#dib questions everything he's ever known

[iodotsys]

Domestic living.

[lizzie-wendigo]

New Invader Zim AU! This is a spin off with Dib Membrane as the protagonist

DESCRIPTION OF THIS AU:

After the events of "enter the Florpus", Dib Membrane and his family have moved out of town, however, Zim has returned to his home planet, as it was his fault for the deaths of his leaders.

Dib still hasn't let his guard down, but after the move, he now finds himself in a new city full of paranormal phenomena and encounters. Despite this, people are still very ignorant, It's been 4 years, but Dib's more determined than ever. He's a more experienced paranormal investigator and is determined to keep the people of the city safe from this activity.

CHARACTER IN THIS AU:

Dib Membrane: Dib is now a 16-year-old boy, popular at his school, known as "Dib-Head," the school's conspiracy theorist. He's still somewhat self-centered, but he learns a lot along the way. Especially thanks to his new friends: Sam, Eddie, Tak, and Andi.He still wants to show the world the truth, but he keeps most of his research a secret. He's still the "mothman" agent of the "swollen-eye" society.

Gazlene Membrane: Gaz is now a 15-year-old girl, with a world record in her favorite video game and an online gaming community, sometimes streams for her audience, and is a famous gamer on the internet.She's still a fan of pigs, and now seems to be a bit more involved with her brother. Although she still finds her brother's enthusiastic and obsessive attitude irritating, secretly her maturation makes her feel more empathy towards others.(if you want an example of her attitude as a character, imagine a Loona from helluva boss)

Professor Membrane: Membrane is still a highly respected scientist in the science community and among science-loving nerds. However, he is still a very absent father, although it seems that he's now becoming somewhat aware of this, seeing that his "children" need him less and less. Since none of his children are going to dedicate themselves to science, he has 3 pupils whom he instructs to follow in his footsteps.He is even planning to tell Dib and Gaz that they are not his children, but his clones.

Tak: Tak was a prisoner on Moo-Ping-10, and because she was the first Irken to be imprisoned in this prison (since they consider the Irken Empire to be too powerful to stop them) they have decided to do experiments on her as a sort of "rehabilitation" for her Irken nature. Because of these experiments, Tak now gets a sentence of "community service" on the planet she tried to destroy (Earth), after contacting the "swollen eyes" Dib has been given the duty of watching over Tak and making sure she adjusts to Earth. Tak now has limited access to technology, so she has to settle for living as an "average human citizen" on Earth for an indefinite amount of time. The whole point of it all is to see if Tak is capable of being a better creature and being able to use this experiment to stop the Irkens. However, all this causes Tak to suffer some existential crises and she begins to question her existence, since she lives with some kind people on Earth and that makes her question the "why" of everything. She currently works as an assistant for Sam in his store.

More information will be revealed when I make more Ocs or make some fanarts

[mixtape-racha]

it's a scream, baby! | hyunlix

chapter ten: everybody's a suspect

words: 942 // warnings: cursing, alcohol consumption, discussions of sex and drugs

OFFICIAL GHOSTFACE KILLCOUNT: 006

a/n: this is a proper shitty little filler, sorry guys :(

once everyone had got their belongings from their respective cars - all being quick to call dibs on a bedroom, (y/n) choosing changbin’s elder sister’s room - they decided to just have a nice and easy night. they wanted to order in some food, stick on a movie and just switch off from the world, which was nice and much needed. changbin’s parents were even nice enough to have a food shopping delivery to the house within a few hours of them being their. 

(y/n) decided to take a nap by mid-afternoon, the exhaustion of the past week catching up with her all at once. and changbin’s sister’s room was cozy, comfortable. where the older seo sibling had moved abroad to get her doctorate, she was rarely in the family home and her room had almost a hotel-vibe to it. she’d spoken to changbin’s sister earlier in the day too, the older girls giving her express permission - in fact, encouragement - to use or steal any of her belongings at the home that she might need.

amazingly, (y/n) managed to sleep peacefully until early evening, when seungmin came and woke her up for dinner. the guys had decided to get in some fried chicken and watch an old jamie lee curtis movie while all cuddled up on the seo’s unusually massive sofa. (y/n) placed herself next to felix, hyunjin quick to join her other side, and she felt her heart race increase being sandwiched between the two males who both held very special places in her heart.

she tuned out most the night, having known the boys long enough to know the correct times to nod her head and give a hum, or a simple “yeah”, while they were telling a story. she felt like she could hear her heartbeat in his ears, the organ jumping up into her throat everytime felix’s hand brushed her skin, or hyunjin rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.

it was silly, she was best friends with these guys, so why were simple actions making her clench her thighs together, a dampness forming between her legs? no matter how hard she tried to focus on the movie - now on halloween 4: the return of michael myers - she couldn’t help but be hyperfocused on everything surrounding her.

it was only when seungmin and jisung started bickering again that she was pulled from her almost hypnosis, the laughter of the other boys around her filling her ears.

“seriously, jisung, there is no way following some stupid fucking rules can guarantee someone’s survival, even in a fucking movie. its so dumb.” seungmin was almost hysterical, unable to grasp how jisung was so serious about the topic.

over the fits of laughter, which (y/n) couldn’t help herself from joining in on - it was contagious, and jisung’s serious face was too much to bare - she managed to utter out a single question.

“what rules?”

jisung quickly paused the movie, the action met with groans from various parts of the couch, but shushed them down with an obscenely shocked expression on his face.

“you– you don’t know the rules? do none of you know the rules?”

it was amusing to watch, the way jisung’s beer sloshed in the bottle as he accusingly pointed around the room. (y/n) couldn’t help the way she curled into hyunjin’s side, her giggles becoming uncontrollable.

“none of you know the damn rules! holy shit, you’re such amateurs!” he exclaimed, eyes wider than they had ever been before.

“fucking hell, have an aneurysm, why don’t ya?” changbin snickered, carefully dodging the throw cushion that jisung launched at him in response.

“guys, come on. there are certain rules one must abide by to successfully survive a horror movie!”

the rest of the room slowly went quiet, as jisung’s enthusiasm rose. they knew one they got him on a tangent there was no stopping him, especially when he had alcohol in his system. there was no stopping him now, so they may as well indulge in how loud and annoying he was about to become.

“for example; you can never have sex during the course of the movie - the final girl is always a virgin, and innumerable victims are killed after finally indulging in a cheeky fuck.”

he seemed so proud of himself for capturing the undivided attention of everyone in the room, but that was quickly broken when minho and hyunjin started hooting out in laughter. everyone else soon joined in, seungmin dramatically falling across the laps of everyone on the couch.

“me and minho fuck at least once a day! we’re deaaaaaaad–!”

“you?! we’re all dead! michael myers come and take us now!” (y/n) chimed in, her giggles almost drowning out her words.

it was only when jisung began shushing everyone and stomping his foot like a child that he got their attention again, dutifully informing them there was two more rules to go yet.

“secondly, you can’t.. you can’t drink,” he cried out, tapping on the bottle in his hand. “or do drugs! its the whole innocence scale!”

“and finally, never, under any circumstances, ever say ‘i’ll be right back’. because you won’t be back. famous last words, you know? you’ll probably be the next victim.”

he looked so proud and accomplished that no one even noticed hyunjin had got off the couch and headed towards the kitchen.

“hey, i’m getting another beer. you want one?” he called out, to which jisung shrugged him off with a please, and a devilish smirk grew on hyunjin’s face. “okay. i’ll be right back!” he cackled before skipping off, leaving jisung in shock and the whole room in hysterics.

taglist: join taglist here @pretty-racha @chubbyanarkiss @queen-klarissa @queenfelix @taeriffic @mits-vi @myeg1993 @lemontead @peachessandhoney @chanssmiles @changbinisabigboy @5kayzee @skz-streamer @iweirdthingsblog @sinforsuccubus @bunniie0325 @torixx80 @fawnpeaks @bangtanmix73 @savluvsmingi @boi-bi-ahaha @moondustmemories @4evrglow @marrivmel @littlepotatooooo @selxmeow @demetrisscarf @carpioassists

[shizazz420]

Dear Invader Zim Community

Hey. You may know me by many things. shtass, shizazz, smeebmob, smeeb, or most unfortunately, Inky's (also known as Inky Shitp0st, brainrotart, snaxart6, rotten ink, basically the creator of the Invader Zim Demon/Angel AU and the Killer Dib AU etc etc) partner. Inky, one of the most infamous people in the IZ community, was my partner for nearly 3 years. I am here to say that I am sorry I ever supported or believed them and their lies. This is my apology.

I know "sorry" doesn't cut it. I have defended some truly heinous things that I was made to believe were false accusations. Knowing what I know now, I look back on that time with shame. Shame that I let him get away with everything he did to not just others, but myself. It is not fair to anyone that I stood by his side and let his victims be harassed off of the internet or into hiding. It is not even fair to him. He was robbed of an opportunity to learn from his actions, and now continues to repeat them to this day as a legal adult. I forgive unconditionally, but I will never, ever trust him or forget what he did. Everything from grooming, abuse, sexual harassment, even to the horrific things he portrayed in his Killer Dib and Demon/Angel AUs. I'm all for dark fiction and creative freedom, but I draw the line when the writer genuinely thinks the things they are writing about are okay or acceptable in any circumstance in real life. And they did.

I will not go into detail here, but long story short, they abused me, cheated on me, betrayed me, lied to and about me, and much more, all while treating me in such a way that convinced me I did not deserve better.

But most of all, I am sorry for what I allowed him to do to the Invader Zim and ZaDr communities-- the communities that I have loved for years and always were my safe space. He singlehandedly split certain areas of it apart. He has done worse than what you all know and continues his disgusting behavior to this day. The horrific stories he produced were projections of his own mind, and he later acted on those thoughts to varying degrees. The police will be getting involved.

I am sorry to the minors he groomed and manipulated.

I am sorry for the person who I will refer to as Sia for him taking advantage of your unstable state and obsessive personality to later demonize you after he lied to you about me.

I am sorry to everyone who tried to help and support him for your time wasted, as he refused any real help.

I am sorry to everyone who he has lied about and to.

I am sorry for everything.

I am not innocent. I will be exposing my own faults along with his in due time. I only hope that even a few of you will lend your support during this time and help me and his other victims bring him to justice.

And to a certain person who may or may not be reading this... get out of there. You are too young for him and he is an adult. Stop telling him you love him. Stop shipping your characters together. Get out. I know you don't like me, and that's fine. But I don't want him to make another person into a husk of what they once were.

If you have any questions, anyone reading this, I will answer them. Thank you for reading.

[thedawnbeauty]

The letter

“ I write this with the promise and guarantee this will fall into your hands, and your hands alone. He has a mage, who could promise this. Currently, in the middle of a storm, I write to you in the middle of the night. As I write, I can feel his eyes over my shoulder. I have somehow made it to Snow Mystic, and I .. am in so much trouble. Mother…”

There was a tear stain, after the the last sentence, as she dabbed her ink and continued.

“ I have been unable to tell anyone.. anything. Everything I say, or do is questioned and dissected, and then used against me. I’ve been called emotional, irrational, and stupid. But, as I write this letter; I should inform you, it was Caspian who believed I have been running for too long, and it was time I write home. He is a very strange man, on his shell he is cruel and mean. But behind closed doors, he is kind and considerate. I’ve never seen a man, like this. In order to gain my freedom to roam, Caspian gave me one condition; to write to you and tell you everything. I think I am long pass regretting my decisions to accept Miguel invitation and visit Paraiso. I didn’t really understand how much you, Maya and everyone was keeping me safe and shelter. I think I will carry this decision with me, for the rest of my life. If I hadn’t have left, none of this would have ever happened. I suppose.. I should start with the everything and the beginning. Miguel invitation and death turned into a roller coaster of emotions and trials. It lead me to unthinkable situations. Like Adelena Conan running away from her home, being forced to marry a French nobleman and then helping her flee such a marriage. I can promise you, the state I found her in.. continues to strengthen my belief that marriage may not ever be for me. I’ve been told, this Frenchmen is still on the hunt for her. I buried my knowledge of her and information to anyone who passes I simply say, we exchange letters and nothing more. 

I was a lead a fool, believing Vergil wanted a relationship with me. Believing, that I could step into my father shoes. I was running, when I could barely walk. He brought me to my mothers grave site and showed me Paraiso. I f e l t important, needed. But I was blinded by my ego, and my desire have a purpose there and I agreed to things I could never take back .. I woke to find myself a queen and witnessed the cost of it, civilian lives. While I was in Paraiso , so I was visited by many people first by this prince from Rovan, who promise to faithfully stay by my side, and yet he ran as soon as the first sign of trouble came . I was introduced to Michael Blackwood, who easily notice my inexperience and naïve nature, and offered me a chance to leave that he would walk with me in his home. I refused him.. I shouldn’t have.”

She dibbed into a different color ink and continued “ but the worst betrayal of all was my handmade Imelda, who I had shared my secrets with, and told my plans. I convinced myself , I am too young, inexperienced, I know nothing about ruling, and I told only IMELDA. I arrived at the Capitol to meet Ulisis to surrender myself for my crimes and everything I have done only to find Imelda and Vergil were there to do the complete opposite .  it.. get worse. …”

She looked over her shoulder to see Caspian was asleep as she continued. “ Vergil openly attacked Ulisis and revealed to me the guard who had protected Estefania sister, was known other than Edward. My brother is alive, and I hesitated and I panic. I forgot all of my teaching, and j cracked. I would not be writing this letter today, if it weren’t for a young woman named Samira. She risked her life, and something personal, something I told Edward I would never speak again about, to save our lives. I know as you are reading this, there are some gaps, some questions. But, It took many weeks to recover, and Edward and I opened a letter from my ma, while he were together he wrote to me before she denied. She had left me a small home, and a place I could rest my head. But, when I arrived, I was sentenced to the towers, Caspian learned of my tales, and exactly what happened in Paraiso. He keep me out of sight , and warmed me the implications he could face for harboring a fugitive . I was there for almost three months before he let me out, and informed me his wife had passed, and he needed a companion. Someone to stand pretty next to him at a ball, that is where I am heading now.

I should warn you, while he as in prison, a man named Charles said he had plans for me. I think they are attempting to make me Caspian next wife, and I, fear it may be the only thing that keeps my head on my shoulders. I really messed up momma, and I know I am passed your forgiveness, but I hope to one day earn your love and affection, and to make your proud. I love you and miss you.

Forever, Your daughter Aurora”

* the letter had been written weeks ago, while. Aurora was onboard to Rovan, and was promised it would fall into Hana hands. The mun only now got the chance to do lol *

@my-sensorium

[reddragon-cowboy]

A sandwich hovered in his mind's eye at the time as he laid on the couch, not certain as to why it sprouted amidst his daydream of swirling bullets and criminals; then his mouth began to water, the succulent taste for combined food groups which consists of juicy lettuce, tomatoes, ham, and cheese, propelled him to rise off the furniture before long legs quickly lead him towards the kitchen . Funny. How food was a huge motivator for men to do anything .

But he soon runs into a problem of sorts. After gathering all the ingredients onto the counter is when he realizes there was a shortage on bread, actually, they were ( in fact ) out of bread - already ? Swore he saw four slices left in its package last night. And his stomach only growls in protest as the taste for a sandwich intensifies, teases within his mind that dangles in front of him at the end of a hook , for something out of his reach .

On his heel he twirled out the room in a huff. Sound of his footsteps echoed off the walls as he made his way down the lonely corridor, one woman he reckons could be the culprit he's off to go confront. Faye was known to take the last portion of everything, sometimes first dibs on bounty heads if able, stealing things right from under their noses that belonged to him and Jet, even the mutt at this point - after they found out she ate his dog food .

Finally, once narrowed eyes spotted her figure clad in that recognizable red and yellow, he approaches with a question, in which her tongue curls and flicks with attitude. A wrinkle emerges , one that grows more pronounced between pinched brows .

❝ It was just a question. No need to get soo pissy about it . ❞ Akin to the taste of a snake's sharp venom does words spit a drip of malice. BOY, could her fiery flare prove contagious for whatever it touches, infective, bringing forth a gritty bite in his own tone he hurls back in her face. It was one thing to have an empty stomach. But that bitter attitude crawls under his skin he couldn't bear to stand, ripples like electricity off her frame, and with a pointed finger she easily pokes the air, provokes the atmosphere to ignite ( explodes ) as the two hunter's clash . ❝ - can't really blame me since all you ever do is take things that don't belong to you . ❞

@reddragon-cowboy get a short starter for hitting the ♡

Tch - the tip of her tongue kisses the ROOF OF HER MOUTH, that lolling sense of disrespect coating her skin like armour. Indifference was a woman's best weapon - and she liked to think she knew it well.

Funny thing was, it never seemed to matter when it came to the people who's lives she hadn't meant to STICK AROUND in. Whatever. It's all just temporary, wasn't it? Arms left crossing in the midst of this confrontation. "Well it wasn't me. I don't know who took the rest of the bread, and why are you even coming after me in the first place!?"

- @reddragon-cowboy

[sunflowerdaisybee]

Hiiiiii! Can you do a fereal boys(?)x male reader irl. So, male reader is hesitant to do a face reveal because he has a big scar that runs along his face and ends at his collarbone from a car crash. He thinks fans will think he's ugly and send him hate, but he gets an overwhelming amount of compliments about his personality already, so he thought , fuck it. He does a face reveal on stream, and he gets a discord notification like 10 minutes after. And when he joins the all you hear is all the fereal boys fighting over reader. And reader is just sitting there quietly like "wtf is happening". (you can end it how you want, and I have this scar in real life, so this would mean a lot to me. I also just want to say that you are the best writer I have ever had the privilege of coming across.)

I hope I did your request justice! I really enjoy writing requests for people that pertain to things that aren’t typically seen in common fics, everyone deserves love! Also Quackity is pink text because George is blue :] <3

Summary: Your recent stream reveals more than just your face

Genre: Fluff?

Pairing: Feral Boys X Reader

Pronouns: He/him

[A/n]: Requests are open <3

"So why haven't you done a face reveal yet? I mean you've probably got the best chats among our whole friend group."

"I just, I don't think they're gonna like how I look."

"Dude, your fans are literally in love with you, I don't think they'll mind how you look."

"Yeah you get like hundreds of compliments every stream, I doubt that any of them would hate your face." You subconsciously rubbed at your scar, taking the boy's words into consideration. Should you do a face reveal? Would your fans really love you regardless of your scar?

"Ya know what, fuck it. I'm doing it." There were cheers from the boys as you started setting up for a stream. You had muted the call so you couldn't hear the boys talking but they probably weren't talking about anything important anyways.

Starting up the stream you waited a few minutes for people to join in. Once you felt there were enough people you started talking.

"Hey guys, welcome to my face reveal vid." The chat was flooded with people talking about how excited they are. There were also comments of people hyping you up. Without any further delay, you turned on your camera and allowed the viewers to see your face.

Immediately you were flooded with compliments and people absolutely adoring you. Your fans didn't mind your scar, they thought that it was cool. There were a couple questions that you didn't mind answering, but for the most part, it was just your chat simping for you. They hyped up everything from your looks to your voice to your personality.

Eventually though, you decided to end the stream and return to the call that your friends were in. Saying goodbye to your chat you ended the stream and unmuted the call.

At first, you thought they were speaking gibberish as they were all talking over each other though eventually, you were able to figure out that they were talking about someone.

"No way I'll let you have him, he's mine. I called dibs."

"You can't call dibs on a person Quackity."

"To be fair, I liked him before I saw his face, so I think it's only fair that I get him."

"He was my friend first, so I should get him."

"No way, me and him have more in common so he should be mine." Who are they talking about? You listened in a bit more trying to decipher who this 'he' was.

"(Y/n) is my best friend, therefore he should be with me."

"(Y/n) has been to my house the most times, he should be with me."

"He should be with me because he and I call almost every day so I talk to him the most!"

"I've known him the longest out of everyone here, I've liked him since before you guys even knew him."

"No no no, you guys are all wrong. See I don't need to give a reason for (Y/n) to be with me because he's already gonna pick me anyways." There was an uproar in the call, all the boys yelling at each other playfully.

"Uh, guys?" You had never heard the five go so silent so quickly.

"Hi (Y/n), how long have you been here?"

"Like the past five minutes."

"Fuck."

[mamamittens]

Count Us Lucky

Raffle prize for @marco--the--phoenix!

Hope you enjoy lol (And I can just go back and edit if not, once I got started it just rolled out)

Would have written it yesterday but I got distracted with the Thatch Zine.

Marco/Ray(OC)/Ace -- Soulmate AU

SFW!

Word count: 2623

To say the adjustment period of acclimating the supernova spitfire known as ‘Portgas D. Ace’ was difficult would be kind but… very much not the whole story. Not by a long shot. For starters, the young man tended to give everyone a collective heart attack by falling asleep at the drop of a hat. Usually into his own food. And somehow still managed to stave off any attempts to steal said food without even disrupting his steady snores into whatever delicacy Thatch had tried to ply him with that day.

Apparently, this was neither new nor concerning for him. Which meant it was exactly the opposite for everyone else. Pops naturally just laughed, seemingly unphased despite the extra side eye he gave Ace anytime he took an impromptu nap. Marco silently marveled over his totally-not-eighth cup of coffee that Ace was in such good condition. It spoke quite well of his crew and that illusive family he was supposedly raised by. Supposedly because Ace’s manners oscillated between a feral wolfhound and impeccable noble child. Wildly. Without warning or sense half the time.

Ray snorted into his own cup of coffee and leaned against Marco’s side, arm winding around his back to rest his hand over the palm-sized mark hidden on the side of his rib. Then he slid his hand forward a bit more, brushing the sensitive skin of his wrist over the mark. The brush of matching marks sending a wave of warmth through Marco’s bones as he sighed. Ray glanced up at Marco with a wry smile, dark eyes glinting with humor.

“What?” Marco asked defensively, suddenly a bit nervous. Ray only gave him that look when he knew something Marco didn’t and was relishing in the opportunity to rub it in his face a little. Like when Thatch somehow managed to sneak pineapple slices into Marco’s back pocket without him noticing—until he sat down on the wet fruit slices that is.

“You think he’s pretty cute, don’t you?” Ray asked. For a moment, Marco was confused by who Ray meant, distracted by his soulmate idly brushing over their shared mark as he was. Then it clicked.

Ray meant Ace. Shit… had he been checking Ace out? At the very least, it couldn’t have been too blatant or rude, otherwise Ray would be more annoyed.

Ah. Wait a minute.

“And you don’t?” Marco murmured over his coffee cup with a sly smile of his own. Ray huffed in amusement.

“I do have eyes you know.”

“Point taken.” And it very much was.

Ace was a handsome young man with an infectious grin and adorable freckles everywhere Marco cared to look—Okay, maybe he had been staring more than he should, but it wasn’t like Ace didn’t do everything in his power to demand attention! And Ace clearly worked very hard to be as strong as he was, something that very much showed anytime the wind happened to blow unexpectedly. Or he decided to take a flying leap to try and decapitate pops. Same difference, really. The gaudy orange hat didn’t even detract from Ace’s looks either… somehow. In fact, if Marco was really being honest, the color managed to compliment the young man’s tanned skin wonderfully.

Honestly, it was a wonder Marco didn’t stare more. Whoever Ace’s soulmate was, they were very lucky… actually, did Ace even have a soul mark?

It was both a fair question and one that no one was ever going to ask. That would be fucking rude as hell in even the best of circumstances. Marco supposed it was possible he didn’t have one. It happened… but Marco really doubted it. The idea that Ace was—well everything he was—and without even a single mark seemed ludicrous. There was no way someone that damn cute with a smile that bright didn’t have destiny itself calling dibs. Hell, Marco was a surly bastard half the time and even he had a soulmate. Who was currently looking at him very amused at how his mind had clearly wondered away from the conversation.

Well, if there was nothing else Marco could say about his soulmate, it’s that he was very patient when needed.

“Finished thinking about him?” Ray teased with a flash of teeth in a wide grin. Marco huffed and pressed a kiss to the top of Ray’s hair.

“Jealous?” He whispered jokingly into the messy gray locks, well aware of what the answer was.

“Hardly. I’m in the same boat as you. Literally and figuratively.” Ray mocked, poking Marco’s side to see him twitch in discomfort.

Marco glanced over to see Ace in a spirited rendition of some far-fetched tale he swore was true about his little brother.

Marco muffled a whine into his very amused soul mate’s hair again.

“Why does he smile like sunshine? I almost miss when he hissed every time we got near him.”

“I thought he looked like a wet kitten, personally.” Ray was right, of course. Ace had always looked stupidly cute, no matter his mood… slightly less cute when he was attempting murder, but that determined look in his eyes was a whole other problem for Marco’s sanity.

It was honestly ridiculous. Marco had seen plenty of very attractive people in his lifetime. How did one spicy East Blue pirate blow them out of the water so hard? At least he wasn’t alone in his misery.

--*--

Ray had long since suspected that there were lingering issues with Ace’s self-image for a while now. It wasn’t incredibly obvious at first, but upon closer inspection it was clear that Ace didn’t have a high opinion of himself. His willingness to throw himself into danger was admirable, as was his kind nature—after you dug through the prickly outer layers designed to piss people off and pick fights—Ray freely admitted that. Ace had been waffling on where to get his tattoo for some time. If he even should.

And that’s how he found Ace sitting on the railing overlooking the ocean late one night. Marco had another three stacks of reports to go through and Ray himself simply didn’t want to sleep yet. So he… conveniently decided to go see what the resident cute, spitfire was up to. Ace was slouched into himself, the curve of his spine almost as deep as his obvious concentration as a soft frown pulled at his lips.

Ray cleared his throat, making Ace jump slightly, hands gripping the railing so hard Ray thought he heard creaks.

“Uh… hey, Ace. You good?” Ray asked, a bit concerned if he actually heard Adam Wood railing creak under a reflex. For a moment, Ace stared at him. Then all the tension seemed to melt from his shoulders as he relaxed, easy grin sliding into place. Only mostly fake.

“I-I’m great! What bring you out here, Ray?” inwardly, Ray was quite pleased that Ace already remembered his name. No small feat given the massive amount of crew on board.

“Oh, nothing much. You looked like you were thinking pretty hard, though. Is it about the tattoo? It’s not… required, you know? Some people aren’t comfortable with anything besides soul marks on their skin. Pops won’t mind.” Ray explained, leaning his elbows on the railing to look over at Ace better.

“No! It’s not that… well, it sort of is.” Ace sighed, propping his chin onto his hand, “I don’t know why I’m hung up over it. It’s not like it really matters. There’s no way it would be returned.” Ray jolted, shock ripping down his spine.

Ace definitely had self-esteem issues.

“Why do you say that? You’re pretty great, Ace. Anyone would be lucky to share a mark with you.” Ray offered, idly rubbing his thumb over his own mark. He didn’t exactly hide it, choosing to wear floral vacation shirts most of the time, but Ray never really brought attention to it either. The bright red and orange fire engulfing a glowing blue and yellow feather.

Personally, Ray had always thought it was a bit of an odd detail, but Marco had the same fire around his downy gray feather. It was probably just a theme for them—which wouldn’t be unusual. No one was sure how exactly the marks worked after all.

Ace’s expression darkened.

“They just wouldn’t.” Ace scowled out at the sea like the far horizon had wronged him personally. “Especially not like…” Ace glanced at Ray.

Ray couldn’t help but snort.

“You know how often Marco sleeps, Ace? Or even rests?” Ray declared, dialing up the dramatics until Ace gave him a confused smile.

“Uh… not often? I mean, I don’t know where he sleeps, but it seems like he’s always up?” Ace responded in confusion; a ghost of a smile still present on his face.

“Exactly! He thinks he can just go with only a power nap every other day because he’s Marco the Phoenix!” Ray cried out, throwing his hands up in mock defeat.

“…H-Hey, aren’t you also up all the time?” Ray continued his tirade.

“Sleep is for the weak—and didn’t you know Marco is a commander?! How could he ever need sleep? Ugh! Soulmate or not, he drives me nuts sometimes I swear!” Ray complained fondly despite himself.

Ace merely gave him an amused look.

“…Sounds very difficult for you.” Ace responded after a long moment, “I’m sure you aren’t also guilty of the same thing. That would be silly. And hypocritical.” Ace poked his shoulder hard enough to dislodge Ray. Shocked, Ray whipped around to poke Ace back but he moved out of the way. Ray then proceeded to chase Ace around the deck, determined to return the favor.

Ray quickly lost the wrestling attempt to get payback but Marco swept in as backup and turned the tide easily. How or why he knew Ray needed help harassing Ace, Ray wasn’t sure, but the end result was a sight to see.

Face red from behind his hands, Ace laughed and sputtered in embarrassment. Even his neck was red, the air noticeably warmer around him—probably due to his devil fruit.

Ray made a note to tease Marco about how cute Ace looked breathless and near tears with laughter later. Judging by how smug Marco looked pinning Ace to the deck with his heel, Ray suspected it wouldn’t be difficult. And besides, it’s not like Ray didn’t enjoy the tussle either.

--*--

The tattoo was a work of art—done by an artist that had completed a lot of tattoos for his new crew. Lines crisp and an even color, Ace knew the massive mark would be a bitch to heal but it was worth every second. The only part Ace was uncertain about was how he’d have to go without a shirt for quite some time. It wasn’t that he was embarrassed of his body! It was just… his soul mark was very prominent and unlikely to go unnoticed where it was.

Just above his heart, bold and bright, the hand sized mark seemed to glow against his skin. Eerie blue fire around a seemingly ordinary feather with faint iridescent highlights. It seemed… strange to share it so openly. Thankfully, no one had commented yet—though pops did get an amused look in his eye when he looked over Ace’s new tattoo. Ace… wasn’t sure what to think about that, but ultimately shrugged it off.

Thatch had been trying to find out Ace’s favorite food for some time now and finally started making spicy food closer to Ace’s preferences. Though some didn’t appreciate ghost peppers, Ace thrived on the hilarious spectacle of his new crewmates trying to out eat him. They’d never win—Luffy would have to find his way on board before there was even a chance of that happening. But it was still funny to see them try. Walking through the mess hall, Ace snagged a plate from Thatch and sauntered over to sit next to Marco and Ray.

He'd be a filthy liar if he said he didn’t like the two men. A lot. But the yearning in his heart had settled down as he came to terms with his attraction. Just being with them was worth the slight ache he got knowing there was no way his soulmate would ever share a bond with him like they did with each other. A casual sort of affectionate air lingered around them, clear in the absent brushes of their hands and the way they moved around each other without thought. Maybe Ace wanted that, rather than the very clearly complete couple’s time and affection.

He wasn’t very good at this whole ‘romance’ thing. Shockingly, being raised by mountain bandits and having adventures in lush jungles and between trash heaps didn’t give you stellar inter-personal skills. Who’d have thought? But what he did know was that he felt more at home around them than anywhere else. Even with Ray and Marco taking joy in teasing reactions from him unexpectedly. Like he was safe. Actually safe. Not the imaginary status he had tried to carve out for Sabo and Luffy in a tree house far away from their grandpa and Dadan. Or the foul pirates that took pleasure in threatening their lives for treasure.

“I wonder when Thatch will run out of ways to include ghost peppers in every meal?” Marco mumbled, shoveling food into his mouth as he idly turned the page of a book Ray was holding between them. “I’m starting to become taste-blind to them. Didn’t think I could do that.”

Ace chuckled.

“I think it’ll be soon. He didn’t even cook them this time, just served it as a side.” Ace grinned, popping one into his mouth with ease. Ray glanced at him with a wry smile.

“Maybe if you would just tell him your favorite food, you could spare us all the trouble—” Ray paused, expression dropping into shock. Concerned, Ace spun around, looking for trouble. But nothing was there. Everyone was eating and chatting away.

A gentle hand pushed at his shoulder, turning him back around. Ace looked back at Ray in confusion.

“Something wrong?” Ace finally asked as Marco paused, fork lifted up mid-bite. Marco also glanced down in shock.

“Oh.” One of them said breathlessly, too soft for Ace to tell who.

Ray smiled at Ace, his heart stuttering at the soft curl of the man’s lips and the soft blush over his cheeks. Like something finally clicked into place.

Ray stretched out his arm and brushed his wrist over Ace’s chest, fire pooling down his back like sunlight. Grabbing Ray’s arm, Ace pulled it away and looked down.

There, on the inside of Ray’s wrist, was a startlingly familiar mark. Not exact, but still very similar to his own. Red instead of blue fire. A glowing blue and gold feather instead of the soft gray he knew was over his own heart. Looking over in mute shock to Marco, Ace was surprised to see that he pulled back his own shirt, revealing a peak of a mark hidden on his side.

Red fire with the same delicate feather that Ace had.

Ace looked at them, unsure of what to think.

Were they…? Could they…?

Marco smiled, removing his hand to pull Ace closer to Ray and himself, grip firm but gentle.

“Would you look at that… looks like we’re lucky after all, huh Ray?” Ray slipped his arm around Ace’s waist.

“Looks like it, Marco.” Ray leaned briefly into Ace’s side, “Told you so, Ace.”

Ace wasn’t sure where the soft heat started, but it curled around his ears and all the way to his heart. Right to his mark.

Looks like Ace was pretty lucky too.

[babymetaldoll]

The "Rumple Buttercup" situation (Matthew Gray Gubler/ Reader)

Requested?: Yes!

Hi, I don't know if this is where you take request but I was thinking about a 2nd part to "The devils food cake" chapter about when they think of names they argue about the middle name being rumple (Matthew wants rumple to be the middle name (y/n) doesn't)

Category: Flufflies fluff. Hardcore fluff.  

Summary: Matthew tries to convince his wife to name their first newborn "Rumple Buttercup."

Warnings: Zero. I don't think I even cursed on this one. But you have to know how to handle your fluff.

Word count: 2K

Masterlist

You can read the original one shot here 

A/N: Hello! How is everybody doing this week? Sending love to all my pretty people 💜 I got so excited with this request I made this gif for it ✨

                                         ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The house was oddly silent when (Y/N) walked in. She smelled the fresh baked cookies and... lavender? That was new. The place wasn't a mess when she left the house that morning, but it didn't look like that at all. Someone had been taking care of everything in her absence.

- "Matthew?"- (Y/N) walked in and took a look around. Everything was clean and in perfect order. It didn't loot at all like the house she had left that very same morning.

- "In the kitchen, Bunny!"- he announced with a cheerful voice and (Y/N) followed the delicious smell and the sweet voice of her husband.

- "Welcome back! How was your day with your mom?"

- "Hey! It was good. I had fun"- Matthew smiled at his wife as soon as he watched her walk into the kitchen and opened his arms to greet her with a warm hug.

- "I missed you, Bunny"- he whispered and kissed her lips sweetly, cupping her face with both hands, holding her cheeks, and caressing them with his lips.

- "I missed you too, honey."- (Y/N) murmured and sighed, enjoying the sensation of Matthew's hands on her.

- "And how's my little baby bean?"- he whispered, and his hands traveled from her face to her belly.

- "Baby Gub is kicking a lot today. I think he is having a rave in there."

The way Matthew's heart skipped a beat each time he heard the words "Baby Gub" killed him. He couldn't get over the fact he was going to be a father in four months. He couldn't believe it yet. It was his dream come true.

So, Matthew hummed in response and kissed his wife one more time before looking at her with a big adorable, and goofy smile.

- "I've got you a little surprise,"- he announced and held her hand

- "Really? I noticed you did some cleaning. Is that the surprise?"- (Y/N) asked as Gubler insisted she sat on a couch and helped her taking out her purple Converse.

- "That's part of the surprise,"- Matthew answered with a mysterious smile- "Now stay here and relax for a minute."

- "But no. Wait, stay here too, I missed you," (Y/N) argued, but Gubler just pecked her lips and walked back to the kitchen.

- "It will only be a second, Bunny! Meanwhile, tell me, what did you do with your mom today."

- "She took our baby bean shopping. Can you help me get a million bags from the car later?"

- "Sure!!"- Gubler yelled from the kitchen- "What did you get?"

- "Mom went nuts and got us so many baby clothes. I don't think our baby will have time to wear it all before it's too small for him."- Matthew chuckled at the idea of their baby wearing tiny socks that didn't fit on his little feet.

- "Then, she invited me for lunch and overfed me, but I can't complain, 'cos I was starving, and she took me to that little Italian place near to their house, and it's just so good! I think I ate my weight on garlic bread."

Matthew frowned and looked at the tray he was preparing. It had homemade cookies, a chocolate milkshake, one cupcake, and a heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

- "So... you are not hungry?"- he asked, hesitant to bring his wife the snack he had prepared for her.

- "Starving, actually. Your son is gonna make me gain a million pounds."- Matthew smiled and grabbed the tray, walking with confidence back to the family room.

- "That's what I wanted to hear, 'cos I made this for you."

(Y/N) widened her eyes in awed, smiled at her husband when he stood by her side and placed the tray on her legs.

- "I cooked all your favorites while you were gone"

- "Matthew Gray, you are the sweetest husband on Earth"- (Y/N) raised her hands and reached his face, forcing him to lean over and kiss her.

- "What do you want?"- she whispered and smiled

- "What do you mean?"

- "I'm your wife. I've known you for the last... nine years. I know you are going to ask me for something"- Gubler gasped, pretending to be shocked and insulted, but (Y/N) shook her head and took a large sip of her milkshake.

- "Really, (Y/N). I can't believe you think I'm nice to you only because I wanna ask you for something."

- "So you won't?"- (Y/N) raised an eyebrow and chewed a cookie- "These are delicious, honey. Thank you so much."

- "no, you already broke my heart"- Matthew sighed and sat at the other side of the couch.

- "Oh, come on!"

- "I was just trying to be nice with my wife."

- "You are adorable. If I weren't pregnant already, I would actually ask you to knock me up"- Gubler tried not to chuckle but failed.

- "Come on, Gub, give me a smile"- (Y/N) giggled and looked at Matthew- "You know you want to smile."

- "Stop it."

- "Come on, honey"- (Y/N) reached out for his hand and held it- "Just tell me what it was that you wanted to ask me"- Gubler bit his inner cheek and sighed.

- "I hate that you know me so well."

- "It's part of the job of being your wife"- (Y/N) smiled pleased and grabbed another cookie- "So?"- she chewed the cookie and gave one to Matthew.

- "Ok... here's the deal"- Matthew ran his hands through his hair and made a pause, trying to rearrange his thoughts. (Y/N) looked at him, waiting and eating all the cookies on the dish.

- "I'm waiting."

- "Ok, so... we are going to have a kid"- Matthew stated- "And that kid has to have a name"- suddenly (Y/N) knew exactly where that conversation was going.

- "Yes, he has."

- "And we haven't talked about the baby's name"

- "No"- (Y/N) shook her head and crossed her arms on her chest immediately.

- "But I haven't even told you what I wanted to ask."

- "The baby's name won't be Rumble Buttercup."

Matthew opened his mouth to argue, and (Y/N) looked right into his eyes with a deadpan stare.

- "But why not?"

- "Are you serious, Matthew? You already have a "kid" named Rumple."

- "Yes, but it's different, 'cos he is my "first child book," and our baby is our firstborn child."

- "No"- (Y/N) shook her head again and grabbed the sandwich. Yes, she had eaten most of the day, but she really felt hungry. Maybe it was anxiety or cravings, but whatever it was, she just felt hungry the whole time.

- "Come on (Y/N), be fair here."

- "Ok, I'll be fair. Explain your case."

Matthew stood up and cleared his throat, ready to convince his wife. He fixed his hair, though it was a useless attempt to look a little more serious. If anything, he just made her want to laugh more, 'cos he was being adorable.

- "Ever since I was a little kid, I always dreamed about the day I could call my first son "Rumple Buttercup." Rumple is an old family name in the Gubler family, and I am sure naming our baby as his ancestors will assure him a life of happiness and love."

Gubler smiled at his wife, and (Y/N) nodded, chewing the last bite of the sandwich.

- "Who was called Rumple in the Gubler's family?"- she asked, and Matthew almost jumped, looking at her excitedly.

- "Excellent question, Bunny. You'll see, my great-great-grandfather, Rumple Buttercup Gubler, first arrived in America in early 1800, all alone with no family. And he built the first casino of Las Vegas."

- "In the early 1800"- (Y/N) raised an eyebrow and tried not to laugh.

- "He was a visionary. Don't you want our baby to be a visionary too?"

- "I do, I definitely do. But... can we talk about my great-great-grandfather? His name was Yertle, and he also had a vision. And a mustache!"- (Y/N) said and made her best not to laugh, as Matthew raised an eyebrow and bit his lips, trying not to laugh as well.

- "Yertle?"- he asked, crossing his arms on his chest- "Your great-great grandfather's name was Yertle?

- "Yes"- she nodded and smiled- "Yertle the Turtle. It's also an old family name, and most of the man in my family had carried that name after him".

- "I've never heard of one an "uncle Yertle" when we hang out with your family."

- "I've never heard of an "uncle Rumple Buttercup" when we hang out with yours."

- "He has been mentioned many times. All the Rumples of my family has been amazing men."

- "Just like our good old Yertle."

- "But I called dibs on the baby's name!"- Matthew failed and laughed at his own words and sat by his wife, huffing. (Y/N) giggled and rested her head on his shoulder.

- "What if we find a great name together?"- she whispered. Matthew held her hand and played with her fingers between his for a second.

- "Or we can call him Rumple."

- "Rumple Yertle Gubler"- she whispered and shook her head- "I'm not sure."

- "Rumple Buttercup Yertle Gray Gubler"- he corrected and chuckled- "Fine, let's find another name."

- "Thank you, honey"- (Y/N) smiled and sighed- "Wanna split the cupcake?"

- "Yes, please."

Matthew looked at his wife, carefully splitting the cupcake he had made for her, and took half. He could have had a whole tray of cupcakes, but that was the only one that didn't burn. Matthew wasn't really the best baker in the world, but he had tried his best. He wanted to do something nice for his wife. She hadn't been feeling good in the last few weeks. The baby kept her up most of the nights, moving and kicking. She couldn't really rest, and everybody kept telling her it wasn't going to be any better once the baby was born.

- "So... wanna think of names now?"- (Y/N) asked him with a smile- "Wanna think of another man with an amazing vision and incredible mustache to name our baby?"

- "Actually"- Matthew whispered and smiled- "I had a plan B in case you weren't on board with Rumple."

- "Really?"- (Y/N) frowned, wondering what was Matthew going to come up with now- "Suprise me."

- "Vincent"- there was a long silence after Gubler said that name. (Y/N) gave it a little thinking, running all the nickname options in her head.

- "Vincent Gray Gubler"- Matthew added the rest of the name- "What do you think?"

- "LIttle Vincent Gray Gubler... Vince, Vinnie..."

- "Like Vincent Price. He is an amazing man with a vision and an incredible mustache."

(Y/N) kept nodding as she finished eating her cupcake. Her husband turned to her and waited for an answer.

- "I love the name"- she whispered and grinned at Matthew- "What do you think, Vincent Gray?"- she asked, looking at her tummy.

- "Knock once for yes and twice for no"- Matthew giggled and caressed (Y/N) belly. And as if he could hear them, the little baby kicked her once. The Gublers looked at each other with wide-opened eyes, surprised and shocked by the quick answer of their unborn son.

- "It's settled then, Vincent!"- Matthew replied to the belly and kissed it- "You just picked your name!"

(Y/N) looked at her husband and moved closer, holding his face with both hands, and pulling him closer to her.

- "I love you, Gub"- she whispered and kissed him

- "I love you too, Mrs. Gub."

- "Thank you for putting a baby on my belly,"- she murmured, and he chuckled, caressing her hair and looking into her eyes, which were getting a little tearful at the moment.

- "Sorry, hormones"- she excused herself and chuckled- "I'm just so excited we picked his name."

- "I'm excited too, Bunny,"- Matthew whispered and kissed her one more time- "Now, what do you say I get you some herbal tea?"

- "I'd ask you to marry me, but you already did,"- she answered with a huge smile. Matthew kissed her one more time and stood up. Vincent Gray Gubler. Sounded like a dream.  

--------

Taglist: 

@all-tings-diego​

[mickeyhenrysgf]

Road Trip

Summary: Bucky Barnes doesn’t know how to admit his feelings towards you.

A fluff Drabble based on the new content

You were excited when you learned the news you would be going on a mission with Wilson & Barnes. Being an assistant had its perk. Currently, you were on the road to your secret cabin hideout with the two of them. You turned your head and secretly watched Bucky. His now short hair gave a better view of his face and his delicious jawline. If only the two of you could be cuddling with one another in the back seat.... it would be less boring...

Sam Wilson presented a small smirk in the rear view mirror as he drove. He found it hilarious that Bucky never caught your stares. The best part was Sam also knew Bucky had a crush on you.

“We should be there soon, I call dibs on the solo bedroom.” Sam spoke up.

Bucky’s eyebrows furrowed and he cleared his throat. “But, what about Y/N?” He questioned and your eyes widen lightly at the fact that Bucky was even acknowledging you.

“I thought we promised we would give it to her” his voice becoming stern as he sits up. You’re taken by his actions, also, sitting up.

“Buck— it’s totally fine... Sam said something about his neck hurting...” you shrugged while Sam smiled lightly in the rear view mirror. His plan was falling into place.

Bucky shook his head in disbelief and sighed mumbling something incoherent under his breath.

Before any conversation could continue, Sam was already pulling up into the secluded woods. The cabin eventually coming into the view through the trees.

“Here we are!” Sam announced, parking the car and you un-click your seatbelt, heading to your home for the next couple of days.

As days followed along the mission, you awkwardly shared a bedroom with Bucky. He insisted that he would just sleep on the small couch. His legs would hang from the edge, and then he would complain about aches. If only he listened to you, and just slept in the bed with you. You really didn’t mind.

“Sam, can we talk?” Bucky requests, walking a fast pace down the road and Sam follows him.

“What’s going on in that cyborg brain of yours?”

“You don’t want to know. But--” Bucky stops mid sentence as he looks ahead to see you alone on the road. He wished his hands were laced with yours, reassuring you that the mission would go fine tomorrow.

“She likes you, man” Sam noticed the way Bucky stared at you these past days. And countless days before that. A lovesick puppy is what he was. 

“No she doesn’t...”

Sam rolls his eyes. If only he could knock some sense into his friend.

“Trust me, Buck. Go talk to her.“ He insists, practically pushing his friend away.

“God... I hate you.”

Bucky grunts and awkwardly jogs ahead to meet you in the road. You smile as he comes up next to you.

“Oh hey— bored of Sam already?” You tease, chuckling softly, and Bucky smiles big. His heart already fluttering every-time you speak.

“I guess so” Bucky shrugs. “I—I just didn’t want you to be alone.”

“Who? Me? Bucky, I totally understand if you want to talk to Sam. You’ve known him for years and I’m here to just learn the ropes.” There was no hard feelings.

Bucky was lost for words. He really didn’t know what to say next. He sucked at the flirting game in the 21st century.

“But we can be friends, too...”

“I thought we were already friends!” You state playfully, looking up at him, panic settling within him.

Of course, he considered you as a friend. He wanted to be more than friends, frankly.

“That’s not what I meant—! You are my friend. What I-I meant was I was thinking about the sleeping arrangements and we should totally sleep in the bed together...”

The words didn’t sound right as he spoke. His nerves were overtaking him. Bucky was switching to a new conversation with each sentence.

Sam watched the train wreck in front of him. But, he still had faith in his friend. Just give him a few more seconds. He’s got it... As much as Bucky was bombing this encounter, Sam knew how head over heels you were for him. Bucky could say almost anything and you would still find it adorable.

A smirk twitches against your lips. “Well, Bucky I’ve been telling you that for the longest. I hate to see your body in pain the next morning over something so simple. What’s changed your mind?”

Bucky takes a deep breath before speaking.

“The truth is I get nervous around you Y/N... so I thought if I slept on the couch, I could escape this problem. But it only seems to be getting worse...” he looks down, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

You smile wide, a sudden warmth flushing your cheeks. “I get nervous around you too...”

Bucky’s eyes shoot up in an instant. One of his eyebrow raises. He would have never expected someone like you to be nervous when you displayed such a cool and collected manner. “You do?”

You nod, stopping to look up at him.

“You make me nervous, Bucky... because I like you.” Bucky’s breath hitches, little shit Sam was actually right. Don’t screw this up, Bucky thought.

“I like you too, doll...” you bite your bottom lip, internally squealing inside. His hands slowly inch towards yours and naturally intertwine with your fingers. This isn't exactly how he pictured it but it was everything he wanted.

As the two of you walk in silence hand in hand for a couple of moments, Bucky finally speaks up again.

“Hey, doll... are you a kicker in your sleep?” He asks, his thumb rubbing over your hand ever so gently.

“No? Why?”

“Because I am but when I’m wrapped around something... like a pillow— it goes away.”

“Is this your way of saying you want to cuddle when we get home?”

“Yes...” Bucky shyly looks down at you and nods. His hand squeezing yours softly.

“I’d love to cuddle with you Bucky...” you tippy toe and press a small kiss against his cheek.

Bucky is officially walking on clouds. Maybe he didn’t hate Sam that much.

[inkandpen22]

Permanent Chaos (1/?)

Pairing: MGK x Female!Reader

Warnings: Swearing 

Word Count: 2.8k

Part Summary: Y/N is a newly famous actress from a popular TV show and she’s willing to do everything in her power to maintain her perfect image as “America’s Sweetheart.” 

Masterlist

The limelight is a hard place to be under. It’s draining to constantly be on display. Day in and day out I feel as though I’m always looking into a mirror. However, a mirror is replaced by people’s eyes. I see myself through other’s eyes. Being sat on a slippery plastic stool while being watched by millions of Americans before they head off to work is an excellent way to start my day. Perhaps if I keep telling myself that I’ll eventually believe it. Savannah glances down at her cards then continues with the interview.

“Let’s go back to a year ago, if someone approached you and said “you’ll be the most sought after girl in America,” would you had believed them?”

I shake my head “not all.”

If only she knew how absent I am in the current moment. I’ve answered similar questions a million times these past few months. All the exact same questions within the same routine.

“Now, being as famous as you are, how do you cope with your newfound fame?”

There it is, famous. A better-sounding word than popular. After all, adult life is nothing like high school… right?

“I don’t particularly like the word “famous.” When people say “you’re famous!” What they really mean is “a lot of people know you!” At least people think they do.”

She studies me, intrigued by my honest answer, perhaps too honest. “You’re saying America doesn’t know the “real” you? Including your fans?”

I shrug, I can only imagine Nicole’s face right now. My usual bubbly and charmingly excited personality didn’t wake up with me at three this morning.

“I believe they know whatever version of me they’ve created. For some, I’m that girl from the cover of that one magazine they saw in line at the grocery store. For others, I may just a name without a face. That’s the thing about being so-called “famous.” I’ll never have the chance to meet every single person who has ever read an article about me or has seen paparazzi videos. They’ll only see those tainted versions of me. They’ll never have the opportunity to know me personally and make a valid judgment for themselves.”

Savannah hums, her eyebrows scrunched up. “How do you feel about that?”

I sigh, the words settling within me. “It’s disappointing.”

If only they all knew the truth, the reality of it all.

______________________________________________________

After the interview for the show, I fly straight back to Los Angeles from New York. My schedule has been worse, but I never miss the chance to complain to my manager. Thankfully, Nicole is a mother of tween girls and a ten-year-old boy so she knows how to take my childish whining. Once we’re landed in LAX I countdown the minutes until I can return to my bed.

“I don’t understand why you insist on wearing heels on the plane,” Nicole nags me.

“Because you never know who you’re gonna meet! Best to dress nicely just in case!”

It’s been a rule of mine since I first discovered my style and began to wear makeup, never go out in public without looking and feeling confident. I’ve learned that people can sense when others don’t feel confident and take advantage of that.

“I doubt your Mom would like it,” she nags.

“Well she’s not in California is she?” I fire back but snicker slightly.

My momma’s absence was bitter-sweet, in the beginning, now it’s all sweet. When we have our luggage, Nicole leads me through the airport to where the car is picking us up.

“You may want to put on your sunglasses now. We’re about to cross the line,” she warns.

I grab my glasses out of my purse like she instructed and slide them on. She was right, as soon as we cross over that taped line it’s a free-for-all for the paparazzi.

“Y/N!” “Y/N!”

“HEY! SHOW US A SMILE!”

The yelling doesn’t bother me as it used to in the past. Now, it’s the clicking. The clicking from their cameras. A constant *click* *click* *click*, from each of the thirty cameras. Nicole attempts to create a path for me by walking ahead.

“HOW WAS YOUR TRIP TO NEW YORK?”

“Good, thank you” I reply politely with a smile toward the tile floor.

I try to manage a balance when it comes to paparazzi. They have their job and so do I. Following me, taking pictures or videotaping me is their job. As long as they respect me, I will respect them. Nicole says it’s good for my image. My image wasn’t the first reason I was nice toward them, I was being myself. Nowadays, I’m hardly myself. I have my name, Y/N Voss, but it no longer feels like my name. The paparazzi are not used to getting easy responses out of people because there’s a long pause before the next question.

“WHEN DOES FILMING START BACK UP FOR THE SHOW?”

The question comes from a different voice but that doesn’t keep me from answering.

“In two days!” I gleam, looking forward to returning to set.

“CAN YOU GIVE ANY INFO ABOUT THE NEW SEASON?”

I chuckle a little but think it over. I agreed in my contract not to give out spoilers but there is a little info I was told I can let out. Plus, I’ve only seen the script for the first episode so I don’t know too much.

“I can say that Hollyn will have a bump start this season but no worries,” I answer vaguely but with interest.

Nicole and I manage to reach outside and she guides me down the sidewalk to where the car is supposed to pick us up.

“RUMOR HAS IT YOU’RE DATING SOMEONE! CARE TO COMMENT?”

“I’m very much single,” I laugh, finding the topic humorous. “Not enough hours in the day to share them!”

There are always rumors that I’m dating someone though none of it’s true.

“YOU LOOK GREAT TODAY Y/N!”

“YOU ALWAYS DO!”

“Thanks, boys!” I give my appreciation. 

The driver gets out of the front and pops the trunk. Nicole informs me to get in the car and let her worry about our things along with the driver.

“WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE SUMMER?”

I open my door but pause to answer the last question. “Work, of course, but I also want to have some fun.”

“HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!”

“SEE YA LATER Y/N!”

They all hurry to get some last shots and I grant them a couple of seconds.

“You too! See you guys later!” I wave goodbye then climb into the car.

Nicole gets in a minute later and gives the driver the address. “You did great back there,” she compliments.

“Eh, it was nothing. I was only answering their questions.” I remove my glasses and get settled in as best as I can for the hour drive home.

She pulls out her binder full of scheduling material for me.

“Yes, but you were willing and kind. The public and media appreciate that! You’re becoming America’s Sweetheart!”

I would never admit it to Nicole but that title she keeps pushing makes me anxious every time I hear it. None of this was planned, it was thrown at me. Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m grateful for what I have but geez! When everyone is telling you a whole country adores you, how are you supposed to handle that? Especially at eighteen. It was no more than a year ago I was back in South Carolina and just another girl in high school. Now, I’m supposed to be “America’s Sweetheart.” I’ll play the part but it doesn’t make the job any less intimidating.

__________________________________________________________

My best friends/co-stars, Sam and Penelope, meet up with me for dinner to celebrate my first night back in town after the press tour. The three of us have been dividing our time around the country working on various projects between filming the show. Any time we can all get together is a gift.

Ever since I’ve known Sam Merka, girls flung themselves at him. Even I’ll say it, he’s a good-looking guy. If Grant Gustin had a younger brother, it would be Sam. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea, we’re just friends. A sibling sort of bond. Since he’s eight years older than me, he likes a big brother.

Though Penelope is older too, one can’t tell since I tend to act more mature. I’m jealous of her sun-kissed long blonde hair and dark brown eyebrows. We all kinda got thrown into our friendship. Having to play life-long friends an hour after meeting for the first time was, to say the least interesting. Five years later, and we are like three peas in a pond. A mini family to have each other’s back in the big city.

For dinner, we agreed on The Nice Guy, an Italian place in West Hollywood. The most important aspect of the place is the amount of privacy it grants. The interior is a lounge, super lowkey, with booths, couches, and coffee tables but there are no photos allowed. Since no photos can be taken that means the three of us and others can enjoy ourselves in peace. Sam called dibs on being designated driver as per usual as the “bodyguard” for us girls. The paparazzi tend to hang out around the restaurant because it’s a well-known spot for celebrities.

“Maybe we can slip past them,” Sam says optimistically as we exit the car.

He meets me around the front and Penelope joins us after getting out of the backseat.

“HEY! HEY! HEY!”

From in front of the restaurant, a ripple of cameras begin to take notice of us.

“IT’S THE KIDS FROM THE SEASONS OF LIFE!”

“Yep, we really snuck past them!” I tease Sam playfully.

He huffs, annoyed with the situation. Sam loves his job but hates the lack of privacy aspect. He isn’t a fan of crowds either which I can understand. However, he’s great at masking it behind his charming smile. It’s what we were trained to do. Yet, Sam is better at managing a crowd mentally overall than I am. He understands how they affect me sometimes. The swarm of photographers rushes up to us. Sam leads the way toward the restaurant door. Penelope remains close, keeping a hand on my forearm to stay together. The cluster follows us down the sidewalk to the building.

“SAM! SAM! HEARD ABOUT THE GQ PHOTOSHOOT! CONGRATS ON GETTING THE COVER MAN!”

Sam chuckles next to me, “thanks, dude!”

“PENELOPE! RUMOR HAS IT YOU’LL BE SWITCHING OVER TO THE BIG SCREEN!”

“Exactly, it’s a rumor!” She replies a matter-of-factly.

The *click* *click* *click* and the flashing lights in the dead of night never fail to overwhelm me. Though, Nicole has told me I never appear overwhelmed when I interact with them. I force on the brave and confident face. I’m not me when I’m in front of cameras or important people, I’m Y/N Voss. I’m two very different people.

While I’m lost in thought, I get stuck when one photographer gets too close to my face with his camera and blinds me for a second. Sam and Penelope don’t notice my absence amongst the chaos until another photographer barks at the other to back off. Then, I feel Sam’s hand slip into mine and he protectively escorts me toward the door with determination.

“ANYTHING YOU TWO WANT TO SHARE ABOUT HOLLYN AND ELLIOT FOR NEXT SEASON?”

Hollyn and Elliot are Sam and my’s characters from The Seasons of Life, the show we star in together. Our characters have been on again off again for the past two seasons. According to the last season’s finale, the two are currently together, but of course, the season ended on a cliffhanger so their relationship isn’t very stable.

“Sorry guys, can’t share anything!” Sam answers, sounding a tad irritable.

“ANYTHING IN REAL LIFE? YOU TWO WERE BOTH IN NEW YORK THIS WEEKEND!”

“That’s true, but we never have the chance to meet up!” I reply nicely.

Press events for last season have come to an end and work officially begins in no time! Downtime for me is filming and it couldn’t come at a better time. I’ve missed being home in Los Angeles. Living out of a suitcase and sleeping each night on a plane isn’t the best way to live, at least for me. We finally reach the doors and I thank the heavens.

“Oh my gosh! There’s no way!” I hear what sounds like girls squealing and I slow down to see where it’s coming from. My hand slips from Sam’s as he goes on. When he’s determined to get away from the paparazzi, he can ignore the voices. Yet, when he notices that I do not follow he finally stops.

“Excuse me!” A girl calls amongst the clicking and shouting.

The paparazzi move aside a tad and create a path for me to see two young teens jumping up and down. They must be around fourteen I’m guessing, younger than me at least. I approach them to see what’s the matter. I can hardly see anything with all the bright lights.

“Hi! How are you?” I greet but once I get closer and cover my eyes with the flashing lights, I recognize them. “Sarah! Emma! How are you two?”

These two have been some of my biggest supports. They run a Youtube channel and create content about their reactions to episodes of the series. Somehow they manage to make appearances at any events relating to the show. I’ve met them numerous times at events, so have other members of the cast. Besides being two of the sweets girls in the world, they’ve created a fan page for me on Instagram and Twitter.

“Good, good!” Emma replies eagerly.

“It’s been so long since we last saw you!” Sarah adds.

“It really has! When was the last time we saw each other? During the press tour?”

They nod in unison as though they’ve rehearsed it.

“Well, group hug!” I hold out my arms and they gladly accept.

“Can we get a picture?” Emma practically begs, bouncing on her heels.

“Of course!” I take Emma’s phone and hold it out to the crowd of paparazzi. “Could one of you take our picture by chance?”

Many of the guys offer and I select a random one in front of me.

“Squeeze in tight!” I tell the girls as I stand between them and we wrap our arms around each other.

“One, two, three!” The man takes a couple of shots and hands, Emma, back her phone.

“Thank you!” The three of us say together.

We all hover over her phone to check out the pictures.

“So cute!” I awe at the photos.

“Y/N...” Sam places his hand on my back to usher me along.

“Oh, my-” Emma covers her mouth.

“Sam!” Sarah’s jaw is to the sidewalk.

“Hey girls!” he charmingly smiles.

He’s had the chance to meet them a few times while on the press tour and at other various events. I was there to introduce them which was one of the most entertaining moments of my life. I thought the girls were going to faint!

“Can we ask a quick question? It’s for our channel!” Sarah nervously bites her lower lip.

“Yeah, yeah, anything for you guys!” I answer without hesitation.

Sam wraps his arm around my waist while we’re talking to the girls and I don’t think much of it but the cameras begin to go nuts. The men behind them don’t say a word since we’re occupied but there they go *click* *click* click*.

“Is there any hope of you two getting together IRL?” Emma questions intently without hesitation.

I press my lips together with amusement and turn my head to Sam. He has the same look of pondering the question. He squints his eyes at me and then the two of us turn to the girls.

“Just friends,” we answer in unison.

“Best friends!” Sam adds playfully.

“Best friends forever ever!” I one-up him.

The two girls laugh with us, but it’s clear they’re a little disappointed.

“Well, I still bet on you two,” Sarah confidently points out.

Sam and I get a kick out of it. Our viewers want us together too.

“We better get going, our moms are waiting,” Emma informs us.

“Okay, quick hug!” I order and the four of us group hug.

We say our goodbyes and when the girls disappear the men behind the cameras start yelling.

“YOU’RE GREAT Y/N!”

“HOW DID YOU KNOW THEM?”

“Their names are Emma and Sarah. They run a popular Youtube channel, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for the show. Super sweet girls those two!”

“DO YOU KNOW ALL YOUR FANS?”

“I try to! I know a good amount!” I grin proudly.

Sam guides me into the restaurant and his hand never leaves my back. All of it is platonic of course, nothing more. As I told the paparazzi before, there isn’t enough time in my life for me to share any with someone.

 ________________________________________

Masterlist

Tags:  @canyoubuymetoast

[misha-moose-dean-burger-lover]

for @bend-me-shape-me's spn advent calendar 2020. prompt: carols.

dedicated to @one-more-offbeat-anthem!! happy birthday <3

After Chuck's defeated, and Billie's gone, and the Empty has been bargained with (semantics, any of the Winchesters would say if you asked one of the four to elaborate) into returning Cas in exchange for eternal sleep, there's peace.

After they're done, and really done, there's time.

A moment to breathe, a minute to look at the clouds, and hours stretching endless, days on end, resonating with something resembling quiet.

And then, there's a guitar.

*

"Nope." Dean declares. "Never seen that thing in here before. And I once did Christmas inventory by myself, so I should know."

Sam snickers at Dean's cavalier tone. He'd been content to examine the instrument from a distance, unlike his brother, but that didn't mean he wasn't paying attention. "You had to do it yourself, Dean. Those were the exact words of the bet."

"I was drunk, and you hustled me!"

"You've known I play poker my entire life!"

"Well, yeah." Dean flashes his best shit-eating grin. "But you've sucked, your entire life, so —"

"— sure I have —"

"— your entire life has really just been a very long, very lame hustle!" Dean spreads his arms in a display of triumph. "And ergo, you hustled me into Christmas inventory-ing. The case is rested, your honor."

"That's not how you say —"

"Sam. Dean." Cas interjects, loud and exasperated. Sam shuts up immediately, eyes falling to his lap, while Dean exchanges a sheepish look with Cas (and Jack, who to his credit, seemed to be unaffected by the mini-feud. But that's less the part about him being God-Lite and more about him being himself. A kid who grew up watching his dads bicker endlessly and mostly, uneventfully, and has come to terms with it as a primary aspect of (at least, his) family.)

Cas, as usual, puts up with less of their crap. "Is this really necessary right now?"

Dean loves him for it, except when it's targeted at Dean and since that's kind of a lot, he isn't sure he loves it, or just loves Cas and generalises the things he does under the wider bracket of Cas.

"And if it's not," Cas goes on, using what is probably his I-led-garrisons-in-heaven voice, which automatically sends a shiver up Dean's spine. "Can we agree the guitar is, somehow, a recent addition and leave it at that?"

Sam nods slightly, apologetic. Dean just rolls his eyes, but it's a yes. (Everyone there knows it's a yes.)

"It's not cursed." Jack cuts in brightly. "Or out of the ordinary at all."

"So," Dean blinks. "We just happen to have an awesome new guitar show up, completely randomly, in this top secret Bunker no one know about, minus any ulterior motives or death curses?"

Jack grins. "Yes."

"Cool." Dean says immediately, and Sam huffs an amused laugh. He thinks he sees Cas smile as well, and a smirk grows on his face.

"Dibs."

*

Unsurprisingly, nobody counters his dibs, and Dean ends up taking the guitar to his room.

It's after a few days of insecurity, leading right into embarrassment, leading further to ignoring its existence, and further still to a mostly depressive array of memories — before it circles back to insecurity, and is about to repeat all over again, when he stops himself in his proverbial spiral, and decides to just friggin' do it.

That night, he picks up the pick.

Fiddles with it in his hands for a minute, and proceeds to abandon the idea again, because it does not feel right. Different shape, different weight.

And Dean Winchester's already enough of a misfit for this project, for his guitar pick to be a poor goddamn fit in his hand too.

But there's something about being so close that stirs up motivation in his heart, similar to the first day they found the damn thing, and next morning, he's out looking for a music shop in town.

That night, he finally plays.

It's uncertain — experimental — and he soon realizes why nobody ever says a damn thing about guitars when they say you never forget how to ride a bike.

But then, slowly, and really slowly at that, music seems to return to his fingers.

It isn't smooth by any chance, or even really accurate, but there's a faint tug in his brain that leads him to the next chord, and a twitch in his wrist that tells him when to strum, and he's awful, he's really friggin' awful, but even repeatedly saying so in his head refuses to dampen the overwhelming feeling that lights him up from the inside to start to feel like maybe he can play again. There's hope, and there's terrible, off-timed, broken music, and there's Dean in the middle of it, and maybe he can actually do this.

Recollection of how to play had come to his hands as they trembled, and tried, but the exhilaration of it, and the joy, only come back to his heart once he'd stopped, heart racing, adrenaline high, and unexplainable tears pricking his eyes.

Dean Winchester goes to bed that night, giddy in a way he hasn't been in years.

And outside his bedroom, his family of three exchange confused glances when the playing stopped abruptly, and then smiles when a sound that can only be said to bear semblance to a squeal, follows the silence.

(The first song Dean had played in over twenty five years had been Joy to the World.

It had also been the first song he'd ever learned — Cassie's choice, not his. Sam, Cas and Jack didn't know any of that. To them, it had just been a christmas carol. But there was also something so moving about that, soft in a way each of them knew Dean would fight against being, that they didn't realize they hadn't budged from Dean's door, long until faint snores replaced the quiet, and they left for their own beds, wordlessly already having decided on a plan for the next day.)

*

Cas knocks first on Dean's bedroom door, and all music immediately ceases. There's a yell from inside after ten seconds of a shuffling kind of silence.

"Yeah?"

"May I come in?" Cas asks.

Another pause.

Cas wonders worriedly if Sam and Jack were mistaken when they said that Cas had to be first, that he was their best shot at getting Dean to open up — the easiest past Dean's line of defense.

Then Dean says, a little quieter. "Yeah, sure."

Cas enters, gently closing the door behind himself before his eyes land on Dean — and he fights the urge to smile, because Dean hasn't kept away the guitar or anything. It's still on his lap, not in playing stance, with his arms folded over it — but he's not trying to hide it from Cas.

"Is everything okay?" Dean interrupts his reverie. Cas nods.

Neither of them say anything for a minute.

"Can I listen?"

Cas surprises himself with his own courage to ask — no twisted words or excuses to stay, just a simple question. Things were so rarely simple for them, but this wasn't a common occurrence either so it evened out.

"Y-yeah." Dean mutters.

Cas lights up.

"I suck, by the way." Dean adds, almost immediately. "But I'll suck less with time, I'm hoping. I mean, I'm supposed to, you know, but I — uh, I mean — maybe I —"

Cas realizes that he hadn't stopped smiling at Dean and that's what had made Dean falter, and he looks away, embarrassed.

"I'll just play, I guess." Dean manages smally, sounding as embarrassed as him.

"Please."

Dean clears his throat instead of playing.

"Yeah."

Cas can tell he's nervous. Even if he weren't good at, and very used to reading Dean, he could've gauged as much. And he wishes he had the right words, he really does, but he's aware a sincere speech of how much it means that Dean let him stay, and listen, would have the opposite effect of calming.

Then there's another knock on the door, and Cas relaxes.

"Dean?"

Sure enough, it's Jack.

Sam had explained how Dean was most likely, unfortunately, to deflect if he was there — "his denial fires up, Cas. I associate it with a parenting complex of some kind, and he just won't let go of it." — so the order had been decided as Cas, Jack and Sam. No overwhelming by arriving all three at once, or one after the other as if it were planned. No, they'd enter after some time, giving the previous person time to make Dean comfortable to them before the next enters.

Cas thinks it's a rather brilliant plan, and wonders if he should ask Sam to formulate a similar one to get Dean to open up about other things too. He doesn't, ultimately.

"Yeah?" Dean yells back.

"Have you seen Cas?"

That had been the plan.

"Yeah," Dean raises his voice to answer. "He, uh. He's right here. Come on in."

And Jack does, and eyes Cas with probably too much meaning (he means triumph) for Dean to not have noticed, before turning to the latter. "Oh. Were you about to play for Cas?"

Dean colors at that, his ears reddening almost instantly, and Cas files it away for pondering later.

"Can I be here too?"

And Dean's eyes widen a little — sign of anxiety, maybe understanding — and he licks his lips and then he nods. "I guess. I mean, okay, fine. But didn't you need Cas for something?" He adds, confused.

"I," Jack hesitates. Oh no, Cas thinks. Sam's prepared him for this, but Jack looks like he's about to, as Dean would say, wing it. And all-powerful or not, he knows his son is a terrible liar. "No, I just wanted to know if you'd seen him."

Dean narrows his eyes.

"Now I do know. That, uh, you've seen him." Jack braves on, determined to reach the bottom of the proverbial hole he'd dug for himself apparently. "So now, I don't need to know anything. Now I can stay."

Dean sighs.

"I can, right?"

There's a lightness in Dean's voice instead of tension when he says, "Yeah."

"Thank you." Jack says brightly, and all Cas can do is shake his head when Jack turns to him for feedback, and the both of them proceed to wear (nearly matching, but not on purpose) excited stares as they focus on Dean.

*

The final straw is when there's a third knock on the door, and Sam pokes his head in. One unconvincing "Where's everyone at?" later, he's joined Cas and Jack in staring with a unnecessary (and hopefully unintended) comfort-the-vic's-family smile at Dean.

God, he loves these dumbasses and would give his life for everyone present in the room, but none of them can act for shit.

It's glaringly obvious they've all respectively shown up to listen to him play.

Which is bullshit in itself, because Dean wasn't being modest when he told Cas he sucks — he does suck. But then, he doesn't think any of them would mind. Sam would probably unlock new levels of the puppy eyes if he knew how happy even playing awfully, made Dean. Jack would be blunt, of course, but undeterringly sweet. And Cas? He'd probably smile at him all the way through, just — that smile of his, that always seems to make time freeze and Dean's heart stutter.

So Dean decides magnanimously to not call them out.

Right away, anyway.

Instead, he turns to them with a question. "Any requests?"

(He can't play one of the only songs he remembers having learned without errors yet, so obviously asking for requests is the right way to go. But you see, once you've given up on impressing, it's only fair to see yourself to the end of the chaos.)

"Christmas carols." Jack answers before anyone else.

"It's May."

"Sam's," Jack swallows. Dean should really get on teaching the kid how to lie. "Sam's making me listen to carols."

"In May?" He asks his brother this time.

Sam shrugs, struggling to keep a diplomatic face.

"You're going to grow up to be the young adult who doesn't take off the Christmas lights in January." Dean informs Jack, who absorbs his words with all the seriousness Dean should have expected. "And, fine. We can do carols."

Cas speaks up. "Any carol you'd like, Dean."

"Nah," Dean shakes his head. "Jack requested it. We'll do what he says." And he insists to his conscience that he said so because he wants to make Jack happy, and not because he's well aware the kid isn't being subjected to carols by Sam in friggin' May, and probably doesn't know any.

"Oh." Jack's face falls. He looks at Sam in the most conspicuous way anyone's ever looked at anyone. "I —"

"Uhhuh?"

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!" Cas blurts, on behalf of Jack, and there's a two second gap where Sam facepalms and Jack exchanges a conspirational glance with Cas, and then Dean's throwing his head back and laughing.

And soon, Sam's joining in with an exasperated kind of chuckling as if he's gotten stuck in the wrong team but he doesn't regret a thing, and then Cas starts too, mostly from looking at Dean losing his shit (Dean strictly ignores thinking about that part and focuses on imprinting Cas's laugh to memory) and probably also because the ridiculosity of the entire situation probably struck him, and of course Jack's smiling at all of them, and it's, altogether, everything Dean could ever have wished for.

The evening ends with Dean playing Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (of course) for at least an hour while consistently getting better at the repeating music, and although it's him humming under his breath (like he always has while playing) that starts it off, soon all of them are offering their own awful renditions to the chaos. Cas is off-key, Sam somehow manages to screw up the lyrics, and Jack is as flat as a friggin' plateau.

And it all comes together in a wholly unmelodious kind of awesome — to Dean the same way they say a mother's love comes through for an ugly child.

After Rudolph, it's Silent Night (another song Dean's learned, it hits him, once he's trying to find the right chord) and even Cas manages to look disappointed at the lyrics Sam and he come up with to make up for not knowing the real ones, and since Jack's never heard this one, he simply listens in rapt attention leaving Dean wondering if he probably ended up learning the wrong version on account of all his concentration.

And last of all, it's We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and Dean plays the chorus enough times that he's perfect at it, because for once, no one messes up the beat or the lyrics, and everyone has the most fun.

All in all, it's an evening to remember.

What Dean learns through it all is primarily the lesson that letting your family think they tricked you into having an audience is sometimes an excellent choice to make, and that things can be crap, but still be enjoyed. That doesn't mean he's not going to practice his ass off learning to play at least the choruses of the Led Zepp tracks he gifted Cas (the idea came to him in bed last night, and Cas has always sounded like he enjoyed them, okay?) so he can play them 'for Cas' as the kid so casually put — but then, some things are different from other things, just the way some love's different too.

And while some things are about efforts, and saying the words that scare you, others are about letting go, and singing carols in bright and sunny May.

The only thing Dean's sure about is that just about all of it comes down to being free.

[smallraindrops-blog]

A Road To Somewhere.

For prompt: road trip

Hypnos/male!reader

Thanatos/Zagreus/Meg in the background.

5.7k total, link to part two at the end.

Warnings: some sexual stuff are talked about but the most that happens is kissing and cuddling. Jokes about cannibalism as well. Alcohol uses. No beta.

Summary: Why talk about your feelings with your childhood best friend when you can just go on a road trip?

A/N: sorry for going silent, I was dealing with some medical issues on top of helping my partner with stuff.

To the Anon who requested this, I'm sorry about the wait, I hope you like this and feel free to always hit me for another request!

At three in the morning, your phone rang. 

You groaned as you rolled across your bed. and you squinted at the brightness of your phone. 

Hypnos' photo flashed on the screen, the one where he stole your letterman jacket to nap in on the school bus that Zagreus had sent it to you. And if you kept the photo five years after high school, well that is your business and nobody else's.

You hesitated, not sure you want to talk to him right now. After that night, the only thing you and Hypnos traded was polite, almost cold texts. not your usual meme or lazy chatting about whatever. But something about the picture of Hypnos' sleeping face pushed you to respond. 

You swiped the green button.

"You are coming with me." Hypnos said, or rather slurred.

You covered your face,"Hypnos, dude. Are you drunk right now?"

"You- you said you have never seen the ocean right?" Hypnos asked, ignoring your question.

"Where are you? I am coming to get you." You turned on your lamp, looking for a pair of jeans to wear.

"No- no." Hypnos said firmly and very drunkenly. "Y/N, dude. I'm fine. I'm at my shitty apartment." Hypnos paused, "You know, the one where my brother hooked up with Meg. And Zagreus. At the same time. Which is really effing weird for me."

"I - Hypnos-" you tried to think of what to say. The said incident happened over a little month ago and Hypnos had the misfortune of walking in at the wrong time. Which of course because Hypnos got his heart broken by Meg lead up to Hypnos trying to hook up with you to get over her.

"Look, you always said you wanted to see the ocean right?" Hypnos yawned, which you took as a good sign. Hopefully it means your dumb best friend will pass out soon and not ruin his liver for rest of the day.

"Yeah, what of it?" You asked, frustrated at Hypnos for doing this to himself and to you.

"Road trip!" Hypnos dragged out the words with a laugh. "I will be picking you up tomorrow. Love you bestie."

"Hypnos wait no, we can't just leave." You said. You waited for a response, "Hypnos?" You asked worriedly.

A snore came through the phone and you sighed. You turned off the lamp and laid back down, listening to Hypnos' deep breathing.

You stared at the ceiling, and tried not to think about the last time Hypnos got this drunk. Or about that night or how Hypnos acted like nothing happened the next day.

You rolled over to face your phone and closed your eyes.

You will just stay on the line in case Hypnos wakes up.

💤

"You can't be serious, Hypnos." You said as he went through your clothes, uncaring of any boundaries you may have.

But honestly with Hypnos, you had long lost any boundaries. You knew you should actually try to enforce some but you craved just being near him.

"I am! I need to get away for a bit and you told me you were taking a week off right? And it starts today or last night technically." Hypnos held up a lime green shirt and made a face at it.

"Yes for a staycation, I don't have extra money for a motel or anything like that." You replied, and took the shirt away to place it back on its hanger.

"It's my treat, Y/N." Hypnos leaned on you, his head on your shoulder. You tried not to notice how warm he was against you or his big golden puppy dog eyes. "Come on, a free trip away with your best friend aka me aka the best thing ever with your favorite person ever-" Hypnos rambled.

"Fine, only because you said you will pay for everything." You sighed, You hated how hard it was to say no to him.

Hypnos cheered and pulled you into a bear hug. You savored the warmth despite not wanting to.

You just needed a vacation too. To clear your head. And who knows, you and Hypnos could finally get back to being normal.

💤

Hypnos was in the driver's seat as you closed the truck and joined him in the car. A pen dangled from his teeth as his golden eyes flicked across the map. He glanced at you as you strapped in.

"It will be a two days drive if we only stop when we need to. That gives us three days at the beach or wherever else we end up doing." Hypnos took the pen out and marked a couple spots on the map.

"Couldn't we just use our phone GPS?" You asked.

"Nope, the place I'm taking you isn't a normal public beach and we have to drive through some mountains and mountains always win over gps." Hypnos pointed the pen at you. "Always." He said in a mock doom voice.

You rolled your eyes, and with a finger pushed the pen out your face. "Alright but if we get lost in the mountains. I call first dibs on eating you."

"Ha, jokes on you, bestie. I got almost no tender fat on me. So enjoy gnawing on my worthless bones." Hypnos crackled as he started the car. He tossed the map in your lab and peeled out of the driveway.

His deft fingers quickly found some music as Tom Petty sang through the radio.

Hypnos sang along badly. You covered up your smile, it feel good just near him again even if you didn't want to admit it.

Within minutes, Hypnos had weaved into the midmorning traffic. But even with the traffic, you already feel a little lighter.

💤

The first day of the drive went surprisingly well, even with traffic for the first hour. The skies were a vivid blue with fat, lazy clouds that casted shadows across the land.

Hypnos had the windows rolled down, one arm out of the window and music blasting. His shades should have made him look like a frat boy but you actually liked how they looked with his messy white curls and dark red shirt.

You kept your mouth shut and just watched the landscape change from suburbia to the fields dotted with cows and horses.

It was the most peace you had felt in a long while even with the elephant in between you and Hypnos.

It wasn't until twilight had followed you to the motel that the problems started.

"Is that a permanently closed sign?" Hypnos asked flatly, his shades resting on his head.

You nodded, "I had a feeling the trip started a little too well."

You and Hypnos both stared at the sign, the red and white words mocked you.

"I knew google was lying to me." Hypnos murmured.

"We can just sleep in the car, Hypnos." You followed him as he turned back. "We probably shouldn't drive anymore tonight."

Hypnos shook his head, "Nope, we would get murder so fast." He snapped his fingers to make his point. He threw an arm around your shoulders and guided you back to the car. "Come on, I bet there's another place just up ahead."

"And if there is not?" You asked, noticing how easily you fit next to him.

"There will be." Hypnos said confidently.

At your doubtful look, he said cheerfully,

"Or we could just get murder in a much nicer area."

💤

It was almost an hour before you saw the faint vacancy light just peeking behind the trees.

You gasped, "There! Do you see it?"

"Yeah, I see it." Hypnos replied, perking up. The rundown motel looked like someone's idea of what an old western inn looked like without actually never seeing one before.

But after driving for an extra hour and half, it looked like heaven.

Hypnos pulled up in the first empty spot he found which was plenty of.

"Stay here, keep an eye on the car. Don't get murdered." Hypnos said as he locked the car up. He only looked back once as he entered the building.

You slumped in your seat, exhaustion overtaken you. Your phone buzzed in your hand, Zagreus's name popped up.

'Is Hypnos with you??'

You stared down at the text, why is Zagreus asking you?

'Yeah, why?' you replied.

Immediately, Zagreus responded.

'He hasn't responded to any of our texts or calls.'

In a separate text, 'Is he okay? I knew my talk with him was rough but I didn't expect this. '

You bit your lip, just realizing that you haven't heard Hypnos' phone go off all day. Normally, Hypnos' phone was glued in his hand and he was always constantly texting or playing a game.

You looked up, making sure Hypnos was still in the building.

You replied, 'I think he just needs a break. I will let you know if anything happens but maybe just give him some breathing room. Also what talk?'

Three dots appeared and disappeared a few times before Zagreus' response came.

'No, I know. We just wanted to make sure he wasn't alone. Thanks.'

You rubbed your face, unsure what to make of the texts and that Hypnos, a known phone addict, hasn't been on his phone all day. And that Zagreus didn't bother to tell you what 'talk' he had with Hypnos.

You looked back up and saw Hypnos walking back a grin on his face. When your eyes met his, he waved the roomcard and a plastic bag triumphantly.

You pushed your worries aside for now, Hypnos will talk to you when he is ready.

💤

"Uhh, dude. There is only one bed." You said blankly when Hypnos turned the lights on. All the room had was a single hotel bed and a little table with two chairs. The whole area looked like it never left the seventies.

"And a sofa." Hypnos pointed out as he flopped down on it. The sofa creaked loudly as if threatening to snap in half. "I can sleep on anything, remember?"

"If you are sure." You grabbed the plastic bag from the floor as you sat down on the bed.

You dumped the goods on the bed. There was a healthy mix of spicy ramen bowls, candy bars and cans of soda.

You picked out the one you knew Hypnos liked and set on making dinner.

The sofa kept creeking each time Hypnos twitched or even breath. Hypnos' eyes were close but there was a tension to his body that kept him looking truly relaxed.

You debated on telling him that Zagreus had reached out to you but the tight frown on his face kept you from saying anything.

The microwave gave a high pitch beep and you quickly pulled out the ramen and placed the hot bowl on the table. "Hey, Hypnos. Soup on." You told him as you got your bowl ready.

"Oh. Thanks. Wanna have a soda?" Hypnos asked.

You thanked him as you dug into your own dinner and honestly the cheap ramen was the best thing you tasted after not getting lunch during the drive.

Hypnos was unusually quiet during dinner and while getting ready for bed. You couldn't help noticing that Hypnos never once picked up his phone.

Hypnos yawned and sat on the sofa much more carefully yet the beast still creaked in warning.

You sighed, there was no way you or him would sleep with all that creaking.

"Hypnos, just come to bed. I think it's a queen so we got plenty of room." You told him as you got under the covers. You met his gaze, his eyes bright even with the dark circles under them.

"Okay." He agreed softly. He gave you a look that you ignored as he joined you. He turned off the lights. "Good night, Y/N."

You rolled on your side, back facing Hypnos. "Good night." You yawned widely, already halfway to sleep.

💤

You didn't quite wake up all the way, not at first. You blinked at the wall, small cracks in the blinds allowed for small rays of sunlight to break though. It made the motel room feel cozy even with the ugly decor.

There was an arm loosely wrapped around your shoulders and you sank into its hold with a sigh.

Your eyes closed before your brain realized that you could feel another body pressed against your back, legs tangled together.

You snapped awake, your body went rigid and you heard Hypnos grumbled against your nape.

You relaxed, letting out a breath when you remembered Hypnos was in bed with you. Hypnos, during sleepovers when you were children, always ended up clinging on to you.

It was almost nice, a return to a simpler time. Almost.

It was a very different experience when you both were adults. You flushed when Hypnos pressed a little harder against your body, a pleased, sleepy hum rumbled in his chest.

You could feel him pressed against your lower back and damnit, your traitor of a body was responding. You squeezed your eyes shut, flushed from shame and want.

Your mind flashed back to the last time you allowed Hypnos this close.

You could still remember how he pushed you into his dark bedroom and kissed you again and again. How it felt being under him on his bed. How you almost let him have more.

And you knew you wouldn't survive if Hypnos acted just like he did the morning after.

With the small strength you were able to find, you pulled out of his hold or rather you tried to.

His arm went tight and kept you in the bed, "Where are you going so early?" His sleep rough voice mumbled against your skin.

You ignored the goosebumps he caused and you sighed annoyed. "Come on, you're being a jerk. I need to go get ready for the trip."

"Hmm, we drove more than we planned. We still have some time." Hypnos murmured, clearly going back to sleep. You grabbed the blanket with your free arm and yanked it off the both of you.

Hypnos yelped at the sudden cold and let you go. You darted out the bed and grinned at the scowl Hypnos had. You tossed the blanket over his face and walked away. "Early birds get the worm Hypnos!" You called out as you headed to the bathroom.

You bit back a laugh at the loud groan Hypnos made.

💤

After a quick stop for coffee and pancakes with bacon which Hypnos immediately drowned in syrup much to your disgust of the sheer amount of sugar, you were back on the road.

After an hour of staring out the window at patches of woods between the farmlands, you turned to look at Hypnos.

"What is it about this place that made you pick it? I looked at the map, we could get to the ocean quicker if we went along the other route. " You thought for a moment, "And you know, not to have to drive past the mountains."

"Yeah, if you want to see what everyone else sees and deal with the crowds." Hypnos scoffed. He pulled his shades down a bit to look at you, his windblown curls bounced with the movement.

You prayed he didn't notice your blush.

"Also my mom told me about this place a million times. Trust me, it is going to be worth the wait." And with that, Hypnos focused back on driving.

You turned back to the open window, silently hating yourself for still being attracted to him.

"Hey- is that a cow?" Hypnos asked, already slowing down. You looked down the road and saw the animal. You couldn't help the laugh that came out. "Yeah it is."

The stray cow stared down at the car. It was apparently unconcerned about being hit as it chewed on the grass in its mouth.

Hypnos pressed down on the horn repeatedly and long. The cow kept chewing on its bit of grass, blinking slowly.

"Dumb cow. It knows what it is doing." Hypnos muttered.

You laughed again, "I think that is an oxymoron."

Hypnos scowled and waved his hands at the cow whose tongue had found its nose.

"Well, what bright ideas do you have, Y/N?"

You looked into the bag of snacks down by the footrest. And pulled out a bag of barbecue chips.

"I'm going to lure it out of the road, first chance you get, drive past."

Hypnos pulled his shade down, an eyebrow crocked.

You shook the bag at his doubtful look.

Hypnos' eyes narrowed, eyes sharp and calculating. "That won't work."

"Oh?" You raised a brow. "And why not?"

"Those are barbecue chips, I'm pretty sure even that dumb thing know that smell. And when it smells the barbecue, it will just run you over enraged about the chips."

You leaned toward him, "Wanna make a bet?"

He matched your lean, a bright glint in his eyes. "Sure. If I win, you have to agree to everything I say until we get to the hotel."

"Fine." You agreed. "And if I get the cow out of the way, you can only speak in moos until we get to the hotel."

"Deal." He leaned back into his seat. "Easiest win ever."

You scoffed at him as you got out. "Gee, thanks for believing in me."

You stared down the cow who merely blinked at you.

Hypnos poked his head out the window, laughing "Hey Y/N, when it's moving, start running!"

You shushed him and crinkled the bag at the cow. It took a wary step forward and you opened the bag and it took a sniff.

The cow immediately tried to bite the bag but you took several steps and it followed you. You couldn't stop your smirk at Hypnos' outraged face. "Good cow." You cooed. "Good cow."

You took several steps back into the tall grass and dumped the chips on the ground.

The moment the cow started eating the chips on the ground, you took off like a shot and almost fell into your seat. You barely had a chance to close the door before Hypnos drove off.

You pulled your seatbelt on and waited, a huge grin on your face.

When Hypnos refused to say anything or even look at you, you poked him in his cheek.

"Hypnos." You called his name in a sing-songy tone. "I won the bet. Hypnos. Hypnos." You poked him with each word. There was an evil, childish part of you enjoying this too much.

Hypnos batted your hand away. "Moo fucking moo." He replied sourly.

You playfully frowned, "I don't think cows can say fucking."

"Oh my god."

"They don't say that either."

Part Two

[dana-chan-the-control-brain]

Top five fanfics?

Oh fuck (gets shot)

Well, I shot myself in the foot with that one.

Keep in mind, these are in no particular order, and I'm a bit of a pleb when it comes to reading fanfic. I just tend to like what's popular or stuff written by my friends.

I need to give Height Treason by @wholesomeklei a huge shout-out.

I'm not sure if this fic will ever be continued or not. Last I heard of Klei, they had a cancer scare (it wasn't) updated a chapter about Sizz-lorr and then vanished from the internet entirely. I hope they're taking a much needed break from online stuff and nothing bad happened to them.

But anyways, I can not thank Height Treason enough for existing. It gells with the humor of canon so seemlessly it feels like I'm watching an "Invader Zim after dark" show. Yes, even despite the not safe for work canon.

I love the lore they weave and I'm always a fan of "zim finds out the truth of his mission and schmoops and gets revenge on the Irken empire" stories. Also Pining Zim has my whole heart.

And it even paints side characters with much love.

Membrane tries his best and sucks at parenting and it inspired me greatly for how I write and came to understand Membrane as a character.

Miss Bitters is a delight. Sargent Slabrankle gets a cameo. Tak's ship has an existential crisis. Gosshloog gets an entire chapter about a spicy love afair with his boss. Zim's Computer is his usual sassy self and has ackward conversations with a frustrated teenage Dib.

Like the love for the side characters is amazing.

Height Treason was the fanfic that inspired me to write an entire fanfiction based on Computer Brain lore.

The lore is amazing, it's in character and this fic inspired me SO MUCH and is the reason that Tech Support (and the Brainbrane fic by extension) even exists.

I've probably reread this fic over twenty times.

However, I can't link the fic here, since it's VERY nsfw. As in, explicit sex scenes later. (The chapter where zim learns sex education is great)

So I can't link it, but it's easily searchable on A03.

If you're of age, and don't mind nsfw I highly recommend it.

Honesty Hour by @patchworkpoltergeist is one of those new fandom classics.

Like I don't even know how describe this fic.

Honesty Hour chills me to the core and has me looking at my ceiling for hours on end questioning my own existence.

Like it's Zim gets therapy, but in a psychological horror way.

Patch is a master wordsmith and just has a way of describing things. Everything is in the details.

I just love how Zim thinks and that half the time I don't know what's going on as much as Zim does. Which is honestly more scary then I think.

There's lots of details that I miss and usually after talking about the chapter with Patch or the Moo-ping10 gang, I realize "oh fuck that's what happened?! The hell"

Anyways. I fear and look forward to every update.

But I honestly have to run a mental health check before I even attempt to read the chapters.

Emotions, Cryptids and the possible end of the world series by @bamsara

I feel Bamsara does onto theirself and I don't need to sing her fics praises but I will.

I am a bit behind on my reading, cause I haven't read the latest chapter of Galaxy Days yet.

But I love the casual yet feral friendship Dib and Zim have built throughout this series.

There's just a constant yearning throughout the whole thing, and the two boys are at the center of it all. Like the feeling of a real long road trip with no destination in mind. That's often what these series of fics feel like. There's an underlying tenderness and longing but also something dark and sinister. A lot of moments stay in my head for days after the fact. Not just the cryptids of the fic, but the smaller moments. Zim and Dib having breakfast in France as the sun rises, Dib crying his eyes out in a dingy motel room near the beach, Zim breaking into Dib's hospital room in the dark, Dib attacking Zim in a fit of insomnia hallucinations....

The list goes on.

There's plenty of good moments, and I've even drawn Zim giving Dib space (cause that's the fucking gayest romantic thing and I still lie in bed thinking about it)

Also Dib constantly running into Death's arms and Zim often doing fisticuffs with her and both getting stupid trauma over stupid decisions is very good.

I feel a lot of Sara's soul in these fics and it shows. Especially with how Dib is written and I can tell this is an extremely personal project with passion behind it and I can't help but admire that.

Every star another sun series by @dionysuscrysis

I really love this series. The end.

Okay, unfair.

But Dion's series really needs more views and appreciation.

I like how it just skips over the "zim and dib become friends somehow....realizes mission is fake..yadda yadda" part of the story and just jumps right into the thick of it.

Space Adventures! Wooooo!!!!

A giant sandworm, a Battle Zoo!!! An alien spa, badass good guy Skoodge, and mad max style sci-fi racing.

And I'm glad that Dib is already in his early twenties here. And Dib is just so smart with machines and not a complete lost duck in space. He's sharp as a tack and dumb as an ox this boy and I love him very much.

Lol I'm old. I'm sick of seeing teenage drama sometimes.

And I can also feel a lot of Dion's soul in their fics.

Lots of hurt comfort in here....

It's actually kinda like the Bamsara effect in reverse...

Instead of Dib throwing himself head first into danger...

Zim is the one doing it.

And Dib thinks an appropriate way to fix this is throw himself at the same danger.

Idiots.

Help them.

Parade of Indignities by @rissynicole

Finished recently and since then my heart has never known peace.

It's one of those fandom classics that I ended up reading due to Bamsara's fic recommendation list like roughly two years ago.

Rissy has a way with words and their strengths lend themselves to action scenes extremely well.

Zim finds himself critically ill and it's up to Dib to travel back to irken space to save him.

Thats the basic premise but there is so much more.

A conspiracy, involving the other Invaders, Zim's massive wall of denial, and how everything Zadf happens from Dib's perspective.

I remember reading all the available chapters (like 15 of them) all in one night until 5am the first time I read it.

It's a master suspense and thriller story and I enjoyed it very much.

I still have to leave a huge comment.

Also honorable recommendations:

@melodyofthevoid 's Royalty AU.

....just. it good. Save these kids.

And ofc me and @paketdimensioncomic 's collab fics:

"Jerking around the House" and "Membrane's guide to be a better parent, lose your fucking arms"

You're a delight to work with and I love how your writing style compliments my insane ramblings so they're less wordy.

Also gotta give a shout-out to my Baby Tech Support.

Is it vain to plug your own fics? Maybe.

Do I care.

Nah.

I love my stuff. And I'm glad others do too.

[jetaime-jespere]

Prompt #74/188

#74: Well. Yell, scream, say something, anything / #188: Say it.

Rated M.

Atlantic City is a calamitous disaster. At least that’s how it starts.

Not because of their case - of course it’s awful, as most of them are. There’s nothing not awful about a duo of killers targeting vacationers during the height of the summer tourist season. Everyone is on edge, it’s hot and cramped, and there isn’t much time before they’ll almost certainly find two more dead bodies in the early morning hours outside one of the many casinos dotting the shoreline. But they’re used to that; it’s practically their daily vernacular at this point, a bit of normalcy in the current chaos between them. The case is the least of Aaron’s concerns, or Emily’s for that matter.

It’s everything but the case this time.

Things go downhill before they even cross the New Jersey state lane. A last minute hydraulic fuel leak on the jet renders air travel a non option. Instead, they get stuck in the same SUV with Reid for company in the backseat for the four hour drive. Aaron almost feels sorry for him, but he’s completely oblivious to the brewing storm inside the confines of the car for the entire first leg of the trip. Reid chatters endlessly, yet neither of them seem to hear a word he’s saying. By the time they hit the Atlantic City Expressway, Emily is all but ready to leap out the window. Hardly any words are exchanged between the two of them at all; they aren’t needed. It’s in her body language and his reticence, the firm clench of his hand on the steering wheel and her weary head resting on a fist, angled as far away from him as possible.

“This is a mess,” Aaron mutters with more than an hour left to go, and he isn’t talking about the thickening traffic. He’s talking about them, and the ending to what never really had as much as a beginning in the first place.

Things spun out of control towards the end. There was a breakup, if it could be considered as much. What they had was never labeled or defined, it just was. It was built on a mistake, nurtured through secrecy and quiet whispers in the dark. It then spiraled into something else entirely, creating an impasse between them during the day that bled into endless nights spent wrapped around one another in beds across the country for almost four full months.

“We can’t do this,” Emily finally said in a darkened hotel room in Seattle exactly 12 days prior to this one. He’d been expecting it, recognized the signs of her pulling away a little more with every kiss he left on her smooth skin, every shudder of her body beneath his and every breathy pant in his ear. There’s nothing tangible left of them, just broken fragments and heavy silence, and every reason why they shouldn’t have ever started this in the first place plays out right before their eyes. “There’s only one way for this to end, you know.”  

There was nothing he could say to talk her out of it as she threw the covers aside, reaching for her clothes on the floor. Aaron offered an “I’m sorry” for good measure yet it didn’t feel like enough, probably because it wasn’t at all. But it’s over, she reminded him as she closed the door firmly, without looking back.

Or so they think.

A mishap at the hotel in Atlantic City leaves the team two rooms short, meaning the team will have to double up for the next few days. JJ is seven months pregnant, which automatically gives her the comfort of her own space, and it goes without saying Dave will get his own too. Reid shuffles his feet and makes eye contact with Morgan, looking slightly relieved when he nods in agreement. That leaves Aaron to concede and Emily to shrug her shoulders indifferently, even if her face is anything but that. The caretaker of the slightly run down hotel  only slightly leers in Emily’s direction as he passes over the two room keys, and Aaron can’t help but step between her and the counter and swipe them both out of the man’s hand with a curt “thanks.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Emily says low enough for only Aaron to hear, snatching the key out of his hand and taking off in the direction of their room. “It’s just a damn key.”

“Did you see the way he stared at you?” Aaron questions with a hint of impatience in his tone as he goes to follow her, but she’s not listening.

“202 is the other way, you know.” The man chuckles with a jab of his finger, as if he’s seen this exact scenario play out many times before - two people disappearing behind a closed door, a disaster waiting to happen. “You two have yourselves a nice stay.” He doesn’t seem to care that just a few moments ago, Aaron’s FBI badge was in his face. He looks almost amused, which only adds to the visible tension between them both.

With an exasperated sigh, Emily turns on her heel and spins in the opposite direction toward their room. “I can’t believe this,” she mutters, staring at the tiny gold numbers on every door until she finds the one they need. Aaron doesn’t miss the way she squares her shoulders, the quick intake of breath as she twists the key in the knob.

The door squeaks on its hinges when she pushes it open; the room smells slightly of mold, but even that isn’t the worst part. The proverbial icing on the cake is when she stops dead in her tracks with him right behind her, shoulders sagging in defeat.

Fuck.

There’s only one bed. It sits in the middle of the damn room, practically mocking them both. Aaron doesn’t miss the subtle glance Emily throws in his direction, searching for his reaction just as he is studying hers. “I’ll take the couch,” he says immediately, keeping his face neutral, setting his bag down on the rickety piece of furniture that has clearly seen better days. “You can take the bed.”

“That hardly qualifies as a couch,” Emily tells him sharply. “That’s a chair, Aaron.”  

She’s right, he thinks in annoyance. It wouldn’t even fit half of him, and staring at it makes his back hurt in anticipation. But sleeping next to her for however many nights they’re here isn’t exactly an option, either.  “I don’t want to make you -”

“Let’s just agree,” Emily says through firmly clenched teeth, making it a done deal. “To be adults about this. We can share a room for a few days without it being an issue. That includes the bed.”

…

They should have known better, but it’s too late for that.

As expected, the rest of the day is exhausting. It only ends because of the promise to look at things with fresh eyes in the morning at the urging of the equally weary Atlantic City police. By the time they make it back to the shabby room, they’re both tired, hot, and cranky, hardly uttering a word after bidding goodnight to everyone else.

“You shower first,” Aaron says as he holds the door open for her, giving her enough space to pass him. “I have to check in on Jack.” He knows her routine once they get back from a case - a shower is always a necessity, and in the better days, they’d always taken turns on first dibs. Or just showered together, which was always his preference.

If she thanks him he doesn’t hear it, and the bathroom door closes behind her, the lock added for good measure. But twenty minutes later - how long does she need in there - he has to avert his eyes when Emily steps out of the bathroom in a cloud of steam, the scent of shampoo lingering in her wake. She’s wrapped in one of the hotel issued towels, which is a generous description for the scrap of fabric that barely covers her, awkwardly crossing the room to dig through her suitcase.

Look away, Aaron wills himself, struggling to get comfortable on the tiny couch. It’s a lost cause, and will undoubtedly be a very long night.

There’s a mishap with the towel, a soft curse under her breath as she scrambles before it hits the floor, and an inopportune moment when their eyes meet, succumbing to what they silently agreed would never happen again. It’s how Emily finds herself pinned under his weight, her back pressed against the mattress as Aaron lowers to his knees and dips his head between her legs. Any protest that falls from her lips is short lived, her hands in his hair, her legs curling over his shoulders as he slowly begins to take her apart. Emily arches into him, unable to stifle the moans that are now a constant stream of affirmation, and Aaron doesn’t bother with reminding her the walls are thin. He doesn’t care, and something tells him in the moment he coaxes her climax out of her, neither does she.

“I missed you,” he says when he slides into her to completion a few moments later, giving her a moment to adjust to him before starting to move. He kisses the space between her breasts and Emily all but ignores him, pushing him over onto his back to straddle his hips with a smirk.

The pace she sets is quick, the rhythm fast and rough, and it’s over almost embarrassingly fast. He’s gotten her down against his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her as she whimpers into his mouth. Her body is shaking in the aftermath as he thrusts hard once more, holding her against him. For a few quiet moments, the only sound is that of their breathing, a heaviness falling over them both at the realization of what’s just happened. And yet, she stays on his chest, her limbs not quite ready to work, in the comfort of his embrace for a few moments longer.

Afterward, Emily puts as much space as she can between them, which isn’t much given the size of the bed. “If this was your way of not sleeping on the couch,” she says sleepily, her voice muffled by the pillow, “I guess you won.”

...

The next morning, as the sun rises over the shore, Aaron finds her on the balcony, wearing nothing but his undershirt that was abandoned on the floor, the sound of the ocean in the distance. He mumbles something about getting coffee, the first thing that comes to his mind. He knows she (and he) could use some, judging by the minimal amount of sleep they got. Emily doesn’t say a word, just pushes him against the sliding door and drops to her knees. His head falls back against the glass, his hand tightening in her hair as she brings him into her mouth, letting him hit the back of her throat. In between his eyes closing, his hips stuttering against her face, Aaron watches the brilliant mix of orange, yellow, and red fade into daylight, and wonders just how things got to be such a fucking mess in the first place.

They’re two for zero now, and as the day dawns hot and there’s another set of bodies found, it’s abundantly clear no one is leaving Atlantic City anytime soon. And much later that night, they hardly make it to that damn bed before the score becomes three.

…

Aaron wakes up a few hours later from a restless, uncomfortable sleep. The room is stuffy, the pillow underneath his head is flat, the hum of the air conditioner a constant nag even if it does little to cool the room down. Before he opens his eyes, he knows she’s gone. The space beside him is cold - Emily is nowhere to be found, and there’s thunder rumbling ominously in the distance. He dresses in the dark, grabbing his keys, doesn’t bother with an umbrella, and makes the short trek to the boardwalk.

It’s where he would go, and it’s where he finds her, sitting on a bench, her arms folded across her chest, long legs crossed at the knees. She’s ripping at her fingernails, a sure sign something is wrong, and wearing a blank expression that doesn’t change when she slowly turns her head to see him coming right towards her. “I had a feeling you would find me.”

Aaron shrugs, but doesn’t miss the way she flinches when he sits beside her. “Not many places to look. It’s 1 AM, you know.”  

She sniffs with disinterest, continuing to pick at her fingernails.“Why do we keep screwing up?” Emily says after a long pause, and what he sees is like a swift kick to the chest. She looks disappointed with herself, disgusted even. All because of him. “Why can’t I just … quit you?”

“Why do you keep coming back?” He challenges her right back. “If all you’re going to do is walk away again?”

Emily turns her head to stare at him with widened eyes. “We both know the answer to that, Aaron. We both know this was never going to work.”

“No, you decided that. All on your own.” He remembers the night in Seattle as if it were yesterday - the night she left. The sting of her words is still fresh in his mind. “But maybe you’ve already compartmentalized it,” he adds with a bite in his voice that wasn’t there before.

Emily recoils at his words, recrossing her arms over her chest. She rises to her feet, pacing  around the bench.  “What do you want from me, Aaron? What were you expecting when we drunkenly decided to sleep together once? It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

“You. I want you. And not just this fuck then forget bullshit,” he says over the growing wind and thunder, the skies threatening to open. In the distance, the ocean churns, the tides crashing against the shore as his anger builds. “I want to be with you,” Aaron adds with a waver in his voice. “Regardless of how this started.”

Emily blinks with confusion and bites her lip, as if holding back tears. She shivers, rubbing her arms, her lip starting to tremble. They can’t. Her silence is an answer in and of itself, one he refused to accept.

“Well?” He demands, the anger rising in his voice, and Emily curses his resolve.

“Well what?”

“Well. Yell, scream, say something, anything,” he snaps, searching her face for a sign of anything besides the emptiness painted across her features. “Don’t just say nothing.”

But Emily indeed says nothing, just regards him with wide, darkened eyes that tell him what he needs to know. In the dark, with only the lights of the boardwalk to cast eerie shadows on her face, she looks almost ethereal, a haunting comparison to the fear he sees. That’s what it is, he thinks. Fear. Fear of what could be, fear of what might never be.

“Say it,” he pleads. “Please, Emily.” The rain starts to fall, coming down relentlessly and soaking them both to the skin almost instantly. “

“Aaron,” she whispers, barely audible over the thunder and now the rain. “It would never work.” She holds up her hands in defeat. “We can’t.”

“What are you so afraid of?” He grabs her by the shoulders, just tightly enough that she can’t duck out of his grasp. Emily squirms uncomfortably but he holds her fast, unwilling to let her go, for if he does, she may never come back. “Why are you so damn afraid of this actually working? Do you have any damn faith?”

She opens her mouth but snaps it shut, her chin trembling with effort. He expects her to slap him, to jerk away and disappear into the night. He’s waiting for her to leave like she did three weeks ago. But she doesn’t. What she does instead surprises the hell out of him. Emily kisses him, slanting her mouth against his in the pouring rain, pressing her rain-soaked body right into his. It takes a full ten seconds before he kisses her back.

It’s a compromise, an agreement to not make a decision one way or the other, at least for the time being. Even so, Aaron envelopes her in his arms, a hand cupped around the back of her head and the other anchored across her shoulders. He kisses her back with an urgency he can only attribute to the fact that he’s in love with her, something he’s known for way too long.

He doesn’t have to tell her that, because somewhere amongst all the doubt, she already knows.

An hour later, after a hot shower (taken together) the score becomes four. And a few hours after that, as the sun rises yet again, nearly blinding them in a cramped Atlantic City hotel room, Emily tentatively agrees to try.

It’s good enough for him.

[imjustheretoseetheprivateblogs]

Qrowin Week 2021: 6/24-Mr. & Mrs.

Warning: the following contains adult themes, especially under the cut. You have been warned

“Why did you sign the ledger as ‘Mr. and Mrs. Blanc?”

Winter didn’t spare so much as a glace over her shoulder at Qrow as he shut the door to their room. Instead, she went about setting down her backpack (an enormous thing that reeked of Schnee money as much as her little sister’s had) and laying out what looked like bedclothes from some stodgy period romance film where everyone wore frills.

“Suppose it would have saved us money to pay for more than one room,” she said, almost absentmindedly.

“Suppose.”

Honestly, she’d been dodgy all day.

No scratch that; since their mission had started. Ever since Ozpin (or maybe he should start saying Oscar? Ozcar? Ospin?) had caught wind of Salem’s forces rallying in two possible locations, he’d been jazzing to investigate both, something they didn’t have time for.

So, his niece (in her infinite yet limited wisdom) suggested they split up and ask for assistance from their allies. Wouldn’t you know they’d pick that Weiss’s uppity sister?

And after about five minutes of bickering about who went with who, Oscar had suggested drawing straws (he knew it was Oscar because Ozpin probably would have used some kind of cryptic speech or phrase and paired them off at random).

“Not my fault the innkeeper’s prices were through the roof.”

“Yeah, but why the same surname? We could have been ‘just friends.”

Winter paused, a hairbrush in her hand.

“Maybe I knew they wouldn’t believe it,” she said, picking up the old-lady nightgown and heading for the bathroom.

Qrow cackled, high and rough, dropping into the only seat in the room, a wooden chair matched to a table that had seen better days.

“That’s your answer? That he’d believe we were married?”

“Why not?” Winter said through the bathroom door, “it’s not like there’s a huge age gap between us.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve got too much self-respect to be a trophy husband.”

“What makes you think I wouldn’t be the trophy?”

The smile left Qrow’s face.

This was getting dangerous. In the time they’d known each other, ribbing had become a part of their relationship.

He’d insult her sense of duty, she’d condescend about his style of self-presentation, and that would be enough to let others know everything was normal between them.

But lately there’d been some… hiccups to their dynamic.

Qrow had recently gained a newfound appreciation for putting aside her loyalty to the military when it turned out her superior officer had gone off the rails. And it seemed she, in return, seemed to be phasing out the backhanded comments about his capabilities and habits.

Not that that wasn’t welcome, but still…

It brought up a lot of questions.

“Well, whatever. I call dibs on the bed.”

With the pregnant pause on the other side of the bathroom door, Qrow could almost imagine the indignation on her face.

“What!?”

Now there was the Winter he knew.

“I’ve walked all day, your highness.”

He said the last part with no shortage of Sarcasm.

“I’m not about to sleep on the floor.”

The door opened and Winter came out.

Her hair was down, cascading down her shoulders in freshly brushed waves. She looked younger, less professional. Qrow might even hesitantly call her appearance ‘serene.”

The old lady nightgown, as loathe as he was to admit it, suited her. It’s modest style, from lacy high neck to the trim her bare toes peeked out from, covered everything except her hands. At the same time, it was neither too tight, nor burying her under ornamentation or folds of cloth, with hints of her figure caught by the light and the shifting of fabric.

“No-one said you had to. Where you sleep is up to you. I won’t stop you.”

“Wait, what are you…”

As she made her way to the bed (a pitiful twin sized mattress with sheets the color of fatigues), her eye caught his and somehow, somehow, he knew what she meant.

“Oh god, Winter…”

Where was his flask? He needed something strong to stop the drumbeat in his heart.

“You’re not drunk,” she said, “you’re a… reasonably responsible adult.”

Winter climbed below the bedcovers and faced him.

“But for the record, I don’t intend to sleep anywhere but a bed, either. So we might as well make do.”

Make do? Make do! This was the rising action (not rising! Any word but that!) of every stupid romance story under the sun! How was this not a big deal to her?

Dammit, where was his flask!?

“What are you looking for?”

Qrow looked up from his endless quest through his pockets.

“A drink,” he said.

“You left it with Oscar,” she said simply, “you said it was to make sure you stayed sober.”

Qrow cursed under his breath. Winter scowled.

“If you’re not coming to bed, I’ll turn off the lights and you can sleep there.”

“Alright,” Qrow said, rising, “I’m coming.”

Shit, he’s keeping his mouth shut for the rest of the night.

Deciding not to dwell on innuendos and lifted the bottom of his shirt up.

He paused at the sound of Winter’s sputtering.

“W-what are you doing!?”

“I don’t sleep in a shirt,” he said, annoyed, “or pants. And since I don’t have pajamas, I guess we’re both out of luck.”

“I thought you had them in your backpack?”

“What backpack?”

Qrow pointed over to where his own meager belongings lay, stored almost entirely in a beat up, moth-eaten tote that’s off-white color had become dark grey.

“That’s all I got in the world.”

“Then why didn’t you—DON’T PULL YOUR PANTS DOWN!”

Qrow smirked as Winter threw her hands over her eyes. At least now things felt a little more normal. Besides, did she think he was going commando? He wasn’t so uncivilized to not have six pairs of boxer briefs with him at all times.

Before Winter could protest, Qrow had leapt into the bed and buried himself under the comforter.

“Look, I’ll sleep with my back to you and you keep the sheets. That’s a blanket between us.

“There aren’t any sheets,” Winter said, still not looking at her.

Qrow frowned and looked down.

She was right.

All they had was the comforter and the sheet on the bed. What kind of inn was this?

“I’ll keep my back to you,” he repeated, turning over, “night.”

The click of the light and the darkness that followed was the only sign Winter had heard him.

It should have been easy to fall asleep.

Qrow was used to sleeping rough, making due with austere quarters and if he couldn’t, alcohol was always handy as a sleeping pill.

But he’d been trying to stay dry. For his nieces. For the kids.

And those other times he hadn’t been had a woman with him.

Well, not a woman like Winter, anyway.

Most of the girls he took to bed were bored and looking for a good time with a drifter. Some no-strings-attached fun to break the monotony of working at a tavern or something like that.

Winter was…

He didn’t really have a way to describe it.

What was Winter? Was this situation a big deal to her? Or either of them, for that matter? Had she even had sex? Did she even like sex?

Her hushed voice dragged him from his thoughts.

“Qrow are you awake?”

Qrow took a long, deep breath through his nose and for the third time that night wondered if sobriety was worth it.

“No Winter, I’m dreaming about dancing with a giant bottle of malt liquor. Why?”

He felt her shift to face him. He didn’t dare look to check. Not when it could lead to… problems.

“I have to confess something,” she said. “And I’m not sure how you’ll take it.”

Considering my sister ran out on me and my whole family in the name of ‘survival’, I’d say my skin thickness level is about 9001+, so have at it Schnee.

That’s what he wanted to say. Instead he just went “go ahead.”

“I haven’t been…”

Winter paused. Qrow wished she’d just continue. The suspense was murder.

“I haven’t been feeling appreciated as of late. I guess it’s something like post-partum depression.”

“You’re not a mom.”

“I said something like post-partum depression. Whitley’s working to fix the company, Weiss is adventuring, my mother’s getting sober.”

No small feat, Qrow thought to himself.

“And here I am… the same as I ever was.”

“The whole ‘winter maiden’ thing isn’t exactly a day-ending-in-y thing for people.”

Winter hit him in the arm.

“You know what I mean. I mean I feel like I’m being left behind.”

Against his better judgement, Qrow turned so he was facing her in the bed.

“I think you might be rambling,” he said to her, “how does this tie back into not being honest with me?”

Winter’s eyes turned down and not for the first time that day, Qrow had thought that the bashful look suited her.

“I… didn’t sign us in as husband and wife to save on money,” she said, “I did it because…”

Well, now she was just trying to make him mad, pausing like that.

“I did it because I wanted… a bedmate.”

The moment the sentence ended, Qrow’s whole sensory input collapsed.

“You… what?”

Indignation flared on her face.

“Do I have to say it again? I said I wanted a bedmate. I’m…”

The indignation left, and with it, something else left. He knew what it was, but couldn’t put a name to it.

“I’m lonely.”

Lonely. the word struck a chord in Qrow that had more than once been played by death and abandonment.

She wasn’t the uptight Atlas Specialist anymore. Not with that expression. Not with her hair down. Not in the dark like this. Not to Qrow.

This was a Lonely young woman, who for so long had worried for her family while it was ruled by a callous and myopic man, who now freed found herself stuck in the role she’d always made for herself, while the rest of the people she knew went on to bigger and better things.

Against his better judgement (he should start keeping that phrase on standby), Qrow let his eyes wander down to her mouth.

Pastel pink, the color almost invisible against the fairness of her skin, small but full, and perfectly curved like the kind magazines preferred for selling lip balm.

God, why did it look so alluring?

“Would you like a kiss?”

Winter stared at him, wide eyed and sputtering at his words.

“What!?”

“A kiss,” Qrow repeated, “it doesn’t have to be anything special, just a kiss.”

When she didn’t respond right away, Qrow thought that would be the end of it.

That is, until Winter leaned and pressed her lips to his.

She wasn’t what he was expecting; he’d thought a soldier’s lips would be chapped and hard, but Winter’s were plush and velvety. He almost chased after her when she pulled away.

“That wasn’t bad,” she said. A pregnant pause.

“Maybe... just one more?”

This time, Qrow was the one who initiated. He leaned in and pressed his lips to her’s. This time, she hummed into the kiss, a sound that sent reverberations throughout his whole being. He couldn’t tell how long they stayed like that, or if he had felt her grab his arm, but when they pulled away they were both breathless.

“Wow...” was all he could rasp out.

“Just...”

Before he could say anything else, Winter dove against him in a deep and fevered kiss. Her tongue slid against his teeth, asking for entrance, and he granted it.

When Winter pulled away, to leave a trail of kisses down his neck, Qrow heard a rasping sound as his stubble rubbed against her cheek, and the sound she made…

He couldn’t take it.

Qrow wrapped his hands around her calves, sliding them up, up to her hips. Beneath that ancient nightgown, he could feel bare, toned thighs.

“Qrow...”

Her voice, the tone like a swoon...

Qrow flipped her over so he was over her, making sure to keep his weight on his legs.

“Tell me you want this,” he said, “or I won’t go any further. That’s the deal.”

The answer was Winter putting her hand behind his head and bringing him in for another kiss.

“If I didn’t, you’d be on the floor. Don’t tear my nightgown.”

Half an hour later, the nightgown was on the floor in a pile, but otherwise undamaged.