#breeze patio furniture

[shoplivinggardens]

A haven for cozy relaxation right in your own backyard, Outdoor Santorini furniture features plush comfort, a clean-lined design, and a spacious profile that makes an attractive statement on the porch, patio, or by the poolside.

[mars-ipan]

sitting outside may not be curing my mental illness but it is making it a hell of a lot more bearable

[mikkomacko]

Straight From a Romance Novel

Pairing: Nico Hischier x female reader

Summary: Nico's trying to get his girls attention but is thrown for a loop when she's more interested in the book she's reading. After prying, he finds out why

Warnings: smut, literally the whole thing is just smut lol, cursing

A/n: Uncanny timing that I finish this as the whole book tok thing is happening but this has nothing to do with hockey romance novels lol...still funny timing though.

Anyway, hope y'all enjoy!

The house in Switzerland is always quieter than their home in Jersey. Without their friends and teammates running around, chatting and laughing over music or something on the tv, the calm house almost feels empty. And for a moment, Nico thinks it might be. The kitchen is empty, any remaining presence of the large dinner you shared only a couple hours before has been wiped clean, revealed only by the humming dishwasher.

He finds the living room empty as well, the tv off and couch cushions missing ruffles and dents in the spot she usually curls up on. Every throw pillow and blanket is perfectly fluffed and placed. He doesn’t even bother checking the sunroom attached to the living room, seeing that the room is dark and the glass door most likely locked.

Usually she sprawls out on the patio furniture there when he goes for his evening run, watching the sun set and painting her nails or crocheting. Sometimes he even comes home to her asleep out there, the open windows blowing the summer breeze in, carrying the sounds of chirping crickets with it.

Nico takes a swig of his water bottle, gripping the hem of his sweaty shirt and lifting it to wipe at his mouth. He decides to just rip off the soiled cloth, pulling it over his head and swiping at his damp chest and neck. Still trying to rid himself of sweat, he drags the fabric down his abdomen and around to his back, moving down the hallway as he does so.

It’s the warm smell of vanilla that leads him to her, it’s aroma drifting into the hall. He smiles, let’s the scent soak into his nose and lungs, stirring up thoughts of her. It’s her favorite, vanilla. It’s in her perfume, her hair products, her lotions and oils, probably even her deodorant.

Through the open door he spots her, nestled into a stack of pillows against the headboard of their shared bed. Her hair is pulled back in a loose braid that falls over her shoulder, messy and half undone because she always tugs out pieces to twirl around her finger as she gets ready for bed. Sweater paws hold a book out in front of her, the string of whatever hoodie she snagged from him pinched between her teeth. And sure enough, a vanilla candle burns on the nightstand next to her.

Nico steps into the room, admires the look of concentration on her face as he carelessly kicks his shoes off by the dresser. She doesn’t react to him, instead flips the page and drags her eyes across the first paragraph. He approaches the side of the bed, laying his wet shirt over his shoulder as he cups the back of her head. She hums distractedly, leans a bit towards him but doesn’t dare stop reading. He knows she likes to end chapters before bed so he simply presses a kiss to her temple and right below her ear. Her skin is hot and dewy under his lips, most likely from the sweater she’s wearing and he makes a mental note to get it off of her the moment he crawls into bed.

But for now he disappears into the master bathroom, shrugging off his clothes and dropping them in the hamper. A quick cool shower refreshes him, eases his bones and muscles to the point that he feels like jello when he enters the bedroom again. She’s still in the same spot on the bed, nose in her book but he’s hoping the sight of him crossing their room in nothing but a towel will catch her attention.

Nico digs out a pair of boxers, dropping his towel so he can pull them up his legs. Once the band sits low on his hips he pretends to fix his hair in the dresser mirror, utilizing the chance to peek at her in the reflection. To his utter dismay, she’s still got her eyes on the stupid pages of the book. He’s about to sigh, maybe pout a bit, and open and slam the drawer again so she’ll look at him. Until he notices the look on her face.

What he thought was concentration before is in fact something else. The way she’s tucked her lip into her mouth, teeth turning the flesh ruby red. Wide eyes, intrigued and excited as they flutter over the pages. No not excited, enticed. And her warm skin he’d felt earlier, he decides, isn’t from her sweatshirt. He bets he could see her pulse beating in her neck if he got close enough.

If it weren’t for that stupid book Nico would think that she did in fact watch him get dressed and is trying to hide how flustered it made her. But she’s been warm and distracted like that since he walked in the room. What is she reading?

He turns around, arms crossing over his chest as he just watches her. If she notices his staring she doesn’t care because her fingers just flip the page and her teeth continue to gnaw at her lips. It distracts him for a moment, the way her bottom one has swelled and bled into the skin around her lips. It reminds him of how good her smile always looks after he’s messily kissed her breathless.

It’s the movement of her legs that brings him back to his task. She uncrosses her legs for just a second, stretching them across the bed before swapping her right leg over the left. He catches the way she wiggles, how her bare toes curl just for a beat and his stomach swoops.

She’s reading porn.

There’s no way she’s not. He knows her tells, her mannerisms when she’s turned on. Knows how her eyes light up and grow hungry, all starry and desperate. He’s seen first hand how her skin flushes and grows warm, how he can press his tongue to the pulse in her neck and feel her heart pounding.

Intrigued, Nico moves towards the foot of the bed. He wills his smirk to go away, playing innocent as he knees his way onto the mattress. On instinct she separates her legs for him, allowing him to climb up her body. Nico has a habit of snuggling into her like this when she reads so he barely has to duck down under her book as she lifts it for him. Settling his hips in her parted thighs, Nico rests his head on her shoulder, closing his eyes with his nose pressed into her neck. Sure enough he can hear the rapid beat of her heart, smell the arousal on her neck.

“Baby,” he murmurs as her elbows come to rest on his back. Nico doesn’t need to look to know she’s still reading, but he feels her hum in response.

“Do you love me?”

She laughs quietly. “I love you Nico.”

He smiles, presses his lips to her neck and teases the tip of his tongue along her warm skin. Her breath shudders, a leg comes up around his waist and nudges him closer. He hisses quietly, the semi he’s been sporting since he realized what she was doing presses comfortably into her thighs.

“Will you read to me?”

She hesitates. He hears her heart beat jump. “No…”

“Please?” He begs, “I want to hear the story.”

She giggles nervously. “I don’t want to.”

Nico nips at her neck again, shifting his hips into her even more. The thin cotton underwear she’s wearing does nothing to hide the heat between her legs.

“Because you’re reading something dirty?”

Almost immediately she shuts the book, jolting as much as she possibly can with his weight on her. Nico grins devilishly as she moves to shove the book under the pillows.

He laughs, pushing himself up to his knees so he can make a grab for the book but she hugs it to her chest instead, squealing at his pawing hands. Nico tries to wiggle his large hands under her elbows and then her biceps, anywhere to gain access to that book but she just laughs and squeezes it tighter. It gets to the point that his grabby hands are just tickling her, making her curl up into herself and putting the book even more out of reach.

“Let me see!” He shouts through giggles, cheeks throbbing from smiling so hard. She laughs again, shaking her head no and somehow managing to wiggle onto her stomach under him. With the book now hidden between her and the mattress, Nico rests all his weight on the back of her thighs, pining her down.

“My arms are falling asleep,” she says breathlessly, looking at him over her right shoulder. Nico scoops her hair out of the way, pushing it over her left shoulder so she can see him better.

“Give me the book and I’ll let you go.”

She scoffs, still refusing. Knowing she’ll have to give in eventually Nico simply drapes himself over her back, ghosting his lips over the back of her neck. Goosebumps rise on her skin and she shivers, wiggling under him with a tiny giggle. Smirking, Nico presses the bulge in his boxers into her butt, letting his small moan run over her neck in a hot breath.

“Nico stop,” she protests quietly, and if he thought she actually meant it he would. But he can hear it in her voice, how turned on she is. She knows he’s going to break her, even if he has to use his mouth and hands to do it. He’s determined to see that book and if he has to rile her up, tease her into giving it to him, he will.

“Stop what?” He murmurs innocently, sitting up and ghosting his hand down her back. His fingers find the hem of her sweatshirt, pushing it up to reveal the dimples at the base of her spine and the curve of her bottom. He presses his thumb into the dip, licking his lips when he hears the pleasured noise she chokes back. Nico grips her side, holds her still so he can press himself into her even more.

She laughs softly, eyes fluttering shut. “Stop putting your dick on me!”

Nico laughs, amused at her whininess and her words. For a moment he lets himself feel the bubble of love in his chest, the way it makes him float, tethered to the ground by nothing but her. He almost abandons all thoughts of seeing that book in favor of seeing her especially when his other hand falls to her waist, gripping her side and rutting his hips forward on instinct.

It’s just enough to tease him, to remind him of what it feels like to have her bent over their bed like this while he makes them feel good. Sometimes this is what he thinks about on long road trips away from her, when he wants to replay the pleasure in his head. He pictures her on their bed. And what about her? Does she read this stuff? Is it the words of someone else that makes her feel good when he’s not home?

“No,” Nico finally says, an edge of whininess in his own tone now. He doesn’t like the thought of her preferring that stupid book over him. “not until you let me see that book.”

She groans in annoyance, turning her head to bury her face in the pillows of the bed. Nico eases up on her, lifts his weight back into his knees so he’s just caging her in. With the space to move again, she flops back over onto her back, his hands following her movements as she goes.

Nico smiles when she looks at him, her cheeks flush and eyes shift over his face. She’s nervous, he realizes and not just in a please-fuck-me way but actual anxiety. He softens, cups her face in his right hand and leans down to press his lips to hers. It’s just a quick, soft peck but the reassurance he was trying to convey must come across as she lets out a breath of relief.

“Just want to know what you like,” Nico explains “I’m not going to tease or laugh. S’like I just want to know what I’m competing with.”

Her hold on the book slackens the tiniest bit. “Compete with?” She questions “Nico you have no competition. Nothing could even compare.”

Pride swells in his chest. Her praise makes his veins buzz, his dick throb in his boxers. He’s tempted to pull himself from the fabric, provide a little relief from how tight his underwear has gotten but now might not be the time.

“Still,” he presses “I’m curious my love.”

She rolls her eyes but a smile tugs at her lips and he knows he’s won her over. Eager, Nico bites at his bottom lip and sits back on his haunches, hands running down her thighs appreciatively.

“Fine,” she relents “but you have to close your eyes.” Nico opens his mouth to object, already prepared to lean foreword and bribe her with kisses. “And only a page!”

“That’s not fair!”

“My book, my rules Hischier. Now close ‘em.”

Huffing, Nico does as told and closes his eyes. Surrounded by darkness, his other senses peak, making him hyper aware of her warm skin and heavy breaths. The rustle of the book as she flips to her previous page is loud in his ears and it makes his stomach knot with anticipation. His mind reels, flashing through different scenarios she could be reading about and each one he pictures behind closed eyelids has his dick growing thicker. He feels a bit pathetic when it only takes her a minute to find her spot in the book and he’s already on the verge of reaching down to rub one out because he’s so excited.

Before he can really think about it she’s clearing her throat softly, her legs adjusting under him just the tiniest bit. He wonders if she’s still nervous about reading to him, not that she should be.

“Kay,” she croaks quietly, “you ready?”

Nico nods, licking over his lips anxiously and digging his fingers into her thick thighs to ground himself. He’s not too sure he likes this whole not being able to see thing, but for her he’ll try anything.

“She had never met someone like him, been with someone like him. She had only known one kind of loving, the hard and fast kinds that felt good in the moment but burned out quickly. It only lingers for as long as the muscles in her thighs burn and by the time the sweat on her skin has dried, she’s left with nothing but that too fast lover next to her.

“Jax is different-“

Nico scrunches his nose at the name of this man, thinking it’s far too close to the name Jack and far too different from his own name.

“With him comes passion. A slow burning candle rather than a fast lit fuse. She likes that he takes his time, drags his mouth over every inch of skin he can get. Just as he does now. Plump, wet lips moving up her thighs, soft in their kiss but rough with intent. Jax nips at her flesh, licks closer and closer to the bundle of nerves he’d just abused with his fingers-“

He can hear in her voice how enthralled she is with this man, or at least with what he’s doing. Her words are breathy and hot, some barely murmurs from her lips. Nico can’t seem to tell if he should be jealous of this fake character or impressed. In just a paragraph Jax has knocked his girl breathless and horny, filled her voice with a lust that has Nico’s cock aching.

She continues reading, retelling Jax’s wet and sloppy head performance on the main character but Nico’s not exactly paying attention anymore. Not to the book at least. Instead he’s listening to her, soaking in the sound of her describing what it feels like on the woman’s side. How it burns in her belly, swirls in her chest, curls her toes. He likes hearing her breath catch when she talks about how it aches, how she’s greedy for the pleasure this man provides.

It’s like she’s physically remembering what that feels like. His girl pauses for a moment, her soft pants filling the air and he suddenly realizes how hard he’s breathing, how sweat is building on his neck and shoulders. He’s holding her thighs for dear life, clutching at her like she might disappear under his fingertips.

“Don’t stop,” he begs quietly, desperate to hear her repeat the moment this girl in the book comes. He needs to know if there’s reminiscing in her tone, if she’s recalling moments she’s felt that good as she reads.

“I don’t want to read anymore,” she replies, and he hears her shut the book. He opens his eyes just in time to see her carelessly toss it to the floor. The room is bright when he looks down at her and black spots swim in his vision from how tightly he’d closed his eyes.

She looks up at him with dark eyes, her lips swollen and bitten red. Her teeth catch the bottom one again, sinking into the flesh and his painfully hard dick throbs so deep it hurts in his gut. As if sensing his pain, her eyes flicker down to his lap. Instinctively, Nico widens his thighs for her, welcoming her closer. Abiding, she lifts a hand from the bedsheets and places it over the one he now has splayed across her belly, squeezing his fingers momentarily. Then she’s trailing her fingers towards him, slow and teasing.

“You like the book?” She questions with a hint of amusement. Nico’s brain swirls, his eyes watching her fingertips dance down her sweater and towards the bulge in his boxers. When he doesn’t answer she slows her movements and he huffs frustratedly before finally coming up with a response.

“Is that what it feels like?” He asks “For you? S’that why you read it?”

His tone isn’t condescending or mean, not a hint of judgment on his tongue. He’s just intrigued, curious. Nico never in a million years thought a porn book could turn him on let alone his girl, especially when they’ve got each other to help out. He wants to know what it is that made her read that book instead of coming to him.

“Kind of,” she responds, her hand now on his thigh. “He reminds me of you.”

Oh

Nico swallows. Hard. His tongue feels like sandpaper in his mouth and her fingers suddenly weigh heavy on his skin. He tries to think of something to say, knows he has a million things he could say to her but nothing comes to mind. She thinks this guy is like him?

“Some of the things he does.” She continues “How he teases and picks on her but he’s still safe and sweet. And he’s strong but not with her.

"It's you, you're straight from a romance novel."

God she hasn’t even touched him yet and he thinks he’s going to come. With every little compliment his cock thickens more (if that’s even possible) and his skin is buzzing. Like a flip has switched, his mouth waters, his mind slows down just enough for him to meet her gaze. Her pupils blown wide and dark, eyes shiny with need. He smirks.

“Can’t even read a book without thinking of me?” He murmurs “I’m that good huh?”

She simpers, realizing he’s come back to himself. “So good Nico.”

He swipes his hands under her sweater, pushes it up her abdomen and chest until she has to pull her hand back. She sits up just enough for him to pull it over her head, tossing it to floor as he takes in her newly exposed skin. Not that he really needs to. He could draw her body ten shots in and with his eyes closed.

While he’s busy admiring the dip of her collarbones, the way her nipples have hardened in the cool air, she sneaks her hand back down between them. Nico’s just made up his mind to mark her left breast with his teeth when she cups his cock through his underwear.

White flashes in his vision, tingles of pleasure shooting down his legs and he practically falls forward into her from how sensitive he’s grown. Nico crashes his mouth into her smiling one, silencing her amused giggles with his tongue. He nips at her bottom lip, grunting when she methodically squeezes him in her palm.

“You gonna let me make you come like that?” He asks, lips ghosting over hers. She holds his gaze, eyes dreamy and far off like he’s just kissed her silly. “On my tongue? Always taste so good sweetheart.”

It takes a second, but she eventually mumbles a displeased sound. “Just want you to fuck me Nico. Been waiting long enough.”

She catches his lips again, this time taking over as she swipes her tongue at his bottom lip before drawing back and sinking her teeth into it. He hisses, ruts his hips into her hand.

“Could’ve been fucking you a while ago if you’d put down that book,” he informs, pushing himself back up to his knees. "I even put on a little show for you before I got dressed."

Nico wraps his fingers around her wrist, pulling her hand back from him and instead bringing it up to his mouth. She whines at his interruption, eyebrows pinching together but he just smiles, pressing lazy kisses to her palm and fingers.

“You know I looked,” she whispers, eyes flickering down his body just once before meeting his gaze again. “I always look.”

Teasing, Nico cocks his head to the side. “Still pretended like you didn’t see me? Ouch babe.”

Something like shyness bleeds into her features, her gaze growing bashful. “Didn’t want to be needy.”

Oh his sweet girl. Doesn’t she know that she’s always needy? It’s one of his favorite things about her. How clingy and pliant she gets when he fucks her, when she’s desperate for his touch.

Nico intertwines their fingers, pushing them onto the pillow by her head as he leans back down to kiss her.

“Never stopped you before…” he murmurs, kissing her chin. Before she can respond he’s getting up, pulling her with him by the hand until they’re both standing at the bottom of the bed. His hands move to her hips, drawing her up to her tip toes and into his chest. She complies, rising to meet his mouth as she holds his face between her palms.

Her skin is soft and warm under his fingertips, begging to be traced and worshipped by him. Nico tugs her in closer, her belly pressing into his cock has his knees shaking and she greedily swallows the moan that escapes him.

Slipping his fingers into the waistband of her underwear, Nico drags his hand around to her ass, pawing at his favorite part of her. Well almost favorite, he still fucking loves her smile more than anything else.

She parts from his mouth, panting out a whimper when he digs his nails into her skin just enough to sting. The sound has him needy for more, aching to hear her again so he tugs down her underwear. He works it down her thighs until the cotton fabric falls to her ankles where she trips trying to kick it away, stumbling just enough that her arms lock around his neck for stability. The moment tugs him forward, his nose bumping into the corner of her eye.

He cups her face, running the pad of his thumb over the outer corner of her eye as she giggles. She’s clearly not in any pain or discomfort from the little bump in, but Nico kisses the area just to be safe before connecting his mouth to hers again. Her arms fall from his neck to his abdomen, fingers tracing over the dips of his stomach for a moment but when he trembles with shivers she moves them to his back. While she’s busy mapping out his spine his fingers find the end of her messy braid. She might not like it but he slips the hair tie off anyway, blindly unbraiding her oiled hair.

“Blegh,” he jokes, pulling his hand back from her hair and scrunching his nose “what is that?”

She scoffs, rolling her eyes shoving his hand down. He grabs her waist, smoothing his hand back over her ass. “It’s oil to protect my ends while I sleep.”

“You couldn’t have done that after we have sex?”

“I was ready for bed!” She exclaims around a laugh, shaking her head when he just grins at her. Nico loves this, loves her. And he really loves that he’s lucky enough to fondle her butt and make her smile at the same time. He thinks he could probably die here in this moment and be happy.

She has other ideas.

“Oh fuck!”

One of her hands has snuck into his boxers, pulling the band back enough for his cock to spring up and her to fit her fingers around the width of him. The feeling of her warm fingertips on his sensitive skin jolts him, almost makes his knees buckle as pleasure shoots down his legs.

He never knows how she manages to get ahold of him so quickly and smoothly like that but it drives him wild every time. It’s like she knows to distract him with her beautiful laugh and pretty little eyes just so she can surprise him like that.

“Now that you’ve messed up my hair,” she tantalizes, leaning in close to his face. Her lips ghost over his, breath warm on his face. “Are you gonna finish the job Nico?”

Nico closes the gap, bites at her bottom lip harshly before soothing his tongue over it. He’s rough with it, more than he has been all night but if she’s going yo keep teasing him he’s going to make her pay for it.

Before the kiss can get too distracting he’s pulling back, licking his lips as he uses his hold on her ass and waist to spin her around. Her gasp of surprise has him smirking, nudging her forward onto the bed with a gentle but sturdy hand on the back of her neck.

“Finish the fucking job,” he mutters under his breath, lips quirking into a smile when she giggles into the mattress. “Just how I like it.”

He smoothes his hands over her ass as he says it, presses his slightly clothed cock forward. His toes curl, eyelids fluttering as he ruts into her once just to tease himself a bit more. The little bead of precum that slips out of the bare head of his cock is enough though, and he quickly shoves his underwear down with his left hand.

They get kicked off to the side somewhere, immediately forgotten in favor of the enticing woman bent over in front of him. Nico drops his hand between her spread thighs, two fingers growing straight to her dripping cunt. She mewls, arching her back as he spreads her wetness around. If he were feeling more patient tonight he’d take a moment to make her cum on his fingers but his cock is far too hard and heavy to do that now.

Instead he grips himself with the fingers that had just been teasing her, holding the base of his cock steady as he presses the head of him into her folds. She’s so fucking warm and inviting, her hips tilting to try and get him to push in further but he holds, inhaling deeply to keep himself bursting as soon as he’s fully seated inside her.

“Nico,” she whines, drawing out the last letter “more, please more.” And who is he to deny to his sweet girl, especially after she asked him so nicely. In one swift motion Nico fills her up, thighs and hips flush against her damp skin.

The noise he lets out is almost pathetic, a borderline whimper that squeaks out from the back of his throat the moment his cock is enveloped by her slick walls. But it’s nothing compared to her own sounds, whiny and pleasured gasps that make his stomach twist in pleasure.

Settling himself, Nico inhales deeply and talked a hold of her hips in both hands. He can’t hold back any longer, head titling back as he finally moves. With the knowledge that her book and his teasing had worked her up into a frenzy, Nico decides they’ve both had enough foreplay.

He’s deep and thorough with it, fucking into her until his lower belly is tight against the curve of her ass and then pulling back until just the tip of him teases at her walls.

“Oh fuck,” Nico groans when she rocks back on him, squeezing his cock. It feels good, she feels so fucking good. But he wants to fuck her, not the other way around.

He gathers her hair in his right hand, weaving the strands around his fingers tightly. He makes sure not to pull but keeps his hold strong enough that she’ll stop grinding back on him.

Nico waits for her to still before picking up his pace again, rutting his hips forward before pulling back, dragging his thick cock through her walls. Hitching forward, Nico presses his chest to her back, free hand wrapping around to hold the pudge of her stomach. She goes soft in his embrace, collapsing to the mattress until just his hands are keeping her up.

“Good girl,” he purrs in her ear, chuckling huskily when she clenches down on his cock and he ruts into her again. “My good girl…”

Pressing a wet kiss just below her ear, Nico straightens back up so he can have the leverage he needs to make her cum. And he does just that, holding her ass up and wrapping his fingers around her hair, Nico drives his cock into her until her knees wobble and give out. She squeezes his cock, pulsing with every deep push of his hips and whimpering into their bed sheets.

Nico’s arms burn from holding her up, thighs tight from being tensed for too long and the pull behind his belly button is so strong it’s uncomfortable. Still, he chases his own high, eyes fluttering shut and head tilted back as he abuses her spent pussy.

“Come on Nico,” he hears her encourage, voice begging. It makes his toes curl, the coil in his belly tighten even more. “I want you to come, please come for me.”

White stars burst behind closed eyelids, veins buzzing and burning in the best way possible as Nico releases his load into her. Cock still throbbing, he falls forward into her, squishing her between him and the mattress.

“Fuck me,” Nico mumbles, planting a kiss to her shoulder blade. Unable to stop himself, he ruts into her one more time just to hear how wet she is, feel how full he’s left her. She whimpers, overstimulated and tries to wiggle away but he’s got her pinned. Not that it matters, if he moves anymore he thinks his dick might fall off.

“M’gonna have to read that book of yours,” he declares, pushing himself up now that his muscles feel semi-normal. Gently, he slips out of her, cupping his softening member in his palm. She laughs as he promises to return in a second, moving into the bathroom for a towel. He cleans himself up before going back to her, still perched on the edge of the bed. Nico has to physically stop himself from looking between her thighs where he knows his cum probably dripping from her, afraid he’ll somehow get hard again.

“Would you hurry,” she dramatically complains, her smile present in her tone “my legs are tired.”

Snorting, Nico quickly helps clean her up, wiping the mess between her legs before folding the towel up and wiping at the sweat on her back with the dry area. He dots kisses to her bare skin as he does so, lightly slapping her ass before he discards of the soiled towel.

He digs up their discarded pjs, slipping his boxers back on before helping her into a shirt and her underwear. She’s braiding her hair again when Nico tucks himself into his side of the bed, finding her book by his nightstand.

Smirking he grabs it, humming thoughtfully while she quickly gets ready for bed. “Read me a bedtime story?” He requests, jutting out his bottom lip when she turns to face him.

Laughter bubbles out of her when she sees the book in his hand, rolling her eyes as she ties off her braid and climbs onto the bed.

“That’s enough of that book tonight,” she says, tugging it from his fingers and putting it back on the nightstand. Nico watches her slip under the blankets, rearranging her pillows before slipping low under the sheets.

She’s so fucking beautiful it hurts him.

Nico shuts off the bedside lamp, leaving them in the darkness before he too settles lower on the pillows. Then he wiggles closer to her, tucking himself into her side and throwing a leg over hers. She giggles, lays her hand over his before turning her head to him.

“I love you Nico,” she whispers, eyes glowing in the little bit of light in the room.

“Love you more sweetheart.” He replies, sealing their lips together for a chaste goodnight kiss. They break apart, settling in for sleep as the events of the night catch up with them. Nico’s barely conscious when he makes a mental reminder to find her more dirty books.

[south-of-heaven]

Whoever you want from your master list (women) x female reader

Reader and whoever spending a day out in the sun doing fun stuff you do in the sun like going to the beach and surfing or something and then going home and sitting outside in the garden on the sunchairs cuddling till reader falls asleep

Sunny || Bayley x Reader

Summary: Beach day with Bayley.

The sun was shining brightly as you and Bayley headed to the beach, the promise of a perfect day off ahead of you. The warm sand squished between your toes as you made your way to the shoreline, the sound of crashing waves filling the air.

With surfboards in hand, you and Bayley hit the water, riding the waves with exhilarating freedom. The salty breeze tousled your hair as you paddled out, feeling the rush of adrenaline with each cresting wave.

After a morning of surfing, you sprawled out on the soft sand, soaking up the sun's golden rays. Bayley lounged beside you, a contented smile gracing her lips as she basked in the warmth of the day.

As the hours passed, you indulged in leisurely strolls along the shore, collecting seashells and dipping your toes in the cool, refreshing water. With each passing moment, you felt the stresses of everyday life melt away, replaced by a sense of tranquility and joy.

By the time you returned home, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the backyard. You settled into the cozy patio furniture, the evening air still balmy and inviting.

With a shared glance and a knowing smile, you ordered pizza, eager to savor the simple pleasures of a relaxing evening at home. As you waited for the food to arrive, you found yourself drifting off, the rhythmic sound of Bayley's voice lulling you into a peaceful slumber.

When you awoke, the stars twinkled overhead, casting a soft, ethereal glow. You blinked sleepily, realizing that your head was nestled in Bayley's lap, her fingers gently carding through your hair.

She smiled down at you, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "Sleep well, baby?" she whispered, her voice soft and soothing.

You nodded, a contented sigh escaping your lips as you snuggled closer to her. In that moment, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the night, you felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the simple joys of life and the love that surrounded you.

With Bayley by your side, you knew that no matter where life took you, you would always find solace and comfort in her embrace. And as you drifted back to sleep, you smiled, knowing that tomorrow would bring another day of adventure and possibility with the woman you loved.

[sunshinevanfleet]

the dress - s. kiszka

pairing: sam x reader

a/n: heyo! i have been so absent here lately i'm sorry!! i have a lot going on with work and have been dealing with the absolute worst writers' block. it took me forever to write this because my brain is just?!?! not working lol. i have like 0 inspiration. anyways, i'm here to feed the sammy girls and decided to write this. it's unedited so if there are any mistakes i'm sorry! ok love u<3

genre: smut (18+ ONLY, MINORS DO NOT INTERACT)

word count: 2.9k

summary: the reader decides to wear sam's favorite sundress around the house. he can't resist the temptation.

warnings: explicit sex scenes, oral (m + f receiving), riding, etc.

A gentle breeze cooled your skin, the late afternoon sun finally beginning to sink behind the horizon. Your bare feet swished through the long grass of your backyard, the blades tickling your ankles as you padded back towards the house. There was a basket of flowers perched in your arm, picked precariously in order to adorn the center of your kitchen table. You were so excited– you and Sam had finally bought your own place–a house, at that–and you were spending every second you could perfecting each detail inside. These wildflowers, straight from the field behind your house, were going to be the perfect centerpiece to your antique kitchen table. 

Beads of sweat pooled on the nape of your neck and your shoulders; you spent the entire day outside, first planting your very own garden, then hanging fairy lights and curtains around the patio, organizing the furniture, and finally picking the flowers. While Sam was at the studio, you forced yourself to stay busy. You only had so many days left off of work, and you wanted to get each tiny detail right while you had the chance. Luckily, Sam was privy to your vision. When he was home, he was your special helper, allowing you to boss him around and make your dreams come true.

You smiled at the thought; he was being such a good sport. You reminded yourself to thank him for everything. His patience, his help, and most of all his willingness to make this place your forever home, at any cost. 

“Honey, I’m home,” his voice rang from the back porch, as if on cue, and your smile widened. You’d been waiting for his return all day; you missed spending every second of the day with him. Admittedly, you were a bit grouchy whenever he announced to you a few days before that he would have to return to the studio. The band was working on big things, and you knew they needed him. You tried your hardest not to pout at the fact that you had to share him. 

“Hi,” you greeted, dropping your fresh flowers on the porch as you approached him. You snaked your arms around his neck, leaning up to plant a kiss on his lips. “Missed you.”

“I missed you,” he mumbled against your lips. One of his hands snaked down your waist, over the curve of your ass, and gave it a firm squeeze. The fabric of your dress bunched up in his hand, and you giggled into the kiss.

“Watch yourself, Sammy,” you said, swatting his hand as you pulled away. “I’ve got interior design on the mind right now.”

He laughed, padding back into the house behind you as you brought your spoils inside. “I’ve got other things on my mind,” he mumbled, pressing against you from behind. He pinned your hips against the kitchen table with his breath ghosting over your neck. One of his hands trailed up your arm, fingertips brushing the skin gently before he slipped the tiny strap of your dress down over your shoulder. His calloused fingertips trailed over the sensitive skin of your clavicle, tracing down until it ghosted over your hardened nipple through the material of the dress.

A shaky breath came from your lips, and you pressed back against him. Your core throbbed as you felt his hard bulge pressing against you from behind.

“What’s got you all worked up?” you mused, breathless. Your eyes were closed, taking in the feeling of his warm body melding against yours. He held you in his strong arms, one hand pressed against your stomach and the other caressing your clothed nipple in tiny circles. A shiver trickled down your spine. 

You felt his smile against your neck, his teeth dragging against your skin gently. “It’s this dress,” he grasped the fabric, bunching it in his hand and slowly pulling it up. Goosebumps prickled your skin as he lifted the hem, exposing your bare legs inch by inch. “My favorite dress…”

“Can you let me finish what I’m doing, at least?” you asked, unable to mask the amusement in your tone. 

“I’m not stopping you,” he said innocently. 

“No, but you’re distracting me,” you gasped as he hiked the dress completely up. He placed a hand on your lower back, and pushed you forward over the table.

His other hand trailed over your bare ass, kneading the skin. “No panties?” You felt his breath fan over your core as he spoke, and you tensed. Your center clenched around nothing, and a smug chuckle tumbled from his lips. 

“Sammy–”

“Dirty girl,” he said. One finger dipped through your folds, spreading your juices around. He was taking his time, making your body tense as he barely touched you. “You’ve been waiting for me to come home and fill you up all day, haven’t you, pretty?”

You bit down on your lip, nodding at his words. It had been in the back of your mind all day; you knew he loved seeing you in sundresses, especially the little white and pink floral number you had on today. It was his favorite, especially paired with no undergarments. It drove him wild. 

“Words, please,” he mused, pushing a finger inside of you.

“Ah,” you squeaked, “yes, I’ve been waiting for you all day, Sammy.”

“There’s my good girl.” He curled his finger inside of you, just barely brushing against your sweet spot. You braced your hands against the table, wishing you had something to hold onto, something other than your precious table to dig your fingernails into. Strangled breaths left your lips as he touched you with impossible patience.

He already had you mewling and moaning softly with pleasure, your body tensed over the table. His fingers knew just how to work your body, all of the spots that made you cry out and see stars. But, he wasn’t going to let you off so easily. Where was the fun in giving you exactly what you wanted? His fingers were soon slipping out of you, strings of your arousal lingering on his hand as he pulled away. You opened your mouth to protest, but he was quick to make you whine in pleasure. His mouth replaced his fingers, tongue delving into your pussy. He licked into you, his tongue dragging through your folds in long, slow strokes. Obscene sounds emerged from you, ringing through the empty house. One of his thumbs found your clit, rubbing tight circles on the bundle of nerves as he worked you towards your release.

The metaphorical coil in your stomach began to tighten, your mind gone blank from everything except the feeling of him devouring you from behind. Your thighs trembled, his free hand having come down to hold your legs open for him. Ecstasy clouded your vision, the intensity of his tongue fucking you only growing stronger by the second.

“Sammy, I’m gonna cum– fuck, it’s so good…” you trailed, unable to form another word as your vision began to glaze over. Heat bloomed throughout your entire body, your limbs seeming to vibrate with the pleasure bursting between your legs. You were unable to move, a willing victim to the waves of bliss crashing over you, drowning all of your senses. Your throat was going hoarse with the cries of his name, your walls clenching around his tongue as he guided you through your orgasm. Another layer of sweat shimmered on your skin as he finally pulled away, hooking an arm around your stomach to turn you around.

He kissed you, his mouth and chin still coated in your release. You moaned at the taste of yourself, slightly tangy on your tongue. He grasped your face, his tongue delving in between your parted lips. You pressed yourself closer to him, grinding your center against his clothed bulge. He groaned against your lips, finally pulling away and meeting your glassy eyes.

“Want me to fill you up, sweet girl?” he asked, grinning. “So eager… You can’t get enough of me, can you?”

“Never,” you replied. You leaned in again, pressing your lips together desperately. You nipped at his bottom lip, swollen as you worked your mouths together for another second. Your chests heaved together, the both of you panting and worked up. “I need you,” you sighed as you finally parted, your foreheads touching.

“You can have me,” he said, “Take what you need, baby.”

Swiftly, you pushed one of the chairs away from the table. He took the hint, taking a seat with his legs spread wide. His bulge strained painfully against the thin fabric of his shorts, the outline of it making your mouth water as you admired him. You kneeled before him, hands trailing up his thighs, massaging the skin gently. His cock twitched in his shorts, a wet spot blooming from the tip and staining the fabric. A mischievous grin found your face. You pressed your lips against the sensitive skin of his inner thighs, kissing and biting gently.

“God, you look so pretty on your knees,” he muttered, eyes following your every movement as you teased him. You smiled up at him, meeting his gaze through your lashes as you gathered saliva in your mouth and spit into your hand. You pushed your hand beneath the waistband of his shorts, and closed your fist around his length. A strangled moan tore from his lips as you stroked him with the faintest pressure. He throbbed in your grip, hips stuttering at your touch as you barely squeezed the tip of his cock in your hand.

“Fuck, Y/N, please,” he groaned. His dark eyes were hooded as he stared down at you. His lip was caught between his teeth, brows furrowed in an expression that was so beautiful and desperate that your walls clenched around nothing. The tiny whimpers falling from his lips were music to your ears, making your neck and ears flush hot as you watched him melt at your touch.

“Please?” you looked up at him, a teasing smile on your face. Your tongue darted out to wet your lips, and his eyes rolled back in his head at the sight of it. 

He groaned, hips rolling up into your touch. His thighs trembled under your hand, holding them still. You tightened your grip around him. Slowly, you dragged your fist up from the base of his cock to the head, your thumb massaging the ridge just below the tip. An unrestrained moan burst from his chest, high-pitched and mouthwatering. 

“My poor Sammy,” you soothed, your free hand rubbing his thigh gently. “Can’t find the words, can you?” His cheeks flushed pink at your teasing, one hand running through his hair whilst he stared at you expectantly. He didn’t dare look away, little pants coming from his parted lips. Sweat beaded on his forehead. 

You batted your lashes at him as you leaned up, perched prettily on your knees. You trailed your hand up from his thigh to the waistband of his shorts. A second later, they were off, flung to some forgotten corner across the room. His cock sprung up against his stomach, the slick sight of it making your head spin. The tip was an angry shade of red, twitching as you teased it with your fingertips. Sam’s hips jerked, and his hands gripped the sides of the chair so hard that his knuckles had gone white.

“So eager for me, hmm?” you mused, blinking up at him.

He nodded, swallowing hard as he followed your eyes. Gently, your tongue darted out, tiny kitten licks against the head of his cock. He breathed sharply, the muscles in his legs clenching beneath your hands. “You’re torturing me, baby,” he groaned, every fiber in his being struggling not to grab you by the hair and fuck your face. Not that you would have minded.

You pouted, wrinkling your brow as you looked up at him. “I thought you liked it when I did this?” you asked, feigning innocence as you wrapped your lips around the swollen head of his cock. You swirled your tongue, the salty taste of him blooming in your mouth. 

“Fuck–” his voice was choked by the sound of his own moaning, ringing so needily through your big, empty house. “Fuck, can I touch you, please?”

You nodded, mouth bobbing around him as you did so. Without hesitation, one of his large hands gathered your hair into his fist, gently guiding your mouth as you sucked him off. A hum rumbled from your throat. The vibrations sent a tremor through his lower body, his hips rocking into your mouth enough for his cock to brush the back of your throat. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you pushed down onto him, taking him even further in your mouth.

“Oh, you look so pretty, sweet girl,” he groaned, now rolling his hips into your mouth freely. He reached down to brush the tears off of your cheeks, loving the sight of you taking him so well in your mouth. He guided your pace on his cock, fingers cupping your cheek. Your hands held onto his thighs, nails pressing into the skin as he quickened your pace. 

He was close, you could tell by the higher pitch of his moans and the trembling in the muscles of his lower body. At that indication, you swirled your tongue more aggressively. His cock throbbed in your mouth and he hissed, the fingers tangled in your hair pulling you away. Strings of saliva dripped over your mouth and chin as you pulled away, mixing with the tears that were streaming down your face.

“As much as I want to cum on this pretty face, princess,” he ran a thumb over the mess on your swollen lips, “I need you to ride me in this dress…”

You grinned, licking some of the mess off of your lips as you stood. You spread your legs, straddling him in the chair. Arousal slicked your inner thighs, making a mess of the both of you as you reached down to position his cock at your entrance. He breathed sharply through his nostrils as you brushed the head between your folds, the heat driving him mad. A low sigh broke from your mouth as you sank down onto him, throwing your head back.

“God, you’re fucking tight–” Sam hissed. His hands brushed up your thighs, bunching your skirt up over your hips as he stared at himself entering you. His eyes followed the slick of your pussy sliding up and down on his cock, all of your juices pooling on his thighs. “Look at that pretty pussy taking me so well,” he sighed, lips parted as he panted.

You followed his gaze, your walls fluttering around him at the lewd sight. His fingertips dug into the skin of your hips as he helped to guide you, your pace steady as you fucked him. Already sensitive, his cock stretched your walls open, brushing your sweet spot unrelentingly. You rolled your hips against him, relishing in the feeling of him dragging against your insides. Pleasure tightened the muscles of your stomach, to the point where you were almost sore. 

“I’m- I’m gonna cum–” you managed to stutter out, leaning forward to press your lips against his gently. He smiled against you, nodding as he pulled you closer to him. He was doing all of the work at this point, his strong grasp helping you lift off of him and sink back down over and over again. 

“Go ahead, sweet girl,” he coaxed, still holding your hips. “Make a mess for me, baby. All over my cock.”

A second wind seemed to find you, and you rocked desperately against him. You chased your orgasm, that delicious high washing over you in intense waves. Your legs cramped, but you refused to stop. His cockhead brushed against your sweet spot over and over, your head swimming as you continued your ministrations. His hunger for you mirrored your own, and you felt his hips twitching as his release washed over him. The feeling of his release spreading inside of you sent you over the edge, your mind tumbling into bliss as you rolled against him without abandon.

“Ah, fuck, baby–” his voice was muffled, shrouded by the ecstasy overtaking your senses. “Oh, fuck, you’re so good, milking my cock like that…”

A sound, half-moan, half-scream tore its way out of your throat as you reached the peak of your high. Your eyes rolled back in your head, barely aware of the feeling of him kissing and biting your chest, his hips slowly meeting yours as you rode out your climax. Your entire body ached as you came back down, sweating as you slumped against him in the chair.

“You okay?” He placed a kiss against your temple, his voice soft.

You nodded, one hand braced on his shoulder. “Got a cramp,” you laughed, trying to stretch your legs as you shifted off of him. Your body ached; you sighed at the feeling of his hand running up and down your back, caressing the skin gently. 

“Let’s go get cleaned up,” he said, helping you to your feet. Your legs shook as you balanced your weight, adjusting your dress. “Then, I’ll make you dinner.”

Your eyes lit up, a smile blooming over your face. “Maybe I should wear this more often,” you joked, already headed down the hall for your shower.

[alkhale]

that bit of manu being the helicopter parent is so funny when you consider their lineage to the popoki goddess. if a feline cub is near u, the parent is definitely nearby watching u 😂 what i would give to see an au of manu and mahina living and manu is not so lowkey watching asl when the 4 become friends like a wild cat hiding behind the bushes, he did not let up the 🤨 expression even when hoku gotten older and there are more men than he like for them to be around hoku

Mahina stopped just short of bringing her hammer down onto the slab of metal sitting over her workbench.

A loud rustle from the front of the house caught her attention. The older woman blinked, tilting her head curiously as she set the metal aside and kept the hammer in her grip, twirling it around her fingers out of habit.

Her long white braid swung easily against her back. An ocean breeze tickled the ends, bringing Mahina's gaze outwards to the coast. Her workshop sat right beside their little house on the cliffside hill, looking right out to the ocean before them.

A short, familiar curse reached her ears and she grinned now, slinging the hammer lightly over her shoulder. "You moving the furniture again?"

Manu frowned. He'd been letting his hair grow out a bit this time, silken ends tied off just at the base of his neck with an old ribbon—one of Hoku's, she realized fondly. Their usual patio furniture sat in a cultish huddle around him, rocking chairs gazing back as Manu crossed his arms over his chest.

"Do you think they looked better where they used to be or how I had them yesterday?"

Mahina tipped her head to the side.

"How did they look yesterday again?"

Manu sighed, shaking his head. Mahina grinned cheekily, almost skipping over to her dearest friend as she came up to the steps of their home. "Are you going through your mid-life crisis now? Hoku won't mind them either way, you know."

Manu scowled, looking at her like a cat caught getting wet. Mahina laughed, coming over to help him move the chairs back into place as she set the hammer down. "What made you think she'd care if you moved them?"

"At first I wanted to move them to do something different," Manu explained slowly, evenly as he carefully polished off each chair and Mahina idly checked the wood for stray splinters. Not a single one to be found, of course, because the two of them were damn good at what they did. "But then I woke up last night—remember when I went down and started painting?"

"Of course I do, you almost gave me a heart attack."

"You? Right, Hina," Mahina laughed and Manu continued, "But then I woke up and realized, what if she's expecting everything to look the same way it did when she left? What if seeing it different will make her sad? Shouldn't I just leave it the way it was then?"

"But it's still the same chair," Mahina said, taking a seat in one of the rockers once it'd been moved. Manu immediately took up a seat beside her. "I don't think she'd mind how you moved it."

"You think?"

"Mmm, she's a funny one, that girl. I don't think she'd mind much at all unless you did something more drastic... like changing the paint or putting it on the roof?"

"Hina, why on earth would I ever—"

The sound of a car engine slowing to stop brought the two of them to a halt. Mahina and Manu froze, blinking in confusion at each other as they immediately shot their feet, rushing over to the pathway leading down their hill.

A car they did not recognize sat at the base of the hill, parked along the grassy edge. Mahina frowned in curiosity while Manu looked thoughtful, glancing to his watch. "Hoku's supposed to get picked up from the airport tomorrow—"

Both of them stopped as a familiar face appeared at the base of the hill, kicking the door to their rental car open. Manu caught a brief glimpse of a smooth hand reaching for her, as though in concern, but she was barreling out of the car before they could touch.

It was a face Mahina and Manu would know, in their dreams, every waking moment, and up to their last breath.

A happiness Manu had once never known and now could not fathom otherwise flooded his chest. Mahina's eyes sparkled, bright with mirth and love and the two of them began making their way down the hill as their daughter rushed to meet them.

"Mama! Papa!"

"Maka!"

Hoku's arms wrapped around her parents. Manu and Mahina embraced her in an instant, completing their circle of three. Snow white hair mingled with each other, a sense of perfect peace settling for a moment in unison as Manu shut his eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of their daughter, carding his fingers through her hair. Mahina's hand moved over her back, down the side of her arm—their daughter, theirs.

(Their beautiful baby girl.)

"Maka, it's been too long," Mahina murmured sweetly, eyes full of warmth as she pulled back, only an arm's length away to get a full view of their daughter. "You look good."

"You could afford to eat a bit more," Manu said, briefly pinching Hoku's arm to test for her weight. Hoku laughed, rocking back on her heels and almost taking her parents with her. "You're early! Why did you come without telling us? I would've gotten everything ready and—"

"He's had everything ready for weeks," Mahina said. Manu gaped at her. "He's still getting more ready. I haven't seen the fridge this full since—"

"I haven't heard you complain about it since you've been snacking plenty on the—"

"I wanted to surprise you guys!" Hoku said happily, positively glowing at her parents. Manu and Mahina quieted, hands still rubbing up and down their daughter, mapping the shape of her, how she looked now, her face full of life, content.

(Happy.)

"I always had the flight booked a day early, just wanted to make it a fun trip," Hoku said. She turned over her shoulder, grinning down at the base of the hill. "And well... maybe introduce you to a few new faces?"

Mahina raised a curious brow, slipping her arm through Hoku's as they made their way down the hill. Manu looked skeptical, walking right at their side and absently nudging Hoku away from any dips and rocks.

"HEEEEEYYYY MAMA HOKU!! PAPA HOKU!!!"

Mahina looked amused while Manu snorted in disbelief. Luffy appeared around the other side of the car, almost leaping into the air as he jumped up and down to wave to them. "LONG TIME NO SEE!"

"That boy isn't a new face," Manu said, watching Luffy run around to the trunk now. "I didn't know he was coming. I would've doubled the fridge—"

Mahina noticed the two men stepping out of the car before Manu, her raised brow raising even higher as an amused whistle sat on her lips. She turned now to where Manu had frozen stiff, staring in cold, incredulous silence at the two men standing at the base of their hill.

Two dashing young men stood beside the rental car, watching the three make their way down the hill. Mahina realized who they were in an instant, as she was sure Manu did as well, despite his cool silence. She could hear the judgement in his gaze as he skimmed the more tan one up and down, from his sandaled feet and board shorts to his open chest and unbuttoned shirt. Mahina like the wild way the wind tousled his black hair—this one was Ace.

The more respectable blonde man was Sabo, she realized. He stood instead of leaning against the car like his brother, hands clasped politely in front of him, a small smile already on his lips, but Mahina noticed his eyes never left her daughter, watching and tracking her steps down the hill with practiced ease. A sort of softness.

"I wanted to introduce the two of you!" Hoku said as they drew nearer to the car. "I know I always talk about Ace and Sabs, but you've only ever known them in photos and stuff... so when they mentioned they were able to get some time off work..."

"I think the photos are fine enough," Manu said simply. Hoku laughed and Mahina grinned. Her daughter was sharp, but she wasn't Mahina's sharpest creation in certain aspects, that much she was sure.

"I know it's sudden, and they don't want to bother," Hoku said. "But they've always wanted to meet you guys, they almost beg me to be honest. I thought, eh, might as well, right?"

"They seem fun," Mahina managed.

"That one doesn't know how to button his shirt," Manu said.

Hoku grinned, tugging her parents down the rest of the way. Up close Mahina could see clearly just how handsome these two young men were—fit, chiseled, matching better than the strange, blurred photos her daughter would send from time to time. They both straightened in unison at the sight of Manu and Mahina, rushing forward with outstretched hands.

"Mama, Papa, this is Ace and Sabo!" Hoku introduced proudly, nose somewhat thrusted in the air with a bright grin. "Ace, Sabo—my parents!"

"Hoku's mom and dad it's nice—"

"Miss Mahina, Mister Manu—"

Ace and Sabo stopped, looking at each other with round eyes. Sabo's expression instantly schooled into a cooler one, motioning quickly with his eyes while Ace gaped until his brother blinked, nodding.

"Miss Mahina! Mister Manu!" Ace and Sabo said in unison this time, beaming politely and widely at the two of them. "It's a pleasure and an honor to finally meet you!"

Mahina decided slyly to follow in Manu's steps, glancing sideways as her friend's face became one of quiet politeness—she knew this expression of his like the back of her hand, a frigid sort of coolness beneath its quiet.

"...It's good to meet the both of you as well," Manu said simply. Hoku positively beamed between her mother and father. Ace and Sabo continued to smile, a crooked grin and a polite upturn of lips respectively. Mahina took that as her cue and shook their hands first, both their gazes flying to her.

Mahina watched Ace do a double take, a soft redness coloring the tips of his ears at the sight of her. He bowed especially deep when she took his hand, "Mama—Miss Mahina, thank you for leaving Hoku in our care."

"Well, she's always got some fun stories to tell thanks to you lot," Mahina said slowly, a bit of a tease to her tone. She turned to Sabo next, considering this upstanding looking young man and wondering what little thoughts he kept hidden behind those quiet eyes. "Thank you for looking after our daughter."

"Hoku's very dear to us," Sabo said sincerely. Hoku made a face, looking at him. Dramatic, Mahina heard her think without saying. "She's always speaking so much about the both of you, it's a pleasure to finally—"

"What were your names again?"

Ace and Sabo blinked, looking back at Manu. Hoku didn't even seem the slightest bit bothered, swaying happily on her feet until she noticed Luffy by the trunk. Hoku quickly scampered off, shouting something about not eating the gifts.

"A-Ace," Ace said quickly, offering his hand. Manu considered it for a second longer than most and shook it silently. "Ace, uh, Mister Manu."

"I'm Sabo," Sabo repeated as well, extending his hand. Manu considered it just as long before shaking it briefly. "Thank you again for—"

"That's... polite of you to drop Hoku off," Manu said. He pulled his hand away, facing both Ace and Sabo. "What time is your flight home?"

Ace looked dumbfounded, blinking repeatedly. Sabo looked a bit perplexed, blinking at a slower pace at Manu as his lips parted to respond. Mahina withheld her grin, offering instead and politely curious expression.

Maybe she was being a bit mean, but she didn't get to see Manu like this often—it'd be too fun to tease him later.

"Uh, well," Ace started. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his brow. "Tuesday... when Hoku leaves..."

"I see, quite some time then," Manu said smoothly. "Where will you two be staying? Somewhere close? We're quite a ways away from the nearest hotel where most have to stay."

"Oh, well," Sabo began gracefully, an easy, polite smile settled over his lips. Mahina understood the situation instantly and had to give it to the young man for recovering as quick as he did. "Yes, we were planning on booking over by—"

Ace looked confused, snapping his head to Sabo. "But we're supposed to be—"

Sabo's heel smacked into Ace's shin, a quick, efficient kick. Mahina did her best not to laugh when his eyes bulged. "Excuse me, we're booking by—"

"I told them they could stay with us!" Hoku called over, appearing over the popped lid of the trunk, her arms wrapped around one of the suitcases while Luffy hauled a box over the top of his head. "There's the spare bedroom in mama's workshop if that's okay?"

Manu quietly tipped his head to the side, considering the new development in silence. Ace shifted unsteadily on his feet, looking quite a bit out of his element while Mahina simply allowed her lips to curl into a grin, lightly touching Manu's elbow. He glanced to her, meeting her gaze for a moment before he looked back at the two men.

"Yes," Manu said, clipped. "I think that'll be fine. Luffy can stay in the guest room in the house."

"Thanks Papa Hoku!" Luffy shouted, racing past them and up the hill toward the house with the box over his head.

"Thank you so much for your generosity," Sabo said quickly, smiling brightly at Manu. His expression remained unchanging and Sabo continued, "We don't mean to impose, we'll make sure we handle everything on our side and—"

"That's fine," Manu said.

Sabo's words fell to a quiet, polite silence. He continued to smile, a bit strained at the corners as he lightly adjusted the cuff of his sleeves.

"Oh, maka!" Mahina called, deciding to throw the two a bone. "Wait, let us help you with that."

Ace and Sabo turned on their heels in an instant. Mahina almost choked on a snort. Hoku looked up from where she was wrestling with one of the suitcases to get the handle up. "It's alright! We brought a ton of souvenirs over! It'll be a few trips."

"Aw, come on, let me get that for ya," Ace said, stepping over to the trunk. Hoku made a face and Mahina watched an easy grin slide across his face, expression suddenly far more confident than it'd been second ago, teasing. "You'll take the entire trip to get it up the hill if we let you."

"You're exaggerating that isn't gonna—"

"You almost broke your nose pulling it off the carousel," Sabo added, easily lifting one of the suitcases up with one hand while Ace grabbed the other. Mahina watched this interaction with curious eyes. Sabo's hand dropped and lightly touched Hoku's lower back, guiding her with practiced fingers to the side of the car. "Could you grab—"

"I can get this for her."

Mahina pressed her fingertips to her lips, hiding her expression. Sabo and Ace looked startled, blinking like deer in headlights as Manu easily took Hoku's bags from the two of them, one in either hand—and promptly began to make his way up the hill to the house. "It's my daughter's things after all."

Ace opened his mouth, closing it abruptly. Sabo looked momentarily stunned, staring after Manu—

"Thanks, Papa!" Hoku said sweetly, running around the side of the car and almost tripping over the lip of the hill. Ace and Sabo's arms shot out, a practiced move to Mahina's gaze, but Hoku easily rightened herself, almost skipping over to Manu's side.

Mahina watched with fond eyes as they shared the weight of the larger suitcase together, Manu turning to Hoku with affection in his gaze.

She glanced back to the two young men looking lost at the base of the hill.

"Don't worry," Mahina offered, almost sang as she took another suitcase from the two of them. Ace and Sabo watched her almost robotically as she hefted it over her shoulder with ease. "I think you two did just fine."

the entirety of this trip is Ace and Sabo trying to win Manu and Mahina over, only to find themselves at the constant mercy of Manu's scrutiny

Manu's never too mean to them, but he sure does make them sweat

Sabo's a bit hurt because he can normally charm most parents and Hoku's won't even give him an inch

Ace starts to think that maybe he did do something wrong, he tries not to show it but starts to freak at the thought of Hoku's parents actually hating him—what the hell is he supposed to do if that happens?

He starts to limit physical contact with Hoku—which is nowhere near normal for him, Ace holds back bear hugs and noogies and chokeholds because he grabbed Hoku, swinging her up and Manu had looked at him as though he'd just thrown up all over his hand-embroidered rug

Even Sabo gets caught, an arm around Hoku's waist when he helps her down the steps to the beach—he respectfully keeps it hovered over Hoku's lower back instead when Manu stares him down from the top of the hill

Manu and Mahina treat Luffy normally, and Luffy does the same to them—they've become acquainted with Luffy and like him quite fine, after all

Hoku's just happy to have a good time with everyone

It's Luffy who gets Manu to act just a liiiiitttttlllleeee bit nicer when he notices Manu and Mahina standing by the hill, watching and talking about Hoku and he says:

"Shishishi, Ace and Sabo can handle it, they're tough!" Luffy promptly spit out a mouthful of watermelon seeds. Manu and Mahina watched them scatter to the ground. "Besides, they know Hoku loves it."

"Loves it?" Manu repeated.

"Sure," Luffy said, unbothered. "You guys havin' a say. I dunno. She's probably just happy she gets to grow up with ya this time."

Manu and Mahina look at each other, expressions soft and full of love for their daughter as Luffy walks off, sandals slapping in the sand. It takes them a moment before Manu suddenly looks a bit confused, glancing to Luffy's swaying straw hat in the wind.

"Did he say this time? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Who knows," Mahina says, looking curious, maybe a bit mystified. "He's always been a curious one, hasn't he?"

Luffy eats the entire watermelon rind in front of them and Hoku's parents decide to just have fun the rest of the weekend

-i decided to do a modern au for this one because an au where mahina and manu live in the memos storyline... :'( they'd probably want to hear all the news possible about their daughter, so an interaction of them scrutinizing all the boys would probably go something like them sitting around the table talking about their wanted posters and making judgements based on that

[shoplivinggardens]

The popular Breeze Collection is designed in a timeless and modern design and consists of Patio lounge, dining and bar garden furniture in three colors, Light Gray, White Gray and Black. 

[astridellejo]

The Silent Spear Maker of Tiger Seal Cove A story about Anouk, an airbender of the Southern Water Tribe

I spent eight weeks this summer drawing twelve (now thirteen) pages of what is basically a fan comic. I used up almost my entire webcomic buffer to do it. Set during the era of Avatar Korra, this is the origin story of my airbender OC, Anouk. I first made this character almost ten years ago not long after The Legend of Korra had ended, but didn't start fleshing out her story until recently. Now I'm beginning to think I'm going to wind up making a whole graphic novel about the airbender girlfriends!

So here's my little passion project. Thanks for reading!

Page descriptions in alts, page transcripts below the cut.

Page 1 Tiger Seal Cove. The Southern Water Tribe. On the day of Harmonic Convergence. A small fishing village of brightly painted houses are illuminated from within. The purple sky above shimmers with green spirit energy. A freckled woman with long brown hair sits in a dog sled like patio furniture and looks up at the lightshow. She foofs out a puff of air, closing her eyes and smiling.

Page 2 Two weeks later. The woman is in her workshop chiseling a design into bone. Around her at her workbench are an assortment of tools as well as some of her spears that she has crafted. While there is a window looking out upon a snow covered hill illuminated by low winter sunlight, most of the light comes from an oil lamp below the window. Just to the side of the window is an old framed photograph of the woman's parents. She stretches broadly. Behind her is another workbench and more equipment. In the next room is a kitchen, stove, and low dining table. Looking in from outside, the reflection of the hillside is visible over the woman inside looking out. She smiles. Time to get up for a break! She swoops on a bolero-style jacket and heads out.

Page 3 She stands on the snow-covered icy hillside overlooking a small gathering of tiger seals snoozing on the beach. She goes through the waterbending forms for a water whip. On the attack strike, a sudden gust of wind blows by, loosing her hair from her hair stick. She rewraps her hair and looks around, confused about the sudden and inexplicable wind.

Page 4 She focuses her attention and moves through the attack strike once more. Again, a strong gust of wind blows by, this time fully blowing her hair down and sending her hair stick flying. She stares in shock at her hands? What is going on?! Behind her, the glow of the spirit portal aurora frames her head like glowing wings. She tries a few more swings and each time a gust of wind accompanies them. There is a wide panoramic shot from the icy blue mountains to the bright orange-yellow glow of the low late winter sunrise. A light breeze wafts by.

Page 5 A note on the front door reads: "Gone to Wolf Cove. Back in a few days. Anouk." Anouk sets out on a kayak journey to the city. A trail of bioluminescent algae accompanies her as she paddles through the early morning water. Once in Wolf Cove, Anouk ties her kayak to the pier and heads into the city to her waterbending dojo. On the street, other people are out strolling. One shop has four lanterns hanging above it in each color of the four nations.

Page 6 Inside the dojo, Anouk greets her bending master. No words are spoken. The dialogue balloons are pictographic. In the corner of the dojo is a large blue ceramic pot filled with water. The floor appears to be ice, with wood pillars emerging from it. The master arches her eyebrow with a wry smile and inquires if Anouk has done any waterbending yet. Anouk responds she's been practicing, but she's still not a waterbender. However, she did airbend. The master is shocked. Airbend? Anouk asks her bending master if she knows anything about the Air Nomads. The master ponders for a moment before asking if Anouk has a dog sled for travel.

Page 7 One sled rental later, Anouk is on her way to the White Lotus compound. The guards at the gate look at each other. The Water Tribe guard turns to the Fire Nation guard and says to him, "This might be our guest." He responds with a gruff, "We'll see." He scowls with piercing yellow eyes and yells out at Anouk, "Stop there! What is your business?" Anouk signs her name in Southern Water Tribe hand talk (which looks surprisingly like American Sign Language for some reason ). Panels below show the fingerspelling letters for A-N-O-U-K. The Fire Nation guard sheepishly turns to his colleague and says, "Oh. Uh, Rina? This is your department." Rina smiles and begins signing, "Can I help you?" A very excited Anouk rapidly signs, "I know this seems crazy, but I think I might be an airbender. I hoped to meet with Master Katara since she's the closest to an airbending expert in the South." Rina smiles with an excited, "Oh!" before resuming signing, "Yes! She told us to be on the lookout for any new airbenders!"

Page 8 Rina and Anouk sign with each other as Shen walks through the gate. Rina: Shen will let Master Katara know she has a visitor. Anouk: Thank you! Rina: If you like, I can interpret for you. Anouk: I would appreciate that! While Anouk waits for Shen to return, she gives scritches to the fuzzy polar bear dog who pulled her sled. Doggy closes his eyes and leans his head into Anouk's hand. Soon, Shen emerges from the gate and shouts loud enough to get Anouk's attention, "Hey!" He continues at a more reasonable volume, "Master Katara will see you now." Gruff Shen then wanders back to play with the polar bear dog. Rina follows Anouk into the interior of the compound as a nervous Anouk absentmindedly tucks her hair behind her ear.

Page 9 The legend herself, Master Katara, walks toward Anouk and Rina. "Welcome! I am Katara." Rina interprets this for Anouk. "Master Siqni was one of my students. When she contacted me and told me about you, I knew I had to meet you!" Katara smiles and tilts her head toward Anouk. "I'm so glad she thought to send you to me! Please, tell me about yourself." Anouk begins signing while Rina interprets saying, "My name is … Anouk. I craft fishing equipment in the village of … Tiger Seal Cove. I like to practice bending forms for exercise and meditation. Even though I've never bent an element in my life."

Page 10 Anouk continues signing while Rina interprets saying, "But the other day, a strange thing happened during my practice. I started airbending! Since you are the matriarch of the only airbenders in the world, I thought you might know how this happened." Katara's monologue: I'm not entirely sure. Though I expect the Harmonic Convergence had something to do with it. My son, Bumi, radioed me a few days ago with the incredible news that he was suddenly an airbender! At first he wasn't sure if he was simply a late bloomer. After all, airbending does run in our family! But then my youngest son, Tenzin, told me he'd received word of more airbenders in the Earth Kingdom. An inset circular panel shows a very excited Tenzin on the radio. Katara continues: He told me to keep my eyes open for other new airbenders, because they could be anywhere. And here you are! Anouk smiles.

Page 11 A wide shot of the three of them in the compound shows the wide space available for Katara's request. "Anouk… Could you show me your airbending?" Anouk begins the water whip forms, which is not lost on Katara. Just as before, the final strike releases a strong gust of wind. Katara is shocked. Here is an airbender before her who is not related to her. "Oh, Aang! It's really happening! The airbenders have returned!"

Page 12 Katara holds a teapot and pours. Steam wafts up from the hot green tea as it flows into the cup. Katara walks around the dining table to her seat. She speaks to Anouk as Rina interprets. "Tenzin told me he'll be traveling to the Earth Kingdom to meet the new airbenders there." Katara sits, placing the teapot back on its tray. Katara: And he encourages all new airbenders to go to Air Temple Island in Republic City. There they … you … can receive formal training on how to use this new gift from the spirits. What do you think? Anouk glances at Rina as she signs. Did Master Katara just say to travel to Republic City?! Anouk has a big decision to make.

Page 13 The note on Anouk's front door now reads, "Gone to Republic City. Back in a few months. Anouk." She puffs out a nervous foof as moonlight shimmers on the ocean behind her. Anouk is on a ship headed north. Three people behind her, one from each nation, sit on the deck benches to look at the moon while Anouk closes her eyes and smiles. She looks back at the city lights of Wolf Cove and how they pale in contrast to the glow of the bioluminescent algae kicked up by the ship and the majestic shimmer of the spirit portal aurora in the sky above. Her world has changed and she has no idea what's next.

[alltaternotot]

Lucky Charm | E. Johnson

Erik Johnson X Fem!Reader

A/N: Inspired by Emily Kaplan’s interview with EJ after the Avs won the Cup. He’s so fine it’s not even funny.

CW: NSFW (blowjob, praise, exhibitionism if you squint REALLY hard), swearing, very limited knowledge of how horse racing/betting actually works, but I gave it a stab. Very VERY lightly proofread, pls excuse any mistakes, just doin this for funsies.

Word count: 2.4K

:)

<><><><>

The summers in Denver were always perfect. It was finally time to relax and enjoy the warm weather after months and months of cold ice rinks and rigorous schedules, for you and your boyfriend both. EJ could finally take a step back from his intense training and long road trips, just for a few weeks, before it was back to the grind again.

You worked as a senior consultant in a successful Denver design firm, which was also the reason you met the tall blond. He commissioned you to design his newly renovated kitchen and living space, and invited you to enjoy a glass of wine with him when all was said and done. He had given you a soul-sucking kiss on the way out the door that night, leading to the best years of your life so far.

You were high up enough in the company now, around four years down the line, that you could somewhat make your own schedule. You followed Erik’s schedule most of the time. You would work hard in the months he was on the ice, and take a few weeks in the summer to enjoy the sunshine and your boyfriend.

That’s how you found yourself here, sitting on the shaded patio, watching the water in the backyard pool ebb and flow in the breeze and reading a new book leisurely. There was nothing like enjoying the soft sound of the water and a good book to pass the time.

You shared a routine during these days. He would join you outside with a tray of food and special cocktails he liked to make, spending the day reading or playing cards with some music on. On race days, especially the ones his horses were entered in, he insisted on sitting outside with a cigar (because there was no way he was getting cigar ash on his indoor furniture) with the back door open, plus sitting on the part of the sectional that faced indoors so he could watch and still enjoy time with you.

Today was a race day, and like clockwork, you could hear Erik open the back door, the sound of the TV in the other room coming through, and his footfalls coming up behind you. He leaned against the back of the deck sectional you were seated in, squeezing the back of your neck and laying a gentle kiss on your head.

“How’s the read?” He asked, coming to sit down with a tray of sandwiches, fruit, and the drinks.

“S’good so far, I’m about halfway through.” You answered, popping a raspberry in your mouth and flipping the page, “any news on MacKinnon yet?”

Horse racing was something that seemed to escape you interest-wise. You thought the horses were absolutely stunning, but the pedigrees going back to the dawn of time and the betting Erik liked to partake in were a bit much for you. He loved it though, so you kept up with his horses at least. You had met them all on trips to California and listened to his explanations about why they were so elite, all while petting their velvety noses and giving them carrots, completely losing the conversation after their grandparents had been brought up.

“Nothing yet, the race starts in 20ish minutes. The announcers have high hopes for him though.” He said, picking up the cigar and his little silver guillotine strait cutter, “his money pool is up to 30k right now, could be a big day for us baby.”

He put the cigar into the guillotine and clipped the end off, pulling out his nice zippo and holding it up. You loved how he looked lighting up his cigars, holding the cigar between the teeth he still had and gently grasping it with his hand. You loved the way the little fire would reflect on his sunglasses and cast soft shadows on his face. Every time he blew a puff of smoke out, it made you want to melt into a puddle, but you would never tell him that.

“That one smells pretty good.” You remarked as he leaned back, pulling you up against his side, the scent of tobacco and spice wafting around you.

“I think so too. Naz gave me a few after the parade.” He said, looking up towards the tv for the stats of today’s race.

You admired his profile as he looked at the standings, watching his eyes dart across the screen behind his sunglasses and the tendril of blond hair sticking out of his backwards ball cap. You admired his nose and his cupid’s bow, watching as he blew out more smoke and let it billow around him. You quickly learned to love the way his lip fell flat where his teeth were missing too, despite your friends feigning concern for your future make-outs. You loved everything about Erik really, but moments like these really did something to you. You thought you might get caught looking for too long, so you turned back to your book and dove in once again.

Your books were to you like Erik’s horses were to him. You loved romance novels most of all, you could laugh at the worst of them and squeeze your thighs together when they got good. You learned new things about yourself because of them too, Erik more than willing to try new things when you brought them up, on the rare occasions that you did. You weren’t the most adventurous in the bedroom by any means, but you had a few things you particularly liked when Erik did or helped you do.

This particular book was on the thigh-squeezing end so far, the slow-burn where the main character falls in love with the handsome rugged cowboy (who also happened to have an affinity for cigars) after finding herself stuck in a podunk little town. It had gotten very hot very fast. Images of a tall dark and handsome man pushing the main character up against a barn door and finally kissing her after 15 chapters went flashing through your mind. You continued down the page, imagining the clothes coming off and the sloppy kisses leading up to a risky, almost-public blowjob. He topped it all off with blowing cigar smoke into her mouth while she trembled under him.

Suddenly, your skin was on fire, and you were hyper aware of Erik’s fingers gently stroking up and down your arm, and the way he looked smoking that damn cigar. You could feel your heartbeat quicken, and you breathing became more ragged and shallow.

You craned your head up and placed a kiss on his neck, then his jaw, then his cheek, then the corner of his mouth. Your hand found his chest as you tried to sit up a little more, but Erik lifted you up just enough for a proper kiss, letting his hand fall on your shoulders, the other holding onto the cigar so he wouldn’t burn you or get ash on you.

“What’s this for baby?” He said, reaching out for another kiss, “your heart’s beating a million miles a minute…” he continued.

“Cant I kiss my boyfriend? I just felt like it…” you said, albeit with a ragged intake of breath.

He smiled a knowing smile, “did your book get good baby?”

“I just wanna kiss you…” you repeated, and he obliged with a few more kisses, noting the way a blush crept up your neck and turned your ears red like it did when you asked him to try something.

After the kiss slowed down, you laid down on the sectional, your head resting on Erik’s thick thigh. His eyes shot back to the tv again, observing the standings again. You tried to focus on your book again, but your mind traveled back to the blowjob up against the cowboy’s barn, and him blowing smoke into the main character’s mouth, your thighs squeezed together again. Erik began running a hand through your hair, brushing your scalp with his fingertips.

You placed gentle kisses on his thigh and began to slowly slide off the sectional, not wanting to take too much of Erik’s attention off the tv. You brought a pillow down with you, putting it under your knees so they wouldn’t scrape against the concrete of the patio. You reached for the knot holding his shorts up, and he inhaled sharply, his hand flying down to caress your face.

“Baby…” he said, and you continued trying to take the knot out of the tie, “baby you wanna do this now? Here?” He said, gently holding your chin so you would look up into his gaze.

You never wanted to do anything outside before now, you had a lot of anxiety about the media seeing you and Erik doing NSFW things and ruining both of your careers. He had asked before on a couple of occasions, but you found a way to steer things inside with the blinds shut. You were almost completely secluded here, it was the off-season, and it would take a real scumbag of a media person to show up at the house for a juicy scoop.

“Yeah, I want you so bad…” you said quietly, “you look so fucking hot with that cigar…” you admitted without thinking.

“You like the cigar huh?” He said, pushing his hips up so you could pull his shorts and boxers down just enough for his dick, already half hard from a few kisses and touches.

“You have no idea what you do to me with that damn thing…” you said, pressing kisses to the cut of his hip and his happy trail.

He groaned in playful frustration, spreading a little more so you fit better between his thighs. You finally grabbed his dick, running your closed hand up and down. He moaned and reached for your hair, running his fingers through it again. You stroked him until he was fully hard, watching the muscles tense under your touch.

You ran your tongue along the underside in a fat stripe, letting your spit coat his dick. You took the head in your mouth and sunk down slowly, using your hand to stroke what you couldn’t take. He fisted your hair, pulling back strands so he could see your face.

He loved looking at you when you blew him, there was nothing better. He loved watching his dick disappear into your throat and how expertly you took him. You looked up through your eyelashes at him, and saw he was slack-jawed with his eyes rolled back, absorbing all of the sensations.

“Mmm baby, you look so pretty taking me like that…” he said breathily, “holy fuck your mouth feels so good.”

You hummed, sending vibrations through his dick and bringing him that much closer. He had to control himself from fucking your throat. Everything about this was hot, the sight of you on the ground for him, the wet sound of your spit, the way your mascara was starting to run in the corners of your eyes.

He watched and waited for you to look up through your eyelashes again, then took a deep inhale of the cigar and blew it out, still holding onto your hair. The smell of the cigar just heightened everything further.

Suddenly the sound of a bugle announcing the beginning of the race, and a shot accompanied by the gates holding in the horses swinging open drew your eyes to the tv. You looked up to Erik again, watching his eyebrows slightly raise as MacKinnon pulled forward by a few feet. You took him out of your mouth, spit dribbling down your chin and all over his dick, and you took a moment to breathe while you stroked.

Focusing back on Erik, you knew he was close, you could feel his hard muscles tensing. His moans were getting higher and a little louder, but not too loud, he knew that would make you nervous about people noticing. His hands ran through your hair and gently held the back of your head when you took him back into your mouth, swirling your tongue around the head, eliciting a sharp whine from him. He took another puff of the cigar, sending you into a somewhat feral effort to get him there.

“I-I’m so close baby! God you feel amazing!” He said, watching you take his dick, “you’re so good for me, treating me so well…” he praised.

You sucked gently and bobbed your head a few more times before he finally shot his load down your throat, letting you swallow it. He moaned and writhed above you, tightening his grip on your hair before letting his fist loosen so your hair fell down around your face.

You leaned your head on his thigh and took a few breaths, trying to regain some composure. Seeing you like that always made his heart skip a beat, hair tousled from his hands and lips swollen and glossy. You even had a little speck of black soot from the cigar swiped across your cheek.

He hiked his shorts back up and offered his free hand. He pulled you up to straddle his lap, taking a deep inhale of the cigar again, watching your eyes and your swollen lips. He kissed you, letting the smoke fall out of your open mouths. You were both breathing heavy as you relaxed chest to chest, head falling into the crook of his neck. He rubbed soothing circles into your back as you tried to regain your breathing.

“Holy shit! Mackinnon’s about to break into first!” Erik said somewhat tiredly, and you turned around to see his beloved horse pulling forward in the final stretch of the race.

You both cheered as MacKinnon crossed the finish line, effectively winning Erik 30 thousand dollars and more bragging rights to his racing friends. You leaned down and kissed him again, not trusting yourself to get up and stand on your jelly knees quite yet.

“We should break open a vintage bottle tonight baby, we’re celebrating!” He said, standing up with you wrapped around his waist, “you’re my lucky charm baby, maybe we should do that for every race!” He joked.

“Trust me E, I can get on board with that… just keep that cigar around…” You teased, and he laid a deep kiss on your lips.

He walked you both inside and laid you down on the couch, tray of food and drinks (and the cigar) long forgotten. His hands already traveling down your body and in your hair.

“Let me show you now much I love you, my lucky charm.”

[hockey-fics]

Next Summer ~ Brock Boeser 

Summary: The summers spent at your family’s cabin were some of your favourite memories. When you return as an adult you discover that maybe not everything from the past was really left in the past. 

Word Count: ~5,300

Warnings: Drinking, implied smut (I guess, but it’s very fleeting and vague)

Traditions didn’t hold a huge place in your life growing up. Every Christmas you bounced from one relative’s home to another. Thanksgiving dinners almost never looked the same. Cousins and aunts and uncles would come and go, years of family dinners and holiday gatherings would go by before you would see them again. 

But there was always one thing that you looked forward to each and every year. Every summer, for two and a half months, you would drive down from your home in the suburbs to the cabin on the lake. You would get to forget about school and homework and bedtimes. You would spend all day out in the summer sun, sticky with sunscreen and bug spray. 

Your family wasn’t the only one. Each of those cabins along that shoreline would come alive. The quiet beaches would fill with children, adults on decks drinking a few hours before it became socially acceptable anywhere else. Dark nights would be brightened by campfires and beams from unsteady flashlights, held onto by kids who should have been in bed long ago. 

There was a sense of peace that was brought on by that property. Time moved slower, everyone seemed happier, things felt easier. But as time went on you started spending less and less time out there. You went away to university. You became busy with internships and jobs and leases that didn’t end for the few months of summer. 

But eventually the property lost the interest of your parents. With no children at home, familiar friends who once had cabins up there selling them off, the time and energy and money to take care of it no longer seemed to be worth it. You yourself hadn’t been there in a couple years, though the memories were as vivid as always. So when the option of them gifting the property to you came up it took little consideration for you to say yes. 

After packing your car full of essentials you headed up to the cabin shortly after the exchange of ownership. When you pull up to the familiar cabin there’s a sense of ease that washes over you, even now that you had a truckload of responsibility to go with coming up here. 

Hoping out of the car you bring everything inside, the memories flooding in. After putting your groceries in the kitchen, sheets on the bed, and pulling the patio couch cushions out you head out onto the deck to enjoy the fresh air and slight breeze rolling in off the lake. 

A few minutes after flopping down onto the patio furniture you’re greeted by a big white dog, tail wagging crazily as he stares up at you. 

“Hey buddy,” you say, reaching over and scratching him behind the ear. “Where did you come from?”

“Milo.”

Tipping your head up you look in the direction of the man calling for who you would guess to be the dog that was standing in front of you. Standing up you walk towards the edge of your deck, the dog following after you, nose nudging at your hand. “I think-,” you begin, freezing when you notice who was standing in the yard next to you. “Oh my god,” you laugh, hurrying down the stairs. “You’re still around, hey?”

You grew up with Brock. At least for two months of the year every summer. You were the same age and his family owned the property next door. The crush you had on Brock spanned from early in your life right up till the last summer you spent together right after high school graduation. 

“Holy shit,” Brock comments, shaking his head. He has his arms around you as soon as you’re close enough for him to reach you. “Of course I’m still around, I’m out here every summer. You’re the one who vanished.”

Pulling back you look up at Brock, shaking your head. “Sorry, we don’t all have an off-season.”

“I guess you’ve got a point,” Brock chuckles. “Just out here for the weekend then?”

“I don’t really know what I’m doing,” you admit. “The place is mine now and I work remotely so I guess I could be out here as long as I want but I don’t know, it feels weird to think about being here that long again.”

“Yours, hey?” Brock states, glancing behind you at the house. “Are your parents okay?”

“Oh, yeah,” you assure him. “Just not as interested in getting drunk on the lake everyday of the summer anymore.”

Brock laughs, glancing out at the lake before turning his attention back to you. “Well I’m glad it’s yours now, wouldn’t want to see anyone else here.”

You couldn’t deny the way he still managed to fill your stomach with butterflies, even all these years. “Me too,” you say, voice quiet. Glancing down you pet the dog again that had still not left your side. 

“I see you’ve met Milo,” Brock comments, glancing over his shoulder and pointing to the second dog that was laying under the shade of a tree. “That one’s Coolie.”

“They’re very cute,” you tell him, smiling down at Milo. “How long are you up here for?”

Brock shrugs, like time didn’t mean anything to him. “Till sometime in August.”

“So I guess we have plenty of time to catch up then.”

“Absolutely,” Brock says with a smile. “You want to come over for a drink or something?”

“I’d be down for a drink.”

You follow Brock across the yard and onto the deck, accepting the can of cider he offers before sitting down on the soft cushions of one of the patio cushions. “So, what’s new in your life?”

Brock shrugs, flopping down onto the patio sectional, Milo joining him seconds later. “Not too much, I guess. Just been in Vancouver for the last while playing for the Canucks.”

You can’t help but laugh at his comment. “Well I know that much, can’t exactly stay under the radar as a professional athlete.”

“I guess,” Brock chuckles. “What about you though, you seem to be staying under the radar pretty well.”

“Gotta keep a little mystery…or my life just isn’t that exciting, I don’t know. I got my degree, moved back to Minnesota and now I’m just working from home…living the life, really,” you joke. 

“I can’t imagine you not making life exciting.”

Rolling your eyes playfully you take a sip of your drink. “Why’s that? Because I used to steal my parent’s alcohol and try to convince everyone to go swimming in the middle of the night?”

“Well that was pretty exciting back then,” Brock laughs. 

“Are you out here alone?” you ask, looking towards the cabin. It was pretty quiet for anyone else to be here but you almost couldn’t imagine Brock ever being alone. 

“Yeah, for now,” Brock nods. “My, um, my mom doesn’t really come up very much anymore.”

“Right,” you say quietly. You hadn’t talked to Brock in a very long time, but that didn’t mean you didn’t know anything about his life, including his father. 

“I have a few friends coming up in a few days though,” Brock tells you, his inflection rising, an obvious attempt to change the topic. 

“Uh oh,” you joke with a playful smile. “Sounds like trouble.”

“Hey, now, I’ve never been trouble,” Brock defends, laughing under his breath. 

“I don’t know about that one,” you tease. 

The two of you sit on Brock’s deck, drink after drink as you exchanged stories from the nearly 10 years since the last time you saw each other. You didn’t even realize how long had passed or how late it had gotten till the sun was beginning to set and you realized your mind was hazy from the alcohol. 

“I guess I should get going, don’t want to overstay my welcome,” you say, finishing off the last of the drink you had in your hand. 

“You never could,” Brock tells you, taking the empty can from your hand as you stand up. “But I won’t hold you here either.”

“I appreciate that,” you laugh, glancing back to your cabin. “I should probably go figure out dinner though.”

“Fair enough,” Brock chuckles. “See you tomorrow?”

“I’m sure you will,” you tell him, heading down the steps of the deck and back over to your own house. 

After making yourself a late dinner you head to bed, your mind unable to think of much more than Brock. It was clear that your feelings for him hadn’t entirely disappeared. But eventually you manage to clear your mind enough to fall asleep, sleeping peacefully through the night till the sun shining through the blinds in your room wakes you up. 

You make yourself some breakfast before dragging your laptop out onto the deck with your mug of coffee to get some work done for the day. It’s not long before your attention is broken by the sound of Brock’s voice, calling after his dogs as they run out the door and towards the lake. 

Smiling you watch the dogs for a few minutes as they splash around in the shallow water of the lake. When you look away from them you see Brock looking in your direction, raising his hand in a friendly wave. 

“Morning,” you call to him, sitting up straighter to look over the edge of the patio railing as Brock comes closer. 

“How was your first night back out here?”

“It was great,” you tell him. “Do you want some coffee?”

Brock’s eyes shift to your laptop before looking back at you. “I don’t want to interrupt you if you’re working.”

Shrugging you push yourself away from the table to stand up. “I’ve been missing the interruptions you get working in an office anyway,” you tell him with a smile. “Do you want anything in it?”

“Some cream if you have it.” Brock makes his way up the steps of the deck, sitting down at the table across from you as you return with a mug of coffee for him. “Got any plans for after work?”

“Not really,” you tell him, sitting back down and looking over your laptop at him. 

“I just bought a couple stand-up paddle boards a few weeks ago. Would you want to come test them out with me?”

“As long as you promise not to laugh at me when I fall off.”

“I promise,” Brock chuckles. “You can get back to your work if you want, I don’t want to distract you.”

“Hard not to be distracted by you,” you tell him, a playful smile on your lips. 

“Well I’m always happy to be your distraction.”

After Brock finishes his coffee he heads back to his own place, giving you a chance to actually get some uninterrupted work time in. It’s nearly 5 when you wrap up everything you had to finish for the day. Changing out of the pyjamas you had spent the better half of the day in you tug a pair of shorts over a bikini, heading across the yard to Brock’s place. 

With the garage door wide open you step into it, watching Brock doing kettlebell swings. 

“Enjoying the view?” Brock asks, looking at you through the mirror when he finishes up his set. 

“Well I can’t say I’m not enjoying it,” you tell him, glancing around the garage turned gym. “This is pretty impressive, I remember when this place was filled with bikes and beach toys.”

Brock turns around to face you, wiping a layer of sweat from his forehead. “I needed to have something out here to train if I want to spend this long out here.”

“Makes sense. Well, I can get out of here to stop distracting you, when did you want to go out on the paddle boards?”

“I’m just finishing up here, I’ll probably go have a shower before we head out.”

“Do I get to enjoy that view too?” you joke. 

Brock chuckles, reaching down to pick up the kettlebell again. “I wouldn’t stop you.”

Shaking your head you take a step out of the garage. “I’ll meet you down at the beach when you’re ready.”

“Okay, see you in a bit,” Brock says as you head out of the garage. 

Finding a beach towel you head out onto the end of the dock that was connected to your yard, laying it out and shimmying out of your shorts. Laying down on your stomach you rest your head on your arms, enjoying the way the sun felt like a warm blanket cloaked over your body. 

It’s not long before you hear Brock calling your name and you roll onto your back, looking down to the end of the dock. 

“Ready to go?” Brock calls. 

Collecting your things from the dock you hurry down to meet Brock, following him to grab the paddle boards before heading to the edge of the lake. The water is surprisingly warm for July and you climb onto your paddle board with a shocking amount of ease. 

After steadying yourself the two of you begin to paddle along the shoreline, your conversation falling to quick comments here and there as you focus intensely on keeping yourself upright. By the time you make it back to the section of the lake in front of your house you’re more than ready to follow Brock’s lead and sit down on the board, floating easily on the still water. 

“You’re pretty good at this,” Brock tells you. 

Your legs are crossed in front of you, arms behind you on the board as you lean back into them. “Guess my balance is better than I expected.”

“I’m kind of disappointed I didn’t get to see you fall in.”

“Oh, you want to see me get wet?” you joke.

“I-I, that’t…well, I mean, I-,” Brock stammers, shaking his head as he gives up on his sentence. 

“I’ll take that as a yes,” you tease, giggling as you stretch your legs out in front of you. “What are your plans for tonight?”

Brock hesitates for a second, eyes narrowing. “Are you hinting at something?”

It takes you a moment to realize what was going on, reaching down and running your hand through the lake to splash Brock. “No,” you laugh, shaking your head. “I was going to see if you wanted to come over for dinner.”

“Oh,” Brock laughs, eyes diverting down to the surface of the lake, cheeks flushing red. “Yeah, dinner sounds great.”

After putting the paddle boards away you and Brock head over to your place, digging through the kitchen to try to figure out what to make for dinner. You hadn’t really thought through your plan, inviting Brock over before you even know what you would make for dinner. 

“You’ve been in the fridge for awhile,” Brock comments, sitting at the bar counter on the other side of the kitchen, watching you curiously. 

Sighing you turn around, shutting the door behind you. “I don’t actually know what to make,” you admit. 

“I can tell,” Brock laughs. “What are the options?”

“Whatever is in the fridge,” you tell him, gesturing to it. 

Brock slides off the stool, walking across the kitchen to pull the fridge open. His eyes scan the shelves for a few minutes before slowly turning towards you. “Do you need me to go to the grocery store for you tomorrow or something?”

Rolling your eyes you push yourself between Brock and the fridge, your back pressing against him as you join him in staring into the nearly empty fridge. “Look, I know it’s bad but I didn’t plan to stay more than a night or two.”

“And were you planning on only eating eggs and spinach for three days?”

“Maybe,” you hum. “I didn’t plan to have dinner guests I would need to impress.”

“You don’t need to impress me,” Brock whispers, his hands falling to your hips. “Now will you agree to come have dinner at my place instead?”

Your mind tunes in to the feeling of Brock’s hands on your body, your heart hammering heavily in your chest. While you were so caught up in your thoughts you realized you hadn’t answered the question within a length of time that was even remotely normal. “Uh, yeah, sure, that sounds good.”

Brock steps back, his hands falling from your hips and leaving your body longing for more. Sighing to yourself you fish a bottle of wine out from otherwise bare fridge, hurrying after Brock. 

It’s not long before you’re standing next to Brock, a glass of white wine in your hand while you watch him barbecue a couple steaks. “Was inviting me over just a scheme to get me to feel bad for you and cook you dinner?”

“I wish I was that calculated.” Bringing your glass to your lips you take a small sip, gravitating a little closer to Brock. “I like how this worked out though.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you do,” Brock teases, reaching over and wrapping his arm around your waist, tugging you into his side. 

You let out a shaky breath, fingers clutching tighter onto your wine glass. With your heart racing you try to act natural, like your stomach wasn’t absolutely alive with butterflies, like your thoughts weren’t racing a million miles an hour about nothing but Brock. 

“You okay?” Brock asks, the smirk on his face was enough to tell you that he knew exactly what he was doing to you. 

“Fuck off,” you laugh, shaking your head. “You’re so used to this aren’t you?”

“What do you mean?” Brock laughs, eyebrows furrowed as he looks away from the barbecue to turn his attention to you. 

“Tall, handsome hockey player who can get women to absolutely fall apart like it’s nothing,” you tease. 

“I’m not that tall,” Brock comments, pulling the steak off the barbecue. 

“Oh, but you know how handsome you are.” 

Brock gives you a simple shrug, chuckling as he picks up the plate of steak, letting you go to head back inside. Rolling your eyes you follow Brock back into the house, refilling your wine glass before leaning against the counter. 

“I’m actually surprised you don’t have a girlfriend,” you comment, watching Brock plate up the steak and salad the two of you had made earlier. 

“Why’s that?” Brock asks, setting the plates down on the table next to the large window that overlooks the lake. 

“I just told you why outside, you just want to hear me talk about how great you are,” you joke, sitting down at the table across from Brock. 

“Well I could say the same thing about you,” Brock retorts, switching the conversation around onto you. 

“Because I’m a tall, handsome hockey player?” you joke, taking another drink from your wine. 

Brock shakes his head with a breath of laughter. “Seriously, weren’t you with someone for quite awhile?” 

Nodding slowly you inhale deeply, polishing off what was left in your glass of wine. 

“That bad, hey?” Brock asks, reaching for the bottle of wine to refill your glass. 

“No…I mean, yeah, I guess, I don’t know,” you sigh, picking up your newly refilled glass. “We were together for three years in university.”

Brock nods, taking a bite of his dinner, evidently waiting for you to continue to fill in the details of your vague story. 

“It wasn’t a big deal,” you assure him with a breath of laughter. “I’m just glad it ended when it did.”

“For what it’s worth I’m pretty glad it ended as well.”

Scoffing you raise your eyebrows, shaking your head. “Why?” you ask, already well aware of why. 

“Well I don’t think I’d get to be sitting here having dinner with you right now if you were still with him.”

Tipping your head to the side you gaze across the table, a soft smile on your lips. “Does that mean there’s something more than friendly happening here, Brock?”

“I’ve had some more than friendly thoughts,” Brock admits. 

You can feel your cheeks reddening, looking down at the table. “Oh,” you mutter. 

“Sorry, I, was that too much or-.”

“No, no,” you interrupt, breathing out a nervous laugh. “Just, um, been awhile since I’ve flirted with anyone.”

“There’s no way that’s true.”

“Yes it is,” you exclaim, laughing quietly. “I honestly don’t meet a lot of new people and I don’t usually make it a habit of flirting with my friends.”

“I’m glad you made an exception.”

Laughing softly you pick up your glass of wine, taking another sip, enjoying the warm buzz the alcohol was filling you with. “Me too,” you whisper as you set it down, gazing over at Brock. 

Finally you two finish the dinner that had been nearly forgotten amidst the conversation. After the dishes are done you head out onto the deck to continue your conversation. Before long the sun is set and the bottle of wine is empty. After another goodbye that you know won’t be for long you head back to your own house, falling asleep easily to the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore through the open window. 

The next few days leading up to the weekend feel busier than any days you had in a long time. After work you would join Brock for some activity or another. A trip into town to properly stock your fridge. An evening on the boat. More paddle boarding and kayaking and even partaking in a couple sessions in Brock’s home gym. 

And before you knew it you had finished up your work from the week, time seeming to be flying by now that you were spending it with Brock. 

Friday night. You hadn’t expected your Fridays to remain as exciting after leaving the city. But you also didn’t expect to be spending it with Brock and a handful of his friends. 

“Still impressed with your Spikeball skills, to be honest,” Jack says, standing next to you by the fire, a bottle of beer in his hand. You had spent the afternoon fighting to keep up in many competitive rounds of Spikeball on the beach, something you did better than even you had expected you would do. 

“I’m kind of offended by how much you underestimated me,” you laugh. Lifting your red solo cup filled with tequila and grapefruit soda wincing at the flavour, the ratio of tequila to mixer so off it would make a bartender cry. 

“Sorry, I promise I won’t do it again,” Jack chuckles. “I’ll make sure we’re always on the same team from now on.”

“Good,” you say, extending your hand to shake his on the agreement. “We can be a power duo.”

“Power couple,” Jack comments with a smirk. 

Rolling your eyes playfully you take another gulp of your drink. “Pretty bold of you.”

“What can I say? I’m a bold guy.”

Before you can get another comment in you feel a hand run along your lower back, stopping on your waist. With a slight flinch you turn your head, body relaxing when you realize it was Brock, though you were still a little surprised by the physical contact. Brock places his fingers under your chin, tipping your head back so you were looking up at him. You don’t even have time to process what’s happening before he’s pressing a soft and quick kiss to your lips. 

“H-hi,” you stammer, voice soft as your cheeks redden. “What, um, what’s going on?”

“Just coming to check on you,” Brock whispers. 

“Shit, sorry man,” Jack mutters to Brock, nervous eyes shifting back to the fire you were all standing around. 

“Don’t worry about it,” Brock tells him dismissively. “Want to come with me to get another drink?” Brock asks you. 

With a quick nod you let Brock take your hand in his, guiding you around the fire and up into the quiet cabin. 

“Okay, what the fuck was that, Brock?” you exclaim, now in the privacy of the kitchen. 

“I-,” Brock begins, shaking his head. “Have I been reading this wrong? I thought…I thought…haven’t we been flirting since you got here?”

“I mean, yes,” you exhale. “But what the fuck was that? Why’d you choose that moment to kiss me?”

“I’m sorry,” Brock mumbles, swallowing heavily. “But you two were flirting and I didn’t want to lose you and I-.”

“I wasn’t flirting with him.” Stepping closer you reach up, your hands on either side of Brock’s face. “You have to trust that I would never do anything with your friends.” Rolling forward onto your toes you lean closer to Brock, your lips brushing against his. “Okay?”

“Okay,” Brock mutters before kissing you again. It’s longer this time, your lips moving with his as you wrap one arm around his shoulders. Brock runs one hand around your back, tugging your body closer as his tongue brushes against yours. He’s pushing you against the kitchen counter a second later, your head spinning with the mix of overwhelming emotions and the effects of the tequila. 

A strangled moan emanates from your throat just before you hear the crashing of the cabin door closing. Pulling back from Brock you stare up at him with a guilty smile, as if you were still just a couple teenagers sneaking around at the summer cabin. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Sam declares, taking a step back towards the door. 

“No, no, you’re good,” you assure him. “We were just, um, about to head back out.”

“Were we?” Brock asks, voice quiet as he places his hands on your hips, pulling your back into his chest. 

With a quiet giggle you tip your head back, looking up at Brock. “We can pick his back up later,” you assure him. 

Back outside you let Brock pull you onto his lap on one of the chairs around the fire. You knew it was some drunken, misplaced desire to exert the fact that there was indeed something happening between the two of you that was more than just friendly. 

The rest of the night is spent in loud conversations, rambunctious laughter echoing off the still lake. By the time the night is over and people begin trickling off to head inside you’re more than ready to have some time alone with Brock.

“I’m going to head home now, want to walk over there with me?” you ask Brock before standing up.

“Yeah, of course,” Brock replies taking your hand and walking back to your cabin. 

Inside you take Brock’s other hand, tugging him closer. “Do you want to spend the night here?” 

“Yes,” Brock replies quickly before pressing his lips to yours again, kissing you with an eagerness that you quickly matched. 

Before long the two of you had stumbled your way up to your room, the silence of the cabin being interrupted by the sounds of your moans.

Laying breathlessly next to Brock, your body flushed and tired, you can’t help but begin to worry about the implications of the situation. Was this just because you were both drunk? Did he really have feelings for you or was this all just because of the alcohol? 

After tugging some pyjamas on and using the bathroom you crawl back into bed with Brock, resting your head on his shoulder, arm over his chest. “Can I ask you something?” 

“Of course,” Brock hums, running his fingers along your back. 

“Do you, um…was this, I just,” you stammer, finally pulling yourself away from him, sitting up and staring across the dark room at the slice of moonlight that was shining on the wall through the curtains. “Was this just a meaningless hook-up? Because I actually have feelings for you,” you admit. 

You feel Brock run his hand along your back, fingers curling around your waist as he tugs you back to lay next to him. “No, it wasn’t,” he assures you, kissing your temple before you settle in next to him. “I was so into you when we were growing up. Every summer since high school I’ve hoped you would show up again.”

“I don’t believe you,” you giggle. “I had the biggest crush on you back then, you can’t steal my story,” you tease. 

“Back then?” 

Rolling your eyes you reach over and take his hand, squeezing it gently. “Still do.”

“Good,” Brock chuckles. 

And just like that the two of you fall into a comfortable silence that quickly turns to a deep sleep. After that first night together the two of you grew closer, no longer just spending the days together but the nights as well. 

Every morning you would wake up next to Brock, often going for a walk with the dogs before you would have breakfast together. Then you would spend the majority of the day working at your place. After you were done your work for the day you would head over and join Brock for dinner. 

For the next month and a half everything felt easy and fun. The daily stress you normally felt when you were back at your apartment had almost dissipated entirely. You grew closer and closer with Brock, falling more and more for him with each passing day. Time had begun to slip by faster and faster, till the majority of the summer was now in the past and you were getting closer and closer to the day where the cabins would be shuttered as everyone returned to the real world. 

Laying on your couch you stare out through the large window at the sheets of rain pouring from the sky. The summer was coming to an end whether you wanted to admit it or not and the grey sky was doing its part to remind you of that. Brock’s car was already packed, his place was tidied and ready for his departure. 

You have your head on Brock’s chest, your arm draped over his stomach. He’s running his hand along your back and with each passing second you begin growing closer to tears. You didn’t want to admit how much it felt like your chest was being ripped apart.

Sniffling quietly you try to blink away the tears in your eyes before Brock could notice. But you weren’t as secretive as you had hoped. “Are you okay?” Brock whispers.

Nodding you lift your head from his chest, wiping at your eyes. “Yeah, it’s stupid.”

“I’m sure it’s not,” Brock assures you, waiting for you to go on.

“I just don’t want this to end,” you admit. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“I don’t either.” Brock wraps his arms around you, pulling you closer. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” you mumble, shuffling in your seat to face him. Taking one of Brock’s hands in yours you give it a quick squeeze, glossy eyes staring across the small distance between you and Brock. 

“Because I never meant to hurt you.” Brock reaches over, brushing away a few of the tears that had spilled from your eyes onto your cheeks. 

“You didn’t mean to hurt me, Brock. I know you didn’t,” you assure him with a quick sniffle, eyes gazing down at your interlocked fingers. “I would rather be hurt now than to never have had this summer with you.”

Brock leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. “I just wish we had more time.”

“Me too,” you whisper, lifting your eyes to look back up at him. “Maybe we can next summer.”

Brock nods slowly, pushing a piece of your hair behind your ear. “Next summer,” he echoes as a tear slides down your cheek no longer caring enough to wipe them away, no longer fighting the sadness in your heart. Because the pain was going to happen whether you wanted it or not. But maybe, just maybe, the promise of next summer would be enough to help you deal with the sadness. 

[madarasgirl]

A Night for Hunting Ch.2- No Way Out

Wow. I am blown away by the reception to my two Hellsing fics! Thank you for everyone's support! The voters have spoken! This fic will be written first. It was originally intended to be a one-shot, but is now expanded into a series of chapters that will be like cutscenes showing how the relationship developed between Alucard and his Reader, from being her unwanted yandere stalker to becoming her lover.

Alucard likes humans. He may be violent and psycho sometimes, and he'll absolutely mess around to freak her out, but he isn’t going to purposely harm an innocent civilian woman. This sexy beast has his own moral compass and standards for how true vampires should conduct themselves.

T/W: 18+, Alucard (Ultimate) x F!Reader, predator/prey, fear play, yandere, dacryphilia, noncon groping, no smut, eventual romance, Alucard is an obnoxious troll, stalking, enemies to lovers. Alucard is a creep cuz he’s terrible at social interactions, but he never hurts her.

WC: 1796 On AO3

The coast looked clear so far tonight. Nothing was strange or out of place en route to your new home of one week. Your eyes scanned the darkened streets carefully, paying particular attention to its shadowed corners, which you now knew could hide monsters. 

The monster was much bolder since the first time it appeared to you last autumn. Months passed when he showed up on and off to harass you occasionally until now. If you were honest, the suspense of not knowing whether the creature would show up when you went home was sometimes worse than if you were expecting him.

Those eyes still liked to track your pointless struggles to fight and escape as its sensual mocking voice appeared in your head. Its shadows often emerged from various surfaces to caress you as you passed. Its lips would suddenly be on your neck or you’d hear inhalations from behind only to find nothing there. Over the past months, there were times when you were less afraid, but last night. You shuddered at the recollection of that thing’s expression and cold touch.

The memories of last night when you were pursued again came rushing back. He gnashed his horrific teeth right by your face and cackled to get the twisted chase started, his expression much more fearsome than past times. He looked crazed, like he was out for blood, his scarlet duster was ripped in places and his face and gloves speckled in red.

Something rattled and you nearly jumped out of your skin. A plump mass of black slunk around the ground on all fours, crawling towards you…it was getting closer…it was just a raccoon scavenging for scraps. You let out the breath you held, feeling foolish. The fat critter stood on its hind legs with its paws up to regard you curiously, as if considering whether you might feed it. You licked your lips and continued your brisk walk, eyes once again darting around to analyze your surroundings. 

The patio furniture at a different pub was put up as before, with the chairs placed upside down and the seats on the tables. Then again, it was relatively warm now, even at night. Of course the bars and restaurants would want to seat more guests outside during business hours. Except everything was closed and quiet now, as things usually were by the time you went home alone late at night. Your skirt rustled. The summer breeze was comfortable against the sheen of nervous sweat dampening your t-shirt, making it cling to your frame.

You were well past the point on this route where the harassment started the past two nights. That was promising. Perhaps you’d be safe tonight- 

A gust of cold air breathed directly into your ear. You jumped like a startled cat and spun around. Nothing. It was just the wind. That had to be the wind, right? But the seasonal breeze was supposed to be warm. A large frame pressed flush against your back, making you turn rigid. 

No.

He chuckled, “So skittish.” The impossibly tall creature leaned down to whisper in your ear. His cold breath gave you goosebumps. You were frozen. "What are you waiting for? Run." 

You screamed in dread, but didn’t need to be told twice. Your legs had been geared up in anticipation for the run since your walk home began. Despite the failure of all your past attempts to flee, your legs kicked at the ground in rapid succession to bring you away from the nightmare behind you. You didn’t turn to glance back once. 

The massive vampire’s eyes glittered with unbridled excitement. The wind blew again in his direction, carrying your scent towards him, and he took a huge whiff of the air. Your salty sweat and tears hit his senses with force, much better than the stench of the undead. He smirked as he took casual steps forward. What a beautiful night this was turning into.

A hand brushed against the inside of your bare thigh. You sobbed, feeling hopeless. He never came three nights in a row before. Was this punishment for moving elsewhere in the city? Your strides were getting sloppy as you sped through the black park. Visibility was poor without any light, which was probably that thing’s doing, you realized. He made the streetlights go out before. 

…You couldn’t live as some twisted demon’s plaything like this forever. Your lungs burnt and your legs screamed as you stuttered to a halt. Keeling over with your hands braced against both knees, your breath came to you in haggard gasps as you kept crying. He might as well kill you now.

You are already tired, Dear? The night has only begun. He spoke to you with his enchanting voice, but his soft words brought you no comfort. Feet clad in knee-high leather boots stopped in front of you and made the grass whisper as his weight hit the ground.

Get out of my head.

The faint metallic taste of blood kissed the back of your throat from the burning breaths you were forced to take. You swallowed it down. “What do you want from me?" You uttered with a small voice.

He cocked his head, whether he had never stopped to ponder that before or because yours was an incredibly stupid question, you didn’t know. Silky midnight locks fluttered in the gentle breeze. "A good...CHASE." 

You lifted frightened eyes to scrutinize him properly. He would almost be as captivating as the moment you first met if it weren’t for the toothy, sadistic smile adorning those charming features. Vermillion eyes gleamed with mischief under a wide fedora hat.

"You're sick." The grin only grew wider. You averted your gaze, unable to look at that grotesque face anymore. 

"You flatter me.” He stepped closer and you instinctively inched back. “I am merely accompanying a lady home during your nighttime commute. The night is dark and full of terrors." He chuckled again. It was a sick sound, one that communicated his thorough enjoyment of his joke as well as your anguish. Your teeth clenched through tightened jaws.

The nerve!

Pent-up rage you didn’t know you possessed blossomed in your gut, the suffering you endured at his hands for nearly a year driving you to mouth off in retaliation. You sputtered, finding it difficult to articulate your indignity and frustration at his nonchalant comments.

“Y-you are the terror! You’ve done nothing but terrorize me! How d-dare you say you’re only accompanying me home!”

He howled in laughter. “A nighttime walk doesn’t hurt. Come, sweet, let me bring you home.”

This thing was talking to you? He didn’t kill you yet for speaking against him? Then again, he never truly injured you the past year, even if his blasphemous presence made your blood run cold.

You were seething at his rationale, but you wanted nothing more than to be home. “Don’t patronize me.” You angrily swept away the fresh tears that dripped down your cheeks and started walking on your own, uncaring anymore of what happened next, whether he killed you, bit you, or whatever. You were beyond exhausted, having done this nightly ritual after long grueling days of work for far too long. 

There’s no way out. You were completely helpless against this profane brute’s torment.

You just wanted this to stop.

Noisy hiccups you couldn’t control escaped and you sobbed harder as you walked, periodically scrubbing your face with the back of your hands. Fortunately the monster was silent as he strolled next to you with his face towards the sky and didn’t taunt you for the time being.

You arrived outside your new condominium’s lobby doors. You had chosen a densely populated location in the middle of the city, hoping the presence of other people might dissuade the evils of the night. All that effort of moving was in vain. The creature found you in a matter of days since you left your last nest.

“You can’t come through here.” Now that you started, it was easier to speak your mind again. Even if you knew you were powerless to stop him from doing whatever he desired, you had to let this thing know how unwanted his company was.

“As you wish.”

Your surprise must have been evident, but you took the opportunity to close the door on the vampire’s face. When you turned around to look back through the heavy glass doors, he was already gone.

You slumped against the closed door of your unit, almost falling asleep right by the entrance. You were so tired. 

Somehow, you found the energy to shower. The steamy water felt heavenly on your weary flesh. Upon exiting the bathroom, you found the creature haunting your nightmares squeezed onto your couch, rays of moonlight casting sharp shadows on the deathly pale features. Spooked by the unforeseen return of the vampire, you couldn’t help but squeak in fright despite the ridiculous sight of him crammed into your furniture.

"Don't you need permission to enter? You're not welcome here," you said with contempt, trying to present a bravery you didn’t feel.

"Fairy tales,” he shrugged.

You stayed anxiously in the corner at first as he poked around your apartment, hoping to maintain as much distance as possible before you followed him in frustration, upset with your inability to stop him from doing anything. You remembered the way he held you down as a shadow and nearly suffocated you, his dozens of arms and the horror of his thousands of eyes. Why was this thing here?

Just go away. Let me be.

He stopped in front of your bookshelves to study the contents with interest. "A fine collection." 

Having completed his inspection of whatever he was searching for, the giant creature turned around unexpectedly and smiled. You tensed and immediately took steps backwards as he stalked silently towards you. Your heart was in your throat, pounding fiercely as your back hit the edge of an icy granite counter. Still, you didn’t dare take your eyes off this beast.

There were no thuds nor swooshing of fabrics. This unholy creature almost seemed to float towards you, the feral pools of his eyes glowing with crimson delight as he approached. You ceased breathing as he passed.

He switched to a loping gait past the dining table and through the living room, striding past several unopened boxes of belongings until he reached the window. Then he walked through it and was out of your home.

You shouted and rushed to the window to peer outside. There was nothing there except the sleepy skyline of London at rest, illuminated by the gentle light of the full moon. 

The nightmare was over for tonight, until the next time he came to haunt you…

~To be Continued~

Notes: Just a reminder that Alucard can be very creepy and a huge dick, but no matter what he does, he is always super dramatic, including his entrances or exits. I find him lots of fun to write, whether Alu is being a creep, troll, badass, or soft, especially since I can see him being in any of these moods.

[fictionalmenxyn]

IKEA

Summary: since moving in with König, there was something missing. Furniture.

Tw:none

You had seen my fair share of battles and had been through a lot in your military career. But despite the chaos and danger, you had found love in the form of König, a fellow soldier whom you had been dating for a while. You two had recently moved in together and were excited to start your new life in our cozy little apartment. One day, we decided to go furniture shopping at IKEA. It was a fun and exciting experience, as we browsed through the different displays and imagined how each piece would look in our home. You both laughed and joked around, enjoying each other's company and the thrill of starting this new chapter in your lives. After a successful shopping trip, König surprised you by taking you to a cute little restaurant nearby. You two sat outside on the patio, enjoying the warm summer breeze and each other's company. König ordered both of your orders and talked about your future plans and dreams, feeling grateful for the love and support you both had found in each other. When you got home, you started to assemble your new furniture. It was a bit of a challenge, but you two worked together as a team, following the instructions and making sure everything was in its right place. As music played softly in the background, you suddenly got up and started to dance. König looked at you with a smile, amused by your sudden burst of energy. You held out my hand and asked him, "Care to join? My love?" He pushed himself up from the floor and took your hand, joining you in the middle of the living room. You both swayed to the music, laughing and twirling around, feeling completely free and happy in that moment. It was a beautiful reminder that no matter what challenges you two faced in your military careers, you always had each other to lean on and find joy in the simple things in life. As the night went on, you had finished assembling your furniture and collapsed onto the couch, exhausted but content. You both had cuddled up together, feeling grateful for your love and the life you were now building together. It was a beautiful moment that you both would always cherish, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and danger, love and happiness could still be found.

Hope you enjoyed!

Make sure to request or message me if you want me to write something

Have a good day/night!🫶

[cleoluvrr]

The Last Days of Summer XVII (Rafe Cameron x Heyward!OC)

Warnings: violence, underage drinking, drug use, verbal abuse, jealousy, forbidden relationship, enemies to lovers, kidnapping, gaslighting + manipulation

Synopsis: Stuck in a situation she never dreamed of, Neriah Heyward blurs the line between Kook and Pogue; Rafe Cameron a witness.

masterlist

word count: 3.2k+

↠━ღ◆ღ━↞

I don’t remember falling asleep, and I definitely don’t remember being embraced by the smell of fresh linen fabric softener. 

The feeling of soft duvet weighed heavy on my body, the bright light of the sun forcing itself through my closed eyelids as the sound of birds chirping filled my barely conscious ears. It would almost lull me back to sleep if I didn’t immediately remember what happened the day before.

Shooting up in the soft bed, I throw the blanket off me and fly off the mattress. I still wore the same clothes I was brought here in, the smell of the ocean and sweat radiating off my body in waves. I smelt like I was in a boat and I needed a shower. Bad.

I walk towards the door leading out of the simple, all white room I had been stuck in, hand reaching out to try the door handle. To my surprise it was unlocked and opened up silently to reveal the hallway outside. On the left side of the hall was a balcony overlooking what I assume is the living room and on the right side is a wall of windows. I stepped out further into the hall, my bare feet softly padding against the floor as I creeped out of the room.

I hear voices coming from the area below, both of them feminine. Peeking over the railing, I spot Wheezie and Rose sitting on a couch in the very open living room. I yank my head back, not wanting either of them to see me. 

My feet carry me down the stairs silently, body on edge as I listen for any signs of Rafe being around. My head is on a swivel as when I reach the bottom of the stairs, cautious of my surroundings.  

Rose’s voice in my ears makes me grit my teeth in annoyance. It’s no wonder none of her step children like her.

My hand pushes open the back door of the house quietly as I step out onto the newly discovered patio. The wood flooring is warm against my bare soles from the beaming sun, but the ocean breeze is cool against my skin in contrast. The patio overlooks a bright blue chlorine pool and the expansive green of the backyard. One side of the house is hidden by trees, a forest of palm branches seemingly endless as they hang over the roof and cast a shadow over the pool. 

I walk towards the railing of the side porch, arms resting against the white painted wood as I stare out at the acres of empty land in front of me. It was very scenic, a house right next to the shore with a big, open yard. You would never think I’m being held hostage by its owners.

My eyes fall to the road in the front of the house, the only possible escape route I have. I make no moves towards the pavement despite it being so close. I have no shoes, no idea where I am, don’t speak french, and I’m sure Rafe is somewhere close enough to catch me before I get too far.

“Goodmorning.” I hear a dreaded voice speak. My lips purse, my short-lived peace disturbed by the last person I wanted to be around.

I release a heavy sigh as he approaches, head dropping in defeat. I don’t turn around to face him although I feel the heat of radiating against my bag, the smell of his cologne filling my nose and masking the smell of sweat and old furniture that has sunken into my clothes. 

I say nothing in return, my mouth far too dry to form words. 

“You were asleep for two days, y’know.” Rafe says. “You really had us worried. Had me worried.” 

I don’t react outwardly, though I feel my eyes widen slightly at his words. 

I was asleep for two days? I've been wearing these clothes for four days? Rafe and his family were doing God knows what for two days while I had no idea what was happening around me? I don’t even remember being that tired, especially since I was asleep for an unknown amount of time after Rose dosed my tea. 

I don’t resist when Rafe wraps his arms around my body in a tight embrace. I don’t flinch when he kisses the top of my head, or my cheek, or my shoulder. The position feels familiar to me; like when we were on the ship and he ripped me away from my freedom.

“I’m sorry…” He mumbles into my shoulder, the sound muffled by the skin. My jacket is long gone, not that I remember taking that off either. “I’m sorry for hurting you, but I had no choice.”

I scoffed and shoved him off of me, spinning around to finally face him. 

“Come on, don’t be like that.” He says lowly.

The blonde looks as handsome as ever, expression soft as he watches me with sad, blue eyes. He looks fresh out of the shower, hair still damp and stringy as it hangs against his forehead. In his usual dress of khaki shorts and a casual light blue polo, it reminded me of the old him. 

The Rafe that I would banter with, the Rafe that I grew to care about. The one that I trusted.

“You had a choice, Rafe.” I reply sharply, tongue heavy in my mouth with dehydration. “You had a choice, and you made it.” 

“You..you think I wanted to make that choice?” His eyebrows shoot up into his hairline, eyes wide as he questions me. “I wouldn’t have had to do that if you would just listen to me!”

I scoffed at him, eyes rolling as he placed the blame on me instead of on himself. 

“Oh, so it’s my fault?” My arms fold across my chest firmly, irritation riddling my voice the longer he stands here in front of me.

“I didn’t say it’s your fault. I didn’t say that, so don’t put words in my mouth.” 

“Do I need to remind you that I don’t need to listen to you? I’m a grown woman, you don’t get to tell me what I do.” I smack his hand away when he reaches for my arm. “You especially don’t get to rip me away from my home, shove me on a boat, and drag me to an island with you and your weird ass family.”

“And yet, here we are!” Rafe exclaims in a huff of humorless laughter, arms thrown up in the air as if he can’t understand why I’m upset.

I move forward to go back to the room I woke up in, shoving past Rafe with my shoulder. He follows close after me, feet heavy as they slap against the wooden panels of the patio. 

He calls my name repeatedly as he follows me back into the house, his voice distant in my ears despite our proximity to each other. Rose and Wheezie watch as he stomps up the stairs after me, conversation interrupted by his temper tantrum.

“Neriah!” He calls out again.

I continue to ignore him, pushing open the door to the white room I was in earlier. He follows me in and slams the door behind him, lock clicking before continuing on. I sit down on the disheveled bed and watch Rafe closely as he takes a few steps towards my seated figure.

“You can’t ignore me forever.” He states with arms crossed against his chest, posture mirroring my own.

“You can’t expect me to willingly talk to you.” I reply back, completely unamused by his refusal to understand my reluctance to converse with him. 

“I said I was sorry, Neriah! What else do you want from me?”

“I want you to take me the hell home!” I yell frustratedly. My patience had run out long ago and I was tempted to start swinging at the boy standing before me. “I want you to take me home, that’s literally all I ask of you.”

Rafe groans loudly and throws his head back in frustration. He begins walking again, this time to the other side of the room and back. His brooding figure paces back and forth in front of me silently as he thinks of his next sentence. 

He looks more stressed and anxious than he usually does, shoulders tense and face drawn together tightly. Each time he turns to walk back towards me, his eyes study my form wordlessly. 

“I can’t do that.” He says finally, abruptly pausing his pacing. He looks down at me with pursed lips, head shaking side to side in refusal. “I can’t do that, it’s not safe.”

“What do you mean it’s not safe? My family is probably worried sick-”

“Not safe for me. For my family.” Rafe interrupts. His tongue pokes out for a split second to wet his lips, the pink muscle catching my attention for the briefest moment before my gaze returns to his.

I pull my eyebrows together in confusion. What does that have to do with me?

“Didn’t you just say I’m a part of your family now? What happened to that?” He shakes his head at me as soon as the words leave my mouth.

“I want you to be, I do. Your name would be even more beautiful with Cameron at the end. But you know too much.” He continues to explain, voice shaking with anxiety. “You know my dad is alive, you know where we are. I can’t let you go back.”

“Rafe-”

“No! No!” He shouts, his long index finger pointing at my face. I notice the family ring on his hand, the one that his father normally wore. “No. I have to protect my family. I promised dad that I would, so I will. If that means I have to keep you here, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

I smack his hand out of my face and push myself off the bed, placing myself directly in front of him. 

“What does me going home have to do with your family, Rafe?” I ask loudly, voice raising to match his volume. “I want to go home to my family, I couldn’t give a fuck about yours.”

Taking a deep breath, I walk to the opposite side of the room. I take in everything about it that I didn’t before, the simple beach painting hanging from one of the walls, the glass doors leading to a balcony overlooking the side of the house, the large, white dresser pushed up against the wall.

I walked towards a medium sized vanity in the corner, eying my disheveled appearance in the reflective glass of the mirror.

Rafe follows me again, proving him incapable of giving me any personal space. We stare at each other in the mirror, the state of our beings the complete opposite. 

Reluctantly, I pull my eyes away from the depths of his and look around the room in search of my belongings. I couldn’t stand looking less presentable for much longer.

I leave him alone by the mirror and walk towards the plain white door in the corner. My assumption was proven correct after yanking it open to reveal a decently sized walk-in closet. The right side of the closet held Rafe’s belongings, his down sized wardrobe lining the rack and drawers on his side. The opposite side was completely empty, save for the few bags that I packed to spend the weekend at Tannyhill.

“I didn’t want to cross any boundaries, so I left your stuff for you to unpack.” He says from the other side of the room. I almost laugh at the absurdity of his statement.

“How considerate of you.” I sneer at him, shutting the closet door after dragging the bag carrying my clothes out of the storage space. “I think we are far past the point of broken boundaries. Don’t you?”

I throw the bag atop the bed and roughly pull at the zipper to reveal my fresh clothes. The smell of my room back at Kildare hits my nose immediately.

“Rafe…” I sigh, body spinning around to face him. I didn’t hear him move from his spot by the vanity, but I felt the body heat that revealed his presence behind me for a third time. “I won’t tell anyone that I was here. I’ll just say that I needed some space and went to the mainland for a few days, no one has to know what happened.”

He releases a deep exhale and shakes his head at me, once again denying my request. His blue eyes wander over my face for a long moment before he speaks, taking in the grief that weighs down my features.

“I don’t trust you.” He says. My head jerks back in offense, a sound of disapproval leaving my throat at his words.

“You don’t trust me? That’s very fucking ironic, Rafe.” I laugh out loud harshly, the sarcasm of it made obvious through my otherwise stoic features. “Comedic, even.”

“No, I don’t trust you.” Rafe looks unamused by my theatrics, head tilting to the side in annoyance as he listens to my dry laughter. “I don’t trust you to go back there and keep your mouth shut about the shit you’ve seen. How do I know you won’t go running that pretty little mouth to the first sheriff you see, huh? What are you gonna tell your parents?”

“I already told you I’m not going to tell anybody? What reason do I have to lie about that?”

He closes his eyes and rests his hands on his forehead, fingers working to flatten out the stress wrinkles between his brows. His tongue pokes out of the confines of his mouth again, the moisture on his lips shining in the sunlight shining through the windows.

“You’re too unpredictable. You don’t trust me, so I definitely don’t trust you to not say a word.” Rafe’s voice is flat as he speaks, eyes still shut and lightly fluttering involuntarily. 

“I have every reason not to trust you, Rafe! Have you lost your fucking mind?” I’m sure Rose and Wheezie can hear everything I’m saying, my voice echoing off the walls of the house as I yelled at the blonde in front of me.

“Do you think I’m stupid? You think I really believe you’re just gonna act like nothing happened?” Rafe asks rhetorically. “I don’t trust you, so you aren’t leaving my sight. Especially not when those Pogues could be anywhere right now.”

“They could be fucking dead right now, Rafe.”

“Is that supposed to be such a bad thing?” He says. I looked at him in bewilderment, not sure if I correctly heard what just escaped his lips. “Less problems for us if they’re gone.”

“My brother could be dead, Rafe! Your sister could be fucking dead and that’s what you have to say?” Rage engulfs my entire body, stomach turning at his blatant dismissal of such a serious topic.

“My dad could be dead right now too, Neriah!” He says in the same tone as me. I almost flinch at the base in his voice, the sound unfamiliar to me. “My dad could be dead, in fact, he almost died because John B tried to kill him. He’s in a coma because your little pogue brother and his friends don’t know how to butt out.”

I swallow dryly, tongue heavy in my mouth. Ward’s in a coma? Is that why Rafe is wearing his ring? 

“So I’m supposed to do, what? Stay here with you forever?” My eyebrows are drawn together tightly as I question him. “I’m supposed to pretend there’s not a bunch of kids out there that could be dead or lost at sea?”

Rafe shrugs his shoulders in response, his body language showing that he couldn’t care any less if they lived or died. His behavior made my stomach turn in anger, my dropped jaw turning into a sneer of disgust. 

The blonde rolls his eyes at my display once again as if he was the one that should be annoyed right now. He huffs out a breath of air, lips smacking together loudly.

“What I’m worried about right now is protecting my dad. My—my family.” He says finally after an awkward pause on my end. He points towards the door at his father on the other side, the mad hidden away somewhere in this house. “I don’t give a damn about Sarah because she doesn’t give a damn about us. Don’t you get that? She would leave our own dad to die to go be a street rat with her boyfriend. I’m sorry about your brother, but he was just collateral damage.”

“Collateral damage?” 

“Yes, collateral damage.” He continues on immediately, not eleven giving me the chance to finish speaking. “I have bigger shit to worry about right now than a bunch of Pogues and my sellout sister, okay? I’m the man of the family until my dad wakes up, if he wakes up, so excuse me for not caring about some—some miniscule outside shit that doesn’t matter in the long run.”

I bite down on my bottom lip to stop myself from cursing at him, the pain preferable to saying something I shouldn’t while stuck on a remote island with a man that has clearly lost his mind. Rafe’s eyes fall to the soft flesh stuck between my teeth and he sucks in a deep breath.

I release the chapped skin from the prison of my teeth and drop my eyes to the floor.

“Get the hell out.” I say shortly. He looks like he wants to laugh at me, the slight smirk on his face only managing to piss me off even more. “Get the hell out of my room, Rafe.”

“Your room?” He points at the closet containing both of our things before looking back at me. “This is our room. I don’t have to go anywhere.”

“Fine! I’ll leave then.” He grabs my arm before I get a chance to take more than three steps around him. 

His fingers dig into my flesh painfully and I wince, his grip not wavering as I attempt to pull away from his steel grip. 

“Rafe, let me go. I’m not going to ask you again.”

“You can be mad at me all you want, I don’t care. It doesn’t change anything.” He says.

I stumble a bit as he pulls me closer to him, his face only inches away from mine. His breath is minty against my face and the scent of his cologne fills my nose, the familiarity of it leading my mind to wander to brief memories of our moments of closeness back home.

“I need to make sure my family is safe, and it may not seem like it, but everything I do is to keep you safe too.” Rafe leans and plants a soft kiss to my cheek, right next to my lips. My eye twitches at the contact, but I make no other movement. “It’ll all work out in the end, I promise.”

He releases me finally, my arm surely bruised once again from his less than gentle handling. Walking to the other side of the bed, he sits down and digs in his pocket to reveal a new phone that I’ve never seen.

Gritting my teeth together, I grab a change of clothes out of my suitcase on the bed before entering the open door of the ensuite bathroom. 

[scorpiussage]

The Ghost of Margate Manor

(Alfie Solomons x Reader) - Oneshot 

Pairing: Alfie Solomons x Y/N

Summary: Everyone in Margate knows the mansion on top of the hill is haunted. Y/N finds this out first hand. 

Warnings: none, swearing 

Everyone who lives in Margate knows that the mansion on top of the hill is haunted. They say some gruesomely ugly ghost haunts the corridors and eats those who trespass. Really, it’s all rubbish, but when you’re five drinks deep like Y/N is, the idea doesn’t seem so far fetched. Her friends are no help, either, as they are also horrendously drunk and daring her to break into the manor if she’s so sure there’s no ghost. 

That was thirty minutes ago and now that Y/N is standing at the top of the hill next to the mansion, she’s suddenly worried that those tall tales might be true. Her friends are all waiting at the bottom of the hill, though, and she absolutely cannot go back without following through; she’d never live it down. So here she is, rock in hand, breaking into a side patio door into what used to have been a ballroom of some kind. The few pieces of furniture (and the chandelier) are all covered in eerie white sheets that billow in the breeze from the open doorway. 

Tamping down on her fear, Y/N continues forward, exiting the ballroom into the main corridor. That’s all the further she gets before she encounters him. 

…

Alfie is just trying to enjoy his first night on his own. Since getting shot in the face by that Peaky cunt, he’s been laid up in bed being tended to by nurses and maids. But now, now, he’s finally healed enough to be alone for extended periods of time and he’s been looking forward to it for months. 

He’s got a nice pot of tea, hot and ready, his newspaper in his hand and a big fire in the hearth. With an excited giggle he moves to sit down in his favorite chair when he hears the sound of glass breaking. He looks at the pot of tea and newspaper forlornly, already knowing that the relaxation of this night is gone. Throwing down his newspaper, he surges out into the hallway while readying his pistol, ready to kill the fucker who thought it was a good idea to break into Alfie Solomon’s house. 

Something rams into his chest and lets out an ‘oof’. Raising his brow in surprise, he looks down at who broke into his house. 

It’s a woman, a tiny one at that, and she reeks of bourbon like there’s no tomorrow. She looks up at him, the color draining from that pretty face of hers. 

Before Alfie can say something, she shrieks, “Ah! A ghost!” 

And then she punches him in the face. 

Alfie lets out a loud curse and clutches his sore cheek. Little bit got him right on his wounded side too, “What the bloody fuck was that for?!”

They stare at each other for a long moment before the woman drunkenly asks, “Wait, you’re not a ghost?”

“I’m fuckin’ what?” he demands, reaching out and grabbing her by her arm. 

She gapes up at him stupidly, and says, “Everyone in Margate knows that this mansion is haunted.” 

What sort of looney bin did he move to? 

“Well as you can clearly see, I am not a ghost, love. Now, why the fuck are you in me house?”

The woman doesn’t get a chance to answer because in the next moment she’s bending over and vomiting all over Alfie’s slippers. Yeah, the peace that he’d been promised tonight is long gone. 

…

Y/N wakes up with a pounding headache and a terrible taste in her mouth. She looks around herself in confusion. She’s in some plushly decorated bedroom with extravagant curtains and warm hand carved furniture. This doesn’t look like her room or the room of anyone she knows. 

Looking to her left, she sees a man slouched down in an armchair, his loud snores telling her he’s asleep. 

That’s when she remembers what happened and feels a wash of horror and embarrassment overcome her. God, she was such an idiot and to top it all off she assaulted this poor man. Reaching over, she gently shakes the man’s shoulder to wake him. He does so with a snort and he squints over at her with a contemplative gaze. 

“I just want to say that I am so terribly sorry,” Y/N says while wringing the edge of the blanket on her lap, “I can’t believe I broke into your house! I will pay for whatever repairs that are needed, I swear.” 

The man smacks his lips as he takes in what she’s just said before he reaches his hand out, “‘It’s alright, love. No harm done. I’m Alfie.” 

He’s an oddly handsome man under his unkempt beard and the large scar on his face. And his hands are large and warm as they engulf hers in a handshake. Y/N introduces herself in return. 

“Surely there’s something I can do to make it up to you? I did break your window after all,” she tells him fretfully while climbing out of the bed.

 He watches her while rubbing his chin and says, “Yeah, ‘suppose there’s one thing you could do.” 

That’s how Y/N finds herself returning to the not-so-haunted manor later that night and having dinner with a one Alfie Solomons. 

[jkl-fff]

Halloween might be over, BUT THE SPOOKY LIVES ON!

Can you tell us a scary story?✨ (preferably something that happened to you, but if you want to switch it to a friend, or something made up, FEEL FREE TO DO SO!:D)

Once, while I was living in Grenoble, France, a colleague and I were looking for a new area to go door-to-door (yes, I was one of those for a while). So we opened a map (this was in, like, 2006 or 2007) and blindly pointed to an area on it, as was often our habit.

Now, according to the map, there was nothing unusual about the spot we happened to choose. It looked to be a subdivision out in the suburbs, like countless others we'd been to. Basically a developed part of a small village that had been enveloped into the congolmerated city by urban sprawl. Nothing special--not according to the map.

We headed that way after lunch, taking the tram out as far as the line went, then riding a city bus almost to the end of its line. It was almost 2:30 in the afternoon by the time we disembarked, yet we still had to walk a distance after that. Down narrow, winding roads, on a bridge over traintracks, and along these paved walkways that ran between hedges and chainlink fences. Constantly consulting the map, the streets and paths were so confusing.

There was this small park ahead of the entrance to the subdivision, and that was where the first unsettling occurence happened.

Scrawled on a lamp post in French with a permanent marker, too high up even for me to write it comfortably (and I'm rather tall), was the message "Stop right there". My colleague and I, naturally, found that a bit strange. But we'd seen far more explicitly menacing graffiti, so we didn't pay it much mind. Just kept walking ...

and the world noticably fell still and silent once we passed it.

I cannot emphasize this enough. The wind suddenly died--we couldn't even feel the slightest breeze, let alone hear the rustle of tree branches or dead leaves. There was suddenly no birdsong, no sound of barking dogs, no distant noises of traffic.

We remarked how spooky it was. But we were young men and, naturally, thought ourselves impervious to harm. So we marched right through the park and into the subdivision itself.

And that was where the second unsettling occurence happened. The place was utterly deserted.

Not empty or uninhabited, because there were clear signs every house and condo in this subdivision was occupied. Cars were in driveways and parked on the streets. Many of the residences had a kind of patio-balcony enclosed by glass walls and ceilings that people seemed to treat like just another room of their house. Meaning we could literally see into their homes--kids toys strewn about, clothes draped over furniture, dishes on the table or in the sink, all the bric-a-brac of people living comfortably in their own spaces. But not a single soul was present.

As if everybody had just disappeared 5 minutes before we got there.

And always that same stillness and silence hung over eveything. No windchimes, no pedestrians or cyclists on the sidewalks, no cats slinking about, no airplanes flying overhead, no gardening or yardwork, no squirrels bounding across the street, no distant train whistles, no drivers passing by, no birds flitting in search of food. Nothing.

We knocked on dozens of doors. Must've spent over an hour there, at least. But there was never an answer. None of the bells worked, either, not as far as we could hear--no muffled ringing or buzzing through the doors. Even factoring in the time of day, you would've expected there to be *someone* home. Heck, kids should've been returning from school. But there was never a single person that we saw.

Eventually, we gave up on that spooky-ass location. We left, heading back towards Grenoble proper. But I swear, the instant we walked out that subdivision ... the wind started blowing again, and I saw a bird fly ahead of us.

[miagwynwrites]

Cursed part 1

Genre: horror/paranormal

CW: yelling

Length: 1k+

Summary: you and lou move to the house of your dreams but of course you didn't think the hauntings would happen to you

Pairings: lou x female reader

A/N: I'm sorry I never continued the series cause I lost motivation and thought at the time my writing was horrible so there's only 2 parts. Also a spoiler to part 2 at the end :) Tagging: @atinystaypixie 🦬

You and Hosung moved into this Victorian era house. It was Hosung’s dream house, he thought it was so perfect and it was his dream to start a family in a pretty house like this. So you moved in, but things started changing and questions were raised about whether or not the house was haunted

It started like it always did, simple eerie sounds coming from other rooms, the stereotypical cold air, finding doors open that you definitely closed and the feeling of someone watching you. You just assumed, like in the movies that it was just your imagination. Of course since the house was hundreds of years old it wouldn’t just be quiet. 

Upon Hosung’s decision you began to remodel the inside, taking down walls, getting rid of furniture, replacing the floor boards and things like that. Of course with every old ass house their was bound to be an attic or a basement. Lucky for you this house didn’t have both. The attic was large and there were boxes and furniture covered in sheets and dusts scattered throughout. Hosung was downstairs working on sanding the railing and sent you up to clean out the attic. Looking around you found lots of vintage clothing and pics of people, who you assumed were past residents of the house. You came up to a big floor to ceiling mirror, it was dusty and covered in finger prints. Like in any horror movie you’d seen, the main character always blew on the mirror. So you did so as well. 

Thankful that nothing jumped out at you you made a face in the mirror before continuing to search the room. And like any other horror movie you started to feel cold. Of course just like the main character you assumed it was because 1. it was an attic and 2, it was an old house. You’re time in the attic was cut short when you looked over at the circular window to see a shadow move quickly away from the window. Hairs raised and heart beating out of your chest to scrambled out of there finding Hosung as quick as you could.

Hosung wasn’t by the stairway so you called out for him. “I’m on the patio.” you rushed outside to join Hosung. Since it was during the summer it was hot and the heat always made Hosung feel sticky. “Here, have a glass of lemonade.” Hosung said pouring you one. He had taken his plaid shirt off and was just wearing a thin tank top. You smiled taking the glass and sitting next to him in the plastic chair. “So how was the attic adventure?” Hosung asked. You hesitated for a moment. You didn’t want to assume that the house was haunted and you didn’t want Hosung to be discouraged about his dream home so you lied. “It was boring. It’s just a bunch of crap the neighbors left.” you said not meeting his gaze. “Oh. Hey, is it alright if I invite the boys over after we finish remodeling? As like a celebratory thing?” You shrugged, “sure why not. I’m sure the boys would love to see the house.

That night a sound woke you up. You were a heavy sleeper so you were surprised that such a faint noise woke you up. Like most horror movies, the character would shoot up out of bed and then leave the comfort of their partner and go investigate. But you weren’t stupid. So when you heard the faint giggle of a little girl you knew better than to get out of bed. You wanted to wake Hosung, you really did but you tried your best to shake it off. By this time the summer heat was replaced by a cool night breeze and you shivered from having the window open. You didn’t dare get up to close the window so you snuggled closer to Hosung, trying to bury your whole body in his chest. A wave of comfort washed over you when you felt Hosung’s arms wrap around your body and pull you close. His soft breathing and the slow pace of his heart beat quickly put you to sleep

Weeks pass and you were almost done with the remodeling. Things were starting to become more active and you would wake up at odd hours of the morning, the most common times were 2 am and 4:30 am, crying because of the nightmares that you were starting to get. Hosung consoled you every night and you felt horrible that he was losing sleep because of you. He was worried about what was going on but you always refused to talk with him. Another thing you noticed was that sometimes Hosung would get really moody late at night, usually before you go to bed. Things escalated when you would get into fights. You’d never gotten into a fight with Hosung before and it was always about the house. 

“I didn’t remodel this house just to pack up and leave.” Hosung groaned throwing his dish into the sink. “I never said we should leave I’m just saying that I can’t be the only one who hears strange noises and sees things” you were aggressively scrubbing the food off the plate. “What, you think this house is haunted? You’re just paranoid.” Hosung said leaving the kitchen to pick up the food off the dining table. “I not paranoid Hosung! I hear giggling and and footsteps and my nightmares are getting worse.”  “Then see a counselor for god sakes y/n. You’re being ridiculous.” “I’m being ridiculous? Really, you think I’m faking these nightmares? You think I wake up screaming and crying on purpose, none of this happened before we moved here. I’m not making any of this up Hosung, something is wrong with this house.” “Well if you don’t like this house than leave.” Hosung spat throwing his hands in the air. You stood there shocked for a second. “Are you fucking kidding me? You think I’m just gonna walk away from this relationship and you over this stupid situation? Hosung are you serious right now?” You stopped scrubbing the food that obviously wouldn’t come off and looked at Hosung. He sighed crossing his arms. “How are we supposed to start a family if you won’t shut up about ghosts.” “I won’t shut up about ghosts? Hosung you know there’s something wrong with this house. Both of us aren’t acting the way we used too you’ve got to think something is off.” 

For the next 20 minutes you and Hosung were at each other screaming and throwing words. You were fighting to hold your tears back but this was breaking you. You were scared of what was happening between you and Hosung but he wasn’t understanding, you couldn’t get through to him. You were cut off by a glass falling off the counter. You both jumped and fell silent. After a few minutes Hosung silently spoke up. “You broke it.” Hosung said grabbing the dust pan. “How did I break it, I’m over here, it was not me.” you said sniffling. “Well it wasn’t me. That’s the third time this week that something has broke.” Hosung threw the glass in the garbage than leaned against the counter. “I’m sorry baby,” he said sighing and pulling you into a hug. You sobbed into his chest, your body shaking uncontrollably. You pulled away from him after awhile. “What’s happening to us Hosung?” “I don’t know baby. But don’t cry, we’ll get to the bottom of this. We’ll be alright.” 

Spoiler warning uwu: “None of this would’ve happened if we never played with that stupid game.” You sigh leaning against Jacob. Now Heejun and Yoonho are in the hospital,” you cut yourself off tears beginning to fall. “And Hosung is dead.” Jacob pulls you close to him and tries to comfort you. “We thought it was just a game. We never should’ve forced you into it.” Geumhyuk says. Baron said he’ll call around for a priest and see if we get him to cleanse the house as well as all of us.” “But that won’t bring back Hosung.” You continue to cry, Jacob rubs your back to get you to calm down. You stop the small talk as Baron enters the waiting room. “Any news?” Wooyoung says. Baron shakes his head. “The doctors don’t know what’s wrong with them. “That’s what they said about Hosung.” you say through the tears.