#buck u caught him at the worst moment

[fictionalwh0ree]

can u post headcanons of each greaser finding out ur pregnant? (what they would act like during your pregnancy, their feelings, etc)

the gang finding out you're pregnant hcs

warnings: pregnancy, mentions of sex, mentions of alcohol

a/n: i didn't write for steve bc i had no ideas, sry guys

johnny cade

when you found out you were pregnant, you didn’t know what to do, but you didn’t wait to tell johnny

when you broke the news to him he went quiet

but he broke out into a smile right after

he was definitely nervous about everything

telling your parents, the financials, if he would even tell his parents, etc.

during your pregnancy johnny was the type to do anything

especially as you got further into it

you dropped your hair tie? say less, he’s picking it up

you’re thirsty? all you have to do is ask

he is definitely they type to talk to your belly

as you get further in, he gets more nervous

his relationship with his parents is rough, he doesn’t want his kid to ever feel the way he does

you assure him that he’ll be a great dad because he doesn’t wanna be like his dad

i peg him as a girl dad

you know once that baby is born he’ll do absolutely anything for them

dallas winston

finding out you were pregnant with dallas winston’s baby was surely the worst news of your life

dallas was not shy about expressing his disdain for children

you actually waited a while after finding out to tell him

mostly because you were either hoping it was a mistake or because you were considering just skipping town or something and never telling him

dallas caught on that something was wrong with you about a week after you found out

for the first week he just assumed that your weird silence towards him was your period making you moody

but he noticed how it wasn’t going away

you were barely talking to him and couldn’t hold eye contact with him

he let it slide for a little while

but he couldn’t deal with it after a while

so one night when he was walking you home from bucks, he decided to say something

“what’s wrong with you?”

“what do you mean?”

“don’t act dumb. do you think i haven’t noticed you being all fidgety and quiet around me? are you cheating on me?”

the question made your heart hurt so you knew you had to tell him then and there

“no”

“don’t lie to me”

“i swear”

“then what is it”

“if i tell you, can you promise not to get mad?”

“alright, if it stops you acting all weird.”

“i’m pregnant.”

he didn’t believe you at first

until you pulled out the pregnancy test from your bag

you’d been carrying it around just waiting for the moment you’d tell him

he finished walking you home, but expect him to go awol for a couple days after that

after much consideration, you two decided to keep it

you were nervous at first

but as the weeks went by and your belly got bigger, you could see him coming around to the idea of having a mini dallas

he will protect you with his life

so much as one wrong look and he’ll throw a punch

he also steals everything he can for the baby

seeing you pregnant with his baby turns him on sooooo much

he has the same problem as johnny, where he’s worried about turning out like his own father

but you assure him he knows better, and you know the gang will keep him in check

he talks to your belly when you’re asleep (or when he thinks you’re asleep)

he had a weird intuition from the start about the baby’s gender

and he was right

i also see him as a girl dad

but regardless of gender expect him to be extremely protective over his child

ponyboy curtis

finding out you were pregnant with pony’s baby was nerve wracking

darry had definitely given you guys the talk

and he had high expectations for ponyboy

so this pregnancy was really a curveball

you rehearsed what you’d tell ponyboy for days

you decided you’d tell him one day when you were alone with him at his house

you didn’t let him get a word in as you told him

the words just flew out of your mouth as you tried to find ways you could work through it without destroying his future

he stopped you halfway with a hug

he told you it’d be okay but you could tell he was very unsure

you and ponyboy actually devised a whole plan for his brothers (mostly darry)

he typed it out on a typewriter to make it neat and it featured many parts that covered basically anything they’d need to know

from work schedules, to savings, to school, it was all in there

so one day pony said he needed to talk to his brothers with you

you can imagine darry already had an idea of what it was from that

so you sat down and ponyboy broke the news, quickly throwing in how you two had worked out all the logistics

darry definitely gave you a lecture while soda sat there trying to process what you had said

“darry please, we have a plan”

pony begged and eventually handed him your typewrited document

he finally sat down and read it over, head in his hand and his stress evident to everyone

as you got bigger and time passed, darry had to adjust to the idea

but eventually everyone had come around to it

you and pony spent so much time talking about your future

discussed baby names from day one

he wasn’t the only one protective of you, the whole gang was

during your pregnancy, ponyboy was the sweetest person ever

he was so understanding with your hormones all over the place

he also read books on parenting and pregnancy so he could understand what was going on with you and just to be prepared in general

he definitely writes letters to your baby so they can read it when they’re older

he wants his kid to have lots to remember him by in case of anything

checks up on you throughout the school day

defo cried when he first held his baby

tbh i could see him being a boy or girl dad

sodapop curtis

you weren’t too worried when you found out you were pregnant with soda’s baby

in fact, you took the test with him when you realized you were late

when the two lines came up, he hugged you so hard

he told everyoneeeeee

he was so happy

throughout your pregnancy you both worked to save up and you encouraged soda to put his dx experience to use and search for a higher position somewhere

he looked so proud walking around with you when you were noticeably pregnant

he will not let anyone or anything harm you

loose floorboard? he fixed it already

also tried to read some books about pregnancy/parenting

he loves shopping for baby clothes

he also shamelessly talks to your belly

he does it every day without fail

he will literally give up anything for your comfort

he would sleep on the cold hard floor if it meant you slept well

when you went into labour he was panicking

but he was with you every step of the way

i see him as a girl dad 100%

he shows off his baby to everyone

tbh your baby is probably absolutely adorable, like magazine material baby

darry curtis

finding out you were pregnant with darry’s baby gave you very mixed feelings

on one hand, you were both adults and you wanted to settle down eventually

on the other hand, you were worried because of the finances

you told him over a dinner you cooked for him when the house was empty

at first he was kind of speechless

but he got really excited

you guys immediately started saving, and when you told his brothers, they were ecstatic to be uncles

ponyboy got a job soon enough so the financial burden wasn’t on darry as much as before

he single-handedly built all your baby furniture and put together the nursery

is the type to rub your feet and give you massages

does whatever you need him to

its difficult sometimes though, darry’s patience runs thin quickly and your hormones make you a little all over the place

he does work on his temper a lot tho

you both work as much as possible to prepare for the birth of your baby

darry would take candid photos of you during your pregnancy all the time

as you get further into your pregnancy, he really pushes for you to stop working so much

but you tell him you’ll stop working so much when he does

eventually, you’re back to working your normal amount

he prioritizes you over anyone else

if the gang is being loud and its late

he’ll kick them out in a split second

he’s not the type to talk to your belly too much besides a “bye/i love you” type thing

but he kisses it after he kisses u

he has some preparental panic when you go into labour

but you assure him everything’s gonna be okay

he also cried when he first held the baby

i could see him being either a boy or girl dad but maybe like fraternal twins

he loves his baby/ies a lotttttt

he teaches them everything he knows and protects them with his life

it was very fitting that you had kids bc you two were seen as the parents of the group

meaning the entire gang had your kids back all the time

two-bit matthews

when you found out you were pregnant with two’s baby you were really nervous

he was very easy going and he loved to be free and have fun

a kid would take away from that

two’s a big drinker and you tended to have a drink or two when you were around him

so you couldn’t hide this at all

when you turned down a beer at first, he didn’t question it

but when the day became night, and he knew you had nothing the day after, he questioned why you kept turning it down

so you just told him

he thought it was a joke

or that one of his friends had put you up to this

but when he realized you were serious

he hugged you so tight

you were worried because he had no job and no intentions of getting one

thankfully his mom was super supportive of your relationship so you could stay with him

you really pushed him to get some kind of job

he spends the entire pregnancy talking about how excited he is to have a mini me

like he is prepared to match outfits and hang out with that baby all day

he doesn’t like bend down to talk to your bump but he talks to it as if the baby was already out and grown

(he definitely thinks having sex with you means he’s poking the baby with his penis)

but does that stop him? no

his reasoning, the baby won’t remember it

you guys get into your fair share of arguments but he is great at lightening the mood and making you laugh

he’s actually a great communicator

he can be a little oblivious to your needs sometimes so you do have to keep him in check

when you went into labour he really didn’t know what to expect

(he sneaked a look at ur vag when you were in labour and was actually traumatized after)

BOY DAD

your baby is 100000000% his mini me

like they WILL act the same

especially as they grow older

he loves making your baby laugh

[fourrarri]

@fireadapt​​ :  ‘ are you drunk? ’ QUESTION STARTERS  ||  accepting.

          💸 ║ ❛  ────────    What  a  QUESTION !  This  guy  really  has  the  audacity  to  show  up  in  front  of  his  club  like  THAT  and  ask  a  ridiculous  question  like  THIS .  Lance  did  have  a  couple  shots  before,  sure.  But  it’s  only  natural.  And  yes,  Buck  found  him  lying  on  the  floor,  but  that  doesn’t  necessarily  mean  he’s  DRUNK,  right ?  Everyone  has  a  bad  day.  Everyone  trips  over  their  own  feet  every  now  and  then.  Doesn’t  mean  anything,  at  least  not  to  Lance.  Struggling  to  get  back  up  again  at  first,  he  takes  his  time  to  find  a  secure  spot  to  hold  on  to.  The  walls  will  do. 

          ❝     I am  OUT  OF  LUCK.  But  not  drunk.  I  ain’t  that  weak.    ❞   he  says  as  he’s  slowly  pulling  himself  back  up  on  his  feet,  leaning  against  the  wall  to  not  fall  over  again.  His  vision  seems  a  little  bit  clearer  now  that  he  focuses  on  the  person  standing  in  front  of  him.    ❝     Oh,  it’s  you,  bombero  !  You  look  kinda  DIFFERENT ... or ...  --it  is  you,  right ?    ❞  

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Laid Bare

Breach Masterlist

Warnings: non/dubcon sex (series), general angst, arguing, two dumbasses arguing in Russian 

This is dark!Winter Soldier/Bucky and explicit. 18+ only.

Note: We’re so close to the end, I’m sad.

I won’t demand but do ask for feedback; likes, reblogs, replies, comments, asks, especially on this series, but again, enjoy in your own way! <3 Love you!

You stormed down the stairs, so angry you almost tumbled down and barely righted yourself with the railing. You were blinded by the white rage. You’d never been this furious. Not after everything that happened. Not at Hydra, not at Soldat, not even at the world around you. 

But in that moment, you could have torn James into pieces. And you were ready to do just that. 

Luka’s giggles greeted you before you entered the room. You were aware of the men who followed you only steps behind. Howard and Steve made no move to restrain you and if they had, you’d spare them none of your spite.

As you slid to a halt inside the door of the living room, you found Bucky on the floor, holding Luka above him as the boy stretched out his arms like an airplane. The zooming noises coming from the man made you even more angry. How could he sit here and pretend? How could he lie to you?

“James!” you nearly hollered, “you put our son down right now!”

He was startled, the first time you’d ever seen that look in his eyes as he stilled and even your son looked back in fear.

“Mama, what’s wrong?” Luka asked sweetly.

“Mishka, you go to our room and stay,” you ordered, “I speak with your father.”

“What’s going on?” Luka looked close to tears as James put him down.

“You don’t worry,” you said in fractured English, “you go.”

You waited as Steve reached for the boy and took him up the stairs. You turned and watched.

“Steven,” you called after him, “you keep an eye on my boy… and I keep eye on you!”

It was a poor threat as your whirling mind kept you from sense. You looked to Howard as he remained agape at the foot of the stairs.

“And you, you want to see!?” you jabbed your finger at him and devolved into Russian as you began to shake with anger. The words you called him you’d never even heard in English.

“Hey,” James touched your arm, “Howard, go.”

You spun and shoved James away. He flinched and planted his feet as he watched you. You heard Howard’s retreat and curled your lip.

“They told you,” he said plainly.

“In Russian,” you demanded, “I can’t think in your tongue!”

“I’m sorry. It’s best for all of us. I got you this far--”

“So you know that you would go to your death?” you spat in Russian, “you would leave us after all of this?”

“I’m finishing the job. I’m saving you and the boy.”

“Your boy!” you shouted, “yours! James, you idiot! It was never you and me, it was us. We got this far. Together! And now you think you owe me this? That you owe them? You earned your life.”

“I hurt you!” his voice cracked as it rose and his eyes shone, “I hurt you all those times and I remember every time.” He shook his head and backed away, almost cowering, “I remember the look in your eyes, the way you begged me to stop, and I couldn’t. Luka’s life is the one that I earned. Yours, I earned that, too. Mine is the cost--”

“No,” you barked and got closer to him, “That’s shit and you know it. It wasn’t you, you are not the soldat.” You panted and your lip trembled as you watched him, “I forgave you. I forgive you.” You neared him and he winced as you reached for his hand, his real hand, “this is you,” you said and reached to his metal fingers, “this is not. I know the difference.”

“I have to go--”

“Then I go too,” you said as you clung to his hands, “I go and we both come back.”

“No, you can’t--”

“Because I will die? You think only you get to make that choice? No, you go and I go with you,” you insisted.

He stared at you, searching, his blue eyes sparkled in confusion. His lips parted and he let out an exasperated breath, “why?”

“Because you idiot, I love you,” you dropped his hands and wrapped your arms around him as you pressed your head to his shoulder. 

For a moment, he was frozen, he was shocked, he was dazed. Then he hugged you back and held you. His fingers rubbed your back and you heard his heartbeat racing, your own too.

“I…” he rasped as he brought his real hand up as you looked at him. He framed your face and his thumb glided down your cheek, “I…” his throat bobbed, “I love you, too.”

“So you let me save you this time,” you said, “it’s my turn.”

Slowly he leaned in, almost scared as his lips brushed yours. You pushed your mouth to his and kissed him. As deep as you could, as hard as you could, with every ounce of loneliness and pain that you’d felt in all those years. 

He squeezed you to him as he kissed you back and for the first time, he relaxed. He just was. He wasn’t tense, he wasn’t pacing, he wasn’t bracing for the worst. He was just there with you.

You hung off of him and blindly walked him backwards. He let you guide him and by chance, you led him to the couch. He parted from your lips as he fell back and you quickly climbed on top of him. You caught yourself on his shoulders and looked him in the face.

“Do you want this?” you asked, “do you want me?”

“Yes, do you want me?” he uttered in a brittle tone. 

“Yes, yes, I do,” you cradled his face and kissed him once more.

His hands walked up and down your sides and along your stomach. He explored every inch as if it were the first time. It was, really. The first time with James, the first time he’d really remember. The first time for the woman he’d saved.

You reached for the bottom of his tee shirt and he winced again. You paused and his gaze met yours as you sat up.

“James?”

“I just… I don’t want to hurt you,” he said.

“You won’t,” you assured him and rolled the hem up his muscled torso.

He let you and lifted his arms. You tossed aside the shirt and he kept you from stripping off your own shirt. “No, I have to-- Just--”

He reached over to the metal along his left shoulder. His fingers curled around and he grimaced as he pulled. The arm popped off and he gasped as it fell limp beside him on the couch. The scars along his chest and shoulder ended in a stump with exposed metal that connected it to the enhanced prosthetic. He closed his eyes and looked down.

“You don’t have to be ashamed,” you said.

“I’m not,” he replied as he opened his eyes, “but I only want you to see me. Just me.”

You pecked his lips and then his cheeks and neck. His arm hooked around you loosely as he let you take control. His fingertips pressed to your flesh as he groaned and you pulled back to take off your shirt. With each breath, each touch, each kiss, you grew more impatient. You’d waited long enough.

You slung your arm around his neck and pulled him close as you took his hand and put it against your chest. He squeezed through the thin fabric of your bra. You turned and pushed him onto his back. He kicked his metal arm onto the floor as he followed your direction and you spread your body over his.

You kissed down along his throat, his collarbone, his broad chest, and when you traced the lines of his scars with your lips he shivered. You tended to each inch of him as you undressed him. 

He unhooked your bra and moved more confidently as he helped you out of your jeans. You wiggled out of your panties and laid over him, your leg bent over his hips as you basked in his warmth and lost yourself in his embrace.

He turned you on your side as you kept your leg hooked around him. You reached between your bodies and he let out a sharp breath as you grasped his length. You pushed you hand up and down him and nibbled hungrily at his bottom lip.

You lifted yourself over him as he fell onto his back again. You angled him between your legs and eased onto him. He slide into you smoothly and you buried your fingers in his hair and racked your nails down his beard as you got to your limit. You moaned and began to move your hips.

He tilted into you from below as his hand trailed the curved of your back and he gripped your thigh. You rocked on top of him slowly, carefully building your motion as heat flowed between your bodies. 

Your voice mingled with his and carried through the air but you didn’t care who heard. You needed him, you’d needed him for so long.

You moved faster and faster as the pressure built. You kissed him sloppily, bit at him as he nipped back, introduced yourself to this man through your touch. Your breath hitched and you pushed yourself up to straddle him completely, your hands on his chest as he gazed up at you with smoky eyes.

His hand crawled up your side and he admired the joining of your bodies with a groan. Your pelvis rubbed against his tantalizingly and you threw your head back in ecstasy as it rained down on you suddenly. You purred and pouted as you came but kept going, you wanted more, you wanted all of him.

He sat up and snaked his arm behind you. He fucked you from below as you kept your body in motion with his. His hot breath clouded around you and filled your lungs as he kissed you a dozenth time. Your lust was laced with a sense of disbelief.

He moaned and said your name. You felt how close he was and you urged him as you bucked your hips. The coach squeaked beneath your weight and you grasped his shoulders as another tidal crashed down over you. 

His hand stretched across the back of your neck and he grunted. He spilled into you and you slowed until you were still. He held you in his arm and you clung to him, clung to the moment. When it was over, when it was really over, you would have to face everything else and you were happy in that moment with just the two of you.

He fell back with you against him. He dragged his fingernails over your scalp and sighed. You echoed him and inhaled the scent of his sweat. You slid your arms under him and listened to his heart calm.

“Why did you never tell me?” you asked.

“Tell you what?”

“That you love me.”

“Because I’ve done enough to you.”

“Oh, and now you’re just torturing yourself,” you turned your head to look up at him, “when this is done, when we do what they want, it’s over. We go and be happy. No more torture.”

“When this is done?” he said thinly.

“We go together, we come back together,” you pushed the end of his hair away from his forehead, “for Luka.”

“Together,” he repeated.

You dropped your head and closed your eyes. Just a few more minutes. Just a little longer before the tugging in your chest was too much. You doubted your words just as much as he did.

[essaysbyciara]

It’s Been A Long Time | Nebraska Williams x Black!PlusSize Reader [Part 1/?]

Warnings: language, smut thoughts (my ministry!)

So this has been in my drafts for a *HOT MINUTE* but that photo of Trevante in high school triggered a release. If people dig where it could be going, I will add it to my list of stuff to finish and open up a taglist. I’ll try my best to do so, I promise! lol

“God, I played this album out…” Lil’ Wayne’s seminal album, The Carter, didn’t age at all. Back in 2004, Wayne was a secret about to bubble over to superstardom, just years shy of lollipops and Static Major (rest in peace). Wayne represented the teenage angst of your time, even though you toiled in the suburbs while he wrestled with the streets. But as “On My Own” damn near explodes your factory speakers, a high pitch ping from your phone pauses your trip down memory lane. 

Message from Sheena: Let’s catch up before the babies wake up. 

You hit the call button on your dash once you stop at a red light. 

“Girl, hey. You on your way to work?”

“Ain’t I always, Shi Shi? Damn near almost overslept. Thought I missed my flight.” 

Sheena, or Shi Shi, is the epitome of a best-friend-forever. You two met in Ms. Grayson’s civics class, 11th grade. On the first day of school, you rolled into third period wearing a Scream Tour II t-shirt and if you were to describe Sheena in that moment, jealous wasn’t even the word.  She stanned hard for Lil’ Bow Wow but her mom wouldn’t let her go to the concert because she got caught with a boy in her room. That boy is now the husband half-way responsible for the twin girls she’s hoping will give her some grace by sleeping a little bit longer. 

“Damn. You wanna gift some of that sleep to these twins, God mommy?”

“Only if you gift me some of those post-pregnancy boobs, Mommy Dearest,”

“Can’t do that. Jarell been having too much fun with those!” 

“Girl, eww. I don’t need to know all that.”

You kinda did. Sheena’s stories were always live, wild and uncut. And the only fireworks you’ve been adjacent to in months since you broke up with that lame stockbroker, Keith. You curve around the airport parking lot as Sheena starts digging deep into her latest soft-core episode with her husband since the six weeks ain’t up yet. In between interjections of how nasty Jarrell could be and watching planes taxi in the distance, you cruise through Instagram to take inventory of what your day might be like. 

Managing social media for the biggest sports publication in the country was not the fulfillment of a dream after high school because, shit,  social media didn’t exist when you were in high school. But it’s what has you just hours away from a flight to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, sitting in a parking lot, listening to your BFF’s slow burn sexcapades. You break up the audio immersion experience once your timeline displays something else to ruminate over.

“Sheena! Shi -- shut up! I can’t believe - you remember Lisa from high school? She got married ...and it ain’t to Brasco.” 

“Whaaaa… you can finally stop making u-turns in the hallway and snag your man!”

You didn’t appreciate the lowly dig from your friend about Nebraska “Brasco” Williams, star running back, track champion and boy so fine he made both Omarion and J-Boog look like ogres. Your high school crush had you shook to your pubescent core; pretty teeth, deep skin tone and two tattoos before the age of eighteen. You’d see him in the student parking lot with the rest of the football team and you’d rush to your car as if it would go home without you. He was too hot to handle. You were beyond envious that Lisa could. 

“Lisa ain’t do too bad. Her man is crazy fine. I mean, not Brasco fine but still…” 

“Man,  he had high school going crazy. I wonder what happened to him after that fight? I should stalk him on Facebook while I pump.” You laugh so hard, the couple walking past your car stops their argument to stare at you. 

Your laughs break once you realize you might actually miss that flight. You relegate Shi Shi to kiss the twins for you and to send his Facebook profile if she can actually find it. You tried years ago and failed. 

“Aight, fave. I will.  Love you. Text me when you touch down in Indy.” 

As you weave through the terminal, your mind thinks back to the days at New Birth High School. While it brought you joy in a forever friend and the launching point for your forever career in sports journalism, it did bring you one of the most hurtful days of your life that took years to shake. 

It was the summer going into your senior year. Lisa’s sweet sixteen pool party. No way in Hell you thought you’d be there but your Mom and Lisa’s stepmom sat on the same deacon board at church and somehow thought you two were friends; Lisa paid you dust in those hallways. You fretted over every part of your outfit, especially the swim shoes you didn’t want but your Dad picked up at Sports Authority. But you were fretting the most over your swimsuit, a red one-piece with a deep open back. It was sexy for a 16-year-old, to be honest, but you secretly tried it on at the mall and fell in love with it -- especially how it made you feel. 

You fell in deep love with your body that day. The way the swimsuit clenched your waist, giving your almost-pear shape some definition you’d never seen before. Your hips sat wide, your breast placed taunt, just peeking through the sides, showing off a crescent shaped birthmark right below your collarbone. It was Jet Beauty of the Week-esque and it made you feel on top of the world. Something that society kept telling you a plus-size teenage girl was not to feel. You used the last of your paper route money to buy it and hid your secret weapon in the back of your closet until the day arrived. You were hoping to get some boy’s attention -- especially Brasco. But you’d take anybody’s glare if you could get it. 

You were in the clear once your Mom dropped you and Sheena both off at Lisa’s back gate. As you walked into the party, the sounds of the local hip-hop and R&B radio station blasted throughout her huge backyard. So much fun was had -- so much splash and dash -- that the faint sounds of “Knuck If You Buck” failed to erupt a party full of teenagers it was made for. The pool seemed tempting in 90-plus heat but most of the temptation came from the jacuzzi next to it. There inside sat Brasco, his lanky on-field wide receiver sidekick Kenny and Jarell, Sheena’s partner-in-bedroom-bust crime looking delicious in their highlighter-color swim trunks. You were still figuring out your body and the reactions conjured up from the sight of water droplets chasing down their backs confused you even more. But the heat of the sun -- and the heat from your body -- got too much to bear. That pool called your name. 

You stripped off your t-shirt and denim shorts, leaving your swim shoes back by the picnic table. They clashed. Your nerves splashed together like the water you couldn’t wait to feel, battering against your heart. Were you ready for all this attention? Amongst the rest of the classmates, you disappeared. You weren’t popular. People knew of you but didn’t know you, only associating you with Sheena by proxy of Jarell. “My Goodies” came on the radio, providing you a soundtrack and a sign from God. Before you could answer the call, Sheena jumped into the pool. You tossed your glasses on top of your clothes and did the same. 

The water felt golden. Sheena smacked your face with sheets of chlorinated goodness. Too much fun was had by all, even Lisa joined in the fun. Suddenly the entire football team did too except Brasco and Jarell, languishing on the edge of the jacuzzi because like most boys from their side of town, they didn’t know how to swim. Lisa saw her boo in isolation and tapped Sheena on the shoulder. 

“Hey, Shi Shi. Let’s get in the jacuzzi.” Sheena grabbed your hand to guide you out of the pool. You weren’t expecting to see your Mom at the other end. Sheena didn’t grab you to join her in the warm bubbles, she got you out at the angry-faced-behest of your mother. You both were going home. The party silenced and stares followed as everyone watched your walk-of-shame to grab your clothes. You got what you wanted in the worst way possible. 

Your unholy exodus commenced when Lisa’s mom called yours to report what she saw: this red bathing suit too revealing for a little girl to wear. It wasn’t the green ruffled mess-of-a-bathing-suit from last year. She claimed to witness stares and whispers and “boobs hanging out, butt all out.” Your mom got over there quicker than a church shout. She waited to scold you after she dropped off Sheena. 

It was a Sunday School scolding like no other. Tears pooled deep like the one you were just having fun in. You tossed the bathing suit into the trash bin. You were never going to see it again. 

The announcement of your flight breaks you out of your day nightmare. Grabbing the handle on your suitcase, you see a text with an attachment from Sheena. 

Girllllllllllll. I found Brasco and babyyyyyyyyyyy… 

You gasp. Time did a wonder on him in all the right ways. He packed on even more muscle, chiseling out the navy thermal dressing his upper body. Teeth still bright, Moonlight-bright. His Omarion-Pandemonium-era braids were gone, now donning a clean fade with perfect waves. His stance meant business, a lot of it risky. You bite your lower lip to mask the “damn!” urging a release from you, staring at his picture so intensely that you damn near walk into the stewardess checking your boarding pass. 

You couldn’t wait to get to your first-class seat. You needed a safe space to drown in your own splash waterfalls. You beg Sheena to send you his profile, looking to make some more of that mess and she obliges. Scrolling through his Facebook, you see nothing. You needed him to match your uncleanliness. Another text from Sheena breaks you out of your spell. 

Ain’t shit on here though. I can’t find an Instagram or anything. That’s where the dirt is at lol 

You put your social media skills to work. Ain’t an Instagram profile that you can’t find. Nebraska Williams brings up nothing. Such a unique name and nothing to show for it. 

Maybe Jarell can follow him, Shi. 

Jarell ain’t on this thing. He hates all this stuff. You want me to follow him? 

Girl, yes! I need more pictures! I’m trying to find his ‘gram and no diceeeeeee. Ughhhh. 

Damn the “no cell phone until after lift off” announcement. You then try “Brasco”, too many names -- rappers, really--  and a dog company to boot. “Brasco Williams” yields no results. You couldn’t wait what could be hours, days,  weeks, maybe never, for a response from Brasco to Sheena’s friend request. 

You pull up Google as a last ditch effort. The results bring up what only seems to be archives from your now-defunct city newspaper covering one of Nebraska’s record-setting games from 2005. You know to quit while you’re ahead until you see a Youtube video: “Nebraska Williams (RB) New Birth High School (MD). uploaded by Donyell Williams. You remember Donyell as this boy who played too damn much in Geometry class but right now, he’s Brasco’s cousin who's Instagram profile came up on the first search. Thank God his profile wasn’t private. You scroll back far enough to hit the jackpot. 

I found it! @donniebrascowill is his Instagram. 

Sheena was right about the dirt. His posts were bare but his stories carried enough. Enough shirtless, weightlifting, fresh-out-the-barbershop-got-to-show-you-the-fade dirt. You hit the follow button before the stewardess asked for your drink selection. 

End of Part I

[kodzukenscorner]

Kuroo, Ushijima, and Sakusa during a blackout (NSFW)

anon asked: hi!! can you please do kuroo, ushijima, & sakusa during a blackout if u wanna add a little nsfw thats always nice too :))) 💕

a/n: omg 😭  the blackout request was one of the first ones i’ve ever done on here and finally we’re doing a part two!! thanks anon 💕

wc: 1,866

✶   ✶   ✶   ✶   ✶

Kuroo

Study dates were a norm for you and Kuroo

He may be a pain in your ass sometimes but that didn’t change the fact that he was also a nerd at heart

You were finding it to be very difficult to keep your focus on the work in front of you

Kuroo had already tried everything, he bought your favorite snacks, promised you could watch your favorite movie afterwards, anything to get you to focus

In the end he made do by saying you could get a quick kiss after you got a problem right and once you were completely done he would give you a proper kiss

That was enough to convince you because Kuroo’s kisses always had you melting into him

And it wasn’t everyday that he just offered them up without teasing you first

You were finally focusing on your work while Kuroo quietly explained some things to you when everything suddenly got dark

You both looked up in confusion and Kuroo went over to the window 

Some idiot had backed their car into a utility pole and knocked the power out for half the street

He groaned and sat down next to you looking over at your textbooks

“Let’s take a break, you can’t do your work in the dark”

“Can I still get my kiss?”

Your eyes adjusted enough to the dark to notice the sly smile spreading across his face 

“Well, you have been very good, so I guess you earned a kiss. Come here”

He patted his lap and you giddily straddled him

He took your chin between his fingers and brought your lips to meet his

Kissing Kuroo always started slow and languid then before you knew it, his tongue was sliding into your mouth while he sucked on your lower lip

He always had control and you happily let him do what he wanted 

You felt his hand move from your chin under your shirt to caress your sides

He pulled away when he felt you let out a content sigh

“You know, you didn’t get any problems wrong today. I think you deserve a reward”

He made quick work to undo the button on your jeans and slid them off of you

He didn’t bother taking off his own pants and just pulled them down enough to release his hard cock

He moved your underwear to the side and brought you down on his throbbing dick

He watched your face under the moonlight contort in pleasure as you sank down on him

His cock twitched as he saw the look of pure euphoria on your face when he finally bottomed out

“My smart kitten” He mumbled into the crook of your neck as he started to buck his hips upwards

Kuroo always liked setting a fast pace when you were riding him so he could see you bounce on him

And you loved it because he always managed to fuck you deeper than he normally did, hitting all the right spots, sending you into a dizzying frenzy

As your hands gripped onto his shoulders, trying to ground yourself while Kuroo crashed his hips into yours, you promised yourself you would study much more diligently

If this is how he was going to reward you for getting your homework right, you were going to be a straight A student from now on

Ushijima

You weren’t even together when your power went out

You were chatting on the phone together, even though you were the one who was doing most of the talking

But Ushijima has always been a good listener, and he actually pays attention to what you have to say

You were in the middle of a random story when suddenly all the lights in your room went out

You went silent on the line and Ushijima spoke up for the first time in a couple minutes asking if everything was alright

After looking around the rest of your home you told him the power had gone out

“Hmmm, my power is still on, maybe it’s just your area”

“Toshi, it’s kinda of creepy being here alone, could you come over?”

You could hear him hum as he paused for a minute

“I’ll be there in 10 minutes, don’t move around so you don’t get hurt”

You happily agreed and patiently awaited his arrival

You nearly jumped our of your skin when you heard his knock at the door but went to welcome him quickly and carefully

Once he stepped inside he took your hand, leading you back to the room so you wouldn’t trip on anything

He made himself comfortable on your bed, gesturing for you to join him

You excitedly laid next to him, resting your head on his chest

As much as you loved him, Ushijima wasn’t always the most outwardly affectionate person out there so you relished in this rare moment of intimacy

Your body loosened up under the soft touch of his hand grazing along your arm and he could feel it

You had been uneasy sitting alone in the dark and he felt guilty for not being here to comfort you sooner

He started placing soft kisses on the crown of your head and you purred in delight 

He was glad it was too dark to see anything or you would have caught a rare glimpse at one of his genuine smiles 

You had begun to drift off so you didn’t even notice when his hands started to travel farther down to caress your thighs 

It wasn’t until his hand made contact with your crotch did your eyes shoot open

Again, he isn’t the most affectionate person but when he gets in the mood you know he’s going to absolutely ravage you

You looked up at him and as your eyes adjusted to the dark you could see the lust in his

You gulped and he took that as the initiative to pin you under him and nearly rip your clothes off

You couldn’t stop the moan that escaped your lips just at the idea of him being so eager to wreck you

Your mind was so clouded with lust you didn’t realize he had stripped you both of your clothes until you felt his hard cock teasing your entrance 

His lips attached themselves to the sensitive skin on your neck, leaving what you were sure were going to be very dark marks soon enough

“You know I love you right?” He mumbled lowly against your skin

“Yes - ah I know, please Toshi...” You arched your back, begging him to fuck you

He knew he didn’t have to say anything else and slid his cock into you with ease

No matter how many times you two have done this you never get used to his impressive size 

Usually he gives you a moment to collect yourself and get used to him but tonight he was hellbent on showing you how much he could ruin you

He started a merciless pace, it wasn’t fast but the way his hips rammed in yours had you seeing stars

His grip on your sides was surprisingly gentle while you clawed at his back trying to calm yourself 

The embarrassment you would normally feel at hearing the lewd sound of your skin slapping against each other and the squelching that echoed through the room was completely thrown out the window

All you cared about was the way his cock hit all the right spots every time

And the thick vein you could feel rubbing against your walls was enough to throw you over the edge

You prayed that the power never came back on

Sakusa

This was honestly one of the worst decisions you’ve ever made

You were just lounging around with Sakusa when you suggested watching a movie together

He nodded and let you make the selection and you opted for a horror movie

Usually you were fine with horror movies, you did get scared every now and again but no more than the next person

What you were not counting on was the storm brewing outside

You could see the sky beginning to darken and the distant sound of rumbling thunder

Sakusa seemed unbothered by it all and you wondered if he ever got scared

You quietly shifted closer to him as the winds outside got worse and the movie got more intense

A sudden gust of wind caused the windows to rattle and you jumped in surprise

At this point you were right next to Sakusa and he put a reassuring hand on your thigh before turning his attention back to the movie

He wasn’t able to focus long because another gust of wind knocked the power out and you clung to his arm as you were both shrouded in darkness

You heard Sakusa sigh as he brought his free hand to pet your head

“What’s wrong? You were the one who picked the movie”

“I didn’t think the power would go out! What if that creepy guy from the movie comes out of nowhere?”

He pulled your head against his chest and let you rest there for a minute

“Don’t think about things like that”

“I can’t help it Omi! It’s in my head now”

“Let me take your mind off of it then”

You opened your eyes that had been screwed shut and realized you still couldn’t see a thing

Not that it mattered because you soon felt Sakusa’s gentle hand guide your face so he could connect his lips to yours

For someone who wasn’t big on physical affection, Sakusa was one of the best kissers, slow and sensual and just the perfect amount of roughness

You pressed your body as close to his as you could possibly get

His hand slid down to your waist and you jumped at the light touch

“Relax. It’s just me” He whispered against your lips where he placed soft kisses

He pushed your back down against the couch and gently removed all your clothes and his own soon after

He made sure to leave kisses on every expanse of bare skin he uncovered

Suddenly all your worries and fears melted away under his soft lips, all you were focused on was him

He hovered over you, peppering your face with more sweet kisses

It wasn’t everyday he was this gentle and loving with you so you reveled in every moment and every touch

You squirmed under him when you felt him suck on your neck and you could feel his erection pressing against your thigh

“Kiyoomi” You whined quietly

“I know, I know. Be patient, love” 

He kissed your jawline and started slowly pushing his cock into you

Once you started letting out soft moans he quickly snapped his hips and fully sheathed himself inside of you

The sudden change of pace had your back arching up, urging him to keep going

He started a slow put forceful pace, his hungry gaze never leaving your eyes

Even in the darkness you could see the pure adoration he held in his eyes as his cock stretched you out in the most perfect way possible

“I love you Kiyoomi”

“I love you too scaredy cat”

[cakesunflower]

Outer Banks Series Rewrite/JJ Maybank Fic Series [5. Midsummers]

Disclaimer: None of the characters (except for Stella) or their dialogues (for the most part) are my own, and belong to the writers & creators of Outer Banks!

Previous Parts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Read on AO3!

Here’s episode 5 “Midsummers”!

“Dude—Mom catches you out here, and you’re dead.” Stella peeked one eye open, catching sight of her sister standing over her, arms crossed over her chest and eyebrows raised. “You’re literally out in the open.”

Kie’s concern came from the pen Stella was currently twirling between her fingers as she lay on the ground in their backyard. Stella didn’t say anything, instead took another pull from the pen, letting the familiar smoke invade her lungs before blowing it out slowly. The act did its job in calming her down, and Kiara let out a sigh before shifting to sit down next to Stella, before going down on her back, too.

Stella could feel her sister’s gaze on her as Kie turned her head to look at her, but Stella kept her gaze up at the sky. It was sort of cloudy, but there wasn’t a threat for rain. If there had been, the celebration later tonight would’ve been rescheduled ages ago.

“Look, I know you’re worried about JJ—” Kie began, but Stella cut her off.

“He willingly let himself get arrested for something he didn’t do, and he has a drug-addict, abusive dad to go back home to. We haven’t heard from him yet.” Stella looked at Kie, then, jaw hard. “Of course I’m worried.”

Kie’s gaze was soft with sympathy, but Stella could see her own concern swimming, too. After all, Kie cared about JJ as well. Maybe not in the way Stella did, but just as good. “He’ll turn up,” Kie assured. “He always does.”

Despite Kie’s efforts, Stella wasn’t all that comforted. And maybe Kie saw the deep worry that had etched itself into Stella’s features, because Kie’s face softened even more, looking at her sister gently as she asked, “What’s going on?”

Stella’s throat worked as her heart drummed in her chest, forcing herself into a sitting position while Kie kept on her back, looking up at her. For a moment, Stella hesitantly chewed on her lower lip, wondering if now was the right time to indulge, but it was Kie. It was her sister, and if Stella couldn’t tell her, she couldn’t tell anyone.

“JJ and I kissed.” There. She said it. Now it was out in the open.

Kie blinked once before her eyes widened almost comically, shooting up in a sitting position opposite of Stella as she demanded, “What? When?”

“Yesterday,” Stella admitted, stomach flipping as memories of her and JJ’s actions played through her mind like her favorite movie. She couldn’t stop the small smile from playing on her lips. “We were at John B’s, before coming to the summer series.” She fiddled with the pen between her fingers. “It just—it kind of just happened.”

Kie scoffed with a shake of her head. “It didn’t kind of just happen,” she mocked. “This has been waiting to happen for so Goddamn long.” Stella tried not to laugh at the happiness shining in Kie’s eyes, which did a lot to relax Stella. She’d been worried Kie would ram on her for breaking one of their friend group rules, but Kie seemed anything but disappointed. Her eyes widened then, shoulders lifting. “Oh, shit, John B and Pope owe me twenty bucks!”

Stella blinked. “I’m sorry—what?”

Kie snickered, looking all too delighted. “We kind of had a bet going on over how long it’d take for you and JJ to get together.” Stella’s eyes widened, jaw dropping in disbelief. “I bet it’d happen before Midsummers and would you look at that! You just made me forty bucks richer, sis.”

“Wha—” Stella cut herself off with a scoff, ripping up some grass before tossing it at Kie. She shrieked through a laugh, jerking back before brushing away the pieces of grass. “Are you kidding me?! You guys bet on us?”

“Of course we did,” Kie responded with a smirk, not at all looking apologetic. At Stella’s gaping expression, she rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Stel. You two have been dancing around each other for so fucking long. We were getting tired of waiting, so we thought we’d have some fun with it,” she finished with a shrug.

Stella couldn’t believe what she was hearing, cheeks heating up at the information. She wasn’t mad or upset that her sister and friends bet on when she and JJ would get together—she was just surprised, and a little bit amused. She wondered how long the bet had been going on for. But instead of asking that, she instead inquired, “So I’m guessing JJ and I are in the clear for breaking the no Pogue-on-Pogue macking rule?”

Kie waved her off, smile still in place. “You two are the exception to the rule,” she said confidently before crossing her legs and shooting Stella an expectant look. “So? Tell me how it was.” She quickly held a hand up. “But not too many details because it’s JJ and he’s like my brother and, ew, gross. But I still wanna know! How’d it happen?”

At that, the heat in Stella’s cheeks intensified into a fire as she recalled every single detail from yesterday—as if she could ever forget. “I was, uh, persuading him to come to the summer series with us.”

Kie’s eyebrows shot up. “Persuading, huh?” she repeated with an impish grin, prompting Stella to let out a giggle. “Well, looks like it worked. Not that I’m surprised. That boy is stupid for you.”

Stella pressed her lips together to keep her giddy smile from widening. “Stop.”

Kie snickered. “Man, you two are gonna be unbearable now, aren’t you? All over each other all of the time.”

“Dude, I don’t even know what we’re doing,” Stella instantly responded with a shake of her head. “All we did was kiss. We’re not suddenly together, Kie.”

She didn’t look convinced. “Only a matter of time.”

Stella’s heart fluttered in her chest. Of course she wanted to be with JJ—it was all she could think about for so long. After that kiss, it was closer to being a reality than she could ever imagine, but they needed to talk about it, first. “Maybe. But first he needs to let us know he’s okay and that his dad didn’t fucking kill him.”

Her words were tight in her throat as she said them, sending a new jolt of worry through her. JJ never really talked about it, but she knew the kind of man his dad was, knew what he was capable of. JJ getting arrested wasn’t going to go over well; it wouldn’t with any parent, but God only knew how Luke Maybank would react to it. So, yeah, Stella was sick with worry over JJ, and she just fucking wished he’d call or text her back.

Kie sighed. “Listen, maybe—”

Whatever Kie was about to say was interrupted by their mother’s voice shouting at them from the back porch. “Girls! Get in here! You need to start getting ready.” Simultaneously, both Stella and Kie threw their heads back and groaned, loudly—loud enough for Mrs. Carrera to hear them. “I don’t wanna hear it! Get your butts in here now!”

They stood up, and as Stella shoved her pen in the pocket of her shorts, Kie grumbled, “I hate everything.”

While every other soul on Figure Eight either was overjoyed to be attending Midsummers or envious that they couldn’t, Stella and Kiara were probably the only ones who hated the party. For Kie, it was more of a socialist thing that Stella respected her for, but she also knew that her sister’s disgust with Midsummers, ultimately, existed for the same reason as Stella’s: they hated the people they were surrounded by.

All of the Kooks would be gathered tonight for the party—this year a celebration for Ward Cameron, A.K.A the father of Sarah Cameron, Kie’s worst enemy. Stella didn’t care what the party was for—she despised it. The most Stella liked to dress up was in clothes of her choice, and sure that could sometimes include make-up and dresses, but not full on evening gowns with flowers in her hair. It often felt like she was getting dressed up as a lamb for a slaughter, being pushed into a crowd of Kooks who thought they were better than everyone else because of their overflowing pockets. The adults were bad enough—Stella did not want to even see the people her age.

Namely Rafe, Topper, Kelce, and anyone who was associated with them. Especially after what they did to JJ and Pope yesterday. Dicks.

But Midsummers, much to both Stella and Kie’s chagrin, was important to their parents, especially their mother. So as soon as the two girls returned inside the house, Mrs. Carrera was ushering them towards the bathrooms, like they were toddlers who needed supervised bath times.

“Hold on a second—” Mr. Carrera paused, and Stella and Kie exchanged looks when their mom sniffed the air around them. Her eyes then zeroed in on Stella, hands on her hips and eyes blazing as she demanded, “Did you just smoke, Stella?”

Knowing there was no point in lying, Stella huffed. “I needed something to take the edge off if I have to go to this stupid party.”

This wasn’t the first time their mom caught them smoking or smelling of weed, but it pissed her off just the same. While Kie tried to stifle a smile, Mrs. Carrera glared daggers at her Stella. “You’re not getting out of this, Stella. You better drown yourself in body wash and perfume when you get ready.”

Stella rolled her eyes behind her mom’s back, but listened all the same, albeit reluctantly. Kie was the first to hop into the shower in their shared bathroom, so Stella took the time to lay in her bed and unlock her phone, hoping to see a text or missed call from JJ. Her heart jumped when she saw just one text from him, chest tight as she read it quickly.

JJ: Don’t worry about me. I’m good. I’ll see u later.

That was it. Just ten words of reassurance and then nothing. Part of Stella was relieved to have received anything from him at all, but another part still felt worried and a little annoyed. She—all of them—had been worried sick over him after yesterday, and this was all he could say? Stella figured she shouldn’t be too surprised. It was typical JJ behavior. He got in a bind and somehow got himself out of it, and never really let his friends in on if anything was wrong. But the tough guy persona could only get him so far.

Chewing on her lower lip, Stella drafted a text, but not to JJ. Instead, she sent a message to John B.

Stella: You heard from JJ? Do you think he’s okay?

John B responded within moments.

John B: Yeah, it’s all good. I’m with him right now. We’ll see you guys tonight, alright? Keep an eye out.

Stella blinked at the cryptic message, wondering what the hell he was talking about. But if recent circumstances were any indicator, something was probably going down tonight. Stella’s stomach flipped in both apprehension and excitement. These boys might be the death of her.

Soon enough, Kie was out of the bathroom and it was Stella’s turn. She showered and brushed her teeth, stepping back into her room to catch sight of a satin slip dress with a halter neck waiting for her on her bed. It was a pretty golden color with a V-neck trimmed with lace, and a pair of white and gold sandals were waiting by the bed, too. Stella huffed, the towel wrapped tightly around her. She knew for a fact that her mother thought she needed to have everything out for her otherwise Stella would be useless in getting dressed for Midsummers. It was kind of insulting.

Stella expertly dried her hair, letting the natural curls come into place, before doing her makeup. She kept it light, as always, because not even Midsummers was going to make her slap on a face full of makeup, especially in the middle of summer. Some foundation, mascara, highlighter, and lipstick was as far as she went, with her jewelry consisting of a dainty diamond star necklace and the rings on her fingers.

“Oh, good, you’re dressed,” Mrs. Carrera said upon entering her room. “Come on, let me do your hair.”

Stella frowned but listened, sitting down in front of her dresser while her mom stood behind her. She worked quickly and efficiently, braiding back the two front locks of her hair and intertwining small yellow flowers in them that Stella tried not to wrinkle her nose at.

As her mom worked, Kie wandered into Stella’s room. Her slip dress was spaghetti strapped and a lavender color, a couple of layered necklaces around her neck, and her hair down in an updo with a crown of pink and purple flowers and locks of curly hair framing her face. She looked stunning, even with that scowl she wore as she stormed into the room.

“This is disgusting,” she announced without preamble.

Mrs. Carrera wove another flower into Stella’s braid, her voice dry above her as she responded, “I know. It’s just horrible. I’m asking you two to relax and go to a fun party.”

Kie scoffed, towering over their mom. They may be twins, but Kie somehow got the tall gene from their dad, standing at the elegant 5’8”, while Stella hadn’t grown past 5’5”. “We look like bourgeoisie pigs.”

Stella tried to keep the snort from escaping, covering it up with a cough as their mom finally patted down Stella’s hair, letting out a satisfied hum before stepping back. She shot Kie an exasperated look and said, “Will you please not worry about socioeconomic injustice for one night?”

Kie scowled and Stella’s face scrunched up. This was so much more than that. She twisted around in the seat and stood up, crossing her arms and siding with Kie, “Mom, people not three miles from here have no power, no running water—and we’re going to Midsummers.”

Kie nodded vigorously, gesturing to Stella. “That’s so tone deaf.”

Mrs. Carrera huffed, picking up the little pouch she’d dropped on the dressing table and pulling out the diamond earrings. As she put one in, she said, “Do you know how hard we had to work to get into the Island Club?”

Both Stella and Kie rolled their eyes, having heard this a hundred times before. “Yeah, Mom, how could we forget?” Stella sighed. “You had to grovel for, like, ten years—”

“Twelve,” Mrs. Carrera corrected, “and we also had to cough up a huge chunk of dough, and do you know why we did that?”

Kie wasn’t impressed. “To keep up with the Joneses?”

Mrs. Carrera’s hands were on her hips, looking at her daughter pointedly. “No. So you two could have the experiences that I had as a child. Sweethearts, do you know what the Island Club is?”

“A factory farm for debutantes,” Kie flatly said at the same time Stella said, “Where brain cells go to die.”

Kie gave her a subtle fist bump as their mother glared at them before smiling exasperatedly. She placed one hand on each of their cheeks, looking at both of them as she said, “It is a nice place, with nice people, where you can do fun stuff.”

Neither of them bought the company line. “With out of touch rich people,” Stella added.

Kie rightfully finished, “While the island sinks slowly into the ocean.”

Their mom dropped her hands from their cheeks, stepping back and shooting them a look. Clearly, she was done trying with her stubborn daughters. “Okay, I want you two to put on your party faces if you wanna live,” she said before walking out of the room.

Both Stella and Kie sighed, looking at each other in resigned defeat. Stella picked up her pen, offering a half hearted smile. “Wanna take a hit before we go?”

Kie scoffed, taking it from her. “Or maybe ten.”

Less than fifteen minutes later, the girls were at the Island Club with their parents, and instead of doing the polite thing and greeting the other party goers, Stella spotted a familiar face and grabbed Kie’s hand, jerking her chin to where Pope was working out on the lawn at the grill. She’d almost forgotten that he was working the party with his dad. Thank God for small miracles.

As they approached him, his back to the girls, Kie startled Stella by speaking in a terrible British accent, “Excuse me, sir. Do we have to shuck these ourselves?” Pope swiveled around as Kie grinned and Stella shook her head in bemusement. “’Cause it might mess up my costume.”

Pope chuckled. “We wouldn’t want that now, would we?” he asked and Stella stepped forward with a laugh, slapping her hand against his, front and back, before ending with a snap of her fingers. Their handshake. As he repeated the act with Kie, Pope added, “That accent was bad.”

Kie nodded. “It was. I was gonna let it go.”

Stella scoffed. “I wish you had,” she said as they came to stand next to Pope, arms folded across her chest. The three of them observed the scene before them, of all the guests gathered around in their fancy dresses and suits, drinking from flutes of champagne or drinks from the bar. “You ever seen this many Kooks in one place?”

“Yeah. Last year,” Pope answered.

Kie was squinting against the sun, but just like Stella’s, her brown skin glowed a pretty golden color against it. “We’re in the lion’s den.”

“Exactly.”

Pope glanced at the two of them, gaze lingering on Stella longer as he asked, “Have you heard from JJ?”

Kie shook her head. “No.”

“Just a text,” Stella answered, prompting Kie to look towards her, raising an eyebrow. Stella’s lips pursed. “He said he was okay and not to worry about him. But I won’t really believe it until I see him.”

“He’ll be all right,” Kie said, frowning to herself. “He’s got the survival instincts of a cockroach.”

Stella swallowed inaudibly. Kie wasn’t really wrong.

“It’s all my fault,” Pope said, the guilt thick in his tone as he frowned at nothing. He looked like he might be sick over everything that’s happened.

Stella frowned as Kie said, “Uh, you didn’t do this, Pope.”

“Yeah,” Stella chimed in firmly. “Topper almost killed you. Remember?”

He shot her a dry look. “Not something I can forget.”

Stella shot him a small smile. “JJ was just trying to do right by you. He—he knew what he was doing.” She stumbled over her words briefly because, well, she wasn’t entirely sure if she believed them. She believed that JJ thought he was doing the right thing, but getting arrested was no small thing. He was just adding onto his record, and this time for something he didn’t even do. JJ put loyalty above anything else, and it was one of her favorite things about him—until it landed him in trouble he might not be able to get out of.

Midsummers, as expected, was boring as usual. The adults drank and the teens snuck in their own alcohol in hidden flasks, dancing to the music from the live band while almost everyone kissed Ward Cameron’s ass. Stella stuck by Kie’s side, mostly because she didn’t care for anyone else there and because Kie kept glaring at Sarah Cameron, who looked like the perfect Kook princess. She was missing her not-so-Prince Charming, Topper, who seemed to be sticking by Rafe and Kelce’s sides than with Sarah. Hmm. Interesting.

At one point, Stella excused herself to go to the bathroom, walking inside the country club and down the hall. She did her business, ignoring the giggles of the few other girls inside as she washed her hands. Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, however, she let out a gasp and stumbled into the doorframe as a figure rushed off in front of her, her gaze instantly following.

She’d recognize those blonde locks anywhere.

Stella’s heart thundered, gripping the doorframe tightly as she called out, “JJ?”

*****

Despite the severity of needing to find a hiding spot or escape, the sound of Stella’s voice had JJ stopping in his tracks. He turned, catching sight of her down the hall, too far down the hall, looking every bit as breathtaking as he expected her to in a golden dress that hugged her so perfectly. And the way she was looking at him—the surprise and relief and tenderness he was sure she reserved just for him—had JJ’s heart pounding right out of his chest, and not just because he was trying to save himself at the moment.

“Stella—” JJ stopped, looking through the glass of the doors, seeing Rafe, Kelce, and three of their suited up buddies purposefully making their way over. “Shit.” His blue eyes met her concerned brown ones. “Sweetheart, I’ll explain everything later, but I gotta run right now. Just—I’ll see you in a little, okay?”

“Wait, JJ—”

But he didn’t stick around, as much as he wanted to, and instead turned and ran off just as he heard Rafe and his buddies walk in. They’d spotted him talking to Sarah because he’d needed to give her a letter from John B, after he’d spoken to and received a surprising hug from Pope, and now they were hot on his ass looking to throw more punches. JJ’d already received a beating from his dad—he didn’t need anymore, thank you very much.

Except he made his way into the men’s room, and Rafe and his buddies were pretty fast and managed to corner him no problem. Five against one—this was totally fair. Assholes.

Rafe pushed him and JJ grunted, struggling as Kelce came up behind him and locked an arm around the front of his neck, the other keeping his head in place as JJ grabbed at Kelce’s arm to loosen the grip. He struggled, heart pounding, as Rafe looked at his friends. “Hold him still. What—what do you think? A four iron, right?” He mimicked holding a golf club. “Keep his head still. I’m gonna line this up.”

JJ didn’t make it easy for Kelce to keep him still. “Very Rafe of you,” JJ said through gritted teeth. “Five on one?”

Rafe looked pristine in his stupid blue suit and bowtie. JJ hoped he’d choke on it. “If you could please stop talking? It’s very disrespectful. I’m trying to hit a ball.” Oh, fuck no. “Learn your etiquette, my friend.”

JJ kept grunting, struggling against Kelce, using his hands as much as he could to try and get away. JJ’s voice was hoarse against Kelce’s grip as he spat back, “I’m gonna kick your teeth in.” As much fire as there was in his voice, JJ wasn’t entirely sure he’d be able to deliver on his promise. Not when the odds were stacked against him.

Rafe smirked sardonically, crouching to look up at JJ with a mocking sort of sympathy. “Your face looks really bad. Starting to look like your dad a lot more.”

The insult was grating, especially given that the bruises and cuts on his face were courtesy of his father. JJ couldn’t do much more than spit in Rafe’s face. He jerked back, wiping the saliva off his face as he grinned. “Oh, shit. Alright. It was—”

The lights began flickering. “Gentlemen!” Kelce roughly let go of JJ and pushed him off, prompting the blonde to struggle before he righted himself. The security guard approached them. “Is there a problem?”

“Oh! Pardon me, officer. No, there’s not an issue. I just—” JJ cut himself off, his breathing labored as he panted to catch his breath. He looked at the others and JJ ran his fingers through his hair before deciding on a different course of action. One he knew would likely get him out of this. “Actually, yes. No, there is an issue. Uh, we got a criminal trespass in progress here. Beep!” He waved a finger around. “Call it in, right?” The others looked at him, trying to appear casual and like they weren’t doing anything wrong. “Blatant disrespect for private property.”

Rafe clicked his tongue, scratching his ear. “Yeah.”

JJ turned to the guard. “I’m in violation of all kinds of shit, sir, but these young gentlemen—” He made a show of righting Kelce’s bowtie before he jerked him away.

“Don’t touch my shit,” Kelce said lowly.

JJ continued, “Uh, caught me, sir, and they’re about to take me away. And that’s what you should do.” He held his fists up like he was ready to be handcuffed. Again. “Escort me out of here. You got me.”

The guard grabbed his arm. JJ was relieved. “Come on.”

“All right.” JJ looked over his shoulder as the guard pulled him out, looking at the Kooks. “Fix that tie, son,” he said to Kelce before looking at Rafe. “You’re lookin’ spiffy, too. You Powerpuff Girls have fun,” he turned back around.

Rafe took a step forward, his voice smug. “Tell Stella she looks pretty hot for a scarred Pogue.”

Fire erupted in JJ’s veins at Rafe’s comment, a newfound anger rushing through him at the blatant insult from the son of a bitch. JJ didn’t care who they were—nobody talked about Stella like that. Not at all, not in front of him. JJ’s body moved at his own accord, a low growl escaping him as he jerked away from the guard and tried to launch himself at Rafe, consequences be damned of a five against one. The asshole insulted Stella. JJ couldn’t just let him get away with that.

He rushed towards Rafe, only for Kelce to jump in and push him away as the guard came to his back and pulled him away. “Hey! Stop it. Come here! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

But JJ struggled, the urge to bury his fist in Rafe’s face overwhelming after his words. “You think I’m afraid of you, bro?”

The guard pulled him back. “Come on.”

JJ turned and was guided out as Rafe’s voice followed him out of the locker room. “Hey, safe travels back to the cut!”

JJ shouted back, “This ain’t over!”

The guard didn’t let his grip on JJ go as he guided him down the halls and towards the doors, his grip tight as they burst through the doors out onto the patio. “Look, man, I can walk myself!” JJ exclaimed, earning gasps and looks from the guests at him being escorted out. “I got legs. Can you see that, brother?”

The guard didn’t seem to care. “Come on.”

“I really appreciate what you did back there. Let me just walk out by myself.” He struggled against the guard’s grip before spotting the older gentleman from earlier who had asked JJ for a drink. At this point, JJ didn’t care for the attention he was drawing on himself, stumbling over to where the man stood. “Mr. Dunleavy, I see you got your drink. Good, that’s really nice of you. I’m actually gonna down that,” he said quickly before grabbing the drink and downing the whiskey in one gulp.

The man gaped at him, the guard apologized before pulling JJ away. Everyone was watching, murmuring, and JJ never had mastered the art of subtlety, so he made a commotion as he was so kindly escorted out. Might as fucking well go out with a bang.

“Let go of him!” JJ turned at the sound of Stella’s voice, standing up on the patio with Kie by her side. Their parents were behind them, quietly telling Stella to stay quiet while her gaze met JJ’s. He stopped, kind of fucking mesmerized by the sight of her. “You can’t just boot him!”

The guard stopped, still holding onto JJ, who was still watching her. “Excuse me, ma’am?” the guard asked.

“I invited him here,” Stella continued, her voice loud and carrying over the newfound silence amongst the crowd. Everyone was looking at her, but she didn’t seem to give a shit, and JJ kind of fell in love with her all over again.

Next to her, JJ could hear her mom say, “Stella, stop it.”

“No, she’s right,” Kie spoke up, glaring at her parents and then at the guard. “We’re members of this club.”

“Girls, stop it,” Mr. Carrera seemed to be saying to them.

JJ took the opportunity of the guard being distracted to jerk out of his grip and push him, wincing as the man went stumbling into a waiter carrying a tray full of glasses that went shattering on the ground. “Sorry about that!” JJ said over the commotion before looking towards the girls. He pointed at them, blonde hair falling over his shoulders. “Hey, mandatory power hour at Rixon’s, ladies.” His gaze found Pope’s amidst the crowd’s. “Pope, you as well, all right? Rixon’s cove. Let’s roll.” He was walking backwards, people making their way for him as they all gaped at him in disbelief and annoyance. JJ looked back at the girls, holding his arm up. “All right, girls, come on.” He gripped his wrist. “Workers of the world unite. Throw off your chains!”

His gaze met Stella’s, who was watching him in, what he realized with relief, was amusement. He saw the looks she and Kie exchanged, a silent communication going on between the twins while their parents most definitely murmured warnings at them. And then, much to JJ’s relief, Stella and Kie broke away before running down the stairs.

JJ grinned widely, finally facing John B, who had been watching the whole thing with a grin. “Colonel.”

John B returned the salute JJ offered him. “Captain.”

JJ grinned. “Mission accomplished, sir.”

John B laughed as JJ shouted for the girls, watching as Pope pulled off his apron and handed it to his dad before running towards John B and JJ, all the while Mr. Heyward yelled, “Don’t do this! Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

But Pope didn’t listen, instead high fived John B and JJ, before John B ran off ahead and the two of them faced the girls running over, as well. Kie and Pope ran side by side, laughing, and JJ opened his arms so Stella could run into his embrace, and he laughed into her neck as he lifted her off the ground with a spin before setting her down, grasping her hand in his, and following the others as they ran.

“Later, losers!” John B shouted over his shoulder towards the partygoers.

Stella was laughing, the sound brilliant and wonderful in JJ’s ears as Kie cheered while they ran. JJ couldn’t help but laugh as well. It may have been a shitty couple of days, but at least he had his friends.

*****

The fire crackled between them as Stella sat on a log next to JJ. The cicadas were chirping against the otherwise quiet of the night, and JJ had changed out of the waiter get up and was back in his signature hat, shirt, and shorts combo. The sight of the shark tooth necklace Stella had gifted him around his neck always made her chest tighten in the best way. She and Kie were still in their Midsummers dresses, but mosquitos and bugs never bothered Stella, so she sat comfortably as the fire warmed them.

She kept looking towards JJ, though—at the cuts and bruises on his face. The sight of him injured tightened her chest uncomfortably, made her stomach twist nauseatingly. No doubt his dad had done this to him, and it enraged her. She wished, with every fiber of her being, that she could get him as far away from his dad as possible. It hurt, so badly, to see JJ injured at the hands of his abusive father. JJ, despite what others may see as faults and flaws, was probably the best person she knew. He had such a big heart, a soul that deserved to be loved and protected instead of stepped on and beaten. She desperately wished she could protect him from the cruelty of others. He deserved someone to do that for him.

“Hey, guys. So, like, my dad’s already gonna kill me,” Pope said as he and John B dropped some sticks to feed the fire before sitting down. “So what’s this mandatory meeting about?”

Stella watched as John B looked at JJ, pointing at him as if he needed permission. JJ nodded. “Might as well tell him, man, before we’re gaffed.”

John B smiled like he held some kind of secret. “You ready for this?” he asked, looking at Kie and Stella.

The two girls nodded impatiently. “Yeah.”

The fire glowed against John B’s skin as he looked at all of them. “So, the gold never went down with the Royal Merchant.”

Stella blinked as Pope groaned. “Oh, my God. Here we go again with this.”

Next to her, JJ sat up, holding out a calming hand to Pope. “No, all right, wait. Hear him out, all right?” he asked, raising his eyebrows at Pope and the girls.

John B had a finger to his lips before continuing, “It’s been here this whole time.” He looked to Kie. “It’s on the island.”

Her expression was one of shocked disbelief. “Are you serious?” She looked at John B before laughing in astonishment. “Oh, my God.”

Pope held up a hand. “I’d like to voice my skepticism.”

Stella was still trying to wrap her head around what John B said as he stood up. “I’m sure you would, Pope, but can I please present you with my evidence, sir?”

Pope rolled his eyes. “Proceed.”

John B held up a piece of paper he pulled out from his bag, proceeding to tell them about a letter he had from Denmark Tanny, a slave who had survived the wreck of the Royal Merchant. He showed it to Pope and the girls, telling them that the slaves weren’t mentioned as crew members on the ship, but that his dad found the complete manifest—his big discovery. Stella listened attentively, mouth agape, looking towards JJ who nodded with a smile on his face. He knew all of this already, it seemed. It was probably why he and John B had been together earlier.

“So Tanny used the gold from the Merchant to buy his freedom,” John B was saying. “After that, he bought his farm. Drumroll, please, because that farm is,” he paused dramatically as the group of them slapped their knees with their hands. “Tannyhill Plantation.”

Kie stopped. “Tannyhill?”

John B nodded, standing like a professor giving a lecture. “Yeah. So, after that, he used his money to free even more slaves, and then he sold a shit-ton of rice, which pisses off all the white planters, and then they decide to lynch him. So on the day they were coming to get him, he writes a letter to his son as a farewell, and in the last line of that letter, he leaves a coded message about where to find the gold.”

John B had Stella’s attention as she hung onto his every word, shaking her head as she asked, “Where?”

John B grinned. “Harvest the wheat in parcel nine, near the water.” He held up a hand. “Except, there is no wheat. You see, wheat is code for gold. Check this out.” He walked over to Pope, pointing at something in the paper Pope was holding. Stella leaned over to look as well. “The gold is in parcel nine, near the water.”

Kie laughed in disbelief as Pope murmured, “Holy shit.”

John B slapped his arm. “All we need is an original survey map of the property and we’ve found the gold.”

He was grinning widely as JJ stood up. Pope slowly started, “Okay, so this might have a small chance of being actually true.”

Kie bounced excitedly where she sat. “Dude, it’s like King Tut!” she exclaimed, earning a laugh from Stella.

“I am a genius,” John B announced, just as JJ tackled him into a hug. “Hey, whoa!” They teetered slightly where they stood before JJ lifted John B up. “Hello! Fire! You’re near the fire. You’re gonna burn.”

JJ pulled away and Stella snickered as he said, “I’m so proud of you right now.”

John B nodded somberly. “Thank you. That’s really sweet of you.”

With a shake of her head, Stella interrupted the moment by asking, “Okay, so, guys.” They all looked towards her. “What’s the plan?”

John B pointed at her as JJ made his way back. “Good question. Sarah Cameron’s coming tonight. She’ll bring the original survey map—”

JJ sat down next to Stella just as her eyes widened, gaping at John B before her gaze instantly shot to Kie, who was frowning. “Hold on,” she interrupted. “Sarah? Wh-why Sarah?”

Stella tensed, looking between a bewildered Kie and a hesitant John B. She and Pope exchanged glances, both of them suddenly aware of the tension building in the open space. “Um—” John B trailed off.

JJ took off his head, muttering, “This is gonna be good.”

Stella looked at him, catching the wince he shot her way. Silently, she frowned at him, but JJ shook his head before nodding towards John B, who stood with his fists on his hips. “Sarah, um, she. . . She got me into the archives in Chapel Hill yesterday, and there’s where I got the letter.”

Kie’s face scrunched up even more, looking a mix of pissed off and confused, while Stella gaped up at John B. “You were in Chapel Hill with Sarah Cameron?”

John B’s throat worked. “Yeah, um. . .”

Next to her, JJ announced, “He was mackin’ on her.”

Stella gasped as she stared at him, wide eyed, and JJ nodded somberly while Pope coughed uncomfortably into his fist. Across the fire, Kie was glaring up at John B, and Stella hated the betrayal she could already see melting into Kie’s eyes. John B shot JJ a glare. “I wasn’t macking.”

JJ lifted his chin, unrelenting. “You were totally macking Sarah Cameron.”

He wasn’t helping the situation, so Stella lightly flicked his arm, prompting JJ to immediately look at her, pressing his cut lips together to keep himself from smirking. She narrowed her eyes in warning, and all JJ did was link their arms together and pull her to his side.

“I wasn’t macking on her, okay?” John B spoke up, exasperated. “I was using her for access.”

JJ scoffed lightly. “There was access, alright.”

Stella pinched his side at that, despite the inappropriate laugh threatening to burst. Kie wouldn’t appreciate it, and Stella could tell her twin was seconds away from pushing John B into the fire. “Did you tell her about the treasure?” Kie demanded.

John B’s eyes widened. “I was trying to get into the archives.”

Kie’s voice grew loud with disbelief. “Is that a yes?”

“I. . . I left out key details,” John B said, looking to the others for help. Stella pressed her lips together, pressed up against JJ. If anyone noticed, they didn’t say anything, not with the current situation going on. Poor John B wasn’t going to get help on this.

“Yo, what?” Kie scoffed with a shake of her head. “You let a Kook in on our secret? What about Pogue Lyfe? What about the T-shirt company, bro?”

Suddenly, it was a battle between Kie and John B, and all Stella, JJ, and Pope could do was sit on the sidelines silently and watch. “I was just using her for information,” John B tried.

Kie shot him a wry look. “Why don’t I believe you?”

John B was growing exasperated already, shaking his head at the unhelpfulness of the others before looking back at Kie. “I’m trying to make us filthy rich here, okay, so that we can pay off a boat, or. . . or, uh. . .” He looked towards Pope, “send you to autopsy school to study bed bodies.” Stella’s face scrunched up as JJ suppressed a snort and Pope blinked owlishly. “Look, you guys know me. Do I look like the type of person to fall for Sarah Cameron?”

JJ blinked. “Uh—”

Stella tilted her head at John B. “Do you want us to answer that?” She could guarantee neither he nor Kie would appreciate the answer.

John B held up a hand at Stella. “Just—just stop.”

Kie shook her head, her jaw tight as she frowned deeply. “Look, you don’t know her yet. I do! You can’t trust her.”

Pope chimed in, “Her brother did hit me in the back with a golf club.”

John B looked to Pope. “Rafe and Sara are different human beings.”

JJ’s cheek was resting on top of Stella’s head as he asked Kie, “What did she do to you, exactly?”

Stella sighed. Oh, boy.

Kie held up two fingers and jabbed them forward. “She’s like a. . . a spitting cobra.” Everyone blinked, bewildered. “First she—she blinds you, and then—”

Stella was already shaking her head, sitting up straight as she said to her struggling sister, “This is a bad analogy.”

“Listen to me!” Kie exclaimed, clearly fed up with the situation. “Whatever we get, she’s gonna try to take.”

Her words were met by silence, other than the crackling fire and chirping cicadas. John B stood quietly, throat working, clearly unsure of what to say as JJ and Pope stayed in their own awkward silence, too. Stella suppressed a sigh. It seemed as though it was up to her to smooth things over, even if she did slightly side with Kie in all of this. She didn’t have a begrudging hate towards Sarah like Kie did, but they were sisters, and Stella needed to show solidarity. But she could also, in some way, see John B’s side of things. God, this was gonna be tense.

“Kie,” Stella spoke up carefully, prompting Kie’s gaze to connect with hers. “Whatever John B promised Sarah, that’s his issue. But if she’s the only way we can get the map, then we need to let it happen.”

Kie’s jaw was hard. “I don’t want her involved. I don’t want to deal with her.”

“We won’t,” Stella said, glancing quickly at John B before looking at Kie again. “Let John B deal with her.” When Kie didn’t look entirely convinced, Stella let out a huff. “This is bigger than your beef with Sarah. I know you know that.”

Silence fell upon them for a few moments as they all waited for Kie to respond. She sat quietly, hands gripping the log she sat on, mulling over Stella’s words. Stella, in turn, hoped she got through to her sister. They needed Kie to be on board with this, no matter her issues with Sarah. They’d already gotten this far in their treasure hunt—an old beef shouldn’t hinder them now.

Stella remained quiet, waiting for Kie to make a decision, although she silently enjoyed the sensation of JJ’s fingers ghosting up and down her arm, their arms still linked together. It was calming when others would argue JJ was anything but.

“Fine,” Kie finally gave in and everyone instantly sat up. She glared at John B. “As long as I don’t have to speak to her.” John B pressed his hands together and brought them to his mouth, his grin already forming. “I just hope you know what you’re getting us into.”

After John B profusely thanked Kie for agreeing, they killed the fire and got up before heading back to the van, since they had to drive to meet Sarah. The twigs and leaves crunched under their shoes as they went, but as Pope, Kie, and John B chatted while walking ahead, Stella lingered back and grasped JJ’s hand to slow his pace down.

He looked at her, eyebrows raising. “What’s up?”

Stella looked up at him, her fingers ghosting on his chin. Finally, she let the worry come out in full force as she asked, “Are you okay? Did—” she stopped, throat working to get rid of the lump that formed. “Did your dad do this?”

JJ’s jaw worked, blue eyes glimmering under the moonlight as he looked down at her. “Got a good chunk of money to pay in restitution,” he told her. “The old man’s not too happy about it.”

Despite herself, Stella felt the hot tears sting in her eyes. She preferred the pink in JJ’s cheeks when they were flushed when he was happy or even drunk—not the pink and harsh reds that surrounded the cuts and marked the bruises. Stella wasn’t sure she ever hated anyone as much as she hated JJ’s dad. Her throat was tight, unable to say anything except to croak out his name, “JJ—”

“Hey, hey,” he shushed her, hands coming up to cup Stella’s that had been ghosting along his sharp jaw. He held her hand in both of his before pressing a kiss to it, blue eyes locked in her brown. “I’m okay, Stel. They’ll heal. It’s no big deal.”

Stella scoffed, though her concern remained clear. “You can’t actually expect me to believe that.” The flutters in her stomach returned when JJ kissed her hand, when he looked at her with those baby blue eyes she loved so much. She let out a breath. “You’re sleeping over at John B’s, right?”

JJ offered her a small dimpled grin. “When am I not?”

Stella pinned him with a stare. They’d stopped walking and she knew they had to move soon, but she took a breath. “Whenever you can, either sleep at John’s or you sleep at mine. Okay?”

JJ raised his eyebrows, though she could see his gaze soften at her offer. But he kept the mood light as he teased, “You inviting me to your room, shark bait?”

Her heart jumped. “Wouldn’t be the first time we shared a bed,” Stella pointed out. It was the truth. They shared hammocks, chairs, couches, and beds countless times before.

“Yeah, but it’s different now, isn’t it?” JJ questioned.

She looked at their hands before meeting his gaze again. “Is it?” she returned, throat working in anticipation. This was it. This was Stella asking JJ if whatever was happening between them was real, if something more was going to come out of it than a few kisses shared.

JJ’s gaze was intense, deep in a way she wasn’t used to as it stole her breath. “It is.” Steady, resolute, firm. No room for arguments. Thank fuckinf God.

Stella felt her grin appear before she could help it, relief warming her, and JJ mirrored her smile before ducking his head and pressing his lips to hers. She returned the kiss slowly, gently, not wanting to hurt his cut lips. Her heart jumped excitedly as he kissed her, but it was cut short, unfortunately, when John B’s voice cut through the air.

“Oi! What happened to no macking?”

The two of them pulled apart, but John B was grinning, as were Pope and Kie as they looked at the two of them. Stella’s face flushed as JJ slung his arm around her shoulders before they began walking towards their friends. “I’m sure we can make an exception,” JJ said smoothly, cockily.

John B’s grin was wicked. “If it means you’ll finally stop whining about how much you looooove Stel, then yes we will.”

Stella laughed, cheeks flushing, while JJ spluttered. “I never whined!” he protested as they joined their friends.

Pope rolled his eyes. “That’s true. You just bottled it all up inside because you’re emotionally constipated.”

“Sounds about right. I’m the one who made the first move,” Stella said, grinning widely at JJ’s betrayed expression, laughing as he used his arm around her to push her away. Stella continued laughing, along with the others, as she stumbled away, but didn’t lose her balance because JJ instantly caught her hand and pulled her back to his side.

“Whatever. I like an assertive woman,” JJ said with a charming grin, pressing a kiss to Stella’s temple as they neared the van.

Pointing at Pope and John B as they climbed inside, Kie said, “You two owe me twenty bucks, by the way.”

“No, we don’t!” John B argued as he started the van. “It’s after Midsummers.”

Pope nodded in agreement as Kie grinned wickedly before meeting Stella’s gaze as she sat on the back bench. With a giggle, Stella confessed, “It was actually yesterday. Before the summer movie series.”

John B and Pope’s gazes swung to JJ, who leaned back with his arms propped on top of the back bench casually as he said, “It’s true, boys.” John B shook his head and began driving, and JJ added, “Can’t believe you three bet on us.”

Sitting on the floor opposite of them, Pope scoffed. “Can’t believe it took you two this long to get together.”

“Okay!” Stella spoke up loudly, clapping her hands together once and shooting all of her friends a look. “We’re done talking about this.”

They reached their destination soon after that, a spot off in the middle of the woods where a tower stood, the apparent meeting spot John B had set up at Kildare Hawk’s Nest. As soon as he parked the car, Pope slid open the back van door as JJ slapped his knees. “Hit it, boys! We’re goin’. Recon mission.”

But before any of them could even get up, John B turned to face them. “Yo, uh. . . So, uh, I think I’m gonna do this one by myself. . . Tonight.”

Thunder rumbled overhead as Kie rolled her eyes and Stella and JJ fell back in their seats. She raised her eyebrows as JJ drawled a knowing, “Really?”

John B frowned. “What?”

JJ took off his head. “Nothin’.”

John B sighed, fixing his own hat atop his head. “I don’t want to spook Sarah with the peanut gallery.”

Kie shrugged, voice sharp and annoyed as she looked at John B. “I just don’t understand why we’re involving her at all.”

Stella let out a sigh as she leaned back, JJ now sitting on the ground next to her, his head resting against her leg as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Kie, we’re not involving her, okay?” John B said, exasperated. “It’s—it’s just, uh, like a—a business meeting. . . Thing.” On the ground, JJ made a crude motion with the joint he held and made a gulping sound, prompting Pope to grin in amusement while Stella rolled her eyes at John B. He was not selling this well. “Look, once we get what we need, we cut her loose, all right? Plus, we need the map.”

Yeah, okay. Stella wasn’t quite sure how much she believed that.

Kie pursed her lips, leaning forward as she stared John B dead in the eye. “Promise me nothing’s happening between you two.”

John B widened his eyes, answering breathily, “Nothing is happening, Kie.”

“I’m being serious.”

“Okay!”

Kie was still frowning, as if she was trying to get John B to get the message through her glare. “This isn’t about you. This isn’t about us. This is about her.” Stella pressed her lips together as she watched them. Kie’s beef with Sarah was so damn deep, she wondered if they would be able to do with if she wasn’t on board with Sarah helping out just this once. Personally, Stella didn’t give a shit about Sarah Cameron; she just didn’t like her out of principle for the way the end of that friendship hurt Kie. Everything else was between Kie and Sarah. “Dude, she’s gonna get inside your head. Just promise me nothing’s happening between you guys.”

John B looked at her as lightning flashed outside and thunder rolled. “I promise.”

“That was really believable,” JJ piped up.

Pope nodded. “A hundred percent believable.”

Stella lightly knocked JJ with her knee while glaring at Pope, effectively shutting both of them up. John B didn’t dignify them with a response, instead saying, “Anyways, um, I’m gonna take care of business.”

JJ shook his head, playing with the joint. “You’re gonna take care of it so well.”

Stella waved John B off dismissively. “We’ll just sit here,” she said dryly. “In the hot-ass car.”

Pope added, “While it’s lightning.”

They left the back door of the van open as John B got out, backpack on as he walked off towards the tower. The wind rustled outside, thunder rumbling every now and then to accompany the flashes of lightning that warned of a storm rolling in. “Kiara, holding onto your grudge is like drinking poison and thinking Sarah will die,” Pope said once John B was gone.

“Exactly,” JJ nodded.

Kie shot the two of them a withering stare before looking at Stella. Her twin merely shrugged. “You know I’m on your side,” Stella said. “But you can’t really tell John B what he can or can’t do.”

“I’m not trying to tell him what to do,” Kie shot back. “I’m just warning him against the kind of person I know Sarah is. She’s gonna fuck us over.”

“Look, we just—we just gotta trust that John B knows what he’s doing,” Pope tried to placate, looking between Stella and Kie. “That he’s using his head.”

Kie scoffed, not really convinced. “I know what head he’s using, and it isn’t the one on his shoulders.”

“That’s a good one,” JJ mumbled quietly where he sat.

They were quiet for a few minutes, just listening to the rumble of thunder, before conversation started up again. Pope had asked about what happened at Midsummers, and JJ launched into the story that led up to the Kooks cornering him in the men’s room while they waited for John B to return with the map.

JJ was saying, “Rafe and Kelce followed me—”

Kie cut him off. “Wait, do you guys hear that?” Her eyebrows furrowed together. “Sh.”

Stella frowned. “What?”

And then, in the distance, over the sound of the wind howling and thunder rumbling, came a girl’s voice yelling, “Please, somebody, help!”

All of their eyes widened, instantly on their feet as JJ grunted, “Oh, wait, no, I hear that.”

“Shit,” Pope cursed as they all stumbled out.

“What the fuck?” Stella muttered, gripping the skirt of her dress so it didn’t get tangled in her feet as she ran.

The voice, Stella realized, belonged to Sarah, and her heart started pounding as they ran towards the Hawk’s Nest, throat already drying in worry. The first thought in her head was that something went terribly wrong, that John B was hurt, and when they all cleared a group of trees towards the base of the Nest, Stella’s fear came true as a gasp ripped through her at the sight of John B lying on the ground, Sarah crying as she cradled his head and begged for him to wake up and open his eyes.

“Sarah! What happened?” Pope asked as they came running over, skidding to a stop, their breathing labored.

Sarah was crying, and Stella’s heart clenched at the sight of John B, unconscious, fear drenching her veins in ice as she instantly gripped Kie’s hand. “I don’t know what to do,” Sarah sobbed. “He needs help. Topper shoved him.”

Anger heated Stella’s skin, momentarily taking over the terror trembling her body as JJ demanded, “Where the hell is he?”

But Sarah just cried, “Oh, please, please, please get help. I don’t care who. Just call someone.”

Stella pushed Pope away as she panted, “Go! Call 911! Go!”

Pope took off and Kie shouted after him, “Pope, hurry!”

They all stood, breathing labored and hearts pounding, unsure of what to do as their friend lay unconscious. Worry weighed heavily on them all, to the point where Stella couldn’t even stop to question the way Sarah was holding John B to her, crying for him, kissing him and begging for him to wake up. No, nothing else mattered other than their injured friend, the tears stinging in Stella’s eyes as she prayed to anyone who was listening that he would wake up. Soon. Now. Please.

[fnf-brain-rot]

Corrupt bf & Pico - you're all mine

⚠NSFW WARNING⚠

How was one supposed to react to panicked text messages sent around the time of three am?

Pico's insomnia kept him from having a decent sleep schedule, so he was awake to catch it. It was from Girlfriend. She sure as hell was never up so late, so what could possibly be so urgent?

"Hurry to my house"

"It's Bf"

"I won't be able to help you stop them"

Pico nearly thought he was reading everything incorrectly. He read those three messages over and over for about five minutes, trying to make sense of it. Stop them? What's wrong with Bee? He figured the longer he sat there, the less time he had to stop whatever was happening. With haste, he hopped out of bed, slipping on his usual combat khakis. He made sure his uzi was on him, as usual. This time he decided to take two with him. He rushed his way out of his apartment, almost forgetting to close the door behind him.

He tried calling her on the way there, running down the empty streets. There was an electric tingle in the air. He could feel something was wrong. He called her five times, and she still didn't pick up. He knew it would be a lost cause, but he still tried to call Bee. He called him about seven times. He had a mind to hit Nene and Darnell up about whatever the hell was going on, maybe the Uber kids finally decided to make a move or some shit? Who knew.

His lungs were on fire by the time he made it to her house. eerily enough, the front door was cracked open, as if someone made such a desperate escape that the doors to this mansion weren't important enough to keep closed. From where he was standing, he could see some lights throughout the house being left on. "Fucking god, what happened.." He grumbled to himself. The silence was deafening, as if time were standing still. Marching inside, he clutched his uzi at the ready tight to his chest.

The air inside the mansion was still, as if there had been no living creature to set foot inside for years. He used his phone flashlight to see, since the corridors tend to be dark at night. He, Bee, and Gigi all walked together through the halls, knowing Pico was uncomfortable by himself.

He was getting that feeling now.

He felt as if the shadows were dancing just beyond his eye sight, or maybe prowling, waiting for him to let his guard down. But when he looked, no one was there.

He stopped first in the mess hall. The light was on here. He relaxed a bit, quickly getting himself out of that dark hallway. It was fucking with his head. He opened his mouth to call for Gigi, but stopped himself. That's some dumb white people in a horror movie shit. If there was something in here, he would be the one to catch it by surprise.

He sniffed the air. Blood. He knew the scent well. He was hesitant to make his way into the kitchen, poking his head around the corner. He could have sworn he heard a scuffling sound, but when he flicked on the light, nothing. This whole situation had him on edge. It would have anybody on edge.

He tried calling Gigi again, quickly rushing to the staircase in the main area. He called her until he could hear her phone, it would give him a lead on where they've gone. It was in her bedroom. He could have guessed as much. The room was a damn mess, as if a tornado had come through and thrown everything around. Oh god, is Gigi okay? Pico felt the blood drain from his face, and his stomach twisted into a nervous knot. He smelled blood earlier, but didn't know where it came from.. There were some spots on the floor near her bed. He grabbed her phone to look at it. Thank goodness he knew her password. He unlocked it and looked through it to see if she called or texted anyone else. She had an unfinished message she would have sent to Pico.

"It won't stop until"

Until what?

"Dammit.." Pico growled under his breath, then set her phone back down. Where the fuck was she? Where was Bee?

He took a moment to breathe in her room. He couldn't lose them. He couldn't lose anyone else. He didn't want to be alone again. Not again..

No... Now's not the time..

With a shaky breath, he stood off the bed, and marched out of her room. He sniffed the air again. Still blood.. but a trail. He looked down at his feet to see the trail of blood. It led down the staircase off to the left. Following it took him to the last place he wanted to go.

The basement.

This never goes well in horror movies and he knows that.

He almost considered not going down there at all, but the fact that this was Bee and Gigi, and quite possibly the rest of the city in trouble, well, he would have to fight again. Just like the old days.

He gathered the courage, pulled out his phone, and descended into the dark floor.

It was pitch black. He couldn't see a few feet in front of his flash light. He could feel it. Them. Her, him. They were down here. He could see the shadows move, he could feel the darkness breathing down his neck. He tightened his hold on his uzi, then spoke. "Come the fuck out, now."

His demand was followed by immediate laughter, which made him flinch. He swung his phone behind him, but he still couldn't see a thing. That's when something knocked against his hand, something cold and wet. His phone tumbled against the concrete flooring, and he was quick to shoot in whatever direction it came from. Twice. Nothing. "Stop fucking with me and come out!" He growled angrily. What felt like an arm wrapped around his waist, and he acted quickly, turning around to grab the source of it, but his arms were quickly restrained above his head, presumably from the same thing that knocked his phone away.

He shivered at the sensation, and was about to yell again when someone finally spoke. "You've always been such a fighter.. You would even fight your own lovers?" It was.... "B.. Bee?? Where are you?" His eyes darted around blindly in the dark, and he bit his lip. "I'm right in front of you, silly."

"Well I wouldn't be able to fucking tell that in the pitch black darkness, dipshit." Pico spat back in response, only for Bee to giggle. "So tough.. Have it your way."

He heard the flick of a light switch, and was apalled by the sight in front of him.

Only about a foot in front of him stood.. Boyfriend? But... Looking at him was like looking into a void. His entire body was engulfed in this black substance. His face was almost unrecognisable. It was as if he had a row of razor sharp teeth to replace his normal ones, and he could only see one eye. That eye was blank white, like his own, only sharper and more insidious looking.

Pico's heart dropped to his stomach. He was at a loss for words. "What the fuck are you.." His words came out in a mumble, like he could barely speak. It laughed at him. "I'm your Boyfriend, silly!" It cooed back, moving only so he was a few inches away from him. Their bodies touched, and Pico let out another fierce growl before tugging at his restraints. They were.. Weird tentacle shit, go figure. He quickly glanced around, and that's when he noticed another body on the ground some ways away, and assumed the worst.

She was breathing. Shallow.

"Gigi! Girlfriend what-" He stopped again. The same dark matter had mostly consumed her body. A painful grin stretched along her face. She looked terrified, yet she couldn't move. The only spot not touched by the matter was her right eye. She looked at him. "Holy shit this is fucked.. Look I'd love to stay and plot evil shit with you, but can you fuck off and let them go?" Pico swallowed nervously. That was about as nice as he could ask.

"Hm.. I dunno.. You just might have to beg for your life first. I have just the thing for you." The thing that called itself his Boyfriend giggled up something sinister. It moved its arm from his waist, then threw Pico across the room. The ginger tumbled to the floor with a grunt, but quickly regathered himself, reaching for his uzi with a quickness. Still not quick enough. A tendril knocked it from his hand, then grabbed his wrist. Pico managed to catch another one coming at him, just barely managing to hold it. He had a scowl on his face. "If you're so fucking bad why not fight hand to hand?" He called out to him, and it scoffed. "Yeah yeah, I'm not here to fight sweetheart." Another one lunged for his leg, and with two apendages restrained, he was pinned to the wall, rather harshly.

It knocked the wind out of him, and he shook his head, but his other leg was caught, and they were spread apart, and his arms were lifted above his head again. Oh, fuck this. "Jesus what the fuck do you want?? What the fuck is your goal?!" Pico was growing desperate. It sure had a knack for laughing at him. "I want to hear you scream." With that, it advanced on him, continuing to walk toward him. One more of the slimy apendages slithered up Pico's sweater, and it made him shudder. It was called into question what type of scream we were talking about here.

That question was soon answered when he felt the flick against his nipple, and the tearing of his favorite fucking sweater off his body. Honestly he was kinda mad about that, but now wasn't the time to worry about clothes! He couldn't move, as much as he tried, then he felt a searing hot pain on his hip. It was touching him, with its sharp claws. All it did was poke him, and doing so felt like it was fire to his veins. The dark matter seeped into his skin, staining the white surface with the black inky void the other two were covered in. He bit his lip to hold back his sound of pain, only to be conflicted with a tendril beginning to fondle his junk through his pants.

"You're fucking sick." He snarled through grit teeth, and it simply shook his head. "Oh Pico," It unzipped his pants, then pulled them down to his knees with ease. "I'm only doing this because I love you." It grinned, but it was only wicked and crazed. Pico shook his head. This sure as hell wasn't his Boyfriend. He let out a surprised grunt at the feeling of his shaft being toyed with, and absentmindedly bucked his hips. His eyes flew wide upon realisation, and he struggled to move again. "F-Fuck off!" He choked out, trying to ignore the heat that rose to his cheeks.

"Always so cute.. Yet you look at me crazy when I suggest you bottom, huh?" Pico shook his head again, trying to block out the words. It couldn't have Bf's memories. It wasn't him. It wasn't. He gnashed his teeth together as it dragged another claw along his abdomen, watching the matter spread against his flesh, slowly, painfully. "Fuck this.." Pico groaned out, squeezing his eyes shut. If he could tap out honestly he would. It laughed at him again, one of the tendrils prodding at his little pink hole. "I mean.. that is the plan." It teased him, and it pushed inside of him. It was already slick with whatever was coating these things, but the abrupt movement had Pico crying out in pain. The ginger threw his head back, and he tried not to make a sound, but this all hurt like hell. It hurt.. But.. It felt so.. good? That had to be this corruption talking, it had to be.

Pico's back arched, and he felt it move in and out, pushing near his prostate, pulling out when it got close. "Oh... Fuck... This..!" He exclaimed breathlessly, moving his hips around as it began to move faster. The thing standing in front of him seemed pleased, wrapping a firm claw around his cock. Good Lord this thing was kinda hot.. Wait. Pico gasped out at the feeling of it finally hitting his prostate, that being enough to push him to the point of tears. "Now, like I said." It began to speak again. More of the blackness had claimed more of his body. He could feel it crawling under his skin. "Beg for it to stop. You wanted me to be.. 'let go', right? So beg for it." It had a cocky smirk on its face. Pico couldn't believe what the fuck was happening. "P-Please.." It took everything in his power not to moan his words. "L-Let.. Let them go.." He had been biting his lip so hard it started to bleed. The creature laughed, damn there crushing his length in his hand. "That's not what I want, Pico dear." It stated vaguely.

Pico rolled his eyes, then tilted his head back. "Please.. P-hah...! Please..! Let them... G-Go..!" He begged, against his wishes of course. That would have pushed him to the edge if his dick wasn't being practically crushed right now. "Awe, that's a good boy, Pico.." It cooed proudly. Pico's face was on fire, from what he assumed was blush. How fucking embarrassing. "Unfortunately you're a little too late." It smirked again, and let go, allowing Pico to let go as well, relaxing a bit as he released blissfully, but wasn't aware. "Now you get to be with us. Forever." Pico could barely register the sinister laughter as his eyes glazed over, and his consciousness was pushed back to be a passenger, unable to stop the laughter that rose from his own chest to join the cacophony of the thing that called itself his Boyfriend.

And now he resided inside the thing that called itself Pico.

[nxrthmizu]

---

Prompt: ‘First Kiss’ 

Pairing: Daminette

Words: 1,562 Words 

A/N: ANGST ANGST ANGST ANGST then fluff 

---

The first kiss. 

The first, special moment when two souls meet and use a wordless action to express their feelings for each other. Alternatively, it could be a completely spur-of-the-moment, thoughtless, and immediately regretted in the next moment. 

Because that’s what then fifteen-year-old Marinette’s first kiss had been like. 

Oh, she had regretted it the moment their lips touched, because she knew instantly they were two puzzle pieces that were clearly not meant to fit. She had stumbled backward, staring into Luka’s hurt, guilty aqua-blue eyes. 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have taken advantage of the situation like this, I don’t know what I was thinking...” Luka’s smooth voice immediately erupted into an endless line of apologies. If Marinette was a normal-functioning human-being, she would cut him off and kiss him one more time, because who in their right mind would turn down a perfect, adoring, affectionate potential boyfriend like Luka? 

Only she wasn’t in her right mind. 

She knew it was eventually going to drive her to her breaking point. Adrien had come to her, time after time, asking for advice on how to woo Kagami. Any other girl would’ve refused to help instantly, steering clear of the repetitive heart-break that would’ve resulted from the blonde model’s constant onslaught of questions. 

Why did she have to be so soft-hearted for him, again? 

“Do you think she’ll like white or dark chocolate more?” He asked with a hopeless smile on his lips. 

She fumbled for an answer, mind drawing to a blank. She had mumbled a random, probably completely irrelevant and unbelievable excuse before running off like a coward, she thought to herself. Before she knew it, she had broken down crying in a park, sobbing the build-up of her pain and anguish until her breath caught and she had to stop to breathe. 

“Marinette?” 

The moment she heard her name roll off his tongue, she wanted to kill herself for the heart-break she had been causing a particular blue-haired guitarist. He persisted in caring for her, even after she had told him that she couldn’t find it in her heart to love him. He deserved so much more, especially since he was... Well, he was Luka. 

Her mind was screaming against her actions, but she collapsed into his arms anyway, crying out her sorrows. His hand patted her back comfortingly in a steady rhythm, soothing her in ways no one could. 

“I’m sorry, Luka...” She murmured quietly, hiccuping and still trying to find her breath after her fifteen-minute-long breakdown. 

“Don’t be.” He told her softly, fingers caressing her cheek and making her meet his eyes. 

The next thing she knew was that they were kissing. And then she was pushing him away, and there was so much hurt and guilt staining his eyes, but she just couldn’t find it inside her to love him. 

“I’m sorry.” 

---

Damian’s first kiss, on the other hand, had been of a similar affair. He had been fifteen then, in the period in which girls would lust after him restlessly, shamelessly, and without any thought towards how annoyed he was getting. He dreaded the day called ‘Valentine’s’... It was when the girls were at their worst. Someway or another, they all mustered u enough courage (Or stupidity) to approach him in hopes he would accept their... Crushes. 

“Don’t look so upset!” Jon chastised. “If you don’t want to eat the chocolate, you can always give it to me.” 

Damian rolled his eyes at his best friend’s antics, ignoring the buzz and annoyance the school corridors brought to him. As expected, there was a pile of chocolates and pink-themed gifts waiting in a pile by the side of his locker. 

“Take it, Jon. Take it all.” He told his friend nonchalantly. “Eat until you get diabetes. This whole stash can last you for six months.” 

“Damian!” 

The green-eyed teen clicked his tongue in annoyance, yelping in surprise. As he turned, the girl who had called his name lunged at him, furiously pressing her lips on his. On instinct, he shoved her away roughly, dropping to the floor and knocking out her legs. The girl squealed, taken by surprise. 

Students all around started to whisper, as they do, while Damian tugged out a tissue from his bag pocket, wiping his mouth furiously. “Jon, you wouldn’t happen to have a sanitiser, do you?” He snapped, anger and disgust blazing in his eyes. “I’ll have you know that I can sue you sexual assault.” His tone was venomous, and he relished in the pure terror in her eyes. “Let’s go, Jon.” He said coldly, turning on his heels without another glance at the girl, who had started crying as everyone else in the corridor either offered her sympathetic looks, laughed, or just rolled their eyes at her sheer stupidity. 

---

Five years after their individual first kisses, Damian and Marinette met for the first time, in the business class of Gotham University. 

Fortunately for the two of them, their first kiss together did not involve a girl crying. Instead, it went more along the lines of this: 

“Where are you going, Damian?” Bruce raised an eyebrow at his son, who was trying to be discreet while sneaking out, and was actually failing at said sneaking out. 

Before Damian could make an excuse, Alfred the great saviour popped out from the kitchen. “Master Damian is going out to meet his friend for a study date, I believe.” Alfred offered helpfully. “Master Damian, I have prepared some cookies for you and your friend to share.” 

Bruce spluttered. “A study date?” He screeched. Okay, maybe he did not screech, but he was surprised. 

“Yes, Master Bruce. Damian had been courting Miss Marinette for two months.” Alfred nodded with a proud tone in his voice. “You’re going to be late if you stay any longer, Master Damian.” He reminded helpfully, the green-eyed young adult excusing himself with a blush on his face. 

Bruce stared at Alfred, gaping. “Two months?” 

---

“My dad found out today.” Damian supplied helpfully, munching on one of Marinette’s macarons as the two of them mulled over Marinette’s various colour-coded notes and Damian’s typed and printed ones for their upcoming test. 

“That’s nice.” She hummed, popping one of Alfred’s cookies into her mouth. “How did he react?” 

“He screeched.” Damian scoffed. “Like you said he would. Here’s your ten bucks.” 

Marinette grinned triumphantly. “I told you he would screech!” The bluenette laughed victoriously, the green-eyed boy watching her fondly as he rolled his eyes good-naturedly. 

“Yeah, yeah. You win this one. I’m betting that once my brothers find out, chaos shall ensue. Once they find out, I’m going to hide you underground because trust me, it’s not going to be pretty.” He grimaced. “I’m surprised I managed to hide it this long.” 

“Alfred knew from the very beginning.” Marinette reminded him, flipping through one of Damian’s printed notes. 

“Alfred doesn’t count, he always knows. You can’t hide anything from Alfred.” Damian dismissed.

Marinette stuck her tongue out at him. “Just admit that you’re bad at hiding things from Alfred.” 

“I am not! It’s just that it’s really impossible to get anything past Alfred!” He defended. 

“You’re just being a sore loser.” She teased, laughing when he threw a stack of notes her way. “Now you’re playing dirty!” 

Damian made a face. “I just gave you ten bucks!” 

“That’s completely irrelevant!” 

At this, Marinette tackled Damian to the ground, pushing him down. They were already seated on the wide, open floor of Marinette’s apartment’s attic, surrounded by fluffy cushions and blankets, so their landing was soft. That wasn’t what they were concerned about, though. 

“Um.” Damian coughed awkwardly, not daring to move as he observed how Marinette was pinning him to the floor, one hand on either side of his face. A blush erupted across his cheeks. “Um.” He said, slightly louder this time. 

Marinette rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut up.” She swatted at him playfully, the male taking his chance to turn the tables, throwing Marinette off him and pinning her down. 

“What a game changer.” He mocked, dodging the light slap Marinette aimed at him. “Gosh, you need to improve your aim.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

Silence fell in the attic, only the brief flapping of paper heard in the attic. Damian stared into the swirling, blue eyes of his two-month-long girlfriend. If there was one thing that had changed once he started dating Marinette, after the bluenette muttered up the courage to ask him out after their six-month-long, playful, constantly-throwing-insults-at-each-other friendship, it was that he started doing things without contemplating the results like a chess game. In a good way. 

In the same way, he pressed his lips to hers without thinking. 

When he drew back, both their faces were flushed, red painted across their cheeks. “There’s no hiding this one from Alfred, either.” He muttered after a moment, rolling off the bluenette when she burst into a laugh. 

“Cause you’re horrible at hiding things from him, just admit it~” She teased in a sing-song voice, laughing as he lunged towards her, tickling her sides. “Stop! We have to study for our- Test!” She laughed in between her words, bluebell eyes twinkling in happiness. 

Both their individual first kisses had not exactly been... Smooth, but to say that they were satisfied with their first kiss together was an understatement. 

---

@how-to-fuction-properly​ here’s your second request! Sorry it took so long :) 

- Cady 

[tonystarkbingo]

Our TSB party is still going, and here is one of the games we’ve had fun with so far!

Fic Titles Game

Glitter - suggested by @phoenixmetaphor3000

@huntress79 - Idea: Dum-E teams up with Steve (other Avengers optional) to bring some Christmas cheer to their favorite in-house Grinch (aka Tony XD)  Massive amounts of Glitter involved

@rebelmeg​ - tony kind of has an accidental thing for glitter. it's not his fault. the iron man suit has a glitz and glamour of its own, he's always told his eyes sparkle, and his favorite tie pin is that gaudy ruby one that pepper hates. he loves the stars, the way sunlight sparkles on the waves outside his malibu mansion, and he can't really be blamed when a tiny speck of glitter under a certain someone's eye catches his attention one december day.

@psychiccatpanda - Clint refills DUM-E's fire extinguisher with purple and silver glitter as revenge for Tony making Clint's most recent armor change to red and gold with body heat. Hijinks ensue.

@lbibliophile-mcu - Decorating the Christmas tree, the Avengers get into an argument over who is responsible for the missing tinsel. Half an hour later they find it, in a tangled web draped all over Dum-e. He objects strenuously to its removal, but eventually concedes to their assistance in rearranging the strands so he can still move.

@huntress79 - The Avengers are invited to a Charity gala, but they have to wear costumes that are NOT their usual ones. And of course, Tony can't resist an opportunity to rile up a certain Captain, just a little bit. Best way to do so: a dare, in this case who wears the most glittery costume. But what Tony didn't expect was that Steve comes up with his own counterdare... (author's choice ;))

@darthbloodorange - [Stony] - It's pride, so there was bound to be some glitter floating around, it was inevitable. But this much? Someone was obviously being irresponsible with glitter and needs to be given a warning for the good of the world (and the Tower's cleaning bots). Tony follows the trail of glitter... all the way to Steve's room? Does this mean that Tony's crush on Steve actually stood a chance of being more than just a crush.

@ralsbecket - It was Steve's first Father's Day being Morgan's step-dad, and Tony helps her with cooking breakfast in bed and sprinkling red, white, and blue glitter on a handmade card (not particularly in that order). Steve still finds glitter everywhere weeks later.

@rebelmeg​ - i can't art very well, but i want art of the aftermath of tony opening a glitter bomb that rhodey left out for him

@huntress79 - (Stony) - During a mission in space, Tony and Steve are stranded on a planet, with no immediate way to get back. After a while, they encounter tiny little beings who introduce themselves as fairies. But while they can't fulfill their wish to get home (for whatever reasons), they might be inclined to use their glittery fairy dust for something else… (could also be used for a crossover with Hook/Peter Pan)

@rebelmeg (with some inspirational help from @dreaminglypeach) - tony coming home with glitter all over his suit and looking super smug, and everyone IMMEDIATELY assumes strippers. but of course it's gotta something completely different and silly.  like... he wandered through the christmas department at the store and slipped on something and ended up sprawled on the glitter strewn floor

 @yesmooshoe - Tony is somehow de-aged to around 5. The Avengers do their best to take care of him while they figure out what to do, but don't keep a constant eye on him. Tony likes all of his new friends though and wants to do something special for them, so he acquires a bunch of glitter and glue (maybe jarvis helps? maybe thor likes crafting? fuck knows.) Tony proceeds to embellish everyone's stuff - glitter all of steve's shield, thor's hammer, glitter all over Clint's arrows (which really throws off the balance but he can't be mad), and even a weird-looking red and yellow robot suit. When Tony is finally returned to normal he's upset with his younger self for how haphazardly he glued all the glitter to his suit, because it could have looked super cool if done well.

Collaborative effort that started with strippers and then went off the rails

Glitter lube

Scratchy, what a terrible idea

oh my god but imagine shitting out glitter

Edible glitter

Edible glitter on cakes

Edible glitter exiting the human body

So many glitter poop jokes and anecdotes

@ralsbecket - The Avengers are forced undercover for a mission to catch a villain red-handed, and this villain just so happens to work from the basement of a strip-club. Tony draws the short straw, but at least he can choose his own stripper name.

@lbibliophile-mcu - He's sure it looks very pretty. Gentle waves ruffling the surface of the bay. Each strand of grass on the dunes lined in perfect crystals of frost. Dawn sun painting the sky pink. And right there is the problem: dawn sun. It is far too early to have to deal with all these stray rays of light stabbing through his eyes.

(More under the cut!)

Vices - suggested by @ralsbecket

@huntress79 - (Stony) - Steve's a hard working cop on the vice, Tony's his "favorite" frequent delinquent (aka Tony's a bit of a bad boy who usually gets arrested by Steve, for rather minor things, but Tony can't shut up when Steve's around, so it's more for his talking than anything else) (Steve, of course, can be replaced by any other character, whatever floats your boat XD)

@rebelmeg - tony kicked a lot of these habits a long time ago. it's been ages since he's been high, or slept around, or partied until he literally dropped. but around this time in december, he's allowed a few of his other vices. his need for near-constant touch and attention. drinking. staying up to keep the nightmares away, and being coaxed to bed when he's so exhausted he's asleep before his head eats the pillow. eating all the food he loves that aren't that great for him. it's okay, though. this time of year, he's allowed.

@lbibliophile - "... This is not the worst thing you've caught me doing." And it was in that moment - confronted by the picture he made trapped in the grip of supposedly-helpful machinery - that Tony decided he really needed to prioritise a better way of getting the suit on and off.

@rebelmeg - some kind of profile art with the arc reactor depicted as one half of a vice clamped on tony's chest

@dreaminglypeach - vices: DUM-E was only trying to help squishy-dad with his work. He didn’t mean to get his hand stuck in a vice. If only sky-dad would stop chastising him and call for help…

@Magicadraconia16 - Dum-E does not understand why everyone keeps saying that vices are bad. They're very helpful tools! He loves the one that Tony gave him for his very own. He can show everyone, then they'll see! If only he can get it off of U's arm, first…

@huntress79 - Knowing that Tony will fall back to some of his old vices as soon as December rolls around, the whole Tower teams up to keep him from doing so (can be gen aka Avengers as a family, or end with your favorite partner for Tones)

@psychiccatpanda - [potential WinterIron] Bucky has been researching everyone on the team and it seems like the media has nothing better to do than to gossip about Tony Stark's vices - women, booze, and expensive cars mostly. The trashier gossip bloggers openly speculated on what (or who) Tony's latest mistake would be. When Bucky gives Tony a judgmental look after he's returned from being out (much longer than the hour Stark had said he'd be gone), Tony frowns. The bag clanks like metal. What the hell had Tony meant when he'd said he needed to 'go pick up some new vices'?? ((hint - it's actual vices. It always takes longer at Home Depot or any hardware store because Tony has to look at everything before he leaves!))

@tehroserose - [Stony] Steve had only one vice. Well, two, but they were related. He loved watching Tony's backside, and he loved getting him angry. The genius was so alive when he was angry, and then he was treated to a wonderful view of the amazing backside. Bucky was about ready to smack him upside the head for his kindergarten way of having a crush.

@darthbloodorange - [Stony] - Before the serum there was a lot of things Steve couldn't experience, whether it was because of his conditions or lack of money. Steve's favourite thing about the 21st Century is all the foods and flavours. Being able to eat things he couldn't eat before. Being able to taste things he wouldn't've been able to taste before. Steve spends his military back-pay on food and treats... a part of him burns at the idea of spending his money this way, there were more beneficial things he could be doing with it... But he can't help himself, especially when some flavours taste like euphoria. Tony notices and decides to indulge in Steve's vices.

@huntress79 - (potential HawkIron) For the longest time, Clint always had to choose before a mission between wearing the team comms and his hearing aids, otherwise his ears felt like being in a vice. SHIELD didn't see it as a necessity to equip him with better things, but once he joins the Avengers, and Tony notices the obvious problem, things start to look up for the resident archer....

@huntress79 - Ever since he got free of the programming and came to live at the Tower, Bucky's been doing repairs on his metal arm on his own. But after a mission, putting his arm in a vice and working with the fine tools isn't the easiest thing to do. And Buck's too proud to ask anyone for help, be it Steve or anyone else. Good thing that he can't stop JARVIS alerting Tony to that particular problem... (can be friendship/mending bridges between them, or WinterIron)

5 Times Tony Stark was a Terrible Cook, Plus 1 That One Time He Finally Ordered a Pizza - suggested by @yesmooshoe

@tehroserose - Tony/Others, Tony/Rhodey end. Tony has always tried to cook for his dates. He wants to impress them. Problem is, he can't cook. And too many people just want the Stark money and lie and say it is good. Or they're too afraid/intimidated to tell the truth. Later, much later, he realizes they aren't good for him. Then there's Rhodey, who's never afraid to tell Tony that his cooking sucks... and then, after the last relationship ended, this time when the white lie was out of care, Rhodey again tells Tony his food sucks, let's get pizza. And they kiss, over the pizza.

@rebelmeg - first it was cookies. cookies burnt to a crisp that even ana jarvis couldn't salvage. second was spaghetti, so mushy and overcooked that rhodey couldn't stop laughing even when tony threatened to throw his enormously thick math textbook at him. third was that whole "raw in the middle" chicken incident that happy still won't let him live down, and fourth was the disastrous omelet for pepper. fifth was morgan's 1st birthday cake, and thank heaven's pepper was wise enough to ignore him and order a backup. this time, he's just gonna order a pizza.

@huntress79 - Tony The Cook: The Jarvises tried, Mama Rhodes as well, but for all his genius, Tony can't figure out a cooking recipe. Nonetheless, he tried to impress several various dates with his cooking skills. Needless to say that none of these attempts (both cooking and dating) ended well. Then, he meets Steve, a guy who doesn't care at all what they eat, as long as they eat together. And so, Tony orders pizza for their date…

@Magicadraconia16 - It's an unfortunate historical fact that Tony cannot cook to save his life (hmm, there's an idea for the next HYDRA kidnapping...). Rhodey's meal was burnt to unidentifiable cinders (seriously, even Tony doesn't know what it was supposed to be); Pepper's gave her an allergic reaction; Natasha chipped a tooth; Hulk came out and threw Bruce's food out of the (closed!!) window; and Steve got food poisoning. Steve!!! So when Bucky turns up in his workshop one day, Tony decides to selflessly save everyone from a hangry Winter Soldier and just orders pizza, instead.

@ralsbecket - 5 + 1 Pizza: Tony Stark was many things. He was a genius, he was a billionaire, he was a playboy, he was a philanthropist. The thing he was decidedly not was a good cook. It was one burnt omelet too many before Pepper begged him to just order out. The person delivering his pizza was... attractive. If he started ordering pizza on Fridays at 6PM every week for a month, that was nobody's business.

@lbibliophile-mcu - Tony just wants to offer a fancy home-made anniversary dinner. It's not so much that Tony is a terrible cook, but that something (or several somethings) always go wrong. His significant other's flight was delayed. He gets distracted by a minor crisis half way through cooking. He tries to prepare beforehand, but forgets to label it before leaving it in the common fridge. Had a mistranslated recipe or the wrong measuring spoons. Dum-e tried to 'help' while he was distracted. The next year, his SO requests that they just order pizza to eat cuddled on the couch.

@psychiccatpanda - Single dad Tony tries to do it all. He feels terrible about the amount of time his three kids (all under the age of 5) spend in daycare, but college will be expensive, so he works -and works. But he tries to make the after-work before-bed moments really count. Sometimes his carefully planned dinners don't work out. Monday, the slow cooker wasn't plugged in and their chicken and potato dish spoiled for being on the counter for almost 13 hours unrefrigerated. Tuesday they were out of bread and ate PBJ on the last three hot dog buns. Wednesday, he thought dinner was fine, but Peter declared it was 'too spicy' and so none of the kids would eat it. Thursday he burned the chicken nuggets in the oven because he had to help the kids with their baths, and Friday? Well no one was gonna talk about that again. Saturday Tony's ready to cry because he's pretty sure Morgan is coming down with something. So he orders pizza. When the pizza delivery guy arrives, holding Morgan, she barfs all down Tony's back. Pizza delivery driver yanks the pizza away and asks if he can come in to set it down in the kitchen, then helps out with the kids while Tony takes a shower.

@darthbloodorange - [Stony] - It was meant to be romantic, cooking for a date. But with Tony it was definitely not romantic. Cooking for Rumiko he managed to burn everything, yet have the food still raw. Firefighters had to be called when he set his dorm alight cooking for Janet. Ty needed to have his stomach pumped after Tony's cooking (how was he to know what was too much alcohol, wasn't it meant to burn off?). Indries had stomach problems for weeks after Tony cooked for her. And he managed to poison Pepper... Needless to say, Tony wasn't a good cook... So when he scores a date with Steve Rogers, he thinks "why bother try? Steve is too good for me anyway", there was no way they were going to last. So he orders a pizza. Steve is relieved when he sees the pizza. He had been hoping Tony would pick something down to earth, worried he wouldn't know how to eat whatever posh food Tony put in front of him and make a fool of himself. Steve admits he doesn't know how to cook either. Maybe Captain America isn't so perfect. Maybe... Maybe this could work out. Him and Steve

@huntress79 - Of all the people, Tony has probably the most irregular eating rhythm. He has been known to try and cook for himself, but the results are less than stellar. So, one by one, each of the Avengers try to cook for him, until Steve joins him in the workshop with a small stash of pizzas…

@lbibliophile-mcu - It was all Steve Rogers' fault. Him and his insistence on 'team dinners' to 'promote bonding' and 'improve cohesion'. Not that Tony necessarily objects to the dinners - pending his schedule - but Steve seems to have this odd conviction that having home-cooked food is a necessary part of the ritual, and none of them can change his mind. Natasha tried logic. Clint tried begging. Bruce, he's pretty sure, is sneaking in pre-made food and just cooking the final steps. Thor thinks it's a great idea... but is always for some reason back on Asgard on his nights. But Tony is a genius, so he decides on a different approach. He grumbles a little bit, but otherwise doesn't complain when it's his night to cook. He cooks... and watches as each of the Avengers gives up on choking down the barely-edible meal. The next time he is rostered, the scene repeats. And the next. And the next. By the sixth time he is due to be cooking dinner, Steve comes up to him and politely - but pointedly - suggests that maybe they just order pizza. Tony thinks of the several meals worth of tasty leftovers hidden in the penthouse fridge, and graciously acquiesces.

I hope Thistle cheer you up - by @darthbloodorange

@rebelmeg - it was the pun war to end all pun wars. and it was probably going to end all of them. clint was fine, he loved puns almost as much as he loved pizza. steve hated puns so much he had taken up swearing. tony took sadistic glee in saving his worst puns for when steve was around. nat was famous for using the most clever of puns at unexpected moments. bucky could deadpan a pun so seriously it always took them by surprise. thor was terrible at it, still grasping the nuances of american english, but he sure tried hard. bruce tolerated it all and made half-hearted attempts at participation, though chuckling at his own puns was usually funnier than the puns. sam loved making puns, but hated it when other people did. it started creeping into other areas of their life, onto social media, in interviews, and at one point hawkeye was trending for awhile after he screamed out "THISTLE CHEER YOU UP!" whilst battling some kind of plant monster. tony helped, because he retweeted with the comment, "ooh, talk dirt to me."

@ralsbecket -  So what if Tony had gotten laid off? So what if Tony had a mountain of bills sitting on his dining table? The only thing that mattered to him in that moment was his baby girl Morgan, with her hair falling out of the ponytail and her cute little lisp. She'd come back in from the backyard with a handful of dandelions, saying, "I hope thistle cheer you up, Daddy" so sweetly that for just a moment, everything was okay again.

@psychiccatpanda - [IronHawk] Tony's been working on the reams of paperwork that he's put off for SI. He's still not sure why it all needs to be done before the end of the quarter, but here he was. Needless to say, Tony Stark has been in a foul mood the whole week. The snide comments he usually keeps to himself have started to slip out and he feels guilty on top of the grouchy, so he decides to barricade himself in his office. He falls asleep on a sheaf of papers and wakes up with the impression of little ridges of paper on his cheek. It takes a moment (he hasn't been asleep that long) for him to fully realize the plant in front of him was real. An aloe plant - with a plate of chocolate muffins, fruit, cheese, and nuts. A post-it on the aloe's pot read, 'I hope thistle cheer you up,' written with a purple felt tip pen., which meant either Clint had left it - or Natasha pretending to be Clint.

@lbibliophile-mcu - Bruce looks at Tony, then back down at the spiny dried flowerhead in his hands.

"I know that you were getting frustrated trying to find these for your new fibre arts project, so I decided to help." His eyes light up as he realises the pun. "Thistle cheer you up!"

Bruce sighs even as he smiles.

"Tony... I appreciate the thought, but as you said, this is a thistle. I need a teasel."

@darthbloodorange - [Stony] - Tony really doesn't like his neighbour Justin. The man was always trying to find ways to report him to the local council. Mailbox too close to driveway? Reported! Weeds in his lawn? Reported! Fence too high? Reported! Didn't clean his pool that weekend? Reported! Lawn too long? Reported! It was ridiculous. But the council won't do anything because taking action against someone who's reported you (even if the reports were false) is apparently considered wrong and vindictive. There was nothing Tony could do but grit his teeth and bear it. One day Tony receives a box in the mail, addressed from his neighbour across the street. The handsome blond guy with the body of a Greek god and a garden that looked like a literal paradise. Steve Rogers. Tony wasn't too shy to admit (to himself) that he had a crush on the man. He eagerly tears into the box to find a small note and a lots of little bags of mulch wrapped in tissue paper. The note reads: "Tony, I've heard you be having some trouble. I hope thistle cheer you up. After the rain comes flowers. Ps. Throw these over Justin's fence." And so he does. Watching Justin battle all the weeds after it rains brings Tony so much joy. Especially when Justine reports him to the council and the council shrugs him off this time. He heads over to Steve with some home cooked food as a thank you gift and they get talking. Turns out Steve is an Environmental activist with a passion for guerrilla gardening. Tony is hooked. Maybe it has more to to with Steve then the revenge on Justin (as sweet as it was)

[pjoseries]

Hi alyssa! Congratulations on 600!!! ✨✨✨ Can you do 13 angst for blarke? “If you don’t hug me right now I think I’m going to fall apart” thank you!

ty berny!!! hsakjhdf im sorry if this isn’t what u were expecting lol & sorry it’s like... months late oof

✨ “If you don’t hug me right now, I think I’m going to fall apart.” (ao3 link)

(spoilers for s7 !!!)

══════════════════

PLANET: BARDO

You’re in an endless desert with a vast purple sky. A hand reaches out for your own. Whose is it?

Pale hands, small fingers, so much tinier than his own grips his hand. Always stronger than she seems. 

Sweat beads against his temple and he grips the armrest, trying to force himself to think of other thoughts. Anything. Not her. Please not her. He strains against the restraints yet again, but he can already feel failure pooling up at his gut, washing him in shame. 

Who is Clarke Griffin?

No one. Nothing. Don’t think, Bellamy, don’t think—

A breath, shuddering back to life. Her arms wrap around his neck. She clings to him and he does the same. Clarke. Clarke. 

Neural link is engaged. 

Bellamy’s head is pounding and he bites away the scream that wants to leave his lips. He’s doomed her. Again. 

I’m sorry, Clarke. 

━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━

PLANET: BARDO

There’s something wrong with Bellamy. It’s not that he looks too clean, freshly shaven and donning clothes she’s only ever seen on the people of this planet. He’s infiltrated into enemy territory enough times that it doesn’t spark a hint of suspicion to her. No, it’s the way he’s looking at her. There’s just something missing from his eyes. 

“Clarke, we have to hurry before the rest of them come,” he says, grabbing her hand. 

She stops. It’s stupid, she knows, it’s Bellamy she’s talking about. But he just left their friends locked up in a room and didn’t even bother to spare them a single glance without a single weapon to guard themselves. She forces a softer look on his face and grips his wrist as tightly as he held her moments before. Please, Bellamy. She asks, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Clarke. Is that all? We need to leave now. We can talk while we go.” He tries to pull away, but her grip is iron and steel. He’s looking into her eyes, but Clarke doesn’t feel safe. It’s wrong, so wrong—it itches underneath her skin. 

She doesn’t know what her plan is until she throws herself against him and wraps her arms around his neck, pressing her nose up against his shoulder. He smells different. His arms are still by his side and she says, her voice breaking a little at the end, “If you don’t hug me right now, I think I’m gonna fall apart.”

It’s true, mostly because what he would do would either break her heart or settle the nerves bubbling in her stomach. 

His arms come up to squeeze at her waist and that feels familiar. But there’s an absence where he should have nuzzled up against her, like he always does. The softness is gone. Clarke breathes out a truth she’s only ever spoken on the radio, trying to wriggle the knife she hides in the sleeve of her jacket, “Bellamy, you know… you know I love you, right?”

“Of course,” he says easily and it hurts to hear. She lets herself have one more second in his embrace before she leans back. 

“Now, c’mon, Clarke. Let’s go—”

Clarke throws a punch and Bellamy’s half-second of surprise gives her a chance to kick at his knees, sending him to the ground in a heap. Before he can reach up, Clarke straddles him, keeping his arms locked between her thighs and his own sides. She presses the knife up against his throat. 

“What the hell happened to you, Bellamy?”

Bellamy’s eyes were cold and his jaw clenches minutely. A drop of blood forms as his Adam’s apple bobs. Her hands don’t shake as she presses the knife tighter against his throat. 

A thought enters her mind: It shouldn’t be this easy to subdue him. His hand to hand combat skills are better than hers, it’s a simple fact that she’s just had to deal with, and she’s so much smaller than him. He can buck her off with his hips. Her body isn’t in a position to be stable enough to hold off against a move like that. But even then, a surprise attack shouldn’t have caught him so off guard. 

He can’t hurt her. No, he’s not allowed to hurt her. Clarke is needed alive for some damn reason and they’re using Bellamy. 

She blinks away the tears and purses her lips. It might look like she has the upper hand, but she’s probably surrounded by hundreds of others waiting to capture her. She has nowhere to escape. 

“Clarke,” he says. And as if he’s reading her mind, he adds, “You have nowhere to go. Just put down the knife.” 

Her hand shakes slightly and the smear of red on silver makes her queasy all of a sudden. Bellamy’s blood. It’s still Bellamy. She can’t, she can’t hurt him. Not like this. Not when his mind is gone and his body is left. He did everything he can to save her from Josephine and she has to do the same. 

It’s what they always do. They save each other. 

And there’s still some part of him that remembers her. That has to count for something. It has to. She can’t lose him like this, not when she’s lost everything else. 

She’s always had hope even in the worst situations. Bellamy taught her that. Her chest burns with it. Hope. 

And with it, she lets the knife clatter to the side. In a beat, Bellamy has her in his arms, grabbing the weapon with a swift flick. He pulls her up, her back against his, and ties her arms behind her. He’s a little rough, probably because he’s still bruised and bleeding, but the way he settles her in front of him is surprisingly gentle. One of his hands lays on her shoulder while the other holds her arm. 

He walks her to a white room where a man in white smiles at her genially. Her last thought as the door closes is: Raven, I hope you get everyone out of there. 

[bibibuckleyy]

‘Pinned’ liveblog

there are def spoilers ahead so don’t read if you haven’t seen the episode yet! also this is definitely not gonna make sense if you haven’t seen the episode and it’s very long so i’m sorry in advance

i wanna go to this bowling alley

i agree garett is a damn treasure look at that boi

he’s totally boyfriend manager material

yes buck you are a genuis 

“technically it would be an exoskeleton”

LET HIM ENJOY THE WIN

“NO REFUNDS”

ayeeee my son garett gettin his coin go be manager 👏🏽

“JESSE, YOU’RE FIRED” LMAOOOOOO

so apparently green tea fights brain tumors

so let me tall y’all bout my good friend MICHAEL

he’s got a brain tumor and he is scarin the shit out the whole fandom

and hey instead of gettin the SURGERY

THIS BITCH IS GOIN CAMPING

i don’t think he understands that he cannot fucking die 

athena and may are literally me

they both like ‘wtf why is he goin camping he has a damn brain tumor’

and the fandom like ‘bitch same T-T’

no pressure bobby but MICHAEL’S LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS

michael bby i don’t know why your doctor cleared you for this

like ‘hey, you have a life-threatening tumor but whatev’s YOLO lmao go camping dude hopefully you don’t progressively get worse while you are there lol lol’

spoiler alert: he gets worse

me and his doc bout to throw hands

if athena and may don’t get him first

“assuming there is a next year”

well f u c k.

that’s a 2020 mood tho fr fr 

athena pls knock some sense into michael you have my blessing girlie

congrats may on gettin into USC!

*casually googles USC*

WOW ALBERT

i dunno what i expected

but it was not...that

throw the whole room away chim

”technically he doesn’t even have a room” DAMN CHIM THE SHADE

things just ‘ignited’ huh?

well that was awkward

EXCUSE YOU ALBERT IN THIS HOUSEHOLD WE DO NOT QUESTION MADNEY

“she’s a good friend to you” with that little sip after DAMN ALBERT I CACKLED

Chim bby you look exhausted lmao

omg wAIT I LOVE THE TREE PLANTING TRADITION

IT’S SO NOBLE

“Plant it, let it grow, and stay out if it’s way!”

i love that they are including bobby in this

michael? michael what’s wrong with your hands buddy

THAT’S IT THIS TRIP IS CANCELLED SIRI TAKE US TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL

“ah, the dreaded c-word”

hi hello yes i only accept relationship advice if it comes from hen or athena

awkward shoulder laugh?? ok buddie eddie

“tommorow isn’t promised to anyone, so if you love her, tell her”

*still doesn’t tell buck how he feels*

i love athena and may’s bond 

it’s real like yea they have problems and disagreements but theye still love eachother

i like that they don’t agree all the time about everything

“we still have time” UH YEA BITCH WE BETTER

michael you are hi key scaring me now

stop stop stop you guys need to go to the hospital

bobby and harry are the duo we didn’t know we needed 

ok listen

i really hated this emergency

like just do your dishes bitch

your house is already remodeled

i mean like it was still a good rescue

but i was kind of an eyeroll

he really shot himself with a nail gun

bruh

“i didn’t say i love you back to my daughter”

aii so he’s not as thick headed as i thought

wowzers that’s a lot of blood comign out of his chest

i literally chose the worst moment to make food

i‘m seasoned 9-1-1 vet tho so i’m used to it lmao

 EDDIE WAIT ARE YOU ASKING BUCK OUT 

WAIT IT WAS SO CASUAL THO

IT’S LIKE

THEY DO THIS OFTEN

ANA FLORES WHO

(ok ok i like Ms. Flores but i am a buddie stan first and foremost)

wow i didn’t expect that when they opened the back of the ambulance

lord have mercy this dudes blood is everywhere

me too buck, me too

i mean like i would lose my appetite but like,,, this popcorn is good yo

“where are you going?”

“to ask your sister out on a date so i can tell her i love her”

YES CHIM GO GET HER 

*chants* MANDEY! MADNEY! MADNEY!

uh oh michael and bobby are bout to fiiight

“i’m fine”

“no michael, you’re not, and i think it’s time we all started admitting that”

FUCKING THANK YOU BOBBY 

IT’S NOT ALL OK DAMNIT

“you think you are hiding it but he sees it”

YEA SO DO WE AND I THINK I SPEAK FOR EVERYONE WHEN I SAY I DON’T LIKE IT

“to learn!”

“to learn what?”

“how to be a family when i’m gone”

.........

i hate everyone 

my heart didn’t deserve to break like that

JOSHHHHHHH

HI BBY

there are still bruises on his face :(

i’m still mad about his date

FUCK YOU GREG 

maddie dear chimney is not breaking up with you lmao

poor josh bro sunshine bby didn’t deserve it

i love athena and hen’s dynamic like just GOALS

“this thing with michael is looming over us constantly”

truer words have never been spoken 

i want to go to a revolving restaurant

it looked so cool

this is gonna sound weird byut maddie not saying i love you was just even better than her saying it back

she expressed it in her own way

(still fuck you doug) 

“i love you maddie, and as long as i know you feel the same, i can say it enough for the both of us”

WHAT DID THIS WORLD DO TO DESERVE THIS MAN 

WHOLESOME SO DAMN WGOLESOME

oh hey this dude is gonna propose

foreshadowing??

this dude really dropped the box

lmao why he look so nervous

i thought when she grabbed the box her hand was gonna get caught in the revolver thing

“the answer is-”

MY JAW HIT THE FLOOR

OH MY GOD

FUCKING EARRINGS 

LORD NOOOOOOOOOO LMAOOOOOO

the way maddie went “oh boy” honestly same here we go

“five years together and you bring me up here for earrings?”

“it’s your birthday”

“yea, next week”

The dude that turned around right after he said that was me

like i just,,,,

fucking earrings AHAHAHAAAAAAAA

homegirl really chose the worst moment to stand up

i take it back i don’t want to go to one of those restaurants 

wowwwww madney really being a dynamic duo in a crisis

and i am here for it!

they saved homegirl’s life

AND GOT A FREE HOTEL ROOM FOR ITTTTTT

I LITERALLY CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE MICHAEL ANGST

two bros, chillin by the camp fire, and i’m freakin out cause one of them’s gonna die

“i wanna see him grow up, and i don’t know if i will”

9-1-1 writers turn on your location i just wanna talk-

“i need you to keep me and my father alive for him” 

thanks i hate it

candlelit breakfast is then new thing pass it on

“took maddie out to talk and things...ignited”

 CHIMNEY YOU SMUG BASTARD

“hey handsome”

*points* there! there’s the exact moment my heart stopped

HELL NAH GET THIS DUDE AWAY FROM JOSH IMMEDEATLY

rest in power to josh’s mug

OH

OH SHIT

HE HAS A GUN

HE HAS A FUCKIN GUN

“i love you howie”

.....

bitch i didn’t order this take it back

no no no no nO NOOOOOOOOOOO

so i honestly forgot abou the whoe ‘hostage situation thing’

I WASN’T EXPECTING THIS

CAN JOSH GET A DAMN BREAK PLEASE

josh looks so scared awwwww NOOOOOO

“do not move, or you will be shot”

bitch nO

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

somebody call buck he’ll know what to do

so.... this has been my “Pinned” liveblog! i’m sorry it was super long and there was like no capitalization anywhere lmao. i actually enjoyed this so hit up my askbox if you want me to liveblog another episode!

[benhardyisdaddy]

Farm In The Middle Of Nowhere

MASTERLIST 

(oh hello and welcome to this smutty af fic with bby ben sksksk FIRST OFF every single person in this fic is 18, i dont write no smut about minors yall EW so just needed that to be very clear lol ALSO joe and lucy are in this fic so i wrote everyone as the same age, i needed some best friend material okay, i hope u all like it and i hope i didnt butcher it lmao ily)

Word Count: 4,815

Summer vacation was over and the beginning of senior year was just starting. Nerves were all over the place as everyone made their way into the busy school, in search of their new designated classes. You had stepped into the building and looked around as teachers guided people in the right direction for where they need to go. 

You take in a deep breath and glance down at your schedule sheet. Your first hour was math. You groan to yourself and begin making your way to room 303. You disliked math so much and were not excited that it would be your first class in the morning. You were groggy and tired and were not ready to work with numbers and formulas. Math being your first hour class wasn’t even the worst thing. You were a brand new student and for your senior year. You missed your friends back home and despised being here. Everyone here already had old friends and their cliques picked out, you didn’t fit in at all. You were nervous and just wanted the year to go by fast.

You make your way to your classroom and silently praise yourself for not having to ask for help. You notice the door’s open so you walk inside. Students have filled the room as some stand up and talk, while others are sat. A seat in the very back corner of the room is available and you can’t help but thank the gods. You make your way back there and hurriedly claim the seat. You notice a few students staring at you, so you look away and grab your notebook from your bag. You sit there quietly when you notice someone walk up and stand next to the desk beside you. They lean forward and look at you. You look over to notice a tall guy with jet black hair smiling at you.

“You’re new.” he says.

You raise a brow and slowly nod.

“Looks like it.”

He half laughs and looks you up and down, raking his eyes over your body. You cursed at yourself for wearing the tightest pair of jeans you own.

“Ya know, I actually might think you’re hotter than Mackenzie.” he silently says.

Your eyes open wide a bit as you watch him dumb founded.

“I’m sorry?” you ask, not understanding.

“Mackenzie. She’s the hottest girl in school, but I think you have her beat.” he says smirking.

“So what does that make you?” you ask sarcastically.  

The guy’s face drops as you look at him with your brow raised, waiting for an answer. You then hear somebody laugh in the distance.

“Yeah, Mark. What does that make you?”

You look over and a guy with dirty blonde hair and the greenest eyes you’ve ever seen was walking up to you two. Your heart almost stopped as he looks to you quickly and smiles a bit. Were people your age even allowed to be that gorgeous?

“Oh, piss off.” says Mark, embarrassed as he looks at you once more and walks away.

You roll your eyes and look back at the notebook in front of you. The blonde man sits in the empty desk next to you and you can feel his eyes on you.

“New schools always suck on the first day.” he says to you.

You look over to him quickly and your face burns as he looks at you. You smile and nod.

“Yeah. Being the new kid is always so fun.” you say, causing him to laugh.

“I’m Ben.” he says, still smiling.

You tuck a piece of hair behind your ear and smile back.

“Y/n.” you reply.

Ben leans back in his seat, still watching you. The teacher makes her way into the class and tells everyone to take their seat. It quiets down as the teacher begins speaking about herself and how the year would go. Ben looks to you and rolls his eyes, making you laugh.

“Is something funny you two?” asks the teacher, looking at Ben and you.

Your face goes red as you shake your head and fight back a smirk. Ben just smiles his big grin and shakes his head.

“No, ma’am. Just talking about how beautiful you look today.”

You look to him fast and can’t help but admire how good he is at being charming. The teacher just laughs and shakes her head as she continues speaking. Ben looks to you and winks. He takes out a piece of paper and begins writing on it. He quickly slides it over on your desk and you look over at him fast. You unfold the piece of paper and begin reading.

I can tell tell we’ll be good friends x -B

You smile to yourself and begin writing back.

I hope so - Y

You slide it back to Ben and he reads it. He smiles and looks back to you. That was the beginning of the note passing.

***

3 Months Later

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as attractive as she is.” says Ben to his best friend Joe.

“Have you even talked to her?” he asks.

They’re at Ben’s house in his bedroom as they talk about you.

“All the time! We have first hour together. Math is officially my favorite subject because of her. But when it’s over, I literally can’t stop thinking about her. It’s… I don’t know.” he trails off.

Joe laughs and shakes his head as he stands up and grabs his bag.

“You have a crush on her, dude. You should tell her.”

He walks to Ben’s bedroom door and opens it up.

“Yeah, because it’s that easy!” says Ben.

Joe shrugs his shoulders.

“If you stopped making it so hard, it could be. I’ll see you later, okay?” he says as he walks from his room.

Ben is still laying on his bed as his mind races back to you. He thinks about your hair, your cute nose, the way you smile, your eyes. He tenses his jaw and starts thinking about the curve of your hips, the outline of your butt in your jeans, the view he gets when you lean over and your shirt pulls down a bit. Ben bites his lip as he feels himself get excruciatingly hard. He slowly brings his hand down to palm himself over his pants. His breath gets hitched as he presses down hard. Ben’s eyes open up as he remembers he’s home alone right now. He quickly unzips his pants and pulls them down, along with his boxers. 

His hard length springs free and it’s already dripping with precum. He wraps his hand around himself and his head falls back against his pillow. His eyes close once more as he groans out loudly. He slowly pumps himself as he thinks about you. He thinks about your lips on his. He thinks about his hands all over your body and squeezing. He thinks about you undressing for him and he wonders how sweet you would taste. He pumps himself even faster as his legs shake. He thinks about your lips wrapped around him with his hands in your hair. He then thinks about how amazing you would feel as he rams into you repeatedly. That does it for him. Ben pumps faster and faster as he whimpers loudly.

“Y/n,” he whispers out your name. “Oh, fuck, y/n…”

His mouth opens wide as he begins to see white. His cock twitches in his hand as he bucks his hips forward. He cries out as his body jerks and warmth spurts out of him, covering his stomach. He pumps even faster as he moans and feels ecstasy wash over him. He pumps once more and he’s finished. He breathes heavily as he looks down and realizes the mess he’s made, all thanks to you.

***

2 Months Later

Your relationship with your new best friend Ben was five months in the making. He was the only guy in school who didn’t try to get into your pants, although something in the back of your mind was hoping he sort of would. Ben was well liked in school and some would say he’s popular. You agree. He was always getting in trouble for smoking on school property with his friends and for getting into fights with idiots like Mark. He had, you could say, a reputation and nobody wanted to be on his bad side.

The two of you spend all of first hour and lunch laughing together and talking, but one morning the conversation took a different turn. You two had been passing notes and talking about how two popular students, Jesse and Erica, were caught by their parents in her bedroom.

The fact they’d choose a place in their HOUSE to get it on is sad and weird - Y

Ben reads the note and coughs to cover up a laugh.

Yeah, I’d want a place where I know no one would come barging in lmao - B

You read the note and laugh to yourself. You weren’t sure why, but a sort of confidence washed over you and you wrote something down quickly. Your heart was beating fast as he opens it and reads. His face drops for a moment, then a sly smile forms.

Have you ever… Ya know… - Y

Ben writes something and slips it back over to you.

Of course I have. - B

He lied. He doesn’t know why he lied exactly. He guesses it’s because he wasn’t sure if you had or not, and he didn’t want to look dumb to you, so he said yes. This time, his heart was racing as you read it. Your stomach falls when you read it. You had never had sex, so you were now intimidated. He’s slept with someone, you think to yourself. Of course he has, look at him. He’s a pro, you think once more. You glance over to him then back at the paper. You’re not entirely sure what to write.

Lucky girls. - Y

You think so?? - B

I do. I’m not as experienced… Maybe you could, I don’t know… Teach me? - Y

Ben reads the note and his eyes go wide. He looks over to you and his pants slightly tighten as you watch him and smile. He smiles back and grins as writes back. This was like a dream come true for him. All of those nights where he touched himself with your face in his mind, might actually become reality.

As long as it’s not in any of our houses. - B

You laugh when you read the note, knowing what he was referring to. The teacher asks who’s talking and the two of you go quiet and look forward, fighting back smirks. She looks away and you hurriedly write.

My family owns a farm in the middle of nowhere. Tomorrow at 8? I’ll say I’m staying with Lucy. - Y

Ben shifts in his seat and silently prays that no one can see how hard he’s getting. He clears his throat and writes back once more.

8 sounds perfect. Just text me the address. Can’t wait - B

You look to him and smile as you look down at your notebook and try to concentrate on your work, which was difficult to do now.

***

“You and Ben!?” asks Lucy as she sits on your bed crisscrossed.

It was the next day and you were nervously walking around and trying to figure out what to wear. You run your hand through your hair and exhale.

“I like him so much, Luc!” you say.

She smiles and nods as you look through your closet.

“What’s not to like about him? He’s a sweetheart, always does the right thing, super fit…”

You turn around and you both laugh loudly.

“I just can’t believe I’m gonna….” you trail off, thinking about it. “And remember, I’m supposedly staying with you, okay?”

She nods her head in agreement.

“Have you told him you haven’t done it before?” she asks.

You slowly shake your head.

“I didn’t say I was a virgin directly, I just said I wasn’t as experienced.”

_____

“You and y/n!?” asks Joe as he hangs upside down on Ben’s bed.

Ben was walking around his room and trying to find his favorite jacket to wear. He was meeting you in a few hours and he has never been this nervous in his whole life.

“Yeah me and y/n! You know how much I like her.” he says, looking around some more.

Ben finally finds it and smiles. He shrugs it on and looks at himself in the mirror.

“Has she done it before?” asks Joe, curious.

Ben looks to him and furrows his brows a bit as he thinks.

“She never said she didn’t. She just said she wasn’t as experienced. I take that as maybe she has.”

Joe sits up all the way and nods.

“And you told her?”

Ben freezes and his face looks guilty.

“Ben, you didn’t…” says Joe.

“I panicked, alright!? I told her I’d done it before, because I’d be so embarrassed if she has and I… haven’t.”

“Oh, dude,” starts Joe, shaking his head. “You gotta tell her.”

_____

“You have to tell him!” says Lucy loud.

You bite your lip and exhale loudly. You finally picked out a flowy sundress and settled on it.

“I’m so intimidated by him. He has experience in all of it and the only thing I’ve done is make out with a boy freshman year. I will eventually.” you say.

You look into your mirror and fix your lip gloss. You take in a deep breath and turn back to Lucy.

“I’m ready.”

***

It was nearing 8 pm and you were insanely nervous, you felt like you could puke. Ben kept rubbing his hands over his pants due to him being a sweaty mess. He keeps taking deep breaths as he drives out to the address you gave him. You arrive to the farmhouse first and step out of your car. You smile at the familiar scenery and walk up the porch and to the screened door. You unlock it quickly and make your way inside. The furniture was very minimal as were decorations. All that there was in the living room was a couch and a table. Your parents were still trying to remodel the home, so furniture wasn’t a big deal. You just thanked them for leaving the king size bed upstairs. You check outside and see if Ben had made it yet, but he didn’t. You rush to the bedroom and fling off the old sheets and comforters. You slide on new, clean ones and hide the dusty ones. You wipe your hands off when you hear a car door close.

Butterflies immediately take over your stomach as you rush downstairs. You open the screen door and stand there as Ben reaches the porches steps. He looks up and spots you, his face turning pink as he looks you up and down. You looked so beautiful to him in that dress. He smiles and walks up to you.

“Hi.” he whispers.

You can’t help but grin back.

“Hi.”

He looks you up and down as you turn around and walk back inside. Ben looks around and admires the beautiful, old building.

“Wow,” he says.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” you ask, looking around with him.

Ben looks to you and watches as your eyes dance over the walls, as if you’ve never seen it before. He takes a step forward and you look to him quickly.

He looks at your lips then to your eyes. He opens his mouth to say something as you stand there and wait, but it never comes. Instead, Ben gives up and cups your face as he harshly kisses you. You’re surprised by his sudden actions, but you melt into him immediately. His tongue darts in your mouth and the feeling is still odd to you, but you love it. You mimic him and kiss him back faster. He breaks away and glances down at your chest for a split second. You nervously watch him and swallow hard as you slowly remove a strap from your shoulder. Ben watches with wide eyes as you remove the other strap and allow your dress to fall over your breasts. Ben stares at them in amazement as you smile.

“You can touch them.” you whisper.

He looks to you fast as he slowly reaches his hand out to you. He hovers it over one, but doesn’t place it down. You wait for a second before grabbing his hand bringing it to you. Ben instantly squeezed, which causes you to moan. He watches you fascinated as he massages you, then brings his other hand in to do the same. Your head falls back a bit as your eyes flutter. Ben was already painfully hard.

“Fuck,” he whispers to himself.

He leans back in and kisses you once more. You bring your hands up to his hair and gently tug, causing his mouth to open even wider.

“Take me upstairs.” you whisper against him.

He freezes and stares into your eyes. You both smile as he grabs your hand and rushes up to the top bedroom with you. He looks at the bed and then to you.

“Can I take your dress all the way off?” he asks.

You nod and step even closer to him. Ben leans forward and wraps his arm around you as he slowly unzips. The dress pools at your feet as Ben takes a step back and admires you. Your face was hot and you had to fight the urge to cover yourself up.

“You’re so beautiful.” he says.

You watch him and your heart flutters. You blush and look away as you smile. You walk up to him and then around as you crawl onto the bed. Ben follows behind you as you lay on your back and look up at him innocently. He bites his lip at the sight before him. He’s never touched a women in the way he’s about to touch you. He then slips his own shirt off and tugs down his pants fast, leaving him in only his underwear. You squeeze your legs together as you stare at him. He was so gorgeous. You could feel yourself throbbing and now soaked as you provided yourself with some friction.

“Are you okay?” he asks, making sure.

You nod fast and smile.

“I’m okay.”

“You sure?” he asks.

You laugh and nod.

“I’m sure. Now get on the bloody bed with me or I’ll start without you.” you purr.

His eyes open wide a bit as he hurriedly crawls in between your legs. He stares at your heat as his eyes flutter up to you.

“Can I touch you?” he whispers.

You bite your lip and nod.

“Please.” you whisper back.

Ben smiles as he slowly drags his finger up and down your clothed heat. He had watched enough videos to know how to do this part well. You had never felt anything like this before. Your eyes close as he pushes down even harder. You’ve never been this turned on in your life. Ben then slips his fingers around your panties band and slowly pull them down your legs. You were so nervous and almost embarrassed being this exposed to him. You looked at him scared and he realizes it. He tosses your underwear on the floor and sits up on his knees.

“It’s okay.” he says.

He slowly slides down his boxers, releasing his aching length. Your eyes open wide as you realize just how big he is. Now you were even more scared at how bad it would hurt for your first time. Your breathing gets a bit faster as you two smile at each other. He had been so scared that you wouldn’t think he was big enough, so that made him happy. He was trying to make you feel as comfortable as he can. He gets back down and kisses your inner thigh, making you squirm. He doesn’t wait any longer as he dips his tongue into your folds and licks you up. You moan out as your head digs into the pillow. Pleasure rips through you and you didn’t realize exactly what you were missing all this time. Ben brings his tongue to your swollen nub and quickly rubs tiny circles around it. Your leg begins shaking as his finger makes its way to your entrance. He freezes and you look down at him.

“Can I-” he goes to ask.

“God, yes, please. You don’t even have to ask. Do whatever.”

Ben’s length twitches as you tell him that. He dips back down and slowly slides in a finger. You squeeze your eyes shut as a tiny bit of pain makes you wince. It’s soon gone as he begins pumping even faster. His tongue keeps working on your clit as he adds another finger. Ben hopes he wasn’t doing a sloppy job. He wanted to make you feel as good as he can. When you moan out loudly and smile, he realizes he’s doing just that.

“Oh my god…” you say. “Ben, that feels so good.”

Ben hums against you, which makes you jump. He pumps his fingers into you fast and then stops. He slips them out of you and feels your slickness all over his fingers. You open your eyes and watch as he holds his fingers up for you to look at. You smirk to him and call him over to you.

“C’mere.” you purr.

He slides up on top of you slowly. You grab his two fingers that were just inside of you and slide them into your mouth. His eyes open wide as you suck on them and twirl your tongue around. Your eyes never leave his as you pull them from your mouth with a loud pop.

“Fuck…” groans Ben.

“Do you want me to...” you ask, looking down at his already dripping length.

He smiles and leans forward to kiss you.

“Trust me, I might explode if you do that.” he teases, causing you to giggle. “Wait,” he says as he reaches over the bed and grabs his pants.

He slips a condom out of his pocket and holds it up for you to see. You smile and nod as he leans back and slowly slides the thin material over himself. He sighs as he finishes and looks back to you. He crawls between your legs once more and slides a finger up your folds, making sure you’re still wet. You are. He smiles down at you as he lines himself up to your entrance. Your face goes serious as you grip his shoulders hard. You needed to tell him everything.

“Ben,” you go to say, but he interrupts you.

“I’m a virgin.” he says fast.

You freeze and just stare at him. He looks so embarrassed and ashamed as he confesses to you.

“I lied. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did. I was just nervous that you would see me differently since you’re not one and-”

“Ben, I’m a virgin too.” you interrupt, cupping his face.

He looks down at you shocked and shakes his head.

“I just assumed-”

“I know. I should’ve told you too. I was intimidated after you said you weren’t one and I didn’t want to look stupid to you. I just wanted to be good.”

You look away, not able to look in his eyes. He smiles and kisses your neck gently.

“Figure it out together?” he asks, holding up his pinky.

You stare at it and smile wide at him. You bring your pinky up and wrap it around his.

“Deal.”

Ben nuzzles his head into your neck as you wrap your arms and legs around him. You can feel his tip pressed against your core and you were nervous.

“You ready?” he asks, his lips brushing against your neck.

You close your eyes and nod fast.

“Yes.”

Ben slowly and gently brings his hips forward and begins to enter you. Your eyes squeeze shut as you whine out in pain. It hurt as he stretched your walls wide.

“You okay?” he asks worried.

You nod your head and groan.

“Keep going.” you tell him.

He moves even more and eventually bottoms out in you. He’s still for a long time as you get used to him. The pain is still there, but isn’t as bad.

“If I move I bet it’ll feel better.” he whispers in your ear.

“Okay.”

He slowly pulls himself out of you as he groans loudly. This is much better than his hand.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this.” he says as he slips from you and slides back in easier.

You jump at the contact and pull at his hair. Suddenly, the pain subsides and pleasure starts to form.

“Thought about this every night when I touched myself.” he grunts as he picks up his speed.

Your legs were already starting to shake as he leans away to look at you. He admires your blissed out features as he closes his eyes and thrusts in deep. You call out loudly in a pornographic tone and Ben twitches inside of you.

“I wanna be on top.” you say quietly.

Ben’s eyes look at yours and you look excited, pupils large. He smiles and nods as he slides out of you, making you both groan. He flips on his back as you stand on your knees and look at him. You have never done this before and you weren't even sure what to do. Ben holds a hand out for you to take.

“Straddle me first.” he says, trying to help guide you.

You nod and swing your leg around him and stare down at his face. This felt so weird as you moved around to get comfortable. Your core was aching so bad to have him fill you back up. Ben’s hand went to his length and pumped a few times. You lean forward a bit and move yourself around until his length is back at your entrance.

“Ready?” you ask.

He smiles and brings his hand up to graze it around your throat.

“Ready.”

You bite your lip, close your eyes and slowly sink down on him. This time, it was much easier and less painful. You gasp at the fullness as Ben, without thinking, bucks his hips into you. You cry out in pleasure as he apologizes.

“No, no! Do it again.” you say.

He watches you closely as he bucks his hips and this time hits something deep inside of you. You had never felt this before. It was a different kind of pleasure. Like ‘seeing white because it feels so good’ kind of pleasure. Your head falls back as your hands lean against his chest for support. Ben continues to thrust into you as you work yourself against him at the same time. He feels how close he is already, so he brings his finger to your clit and begins rubbing. Your mouth falls open as your eyes roll in the back of your head.

“Ben!” you cry out as he rubs hard and fast, making your head spin. 

The mixture of him inside of you and rubbing you was too much. You lean forward and lean your forehead against his shoulder.

“Does that feel good?” he asks.

All you can do is nod.

“Yeah? You like that?”

You fist the bed sheets beside you and cry out.

“Yes!”

Ben continues his thrusting and rubbing when all of a sudden he feels his release coming.

“I’m not gonna last.” he says quickly.

You nod your head and murmur a ‘mhm’. You begin to start seeing white as his fingers work on you. Your body was trembling and your breathing was broken up. Ben bucks his hips once more and freezes, deep inside of you. He cries out as his body jerks. The moans coming from his lips had pushed you over the edge. His fingers never left your heat as he kept rubbing. You bite at his shoulder as your stomach tightened and then released. You shook profusely on top of him as you gasped. Ben was catching his breath from his high as he watched you cum all around him. Your body calms down as you collapse on top of him, him still inside you. Your’re breathing hard as you lean away and smile. You were both exhausted.

“How was that for our first time ever?” he asks, teasing you.

You smile wide and nod your head, your eyes now heavy with sleep.

“Amazing. What did you think?”

He cups your face and lowers you down as he kisses you.

“Better than I even imagined.”  

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[kpoptionate]

got7 ➾ boyfriend!yugyeom

got7 masterlist // official masterlist

08.03.18

requested: anon: hello, if you’re not too busy with the other requests and you have time can you please write the boyfriend yugyeom au? thank you i hope you enjoy your day !

a/n: i’m sorry it took so long, but here it is ! i hope you enjoy it, thank you for requesting <3

mark // jaebum // jackson // jinyoung // youngjae // bambam

______________________________

there are like. no. good yugyeom gifs. i’m suing

k i m  y u g y e o m

sdufhjidfs

this boi makes me feel so many emotions

so you hung out with the guys p often

you were good friends with them

but ot6 friends

bc one of them always ignored you

you thought he hated you or something

like every time you walked in everyone was like “hey y/n !” but he was like “haha no”

so you kinda just had to make do with what you had

on his side of the story, he was just too nervous to be around you and didn’t want to sit there and look awkward

whenever you asked one of the guys what was up they just kinda laughed it off which was kinda suspicious

so they always tried to get him to talk to you but the boy’s stubborn

eventually bambam just told you

like “hey yugyeom’s got like the biggest crush on you btw”

i can imagine that in his accent uWU but this isn’t about bam

so he went up to yugs and he was like “hey i told them btw”

and yugyeom’s just

fucked

so he ignored you even moreeee

like you didn’t see him at all for at least a week or two

you’d had enough

you caught yug in the practice room and he tried to skrt skrt outta that bitch but you were like “hol up hol up hol up mister”

and you sat down like a parent and talked to him about his behavior

he tried to keep quiet but he eventually broke and just spilled everything out

“truthisy/niactuallyreallylikeyoubuti’mtooshytostayaroundyouidon’thateyouicouldneveri’mjusttooafraidofembarassingmysel—”

surprise surprise you cut him off

with

a

kiss !!!11!!1!

when you pulled away he was blushing

and you were blushing

and you were all like i like you too yugyeom

then y’all kinda just . . .

stood there . . .

awkwardly smiling at each other . . .

bc neither of you knew what to say

then he just burts out with

“cANIBEYOURBOYFRIENDPLEASEI’LLTREATYOULIKEAQUEEN/KING”

and you nodded

like yes treat me like the queen i am

after a moment he wrapped you in a bear hug and gently shook from side to side

he had that smile™ on his face

and went “nhnnhnnnhnnn” in a cute voice

he’s adorable

que the guys squealing behind the door like children

okay that was the worst thing i’ve ever written, let’s move on to something better please

loves kisses !!

like

l o v e s !!!!!11!!1!1!11

also loves cuddles !!

like

l o v e s !!!!!11!!1!1!11

he could do it all day

especially if you’re smol, he loves engulfing your body

whether you’re smol or not you’re gonna get engulfed tbh

obv prefers being the big spoon

wrapping his arms around your shoulder or waist

and depending on that his head will either be on your head or shoulder

also likes your head on his chest

or his head on your chest

or lap

or stomach

just likes touching you in general

while he’s lying down he likes playing with your fingers

and kissing them

sometimes licks them too ? like a cat

calls you things like sweet cheeks and snookums

gets extremely embarrassed but lowkey loves it when you use pet names around the guys

like “i love you my gyeomie bear” or sumn stab me please

y’all are so fucking cringey it hurts

dates with him include going to walmart and sitting in the basket of big ass teddy bears

you know those videos of people pushing other people in the shopping carts and they end up running into something and falling over and knocking the whole stand down

that’s you two

piggyback rides down the road with ice cream cones dripping on each other but it’s okay bc you can shower together later

him pushing you off the swings then getting scared that he actually hurt you

fancy dates aren’t really a thing with him ? he’s p casual

shoe shopping ?

i feel like he just really likes buying you shoes

also jewelry

he’s kinda specific

loves it when you wear his clothes

mainly his sweatshirts like is that even a question literally nobody asked but okay

also thinks it’s super cute when you walk around in his shoes like a little kid ? like you bust alllllll his uwus

likes staying at home to watch dramas

we all know he loves them

it’s his second favorite thing to do

you being the first ;)

anywho

he loves just chilling at the dorms with you all day binging dramas

usually the guys come in and join y’all which kinda bothers him bc ??

they’re always ?? all over you ?? he just wants time by himself dammit

onto that note

he doesn’t get jealous v much, but sometimes the guys get too touchy

‘specially bambam and jackson

like he trusts him and all but he should be the only one allowed to touch you, yknow ?

not that bam or jackson touch you inappropriately

just that when you cuddle with them he wishes he was the one you were cuddling with

so he’ll get all pouty and sit by himself in a corner until you come collect him

like you can literally almost see a rain cloud above his head oml poor baby

definitely gets a puppy with you at some point

like even if you don’t really want to bc he’s already a big one

if yugyeom was a dog he’d be clifford no other species

he would probably pay attention to it more than you tbh

he thinks it’s cute when you get jealous

but makes up for it with kisses and stuff

ima try to keep this short since i always get too excited at this part and make it too long so i have nothing else to write bc it’s all in my boyfriend!aus bUT

okay so he likes to cup your face when he kisses you

and moves his hands around to the back of your head and run his fingers through your hair as he brings you closer

comes off as a little submissive at first

like whimpers when you pull his hair softly ?

or when you bite his bottom lip and slip your tongue past them

but lemme tell you hun he’ll end that shit real quick

carrying you up to the bedroom and flopping you down on the sheets and crawling on top of you

as the kisses start to become more passionate he’ll press his body closer and closer to you

and when you raise your hips up to him he’ll buck down on you

i’m telling you this boy can get you off quick even just grinding

like i know you’ve seen the way he moves them hips boiii

can you just i m a g i n e oh my god

he’ll drag his hands up your shirt and take it off in one swift motion

trailing kisses and leaving marks from your neck down to your waist

this boi

knows™

how to use his mouth

like holding your thighs down as he relentlessly goes down on you

again, loves it when you grab him by his hair to push his head closer

like

“you’re getting so unraveled with just my tongue, do you really think you can handle my cock ?”

i’m so sorry i’m bad at dirty talk askfksksjsksjks

when he actually goes down on you

bOIIIIIIIII

again, hips

he rolls them

he’ll try to kiss you but he’s moaning too much

i feel like he whines and whimpers a lot ? not in a submissive way but just

jdkhsakjfhds

y’all probably go at it for a whileeeeeeee

like til you can’t move your legs anymore so you have no choice but to stop

afterwards he’ll brush the hair out of your eyes as he picks you up to the bathtub to give you a little bath

which may or may not result in picking back up again oops

overall he’s a cute childish lil dude

he loves you, he does

tbh you’re probably one of his first serious relationships since he’s so young and he’s been in the industry since he was a teenager sooo

take care of him please ! he trusts you won’t mess it up

:)

[reddeaddenial]

I'm backkk!! 1 and 3 for the three rdr2 boys!!! 😊

ajshgdjsdf BLESS U

1. How do they set up camp when traveling on their own? What do they bring?

Well they got two modes of camping. Together, and solo camping.

They’ve done a lot of hopping from place to place and have camped outside of towns. When they do this, they make their camp a little more lived in. Everything they have among the three of em can be placed into one single wagon, carried by Leo and Theo’s horses. It’s an old wagon but its served them well for ten years. When that’s set up, they have a covering that hitched up the side similar to Arthur’s. They just have mats and a pile of fur and blankets though. And they just sorta, pass out in a general spot under there. But more often than not, they sleep in some sort of dysfunctional pile lol Maybe I’ll draw out their wagon one day :3c

When one of them is just taking a really long trip on their own, they’ll pack a small tent, just in case they need it due to weather. But if it’s warm, they’ll just sleep under the stars, the only light being the warmth of the fire. They also pack a simple bed roll and blanket with the usual food supplies and and weapons. Nick has repeatedly taught his brothers of being practical on simple trips, needing to pack light and quickly at a moments notice. But they do carry the odd trinket with them to pass the time when resting in camp. Leo has one of his journals he’ll just write away in, Theo one of his many medical books. Nick would just maintenance all of his weaponry on him, or find a neat stick and pretend he knows how to carve. 

3. Are they a decent hunter/fisher? What’s their best hunting story/biggest thing they’ve caught?

Theodore doesn’t have the patience for hunting or fishing. Like it’s honestly a bit of a problem to the point that Nick has been trying to teach him to at least build traps so he can go check them and not have to wait around or shoot something. He’s getting it… slowly. He just needs to remember that he left traps out in the first place and to go check em before a predator does. :p Leo can handle a gun and bow just fine, but hes better with bigger game like deer or goats. However, he’s great with fishing, and enjoys it a lot, just getting to space out with his thoughts as he waits for a fish. His best catch/story is when he caught a massive salmon after nearly fighting with it on the line for an hour straight. It’s one of the stories he’ll actually get very chatty about. He’s also pretty handy at making nets to catchy tinier fish as well. He’s tried to teach his brothers but Theo just gets bored and Nick… well he was never much good at crafting to begin with lolNicholas being the sharpshooter of the trio is their best hunter. He likes the challenge of going out and silently tracking his prey, using bait and the wind to his advantage. His good aim helps keep all the pelts in good condition afterwards as well, which helps earn a little more honest work for pocket money. But his more impressive kills, he’s kept the pelts for blankets or winter clothes for he and his brothers. His best/worst hunting story was when they were maybe 3 years into their outlaw life and Nick was still fairly new to hunting. He caught the trail for this massive buck. He tracked it grazing in the forest and unfortunately, it got spooked just before he took the shot, and while it went down, it wasn’t dead. He foolishly approached the buck, planning to put it out of its misery with a knife rather than a bullet. The creatures and it’s massive antlers flailed in panic while trying to get up and defend itself. Nick was almost speared through with its antlers, his arm and part of his chest all torn up. Thankfully adrenaline is one hell of a chemical and he quickly got his knife to give the killing blow. He stayed there, half pinned by a giant deer, bleeding, and grinning like a proud idiot, until he had the energy to pull himself out from the animal and limp back to camp (thankfully only just outside of the forest) to get help and to carry back his best game kill ever. Boy still has that deer pelt draped proudly on one side of their tent. 

[justanotherprowrestlingblog]

All In Review: (September 1st, from The Sears Center in Chicago) SCU vs The Briscoes: [***1/2] We start off Zero Hour with a bang because it was really a great match and to be fair I wasn't even expecting it to be this good. They had a good amount of time, good chemistry, solid storytelling, crowd was super behind the SCU guys and they nailed some big spots like the finish, where the ROH Tag team champions went for the doomsday device and Kazarian countered into an insane scoop power slam for the win, which will set them possibly as the next challengers at Death Before Dishonor. Really cool way to hype the crowd..S C U ! Winners: Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky Over budget battle royale: [***1/2] Maybe I'm overreacting but for me it was the most fun battle royal(e) I have ever seen. Everyone had its spot, it was fun, some good moments (Cage and Grace squaring off was nuts) to hype the crowd and the ending a lot of us wanted: Bully Ray thought he won but then Flip Gordon revealed himself to be the "son" of el Chico and eliminated Bully Ray causing a loud pop from the crowd. Great way to get Flip into all in and great storyline. Well done everyone. ps: Dear Impact wrestling, can you please book Brian Cage vs Jordayne Grace for the X Division title at BFG? Winner: Flip Gordon MJF vs Matt Cross:[**1/2] A good opener to give Matt Cross, who you may know as Son Of Havoc in Lucha Underground, a deserved win at the show. Nothing more to add Winner: Matt Cross Christopher Daniels vs Stephen Amell:[***] I have to be honest: I wasn't expecting a good match out of this one but it was really surprising for me, considering that Amell is an actor and managed to perform in a such a good way. Yeah Amell isn't a wrestler, but he has some guts and looked better than people who make wrestling their living, so I can't say anything bad about him. The most surprising thing tho is that he actually lost, which for me it was a shocker because i would have been some money on Arrow to win this match. Great night for SCU in Chicago( let's not forget that that was the worst town they have ever been in) Winner: Christopher Daniels Tessa Blanchard vs Madison Rayne vs Chelsea Green vs Britt Baker: [***1/4] And even the ladies killed it,because they had a really great match and the crowd exploding with this is awesome chants and a big standing ovation mid match was a great moment. They all shined, but one of them came out huge and she is the winner of the match: Tessa Blanchard. The actual impact women's champions legit looked like a star and she is definitely the future of women wrestling, because let's not forget she is still 23 and she has already done some big stuff. The match itself was fun,fast, enjoyable but at times a little sloppy and I'm not sure if they botched or not the ending, but it was still a really good bout. Kudos to them for being apart of history. ps: Britt coming out with the old ROH theme song of his boyfriend Adam Cole made me mark out. Winner: Tessa Blanchard NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Cody vs Nick Aldis[***] It was easily the best build match of the even and it turned out to be ok, even tho with some overbooking and probably not the best of finish, but just the final moments are worth the match alone: just watch the reaction after Cody won, the loud pop and the commentary going all silent for a few minutes. Goosebumps. It's great to see the NWA gaining so much buzz thanks to Cody and All in. It will be interesting now to see which are the plans for the title now that they have a champ with huge fan following and star power. Winner AND NEW NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Cody Chicago Street Fight: Joey Janela vs Hangman Page:[***3/4] Even with this match I have to be honest: I wasn't even expecting this one to be this good. They killed and put on a great match even with some funny moments that we saw on BTE and it had some really cool spots, like the powerbomb Janela took from the ramp on the table and the rite of passage from the ladder on the table who gave Page the win. Page keeps improving every match he makes and he deserves some gold...but what even more golden, was the post match, as we saw the "res-erection" of Joey Ryan with the help of the penis-Druids. That post match was easily one of the funniest moments I have ever seen in wrestling since I started following this form of art/entertainment/whatever you call it. Kudos to everyone involved Winner: Hangman Page ROH world heavyweight Championship: Jay Lethal vs Flip Gordon: [***1/4] This one was another really solid and in some moments also funny match, as they really well managed to build the storyline of Lethal going back to his black machismo roots during BTE and the match. Flip did his best to win, even going full hulk hogan(without racial slurs) but it wasn't enough to beat Lethal who caught him with a top rope cutter followed by his Lethal Injection. It could have been a great moment for Flip to win the title at All In, judging by the storyline he was involved in, but I guess ROH isn't really to have him as their heavyweight champion...but hey flip got some retribution of Bully tho in the post match thanks to Lethal, cabana and a table Winner AND STILL ROH World Heavyweight Champion: Jay Lethal Pentagon Jr vs Kenny Omega:[****1/2] I had a lot of hype for this match. Really a lot of hype and they didn't failed to deliver. Simply a wonderful match between two of the best wrestlers in the world. Great wrestling and storytelling as I loved that they booked to elevate Kenny's finisher, because he only needed to hit just 1 One winged Angel to defeat Pentagon, while he kicked out of the Mexican's finishers. The result was very predictable because new Japan wouldn't let Omega lose tonight since he is their champ, but at one time, I felt Pentagon could beat the IWGP champion. Post match we had a surprise as Jericho, dressed as Pentagon, attacked Omega before their big Bullet club vs Alpha Club match at the cruise of Jericho. If you want to check out just one match of All in, this one is the perfect for you. Winner: Pentagon Jr Marty Scurll vs Kazuchika Okada:[***] If I could talk about a match I was hoping to steal the show, but turned out to be a bit disappointing, it could be this match. Don't get me wrong, this match was good but not as good as I wanted it to be or as it could have been. Even tho the crowd loved it, I felt the match went too long and it is actually true, as this match was supposed to last 12 minutes less, and this match and another one going to long, had some consequences on the main event. Also I felt that Okada and Scurll don't have a great chemistry and they could have done a lot more. Okada won as expected because in Japan, a heavyweight wouldn't never lose a match with a junior and unfortunately for Scurll, he is a junior in Japan. Also I bet NJPW, even without the weight stuff, they would never let Scurll beat their golden boy Winner: Kazuchika Okada The Golden Elite vs Rey Mysterio, Fenix and Bandido:[***1/2] As I said in the previous match, two matches going longer had some consequences on this match as this bout was severely rushed to make sure the should could end in time. 12 minutes spot fest PWG style who was really fun to watch and had some super cool spots, but not much storytelling, but it is fine since the wrestler involved fit more a certain wrestling style. Bucks and Ibushi going over is the right call but the ending was super rushed because they were short on time which really sucks because it was planned to last 28 minutes instead of 12. A good main to close a superb show Winners: The Golden Elite Overall: so let's start with the negatives: the order of the matches for me, but it's not really a big negative at all. But the rest was great: cool wrestling, cool moments, 5 hours that felt good to watch and not boring at all. It is clear that when a promoter knows what his audience wants to see and lets his talent perform at their best, it easy to get a great show like this one. And also, there is not only WWE around, not only WWE can draw 10k people, there are a lot of alternatives and the more alternatives the better. It was a great night not just for Cody and the bucks but also Pro wrestling in general [8.5]

[mooosicaldreamz]

Would u please be so kind to give us another one of your myiy drabbles? 💖 Thank u so much!

i have about 17 requests for these sitting in my inbox so here you go. this one is set during new year’s, from alex’s pov, and features winn and lucy being very excited and james being…not that excited. and it also features alex being DONE WITH EVERYTHING. enjoy.

Alex watches the thought process work its way across her sister’s face. She watches Kara watch Lena all night, whenever she can catch a glimpse of her. And so when Lena slips away, probably because wining and dining your way around a party is no fun at all, Kara is suddenly antsy, her head tilting and listening outward. Lucy is in the middle of a very entertaining anecdote from her military training involving a bazooka, but Kara is reaching for a bottle of champagne and two flutes and is disappearing, with ten minutes to midnight on the clock.

If Alex could roll her eyes hard enough that she would go blind, she would. A whole month has passed since Kara and Lena had returned from Earth-1, a whole damn month since Alex had almost begun a very intense lecture only to see the desperately sad expression on Kara’s face. In that month, somehow, Alex has grown more sure than ever that her sister and her not-girlfriend were idiots.

“Are we ever gonna talk about how you totally hid from everyone that Kara and Lena are dating?” Winn asks, sidling up to Alex and handing over a new flute of champagne for her.

“They aren’t dating,” Lucy says, and then laughs into her drink when James makes a dramatic show of rolling his eyes. “They have dated.”

“Lena called Kara her girlfriend like two weeks ago to my face,” Winn says. “And then I had to help both of them make their Christmas gifts for each other.”

“They aren’t dating,” Alex says, shaking her head and taking a heavy sip of her drink. “You would know if they were dating. It’s disgusting.”

James nods his head as though he agrees, knocking back some of his champagne and watching the direction Kara had disappeared in. Lucy, next to him, almost starts vibrating in excitement with Winn.

“I mean, a Luthor and a Super? Very poetic,” Lucy says.

“She’s not technically a Luthor,” Alex says, and then promptly wants to slap herself for defending Lena. “And I don’t want to talk about my sister’s love life.”

“Too bad, because I want all the deets,” Winn says. “When did they get together? What are they like? Did Lena come to holidays? Does Eliza like her?”

“Well, we saw that Eliza likes her, right? At Christmas? They talked for twenty minutes about - Kryptonian cellular mitosis. Or something,” Lucy says. Winn nods in excitement, while James is practicing an air of disinterest that Alex wishes she could somehow affect.

“So if she knows Eliza, then she probably did come to holidays, right? Kara said they only knew each other for two years in college,” Winn says.

“Alex, was she fun at holidays? When did they get together? You aren’t answering our important questions,” Lucy says.

“I’m not going to dignify you with a response,” Alex says. “Because they’re disgusting. And I don’t want to talk about them.”

“Have you always thought they were disgusting? Were they worse in college? Did you catch them making out or something?” Lucy asks. Winn looks like he might start jumping up and down. James looks like he might just walk away from them. Alex might join him.

“When did I not catch them making out?” Alex says, rolling her eyes. Lucy and Winn both clap excitedly. “No. I’m not going to talk about this! If you want to ask someone, ask them.”

“Kara isn’t going to tell us any embarrassing stories. But you would,” Winn says. “Give us the dirt.”

“My mom caught them on the beach together once,” Alex says. Lucy actually cheers, while Winn makes a whooping sound that draws attention to them. James glares heavily around so everyone directs their eyes away. “That’s all you get.”

It doesn’t seem to bother Winn or Lucy so much, because they turn to each other with twin grins.

“Five bucks they’ve been secretly together since Lena came back,” Winn says, and James shakes his head in disagreement while Lucy makes a face of consideration.

“Twenty that they’re making out right now on the roof,” she returns, and Alex groans, and her champagne is all of a sudden finished.

Winn looks affronted, as if he would never in a million years take that bet. A wise choice, in Alex’s mind. She wishes she had x-ray vision so she could glare through the ceiling, where they are inevitably making out, right now.

“Fifty that they’re married by the end of the new year,” Winn says, and Lucy just stares at him. James nearly reaches his hand out to Winn’s to shake on it, but Alex smacks their hands out of the air.

“Don’t take that bet, Olsen,” Alex says. James looks wide-eyed at the implication, and Winn nearly squeals in excitement.

After midnight, and after Lucy plants an excessively long kiss on her, and after Alex sends a quick text to Maggie wishing her a happy and safe new year (she’s out working, which is the worst), Kara and Lena arrive back into the main ballroom with face-splitting smiles, hovering too near each other to be normal, totally platonic friends. Kara has one hand on Lena’s back, and Lena is staring up at her as Kara chatters on about something, and it’s awful how in love she looks. It’s a reminder of Lena in college, staring at Kara for long stretches of time and just…smiling.

“Tell me they aren’t cute together,” Lucy says, and Alex rolls her eyes. They all four watch as the two separate, as Lena grabs a mic from her assistant and Kara grins up at her as she ascends the staircase. Before Lena has even made it up the stage, Kara is back in their midst, and she’s smiling contentedly.

“How’s your girlfriend?” Winn asks, and Kara is only half-listening, probably, because she gives an absent-minded kiss to Alex’s cheek and a whispered happy new year before she says, “She’s good.”

Winn gets a high-five from Lucy just as Lena starts talking up on stage.

“Hello, all,” she says, giving a small wave to the audience. “I don’t want to interrupt the festivities for too long, but I do have a quick toast. But first, I want to thank you all for coming and donating so generously to the various charities this party is feeding into.”

Lena takes a breath, looking out over the audience before her eyes settle, perhaps not shockingly, on Kara.

“L Corp has had an interesting year,” she says, and it draws an unsure laugh from the crowd. She smiles, gives a small shrug. “But I believe that the new year will bring new challenges and new experiences for all of us. A friend of mine recently told me that every moment is a bridge to the next. L Corp is looking to this new year with hope and with excitement. We wish the same hope and excitement to all of you.”

And then Lena raises her glass, toasting out over the audience. Alex’s glass is empty (sadly), but she raises it back, watching as Kara almost forgets to drink, she’s smiling so much.

“You two are gross,” Alex whispers, and Kara shrugs, still smiling, watching carefully as Lena makes her way off the stage. “You should care about how gross you are.”

“I don’t,” Kara says, and when she turns to look at her sister, she really, really doesn’t. It’s the first time that Alex thinks maybe this is going to turn out okay.