I’d never doubt her ability to keep surviving. 

This was a simple story told over the span of just a few days. That’s kinda my jam. 

The location shooting in Las Vegas was fascinating. The way it appeared in 1952 couldn’t be more different than today. It didn’t even really look like a city- it was a town! It felt quaint, not “sin city.” Even the main bar/establishment with slot machines was nothing like a casino today- it looked more like the pachinko parlor in Green Tea Over Rice. 

There was a lot of nice location shooting in general. 

The ending! (Spoilers!!) I was absolutely stunned that the movie ended this way. We spent the entire length of it with Harley and Dixie- they were clearly the romantic couple. When Dixie left and didn’t come running back at the last minute, I was so impressed. There were clearly hints that the two of them might not have been a good match, but I was still shocked. There was also no other girl in the background to suggest Harley would be with someone again soon. Then add in the fact that Harley fails at his first rodeo attempt, and it was miles away from a happy ending. The bittersweet part was his unshaken determination to try again. 

We never fully learn who Dixie is. Keenan Wynn’s character alludes to the fact that Harley never got the full story on her, but the audience is kept in the dark as well. That’s another unusual choice for a Hollywood film in that era, and I'm all here for it. 

The Bad: 

The opening/closing song was a little too much. It was kind of like the singing narrator in Rancho Notorious. It also could have been a television sit-com theme song, setting up the story for the audience. “Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...” “Here’s a story of a lovely lady...” “Come and listen to my story ‘bout a man named Jed, a poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed...” 

There was some pretty bad rear projection- especially when Harley was at the rodeo or when he and Dixie were driving. But come on, this was not a picture with a lavish budget. I get it.

It still broke my heart that Harley’s rodeo dream remained only a dream at the end. I have hope for him, though! 

[casspurrjoybell-28]

Alpha's Addiction - Chapter 2a

*Warning Adult Content*

The Proposal - Part 1 - Kao

When I come to, I'm in a dimly lit room, sprawled across a giant bed covered in blood-red sheets.

Zacan's room.

Above the bed is a giant canopy made of dark silk, with ornately carved furniture throughout the room.

Even a chandelier lit with several candles hangs from the ceiling.

So this is how the Alpha gets to live, while us Omegas are restricted to the basement of the pack house, crammed into small rooms where several of us have to sleep on the floor together.

We don't even get beds.

I've had to stuff an old sheet with straw for Oliver and myself.

Maybe I'd take advantage of the luxury if it weren't for the fact that I'm in the bed of a man I hate who also took my son away from me.

I look down at myself, realizing in horror that I've been stripped of my old clothes and put in a practically translucent red button-up top and shorts to match.

All I really have covered are my nether regions, which have been left undisturbed in my undergarments.

Whoever chose the clothes obviously didn't know my measurements, in addition to having horrible taste.

The shirt and top are way too short for my tall figure.

I guess Alphas are used to Omegas being tiny height-wise but I'm 5'10".

I could probably pass for a short Beta if it weren't for my small, slim frame, delicate features and curves.

Curse my Omega genes.

Disregarding this, I get off the bed and immediately try the door.

Unsurprisingly, it doesn't budge.

There are no windows, either.

So I move on to searching around for a possible weapon I can use but there's nothing.

I put a hand to my chest, praying to the Moon Goddess that Oliver is safe.

If Zacan believes that he is his son, he won't harm him.

At least I hope.

With anxious sigh, I go over to look at myself in the floor-length mirror in the corner.

I don't like what I see.

I'm draped in Zacan's color.

The color of all the blood he's spilled.

I feel like it's a statement that he thinks he can control me.

But I'll have to keep them on unless I want to wait here naked.

Not that they're much better than that.

When the door opens, I jump, startled.

Zacan comes in, filling the room with his awful aura.

"Where's Oliver?" I ask, cutting to the chase.

"He's fine."

"That's not an answer."

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to talk back to an Alpha?" he glares, walking towards me.

I back up, not wanting him anywhere close to me.

"They did. But I don't like to listen," I bite back.

"Evidently. But if you did you'd be so much more pleasant, wouldn't you?"

"My job isn't to be pleasant for you. Give me my son."

I'm getting angry now, if I wasn't already before.

I've had enough of his bullshit.

No sooner have the words left my mouth is he slamming me against the wall, a large clawed hand wrapping around my neck.

The back of my head throbs from the impact and I wince, blinking a few times to try and regain my senses.

His bright green eyes are boring into mine, glowing as his wolf simmers below the surface.

"If you want to see him again, then you'll drop the attitude and very carefully consider what I'm about to say," he growls.

I swallow nervously, keeping my mouth shut as I nod to avoid causing any more problems.

I've always had a bad temper but now's not the time to let it show. He takes his hand off my neck once it's clear I've calmed.

"As you're already aware, I know that Oliver is my son. My advisors have all agreed on the matter and I won't hear any more of your stories. Which is why I have a proposal for you," his eyes are alight with strange fervor, which tells me that I won't like this one bit.

"I don't want Oliver to live without his mother, either. So become my mate. My Luna. You, Oliver and I can be a family. You will be treated far better than the other Omegas, and Oliver will be provided with the proper resources to become the Alpha he is destined to be as my heir."

Oh, he's got to be joking.

Become his what?

He's insane if he thinks I'll agree to this... to letting him basically take me prisoner and brainwash my son.

"What if I refuse?" I test the waters.

Distaste becomes evident on the alpha's face.

"The way I see it, he's a child and you're an Omega. Neither of your opinions matter."

"Then why did you call it a proposal?" I glower back at him.

"You ungrateful bitch," he snaps.

"Proposals from your Alpha aren't to be rejected. Any Omega would be thanking their lucky stars to be in your position."

I look at him in disbelief.

"I'm supposed to feel lucky? Being forced to be your mate after what you did to me?"

He scoffs in annoyance like what I'm referring to is completely insignificant.

"The bottom line is, Omega, if you want to see your son again, you'll accept my offer. Think of your position. I have all the power here. I can make it so you never see him again if that's what you want."

My insides spark with panic at his words.

"No," I shake my head, my voice pleading. "N-No. Please no."

"Then say yes," he demands cruelly.

"Fine. Yes. Just let me have him," I nearly start to cry but I hold back the tears with all my might.

I'm acting weak enough as it is.

He smiles, pleased as if he's accomplished something of merit rather than threatening someone into doing what he wants.

"Then it is done," I look down, a horrible feeling spreading in my chest.

Everything... all the effort I put into hiding who Oliver's true father is, was all for naught.

It's over now.

We'll live our lives more controlled and trapped than we already were. 

He tells me to rest while I can, promising that I'll get to see Oliver tomorrow when we do the mating ceremony.

Zacan has pack matters to deal with right now, so he cannot stay the night with me, which I am oh so thankful for.

I'm sure I won't be able to sleep but I really couldn't if I had to lie next to him.

As he opens the door and before he can leave, I call out a question...

"Why me?" I ask. "Why me, all those years ago and why now?"

He's silent for a moment, thinking over his answer before he says...

"Because you are exquisite. And you are mine."

*

I watch as a golden band is fastened around my wrist, designed to complement the one Zacan wears.

The whole pack has gathered to watch our mating ceremony and I want to hide in a hole.

I spot Oliver in the crowd, watching with wide, bewildered eyes.

This must be a lot for him.

The priest recites the laws of our union but I don't bother to listen. All

I can think about is the fact that I'm being forced to be the Luna of the man I hate most in the world.

The man that I'd like to see six feet under, if that was possible.

A dark, evil part of me whispers to kill him.

But I know I would never have to courage to.

I guess I'm all bark and no bite.

How pathetic.

Once our vows are done, Zacan leads me down the aisle and everyone stares at us in uncertainty.

It's not like I know what's going on any more than they do.

Some give me judging looks.

I try to ignore them.

They don't realize I'd trade places with them in an instant if I could.

At the banquet, I'm finally able to talk to Oliver.

I take my boy into my arms and he buries his face in my stomach.

"Mama," he cries, hugging me so tight it hurts.

He's already getting so strong.

"I'm here, baby. Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

He shakes his head, sniffling and relief floods through me.

"I was just scared. I never had to sleep without you before," he whimpers.

"I'm sorry, Oli. I'm so sorry," I stroke his hair, rocking him gently in my hold.

"Will you sleep with me tonight?" he asks hopefully, looking up at me with swollen eyes, presumably from crying all night.

I wish I could say yes.

But it's the night of the mating ceremony.

I'll have to spend it with Zacan, which I am dreading more than anything.

"Soon, okay? I'll talk to Alpha Zacan," I try to reassure him but he looks anything but.

[captainstevenjohnstonme]

Genie.

My name is Brett Cline and I owned and managed Sydney's biggest and best antique store.

I was recently divorced after 30 years of marriage and to keep my mind occupied out of work hours I have been going to a lot of markets and garage sale in search of something interesting to sell in my store.

On Friday night while I was online I had a quick check to see if there were any garage sales nearby in the morning close to my home and to my delight I found one just a few suburbs away at Rose Bay.

I like garage sales because most people don't know the value of what they are selling.

Every now and than I come across a precious piece of jewelry a family heirloom or a valuable work of art that have the potential to be worth thousands of dollars for a measly few bucks.

I arrive precisely at 8am and already there are half a dozen other bargain hunters searching through the tables for kids clothes, plants and bric a brac all the usual stuff found at a garage sale but my eyes are focused on finding the gold at the end of the rainbow.

After ten minutes of fruitless searching I am just about to give up when I notice the neck of a green bottle poking out from behind an old heater.

As soon as I pick up the bottle my heart starts racing because it looks exactly like the bottle on that old TV show 'I Dream Of Jeannie.'

The bottle stands around 40 centimetres and is inlayed with fake rubies, sapphire and is decorated with gold leaf.

There is no price label so I ask the lady holding the sale and she tells me that I can have it for five dollars which I gladly hand over.

I am not expecting to make much of a profit but you never know.

One mans junk is another mans treasure.

An hour later I arrive at my antique store aptly named 'Artisan Treasures' and after parking out back I enter the store and am pleased to see quite a few people inside including my business partner Casey Lamborne.

Casey is 28 years old with shoulder length blonde hair and a bright personality who has a passion for antiques and history.

We first met at university back in the 1990's and discovered that we shared similar interests so we become friends and eventually business partners.

'Hello Brett what have you got there" Casey enquires.

'Just an old glass bottle I bought at a garage sale this morning, It caught my attention and hopefully we can sell it for $200 or more.'

'Give me a look' Casey demands because she is an expert on antique bottles and such.

After a close examination with a small loupe' Casey whispers excitedly 'Brett I believe that this bottle is thousands of years old, made from pure jade with Ruby, sapphire and diamonds and of course the gold leaf.'

I grab the bottle from Casey and gave it the once over including the base 'Holy shit there is something inscribed here, can you hand me you loupe?'

'Yes it is just what I thought, it says 'MADE IN CHINA'.

'What' Casey screams 'Give it back to me, you are mistaken.'

When Casey notices that I have been pulling her leg she smiles 'Why you bastard I could kill you.'

When we both settle down I tell Casey that I think it would be wise to get another expert opinion so I take a pic of the bottle and attach it to an email that I send to my old professor of History & Antiquities at Sydney University Dr Alfred Pennyworth.

Alfred sends me a text saying that he is excited by my find and will drop by in an hour or so plus he informs me that it would be wise to put the bottle in the safe for safe keeping.

Unlike his namesake from Batman who is a calm efficient butler the Alfred Pennyworth who just walked into my establishment is a bundle of nerves who always dresses like a relic from the 19th century but he most importantly is a great friend and colleague.

'So tell me more about this bottle of yours Brett.'

'It caught my eye at a garage sale so I bought it as a curio piece but Casey thinks that it could fetch a lot of money.'

At the mention of her name Casey joins the conversation 'i believe that the bottle is made from pure jade with precious gem inlays and originated from the Bulgarian, Hungary region around the beginning of the 9th century.'

'I need to go guys, my wife wants me to get something for dinner ' Alfred says 'And Maggie likes to eat at 6 o'clock sharp.'

'Yep, I need to do some shopping, so come on Alfred I will walk you to your car.'

After Casey and Alfred leave I close the store for the day and go back into the office and open the safe and grab the bottle.

I place it on my desk where I begin to rub at the dirt and grime that has built up over the years.

Remembering Alfred's comment about a genie I chuckle as I remove the jade stopper and peak inside but the bottle is empty.

Noticing a stubborn spot on the neck I spit on the polishing cloth and gave it a little rub but the spot refuses to budge so I rub a little harder and to my surprise the bottle begins to shake and a huge orange cloud emerges and begins to spin fast like a mini tornado.

I wave my hands around and soon the cloud dissipates leaving behind a short balding guy wearing bright purple pantaloons with a matching turban.

We stare at each other for a few seconds before the genie proclaims 'I am Blat master genie from Bucharest and I was born in the year 1146 but pray tell me where am I and where are all of your goats and sheep?'

I can't help but laugh at the absurd comment 'My name is Brett the owner of this fine establishment and sorry but I don't own any livestock and today is the 10th October 2023 oh and you are currently in Sydney Australia.'

'I have never heard of such a place' Blat responds 'But first off please me tell that you have a larder full of chicken livers and pigs feet?

'Sorry again but I can make you a vegemite sandwich or perhaps you would rather cheese on toast?'

Thinking that Blat wouldn't appreciate the taste of the Australian delicacy I quickly make the toasties which the genie eats gleefully.

'Very nice, now to business what is your first wish?

I am suddenly very nervous because I don't want to waste any of my wishes.

''So Blat how many wishes do I get exactly?

Blat who reminds me of Mario from those video games ponders my question 'Well Brett if you will be my master for eternity I will grant you three wishes per year but I warn you Brett that if you promise to be my master and then break that vow I will destroy you.'

'But enough talk, what do you wish for?'

I want to tell Blat that I was really hoping for a young blonde genie like the one in that old TV show plus I don't really want to be anyone's master but a shitload of wishes is hard to resist 'Okay Blat I will be your master and I am hungry so i will make us some more cheese toasties while I think about my wish.'

A few minutes later I return to the office carrying a tray of food and coffee to see Blat waving a small gold wand around 'It has been a while since I have granted any wishes so permit me time to hone my skills.'

'Um Blat in what year did you actually grant your last wish?'

I can see Blat thinking inside his head 'I believe that it was in the year 1399 so six hundred years or so.'

The two us eat and drink in silence and as we do I take in the shabby looking office and say 'Blat my first wish is for a brand new office with all of the mod cons.'

Blat stands wiping his hands on his pantaloons and begins waving the wand around but nothing happens and even when he tries again and again but still the office is unchanged.

Not only do I get an old man genie but a genie who can't grant wishes 'Blat try crossing your arms and blinking or if you wriggle your nose it might kick start your wish granting skills.'

Blat gives me a murderous look 'Please master I am just a bit rusty 'tis all.'

Then I am brought back to reality but a loud tapping on the front door and when I stick my head out of the office I see Casey beckoning me.

I wave back telling her to give me a minute 'Quick Blat back in your bottle I have a visitor.'

Blat shakes his head 'Master I have lost all of my powers so I can't return to my bottle until I have rectified the issue.

'Fucking great' I mutter in dismay.

THE END.

Part Two coming soon.

[tinalbion]

So I was recently introduced to the Joy Ride movies and ooh boy,  I am mad I never watched these sooner. So I am officially writing for Rusty Nail, the main villain in all 3 films, though I much prefer 2 & 3 actor-wise. When I write for him, I'm mainly picturing Mark Gibbon's role. That man is SO fine, I SWEAR. So yeah, this is just testing the waters to see if writing for Rusty works for me, and I already have ideas for future things! I really enjoy it and I hope you guys do, too!

“Lone Star Sleepover”

The Sassy Cat Saga Part 1

Rusty Nail x AFAB!Reader 

Rating: Honestly a lot fluffier than I expected

Length: 4.7k

The road trip you decided to take on your own had been going perfectly fine, you nodded along to the music that blasted on the radio, and you didn’t have a care in the world as you drove at high speed down the empty interstate. It was your first time taking a trip on your own since it just so happened to work out that way, but you figured you could do it. You were a young adult and had the need to travel, the funds were there, you just had to get up and go. 

So go, you did.

As you neared closer toward a town as the sky darkened, you heard several loud pops and your steering went completely off the road as you screamed, your hands clutched the wheel so hard your knuckles turned white. You caught your breath as you pulled off toward the side of the road and just took a second to pull yourself together, your eyes darted to the street and saw that no one was driving in or out right now. 

“Shit,” you groaned. You quickly pulled out your cell phone and saw you got no coverage. “Double shit.”

With an annoyed grunt, you slid out from the driver seat and looked down at the damage, and oh boy, that was a lot of damage. Large slivers stuck out from your left side tires, possibly nails or some sort of spikes, and you leaned against the hood as you tried not to scream. You had a spare tire, sure, but not two. You sighed and grabbed everything important that you had to carry on your person, you locked up the car, and trekked your way up the road as you stared down at the printed-out directions from Google Maps. Your eyes stung from how badly the wind picked up from the coming storm, of course, it would start storming. How lucky could you get in one day? 

The bright neon lights up the road signaled to you that you were close to something, and you hoped it would be full of people who could help, or at least point you in the right direction. When you were mere blocks away from salvation, the rain came pouring down on you and soaked you to the bone almost immediately, to which you just sighed irritably and continued on your way. You figured your map was useless now.

Rusty had been frequenting a local diner on his stops through town as of late, so when you came bursting in from the rain looking as disheveled as a cat that crawled its way from the gutter, it made for an interesting evening for everyone. He had to admit, there was something rather interesting about you as you kept your head held high with your hair clinging to your face, but you didn't seem bothered by the rain in the slightest, at least that's how you tried to play it off as. You didn't seem in distress, not to the others that frequented the diner, but Rusty could see it in your eyes; you needed help. He overheard you talking to the waitress asking to use a phone, what your name was, and what issues you were having. The woman that held the pot of stale coffee was always worn out but kind to those who showed it in return, so when she saw how desperate you needed the phone, she pointed toward the back and told you to bang the side of it at least once to make sure it doesn’t cut out in the middle of the call. 

When you were standing there as you listened for the other line of the phone to ring, you looked across the diner mostly to people watch, and then you saw him. You didn't know who this man was but he was big, burly, and had a pair of the sweetest lips that were barely visible under that hat he was wearing. You didn't notice much, but you could easily make out his stubble, his thick hair that poked out from beneath the hat, but you were soon brought back to reality as the other end of the line stirred and you lost all track of what you were thinking about. 

Your car had some sort of damage to the tires, but you could easily stay in it overnight if it came down to it, but when you described the situation to the tow company, they said they could take it into a ship in the morning, but they suggested you go to the nearest motel for the night and they could tow it there at the very least. So that's what you planned and you called for a tow truck to take you to the closest motel, which they'd meet you at the diner in a half an hour. With a defeated sigh, you shook your head and hung up the phone. 

The man's eyes were on you yet you had no clue, but he watched you as you shuffled back toward the exit and thanked the waitress for allowing you to use the phone. 

The walk back to the car was miserable for you as the rain still came down pretty hard, but it didn't matter as you slid into the front seat and just sat there for a little while. You weren't sure how long you sat there and stared out of the windshield, but your hand reached down toward the mic of the CB Radio that had been installed in your car. 

There wasn't much you expected from using it, but it was installed as a precaution in case something like this happened, so your finger clicked the button and you cleared your throat before speaking out.

"Hello, uh, could anyone out there help me? I'm at the truck stop diner just a few miles from 97C, Highland Valley Road, can anyone tell me if there's a motel nearby? My car broke down and I'm not from here…" You released your finger from the button and hoped for the best as you leaned your head against the wheel. 

A few moments passed until a deep voice rumbled through the channel. "The Lone Star, about a few miles northwest from there," he replied coolly.

Damn, you liked this voice a lot, you could listen to it all night, but now wasn't the time for that, so you thanked him and tried to think of conversation starters to keep him on the line for a little longer. 

"I didn't catch your name," you squeaked out. 

"You can call me Rusty Nail. What do I call you?" 

You laugh to yourself and hold the talkie up to your mouth for a moment. "Call me… Sassy Cat, I suppose." 

Rusty laughed and shook his head as his thumb clicked the button again. "Probably very fitting," he teased, "but I'll be on, like I usually am, if you need me."

"I'd appreciate that, thanks, Rusty." 

You waited for the tow truck to arrive, you finally catch a lift up to the Lone Star Motel and climb in for the night. Room 13. Rusty kept an ear out for you and even made a short journey from the spot where you broke down to the hotel to check on you. He normally didn't do this, he was usually busy with running loads of stock and not having to worry about someone losing their car, but this week was a bit of a slow one, so why not make sure you made your way safely. 

There you were walking along the sidewalk of the motel rooms as his big rig pulled in close, cold cans of drinks in your hands as you seemed to look exhausted. You went up to your car and leaned on the hood, hoping that whatever help you'd get would come early enough so you could be on your merry way. The radio in your car sounded loud and full of static, which scared you half to death as you jumped up from the hood. You scrambled inside and set your armful of stuff down. 

"Hello?"

"Sassy Cat, is that you?" A familiar voice called out. 

"Rusty?"

"Ahh there she is, was just calling in to check on ya, makin' sure you arrived safe and sound."

The thought of him worrying about you made you blush. "Oh, well that's awful sweet of you, yeah I made it alright, Rusty. Isn't it late? Shouldn't you be resting?"

"I'm doin' just fine, little miss. What about you? Shouldn't you be resting up?" 

Truth be told, yes, you should have been, but sleeping in motels alone wasn't exactly the easiest thing to do. "Uhh, can you keep a secret?" You asked shyly. 

"Of course."

You bit your bottom lip and laughed at yourself, you laughed at rhe ridiculousness that was you feeling at ease with a stranger as you chatted over a CB Radio. "I've never driven this far by myself before, I don't like being in these sorts of places alone, so it's hard to sleep." 

Rusty sat back in his seat and watched you in the distance as you looked to be lost in thought, you looked tired, but he could tell that you were telling the truth. He leaned forward and clicked the button again. "Well, I could offer you an idea. I could stay on this channel with you and if you need to say anything, you go right on and say it. I can listen."

That was an awfully sweet gesture for a stranger to give, but you figured they drove long distances all the time, having someone to talk to wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for guys like this. You liked the offer, you liked that he meant it and didn't pity you, at least you thought he didn't. 

"Rusty, you don't have to do that, that's honestly so kind-"

"Look, no worries there, kitty cat, a girl shouldn't be alone in strange places." 

Your mind swam to treacherous waters, how could you even THINK of asking what you were about to ask. Your safety should have been your number one concern while taking a road trip alone, then being stuck in the middle of nowhere, but something in your gut whispered to abandon all sense and just take the leap. 

"Rusty, could I ask you a favor… and please don't take this the wrong way, I just…" your sentence trailed off and you didn't know how to necessarily ask such a favor. This wasn't something you did often, let alone at all. 

"Whattaya need?" There was a hint of curiosity in his voice, you could tell.

"Umm, I know it's a lot to ask from a stranger, but could you meet up with me here? Maybe just sit with me for a few hours if you aren't doing anything? I'm just… I'm not used to being alone…" you repeated. 

Rusty heard you right, right? He didn't really know how to respond to that nor was he familiar with meeting up with strangers outside of working hours. How he'd handle this, he had no damn idea. But once your voice came back over the radio, he snapped back and blinked. 

"I'm sorry, that was a rude question, I didn't mean to be weird or anything, I just really like the company and you seem like a decent guy what with helping me out earlier." You rambled you always rambled when you were nervous or you thought you made things uncomfortable, it happened often, you rambling. 

It was almost comforting when you heard his laughter over the radio channel. 

"Well, I've never done nothin' like this before so uh, I suppose I could help you out. You've been mighty kind, not many people see us truckers as kind folk so they don't show it to us. Let me meet you there, then, Sassy Cat." 

"Thanks, Rusty. See you soon."

You placed the radio down and your heart was beating so quickly while you tried to calm yourself in the driver's seat. You reached out for one of the drinks and opened it as you stared out through the windshield of the car. 'Why did I do that? What if he's some sort of weirdo? What if he thinks I'M the weirdo?' You were so wrapped up in worrying that you barely saw the large black semi pull into the lot a while later. 

That was probably him, you were shaking in the car as your eyes were glued to the scene of the door swinging open and watched as a large man wearing hefty boots stepped out. The hat he wore was pulled down to hide his face from the harsh lights of the neon signs overhead. You recognized the jacket he wore and the scruff of his facial hair, that was the same guy you were admiring at the diner! Oh that made you feel much better, you knew that he at least looked pretty decent for someone you didn't know. 

You stepped out of the car and watched as his face lifted and looked directly at you, you swore you could feel his eyes burn a hole right through you. Christ, he was so large! 

When you finally walked to meet him halfway, you held out your hand despite it shaking so damn much. "You must be Rusty Nail, a pleasure to meet you." You seemed chipper and excited, but deep down you were nervous as all hell. 

He looked down at you with a smirk and grabbed your hand more gently than you expected. "Sassy Cat, I presume. You're cuter than I expected." 

It was forward, but just enough to give your ego a little boost, and you'd be lying if you said you didn't enjoy it coming from his mouth. "Well, thank you, Rusty. If it's not too forward, I think the same about you." Damn, your face was turning bright red from how hot it felt, you'd bet money on it.

"So uh, I brought along a six pack in my cab if that's your fancy," he began as he reached back and rubbed his neck. "Not sure how I can assist, but I'm here ta' help if you need it."

"That's very kind, thanks for the offer. I got some drinks from the vending machine. You want a non-alcoholic beverage?" 

Rusty smirked beneath his hat. "Well, sure, I'll take you up on that. You wanna stand down here by your car, or wherever you're comfortable, darlin'." 

You almost melted to the sidewalk from that nickname alone, damn, you'd love to hear him say your actual name some time.

"Well, if you're okay with it, the room would be fine. I can grab more drinks and maybe get some takeout? I just can't sleep, this is a hell of a lot on my plate." 

"Don't be embarrassed," Rusty said as he picked up on your body language, "not everyone can handle stuff like that, it's normal. But I'd be honored to accompany you this fine evenin', just lead the way."

You nodded and swallowed the lump forming in your throat. It was all just a lot to manage for you, just chatting with him would calm your nerves, at least you hoped it did. So you beckoned for him to follow you as you began to walk toward your room, you heard his heavy footfalls behind you, following obediently.

You got to your room and unlocked it with your hand still shaking, you glided off to the side to allow the giant man step through, and then closed the door eagerly behind him and locked the door. He shifted around the room and found a seat on one of the chairs as you nestled onto the corner of the bed with your legs crossed. 

"So uh, again I'm sorry I even dragged you out here like this, it was a spur of the moment sorta thing…" you looked down and played with your sleeves on the night shirt you wore. 

Rusty couldn't help but chuckle at how much you apologized. "S'alright, Y/N, don't worry your pretty little head about it." 

"I appreciate- Wait, how'd you know my name?"

"You were at the diner, and it was easy to overhear you talkin' to Jolene about your predicament. Didn't mean to eavesdrop, just happens when you're in the line of business I'm in, ya learn to listen." 

You should have felt more odd about it, at least you were convincing yourself that you should, but you honestly didn't. This was a man who was aware, who paid attention, you were thankful he did to be honest. He noticed how quiet you'd been and it weighed heavy on him. 

"I hope that didn't scare you none, I'm sorry about that, it's a bad habit you just sorta pick up."

"No, no, it doesn't bother me at all, just surprised that anyone paid attention at all. I was an outsider there, so it was just nice to have someone give some sort of damn about my plight." You laughed and scratched at your hair, which was still drying from your unexpected shower. 

Rusty couldn't help but smile at that as he shifted in the chair and grabbed the drink you gave him. "Well, of course, we all look out for one another here, most times anyway."

With a long stretch as you raised your hands above your head, you almost felt comfortable enough to feel the grasp of sleep barely nipping at your heels. Rusty took notice of that too and watched you in silence for a moment. 

"How ya feelin'?" 

"Better, much more relaxed, thanks to you."

He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his legs. "You want me to get goin'? I don't wanna be a bother."

"No!" You cried out, "please, not yet. If you're able to, please stay." It was embarrassing how you were acting right now and for your sake, you should have stopped and let the man leave, but something deep within you wanted him to stay put. 

He stared at you under the brim of his cap, the shadows hid his expression rather well and the lighting in the room was already pretty poor as it was, but it allowed him to remain mysterious as he sat there across from you and tried to read you. He didn't know what to expect or why you were so terrified to remain alone, so much to the point you'd want a complete stranger around you. 

"I won't bore you with details," you began softly, "but I'm just going through a lot and I thought this trip would help me. It's only been one shitshow after another."

Rusty thought for a moment and then stood up from his chair, he weaved around the poorly placed table as he shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it to the side. He sat down beside you on the bed while the mattress sunk from his weight, which caused you to tumble into him unexpectedly. You let out a surprised gasp as his hand caught you, his arm wrapped around your shoulder. 

"You alright?" 

You looked up and could see more of him from this angle, you never expected his eyes to be so bright. "Y-yeah, I'm good." You wanted to simply disappear under his touch as you felt his fingers flex around your arm as he sat you back up. 

"You need to relax, I reckon," he pointed out as he reached behind him and grabbed the top blanket and draped it over you. "So how about you lay here and I keep watch? You'll pass out sooner or later, and neither of us wants that to happen behind the wheel, now do we?" 

The urge to snuggle against him was so irresistible that you didn't even know your body went ahead and did it without you giving a second thought about it, but he didn't retract his hand from your shoulder, yet he stopped you. 

"Hold on," he instructed as he stood from his spot and walked to the other side of the mattress, then he laid down onto the bed and patted the spot next to him. 

You obeyed and crawled into the bed beside him, the smell of tobacco and damp earth wafted through your nose, and even a hint of his cologne. You felt at ease in his presence, as if you were under some sort of spell that he had you trapped in, but it was one you never wanted to get out of. 

"Better?" He grumbled in his husky voice. 

"Much." Your hand instinctively grabbed at his flannel to secure your position, and your head rested gently beside his chest. "I don't know how I got to this point of my evening, but I can't ever repay you for this, Rusty." 

"We can work that out later," he replied teasingly. "For now, You should rest, Y/N, don't worry so much." 

His hand stroked your hair and the sound of his breathing lulled you into a quick sleep. You barely had time to register what the hell got you to this point, but right now, you didn't care. 

For Rusty, this was an odd evening to say the very least, but he had an attractive little thing next to him in a bed, what more could he want? Your soft skin touched his and it felt as if his skin was aflame from the mere contact of it, your hair felt even softer between his fingers as he caressed it, but what really threw him off was your immediate draw to him. Your hands were gripping his shirt tightly as if to keep him there, your face pressed against his chest as if you'd known him your whole life and trusted him with it. 

Whatever the hell got him here, he hoped he wouldn't lose consciousness and wake up to find it one cruel joke, but he'd live here in this moment, even if for a little while. Rusty didn't even notice his eyes grow heavy, but the darkness enveloped him and he was asleep.

*  -

You were sure you dreamt that entire evening up, you were absolutely sure of it. But when you woke up with the sun streaming brightly through the windows of the motel room, you stirred and tried to move around so you could block the sun from your face, but a large arm draped around your waist stopped you from moving too far. Your eyes peeked over and saw the large trucker you met yesterday was sleeping rather peacefully next to you, his breaths deep and steady as his arm didn't move from your waist. He looked rather peaceful sleeping here, you wanted to reach out and just touch his face to admire him, but you didn't know this man and you surely didn't want to have him live through a rude wakeup call. 

Instead, you nestled back against him and pulled the blanket further over you, the desire to wake up wasn’t really there despite how urgent your need was just mere hours ago. You blinked and let out a low sigh as you moved slightly, wanting to gain more warmth against him before you both had to wake up and go your separate ways. But as much as that seemed like the most likely possibility, the thought of it made you feel oddly sad. You enjoyed his company and just how sweet he was, hell, he was so respectful and never tried to do anything that made you uncomfortable. 

You hoped you would see each other again. 

As you were lost in thought, you felt the mattress stir and you gently opened one eye, noticing Rusty had slowly sat up to stretch his arms. You took in just how large he was and how toned he'd been, you'd taken in the marks he had peeking through

beneath his and thought of all the ways he could have gotten them. He seemed like a simple, sweet guy, so maybe you didn't want to know how he got them right away. But it didn't help that your eyes wandered way too far for too long, your imagination wandered, and you didn't even notice him looking over his shoulder and staring down at you. 

"Mornin'," he greeted with a deeper voice than usual. "You sleep okay?"

You couldn’t find your voice this early but you gave him a short nod in response while you stretched out your body. His eyes glazed over your form a bit longer than he anticipated but you didn’t mind, though you made a noise of protest when he stood up from the bed. All Rusty did was chuckle as he walked to your side of the bed and patted your head softly. 

“Just hittin’ the bathroom, kitty cat, don’t you worry,” he grinned. He left you there to your own devices and came back almost as quickly as he’d gone, then as if he could read your mind, he slid in next to you again and found his place beneath the covers. He couldn't admit to it just yet, but he really found this to be the most comforted he's been in a long time. 

You didn't say anything yet, you just wanted to revel in the moment for as long as you could until the harshness of reality bit you both. 

"Didn't you need to get towed this mornin'?" Rusty asked suddenly, his voice lowered to almost a hushed tone. 

"Mhm, yeah, I did, but I think I'm liking this too much to care right now." Your eyes were closed because if you looked at him with his face being so close, you weren't sure how the moment would play out, and that scared the hell out of you.

That comment made Rusty smile, and your face seemed to be so at peace with the expression you wore, his hand reached out and brushed your wild stray hairs from your face. He was begging to feel all too familiar now, and he couldn't stop himself when he leaned forward, nose to nose with you. 

"Y/N," he said softly, and you opened your eyes, "could I do somethin' stupid right now?"

You nodded, afraid to speak in case it broke the wonder of the moment.

Rusty closed the small space between you both and captured your lips in his, his hand half cupping your face and half pulling your chin forward so he could deepen the kiss. Your eyes fluttered closed again and you pushed against him now, your hands found themselves wrapped in his salt and pepper hair, and the way he was kissing you only made you hum in approval against his mouth. 

It was hard for him to let go, he knew he shouldn't have done this with someone who he only knew by first name, but you were pulling him in with every moment you looked at him. His large hands roamed down your arms and slid against your stomach as he lifted the hem of your shirt slowly, your back arched in an instinctive response, which was so inviting.

He swallowed the moan against his mouth and pulled you further against him, and you could feel the invitation of his excitement against your leg at this angle, was it bad that you wanted to feel it elsewhere so soon? 

Rusty was making you feel anxious in the best way, his stubble tickled your chin as his kisses lowered from your mouth to your neck. You wouldn't have stopped him from continuing to assault you, but to your dismay, he pulled away and stared down at you, breathless. 

"Y/N, as much as I'd love to continue this with you, and trust me I do, I'm not that kinda guy. I hope you understand, I'm a bit old-fashioned albeit the favor I did for you…" He brushed more of your hair out of your face and could easily see the disappointment. "So lemme ask you this, would you do ME a favor?"

You cooked your head a bit in confusion. "Sure, Rusty, anything."

His smile grew. "Allow me to take you on a proper date, then." 

Your face must have visibly turned red because Rusty laughed at your reaction. "I'd love that, Rusty," you replied. 

"Good," he beamed at your response and how genuinely you seemed to be excited. 

"Well, don't I need to know your name if I'm going on a date?"

All he could do was laugh and shake his head. "In due time, kitty cat, in due time."

[writer-akihiko]

Could I get the dorm leader’s reactions to a fem!S/O who punched a student because he was being creepy towards her?

Dorm Leaders + MC Punching Someone

Credits to my precious wife The Miss; I have never punched someone and my wife teaches and does self defense and martial arts, so she helped me out greatly. Work is cut for length purposes.

Warnings: creepy behaviour from NPC students, protective behaviour dorm leaders

Malleus Draconia

Malleus knew it was moments after your last class finished, so why were you late?

Sebek quickly noticed his master, and said that the teacher called for you

He wasted no time rushing to the teacher's room, only for it to be empty…

"I have nothing to do with you!"

He heard your voice, rushing to the source. You were in the gardens with another annoying student…

Unknowingly, he gathered his magic at his fingertips, ready to attack

CRACK!

Your lover witnessed you sucker punch that student right in the nose

What was this? That child of man was deadlier than he thought… and the thought thrilled him

The student scurried away, with a bleeding nose and that was when Malleus revealed himself

He watched as his YN shifted to her timid self once more. Maybe she was embarrassed?

"I witnessed all of it," He said. "My little treasure… you're quite the silent fierce type aren't you?"

You accepted Malleus taking you in his arms. You snuggled into his shoulders, knowing no one was there. "Only to people who annoy me. I'd never do that to you."

He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, enjoying this moment with you. "As much as I witnessed how capable you were YN, if those punches ever graze your skin, I might not hesitate to skin them…"

You smacked Malleus playfully. "I swear, I can be safe."

Malleus overall was thrilled every time you showed any display of your strength, although you were quite docile with him so he'd have to sneak around to see you pummel some worthless students

Riddle Rosehearts

He was severely upset that your absence caused his unbirthday party to be delayed

He asked for Ace and Deuce to search for you, but he himself found you near the school labs

Oh, how his blood boiled seeing that it was a Heartsyabul student approaching you…

He was about to approach the student and call him off for his rude remarks, but he didn't expect what was coming next

You punched the much taller student in the stomach, and the student hurled over in pain

"You… You-!"

"I dare you to continue that sentence…" Riddle said, stepping out and standing next to you

He shamelessly brought your knuckles to his lips, "Did you bruise your knuckles my Queen?"

The student tried to run away, but Riddle was quicker to respond

"Off With Your Head."

He would certainly have fun punishing the ignorant student later, but for now he had to tend to you

"I never knew you could do that," He admitted, escorting you back to the location of the unbirthday party. "I'm quite surprised."

You shook your head, feeling a bit shy that Riddle of all people was praising you so. "It's self defense. I'm not one to go around punching people…"

Riddle after having knowledge of your skills wouldn't be afraid to leave you alone, and he'd have his little fantasy of you teaching him some physical defense… With you two being close… He can dream can't he?

Kalim Al-Asim

Kalim had you seated next to him during one of Scarabia's parties, enjoying the festivities

Jamil had come over, asking you to excuse your boyfriend as other guests had arrived and were awaiting the host of the events

Kalim greeted the guests, although his voice was slightly strained since all he could think about was getting back to you

As he let the guests roam around, he took one glance at where you were supposed to be…

And saw the view of someone chatting you up…

Well, as the charismatic host he is, he has to put this student in his place-

CRASH!

The student fell onto a small table of snacks after you punched that student from getting too close

"I said," You poured the remaining of your drink on his head. "I don't want to be bothered."

Kalim's jaw dropped at the entire scene, and in his heart he might've been a little afraid of you

As he turned to Jamil, Jamil shook his head. "I didn't teach her that."

After the other servants cleaned the mess up, Kalim approach you cautiously. Giving you a hug from behind

He was relieved feeling your shoulders relax, but he had to make sure…

"YN… Would you punch me if I ever upset you?"

You quickly faced Kalim, holding his face in your hands, shaking your head. "No I won't. That guy was just being annoying…" You gave him a cheeky peck on his jaw. "And how could I ruin this adorable face?"

Kalim didn't mind you punching whoever annoyed you, but he was very impressed that it had gotten to the point where if someone bothered you, Kalim would be on the sidelines cheering at you

Azul Ashengrotto

As the dorm leader who runs the Mostro Lounge, Azul and the Leech twins would be typically busy with the constant rush of customers

In this instance he was grateful that you were willing to help out with the rush hours

He had you and the twins busy taking orders as he organised his contracts

There shouldn't be any troublesome patrons, or that's what he thought…

"Hey! Pretty waitress, why don't you sit with us? I'll buy you a drink!" Some sleazy customer hollered at you

You tried to ignore the students, continuing your duties. Floyd and Jade were too busy to kick them out, but you thought that they could be dealt with later…

From his view, Azul could only watch in disgust as the student dared to pull you to him

Before the student could put his hands on you, you swiped a clean punch across his face

The moment that happened, Azul couldn't help but laugh

The clique of the knocked out student scrambled out, intimidated by the creepy auras the twins emitted, and the way the Lounge owner's eyes pierced their core

You held your wrist in your hand, shaking off the slight pain. Jade and Floyd quickly escorted you to Azul's office area, and Jade even gave you a pat on the head for a job well done

Azul couldn't help himself from hugging you tight, showering you in praises and kissing your hand even though you insisted you weren't seriously injured

"My Angelfish… I should hire you for the Lounge's security instead," He joked, sitting next to you. "Actually… Do as you like! I get quite entertained with that fiery look in your eyes when you do get a hit or two!"

Long story short, you instead worked closely with Azul as a pseudo-bodyguard

Idia Shroud

Idia enjoyed his quiet time, especially quiet time with you, Ortho and video games

He didn't usually go outside, but he would always walk with you after class since you always calmed his nerves

Sometimes, if he was bold enough, he'd ask to walk hand in hand with you after a school day

At times, you could hear the gossip of some students, particularly about Idia…

On one day, Idia had to meet up with Azul due to club work. You decided to meet up with Ortho while waiting for Idia, since Idia wanted to continue his game's story mode with you

Idia quickly finished his business, but as he exited the room, he couldn't help but eavesdrop an interesting conversation…

"Why don't you hang out with us instead of that shut-in of a dorm leader?"

His attention was on the group of boys talking to you, closing in on you

He was caught off guard as you punched the leader square in the nose

"That's for insulting my boyfriend."

Idia had to admit that he got excited over you being so cool! It's like you're the protagonist that rescues the archmage-

Wait… That means that he's the archmage…

After scaring away the group away, Idia ran up to you, hugging you. His jacket covered you both, as you looked up at Idia…

"YN… Thank you…"

Leona Kingscholar

Leona always invites you to laze around, so when you were late, he got irritated

He was competent enough to memorise your schedule, so he knew where you would most likely be

He made his presence known, although he didn't care about the other students in his way

His ears perked up hearing your voice. Why were you in the labs?

He peaked inside to see some boys corner you. Ah… Some students that don't know their place…

"C'mon! Just one date and then you can go to that lion boy toy of yours!"

Oh… Now he was ticked off…

Before he could make a grand entrance, he heard a thud

The student hurled over in pain, clutching his lower half and gasping for air…

Oh… so the little herbivore punched him there…

He couldn't help but laugh, kicking the door open. You immediately went to his side, huffing away from those rude students

As Leona escorted you to his room, he mischievously called you out on it, "I didn't take you for one to go for the crown jewels… You gotta sanitise your hands before touching my sheets though."

You poked Leona's cheek, stopping him from teasing you, "And you, Leona, I might kick yours instead if you don't stop teasing me!"

You yelped, being carried by him. "No can do YN~"

Vil Schoenheit

Vil wondered why you didn't come find him after classes. You'd usually have some afternoon tea with him

He didn't think you'd skip out on purpose, so he commanded Rook to search for you

He also walked around, asking the students in your year whether they saw you or not

He grew anxious, quickening his pace until he heard your voice-

"I don't have anything to do with you, so stop it!"

He turned the corner, seeing you and your arms crossed and a group of students confronting you

One reached out their hand to you, which you retaliated by punching him square in the jaw

The student fell on his other friends, and Vil decided that this was enough

"Ah… I don't think it was wise to mess with my sweet potato…"

The remaining students scrambled to their feet, fearing the dorm leader's magic

"Scram, won't you?"

Vil didn't need to say it twice. The students disappeared, leaving you with Vil

Vil hugged you, patting your head. "My YN… I'm glad that you can defend yourself, but if you continue to do this, your knuckles will be bruised and I refuse to allow that."

You stood on your toes, pecking him on the cheek. "I appreciate the thought Vil."

[galaxyedging]

Now, why did you have to mention something like that? Like that man doesn't take enough time up in my head.

Smut under the cut.

The beer bottle in Joel's hand was about to shoot across the yard if he gripped it any tighter. One hand gripped the cold glass as the other almost pulled the arm from the chair he was sitting in. You must have known what you were doing to him. Thankfully, you had only made it to the barbecue an hour ago. 

An hour of people grabbing a minute with you to catch up. They had no idea you and Joel were a thing so none of them realised how much you wanted to get to him. Even if you couldn't kiss him or touch him, you missed being in his company. Looking over to gauge his reaction as yet another person caught you to say hi, he looked furious. His warm brown eyes had darkened, his brow was furrowed.

The wind picked up as he watched you across the yard. It blew the fabric of that damn dress, pulling the loose skirt tight around your frame. He could see every curve of your thighs and hips. If it blew the other way he might catch a glimpse of the soft skin of your thighs. Skin he was currently fantasising about having pressed against his cheek or against his waist. He needed to calm down. There were kids here. Sarah was off playing soccer with some of her friends. The younger kids were playing on a swing hanging from an old oak. A swing that they insisted you take a turn on. Joel wisely placed his bottle down before it shattered in his hand. As you swung the light material inched up your thighs. The rocking motion jiggled your breast, barely contained by the top of the dress. 

"Tommy!" Joel's voice sounded like he was parched despite his half drank beer. "Take Sarah out for ice cream when she's done here." Without waiting for an answer, he absently shoved some money, seven dollars and a Walmart receipt, at his brother before making his way to you.

"Joel! What has gotten into you?" When you'd gotten back to Joel's, miraculously in one piece, given how fast he drove the two blocks, he led you straight out to his backyard. He pulled you into his lap in a chair much like the one he'd almost torn the arm off earlier. Instantly his lips had latched to any exposed skin he could find. 

"What's gotten into me? You really don't know? Walking around in this little thing?" His hands pawed at your breasts before tugging down the front of your dress. The cool air only got a second to pebble your nipples before Joel took them in his mouth and hands. Sloppy, open mouth kisses warmed your flesh. 

"Shit, Joel. So good, Baby, but what if someone sees?" You hated the reasonable voice in your head. With his clever mouth on tits and his hard length pressing to your core you didn't care who saw you.

"Let them watch. Let them see you looking all sweet and innocent in this and let them see how dirty you really are. You gonna let me fuck you right here?" He nipped at you lips as his fingers stroked the soaked cotton of your panties. 

"Yes. Yes, please, Joel. Please." You sounded pathetic yet nowhere near as desperate as you felt. Joel always took such good care of you. Whether he was licking and sucking your pussy until you came or taking you hard and fast during his lunch break. 

"You sound so pretty when you beg but you never never need to. I'll always give it to you." He eased your panties to the side and slowly bottomed out. "It should be me begging. Needed to have you since you walked it. Looking all pretty. Oh, fuck." He pulled out before thrusting back into you. The way your tits bounced with the fabric bunched up under them. The feel of your soft skin as he held the delicate fabric up at your waist so he could catch a glimpse of himself splitting you open. It was all too much. Shuffling down, he planted his feet to fuck up into you a brutal pace. Neither of you could speak. All you could do was hold his shoulders to keep your balance as he brutally hit all the spots that took your breath away. Knowing he was close he worked his fingers between you. The work worn pads of them skimming back and forth over your clit had you milking his cock. He gave himself over to it completely, he pumped every drop into your tight cunt as you moaned his name. For the sake of your decency he pulled the front of your dress back up. He moved to put your panties back in place, not before making a show of slowly pulling out so he could watch his spend drip from your pussy. After he tucked himself away you curled up against his chest. Head in his neck, enjoying the scent of his aftershave. After a moment, you felt his hands at the back of your dress. "What are you doing?"

"Seeing where you bought this from so I can buy you one for every damn day of the week."

as sundress season approaches i truly cannot wait to see all the joel miller x reader in a sundress fics 😄🤭

(please tag me in any sundress fics you write. please and thank you)

[theprinceandthewitch]

Basically, a break-up makes the most sense to me because it's the only way Luz would receive a consequence so big that it changes her flawed mindset forever.

Eda and Camila aren't gonna give her the severe consequence she needs because... they are grown ass adults who understand what it's like being a teenager. It's not like Camila is going to stop being her mom or Eda is gonna pummel her for acting on her flawed mindset...

Gus and Willow aren't going to give her the consequence she needs either because they're just her friends - they aren't emotionally attached to her on the same level Amity is. They're not going to stop being friends with her if she chooses to be emotionally closed off with them.

While she is emotionally open with Hunter he isn't going to give her the consequence she needs either. If she chooses to keep secrets from him it's just not in character for him to get upset with her for doing that - not like it is with Amity.

That's why I think there's going to be a break-up - because having something that bad happen to Luz is the only way she'll change herself.

Also, I don't think all the Caleb/Evelyn parallels are trolling - like having them wear Hooty and King masks before dropping the Caleb-Evelyn parallels is --- because there's alot that just can't be overlooked as trolling.

Like how Hunter did NOT need to look like Caleb after he was resurrected - they could have just made the hair fall out and return it to his previous short haircut. Or how Luz did not need to have her hair look like Evelyn's during the confrontation in the graveyard. Or how Evelyn and Luz have dark brown hair. Or how Evelyns hair is the same length as Luz's and when Luz slicks back her hair it looks like Evelyns.

Or how Flapjack in the play establishes a connection back to Hunting Palismen. Or that the Caleb/Evelyn story could have just been left at the faire and never been brought up again. Or how Flapjack only let Luz and Hunter use him. Or how Philip explicitly calls Luz Evelyn and Hunter Caleb (twice). Or how the grimwalker who looks the most like Caleb also ran away to another world with an expecting witch - his brother in hot pursuit .

Or how Luz is literally a witch from another world who dazzles a witch-hunter with magic he's never seen before and teaches him the thing he's been taught to fear isn't evil and dangerous.

"But Hunter isn't a witch-hunter -"... Why do you think he is even called Hunter? It's because... it's a short-hand for witch-hunter... Belo's wanted every clone of Caleb to be a witch-hunter... and he's a clone of a witch-hunter...

"But Luz isn't a witch - " It doesn't matter if she's an "actual" witch or not because, through the use of glyphs, she can cast all the spells a witch with a bile sac would have. She just needs to have access to titan blood, some kind of way to draw out glyphs, and time to figure out which glyphs she needs to combine to get the spell she wants. And... she's always referring to herself as a witch... But being an "actual" witch is irrelevant because she's just supposed to be a representation of what Hunter has been taught to fear (which is wild magic). Just like how Evelyn is a representation of the thing Caleb was taught to fear (magic).

There's too much here - there's too much romantic undertones and set up happening for there not to be any pay-off down the line. Like... this is SET-UP it's so obviously set-up with some kind of payoff down the line because of how heavy handed they got with the parallels in this episode.

Also, you can't twist a romance. It's literally impossible to twist it - it'll always come out unsatisfying. You can't just do this kind of build-up and then go nowhere with it. I mean, technically you can - but it'll never be satisfying story-wise.

Like... two characters who represent past lovers taking down the man who took their love away from them is so undeniably romantic even if the characters aren't in love with each other. It would not stop being romantic even if Luz was SOMEHOW still dating Amity at this point.

Also, I just don't see why they'd waste so much of their time weaving together Luz's and Hunter's stories with Evelyn's and Caleb's if it just wasn't going to go anywhere.

[wornoutmouse]

Fun fact: demon slayer starts in 1912 and ends in 1927(or at least that's when the Tashio era ends). Using that math Tanjiro (as long as he kept his health good) would very well be alive today at the ripe age of like 78 if my math is correct since he started as 13 in the series. (My math probably wrong asf)

Power imbalance, power bottom reader, knife play,  blood but not blood play...

He hated you.

Your very being irked him more than anything he'd ever experienced in all his centuries of living. You were clumsy, boisterous, and played that arrogant music all throughout your home while walking around half naked. Well in Muzan's opinion you were half naked, he couldn't even begin to describe his disbelief at the trend of exposing skin. 

It didn't help that you had that insignificant filth running through your veins. At first he was unsure, after all this was a completely different country than Japan, not to mention your darker skin and coiled hair. But no, he could smell and recognise the Kamado blood running through your veins just as strongly as it had run through all your ancestors. 

Completely undiluted. 

At the very beginning when you first moved in, you  came to his home. Knocking aggressively on his front door already getting off to the wrong start. When he opened it, you slipped past him and walked into his living room barely even saying hello as you put poorly decorated sugar cookies on his obsidian coffee table. "This is a nice place you got here Mj." 

Muzan's eyes twitched, that joke had long since gotten old since he moved to America. 

Now that you were closer he could definitely smell, the century old stench of rivaling bloodlust simmered just below your onyx skin. At any moment he expected you to attack him in some way or form. "Anyways I'm here to say hello neighbor, my name is Y/n and I'm your new best friend!"

Your happy attitude also agitated him to no end. Even though the knowledge of demons had dwindled down to only a few select families, even basic humans were wary of him as their baser instincts made them aware of his dangerous origins. This fact had long since forced Muzan to only prey on the elderly to survive. You had stayed a bit longer babbling about some nonsense that Muzan never acknowledged as he watched you from a good distance.

"You know you really got to add more to your wardrobe than 1963 suits." You walked from the back of his home, an area that he didn't even notice you wandered to. Finally getting bored, you open his door bidding your farewells. 

Just before leaving you stop and with a cheeky grin say, "If you ever need anything just come on over. We Kamado's are known for our kindness." 

Since then he'd been on edge around you. The point of relocating was for him to keep a low profile but now it seems he'd have to come face to face with an old nemesis reborn. 

Muzan snapped out of his thoughts with a flinch as he pierced his hand with his nail. He watches the dark blood well up from the wound and drip down his wrist. In the end this world had long since lost its hostility dwindling the average human incapable of basic combat. Giving you were no doubt a great descendant, Muzan failed to see you as a true threat.  

But one can never be too sure

🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢

You heard a knock on your door, soft and hesitant. "I don't think I'm expecting company." You checked your watch and peered out of a nearby window. It was at least 8 at night, you were braless wearing sweats with a red T-Shirt and on your way to bed.  In the back of your mind you visualize your two grand-uncles Inosuke and Zenitsu coming over to make you spectate their fights. For two old dudes they still had enough strength in them to do hip breaking nonsense.

You open the door shocked to see your next door neighbor standing before you. For once he wasn't wearing a suit that cost more than your house. His attire was still expensively dressed but in a more casual sense, that being a black dress shirt and slacks. His sleeves were rolled up displaying his pale skin. "Can I come in?" A dazzling smile you had never seen before practically blinds you as he walks past you into your home.

When Muzan walks in his eyes immediately dart to the clear as day Nichirin Blade sword displayed recklessly on your living room wall above your couch. "You like it?" A hand on his shoulder makes him jump, "Got it from my grandpa, he says it's really special but I feel like he's exaggerating. You know how old people are." Muzan shakes out of his stupor. "I don't quite understand what you mean by that, however I do know that it's much more wise to listen to your elders than ignoring…..It could save your life."

Muzan replicates you and puts a hand on your shoulder gently squeezing. This was it, he'd go in for the kill and it would be over, the amount of blood he'd pump into you would be enough to watch you meet a satisfying end of combustion completely untraceable if the police were to get involved. How he wishes he'd be there when your poor grandfather walks along your remains splattered on every surface in your living room. Unable to do a thing as he's finally in his last stretch of life. 

The beauty.

Muzan's finger only twitches in the slightest before pain sparks from his own neck. "The thought of you coming into my own home unprovoked and at night no less, was the most obvious sign one could ask more." You had his hand gripped so tight your veins popped while your other hand held a small pocket knife that burned  brighter than any Nichirin sword he'd ever encountered. He didn't understand, he was quick enough to kill even the best of the ancient Hiroshima. So how did a little foreign girl like you get the upper hand?

It was embarrassing and almost laughable if any of his pillars were alive to tell the tale.

You press the blade harder before bringing your other hand to caress Muzan's cheek,  "Did you think I'd be just an ignorant descendant of an infamous hero?" You clicked your teeth disappointingly. "How naive, you've really become lazy after all these millennia huh?" You walk forward, pushing Muzan back with seductive strength. He allows you to push him into your couch,  I say allow because at any time he could have stopped you.  

Muzan is most definitely not holding me at gunpoint right now. 

The knife never wavers even as you climb into Muzan's lap, pressing it even closer against his jugular. "You do know getting beheaded will not kill me, and I doubt this petty little kitchen knife will get the job done in the first place." Your lips draw into a smirk and you press the knife closer as you trail it down his chest, "That may be true but it's gonna take one hell of a time for you to grow back." Your hand jerks down, popping his shirt buttons open.

Muzan watches with interest, your eyes light up as more skin becomes exposed. The tones of your dark skin contrast strikingly as you caress his pectoral with the tips of your fingers. "For a 1,000 year old grandpa you look decent." Still threatening his life with your blade, you kiss him. It's deep and carnal. Your lustful desires being made known as you grind in his lap. The flesh of your ass snuggly hotdogs the forming outline of his cock. "I've always wanted to be with a demon. You've had to of become a real freak after living this long!"

When you pull away Muzan's thin lips are pink and a bit swollen. He is out of breath despite needing none, "You have a lot of nerve for a mere human." With your free hand you loosen the belt of his slacks, only standing to pull them off, pleased when Muzan voluntarily raises his hips to aid you. 

Don't get him wrong, he was still planning on killing you and ending your wretched bloodline once and for all, he just needed his mind to clear itself. Your scent, your confidence, strung him along like a puppet. His hands grip onto your ass cheeks like a lifeline. Molding them between his fingers, even giving them a shake through your sweats. His nails elongate and puncture the thick fabric as if it was nothing more than a spider web. 

Your sweats are tugged off completely leaving your lower half nude. Muzan moves his hands to hold your ass again but your blade politely makes itself known. You are out of breath and clearly flustered. "Watch yourself, demon, I'm the one calling the shots, don't forget that." Muzan bites his tongue with sharp glare. He raises his hands in surrender, "Of course." 

Muzan can feel your wetness against his leg and it's driving him insane. "Hey…" red eyes refocus on yours, "You ain't got any diseases do you? And you can't get me pregnant right?" Muzan smirks hands enclosing around your ass despite your protest. "I can, however it will cost a lot more than doing it once." The odds didn't seem in your favor but you were in no position to stand down and grab a condom and Muzan knew it.

You curve the blade towards his chin, "If you are lying and give me some ancient unknown disease or I find out you have superman sperm, I will kill you." Muzan links his lips, "Wasn't that the plan from the beginning or have you had a moment of level headedness?" Your wrist is quick and precise, cutting a thin slash along his jawline., not enough to scar and it barely even bled, but the threat was clear.

You grab Muzan's dick and use your thumb to attack the underside with fast strokes. Said man doesn't react outwardly, the only sign being his eyelids lowering by a fraction. "Were you always this well endowed or did you adjust this part too?" Muzan was not amused by your insinuation. Deciding to once again display the true power imbalance this situation had, he loops his arms underneath your large thighs and lifts you just enough to thrust his cock against your hole. 

From there he let's go, making you plop down on his length, making you yelp and allowing him to lean back with a relaxed sigh. You were so warm and tight. Now even though I explained what had happened with great detail,  keep in mind that in reality it all happened within a fraction of a second. 

Your large and in charge persona was cracking.  You gripped Muzan's sides tightly as your pussy spasmed around his girth. "F-Fuck it's too….." you trail off not wanting to give Muzan the credit he was truly due. 

It takes a few moments for you to get your bearings all the while Muzan and his dangerous jaw swayed in the crevice of your neck. A viper playing with its prey. The blade is back against his neck once again making his cock twitch. If he were human this would be a dangerous feat.  Your grip never slacked nor lessened against his neck, slicing into a growing wound that dropped dark blood down his chest and to his abdomen. 

His dick stretched your pussy and made it weap on each downstroke. Muzan's hands grip onto the cheeks of your ass with gritted teeth.  Your insides gripped him ever so slightly.  Sucking him back in as if he belonged there.  He felt used and it felt good.  His black ringlets stuck to his face from sweat and his red eyes grew in intensity. 

He couldn't see much of your body, hell he could barely even touch. In the back of his mind humorous thoughts such as how he knew Tanjiro would lose his sanity if he knew his granddaughter was being bedded by the man he despised. But the more you bounced, the more you squeezed, the deeper you cut into his neck proved that you were truly the one in charge. 

"Oh God you're so deep!" Your deep almond eyes shut themselves with pleasure. Muzan could feel your legs shaking with exertion at the same rhythm your pussy twitched. His balls felt tight after having no action in over a dozen years. "F-Faster." He has no care for your blade, only wanting to cum and feel the sweet ecstasy he knew your creamed pussy would provide. "Come on human, go faster." Muzan locks lips with you, gaze hardened and intent on proving some sort of point.

Tossing the knife you wrap your arms around his neck pulling his head closer. Red eyes target brown ones as his hands take a stronger grip on your ass. He uses his strength to bounce you. The sound of his balls slapping against the curve of your ass is just as disgusting as it is sexy. Your nipples rub against his through your tank-top making you both moan. The feeling blood stains your shirt making you shiver from the cool wetness

The couch you rest on bangs against the wall behind you the faster you both go. Muzan's feet are planted firmly in the ground, his fangs further elongated. He looks feral and it is in this moment where you get a glimpse of the horror many people felt when he took their lives. "Focus little Kamado, you wouldn't want to disappoint me now would you?" 

Muzan's hips meet yours, spreading the tempo. Your juices coat his lap before finally you tense up completely into a cramp inducing stance as Muzan impaled you on his cock one last time. "Ahh.." Muzan empties himself within you with a relieved sigh. 

Maybe the Kamado bloodline could go on.

[evita-shelby]

There was only one bed

(I couldn't resist sorry)

Prompt comes from this post: only one bed prompts

You Read Me Poetry While I Wash the Dishes

Taglist: @joossieisdabomb @kissmyquill

“I paid for the room, least you can do is offer me the bed.” He is joking, trying to lighten up her mood, but she groans and rolls her eyes.

Leave it old woman running the bed and breakfast to the to think they’re here together in that way. One fucking bed, to make this worse it was one of those rooms made for couples given by the not very subtle romantic décor.

Tommy had offered to take her home ---the word still felt foreign on her tongue when it meant Small Heath--- but the winters here made it impossible for them to reach Birmingham safely. It was a three-hour drive, but his motorcar refused to move after he had it refueled. Roads had also been closed by the sudden snow. Where the hell does it snow in fucking February?

“Two rooms, make sure you have your knife with you and, for the love of all things holy, keep away from that boy, sweetheart.” Her uncle had told her before kissing her forehead goodbye and giving the shovel talk to the handsome gypsy gangster, he himself tried to set her up with.

“For the record, I didn’t plan this.” He tells her and she knows he’s only partially lying. “Fine, I didn’t tell Polly I was coming to fetch you, but I swear to you that I asked for two rooms.”

“I know, Tom.” Eva believes him…for now. He’s gotten it in his head that she is the woman he needs to get over Grace. And while many women would kill to be his rebound, Eva wants the man to want her because he wants her and not because he wants to keep the pain of heartbreak away.

She undoes her coat, hangs it where his is hanging by the door. It was made for her, Mrs. Changretta had told her when she gave it to her a year ago. It was thick and warm and her dress underneath has baby blue lace cuffs and collar. He notices the splash of color, but wisely keeps his mouth shut.

Half-mourning, in July it will almost a year in Birmingham, almost a year since she was smuggled out of Mexico because of her smart mouth.

“I’ll sleep on the floor if you don’t mind.” He says this while his back is turned and she quickly changes into a cotton nightgown someone left in a drawer. There is one bathroom in the modest house and she’s not going to risk it just to change.

How chivalrous, Grace got last minute change of heart about pimping her out and Eva gets him willing to sleep on the floor while she takes the soft bed. It’s sweet how proper he is with her; she thinks to herself.

“You can sleep on the bed with me, just remember I am armed.” Eva takes off her garters and stockings, just as he removes his sleeve garters across the bed and his shirt. She’s seen him half naked, but seeing and knowing he’s just a mere foot away is an entirely different thing.

Men were lucky that they didn’t wear so many underpinnings. She can remove her corseted girdle herself, but if it comes off, chances are her resolve to keep him at arm’s length will fall away with it. Eva keeps it on, and keeps the knife unsheathed under the pillow.

“I promise I won’t try anything, Evie.” He says taking the side closest to the door, gun on the nightstand ready for something that won’t happen.

There are not enough pillows to put between them and as stupid as it sounds, Eva trusts him not to take advantage of her unconsciousness.

Her back is to him and she lies on her side, but she can feel the intensity of his stare and his refusal to give into the temptation of touching her. If only he knew she was struggling with the same thing.

----

She wasn’t in the front lines during the war, she was always safe in camp as a nurse under Captain Nonaka or undercover in a city they were planning on taking. But occasionally she would get stuck inside a village where the fighting would break out.

Zacatecas was one of them. Villa had no mercy for federalists and with the artillery coming in strong there was no way of getting out quickly.

Alan had died there. A combination of bullet wounds, shrapnel from a nearby shell and an infection thanks to the bad conditions of a field hospital. Jose Genaro Kingo Nonaka may have been the closest thing to a proper doctor and maybe a healing God, but even he couldn’t do much except ease his passing.

A thing people don’t seem to learn fast enough is that you do not try to wake up someone grappling with their night terrors. If it wasn’t the battle of Zacatecas, it was the third battle of Torreon and if it wasn’t either two, it was Veracruz.

She comes to and she’s holding her knife to his neck while he’s effectively pinned under her. One hand wrapped around his neck and her knees on either side of his hips. Her braid had fallen apart making here hair fall in thick waves behind her and the white nightdress showed off her slightly tanned skin. Eva had always been told she had a wild sort of beauty, but she must look absolutely feral right now.

“I tried to wake you up, I’m sorry, Evie.” He says as if her knife wasn’t at his throat. Even worse than that, Thomas Shelby seemed to be thrilled at the prospect of her on top.

She looks outside, it's still night or maybe it's before dawn and she can’t see well because of the lousy weather. Eva should’ve gotten off him by now, but as Tommy helps her regain her senses she can't do much except let him help her slow down her breathing.

It's too intimate, worse than him comforting her when he discovered her inability to handle the sound of bullets being fired. Right now, he is sitting up, holding her, foreheads touching as he rubs circles on her arms.

“I have them too. Shovels, I hear them get closer until I either wake up or the Germans get me.” he tells her, they unconsciously lean closer until the second her brain reminds her, they can’t do this. Eva can see it in his eyes when she pulls away from the kiss that would have her resolve crumbling like the walls of Jericho. “I’m sorry, Evie.”

This Thomas Shelby is a gentleman who respects her wishes, but doesn’t really bother to hide his longing for a woman who truly gets him. Its criminal that they couldn’t have met before, maybe then she wouldn’t be torturing the both of them.

“I should be the one apologizing, I did try to kill you.” she moves off him and he tries to shield her from seeing what she definitely felt seconds ago. Eva keeps her distance, but remains sitting up with him. It wasn’t like she’d get any sleep now anyways. “I’m sorry, Tom.”

“I know you didn’t mean it, Eva.” he reaches out for her hand and she lets him hold it.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks and se shakes her head.

“No, not yet, anyways.” She lets go of his hand and turns her back to him once again and tries to sleep.

When she wakes up again, they act ---well, she acts and Tommy plays along for her sake--- like last night didn’t happen. She may have woken up warm and safe in his arms, but Eva needed to remember how much worse heartbreak is.

----

Notes:the Battle/taking of Zacatecas in June 23, 1914 was considered the bloodiest of the battles of the second Mexican revolution. The city is protected by hills and the federalist general went all out with the artillery unaware the rebels under Pancho Villa and another general were taking the city from all sides. Around 6000 enemy soldiers died(both in battle and the many executions after)

*Jose Genaro Kingo Nonaka (1889-1977) was a Japanese immigrant who served as a combat medic under Villa. Also a documentary photographer and the reason the City of Tijuana really took off.

[kydrogendragon]

hi there!

could i request F with Mammon please? 💕

Thank you so much for the request!!! Sorry it took forever, but it kinda works since it's Mamm's b-day week :P Also, we're going thoughts this time around, vs words cause why not? This one also got away from me, length wise.

This is for the Soulmate Drabble Alphabet I’m doing. The prompts can be found here if you want to request one!

First words/thoughts your soulmate says/thinks when seeing you are written on your skin.

Warnings: None! Just good ol’ fluff!

Pairing: Mammon x GN!MC

Rating: G

Ugh, really? Stupid human.

The words that have been etched into your skin since birth. Not exactly the thing you'd want your soulmate thinking about you at first sight, but there were people that had worse. Still, it wasn't exactly encouraging. Every interaction you had with people had you wondering if they were thinking that exact sentence.

That wonder didn't stop when you were suddenly plucked from your life either. You'll admit, it wasn't the first thing on your mind when you stood in front of an ensemble of demons, the future demon king being among them, but as you adjusted and got used to your new life for the next year, that thought crossed your mind again. Then the thought of if demons even had soulmates to begin with. You made the mistake of asking the brothers during dinner which lead to the loud "discussion" that was currently taking place.

"I was just trying to state that the term 'soulmates' isn't completely accurate for us demons," Satan sighed.

"Well you didn't have to be so mean about it! Having a soulmate is just a romantic concept, I thought you'd appreciate it more," Asmo replied, pouting in his direction.

"It's not that I don't appreciate it, but to call it soulmates is simply incorrect. Any shared bond with a demon involved cannot be soulmates as we lack souls-"

"Oh, whatever! It's close enough! You're ruining the fun!"

"Does it really matter this much?" Belphie piped up, growing tired very quickly of the argument between the 4th and 5th born. "It's not like it matters for most of us. Barely any demons have soul marks anyways. It's a human thing. Let them call it whatever they want."

"Do any of you guys have soul marks?" You asked, wondering just how rare it was for demons to have them. Asmo sighed and shook his head.

"No, I wish I did, though. I'd love to have someone be mine in that way. Ah well, more for me to go around, which you're always welcome to~"

"Oi, stop tryin' to charm the human!" Mammon growled. The conversation died down, slowly easing back to the normal dinner chatter, with the exception of a rather quiet Mammon for the rest of the night. You didn't think much of it at first until he excused himself early and retreated to his room without so much as a glance in your direction.

"Mammon?" You called, knocking on his door a few nights later. He'd begun avoiding you ever since that night. You had tried everything from asking to hang out, to offering to take him shopping on your dime. You even tried just leaving Grimm outside your door, trying to catch him like one would a mouse, but nothing worked. "C'mon Mamms, open up! You've been acting weird ever since dinner." You were met with silence. "Please? I miss my first man."

It felt like ages passed and you were about to give up when the door cracked open. He stood there, his eyes rolling down your form as if they were looking for something they couldn't quite find. "What's up? I'm a busy demon, so make it quick!"

You sighed. "Can we talk?" Mammon hesitated, his fingers curling tighter against the door before stepping back, allowing you inside. "Thanks."

He made his way to the couch, plopping down and avoiding your eyes. "So?" He said, his hands rubbing together nervously. "What'cha need, huh?" You took a seat next to him and felt him stiffen.

"You're avoiding me."

He didn't respond.

"Why?"

Mammon sighed, one hand running across his neck as he spoke. "I wasn't tryin' to."

"Sure you weren't."

"I wasn't!" He exclaimed, his eyes finally meeting yours. "Least, not really." The two of you sat in silence for a while. Mammon went back to avoiding your gaze, instead finding the floor under the coffee table to be exceedingly interesting. His hands toyed with the sleeve of his jacket, his thumb ghosting over his forearm.

"So what were you trying to do?" Mammon hesitated, his hand moving to full on grab his forearm as he started to speak.

"I saw your soul mark." You blinked.

"What-"

"What did you think of when you first saw me?" What did you think? So much happened that day it was kind of hard to remember.

"Mammon, I don't unders-"

"Just... Answer the question, alright? I don't like askin' twice, ya hear?" He mused, his usual bravado not as strong as it usually was. You sighed, thinking back to your first day here. You remember seeing everyone and thinking you'd somehow been drugged and kidnapped (which, if you were being fair, was half right). You remember seeing Lucifer and Diavolo and thinking they looked like the stereotypical good cop-bad cop routine. You remember seeing the rest of the brothers behind them and thinking they didn't look demonic. You remember hearing Mammon's voice over the phone, moreso focused on Lucifer's looming figure over you. And you remember seeing him for the first time as he swung open the door with a scowl on his face, radiating an aura of irritation. You remember his blue-gold eyes looking you up and down and his snow white hair almost twinkling in the school lights. This was the demon assigned to care for you and the demon that seemed extremely peeved that he had to do so and you had only one thought run through your head.

You flushed, looking down at the ground. "Don't judge me, okay?" You grumbled, not waiting for him to reply before speaking again. "It was, 'Oh no, he's hot.' Now why did you wanna know so bad?" You heard him chuckle and a rustle of fabric. Turning, you saw him holding out his now exposed arm, his jacket sleeve pushed up, revealing four words on his forearm. "But I thought-"

"They don't know I have one. Kept it hidden." You reach out, fingertips tracing the words that matched your thoughts. "Didn't want them always pesterin' me about it. Besides, after we fell, I didn't think I was ever gonna find ya." You eyes met, a touch of sadness swirling in the blue of his own as he spoke. "Just so ya know, you're not a stupid human. Least not usually."

"Hey!" You cried, elbowing his side with a laugh. "At least I gave you a good phrase. I had to walk around all my life wondering who the hell referred to other humans as humans. You earned me weird looks from people! You owe me!" Mammon laughed.

"Fine. Since I'm so generous, how 'bout I take you out to dinner to make up for it, eh?" You smiled.

"Deal."