#but this is MY team and i'm proud of them

[thef1diary]

team principal!carlos treating the team to a little vacation before the new season starts for uh.. team building reasons.. obviously.. 👀 think paradise but sharing meals with everyone and having a few fun activities together. and you are sharing a room with carlos, the suite was the only one available with two rooms 🤓

i'm thinking waking up to carlos eating you out to start the day off well with more to follow😵‍💫

🩵

— hmm why make it two rooms if it could be one? With one bed ofc 🤭 the team would be suspect anything, it was just a booking issue on the hotel’s end…right? 18+ content below

The tropical retreat had been Carlos’s idea, pitched to the team as a well-earned vacation to recharge and build camaraderie before the new season. What no one knew—what no one could know—was that his real agenda had little to do with team bonding. He had planned every detail, down to the “accidental” mix-up that left the two of you sharing a single room with one bed. The team didn’t suspect a thing. To them, you were the star driver, and he was the ever-professional team principal. Behind closed doors, however, things were much different.

The bed was large enough to keep up appearances, but neither of you had any intention of using all that space. You fell asleep curled against him, your limbs tangled under the soft sheets, his hand possessively resting on your bare hip. The sound of the ocean outside lulled you into a deep sleep, and you didn’t stir until the morning—when you woke to something far more intoxicating.

A low, needy moan escaped your lips before you even opened your eyes. Warmth spread from your core, the unmistakable sensation of Carlos’s mouth between your thighs pulling you from sleep. His broad shoulders pinned you down, his strong hands gripping your hips to keep you exactly where he wanted you.

“Carlos…” you gasped, your voice still rough from sleep. Your legs trembled, instinctively trying to close around his head, but he groaned against you, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through your body.

“None of that, hermosa,” he murmured, his voice husky as he pulled back just enough to look up at you. His lips glistened, his dark eyes smoldering. “Let me take care of you. You’ve earned it.”

He didn’t give you a chance to respond before diving back in, his tongue dragging slow, deliberate circles over your clit. His movements were precise, calculated, like he had mapped every inch of you and knew exactly what would unravel you.

“You were incredible last season,” he said between licks, his voice low and reverent. “Every win, every podium—you make me so proud.” He punctuated his words with a firm suck on your clit, making your back arch and a cry fall from your lips. “I want to reward you. Motivate you to keep being my best driver.”

Your hands flew to his hair, fingers tangling in the thick strands as your hips bucked against his mouth. He let you grind against his face as he worked you closer to the edge.

“Carlos—sir—fuck—”

“That’s it, princesa,” he groaned, his voice muffled as he pressed his tongue deeper into you. “Let go. I want to feel you fall apart for me.”

And you did. The orgasm hit you like a wave, your body tensing before shattering beneath him. He held you steady, his tongue working you through the high, his grip firm but tender as he murmured praises against your skin.

You were still catching your breath when he crawled up your body, his lips finding yours in a kiss that was equal parts sweet and filthy. You could taste yourself on him, and it only made you want more.

“Think you got one more in you?” he asked, his voice a low rumble in your ear. You could feel him, hard and insistent against your thigh, and the look in his eyes made your stomach flip.

You briefly glanced at the clock on the nightstand, barely registering the numbers before giving him an answer. “We’ve got time, please sir.”

A smirk graced his lips, and he placed a light kiss on your lips. “Good girl, that’s what I like to hear.”

He flipped you onto your stomach, his hands gripping your hips as he positioned himself behind you. He slid his cock into you in one slow, deliberate thrust, the stretch making you gasp. He didn’t wait, setting a rough pace that had you clawing at the sheets, your moans muffled by the pillow.

“You feel so good,” he groaned, his grip tightening as he drove into you. “So perfect for me.”

His hand slipped around to your front, finding your clit and rubbing it in time with his thrusts. The overstimulation was almost too much, but the way he moaned your name, the way he filled you completely, had you hurtling toward another orgasm.

“Come for me again, mi princesa,” he commanded, his voice rough and strained. “Show me why you’re the best.”

It didn’t take you long to shatter around him, your body shaking as he followed you over the edge, his cum spilling into you with a guttural moan. He collapsed beside you, pulling you into his arms and pressing soft kisses to your sweat-slicked skin.

“Good morning,” he murmured against your temple, his voice warm and teasing.

You laughed breathlessly, your body still trembling from the aftershocks. “If this is how you want to start the day, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds.”

He chuckled, pulling you closer. “Just wait, hermosa. I’ve got a lot planned for us.”

want more team principal!carlos? send me an ask with your filthiest thoughts and it’ll get answered during one of my dirty drabble days

[opheliachoi99]

Troublemaker 𖠌

FEATURING : Kunigami Rensuke, Chigiri Hyoma, Barou Shoei, Oliver Aiku, and Itoshi Rin

ABOUT : You were the type of partner who was so sweet and delicate at first, but as time goes by, your personality soon bursted into true colors, in which they had to handle your irresistible behavior.

note : there are more bllk characters in this au, I'm excited for you guys to read! Enjoy!

ᐕ Kunigami Rensuke

— You were jumping on your seat as you saw your boyfriend Kunigami had scored a goal for the team again "THAT'S MY MAN Y'ALL! THAT'S. MY. MAN!" You screamed "Damn woman- can you get down from your seat?" An old man who was sitting next to you had scolded you "Uh- can't I just be proud of my boyfriend down there?"

The old man found it quite disrespectful, so he grabbed his cane and points it at you "One more word woman!" You were flabbergasted, "Chill, if you can't handle me as your seatmate then I'm finding another spot to sit" You walked out feeling pissed.

"I LOVE YOU KUNIGAMI!!!" A couple of girls screamed. Your head slowly turned to them, "Oh, fuck you." You went to them and started to pull one of the girl's hair "HEY! What was that for?!" "That's for saying I love you to Kunigami" You rolled your eyes as you were about to walk away from them, she pulled your hair back as revenge.

"BITCH?" You suddenly felt the urge to start a fight, so you did.

Your fight with the girls caught half of the crowds attention, but then Kunigami scored again, which meant they won. You released the girl and screamed "THAT'S MY BABY!!" The girls' faces were pissed "What are you? His girlfriend? Tsk-" You sassily turned to them and answered "You got that right, now well if you excuse me, I'm going to him right now." Suddenly the girls ran "Not until we get there first" You were so irritated by them that you played along with them.

"Great. First the old man, now these pick-me wannabes"

As Kunigami was celebrating with his team, Isagi noticed a couple of girls running towards his direction "Uh- Kuni- some ladies are heading your way-"

"What- huh? WOAH!" The girls squealed "KUNIGAMI RENSUKE WE LOVE YOU! YOU DID GREAT!" The girls squealed "Uh- thanks? One at a time ladies-" He tried to control the girls not until he saw you approaching flaming with anger.

"Baby!" Kunigami called out and approached you "Baby?" The girls questioned, but soon dropped their jaws as they saw who Kunigami was referring to "I hate those girls so much, it ruined my day." You said as Kunigami carried you with one arm "Ahh, those girls? Why?" He laughed "What's so funny?! An old man hated me as his seatmate, then I heard these girls screaming your name and saying I love you?!! How can you not be displeased?!"

He suddenly kissed your cheek "Oh baby, how can I ever tolerate your 'warfreak' attitude? Hmm?"

"Heh-"

ᐕ Chigiri Hyoma

— You and Chigiri were having a day-off in your apartment, you wanted to do your skincare routine for the night, but you realized that most of your products had ran out. "Tch- how am I supposed to do skin care now?" You thought for a moment, then soon checked Chigiri, who was peacefully blow drying his red silky hair.

You were contemplating on using his products instead, since you two use the same product brand. "He wouldn't mind right?"

— Timeskip —

As Chigiri finally finished blow drying his hair, he noticed silence in the atmosphere "Honey?" There was no response, he called again "Honey? Angel my love" Still no response, he soon furrowed his brows "Where the heck is this girl?" He soon search the living room, then the kitchen, the balcony, and the bedroom, as he was about to leave the bedroom, he soon heard some music from the bathroom.

As he slowly opened the bathroom door, there he saw you singing along with the bluetooth speaker while using his skin care.

"Oh daddy dear you know you're still number one! But girls, they wanna have fu-hun~ Oh girls just wanna have—"

You paused as you startled yourself from seeing Chigiri leaning against the door frame "I've been calling you Honey, you wouldn't respond, and- is that my cosmetics?" You soon felt guilty and your eyes widen as you tried to hide the products "Uh- what products—?" Chigiri game himself a face palm "Honey, you know I wouldn't mind you using my cosmetics right? Just ask next time okay? And do tell me so I could do night routines with you" He frowned.

"Sorry Honey, I ran out of skin care and it was way too late to go out and buy new stocks, so I used yours instead.. Sorry.."

"Goodness, how can I ever handle you, you cheeky girl~" He pinched your cheek filled with cream "Let me join" You two soon sang along with the song while doing skin care.

The night was indeed fun, cause you have a boyfriend who can do things with you, even if you were quite the cheeky type of girl.

ᐕ Barou Shoei

— While you were gone for your business trip, Barou was left alone in the apartment, he missed you, a lot. He couldn't contact you because the place you went had no signal, so the lease he could do to satisfy his boredom was to clean.

He tied his long hair, he couldn't gel up his hair at the moment because he was too excited to clean the place.

He grabbed his apron and soon started cleaning from top to bottom.

While he was cleaning, he played the playlist you made for him on Spotify "She's right, these songs to make cleaning more fun... I miss her more now." He sighed but continues his cleaning session.

Two hours passed since he nearly finishes cleaning the place, he made sure when you get home, the atmosphere would be squeaky clean. He soon receives a messaged from you, updating that you would be home in a while.

My Queen <3 : [ Heu ny kinh Im on mt wsy homw hihe ]

He noticed the way you type, it seemed she you tipsy, but he just shrugged it out because he was more excited of you coming home "Finally, my queen is coming home" He said with relief.

— Timeskip —

He patiently sat in the couch, tapping his fingers on the arm of the couch. It was already dim outside, he started to overthink that something might've happened to you on your way home.

But then you heard keys from outside, unlocking the front door, but it seemed you were struggling in inserting the key in the doorknob, he was about to open the door but you opened first "My queen! Welcome hom—" He noticed you looking dizzy "Bed.. I need bed.." You went in with muddy shoes, which made Barou gasped in despair "I just mopped the floor!!"

You cared less as you went to the bedroom dropping all your bags and taking off your muddy shoes and plopped into bed. While you were finally peacefully sleeping, Barou seemed pissed. "I missed you a lot and this is how I am welcomed? I even cleaned the house" He cried.

As he was picking up your stuff he glanced at you, even though you look like a mess, he found you so beautiful, he simply sighed.

"How can I stay mad at this beautiful queen of mine.." He decided to sleep next to you.

Now the two of you were now peacefully sleeping, satisfied from the days you two haven't been together.

ᐕ Oliver Aiku

— Aiku was the type of guy to be a bit too friendly towards other girls, which bothered you, because you were the type to be intimate, and what's yours, will be only yours. That includes your boyfriend, Aiku.

There was one time you had enough because you and Aiku went to a beach party, Sendou was hosting. Aiku was talking to three girls, and he seemed to be entertained and having some fun.

"So that's how it is huh?" You mumbled.

So what you did, you went to Sendou and told him about your plan. Sendou immediately agreed.

The party soon became a disco session, Aiku started looking for you cause he wanted to dance with you, but you seemed to be out of sight.

He passed through the crowd looking for you, it was an advantage of him because he was a tall man. He soon saw you dancing with Sendou, he felt like his heart was pounding, not out of love, but out of prompt, he hated seeing you dancing with another dude, you soon stepped on the long table amd continued dancing so sexily.

"Fuck, what's up with this woman?!" Aiku quickly approached you.

"Hey, I think it's working" Sendou stated "He's coming over" He added, your eyes soon landed on an envious Aiku approaching, you simply smirked.

You continued your plan, you were about to offer your hand towards Sendou, Aiku grabbed first. "Get down mi amor, you might hurt yourself." He spoke with concern in his tone.

"But I wanna dance!" You whined.

"You stubborn girl, you won't listen to me?" He soon grabbed your waist and carried you down back to the ground, you were easy to scoop because Aiku was your 'big boy' type of boyfriend. "Put me down!!"

"You wouldn't listen to me. Now dance with me, why would you dance with Sendou and not me?" He asked "Well you were having fun with other girls, then why can't I?"

Sendou slowly went out of the scene, leaving you two.

He soon kissed you, "That's proof that you are mine. Yeah sure, I talk to other girls, but you're MY girl" You rolled your eyes.

"Red flag energy." You snobbed "I know you still love me~" He teased.

The lights were too colorful but you could see his face clearly "I know I do, I just don't like sharing what's mine" "Oh? Is my chiquita jealous?" You rolled your eyes and walked out.

"Gosh, she's so stubborn. I love it"

ᐕ Itoshi Rin

— You were the type who would be cheeky and whines a lot, and clumsy too.

There were lots of times where Rin had to defend you, follow your trail just in case you would do something stupid, and fix all this you caused because of your clumsiness.

But there was one time where Rin bursted when you were in his soccer match. You were left inside the stadium because Rin told you to grab something from his locker, but it seems you couldn't tell which was his locker because there wasn't a name on it and all the lockers looked the same.

"Shit- which one is his locker?! I'm gonna miss his game-" You overheard the crowd cheering. You simply sighed, but you didn't want to disappoint Rin, so you proceeded in finding Rin's closet.

— Timeskip —

The game finally ended, and Rin's team won, but he noticed you weren't in the crowd, he sighed because he knew where to find you.

He soon went into the locker room, and his jaw dropped "Love?! Seriously— why are you crying?"

"I finally found your locker but I missed your game" You sobbed. "Oh my love" He sighed "Look at the mess you made, the boys will be pissed about this" He coldly said "I-I'm sorry.." You two soon cleaned the locker room.

The timing where you two finished cleaning and arranging all the lockers, the boys went in and saw you two "If it isn't the lovebirds, what are you two doing in here hmm~?" Bachira teased "Nothing!" You defended "It's none of your business you lukewarm head." Rin coldly spoke as he dragged you out of the room.

"Rude much-" Reo stated.

As you two were now outside, "I'm sorry... I keep messing things up.. I'm too clumsy, too sensitive, too dumb, too—" You paused as Rin kissed you out of nowhere.

"Continue speaking, I'll be biting those lips twice." You went silent. "Yes, you're all that. But that what makes you unique" He added.

"Sure I had been defending and cleaning up the messes you make, but I can tolerate you. No one else can, but me." You soon felt emotional and cried.

"Rin.. I'm so lucky to have you" You hugged him "Even though you're airy.. But I love my man nonchalant" You chuckled. He kissed you again "That's for accusing me being airy" You pressed your lips.

"Only I can handle a troublemaker like you."

End

[realtapiocafan]

it's been a few hours but i'm. still a little shellshocked.

not only did we WIN, but our defense did stuff! was pretty fucking amazing actually! (najee harris ran all over us but at least we made russell wilson look like russell wilson and not like. tom brady)

cam (despite those two VERY QUESTIONABLE DPIs!) got that 4th and 1 stop!

newton got a really good pbu on third (i think?) down that forced them to punt!

(maybe not defense but) shaka forced that fumble on the punt return and we recovered it!!! oh thank you football gods!

and trey! oh trey, trey, trey! our beloved trey hendrickson! three! and! a! half! sacks! INSANE! he's MY dpoy, the award belongs to him!

our offense... ok, to be fair, lots of factors on why it wasn't like usual.

chase brown was already out from the start. there was like a 2nd down run play with khalil (who still did very well don't get me wrong) where the announcers said chase would've got the first and. i can't disagree with that.

tee 😭😭😭. questionable once again and everyone can SEE the difference in the offense when he's out and everyone should include you mike brown! #BringTeeBack

wanted to sob a little when i saw that ball bounce out of ja'marr's hands at the end of the first half. like UGH. perfect throw by joe. ja'marr makes that 99/100 💔. still had a really good game

and joe being pummelled by 500+ lbs and no whistle of fucking course. protect my qb you little --- (to be fair cody ford on one ankle and mims with a broken hand contained tj very well) (now VOLSON on the other hand...)

[macaiv]

“We’ve had our stories for sure, but today it’s just incredible and it will be something I will remember forever. When we did that side by side lap at the end, some memories, flashbacks came back.

“I remembered when we were racing in the wet in this little go kart track, and today reminds me of that. From where we both come from it’s a beautiful story.

“I think only both of us can understand what that means because we both work so hard. We’re giving it everything every single time. Once it’s him, once it’s me, whoever is in front but we always give 100%. Today, the reward that we get, to be both on the podium with a car that doesn’t deserve to be there, everyone will agree with that. It’s beautiful.” - Esteban Ocon

[beautifulstorms]

Marjorie Lajoie / Zachary Lagha, FP Roses • Skate America 2023

[imerian]

I think i should grace all of with another charms i did, this time it's galex edition ✨

As always version without doodles under the cut and all details in the tags bc i physically cannot not put thoughts into what i do

[bread-is-my-life]

LITERALLY my only request is engie and pyro being best friends......... you can draw them doing literally anything it just makes me happy to see them getting along

Thanks for sending the request! I wanted to do more than one drawing but school started and I'm too busy atm :') BUT I will make sure to draw more of those two in the future. As for now have my sillies enjoying music :)

Bonus engi sketch :) (first attempt to draw him)

[hischierjustscored]

nico really likes "to hockey" huh 🥹

[sunstone-smiles]

Splatoon 3 Grand Festival: Video Highlights

[ocala-is-calling]

Look at them 🥹

[allsassnoclass]

HELL YEAH!!! can i get uhhhh #9, an I'm so proud of you kiss? pairing, fandom, etc is all up to you :) ill read it even if im not in the fandom go fkn crazy ily xoxo

hi @clumsyclifford!!! alrighty let's throw some fake college sports players in here.

jerejean: I'm so proud of you kiss

Jeremy goes to find Jean after a few minutes, weaving through the crowd of his teammates and the Foxes until he reaches the edge of their party's sphere, out in the sand where the light from the bonfire has no hope of reaching. He stumbles over Neil and Andrew, drawn hypnotically to the bright cherry of the cigarette they're sharing, but neither of them question where he's going or make any attempt at conversation. Neil simply tilts his head to the left with a knowing look, and Jeremy nods in thanks once he spots the shadowy figure sitting yards away in the darkness, looking out at the waves.

Jean doesn't look up as Jeremy approaches, chin resting on his knees as he looks distantly out at the ocean, where the horizon line blends too deep in the darkness to discern what is sea and what is sky anymore. Jeremy flops gracelessly down next to him, kicking up sand and checking to be sure Jean isn't shying away. He relaxes when he doesn't. Jean still doesn't do well with isolation, but he's an introvert at heart and needs his space. After the events of today, Jeremy isn't surprised that he retreated down the beach to be alone, but he also knows that it's the kind of alone that Jeremy is welcome to interrupt.

It makes his chest fill with warmth, being one of the people that Jean doesn't need energy to be around. It's a privilege that he doesn't take lightly, especially when so few people in Jean's life have been safe. For him to have found a group of people to love and be loved by in return is no small feat, and it's something that they've gradually cultivated together in the past year.

For a moment, Jeremy thinks about the first time he saw Jean in person outside of a court, watching the shell of a man cautiously approach him at LAX with only a few t-shirts, a tattoo, and years of abuse to his name. He would never have predicted that they'd be here now, only a few weeks shy of a year later. Jean has grown in ways too numerous to list, but Jeremy has changed, too. It's a mutual metamorphosis, made more important for the way that they've grown in harmony with each other, filling in each other's gaps while leaving room for the other person to stretch and flourish.

Of course, one other difference is that they're NCAA champions now. It isn't a new title for Jean, but Jeremy suspects that this one feels sweeter, more earned.

This is a win that Jean should feel proud of, one untainted by the shadow of black wings and bruises. A championship that has nothing to do with the number that used to be tattooed on his face and everything to do with the person he has decided to become.

"What are you thinking about?"

Jeremy tilts his head towards the quiet, lilting sound of Jean's words. His accent has lessened slightly over the year, either due to less necessity to use his French without Kevin around or being surrounded by people who never stop talking in loud California drawls, but it still colors his words like a swash of blue in a sunrise.

Jean never wants to return to France, but sometimes Jeremy wonders if he would enjoy visiting Canada or Haiti, somewhere that he could use a version of his native language without ghosts following him.

"Jeremy?"

Jeremy blinks, bringing himself back to the present rather than some unnamed future with the two of them wandering around Montreal.

"I was thinking about our win," he says when he can remember what Jean's original question was. Jean huffs, but the sound is fond. Jeremy can't see much in the darkness, but he can picture Jean's expression perfectly. He's not smiling, but he's softer, relaxed and open enough that Jeremy can read his intention.

"How does it feel to be a champion?" Jean asks.

"Amazing," Jeremy sighs, tipping his head back and remembering every hour of practice and hard-fought game that brought them here. Despite the backlash from his decision to cut down the line last year and all of the negative press surrounding Jean's transfer, they made it all the way to the championships and came out on top. It was a battle in more ways than one, but it was absolutely worth it for the look on Kevin Day's face when Cat stole the ball from him using a technique that Jean taught her, then slammed the ball down the court for Jeremy to catch and score.

The team as a whole has grown exponentially. Jeremy has never pushed himself harder, and it wasn't all sunshine and smiles on the court this year. Still, they held it together, and as turbulent throwing a former Raven into their midst was, Jeremy has never regretted the decision to bring Jean to them.

"It's sweeter because I could do it with you," Jeremy says.

He glances at Jean out of the corner of his eye. He doesn't duck his head bashfully, and he doesn't freeze awkwardly the way he used to when Jeremy would drop a sappy but sincere compliment months ago. He simply lets the sentiment wash over him, keeping his focus on Jeremy.

"I'm glad you are happy," he says. Jeremy reaches for his hand, fingertips dragging along his forearm and wrist until Jean turns to thread their fingers together.

"What about you?" Jeremy asks. "How does it feel to be a champion this time?"

Jean takes time to consider his answer. Jeremy listens to the distant sounds of their teammates and friends over by the fire and the gentle sounds of waves hitting the shore while he waits. A breeze gently shifts his hair, light and crisp enough that he nearly shivers.

"I didn't think it would mean this much to me," Jean says quietly. Jeremy squeezes his hand once, then relaxes, giving Jean the space he needs. "I knew that winning with the Trojans would feel different, but the Ravens won because we were expected to. You and I won because we deserved to this time. Because we fought harder and wanted it more."

"And you did it all without a red card, even though Neil was being annoying," Jeremy says.

"It felt good to beat him," Jean grins. "That was very satisfying."

No one felt like it would be a good idea to make Jean block Kevin, not with everything he's told them about scrimmages in the Nest. While he played with Neil at Evermore as well, it was never while Neil was playing striker, and Neil only features in a fraction of the traumatic memories that Jean has recounted. Jean has been doing great in his sessions with Betsy and has grown a lot in his recovery over the past year, but no one wanted to risk prompting a flashback during the championship game, when the eyes of the entire public and Ichirou Moriyama would be on him.

Jean seemed to enjoy playing against Neil, anyway. Jeremy still doesn't understand their relationship and probably never will, but it was one of Jean's best games. Neil ran him ragged, but both of them seemed satisfied with their individual performances, and Jeremy overheard Jean tell him to have a winning day while stealing the ball at one point.

It's taken a long time for Jean to be able to have fun on the court. Healing is slow and non-linear, Jeremy knows that better than most. The progress that is visible, though, is much more gratifying because of it.

Jeremy looks at Jean, tracing his outline in the blue shadows. He takes in the relaxed slope of his shoulders, the enticing tilt of his head, the self-satisfied smile that Jeremy can barely see gracing his lips in this light. He looks like he belongs on this beach, relishing in his win with dozens of people who love him only a few yards away, holding hands with someone who adores him.

It's amazing, what a difference one year can make. Jeremy's chest feels warm and full, ready to burst.

"Hey," he says, squeezing Jean's hand. Jean turns towards him with a questioning noise. Jeremy tugs on his t-shirt, coaxing him forward until he can lean up to press their lips together. Jean responds once he catches on to Jeremy's intention, relaxing against him and sliding his free hand around Jeremy's waist. Jeremy presses forward, trying to transfer as much of the feeling in his chest to Jean as he can. He curls his hand around Jean's shoulder, partially to draw him closer and partially for his own stability. Jean sighs against him, and Jeremy can't help but smile into the kiss.

When they part a few moments later, Jeremy watches the way that Jean's eyes take a moment to flutter open.

"What was that for?" Jean asks. Jeremy smiles and brushes his thumb against Jean's cheek, right over the small heart tattooed there.

"I'm really proud of you," he smiles. Jean ducks his head, leaning into Jeremy's palm. "You've come a long way."

Jean wraps his hand around Jeremy's, pressing it against his chest.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Jeremy."

Jeremy doesn't think he'll ever get used to the way his name sounds in Jean's mouth, his accent curving around it and voice soft as music.

"Still," Jeremy says. "I'm really proud of you, Jean-Yves."

Jean ducks his head again, but Jeremy can't have that. He reaches for Jean's jaw again. Jean knows him well enough to evade and kiss him instead, the perfect distraction. Jeremy is happy to let him get away with it, because that was his end goal anyway.

They stay on the beach together for a long time. When their friends eventually find them, Jeremy watches the way that Jean lights up as Cat tackles him in a hug and he playfully banters with Kevin, two things that would've been impossible a year ago. Jeremy keeps hold of his hand, both of them on top of the world with no plans on coming down.

[artetass]

[imjustavenuxwithaboomerang]

made the gaang with this picrew cause i have too much time on my hands, enjoy

[cathalbravecog]

i'm the antonymph of the internet

[chiropteracupola]

a little pain now, to save a great deal more pain later

[flintlock fortress is a collaboration with @dxppercxdxver]

[larissa-the-scribe]

Terrarium Lights, pt. 3.15 - The End

This is the last installment in this story--we have made it to the end. Thank you for coming this far with me. Previously on Terrarium Lights: Gail works through some of her own grief (Alternate Epilogue >>here)

Of course, Gail did not forget her promise. Once Michael settled in—and heard the story of the past few weeks several times over, and read her journal and the notes she and the lad had made, and walked the length of the coast with Gail—they headed to the lighthouse.

After some polite chin-wagging, Mrs. Seward put up a sign saying she'd be back to the café after a break, and ushered them towards the lighthouse. She saw what Gail was carrying and smiled approvingly. As they went, she explained that he was in a room in the stairwell there. It was brighter and airier than the rooms in the house, she said, and he had often stayed there before, so they felt it was more appropriate. Besides, easier access for the doctor to not have to go through either the café or the rest of their house.

The doctor was not in at the moment, but Mrs. Seward was pleased to report that, according to him, Jonathon was recovering splendidly—which Gail was pleased to hear.

"But… I'm afraid the worst we feared was true," Mrs. Seward said, whispering almost as they approached the steps. "He doesn't quite remember things. He seems to have kept impressions—he knows that he knew us, but he doesn't… quite… well, remember us. And he doesn't see very well anymore."

"Ah," Gail said. So it was as Jonathon had thought.

"We're sorry to hear that," Michael said softly.

"Still," Mrs. Seward said, drawing herself up with her hand on the doorhandle. "Our boy came back. And we are ever so grateful for that."

If either Gail or Michael saw a hint of tears in her eyes, they did not comment.

The room was, indeed, quite nice. It was small and cool, but large enough that it felt cozy instead of claustrophobic; the long, wide window on the wall let in a stream of sunlight, and looked out trees and, through them, the sea. When the window was open, Gail imagined that it smelled and felt quite fresh.

Jonathon was sitting on the bed, placed just under the window and piled with the surplus of blankets and pillows Gail had noticed upon entering. He looked different. "Solid" was the first word that came to mind. It amused Gail somewhat that she half-expected his eyes to be blank and colorless as he stared with a different kind of vacancy toward the window. Overall, he seemed to have more color in him. His cheeks had more warmth to them, his lips looked less dry, and his eyes were a rich brown. Perhaps he looked different because he was in a cleaner shirt and waistcoat, and there was no blood or injury to be seen.

When the door opened, he turned his head towards them.

"Hello, Jonathon," Mrs. Seward said. "You have some visitors. They’re friends of ours from church. You don't know them, but Mrs. Goffrey has been praying for you while you were sick."

"Oh," he said, his hands fiddling with the blankets. "That's very kind."

"My pleasure," Gail said with a chuckle. She shifted the weight of her gift in her arms. Honestly, she should have asked Michael to carry it.

He tilted his head at her voice.

"I'm afraid I was traveling just now, through the weeks that all the goings' on took place," Michael said, "so I’ve only started on my prayers recently. But I have heard a lot about you."

"Ah." His face squinted in an embarrassed smile. "Thank you, I think."

"I'll be back at the café if you need anything," Mrs. Seward said, looking back through the lighthouse door towards the rickety and ungeared wagon pulling up around the bend. "And you two are familiar with the area. Just pop in and say good-bye before heading out."

Gail nodded.

"So." Gail started, suddenly unsure of how to start a conversation with so familiar a stranger. “How… how have you been?”

"Truthfully, I'm not sure." Jonathon went back to rubbing his fingers along the hem of the blanket. "I don't have much to compare things to. But… I think the weather has been nice. I know Mrs. Seward has been dealing with a personal loss, but they haven't told me much. Apparently I was asleep for several weeks, but… I assume you must know that already."

"I had an inkling," Gail said with a chuckle.

She glanced around the room, looking for a suitable spot. The best place was perhaps the dresser beside his bed. The only thing on it was a framed picture of Jonathon, standing posed with… someone. He looked vaguely familiar.

"We have a present for you," Michael said. "Something my wife made for you."

"Oh." He blinked. "I… you didn't have to."

"No worries," Gail said brightly. "It’s something of a hobby of mine. Is it alright if I set it on the dresser by your bed?"

"What is it?" he asked.

"It's a terrarium," she said, coming closer.

"I… I'm not sure what that is," he admitted.

"Well, usually, they're made in glass jars and the like, and a little scene is made with rocks and moss and various other things. Like a little mini garden, but of moss. But I made this one a little different." Gail set it down on the bed beside him, the weight of it making the mattress bounce a bit, and gave him a chance to explore it. "We made this one wider and more open, and in what was supposed to be a clay garden pot. It broke a few years back—though don't worry, no edges anymore, we made sure to sand them all down—so it's solid and won't fall over easy if you bump it."

“Technically, it’s not really a terrarium anymore,” Michael inserted helpfully. “But we made it using similar principles, and neither of us could remember what the other type is called. Mossarium didn’t sound quite right.”

Gail chuckled. “We tried to make it more for feel and texture than looks, so that’s another reason why we made it bigger. Easier to put your hand in, if you want.”

He felt it gingerly, brushing his fingers along the edge of the clay, stopping at a sudden protuberance.

"That's a little lamp we attached to it," she said. "It gives off more warmth than light, and it should be easy enough to find and turn on if you need it. Michael helped me rig it. A friend of mine gave me the idea," she added more softly.

"Oh." Jonathon's forehead was creased as he fingered his way down to the moss. "That feels nice," he said, smiling slightly and gently pressing his hand down on it. He picked up one of the smooth stones lying in the moss and fingered it, rubbing his thumb along the irregular notches and blunt edges.

"There are some stones for extra feeling and texture," Gail said. "And the moss will flower in summer. It has a lovely smell."

"I… I don't know how well I can take care of it," he said, slowly setting the stone down as if he were afraid to break it. "Will that be a problem?"

Gail lifted it and slid it onto the dresser beside his table, bending down to plug the little lamp into the cogstow beside his bed. "Don't worry about that," she said, her head still done by the dresser.

"It doesn't need much water," Michael explained. He put a spray bottle in Samuel's hands and gave it a light tug, the gears clicking slightly as the water built up pressure and shot out. "A few sprays every few weeks should be quite enough. We're not sure how it will work with the lamp, but I suppose we'll see. We can repair and reconfigure things as needed, but I think it should be decently waterproofed."

"That's… it's all very thoughtful of you both," he said, in a tone of gratitude that bordered on distress. "Thank you."

"Our pleasure," Gail said, straightening up and dusting her hands off. "We like to help when we can."

"You seem like kind people," he said, still holding the spray bottle, "and we don't even know each other." He held the bottle in both hands, frowning down at it. "Do we…? I… I can't quite tell… but… somehow I feel like I've heard your voice before." He tilted his head towards Gail, not quite turning all the way.

"After a fashion," Gail replied with a chuckle. "We have met before, though it makes sense you wouldn't remember me."

"Ah. I'm sorry. It’s… it’s something I’m hoping to work through."

"No worries," Gail said. "But recovering is a difficult process, I'm sure you could use some time to get back on your feet. Speaking of which, we didn't want to stay too long today, but we plan on visiting again—just so long as you wouldn't mind. We can help tell you things about the area, or read to you, or do whatever you might like. Try and help you adjust or else just keep you company."

He smiled brightly. "I think I'd like that. It's… it's good to hear more voices."

"We'll come by soon, then," Michael said, patting the lad on his shoulder.

As they made their good-byes and prepared to leave, Gail turned again to the framed photo that was now beside the terrarium.

It was of two lads, one of them Jonathon, in front of a building that Gail recognized as belonging to the academy. They each had an arm around the others' shoulder, and were smiling. The lad on the left wore a big smile, as natural as if that's what his face was born to do, while Jonathon’s half-smile was bashful and unsure.

It clicked. It was odd, seeing Samuel in a much more normal setting, and in a more normal color palette—or at least as far as Gail could tell, considering the obvious limitations of photography. She wondered if it had been able to capture color, how he would look. What color his hair and eyes would be, when he was alive. She smiled at the picture and set it down gently.

She was glad that, in a way, he would still be around to look out for his friend.

---The End---

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