#camping gear testing

[adventuregeartech]

Innovative Outdoor Gear from Kickstarter That You Need to Know About

Camping and outdoor adventures involve immersing yourself in nature, but you can still rough it with outdated gear. Thanks to platforms like Kickstarter, innovation has swept through the outdoor gear market, bringing us some of the most exciting and game-changing products. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting to explore the great outdoors, these Kickstarter-backed innovations could make your next camping trip more enjoyable, efficient, and fun.

In this blog, we’ll dive into some of Kickstarter’s most innovative outdoor gear you need to know about. From lightweight camping gear to high-tech gadgets, these products have been put through the paces in in-depth camping gear reviews and are making waves in the outdoor community.

The Rise of Crowdfunded Camping Gear

Kickstarter has become a hub for inventors and entrepreneurs looking to bring their ideas to life. The outdoor gear industry is no exception, with many groundbreaking products launched on the platform. But why are so many outdoor enthusiasts turning to crowdfunded gear?

The Power of Community Feedback

One of the key advantages of Kickstarter is the ability to gain feedback from a community of backers passionate about outdoor adventures. This feedback often leads to improvements and refinements before the product hits the market. As a part of this community, you have the power to shape the future of camping gear, testing and refining products that you will use on your own adventures.

Access to Cutting-Edge Technology

Kickstarter allows gear creators to experiment with the latest technologies, materials, and designs that might not yet be available through traditional retail channels. This access to cutting-edge innovations means that backers—and eventually the general public—can be at the forefront of outdoor technology, getting their hands on lightweight camping gear and other outdoor essentials that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Must-Have Kickstarter Camping Gear for 2024

So, what are some of the best new products that have emerged from Kickstarter campaigns? We’ve sifted through camping gear reviews and compiled a list of the most promising innovations you should watch for your next adventure.

Ultra-Portable Solar Chargers

One of the challenges of camping off the grid is keeping your devices charged. Enter the ultra-portable solar charger. These compact, foldable devices are designed to harness the sun’s power, providing a sustainable energy source for your gadgets. With these chargers, you can rest assured that your devices will always have power, giving you peace of mind on your outdoor adventures.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

These solar chargers stand out in camping gear reviews for their efficiency and portability. Many are lightweight and easily attached to your backpack, allowing you to charge your devices as you hike. Plus, they’re rugged enough to withstand the elements, making them perfect for long treks and remote camping sites.

Top Picks: 

SunSocket Solar Charger: With its foldable design and high-efficiency solar panels, this charger is ideal for backpackers who need reliable power without adding extra weight. 

SolarPaper: Known for being incredibly thin and light, this charger is perfect for minimalist campers who want to keep their pack as light as possible. 

Compact Water Filtration Systems

Clean drinking water is a top priority when camping, especially in remote areas. While traditional water filtration systems can be bulky, Kickstarter has introduced a range of compact, lightweight options that are easy to carry and use. 

Why It’s a Must-Have:

These compact water filters have received rave reviews in in-depth camping gear reviews for their effectiveness and ease of use. They allow you to safely drink from natural water sources, reducing the need to carry large quantities of water. This is particularly useful for hikers and backpackers who must keep their load light.

Top Picks:

LifeStraw Flex: A versatile filter that can be used as a straw or attached to a water bottle, making it perfect for various situations. 

Grayl Geopress: This all-in-one purifier and filter can clean a full water bottle in seconds, removing viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants. 

Lightweight Camping Tents

A tent is one of the most important pieces of camping gear, and recent Kickstarter campaigns have focused on making them lighter, more durable, and easier to set up. 

What Makes Them Special:  

The latest lightweight tents from Kickstarter are designed with innovative materials and structures that provide excellent protection from the elements without weighing you down. Many of these tents have been praised in best camping gear reviews for their balance of comfort, durability, and portability.

Top Picks: 

X-Mid 2P: A lightweight, two-person tent that’s easy to pitch and offers great weather protection, making it a favorite among thru-hikers and backpackers. 

SlingFin Portal: Known for its lightweight design and sturdy construction, this tent is perfect for camping in unpredictable weather. 

The Importance of Camping Gear Testing

Before investing in new gear, it’s crucial to understand how it performs in real-world conditions. That’s where camping gear testing comes into play. Let’s explore why this step is important and how you can benefit. 

Real-World Performance Matters

No matter how great a piece of gear looks on paper, its value comes from how well it performs in the field. Camping gear testing involves taking products out into the wild and putting them through various conditions, from extreme weather to rugged terrain. This testing ensures that the gear can handle whatever your adventure throws. 

What to Look for in Gear Testing

Durability: Can the gear withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use? 

Ease of Use: Is it easy to set up, use, and maintain, even in less-than-ideal conditions? 

Portability: How does the gear’s weight and packability measure up for long hikes or minimalistic camping trips?

Trusted Sources for Gear Reviews

In-depth camping gear reviews are your best bet when looking for reliable information. These reviews typically include detailed accounts of how the gear was tested, what worked well, and where there might be room for improvement. Trustworthy review sites and outdoor enthusiast blogs often provide these insights, helping you make informed decisions.

How to Choose the Best Camping Gear for Your Needs

With so many options, how do you choose the best camping gear for your specific needs? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the selection process.

Identify Your Camping Style

Are you a minimalist backpacker who needs to carry everything on your back? Or do you prefer car camping, where weight isn’t as much of a concern? Understanding your camping style is the first step in choosing the right gear.

Matching Gear to Your Adventure

Backpacking: Look for lightweight camping gear that won’t weigh you down, such as compact tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. 

Car Camping: You can afford to carry heavier gear, so consider options that prioritize comfort, like larger tents, camp chairs, and spacious coolers. 

Family Camping: Safety and comfort are key when camping with kids. Choose easy-to-set-up and use gear with plenty of room for everyone. 

Consider the Climate and Terrain

The environment you’ll be camping in plays a big role in your chosen gear. Gear that works great in a dry, temperate climate might not be suitable for wet or cold conditions.

Gear for Different Environments 

Cold Weather: Insulated sleeping bags, four-season tents, and portable heaters are essential for staying warm.

Rainy Conditions: Waterproof gear, quick-drying clothing, and reliable tarps will keep you dry and comfortable.

Hot Climates: Lightweight, breathable fabrics and sun protection gear will help you stay cool and avoid heat exhaustion. 

Budget vs. Quality

While going for the cheapest option is tempting, investing in quality gear can save you money in the long run. Quality gear is more durable and performs better, reducing the need for frequent replacements. 

Finding the Right Balance: Set a budget that allows you to invest in high-quality essentials, such as your tent, sleeping bag, and backpack. You can explore more affordable options for less critical items, but always check camping gear reviews to ensure you’re getting a product worth your money. 

Conclusion

Kickstarter has revolutionized the outdoor gear market, offering adventurers access to the most innovative and high-performing equipment available today. Whether you’re looking for lightweight camping gear to streamline your next backpacking trip or cutting-edge technology to enhance your outdoor experience, there’s something on Kickstarter for everyone. 

By staying informed through in-depth camping gear reviews and camping gear testing, you can make smart decisions about the products you choose to bring on your adventures. The right gear can make all the difference, transforming your camping experience from good to unforgettable. 

Ready to discover more innovative gear? Visit Adventure Gear Tech for the latest camping gear reviews and recommendations. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned explorer, we have the insights you need to gear up for your next adventure.

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[historyofguns]

The article "Rugged Road Outdoors 85 V2 Cooler Review" by Andy Grossman on The Armory Life evaluates an ice chest designed for outdoor enthusiasts such as hunters, fishermen, and campers. Grossman, an avid outdoorsman, explores the cooler market's evolution from traditional metal coolers to modern, heavy plastic ones, and ultimately lands on the Rugged Road Outdoors 85 V2, which impressed him with its features and performance. This cooler stands out due to its Fridgite foam insulation, making it lightweight and efficient in cold retention. It also includes practical features like a removable lid that doubles as a tray or cutting board, a unique latch system, rope handles, internal storage tray, and a robust construction that even floats on water. The cooler is priced at $399, which Grossman considers reasonable given its quality and features, and it also supports a good cause, contributing 10% of profits to building wells globally through the Rugged Road Foundation.

[joeys-babe]

Joey B Imagines: Simply Shady I*

Summary: The following events of Joe changing up his hair, along with both you and your fiance gearing up for the start of the season.

(Part 1 to - Part 2)

Warnings: Fluff, Smut (male receiving oral)

Pairing: Joe Burrow x reader

Imagine Universe: Misc.

August 1st, 2024 - First day of pads at camp

I was woken up in a way that I would usually love, but the fact that it was insanely early made me more annoyed than anything.

“Mph. Not now Joe.” - you mumbled

He didn't say anything in return, and the slow movements of his hips grinding into my behind kept going.

Joe’s body was pressed flesh against me. His chest to my back and his crotch to my ass. Because he was rubbing himself into me, I thought he was awake. But as I froze up in shock, I heard a snore leave Joe’s lips.

He's asleep. He’s asleep and grinding into me.

As Joe continued his movements in his sleep, my mind went wild. Throughout the dirty thoughts, I remembered a conversation that Joe and I had a couple of weeks ago.

Joe had asked me if I'd ever give him head while he was asleep, a different way to wake him up if I was comfortable doing it. I had said yes, that I would, but there was never a day where I woke up first since that conversation.

Today, though, was a perfect chance to try it out.

After deciding that I was going to suck him off while he was still sleeping, I slowly and quietly scooted away from him. Joe had always been a deep sleeper, so it was easy for me to pull the covers off of him and lightly shove him onto his back.

I couldn't help but sit there and admire him. Joe looked like a wet dream, and he was all mine. My personal 220 pounds of pure sexiness.

Joe was wearing nothing but his black boxers, and my mouth watered as I stared at his toned torso, sculpted chest, and perfect arms.

This off-season, one of Joe’s workout priorities was to gain weight to be bigger and stronger by the time football season came around.

He achieved that completely, and the outcome was one of the hottest states of his body that I had ever seen. Don’t get me wrong, as his partner, I've never not thought he was the most attractive man on the planet, but I love it when he beefs up.

I believe it’s because it reminds me of how he looked when I first fell in love with him, back when we were both freshmen at LSU.

——

Flashback - 2018 - LSU

“This date is awful! Please, please, please come pick me up?” - Lyla

After accepting a phone call from my best friend, she enlightened me that she was currently in the bathroom of the restaurant where she was on a date. She went on to say that her date was a weirdo and nothing like how he was over texts.

It was later in the evening, and I was studying in the library for my first big test of the semester, but I had to save my girl.

Still on the phone with her, I grabbed my laptop and textbooks super fast before darting out of the library.

Lyla was still ranting on the phone, telling me to please hurry, and I was focusing hard on not dropping my belongings. As I rounded the corner of the sidewalk, I looked over at the parking lot, trying to remember where I parked my car.

Since my eyes weren't on where I was walking, I gasped when I smacked into a hard body, dropping everything I was holding and my phone.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.”

“No. No. I should be.” - you

I immediately lept down and started to grab my things, not paying attention to the person that I just ran into. It sounded like a man, and I didn't exactly have time to put up with a college male right now.

To my surprise, though, he crouched down as well, stacking up some of my books as I focused on making sure my laptop screen wasn't broken.

After seeing that it was fine, I finally looked up at the man crouched down next to me who was holding my stuff.

My mouth dropped open, and my eyes widened.

Joe Burrow.

He was the starting quarterback for the football team, and because he had just transferred from Ohio State, his name was known.

I had only seen a couple of blurry pictures of him before as I listened to a couple of my guy friends rant about the incoming QB. In pictures, I wasn't exactly attracted to him, but seeing him in front of me right now, I completely understood why girls all around campus were obsessed with him.

“Are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost.” - Joe chuckled

My cheeks turned red when I realized I had zoned out staring at him. This cannot be happening right now.

“I- I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting you.” - you

Joe cocked his head to the side, not exactly understanding. To him, he was a normal guy who just loved to play football. He didn't exactly love all of the publicity.

In the end, he shrugged and looked down at my books that were in his hands. Most of them were for classes, but a couple were for my personal reading.

“In Plain Sight? Do you believe in aliens?” - Joe

I nodded my head with a soft smile on my face, completely in shock that I was talking about aliens with Joe Burrow.

“That’s cool. I do, too. My friends all say that I'm crazy to believe in them. Oh, I’m Joe, by the way.” - Joe

Joe shifted my belongings into one arm before reaching out with his now free hand. I reached out, too, putting my hand in his and shaking it.

“I know who you are. I'm y/n.” - you

“That’s a pretty name. Only fitting for a pretty girl, though.” - Joe winked

My stomach dropped, and reality hit. He’s a jock college football player. Only one thing on his mind.

I stood up and recollected everything into my arms, and Joe immediately noticed my change in body language. When he handed me my books, I noticed that the pretty smile had dropped from his face, a disconcerted look left in its place.

“Did I say something wrong?” - Joe

“No. I just need to get out of here. Thanks for the help, it was lovely to meet you, Joe.” - you

I started speeding down the sidewalk once again, but Joe called out for me to wait. Oh, fuck this.

“You forgot your phone!” - Joe

Mentally cursing myself, I turned around and walked back up to Joe. He was fully standing up now, and he towered over me.

“Thanks..” - you

“You’re welcome. Maybe I'll see you around campus?” - Joe grinned

I looked up at the stupid smile on his face and wanted to claw my eyes out. Why is he so cute? He’s just wearing athletic shorts and a Looney Tunes sweatshirt, but he looks perfect.

“Mmm. Probably not. I'm more into school than all of the partying.” - you

“I’m not into partying either. I’m taking all online classes, so unless I'm at football practice or working out, I'm usually at my apartment.” - Joe

Why are his stupidly perfect lips still moving?

“Okay? Thanks again. Bye.” - you

I started walking off again, and this time he didn't stop me. Once I got into my car, I laid my head back against the headrest with a deep sigh. That did not just fucking happen.

Why was he being so oddly persistent?

Probably looking for a quick fuck.

“That’s what they all want.” - you whispered aloud

I was lost in my thoughts. The thoughts being the image of the pretty quarterback crouched down while examining my alien book, the skin at the corner of his eyes crinkling up when he smiled.

God he was so-

My train of thought abruptly stopped when I heard a quiet voice. I looked around, confused, before my eyes landed on my phone. The call with Lyla was very much still going.

I remembered why I was rushing in the first place, and my eyes went wide. After quickly grabbing my phone to my ear, I realized just how crazy I was about to sound.

“Lyla, you will never guess what just happened. It sounds crazy.” - you

“You can tell me after you fucking pick me up!! Come on!” - Lyla

——

Flashback - still 2018 - LSU

“Are you excited to watch your man play?” - Lyla squealed

I rolled my eyes at her words. We were currently sitting down in our seats for the first home game of the season.

My run-in with Joe was months ago, and I hadn’t seen him since then, not like I expected that I would, but Lyla swore up and down he was into me.

She hadn't let the interaction go, and when I perked up at the mention that she had an extra ticket for the game since her boyfriend bailed, it only made it worse.

“You know he's still single. Maybe he's waiting to see you again.” - Lyla bumped your shoulder

I stared at her for a few seconds, narrowing my eyes at her dumb assessment. There was no possible way that was true.

Joe and I were strangers. We only knew each other’s names and the fact that we both believed in aliens. To be frank, he's probably long forgotten about our encounter. There were girls constantly throwing themselves at him, so why would he pay attention to me?

Up til the team ran out, Lyla was talking about nothing but Joe.

“Lyla. He doesn't even know who I am. He's probably long forgotten about bumping into me. Even if I wanted to say something to him, which I don't.” - you

“Sure. We’ll see if that changes after you watch him play. Those football pants might do something to you.” - Lyla

“Stop saying things that make me roll my eyes. I'm gonna get a headache.” - you

“Or… stop fighting the fact that he was into you and one thousand percent recognize you if he saw you again. He called you pretty! And when you freaked out, he immediately got worried that he said something wrong.” - Lyla

Before I could say anything, the team ran out. Lyla immediately jumped up and yanked me up with her. I have to admit, the electricity running through Death Valley as everyone was on their feet cheering was an adrenaline rush. I couldn't help but jump and cheer as well.

My eyes landed on Joe fairly easily as he was leading the pack as QB1. And for a split second, he looked at me too. His eyes were scanning the crowd before looking away, but he did a double-take.

Unfortunately, Lyla noticed and shook my shoulder. We were in the bottom row of our section, so there was a chance he was looking at someone behind me. Right?

-

Joe’s POV - Same flashback

While running out with the team, I looked over at the crowd just to see how big it was. It was my first home game as a Tiger, and Death Valley already felt like home.

As I looked around, my eyes scanned over a familiar face. I looked away and realized, so I did a double take to make sure I wasn't seeing things or my mind was playing tricks on me.

It was her.

My eyes weren't deceiving me. It was y/n. The beautiful girl I had the lovely opportunity of gracing paths with. Quite literally.

When I first bumped into y/n, it felt like everything around me disappeared and that it was just us on that sidewalk, much like how it felt as our eyes met through the crowd.

I only knew this girl's name, but I’ll never forget how I felt crouched down on that sidewalk with her. Everything felt right. Like everything was still and at peace.

I never thought I’d see her again with how quickly she took off running after I called her pretty. Looking back, I could see why it freaked her out. Our personalities were meshing super well before I said that, and I know the reputation of college athletes. She probably thought I was trying to get in her pants, only to be gone by the morning.

I'd never been that kind of guy anyway. I had hooked up with a couple of girls while at Ohio State, but I got attached too easily and could never leave it as just a one-night stand.

Maybe I could talk to y/n more and show her that I wasn't the average college athlete fuckboy. That is if she'd even talk to me or even remember that we'd bumped into each other.

After Game - Same flashback

LSU won the game, and Joe was impressive, to say the least. Lyla nudged me after every good play he made, making sure to call him ‘my man’ when she was talking about him.

Everyone was filing out of the stadium, but Lyla and I stayed back to take a couple of pictures and wait for the crowd to die down.

We had our backs to the field, our noses buried in our phones as we looked at a few selfies we had taken.

“Okay, let me get a good pic of the field.” - Lyla

I wasn't exactly paying attention to her, but I noticed that she had turned around to take a picture of the stadium. When she did, though, she paused and gasped.

“Y/N… turn around.” - you

Sighing as I slipped my phone into my pocket, I turned around. My eyes went wide when I looked down and saw what - or who - was standing on the grass looking up at us.

“Hi.” - Joe smiled

Joe was in regular clothes now since the game had been over for about thirty minutes. He was all that was left on the field other than the training staff cleaning up and a few janitors.

“Hi?” - you smiled back

“Did you enjoy that game? I know you said you don't go out, so this must be a different environment for you.” - Joe

“It was so fun. You're crazy good, by the way. I'm impressed.” - you

Joe felt his cheeks heat up a little at the compliment, and it didn't go unnoticed by me. I saw the way his face turned a little pink.

“Thank you. It was awesome to see your pretty face again. That might be your queue to runaway, but that's how I feel.” - Joe smiled

My stomach filled with butterflies at him calling me pretty again, along with a feeling of slight embarrassment from his joke. Something about him making light of the situation gave me closure, though. He wasn't looking for a hookup.

“You’re pretty good-looking yourself.” - you grinned

“I’m glad you think so, y/n. But I didn't just walk over here to call you pretty again. I wanted to know if you'd like to have dinner with me tonight. I’d love to get to know you.” - Joe

I looked at Joe’s gorgeous face in shock before looking over at Lyla. She nodded and bumped my elbow with hers.

“I can get home just fine by myself. You get him, tiger.” - Lyle whispered

Looking back down at Joe, he looked up at me with hopeful eyes. His gaze shifted to Lyla, trying to read her expression before looking back at me.

“Sure. I'd love to have dinner tonight.” - you

Joe’s anxious expression broke into a huge smile, the nervous feeling in his stomach immediately going away. You said yes.

“Okay, great. Can I get your number? You know, so I can text you when I'm pulling around to pick you up.” - Joe

I nodded my head, the smile never leaving my face, and handed Joe my phone for him to put his number in. Once he was done, he handed me his phone to do the same.

After handing his phone back to him, Joe nervously rocked back and forth on his feet. Saying he was giddy was an understatement.

“So I’ll see you in a little bit?” - you

“Yup. It’s a date.” - Joe smiled

As soon as the words left his lips, he spun on the balls of his heels and walked back toward the tunnel. I slowly turned my head to Lyla, my eyes wide, and my jaw dropped.

“That did not just happen.” - you

“Oh, it so did! And he walked over to you. He initiated all of that. Not to mention, he just said that dinner with him tonight was a date. Y/N, that's your man!!” - Lyla

We both grabbed each other’s forearms, jumping up and down and giggling at the fact that Joe, a desirable starting college quarterback, just asked me on a date. Out of all of the girls who wanted him, Joe chose me, the girl he bumped into once.

——

Back to present day

Obviously, the first date went amazingly, and Joe and I have been together ever since. Joe always says that he knew I was the one when he first laid eyes on me, and the fact that his body immediately relaxed on that sidewalk was a sign of things to come. I was home to Joe, sometimes described as his everything.

Since the moment Joe and I started to get to know each other, he became my best friend. Well, I’d say that to everyone but Lyla. She would get a little salty if I told her that.

I remember thinking that Joe was cute the first time we crossed paths, but when he ran out of the tunnel that day, and we made eye contact, my insides melted. No other guy I had been with before was able to make me feel the way he did in that second.

Call it love at second sight.

For the rest of Joe’s time at LSU, before he graduated, we were stuck to each other at the hip, completely and utterly inseparable.

We had to do long distance for a year because I was still at LSU, and Joe got drafted by the Bengals. It was arguably the hardest year of my life.

As soon as Joe entered my life, he became the anchor that kept me grounded. I’d never been happier with someone, and we were together practically every moment that we could. So, to be living in completely different states was tough.

Once I graduated, though, I moved in with Joe. It was the house he bought with his rookie contract, and it was perfect for just the two of us. I ended up getting a marketing job in Cincinnati, just like I had planned when it was announced that Cincinnati had the first pick of the draft. Joe always told me that I didn't need a job since he was getting paid millions to play football, but I wanted to work. I didn't want to mooch off of my boyfriend.

But, a few months ago, I ended up calling it quits at that job. The workplace grew increasingly toxic under a recently hired new boss, and I found myself crumbling under the workload. Joe had been present for a few of my work-related breakdowns, and he finally put his foot down one day.

——

A few months ago

“I don't know if I can do it anymore, Joe. I feel like she's setting me up to fail.” - you

I was having yet another breakdown over work. Second time this week, and it was only Wednesday.

Joe was holding me as tight as he could, listening to every word that left my lips. We were lying on the couch, and I was cuddling on top of him, my face buried in his neck as I tried to calm down my crying. Joe had his arms wrapped around my waist, rubbing my back and kissing my head now and then. He hadn't said a word yet.

After my crying started to slow down, Joe abruptly rolled onto his side and unwrapped his arms from me. He stood up from the couch seconds later and grabbed my phone off of the end table.

“Joey? What’re you doing?” - you

“I can't do this anymore, y/n. This job is breaking you down, baby. I can't just sit here and hold you and then send you back just to have to do it again tomorrow. It hurts me to know you're hurting. I hate it.” - Joe

I stared at him dumbfounded. I knew he detested my job, but he respected my decision to go back every time.

“I’d be a terrible boyfriend to let you stay in that environment y/n.” - Joe

After sniffling a few more times and wiping my eyes and nose on the back of my sleeve, I finally spoke up.

“So what are you gonna do?” - you sniffled

“I’m calling your boss. I’ll try to remain calm, but when it comes to you, I can't control if I lose my shit. You’re the most important thing to me in the whole world, and to see you get treated like this is pissing me off.” - Joe

You could practically see steam coming out of Joe’s ears. I knew he was mad, but I didn't expect him to get this worked up. In another way, though, it made sense. I was the woman that Joe loved, and he took his responsibility of protecting me very seriously.

“What are you gonna say?” - you

“I’m telling her to put your two weeks in. Do you have two weeks of vacation days? I’m not letting you step foot in that office building.” - Joe

“You’re making me quit?? I need that job, Joe. How am I gonna pay for stuff?” - you

Joe did a massive eye roll before plopping down on the couch next to me. Here we go.

“That might just be the dumbest question you have ever asked. Baby, do you know how much money I make? It’d be stupid for you to keep that job that makes you feel like shit when your boyfriend is making millions to play football. No, you aren't mooching off of me, and I don't want to hear that. I want nothing more than to take care of you, y/n. You just have to let me.” - Joe

I stayed silent for a few moments, my anxiety and a feeling of guilt creeping in. My eyes welled up with tears again from Joe’s generosity and the fact that a bunch of fear came with it.

“I need a job, Joe.” - you mumbled

“Why? Why do you need one?” - Joe

It was gonna sound bad to say out loud, and the last thing I wanted was for Joe to think I had doubts about our relationship, but I was just being reasonable.

“What if things go south? I don't want to, and I don't think we will, but what if we break up? Then, I don't have anything to fall back on.” - you

“Are you being serious? We’re not gonna break up, baby. You’re it for me. Do I not make it obvious enough that I'm all in?” - Joe

“I know, it’s stupid. But I still worry.” - you

“You have no reason to. I'm not going anywhere, and that's a promise.” - Joe

——

Back to present day

So, that's when I finally agreed and decided to quit my job. Joe and I were able to spend a lot more time together, and we grew closer than ever before. I was putting full trust in him, and after a while, the thought wasn't scary.

I lay in bed for a while longer, just watching Joe as he slept peacefully. He just looked adorable.

My more innocent thoughts changed, though, as my eyes wandered over his perfect body once again. God, gaining weight was the best decision he's ever made.

Time to get down to business, I thought to myself.

I shoved the covers farther down the bed and gently spread Joe’s legs before kneeling in between them. After getting comfortable, I reached out for the waistband of his boxers and slowly pulled them down and over his perfect butt.

Joe stirred once he was fully exposed, probably feeling a draft but not fully waking up. Once he stopped moving around, I reached and wrapped my hand around his semi-erect cock. He always woke up a little hard, and right now, I was silently grateful for that.

Slowly pumping his length, I felt Joe harden and grow in my hand, and yet his face still showed zero tension. Once his erection leveled up to fully erect, I removed my hand from his length and slowly leaned down.

I wrapped my lips around his tip, watching his face the entire time I slowly inched my mouth down his dick. Joe let out a little whimper when his tip hit the back of my throat, but as I watched him, I noticed that he was still asleep.

After that, I doubled my efforts in hopes of drawing another sound from his lips while he was still out cold, and it was easier than expected. I sucked on his length as I bobbed my head, trying to give him the sloppiest head that I could conjure up. Joe would let out a little whimper or a quiet moan now and then, and I could tell he was close to waking up.

A minute later, with my eyes glued to Joe’s face, his mouth dropped open, and he moaned out. Louder than before. He’s awake.

Joe’s eyes fluttered open, and when he looked down to see my mouth around his cock, his eyes went wide, and he sat up straight. Joe’s cock got impossibly harder at the sight, and he buried a hand in my hair when I pulled off of him with a pop. I immediately wrapped my hand around him, stroking him fast with a grin on my face.

“Morning, Joey.” - you grinned

“Holy fuck, baby. I- I… fuck, I can't.” - Joe moaned

His raspy morning voice only made the experience hotter, so I took his length back into my mouth. Joe’s head was thrown back, and his grip on my hair got tighter. He's so close.

Joe continued to moan as I sucked him, his thoughts going crazy at the fact that he just woke up to me giving him head.

“So hot, baby. Oh god.” - Joe whimpered

A few moments later, Joe only started getting louder, his built chest heaving as he panted.

“Fuck, I'm cumming.” - Joe moaned

Joe held my head down and bucked his hips up, stilling as he exploded in my mouth.

“Fuck- fuck- fuck.” - Joe

It took a few minutes for Joe to gain his composure back, along with his breath, and I pulled off of his length. I rolled over back into my spot and cuddled up to Joe, pulling him into my chest.

I went to play with his hair before awkwardly stopping, remembering the fact that his curls were no longer there. Joe had recently changed up his hairstyle, and though it was hard to get used to at first, I loved it.

——

Flashback to a couple of months ago

“Hey.” - you

“Hi, baby.” - Joe

I was currently driving home from doing a few errands, including picking up dinner for Joe and me since he said we should just eat at home, though he didn't feel like cooking.

“Whatcha doing?” - you

“Nothing much. I'm looking at clothes for game day fits.” - Joe

“Sounds like fun!” - you enthused

Joe went silent for a couple of seconds before letting out a sigh, my eyes narrowing at his change of attitude.

“Sure. When are you gonna be home? I miss you, and I have a surprise for you.” - Joe

“You miss me? It’s only been a couple of hours, Joey. And I'm pulling onto our road right now. What'd you say about a surprise?” - you

“I have one for you.” - Joe

“Oooo. Am I gonna like it?” - you

Joe was freaking out just a little bit. Sure, what he did was what he wanted, but he was realizing now that it was a little impulsive, and he was worried about what you would think of it.

“Uh. Hopefully.” - Joe chuckled

We ended the call a few minutes later since I was literally in our garage. After grabbing all of the bags that I could, I walked into the kitchen through the mudroom. Joe was sitting at the counter, a grin forming on his lips when he saw me.

“Hey, gorgeous.” - Joe smiled

After placing the bags down and setting the food in front of Joe, I walked back around to the other end and up to him. Joe swiveled the barstool around, opening his arms for me once I stepped between his spread legs. He pulled me into a hug, and my head fell onto his shoulder, Joe’s arms wrapped tightly around my waist.

“Hi, handsome.” - you mumbled into his neck

Joe stayed silent for a few moments, rubbing his big hands over my back before pulling away and doing the same to my hips.

“Is there anything left in the car?” - Joe

“Just a couple more bags. I can get them, though.” - you

I went to turn around and head back for the mudroom, but Joe grabbed my arm and pulled me back to him.

“How about you get dinner out of the bags, and I’ll go get ‘em? - Joe

“Alright.” - you smiled

Joe pecked my lips before getting off the barstool. I watched him walk away till he disappeared from my sight, my eyes lingering on his ass for a few seconds before I looked away with a giggle.

-

Thirty minutes later, Joe and I had just finished dinner when I realized something. Ever since I got home, Joe’s been wearing a hat with his hood up over the top of it.

Joe cleared his throat to say something, looking over at me to see that I already had my eyes narrowed and staring at him.

“What?” - Joe chuckled

“Why do you have a hat on and your hood up? New questionable fashion choice?” - you

I giggled when he rolled his eyes, but his tone quickly switched back to serious.

“That’s what I was about to tell you. Close your eyes.” - Joe

“Is your hair my surprise?” - you

“Uhm. Basically.” - Joe

Please tell me he got the modern-ish-looking mullet that I've been begging him to do.

I closed my eyes, a grin on my face as I prepared myself. He's gonna look so hot.

Meanwhile, Joe’s heart was beating out of his chest. It was silly to be nervous about, but buzzing his hair, which he knew you loved, was almost a recipe for disaster.

Joe took his hood down before popping his Bengals hat off, running his hand over his spikey hair. He took one last deep breathe, mentally preparing himself for what you're reaction would be.

“Open.” - Joe

I opened my eyes, immediately jumping back with a scream. That’s not a mullet. He's fucking bald. Joe immediately started biting his cheeks and playing with his fingers.

“Is it that bad?” - Joe mumbled

“Joseph Lee. Your hair is gone. It’s gone.” - you

“Can you answer my question? I’m super scared right now.” - Joe

I stared at his head for a few more seconds, my eyes going between his practically bare head and his worried face. He looks so nervous.

Because I hadn't said anything yet, Joe dropped his head, unable to maintain eye contact with you because he was worried you weren't attracted to him.

“You hate it.” - he mumbled

My bottom lip stuck out in a pout as I pushed off of the barstool, wrapping my arms around Joe’s shoulder as his head ended up on my shoulder.

“Aww. Baby, I don't hate it. You know I love your hair, but there's so much more to look at than it. Look at me.” - you

I gently patted the back of Joe’s neck, and he leaned up. I cupped his cheeks, placing a kiss on his forehead before pulling back with a grin on my face.

“Your pretty face is the star of the show now. I can focus on your perfect nose, your baby blue eyes, and these perfect lips.” - you

When I mentioned Joe’s nose, I pecked the tip of it, rubbing my thumbs under his eyes when I mentioned them, and I pressed a kiss to his lips when I talked about them as well.

Joe’s cheeks turned pink at the overwhelming compliments, a cheeky grin forming on his lips before I returned his head to my shoulder.

“You’re so cute.” - you giggled

I rubbed his back as Joe giggled into my neck, his hot cheeks easily feelable on my neck.

“Hair or no hair, you're the hottest man I've ever seen.” - you grinned

—

Later that week - Same flashback

I was sitting on the couch when Joe got home from his workout. I was neck-deep in a conversation about Love Island USA with Lyla, so I didn't even look up when Joe loudly shut the mudroom door.

Truthfully, he shut the door loudly on purpose to try to get your attention. When you weren't already looking up at him when he entered the house, he attempted to slam the door so you'd look up, but you didn't.

“I’m homeeee.” - Joe

It was adorable how he drawled out the word, but I was too busy ranting about my least favorite person on the show to acknowledge Joe.

“Baby?” - Joe

“Hi, Joe.” - you

Joe walked into the house, dramatically dropping his bag on the floor before basically throwing himself down on the couch next to you. And yet you still hadn't looked up at him.

“Are you gonna ask me how my workout went..?” - Joe

“How’d your workout go?” - you sighed

He had to grin. He loved messing with you.

“Good. Can I have a kiss?” - Joe

All I did was pucker my lips, my eyes still not leaving my phone as I sent a frantic paragraph in response to something Lyla said.

Joe leaned over and craned his neck to give me a kiss, my eyes going wide when his head came into view. I immediately jumped back, our lips barely ever touching.

“Oh my god. You bleached it?” - you chuckled

I watched Joe move back to his seat so that he was comfortable and not straining his neck. He nodded with a grin, and my eyes were stuck on his bleached + buzzed head.

“What do ya think?” - Joe

I couldn't lie. As bizarre and silly as bleaching and buzzing his hair was… he looked hot as fuck.

“You look good. I kind of like this more. You look less intimidating.” - you giggled

With how bright his hair was, it brought out his blue eyes. One of my favorite features of his and something I could find myself getting lost in.

I moved over after setting my phone down, eventually straddling his lap as Joe’s hands found their place on my hips.

That hair made his perfect face the star of the show, and his built chest and sculpted arms were a sight. I was getting worked up, and he was just sitting here.

“I'm not gonna lie, you look hot.” - you

“Yeah?” - Joe

I nodded, my arms going around his neck as I slowly ground down onto his crotch. Joe groaned, leaning forward and smashing his lips into mine.

“Fuck.” - Joe groaned

After a few minutes of making out, I pulled away from his slick, reddened lips. God, he looks so hot right now.

“We should probably stop. We have to tour our possible wedding venue in less than two hours, and I need to go get ready.” - you

Oh yeah, Joe and I got engaged right after his trip to France! We were planning our wedding for the next off-season, and today we were going to tour a venue with both sets of our parents.

I grinned at Joe’s pout, sad that I was leaving him hanging because he was very hard. But he couldn't get too upset. Not when we were about to tour the place where we were possibly going to get married.

“Are you not excited?” - you chuckled

“No, I am. I just don't want to have to go take a cold shower. And alone.” - Joe

Chuckling as I crawled off of Joe’s lap, I couldn't help but bite my lip at the sight of the tent in his pants.

“Stop that!” - Joe

I only laughed louder before Joe got up from the couch, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“I'm excited to see the venue, though. It���ll make everything feel a lot more real.” - Joe

“Me too. The thought alone makes me giddy. I can't wait to marry you.” - you

“I can't wait to marry you more. I've been waiting for that moment since I bumped into you on that sidewalk.” - Joe grinned

I laughed at his over-the-top statement, finding it both endearing and silly.

“Okay, I think you need that cold shower now. You need some blood flow to go back to your head instead of your dick.” - you chuckled

“Why do you say that?” - Joe laughed

“You’re starting to say some questionable things.” - you

Joe cocked his head to the side, narrowing his eyes at me because he was confused.

“What have I said that's questionable?” - Joe

“Saying that you've been waiting for us to get married since we met.” - you

He rolled his eyes when I left his arms and gently started pushing him towards the stairs. Joe argued that he meant what he said our entire trip into our bathroom.

“Okay, okay! Get in the shower, goofball.” - you

I threw a towel at Joe before turning to the sink, going to grab my face wash before doing my makeup when a cloth fabric hit my face. I put the bottle down to pull the garment off of my head. Lo and behold, it was Joe’s boxers.

Turning around to glare at him, all I'm met with is the sight of Joe butt naked. The only thing he's wearing is a cheeky grin that makes the corner of his eyes crinkle up. If he wasn't so perfect, I’d slap him.

“Ya know… I’m still pretty horny from that make-out earlier…” - Joe

“Get in the shower.” - you

“Yes, ma'am.” - Joe sighed

I watched him climb into the shower with a smile on my face, shaking my head at his antics.

At least I know I'm marrying a man that always keeps me on my toes, I thought to myself.

“Baby, are you sure you don't want t-” - Joe

“Yes, Joe! Shower.” - you

Authors note: The next part will go back to present-day! Or August 1st. This part was just kind of setting the stage for the real stuff!!

Requests;

HOPE YOU ENJOYED!!! 💕

[k1ngpin42]

POV: 𝘼𝙗𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧r- (mini fic)

Warnings: Dating, public 18+, dominant Abby, fingering

You, Abby, Mel, Manny and Whitney are sitting at a table in the WLF base. You and Abby aren’t allowed to be paired together on patrols anymore after Mel snitched about the time she caught you two fucking while on duty. To be fair, though, the door of the room you two were in had been locked from the outside, it wasn’t your fault Mel didn’t knock. 

Anyway, not being able to see her throughout the day was fucking with you. Images of what you two would do the night and morning before you’d go on patrol, things you two used to do at any available moment on away missions. Against the wall when the other soldiers turned their back, on the floor, against an old car,  on the table where you and the others would plan routes around seraphite camps, one time you even fucked while in a room full of clickers. (It was the most terrifying orgasm you had ever experienced if you’re being honest with yourself. Still amazing though.)

She sits down and the tension is immediate, you’d let her take you right here and now if she asked.

“Hey love, how were your assignments today?” She asks. Fuck. You didn’t know what was up with you today cause you were fucking wet at the site of her.

“What? Oh, yeah, it was alright…” You say, eyes scanning her body. You hear the others talk indistinctly and your gaze immediately drops to her hands.

“Did you really have to invite the game nerd?” You hear Mel whisper. You roll your eyes.

“Whitney’s my friend, Mel, don’t be a dick.” You tell her bluntly, and Whitney looks up at this. Mel looks at her with a guilty expression.

“Whitney I didn’t mean….”

“Oh it’s okay Mel. I can just sit by myself like I usually do.”

“Nonsense, you’re with us.” Manny reassures.

Once this drama clears up, Abby and Mel start telling the others stories about their mission today. Various jokes and exaggerations. None of this was relevant to you, though, cause for the love of everything holy, you couldn’t focus.

You watched as she enhanced her story with hand movements, her laugh was a melody in your ears, her voice a chorus. The veins on her hands were still prominent, she must have had to beat up some form of enemy, usually runners. Or maybe she had been lifting something heavy.

A smile smile pressed your lips at the thought of that. The thought of her big arms straining, she would groan slightly before the metal crate behind a door would move and she’d let out another satisfied sigh. Fuck. Those arms, those hands, you needed them inside you, on you, you didn’t care which. 

“He grabs the EMPTY gun and points it at the woman. She’s got a fuckin club or something and he says….well, something in Spanish.” Abby explains to the group who have been intently listening, making you feel slightly bad for zoning out.

“ Estás acabado, cabron. You are finished, asshole.” 

“Haha…nice.” Abby replies, taking a bite of her food. She looks over at you, who is still too focused on the way the vein on her right hand is more prominent than on her left. When she notices this, she smirks. That same cocky fucking smirk when she knows that, once again, she’s read you like a book.

“Hey so, that new training manual you read, what was it again?” She asks you as she slips a hand on your thigh. You’re wearing baggy blue jeans and even with them on you feel heat trickle down your spine.

“Oh the one about long guns? Well…the main premise is about rounds.” She moves her hand so it’s cupping your cunt through the fabric. 

“I-“ You clear your throat. “Each gun has a unique gear that allows the rounds to move more fl-“ Abby cautiously unzips the jeans. “Fluidly.” You explain. She starts teasing your pussy with her index fingers and painting your clit with slick.

“Have you tested it out on a gun? The upgrade?” Abby asks, watching you with an amused expression as she increases the pace.

“Wh-at…oh um, yeah.” You stumble over your words.

“Ah well you can come improve my weapon, do you know how many times this gun has been stepped on? I’m surprised I can put new rounds in at all.” Manny laughs. Your eyelids flutter as she puts her two middle fingers inside you and circles your clit with her thumb. She does all this with her left hand, not even taking her eyes off of the group, she doesn’t have to. 

How does this not make her uncomfortable? How does the fact that our whole friend group will watch you cum work for her in any way?

“Only if you gi-mm~” You stifle your moan with your hand.

“You okay?” Mel asks you. You nod.

“Just tired, I was gonna say, only if you give me a….ah~ a good gun too since he always hogs them all.”

“I do not.” He laughs. 

Fuck, Abby’s hands rubbing you feels fucking insatiable but you need to be alone with her, you can’t stand how embarrassing this feels. You want her to fuck you till you can’t breathe, not tease you in front of people you have to interact with on the regular.

“I might go to bed early.” You say, attempting to push Abbys hands away. She grabs your arm tightly and gives you a warning look.

“Aw don’t be silly, we’ll go when you’re finished.” She pauses. “…Eating.” Abby adds, increasing her pace as well as the pressure on your clit. Fuck, you could scream at how good it feels. You want to scream. 

“Who were you with today baby?” Abby asks. Fuck you could kick her right now. She’s clearly doing this on purpose to hear you make a fool of yourself in front of her your friends. It won’t work, you try to convince yourself.

“Um, I don’t know, it was me, two guys and a girl. The girl was dating one of the guys so me and the other guy did most of the patrolling while they probably, I don’t even know, did each other or something.” You explain, enjoying the feeling of her thick, warm fingers. Fuuuuuuck.

Mel looked guilty again. She always did, maybe this is just her resting face?

“I’m sorry that you and Abby can’t go on patrols anymore.” Mel utters, quietly. You roll your eyes but before you can even think to be annoyed at her, Abby pushes just the right place and you let out a gush of satisfied air.

“Agh~ all good.” You say, keeping your composure fairly well. Abby rewards this by easing up slightly and you instinctively buck your hips forward. 

“Do you prefer hot places or cold?” Abby asked, and at this point you’re forcing your eyes open. 

“What?” You ask, bitterly. Fuck you’re painfully close, you’re so gonna hit her when this is over. 

“Abby…” You whisper to her, her smirk widens, cocky prick.

“Did you say something baby?” You sigh and poke at some of the food on your plate. 

“Hot. I don’t like the cold or the rain, snow’s the only…f….um, exception.” You breathe out. Abby can tell by the look on your face that you’re cumming and she tilts her head, admiring you.

“I prefer the heat too. It’s always hot in Mexico.” Manny says, his voice just a murmer as you see colours through your eyelids. Holy fuck, you’d give anything to let out a loud moan right now. 

“I’m actually pretty tired too, I think we’re gonna turn in early.” Abby explains to the others. Mel nods and Manny looks mildly disappointed, but doesn’t say anything. 

“Have a good night.” Whitney says with a warm smile. You nod and Abby helps pull you up. You bite back a wince at how sensitive it feels to have your legs together and you hurry with Abby out of the hall.

“Abigail fucking Anderson.” You warn, simply. She smiles, kissing you playfully on the cheek.

“Yeah?” She asks. You punch her arm lightly. 

“Do you like making a fool of me? All our friends saw-“

“Did you like it?” She asks, that seductive and almost arrogant smirk still evident on her pretty fucking face. You roll your eyes. She kisses your neck and leans in to your ear.

“I bet you were thinking about it. My hands, my fingers, I was just giving you what you want.” 

“Yeah but…I mean at dinner? That’s just torture.” 

“Aw.” She says with fake sympathy. “Want me to make it up to you?”

°..·°¯°·._.· 🎀 >.¸.·°¯°·.¸.·°🎀 >-.¸.·°¯°·.¸.·°¯

[brain-rot-central]

I think my favorite part of the entire Astarion romance is after his act 2 confession, the rest of the camp just assumes y'all are fuckin' like wildebeests night after night. And Astarion is totally the type to keep up appearances and will 100% lean into the act when prompted ("oh, yes, you should see how they purr for me; wasn't last night wonderful, darling?")

The reality though is each night you both agree to meet, it often ends in either a heartfelt discussion or the two of you falling asleep in each other's arms. Sometimes there's a tad more -- perhaps it gets a bit heated as you both test the waters of physical intimacy again, but no one really knows the truth aside from yourselves.

Still, it's fun to watch everyone else grind their gears and you both have a good laugh over it. Because when you finally come together again, they'll know. The whole city will know.

[mrs-delaney]

The way Joe got so flustered seeing Riley's yoga selfie i need more of these moments where Mr cool loses his cool

Hide | Blurb | Thirty Minutes

Author's Note: This scene was inspired by a reader's suggestion about wanting to see more moments where "Mr. Cool loses his cool" around Riley. If you have other moments you'd be interested in reading, let me know.

Warnings: Suggestive content, professional boundaries tested, sexually charged text messages, management concerns, and that moment when your carefully controlled life gets beautifully derailed by someone who makes the chaos worth it

Joe was in the middle of an Alo contract renegotiation meeting in his living room when his phone vibrated against the coffee table. Bill and Mark were finalizing the terms for his activewear partnership renewal while the Alo marketing director had stepped out to take a call, leaving contract paperwork spread across every surface. The afternoon sun slanted through the floor-to-ceiling windows, catching on the steel-blue fabric of his couch and illuminating the meticulous space he called home.

He glanced down discreetly at the notification.

Riley's name. Just seeing it made the corner of his mouth twitch upward.

The message preview simply read: "Missing you. Don't open this around people."

Joe should have waited. The rational, disciplined part of his brain—the part that made him exceptional on the field—knew better. But it was Riley, and his usual rules didn't seem to apply when it came to her. Six months into whatever this was between them, and she still managed to disrupt his carefully structured world with nothing more than a text.

Under the table, shielding his phone from view, he opened the message.

The photo loaded and Joe's entire body went rigid. Riley was completely naked, posing in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom. She'd angled the shot to show the curve of her back, the photo capturing her from behind with her face turned over her shoulder toward the mirror, her expression pure mischief. Her hair cascaded down her back, but did nothing to conceal what was an entirely unobstructed view of her body. The small tattoo on her hip—the one he'd traced with his fingers countless times—was clearly visible.

"Just got out of the shower and thought of you," her caption read. "Studio session tonight, but wishing you were here instead..."

Joe's breath caught in his throat. He locked his screen immediately, setting the phone face-down with practiced calm despite the sudden rush of heat through his body. He shifted in his seat, grateful for the conference table between him and his management team.

"Joe?" Bill's voice seemed to come from miles away. "You good with these numbers for the expanded athleisure line? They want to add compression gear and recovery wear with a ten percent royalty increase."

Joe looked up, his expression betraying nothing despite the chaos in his head. Years of post-game press conferences had prepared him for this exact kind of poker face. "Could you repeat the question?" he asked, his voice only slightly tighter than usual.

Mark narrowed his eyes, exchanging a glance with Bill. "Where'd you go just now?"

"Just thinking through the schedule implications," Joe said smoothly. He glanced down at the contract in front of him, the numbers and clauses suddenly meaningless shapes. "The July promotional shoot conflicts with my training schedule with Dak. I need those three weeks uninterrupted before camp."

His phone vibrated again against the table. The discipline that made him elite on the field momentarily failed him as he glanced at the screen.

"Too much? Or should I send another?"

Joe stood up, every movement controlled despite the fire running through his veins. "I need to make a quick call. Five minutes."

Without waiting for a response, he walked—not rushed, not hurried, but with clear purpose—to his bedroom and closed the door behind him. His hands were remarkably steady as he called Riley, a testament to years of performing under pressure.

She answered on the second ring, her laugh soft and genuine. The sound of it traveled straight through him, a melody he'd grown to crave.

"Riley." He could barely form coherent thoughts. "I have my entire management team in my living room with the Alo executives."

"Did you actually open it?" she asked, sounding both surprised and delighted. "I didn't think you would with people around. Mr. Discipline himself breaking his own rules?"

"I shouldn't have," he admitted, running a hand through his hair as he paced the length of his bedroom. The king-sized bed in his peripheral vision wasn't helping his concentration. "But it's you."

"And?" She was clearly grinning on the other end of the line. He could picture her—probably curled up on her sofa in her New Orleans house, feet tucked under her, that satisfied smirk on her face. The same expression she wore when she managed to pull him out of his comfort zone.

"And now I have to go back out there and pretend I can focus on activewear percentages when all I can think about is..." He stopped himself, glancing at the closed door, suddenly aware of how thin the walls might be.

"Is what?" She pressed, enjoying his discomfort. "Come on, quarterback. Use your words."

Joe exhaled slowly. "You know exactly what," he said, his voice low. "And now I have to somehow focus on this contract when all I can think about is you."

He heard her smile through the phone.

"I do," she said, that teasing edge still in her voice. "I just like knowing I can distract you when you're being all business Joe."

"That's what this is about?" His lips curled into a smile despite himself. "Testing me during a contract meeting?"

"Maybe," she admitted. "Or maybe I just miss you. Two weeks is too long."

The simple admission hit him harder than the photo had. "I miss you too," he said quietly, the truth of it settling in his chest. There was a vulnerability in his voice he'd never allow himself with anyone else. "Being in the same time zone and still not seeing you... it's harder than I expected."

"Yeah," Riley said, her voice softening. "This is the weird part no one tells you about. That sometimes it's worse when you're close but still apart than when you're on opposite coasts."

He recognized the quiet strain in her voice – how the distance was wearing on her differently than it did on him. For Joe, it was a physical ache, a disruption to the routine he'd built around her. For Riley, he knew, it was the emotional limbo, the uncertainty of where they stood when they were apart.

"I need to finish this meeting. Don't go anywhere. I'm calling you back in thirty minutes, and you better be ready to finish what you started."

The silence on the other end lasted just long enough for him to know he'd caught her off guard. That was the thing about Riley—as much as she enjoyed throwing him off balance, she seemed equally affected when he pushed back.

But Riley Carter never stayed off-balance for long.

"Baby it's cute," she replied, her voice dropping to that husky tone that made his stomach tighten. "You think you're in charge of this conversation. I've got another photo queued up that'll have you walking out of that meeting entirely."

Joe's jaw clenched, equal parts frustration and arousal. "Riley—"

"Thirty minutes," she cut him off. "Better wrap up that meeting fast, Burrow."

He recognized the challenge in her voice – the same stubborn determination he'd first noticed that night on Fallon's show. Always keeping him on his toes, never letting him get too comfortable.

"You mentioned a studio session in your text," he said, glancing at his watch.

"Not for hours," she clarified. "I'm all yours until then."

He ended the call without another word and took a moment to compose himself before returning to the meeting. Three deep breaths. A mental reset. It was the same technique he used before taking the field after an interception.

As he reentered the living room, Bill looked up expectantly. "Everything alright?"

"Fine," Joe replied, sliding back into his seat. "Where were we?"

The Alo executive had returned and was reviewing the social media exclusivity clause. "We're requesting first rights to any fitness content for the next twelve months, with a minimum of eight posts specifically featuring the athleisure collection."

Joe nodded along, making appropriate comments and counteroffers where necessary. "I'll commit to six posts, not eight. And I want the final approval on all images and captions."

As he negotiated caps on his public appearances and promotional obligations, a part of his mind remained fixed on Riley and the promises in her voice. No one would dare comment on his brief absence, and no one would be able to read on his face what had just transpired.

But for the next thirty minutes, as he calmly negotiated the final terms of his contract, Joe Burrow was already planning his revenge on Riley Carter for testing his legendary self-control. And winning.

When the meeting finally ended and the last handshake was exchanged, Joe showed his guests to the door with his usual polite efficiency. Mark lingered behind, eyebrows raised in silent question.

"That call earlier," Mark started, straightening his tie. "Anything I need to worry about?"

Joe met his gaze steadily. "Nothing that concerns the team, the contract, or my performance."

Mark studied him for a moment longer. "You're different lately. Since New Orleans." It wasn't an accusation, just an observation. "You've changed the way you approach your schedule, you're less available for last-minute appearances. There's a... flexibility to you now that wasn't there before."

The observation landed closer to home than Joe expected. He had changed – in ways both subtle and profound. His perfectly ordered life had developed intentional spaces for chaos, for spontaneity. For Riley.

"Is that a problem?" Joe asked, though he already knew his own answer regardless of Mark's response.

"Not if it keeps working for you," Mark conceded. "Your numbers at training are better than ever. But just remember what's at stake this season. After last year's injury, the organization needs to see your focus is one hundred percent back on football."

Joe's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "My focus has never left football. But my life isn't just football anymore." The admission surprised even him – how easily he acknowledged what had once been unthinkable.

Mark nodded once, seeming to accept this new reality. "Fair enough. Just keep the balance, that's all I'm saying."

"I never forget what's at stake," Joe replied, already reaching for his phone.

After the door closed behind Mark, Joe stood in the silence of his house, the afternoon sun now casting longer shadows across his minimalist furniture. He picked up his phone, his thumb hovering over Riley's name.

The quiet of his carefully ordered space suddenly felt empty rather than peaceful. He glanced around at the unfinished living room, the minimal furniture that served its purpose without personality, the blank walls he'd never bothered to decorate. For the first time, he saw it through Riley's eyes—not just minimalist, but incomplete, lacking the warmth and personal touches that seemed to surround her wherever she went.

His gaze fell on the empty wall near the entry, the perfect spot for something that had been on his mind. Not a sterile piece of commissioned art like the others, but maybe some framed vinyl covers from Riley's collection or a photo from New Orleans. Something that would bring her energy into this space even when she wasn't physically here.

His phone buzzed again in his hand. Another message from Riley.

"Still thinking about you."

Attached was another photo, this one showing her lying in bed, bare shoulder peeking out from beneath rumpled sheets, the hint of collarbone, and just the corner of a smile visible in the frame. Somehow more intimate than the explicit one she'd sent earlier.

Joe smiled as he looked around his impeccable apartment once more. The quiet space suddenly felt empty in a way it never had before.

He hit the call button, already knowing that whatever careful plans he'd had for the rest of the day were about to be completely derailed.

"Hey, baby," Riley answered, her voice warm and full of promise.

And for once, he didn't mind at all when his perfectly structured day fell apart at the seams.

[novasintheroom]

123. Desire

♡ Pairing - Vash x Reader

♡ Word count - 1.4k

♡ Warnings - none

♡ Description: Vash slowly realizes that he wants to be yours.

Part of the 150 Bullets drabble series on AO3 (will post there and add link once AO3 is back up)

It comes up first one hot day in the town of Gargantan.

The bag of doughnuts crinkles in your grip as you weave through the morning bustle, heading toward the column of red at the end of the street. Vash knows he’s in trouble as soon as he smells it. You walk up to him, already giving a strange look. “What’s did you get?” You ask.

Vash laughs nervously. He keeps the two bags of doughnuts he already bought behind his back. “Just some bullets!”

You sniff the air. Lean forward and brush his cheeks with your fingertips. It comes away with powdered sugar. “Vash, did you get more doughnuts?”

He feels his stomach clench with guilt and hunger. Looking down, he gives a sheepish smile. “I just…wanted to try that other shop too.”

“Vash,” your mouth works, words forming and dissolving as you think of what to say. You’re fighting a smile. “We agreed we only had enough fun money for one bag of doughnuts.”

“I know.”

“We have three bags of doughnuts now, birdie.”

“I know,” he says again. He pouts, wondering what got into him. He’s usually much better about his money, but, lately, being with you…he feels…he doesn’t know. Like it’s okay to get food again. Even if it hurts the wallet a bit. “Hey, we don’t have to split a doughnut now, though! Look,” he pulls out a chocolate glazed doughnut, then another. “Two for one! BOGO!”

“You’re such a problem,” you groan.

He knows you’re joking. He knows. But something inside him shudders, and he wants to fix it. Make you feel better after his mistake. “Well, I’m your problem.” He says it as a joke. Tests the waters. See if there’s blood in them.

Your smile is genuine as you punch him in the shoulder, hitting the plating of his arm. “Yeah, you are. Heaven help me, but you are. Now give me a doughnut.”

The stirring of crickets in his stomach is the only warning he has of what’s to come. Your problem, he smiles, handing you a jelly-filled doughnut and eating his second with you. He likes the sound of that.

--

He toys with the idea. Handles it around and around in his head like a child with a very delicate antique, so clumsy with his hands but knowing how special it is.

It comes up again.

Nothing goes right all day, and by the end of it, you’re both tired and in a bad mood. Camping out in a buried, derelict ship is the last thing either of you want right now, but the ghost stories will keep the locals away. You set up your sleeping gear nearby. No fire tonight; there’s too many eyes searching for you two.

Vash can feel the breeze blowing through the holes of the ship. Cool, cool air that will turn to ice once the suns fully set. He looks over at you and sees the goosebumps rising on your arms, eyes picking out each individual hair standing on end. Vash chews the inside of his cheek. “Wanna sleep closer?”

It takes a moment for you to register he’s talking. Blinking, you look up. “Hm? What?”

 “Do you want to sleep closer tonight? For warmth, I mean.”

Your eyes flit across his face. You’ve always been a fan of your personal space. Vash isn’t sure you’ll accept. Then, you shrug. “Sure. Why not.”

The day must have really taken it out of you for you to say ‘yes,’ but Vash isn’t complaining. You drag your stuff over to his and set up sluggishly. “I’m mad about what that mayor said to you on the way out,” you say, baring your feelings like you do, always an open book. “He shouldn’t have called you that. Especially after we saved his daughter.”

He doesn’t feel like talking about it, a fresh wound on his heart that will heal anyway. So he hums and lays down. “I’m just glad we got away before they pulled out the whips. That was…weird.”

You laugh and scoot over to his side, and Vash can feel your warmth. “You think they’re into the freaky stuff?”

He laughs with you and shakes his head. He’s about to respond when you curl up next to him and place your head on his shoulder. Mouth drying out, a strange feeling in the back of his throat forms. You press your side shyly closer into his.

“You don’t mind being my pillow for tonight, right?” You mumble it, and he can hear the embarrassment in your tone. This is hard for you.

He clears his throat and says, “Nah, it’s fine. I’m all yours.”

It goes quiet, and Vash wonders if he said the wrong thing. But then your breathing evens out, and he realizes you’re asleep. The day really took it out of you, then. Carefully, he brings his arm around your shoulders and pulls you closer. He doesn’t want you getting cold. “Yeah,” he mumbles, “all yours.”

--

What exactly is it that he wants?

You ask him this on the road. The suns are cresting some cliffs to the side, fall season turning the temperatures just a bit cooler – only just. And he says, “For love and peace to rule.” Typical.

“But what do you want? When love and peace is achieved and everyone’s happy?” You walk ahead of him, minding your steps, toeing an invisible line, kicking pebbles off to the side. “What do you want to be?”

He watches. Your figure curves as you bend over to pick up a white rock, throwing it up in the air and catching it again. You handle it, looking at the tiny crystals within that make it sparkle in the light. A habit of yours, he’s noticed – how you handle everything and everyone carefully, twisting them this way and that to find their hidden facets. You do it with him all the time. You’re doing it now, digging into his psyche, making him wonder about his own desires and wants. His eyes trace the shape of your lips as they purse.

Vash shakes out of his stupor when you glance at him, waiting for an answer. “I’ll probably be some kind of Plant engineer. Keep my sisters safe and healthy.” After all, what else is there for someone like him?

“Do you want to be an artist? An historian? You can’t just be an engineer all the time. What else do you want to be?”

His lips curve up. “I’ll still be with you, right? You’ve got the historian and artist bit down for the both of us.”

You groan and throw the rock away. The sands eat it up instantly, lost once again to the dunes of time. “Without leaning on me, Vash.” You look at him, eyes roving over his face for something he isn’t sure of. “When everything else is stripped away and accomplished, what do you want to be?”

Something in his chest erupts into butterflies. He knows the answer, cheesy as it is. Yours, yours, yours, his heart murmurs. I want to be yours.

--

It comes out in the quiet hours of the night, between dusk and midnight.

Your kisses are slow, sensual. He can’t get enough. The soft sand underneath, the cave overhead, the glow of worms in the distant sky through the mouth. You’re safe. He’s safe. His hands rove your sides, traveling under your shirt to massage the tender skin at your ribs. Your own hands travel from his neck to his stomach, back to his hair, feeling, feeling.

In a pause, a way to catch your breath, you look up at him in the blue gloom and grin. Your eyes are so full of love, twinkling like close stars. “Vash,” you murmur, petting your hand through his hair, tugging at the ends, his growing undercut. Your chests heave together, touching then retracting. Your nails scratch gently behind his ear, and goosebumps hike up his neck. “My Vash.”

It sends a shiver up and down his spine. Yes, this is what it is; this is what he has been searching for. And he should say something like ‘my mayfly,’ but what tumbles out of his kiss-swollen lips is, “Your Vash. Yours.”

Your laugh is deep and happy. He surges forward to catch it, feel it in his mouth as he kisses you again and again. “Yours,” he keeps murmuring, settling it in his own head, his own heart. “All yours. I’m yours.”

This is what he wants to be.

A place to belong. A place in your arms.

Yours.

[cherryblossombankai]

Word Count: 1.9K

Summary: After Gale accidentally witnesses you in a vulnerable state, he tries to make up for his mistake. It goes better than he expected.

Warnings: fem!reader, masturbation, accidental voyeurism, bathtub sex, penetration, creampie, pining, so much pining

“For fuck’s sake,” Gale growls under his breath as he stares at the purple ceiling of his tent. In his pants, his cock is once more rock-hard and throbbing. Even the feeling of the fabric of his underwear brushing against his cock feels like too much stimulation. He’s already panting pathetically as he tugs at the collar of his shirt. 

All it took was one fleeting thought of you, how it had felt when you kissed his cheek earlier that night, and now he’s fighting the urge to jerk off. He wants you so badly it’s driving him insane. Although the year since he last allowed himself to be released is certainly not helping matters. He’d been quite convinced that the excitement of arousal would be enough to set off the orb. As he’s learned a bit more about it, that conclusion doesn’t seem accurate. However, he’s not brave enough to test it. 

The air in his tent feels thick and suffocating all of a sudden. He peers through the opening to make sure nobody is out before crawling out of his tent. He sits outside on one of his cushions, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself, then reaches down to adjust himself in his pants. 

He enjoys the cool night air on his heated skin. He even closes his eyes to savor the moment, then he hears it…A soft, gentle moan in the night. 

Did that come from your tent?

His heart pounds in his chest. Fighting off the images of you laying on your bedroll, thighs spread and shirt open while you touch yourself, he opens a book to distract himself. 

“I’ve become a pervert in my old age,” he murmurs. With simple magic, he lights a lamp and then tries to read the book. He swears you seem to be moaning louder. 

“Gale,” you pant softly. His ears perk up at the sound of his name being said so sweetly. 

Meanwhile, in the confines of your tent, your eyes are tightly closed and your fingers eagerly rub at your swollen clit. You imagine it’s Gale touching you, whispering sweet words in your ear. You developed a crush on him quite early on, but lately, it’s developed into an almost feral need for him. 

He crawls over to the entrance of your tent. His moves are slow and easy as he pushes aside the flap. When he spots you on your bedroll, he has to bite his lip to stifle a moan. 

“Gale!” you shriek upon seeing him, throwing the blanket over you to cover your lower half. “What the hells?” 

Gale shakes himself out of the haze he’d found himself in and averts his gaze, “I apologize!” 

He backs away and then sprints back to his tent. His body feels tightly knotted. As he sits down upon his bedroll, he’s panting like an aroused animal. Leaning forward to hold his head in his hands, he utters to himself what a fool he was for snooping. 

The next morning, he can’t look at you. Across the camp, he’s watching you begin gathering your gear, preparing for the day’s adventure. When you look up at him, his cheeks burn and he clears his throat before approaching. 

“Shall I join you today?” he asks, hope tinting his words. 

“Oh, I was going to ask Lazael to accompany me,” you blush, looking down at the ground. “We’re going to check out some ruins!” 

“Ah! Ruins! Who knows what manner of magic you might stumble upon,” Gale’s eyes twinkle with excitement. “I must press you once more to consider allowing me to accompany you.” 

You flash him a sweet smile, “Not this time, but I promise I’ll bring you a gift if I find anything magical.” 

Gale’s smile fades as he watches you turn and walk away from him. He knows why you’re distant. He fucked up…Badly. He doesn’t know what he expected to happen when he had looked in your tent. Perhaps some perverse part of him had clung to the fleeting hope you’d offer your pretty hand to him and invite him to your bedroll. It was a foolish notion, one he spends most of the day beating himself up over. 

“Damnit, I am Gale of Waterdeep! I can fix this,” he utters to himself as he slams closed the book he’d tried to distract himself with and stands from the stone bench he’d been resting on. 

“Oh, talking to ourselves now, are we?” Astarion teases him gently. 

Gale looks at the spawn, who sits upon the cushions by his tent mending one his shirts. “Merely offering myself encouragement,” he brushes off the comment. 

When you arrive back to camp, you look defeated and forlorn. Your skin is matted with dirt and blood, thankfully not your own. Gale approaches with a steaming bowl of stew he’d prepared for you. 

“Dinner, my lady?” he offers. 

“I’d rather have a bath,” you sigh. “But the stew will do.” 

“Ah, not to worry. A bath can also be arranged!” 

You smile softly, finding peace in his presence in spite of everything else. You take the bowl from his hands and take the seat he offers you at his tent. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t find anything,” you say as you begin eating. “I know I promsied to bring you back anything magical I found.” 

Gale chuckles softly, “It’s quite alright. I’m just glad you’ve returned in one piece.” 

“Thanks,” you smile softly and continue eating the stew. It’s delicious and earthy. 

Once you’re finished eat, Gale takes the bowl from you. When he comes back, he offers you a hand. 

“Now, I believe I promised you a bath,” he smiles softly. 

“Indeed you did.”

You follow him as he leads you to a secluded clearing in the forest, far from camp. With a few acts of magic, he conjures a hot bath for you. Then, he conjures a partition and a seat for himself on the other side to allow you some privacy. 

“Go on then,” he smiles as he takes his seat. 

“This is amazing, Gale! You’re the best,” you kiss his cheek quickly then wince when you realize how filthy you are. “Sorry.” 

“No need for apologies,” he smiles kindly.

Behind the partition, you undress carefully before sinking into the warm bath. Gale’s ears perk at the gentle, pleasured sigh you release as the hot water soothes your aching muscles. 

“It feels nice,” you say happily. 

“I’m glad,” he clears his throat. “Is there anything you need?” 

You smirk as you think of what to say. Then you lean over the edge of the tub just enough to look past the partition. 

“You could join me,” you offer. 

Gale instantly is on his feet, “Are you certain?” 

“Yes,” you look up at him as you sit up in the tub to reveal your chest. His eyes are on your breasts immediately. His cheeks flush as he looks away. You giggle before you continue, “After last night, I think we both need this.” 

Without more prompting, he begins shedding his clothes. You eye him appreciatively. Your eyes trail from his chest to his soft tummy, then focus on his trembling hands opening his trousers. He blushes at the boldness of your gaze. He braces himself for your reaction as he opens his pants and pushes them down. You gasp and when he looks up you’re biting your lip in a way he finds so damn cute. 

“Come to me,” you beg. 

He sinks into the tub in front of you. Greedy hands reach across the water to grab your waist and pull you closer to him. 

“I’ve dreamt of this moment,” he whispers before leaning in to catch your lips. 

His kiss is sloppy and needy from over a year of pent up need. He’d forgotten the pleasure of kissing another mortal. Soft, warm lips; the eagerness that makes kisses clumsy, such things can so easily be forgotten by the gods and therefore by those who find themself bedded with one. 

“You are beautiful,” he whispers against your mouth. He relishes the warmth of your breath against his mouth. 

“I think you’re beautiful too,” you whisper, your voice filled with reverence. Such tenderness is something he’s not used to. You cup his cheek, soothing your thumb along the corner of his mouth and then over his laugh lines. You lean in to kiss him again.

With tentative slowness, he cups your breasts. You moan into his kiss as he kneads the supple flesh, his thumbs dragging across your nipples. Fuck, he’s so hard already he feels like a fool. Just the thought of you is enough to arouse him, so to now have you this way makes him feel rabid. 

“Please tell me if I go too fast,” he says between kisses. “I don’t want to ruin this.” 

“You won’t.” 

You move closer to straddle him, eliciting a soft gasp from him. His hands move down to squeeze your ass gently. You grind against him, dragging his hard length against your core. Gale whines at the contact. 

Your lips crash into a heated kiss again. Your tongues rub together in sensual exploration. Tender fingers tangle in his hair, tugging ever so slight to make him whimper against your mouth. His hips buck against you, seeking more friction. 

“I need you,” he pants.

Lifting yourself slightly, you reach down to grasp his cock gently. You guide him to your entrance. 

“S-slow down,” he whines. “I haven’t touched you yet. You’re not ready…”

“I’m ready,” you assure him. The need has been stewing within you for so long, you’re more aroused than you thought possible. You sink onto him slowly, moaning as his thick cock fills your core. 

“Oh gods,” he grips tightly on your ass. “You feel…divine.” 

You press your forehead to his as you begin riding him. Water sloshes out of the side of the tub from the movements of your bodies. The night is quiet except for your heavy breaths mixing with Gale’s quiet whimpers. He leans back against the tub and looks at you as though you’ve gifted him the night sky. 

“Gale,” you moan. “I’m so close.” 

“I’ve got you,” he whispers. 

He reaches between your bodies and begins rubbing your clit, infusing a bit of Weave in his touch to enhance your pleasure even more. The feeling is intensely pleasant. Your skin grows hotter with lust as you quicken your pace. When your orgasm washes over you, it’s like the Weave from his fingers surges through your entire body. 

The way your walls tighten around him sends Gale over the edge before he has time to warn you. His nails dig into the fat of your hips, and he throws his head back as he fills you to the brim with his seed. 

“Damnitall,” he whines. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” 

“It’s okay,” you caress his chest as you slow yourself to a stop until you’re seated on his lap. He clings to you, holding you close to his body. 

“I love you,” he pants softly as he rests his head on your breasts. “I adore you. Every inch of you, every breath you take is a gift to me and I’ll be damned to think I deserve it.” 

“I love you too, Gale.” 

You hold him against your chest until the night feels cold. You pull away, sharing nervous smiles with him as you both get out of the bath and dress again. 

“May I sleep with you in your tent tonight?” Gale asks shyly. 

“And every night after.” 

[floralcyanide]

#9/#17 from smut list 2 & #11 from smut list 1 with Javi from Twisters, I can no longer unsee pre accident Javi not messing around if he was dating someone especially a fellow chaser in that car they borrowed from uni after noticing during rewatch two Kate mentioned they could barely get him to wear pants back then ykyk 😏

𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫!

(requests are closed for the saturday night sleepover!)

Javi RIvera x Fem!Reader

prompts: 9: car sex, 17: sex while camping, 11: cockwarming after a long day in order to calm down together

a/n: javi was def super horny in college 24/7 you can't change my mind (and probably still is lbr)

For one particular chase, the group decides to make a night out of it and camp after the storm tapers off. The 6 of you camp out in the 4 Runner and the van, as well as a handy tent Jeb had brought, courtesy of his roommate. Kate’s mom had plenty of camping gear that she let all of you use as well, so it was a legitimate setup. Lanterns, a fire, some chairs, and non-perishable food with some sleeping bags and blankets. You and Javi decided to make a pillow fort in the back of the van, Jeb and Kate took the 4 Runner- Addy and Praveen used the tent to sleep in.

This chase was nerve-wracking for sure. A typical EF1 turned into a rowdy EF3 and required the entire team to work together to get back to safety. The group manages to find an area by the lake to camp and attempt to settle down. After a night of going over some data and exchanging ghost stories to ward off the tense vibes, the 6 of you wander over to your respective sleeping areas and crash. Except you and Javi, of course, because Javi doesn’t know how to keep his hands to himself, especially when he’s nervous. 

You sigh and roll over, causing Javi’s hand to retract from your thigh, “Are you okay?”

“No,” Javi mutters, moving to lay on his side and facing you, “Are you?”

“No,” you admit, “I’m still kind of anxious.”

You and Javi don’t have to whisper technically, as the van is parked a little ways from the tent and 4 Runner, so the others likely wouldn’t hear your conversation. But the night was still enough that you felt you had to keep your voices down. 

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Javi asks, rubbing your arm soothingly.

You shrug, “I can think of something else I’d rather do, honestly.”

“Like what?” 

“Put your hand back on my thigh, and I’ll show you what.”

Javi grins from ear to ear at that. He puts his hand back where it was, his palm flat to your skin with his fingers splayed. Only this time, he quickly moves his hand under your shorts to cup your heat. He slips a finger under your underwear, toying with your clit until you’re squirming and growing wet. Javi tests how wet you’ve become with a curious finger.

“I wanna try something,” Javi says, his lips brushing your ear.

“Hmm? What’s that?”

“Get on top for a little while, but don’t move.”

“What, like, fucking you without moving?” you ask.

“Yeah, it’s more relaxing than you think. Now, come on,” Javi pats his thighs as he lays on his back.

You shrug, pulling down your shorts and underwear and setting them aside as Javi pulls his down his legs. As you hover, Javi teases your entrance and clit with the tip of his length before guiding himself inside you. You sigh in contentment as he fills you up nicely. After some adjusting, you manage to sit on top of Javi, him fully sheathed inside your needy cunt. Javi runs his hands along your thighs as you sit still on top of him, watching you with utter endearment. 

“Feel better yet?” you ask, wanting so badly to move.

“Yep,” Javi pops the ‘p’. After a moment of silence, Javi reads your impatient facial expression, “You want to move, don’t you?”

“Yes,” you groan, “But it feels nice not to at the same time. I like being so full of you like this.”

“Maybe if you stay still long enough, I’ll let you move.”

“Deal.”

A few minutes pass and you’re now biting your lip in order not to swivel your hips. Javi chuckles, his hands on your hips. He lifts you up a little, to which you hiss, and then motions for you to drop back down. You let out a quiet, high-pitched moan, your fingers grasping at Javi’s shirt. He feels himself twitch as he bucks into you, wanting to hear you moan like that again. Adjusting yourself to the feeling of moving again, you start riding Javi slowly so you don’t accidentally scream out in pleasure. He feels you clenching around him, signaling you’re close.

“Gonna cum already? Didn’t know you needed me that bad- ow!”

Javi is interrupted by you flicking him on the nipple through his t-shirt, “Just fuck me, Jav. Save your snarkiness for later.”

Javi snaps his hips into you a little faster, matching your hip’s movements. He presses his thumb to your clit, and you come undone, having to shove your fist in your mouth to keep your moans at bay. Since Javi didn’t finish inside you, you offer to get him off quickly before the two of you decide it’s best to go to sleep.

“Go ahead, but I can tell you right now I’m probably just going to bust in your mouth in five seconds.”

[13uswntimagines]

I'll Take Care of You (Alessia Russo x MMA!fighter R)

Request: Could we maybe see some slightly more stern dom alessia dealing with r (doesn’t have to be smut) in front of the team because reader starts acting bratty with them?

Part of the same universe as the come down.

Warning: Slight touching but not actual smut. Also D/S fic

Author's note: Hey Y'all, i really hope you enjoy this. I want to point out that D/S dynamics are based on trust and communication, so that's what I chose to focus on. Alessia is a soft dom, and chooses a punishment that she knows will be effective. If you want to chat or have any ideas or comments, feel free to hit me up.

Gearing up for a fight was the equivalent of stretching out a rubber band to its limit. It was 8 weeks of nonstop training, 4 weeks of conditioning your body to shed water so you could make weight, 2 weeks of cameras following you around for UFC embedded, and 1 week of media bombardment where you had to listen to grown men act like 5-year-olds talking about who was going to beat who.

It was utterly exhausting. 

The only upside was that at the end of it, you got to step into the octagon and do what you did best. 

You got to put the plan your coaches drilled over and over into your brain into place. You got to release all of the built-up anxiety and frustration from camp. 

You got to fight. 

It was like coming up for oxygen after being trapped underwater. Sometimes the cage felt like the only place you could really breathe on your own. 

It had been your safe haven for almost as long as you could remember, which was kinda strange considering your health was put at immediate risk every time you stepped inside. It had been your escape from your family, and your only coping mechanism for as long as you could remember. 

To go through training camp, and fight week and the weight cut, only to have your fight pulled at the last minute was fucking devastating. 

It was like when Alessia brought you all the way to the precipice of an orgasm and then pulled away just before you could tumble over it, except far far far worse. 

It made your blood boil. It made the monster in your chest roar that your opponent couldn’t do his end of the job to make the fight go on after all of the shit he was talking. And there was nothing anyone could say or do to make it better. 

Dana promised that the fight would be rescheduled. He even threw in that if you won, you would be next in line for a title shot. 

But it didn’t help. 

The fight was set to be at the O2 arena, meaning your girlfriend and all of her teammates had been set to see you, and now they couldn’t. You couldn’t get your 10 training weeks back and you would have to do the weight cut all over again. 

It was a shit sandwich, and it made you feel completely out of control. It made you crave for someone else to put you right again. For Alessia to remind you that she had control always. 

Maybe that’s why you chose your satin button-down shirt to go to dinner with your girlfriend and her teammates and paired it with tight black skinny jeans. 

It wasn’t often that you liked to push Alessia’s control. That you toed the boundaries that she set, but tonight it felt like the prize comparable to stepping into the cage. 

With the little black dress she had worn, you really couldn’t blame yourself either. You could never resist when she showed off her legs. You were obsessed and she knew it. It was probably why she had chosen the outfit, to begin with. 

It was probably designed as a reward of sorts for after your fight, except you weren’t having a fight. So you supposed it was kind of like a consolation prize. 

Except you felt wound too tightly to really enjoy it.

“So that’s it, they just call the whole thing off?” Ella asked leaning forward to rest her chin in her hand.

“Yep,” You popped the p, your finger running a gentle circle on Alessia’s exposed knee. “I can’t even sign a paper that says I’m fine fighting him despite the failed drug test, and it’s too late to find a replacement even if we allow a catchweight,” 

She let the movement continue, the hand wrapped around your shoulder gently squeezing the arm furthest away from her. 

While she was relieved that the rules prevented you from fighting a man on steroids, she knew how gutted you were about the cancellation.

“Probably for the best mate,” Leah said, sipping her wine. 

You shrugged, letting your finger trail a little higher on Alessia’s leg. 

It was slightly too… forward for the steakhouse her teammates had chosen, but with the dimmed lights you figured no one could see your hand under the white tablecloth anyway. Not with how close you were sitting to your girlfriend. 

“I already made weight, so it’s kind of a waste,” You muttered, dragging your nails up the inside of her thigh to just below the hem of her dress. “I’ll have to start camp all over again unless I take something short notice,” 

“Can you do that?” Mary asked, from your other side.

You shrugged again. “I told Dana I was game if he needed someone to fill in, so we’ll have to see,” 

Alessia’s eyebrows pulled tighter together “You didn’t tell me that, love,” 

“Didn’t I?” You asked, feigning dumb, as your fingers finally made it past the hem of her dress. “Must have forgotten. I’m excited to see you all play on Tuesday though,” 

You ran your nail across the sensitive skin on the inside of her thigh, dangerously close to her center. But before you could make it any further, her free hand caught your wrist, and repositioned you so your hand was resting very innocently near her knee again. 

“Ireland is always fun to face,” Ella smiled at you. “Should be a bit chippy,” 

“I’ll definitely be rocking my MacCabe jersey,” You matched her expression, your thumb again beginning to rub circles into Alessia’s skin. 

Leah frowned, dropping her menu. “You will?” 

“Absolutely,” You smirked, wiggling your eyebrows and slyly trailing your thumb back up Alessia’s thigh. “Gotta support my favorite foul-mouthed Gooner,” 

Leah’s eyes went wide, and Alessia squeezed your shoulder. 

“And what about me?” Your girlfriend asked, a pout pulling at her lips. 

You wiggled your eyebrows, a witty remark at the tip of your tongue, knowing it would piss her off, but the tension in your chest made you unable to stop yourself. 

You wanted to push her. To force a reaction, even when you knew all you had to do was ask for what you wanted. 

“Are you ladies ready to order?” A waiter asked, appearing behind Leah before you could let it fly. 

You let your smirk widen, closing your menu with a thud and making eye contact with the waiter. 

“Since she’s not on the menu,” You started, leaning closer to your girlfriend for just a second, edging your hand even further up her thigh until it was again past the hem of her dress. “I think I’ll have the tomahawk, medium rare with a Yorkie and the roasted carrots please,” 

You winked at the waiter for good measure as the table giggled and Alessia’s cheeks turned bright red. 

The waiter cleared his throat, turning his attention to your girlfriend. “And for you ma’am?” 

Alessia opened her mouth, probably to order, but you cut her off instead. 

“She’ll take the sirloin, medium with the Orzo and kale salad,” You said, reciting her normal order with perfect precision. “And she’ll be having me for dessert later,” 

More giggles erupted from your friends, and you dragged your hand impossibly higher, extending your pinky so it brushed against her underwear. 

She inhaled sharply next to you, sending you a warning side eye as the rest of the table continued to order, but she didn’t immediately remove your hand. 

You ignored her warning, letting your pinky slide over the satiny fabric of her underwear. 

It wasn’t what she normally wore, and you couldn’t help the wolfish grin that took over your features. 

She had worn lingerie for you. 

Maybe that should have stopped you. Made you consider that you wouldn’t get anything if you kept pushing, but again you couldn’t seem to help yourself. 

“Will you be in the Ireland friends and family section then?” Leah asked, wiggling her eyebrows at your girlfriend. “Cause I don’t think my family or Less’ will enjoy you wearing the opposing team’s jersey,” 

You made a noise like you were considering it as you finally slid your hand up and cupped your girlfriend’s heat. “I don’t think I’d feel at home though. Surely your family can deal with it right Less?”

Alessia nodded once, very stiffly. “My family loves you no matter what you’re wearing,”

You smiled impishly at her, adding just a little more pressure to her core. 

She shifted in her seat, leaning very close to your ear, as Ella started talking about some movie she and Joe had watched, taking the attention of the rest of Alessia’s teammates. 

“They’d even love you if you had to wear your collar at the game,” She chuckled darkly in your ear, her voice soft enough to get lost in the noise of the restaurant as her free hand yet again caught your wrist and pulled your hand back to a much more innocent position. “Now behave, or I promise you’ll regret it,”

You pulled away, your devilish smirk only getting broader. “No,”

Her eyebrows furrowed her expression something between anger and concern and warning, like she was trying to figure out why you were pushing the boundaries when you never did before. 

You wiggled yours in return, offering her nothing else before joining the conversation of her teammates. 

You weren’t ready to talk yet. 

You were too content digging yourself deeper and deeper. 

*****

You continue to push Alessia all throughout dinner, taking every opportunity to make her blush or to creep your hand further up her thigh. At one point you had even wiggled a finger beneath her underwear before she could stop you. 

And your behavior hadn’t stopped once you left the restaurant. 

You definitely placed your hand far too low on her waist as you and your friends walked back to the hotel the UFC had rented for you, and winked cheekily at the fans as you entered the building, spending far too long signing things and flirting just to annoy your girlfriend. 

You knew from the “come on darling,” and the way she wrapped her arm around you, her fingers closing gently around the back of your neck that you were in serious trouble as she led you into the hotel and to the elevator. 

“Good luck mate,” Leah nodded towards you as she stepped into her hotel room after Mary and Ella. “Think you’re gonna need it after that show,”

She tilted her head toward your girlfriend glaring a hole in Leah’s doorframe. 

“Good night Leah,” Your girlfriend bit out, pressing her thumb into the space at the very center of the back of your neck.

Leah rolled her eyes at the movement, well aware of the dynamic between you and your girlfriend. More aware than most of her teammates for both club and country because of how long you had known her. “Right you two, do have too much fun,” 

You stared at the door for a long moment after it closed, the tension in your chest bleeding down to your stomach.

You knew your time was up. That you would have to pay the piper so to speak, and it had guilt swirling along with the unpleasantness. 

You knew that all you had to do was utter a word and it would all be over. 

You knew that Alessia would stick to your limits, no matter how hard you pushed her, but you couldn’t help the… lingering anxiety that came from your past relationships. 

The ones that took advantage of your submissiveness, and the unhealthy way you had always chosen to deal with stress. The ones that ignored your pain for their own pleasure. 

 “Come on then,” Alessia said, very gently running the nail of her thumb down the length of the back of your neck, and squeezing your shoulder. 

You hummed, allowing her to lead you down the hallway to your own hotel room door, but she paused before she opened it. You looked up at her, realizing suddenly that you were trapped between her and the door. 

She stepped closer so your noses were nearly touching. She dragged her hand from your neck to your chin, using her thumb to tilt your head to where she wanted it. 

“I love you,” She said, her voice soft and sincere. “No matter what,”

She leaned in the last centimeter separating you, connecting your lips in a very sweet kiss. 

You leaned into it, opening your mouth when her tongue poked out, welcoming it and meeting it with your own so they spun in a slow dance. 

It was the reminder that you desperately needed. 

The promise that she would take care of you, even when you acted like a brat. 

She pulled away just enough to disconnect your lips, and your mouths separated with a low pop.

“Remind me of your colors,” Alessia said, her thumb running across your cheek. 

“Green for good, yellow for slow down, and red for stop,” You recited, your voice breathless. 

“Good girl,” She hummed. “Open the door, and take off your shirt and pants once we get inside,” 

You swallowed hard at the change of tone. 

“Yes Miss,” You said, already pulling the key card from the back pocket of your jeans. You didn’t look away from her as you fumbled until you heard the lock on the door beep, and clumsily pushed it open. 

You stumbled backward, unwilling to break eye contact with your girlfriend because you knew you would probably get very little of it tonight. 

She turned away from you as soon as the door slammed shut, busying herself with something you didn’t know. 

“I believe I told you to do something,” She said, not even sparing a look over her shoulder at you, and you realized you had been staring for too long. 

You cleared your throat, your fingers trembling as they unbuttoned your straining shirt. 

You carefully pulled the satin materials from your shoulders, folding it neatly and laying it on the bed before you started on your pants. 

It took you three tries to undo the button, the zipper getting caught in the stretchy material of your boxers. You peeled your tight jeans down your legs, folding them and placing them next to your shirt. 

You felt Alessia’s presence behind you as you pulled off your shoes and socks. 

As soon as they had been placed in their rightful place, her hand found its way to your bare back. 

The touch was soothing and grounding and exactly what you needed to combat the slightly floaty feeling in your brain. 

The hand slid up your back, all the way to your neck. 

“Kneel,”

The soft squeeze on the back of your neck was like magic, as was the soft, but stern order. 

You sank to your knees without question, your butt resting on your heels, your hands facing palm up on your thighs, your back straight and your head bowed, as the tension in your chest slowly ebbed away.

“I think we need to have a chat,” She continued, the hand on your neck sliding up to run through the hair at the base of your skull. Her nails scratched soothingly at your scalp. “Because your behavior in the restaurant is not the behavior of the good girl I trained,”

You grunted, glaring at a spot in the carpet. 

You didn’t want to talk. 

You already had to talk to Dana, to your coaches, and to the media. You had nothing left to say. 

“Do you want to tell me what that was about at dinner?” She asked you, the fingers on your scalp wrapping through your curls. She gave it a sharp tug, forcing you to look up at her. “Because I’d really like to know what the fuck you were playing at,” 

Her blue eyes burned into you, concerned and… something else lingering below the surface. 

“I wasn’t playing at anything,” You grit out. 

She raised a perfect eyebrow at you, as she searched your face.

“Is this because your fight was canceled?”

You didn’t answer her, unwilling to admit how… off balanced it made you feel. 

But that was enough of an answer for her. 

Her eyes softened minutely. “Baby,” 

You shook your head. 

You didn’t want her sympathy or her pity. 

You wanted her to crush you. 

“Alright,” She signed, tilting your head back so far it was painful. “I’m going to give you 2 options. We can call Clarke and Lexa and they can run you through a workout,” 

You shivered at the mention of your respective striking and jujitsu coaches, knowing already that whatever the alternative was, you would be choosing it. 

“Or you can take a punishment of my choosing,” She finished. “It won’t be an easy one,” 

“I’ll take a punishment,” You muttered after a beat. 

You didn't need easy right now. 

She hummed, holding you close for a long second, and you relished in the attention. 

That had been why you acted out at all anyway. 

She dropped her hold on your hair suddenly, and you crashed back on your knees. 

“On the wall,” She said, completely cutting contact with you, and walking towards the little kitchen area of the suite. 

You let out a shaky breath, pushing yourself to your feet, and shuffled over to the wall next to the television across from the couch. 

You turned to face the couch, wincing when Alessia pulled a wine glass out of the cabinet and a jug of water from the counter and returned to you. 

She carefully filled the glass to the halfway mark, before her attention turned to you. 

You knew immediately what punishment she had chosen. 

The rules were simple, you would balance the glass in one of the designated calisthenic positions. If the water spilled, or the glass fell then you would move to the next position. The punishment would be over when you made it through all 15 positions to Alessia’s satisfaction, or if you safeworded. 

It sounded easy, or like it wouldn’t be effective, but that was entirely wrong. It was the punishment that you hated the most. 

Your stomach never failed to drop when Alessia approached you with the wine glass and water. Just the sight of her with it was enough to have your muscles quivering at the impending fatigue. 

“Ready darling?”

You made a low sound, leaning back against the wall, bending your knees, and getting into the first position. 

A wall sits with your knees pressed together to focus the pressure on your quads. 

She used a hand on your shoulder to push you further down the wall until your thighs sat parallel to the floor, and then very carefully balanced the stem of the wine glass between your knees so the base just barely brushed your hamstring. 

You frowned. She usually balanced it on top of your legs further up your thighs so all you had to do was stay level. But where it was now meant that you would have to stay level and squeeze with your adductors so it didn’t slip and spill the water. 

“Tell me your color,” She said, her thumb sweeping under your chin, drawing your eyes away from the glass to meet her blue. 

“Green,” you murmured, leaning into the gentle touch. 

“Good,” She hummed, cupping your cheek for another long second before she pulled away. “I’ll be right there, reading my book,” 

Your gaze trailed after her as she settled herself on the couch directly across from you, picking up the 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. She easily found her page and began to read. 

You glanced back to the balancing glass between your knees. It was already shaking slightly, the liquid vibrating around the bowl of the glass with the effort of your muscles to keep it in place. 

It irritated you that you could already feel your quads and adductors quivering. It was pathetic that they were already fatigued after only 30 seconds. 

You grit your teeth, letting your hips slip down further so you could squeeze with your glutes to take a little bit of the pressure off of your adductors. The glass shifted minutely, and the water inside sloshed dangerously before it settled. 

Your eyes flickered back up to Alessia, wondering if she saw it too, but her eyes stayed planted in her book. 

That irritated you too. 

The only upside to your fight being canceled was that you got to spend more time with her. You wouldn’t have to split your attention between her and not getting your face caved in. 

Now you didn’t even have that. 

You thought of safewording and forcing an early end to your punishment. It would be a violation of the rules though.

But when she found out that you broke her trust (the most severe infraction you could ever commit) she might choose a more… harsh punishment. One of the ones that was listed in the soft limits the two of you had agreed upon. One that would separate you from reality, and leave you feeling floaty and thoroughly controlled. Thoroughly owned. 

A part of you wanted her to forcibly put you in your place. To disregard how bad it would feel tomorrow and the bad memories it would bring up for you, and just demolish you. To crush your will and grind you into dust. To beat you into oblivion. 

It was what your opponent would have done anyway. 

You knew Alessia would never agree to it while you were this upset. She didn’t like to give in to your self-destructive tendencies. 

The glass between your knees shook again, drawing your attention back to the warm fire setting deeply into your quads. They would ache tomorrow you were sure, but then again wasn’t that part of the point?

It would be a reminder that even when she wasn’t with you, you belonged to Alessia. It was an invisible mark that claimed you. That reminded you she would always take control when you felt dangerously unstable. 

And then it clicked.

This punishment was Alessia’s favorite because it was based on your choice to obey her. Your choice to push your body to its limits to please her. Your choice to give her control over you. 

She didn’t need to use a belt or a paddle to bend you to her will. 

She just had to ask. 

You just had to relax and trust that she would take care of you. 

You let out a long breath, counting down from 3 in your head. You let it fall back into the wall with a low thump and your shoulders sagged, as the remaining tension in your chest drained out of you. 

“Good girl,” Alessia said softly, and the page of her book turned. Your eyes darted back to her, hoping that they would be on you, but they weren’t. 

She looked so composed, both legs tucked under her, reading her book. It was diametrically opposed to how you felt, completely out of control. A quivering mess fighting to stay in a simple wall sit. 

It further reminded you of your place, and the weight of it was enough to have your eyes sliding closed. 

You focused on your breathing, 3 seconds and 3 seconds out. Deep and slow. 

You lasted for more breaths before the glass slid from between your legs, landing on the carpeted floor with a light thud. 

Your eyes snapped open, and again you expected to meet Alessia’s eyes, but they remained trained on her book. 

“Next please,” She said softly, flipping another page in her book. 

You slid down the wall to the floor, sucking in another long breath as you nodded, wishing that she would just look at you, but you knew that was part of the punishment too. 

You took another breath as you rolled over to your stomach and sat yourself up on your elbows, squeezing your core. It was a slightly modified plank designed to show off the muscles in your back and arms for the benefit of your girlfriend and to give your legs a break for a bit. 

She waited until you were in a position to stand, slowly padding over to you and grabbing the wine glass off of the floor.

She paused next to you, and you felt the way her eyes dragged across the muscles on your back. 

“Always so pretty for me,” She hummed and you heard the water as she refilled the glass. “Too bad you can’t have the reward I had planned,” 

Her touch lingered as she carefully balanced it between your shoulder blades, and stepped away. 

“Let’s see if you can beat your best time on this one,” She said, talking more at you than to you. “Your record is 22 minutes, which isn’t quite championship timing. I think you need to make it at least 25,” 

You groaned. 

Her competitive streak was legendary and often a part of your punishment when you had been particularly ornery. You switched positions at her pleasure, so you knew you would be planking all night if you couldn’t break 25 minutes. 

It was like when she decided you needed to break your edging record. 

There would be no mercy unless you safeworded. 

You focused on your breathing as she sauntered back to the couch, fighting to keep your core and back muscles locked to prevent the glass from tipping. 

Your abs clenched, and you so badly wanted to roll your shoulders to relieve the tension building in the space between them. The space holding the glass. 

You focused on the sound of Alessia’s breathing. Each rhythmic inhale and exhale like the clicking of a metronome, broken only by the occasional fluttering of a page. 

You wished she had put the timer in front of you so you could see how long you had left. 

But then again that would probably be worse. 

You always found it harder to go the distance in a fight when you could see the clock ticking down. It always made you feel more exhausted at the end of the round, and made standing up off of your stool at the start of the next round that much harder. 

You sucked in another breath, refocusing on the sounds of Alessia’s inhales and exhales. You counted each one, letting them wash over you and lul the fog slowly seeping through the crevices in your brain. 

It let you forget the trembling in your core muscles and the sting between your shoulders. They didn’t matter. All that mattered was each of Alessia’s breaths, and your ability to please her. 

To be honest, you forgot about the water balancing on your back. 

You shifted, lifting your head so you could watch Alessia, and that sent the glass tumbling to the floor with a low thud. 

She looked up at the noise, pushing herself to her feet and grabbing the glass. 

“Good job darling. You made time.” She rewarded you by meeting her eyes for a long second and flashing you a winning smile. “Position 3,” 

You took another deep breath as she filled the glass. 

You pushed yourself up into a pushup position, slowly lifting your right arm and left leg so they extended. 

Your arms shook immediately, and it was then that you recognized just how exhausted you were already. Your core ached in a way that was edging on unpleasant, and your back felt like you had run 5 rounds with your jujitsu coach. 

It was strange that you felt so drained and you had only made it through 2 positions. 

Alessia waited until you were stable before she balanced the glass in the very same area between your shoulder blades. 

The spot that felt so tight.

You knew you weren’t going to last long before she even stepped away. But you tried to breathe through it. You tried to ignore the little beads of sweat collecting at the small of your back, and the cramp setting in just below the glass, radiating up to your neck. 

You deserved the pain. You had done your damndest to make sure Alessia gave it to you. 

“Tell me your color,” Alessia said, her voice dripping dominance, sending a shiver down your spine and causing the glass to tumble off your back. 

You collapsed to the floor. 

You hadn’t even made it a minute. 

“‘M ok,” You murmured into the carpet, each breath rattling as it left your lips.

You hadn’t even lasted long enough for Alessia to make it back to her seat. 

It was pathetic.

“That’s not what I asked you,” She said, crouching next to you, her hand resting on the throbbing space between your shoulders. “Tell me what your color is,” 

Your brain ran into overdrive, taking stock of the burn in your thighs, and the way the muscles in your back were locked up tight, and before you could even think through all the reasons why you shouldn’t safe word, “red,” was falling from your lips. 

You had been red before you even started position 3, you realized. 

“Good girl,” She said, settling fully down beside you, her hand running soothingly up and down your sweat-soaked back. “You did so well for me, and I’m so proud of you for knowing your limits,”

You groaned into the carpet as warmth spread through your chest, chasing away the last of the tightness that had been there since Dana caught you after the weigh-ins. 

“‘M sorry for pushing you,” You mumbled, your words nearly getting lost in the floor. “Didn’t know how to…” 

You trailed off, losing your train of thought. You weren’t even sure what you didn’t know how to do, only that antagonizing your girlfriend. Your miss. Had been the only way that seemed to make sense to achieve it. 

“I know darling,” She hummed, gripping under your arms and shifting so your head was resting in her lap and your upper body was between her legs. “Take some deep breaths for me, and then we’ll get you cleaned up and we can cuddle,” 

You made a low sound of agreement. You felt content with her completely around you, her scent enveloping you, and her hands running gently through your tangled hair. 

She was the stability to your rocky seas, and you trusted that she would take care of you, just like she had already tonight. 

A cuddle sounded perfect because it was perfect. 

It was everything you needed. She was everything you needed. 

[bricko-mcfisto]

"You people always claim the new Monster Hunter is too easy"

Alright, bet. I reinstalled MHWorld today, fresh new character, no defender gear, standard armor and the gunlance a weapon I'm plenty familiar with. Figured I'd actually test it, see if my mixed feelings on Wilds in particular how bizarrely easy it felt was just me not recognizing my legacy skill or something else.

First two hunts, Great Jagras and Kulu Ya Ku? Yeah pretty easy, about the same speed as anything in Wilds, although Kulu in particular felt more interesting to fight than the new big turkey. However there's an immediate shift. Where as Lala Barina felt like it either couldn't hit me, or the "hits" it landed were like the gentle stroke of a lover, doing almost no damage, no flinch, and no stagger, Pukei Pukei actually tossed me around a little. It wasn't what I'd call hard, but the difficulty noticeably stepped up compared to the first two.

The hunt also felt a lot more dynamic with a Great Jagras showing up and knocking me on my ass after I toppled Pukei, and Rathalos just settling down right next to me while I was sharpening after Pukei ran for it in another area. Meanwhile I still remember the new fire turkey "leaving the area" and running all of like ten feet before apparently being satisfied that it had run away.

Things only keep going from there. Barroth actually carted me, granted I was playing a bit recklessly. I hadn't gone back to camp for first aid meds, and I was stubbornly refusing to use my potions or megapotions as I hadn't done a ton of farming yet, but still I was playing every bit as aggressive and skillfully as anytime in Wilds and I got my dumb ass spanked for it!

Jyuratodus wasn't hard, but I did get waterblight and goddamn I forgot what it was like for the blights to matter. I'm pretty sure I got waterblight a couple times in Wilds but it felt completely trivial. I blocked one attack from Jyura while having waterblight and suddenly it was like I couldn't dodge, I couldn't run, I was suffering. I ate my first nulberry in what feels like a couple years. Apparently on the wiki rolling takes one second off the duration in World, but in Wilds? You roll like three times and its gone, which is just...man.

Then Tobi Kadachi, by this point I hadn't really bothered building much in the way of new armor, I basically took the approach I did in wilds, building just random pieces of what was available after the mandatory hunts (this carried me to Guardian Rathalos where in one mandatory hunt and then one optional for a flame sac I had enough parts to make the full armor set and the greatsword after which the rest of low rank got even easier). Tobi Kadachi beat the shit out of me.

I am not a new player, I've played World extensively, I spent a considerable amount of time farming Tobi Kadachi in the past, I know its moveset. Having very little defense and no thunder resistance to speak of? I got smacked, I got spanked. I had to run home and go fight Barroth a couple times for better armor! Tobi Kadachi actually stunned me! Multiple monsters I've mentioned previous to now actually managed to stun me, I got stunned literally one entire time in all of Wilds low rank!

I took my barroth armor into Anjanath despite the weakness to fire, because the point was, how much prep do I actually need to do? The answer was "go make some armor that's not weak to fire you dumb bitch" and so I did. I came back, fought Anjanath, and again a monster I know well, am familiar with, with a weapon I'm comfortable with? The hunt took 17 minutes.

I don't even think Arkveld took me that long. Anjanath isn't even an apex. In conclusion, I feel extremely fucking comfortable in saying that while maybe some people criticizing wilds don't realize the full impact of their legacy skill, it is exceedingly obvious that Wilds is in fact noticeably, tangibly easier than at least MH World.

[dykewithbenefits]

a bunch of lesbo teens (18+) get sent to the this conversion clinic/camp where they're kept in single cell like rooms. they each have collars with the words LESBIAN on them and are referred to as dyke whenever they're named. They're inspected as soon as they arrive and are treated like test subjects.he nurses and doctors are super condescending towards them and treat them like children. they use cattle prods and electro shock to correct them, as well as forced orgasms, etc.

CW: Heavy dykebreaking

They each have to get a venus-through-venus womb tattoo, and they're forced to dress up in lesbian pride colored fetish gear as they're strapped down to fuck machines to have dildos pistoning into their every hole for hours on end.

Each day, they have to spend time in the hypno chamber, where they'll have to repeat dykbreaking mantras while spirals and pictures of boycock flash on big screens mere inches away from their faces. 

If they get too feisty, they get fitted with ball gags and butt plugs, and whatever else makes them easy targets for mocking by the staff and their fellow dykes.

And when a lesbian finally learns her place, she can even choose what further education she wants:

Does she want to become a slutty dyke prostitute, strutting around on the street in barely-there orange-and-pink lingerie and begging men for their money and cum?

Does she want to become a lesbian bimbo pornstars, getting so many implants she looks like an over-sexualized hentai girl, and getting pounded by fat boycock live on camera for all her old friends and family to see?

Does she want to become a personal sapphic pet slut, getting shipped to some man to be his free use fucktoy, walking around on all fours and just begging for him to breed her?

Either way, one thing is for sure: she'll never be able to go back to a life without cock.

[midnight-shadow-cafe]

Shadow and Paws

Chapter 3: Trust and Territory

Pairing: Task Force 141 x reader

AU: Hybrid 141 x reader

Warning: Mild Violence/Tension, Injury and Medical care briefly mentioned, mentions of isolation and survival

Authors Note: The reader’s nickname is Foxy, we get the chance to build more of a relationship between the reader and the boys!

Word Count: 1.1k

Masterlist | Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+

Dawn was only a gray smudge on the horizon when Foxy woke, feeling the cool weight of the morning fog settled on the forest floor. The team was already stirring, shaking off the stiffness of a night in the woods and preparing for another day’s trek. Foxy made quick work of dousing the remaining embers of their fire, keenly aware of the silent eyes watching their every movement.

They’d stayed longer than planned, both sides testing the unspoken boundaries of trust. There was a growing familiarity between them—a faint, hesitant bond weaving itself into place. Price caught Foxy’s eye with a curt nod. “We’ll keep a steady pace,” he said. “You lead.”

Foxy gave a slight grin, checking their gear. “Think your boys can keep up?”

Soap rolled his eyes but bit back a retort, while Ghost’s silent, appraising gaze betrayed no reaction. Gaz, perched above in falcon form, scanned the trail ahead as they moved out.

They traveled in a silence broken only by the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional call of a distant bird. The terrain grew steeper, winding into dense clusters of trees, where every step required precision and awareness. They were heading deeper into rogue territory, and each of them felt the tension thickening, the unspoken need for unity pressing on them all.

After hours of careful travel, Foxy stopped short, raising a hand. “Ravine up ahead. Narrow, but deep. You’ll need to jump across, one by one,” they said, casting a knowing glance at Soap. “Or is that too much finesse for some of you?”

Soap grinned, never one to back down from a challenge. He took a few steps back, then launched himself across the gap, landing with a triumphant nod. Foxy’s expression betrayed a hint of approval as Gaz made a smooth glide over, his falcon wings catching the morning breeze. Ghost was next, his leap almost noiseless, landing without so much as a whisper of sound. Price was last, his jump solid and controlled, meeting Foxy’s gaze as he landed.

Foxy moved ahead, navigating through twisting trails and overgrown paths. The day stretched on, each step taking them deeper into territory that bore Foxy’s subtle mark: worn trails, signs of old camps, and hidden paths only someone deeply familiar with the land would know. Finally, they stopped at a secluded glade, sunlight filtering through the trees in muted streaks of green and gold.

Foxy set down their pack and pulled out a flask, taking a long drink before wiping their mouth with the back of their hand. “Get comfortable,” they said, glancing at the team. “We’re safe here, for now.”

Soap sidled up next to Foxy, ever curious. “So, Foxy, if you’ve been out here this long, you must have a story. What’s kept you here?”

Foxy’s gaze flicked to Soap, a flash of hesitation crossing their features. “Not much to tell,” they replied curtly. “Surviving is all there is to it.”

“Come on,” Soap pressed, flashing his easy smile. “We’re all out here for a reason. None of us would’ve lasted if we didn’t have one.”

Foxy’s gaze grew distant, their stance subtly guarded. “Another time, maybe,” they murmured, gently but firmly deflecting. Soap respected the boundary with a nod, though the curiosity in his eyes remained.

They settled into a comfortable silence, each member of the team adjusting to the newfound companionship. Price watched Foxy carefully, noting the way they held themselves—a confidence tempered by caution, the mark of someone who’d long walked alone.

After a while, Ghost’s voice broke the silence, low and steady. “What exactly are we up against here?”

Foxy’s gaze shifted, and for the first time, Price caught a flicker of something unguarded—a mixture of worry and resolve. “The rogues don’t play games,” they said. “They want control of this territory, and they’re ruthless. It doesn’t matter if you’re a hybrid or human; they’ll use you or kill you if it benefits them.”

Price’s jaw tightened, his protective instincts flaring. “And you’ve been handling them alone?”

Foxy shrugged, brushing off the concern. “Someone has to. They don’t care about anything but power, and they don’t belong here. That’s reason enough for me.”

There was a silence, heavy with respect, as each member of the team absorbed the reality of Foxy’s situation. Price gave a nod. “We’ll handle them together,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Foxy looked at him, a spark of defiance in their eyes, as if challenging him to mean it. But seeing his steady gaze, their shoulders relaxed just a fraction, and the faintest smile tugged at the corner of their lips. “Guess you might be good for something after all.”

As they trekked on, Foxy’s demeanor softened just enough for them to offer guidance, pointing out landmarks and hidden dangers with the ease of someone who had mapped these woods in their soul. Soap, ever eager, matched his pace with Foxy’s, peppering them with questions about everything from forest survival to the best way to navigate a rogue ambush.

The sun was beginning to sink low when they stopped by a small grove, and Foxy knelt by a patch of vibrant green underbrush, plucking a handful of small berries. “These can help if you’re injured,” they explained, crushing a few into a paste. “Stops the bleeding, at least.”

Soap looked at the mixture with interest. “You’ve got some tricks up your sleeve, huh?”

Foxy shrugged, a faint smile playing on their lips. “Only what I’ve needed to learn to survive.” They looked away, glancing at Soap’s hands, which bore old scars of their own, evidence of battles won and lost. “When you’re out here long enough, you pick things up.”

Gaz, quiet as ever, nodded. “We’re still here for a reason.”

Foxy’s smile grew, just a bit more genuine. “Yeah, I guess we are.”

As dusk fell, they set up camp again, each member settling into familiar routines. Foxy found themselves next to Ghost, who had been watching them from the corner of his eye all day.

“You’re still not sure about us, are you?” Ghost asked, his voice soft but direct.

Foxy looked at him, their gaze wary. “Trust isn’t something I give easily.”

“Nor do we,” Ghost replied, his tone unexpectedly gentle. “But it’s worth trying.”

Foxy held his gaze for a moment before giving a slow nod. “Maybe.”

When the fire crackled to life, casting a warm glow around the group, Price lifted his mug in a silent toast. “To the pack,” he said simply, his voice warm with solidarity.

Foxy’s expression softened, and they raised their own mug. “To the pack,” they echoed, the words carrying a weight that felt more honest than anything they’d said before.

The firelight danced between them, each shadow cast by the flames a reminder of the trust and companionship growing between them. And for the first time, Foxy allowed themselves to hope—just a bit—that even the fiercest of lone souls might find a place to belong.

——

End of Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Hope you enjoyed! Please consider liking and reposting! -Midnight💜

[margothel]

Strange Strange Man - (Daryl Dixon x Reader) - Part 03

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The next day, you woke up and walked around the perimeter to check for any walkers nearby, aside from the one you already knew about—the one trapped under the tree trunk.

Deciding to test your luck and see if you had interpreted the message correctly, you began retracing the path from yesterday, heading further away from your camp. This time, you brought your belongings, leaving only your tent and bedroll behind. Soon, you started to recognize your surroundings. It was the same place where you had met the strange man, but there was no sign of him anywhere.

You chose to wait because, really, what other choice did you have? Going back to your tent and waiting for death to embrace you didn’t seem very appealing, and there were no squirrels or deer around to hunt. Time seemed to drag on endlessly, but he never showed up. You felt embarrassed, almost foolish for waiting. ‘Yeah, who would’ve thought that a random guy offering to teach me how to hunt wouldn’t show up? This is ridiculous.'

Then, out of the blue, two women appeared. One carried fishing gear, while the other had fish strung on a line. They didn’t notice you right away, but you knew you couldn’t miss this chance. You tried not to think about it, but you craved human contact—any kind of interaction. After so many nights spent alone, only hearing your own thoughts and that one walker’s distant groan, you could feel your sanity slowly slipping away.

“Hey! Excuse me!” you called, waving both of your hands over your head and slowly approaching them. They both looked at you with wide eyes and stopped in their tracks.

“Hi, I’m sorry if I scared you both, but I’m lost… I’ve been looking for food for days, and honestly, it seems my luck has run out…” You said, partially lying. You didn’t know exactly where you were, so you were indeed lost, but it felt easier to lie than start dumping your whole story on them. The seemingly younger one looked at her sister, then back at you.

“We have a camp nearby—” Her sister gave her a light kick on the shin.

“What, are we supposed to leave her out here to die alone?!” she said, looking at the other one, who just sighed in response.

“Come with us,” the older woman said, “I’m sure we can find a place for you there.”

You started walking, but as soon as you got closer, the older woman stopped you and gestured to your bag. “Give me any weapon you have—gun, knife, whatever you’re carrying. We can’t risk it.”

You looked at her and, deciding not to protest, handed her the gun and the knife. It felt like your best shot at surviving.

She looked at the gun almost in pity, as it barely had any bullets, and the kitchen knife wouldn’t do much damage to a person, much less to a walker. The three of you walked in silence, the younger girl fidgeting a bit, trying to break the tense atmosphere.

“So... my name’s Amy, and this is my sister Andrea. What’s your name?” she asked, trying to be polite.

“Mine’s Y/N.” you replied, extending your hand. She took it, and you could see the excitement in her eyes.

“It’ll be nice to have someone close to my age at the camp. There are kids and women, but they are not as young as you and me,” Amy rambled on, talking about life back at the camp. She mentioned how some guys were assholes, how boring it was to do the laundry, and how much fun it had been to take a break and go fishing with her sister.

Suddenly, she was cut off by Andrea.

“Listen, just don’t get your hopes up, okay? It’s not that I don’t want you to stay with us, but it’s not up to me or Amy to decide who stays.” Andrea said with a somber look on her face.

You nodded, knowing that things could go very south. But hearing Amy talk about life at the camp, you could already picture what it might be like to live among them.

Soon, the three of you arrived at their camp, and your heart started racing. It had been so long since you'd seen this many people—families, children. They all turned their heads as Andrea and Amy returned. A buff guy with dark brown hair jogged up to where you stood, his face serious. It was clear that he was not pleased with the presence of a stranger here.

“What the fuck is this?” He said, looking at you up and down “How many times do I have to tell you we already have too many mouths to feed and how could you both just bring a stranger into our camp?” The discussion seemed to get bigger and bigger as Andrea started screaming at the man - who you learned the name was Shane, one of the assholes Amy mentioned earlier - she told him that she was careful and said he was not their leader, that she wasn't born yesterday to be dumb enough to bring danger straight to them.

Suddenly a old man with a hawaiian shirt and a fishing hat came running towards us along with a woman with brown hair, Shane and Andrea were so caught up in their argument that they didn't even see them approaching, the old guy put his arm in front of Andrea and the woman touched Shane’s arm to grab his attention.

“Shane, look,” she said, her voice calm. “You know Andrea would never put the group in danger. She already took the girl’s weapons. Let’s just talk this through. She seems harmless, and it’s just one more person. We’ll be okay.” She spoke to Shane, trying to reason with him, while Andrea stood quietly, watching them both. The old man remained by her side.

“Whatever then, Lori. Since you trust Andrea’s decisions so much, you and she can be responsible for her. If anything happens to us, the camp, or to Carl,” Shane narrowed his eyes at Lori, “it will be on you.” He shrugged her hand off his arm and walked away.

Lori sighed, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. Andrea and the old man glanced at you and Amy, who had remained silent since Shane arrived. Amy was wide-eyed, still processing the scene that had just unfolded.

“Well, you’re right, he is an asshole indeed.” you said to her, trying to lighten the mood a little, and the old man laughed softly along with Amy.

“He usually isn’t this rude. I think it’s just the stress getting to him,” Lori said, seeming a little worried about the last part of what Shane had said—or perhaps worried about Shane himself. It was hard to tell.

“Welp,” the man said, extending his hand for you to shake. “I’m Dale. That wasn’t the warmest welcome you could’ve gotten, but at least you’re staying, right?” He tried to crack a joke, his tone lightening a bit.

The five of you started walking toward the camp, and slowly, you began meeting everyone there. With them it almost seemed like this was a vacation trip and you could take your mind out of the walkers for a bit, you sat around the fire near Amy and Carol, who were explaining the tasks that people did around the camp.

You sat around the fire with Amy and Carol, who were explaining the various tasks people did around the camp.

“And we leave the hunting to Daryl and Merle, who aren’t here right now…” Carol said, pointing toward a tent where some dead squirrels hung from a string. Suddenly, it clicked in your mind where you really were.

"And where are they?" You asked her, trying to mask your sudden curiosity.

"Atlanta."

[gremlinmodetweeker]

König's Favourite Place (Aside From Your Side)

König grew up in a small, rural Austrian village. It intersected with a large, rolling forest that spread for miles. As a little boy, he'd spend his time walking along trails, following his Mama and Papa and his three older siblings through the woods. Later, when he was a teen and he couldn't stand the world, he went hiking on his own.

He found solace in the pines. The great oaks were family to him. Moss and ferns became his pillows when he rested. He would find delicate wildflowers and take pictures with his Papa's old camera and develop them at a local shop, then proudly show his siblings. His favourite spots were the places where the forest gave way to a clearing, and he could look up and see the clouds gently wafting by in the sky. Nature is what keeps him human.

More below the cut:

In the forest, you can expect what threats you'll come across. He'll never forget the day he encountered a mother bear and her cub. He won't lie to you, he pissed himself a little bit, but he thanks the heavens he's alive today. But, if you keep your distance and watch, nature is welcoming. It's beautiful, and it won't hurt you the way humans do. It will test you, it will change you and it will tear you apart, but it will put you back together again afterwards. Nature is a beautiful beast to be respected. König will always firmly believe that animals are better than humans.

With his older brother Friedriech, they'd go hunting with their uncle and Opa. They taught him to hunt carefully, treat the woods with respect. Every animal you catch is a gift from nature to be revered. They were careful to try to not kill mothers or babies, as they were the future of the forest. When they did get a good catch, he learned to use every part of the animals he caught.

Being so in tune with nature, König became a natural survivalist. He's made his own shelters out of nothing but scraps before. He can build a nice hut with sticks, grass and leaves. He can survive out there easily, even in the cold. It's harder in the cold, yes, but he can endure it. His affinity for nature and survivalist training is part of what made König a natural Jagkommando. Others in the program learned to get close to him, and it's through this that König made his very first friends. If you treat nature well, it will reward you handsomely.

Nature is home for König in a way that no human settlement can replicate. There is no greater comfort than the songs of chaffinches and wood pigeons. He'll tell you that wood pigeons sound like they're always complaining. My toe hurts, Betty. My toe hurts, Betty! That's what he'll tell you they sound like if you ever ask him what bird is calling. Heck, he can list off all the most common birds around his little village. He'll tell you how he would raise abandoned nestlings with his Mama in shoe boxes before letting them go back to the wild.

If you let him, he'll turn over stones (only briefly) to show you the world underneath the forest floor. Under the leaves and brushes, there is an entire ecosystem in the soil. Just take a look! There's an alpine salamander. Don't touch it, just leave it be. The oils on your hand will clog the airways on his skin. And do you see the little isopods? Look at how silly they are as they scurry away! Best put this rock back and let these under dwellers return to the dark.

When he goes travelling with his company, he'll grab local guide books for birds and animals. He'll tell you he needs to know how to survive if he gets stranded out here, but really, he just likes learning about all the wildlife.

His favourite vacation destination is to just go camping. He already has all the gear, so you might as well tag along. Two heads are better than one, after all. You'll come with him, won't you? It won't be easy, but you'll see a new side to him.

He'll teach you, of course. However, he won't teach you like you're a new recruit or some battle-hardened soldier, he'll teach you like he was taught, back when he was a boy. He'll praise you with laughter and shower you with adoration when you succeed in starting a fire, he'll gently encourage you when you fail to gather enough sticks for a shelter. König will be there for you every step of the way, guiding you with love and affection laced in every word and action he makes. But, on the off-chance you're better than him, he'll love you for it.

If you need a break, he'll happily take over. Please don't feel upset when he can do things better than you can ever hope to, he was raised this way. He won't ever look down on you. Instead, he'll take the time to encourage you. If he needs a break too, he'll happily join you, but not before taking a shower in his rudimentary shower system. Being clean is extremely important in survival situations, actually, little known fact.

You might find you like camping with him. If you don't, he'll be sad, but he won't force you to join him. But please, you have to understand that he needs this to be himself. He needs to be out in nature. He'll go alone if he has to, but please don't take this away from him. He needs this to be there for you. He needs this to work. Without nature, König is a broken man.