#but the point is: you can! here in the land of humidity that does not dry things out at all

[tj-crochets]

Hey y'all, weird question time! Asthma related this time: Can the smell of mildew/damp/whatever that is be an asthma trigger? A pipe broke in my house earlier this week, and it is fixed but now anytime I go near the room it was in it's triggering an asthma attack, and the door to that room is like right next to the kitchen so that's a fairly large problem. We set up an air purifier and a dehumidifier in the room, but is there anything else we should be doing? how do you get rid of mildew?

[kairiscorner]

volleyball player gojo does something to the brain (a very good thing)

–the team's pretty little manager.

volleyball player!satoru gojo x manager!fem!reader

the squeaking of shoes against the reflective and shiny hardwood floors filled the entire indoor court as the jujutsu high men's volleyball team was practicing for the regionals. the only two practicing right now while waiting for the others were none other than the dynamic duo of satoru gojo, the cocky yet strongest wing spiker the team has to offer—and suguru geto, the most talented server they have on the team, the only one who can match satoru's insatiable dynamic in and out of the court. the two were being themselves as usual, trying to outplay each other in an aggressively friendly fashion while making idle chitchat or gossiping to each other about the ongoings of their lives.

the conversation eventually came around the topic of the prettiest girl in all of jujutsu high, which satoru snorted at as he spiked suguru's serve back at his court a little too hard. "like any girls here actually interest me." satoru said with a gagging expression and his tongue stuck out, as if to express his disgust and disappointment at such a boring question. suguru chuckled as he got the ball back and bounced it before serving, smirking at satoru with a knowing smirk. "really now, satoru? i suppose it wouldn't be too out of character for you to play along with a group of girls praising you," suguru pointed out as he took a few steps back and readied his serving stance, aiming the ball at satoru's court while satoru readied himself to save the ball in case it'd land in his court. "though... it would be a bit out of character for you to be a total liar, wouldn't it?" his dear friend asked him rhetorically as suguru threw the ball upwards and sprinted forward a little to serve it back at satoru's court.

satoru was quick on his feet and ran to save the ball, but his reflexes were a bit slow that moment, and the ball entered his court even further. he sighed and rubbed at his head angrily with a pouty face. "don't act like you can read all that into me now, suguru." he told him as he went off to get the ball, his face crinkled into an annoyed glare, which his friend chuckled slightly and shook his head at. "it's not my fault you're too obvious. you clearly don't see her as just 'some girl' or a groupie in your fan club—you are interested in her—" "no way in hell." satoru muttered as he bounced the ball on his court. "there's no way i'm into that little runt." he denied with a huff. "she keeps warning me about my haircut, saying crap like it's 'against the school rules' to have hair this long; as if my spiky hair'll keep me from being the best damn spiker this school's got!" he exclaimed as he ran up and served the ball—or, tried serving the ball—but he missed hitting it and it merely fell over to his feet, angering the white haired youth even more.

suguru chuckled loudly at his friend's sloppy serve. "yeah, this is why coach yaga left that position to me. anyway..." suguru trailed off as he walked over to satoru's court, signaling for the two of them to take a break from practice. he placed a hand on satoru's shoulder and watched as his friend's eyebrows furrowed slightly and his cheeks seemed a bit pinkish—and something told suguru it wasn't because of the humidity in the room or the exercising and practices they did. suguru smiled at him and pat his shoulder. "you gotta be honest, you do think she's the prettiest little manager, don't you, satoru?" he teased his friend as he chucked the ball at suguru and groaned. "if you wanna keep putting words in my mouth, maybe you should just marry her if you like sucking up to her that much." "what if i will when we're older? who's to say?" suguru suggested with a coy tone, making satoru stop in his tracks from putting the ball back into the ball rack. "...like i care." "that's basically you saying you do." "look, she's... she's smart, smarter than i am sometime, that much i'll admit. she's cute, when she's not being a little prissy pants—and she's... she's got a smile some decent guy with good morals has to protect, or else, i'm gonna..."

"gonna what, gojo?" asked a familiar voice, making gojo's aquamarine eyes go wide. he slowly turned around and saw the little runt of a cute manager with a smile worth protecting right behind him. suguru excused himself and ran off to get some water, leaving you two alone together. satoru yelled after him and tried running up to get some water with him as an excuse, but you pulled him by the sleeve and kept him there. "do go on..." you told him in an interested, yet sort of shy, tone; you knew satoru could be a suck-up, cocky asshole, but you were intrigued about this secret side of him. satoru groaned and leaned his face forward to meet yours and furrowed his eyebrows up at you. "or else i'm gonna do this if you won't let me go, runt." he said as he cupped your face with his larger hand and squeezed the life out of your cheeks, smirking to himself at how you resembled an adorable little pufferfish, making him laugh aloud and smile. of course, he liked you—a lot; but he'd never admit it. only from a distance will he let himself call you 'the team's prettiest little manager' and tease the hell out of you.

[kingkatsuki]

omg arranged marriage with dragon king bakugo 😱 imagine you’re a princess from far far away and you’ve heard of the brutality of the dragon king, known for his skills in battle and showing no mercy. You don’t want to be betrothed to such a brute from the dragon lands! you enjoy the crisp air, the twinkling streams and your silken garments. You’re quite spoilt really with your silky hair and soft skin, draped in the finest of fabrics. Such a contrast to katsuki when you meet him at first. Hair coarse and spiked, skin hardened like leather, brash voice and abrasive personality, not a speck of manners to be seen. And their clothing?? leather, furs, dragon skin and skulls; showing off their chiselled forms, how could anyone live like this? with the humid air and suffocating heat. You smile, in politeness only. And he despises you. You’re such a pretty little thing, so fragile.. yet such a fucking brat. You’ve had it so easy, never had to claw your way to the top, fight tooth and nail to survive, so peaceful in your ivory tower. and something something idek I got carried away!!

- 🎀

You were the most prized possession from your Kingdom, but Bakugou would’ve rather taken riches or land to form an allegiance, this just seems like a burden.

He sets an area up for you in his Kingdom, gives you everything you desire to live comfortably and it’s like he just leaves you to it. Makes no effort to say good morning or goodnight, doesn’t eat with you, spend time with you, wash with you or even lay with you at night. Despite the fact that you’re now bonded— it’s about as loveless as an arrangement like this can get.

You suppose you should be thankful, glad that he’s not living up to his reputation by claiming you as his each night or throwing you around, staking his mark and claim on you— but for some reason you’re not.

You spend your days reading, arranging the flowers that your maids bring you each week as they brighten up the dreary, cold four walls you spend most of your time inside. The only times you leave them is to wander around the grounds, admiring the plants that grow here. The flowers made for harsher conditions compared to your homeland, the ones thriving where yours wouldn’t survive.

It’s not until one afternoon that Mina is bringing you in a fresh bouquet to replace the ones beginning to wilt, asking her to leave the petals so you can flatten and seal them in the pages of your books. Your fingertips tracing the new stems as she helps you clip their thorns and you ask where she picked them.

“Oh, I didn’t pick them.” She smiles knowingly, as you look at her in confusion. If she didn’t pick them who did?

“The King noticed how much you loved flowers in your homeland,” She smiles, “He brings these back each week from his hunts, picked especially for you.”

You wonder why a man so cold, so brash would waste his time picking flowers for you when it’s so far from what you picture him to be. Nothing like the stories that circulated your Kingdom about a callous, cruel leader.

“He’s not all bad, you know,” Mina places a warm hand on your shoulder as she leaves you to arrange the stems inside the vase.

“How did he even know I liked flowers?”

“He saw you walking the grounds and picking out flowers. He actually asked Kirishima to try and plant some more for you too, the flowers from your climate would never survive here so he was discussing perhaps a greenhouse.”

“Why would he do that for me when he hates me?” Raising a brow in confusion as you smoothed your fingers over the pointed leaves.

“It might not seem like it, but he does care.” Mina smiled as she exited your room.

And this is the first evening where you actually desire to leave your room, walking the halls in search of your husband—

[rottenpumpkin13]

Hmmmm.... Sephiroth gets sent out on a LONG ass mission on a Tuesday by himself. (a segment of one of your asks)

The Wild Goose Chase Prank On Sephiroth

• Zack's most elaborate prank yet has Sephiroth as its victim. He has Kunsel hack into the mission roster's system and give Sephiroth a solo mission to the middle of nowhere in the western continent.

• It's summer, it's humid, and Sephiroth's assignment is to find an escaped creature from R&D labeled a "Triserpoco"

• Zack photoshopped an extra leg and a zolom head on a chocobo.

• Sephiroth takes the mission, seething with rage as he thinks about the poor creature having been subjected to Hojo's experimentation—it's the main reason Sephiroth doesn't question the mission. Knowing Hojo, a chocobo-zolom hybrid is something he would pull.

• He's flown out to a quiet little village near the coast, where the mission detailed that it had last been seen.

• The villagers are absolutely perplexed to see a Shinra helicopter touch down on their quaint village, and even more so when the Sephiroth appears. But nothing could've prepared the poor mayor for the "Triserpoco."

*Sephiroth holds up the clearly photoshopped picture*

Sephiroth: I'm looking for this creature.

Mayor:

Sephiroth: Don't laugh.

Mayor: I'm sorry.

Sephiroth: This is a serious matter. It's classified as a highly dangerous and invasive creature that could—sir please stop laughing, your village is in danger.

• After the mayor asks the other officials who confirm that there has never been a sighting of that creature in the village, Sephiroth takes matters into his own hands. He figures that since chocobos flock to grass lands and Zoloms to marshes, he'll have better luck on the outskirts of the village where there's nature.

• He asks a curious and starry-eyed group of kids near the town hall where he can locate the local chocobo-keeper, or perhaps the farmer. Once the kids finally finish asking him for his autograph and waxing poetic about how awesome he is, they point him in the right direction.

• He decides to try his luck and ask the kids if they've seen the Triserpoco, since children are naturally adventurous and would be the first to find some mythical creature when playing in nature.

Child #1: I never saw that in my life, Mister Sephiroth!

Child #2: Me neither! It looks fake. Are you sure that's not a photoshopped picture?

Sephiroth: No, children. This is a Triserpoco. It is a very real and very dangerous creature that I must catch before it harms the townspeople.

Child #3: Hmm I'm pretty sure it doesn't exist.

Sephiroth: It does too.

Child #3: Does not.

Sephiroth: Does too.

Child #3: Does not.

Child #4: I know where it is! I saw it that creature by down the river!

Sephiroth: Ah, thank you.

*He turns to child #3, lowers himself to his eye level, and leans in to whisper in his ear*

Sephiroth: It does too.

• He finds the local chocobo-keeper at his farm—after traversing a field full of clingy chocobos who want to cuddle him.

Sephiroth: I'm looking for this creature. Have you seen it?

Farmer: Son that's photoshopped.

Sephiroth: I appreciate the concern, but this is Shinra's official image of the Triserpoco, a hybrid who escaped captivity and was last sighted in this village.

Farmer:

Sephiroth:

Farmer: Do you want us to contact Shinra and tell them that you're here?

Sephiroth: I assure you I'm of sane mind. I'm just trying to locate this creature and get it back to Midgar before it harms someone.

• The farmer tells Sephiroth he'll have better luck looking it in thing in the woods, since that's the best place something could hide.

• Sephiroth declined the farmer's wife's offer to join them for lunch, but accepts the borrowed chocobo for his journey.

• Sephiroth rides to the woods on the chocobo and begins his search for the Triserpoco. One hour in, he hears some ruffling in the trees and stops.

• Bandits. As if he didn't have enough to deal with.

• They try to ambush him unsuccessfully. Sephiroth manages to protect the chocobo and fight the group of men off, tying them to a nearby tree.

Bandit #1: Let us go! You defeated us already!

Sephiroth: Absolutely not. While I've got you, have you seen this creature?

*Sephiroth pulls out the Triserpoco picture and shows it to them*

Bandit #1:

Sephiroth: Well?

Bandit #2: Is this a joke?

Sephiroth: Do I look like a comedian to you?

Bandit #1: That's photoshop.

Sephiroth: It's a Triserpoco, a dangerous hybrid bred in captivity that went missing around this area.

Bandit #3: That's bad photoshop too.

Bandit #2: Dude are you high? Guys maybe he's lost or something.

Sephiroth: I am not inebriated nor am I insane.

Bandit #1: Are you sure Shinra sent you here to look for that?

Sephiroth: Yes. If you are able to provide information I might be inclined to let you go.

Bandit #2: My cousin photoshopped a picture of herself marrying Genesis Rhapsodos once and told everyone it was real.

Sephiroth:

Bandit #2: She's in jail now for setting her house on fire.

Sephiroth: What on earth does this story have to do with my question?

Bandit #2: She legally changed her name to Sephiroth when she was 18.

Sephiroth: I'm leaving.

• Sephiroth ventures further into the woods, stopping twice to pause, rest and consider retirement a total of 58 times. He keeps his eyes peeled for the creature, but even he's starting to doubt why Shinra would send him out here alone with no additional information about the sightings.

• He doesn't dwell too much on it though. Hojo's involvement and R&D's penchant for secrecy makes the mission sound normal.

• Sephiroth finally comes across a river and ascertains that it's the same river the enthusiastic three-year-old claimed to have seen the Triserpoco. He sees a old woman fishing by the river bank and decides to ask her for information.

*34 minutes later*

Sephiroth: Ma'am, for the last time. While I'm flattered, I have no interest in marrying your granddaughter. I'm sure she's lovely but—

Old Woman: You're gay.

Sephiroth: Excuse me?

Old Woman: That's perfectly fine! I have a nephew who's gay. Oh, I should've known. You look very gay, did you know that?

Sephiroth: I wish to speak to you about a creature that escaped Shinra's captivity a few weeks ago—

Old Woman: What about Genesis Rhapsodos? Do you think you could introduce him to my granddaughter?

Sephiroth: Ma'am if I look gay, he looks like he's been inhaling the rainbow since birth.

Old Woman:

*Sephiroth pulls out the picture*

Sephiroth: Have you seen the Triserpoco?

Old Woman: Oh, I know what that is. The kids these days call it photoshop.

Sephiroth, through clenched teeth: It's not an edited image. It's a real creature. Have you seen it or not?

Old Woman: You'll have better luck looking for that thing in the mountains.

Sephiroth: Why the mountains?

Old Woman: Have you checked the mountains?

Sephiroth: No.

Old Woman: There you go.

• Sephiroth thanks her and leaves for the mountains. On his way there, he stumbles across a path near the lake that leads to some wet lands. He figures he should try his luck there before going up the mountain.

• There he finds a group of teenagers hunting and decides to avoid them entirely and instead try his luck with the man collecting crabs in the marsh.

Sephiroth: Hello. I'm looking for this creature, the Triserpoco. Have you seen it, perhaps?

*Sephiroth holds up the image*

Man: That's photoshop.

Sephiroth: It's a Triserpoco.

Man: That doesn't exist.

Sephiroth: It's a hybrid bred in captivity. Only one of its kind exists.

Man: I think someone's playing a joke on you, boy. That looks like something straight out of a horror movie.

Sephiroth: So you have not seen the Triserpoco?

Man: No one in the world has seen the Tripsipico.

Sephiroth: Do you have any idea where I could find more information about the Triserpoco?

Man: You could try a psychiatrist.

Sephiroth:

Man: Have you spoken to that group of teenagers over there?

Sephiroth: No.

Man: Do you intend to?

Sephiroth: Please don't make me.

Man: .....?

Sephiroth: Fine. I'll talk to them. Thank you for your time and help.

• Sephiroth turns around and begrudgingly makes his way towards the group of noisy teens. Just as he had feared, one of them is wearing a Silver Elite T-shirt. After the initial fanfare, groveling and autographs, Sephiroth calms them down enough.

*He shows them the picture*

Teen #1: What is that, satan??

Sephiroth: IT'S A TRISERPOCO.

Teen #2: That looks like bad—

Sephiroth: I KNOW I KNOW BAD PHOTOSHOP.

Teen #3: Uh..Are you oka—

Sephiroth: I'M FINE.

Teen #4: Really? Because you look—

Sephiroth: GAY, YES, WE'VE ESTABLISHED THAT.

• For the first time in his life Sephiroth manages to scare away a group of people without needing to take his sword out. He sighs, turns around, and begins his trek up the mountain. He wonders wether those therapy vouchers Angeal gave him for his birthday are still valid.

• He decides that if the Triserpoco isn't anywhere on the mountain, he'll declare this as a mission failed and go home. It's a foreign concept to him. He hasn't failed a mission since he was a child.

• Back at the headquarters, Zack can't sit still and finish his overdue mission reports. He keeps giggling and thinking of the wild goose chase he sent Sephiroth on. This distracts Genesis, who's on the SOLDIER lounge trying to read.

Genesis: What's so funny?

Zack: I'm playing a prank on Sephiroth. I had the mission roster send him out to the western continent to look for a monster that doesn't exist.

Genesis: That's brilliant. Why didn't I think of that?

*Angeal walks in*

Angeal: Has anyone seen Sephiroth? Director Lazard's sent for him but no one can find him.

Zack: He's out on a mission looking for the Triserpoco.

Angeal: The what?

*Zack holds up an image of the photoshopped creature, unable to contain his laugh*

Genesis: That's what you sent Sephiroth on a wild goose chase for?? That photoshop is horrendous! He's never going to buy that!

Zack: He already did! He left on his mission nine hours ago. He should be back any moment now empty handed.

Angeal: He's going to murder you. He's going to shove your head in an oven and make you suffocate on the fumes from your hair gel.

Zack: No he's not! Sephiroth will think it's hilarious. He hasn't failed a mission since he was a runt. This is refreshing for him!

*And then the elevator doors open. Sephiroth steps out, looking exhausted as he pulls a Three-Legged-Chocobo-Zolom hybrid on a leash*

Sephiroth: Good evening, gentlemen.

Zack:

Sephiroth: I found the Triserpoco.

Zack:

Sephiroth: It's appalling what atrocities Hojo uses R&D's resources for.

Zack:

Sephiroth: Anyway, I must take it back up to the labs.

Zack: But this is impossible...The Triserpoco doesn't exist....It's photoshop....

*Sephiroth turns to Angeal and hands the leash to him*

Sephiroth: Hold this for me.

*Sephiroth unsheathes The Masamune*

Sephiroth: COME HERE.

Zack: WAIT WAIT I'M SORRY I'M SORRY OW OW OW OW OW OW OW OW ANGEAL HELP.

*Zack runs away as Sephiroth chases him, hurling balls of firaga at his feet*

[fqrcefields]

checkmate!

summary _ , jennifer barkley despises every citizen of pawnee indiana. except for one.

⋆ tags : smut-adjacent? not really sure how to tag this. mature! ⭑ࣶࣸ 

read on ao3.

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From the moment she steps out of the impossibly cheap cab, Jennifer could feel the dullness in the air. Though she appreciates the lack of typical Washington humidity, there’s a replaced sense of total unhealth, of total lack of spirit and verve. As she enters Pawnee City Hall for the first time, it takes all of her might to not turn around and flee. She doesn’t like to use the word poor, but…

Who is she kidding. She loves to use the word. And this town, if one can even call it a town, is dripping in it. 

Jen hates to speak to these people. Anyone dressed in business casual attire is not worthy of her time. So, she finds her way to the competition’s office herself. Her heels stick to the floor with each quick step— she moves far faster than any of the sluggish clerks and absurdly high-ranking city officials that don’t seem to really be doing any work at all. Every door she pulls open is also covered in this same sickening stickiness. Thank God for the invention of handkerchiefs.

“Oh, Jesus.” Jennifer can’t help the words from spewing out when she pulls open the door to the Parks and Recreation offices. It’s just all so… sad. The menial workers don’t react to her entrance, barely do anything at their desk anyway. She scowls at the sight of it, of the aging employees typing with only two fingers at a time and the younger ones who stare at their phones instead of doing anything meaningful. Everything is so slow, nothing like the pace of a D.C. election circuit. A real election, something actually worth Jen’s brain power. But hey, it’s easy work, and she’d be damned not to take it. The moment she and the man-child win this town over, she’ll be off to summer on an island. What island, she could not possibly care less. As long as it’s far away from Pawnee, Indiana.

Not seeing the yapping, overexcitable blonde anywhere, Jennifer’s eyes land instead on a much more pleasant sight. The youngest employee who sits with her feet propped on the desk in front of her, reading a book. She has a jadedness about her, as if in this building filled with people who barely know how to do their job, she is the one that wants to do it the least. While Jennifer would usually find this disinterest so stale, especially on someone of this age, there’s something beneath the sideswept bangs that intrigues her, attracts her.

Jen straightens herself, takes the few steps it takes to make it to the younger woman’s desk, leans over it a bit.

“Excuse me,” She says louder than necessary in the near-silent room. The raven-haired employee does not reply, only sticks up one finger as if to say my book is more important than you, continues reading. Jennifer is… impressed. A smirk rises to her lips at the action, and she waits patiently. Though she’d never accept such a thing in her own office, she appreciates the challenge. At least there’s one other person in this God-forsaken town that’s willing to play chess where the others play checkers.

When her challenger finally finishes her chapter, she sets down her book and raised finger, finally glances up at Jennifer. Her eyes widen for a moment, a minute expression that would barely be caught if it weren’t quite literally Jennifer’s job to catch such a thing. The smirk still evident on her own face, Jen speaks up again.

“I’m here to see Leslie Knope.” She leans over the desk a bit more, wishing she weren’t so damn buttoned up, wishing to see that bewildered expression on the intern’s face again.

“Uhm, yeah.” The other says plainly, her voice shockingly deep, carrying the same indifference that the rest of her does. She then realizes her place, must recognize Jennifer Barkley for who she is, and sits up straight in her chair, feet dropping to the floor. She points to the door at her left. “Her office is in there.”

There’s the blush that Jennifer had been looking for. She pulls back, straightens up, flicks her hair over the shoulder once, twice. She turns on her heels with ever the dramatic flair and walks to where the black-painted nail had directed her. Even though this meeting would be excruciating, at least she’d have this little memory of Knope’s pretty receptionist. Or whatever lousy job title the woman held.

“Hey, aren’t you that lady that called Leslie a dog murderer?” The deep voice calls out again, eliciting a silent laugh from Jennifer. As she enters the next room, she looks back over her shoulder, winks to the girl. Jen hates to wear a smile as she enters this meeting, but the puzzled expression she’d been met with could only bring such a thing.

She exchanges false pleasantries with the overzealous blonde, barely registers a word said. They’re discussing campaign strategies, billboards, yard signs… something like that. Who knows. Jennifer is too busy looking out the door to the desk so perfectly placed in direct view. Well, not exactly direct. She has to arch her back and pretend to be looking away out of boredom, but once she has subtly shifted her chair backwards just enough, her apathetic piece of eyecandy is back in view. She can’t take her eyes off of the woman whose nose is deep into her book. Jennifer finds herself far more interested in finding out the title of the book than she is in Knope’s incessant chattering about candy bars and voting procedures. Once she finds out just what sort of book it is that she likes, Jennifer will buy her an entire library’s worth. It’s not like she’d be taking any away from the avid readers of Pawnee, of which there are none. She’d probably be able to buy out the town’s public library with the money she’s making from the Newport family alone. Maybe she will, if it’ll force that straight line into a smile.

It feels like truly an eternity that Jennifer is sitting in this office, though she doesn’t mind it for the view that she’s given. There does come a time where she actually does need to reciprocate the conversation, to act aghast at the implication that she’s not paying attention, and as painful as it is, she turns her attention away from her new obsession. She continues in witty banter for the rest of their allotted time, outsmarting Leslie’s campaign moves with outrageous ease. Seriously, Jennifer Barkley is good at her job. No wonder she’s paid so much.

When she’s finally allowed escape from this small room that smells so much like the most obnoxious cologne known to man, she takes it. Though she could spend hours wheedling out Leslie’s ideas, spinning them into her own far better planned knock-offs, Jennifer is desperate to leave. She can feel her brain actively slowing down with each second spent in this wretched building. So, with the sweetest possible goodbye she can muster up with those last few remaining cells of energy, she leaves.

But, before she does, she allows herself one more little visit to the desk by the window, to the girl who has reassumed her previously relaxed position, her book now propped open on her lap, her eyes moving far too quickly to actually be reading. Jennifer smiles to herself, appreciates the attempt at disregard for what it is, knows that the blush is threatening the intern’s cheeks again. She can tell that she’s chewing the inside of her cheek, forcing her vision away from Jen, but she doesn’t mind. She’ll get the eye contact she so deeply desires soon enough.

The standing of the two reaches into her purse, the bag that she would never let touch a surface in this building, and produces a business card. She slides it down into the open-faced book on the woman’s lap, laughs softly when it elicits a jump out of her.

“Call me.” She purrs, once she finally has the latter’s attention. She sends another wink her way before finally leaving, feet still fighting un-mopped floor.

And as for April… April watches her leave, jaw hanging open as if she’s just seen a ghost. She feels incredibly dirty for the way that her vision glues to the swinging hips, but the curvature squeezed by pencil skirt begs to be worshipped as it disappears into the hallway.  

__________________________

It doesn’t take many days for Jennifer to grow painfully bored of her hotel room. One can only watch Joan Callamezzo ramble nonsense for so many hours in a day. And though she does not feel like entering into Pawneean society, there must be somewhere where she can get an actual mixed drink instead of another bottle of hotel wine, so she turns to the internet. It comes to no surprise that Pawnee’s nightlife is far from illustrious, and though her only options are clubs of the night and strip varieties, she settles for the former. She doesn’t even want to imagine what beasts will haunt the night scene on a Wednesday night in the middle of nowhere, but she finds out soon enough upon entering the bar whose name she forgets before even reading it.

Jennifer is caught by surprise that the inhabitants she finds aren’t so monstrous, that she can actually stand to look at them. She may find her way to the dance floor eventually, but even still she’d promised herself not to get too messy in her time here. There’s no way she’s embarrassing herself in front of people whose normal is Jennifer’s idea of sloppiness.

She orders whatever stupid gimmick drink is at the top of the list, needing something that will actually ignite her tastebuds no matter the sugar content, and takes a seat at the bar, surveying the room. It’s quite literally the antithesis of a Washington club. Jennifer’s sure the heaviest drug done in this room is tobacco, if these people even have the gall to smoke a cigarette. They’re all so painfully boring, it nearly puts Jennifer to sleep where she sits. Though she’s far from the life of a party, she could stand to loosen her blouse and make out with a girl or two.

Just as she’s slid an unnaturally purple drink, Jennifer locks onto a form at the end of the bar. It would be impossible to ignore, the swooped bangs and striped shirt, jeans that are neither work appropriate nor fit for a club. The hunched posture was what truly gave it away, her aloof attitude would stick her out like a sore thumb in any crowd, at least in Jen’s eyes. She definitely doesn’t want to be picked out of the crowd, probably isn’t seen by anyone other than Jennifer. They’re both here for the same reason, to have a cheap drink and be on their way.

After a few minutes’ worth of staring, Jennifer’s target begins to move. Not toward the exit nor the dance floor, but to the bathroom, where Jennifer eagerly follows suit after throwing back whatever rancid, over-flavored vodka tonic she’d been served. She pushes past the sweaty bodies of dancers that she figured must be from out of town— there’s just no way this many people even exist in the city limits of Pawnee. Jenn huffs and growls at each body that she forces her way past, hating the feeling of dirty hands on such expensive fabric. She holds herself close, rolling her eyes when several people stumble over her feet.

It's with a dramatic sigh that she finally enters the bathroom. Though she doesn’t mean to be, Jennifer will always be keen on the dramatics, on making her emotions well known. Though careerwise it’d be much better for her to keep a sophisticated mysteriousness such as her impervious intern, she finds it much more fun to tell people exactly what she finds annoying about them.

Jennifer primps herself in front of the mirror; makes sure the string of pearls is on straight, lays down her hair so that it stays in its barrel curls. She’s also quite the stickler for appearance, a trait that the rest of Pawnee so seems to lack. While she looks over herself in the glass, a door swings open behind her, and out emerges her raven, who, when her eyes finally lift to find Jennifer standing at the sink, stops in her tracks. It’s an adorable color on her, this shock and awe on a face so fit for lack thereof. Once again that smirk returns to Jennifer, a grin that’s so easily faked yet in this instance could not be more genuine.

“Aren’t you going to wash your hands?” Jennifer asks slyly, firmly patting the sink beside her. The younger complies, Jen watching her through the mirror as she does so. She notes the serious focus that takes the dark features, the control forced over muscles to cease a smile or a reaction of any kind. Jennifer loves it, the resistance, the denial to admit ones feelings. It’s out of her own book. It’s so intoxicating to have a cat to play with instead of yet another mouse.

“You didn’t call me.” Jennifer continues, lower lip protruding into a false pout. “Such a shame. I’ve already gotten so lonely…” She shrugs, pulls lipstick from her purse, begins to apply it liberally. Though the action forces her attention to her own visage, that of the girl beside her is not lost, still in her peripheral.  “At least tell me your name, hm?”

“April.” The shorter replies— though, she may not truly be shorter, it’s only that Jen wears five inch heels where April dons low-top converse. She finally ceases her inattentive hand washing, turns to take a paper towel. When she turns back, however, she is met by a body much closer than it had been, nearly pressing her against the wall. There’s no hiding the rush of blood to her cheeks this time. April must finally face the fact that she is truly, deeply enthralled with this woman. She has been since the first time she’d appeared on the television set spewing that nasty rhetoric about Leslie Knope, her manner of speaking so outwardly charismatic it charmed April right away.

There’s something to be said about charisma and lack thereof attracting each other.

April stutters for a moment, something she’s quite literally never done, brain seeking for something to say along the lines of you’re a dick to my boss, I hate you, but the words never come. Mostly because she doesn’t want to say them. As much as she loves Leslie, how much she wants them to win and for the woman in front of her to stop badgering their campaign on live tv, she is also wholly infatuated with the pantsuits and wicked words.

Jennifer chews her lower lip, which is still curled up into that shit-eating grin, enjoying the mess she’s turned April into far too much. She’d not dare interrupt her babbling nor her bated breathing with words of her own. The ball has now been swung into April’s court, and as greedy  as she feels to lay a kiss on those trembling lips, Jennifer wants to wait to see what her opponent swing back.

Though, instead of witty banter or biting criticism, Jennifer is met with hands on her jaw, lips on her own. She accepts it hungrily, not at all needing even a second to realize what’s happened nor to adjust to the touch. It feels all too natural, and it’s instinct that leads her hands down to slide into the back pockets of April’s jeans, her thumbs into the belt loops. What wretched material, denim. She’d hate the rough feeling on her palms were it not for the soft flesh it covered.

They’re both starving for this, tongues dancing for dominance in the other’s mouth, dark red lipstick smudged against skin that hasn’t seen this amount of makeup in quite a while. Jennifer pushes her weight into April with such fervor that she’s forced up onto the sink, the former settling between the latter’s thighs, kissing her until her back hits the cold mirror.

They each elicit soft groans out of the other, that smug smirk ever present on Jennifer’s lips when April gets too loud. Jen’s lips stray downward, down to the strong jaw, trailing her scarlet down onto the clean flesh. Her hands sneak below the woven fabric of April’s sweater, the soft skin rippling in reaction, so cold against Jen’s warm hands that is almost shocks her. Not at all in a bad way, though. It only offers more surface area in need of her kisses, desperate to be warmed by Jen’s coaxing touch.

It's that very thought that forces Jennifer backwards. She stands upright, looks at the mess of her own creation, frowns a genuine frown when April whines from the sudden lack of touch.

“Oh, baby.” Jennifer sighs, pouts more, licks her thumb and lifts it to April’s mouth, which instinctively opens to accept it, yet the thumb swerves to wipe some of the lipstick from her chin. “I’m sorry. But you know I can’t in good conscience fuck the competition. As much as I want to.” Then, she smiles, watching intently how April reacts to this news. The way her brows furrow, her hand lifts and slightly punches the sink below her in anger.

No, Jennifer certainly does not imply to stand by this rule. They’ll find themselves in this club bathroom again quite soon. But she can’t very well allow April her checkmate this early into the game. So she turns on her heels, grabs her purse, leaves with a third (certainly not final) wink over the shoulder.

“I’ll see ya!” She calls, and disappears behind swinging doors. 

[butmakeitgayblog]

Too hot too cuddle for professor au!

I got several for this one, but this is the only one with specific au so I'm goin' with it 😌

////////////////

"I'm calling off tomorrow."

"No you're not. There's only two weeks left, you have to go."

"Why?"

"Finals are coming and all that. Think of the kids."

The night goes quiet as the too-warm breeze from the swivel fan at her side makes another circuit of the room.

"... Fuck them kids."

Clarke smiles at the grunt that's half-muffled into a pillow, her foot reaching out across the bed to nudge a calf that lays bare and sticky with a dusting of sweat. "You don't mean that."

"Right now I do," Lexa whines and readjusts for the tenth time in as many minutes. "It's too hot to move. It's too hot to think straight—"

"When have you ever done that anyway?"

"It's too hot to wear clothes."

"Now that I'm not complaining about," Clarke hums, reaching over to caress the curve of her girlfriend's perfectly crafted bubble butt.

She glances down at the toes that flex under the bit of sheet draped over Lexa's ankles and not another inch higher, because despite them both foregoing their normal nighttime attire and it really being too hot for any kind of bedding, Lexa had staunchly insisted that, quote, 'Sleeping with my feet uncovered just feels... wrong.' Unquote.

"Don't even think about getting frisky, Ms. Griffin" Lexa muffles into her pillow again as she reaches back to blindly point behind her in Clarke's general direction. "It's too hot for that too."

Clarke grabs the vaguely menacing finger and kisses it. "Just try and get some sleep, baby."

"Who can sleep like this?" Lexa lifts her head just enough to let out dramatic series of sobs before flopping back down. "I can't even cuddle my own girlfriend without it forming a gross, sticky skin paste."

Which was true. They had tried. And had predictably failed, much to Lexa's misery.

"We'll cuddle tomorrow night, baby. Right after the A/C guy leaves."

"That doesn't help me sleep tonight though, now does it?"

Clarke looks over to the mass of sweat-frizzed curls that lays splayed over the pillow beside her. "You're worse than Madi sometimes, you know that?"

"If Madi were here right now, she'd back me up."

"Mmm, technically if Madi were here right now, I think she'd just be horrified at seeing you splayed out butt-ass naked."

She laughs at the disgusted sound of Lexa's grunt as the hand in hers is yanked away.

"I should have failed you when I had the chance."

Clarke ignores her girlfriends antics and rolls over onto her back, sighing as the fan makes another pass and cools the fine sheen of sweat that coats her body.

The heat hangs over her like a cloud, thick and humid, seeping into her pores and settling heavy in her bones. She gives in to its weight, letting it pull her down into the sleepiness that had clung to her like a haze for the entire day.

She's just about to drift off into a restless, sweat-soaked slumber when she feels the bed shift as a hand drifts over... and lands right on her left breast.

Clarke doesn't even bother to open her eyes, just smiles and scootches over a bit, so the hand can lay in a more comfortable position to cup her.

"Better?"

The hand holding her breast gives a sleepy squeeze.

"... S'better."

[actually-safer-to-kiss]

Personal Heater

Summary: Spencer has no heat in his apartment, but that doesn’t stop Reader from spending the night.

Couple: Spencer Reid/Fem!Reader

Category: fluff

Word count: 858

You are so stubborn. Stubborn to the point that Spencer finally caved and let you spend the night at his place, despite constantly telling you the heat is out. It took two weeks and several weather reports including wind mileage and humidity percentages, but you broke him. Now you’re in his bathroom, spitting your toothpaste and mouthwash concoction into his rickety sink. And it was your sharp, minty inhale that put the stamp of regret on the night.

Out of all potential points of convincing you to wait, he failed to mention that he lived in a building originally constructed in the early 1900s; when insulation wasn’t even a thought.

Your feet are freezing under the tile, and you’re convinced if you put enough force behind it, you can land in Spencer’s bed with one jump. Moving as minimally as possible sounds ideal because your legs feel as mobile as frozen pipes. But a screw-up will lead to you hitting the floor in the darkness, alerting your boyfriend in the living room, and — worst of all — you’ll have to admit he was right.

So instead, you lumber out of the bathroom, sliding your feet across the floor to navigate any potential hazards. The floor creaks with your weight. Once in the clear, you, quite literally, hop into bed. Spencer was still focused on some work at his desk, but he promised he wouldn’t be long since he was already in his robe. You took advantage of the time to gather the comforter and the extra blanket he’s been using. Then you grab some others folded neatly on a nearby chair (that you may or may not have fished out of his closet) and let them all fall on top of you. The warmth creeps in if you stay still and prevent drafts, but your feet instinctively rub together like they were sticks and you needed a fire. It’s the only movement you allow as you try to zone out enough to fall asleep, apart from the occasional kick to yourself for not being patient.

The benefit of being in an old building is that doors creak too. So Spencer coming in to call it a night is not subtle at all. He turns on the lamp on his side, and it’s the first time you’ve dreaded hearing him chuckle. “Well, well, well,” his tone is infuriating, “I see you found the extra blankets.”

You keep your eyes closed and hope for the best.

“I heard the floors creaking three minutes and 42 seconds ago, hun. You’re going to have to do better than that.”

Dammit. You use your bitterness to turn on your right side, making sure to keep your body encased under the small mound of various cozy materials.

Spencer’s robe is tied: boring, plaid, and brown. But it gives him a secure layer over his fun pajamas, the light blue ones with cloud patterns, also known as the ones you got him. His hair is adorably messy and his lips purse into an annoyingly cute smile. “Anything you want to say to me?”

“Yes, actually,” You prop yourself up on your elbow and look him in the eye as you ask “How the hell does someone who grew up in Vegas tolerate freezing temperatures indoors in early spring?”

“Well, robes help, but it’s also not freezing,” He corrects. “It’s 43.4 degrees outside, which means it’s…” He feels the air for reference because it matters to him. “About 58.2 degrees in here right now considering what floor we’re on and —”

“If I admit you were right, will you please come to bed?” You fall back onto your pillow and pat his, utterly defeated. 

He doesn’t hesitate to switch off the lamp. Spencer climbs in and nestles under the comforter. “No need, I already know.”

You wish you had a snappy response to that, but Spencer’s hands are already distracting you by navigating blindly under the comforter. You take the hint and push yourself closer to him. When your bodies meet, he pulls your leg up so you can be just a little closer. You wrap an arm around his shoulder and your fingers end just above the back of his neck. You play with the hair you can reach and he finally kisses you. It’s sweet and slow, with no urge to prove a point. “Your nose is so cold.” You tell him.

“So is yours.” He replies, rubbing them together. He kisses the bridge of yours.

“I’m warming up though.” Slowly but surely. You try to keep your icy toes away from his to avoid ruining the moment.

“Good. Me too.” The hand keeping your leg steady slid up your back, finding a comfortable place to rest. “Seriously though, do you think you’ll be able to sleep tonight?”

“Yes.” You nod for extra assurance.

“Okay,” He rubs your back. “Wake me up if you can’t.” He gives you another precious kiss.

You want to say you’ll be fine, but you don’t feel like risking being wrong twice in 24 hours. So you plant a kiss on his forehead, and that’s good enough for him.

[aboutcustardcreams]

Help me hold onto you

Summary: The Doctor takes you and Yaz to Nectoxia, a peculiar planet that serves as burial ground, with the purpose of giving you a harmless fright. However, things don’t go as planned. They never do. And this time, it could cost you dearly.

part two

part three

part four

When the Doctor mentioned she was going to take you somewhere that would give you the creeps, your mind hardly imagined something quite like this. You couldn’t help the shivers running through your spine, the air was humid and heavy that stuck to the skin, underneath your clothes. A thick fog clung to the ground, making it difficult for you to see where you were going. 

“Where are we?”

She turned to face you, a wide grin plastered on her lips, as if she had been expecting that, “Thought you never asked. This is Nectoxia, a planet that serves as a vast, endless, graveyard. There’s literally nothing else. No living forms– well, except for us. Eerily quiet. Dark. A tad creepy. It is creepy, isn’t it?” 

You couldn’t help the little grin that played out on your face, as she studied you with childlike curiosity. She indeed looked like one sometimes, a child, a bundle of energy you couldn’t help but feel drawn to. Her purpose was that of giving you a little fright, that’s why you landed there. She had been trying so hard and for days, to sneak up on you on the TARDIS, but unsuccessfully. So she thought of a change of scenery, nothing harmless per se, and who were you to deny her the opportunity to… fail again? You developed some sort of sixth sense when it came to the Doctor, meaning that you could always feel her presence. 

“It’s certainly a nice start, I’ll give you that,” you admitted, with a nod of your head. “Not scared yet, though.”  

She rubbed her hands together, “Right. Yet,” she echoed, “I can go with ‘yet’. Still plenty of time to scare you. Watch yourself,” she grinned, a playful glimmer lit up in her eyes.  

You let out a soft giggle and the Doctor felt a wave of warmth right in that moment, as she savored the sound of your voice, so genuine and melodious. 

On the other hand, Yaz was a bit unsure about all this. Unlike you, she did get scared, and quite easily. The Doctor never failed to tease her about it. Sometimes the two of you would team up against her, coming out of nowhere, crying out loud a ‘Booo!’, that funnily enough worked every single time. Yaz would squeal, bounce up and then drop miserably on her knees, struggling to catch her breath for a bunch of seconds. She would throw daggers at the two of you for that, flap at your arms, yet her smile would betray her not much after that, because despite the initial annoyance, Yaz enjoyed those moments. Deep down. Very deep down. At first she had been thrilled to have you back, considering how hard it was to scare you, but that place didn’t feel right. That thick fog for starters was making her feel uneasy. 

She picked up her pace, when noticing she was falling behind. You turned towards her, watching her carefully, as she catched up by your side, lightly brushing your arm, “Hey,” you muttered, playfully flapping at her, “Are you all right?” 

Your friend scrunched up her nose, “I guess. Nothing’s tried to kill me yet.”

You gave her an apologetic smile, then draped an arm across her shoulders to pull her closer. “There’s nobody here, except for us. The Doc said that, didn’t she?”

She scoffed, but leaned in your touch, “How many times does she say something like that that ultimately turns out to be untrue?” 

She indeed had a point. “Too many to count,” you chuckled softly, the sound of your voice catching the attention of the Doctor. She turned and frowned in her unique, adorable way,  before asking if everything was alright with you two. You gave a quick nod of your head, whereas Yaz flashed a thumb up, despite her lips pressed into a thin, forced smile. 

“Why don’t you pretend to be scared, so we can leave?” She leaned against you, hope in her tone. You swept your tongue over your lips, as you listened, quite amused, “I’ll give you ten bucks, no wait, twenty,” her tone so serious you hardly could hold back a laugh. 

“Yasmin Khan!” The Doctor spun around, a crease between her brows. “Are you seriously bribing her right now? You’re supposed to be a police officer!”

She groaned and rolled her eyes, “Former police officer,” she pointed out, considering she stopped showing up at work for ages now, meaning that she wasn’t sure she still had the job. 

You giggled softly,  and reached up to her to place a hand on her forearm, “Relax you, I’m not yielding to such frilly temptations. The temptation to watch you fail again has no price,” your eyes gleamed with mischievousness. 

“We will see about that, stardust,” she kept your gaze, a grin stretching from ear to ear. Her demeanor showed you she was so sure to succeed this time, you almost believed she would. But only for a brief second. It was the Doctor you were talking about. “Ten points for you, by the way, for your impeccable integrity. Yaz, you’re falling behind.” 

She frowned, “I almost don’t want to ask but… fall behind what?” 

The Doctor continued on walking, closer to the two of you, the hems of her sweeping coat disappearing into the thick fog at your feet. “I’m keeping a mental ranking of the points you’ve collected.” 

Yaz could hardly stifle an annoyed groan. “You give her random points all the time! How can I top that?”

The Doctor feigned a look of horror, “I do not! I’m impartial!”, she met your gaze then, as to be met with your support, “Am I?” 

You hesitated and rubbed the back of your head. “Well– most of the time.” 

It wasn’t a secret you and the Doctor had a peculiar bond. A unique relationship, you’d describe it. She was your friend, your best friend, and probably even  more than that. In your heart, she was the Universe, in every sense of the word. 

Yaz crossed her arms over her chest, and the Doctor dismissed the topic with a light flip of her hand. “Come on now– we should carry on. There’s loads to see.”

“You mean loads of vaults and tombstones?” echoed Yaz, with a grimace. 

“I know you’re scared, but don’t make it so obvious,” you teased, still grinning. The former police officer shot you an indignant look, before playfully shoving you, making you stumble a couple of feet away from her. “Oi! Rude!” 

It was her turn to grin. 

The Doctor scolded lightly, “you two remember our number one rule, alright?  Stay close to each other and don’t wander off.” 

“I thought you said it wasn’t dangerous,” came from a very alarmed Yaz. 

“And I still think that,” she repeated. “But I doubt you’d enjoy getting lost in a cemetery as wide as this.”

You chuckled when Yaz swallowed thickly in response, “I’m not fond of the idea, no.” 

“Come on, little chickens,” you teased playfully, sprunting forward just enough to pass both Yaz and the Doctor. 

The Time Lady slightly shook her head at your antics. It was going to be harder than she initially predicted to have you admit you were even remotely spooked. Even so often you’d glance over your shoulder, your eyes meeting her hazel ones, and you’d smile. Every time you did that, the Time Lady couldn’t help but feel her stomach twist and turn funnily. It was ridiculous, the intensity of it. Of this… pull she felt towards you. She thought to tell you more than once, take your hand and confess all the crazy things she felt for you. 

And maybe someday, she’d have. 

As you three continued walking through the tombs, you brushed off some dust and dirt covering the inscriptions here and there. Why was there no flower to embellish the gravestones? Not even dried ones, to let you believe someone had been there before you. 

“All these people and nobody honoring their memory,” you mumbled, feeling sorry for them. “How did they even end up here?” 

The Doctor was pulled from her thoughts. She blinked, “there’s a Soulspire somewhere around here. It’s a gateway that links Nectoxia to Vitareon, a planet full of life, totally opposite to this one.” 

“So people spend their lives on Vitareon and when they die, they move here through some sort of portal?”, asked Yaz. 

“It sums it up, yeah.”

You still weren’t convinced. “It doesn’t explain why there’s nobody alive to visit their loved ones. It seems nobody has set foot in here for years. Is it supposed to be this way?”

“Hmm, now that you point it out, no, not really. There must be something impeding those from Vitareon to pass through,” she reasoned, frowning slightly, as she always does when there’s a new mystery that needs to be solved. “Maybe the portal needs maintenance. I’m good at maintenance, me. Once I built a sonic screwdriver out of a bunch of dry leaves, an old phone charger, chicken poop and a biscuit.” 

“A biscuit?”

“Chicken poop?” 

Both you and Yaz questioned at the same time. 

“Double yes,” the Doctor nodded, with a cheeky grin. “Why so surprised? It’s no secret I love biscuits,” she shrugged nonchalantly. “Needed some sugar while working. And as for the chicken poop, you’d be surprised how many things it activates.” 

You and Yaz exchanged a look. 

“Oh, don’t you love a good mystery?” The Time Lady sighed, scanning a couple of random tombs, in search of who knows what. “Cause, I do. So much. Especially if it’s a creepy one. Two birds with one stone.”

You hummed amusedly, finding it funny how she still thought she could scare you in such a desolate place. 

“Doc, can’t you just admit your defeat?” Yaz complained, lolling her head backwards. “She isn’t scared, at all. If anything, I’d say she is enjoying it way too much.”

You chuckled, slightly shaking your head, “Now Yaz, that would be insensitive of me, all things considered. But I’m definitely enjoying how scared you are. Not that it’s a surprise.”

“I hate you,” she hissed.

You reached up and clung to her arm, “I love you too.”

After, you pointed a finger at the Doctor, so engrossed in examining every inch of the planet, and to talk to herself– Maybe not to herself, you did miss a couple of her sentences along the way. When the Doctor was excited she rambled, and when she rambled, she could go on and on, passing from one thing to another. 

“Look how eager she is to solve this. How can you deny her a single thing?” 

Yaz sighed in defeat, humming, “I know that. It’s just–”, a pause and you turned towards her, her face dimmed a bit, “I really have a bad feeling about this place. And I’m not saying that just because it’s full of gravestones and it smells like, well, death…”

Before you could say anything else to try and reassure your friend, the Doctor stepped in rather excitedly. “I think I detected the Soulspire, well the sonic did. Should be right up that hill! A small walk. Probably medium-length actually,” she said in one breath. 

“Define medium-length…” Yaz muttered, squinting her eyes. 

You chuckled when the Doctor simply shrugged at that. You spotted an amused grin plastered on her face, as proof that she was clearly enjoying this. 

Yaz whined. “Doctor!” 

“Less talking, more footing. Come on, come on, come one-!” 

[crystalsnow95z]

This was a request for Jimin to have a sneezy allergic reaction that turned into a cold that he tried to cover up, but the original question post won't let me save any edits 😔

I’m so sorry it took so long..I kept rewriting it because it just seemed awful to me and it got to the point where I pulled out my laptop so I could freely move paragraphs and delete scenes more easily. I'm sorry if in the process it got messed up, I'm going to edit it after posting because if i don't, it'll never leave my drafts.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Taehyung asks Jimin for the fourth time since they started their journey to their next filming location.

"Yes Taehyung-Ah, I'll be fine. I spoke to a doctor about it and got a special medication and air filtering mask to use when we aren't filming. I can handle a few cats.." Jimin speaks confidently, reaching over to take Taehyung's hand. "Will you be okay with how humid it's going to be?"

"I'll be uncomfortable, but I'll be okay. I'll just be sure to drink a lot of water." Taehyung squeezes Jimin's hand. "Don't worry about me. Just worry about yourself."

"Alright, as long as you're sure. Oh! Jimin-ah the place we're staying has a pool so we can cool off after shooting, and staff say we'll be free to do whatever we want at night." Taehyung switches subject to a brighter one.

"A nice night swim sounds amazing.." Jungkook joins in with a yawn, lifting his head from Jimin's shoulder. "What time is it?"

"Ah youre awake Gukkie. Did you sleep well?" Jimin asks, trying to re-fluff Jungkook's hair from where he was lying on it, smiling fondly. "It looks like it.."

"Yeah...I was listening to that audiobook Namjoonie-hyung recommended but I ended up falling asleep." Jungkook says rubbing his eyes, checking the time on his phone. "Oh we're gonna be landing soon..our arrival time is 9:15, it's already nine! Did you take the medicine already Jimin-sii?"

"Aish..I almost forgot.. thanks Jungkook-ah.." Jimin digs in his carry-on bag, eyes widening when he realizes he had the wrong bottle in his hands. Sh*t.. I grabbed my usual allergy medicine out of habit instead of the new one I went to the doctor for..

"What's wrong Jimin-ah?" Taehyung asks, concerned when he sees Jimin's face fall into a frown. "Do you not have it?"

"No, no I have medicine..I just noticed I forgot something at home, but it's fine." Jimin takes one of the pills, swallowing it down with a grimace.

"Here, have some water Jiminie." Taehyung offers his water to Jimin a bottle of water. Who takes a drink.

"Thanks, Tete.." Jimin washed the pill down, passing it to Jungkook who was reaching with eager hands. I hope it'll be enough.. I don't want to be the one to ruin the music video. Maybe there won't be as many cats around...

"Oh wow..this place really does have as any many cats as it people here!" Jungkook exclaims, watching the cats wandering the market.

"There's actually more cats than people here.." Yoongi corrects him, stepping closer to Jimin. "I'm worried about it."

"Will you be okay Jiminie?" Hoseok asks sharing Yoongi's concern, looking at Jimin with uncertainty. "I didn't think wild cats would be this close to people."

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I took medicine earlier, I just have to be cautious and take breaks between filming with them…" Jimin says, trying to sound confident. One cat was okay, especially because cats normally stay for a few minutes and then leave, but he counted eight cats watching them with curiosity or fleeing out of sight as they went to the filming location.

"We'll try to film as quickly as possible." Namjoon felt uneasy filming here, feeling the same concern for Jimin. Still, the song was a collaboration with another artist to fundraise to help the animal population that plagued the small country, giving them more animals than they could take care of and the members couldn't turn it down.

"I can do this. I feel fine." Jimin promises to reassure his team, ensuring his mask completely covers his face, silently apologizing to the makeup artist who recently finished it for the shoot. "It's just a few days of being uncomfortable to help save hundreds of little lives."

"Just keep your hands clean as much as you can. We brought hand sanitizer." Yoongi tells Jimin, afraid that he might accidentally make his eyes red and puffy if he touched them after touching the felines.

"I know, I know. I'll be careful." Jimin felt a cat rub against his leg, looking down at the calico by his feet, resisting his urge to stroke her, bending down to take a closer look with his hands firmly in his pockets. "Oh wow.. you look a lot like the cat I filmed with in Serendipity.. but you have more orange patches.."

"We have work to do. Ignore the kitty, you can play with him later." Jin gently scolds him, not wanting him to take extra risks when they haven't even started filming.

"Calicos are usually female.." Jimin states with a small pout when the cat meows for attention, Yoongi bending down to pet the calico instead.

"Yoongi-yah don't encourage him.." Jin sighs, watching Yoongi scratch behind the calico's ear on Jimin's behalf, getting a smile out of the other members.

" Come on, Yoongi-hyung, you gotta leave the kitty too." He pulls Yoongi back to his feet, fighting off the urge to rub at his eyes. There's cat fur in the wind, I can feel my eyes watering every time a breeze rolls through

"I'm coming, I'm coming." Yoongi leaves his new furry friend, following them to a park they set up for the music video. "Maybe I'll adopt a cat from here one day.."

"Oh wow.. there are several cats here, too.. are they all tame?" Jin asks when he heard a hissing cat from near the fountain where they were going to be working.

"[Do they bite or scratch or are they like.. all friendly?Or is just certain ones?]" Namjoon asks for Jin, watching two cats fighting underneath the fountain.

"[They aren't all friendly because of some bad people making them lose trust, but none of them will attack you unless you corner them or if they are protecting their young. Just let them come to you instead of you approaching them, and you'll have no issues.]" The man explains to Namjoon in English. "[Those two won't hurt you. it's just mating time, and they have their eyes on the same female..]" The man shoos off the cats, the two males darting towards the treelines.

"They aren't really aggressive, some just don't trust people..if we let them come to us he says we'll be fine. It doesn't sound any different than normal neighborhood cats, just larger numbers." Namjoon explains to his members. "Still be careful.. Don't try to come to them let them come to you."

"[Is everyone ready then? No more questions? We need to film before the sun sets behind the mountains, and we lose the natural light.]" The director asks.

"[We're ready..]" Namjoon answers in English, gathering his team close together."we need to do our best. We're racing against time and we only have three days here.."

Jimin removes his face mask to start filming, giving it to a staff member to hold while they start the opening scene, the seven of them making a wish at the fountain on by one, surrounding it in a half circle. The shot was nearly perfect until it got to Jungkook, who threw the coin too hard, landing outside of the camera shot with a sploosh.

"Aish I'm sorry!" Jungkook apologizes, ears reddening in embarrassment to be the first member to make a mistake, his heart pounding in his ears. "[I'm sorry..]"

"It's okay, it could've happened to any of us. I'm surprised i did it correctly." Namjoon puts an arm around Jungkook. "We'll just film it again. No big deal, we have plenty of spare coins."

"I'll get it in the center frame this time." Jungkook pouts at the realization they don't speak Korean. "[Sorry..please..try again?]"

"[Its okay, you got this. Its just a bit of nerves Jungkook just be gentle. Just toss it in front of you so it falls nicely, don't throw it..]" The director tells him calmly, Jungkook nodding. "[Good.. let's start over.]"

The director wanted the scene to be a one shot, panning through each member so the members started from the top, Jimin fighting off the urge to sneeze until the director called cut, failing miserably.

"heh' hejish'Heh'vchi!" Jimin covers his face the sneeze escaping right when it was Jin's turn to drop his coin, making Jin jump. "Aish'm sorry hyung.."

"It's okay. Are you okay?" Jin didn't care about jumpscare, only about his little brother. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah, something just tickled my nose. I can do this.." Jimin answers with a sniffle, staff quickly bringing him a tissue. "Let's try it once more. They do say third time is a charm right?" Jimin tries to keep a cheery attitude, despite the uncomfortable nasal pressure building up. He tries to blow his nose to ease it away, but it did nothing but ruin his make up, staff needing to touch it up once more.

"If you need a break, please don't hesistate to ask okay?" The woman fixing his make up tells him with concern, noticing how red his nose as already gotten in such a short time.

"We only just started. I'm okay, really." Jimin says with a gentle smile.

The members get through the first scene without any issues for the third take, Jimin sighing with relief when the looked over the footage, being sure his eyes weren't red on camera.. I look fine for now, but how long will it be before we have to stop filming because of me?

"Jimin-ah.." Yoongi gently nudges him when he notices Jimin wasn't paying attention. "He's talking to you..he wants you to do your up close shot first."

"['m sorry. Please say again.]"Jimin bows, blushing in embarrassment. How unprofessional.. spacing out like that in the middle of a shoot. I need to focus.. The longer we have to perform, the worse I'll feel... we just need to get through this.

Jimin was given a cat to be his filming partner for the shoot, gently stroking her glossy patch work coat to try to earn hers trust for the shot, smiling brightly when she headbutts his cheek. "[She's so soft and pretty.]"

"[Her name is maple. This is your cat in the storyline. She actually belongs to someone.. We specifically found a hypoallergenic cat for you just as requested.]" The animal handler tells him.

"[Thank you..I'm sorry for being trouble..]" Jimin bows gratefully, giving a sweet apologetic smile. They found me a special cat for close up shots?I didn't request that..I thought it was strange i didn't feel worse when Maple brushed my cheek. They're so kind..I can't back out over some sniffles..

"[Alright..put Maple into position in the light square and get into your position, you made a wish and a cat appeared. Act surprised and pick her up. They'll click the clicker to give Maple the sign to touch your face. We might have to do it a few times if her paw isn't in a good position.]"

A translator repeats it in Korean when she notices that he didn't process anything, explaining that they planned for Jimin to do his solo shots first.

"[I understand..]" Jimin places Maple down on the fountain ledge, taking a deep breath before walking out of frame, walking towards the calico. I can do this.. it's just three days..

Jimin tried to hold back a sneeze while the director gave them their directions for the second day, rubbing the tip of his nose to try to ease the itch building up. We did all the close up acting scenes yesterday, now we just have to do the chero and film the scenes with our guest. I can do this.. "Hehtichih!" Jimin tries to muffle his sneeze, only Taehyung hearing it.

"You okay?" Taehyung whispers with concern when he sees Jimin trying to wipe his nose without ruining his makeup. He removes his bandanna, using it to gently dab the mucus from Jimin's face.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine..It's a manageable inconvenience.." Jimin sniffles, giving him a smile. "Thanks Tete.."

"If this is too much for you, just say something okay?" Taehyung frets over him gently removing a white cat hair from Jimin's shoulder. "Your eyes are getting starting to get red and you're sneezing much more.."

"What? my eyes are red?" Jimin frowns, turning to the fountain to see his reflection. He saw the red lines spiking from his irises."It looks worse than it feels, im fine.. I have eye drops in my bag." Jimin lies. Why do I feel worse than yesterday? I even took as strong as a dosage as possible, and Taehyungie and Jungkook came here early to scare off some cats..

"I'll get them for you." Taehyung leaves, briskly walking to get to Jimin's bag, digging through it.

"What's the rush? Is Jimin okay?" Namjoon asks, pulling on his shirt for the second wardrobe change.

"I don't know..his eyes are so red right now and he seems to be getting out of breath quicker than usual.. do you think we should ask for a break? I tried to make it have less cats with Jungkookie, but they came back.."

"I'll ask, but we're racing a storm right now..the weather was supposed to be clear this week. We just need to do the choreography, and we'll be finished today.." Namjoon quickly finished changing to check on Jimin.

"Heh'itcgi!" Jimin sneezes into a tissue, blowing his nose and sanitizing his hands for the umpteenth time that day.

Taehyung trails behind him, his heart clenching when he hears another wet sneeze come from his soulmate. Jiminie will only keep feeling worse as the day continues.."Jimin-ah, I brought the eye drops. Here. Tilt your head. I'll help you put them in.."

"Thanks, Tete that'd be great.." Jimin let's Taehyung gently place his hand on the back of his head, trusting him to support him as he leans back. Another sneeze was building, but with Taehyung so close to him, he forced the sneeze back."heh..heh.."

"Do you need a second?" Taehyung asks when he hears Jimin's breath hitching, pulling his hands away. "It's okay if you need to sneeze."

"No..no I'm okay.." Jimin lies, not wanting to worry Taehyung more than he already is.

"Okay..one..two and.. one-two…" Taehyung squeezes the drops into Jimin's eyes. "There.. all done.. slowly.." he guides Jimin to sit up again, hugging him close. "I wish I could do more to help.. Namjoon is going to see if we can do a break for you.."

"No, no I just want to get it over with..we can have a break when it rains. We're on a time limit and I won't be able to rest stressing about it." Jimin holds back a sneeze, the pressure building up making his eyes water.

They get through the chorus, before the wind started to pick up, carrying cat fur with it, irritating Jimin's sinuses further. Jimin pushes through the itch building in his nostrils,making it difficult to not ruin the shot by changing his facial expression. The director calls cut, releasing the members to monitor the shot.

"Aish, I messed up the shot.." Jimin frowns when he sees his facial expression in the back when him, Jungkook and Hoseok were center. "[Please can we redo?]"

"I saw that too. We'll need another cut.." Namjoon says apologetically.

"Are you okay to do it again Jimin-ah?" Hoseok whispers when he hears Jimin's breath hitching, no longer interested in the choreography.

"I'm fine..I just..heh..Heh'hehitchi!" Jimin sneezes into his hands to avoid sneezing on Hoseok, another sneeze following right after. "Hehtichih! Heyitcyh! Heh..heh..uiyxheu!" He sniffles, not moving his hands from his face.

"Here Jimin-ah.." Taehyung holds a tissue box out to him"I think you need to sit away from the cats for a bit.."

Jimin pulls a couple out gratefully, trying to clean up his face. "Ugh.. this is so annoying.. I should be able to handle this better.. no.. "

"It's okay, Jiminie. we all have our strengths and weaknesses." Yoongi reassures Jimin, pushing his hair behind his ear. "Are you crying?" He asks with concern when he sees the tears in his eyes, grabbing a tissue to lightly dab them away, not wanting the chance of his hands making his allergies worse.

"No, no. I'm not, it's just from the sneezing. I'm okay hyung.." Jimin smiles, surprised to see Yoongi be the one to dry his eyes when Hoseok and Taehyung were right there. "Thank you.. I think..I'm okay now.."

"Are you sure?" Hoseok asks, hugging Jimin from behind. "You're still breathing heavy.."

"It's just because of my nose being stuffed up. I'll have enough of a break when they fix my makeup." Jimin sniffles, letting the make up noona redo his make up around his eyes and nose. "I'm sorry..but i.. ah..aeh'tichi!" Jimin sneezes. "Heh'heh..itsth! Heh' x'shiugh.." Jimin sneezes a few more times, closing his eyes tightly.

"It's okay. It's not your fault. I used something more waterproof this time. Come back to me so i can help you get it off okay?" She speaks kindly.

"Thank you." Jimin sniffles, returning to the group, taking a deep breath. "I'm okay now, let's go back to filming.. Maybe we should do the group acting scenes first.."

The seven go back to acting out their scenes taking a break from the chreography, Jimin grateful that he did all his close ups first. I have to get it right this time, the longer i stay out here the harder it'll be to control my sneezes and on top of it the clouds are getting darker..

Stress knotted Jimin's stomach, only adding another layer of discomfort to his list. He ignored the pain, going back into his position, holding his breath every time he was near the front, making him feel lightheaded as he switched positions.

"Cut!" The cameraman yells, the members relaxing. Jimin falls to his knees, trying to catch his breath,gasping for air.

Jungkook and Taehyung rush to his side, the two looking at him with matching concerned expressions. Taehyung gently rubs Jimin's back, trying to do something to ease his suffering. "You okay Jiminie? Is there anything I can do to help? Do you want some water? A tissue?"

Jimin wants to answer Taehyung. Wants to tell him he just needs to sit away from the island's feline friends for a bit, but the loathed feeling of needing to sneeze returned, unable to get any words out, sniffling to try to ease the pressure, only triggering more sneezes. "Heh'thchi! Hey'Heh'heyhvhi!"

"Jimin you're done for today, this is too much for you to handle. We need to stop for today.." Namjoon speaks sternly, Jimin shaking his head.

"No, please.. Namjoon-sii we're almost finished… I can do this." Jimin begs, clasping Namjoon's hands. "It's only going..to be another hour.. of filming. I'll rest after."

"Jimin, you're pushing youself too hard, you're shaky on your feet and you're struggling to breathe. You need to listen to your body. We can extend our trip if needed. You need rest.."

"Then just give me ten minutes to recover..Please?" Jimin begs, ignoring the urge to sneeze. "I don't want to..be the reason we don't finish on time.."

"Alright, but if you feel even an ounce worse, you have to tell me." Namjoon frowns, knowing full well Jimin would end up crying in the rental house. He's going to get worse either way, the storm will force him to stop soon enough..

The seven boys went through the cherography three times before they got a shot Jimin and the others were happy with. Relief washed over Jimin when the director praised them, him falling to his knees, struggling to catch his breath.

"I did it..We just need to do one wardorbe change and we'll be finished.." Jimin coughs, trying to catch his breath.

"I don't think we can do that Jiminie, the clouds are getting so dark.." Taehyung says looking up at the clouds, trying to hide his relieved smile that the weather was going to force Jimin to take a break. "We need to find-"

The clouds that threatened rain finally burst drowning out the rest of Taehyung's words, a heavy rainfall drenching the members as Jungkook quickly scoops up Jimin, running towards the safety of the rental car, the others following.

"Jungkook-ah… I..I can walk on eh..heh..heudhichi!" Jimin sneezes into Jungkook chest, not able to let go of Jungkook's neck to sneeze into his hands fast enough. "Heh'itchii!" Another one follows right after.

"My poor hyungie.." Jungkook coos, putting Jimin in the car, sliding in right after. "You okay Jiminie?"

Jimin tried to answer, but another few sneezes stopped him, sniffling miserbly. "Heh'thih..hEH'ITCHI.."

"I don't think we'll be able to film tomorrow, with it raining this hard the ground is going to turn to mud.." Namjoon says when he gets in, drying his face with a towel he left in the car earlier, and passing it to the member next to him.

"I think we got enough usable footage to make the music video still." The staff tells them, the boys visibly relaxing.

"What about filming for Samatha's verse?" Namjoon frets about their guest artist that was coming tomorrow. "Will she not be able to perform her verse with us?"

"We'll film it in an inside location, we'll see what type of set we can make. Don't worry, we'll handle it." Their manager tells them. "Just focus on resting for the rest of the day."

"Jimin you'll shower first when we get to the house okay?" Jin orders, trying to get Jimin's wet hair out of his eyes.

"You're the oldest, you should get the first shower." Jimin sniffles, trying to fight off another sneeze.

"No, Jimin-ah, you need it more than me. You'll feel better once you get washed up." Jin declined. "I'll shower after you. It's no big deal. Just shower and rest up. Okay?"

Jimin wakes up to the sound of Jungkook accidently rolling out of bed, his head pounding with a sinus headache. It hurt to open his eyes to find the source, calling to Jungkook softly. "Are you okay Kook-ah?" Jimin's eyes widen when he hears how hoarse his voice became overnight, coughing right after.

"Yeah, I'm okay..my pillow fell with me. Are you okay hyung? You sound awful."

"I need some water." Jimin ignores his question, sitting up, resisting the urge to sneeze. I haven't been outside and all the windows have been shut since we arrived, why do I feel so awful?

"I'll go get you some. Wait here." Jungkook stretches, getting off the floor and leaving to the kitchen.

Jimin reaches for a tissue, noticing the mucus coming from his nose was no longer clear and runny. It became thick yellow mucus, indicating it wasn't just allergies anymore. Jimin swears underneath his breath when he feels another sneeze coming,

"Jimin-sii I brought you-"

"Heh'heh itchisg!" Jimin sneezes into his hands.

"Bless you Jiminie hyung.." Jungkook hands him a tissue.

Jimin blows his nose again, crumbling up the tissue and taking the water from Jungkook. "Thanks Jaykay.. my nose is driving me crazy..I can't wait to get off this island."

"It's the last day of filming, will you be okay?" Jungkook asks. "You're breathing heavy.."

"My nose is just stuffy, I'm okay. We're filming inside today so it won't be too hard." Jimin down plays how he feels, leaving out the sore throat and pounding headache.

"I'll make you some tea. Maybe that can help you feel a bit better. Don't forget to take your medicine before we go out." Jungkook tells Jimin leaving the room.

Jimin waits until he feels Jungkook is out of earshot to cough into his arm, trying to muffle the sound.

We're filming with Samantha today.. I can't let a cold ruin this..

Jimin takes another allergy pill and a painkiller for his headache before joining the others, Jungkook handing him a tea cup.

"Here jimin-sil, drink up. I added a tiny bit of ice so you won't burn your tongue." Jungkook says, taking a sip just to be sure it was at a drinkable temperature.

"Thanks Jaykay.." Jimin smiles, taking a big gulp from the cup. Please, work to soothe my throat and stomach.. I have too much to do today..

"1,2,3..hello.. we are..BTS." Namjoon starts their greeting, the members echoing 'bts right after him.

"[Im Samantha. It's so nice to meet everyone in person. Thank you so much for agreeing to help my passion project, it means so much to me.]" Samatha bows.

Jimin tries to hold back another sneeze while the translator speaks, translating Samantha's heart felt wish to help the animals she loves so much, holding his breath with his eyes squeezes shut, the pressure becoming more uncomfortable as the members introduced themselves.

"Are you okay Jimin?" Taehyung whispers.

Jimin nods, not wanting to worry him. Before Taehyung could question him further, he hears Samantha say his name.

"[Is it okay if I call you Tae hyung and not V?]" Samatha asks shyly. "[Im not a fan of using stage names while working. It feels distancing..]

"[Ah. No problem... it's nice to meet you.]" Taehyung takes her out reached hands to shake them.

Samatha turns to Jimin giving him a cheery smile. "[Hi, it's really nice to-]"

Jimin opened his eyes to greet her, but as soon as he stopped concentrating on keeping his sneeze back, a wet sneeze escaped him. "Heh'hehitfchi!"

He tried to turn on his heels to avoid sneezing in Samantha's direction,but his body gave him no time to react.

"[Oh it's you that was allergic to cats. I'm so sorry about all this. I really wanted to feature the animals we were trying to save and didn't think to look up if any of you were allergic..]" Samatha bows the whole time she's talking, Jimin matching her bow for bow despite how it made his head pound.

"[No, no big deal..I'm okay.. I love cat..no bow, no worry.. no sorry needed.]" Jimin tries to speak English to her, relaxing when she stops apologizing.

"[We only have this natural light for so long so I'd like to film right away..]" the director pulls the artists back into work

"[Right. I'm sorry.. I just wanted us to be a bit more comfortable working together. I got the choreography for the chorus down, but I want to run through it with the boys once before filming..]"

Jimin only felt worse as the time passed, the medicine doing nothing to ease his pain. Jimin was happy that they were doing a quick photo shoot with the set staff made.

"Jiminie looks exhausted.." Hoseok frowns, watching Jimin pose for the camera, laying on his back. Hoseok rushes over to help him to as soon as the photographer was pleased with his work, feeling the back of Jimin's neck. "You're warm Jiminie."

"It's just hot with those ring lights. I'm okay.." jimin trying to convince both Hoseok and himself.

"I'll go get you some water then.." Hoseok goes to get a water bottle, his worry increasing when he hears another sneeze come from the oldest of the mankae line.

"[Bless you.]" Samatha says sincerely, bringing over a bottle. "[I thought this might help you. It's a tea that helps my boyfriend when he's super congested. It's a bit spicy..]"

Jimins mind blanked on processing most of what she said, only understanding the drink she passed to him was to help him feel better.

At this point, he was willing to try anything, almost spitting out the tea when the spice hits him, swallowing it down.

"[I know, the thyme and ginger makes it have a strong taste, but it's really good for you." Samatha stifled a laugh seeing Jimins reaction.

"[It's okay, thank you for making for me..]" jimin takes another drink, surprised to feel the mucus loosen, causing a wet sneeze. "Heh'hehi'Itchi!"

"Here, blow your nose Jiminie.. Jungkook just finished the last photo so we're going to film soon." Namjoon bows his head to Samatha. "[Sorry to interrupt..]"

"[No, no. You guys take your work seriously and i really admire that about him Many artists would straight up refuse to film if they don't feel well]" Samatha says looking at Jimin sympathetically as he goes away from everyone to try to clear his nose.

"[I'll tell him that for you. It'll make him happy.]" Namjoons smiles, calling the members back to work.

I can't breathe.. my lungs are burning...

Jimin stumbled into Jungkook, ruining the shot for the third time. "I'm sorry..I'm sorry. I'll get it right this time...i..I just stepped to..far.."

"Are you okay Hyung? You're panting.." jungkook puts his arms around Jimin, holding his weight.

"I..I just got a bit dizzy..I just need..need..Heh'hehitfchi!" Jimin sneezes without giving him time to cover, sneezing on Jungkook.

"Ah, jimin-sii.." Jungkookie frowns, using a towel to wash off the snot from his shirt the best he could. "I think you caught a cold.. i think we should take a break."

"No..no we're almost finished filming I'll rest after. Everyone is tired..the sooner we finish the sooner we can go home..." Jimin sniffles, taking the tissue staff offered him.

"[If you aren't feeling well you should rest. Don't push yourself. I'm really tired too. I'm not used to heavy choreography like this..]" Samatha takes a seat on the ground dramatically. "[I was afraid to ask for a break when you boys were so focused..]"

Jimin looks to the translator, who explains it to him. "She's only saying that for my sake.." he says with a smile. The seven boys join her on the floor, Jimin leaning on Jungkook.

"You're so heavy.." jungkook teases, his smile dropping when he hears Jimin coughing into his fist. "Hyung. Hyung do you need some water?" He asks with panic, taking the waterbottle that Jin pushes towards them.

"No..no.. I'll..I'll throw up if..if I do.." Jimin pushed the water Jungkook offered away, trying to talk through the fit of coughs.

Jungkook frowns, trying to ease Jimin's suffering by rubbing his back. "Poor hyung..you really aren't well.."

"[I think we're done shooting for today..we'll just use the footage we have. I don't care if I look good in the shots. Let's use the first take.]" Samatha says putting up a finger when the boys go to argue. "[No, no compromising. I don't care about how i look, as long as it helps the cats. Everyone else looked good. I can live with my face looking too serious.]"

"She says she doesn't want to do anymore takes.. she wants to use the first take.." Namjoon translates for his members. "We're finished filming.."

Jimin's stomach knots with guilt, knowing how disappointed she was with the first take, but if she refused to film another take, he was in no condition to argue. "[I'm sorry..]" Jimin bows his head, forcing himself not to cough so he could properly apologize. "[We can work together again.. and I'll be sure everyone looks perfect...]"

[undermine-the-instinct]

↳ Nanami x Tiana

↳ After Nanami's return to jujutsu society, he is tasked with an overseas mission, one smack dab in the center of New Orleans, a place with magic, curses, culture...And a woman who mirrors him far too closely, but with enough spitfire to challenge him and a smile sweeter than the beignets she makes. With an eleven day countdown and the safety of New Orleans on the brink, can Nanami differentiate between magic and voodoo, curse and love?

↳ Genre: Romance, Slight pining, Modern AU

↳ Warnings: None ↳ Word count: 4K

↳ Notes: Tiana's story occurs in the 1920's, but I took the liberty of bringing the timeline to the present, aka the 2010's. This also means that Nanami is in his early twenties, when he just quit being a salaryman and went back to jujutsu society.

| Series masterpost | Next chapter. . . |

This place reminded Nanami of Tokyo a lot. Loud, crowded, hot and humid. Human.

The air was more muggy here than in Tokyo actually. It was more dense, hanging in the air and weighing down the suit that now seemed too unnecessary and cumbersome.

‘No’ , he adjusted his tie, and weaved his way through the outskirts of the crowd. He was a sorcerer, and wherever he went he had an image to maintain.

A sorcerer. It felt strange to call himself that again, after four years as a salary-man. Strange but right. It was the only path that seemed right to him, the only one where he felt he could make the smallest differences. It was the only reason he came back.

It was the only reason he was here, six thousand nine hundred and five miles away from Tokyo, in the heart of New Orleans, creeping up on mardi gras season. Music blared from the balconies and in the streets, and Nanami sighed, sticking to the edge of the crowd, as best as he could.

He wouldn't be here exactly if he wanted to. But he hated owing debts, to anyone, much less the insufferable Gojo Satoru.

_ _ _ _ _

“It's a yearly mission for grade 1 and above sorcerers,” Gojo Satoru laid on the couch, his too long legs dangling off the edge. “There aren't many sorcerers in America, but there are plenty of curse users.”

“Then why aren’t we sent to get rid of the curse users and then the curses? It seems like we’re attacking a symptom rather than the root cause.”

“Ah, my dear junior, see? This is where you need my expert knowledge and guidance,” He shot up like a cartoon character, lanky and exuberant.

“Curse users are identified as anyone who uses cursed energy against civilians, with the intent to cause harm. Or, are able to use cursed energy but are not labeled as sorcerers by jujutsu society. But, in the port city of New Orleans there's a special phenomenon. Almost the entire populace are labeled as curse users.”

Nanami's eyes widened behind his glasses. “How does that make any sense? People who are able to use cursed energy are already rare as it is, but an entire populace ?”

“Crazy, right? Even ordinary folks who stay there for an extended period of time are able to see cursed spirits, a general skill that's been lost to most people since the time of the Heian era,” Gojo supplied.

“Maybe it's due to the rich history of the land and the people that came before it. Maybe it's their longstanding voodoo and spiritual practice; though to call voodoo cursed energy is not really accurate, and kinda racist, you know? Anyways, your job is to take care of all the cursed spirits that arrive during the mardi gras season.”

“...And that's all?”

“Now don't think this will be easy kohai!” The idiot grins.

“Due to the highly superstitious and spiritual beliefs of the people, the curses grow strong and unnatural. Due to varying cultures and influences we don't know what kind of curse it'll be, just that it’ll be strong.” He points to Nanami.

“You will take care of all the curses, and the semi special grade that will appear sometime during the end of the season.”

“...This is going to be a very long term mission, isn't it?”

“Oh, don't be like that, Nanamin!” in a blink Gojo is draped over his shoulders like an annoying shawl.

“You just came back to us after four years of no contact, you have to prove yourself! And anyways, it's a very famous tourist attraction so you’ll have lots of fun there, a full week and a half of leisure, pretty much!” he sighs, frowning under that blindfold.

“Honestly, besides the curses it's a very fun, relaxing trip, you should be grateful I'm handing it off to you. Anyways, who else besides you can speak English so well? We need you Nanamin!”

That at least had some weight, a long term mission in America would need a sorcerer who had at least an intermediate level in english. He’d take the job, it seemed simple enough.

_ _ _ _ _

He understood exactly what Gojo meant when he entered the city, a peculiar wave of cursed energy flowing over his senses. It shocked him, how potent it was- the only times he felt energy this vivid and strong was when he was surrounded by other sorcerers, particularly in battle with other cursed users, both spilling cursed energy like blood, giving it their all.

But this was not a place of gloom–it was bright and cheerful and loud and colorful, there was the scent of something delicious in the air, and the people all around him looked self assured and content. The problem lay deeper into the city, and would show itself soon enough.

For now, he needs to find the place he's going to stay. Lodgings had been provided for him at a decent hotel, and after a long plane ride and bus, a full twenty hours of traveling, he was tired and irritated.

The crowd jostled along as he tried making his way, so that he could get to the hotel and rest already. He thought to ask for directions, but the was still getting used to the sounds here.

The language was thicker, richer; the accents ranged vibrantly and almost seemed like its own separate lingo, which he supposes it could be. He could make it out if he focused, so this was good practice for him.

His maternal grandfather had been Dutch, and insisted Nanami learn to speak it, as well as English, as he had with his mother. And just like the heritage he passed down, so too did he pass down the cursed energy; a carrier like his mother, curling softly in their core like the blonde shade of their hair until it at once bloomed in him. He was the only sorcerer in the entire family. They still think that he's a salary man.

There was a loud commotion further down the street, a large crowd of people moving his way, and he sighed hard, moving off the curb so he could let the crowd pass.

A lady suddenly fell not too far from him, landing right on the edge of the curb. And while people stopped to help her up, it was much too crowded, and they kept being accosted and jostled.

Nanami moved, forming a barrier between himself and the crowd so the lady could be helped. She was an older woman, and fixed her skewed hat as she was helped to her feet and the crowd started to thin.

“Oh goodness, If only I was young again to go charging through a crowd and carry on my way, yeah?” He held out his arm so she could straighten herself. She was tiny, brown eyes and a wide mouth, set in a warm smile. Her skin was dark and weathered; she looked kind, but also tired.

“Are you a tourist? Here to enjoy the last of the mardi gras season are you?”

“Something of the sort.” The words felt clunky on his tongue, but manageable. She patted his arm and smiled wider.

“You're not from around here are you? You must have come a long way.”

“From Tokyo ma’am. Are you alright? Are you heading somewhere?”

“Oh my lord, that's a long ways away. Are you-oh!” she took a step and stumbled, wincing as she leaned on his arm.

“Goodness, must of hurt my ankle in the scuffle.”

“Are you going anywhere? Let me escort you.” He couldn't leave this lady injured in the midst of this crowd. He could get her to sit somewhere, and phone someone to come to her aid.

“I’m heading over to that restaurant a couple streets down, my daughter works there and imma pay her a visit. She is always so busy, and never has any time to visit her poor ma.” He helped the lady, letting her lean onto his side he went down the street she gestured towards.

“So what brought you all the way here from your Tokyo young man?”

“I’m taking a vacation from work; I decided to go somewhere far away.”

“Well you certainly got the far part down. Did you just arrive? Forgive an old woman but you look a fright.” He's sure he does. After quitting his job he was finally able to get some decent sleep, before his missions started up again in earnest. He hasn't felt this tired in weeks.

“I’ll be going to my hotel after I drop you off ma’am.” She chuckled, and Nanami could smell her perfume, floral and powdery fresh.

“Well, thank you for helping out a frail lady. My name is Eudora. Eudora Breaux, it's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Nanami Kento. Likewise ma'am.”

She led him to the street and pointed him inside a bustling restaurant; despite the amount of people inside the servers and waitresses shouted out greetings to the lady as they stepped in, obviously familiar. Immediately a waiter ushered them to a table, where a large robust man sat with a pink clad lady, both the same shade of blonde.

They all greeted each other warmly, and Nanami was ready to leave, until they managed to drag a seat and pull him down, setting a plate of powdered beignets in front of him.

“Another tourist for the mardi gras season, huh? Welcome to New orleans! I'm the mayor of this town, you can call me Big Daddy La Bouff.” He wasn't going to call him that, ever. Mayor La Bouff hooked the lady next to him under his arm, near suffocating her in his affection.

“And this princess right here is my daughter, Charlotte La Bouff.” She was an elegant woman with bright eyes and a cheeky smile, as she introduced herself and held out a hand for him to shake. Her grip was surprisingly strong, for those dainty hands.

“Nice to meet you Sir, how's your stay been so far?”

“I just got off the bus, so I couldn't tell you, miss.”

“Oh!” She covered her mouth, her hands covered in delicate lace.

“You just got here? Goodness, do you have a place to stay?”

“This young man was on his way to his hotel when he stopped to help me, after I hurt my ankle,” Breaux cut in, wiping the powdered sugar from her lips.

“And what hotel are you staying at son?”

“The Peter and Paul hotel. If you could give me directions I could be on my way.”

“Nonsense!” La Bouff waved his hand.

“Guess what, I own that hotel! Its near booked with tourists now, so I'm not sure if you’d be able to get a room any time soon, son.”

“A colleague of mine booked me a room there, so I should be fine.”

“Well that's well and dandy then. And, you already met the owner,’ Miss La Bouff said conspiratorially, with a sneaky grin, “So if you have any problems or want a better room just speak up, ‘kay? I'm sure we can hook ya right up.”

“Charlotte! Just what are you saying? Is this how I taught you to do business?”

“'Buy cheap sell high', I know Daddy! But look at him, he seems like an honest, hardworking gentleman; I only want him to enjoy the last few days of Mardi gras in comfort! As a thank you for helping Mrs. Breaux, of course.”

He’d be comfortable if he could leave and get some rest before working tonight, but it would be rude if he just got up and left. He would have done it to anyone else, said his polite farewells and left, but he was in the presence of the mayor and his daughter, so it was best not to.

He reached out and took up one of the beignets in a napkin, biting into it. Immediately, the texture of the treat stunned him, and he swallowed. It was good. The slight crisp on the outside, the soft buttery layers of the inside, the sweetness of the powdered sugar. Like, really good.

“Are these the best darn Beignets you've ever had or what?” Mrs. Breaux rested her chin on her hand. “They’re made fresh here everyday and sell out fast, so lucky we came in to a fresh batch.”

He had to admit, these were incredibly good. Almost like they came from an actual bakery, and not a dime a dozen restaurant in this port city. And he’s traveled a bit and gone to some truly extraordinary bakeries. These were on par.

Memories of a brunnette baker flooded his mind, a heartfelt thank you, but he let it slip away to the back of his mind.

“Who made these? They’re delicious.”

“My baby girl, Tiana! I tell you, she's the best cook in this whole spot, and when she gets her own restaurant, people are gonna come here from everywhere .” It was easy to see how proud she was of her daughter, pride and love gleaming in her eyes.

“Ever since her daddy handed her a cooking spoon when she was five, she's been in love ever since.”

Hm, perhaps then…Maybe it’ll be alright to stay for a meal, if the beignets were this good.

“Then I’ll have to give my compliments to the chef.”

“That you will, and I’d like to see you fed before you go off your way. Look at how sharp and gaunt your cheekbones are!” His face was not gaunt, he just had a shaped face. Nevertheless, Mayor La Bouff chuckled jauntily.

“Those eastern types don't put on weight that easily miss Breaux. Strong and lean types I tell you. But I agree, let's get some food in this man's belly! Where is your daughter Breaux?”

“Right here folks, can I take your order?” Nanami turned and a young woman stood behind him. Her skin was dark, covered in a layer of sweat from all the humidity, a dark curl of hair escaping from her hair net. Nanami could recognize her, she had the same face as the woman he brought in here.

“Tiana!!” Miss la Bouffe shot up from her seat, rushing around the table to throw her arms around her friend. She quickly let go after noticing the sweat sheening her skin. She smiled bright at the lady, before taking stock of her mother, the way she kept her injured ankle raised.

"Oh, ma! Are you alright?!” She set down her notepad and came around to her mother, who raised her hands to wave her away.

“I’m fine, I'm fine girl. I fell and hurt my ankle a little but this man right here helped me.” She turned to him, and Nanami met her gaze.

His eyes were still covered by his glasses, but it seemed that didn't matter because her eyes immediately knew where to look. Her gaze was direct and scrutinizing, and he felt himself being evaluated. For a moment, he felt a fluctation of cursed energy, a slight waning, like opening a window to let in a breeze; But before he could really remark on that it slipped from his grasp. It was for no more than a second or two, and La Bouffe spoke up.

“We wanna get him a nice meal before we send him on his way, so give us the best you have to offer. Can you do that for us, Tiana?”

“Who do you think you're talking to?” She hadn't drawn her gaze away from his face as she took back her notepad. but she smiled at Nanami, analyzing him for a moment more and nodding.

“It can be a little hard to know what you want, but I got just the thing for you, A perfect taste of New Orleans. Don’t worry, you helped my mama so it's on the house.”

“I couldn’t possibly accept. I’m fine with paying.” Despite the trouble with changing currencies and how expensive things were in America. Damn their economy. But she shook her head, scribbling in her notepad.

“It’s fine, I insist. And I already know what you folks would like. I'll be out in just a minute.” She turned and left, disappearing past a door leading to the kitchens.

“Your daughter works as a waitress here as well?”

“Waitress and cook, when they’re short staffed like this, honestly she does it all,” Miss La Bouff sighed, fond and tired.

“She's trying to save up for her dream, owning her own restaurant. That girl’s a heck of a cook, and she's got a great head on her shoulders.”

“Which she all gets from her mama.” Mrs. Breaux flushed a little, bashful.

“It’s been hard on that girl. The towns never fully recovered from Hurricane Katrina, so there's been less jobs and less money to make. Still, she doesnt stop.” Mrs. Breuax sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Seriously, even if she's got free time she's either budgeting or meeting with realtors or cooking up new recipes; Charlotte girl, why don't you take her dancing or something?”

“I’ve tried Mrs. Breaux! We all have! She never wants to go!” The table burst into loud, playful conversation that only those close could, and Nanami zoned out.

He’ll go to his hotel and rest for a few hours, before he heads back out again to go curse hunting. There was another foreign sorcerer that he could meet up with, in case anything went wrong. They were ranked as a special grade, and according to the report, kept to themselves in the swamp, only leaving to help if the situation was dire. Introverted, but not unfriendly.

But he could deal with things for now, the way they were. In the meantime, he’ll dig for intel on this town, to help him parse out what kinds of curses he’ll be dealing with. It’ll take a few days to get an idea of what this semi special grade will be, since he doesn't know what kind of cursed energy surrounds this place.

Even now, he can feel it like a second skin, a film that won't dissolve on his tongue. There was something strange about this town, and it wasn't the strange amount of cursed energy either. Despite being in such a large crowd of people, he hasn't seen a single curse. Not even a single third grade, or flyhead or anything.

It was suspicious.

Miss Charlotte tapped on the table to get his attention, and he slipped out of his thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Oh, you looked like you were lost in thought. I was asking what it's like up there in Tokyo? How different is it compared to here?

“...Not much, it's just as crowded, though not nearly this loud. And it's only ever this hot in the summers, which unfortunately is when I'm at my busiest.” Summers were notorious in jujustu society, people were hot and agitated, and it was an apt time for those with seasonal depression to have those feelings flare up, birthing more curses.

Miss Charlotte tilted her head. “Huh. What kind of salaryman is busy in the summer?”

“The kind that are in tokyo.”

“Hm, you dont look like a typical salaryman. I tell you though, that white suit is snazzy! Though you could have chosen a different tie. Was that one a gift maybe?” His tie was custom made, so it could match the wrapping around his blunt sword. It was perfectly fine.

He opened his mouth to maybe tell her that, but in a rush the young miss Breaux came bearing a platter of dishes, setting them around the table to their respective peoples.

“And for the mister, a plate of creole gumbo, it doesn't get more authentic than that,” She grinned at him, the same warm smile as her mother.

"I hope you enjoy.”

“It's your cooking Tiana, who wouldn't like it?” Charlotte rolled her eyes, already starting to dig in.

“If anything, you're gonna ruin him for any restaurant in this city!“

“Don’t be silly Charlotte.” She shook her head. “I’m pretty sure there are other restaurants he will want to try. It’s Mardi Gras season, everyone is creating new specials for the people to try out.” As they were talking he spooned some of the gumbo and rice, with an Itadakimasu, tasting it for himself.

Onion, bell pepper and okra simmered in a light roux, with spiced ham and shrimp mixed in, and served over white rice.

It was amazing.

“It's amazing. It tastes delicious.” The best thing he’s had since the airplane food, and the rushed onigiri he had on his way to the terminal. And honestly, it was the perfect first meal in this city. Maybe he didn't really need to visit another restaurant if this one here already seemed like the best one. The flavors weren't too heavy and everything was balanced--fresh and savory and a hint of spice.

‘Oh, I'm so glad you like it, Mister! Remember, it's on the house so no worries.”

“I’m going to pay for my food, it’d be rude otherwise.” He took a spoon and spoke again when he swallowed.

“This reminds me of a home dish, Hayashi rice. It's more of a beef stew though, served beside short grain rice.”

“There's no better compliment to a chef than when their food reminds someone of home. A beef stew, hm? What kind of beef? Could you make that with Wagyu beef, maybe?”

“If you’re feeling especially decadent, yes. Though it's more of a home meal.” He fed himself another spoon of the gumbo, the flavors delightfully balanced and rich. He had heard the food was good here, but this exceeded his expectations.

“Sir, might I ask where you'll be staying? I had heard that you might need directions.”

“He’s staying at one of Daddy’s hotels–The Paul and Peter Hotel specifically.”

“Oh, that's just northeast of the french quarter right? Well sir if you’d just head…” The directions were actually simple enough, and the food was also gone quickly. He wiped his mouth with a napkin , and as Mrs. Breaux gathered his plate, he stood and slipped a few bills into the side pocket of her apron.

“Hey, sir?! I told you said–”

“And I appreciate the sentiment, but there's no need. You're working hard and I simply want to pay my fair share. I left you a tip as well.” He set his napkin down, and before he remembered his manners he bowed his head towards the people at the table. Oh well, a mishap.

They didn’t seem too perturbed though, having charmed smiles on his face when he rose.

Miss Breaux had too many platters to hand the money back to him, so she just sighed and shook her head.

“I can see you’re a man of principle. Oh well, I’ll just have to owe you a meal then.’

“And you’re a rather stubborn woman. I assure you, there is no need.”

“Well, I said I'd like to repay you for helping my mama; foreign stranger from a strange land. I’ll pay you back before you leave this town, I promise you.” A playful challenge lit up her eyes, and he shrugged.

“You can certainly try. Anyways, the directions seem easy enough to follow, so thank you for your meal and time.”

“Come back again sometime, before you leave! We’d be glad to see you.” Miss La Bouffe waved enthusiastically, nearly tipping her father’s glass over. Mrs.Breaux set it right before it could fall.

“Preferably when it's less crowded. Early mornings are best, when the coffee and the bread is freshest. Have a good day young sir.” They waved him off, and he left the restaurant. It was hot outside, but compared to the restaurant it was just the slightest bit cooler.

He wasted a lot of time, but he didn’t feel it was a complete waste. Knowing the mayor and being on cordial terms with him could prove useful; He didn't forget the importance of building connections from his old job. It was an important thing not just for work but for life as well.

And the food was actually really good. He heard food was one of the many reasons people traveled so far to get here, and honestly, his hopes were lifted a little. It would at least get rid of some irritation over taking on this mission.

The restaurant was loud, crowded and hot, but quaint. And if Miss Breaux was a frequent cook there, it would be worth it to make another visit sometime soon. As long as she didn’t insist on giving him a free meal again.

Now if he could find a decent bar somewhere in his time here this mission might just become bearable.

[ncisfranchise-source]

“I truly am Gibbs at this point.”

Austin Stowell arrives at this conclusion 90 minutes into an emotional conversation about taking on the leading role in “NCIS: Origins,” the prequel series to the long-running procedural. Set in 1991, four months after special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ wife and daughter are murdered, “Origins” (which premieres on CBS on Oct. 14) is darker in tone and will illustrate Gibbs’ path to becoming the taciturn character portrayed so charismatically by Mark Harmon.

“The grief that he’s going through is not something that we can avoid. And as an actor, I’m someone who very much feels all of it,” says Stowell, pausing to think about his own father. “There were so many parallels to my own life — issues with suicide, a relationship between a father and a son, a feeling of imposter syndrome. It just feels right.”

On a humid September day, Stowell has chosen to meet at Birds, a neighborhood haunt in Hollywood. He’s biked over straight from set on the Paramount lot, and he knows most of the staff here — it’s where he worked for two years when he moved from Connecticut to L.A. in 2008 and was sleeping on his agent’s floor. This was just one of his odd jobs — another was caddying for Bill Murray — but it was while he was pouring beers that he landed his breakthrough role on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.”

After the teen drama, he took on several “artistically accepted” projects, including Steven Spielberg’s “Public Morals” and “Bridge of Spies,” and “Catch-22” alongside George Clooney.

Then, in 2020, Stowell’s father died by suicide, and he moved back to the East Coast to be closer to his mother.

“It led me to probably some of the darkest days in my life, but then eventually this kind of rebirth,” Stowell says as his eyes fill with tears. That tragedy prompted “an array of emotions” and a questioning of purpose, all of which he sifted through while waiting out the COVID pandemic and strikes in Vermont. He filled his days with skiing, hiking, making honey and driving to Connecticut to have dinners with his mom. Then, his agent called with “NCIS: Origins.”

Stowell wasn’t particularly interested in taking on a procedural that could run multiple years and admits that thought was daunting, at first. But, the script felt personal.

“A lot of my relationship with my father plays through with Gibbs and his estranged relationship with his dad,” he says. “We both wish it were better, and we don’t know how to say the things that are in our hearts, not ready to face the truth and say it out loud.”

A few times throughout our conversation, Stowell gets pulled away in his thoughts. “Sorry, I can’t help but think of my dad,” he tells me, pausing to gather himself. Growing up, they bonded together over films like “Field of Dreams” and “Braveheart.”

“He loved that movie, and he would weep,” he says of latter. “That’s a big reason I do what I do. I love what storytelling does for people. I’ve seen the very real results and positive outcomes that it brings to people’s lives. If I can do that with this character for years? Consider me signed up. You asked if I’m afraid [it’ll go years]. Absolutely not. I’m afraid it’ll go away.”

He also knows his dad would love “NCIS: Origins.” While he wouldn’t quote Gibbs, “he would quote Franks a lot,” Stowell laughs. “He used to quote Sipowicz from ‘NYPD Blue’ all the time.”

The original Gibbs, Harmon, exited “NCIS” in 2021 but returns for “Origins” as narrator and executive producer. He came to the 2003 procedural with a similar skepticism Stowell had, reading the script, not expecting to like it. “I was looking to stay home more; I was traveling a lot and our family was young,” he says. Yet he was drawn to the name Leroy Jethro Gibbs. “It stopped me.”

In a later draft, the name was changed to “Bob Nelson or something,” Harmon says, and he demanded it be changed back. Then came the first day of shooting, which lasted 22 hours. “Not exactly my idea of staying home more,” Harmon laughs. “There were a lot of days like that in the first four years, a lot of ups and downs. There were cast changes, arc changes, writer changes. At one point, 33 writers had left that show.”

From the moment Stowell walked into the audition room, Harmon knew he was the right man to fill Gibbs’ shoes. “This character has a weight to it. He didn’t ask for that; I didn’t ask for that either,” says Harmon. “Austin’s the guy to take this weight.”

When Gibbs’ “NCIS” journey came to an end, he was alone. His work had been his life — but he looked “pretty content,” Stowell says. “Did he give too much of himself to the job? I don’t know.”

Three months into filming, Stowell could be describing himself. “I’m married to the job,” he says — and is grateful for the charater Harmon built, and for his predecessor’s availability through the transition. Whether he wants to talk about a specific storyline or discuss his hobbies, Harmon is there.

For example, Stowell is a huge New York Yankees fan — “a degenerate,” as he describes. He often references Lou Gegrig’s famous speech, quoting it during our interview: “Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” Stowell continues, “He talked about catching a bad break but having a whole lot to look forward to. And if that’s not Gibbs, I don’t know what is.”

When Harmon heard Stowell was a diehard Yankees fan, he made a call. “Next thing I know, I’ve got a pair of shorts that show up from Yankees camp with the No. 4 stitched into the back,” he says. “You can’t buy them! He called somebody at the camp for their warm-ups. They’re gigantic. I roll them six times!”

That’s just one story Stowell tells about Harmon. At the recent Creative Arts Emmys, he was excited to introduce himself to Jamie Lee Curtis. “She goes, ‘I know who you are. Mark talks about you all the time,'” he recalls. Curtis and Harmon play husband and wife in “Freaky Friday,” which just filmed a new sequel. After he contained his excitement, he told her how important “The Bear” had been to him and his family. “Particularly the ‘Fishes’ episode, I felt like I was watching my childhood. So I said, ‘I’ve gotta let you know that it really brought true healing for my brother and I.’ And that’s the power of TV.”

The role of Gibbs has changed Stowell’s life. The message — being a team is always better than being on your own — is one he takes to heart. “Playing Gibbs is making me want to be a better human being,” he says.

“We know who Gibbs becomes — this warmhearted, loyal but justified man, and someone who has made tons of mistakes,” adds Stowell. And he can relate: “I’m happy to have fallen down, happy to be well versed in using an eraser.”

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Hellfire's Mama fox Chap. 9; A Munson Christmas

*Author's note*

Since the last chapter was pretty short I give you guys a longer chapter to digest and enjoy. Kinda had difficulty with this cause writing a Christmas fic when it's summer time just doesn't feel right, especially when there are days when the humidity is too high to get into the Christmas spirit. But I hope you all enjoy this chapter nonetheless and until the next update my lovelies :)

NEXT CHAPTER

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@remussl0vers

@sweetpeapod

@assassinsasha23

______________________________________________________

Another thing about the holiday season is that we don’t just get a half week off for Thanksgiving, but our two week of Christmas and New Years also happens right around the corner.  After getting through our midterms everyone from freshmen to seniors could breathe a sigh of relief as this past week was a relaxing time before the Christmas holiday.

And as mentioned before, every Friday when hellfire met, I brought out my oneshot campaign of ‘The Wrath of the Snow Queen’.  Today was our final day to wrap up the entire story then Eddie had said he had an announcement about our New Year campaign.

“The freezing cold of the fortress has weakened your strengths. Though you all have fought bravely and valiantly, it would seem the Snow Queen’s wrath was too great for you all to handle. Do you yield and become part of her Winter army? Or does one of you have the guts to try one final time to finish her off?” I announced as I looked to the boys.

“Time out!” proclaimed Jeff as he and the boys huddled up.  “Guys I hate to say it but we’ve got to surrender.”

“I concur.” Agreed Gareth.

“Now hold on! If we yield now we’ll become eternal white walker zombies.” Eddie stated.

“He’s right. We’ve still got 15 hit points left we can’t just give up now!” exclaimed Dustin.

“We got lucky last time, maybe we can have a luck of the dice again.” Mike suggested.

“Unlikely Mike. The Snow Queen has frozen my sword unbreakable and Gareth’s scepter. Without our most powerful weapons we’re fucked!” said Lucas.

“Hey!” I interjected.  The boys turned to me as I then spoke as Jadis, the Snow Queen.  The motherly-like tone that held an icy, chilling tone.  “While I commend your efforts to defeat me, it’d be wise to heed the words of your comrades. Come and stand at my side. You know you have no hope of winning this.” I extended my hand out to them and gave them a sinister grin with a lustful, hypnotic look in my eyes.

“One sec.” Dustin held his finger up to me before the boys came back into their huddle.  “What do you think Mike?”

“Who here has at least enough hit points to go against her?” asked Mike.  They were silent before Eddie said.

“I guess that’s me. But it’s only 10.”

“Alright Eddie. I know it’s risky as hell but you’re the only one with enough strength to fight. So it’s your call.” Eddie pondered before coming up from the group huddle and he sneered at me.

“This isn’t over until the last one stands you bitch.” My smirk widened.

“Foolish mortal.” I taunted.

“Eddie, are you sure man? There’s no shame in running.” Jeff said to him.

“If we don’t win this, the entire kingdom will be engulfed in an eternal winter. And I can’t let that happen.” He said to Jeff before holding out his palm. “Give me the D20.” I picked up his black and red dice and tossed it over to him.

Eddie brought the dice up to his lips and blew into it twice before slowly rolling it between his palms then really began to shake it up.  The boys gathered around him all waiting with anticipation and anxiety as their fates came down to this last roll.

Finally Eddie let the dice go onto the board.  It skipped and rolled across the board until it started to slow down and finally land on it’s number.  Unlucky number 8.  The boys exclaimed in disbelief and fear as my grin went wider and I did a few hand movements, bending my fingers or flexing them like a dancer’s before whispering.

“Frozen heart.” I then shot my hands outward and Eddie froze to where he stood before collapsing onto his chair.

“NOOO!! BEREN!!!” the boys exclaimed.

“Do not weep for him gentlemen, you shall soon join him.” I spoke as Jadis before speaking once again in my Dungeon Mistress tone.  “You soon feel an icy chill on your feet, slowly inch by inch ice begins to encompass up your bodies until each of you are nothing but frozen statues. With a few waves of hands, you all soon awake but all any of you saw was a vision of a world of eternal ice and snow. You all have now become part of Jadis’ White walker army. And have failed in saving the Kingdom from an eternal winter.” I then laughed as Jadis before switching off the lantern.  “And thus ends our winter campaign Hellfire.”

“Damn Roxxi, you really showed no mercy on any of us.” Said Dustin.

“Can’t have you boys winning all the time.” I shrugged as I turned on the main lights in the drama room and started packing everything up.

“Alright my little sheepies. Before we depart on our Winter solstice holiday, I’d like to make an announcement about next year’s campaign.” The boys all turned to Eddie giving him their full attention.  “I want all of you to prepare new character sheets by January 6th because this new campaign will be the biggest one that Hellfire’s ever known. For we are about to embark on the Cult of Vecna.”

The boys cheered and high fived each other all talking about the well-known history of Vecna and his cult.  I too was excited and couldn’t wait to help Eddie with this campaign.

“Happy Christmas you guys, see you next year.” I bid farewell as the boys all packed up their stuff before leaving the drama room leaving Eddie and I alone to place everything back for the holiday break.

“You really were a brutal Dungeon Mistress with this campaign my Queen.”

“You’re not the only one who can be cruel when she wants to in her campaigns. You have no idea how hard it took me to try and make sure that none of you was going to come out on top. The rewrites I had to do.”

“Well if I’m honest sweetheart, this was probably better than your Halloween campaign. I mean don’t get me wrong, you went above and beyond for Halloween. Far more than you’ve ever done. But this campaign…..” he let out a low whistle.  “You had me sweating my balls off.”

“A little too graphic there babe.” I grimaced.

“You knew what dating me would entail. Explicit language and innuendos.” I rolled my eyes and playfully shoved him with my shoulder as I walked past him but he quickly caught me by the waist and pulled me onto his lap as he sat down on his throne.  Our noses grazing against one another’s as he let out a soft moan.

I pressed my forehead to his before capturing his lips with mine in a soft, loving kiss.

“And I wouldn’t have you any other way my Lord of darkness.”

“Good to know I surpass Ozzy Osbourne in your eyes.”

“Please, Ozzy don’t hold a candle to you. Plus he’s way too insane for me. No offense babe.”

“He may be absolutely bat-shit crazy.” He eyed me on that pun to which I gave him a slap to the chest for the terrible reference.  “But the man in a music god.”

“I thought that was Metallica?”

“Don’t get ahead of me sweetheart.” God I love it when Eddie gets so passionate about his favorite musicians.  “So, shall it be the usual Christmas at the Munson residence?”

“Not completely. I’ve got something special for you and Wayne this year.” His eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas.

“What is it? Come on tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me!” he pleaded as he bounced in his throne happily jostling me around before burying his face into my ear as he spoke as low as his voice could go, “Tell me.”

“Nah-ah-ah-ah. Not until Christmas Eve. Plus you and I still gotta decorate the trailer. We promised Wayne we’d help out this year.” Eddie groaned.  “Come on please. Please?” I gave him my best bunny face with cute nose twitch.

“You know I can’t resist the bunny face.” He pecked my nose.  “Okay, okay. For the old man.” I smiled and pecked his lips once again and we continued to clean everything up and pack up our D&D folders and figurines before finally shutting all the lights off and locking up the drama room for the winter break.

We drove into downtown Hawkins and gathered up the groceries for the Christmas dinner I would soon prepare for the Munson boys.  And with the recent rise in paychecks Wayne’s been getting, we got ourselves a decent 16lbs turkey.

I also gathered up some eggnog, beer, potatoes and gravy, and corn on the cob.  After paying for the groceries and as we came out of the store, we saw how the snow was beginning to fall.

“And just in time too. And thank god I got the essential groceries two days ago. Weather man was saying this could be our biggest snowfall of the Christmas season.” I said to Eddie.

“Well let’s get this stuff home and hunker down before the roads get too icy.”

“Yeah, with your driving we’d never survive.” Eddie gawked offended.

“Have I ever got us into an accident?”

“Yet. But there’s time, there’s time.” I felt a pinch to my butt as I let out a squeal before hitting Eddie in the arm.  Once we loaded the groceries into the back of the van, I took the cart back to the pickup area and got into the passenger seat as Eddie drove off.

“You’ve got snow on your hair.” Eddie chuckled as he reached over and took a strand of multi-colored hair and stroked the snow that had landed on the pink and blue parts of my hair.

“Both hands on the wheel Munson.” I gently reprimanded him as I pushed his hand towards the wheel and used the visor mirror to brush out the large snowflakes from my hair.

Once we got home, we unloaded the groceries and I packed them away into the fridge when I saw Eddie just standing in the middle of the trailer lost in his head.

“Eddie?” I walked over to him and took his arm which made him jump slightly and he looked down at me and seemed to relax.  “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare yah.”

“No you-you didn’t.”

“Where’d you go Eds?” I asked him.  He was about to argue but with a raised brow he sighed and said gesturing towards the trailer.

“This time of the year always makes me feel depressed. No matter how much Wayne works, we can only ever have a smidge of what a real Christmas is like once every few years. I can’t even remember the last time I decorated a Christmas tree. I see all throughout Hawkins how people can have these big trees, hell there’s one at the center of downtown every year for Christ’s sake!” he scoffed.  “But we Munsons……we don’t have that luxury.”

“Trust me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Putting up the tree and decorations may be fun and exciting but packing them up after the holidays. That’s where the fun stops. It’s a pain in the ass packing it all back up again and having to store it somewhere or just throw it away. Not to mention all the pine needles that fall from some trees, or the tinsel that you still find in your hair when it’s the middle of April.” Eddie softly chuckled.

“Still…..it doesn’t change the fact that I have to have the Christmas traditions and their seasonal looks shoved down my throat and I can’t do anything about it.” I leaned against his arm and rubbed his back.

“You still got Georgie’s number right?”

“Right on the side of the fridge, why? You know he’s not in Hawkins anymore.”

“I know but I was thinking. You were one of the best auto-mechanics he ever hired here in Hawkins. Maybe he’d give you a job in his new shop in Chicago. I’d find a job there as well and along with your night gigs with the band, we might be able to finally afford a yearly traditional Christmas that you’ve always wished for. We could even get Wayne to come up and enjoy it every year.”

“You think we should move to Chicago once we graduate?” he asked me.

“It’s an option. Do you not like it? Is it too specific?”

“No, no. Just—this is why you’re the brains and I’m just the arm candy.” He said as he nuzzled his nose against mine.  I scoffed softly and pecked his nose.  “I mean it. All I had in mind was just us getting the hell out of Hawkins in general. No destination, no plan, just you, me and the open road.”

“I don’t think I’d be cut out for full on open road life. At least not until you make it big as my metal rockstar.”

“By day I’m an auto-mechanic at Georgie’s Tire shop. But by night, I’m Eddie Munson metal God of rock.” I nodded as I softly laughed.

“Exactly babe.” I then felt Eddie pick me up and swing me around before setting me down.  “Now come on, let’s get the lights strung up.” I took Eddie’s wrist and lead him towards the storage closet where he kept the fairy lights that he’ll sometimes decorate for either a special ‘at home dinner date’ or for our pillow forts that is required at least three times a month (at least according to him).

Together we strung up the lights all over the living room and we also got into the old Christmas packages that were stored under the crawlspace of the trailer and brought out some of Eddie’s old homemade Christmas decorations that were made by Little Eddie.

You know those snowmen and mittens you used to make back in elementary school during the Christmas season.  Apparently Wayne was given some of those by Eddie’s mom back in the day and only until I had moved in and discovered them did I want them to also be put up around the trailer.  Even when Eddie gets embarrassed of having these things be put up on display, I think its adorable seeing little five year old Eddie’s first cutout snowflake and Christmas trees.

Once the decorations were all put up, Eddie and I stood side by side and admired our handy work.

“Not bad.” I complimented.

“Not bad at all.” Eddie agreed as he wrapped his arms around me as he stood behind me.  “Plus I think the old man missed having some sort of Christmas spirit in this trailer.”

“Really?” I asked turning to look up at him.

“Oh yeah. Told me how ever since you came along, the holidays seemed to seep its way into our humble little trailer.”

“I think he also once said at our first Christmas together of how you’d managed to stop acting like the Grinch.” I teased with a giggle.  I felt Eddie poke me in the ribs making me jump but he made sure to keep a firm grip around my waist.

“You’re lucky I’m feeling merciful tonight. But push my buttons any further and I’ll tickle torture you until the New Year.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.” He darkly chuckled into my ear as he brought my closer to his back.  I squirmed in his hold but he kept me close as I felt him kiss my neck trying to subdue me.  It would’ve worked too had it not been for the front door suddenly opening up and in came Wayne with patches of snow on his shoulders.

“Wayne!” I exclaimed as I pushed Eddie’s face out of my neck.  “You’re home early.”

“The factory decided to let us off early due to this snow storm. Been getting updates from every station that it’s gonna be a big one in years.” He said as he locked the door behind him and took off his winter gear.  It was then he finally took notice of the fairy lights we had stringed up and the decorations we had set up.  “Now it’s starting to feel like Christmas in this place.”

“Roxxi’s idea. And thanks to her quick thinking, we’ve got plenty of food to get us through the storm.” Eddie said as he rocked us from side to side.

“Thanks Roxxi. We don’t know what we’d have done if not for your organized preparations.” Wayne thanked me.

“You boys would be living off on canned food and beer. Growing men need more than that.”

“I get me by why include Wayne?” Eddie teased.  I elbowed him in the stomach making him let out a grunt.

“Eddie, behave.” I reprimanded.  “So Wayne, do you think you’ll be getting a few days off work due to this upcoming storm?”

“Who knows. I’ll get word about it from the office sometime tomorrow.”

“I think it’d also be best to just stay home even if they tell you to come in. The slippery roads aren’t worth driving, especially at night.” I advised him.

“I’ll keep that in mind Roxxi.”

“Now then, how’s about I make us some grilled cheese and tomato soup for supper?” I asked them as I got out of Eddie’s arms and headed over to the kitchen.

“Sounds good to me.” Said Wayne.

“I can go for that.” Added Eddie.  I gave them a nod before gathering the stuff I would need to make them what we all had agreed to have for the night.

Once all of it was made, we gathered around the dinner table for the first time in a few weeks since Wayne’s been doing some overtime lately to try and get that Christmas bonus this year.

“So, in case we do end up being shut in from the storm, what’s the plan for Christmas Eve?” asked Wayne.

“Well like Eddie said. Thanks to the babysitting money I’ve been getting from Ms. Mayfield and a few of the other trailer moms around here, the savings Eddie’s had since his work at the automobile shop two years ago, I was able to get us a decent size turkey. Figured we’d cook that up, along with some mashed potatoes and gravy and corn on the cob.”

“Sounds like the perfect Christmas meal.” Wayne praised.  “Think you can help out this time without burning anything Eddie?”

“I swear on Metallica themselves.” Eddie said holding up his right hand followed by crossing his heart with his left.

“If you do good this time, I might just take that ban off of you so you can help cook more food besides soup.” I told him.

“Walking on thin ice there sweetheart.” He threatened playfully.

“Don’t back sass her boy. Be thankful she gives you as many chances as she does.” Wayne told him.

“I’m just too nice I suppose.”

“Yeah haha, maybe I should ask the big guy in red to give you both lumps of coal in your stockings this year for your attitude tonight.” I giggled and wrapped my arm around his shoulders before pecking his cheek.  “If that’s your way of bribery my love, you’ll have to do better than that.”

“No bribes, just to let you know we’re both teasing. Right Wayne?” he nodded with a hum as he kept eating his dinner.

Once our dinner was done, Eddie did the dishes and put them up to dry and we all decided it was best to hit the sack since it had been a long week for all of us.

A few days later and after helping Wayne for a few days of clearing out the snow from the trailer when it would snow every couple of days in between and the big day finally arrived.  Christmas Eve.

And like every year when Eddie and I started dating I made my Munson men my grandmother’s special Christmas chocolate chip cookies.  Every year she always made sure to make a whole bunch of them for me and Steve.  Of course mother dearest always tried to make her own mother stop feeding me fattening foods but gran-gran was always one step ahead of her own daughter when it came to spoiling me.

“I swear babe, did your grandma put some sort of drug in these cookies?” asked Eddie as he had his fifth cookie.

“No drugs whatsoever. And don’t talk with your mouth full, you’ll choke.” I reprimanded as I bopped his nose.

“So Roxxi, about what time you thinking about cooking our Christmas feast?” asked Wayne.  I let out a soft hum before looking at the clock to see that it was just past 11:30.

“Well the turkey’s gonna be the longest to prep. At least I’ve been letting it thaw out since six this morning. I’d say about…..2ish. That way we can eat by 6-7ish at the latest.”

“Works for me. I can handle the turkey prep. You kids handle the rest.” We nodded then Eddie proposed that the two of us should head out to do one final snow day before the Christmas day crowding.  So he and I got on our winter gear before heading outside with Wayne telling us to be careful out there.

If you’d like to compare just how much snow we’ve gotten for this year; using Eddie as a measurement the snow that had been shoveled away to clear a path from our trailer to the cars was up to his knees. 

As for the rest of the neighborhood when the snowplows came through the road, the piles alongside the road were well past every trailer.  I’m told there’s even been a call for this area to have some construction trucks up in and take some of the snow away like how they do with dirt sometimes.

But whether or not they’ll end up doing it that’s up to the politicians, which usually means they won’t cause they’ve got other important things to take care of.  Eddie took my hand and led us towards the woods just behind Max’s trailer, or I should say almost dragging me to the woods.

“I swear you’re like Bambi when he saw his first snow, Eds.”

“Hey it should be a crime to lose their inner child when it comes to playing in the snow! And anyone who does….” He trailed off before releasing my hand and got a handful of snow and just shot it at me making me shriek.  Suddenly I felt a snowball hit my face.  “Is punished by the Lord of snowballs.”

I spurted out the snow and wiped it out from my brow before turning to Eddie with a harsh glare in my eyes.

“So, you think you can take on the Snow Queen, foolish mortal?” I said lowering my voice to the tone I had used at my Winter’s D&D session.  I readied a snowball in my hands and took aim before firing at him and managed to get him in the arm.  He let out a groan before exclaiming.

“A flesh wound! Nothing but a mere flesh wound your highness!” he ran towards a tree while I kept throwing snowballs at him, some getting him in the back but most I ended up missing him completely until he got to his shelter.  I took shelter behind a large snow covered bush and readied my arsenal with as many snowballs as I could.

“This be war foolish creature! Once this war is over, I shall be the victorious one and you shall join my army of the frozen empire!”

“Nay! It is I that shall be victorious and free all that you have ensnared ice witch!” Eddie’s voice cried through the woods.  We soon began throwing snowballs at each other as viciously as we could but then Eddie made a suicide attempt as he came out from his hiding spot and began to charge at me.

“A foolish maneuver. Attack my White walkers!” I then proclaimed as I imagined Jadis’ white walker army marching out to meet Eddie head on.  He maneuvered with skill pretending to decapitate each of them (the only way to kill a White walker) once he got close enough to me, he revealed a hidden snowball and threw it right at my chest sending me falling backwards into the soft powder of snow.

“Hear me now. Eddie the Banished have doth vanquished the evil Jadis the Snow Queen! And spared this forest from her eternal winter.” He said as he stood over me victoriously.

“You may have defeated me…..but I’ll—be…..back.” I playfully choked and coughed out before closing my eyes and lying still in the snow.  I heard Eddie chuckle and heard the snow crunch beneath him as I felt him hovering over me.  I opened my eyes and saw the gleaming look in his eyes as he looked down at me in pure adoration.

“Hi.” He greeted me.

“Hi.” I echoed back with a giggle as I reached up and brushed the hair out of his face.  “Really wish you had worn a hat at least. Your ears won’t be too happy with you later.”

“I know a girl that can warm them up later.” I playfully shoved his shoulder as he reached up and took my beanie off and brushed the tangles out from underneath the hat hair I would have.  “This tri-colored pattern really makes it pop out in the snow, especially the blue.”

“You don’t think I overdid it do you?”

“Hey, if it makes you happy, I’m happy sweetheart. Plus I think each of these colors represents who you are.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. The yellow tips represent your beautiful creative mind. Usually girls only think about makeup and boys and the current fashion trend. But you my beloved Elf-witch; you think beyond materialistic things. You create beautiful words and stories that I’ve only ever dreamed of. Which leads into the magenta middle, and since it’s part of the red family. It shows your fiery passion to achieve those goals. And you don’t let anyone stop you. And at the roots, this deep blue shows your empathy and maternal instincts towards those that need it. You will gravely defend those who are closest to you and won’t take anyone’s crap for it.”

“If you’re trying to win brownie points from me Munson, know that it’s working.”

“I’m not looking for anything. I’m just stating the facts.” He took a strand of my hair and twisted it around his index finger gently before letting it slide off.  “You’re one hell of a woman Roxxi Murdock. And I can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather be with.” I smiled lovingly at him before bringing him down into a soft, passionate kiss in the snow.

After awhile we both grew cold and decided it was time to head back and get warmed up before we’d prepare our Christmas eve dinner.  Once the time came around, the Munson men and I got to work at our stations and worked for the next couple of hours to prep, cook and set the table up.

Once the turkey was good and prepped, Wayne set it down at the center of eating table while I lit the candles and set down the mashed potatoes while Eddie set down the gravy.

“Shall we?” asked Wayne.

“I can lead this time.” I volunteered.  Now Eddie and his grandpa weren’t all that religious like most of the people in this town were.  And I had lost my faith shortly after being kicked out of my parent’s room but deep down I felt like every holiday there still needed to be a Grace spoken to bless the meal and this holiday.  So I was fortunate that the Munsons had allowed me to indulge in this small favor after them taking me in when I had nowhere else to go.

We sat down at the table and held hands with each other across the table and bowed our heads as I spoke.

“It hadn’t been easy this past year Heavenly Father, but somehow we managed to pull through and make it another full year. Bless this food and the hands that helped prepare it. Give us warmth, love and hope as we try to get through the remainder of this year and into the new year. Bless these fine men who helped me in a dark time and give them praise for all their hard work. In your son we pray, Amen.”

“Amen.” Wayne and Eddie softly echoed as we let go and ate our well deserved Christmas meal.  “Mmm I swear sweetheart, without you we’d be feasting on beer and bean dip. This is the best mashed potatoes and gravy I’ve ever had.” Eddie praised.

“It’s not that hard to mess up mashed potatoes and my granny’s recipe for gravy is pretty easy. But you gotta give Wayne the credit for the turkey. Not even my aunt’s turkey could compare to this.”

“The key is proper spicing and some good old melted butter.” He said as he took a bite of his turkey.

“And mixing it with some gravy is just as good, if not better.” Eddie said as he dunked his spoon into the gravy bowl and poured it over his turkey.

“Can’t argue with that. Now quit hogging the gravy Eddie!” I said reaching out for it but he pulled it away from me.

“Not here and now you two. Gravy’s delicious but it’s a nightmare to clean up if it stains the carpet.” Wayne warned us.  After that, we didn’t say much of anything else as we continued to eat and enjoy our Christmas eve meal together.

Once we were full and packed away the leftovers in the fridge, as Wayne went to go get our presents, I went over to his old record player and grabbed a Christmas record and placed it into the record player.  Soon the trailer was filled with the soft gentle piano playing of ‘The First Noel’.

Wayne soon came out with two wrapped presents and handed them to me and Eddie.

“Merry Christmas kids.” Eddie quickly unwrapped his gift and stared wide eyed as it was the new Iron Maiden album that had came out back in October.

“No way! Iron Maiden’s Live after Death album. Been waiting to get my hands on this for months!”

“Good thing you didn’t.” Wayne said as he took a sip of his beer and sat down on his chair.

“Thanks Wayne. Really I—thank you.”

“It was nothing boy. Jerry at the record shop owed me for helping him when he got that flat tire back in the spring.” I unwrapped my gift and saw that it was a couple of X-men and Daredevil comics that I didn’t have in my collection.

“Oh my god Wayne. This is…..these comics are almost nearly impossible to find. How did you…..”

“You’re not the only comic book advocate. I’ll teach you the network and how to get your connections to all the good stuff.”

“Thank you. Guess I’ll go next.” I stood up and jogged over to Eddie’s room to find my presents to them.

Boy I’ll tell yah it was not easy to keep these gifts hidden away especially from Eddie.  Guy always like to peek and poke around especially as the holidays get closer to see if any presents are hidden away.  But thankfully I managed to find a good hiding spot for each of them.

I pulled out the long rectangular one out from behind the dresser where Eddie keeps his hand-me-down guitars gifted to him by Wayne then pulled out the smaller box out from one of my old shoeboxes.  I came back and handed Wayne the small box while Eddie got the big rectangular shaped one.

I watched as both boys unwrapped their gifts and hold their gifts up.  For Wayne I did a handmade mug that I personally hand sculpted and painted myself with the word’s GREATEST UNCLE written across.  And for Eddie, I drew him his own personal Rockstar poster.  Him with his infamous Sweetheart guitar standing at the edge of a volcano with smoke, ash and lighting dancing behind him as he shredded on his guitar.

“While I was away at the rehab center, they had an art and pottery making class. So I signed up for lessons and made you guys those. Do you like them?”

“Roxxi this is about the best mug I’ve ever received. Thank you darlin. I’ll find a special place for this mug to hang on.” Wayne said.

“That mug there was the fourth one I had to make. The first two ended up having cracks after they were baked, and the third one got broken by my roommate.” I then turned to Eddie and reached out to touch his shoulder.  He slightly jumped and I asked him, “You okay babe? You’re pretty quiet.”

He set the charcoal picture down and grabbed my face before placing his lips firmly against mine.  I was shocked at first but succumbed to his kiss as our arms wrapped around each other.  After a bit he separated from me and said.

“Roxxi, is there anything you can’t do?”

“Changing a car tire and taxes.” He booped my nose and picked up the picture.

“I swear, this could be an actual cover for Iron Maiden or even Metallica.”

“Well, when Corroded Coffin makes it big, you can use this as your first cover album picture. I give you the rights to it.” He looked at me in awe.

“Sweetheart—”

“I’m serious Eddie. Take it and promise me you’ll use it one day.” I held out my pinkie and he softly scoffed but wrapped his pinkie around mine sealing the deal.

“I swear.” He kissed our interlocked pinkies before standing up.  “I hope you now know that your gift to me will be inadequate to yours.” He said disappearing towards the storage closet.

“You know what I always say! It’s not about the price but the amount of thought and care into a gift that matters.” He soon came back and handed both Wayne and I our presents.  I opened mine up to see that it was a new handmade t-shirt.

It was the same color pattern as everyone else’s Hellfire t-shirt but when I went to unveil in, across the front it read:

HELLFIRE’S MAMA FOX. With the D20 dice acting as the O and a proud nine-tailed fox standing below the lettering with it’s paw resting on top of the Tiefling’s head and each of the fix tails were on fire.

“Eddie…..”

“Put it on, I wanna see how it looks on you.” I set the box aside and put the shirt over my current one.  I gave it a bit of a stretch so that it fit a bit more before turning to Eddie and asked.

“How’s it look?”

“Perfect. And I don’t just mean the shirt.” I rolled my eyes at him before pecking his lips once more and thanked him again.

“A free admissions ticket to the Hideout for an all-night Happy hour.” Wayne said.

“Figured you and I could go together or something. We’re hard working men after all. We deserve some nights off, right babe?” Eddie asked me.

“Agreed.”

“Even though I can’t condone you both drinking underaged. I know there’s nothing I can say to stop either of you. But then again this town could care less about high school teens drinking underaged at times. How long till these expire?”

“We got till the end of the year to use them. Figured we’d go the day after Christmas?”

“Sounds good to me. Do you mind if I steal my boy for the night Roxxi?”

“He’s your nephew, I got no leash on him. I can man the palace whilst you two are on your quest.” And with the gift exchange now complete, the only thing left for us to do was enjoy a little Christmas movie marathon starting with the greatest movie of all, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Eddie and I were cuddled together on the couch while Wayne remained in his chair.  A glass of hot chocolate sat in front of us thanks to Wayne and I took my last sip of hot chocolate before cuddling close to Eddie and falling asleep somewhere during the start of A Christmas Story.

*Eddie’s POV*

Somewhere during our Christmas movie marathon, I felt Roxxi doze off against my shoulder and the second I heard her moan tiredly and snuggle deeper into my chest, I knew that she was now in that state between awake and deep sleep.

Very carefully I picked her up from the couch and took her into our room and set her down on the bed.  I covered her up and stroked the strands of hair out of her face, all while staring down at this gorgeous goddess before me.

I know I say this every time but this time there’s no question about it.  Roxxi is it for me.  She’s the only girl who I see being my endgame.  I want her to be the last thing I see before I go to sleep, the first thing I see when I wake up. 

She’s never once denied me of my dream to become a metal rockstar but she also encourages me to find roots before achieving that dream so that way we’re already on steady ground instead of going off of nothing.  After all she’s been through these last few years, she deserves a better life and I promised her I’d give it to her.  I leaned down and softly kissed her cheek and whispered to her.

“Merry Christmas Roxxi.” I soon shut the bedroom door behind me and returned back to the couch and let out a sigh.

“She really means that much to you, doesn’t she Eddie?” Wayne said.

“I still sometimes can’t grasp why she’d choose me out of any guy in Hawkins.” I told him.

“Because boy what you lack in ego and pride, you make up for in empathetic intelligence. You were the only one to stay with her when she had no one left.” I turned to my uncle and told him.

“She’s it for me Wayne. Once we graduate, I…..I’m gonna ask Roxxi to marry me. I know we might be too young but—I can’t wait any longer. She’s my wife and I want to make it official. Even if I can’t prove it with a ring, I still want her to be mine.” Wayne stood up without another word then went over to one of the cabinets and started rummaging through it.

I tried to look over to see what it was he was trying to find until he pulled a small black film canister out and came over to me.  He held out the canister and I looked at him confused.  He gestured for me to take it and I hesitantly took it.  I gave it a small shake and heard something rattling in it.

I popped the top open and turned it over and soon falling into my palm was a beautiful engagement ring.  I turned to Wayne in shock as he sat down next to me.

“This was my Mama’s engagement ring. Your paternal grandparents were married for 56 years. My mama gave me this ring hoping I’d find a girl to give this to. But as you know I’ve never been the one to settle down, and your old man would’ve sold this to get his next fix. But you Eddie, I see in you a man who knows what he wants. And if you believe with all your heart that that girl is a part of that dream, you give her this.”

“Wayne I—I don’t……this is……”

“Say no more son. But don’t give this to her until you both graduate. Let this be another motivation for you to get off your lazy ass and graduate.”

“Thanks to her I managed to pass my quarter classes, and get by with decent grades in my yearly ones. All that’s left is the spring term and then we’re done.”

“She’s good for you boy. Keeps you in line better than I ever could.” I placed the ring back into the film canister and pocketed it into my black leather jacket. 

This was never leaving this pocket, if I were to put it somewhere in my room I’d know either it’d be lost forever or Roxxi might stumble across it while cleaning up or reorganizing my stuff.

“Thank you uncle. For everything.” Wayne and I never really were much for sentimental feelings.  As men we just sorta—I don’t know just know when we love and appreciate each other.  But ever since Roxxi came into our lives, I guess I’ve been….wanting to show it a bit more lately.  Especially when Wayne agreed to have her live here after her parents kicked her out.

Hesitantly I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around my uncle and embraced him tightly.  I immediately felt his arms wrap around my back as we both gave each other a pat on the back.

“Merry Christmas son.�� He told me.

“Merry Christmas, old man.” I told him giving him one last pat then separating from our hug.  “Think I’ll head to bed. Promised Roxxi I’d help make breakfast for you in the morning, don’t tell her that I told you that.”

“My lips are sealed.” He gave me a nod.  I nodded back before getting up and headed back towards my room and saw that Roxxi was still asleep.  This time she was on her stomach curled closer to the wall.  I walked over to her, got undressed and carefully got into the bed and cuddled close to her before falling asleep holding her in my arms.

Oh yeah, she’s definitely the one for me.  I hope the end of the school year comes faster than this first half of the year did.

[rayshippouuchiha]

Okay. So you and one other person said they liked it and that's apparently enough for me to share. Now there's around 800 words instead of 200

So, have this tidbit of "Gotham's friendly neighborhood assassin"

It had been a quiet night. It was cold and humid out, fairly unpleasant. There was fog cloaking the tops of the buildings, and silence clung to the dark corners. It made for a quiet patrol, any suspicious sound carrying far. It had seemed like a good night to give Robin a bit more freedom, let him roam without Batman hovering over his shoulder.

It had been a mistake. Robin had been rushed by enemies while he was too far from him to give him immediate aid. His kid had had to run, getting farther and farther out. It’s been at least ten minutes since then and he has lost communication (Unacceptable. He’ll need to fix whatever caused the malfunction. Later) so he’s had to track his kid the old fashioned way. He follows the trail to an abandoned building. There's a few unconscious men laying about. Robin is ahead, having been forced down this hallway. Past that door.

There are no sounds of struggle coming from the other side, but that's not necessarily good. He moves carefully. Silent. Opens the door as quietly as he can, tries to see what’s happening without alerting anyone to his presence

Then he has to stop. Reassess.

Relief wars with confusion at what he sees.

All the henchmen lie on the floor, unconscious. All but one.

Robin is standing on his own two feet, keeping still of his own free will. There's a bundle of steel needles in his hands, long and sharp and sturdy, and a look in his eyes that he gets when he intends to learn as fast as you can teach him.

There is a man standing beside him. Dressed in casual clothes, except for the lower half of his face hidden under a simple surgical mask. Tall and broad and pale. Black haired. Unknown. The last conscious goon is in the man's hand, shirtless and with several long, steel needles protruding from his skin. The man is holding him aloft by a firm grip on the back of his neck, keeping him up on his tiptoes with no apparent effort.

The only sign the goon is conscious is his quiet, hopeless sniffling. He hangs limp otherwise but Batman doesn't realize why until the man points whit his free hand at the goon's arm.

"So, you know how it hurts like a bitch when you hit your elbow just wrong?"

Pressure points. The needles are stuck in pressure points.

Robin nods, eager.

"That's because there's an important nerve" the man taps his finger "right here".

He sounds friendly. He's using a person as a prop.

"Now, go on. Find it" he encourages. "You did great with the other ones".

Batman's Robin preens at the praise and separates a needle from his bundle. The goon sniffles harder.

"That's enough!"

Robin startles and turns around when he speaks. His face twists in a guilty grimace, like he just realized what he was doing.

The man does not startle. He just says "Is playtime over already?" without missing a beat. The goon is unceremoniously dropped to the floor, like a puppet with its strings cut loose. He lands just as haphazardly, without moving a muscle away from the awkward position he ended up in. Bruce doubts he would move even if he could. There's something about the man's casual disregard that speaks of danger. Gotham's people know a threat when they see one. Not that the man was being subtle about it.

Robin avoids Batman's eyes at the sound of the body hitting the floor, uncertainty clear on the line of his shoulders.

The man sees. He turns to Batman without an ounce of fear, his limbs relaxed and his eyes amused.

"No need to get so worked up, Dad Bat". He crouches down, retrieving a needle from the goons shoulder. His fingers mark the depth of the wound on the length of the weapon when he holds it up for Bruce to see.

"Senbon are only fatal if you're truly good with them, '' he explains. His tone turns ever so slightly mocking. "Wasn't teaching your kid anything you wouldn't approve of".

The man throws his needle (senbon?) for Robin to catch and goes for the door, showing no sign of apprehension at having to walk past him, shoulders almost touching.

"Stop". Bruce's hand shoots out, grabbing the man by the arm. He allows himself to be stopped, looking him in the eye despite de cowl's lenses.

"Let the boy keep the things, will you? Children need their toys". Bruce does not deign that with an answer.

"Who are you?"

The man hums, amused.

"I'm sure you'll find out, eventually"

And then he just leaves. Shakes Bruce's hand out of his arm and walks through the door without hurry. He's no longer in the hallway when Bruce tries to follow

(that's about it, the rest I have is random ideas and half scenes. Also. I realized just now I have to clean up when I use real and code names. It has to make some sort of sense)

Oh oh this is fantastic

[mjmagics]

Chapter 2

Warnings: MC almost gets kidnapped, anxiety of large places, MC swearing a lot, teenage hormonal responses

Rating: 14+ THE ONLY STORY ON MY ACCOUNT NOT 18+

Word Count: 1,500+

I’m not an idiot 

Gotham City,  New Jersey. USA 

Robin watched as a plane landed at the Gotham International  Airport or the GIA. According to his father’s research, a gang leader who went by the name of King of Spades would be coming home to America from the United Kingdom, where he robbed a series of banks. He caused quite a stir for Batman’s allies in the UK, and the whole team was eager to end his criminal career, along with his gang members. 

“Batman, I see the target,” Robin stated, pressing down on the earpiece he wore so those on the comlink could hear him. 

“Great job, Robin,” Batman replied. “Now get to the next zone, Red Robin and Nightwing are in the building to monitor the target. Do not engage. We are to follow him to the hideout of the Royal Flush Gang.” 

The boy in red and green sighed. “I know, Batman, I’m not an idiot.” 

“I was simply reminding you,” Batman pointed out. “There is a break-in at a local retail store, Spoiler and I will handle it,” The man announced before cutting off the conversation.  

“You know what would be useful right now?” A voice came through on the intercom. 

“What, Nightwing?”  Robin asked. 

“Oo! Let me guess,” yet another voice exclaimed. “Miss Martian’s mental link?” 

“Ding ding ding,” Nightwing replied. “Red Robin is our winner.” Then the man sighed, “I’m missing my old team. Missions like this always remind me of them.” 

“Sorry we’re not good enough for you, Grayson,” Robin spat. 

“Boys, focus,” Batman’s voice came through on the earpiece. “And no real names, you all know this.” 

Robin tutted in frustration. “Yes sir.” 

“I can feel your anger from here, Robin,” Nightwing stated, there was a shutter in his voice before he let out a dry laugh. “Shit, I see our target. He is making his way to the far east exit.” 

“On it,” Red Robin replied. “I have eyes on him, is Batgirl and Red Hood ready?” 

“They are,” Batman answered. “Robin, can you tag his car?” 

“That’s easy,” Robin stated. “I was trained since a child for missions much more strenuous than this.” 

“Strenuous?” Nightwing asked. 

“It’s a synonym for hard,” the younger chuckled. “It’s a bit disappointing you don’t know the word.” 

“Ouch, how does that burn feel, Nightwing,” Red Robin chimed with a chuckle.

“I know what strenuous means, I’ m just surprised you know,” Nightwing sighed with defeat. 

“I’m not an idiot.” 

“I never said you were!”

“I’m heading to the car now,” Robin growled before switching off his Bluetooth device and storming out of the area. 

On the other side of the airport, Jade Knutsvig was just stepping off the warm plane and into the humid building full of bodies pushing and pulling to board their flights on time. Her eyes widened as she assessed the large building. In all her years she had never been in an airport as large as GIA. Other than the Mall of America, she had never been in a place this large. She had barely traveled outside of her home state. It was completely foreign to the girl.

After the first wave of shock passed, she found herself sitting on a bench, taking in the glass walls that allowed the pale orange light of the setting sun into the structure. It reminded her of tree sap, and she pulled a piece of crystallized amber from her carry-on. Amber could absorb negative energy, and ever since she was a young girl she was able to rely on the smooth stone to ease her anxieties. 

Jade whispered a small prayer to herself. It wasn’t to any god, but it was a cry for the universe to help guide her through the maze of the airport. After a few deep breaths, Jade pulled out her phone to message her sister. As the device turned on she could see the shadow of a man looming over her. Without looking at him she could already feel an untrustworthy energy radiating from his aura. 

“Are you lost?” The man questioned. “Where is your mom?” 

“I’m by myself,” She swiftly answered. The girl was unfamiliar with the hostilities of larger communities. Jade grew up in the comfort of small towns where everyone knew their neighbors and had their noses in one another's business. Her eyes glanced up at the man, and once she made eye contact with him her stomach dropped. 

“My name is Bruce Wayne. You might not know of me, but I’m a bit of a celebrity around here. I saw you got off a fight from Minneapolis. Are you from there?” 

“No,” Jade whispered. Where is Eliza she found herself thinking. She flies me all the way out to Gotham only to abandon me in an airport! 

Being stuck in her thoughts, Jade missed the moment that the man before her reached for her right forearm. His large hand grasped her body, and a rough pull brought her to her feet. 

“Woah, dude,” She exclaimed, trying to tug away from him. Her attempt to escape his friends was useless and it only made him hold tighter. “You don’t know what you’re doing! My sister is waiting for me, she will know I’m missing.” 

Pleading wasn’t helping Jade’s case, and the man began to lead Jade into the crowd of the airport. Her bag was left behind on the bench, along with her phone. Panic began to set in. This was nothing like home. 

“Help!” Jade screamed, “Help me! Someone!”

The man began to dig his nails into her skin, “shut up,” he growled. He then turned to the crowd the circled them. “Sorry, my daughter is just throwing a fit.” 

“Help! Please. I don’t know this man!” The young woman began to recall what her older sister taught her many years ago. “Please! This isn’t my dad!” 

“Barbra?” A voice sounded from the crowd, and a man with bright blue eyes and dark hair stepped out. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” 

Another stranger? Why couldn’t her sister be here to grab her? Yet, this guy seemed a lot better than the man who has dragged her across the airport. “Uh- Hi,” Jade said awkwardly. “I don’t know this man. I think he’s trying to kidnap me.” 

The assailant let go of the teen and began to push his way through the crowd. The man who referee to her as Barbara stepped closer. “Hey, let me help you.” 

“I’m okay,” Jade snapped. She was anxious, homesick, and had her life flash before her eyes. Overthinking took over her, and her brain visualized each situation that could have come to her if the man hadn’t saved her. 

“It's no bother,” The man stated. 

“I thank you for your help,” Jade huffed, checking her pockets for anything she might have. The girl found nothing but wanted to gift the man something. She closed her eyes while her right hand was shoved in her hoodie pocket and created a shard of jade stone. She presented it to him, flat in her palm. “Here, a token of my appreciation.” 

The man accepted it and opened his mouth as if he was going to comment on it. Before he could another man, closer to Jade’s sister’s age, stood next to him. “Hey, I know you’re trying to play hero but she’s safe. We have things to do.” 

The man who saved Jade nodded. “Thank you,” He stated, shaking the piece of jade that was in his hands to signify his gratitude. Jade simply nodded before she ran back to her stuff, surprised to see it had not been stolen by a thief. 

The moment she found her phone she called her sister. Her heart was still racing, and then a mix of fear and adrenaline made her legs weak. “Where are you?” Her voice was a whisper, and the moment Eliza replied with: “I’m at the gate c-19. Is that not yours?” 

“No,” The girl said, but as the syllables left her mouth so did a sob of fear. 

“Hey, what’s wrong? Where are you? I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

“I’m at “ Jade choked down another sob. “I’m at gate C-13. I wanna go home,” The girl cried, trying to hide in her hoodie. “Eliza, a man grabbed me.” 

“Oh my god,” Eliza gasped. In the background of the call, Jade could hear Eliza’s pace go from a brisk walk to a run. “I see you,” She replied quickly. 

Jade looked around before her eyes met Eliza’s. She felt a wave of warmth wash over her. It wasn’t natural, it was Eliza’s power soothing her. The two finally met, and Jade didn’t have time to hang up the call before Eliza’s arms were around her, her body heat matching the temperature of warmth that was soothed Jade meer seconds before. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry,” Eliza repeated. 

After the two calmed down, filed a police report with airport security and Gotham PD, and retrieved Jade’s bags, the two began their car ride to their home. Jade fell asleep in traffic, and Eliza pondered if the man trying to kidnap her sister was an omen to get her sister out of Gotham already.

[sssammich]

💛 reunion kiss v/a/l :D

💛 reunion kiss

alrighty you asked for it. this is just me and my shenanigans about the immortal throuple that is veronica, andrea, and lena.

ask meme

---

veronica's the first one to show up. she groans when she pulls herself up into a sitting position, her muscles still aching as they heal.

she glances around her and is happy to find that she's made her way back to one of their safehouses. how that came to be is anybody's guess, but she's just glad that it's one she's been to recently. belize.

flashes of her memory begin to unravel, bits and pieces here and there until a group have their guns pointed at her. no, at them. they'd been made somehow. they weren't even on assignment when it happened. just a desire to eliminate.

that's the price of business, she knows, but she sure fucking hates paying it.

taking a deep breath, she cards her hand through her hair before pushing herself to her feet. she's careful when she makes her way to the window, watching as the morning sun streams down the coast.

she hopes they make it here, but who knows when it comes to those two.

well, she's got nothing but time, so she waits.

-

it takes eleven days for the next person to show up.

she hears the crunch of the gravel out front before the telltale creaking of the wooden gate. she puts a kettle on.

she walks to the front door and opens it. she smirks when she sees who's standing there with a gray zip-up hoodie tied around her waist and a plain backpack hoisted over one shoulder. her dark tresses is pulled in a messy bun, the humidity causing flyaways to form small ringlets around her face. lena.

"where'd you land?"

lena takes the three steps up to the top of the front porch and stands right in front of her. "appalachian mountains in maine."

she makes a face as she does the calculations of travel and distance. "so andy's taking her sweet time," she says rather than asks.

lena scoffs, but it's affectionate. "you know her track record better than me."

she's about to respond when the kettle whistles behind them. she ignores it for now, instead brings her hand up to the porcelain skin kissed pink by the hot equatorial sun.

"i knew you'd make it first." then she leans forward and smiles just as lena accepts her greeting kiss, laughing all the while. she can taste faint traces of coffee, lena's natural sweetness, and salt.

-

the two of them are lounging in the sand in front of a small fire pit when they see the silhouette of someone approaching. lena naturally draws herself up in a sitting position, but stays resting on her elbows.

the figure walks closer until her face is illuminated by the warm golden hues of the fire.

"took you long enough," she comments, resting her head on lena's arm.

"shut up," andrea huffs before unceremoniously plopping down on her other side.

"where did you land?" lena asks.

"hokkaido."

veronica laughs. "how'd you manage that? i said belize city that morning."

andrea waves her off dismissively but otherwise drops her head to kiss her. her taste is different. the mint of her gum she's still chewing is most prevalent, but her natural sweetness and the salt on her a welcomed and sorely missed one after eighty days of waiting.

"i missed you too, asshole."

lena laughs, and veronica can see from the corner of her eye how she's shaking her head.

she leans and surprises andrea with another peck on the lips.

then, lena and andrea are leaning towards each other above her, the shadows of their faces moving about from the fire dancing in front of them. she brings herself up and kisses lena, too, just for good measure. just because she can.

"alright," she starts. "we're all here. do you have it?"

she turns to andrea who rolls her eyes. "of course i have it."

lena and veronica watch as andrea unearths something from her pocket. it's a blank map. she bites the tip of her middle finger until she tastes copper, red droplets appearing. she smears it on the center of the map while the other two watch patiently.

as soon as her blood touches the map, the empty page is awash with ink, and a clearer picture of their next assignment: national city.

[dolly-macabre]

DICKLES 24 🖤✨

Unedited because fuck it 🤣

Write about your ship cuddling ❤

(Had to make this Snakes N Barrels era because I'm listening to my 80s/90s  playlist) 

“I'm on my waaay! I'm on my waaaaay! HOME SWEET HOOOOME!” Dolly's husky while sweet voice croons in the humid California summer air. She's very much intoxicated. Pickles is by her side with one of her arms slung over his capable shoulders. He would be lying if he said he was sober though. He's pretty much as wasted as his partner, his tolerance is just much stronger than hers. He holds her close, chuckling as she hiccups mid song. 

They approach their apartment door as her singing continues. She's sloshing around a bottle of Rosé wine, her third bottle of the night from the after party they had just attended. He fumbles with the keys and the lock until the door finally opens. 

“Yeah, yeah! We're home alright, Dolls!” Pickles snickers as they cross the threshold. Her arms, now each wrapped around his neck as he sloppily hoists her up in his. 

“Woah there, baby!” Her head just barely misses the door frame as they both tumble through the small kitchen towards their living room. They can't stop laughing together till he finally falls backwards on their musty couch, bringing her down with him. She clings close to his slightly toned body. The bottle of Rosé slips from her grip and lands haphazardly on the shag carpet without breaking. 

“You gooood?” Pickles’ voice slurs as he grabs each of Dolly's cheeks. 

“Mhm!” She giggles as she buries her face into his freckled chest speckled here and there with red hair. 

“Good! Now where's dat bottle ya had?” 

“Floor.” She states simply pointing to the ground. Pickles stretches out as far as he can and grabs ahold of the discarded bottle, taking a deep swig from it until it's empty. His lips then find her forehead, facial hair tickling her skin as he does. 

Dolly lets out a squeaky laugh, her teeth nipping playfully at his neck. 

“Could you two keep it down?? I told you guys I have to work in morning.” Tony grumbles from a few feet away on their secondhand futon. They had forgotten he was crashing here until the exterminator was done at his place. 

“Oh shit, sahrry dude!” Pickles clasps a hand across Dolly's mouth until she slobbers all over it. She doesn't want to be silenced! 

“Forgot you were here, man!” Dolly laughs as Pickles wipes her saliva off on his sleeveless shirt. 

“Whatever… Just get a room or something!” Tony mumbles as Pickles starts dragging his shitfaced girlfriend to their bedroom by her ankles. 

Once she's tossed on the bed, she begins to roll around restlessly in their pile of blankets. Pickles crawls into bed right after her, grabbing her from behind and pulling her close. She shifts to face him, looking up into his beautiful green eyes as she climbs on top of him. She runs her fingers through his sparse chest hair. She's so close, the tips of their noses are touching. 

His lips turn up in that crooked smirk as her hands wander across his torso. 

“Ya like whatchu feel, gorgeous?”

Suddenly her long black nails scratch down his back. Pickles shudders in satisfaction, his lips meeting hers while his hands grasp her ass. 

Their lips part, a trail of saliva still connecting them. Just long enough for Dolly to whisper, “Yeah, I really do.”

He can feel goosebumps raising all over as her fingers run through his long ginger hair. She kisses him this time, moaning softly into his mouth. They're both so sweaty and gross but they're much too inebriated to care. Pickles holds her face in his palms, her eyes becoming heavy as she gazes at him with a goofy smile. 

“Get some sleep, angel. I know yer tired.”

Dolly nuzzles against him, breathing in his musk. 

“Fine… but in the morning you better rock my world!” She yawns loudly. 

“Whatever you say, babe.” He chuckles, petting her disheveled hair while she gives his chest little kisses till she succumbs to sleep.