#but another small part of me doesn't think i have the range

[headspace-hotel]

The USAmerican imagination cannot consider land that is multi-purpose.

A corn field is Corn, an endless monoculture, and all other plants must be eliminated. A residential area is Houses, and absolutely MUST NOT!!! have vegetables or fruits or native plant gardens or small livestock. A drainage ditch is only a drainage ditch, and cannot harbor Sedges and native wetland plants, A sports field is for A Sport, and let no one think of doing any other event on that field, shops and storefronts must have their own special part of town that everybody has to drive to, which requires parking lots...and God forbid we put solar panels on roofs or above parking lots or anywhere they can serve an extra purpose of providing shade, instead of using a large tract of perfectly fine land as a "solar farm."

Numerous examples. But it is the most annoying with agriculture. The people who crunch all the numbers about sustainability, have calculated that a certain percentage of Earth's land is "Used up" by agriculture, which is troubling because that leaves less "room" for "Wilderness." It is a big challenge, they say, to feed Earth's humans without destroying more ecosystems.

Fools! Agriculture is an ecosystem—if you respect the ways of the plants, instead of creating monoculture fields by killing everything that moves and almost everything that doesn't. Most humans throughout history, and many humans today, sustain themselves using a mixture of foraging and agriculture, and the two are not entirely different things, because all human lifestyles change the ecosystem, and the inhabitants of the ecosystem always change themselves in response.

Even if you are a hunter-gatherer that steps very lightly in the forest and gathers a few berries and leaves here and there, you are being an animal and affecting all other parts of the ecosystem. By walking, breathing, eating, pooping, drinking, climbing, singing, talking, all of those things affect the ecosystem. If you gather leaves to sleep on, that affects the ecosystem...if you pile up waste, that affects the ecosystem...if you break a tree branch, that affects the ecosystem...if you start a fire, if you create a small shelter, if you cut a path, that DEFINITELY affects the ecosystem.

This idea, that human activity destroys the ecosystem and replaces it with something Else, something Not an ecosystem, is so silly. "But you just said that even the earliest most technologically simple human societies altered their environment!"

Yes, I did. Because we believe that "pre-agricultural" humans could have no effect on their "wilderness" environment, we ALSO believe another false idea: That when humans affect an environment, they destroy "Wilderness" and change it to something else, like Agricultural Land, that can never have biodiversity and never benefit many life forms.

I think it is the European idea of agriculture that it always involves people settling down and relying on a few special plants that are domesticated intentionally and grown in specially dedicated fields. After all, this idea of an agricultural lifestyle, is in contrast with the "hunter-gatherer" lifestyle, which is assumed to be what humans do before they "figure out" agriculture. The European mind imagines "pre-agricultural" folks ignorantly bumbling about, thinking plants and animals conveniently pop out of nothing for their benefit.

Bullshit! I shake my head in disappointment when I see websites describing Native Americans using wild plants as if those plants just-so-happened to grow, when those same wild plants just-so-happen to thrive only in environments disturbed by humans in some way, and just-so-happen to have declined steeply since colonization, and just-so-happen to be nonexistent in unspoiled "Wilderness" locations, and (often) just-so-happen to have an incredibly wide range where they either once were or are incredibly common, making it very...fortunate that they just-so-happen to have a wide range of uses including food, medicines, and materials for clothing and technology.

Accidentally of course, without any human impact from the humans that were impacting everything. /s

"But if it wasn't an accident, how did it happen?" Here is how to understand this idea: Look at the weeds! The weeds will teach you.

Look at the plants you always see growing without being planted around human buildings and roads, and learn their history. Often you will learn that these plants have many marvelous properties, and have actually been used by humans for thousands of years.

In fact, some of the most powerful and difficult to control weeds, were once actually some of the most essential and important plants for human civilizations to depend on. The dreaded Kudzu, in its home in East Asia, was one of the main plants used for clothing for over 6,000 years, and not only that, it has been cultivated for food and medicine for millennia. You can make everything from paper to noodles out of Kudzu! And Amaranth, the most expensive agricultural weed in all the USA, produces edible and healthy grains as well as several harvests of greens per growing season, and several species of the genus have been fully domesticated and formed a staple crop of Mesoamerica.

Meanwhile...some people have come up with this neat "new" idea called Polyculture, which is where you plant a field with two crops at once and somehow get better yields from both of them. WITCHCRAFT! Unrelatedly, there are other ideas like "Cover Crops" and "Agroforestry" that for some reason have the same beneficial effect.

Wow...It turns out, sterilizing the whole environment of every plant except one crop...isn't actually a good way to do agriculture in many places in the world.

Just think about it from an energy point of view...

We have some places used for "Agriculture," where we wring the land as violently as possible to squeeze green vegetation from light energy.

And we have other places for Other uses, where we spend massive amounts of fossil fuels mowing, chopping, poisoning and trimming to STOP the land from producing its incredible bounty of green vegetation.

And in the agricultural fields, we spend even MORE resources killing the unwanted plants that grow spontaneously

This system is hemorrhaging inefficiency at both ends. It simply isn't a one-to-one conversion of land and fossil fuels to food energy. The energy expenditure of agriculture is mostly going into organizing the vegetation's energy into the shape and configuration we want, not the food itself.

In the Americas, indigenous agricultural systems involve using the plants that exist in the environment to construct an ecosystem that both functions as an ecosystem and provides humans with food, clothing, and other important things. This is the most advanced way.

Most of our successful weeds are edible and useful. A weed is simply a plant that is symbiotic with humans. My hypothesis of plant domestication is that it was initiated by the plants, which became adapted to human environments, and humans bred them to be better crops in response. Symbiosis.

Humans did not pick out a few plants special to intensively domesticate out of an array of equally wild plants, instead they just ate, selected, and bred the plants that were best adapted to live near human civilization. That is my guess about how it happened.

Just think about it. Why would you try to domesticate teosinte (Maize ancestor?) It sucks. Domesticated plants in their wild form are usually like "Why would you put hundreds of years of effort into cultivating this?" Personally I think it's because the plant grew around humans and humans ate and used it a lot because it was abundant. So we co-evolved with the plant.

Supporting this hypothesis, there are many crop plants that mutated and evolved back into weeds, like "weedy" rice, "weedy" teosinte, and "weedy" radishes. Also weeds develop similar adaptations to crop plants to survive in the agricultural environment.

Consider Kudzu. Everyone in the USA knows it as an invasive weed, but since ancient times in China, it was a crop that provided people with fabric from its bast fibers, food from its enormous starchy roots, and many medicinal and other uses. Kudzu is not evil, it simply has a symbiotic relationship with humans, and just as any other species might serve as a biological control, the main biological control of kudzu in nature is the human species.

Think of the vast fields and mountain sides of the South swallowed by thick mats of Kudzu covering lumps that used to be trees. Think of the people toiling away to clear the Kudzu, while wearing clothes made of cotton that was grown in a faraway place using insecticides and depleting fresh water, using energy from their bodies that came from crops grown in fields far away.

Now imagine people working to harvest the Kudzu, to cut the new vines and dig up the starchy roots and use the plant the way it is used by the people who know its ways. Imagine the people using the starch from the Kudzu root to make flour and noodles and sweet confections. Imagine workers processing the vines into thread which is woven into fabric. The hillsides and fields flourish with plants that used to be suffocated, and hillsides and fields in faraway places also flourish with their own plants, instead of being made to grow cotton and crops to provide for the needs the Kudzu provides for.

Imagine the future where we accept our symbiotic relationship with the plants!

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

Hi please can u write Edward Cullen x sick reader. Where the reader is stubborn and still shows up at school despite being sick. (I’m sick rn and can’t find any Edward fics) hope u have a nice day

Thank u :))

Nurse

Warnings: none really, sick!reader, potentially getting other people sick 😅, stubborn!reader, firm and patient edward, thank you for the request btw and sorry it took so long for me to get to it ❤️

Words: 1307

Edward knew immediately when you sat in the front passenger seat of his car that you were sick.

His brows draw heavy with concern. "You're-"

"I'm fine." You croak and buckle up. Moreso lying to yourself than to Edward. Your head felt like it was stuffed with cotton and you were pretty sure a small fever was beginning to rise on your forehead. Like hell you were missing school that day. You'd studied day and night for your test; was finally confident that you were going to pass.

Reading your thoughts, Edward sighs and leans back into his seat. "(y/n), a test doesn't matter when your health is in question. Your teacher will let you take a makeup test. You need to go back to bed."

There was no energy in you to roll your eyes. "After I take my test then I can rest. I just want to get it over and done with."

"You won't do well if you're si-"

"Edward, please. I know my body. I can survive until second period." Arguing did nothing to help you feel better.

He could just grab you and take you back to your room. Doing that would further enrage you.

"You promise to let me take you home after second period?" The pleading in his voice softens you.

"I promise."

Exhaulting another sigh, Edward nods to himself. "Alright. I'm holding you to that."

A part of you doubts that you'll be able to make it to second period, but you would try to.

Edward may not have fought you more, that didn't mean he was pleased watching you struggle that morning. You were bumping into other students and walls as you lost your balance several times.

Alice pulled Edward aside, her honey eyes narrowed. "Why would you let her come to school like that? She's obviously sick, Ed!"

"I know. Believe me I tried. She promised to let me take her home after her test in second period." Edward lowers his voice, he doubts you can hear him. His gaze is on you as Jasper helps to steady you.

"I don't think she'll make it." Alice frowns and folds her arms in front of her chest. "I don't have to look into the future to see that."

"You try telling her then. See how easy it is."

She wouldn't even try, having experienced your stubborness before. You always wanted to appear tough to the Cullen family as you were selfconcious of being the only human among them. Compared to them you were weak. You compensated by doing whatever you could as a human to appear strong. Including refusing help when you were sick. Edward knew it would wound your pride greatly if he forced you home. So did Alice.

You didn't share first or second period with Edward. He kept tags on you via his mind reading to see how you were faring.

Struggling to stay up in your chair, your eyes were fighting every second to remain focused on the whiteboard at the front of the class. You don't remember much of what the teacher was talking about. Conserving your energy and mentally going over things for your test the following period. You were fading fast. Chugging water helped a little.

When the bell rang, finally alerting of the end of the first period, you were slow to get to your feet. If you tried to move any faster than your current pace, the world would slip from under you.

You use desks to coast your way to the classroom door. Barely making it to the door, there appears Edward. Frazzled when he takes in your flushed face.

Before he could object to you continuing the school day, you stop him by placing a hand on his chest. His mouth closes as he quietly surrenders.

Help me to my next class. Please. You ask him via your thoughts. Doubting you could talk without feeling vomit rise up your throat.

Edward breathes through his nose but doesn't complain about you overworking yourself when you needed rest.

Ever the gentleman, Edward cups your elbow and guides you.

"The moment the class ends, I'm taking you home." He whispers to you as he helps you through the scattering of students running late.

You'd smile if you could. I love you.

You catch the quirk in the corner of his lips and the brightening of his eyes.

It cost you the rest of your strength, but you did it. You fucking did it. All questions answered to the best extent of your knowledge.

There were few steps that were between you and the teacher's desk.

You suck in a breath and stand, hand gripping the edge of your desk for support. Navigating through rows of kids bent over their paper's, you focus ahead of you.

When your teacher notices you, she pauses at the waxen sheen of your face. The moment your test is on the surface of her desk you quietly croak "Can I go to the nurse's office?"

Edward was right outside the door, prepared to take you into his arms. You wanted to laugh.

The thought of a mother hen pops into your mind, making Edward scoff. "If I'm a mother hen so be it." You were unable to protest when he easily scoops you up and dashes to his car. Alice is waiting, rocking back and forth on her feet until she spots the two of you. There's a plastic bag in her hand that looks overly full.

"I'll tell the office." Alice takes Ed's car keys to opening the passenger door for you. Then she places the grocery bag in the back seat. "I googled what made people feel better when they're sick."

"Thank you Alice." You manage to get out as Edward opens the door with just one finger. He sets you down and straps the belt across your chest but not before tossing your backpack into the back seat.

Wondering what Alice had bought you, your forehead presses against the passenger side window, you momentarily fall asleep.

Only waking up when Edward is carefully picking you up from the car's passenger side. He's so careful with you. Always.

You realize when he opens the door that he's brought you to the Cullen house when the front door doesn't match your's.

"I don't want to leave you sick and home alone." He explained while hurrying up the stairs.

And. . .

"Ed. . ." Are you scared?

His jaw clenches. In his room he makes sure you're comfortable with whatever you needed. Water. Pillows. Blankets if you got cold.

Then he settles next to you. His face unreadable. You curl up closer to him and just that mere contact melted him.

"My mother and I. . . we were very sick when I became a vampire." This was something he'd told you a while ago. They'd become sick during the Spanish influenza outbreak. "I know the medical world is much more evolved than it was during my time, but it still terrifies me when you get sick."

"Oh Ed," You sit up even when Edward urges you to lay back down. "I should have-"

He furiously shakes his head. "No. You didn't do anything wrong. Sickness just reminds me how human and fragile you are." Rolling onto his side, you copy him. Head comfortably cradled by a pillow.

Rest.

You could finally rest.

His fingers brush along your brow, soothing your warm skin. You shimmy closer against him. Edward's much larger frame conforms around you.

"I know you won't die from this. Not that I'd let you die from illness." Adding the last part a bit under his breath, you still caught it.

For a second, Edward pulls away from you to retrieve a bottle of medicine from the bag.

"Now be a good girl and take your medicine."

[hitchyboi]

Dating Havik Headcanons #1

Y'ALL OKAY THIS IS FOR MEEEEEEE XD I NEED MORE HAVIK AND GOD DAMNIT I'LL PROVIDE IT IF NO ONE ELSE WILL!

Oki thank you~

Content Warning- It's Havik. Gore, Blood, Violance, Self Mutilation, one small NSFW bit, Swearing (That's just me)

Cuteness aggression to the max. He can't help it, his partner is so precious when he's hugging them all he can imagine is squeezing them until their ribs break and pierce their lungs. If he's caressing their face, they can feel the way his fingers twitch, itching to dig his nails into their soft flesh.

He chews and bites. A lot. After Scorpion burned his face off he realized his ability to just straight bite things got easier without skin in the way. Will hug his partner from behind and chew on their hair cause he likes the texture. Cuddling? Random bites the entire time and they range from light and playful to you think he's genuinely trying to eat you sometimes. He isn't, kinda. Just likes biting.... Sometimes he may be trying to take an actual bite. Romantic Cannibalism.

His name has become a confusing mix of a disgust and comfort. If anyone ever calls him Dairou he gets insanely mad, remembering his life in Seido in the lowest caste and all the dictatorship over his life. Yet when his partner calls him his name... its almost like a comforting blanket he's never felt being wrapped around him. He doesn't have to be Havik, Cleric of chaos and symbol of anarchy. He can let himself relax for a moment, his worries can drift away for another day. With his partner... he can just be Dairou.

Surprisingly he is a good cook. Now his method of cooking may be a bit... unorthodox. You don't really know what he's cooking with. Or how he even got it in the first place. But give him some meat, herbs and spices and a fire. He'll be able to roast up a good tasting meal.

Has issues with monogamy. Not being faithful part but more the idea of having fidelity forced onto him? He doesn't like the idea of rules or societal norms re-shackling him after he's gained his freedom. If his partner is fine with polyamory or having an open relationship, great. If his partner isn't comfortable, communicating it as a personal preference and comfort level would gain more an understanding reaction from him rather than telling him he needs too.

Man's comfortable as hell in his relationship and partner. Would never tell his partner what they can or can't do or wear cause fuck that shit. You wanna go to a club wearing a sexy ass outfit and show yourself off? He's your hype man. Go out nude, he'd support it.

Will kill a man if someone messed with his partner.

Has killed a man for messing with his partner.

Has a habit of mutilating himself at the most random of times. Almost like the habit of cracking one's knuckles he starts to feel stiff and really uncomfortable if he hasn't snapped or torn a part of his body for a while.

His partner will have to force this man to put on a shirt if they are going out in Earthrealm. He doesn't understand the social norms of Earthrealm and frankly... he doesn't give a shit to learn. He'll eventually put on a shirt if his partner insists for their own comfort

Has tried to fight police officers, many times.

Getting this man to properly bath himself is a hassle on its own. He grew up in a way where bathing was a luxury few could afford so self care isn't something he's well versed or keen on. If his partner insists that they'd join him in the bath or shower then eventually they'll be able to pull his grimy ass into the water. Once he is in the water however, good luck getting him back out.

Lil NSFW~ Any marks his partner makes on his body during night time fun will always be saved on his body. He'll never fully heal them up, scars are like a badge on honor to this man. Now he gets to walk around with more scars and scars that his partner placed on his body from how well he was fucking their brains out.

[myers-meadow]

Wheat fields: Tommy x reader

Title: Wheat fields, or: Picnic date ✨🌻🌱 Part one here.

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x f! reader

Summary: After running into Tommy and sharing a kiss or two, he finally asks you out. He takes you outside the city for a wonderful picnic, where you share more than those chaste kisses from before.

Word count: 2201

Warnings: none. fluff. They have a few glasses of wine. Soft Tommy.

This is a continuation of Chance Meetings, but I'm sure it's good as a standalone one-shot too. Thank you so much to @moxleyhorror for beta reading and giving me the encouragment I needed to get this done! <3 Dividers by @saradika-graphics. I'd love to hear what you think! Enjoy! <3

After those first few meetings, you couldn't stop thinking about him. 'It was just a kiss', you had to remind yourself, 'nothing more. And it certainly doesn't mean anything.' Yet, when you ran into him again when purchasing a newspaper, your heart surged, and you knew he'd break your heart if you let him.

"Fancy seeing you here," Tommy said, voice so soft only you could hear, leaning in as you went up to the counter to pay. "I'd almost suspect you were following me, with how often this keeps happening."

"You'd think so," you hummed, trying not to go weak in the knees as you remember the kiss and hushed words that were your last meeting. "It's coincidental for sure."

Before you could find a the right amount of pennies in your purse, Tommy already pressed two coins on the counter, and led you out of the small store with a firm hand on the small of your back. You looked back hesistantly but his voice drew your attention back to him.

"You don't believe in fate?"

"No. Do you?"

He shook his head. Even outside, he didn't let go of your waist. He glanced around from under his cap, letting the shadow fall over his eyes, as he surveyed the street. "Listen. This weekend, are you free on Sunday? Be it after church, if you need." His piercing blue eyes looked at you from under the rim of his cap. Seeing your confusion, he cleared his throat and said; "I'd like to take you out."

For a moment, your heart skipped a beat, as the full weight of what he was asking slowly processed. He'd break your heart, for sure, it felt like. There's no other way for this to end. Another private moment with Tommy... He'd have it beat so fast, that just a look from him, a soft smile, soft spoken priase, would send your heart in a frenzy and there's nothing you could even think of to stop him from doing so. Yet, as your mind flared with worry, insecurity, better judgement - it was your heart that answered.

"Yes, after church, I'm free. What for?"

He smiled. The sight alone made you melt. "Good. I'll pick you up, then. Dress practical. For now, I have some business to take care of. See you Sunday, love."

With a final, lingering look at you, he left, crossing the street and disappearing into the crowd. Leaving you, standing there, to stare after him, feeling the heat in your cheeks slowly fade, replaying the way his deliciously gruff voice called you 'love'.

When Sunday came around, you didn't know what to expect, what he had planned. Was he really taking you out? Where to? 'Dress practical', alright, so what did that mean?

Regardless, you kept on what you wore to church, it was maybe a little formal, so you changed your shoes to your most comfortable pair. Your checked yourself once again, just to be sure. As for most of your kin, there wasn't a lot of money going around, but you still liked to dress nice.

The doorbell rang, and you ran down the stairs before steadying yourself for a second, before swining open the door. It was Tommy, perfectly on time. He smiled as he saw you. His car was parked behind him.

"You ready?" he asked, before gesturing to the car. You follow him, and he opens the door for you, before sliding in himself. What a shiny black thing, you thought, as you looked at the interior. It looked well taken care of. On the backseat was a basket, the contents covered by cloth.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," Tommy mused, and started the car. Once out of the street, you reached for the cigarette case in your purse and gave him one too. He leant in so you could light his cigarette for him, and you smoke in silence. The road he took, lead you out of the city, past the industrial side of Birmingham, past the open country, following a bumpy dirt road.

Aside from some small talk, the ride was quiet, and after leaving the city, it barely took half an hour before Tommy stopped the car at the side of the road. A green landscape stretched before you. The air smelt clean, once the car engine was shut off. Some farms were visible in the distance, surrounded with yellow wheat fields swaying in the wind. You open the car door and step out, glad you wore something practical. Tommy followed you, grabbing the basked from the back seat.

"Where is this place?" you asked, as you step through the high grass next to the dirt road. There were some oak trees up ahead, and Tommy lead you there.

"It's peaceful, isn't it," he responded, "but it's no place in particular. Here, help me with the blanket."

He handed you one side of it and together, you spread it on the ground, landing softly in the grass. Nearby a bee buzzed from a dandelion to a small daisy that hides in the grass. Tommy set down the basket on the blanket and kneels down on it. You followed, kicking off your shoes to be more comfortable. 

"Are you hungry?" Reaching into the basket, he took out half a loaf of bread and a big knife to cut it with. "Or thirsty, rather?" A bottle of rosé wine followed, with two glasses.

"I didn't take you as someone fond of wine," you took the bottle from him and undid the cap. He continued unpacking the basket, some fruit followed; cherries, an apple for you each, and a few plums. 

"The exception is due to the occasion," was all he said, and took the glass you poured for him as you hold it out to him.

You smiled softly, leaning back on your hands, enjoying the sun on your face. "I didn't think you'd ask me out," you mused, without any accusation in your voice.

Tommy took off his cap, messing with his hair, before setting it aside. He takes in your content expression and tries a sip of wine. "Well, you're hard to forget."

You glanced at him, his confession was more than you'd expected in the first place. "It's lovely out here. So nice to be out of the city. I remember growing up, how all we did was travel, and we didn't deal with city folk as much as we do now."

He shifted his position to a more comfortable one, crossing his legs and leaning his elbows on his knees. "Are you alright staying in Birmingham? You stay with the Lees, right?"

You nodded. "It's all good. Just glad to be away for now. Did you prepare all of this yourself?"

He chuckled, studying you some more. "Polly helped," he admitted. He pushed the bread and cheese towards you and you helped yourself. It was good, a nice, flavourful soft goat cheese. Luxury for you. You wondered if he got it just for the occasion, to show off, or whether it was a household staple for the Shelbys. You sipped the wine to wash it down. Instead of eating, Tommy went for a cigarette. As he took it out of the case, your hand instinctively found your matchbox and before he could reach for his own, you struck a match. With the mildest surprise in his expression, he leaned in and let you light it for him.

"I hope you don't expect me to eat by myself, Tommy."

He chuckled softly, taking the cigarette between two fingers. "I'll have some in a moment, I'm just... taking in the atmosphere."

So you sat together, and you shifted too, knees brushing together, and you looked around. Nothing. For miles. Just quiet. No machinery, nothing but birds chirping and wind rustling through leaves. With a deep sigh, you slowly relaxed. Soon, both your glasses were empty, and you poured them full again. The wine was warming up, and even though it didn't help the taste, it was vaguely romantic to share a bottle with him. Did he think you'd be the type for rosé, and is that why he brought it? No use in asking, you supposed, and instead you took the knife and cut a plum in half. It was so ripe that the juice dripped down your palm. The pit came away with ease. You offered half to Tommy, before taking your first bite.

"Ah, it's so ripe," you said, "I love plums."

With another look at you, he ate his half in two bites, chewing slowly. As you finished eating, you looked around for a handkerchief to wipe your sticky fingers with, but instead, Tommy took your hand in his. 

"Here, let me," he said, and brought your fingers to his lips. Astonished, you let him suck the juices off, his mouth warm and soft, a heated blush creeping up your neck. His sky blue eyes watched your every reaction as you shifted to accomodate the distance. His free hand cupped the back of your head, and you were more than eager to taste the plum on his lips. This kiss was nothing like the caste ones you shared before; openmouthed and hungry. Only a moment of connection passed, before you were in his lap, straddling his hips. You tried to steady yourself by gripping onto his lapels, pressing your body to his. His lips were warm and firm, tasting of tangy sweet plum and cigarettes. With the way his fingers treaded into the hair at the nape of your neck, there was no breaking the kiss. He took his time exploring your mouth, your lips, his tongue dancing with yours, before his lips moved to your ear, teeth tugging at the lobe.

"I rather like plums too," he chuckled sotfly, breath tickling your ear. His hands needed their way up your sides, feeling your body in ways that heated you all over. You kissed his neck, or; the small bit of it that his collar left exposed, and pushed his head back to follow the line of the jugular. He shivered and let you push him down into the grass. 

"You're a very good kisser," you mused, between nips, making your way back up to his ear. "Would you like something sweeter?" Seperating yourself from him with another kiss to his lips, you leant back up, enjoying the sight of him underneath you. As much as you tried to ignore the way your core pressed over his bulge, or what could be a revolver in his trousers - with Tommy there was no way to really tell - leaning back to grab another plum and the knife had you grind against it deliciously. He noticed your small whimper, and propped up his knees to have you move forward again, making you laugh sweetly at his teasing.

"Be careful, I'm holding a knife." Yet you both were still laughing. The second plum was just as ripe as the first. You threw the pit away in the grass, getting a small vision of a fully grown plum tree, branches heavy with fruit, all thanks to you and Tommy's little tryst outside the city many years prior. You took the first bite, not chewing yet, instead, leaning down to feed it to him, letting him take it from between your teeth.

"It's certainly sweeter this way," Tommy said, swallowing. "But perhaps there's something I'd rather have, instead..."

As he pulled you down to him again, you gladly joined him and let him roll you over, so you were on your back in the prickly grass. The knife left discarded on the blanket; the sounds of birds, crickets and a cow mooing in the distance soon overshadowed by the wet sounds of your kisses, soft moans and sweet nothings whispered in your ear. 

When he dropped you off at your home, he let you keep the basket with some leftover bread and fruits, and he kissed you by the door, his hand pressing you into his chest in a way that had you craving more. You mulled the question over, whether to invite him in or not. After all, you two hadn't slept together out there in the fields - you were too much a romantic at heart, but now that the moment was over, you still wanted him desperately. It would be devastating if this day was over, and you'd lie in bed to regret everything you didn't get to do, feel, experience... 

"Are you free on Tuesday evening?" he asked, voice still a bit hoarse from all the kissing. The way he looked at you from under his cap could only be described as hopeful, and it made your heart surge.

"For you, I'm free any time," you said with a playful smile. "Will you take me out again?"

He gave a curt nod, glancing over you briefly. Hopefully there weren't any noticable grass stains, this was your nicest dress. "But it's a surprise, all right?"

You looped your arm around his neck and kissed him again. "I can't wait." And from the way he returned your kiss, you knew he couldn't either.

[redtsundere-writes]

Part 4: Eyes On Me

King!SukunaRyomen x Servant!FemReader

Summary: You used to be just another servant among the army of humans operating under the command of the terrible king, Sukuna Ryomen. An ordinary human who only knows how to wash, clean and cook. Until one day, he notices something in you that you hadn't seen before.

Tags: MDNI. +18. Murder. Blood. Cannibalism. Sukuna Ryomen Is The Warning Itself. Nudity. Sexual Display. Vaginal. Fingering. Sometimes fluff, sometimes angst.

Word Count: 2571 words.

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Sukuna hates humans. It's a fact of life. The sky is blue, roses are red and Sukuna hates the disgusting creatures that humans are. He has so many reasons to hate them that he doesn't even know where to begin. Humans are annoying, weak, clumsy, but most of all, stupid. They make decisions without thinking through the consequences. They prefer to spend their money on momentary pleasures and end up bankrupt by not prioritizing their survival. They worry about unimportant things such as social status, religion, and traditions. Sukuna hates humans, but boy, are they entertaining.

Sukuna tends to study his servants very carefully. Even though they only clean, cook and obey his orders to a tee, it was fun to watch them interact with each other. He finds it fascinating how the servants gossip in whispers, how the gardeners concentrate to prune the bushes well despite their hands shaking, or how the cooks taste the food several times so that it's up to their majesty's standards. It was like watching dozens of filthy lab rats in the middle of a social experiment. Although... There was someone special he loved to watch, no matter what they were doing.

The annoying bell rang, letting the servants know it was time to wake up. You got dressed, washed your face and served yourself breakfast, preparing for another hectic workday. You almost did the same thing every single day. In the morning, you set the table for the king to eat breakfast and then wash the dishes. In the afternoon, you cleaned the common rooms such as the king's hall, the bathrooms and the dining room. At night, you sometimes had to guard the hallways in case an enemy dared to attack in the dark. You made sure everything was in its place and sparkling. You constantly polished the gold and silver wares until you could see your reflection, you washed the white sheets by hand until your knuckles hurt, and you didn't eat until you finished harvesting the carrots that were ready. Being a servant was tedious work, but rewarding at the end of the day. 

You had finished all the chores for the day and decided to help the cooks prepare dinner because you had nothing better to do. Your muscles were exhausted from having spent all morning cleaning the porcelain sculptures, the large frames of the paintings in the great hall, and the king's jewelry so they could sparkle in all their glory. You had been assigned the task of peeling potatoes, so there you were. Sitting at a table with a small knife, peeling potatoes while listening to the chaos going on in the kitchen. Uraume was busy preparing a special passion fruit tea for the king. The special coming from the water that was inked with human blood. Sometimes you wondered if Uraume had always agreed to cook with humans or was it something they got used to because of Sukuna's orders, but since they never talked much about themselves, you never asked.

“Fuck!” A cook yelled when the frying pan caught fire.

Your eyes widened at the flashy flare. Uraume put the tea set aside to attend to the emergency. With some ice from their magic hands, they put out the fire in a jiffy, but left the kitchen a mess. They began to berate the cook with smacks in the head and curses for his ineptitude. The cook just apologized over and over again, but that wasn't enough for the head chef.

“You!” Uraume called. You put your task aside to attend to their orders. “Take the tea to our king and tell him I will be with him when I settle this situation.” You nodded and took the tray carefully to go in search of him.

After Sukuna gave you permission, you entered the library with the golden tray in your hands. The library was the coziest room in the entire castle. Its high walls were covered with huge bookcases filled with books, maps, and ancient scrolls. There were long desks of works and hundreds of candleholders everywhere to enjoy reading during the evenings. He was sitting in one of the comfortable chairs in front of the game table, a small wooden table covered with a carpet with a chessboard on top. The king was surprised to see you there despite having specified Uraume's presence.

“I didn't ask you to come,” Sukuna said chidingly as you served him tea at a small table next to him.

“Uraume had to attend to an emergency in the kitchen. They'll be here once everything is under control,” you replied as you set down the fragile cup of blood tea, adorned with small pieces of eyeball floating on the red surface to give it texture.

Your gaze traveled to the chessboard, it had been a long time since you had seen one.  This was no ordinary board. You could see that each piece was handmade and had luxurious detail. The pieces were made of white quartz, the eyes of the horses were rubies and the crowns of the kings were made of jade. It was the most beautiful board game you ever saw. You knew from the other servants that the king was a good player and only played with Uraume or some brave guest.

“Do you know how to play?” Sukuna asked out of curiosity.

Being a servant, you surely had not received the same education as he did. Well, almost no one was on his level when it came to education. Sukuna was a master mathematician, a skilled debater and could threaten his enemies in 5 different languages. You hadn't been as lucky. You're good at cleaning, cooking and obeying orders, but what else can you do?

“Yes,” you answered with a smile.

That answer surprised him quite a bit. Although chess was a game that was rapidly gaining popularity among the middle class, it was not a game for women. It was a game that required intellect, always thinking two moves ahead and knowing how to read your opponent. You didn't look like a girl who could do all that.

“Sit down,” Sukuna ordered you.

“I warn you that it may be a short game. It's been a long time since I've played,” you warned him as you sat down.

Sukuna watched you with great attention. Your eyes scanned the board as if it was the first time you had ever seen one, your hands rested gently on your thighs and you smiled nervously. You may have known the rules of the game, but you didn't know how to play. The king took your word for it.

“Ladies first,” he asked you to start.

“My pleasure,” you said as your dominant hand moved over the pieces to decide what your first move would be.

Your father taught you how to play. He always wanted a son to inherit the family business, but your mother only kept giving birth to women, so he had to resign himself to you. Your mother taught you how to be a lady so you could get married as soon as possible and your father taught you about the business so that your future husband wouldn't take advantage of the family money. You used to sit in front of the wooden board and talk for hours after dinner. Your father may not have been the wisest or the most astute man, but he had left you a very important lesson: Always look people in the eye to know their true intentions.

This was one of the few times you came face to face with Sukuna. Because of his title as king and the great difference in height, you were always beneath him, physically and psychologically speaking. You were a simple human, while he was a king with the power to get rid of whomever he wanted with a simple finger movement. Although his presence made you feel vulnerable, you didn't resent him. You had a relatively comfortable life serving him, but sometimes there was a need for you to show him that you were more than a servant. You wanted him to see you. This was a good opportunity to do so.

Sukuna's eyes were not on you, they were on the board. His gaze denoted boredom. He was waiting patiently for you to make the first move. If you waited a little longer, maybe he would yawn. He overestimated you, you had to use that feeling against him. You moved a pawn to the C4 square, a common move among beginners.

“Finally…” He said in a monotone voice before quickly moving the knight to the F6 square.

Each of you took turns to move the pieces quietly as time went by. You took your time with each move, while the king only needed to look at the board from time to time to know what to do next. You could take all the time in the world, but he would still eat all your pieces. Even though it didn't seem to be an interesting game, you could at least keep up with him. Sukuna's queen advanced towards yours, standing face to face. One false move and your king was in trouble.

“Check,” you said as the queen retreated two squares diagonally, leaving her free to begin the attack on the king.

At that announcement, Sukuna woke up from the trance he was in to focus on what he was doing. He smiled satisfied as he noticed the change in your body. Your hands had relaxed, your back was straight, and your eyes were glued to his. You knew exactly what you were doing. You didn't need to tell him verbally that you would destroy him at his own game, your eyes told him clearly. It was as if you were dissecting his soul bit by bit until you left him completely naked.

Your hands were interleaved with each turn. You moved quickly as you realized that Sukuna had already noticed your active presence on the board. Sukuna returned the queen to his side. An interesting move. It was wise to know when to back away, but you noticed one thing in his eyes. He had no plan, he just acted based on his understanding of the game. He moved like in real life, using only his killer instincts.

“Check,” you announced again by moving a knight up.

“Not so fast,” Sukuna told you before taking the horse that was threatening his king using a queen. You smiled as you saw that his majesty had fallen into the trap. By moving his pieces like that, Sukuna had fully exposed his king.

“Checkmate,” you announced the end of the game as soon as you moved the white queen close to the black king. And only then, the poor maid defeated the almighty king.

“Well, well…” Sukuna sighed in awe as he looked at the board with extreme curiosity. He couldn't be mad at you. He had let his guard down. You were playing even before the game started.

There was someone special he loved to watch, no matter what you were doing. Sukuna would always hyper fixate on you whenever he noticed your presence around him. You could be cleaning, chatting with your companions or eating some dried fruit in the garden, and he would still only notice you as if nothing else in the world existed. You were the most interesting human he had ever seen. Sukuna tried to look for a logical reason for his obsession with you, but he couldn't do it. You looked like a simple being with clear goals, but he was sure you were hiding something behind your perfect facade.

Someone knocked at the door. Sukuna sighed, he wanted to be alone with you longer, but now was not the time. Uraume entered the room and was surprised to see you sitting with his majesty. Something strange had been going on between the two of you for months. They had even debated the idea of asking the king directly about you, but hadn't worked up the courage to do so.

“There was an inconvenience in the kitchen. Sorry to keep you waiting, your majesty,” Uraume bowed in apology.

“Lucky for you, you sent a good replacement,” Sukuna said before smiling at you in satisfaction.

Uraume instantly understood just by glancing at the board. You had beaten the king, something even they could not easily accomplish. They could tell that he was looking at you like no one else. It wasn't a look of disgust or boredom, it was a curious look. Like that of a child looking at a group of kids playing in the playground, wondering if he could come over to play with them.

“If you'll excuse me, I have to go,” you said as you got up to give the seat to Uraume. “Good game. It was a pleasure to play against you, my king,” you bowed.

“Good game,” Sukuna whispered so you could leave the room.

Sukuna and Uraume started a new game as soon as you returned to the kitchen to peel potatoes. They quickly noticed that something was occupying her majesty's mind. Their white pieces were eating his black pieces easily and his moves were slow compared to previous games. Uraume could tell that the game against you had changed the way he played.

“What do you see in her?” Uraume asked him after a move.

“Am I too obvious?” Sukuna asked them before getting up from his seat to start prowling around the library to clear his mind. “What do you think of her?” He asked her as he stopped in front of the window to admire the land. The large green lawn stretched all the way to the intimidating entrance of his wonderful castle.

“She is a dedicated servant and a perfectionist. She does all the chores in a timely manner. She is as good a servant as any other. The real question is: What do you think of her?” Uraume asked as they watched him from their seat.

“She has potential.”

���Potential? Potential for what?” Uraume arched their brow at the confusing statement.

“She has the same potential as a pawn turning into a queen,” Sukuna replied confidently.

Sukuna Ryomen was known among the kingdoms for being an unorthodox king. Not only because he took kingdoms left and right as if it were nothing, but because he has a strange way of ruling his people. He did not care about social classes, behavioral labels or unwritten codes of human coexistence. Everyone was inferior to him regardless of gender, race, or religion. He was the god of this new world and everyone had to obey him, just like that.

The fact that he wanted to have a queen went far beyond just following the established patterns of classical monarchy. Sukuna must have a reason why he wants to have a queen other than just because, but there was a more important question on the table.

“Your majesty, you can get any woman you want. You can get a beautiful princess, with more training and presence, why would you settle for a servant?” Uraume asked in confusion. Sukuna smiled. It was a good question.

“She has something much better than that,” he answered before continuing the game as if nothing happened. Uraume looked down to see that Sukuna had checkmated them.

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[hunterwritings]

undercover | miguel o'hara

summary: you go undercover to lure your target out of the public eye to take him out, and miguel isn't fond of how you go about it.

warnings: 18+, jealous!miguel, possessive!miguel, fem!reader, smartass!reader, biting, mention of blood, fingering, unprotected sex (p in v), cream pie

notes: inspired by seeing this dress // posting this very tired and late,lmk if there's any mistakes

taglist: @heythere525 @whimsiecat @skeletonfromthecloset

"Just remember what we are doing here, (Y/N.)"

Miguel's words rang in your ear as you rolled your eyes. "Yes I know, it's not like you've reminded me 10 times." You sarcastically reply and you could practically hear him roll his eyes through the discreet earpiece in your left ear.

You stood leaning against a white-clothed table, scanning the room around you with a glass of champagne in your hand, giving fake smiles to anyone who walked by you.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you think I have a memory span of a goldfish." You responded with a witty smile.

"Don't be a smartass." He harshly responded, and you rolled your eyes once again at him.

"And stop rolling your eyes at me." He added.

"How did you see that?" You ask, looking around.

"I didn't, I just had a feeling you were rolling your eyes at me." He said, hiding a smirk on his lips.

"Heh, y'know for a guy with no spidey sense, you sure know when things are about to happen." You smile, taking another sip of your drink.

"Or maybe you're just predictable." He says. "Just stay focused, you remember who's our target right?" He asks as you scan your eyes around and lock onto the man you had to take in.

"Yes, sir." You jokingly reply, setting down your drink.

"You just have to lure him away from everyone and knock him out, it doesn't go further than that." Miguel puts his hands on his hips, watching your every move on the hologram in front of him.

"Aw, you scared I'm gonna get swept away by this guy?" You joke. He doesn't respond but you know he's brooding. "Don't worry big guy, you don't have a whole lot of competition here." You reassure him with a smile and he smirks.

"Okay he's alone, I'm moving." You say before downing the rest of your drink, setting it down and walking towards him.

As you made small talk with the target, Miguel wouldn't take his eyes off you, the way you smiled and laughed with him. He knew it was all an act but part of him was worried it wasn't, he was worried that your true feelings were shining through with this asshole. An inner resentment built up and he knew he had to let it go or else it would eat him up inside. You knew that he gets jealous easily and knew that you were no else's, only his. And when you got home, you were going to prove it to him.

"How about we take this somewhere more private?" You whispered into the target's ear, watching a wide smile plaster across his face. You grabbed a hold of his hand and lead him through the crowd of people until you finally made your way outside. He lead you into his car and immediately began his way home. While driving, he kept his hand on your upper thigh, getting dangerously close to your underwear. You kept a smile on your face, feeling disgust build up in your chest.

Once you both got out of the car, he immediately threw himself onto you, pressing his lips against your own as he pressed your body against his car. You kissed back, trying not to seem uninterested as he reached his hands down to grip your ass.

"Why don't we save that for the room, huh?" You smirk, pulling away from him. He smiles and grabs your hand tightly as he guides you to the front door. Once you get inside and into his bedroom, he slams the door shut and presses your body against the door, his lips against yours.

"Fuck, you're so hot." He breathes out. You knew Miguel was seething at this point.

His lips leave yours and make their way down to your neck. As he kissed your neck, your hand snakes down to a small vile of a sedative attached to your upper thigh. You quickly snap your hand up and stab the vile into his neck, watching the sedative inject into his neck. He stumbles back and pulls the vile out of his neck, looking confused before falling to the ground.

You sighed of relief, fixing your dress and setting your hands on your hips. Before you could even think, a portal opened up and Miguel sliced his way through the portal. His mask disappears and you see an irritated look on his face.

"What?" You breathe out, still catching your breath.

He didn't respond, just leaned down and picked up the body as if it weighed nothing to him.

"C'mon Miguel, don't act like that." You shake your head, following him through the portal back to his lab. He practically threw the man onto the floor as he pressed a button on his watch and he was tied up with nanotech.

"Miguel, I was just doing my job." You added on.

"I didn't say anything." He said, turning around to face you.

"You don't have to, I can see it all over you." You say. "I hated that guy, you know that. None of it was real." You try to reassure him, stepping closer to him. You saw his chest rise and fall as he looked down at you. "You're the only one for me." You softly add, placing your hands on his sides.

He exhales deeply before leaning down and pressing his lips against your own. His hands reach down and pull you closer to him, you feel the cold material of his gloves touch your back. You sigh of relief, feeling his muscles relax as you reach your hands up to roam his back.

"I didn't like the way he touched you." He breathes out, pulling away for a second before crashing his lips back down onto yours. His hands reach down under your thighs and pull you up and hold you in his arms. "I should kill him just for that, teach him some manners." He adds, breathing against your face.

"Yeah, maybe I'll just let you." You smirk and lean back into his lips. You reached your arms around his shoulders as your lips hummed against his, having your fingers get caught in his hair. He smiled against your lips before moving his hands to carry you bridal style. He walks to the edge of the platform and jumps down to the floor with you in his arms, causing you to squeal softly and laugh as you held your arms around him.

He walks past all his lab equipment to his bed, that he rarely used to sleep, and laid you down onto the bed in front of him. He leaned on top of you and pressed his lips on yours again as you hands roamed his suit, feeling all his muscles through the skin tight fabric. You reached to grab a hold of his watch and try to disable his suit, but he takes his arm away from you and pulls away from you.

"So eager." He breathes out. You lie back on your elbows and breath heavily as you look up at him. "That asshole get you riled up?" He asks, his hands reaching down to grab your waist tightly.

"No." You breathe out, only an inch from his lips. "But the thought of you fucking the life out of me did." You whisper against his lips.

Miguel felt shivers run down his spine and instinctively his claws come out, not enough to pierce your skin but enough to pinch your sides. You smile widely knowing that you've just given him the green light.

His lips crash onto yours, fangs out this time. He presses harshly onto you, pulling your body closer to his tightly. Without moving his lips from you, he reaches over and presses a button on his watch to disable his suit. The suit slowly disappears and he's now hovering above you with nothing left on. You groan in eagerness as you now feel his bare skin against your finger tips. His lips move from yours slowly down to your chin and down to the crook of your neck. One of his hands is pressed tightly against your stomach, holding you firmly down onto the bed. The other hand is rested on your inner thigh, slowly creeping it's way up until it's rested on your outer sex.

A soft whimper escapes your lips, your hand tightly gripping onto his hair as his lips continue to attack your neck. As he sucks harshly on your neck, he pulls away for a second as he scans your red neck.

"bite me, it's okay." You whisper as his eyes fly to your face for a second before returning to your neck. Then, he licks his lips before his fangs pop out and he sinks his teeth into your neck. You wince slightly, tightly wrapping your arms around his bare neck. He removes his teeth from your neck and sucks up a small bit of blood. He pulls away and sees two holes from where his teeth were, feeling slightly proud, knowing that people will know what he did.

"I'm not gonna become some crazy spider vampire, am I?" You joke, slightly out of breath.

"Shut up." He says before attacking your lips once again. One of his hands between your thighs reaches up and down your underwear. His middle finger and ring finger move softly against your folds. His fingers curl up as they plunge into you, soft moans leaving your lips as his other hand runs up your chest to grip onto your breast. His thumb pressed tightly against your clit as his middle and ring finger moved at a face pace inside your walls.

"Please." You breathe out as he pulls away from your lips.

"What? No more jokes?" He smirks. You grip his shoulders tightly as he increases the pace of his fingers.

You groan as he removes his fingers from your core and reaches down to pull down your soaked underwear and tosses them across the room. He pulls the dress up to reveal your naked core.

"God, you walking around in this slutty dress, letting everyone else get a good view of you?" He says, swiping up your wet folds painfully slow. You breathe out heavily, covering your eyes with your forearm and a smile across your face. "They don't to see this view of you though, do they?" He rhetorically asks, a smirk on his lips.

"Just fuck me already." You say in an annoyed tone. He raises an eyebrow at you, surprised by your assertiveness.

"Oh, you're making demands now?" He smirks, slapping your pussy causing a small squeal to escape your lips. "You walk around like that and don't think I'm gonna fuck your brains out?" He laughs, positioning himself between your legs.

"Maybe that was my plan the whole time." You smirk, looking up at him as he shakes his head.

"I don't think so." He adds, leaning down and giving you a deep kiss against your lips before pulling away and positioning his cock at your entrance. He slid he tip of his cock up and down your folds as he saw you buck your hips up against him. He smiled at how needy you were, feeling all his worries from before melt away.

He holds your abdomen down as he plunges fully into you, causing a loud moan escape your lips. He slowly began thrusting into you, tightly holding onto your thighs, hearing the wet sounds of skin clapping against each other. He increases his pace as one of his hands reaches down to massage your clit, soft moans leaving your mouth. You clenched around his cock as he thrusted in and out of you. "Fuck Miguel ― " You breathe out, feeling tears well up in your eyes. No matter how many times Miguel fucks you, the size of him always leaves you breathless.

"shit ― " He curses as he feels your walls tighten around him. He rolled his head back as he thrusted into you, feeling his release building up inside him. Your legs close tightly around him, also feeling your release building up as he slammed into you.

"Fuck — please Miguel!" You cried out. "Please, cum in me." You breathe out.

As soon as he hears your pleas and your whiny voice, he loses himself and bucks up into you and cums inside your womb, groaning heavily. You moaned out loudly as you released shortly after him. Whimpers leave your mouth as Miguel continues to rub against your clit with his thumb to help ride out your orgasm. You clench around his throbbing cock, squeezing out every drop of cum, causing him to let out a wavy moan.

He held himself inside you for a moment, the both of you catching your breath. He slowly pulls out of you, watching cum pool out of you.

"Heh, I should go on undercover missions more often." You joked, dried tear stains on your cheeks and still hardly catching your breath. All he did was smirk as he reached down and pressed a sweet kiss to your lips, not a hungry or starved kiss, a kiss full of love and reassurance.

"Let's go take a shower." You suggest. "Maybe go for a round two?" You joked as he picked you up in his arms once again.

"Don't get ahead of yourself." He smiled, knowing fully well that he would be knee deep between your thighs in a couple minutes.

[cardinal-crossing]

Hello! I bring more Take To Flight AU! I am having a lot of fun with this AU, and it's revived a lot of my creativity. I feel I've been burnt out for the most part for a while now, and I think doing something for myself again has been really fun!

Lore Under the Cut!

So, it's a very loose story so far; all regions are connected on a map (the map will be below under the explanation). Basically, Team Rainbow Rocket has come across a very gritty version of a Pokemon universe, where Pokemon are still, for the most part, very wild, very few being kept as pets and even fewer being trained; some animals have jobs, like the Furfrou in the image, it is a hunting dog as well as a rescue dog when the time arrives, seeking out and retrieving objects or people. This universe utilizes old technology, such as planes, radios, etc., to function. The discourse between the regions mainly brought scientific development to a halt. Team Rainbow Rocket sees this as an easy opportunity to claim yet another AU in its quest to take over the multiverse. However, the people in this universe fight back, which is the first time in a very long time that all of the regions come together to work towards a goal, and scientific development booms during this time. Specifically, Ingo and Emmet are pilots in the Unovan Air Force and are part of a Recon Team in their trust De Havilland Mosquito, which is a wooden plane that was used for recon but also used as a nuisance bomber during World War II. On a mission to do recon in the East, they get intercepted by two fighter jets (I haven't decided which ones) and are separated from their group and put into a 2 v 1 dogfight, which doesn't end well. The fighter jets attacking them are from their Universe's Evil team, which I haven't really designed yet, but we are getting there.

Ingo, Emmet, and their navigator, Colress, are shot down; each is able to eject in a timely manner and deploy parachutes. However, Ingo and Emmet are vastly separated by dense forest and mountain ranges. Emmet and Colress are near enough to each other that they find each other quickly. However, Ingo is in a tight spot some people from a small village near Kalos find him. All three of them sustained injuries, Ingo of course, getting amnesia from hitting his head, Emmet was slightly impaled by a stick, and Colress is having a time^tm (I haven't really decided for him yet, but we will see) The map is very loosely drawn, I am not a map maker, but I was having fun and that was the important part to me. Also note the region of Kardin is my own fan region which I haven't really talked about but I am working on a side thing for that.

Thank you so much for reading my ramblings I appreciate it a lot.

[yearningagain]

it's enough (to make a girl blush): chapter two

HELLO!!! welcome to chapter two! i'm amazed at the traction that this has gained with just the first chapter, and it's giving me so much motivation to continue this!

i've also decided to open up my ask box for suggestions for rambles and ficlets, so please shoot me a message if you feel so inclined!

and of course a huge thank you to @kayleeofcamelot for betaing and helping me so much!! without further ado!

also on ao3!

total wc: 2.6k | wc: 1.4k | rating: e (18+) | pairing: steddie | cw: none | tags: a/b/o, alpha eddie munson, omega steve harrington, modern au, baker steve, famous eddie, getting together, gay eddie, bi steve, soulmates/true mates/scent mates, side buckingham

part one | part three

--------------

Steve loved Robin more than he thought he could love anyone. She was the peanut butter to his jelly, the rock to his roll, the yin to his yang. He doesn't know how he managed as long as he did before meeting her, and he frankly doesn't know what he would do without her now. 

That being said, sometimes she does make Steve want to give himself another concussion. 

Lunch at the deli had been uneventful. They had eaten their sandwiches while nestled in the window booth in the back corner, turned to look out onto the streets of Chicago. Most of their conversation was driven by judgmental comments about passerby’s, ranging from jabs about interesting color choices on someone's tracksuit to monologues about wearing a faux fur coat with cheetah print leggings (“It’s the principle, Rob! You wouldn’t get it”).

After finishing their meals, the pair made their way across the street to the record store. Upon entry, Steve was surrounded by deep earthy scents, old vinyl and incense mingled with the fresh flowers growing in pots littered about. And that brought them to their current situation.

Robin was making a complete and utter fool out of herself. She was bright red in the face, and Steve couldn’t tell if it was from pure mortification or her complete lack of breathing for the past five minutes. As soon as a little blonde omega, introduced as Chrissy, emerged from the shelves to greet them and show them around, the alpha had not been able to stop her mouth from running and running. Now, normally in these situations, Steve would insert himself into Robin's one sided conversation and slow her down, purely to rescue the other person from being roped into a woven tale of at least six subjects at once. But after one look at Chrissy, and the adoration and attentiveness in her expression, he decided to leave it be. 

At the back corner of the shop was a small gathering of armchairs, a loveseat, and a small wooden coffee table. Plopping down into the comfiest looking chair, leaving the girls to their own devices, Steve pulled out his phone to start tackling the sea of messages he had received during the night. 

Dusty

12:58 AM: STEVE

STEVEN

12:59 AM: STEVEN HARRINGTON

STEVEN LOUISE HARRINGTON

1:01 AM: do you even love me anymore

1:08 AM: if i were dying i'd be dead by now

1:14 AM: ☠️☠️🩸🩸

1:27 AM: okay whatever goodnight steven text me when you’re  alive again ig 🙄

11:39 AM: Jesus Christ kid

That’s not even my name

11:40 AM: Did you die?

11:41 AM: no

11:41 AM: So what was so important?

11:43 AM: before i say anything i want to remind you that  i know all of your secrets and also you love me sooo much  and you’re the best babysitter ever and you owe me for  letting my mom hire you at the shop

11:44 AM: Dustin. What did you do.

11:44 AM: nothing!

i didn’t do anything i swear on my mother

11:45 AM: Okay…

So…?

11:46 AM: my favorite band is playing here next month but its an 18+ show

mom would never come with me, she’d have a heart attack i think

so i need you to take me

11:48 AM: i can pay for your ticket if you want!

11:50 AM: steve?

A loud crash echoed from within the shop, followed by an extremely disheveled Robin popping her head into the nook. "I need your help."

—

Leaving the girls was both the best and worst decision Steve could have made. 

In the ten minutes of inattentiveness, the alpha had managed to talk for seven of them consecutively. After realizing she had been talking herself in circles, she tried to reign it in, which ultimately ended in her accidental confession of attraction towards Chrissy. That then led to a kiss-turned-make-out, in which Robin had tried to push the shorter girl against a wall for more leverage. However, blinded by her circumstances, she pushed the omega into one of the shelves, effectively knocking it and its contents to the ground. They were old antique shelves that had been modified with basket-drawers to store records and other miscellaneous objects, they were heavy . 

Steve would be upset, but the dark blush and lovesick smile never quite left Robin's face. 

With that mess dealt with, he was finally able to respond to Dustin. He shot a quick 'Sure. Just LMK the deets ' text and slid his phone back into his pocket. Chrissy led them both back to the nook, bustling about and making sure they were comfortable.

"Steve, I am so incredibly sorry about that! Please sit here, let me go grab something and I'll be right back!" She dashed off down a small hallway towards the back of the building.

Steve shook his head at Robin, sighing loudly. "Couldn't keep it in your pants?"

The alpha huffed and looked away. She huffed again, this time more of a sniff. And then again. 

"Steve, are you fucking with me or something?"

Furrowing his eyebrows, he followed suit in her actions by taking his own sniff of the air. "What? What's going on?"

She continues sniffing, seemingly following the scent. Standing from her spot on the loveseat, laser focused on tracking, she walks right over to Steve.

"Your scent, it's changing. I knew it was different this morning! I know what you smell like, dingus. And you don't smell like you anymore. Well, okay, you still smell like you! But it's like you're roasting apples in the woods on a camping trip. And you've always smelled like apples, so I'm glad that's the same, but now it's different. Has anything weird happened lately? Have you felt different at all? Do you have a fever?" Her curiosity morphs into concern and she starts placing her hands over the omegas face, seeing if she can tell the temperature. "I've never been good at this. Should we go to the doctor? Do we need an ambulance? Shit, did you get poisoned?"

Steve grabbed her hands firmly, guiding them to his chest and taking a deep breath. "Breathe. I'm not dying, Robs. I think I'd know if I was." He takes a few more measured breaths, pulling her down into his lap for a hug. 

After he was sure she was calm, he relaxed his grip, but didn't let go. "I was actually meaning to ask you about something. Nothing bad, I promise! I just... I had this really weird dream last night and I woke up convinced it had actually happened. I was so convinced there would be physical proof, but there wasn't any. But I could smell the alpha in my dream. Have you ever had a dream where you could smell the other people?"

Robin looked at him calculatingly, a crease forming in her brow at the thought. "No, never. I didn't think it was a thing that happened."

"Exactly. I could smell him, birdie. I could feel him. It was real . Until it wasn't. I woke up heartbroken. For no real reason." He sighed once more, lowering his gaze to his fingers rested in his lap.

"Okay, I am so sorry once again, and I had no intention to eavesdrop whatsoever, but I want to help." Chrissy emerged from the hallway with a plate of mini cupcakes, a sheepish expression. 

Steve waved her off. "It's all good. If you don't think I'm crazy, I don't mind suggestions."

She set the plate of cupcakes onto the coffee table and sat down on the loveseat. Robin quickly scrambled off of Steve to sit next to the other omega, shooting him an apologetic glance. 

"So, basically, I read this book once, out of pure curiosity, that was about fate and the universe and all that. It had a whole section about how, years and years ago, alphas and omegas were randomly going through what seemed to be second presentations. It started with scent changes, and apparently a lot of people experienced some sort of initial mental connection. These changes were way less severe, and oftentimes not noticeable until a random heat or rut was triggered. When that would happen, it was always a pair at a time, one alpha and one omega. The moment they would smell the other for the first time is the moment their respective presentations would complete. They'd come out the other side bonded and, most often, pupped. Their bodies were preparing."

Steve stared at Chrissy, mouth agape. "Preparing for what, exactly?"

"Their soulmate!"

[falling-star-cygnus]

❗4GGRAVATE NATION❗ come get y'all's food, i have another headcanon :D [semi-supported by canon, once again]

anyway, i was rewatching Alhaitham's trailer bc of a fanfic i read, and i realized that he's probably the most flexible out of all of them. -> think about it:

Tighnari and Kaveh both use weapons that require a lot of arm strength [even if Kaveh levitates his with Mehrak, he's still got those creaky old man artist joints] which somewhat limits the range of motion in the shoulder area that doesn't nix Tighnari from being quick on his feet, just for the record, i am aware of his acrobatic abilities. But a lot of his gameplay is focused on footwork and jumping

Cyno, on the other hand, despite having a weapon that allows for more of a lithe build- fights like a claymore user. He's a very heavy hitter, and his attacks focus more on relentless force rather than the precision of other polearm characters which is kinda cool if you look back at Kaveh, who DOES fight with precision despite having a claymore

and then you have Alhaitham, who in his original gameplay would arc almost completely into the splits to kick his sword down [i'm still so distraught that they lowered his leg, BRING IT BACK-] it is impressive that he can kick his sword whilst in a mid-air flip though, and still maintains a very aerial style of combat -> also, he can teleport- why don't more people talk about that?

Kaveh comes home to find Alhaitham sitting on their divan, reading one of his books like usual His hands are full of blueprints, with his charcoal balanced precariously on top, but he manages to close the door and start towards his room to set his stuff down. The charcoal hits the ground Alhaitham, glancing down at it: ...hm? Kaveh, pausing; ah- shit, Alhaitham can you grab that for me? My hands are full. Alhaitham, looking back down at his book: Yes, I can see that. Regardless of his 'disinterest', he shifts as if to stand up. And then doesn't. Alhaitham arches over the backrest of the divan to pat at the floor until his fingers brush the charcoal. He places it back onto Kaveh's stack and settles back into his book Kaveh: ....you could have just stood up- Alhaitham: I could've not grabbed it at all.

Cyno and Alhaitham get caught up in a fight with some Eremites on their way back from a ruin exploration or smth [idk i have a headache] It's a pretty evenly matched battle for most of it, but one of them manages to pin Alhaitham with his blade. Cyno makes to help him, but is quickly blocked by another enemy Cyno, scowling: Alhaitham-! The scribe dismisses his blade in a flurry of golden sparks, only to wrap his thighs around his foe's neck and twist to have the advantage- now having the Eremite pinned, he resummons his weapon Both Cyno and his opponent freeze mid-clash Cyno's Enemy: ...you wish that was you, huh- The general mahamatra attacks twice as viciously

Alhaitham had gone to Tighnari for some minor medical assistance, having been closer to him than the Birmastan [and also just generally not trust it more than his friend] Tighnari had suggested that he rest a little bit before heading back home, to which the scribe easily agreed and settled down on his friend's couch for small nap When the fox goes to wake him before it gets too late to safely travel back, Alhaitham blearily stretches backwards over the armrest until he's nearly in half- sighing a little as it works out a few kinks in the small of his back Tighnari blatantly stares Alhaitham, pausing as he works his boots back on: ...Everything ok? The fox covers the lower part of his face and offers no more than a thumbs up

[mysterious-moonstruck-musings]

Buried Secrets Masterlist || Main Masterlist

Hello my lovelies!

As I’ve recently mentioned, I’ve started planning and researching for my next fic adventure, Buried Secrets. Not to worry, I do still plan to finish up with our dear dancing Dieter before I officially begin to post this one. However, I am currently working on the characterization for Frankie and Mya in addition to developing the plot outline so that I have some time to stew on it.

Something fun that I did for Closed Position was a ‘Meet the Characters’ post. It really helped me get to know the characters a little better while also introducing them to you all before we dug into the story. So, without further ado, let’s get to know Frankie and Mya a little bit!

About Frankie Morales in Buried Secrets

Frankie wasn’t in the best place after he and the guys came back from South America. He felt a lot of guilt over what happened to that fucking asshole Tom and the men who were killed in the small village where he crash-landed the chopper. He still has it in his head that he took the first shot that was the beginning of Tom’s demise. Because of that, he had a little slip up and relapsed. It only happened once, but it was enough for his lady to leave him. Especially since she was already angry about him going to South America.

After losing his family, he realized he needed to get his shit together and figure his life out before he spiraled any further. He worked to get his pilot’s license back and also had the brilliant idea to start a private security business. He managed to convince Santi, Will, and Benny to join him in the new business venture.

Thus far, the business has been lucrative, allowing them to expand and take on able veterans who needed employment. They have created a pretty sizable team as a result. Benny and Will typically handle the day-to-day people part of the job while Santi is in charge of logistics. Frankie is the boss and gets final say on everything. If his gut tells him it’s a bad idea, he no longer hesitates to shut things down. He’s not willing to take unnecessary risks.

In order to keep himself busy (and away from drugs) Frankie helps Benny with his MMA fight training. He spends lots of time in the ring sparing and working out with Benny to keep his friend focused and in shape.

When Frankie isn’t training with Benny, he’s working on an old muscle car that he recently purchased. It needs a ton of work, but he’s got the time and needs the distraction. When he’s not working on his car, he’s with the guys at the local bar. He often plays darts to unwind and usually tries to keep his drinking to a minimum, if he even drinks anything at all. It’s on these nights when the guys reminisce and talk about Tom. He was an asshole, but he was still their captain and brother in arms after all.

Frankie has also begun to spend a lot of his time at the local gun range. He’s found that something about it helps calm and center him. It allows him to clear his mind and focus on hitting the target rather than his painful memories. In a strange way, it gives him a small piece of military life that he’s missing as a civilian.

Frankie often thinks about the money that they left in the mountains of Chile. He knows that the money could change all their lives in ways he can’t even fathom. He lays in bed at night going through every possible scenario for getting it back, but everything he comes up with feels too risky. He’s too afraid of losing another one of his teammates. So, he lets it fester. It’s a splinter which is slowly infecting his soul. It makes him angry that they lost so much for nothing. It dictates every decision, often forcing him to take the safest route on all things out of fear and makes him second guess his choices. It's a touchy topic for him that he immediately shuts down each time Santi brings it up.

Even though Frankie is now free to be with others, he actively avoids it. He is lonely but doesn't feel he is in a place to pursue anything serious...or casual for that matter. He is completely taken off guard the day Mya Carnahan waltzes into his place of business asking to speak directly to him regarding the specialized security services he offers. She makes him question everything about himself and what he knows about women.

About Mya Carnahan in Buried Secrets

Mya is going to be a little different than all my other OFCs. While they are all badasses in their own way, Mya will definitely take the cake. However, she does have somewhat of a shady past.

Mya's first choice of profession was in law enforcement. During this time, she joined the forces' SWAT team, allowing her to learn many special skills. She eventually gets caught up in a whirlwind romance with one of her arrestees, Damien, who turns out to be a rather charismatic individual that is involved in selling black market antiquities.

As Damien lures Mya deeper into his world, her love for history grows. She takes advantage of the large sums of money she begins to rake in as a black market dealer and puts herself through college in pursuit of a more reputable profession in archeology. She wants to be the person to find the artifacts, and maybe collect some things to sell on the side too.

As Mya delves into the myths and legends of ancient civilizations, she learns about the lost city of Paititi. She becomes almost obsessive over it, convinced she knows where to find it. It becomes her ultimate end goal, she only needs someone to fund a proper expedition to test her theories.

It's because of her relationship with Damien that she gets tangled in a mess that she can't find her way out of. In a transaction gone wrong with a prominent crime lord named Miguel Collazo, Damien runs off with the money and the artifact that Collazo wanted to purchase, leaving Mya to deal with the fallout. She makes a deal with Collazo, agreeing to lead an expedition to find the lost city with promises of finding a treasure like no other. Collazo agrees to be her benefactor for the expedition, with the guarantee of consequences if she doesn't deliver.

Through all of her past experiences, Mya learns how to become somewhat of a chameleon. She can present as a proper and sophisticated antiquities dealer, or she can suit up and handle business. She has a knack for blending in and manipulating situations in her favor to either get what she wants or save herself. In some cases, it’s both.

Mya has been trained to handle a wide variety of weapons and in mixed martial arts. Her favorite hobbies include knife throwing, rock climbing, and riding her motorcycle. She also loves research and solving puzzles. She is intelligent and very good at all aspects of her job, however, she can be extremely stubborn and fiercely independent to a fault.

As you can imagine, Frankie is not prepared when this woman walks into his life. Mya has his head spinning from the beginning and frustrates the hell out of him. Especially when she defies him, insisting he is there to protect her team and not her (because she can take care of herself). These two are so much alike, which creates an interesting dynamic and causes them to bump heads, A LOT. However, they can't help but to be attracted to each other. As we progress through this little adventure their relationship evolves, and they do eventually fall for each other. They will do whatever necessary to keep the other safe as both of their pasts collide, causing all hell to break loose.

I'm really excited to dig into this one and do something a little different. Are you excited yet? How are you feeling about these characters and the plot so far? Do you have any predictions or conspiracy theories (you know I love it when you all come at me with those).

In case you missed any of the teasers/asks that had other little tidbits of info, feel free to check those out HERE. I’ve also started my typical nonsense with collecting vibe posts for this fic (I know how much some of you love those). You can find them HERE.

Until next time, 💜Mysty

🔎P.S. There is a fun easter egg from one of my favorite adventure movies in this post. If anyone can guess it...I will give you another little teaser. 😏

👉 Tagging anyone who interacted with the masterlist and/or teaser post(s). Feel free to shoot me a DM if you would prefer to not be tagged for this fic going forward.

@2birdsofafeather @72scsuze @76bookworm76 @a-beautiful-but-sassy-world @almostfoxglove

@angelofsmalldeath-codeine @annalovesflorida @anniet852 @ashleyfilm @ashlovesdrpepper

@auteurdelabre @avastrasposts @biggetywitch @bitchwitch1981 @bluestar22x

@bunniboo0015 @burntheedges @captainredspade @chaoticfestninja @cheekychaos28

@christinamadsen @copperhalfcent @darkheartgatita @diabaroxa @din-cognito

@elisabethloves @fifitheragertot @for-a-longlongtime @girlofchaos @guelyury

@harriedandharassed @hisandsnakes @imdrinkingpedro @jackie923 @janeie87

@jeewrites @jensensational71 @jessthebaker @jessthebaker @joels-darlin

@kate-skates @katw474 @kels976 @lady-bess @gwendibleywrites

@ladyofmidlo72 @lizzie-cakes @madnessofadaydreamer @maggiemoo1892 @mandeepandee1997

@maried01 @maryfanson @missladym1981 @misstokyo7love

@notyouraveragemochii @nova-starlite @olafsmiles2020 @oliveksmoked @harrysrosetatto

@owlhypnosis @pasc4lfuzz @pearlthegurl @plancommence @purplewis44

@rav3n-pascal22 @readingiskeepingmegoing @runningmom94 @ryuzakemo128 @sandaltoesocks

@sherala007 @sjc7542 @southernbe @stevie75 @stileslvr

@sub-aro @sundaze29 @survivingandenduring @suziesc @the-strawberrythief

@thethirstwivesclub @timpletance @tiredandtwitchy @titlee78 @trulybetty

@tupelomiss @weho2kcmo @willcw-tree @xchar1 @yep531

@yesjazzywazzylove-blog @yopossum @yopossum-loves @yorksgirl @beefrobeefcal

@papipascaaaal @shadowpandas @tangled-tumbler-blog-blog @you-give-aspirin-headaches @jollybhie 

@sunshinehaze1 @diamondclit0ris @midnightbabylon @nerdieforpedro @cheyennerenee10

[alicerosejensen]

What about uhh Leon with a playful gf? Like in a childish endearing way. A child at heart and likes adventure :D

So, I’m slowly clearing out my inbox and answering old requests. In this case, I decided to make headcanons (I have writer's block).

There are no special warnings. Any version of Leon you want (for me it’s most likely Leon!Re4).

💙 Perhaps sometimes he will be annoyed by your behavior but rarely. His negative attitude will only manifest itself in moments when he is emotionally vulnerable (especially after a mission).

💙 Loves to fall asleep with you under these plush bedspreads but in a dream, he will involuntarily pull it over himself.

💙However, you will not stay without warmth. Leon loves hugging you very much, although you can already sleep, sleep won't come to Leon for a long time, so he will just hug you and look at all these plush toys and various little things that he gave you or that you bought yourself.

💙 I don't think Leon will fall in love with someone who behaves just like a child, but some mischief would give him hope that in this world he has something worth fighting for.

💙 He will buy all these cute stockings to please you.

💙 Leon doesn't really like different adventures because of his job, but if it's something harmless, then no problem. Sometimes he also wants to make a joke and cheer himself up by remembering that he is still a man and not just a slave to the government.

💙 He may sometimes feel uncomfortable in your apartment because of the abundance of toys, but again this is a temporary phenomenon. I'm more than sure that later he will buy you these giant stuffed animals himself.

💙 Leon will always be ready to go to fairs and various festivals with you (provided that he does not eliminate another threat in the form of bioweapons).

💙 If you have a little dog, Leon will even try to get along with him. Maybe he doesn't really like dogs, but from this little miracle he will also be touched and ask you to take him for a romantic walk together.

💙 Without any problems, he will allow you to make all these masks, scrubs, peels on it as a joke and even make some funny photos with you, but on condition that they are stored in personal archives.

💙 Leon will even help you realize your childhood dreams that you did not have time to realize at that time. It may be a small thing in the form of some kind of trip to a place that you have always dreamed of, or a thing that may no longer have any value and usefulness, but you still want to get it since you did not have it in childhood.

💙 He wouldn't have a problem shooting for you in a regular air rifle range, but if you really want to win on your own, then go ahead, baby. At least if you screw up completely, then Leon can save the day.

💙 You may even ask him to let you shoot with his gun (under his supervision, of course)

💙 He doesn't mind when you throw an arm or leg over him in a dream. Over time, Leon will get used to it so much that he will feel uncomfortable sleeping without your body parts on him.

💙 Leon S Kennedy are constantly teasing. This will often lead to him being hit on the head with a pillow, which can eventually turn into a soft battle.

💙 He likes quiet or slightly noisy evenings with you. He likes these old movies with delicious food or some sweets while the movie is on and you're sitting or lying next to him and gently fingering strands of his hair laughing or at least smiling at his ridiculous comments or jokes.

💙However, sometimes while watching, you can seriously start a dispute with him on any topic and take offense at not agreeing with him in opinions.

💙 Although these quarrels never last long.

💙 In any case, he loves you anyway and will most likely be the first to reconcile. Even if you act like a real kid sometimes.

[cameronspecial]

Assisting In Deception (Part 8)

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings:  Sexual Jokes and Unprotected Sex

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 3.6K 

Summary: Ward's suggestion to Rafe makes him realize that he wants more with Y/N, but maybe she doesn't think the same.

Masterlist

Dax tries to run toward another dog, which causes Y/N to overextend her hand so he doesn’t choke on his collar. “Dax, heel,” Rafe orders, pointing a disapproving finger at the dog. Dax instantly obeys his father, pausing so she can catch up. He turns towards her and begs for her petting. His pants fill the air in delight. “I’m pretty sure he likes you more than he likes me. It’s not fair,” Rafe objects, wrapping his arms around her waist. “He’s taking all your attention. I want it all.” Y/N leans back into his touch. She presses her lips to his cheek, “I’ll tell you a secret, I like him more than you. But only a little bit. You’re lucky you are so good with your tongue, it moves you up the list higher.”

“Oh, is that really all I’m good at?”

“No, you’re also pretty good at guessing what I want to eat. So good at that.”

“Well, I’m glad I can satisfy both your hungers.”

“Yeah, me too.” 

Dax’s impatience pulls the couple away from each other and the walk continues. After a few minutes of walking, Rafe stops at a bench to sit down. “I have something for you,” he announces, pulling something out of his pocket. It’s a small slim box that she knows is a jewelry box. Guilt fills her because whatever is in that box is going to be extravagant and expensive and all she’ll ever be able to offer him is a four-dollar pizza slice. She starts shaking her head, “Boss, whatever that is. I can’t accept it.” “Nonsense, I got it for you. I thought you’d like it,” he insists, waiting for her to open the box. After a small argument about her not being able to take the gift and him saying she can, she finally does. In it lays a teardrop-shaped necklace with a diamond at the bottom of it. It’s simple and not too flashy, so it’s perfect for her. “I love it, Boss,” she turns to him to give him a hug. His lips find her temple, “Perfect. I’m glad you do. Just a little thank you for keeping up with my annoying ass.”

“You’re not that annoying. I promise.”

He laughs at her joke, motioning for her to turn so he can help her put it on. The necklace rounds her neck and lays beautifully between her collarbone. 

——

Rafe and Y/N sit on the couch comfortably. His arm is wrapped around her shoulder and she playing with the rings on his fingers. The ginger and cloves waft through the kitchen and into the living room. The smell brings hunger to her stomach. “Aunt Y/N’s boyfriend, can you play horsey with me?” Amber begs Rafe with the biggest puppy dog eyes. He looks at Y/N to ask if she is okay with that and she gives a slight nod. Rafe gets up from the couch, “Of course, I can little cowgirl.” Amber’s smile lights up the room, tugging him to the middle of the living room. He gets onto all fours and lets the girl get on his back. 

Y/N watches Rafe pretend to be a horse with fake neighs and all. “Amber, come on, sweetie. It’s time for dinner. Nana made the chicken you like,” George tells her. The little girl gets off of his back and thanks him for playing with her before running off into the kitchen with her father. Upon hearing that dinner is ready, Y/N gets up to go eat but is stopped by Rafe, who is getting up from the floor. “I’ll get our food. Don’t worry about it,” he promises, going to the kitchen to do as he said he would. 

Nancy is already in line waiting for food when he enters the kitchen. She takes note of him being alone and double takes, “I’m surprised my sister isn’t trailing behind you like puppy dog towards the food. She loves Nana’s cooking.” “I told her I’d get her food. She looked comfortable on the couch. So what are the must-haves that I need to get for your sister?” he asks looking at the wide range of food Nate’s mother made for the family gathering. Nancy looks at everything, pointing at a few dishes, “She’d get the shepherd's pie, smoked salmon and the honey-glazed carrot and parsnips.” Rafe nods scooping up everything she told him to. “And I’ll get a little bit of everything else for myself in case Y/N wants to have a little bit of something else,” he thinks out loud. 

“Wow, Aunty Y/N. Your necklace is really pwetty,” Felicity awes from Y/N’s lap, playing with the necklace. Y/N smiles down at her niece, “Thank you, baby. Rafe gave it to me.” “You are lucky to have such a good boyfwiend. My boyfwiend only gives me leaves,” the toddler pouts. Her aunt giggles at her words, “You’re a little young for a boyfriend, don’t you think? And, plus, your boyfriend doesn’t have the money to pay for big gifts, baby.” The girl makes a face of understanding and she lights up when she sees Rafe enter the living room. 

He smiles at the scene in front of him, “For my Butterfly, an amazing feast of her grandmother’s cooking.” He hands the plate to Y/N and settles back beside her on the couch to eat his own food. Felicity eyes his plate with much interest. He goes to put some boxty into his mouth when her tiny hand grabs his hand and brings his fork near her mouth. She waits for his approval and then places the utensil completely into her mouth. As he takes turns with Felicity eating the food from his plate, he feels like he fits in with her family. Delilah enters the living room looking for her daughter and is surprised to see her eating already. “There you are, Feli,” Delilah states, heading over to Felicity. “I can’t believe you are actually eating. Normally, it takes forever to get you to eat something.” She looks up at her mother, “Wafey is feeding me, Mommy. He is nice. I like him. He is a good boyfwiend to Aunty Y/N.” 

She raises her arms for her mother to pick her up, which she does. “He is very nice, Feli. But next time, maybe don’t eat someone else’s food,” she turns towards Rafe. “Thank you for feeding her. I’m sorry she ate your food.” He gives her a kind smile, “You’re welcome. And it’s okay. I’m more than glad to share my food if it helps you out with getting her fed. There is lots of food anyways.” “Right. Thanks again. Maybe it can be practice for when you and Y/N/N have a kid,” she teases, walking away to the dining room. Rafe’s cheeks turn red and Y/N’s hand flies to her hair at the mention of them having children. “I’m going to use the bathroom,” she informs him. He watches as she walks off and Phoebe takes her daughter’s place on the couch. 

“It’s nice to see that you are fitting right in with the Campbell clan,” she notes, looking at him with a grin. He turns toward her with adoration in his eyes, “Yeah, everyone here is so great.” 

“They are. I was so nervous about them meeting Y/N and me when I first started dating Nate, but they welcomed us with open arms and that’s how I knew I was dating the right man. I gotta say, I’m glad Y/N has you. She grew up thinking that love wasn’t real because of what happened between her biological dad and me. I always tried to tell her that love can be messy but also amazing, but she never listened. Seeing her with you though. It gives me hope that she finally realized that.”

Nancy’s calls cut their conversation short. Rafe sits back on the couch and thinks about what Phoebe said. He knew that she hadn’t been in any relationship since she started working for him; however, he always assumed it was because of her busy work schedule. He doesn’t know she doesn’t have faith in love. The failure of her biological parents’ love is the reason for her not being able to commit to someone else. He wonders if their fake relationship could really cause her to change her mind. He wonders if they ever got into a real relationship, could he make her see how wonderful being in love is. 

——

Ward and Rafe try to have at least a monthly meal together just the two of them. It started when Rafe’s sisters were born so that Ward could make sure that Rafe still knew how much he loved him even though his time had to be spent looking after the new babies. The tradition lives on to this day. “You and Y/N seem to be going on steady. It’s been what? Ten months now,” Ward comments, pouring them both a glass of whiskey. Rafe nods, “Yeah, it’s going great. We spend most of our nights at each other's houses.” “That’s good. I’m glad you are happy with her. Even more glad that it is good for the business,” Ward pauses. “Have you ever thought about proposing?” 

The whiskey in Rafe’s throat exits his mouth with a cough. He brings a hand to wipe the liquid dripping down his chin. “N-n-no. It’s a little too soon for marriage. Don’t you think?” he stutters with wide eyes. Ward lets out a little chuckle, “Maybe, but I see how you look at her. I’ve seen the pictures. You guys are meant to be.” 

The words Ward just said really do hit home for Rafe. He knew what his dad was referring to and he knew that he had completely fallen head over heels for Y/N Y/L/N. He just isn’t sure how to tell her. The way her hands need to fidget with her hair when she is flustered or nervous. How she gets very excited about food. Her love for her family and Dax. It all made her completely irresistible to him and he wishes what they have wasn’t all just an act. 

——

The thought of marrying Y/N has Rafe stirred up and he needs to see her right away. She hears the need in his voice over the phone, promising to come as fast as possible. He waits for her in his room with his unbuttoned. The sound of her heels on his hardwood floor and the smell of her strawberry shampoo excites him to no end. His already hard cock aches to be within her touch. A female figure appears in the doorway and he smirks at the sight. “Hey there, Boss. I hear you need some assistance with something,” she says in a sultry tone. He loves this roleplay even if it is literally just using their job titles in a sexual way. His look is filled with passion, “I do. I have a lot of work for you, Ms. Y/L/N. You’ll probably have to work overtime.” 

She steps out of the shadows and he drinks in her outfit. Her tiny pencil skirt barely covers the lace of her blue panties. She knows he loves this blue set because he is obsessed with the idea of her wearing clothes that compliment his eyes. Her white button-up shirt doesn’t hide the matching bra and based on how oversized it is, he knows the shirt is one he left at her house. “I’m prepared to do whatever you need, sir. I am here to please you,” she whispers, crawling towards him on the bed so that her cherry-red lips press against the shell of his ear. Her lips move to his and her hand finds its way down to his bulge. 

She starts to palm his dick, slipping her tongue into his mouth. Soon, their lips part and she kisses her way down to his v-line. Her breath hitting his skin down there causes goose bumps to make their way up his arms. She unbuckles his belt and pulls down the clothes blocking her from the one thing she needs most right now. Her tongue draws a line to the base of his shaft, so she can kiss her way up it to his tip. Her lipstick stains his penis and he wants to capture this moment forever. She places a tiny kiss on the tip, where precum is already seeping out, before taking him entirely in her mouth. He bucks his hips into her and she begins to gag on him. The sounds she makes cause him to groan. The air in her lungs needs to be refilled, so she draws back for a second. A line of saliva connects the bottom of her lip to his tip and this arouses her. 

She uses one hand to pump whatever her mouth can’t fit comfortably and her other hand tries to make its way down to her burning core, but his hand slaps it away. “Your job is to work for me. Not yourself,” he tuts, locking his hand around hers so it couldn’t go back. She speeds up her movement on his cock and its twitch lets her know he is about to cum. The bobs of her head don’t stop. His head throws back against his pillow as he cums into her mouth. She swallows all of it, using her thumb to wipe the bottom of her lip to get rid of the escaped semen. He smiles down at him and brings her up by her chin. “I think it’s time to give you your bonus, Ms. Y/L/N,” he mutters in her ear. His hands find their way to her hips, pulling her so her pussy is hovering over his face. She hesitates about letting her full weight fall on him, but he puts no thought into pushing her hips down so she can feel his breath on her vagina.

His hand moves her underwear out of the way so he can attack her clit. The sudden feeling of his lips on her causes her to grip his headboard as support. Her breathy gasps make his dick raise to attention again. His tongue licks up her juices and enters her hole. He tries to eat up as much of her sweet taste as he can prior to sticking a previously wetten finger into her puffed pussy. They reconfigure their position so she is sitting against the headboard to make it easier for him to finger her. She moans out in pleasure as another finger finds its way into her. He curls his finger for him to find her sweet spot. “More. Please, Boss,” she whines with her eyes rolled to the back of her skull. His assault with his fingers continues until her climax falls over her. He works her through it with whispers of being a good girl when she notices he is hard again. 

Rafe is going to take care of it himself when she stops him. She gives his shaft a couple of pumps, bringing his dick to her clothed vagina. He looks at her unsure, letting the game drop for a second, “Are you sure about this? I can take care of myself. We don’t have to do this.” The moment definitely overcomes her and she isn’t thinking straight, but she needs this. She wants to know what he feels like. She wants to pretend like this moment is real. That they are just a loving couple about to make love. She brings his lips to hers. “I want this, I promise. I’m clean and haven’t had sex with anyone unprotected for a year. Plus, I’m on the pill. But if you want to use a condom or don’t want this, then I completely understand.” 

He shakes his head, “I need this too. I’m clean too, by the way.” His tone is so nervous that she finds it adorable. With the confirmation that they both want this, Rafe removes her skirt and underwear. He takes off his shirt and then rips the shirt that she is wearing open. The buttons pop off, flying everywhere. Her bra is the next one to come off. 

His dick slaps her pussy a few times, in anticipation of him entering her. He penetrates her and her back arches in satisfaction. The ache he causes quickly fades away. Normally, both of them would enjoy a rougher and faster pace with their foreplay, but it doesn’t feel right to them at this moment. “You are doing so well, Butterfly,” he praises. His thrusts a slow and controlled, hitting every right spot inside of her. The kiss they share is one laced with longing for each other and quiet moans from both of them. His hand plays with her nipples for a little bit before going to rub her clitoris. The fast motion of his hand paired with his deep and steady force brings her close to the edge. He notices how her walls begin to grip his cock and he speeds up his movements just a little bit. 

He breaks their kiss to whisper, “Cum for me. Show me how good I am making you feel.” Her moans increase and she wraps her legs around his waist to help her meet his hips. “You feel so good, Boss. Keep going, p-p-please,” she pleads. He obeys her please and doesn’t stop. He feels his release about to come, “I’m gonna cum. Where do you want it, Butterfly?” She brings him deeper into her with her legs, “Inside of me, please.” Their lips find their way together again while they both cum. She feels thick ropes of his semen shoot into her, warming her insides. They pant into each other’s faces for them to gain a little more energy. 

He slips out of her and they go through their normal aftercare and bedtime routine. Once they finish, they return to his bed, wrapping themselves in an embrace. “How are you feeling?” he questions, giving her a kiss to the temple. She gives him a tired smile, “I feel great, thank you. It was amazing. How about you?”

“I think I can just about do anything. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

She nuzzles her neck into his neck. The deep call of sleep lulls them both to a state of unconsciousness. 

——

This isn’t the first time that Y/N wakes up wrapped in Rafe’s arms, but it is the first that she does so after they have sex. Looking at his peaceful figure usually fills her with delight, yet, this time, she feels a problem start to arise. The sex was mind-blowing. No doubt about it; however, she crossed the line she promised herself she wouldn’t. The sex also felt so real to her and that is dangerous. She starts to realize she can’t tell what is genuine or just for show anymore. She worries that when he finally realizes he doesn’t want her anymore, he will throw her away with her heart ripped out of her chest. 

Her shields throw themselves back up again and she quietly removes herself from his hold. She puts her skirt and undergarment back on but finds the shirt she wore here destroyed. His closet calls to her and she fishes out a white t-shirt to put on. She is engulfed in his scent, which she can’t enjoy any longer without feeling guilty for what she is about to do. 

She slips the shirt on and then gets her purse to leave. As she makes her way to the front door, Dax excitedly runs up to her for her attention. She gives him an apologetic smile and kisses him on the head, “I am so sorry, baby. I have to go. But you are such a good boy. I love you even when I am gone.” Tears escape her eyes as she leaves his house for the last time. 

——

A guilt-ridden walk home and shower later, Y/N sits at the coffee shop table, drinking her coffee. She can’t believe she is actually considering getting a new job, but it was always the plan anyway. Being a personal assistant was only supposed to be a placeholder to give her time to figure out what she truly wanted to do. Her cup runs empty, so she gets up from her chair to get a refill. She isn’t watching where she is going, which causes her to smack into someone behind her. Hot liquid stains his shirt because of her accident. “I am so sorry. Let me get you another coffee and my number so you can text me the dry cleaning bill,” she apologizes profusely to the brunet. His chocolate brown eyes find her, “Don’t worry about it, seriously. I hate this shirt. But I wouldn’t mind getting that number so that I can text you the location of our first date.” He gives her a charming smile with the tilt of his head and she lets out a giggle. 

“That’s bold. Don’t you think you should get my name first?”

“True. I’m Henry and what might I call you?”

“I’m Y/N and I would love to go on a date with you.” 

They shake hands. She feels incredibly wrong about going on a date with Henry when Rafe is still in the equation, but she needs something that is real and Rafe doesn’t want that with her. Little does she know that is entirely not true. 

Taglist: @loves0phelia @thelomlisrafecameron @wickedlovely121 @aprilrudgate @loving-and-dreaming @thepatriarchykeychain @maybankslover @abbybarnesstuff @wh0reforbucknasty @spencereidbasis @drewsmusee @starkowswife @mskezza @h34rtsformilli @ijustwanttoreadlols @forstarkey @f4ll-for-you

[eudaimonia111]

Makeover | Penelope Garcia x Fem! Reader

Summary: Penelope decides to cache in her chips on a day off and give the reader a makeover.

Warnings: kissing, reader doesn't have Penelope's taste in fashion, skin color, body type, and hair type not mentioned, the nickname "Pen" is used, kinda falls off at the end but oh well, probably ooc Penelope

Words: 1898

A/N: Please tell me if Penelope doesn't seem like herself, I'd love any help with her, still trying to get her character right. There is a part where it says she puts her chin on the readers shoulder and I didn't realize how short she was so if you're tall (like me), pretend she's wearing high shoes and she's on tip toes lol. Masterlist

Please do not copy, translate, or repost any of my work. Thank you!

--------------------

I’m jolted awake from a nightmare at the sound of my ringtone, my phone vibrating on my wooden bedside table, the noise reverberating off of the noiseless walls of my room. There's a thumping of the blood pumping in my heart echoing in my head and throat as I peek my eyes open, turning my head to the very lively object. 

The music choice is girly, spoiling who was on the other end of the call. Lifting a heavy arm out of the soft comforter laying atop my body, my fingers outstretched and curled around the brick, touching the green “Accept” button shown on the screen.

“Hello?” My voice is groggy and breaking up with the first word I utter that day. It reaches the speaker and the cold glass screen presses against my cheek.

“Hey, sexy lady. Still sleeping?” Penelope’s voice filters through the small speakers of my phone, her tone much more vibrant and alive than mine. Moving my hand away from my face, I glance at the white text showing the time at the top of the screen reading: “12:54”.

Lifting it back within speaking range, I answer her with a completely unbelievable groggy comment. “No?” The statement comes out worse than I thought it would and I’m forced to clear my throat after the unmistakable sound.

“Well don't worry, my love, I’m coming over. Do not get dressed, okay?” “Wait, why?” Before either of us could utter another sound, the beeping of her hanging up was heard. I furrow my brow, a little confused and a tad offended as I look at my devices screen as if I could see her thinking process in not answering me. 

I throw it to the end of my bed, the impact of the small rectangle bouncing and shifting the blanket by my feet. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, sleepy tears staining my hands after pulling away, I lug my body to the bathroom. 

Going to the bathroom, washing my face, and brushing my teeth are all I get done as I hear the front door open and close, the familiar sound of heels clicking on the floor filling the quiet small apartment. 

I look up to the bathroom mirror to see the beautiful Penelope, her hair in spiky buns, decorated with plastic flowers, her bangs hanging over her forehead and framing her face perfectly. She wears a soft cardigan and a cute dress, a design intricately adorning the fabric. Finishing off the look with glitter and red lipstick, making her look so incredibly kissable.

“You look amazing, baby.” No matter how many times I compliment her, a blush always heats her face, a bashful look coming over it. “I look amazing? Look at you.” She then proceeds to wrap her arms around my waist, her chin coming to rest on my shoulder. 

Her hold is warm, comforting, relaxing, familiar, and loving. Penelope always gives the best hugs, her beautiful curves hugging against my body. Her fingers trail on the hot skin of my thighs as I turn in her hold, facing her.

I move and capture her plump lips with mine, them molding together in a feeling of passion. I pull away all too soon, our lips smacking in protest. Her eyelids flutter, lifting to show her brown eyes. Her pupils dilated, irises flicking between my eyes and lips, looking at me as if I had hung the moon just for her.

“I have a surprise for you.” Her soft hand grasps mine and tugs me out of the room, all the way to my bedroom. On the bed sits bags of makeup, clothes, and hair styling tools and products. “What's all this?” I ask, not being able to find a reason why she brought her whole vanity and closet to my apartment.

“Remember this?” Penelope rummages through her purse, clicks, and clacks filling the space before she lets out a little “aha” and pulls out a piece of thick, laminated paper, my handwriting adorning the front. She reaches her hand out and shows it to me.

Familiarity fills my brain as I see the “coupon” I gave to her as a present for Christmas. The text reading, “Free Makeover” at the bottom is my signature, and an empty line to sign the date of when it is used. 

I huff a laugh and take it, “Today?” I look back up at her. “Why not? It’s our day off.” She whines, her voice higher pitched than usual. She bats her eyelashes and juts out her lower lip, pouting. Pen had me wrapped around her finger and she knew it, she had me right where she wanted me. And if that wasn’t enough, Penelope takes my hand in hers, stroking her thumb across my skin.

After thinking about it for a second, I conceal my smile and utter, “You're lucky I love you”. She squeals, coming closer and kissing all over my face, her lipstick leaving soft markings across my skin. The gesture makes laughter bubble in my chest, a grin gracing my face immediately.

Once she pulls away, we both plop on my bed, smiles gracing our features. I pull up a hand-held mirror, seeing the evidence of the kisses across my skin. “Is this the finished look?” She scoffs, amused. “Are you ready?” “As I’ll ever be.”

An array of makeup ranging from lipsticks, mascaras, blushes, and more sits along the cushion of my blanket, stacks of clothes across the bottom of the bed.

She starts with moisturizer, getting it onto her fingers and smearing it across my skin, the room-temperature liquid being warmed by her hands, the soft feeling of it gliding with her fingers making me close my eyes. She rubs it in, her digits running along every pore and wrinkle my face adorned.

-

After a few steps, Penelope runs eyeshadow across my lids, the velvety bristles blending out the pigment. They dip along the curve of the eye, digging into and shading the crease.

-

I make sure to get as many kisses as I can before the lip products glide onto my lips. My hands cradle her hips, her warm breath hitting my face as I lean in, our lips meeting in a familiar embrace. Molding into each other in a dance. 

Our lips part and I immediately lean in for another, my nose digging into her cheek and her into mine, trying to get as close to each other as we possibly can. 

The welcoming, soft, pads of her fingers sweep my hair back, her hand coming to rest at the back of my head, pulling me in deeper.

Our tongues tangle with a nice, gentle, slick feeling. The clock of how much air we have slowly ticks away but I couldn’t care less, I’ll die from suffocation, as long as she’ll let me do so.

-

After makeup, she starts holding up hangers to my body, clicking her tongue at some (the clothing of course being at fault), giving me a smile and compliments at others. So many clothes are tried on, my body in just underwear and a bra half the time, not that she seems to mind whatsoever.

Penny finally decides on a cute look, her signature cardigan and accessories decorating and accentuating the attire. Although more dressed up than usual, she constantly makes sure I'm comfortable and that my needs are first, always a giver.

-

She lets me figure out my own hair but makes sure to add her signature, final touch on it, glitter, and other objects decorating it in a beautiful, eclectic way.

-

Her soft hands gently go over my eyes, obscuring my vision, and leads me to the bathroom mirror, squealing and giggling the whole way. I’d do anything to hear that sound, it made me feel giddy myself, in anticipation.

“Are you ready? I don’t think you’re ready.” I can hear the smile in her voice, making a grin grow on my face as well. “Yes, I’m ready, baby.” Without further ado, her hands lift from my eyes, my vision blurry as they adjust to the light, my eyelids fluttering quickly to try and take the fog away.

The vision in front of me is amazing, all the brightest colors imaginable, tastefully of course, mixed with neutrals (although very few). My reflection looks back at me, almost unrecognizable with the difference in my usual taste in fashion.

“I’m a god.” Penelope stares agape, at her work that took several hours, as if she didn’t see the whole process. Nonetheless, her eyes widen, as she looks fixedly in the mirror at me.

I have to say, she did go all out. Not my particular style but I look quite amazing.

“I mean, I am an artist, not that your sexiness didn’t make a big contribution. But wow. I mean you look like a model.”

The compliments bring a smile to my face, I’m glad her little coupon gift has made her happy. I turn on my feet and look at her, a glint in her eye. I bring my arms around her and right as I’m about to speak, a phone rings. 

I sigh and give her a peck before she turns out of the bathroom, a dazed, mopey grin on her face and checks the person calling her. “Morgan” She utters happily, the screen shining with a photo of him on it.

“Ugh, go ahead and flirt with him baby, I know he must be lonely considering he’s not dating the best person ever.” I try to tease her and her gaze turns mischievous, even with the blush glittering her cheeks. “No one could ever replace you, mon chéri”

The French sends a tingle down my spine, unable to hold back the want in my eyes as I watch her pick up the phone. As she speaks, I bite my lip, knowing I’m going to give her a more intimate present tonight. My mind is distracted, thinking of all the ways I could show her I appreciate this little afternoon we’ve had so far.

Penelope hangs up rather quickly with a “See you soon”. One of my eyebrows raise in a silent question. She decides to answer me, saying, “We have to go in. Now. Emergency, grab your go bag.” 

-

As we open the door to the precinct, looks are thrown and I can practically feel all eyes on the lobby floor go to me. As we get to our destination, I link my fingers with Penelopes in a bit of an anxious hold. I can feel the steps of our shoes thunder down on the floor, the suspense jacking up with each square foot we cross. The anxiety is quelled with the presence of my girlfriend and I swallow the saliva in my throat.

When the team sees us, Reid is the first to let out a surprised scoff, and Morgan's eyes light up as if he’s seen the best thing in her life, JJ tries to “secretly” take a photo, cringing when the flash goes off, and the rest of the team simply stop and stare.

I decide that I’m the one who has to break the ice and announce, “Pen gave me a makeover. I think she did a great job.” I will go to infinite lengths to see Penelope's proud, happy, bashful look that comes upon her face at my words.

[wonwoosthetic]

Hii!! I hope you're having a great day, I've been loving your pre-outbreak!joel fics (especially the way you write the Millers omg). On that note, could you write something fluffy about reader having a sick day?? And Joel and Sarah just taking turns watching over her. Thank you so much!! 🫶

A Day Off

warnings – flue, sickness, mentions of dizziness, medication, but mostly cute Miller fluff

word count – 6.2k

a/n – I decided to make it part of my “Couldn’t Love More” series, I hope that’s okay ˙ᵕ˙ Thank you for the request, I hope you like how it turned out!! And I hope you have the best day possible🫶🏼🫶🏼

2004

"Is mom okay?" The soft voice of Sarah rang through Joel's ear as he was preparing his usual morning cup of coffee.

While the two Millers were already downstairs, the little girl munching on some cereal and the oldest of the family standing in the kitchen with his favourite mug in his hand, you had run back up upstairs, having forgotten to put on deodorant for the long day of work ahead of you.

With scrunched eyebrows, Joel turned to his daughter, "What do you mean? Because of her cough?" 

 The evening before, you seemed to be doing perfectly fine, but almost as soon as that clock hit midnight, you couldn't lay still next to your partner anymore. All throughout last night, up until that morning, you had been coughing your lungs out, along with a runny nose that didn't seem to be getting any better.

Sarah nodded, "It doesn't sound good." The cereal still filling her mouth.

"Don't speak with food in your mouth," her father warned her, using that typical dad voice the girl has had to listen to all her life.

She swallowed. "I said it doesn't sound good."

"I heard what you said," Joel brought his cup of coffee to the dining table, taking a seat right next to the youngest Miller, along with a hot cup of tea he had prepared for you. "I asked her, and she said it's all fine."

His statement earned him an unamused facial expression. "And we both know that's not true."

He nodded with a sigh, "I know, but what do you want me to do? You know how stubborn she is."

"She's not!" She argued back. Joel closed his eyes for a second. Right. Don't tell the girl, who definitely got the stubbornness from his wife, that his wife is stubborn. How could he forget...

"Alright, but still. She won't listen to me. I already told her to stay at home."

Sarah scoffed, "And that's it? When I'm sick, you two don't even let me fight back. You basically lock me into my room."

"We don't lo-"

"Mum?" He was interrupted by you coming back down, catching the girl's attention.

You hummed in response, followed by a cough as you tucked the blouse tighter into your pants.

"Why don't you just stay at home today?" She wondered, to which you sent her a look of confusion, directing it towards Joel for a split second.

"Why? What's wrong?"

Sarah got up, the bowl in her hand when she passed you, only stopping to point a strict finger at you. "You're sick. That's what's wrong." Before continuing her walk to the dishwasher. "You should stay home."

You chuckled as you sat down next to your husband, whose hand found its way right to your back, brushing over it gently, motioning towards the cup of tea waiting for you. "It's just a little cold. If even," you blew on the hot water, hoping to lower the temperature. "Might also just be the result of someone at work thinking it's necessary to blast winter temperatures through the A/C."

Joel's fingers started running through your hair, detangling the small strands your brush had missed.

"Still," Sarah didn't stop arguing. "Sick is sick, and you should stay home." But you just shook your head with a smile. Another cough followed that you were able to hide into the inside of your elbow.

"See." The girl passed you with a knowing glance as she walked up the stairs into her room to get her backpack.

"You sure, you'll be fine?" Your husband's eyes were still on your side profile, sending you a warm smile once you turned to face him.

You placed your free hand on his thigh and gave it an assuring soft squeeze. "Yep," you nodded, "I'll be fine, don't worry." Just as you leaned in to give him a quick kiss, he dodged out of the way. You gasped, gazing at him with your mouth hung open.

"You heard her," nodding towards the stairs where your daughter was just coming back. "Sick is sick. And I'm not risking that."

"Wow...," you gasped, "Unbelievable. Not even a kiss?" Joel shook his head. A devilish thought crossed your mind, getting the corners of your lips to curl up. "What do you think about a stepdad, Sarah?" Making the girl immediately look at you in confusion. "Someone that would kiss me, even if I actually was sick." The man next to you rolled his eyes. The hunk of a horn coming from the garage let you know that the younger Miller brother had arrived. "Someone younger, hotter, more-" The gentle tug of your hair cut you off, making you grin as soon as you felt the familiar hot breath next to your ear. Thank God, Sarah had gone into the hallway to get her jean jacket.

"Careful, darlin'," his low vibrations tickled the side of your neck before you could feel his lips on your skin.

"Well," you shrugged, "I'm sure there's someone out there that would still kiss me even with a stuffy nose."

He had started petting your hair again. "Keep searching darlin', and the moment you find that someone will be the day I have my first kill."

"Joel!" You shot up straighter in your seat, turning your entire body towards him with a shock written all over your face - yet, a smile was still on your lips. The oldest Miller was in no way a violent person, that much you knew. But, when it came to family, you also knew that there was nothing he wouldn't do. Not a single thing. 

He shrugged a proud grin plastered on his face when your hand came up to push his cheek, mimicking a gentle slap followed by a chuckle.

Sarah passed you two again when a second hunk echoed through the room. "I'm going," she rushed to stand between you two, engulfing you in a big bug, "Love you!" Getting the same words of affirmation in return. She made her way to the door before stopping, "Oh, and mum!" 

Making you look up while Joel's gaze was still fixed on you, wondering how even with a stuffy nose and a cough that could scare away every kid, he was still as attracted to you as when he first saw you in that tight party dress you had worn.

"Let me know how that search for a stepdad is going!" Giggling at the reaction of her father.

"Excuse me?!"

While you laughed out loud, your hand falling back onto his thigh. Your laugh didn't last long, interrupted by another wave of coughing, that you tried to calm down with a sip of your tea. 

Joel stood up and tapped your head, "That's what you get for saying shit like that."

-

The lunch break was almost over, and each employee was putting their helmets back on, throwing their one-way coffee cups into the bins, ready to get back to work. The contractor was still sitting on one of the benches, looking over their final plan for the building behind him, the hot temperature of his beverage long gone, now ice cold. Tommy hadn't joined him as usual, but it wasn't all that new to Joel. Sometimes his brother tended to disappear during his break, coming back only barely on time and usually with his belt missing - no questions needed, everyone knew where he had been.

Just as the oldest Miller brother lifted his head, he squinted his eyes, for one due to the sun, but also to make out the silhouette of the younger brother as he run up to him. Unamused, Joel took a quick glance at his watch,

"Three... two... one... and you're late." He glanced back up at the now panting man, who was holding onto the wooden table.

"Late?!" Tommy exclaimed, "I literally just got back in time."

Joel shook his head, "You haven't clocked in yet," packing his stuff back up as he got up from his seat.

"Jeez, come on, man! Can you cut me some slack?"

He stopped in his tracks to turn back around, shoving the A3 piece of paper into the younger Miller's chest, "I've cut you some freaking slack often enough, Tommy. This shit's gotta stop."

"I just-"

"No," Joel shook his head, "No excuses. I've told you this before. We've got a tight schedule. There's no time for your stupid little acquaintances."

Tommy sighed, still giving no signs of moving while his brother was already a few feet away.

"Have you checked in on your wife?" He shouted out loud, making the older man stop again, glaring at him in confusion.

"What? Why?" It was unusual for either of you to contact the other one during your workday. You much rather enjoy the evening together, ranting about your coworkers and employees in the comfort of each other's arms rather than over the terrible connection through your phones.

With a proud grin, Tommy walked up to him, his hands secured in his pockets. "Well, that's where my acquaintances actually come in handy."

"What the fuck you talkin' about?" Joel was on the verge of his patience with his younger brother, more specifically with that massive ego of his.

"You know that blonde one from Y/N's office?" The younger brother questioned with a smirk, ignoring the glare of the other man. "Tall, blonde, green eyes, usually in those tiny skirts, and Jeez... those big lips that just look magnificent around my-"

"Tommy," he stopped him with a raise of his hands, "Get to the point. For God's sake...," mumbling the last part as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Right, right, sorry," the younger one snapped back into it, "When I went to see her, she told me that Y/N was sent back home because she almost blacked out at the-"

"What?!" Joel raised his voice as soon as the words rang through his ears.

Tommy crossed his arms with a deep breath, "Yeah, apparently she wasn't feeling well, but stubborn as fuck and wouldn't go home until her boss came."

"Jesus fuck..." without wasting another second, the oldest Miller snatched his phone out of the back pocket of his jeans. "And you couldn't have gotten to the fucking point sooner." His fingers moved quickly, ignoring whatever Tommy was talking about in the background, as he clicked around hastily to call your number.

His grip on the rolled-up paper tightened while a sigh fell from his lips, dropping the phone again, "Of course, she won't pick up..."

Within a second, he pushed the floorplan into his brother's grip and took his helmet off the decorate Tommy's head with it instead, "Congrats," he patted his shoulder, "You just got promoted for the day."

"Wh-"

"I'll be back in a bit. I'm gonna go check on her," he was already brushing past the younger Miller, jogging towards his car, "You keep everyone else in check in the meantime!"

"I got ya!" Tommy shouted back at him, "Make sure she's okay!" Before Joel disappeared in the parking lot after sending him a last thumbs up.

The entire car ride was filled with heavy breaths leaving the older man's lips, curse word after curse word echoing through the small space - Sarah's curse jar would've gotten filled to the brim if she had been there to hear him.

He knew it wasn't a good idea to let you go to work today. No matter how stubborn could get, he deeply regretted not starting a possible discussion to keep you home. Now he had to rush back home in hopes of finding you there still on your feet, while his heart was daring to break through his ribs and chest. Never before had the drive to your shared house felt so damn long, even though he was sure to have broken multiple laws.

You insisting on not getting a car was making his anger bubble up just a tad more. You had told him that Tommy and he each having one was enough, and that you were more than happy using the public transport. Joel had given into that way too quickly. Your sweet voice tended to have that effect on him. But now, knowing that you had to take the bus after almost blacking out-

He didn't even want to think about that. Please let that blonde co-worker of yours have lied to Tommy. Or maybe she just heard a rumour going around the office - that shit travelled quicker than lightspeed according to your tellings.

Before his thinking could make his brain explode, he pulled into the driveway, leaving the car outside of the garage and sprinted to the door. He, once again, found it unlocked, making him almost shake his head - how was their daughter ever supposed to learn to lock the door when even you, her biggest role model at the time wasn't doing it. But that was a conversation for another time.

Once he busted through the front door, his eyes scanned the living room hastily. You not appearing right then and there just sent another wave of anxiety through his body. Joel continued to look for you in the kitchen. Still not here. With a heavy sigh, he shook his head. That's when he heard a thud coming from upstairs. He didn't waste another moment and raced up the set of stairs.

"Darlin'?" He called out for you. Before he could reach the top, your head popped out from the doorway leading to your shared room. A breath of relief washed over him.

You glanced at him in confusion, "What the hell are you doing here?" Joel ignored your question, coming up to stop in front of you, gently getting a hold of your jaw to get a good look at your face.

"Joel-" you swatted his hand away, "Wh-"

"Why didn't you call me?"

"What?"

Another sigh tumbled from his lips as he walked back downstairs after making sure you didn't hurt yourself on the way home. He still noticed your red nose and the slight scratch in your voice, so he was already planning on making you a second cup of tea.

"Why didn't you call me?" Joel repeated the question while moving through the kitchen to get everything he needed.

You followed him into the dining space, tightening the sweatpants you had put on after taking a shower as soon as you had arrived home. "Why call you? And what are you doing here?" Followed by a cough.

"Call me?!" He turned his entire body to look at you, "Maybe because you blacked out at work?!" He didn't dare to raise his voice much, just making sure the tone was enough to let you know how serious he was about this subject.

"W-...," you shifted on your feet, crossing your arms over your chest. "How do you know about that?"

The oldest Miller took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, "Your co-worker called Tommy. Sweeth-"

"How does my co-worker know Tommy?"

"It doesn't matt-"

"Yes, it does!" You argued back, now standing in the kitchen with him, your back resting against the counter.

One look from your husband was enough to tell you everything you needed to know.

You sent him an unamused facial expression. "No, he doesn't."

"Yes, he does," he nodded gently, pouring the hot water into the mug he had prepared for you.

"Joel-"

"It's not import-"

"It is to me!"

"What do you want me to do about it?" He wondered, placing the cup of tea right next to you.

You shrugged, "I don't know... Castrate him."

A chuckle fell from his lips followed by a sigh, looking up at the ceiling with his eyes closed before his gaze stopped on you again. He couldn't stay mad at you for long when you looked at him with those kind eyes and that little smile you were trying to hide.

"Why didn't you call me?" He brushed your wet hair away from your face, securing it behind your ear, his voice now back to the gentle tone you're used to.

"There was no reason to."

"You almost blacked-"

"I didn't," you interrupted him, "I got dizzy. I didn't black out. And before anything could happen, my boss sent me home. Nothing bad happened."

"But it could've," he reasoned.

"But it didn't." Your statement wasn't enough to convince him.

"Are we gonna fight about that now?"

You smirked, "Not if you just drop it and believe me. Instead of that desperate housewife of a co-worker, I have."

Joel closed his eyes for a quick second before nodding towards the mug on the counter beside you. "Drink your tea."

With a smile still plastered on your face, you opened your arms and took a step forward to wrap your arms around his torso. Not even a second passed before your husband engulfed you in a hug, his rough hand holding the back of your head close to his shoulder.

"I'm sorry for scaring you," lifting your head to catch his eyes, "I didn't mean to."

He glanced down at you, cupping your face in his palms, his thumbs tracing invisible lines of your cheeks. "I told you to stay home today."

"You did," you admitted.

"And Sarah said so too."

"Yep, she also did that."

"So you're gonna listen to us from now on?"

You put your thinking face on, pressing your lips into a thin line. "I'll think about it."

Joel shook his head, leaning down to press a kiss onto your forehead, mumbling against it, "You're gonna be the death of me, darlin'. Don't scare me like that again."

You chuckled, tightening your arms around him, "I'm sorry. I won't." Placing a loving peck on his chest once he let his arms wrap around you again. "I love you."

"I love you too," he declared like he always did, giving the top of your head another kiss.

A few seconds passed before you felt a soft pat on your butt and Joel freeing himself from your embrace, reaching behind you to place the mug into your hands.

"What do you need from the pharmacy?"

You lifted your shoulders, moving to sit at the dining table, "I don't know. Nothing, I think. It's just a cold, it'll go away."

"Darlin'," Joel's eyes didn't leave your form, "My throat hurts listenin' to you talk."

"Wow," you lifted your head to glare at him with an open mouth, "You really know how to compliment a woman, don't ya?"

He smirked, "I thought that's why you married me."

"Among other things, sure," you copied his facial expression as he got closer to you again to place the back of his hand on your forehead.

"Did you check your temperature?"

You shook your head, "Not yet, I took a shower right when I got here."

"Alright," he grunted, getting his phone out of his back pocket to check for any missed messages, "I'll go see what the pharmacy has and get a few things from the store for soup."

"Joel, I'll be fine just resting-"

"Do you want me to drag you to the doctor's office?" That question made you shut your mouth tightly. He knew how much you hated doctors and hospitals - that bastard used your weaknesses against you. He earned himself a glare from you.

"I'll take anything the pharmacy gives you."

The corners of his lips curled into a proud grin as he lowered his head to peck the top of your hair once again. "That's my girl." In the next moment, he was out the door, and you heard the roar of his engine.

-

Joel didn't cook rarely. Every now and then, you'd get the gift of his cooking - well... the gift of watching him cook since the food itself usually turned out... alright. Eyeing him in such a domestic scene was much more of what you'd be thankful for. But now, you didn't even get to enjoy the sight of him in the kitchen, thanks to him forcing you to stay on the couch, the TV being your only form of entertainment.

"Joel!" You cried out loud, "Please let me help!" Almost begging him since you knew, you'd eventually have to eat whatever he was putting together in the other room.

"Don't you even dare get up from there!" He shouted back before the clanking of pots and pans hurt your head, only motivating the headache that had started an hour ago.

"But-"

"No discussion!" You rolled your eyes. Normally, Sarah was in your position, and you or Joel would be in the kitchen, telling her the exact same thing. With you now right there, you were starting to understand the frustration of the little girl.

"I'm ill! I'm not dying!"

You heard his heavy footsteps before your eyes fell on his body stopping in the doorway, a kitchen towel in his grip. "Don't say stuff like that. And drink that," he motioned towards the medicine he had mixed up for you before disappearing again. You didn't even want to look at that glass. The colour that fluid had, looked toxic and like it shouldn't be consumed by a human. It smelled just like that as well.

"But it stinks!"

"You know, you're starting to sound like Sarah?" Making you roll your eyes. You were a big girl. You could do this.

With disgust written all over your face, you reached for the glass and without much more debating, knowing you'd back out of it, you chucked the whole thing in one big gulp. Noises of repulsion immediately left your lips that you clearly faked yet couldn't hold back.

Joel entered the room, a bowl in one hand, and a mug in the other.

"You're being dramatic," he commented on your actions, setting everything down on the coffee table in front of you.

"Maybe," you groaned, "But this shit is revolting."

"It'll help you get better."

"I sure hope so," you scoffed, leaning forward to get a hold of the mug.

He took a seat next to you, the pills he had bought for you now in his hand, out of their packages. He handed them to you, to which you grimaced. You hated swallowing pills.

"Take them," he rolled his eyes.

"You know, my mom doesn't believe in pills." She was a very spiritual person.

Joel took a deep breath, "I know. I talked to her about it."

"Oooh, yeah!" You laughed out loud, slapping his upper arm as the memory of their discussion at your wedding came back to you. Sarah was recovering from a cold she had, and while your mother was talking Joel's ear off about herbs and oils that would help, he stood his ground on his opinion about trusting whatever medicine she had been described - your mother did not agree with that.

He shoved his hand closer to you. "Just because your mother doesn't like them, doesn't mean you don't, right?"

You shrugged to answer him.

"You want me to grind them for you? Put them under some food?"

"No, no," you snatched the pills out of the palm of his outstretched hand - your other hand got a hold of the mug. One pill after the other, you threw it down your throat, a shiver going down your spine after each. Joel watched you grimace in amusement, his hand running down the back of your head with a smile.

"Good girl," he kissed your cheek, which earned him a death glare from you. His eyes widened, "What?"

"You know what that does to me, and you won't even kiss me!" You whined, throwing yourself back against the backrest of the sofa, a cough following.

A laugh erupted from your husband as his hand landed on your thigh, rubbing and squeezing it gently. You tried pushing it away, but that only entertained him more.

"Take your medicine and I'll kiss you all that much more once you get better," he grinned, placing multiple pecks on the side of your head and pulling you into his chest.

"Is that a promise?" You teased, feeling him shake from chuckling.

"That's a vow."

-

"Darlin'."

You felt a soft shake against your shoulder and fingertips tracing your face.

"Darlin'." 

A groan came from you in response as you opened your eyes, making realise you must have fallen asleep earlier. Your eyes danced around the room - you were still on the couch in the living room. They landed on the body hovering above you. Joel smiled as your gazes met.

"I gotta go back to check on Tommy and the guys, but Sarah's here now. She'll take care of you until I come back."

You shook your head and scrunched your eyebrows, "No, what about school?"

"She just got back."

"And homework? Friends?" You rubbed the sleep out of your eyes, "I'm sure looking after an adult is the last thing she'd want to do-"

"No, don't worry-"

"I want to look after you, mum!" Sarah interrupted her father, skipping into the living room, with another mug in her hands. You were starting to get tired of seeing them.

You smiled at your daughter, "That's very nice of you, Sweetie. But it's so pretty outside, don't you want to go do something?"

"Not if I know you're here sick," she quickly answered before exiting the living room again.

Joel watched her leave, a proud look on his face as he turned his attention back to you.

"She's too kind for her own good," you commented.

"I wonder who she got that from," he smiled, caressing your cheek with his fingers, making you roll your eyes. Joel crouched down to be on eye-level with you, lowering his voice as well, his fingers not leaving your skin. "You wanna go upstairs? I think the bed might be a bit more comfortable."

You nodded while he straightened his back, standing back up on his two feet.

He nudged his head, "Come one." Reaching out his hand for you to take, but you had a different idea. You shook your head with a pout and opened your arms. Joel chuckled with a shake of his head. He could've expected that. Your husband didn't need to be told twice before leaning down, pulling the blanket off you and moving one arm underneath your knees with his other wrapping around your back to cup you up. 

He couldn't help but let a quiet groan fall from his lips as he moved back up. With a chuckle, you slapped his chest,

"Come on, old man." A grin spread on his face, followed by pretending to let you fall, making you screech and wrap your hands tight behind his neck, "Joel!"

"Call me old again, and I'll drop you for real, sweetheart."

He felt your loving eyes on him as he carefully took step after step, carrying you safely upstairs.

"You wouldn't do that." Poking his chest to tease him.

You're right. He wouldn't. He couldn't. He would never drop you. You were safe with him. For now and forever.

-

Only moments after Joel left you alone in the bedroom, another pair of feet echoed through the upstairs hallway. Sarah appeared in the doorway, a beautiful smile decorating her face while holding tightly onto a bowl.

"Dad said you fell asleep before you could eat, so I heated it up again." She got closer to the bed, placing the dish on the nightstand to your right.

"You didn't have to do that," you pushed yourself to sit up on the bed, "But thank you."

"Wait for me," she quickly told you before rushing out of the room, leaving you for about a minute before coming back, another bowl and a book in her grip.

"You're eating your dad's cooking?" You jokingly wondered as she made herself comfortable on the other side of the bed.

"I'm very brave, I know." Her answer made both of you chuckle in chorus. Jokes about Joel's cooking would never get old.

With the two of you holding onto your bowls, you went in first to get a taste of what you had expected to be the most tasteless watery substance you could imagine. You were surprised by multiple layers of flavours. Sarah hummed in agreement.

"Oh wow," you commented.

The little girl nodded, "Not bad, dad. Not bad."

"Not bad indeed. I was ready for something else."

"I was ready to run to the bathroom and spit it out," Sarah stated, making you laugh.

You fell into a comfortable conversation, asking her about her day and what she was up to later in the day, only to get "obviously, looking after you. Just because dad can cook all of a sudden, doesn't mean he won't need my help," in response.

The girl had her way with words.

After you finished cleaning out the bowls, Sarah brought them back downstairs, only to join you in the bed again minutes later. Before she made herself comfortable again, she made sure you'd have tissues, a glass of water, and some pills Joel told her to keep close, right on the nightstand.

"Are you comfortable? Do you need another pillow or-"

"I'm perfectly fine, Sarah," you patted her hand as she laid down next to you.

"Alright, but tell me if you need anything."

You nodded with a chuckle, "I will."

After closing your eyes, you could feel her moving and rustling as she reached out to get something.

"I have to read this book for school. Can I read it out loud to you?" She wondered, placing it in her lap, glancing to the side to see your eyes looking up at her.

"Of course, sweetie." You pulled the covers tighter around your body, ready to listen to her soft voice. "What book are you reading?"

"Sweet Valley High," she told you with a deep sigh, opening the book on the page she had left it.

"You don't sound fond of it," her clear annoyance made you want to smile. You knew exactly why she probably didn't enjoy the piece of literature her teacher had assigned them to read.

"Because I'm not," she stated with a scoff. "This is ridiculous. It's a terrible book with a terrible plot."

"It can't be that bad if it's school literature, sweetie." You tried to explain, hoping to give her a sense of understanding, even though you could imagine how annoyed she must feel.

"But it is!" She whined, "Our teacher probably only gave us to read that because more than half of the class are girls. Ridiculous..."

Before she could even read the first word on the page, she closed the book again. "Can I please read one of yours?" That question wasn't unfamiliar to you. It happened more than you'd like to admit - a 14-year-old asking for books of yours because she found the literature for her age 'boring and all the same' and had even called some authors 'possible illiterates, as well as the teachers for assigning such books'. In reality, she was just unchallenged, and you were more than happy to help with that. But you still had to remember your role as an adult and, more importantly, her mother.

"But you have to read this book, Sarah."

"And I'll get to that once I have the patience," she got up from the bed. "I promise. But right now... I need to read something better than some girl's high school drama." And disappeared, not waiting for an answer from you.

Once she was back, you were already half asleep, but still noticed it when she found her way back next to you, humming in happiness as she made herself comfortable.

Before sleep took over you completely, you heard the first words fall from her lips, "Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents-"

You smiled to yourself. She chose Little Women, one of your favourites.

-

The moving covers and rustling made you open your eyes again. You were still laying on your right side, in the same position you had fallen asleep in. The only difference now was, Sarah wasn't next to you anymore. Instead, she got replaced by her father, who was not so subtly, trying to get into bed without waking you.

Joel found your eyes trained on him, making him immediately stop, the bed sheets in his hand up in the air, "Sorry, darlin', I didn't want to wake ya."

"It's okay," you mumbled, moving closer to him as soon as he got under the covers, "You were never smooth or quiet at moving around anyways, Miller." Your legs interlocked with his, making sure you were as close to him as you could be. You had spent enough time apart, now was your time to enjoy having him right there next to you.

He chuckled at your confession, "I'm sorry." Once you were cuddled up to his side, he lifted his arm to wrap around you and place your head on his chest, but that was interrupted with a groan as he pulled something up from underneath him.

"Was Sarah readin' this?"

You opened your eyes and nodded, the soft smile back on your lips.

"Why on earth is she readin' a book from the last century?" He always remembered the little details you told him about the books and authors you loved.

"The more important question is why aren't you reading books from the last century," you poked his chest. Joel placed it on the nightstand and grabbed your hand into his bigger one, warming it up with the natural heat of his palm.

"You're right, I shouldn't have asked," he quickly commented before changing the subject. "How are you feelin'?"

"Better... I think," a yawn escaped from your throat, followed by a soft cough, "I slept pretty much the entire afternoon."

"That's good," his hand found your back, rubbing it in a comforting way. "You're supposed to sleep a lot."

You nodded. "How was work? Did the guys behave?"

"Yeah," he grinned, "Mostly. Tommy says sorry for sleeping with your co-worker, but also, and I quote, 'The ladies want, what the ladies want. And who am I to deny them of that'."

A moan in disgust erupted from you, "Oh god... He's disgusting." You both chuckled.

A few seconds of silence were shared with Joel's hand running up and down your body before he spoke again.

"You ate the soup?"

"Yeah, Sarah heated it up for me. And she also had a bowl." You lifted your head to look at him, "And we must admit, you did surprisingly well."

"What do you mean surprisingly?" He sounded genuinely curious about your answer as he glared down at you. "What were you expecting?"

"I don't know... but you know..."

"What do I know?"

"You're not the best cook, Joel," you admitted with a gentle smile, "So we were prepared for the worst."

"The worst?" He scoffed, "You two are unbelievable," and turned his head away from you, making you giggle.

"Joel," you whined, but the grin didn't leave your face, "Come on," you sat up straighter to cup his cheeks and turn his head to face you. But that man had his eyes closed. "Look at me." He shook his head. "Look at me, Joel."

"I'm not looking at you until you apologize."

"Are you serious?" You tried to contain your laughter as well as you possibly could, remembering that a girl was sleeping across the small hallway from you. "You know your talent isn't in cooking, handsome." Your fingers brushed through his hair as you caught him finally looking at you again.

"I actually didn't know that I was such a bad man in the kitchen, but thank you for the critique, I guess," he tried to keep the annoyed facial expression, but it was cut off by your synced laughter echoing through the room. He damn well knew about it. Sarah never let him hear the end of it. He will forever be 'an okay cook and a terrible baker'.

The sounds coming from you died down the moment your gazes met again, your fingers tracing his jaw.

"Would a kiss be apology enough?"

His face scrunched up, "With all of that bacteria still in your body?" You tried. With a roll of your eyes, you pushed yourself away from him, ready to turn around and go back to sleep, but his grip on your wrists stopped you. Joel pulled you in again, his lips hovering less than an inch above yours. 

"I couldn't ask for a better apology," he whispered, making you grin. You won. There was no way that man could go more than a day without stealing a kiss from you, and that's just what you wanted.

With that smirk still plastered on your face, you tilted your head up to finally meet the soft touch of his lips, pressing yours against his mouth. You would be ready to care for him once that man flu hit him, and you knew you would have Sarah right there with you as well.

joel taglist: @corvusmorte

pedro taglist: @leslieelainetrask

[hjparisian]

bad idea right?- harry j potter x reader

p: ex! harry j potter x fem!reader w: modern au (phones exist at hogwarts dont question how), everyone is friends, small mentions of drinking and smoking, slight sexual implications (no smut) summary: (y/n) and harry have been broken up for a while now. while at a party (y/n) gets a message from harry asking her to come over. its a bad idea, right? a/n: based on the song by olivia rodrigo, which has been living in my head rent free and brought my first idea in weeks. currently trying to get through a few requests and ylm part II and seeing what'll happen from there. also im on pinterest and tik tok so come find me (has nothing posted on either lol)

There was nothing like a good old party after the Quidditch games. This game was between Hufflepuff and Slytherin, the latter being victorious, which meant the Slytherins would be hosting the party. All the houses were invited.

(Y/N) sat on the couch with Hermione, Pansy, Daphne, and Cho, a drink in her hand. She had tuned out what the girls were chatting about, observing the surroundings of the party. From the people dancing, couples making out, people taking shots and smoking, and Ron doing a keg stand with Blaise and Theo, Draco laughing at them from the side.

(Y/N)'s thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing of her phone, which had also caught the attention of her friends. She picked it up to see who it was. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately to her, it was her ex-boyfriend. Harry.

5 missed calls

hey

feeling a bit bored rn

no ones at the dorm right now

come over?

"Who is it?" Cho asked.

"Oh erm, no one important," (Y/N) said.

"Well your phone was buzzing for a good minute until you finally picked up so it has to be someone important," Daphne chimed.

"Really it's no one," (Y/N) tried telling them.

At that moment, Pansy took (Y/N)'s phone out her hand and looked at it.

"Yeah no one important, unless it's your ex Harry fucking Potter wanting to see you tonight!" Pansy said. The girls gasped.

"Harry?" Hermione asked. "Harry's texting you? But you guys haven't spoken in a couple of months."

"Yeah, I know," (Y/N) said.

"How come Harry isn't here anyways? Doesn't he usually go to parties with Ron?" Daphne asked.

"Said he didn't feel like it," Hermione told her.

"Well, are you gonna do it?" asked Pansy.

"Do what?" (Y/N) asked.

"You know, see him?"

Cho chimed in. "Oh (Y/N), I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Yeah, that would be a bad idea, he is your ex after all," said Daphne.

"I never said whether I was going to or not!" (Y/N) exclaimed. "And if I were why would it matter? I know he's my ex but can't two people reconnect?"

"Well, they could," Hermione started saying. "But a lot of the times it doesn't work out."

"Besides," Pansy starts. "There's a bunch of other men out there waiting to have a chance with you. Men hotter than Potter."

(Y/N) didn't know whether to agree or disagree with Pansy. Well sure, there's other men out that there that could be more attractive than Harry, but there's just something about him that draws her to him.

"Okay, okay! I only see Harry as a friend anyways. Also we're at a Slytherin party right now and I'd much rather be getting drunk with you guys than continue this." (Y/N) told them.

Her words rang in her head as she took a shot that Pansy brought her. Does she really only see Harry as a friend? Or is that a lie?

The temptation to see Harry was only getting stronger with each drink she took. It wouldn't be a horrible idea to visit Harry right? They probably wouldn't do anything anyways so what's the harm?

While the girls weren't paying attention, she texted Harry back, telling him she would be over in a little bit. It didn't take long for Harry to get back to her.

cool, see you soon then

(Y/N) waited until the girls were done with another round of drinks, hoping to be unsuspecting with her need to leave.

"I think I'm going to head to bed, I'm feeling a little bit tired," she said.

"Already?" Pansy asked. "Come on we're having fun!"

"Pansy, leave the girl be. It is starting to get a little late anyways," Daphne said to her fellow Slytherin.

"Do you want me to walk you to your dorm?" Hermione asked her, being one of the more sober people of the group.

"No! No I'll be alright. I'll see you guys tomorrow though alright?" (Y/N) said as she wave goodbye to her friends.

Once she exited the Slytherin common room, she quietly made her way towards the Gryffindor common room. Curse Harry for being a Gryffindor and making her walk so far, but it'll be worth it, at least that's what she's thinking.

(Y/N) finally made it to the entrance of the common room without any setbacks. The Fat Lady had woken up from the sound of her footsteps.

"Password?"

"Quid Agis," (Y/N) said, having remembered the password from when she visited Hermione earlier in the week.

The portrait opened and (Y/N) walked in. The common room was empty, most likely due to the party as well as it being late in the night. She made her way to Harry's dorm, memorized where it was due to the countless times she's gone over.

The girl knocked on the door before going to grab the door knob, but the door had opened before she could. In front of her stood her ex-boyfriend in sweats and a black shirt, contrasting her party dress she wore tonight.

"Hey," Harry said to (Y/N) when she walked in, closing the door behind her.

"Hi," (Y/N) shyly said. It was a bit awkward being in Harry's dorm, considering the last time she was there was a few months ago, before their break up.

Harry guided (Y/N) to his bed, the two sitting at the edge. She could feel Harry's eyes taking her in. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't doing the same just before.

"So you came from the party I assume?" Harry asked.

(Y/N) nodded.

"How was it?"

"Good. You know how Slytherin parties are." The girl said. "Exciting. A lot of drinks."

"Do your friends know you're here?" Harry asks her.

"No." (Y/N) felt a hand touching her thigh.

"Where do they think you're at?" Harry asks her. "They think I'm in bed right now." She said. But she never specified whose bed.

A faint hum of acknowledgement came from Harry as he began rubbing her thigh, his hand slowly getting higher and higher.

"You know, I've missed you a lot (Y/N)."

(Y/N) could feel her heart racing at Harry's sudden confession. "Really? I've sorta missed you too." She didn't know if it was the alcohol talking that made her say that or what, but something made her want to see where this was going.

A small smirk appeared on Harry's face before he brought the girl to his lap. His eyes flickered from her eyes to her lips.

"How about I show you how much I've missed you?"

This definitely was not going to be a bad idea, right?

[immeasurablesaladagere]

aw yeah requests open!!!

in the re!thirteen cg!cuddy headcanons you mentioned that thirteen actually told cuddy about regression as a liability thing and none of the others did. could you write headcanons/a fic for how she found out about each of them? also, does cuddy ever regress, because i can't picture that at all but i could probably be persuaded. thirteen and chase having Sibling Squabbles is everything to me also and i loved your chase sickfic

(--0v0)---> ~~~ <3 <3 <3 <3

Lol welcome to story time, House's team were all wildly irresponsible when it came to their regression (Also most of my fics aren't part of a connected universe or anything, so future fics might not match up with any of these headcanons).

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House was the first and was less of one grand discovery and more like several pieces all coming together over several months. He has a wide age range including teen years, which gives his usual pettiness a particular childish edge to it that felt out of place to Cuddy amongst his usual shenanigans. Stuff like stink/glitter bombs, gluing documents together, whoopee cushions, the whole thing. Eventually he slipped up enough that he was obviously speaking and acting differently in front of her and she called him on it. At first she thought it might be drugs or something, but the test she made him take came back clean (minus Vicodin). After that, House basically started an ARG and began seeding vague clues as to what was going on to see how long it would take her to figure it out. It took 3 weeks, and Cuddy chewed him out for over an hour about the liability nightmare he could have started, but reluctantly let it be when House made it clear he was still doing his job just fine (somehow).

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Chase came after House. It shouldn't come as a surprise that House knew about Chase's regression long before Cuddy did, and kept it a secret not because Chase wanted him to, but because the thought the inevitable reveal would be funnier that way. It wasn't really. Chase slipped in front of her for the first time at a work event involving alcohol when two other doctors sitting at their banquet table started arguing with each other. Chase had already drank enough to start feeling it, which did not help, and Cuddy followed him when he left abruptly. She found him hiding in a back hallway and on the edge of a panic attack, and all he would say to her was that he wanted his Mum. A quick call to House confirmed her suspicions, and she and Chase had a very awkward meeting the next work day. Of the team, Chase is one of the most likely to slip due to a sudden trigger (after House), and is generally on the younger side, so Cuddy made it very clear to him that if he wanted to keep his job he needed to stop whatever he was doing if he started feeling small in any way. She isn't too worried about House, Wilson, or the ducklings missing work because of how much overtime they put in, she just doesn't want a lawsuit.

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Cameron learned what regression was from Chase, and eventually she thought it was worth trying for her own stress. She did it alone at first, then later it was something she and Chase shared in while they were together. It's always been voluntary for her (minus one or two situations where she was so stressed she barely had to think about it), and she knew both Chase and House did it, so it wasn't really a big deal to her. She just dropped it casually in conversation in front of Cuddy before realizing Cuddy didn't know and wasn't supposed to. Her reaction was basically "Really? Is it all of you?" and another lecture about liability that House spent making faces mocking her over her shoulder to Cameron to get her to laugh.

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House just straight-up outed Wilson to Cuddy offhandedly while he was in the room with them. Cuddy isn't very surprised by now; she might not have been expecting Wilson necessarily, but why can't every one of her employees be regressors? Sure, that's fine. Not much of a lecture for Wilson, mostly because she took pity on him because he was absolutely mortified.

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Thirteen, considerate employee that she was, actually warned Cuddy when she was hired, and was shocked to find out that not only did Cuddy not care, but also that "You and the rest of the office, Hadley. It's fine, just don't let it affect you work.".

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Cuddy herself doesn't regress in any capacity. She's wound up being both an intentional and unintentional babysitter for most of the team at least once, and for House a little more consistently while they were together. Tired mom energy. Kind, understanding, but tired. She's also developed a slight spidey-sense for if someone on the team is regressed. It's not House-level accurate, but she's gotten good enough to call Chase or House out from across the room, and Wilson one time.